Flexible sealing devices for vehicles

Abstract

This disclosure provides a flexible sealing device for a vehicle, the flexible sealing device comprising: a first body capable of being mounted on the passenger compartment side of a firewall of the vehicle; a second body disposed on the first body and capable of protruding through the firewall to the engine compartment side of the vehicle; an elongated orifice extending from the engine compartment side to the passenger compartment side through the first body and the second body; and a slot disposed around the elongated orifice and extending a depth from the surface of the second body toward the passenger compartment side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a flexible sealing device for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] The vehicle's firewall, located between the engine compartment (where the vehicle's power source is located, also known as the engine compartment) and the passenger compartment, serves to isolate fire sources, provide sound insulation and dust protection, thereby ensuring passenger safety and enhancing passenger comfort. The vehicle's thermal management system is used to cool, heat, dehumidify, and ventilate the air in the passenger compartment, thereby improving the comfortable riding environment, reducing driver fatigue, and enhancing driving safety. The thermal management system generally includes devices such as compressors, evaporators, condensers, heating systems, and cooling systems. Part of the thermal management system is located on the front side of the engine compartment, such as the compressor; another part is located on the passenger compartment side of the firewall, such as the evaporator, heating system, and cooling system. Some connection devices of the thermal management system need to pass through the firewall to connect the thermal management components on the front side of the engine compartment with those on the passenger compartment side. To ensure the firewall's functionality, sealing devices, such as foam sealing devices made of nitrile rubber, are usually installed where the connection devices pass through the firewall. When the connecting device is installed on the sealing device, an external force is required, which can easily deform the sealing device, especially at the contact point between the sealing device and the connecting device. This can cause foreign objects such as dust and noise to enter the passenger compartment, affecting the riding environment and riding experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a flexible sealing device for vehicles, which has an improved sealing effect and is simple to manufacture and inexpensive.

[0004] The above objective is achieved through the flexible sealing device for vehicles described below.

[0005] This disclosure provides a flexible sealing device for a vehicle, the flexible sealing device comprising: a first body capable of being mounted on the passenger compartment side of a firewall of the vehicle; a second body disposed on the first body and capable of protruding through the firewall to the engine compartment side of the vehicle; an elongated orifice extending from the engine compartment side to the passenger compartment side through the first body and the second body; and a slot disposed around the elongated orifice and extending a depth from the surface of the second body toward the passenger compartment side.

[0006] The flexible sealing device according to this disclosure may also have one or more of the following features, individually or in combination.

[0007] In one embodiment, the slot includes a plurality of separate slots.

[0008] In one embodiment, the elongated hole includes a plurality of elongated holes, at least one of the plurality of slots being located outside the region where the plurality of elongated holes are located.

[0009] In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of slots is located between two of the plurality of elongated holes.

[0010] In one embodiment, the region includes a circular hole, and no slot is provided on the outer side of the region corresponding to the circular hole.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of slots is partially curved.

[0012] In one embodiment, the plurality of slots form a polygonal shape, with adjacent slots separated at the corners of the polygon.

[0013] In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of slots follows the orientation of the side of the corresponding elongated hole and extends beyond that side.

[0014] In one embodiment, the distance between the slot and the side of the adjacent elongated hole is at least 10 mm.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first body and the second body are integrally molded parts.

[0016] In one embodiment, the extension depth of the slot is the same as the thickness of the second body.

[0017] In one embodiment, the flexible sealing device is a rubber component, and the slot is a cut slit.

[0018] The embodiments disclosed herein have the following advantages: by providing matching slots to accommodate the deformation of the elongated orifice, no gaps are formed in the flexible sealing device, preventing foreign objects such as dust and noise from entering the passenger compartment, thus improving the sealing effect of the flexible sealing device. Furthermore, the slots are simple to manufacture and highly flexible, making the flexible sealing device easy to process and inexpensive. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The advantages and objectives of this disclosure will be better understood from the preferred embodiments described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not to scale in order to better illustrate the relationships between the components. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram is shown of a flexible sealing device for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, mounted on the firewall of a vehicle.

[0021] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a flexible sealing device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein a connecting component of the vehicle's air conditioning system is mounted on the flexible sealing device.

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a flexible sealing device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a flexible sealing device for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same components. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “an” or “a” and similar terms do not necessarily indicate a quantity limitation. The terms “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” and similar terms mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the element or object listed following the word and its equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms “connected” or “connected,” and similar terms are not limited to the physical or mechanical connection or connection shown in the drawings, but may include equivalent connections or connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right,” etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, which may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described object changes.

[0026] See below Figures 1 to 4 The various embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail.

[0027] like Figure 1As shown, the flexible sealing device 2 of this disclosure is installed through the firewall 1 of the vehicle for sealing the passenger compartment of the vehicle relative to the engine compartment. The firewall 1 can be welded or bonded to the vehicle frame and can be made of high-strength steel, aluminum alloy, or carbon fiber reinforced plastic, possessing good heat resistance and structural strength. The flexible sealing device 2 of this disclosure can be installed between the firewall 1 and the housing of the vehicle's air conditioning system. The housing of the air conditioning system optionally includes an evaporator for cooling air, a heater for heating air, an internal cooling device, etc., and multiple dampers are rotatably provided on the housing of the air conditioning system, leading to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Some thermal management components of the vehicle, such as the compressor, are located at the front of the vehicle's engine compartment. To connect these thermal management components to the air conditioning components located in the housing of the air conditioning system to allow the flow of thermal management fluids, a connecting device including pipes and connecting blocks is required to pass through the firewall 1. Figure 2 As shown, connecting blocks 3 and 4 and pipes 5 and 6 are disposed on or pass through the flexible sealing device 2. For example, connecting block 3 is an evaporator connecting block. For example, connecting block 4 is a connecting block for an internal cooling device. Flow channels and through holes may be provided on connecting blocks 3 and 4.

[0028] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the flexible sealing device 2 of this disclosure includes a first body 21, a second body 22, elongated holes 7 and 8, and slots 11, 12, 13, and 14. Combined with... Figure 1 It can be seen that the first body 21 can be installed on the passenger compartment side of the vehicle's firewall 1, and the second body 22 is disposed on the first body 21 and can protrude through the firewall 1 to the vehicle's engine compartment side. Figure 3 As shown, elongated holes 7 and 8 extend from the engine compartment side of the vehicle to the passenger compartment side of the vehicle through the first body 21 and the second body 22. Slots 11, 12, 13 and 14 are arranged around the elongated holes 7 and 8 and extend a depth from the surface of the second body 22 toward the passenger compartment side of the vehicle.

[0029] The connecting blocks 3 and 4 described above are respectively installed in the elongated holes 7 and 8. In addition to the elongated holes 7 and 8, the flexible sealing device 2 of this disclosure may also include circular holes 9 and 10. The pipes 5 and 6 described above are respectively installed in the circular holes 10 and 9.

[0030] When the connecting blocks 3 and 4 are installed in the elongated holes 7 and 8, an external force needs to be applied. The external force will deform the elongated holes 7 and 8 to match the connecting blocks 3 and 4. By setting a slot, the deformed part will be squeezed into the slot, avoiding excessive deformation of the flexible sealing device and the generation of gaps, thereby improving the sealing effect of the flexible sealing device.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the slot includes multiple separate slots. Figures 1 to 3 The image shows four separate slots 11, 12, 13, and 14. Figure 4 The diagram shows five separate slots 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. Of course, more or fewer slots are also possible.

[0032] For example, at least one of the multiple slots is located outside the region containing the multiple elongated holes. The region is... Figure 2 The area indicated by the dotted line is where the elongated holes 7 and 8 described above are located. In this configuration, the deformed portion can be squeezed into the slot on one side of the elongated hole, reducing the likelihood of gaps and improving the sealing effect.

[0033] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, at least one of the plurality of slots, such as slot 15, is located between two of the plurality of elongated holes, such as between elongated holes 7 and 8. In this configuration, the deformed portion can be squeezed into the slot on both sides of an elongated hole, further reducing the possibility of gaps and improving the sealing effect.

[0034] For example, the circular holes 9 and 10 mentioned above are also provided in the area where multiple elongated holes are located, and no slots are provided on the outer side of the area corresponding to the circular holes 9 and 10. This is because when the connecting device is installed in the circular hole, it applies a uniformly distributed force in all directions to the circular hole, which will not cause deformation of the flexible sealing device or has a low probability of causing deformation.

[0035] For example, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, at least one of the slots, such as slot 12, is partially curved, while the other slots 11, 13, 14, and 15 are straight. This is because the elongated hole has two sides of different sizes, and the slots are not necessarily arranged parallel to one of the sides, and also to cover more stress points on the elongated hole to better accommodate deformation. Of course, slot 12 could also be configured as two separate straight slots to cover the two sides respectively.

[0036] For example, multiple slots form a polygonal shape, with adjacent slots separating at the corners of the polygon. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, multiple slots form a quadrilateral shape. Adjacent slots 11 and 13 separate at the lower left corner of the figure, adjacent slots 11 and 12 separate at the upper left corner, and adjacent slots 12 and 14 separate at the upper right corner.

[0037] For example, at least one of the multiple slots follows the orientation of the side of the corresponding elongated hole and extends beyond that side. For example... Figures 1 to 4As shown, slot 11 follows the orientation of the long side of the elongated hole 7 and extends beyond that long side, meaning it has a longer length than the long side; slot 13 follows the orientation of the short side of the elongated hole 7 and extends beyond that short side, meaning it has a longer length than the short side; slot 14 follows the orientation of the short side of the elongated hole 8 and extends beyond that short side, meaning it has a longer length than the short side. This configuration allows the slots to cover more stress points to better accommodate deformation. The phrase "slots follow the orientation of the side" means that the extension direction of the slots is parallel to the orientation of the side.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the slot 15 located between the elongated holes 7 and 8 can also follow the direction of the long side of the elongated hole 7, but the extension length can be less than the length of the long side.

[0039] For example, the distance between slots 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and the side of the adjacent elongated hole is at least 10 mm. This distance can be the shortest possible distance. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the shortest distance d between the slot 11 and the long side of the adjacent elongated hole 7 is at least 10 mm; the shortest distance d between the slot 14 and the short side of the adjacent elongated hole 8 is at least 10 mm.

[0040] For example, the first body 21 and the second body 22 are integrally molded parts. The first body 21 and the second body 22 can be made of foam material, such as nitrile rubber, which has high density, high hardness and is not easily stretched.

[0041] For example, the extension depth of slots 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 is the same as the thickness of the second body 22. This configuration ensures both sealing performance and structural strength of the sealing device.

[0042] For example, the flexible sealing device 2 is a rubber component, and the slots 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are cutting slits. For example, the slots are formed by using a cutting device to cut across the surface of the second body 22.

[0043] The flexible sealing device disclosed herein uses a matching slot to accommodate the deformation of an elongated orifice, preventing gaps from forming and thus avoiding the entry of foreign objects such as dust and noise into the passenger compartment, resulting in improved sealing performance. Furthermore, the slot is simple to manufacture and highly flexible, making the flexible sealing device easy to process and inexpensive.

[0044] The vehicle disclosed herein includes the flexible sealing device 2 as described above. The vehicle may be a motor vehicle or an electric vehicle. The vehicle of this disclosure therefore possesses the various advantages described above regarding the flexible sealing device.

[0045] Furthermore, the technical features disclosed above are not limited to the combinations of the disclosed features with other features. Those skilled in the art can also make other combinations of the technical features according to the purpose of the invention, in order to achieve the purpose of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A flexible sealing device for a vehicle, characterized in that The flexible sealing device (2) includes: The first body (21) can be installed on the passenger compartment side of the firewall (1) of the vehicle; The second body (22) is disposed on the first body and can protrude through the firewall (1) to the cabin side of the vehicle; Elongated openings (7, 8) extend from the cabin side to the passenger cabin side through the first body and the second body; and Slots (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) are arranged around the elongated hole and extend a depth from the surface of the second body toward the passenger compartment side.

2. The flexible seal apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The slots (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) comprise multiple separate slots.

3. The flexible seal apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The elongated holes (7, 8) include a plurality of elongated holes, and at least one of the plurality of slots is located outside the region where the plurality of elongated holes are located.

4. The flexible seal apparatus of claim 3, wherein, At least one of the plurality of slots is located between two of the plurality of elongated holes.

5. The flexible seal apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The region includes circular holes (9, 10), and no slots are provided on the outer side of the region corresponding to the circular holes.

6. The flexible seal apparatus of claim 2, wherein, At least one of the plurality of slots is partially curved.

7. The flexible seal apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The plurality of slots form a polygon shape, with adjacent slots separating at the corners of the polygon.

8. The flexible seal apparatus of claim 2, wherein, At least one of the plurality of slots follows the orientation of the side of the corresponding elongated hole and extends beyond that side.

9. The flexible seal of claim 2, wherein, The distance between the slots (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) and the side of the adjacent elongated hole is at least 10 mm.

10. The flexible sealing device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first body (21) and the second body (22) are integrally formed parts.

11. The flexible sealing device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The extension depth of the slots (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) is the same as the thickness of the second body (22).

12. The flexible sealing device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The flexible sealing device (2) is a rubber component, and the slots (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) are cutting seams.

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