SNAGGING METAL SEAL

Abstract

A seal assembly for an air conditioning system includes an annular inner seal member formed from a first material and an annular outer seal member coupled to the inner seal member by a snap fit. The annular outer seal member includes an inner surface, an outer surface, a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface. The annular outer seal member is formed from a second material.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fitting for a vehicle air conditioning system and in particular to a fitting for coupling pipe segments, the fitting comprising a seal having a first annular component formed from a first material which is received in a second annular component formed from a second material.

[0002] Automotive air conditioning components typically include block fittings for coupling pipes or piping together for fluid transport within them. Due to environmental concerns, air conditioning efficiency, and legislation, adequate assurance that fluid leakage is minimized or substantially prevented is desirable. Therefore, seals used with the block fittings must be robust and essentially leak-proof. Additionally, various fluids are currently being investigated and used with air conditioning systems to potentially improve system performance and cost-effectiveness. For example, fluids such as R290 (propane) are being investigated with mineral oil and other oils and refrigerants for use in air conditioning systems.

[0003] Some common gaskets used for such block fittings are made of copper, which has its advantages. However, copper is a very expensive material, and the annealing process used to soften copper is also expensive. Other gaskets used include a rubber material molded onto a metal disc, which also increases costs.

[0004] Therefore, there is a desire for a seal that minimizes operating processes and materials that increase cost and manufacturing time, while still being compatible and future-proof for use with current and potential future fluids.

[0005] It is the object of the present invention to provide sealing assemblies with improved characteristics.

[0006] This object is achieved by a sealing assembly according to claim 1 and a sealing assembly according to claim 18.

[0007] According to and in accordance with the present disclosure, an elastomeric seal has surprisingly been discovered that minimizes damage caused to the elastomeric seals during decompression of the air conditioning system while maintaining the required sealing function.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a seal assembly for an air conditioning system includes an annular inner seal member formed from a first material and an annular outer seal member coupled to the inner seal member by a snap connection. The annular outer seal member includes an inner surface, an outer surface, a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface. The annular outer seal member is formed from a second material.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, a seal assembly for an air conditioning system is disclosed. The seal assembly includes an annular inner seal member formed from a first material. The seal assembly further includes an annular outer seal member coupled to the inner seal member. The annular outer seal member includes an inner surface, an outer surface, a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface. The inner surface includes a plurality of first seal retaining portions located between a plurality of second seal retaining portions that cooperate to snap the annular inner seal member to the annular outer seal member.

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a block valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a partially exploded perspective top view of the block valve assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view of the block valve assembly from Fig. 1-2, through line 3-3 in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a perspective top view of a sealing assembly of the block fitting from Fig. 1-3; Fig. 5 is a partially exploded perspective top view of the seal assembly of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 a cross-sectional view of the sealing assembly from Fig. 4-5, through line 6-6; Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a seal assembly of the block valve assembly of Fig. 1-3 According to another embodiment of the disclosure and Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a seal assembly of the block valve assembly of Fig. 1-3 According to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0011] In the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, various embodiments of the invention are described and illustrated. The description and drawings are provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. With respect to the disclosed methods, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature and therefore neither necessary nor critical.

[0012] "A" as used herein indicates that "at least one" of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, where possible. As used herein, "substantially" means "to a substantial degree," "largely," or "nearly," as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the term in light of the present disclosure. Spatially relative terms such as "front," "back," "inside," "outside," "bottom," "top," "horizontal," "vertical," "upper," "lower," "side," and the like may be used herein for convenience of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature or other elements or features, as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be interpreted to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation illustrated in the figures.

[0013] While the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the embodiments.

[0014] Fig. 1-3 illustrate a block fitting assembly 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. The block fitting assembly 1 is configured for a vehicle fluid system, such as a vehicle R134a, R1234yf, R744, R290, or R152a refrigerant system. However, it should be understood that the block fitting assembly 1 of the present disclosure may be configured for other systems, such as oil and gas drilling systems, refrigerant systems other than vehicle coolant systems, or other fluid systems, as desired. The assembly 1 is configured to receive one end of a first tube 100 and one end of a second tube (not shown) therein to substantially axially align the tubes 100 with one another. Although only one tube is shown, the tubes are referred to herein as "tubes 100." The assembly 1 comprises a male block fitting 2 and a female block fitting 4. First openings 6, 8 of the male block fitting 2 respectively.the female block fitting 4 each receive one end of one of the tubes 100 therein in order to align the tubes 100 substantially axially with one another.

[0015] A sealing assembly 10 is received between the male block fitting 2 and the female block fitting 4 to substantially surround and seal the first openings 6, 8 of the male block fitting 2 and the female block fitting 4. A female recess 5 is formed in the female block fitting 4 to receive a male projection 3 formed on the male block fitting 2 to facilitate alignment of the respective first openings 6, 8. Thus, fluid is conveyed through the tubes 100 in a substantially leak-free manner. A fastener (not shown) is received in the second openings 7, 9 formed in the male block fitting 2 and the female block fitting 4, respectively, to facilitate the attachment of the male block fitting 2 and the female block fitting 4 to one another. It is understood that features and shapes of the Fig. 1-3 may vary depending on the application or the type of block fitting assembly employed. For example, the male block fitting 2 and / or the female block fitting 4 may include one or more holes for receiving alignment pins. In another example, the male block fitting 2 and the female block fitting 4 may each include alternative cross-sectional shapes other than the pear-shaped or upside-down egg-shaped shape shown, such as rectangular, peanut-shaped, round, egg-shaped, oblong, polygonal, or any other shape as desired.

[0016] As illustrated, the block fittings 2, 4 are illustrated as a block fitting separate from a component or system. However, according to an alternative embodiment, the block fittings 2, 4 may each be configured as a component, such as a component block, integrated with a system or system structure. For example, the component may be a refrigerant system component such as a condenser block or a compressor manifold. In other examples, the component may be a housing or other similar structure of a system. According to the alternative embodiment, the male block fitting 2 is a block fitting configured for coupling to the female block components configured as a female block component of a system or system structure.Similarly, the male block component may be a male block component of a system or system structure configured to couple to the female block fitting 4 configured as a block fitting.

[0017] Fig. 4-6 illustrate the seal assembly 10 of the block valve assembly 1. The seal assembly 10 includes an annular inner seal member 12 and an annular outer seal member 14 coupled to the inner seal member 12. The inner seal member 12 is formed from a metallic material. In one example, the inner seal member 12 is formed from a malleable material such as aluminum alloy 1100, 3000, 5000, 6000, or 7000. In another example, the inner seal member 12 may be a copper alloy C36000 because it includes a desirable hardness or softness. However, the inner seal member 12 may be formed from other materials if desired. For example, from a material having a hardness in the range of approximately 10-60 HR on the Rockwell HR-15T hardness scale, so that the inner sealing member 12 can deform locally and desirably between the block fittings 12, 14.In one embodiment, the inner sealing member 12 may comprise a thickness of 1 mm, and it would be desirable for the block fittings 2, 4 to penetrate the inner sealing member 12 by a distance of approximately 0.025 mm to 0.50 mm. If the inner sealing member 12 comprises a different thickness, the desired penetration of the block fittings 2, 4 would be a percentage of the thickness of the inner sealing member 12 between approximately 2.5% and 50%. The inner sealing member 12 is formed by a stamping process or other machining process. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the inner sealing member 12 may be electroplated or electrolytically coated with a coating such as tin. The electroplated tin is advantageous because it provides "dry" lubrication during assembly. The tin may comprise a thickness between approximately 0 and 0.15 mm.For example, due to the creep properties of tin, the electroplated tin allows the inner sealing member 12 to be more easily embedded into and coupled with the block valve assembly 1 during assembly. Tin creep advantageously fills or repairs imperfections in both the mating surfaces of the block valve assembly 1 and an outer surface of the inner sealing member 12.

[0018] The outer sealing member 14 is formed from a nylon such as nylon 6 / 6 or an elastomeric material such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), or the like. All materials have proven suitable for the outer sealing member 14, which can be easily manufactured using injection molding, stamping, and dispensing processes.

[0019] However, it is understood that the outer sealing member 14 may be formed from other materials having desired properties such as ductility, softness, and chemical resistance.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer sealing member 14 is coupled to the inner sealing member 12 by a snap-fit ​​connection, with a portion of the inner sealing member 12 snapping onto an inner portion of the outer sealing member 14, which is described in more detail below. As shown, the outer sealing member 14 is coupled to the inner sealing member 12, for example, about an outer circumferential surface 24, an outer radial portion of a first surface 26, and an outer radial portion of a second surface 28 opposite the first surface 26 of the inner sealing member 12. As a result, the inner sealing member 12 penetrates the outer sealing member 14 to form the composite seal assembly 10.

[0021] The first surface 26 and the second surface 28 of the inner sealing member 12 are substantially planar. The outer sealing member 14 includes a first surface 18 and an opposite second surface 20, an annular inner surface 16, and an outer peripheral surface 17. The inner surface 16 defines an opening 22 through the outer sealing member 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 each include an annular first projection 30 and an annular second projection 32 extending outwardly therefrom. The first projection 30 is disposed on an innermost portion of both the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 of the outer sealing member 14. The second projection 32 is annularly disposed adjacent the outer surface 17. An annular recess 31 is formed between the projections 30, 32 on each of the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 of the outer member 14.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 31 includes an arcuate cross-sectional profile. Although it is understood that the cross-sectional profile of the recess 31 may include any shape as desired. The first protrusion 30 includes a substantially planar cross-sectional profile, although it is understood that other cross-sectional profiles may be contemplated. The second protrusion 32 includes a substantially triangular cross-sectional profile. However, other cross-sectional profiles may also be employed, such as a polygonal cross-sectional profile, an arcuate or wavy cross-sectional profile, or any other shape as desired. As shown, the second protrusion 32 is continuous on both the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 of the outer sealing member 14.However, in other embodiments, the second protrusion 32 may be formed at discontinuous intervals along a circular path or an alternative path on the first surface 18 and / or the second surface 20 of the outer sealing member 14. As shown, the second protrusion 32 couples to an edge 34 of the outer surface 17 of the outer sealing member 14. However, the second protrusion 32 may be spaced inwardly from the edge 34.

[0023] The inner surface 16 of the outer sealing member 14 is divided into first seal-retaining portions 36 disposed between second seal-retaining portions 38. The first portions 36 and the second portions 38 are the same but are configurationally opposite with respect to a plane parallel to the first surface 18 and the second surface 20. The portions 36, 38 are arranged and extend at arc-length intervals of approximately 60 degrees with respect to the annular inner surface 16 of the outer sealing member 14, with the first portions 36 each spaced at arc-length intervals of 60 degrees and the second portions each spaced at arc-length intervals of 60 degrees. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, there are three first portions 36 and three second portions 38. However, any number of first portions 36 and second portions 38 may be present as desired.For example, there may be six first sections 36 and six second sections 38, arranged at arc length intervals of 30 degrees and extending accordingly. In another example, there may be two first sections 36 and two second sections 38, arranged at arc length intervals of 45 degrees and extending accordingly. In yet another example, there may be any number of first sections 36 and second sections 38, as desired, such as more than six and fewer than two, or any division of the sections that encompass even intervals of 360 degrees. The first sections 36 and the second sections 38 extend at arc lengths equal to one another. It should be understood, however, that the first sections 36 and the second sections 38 may encompass varying arc lengths or be positioned at odd intervals.

[0024] As in Fig. 6, the inner surface 16 of the first portions 36 is sloped, with a radial distance r (i.e., radius) relative to a circumferential center of the inner surface 16 from the second surface 20 to the first surface 18 of the outer sealing member 14 decreasing at a substantially constant rate. The inner surface 16 of the second portions 38 is sloped in an equal and opposite direction to the inner surface 16 of the first portions 36, with the radial distance r (i.e., radius) relative to a circumferential center of the inner surface 16 from the second surface 20 to the first surface 18 of the outer sealing member 14 increasing at a substantially constant rate. It will be understood that the radial distance r of each of the inner surfaces 16 of each of the first portions 36 and the second portions 38 may increase or decrease at varying rates, or the radial distance r of the inner surface 16 may remain constant in a direction from the first surface 18 to the second surface 20, if desired.

[0025] Each of the first sections 36 includes a first lip 40 that is continuous with the first surface 18 of the outer sealing member 14 and extends inwardly with respect to the outer sealing member 14 at a distance from the inner surface 16 of the outer sealing member 14. The first lip 40 extends a distance from the inner surface 16 to engage a portion of the first surface 26 of the inner sealing member 12. Each of the second sections 38 includes a second lip 42 that is continuous with the second surface 20 of the outer sealing member 14 and extends inwardly with respect to the outer sealing member 14 at a distance from the inner surface 16 of the outer sealing member 14. The second lip 42 extends a distance to engage a portion of the second surface 28 of the inner sealing member 12.While the lips 40, 42 extend continuously with the respective surfaces 18, 20 of the outer sealing member 14, it is understood that the lips 40, 42 extend inwardly from the inner surface 16 but may be spaced from the respective surfaces 26, 28.

[0026] The outer surface 17 of the outer sealing member 14 includes a plurality of ribs 50 extending outwardly from the outer surface 17. The ribs 50 are elongated and arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface 18 and the second surface 20 of the outer sealing member 14. The ribs 50 are substantially centered on the outer surface 17 with respect to the first surface 18 and the second surface 20. The ribs 50 are evenly spaced from one another along the entire circumference of the outer surface 17. However, it should be understood that the number of ribs 50 can be any and that they can include alternative shapes, arrangements, and placements.

[0027] For assembly, the inner sealing member 12 is received within the outer sealing member 14. Specifically, the inner sealing member 12 is received by a snap fit within the retaining portions 36, 38 of the outer sealing member 14. The inner sealing member 12 can be received in a direction from the first surface 18 or the second surface 20 through the opening 22. When the outer surface 24 of the inner sealing member 12 is received within the outer sealing member 14, it engages the inner surface 16 of the outer sealing member 14. The opposing slopes of the inner surface 16 of the outer sealing member 14 at the portions 36, 38 act as opposing forces to maintain and align the inner sealing member 12 in planar alignment with the outer sealing member 14.The lips 40 of the first retaining portions 36 are configured as a stop and counteract opposing forces of the lips 42 of the second retaining portions 38 to retain, stabilize, support, and desirably align the inner sealing member 12 within the outer sealing member 14. The arcuate spacing and the alternation of the first retaining portions 36 with the second retaining portions 38 allow both easy insertion and stabilization of the inner sealing member 12 within the outer sealing member 14.

[0028] With further reference to Fig. 3, the sealing assembly 10 advantageously provides a robust sealing effect that minimizes leakage of gases through the block fitting assembly 1. The second projection 32 effectively engages the mating surfaces of both the male block fitting 2 and the female block fitting 4 to provide an efficient seal therebetween, and the engagement allows the outer sealing member 14 to desirably deform in a gap between the block fittings 2, 4 without forcing the fittings 2, 4 to be spaced apart from each other, which is undesirable.The advantages of the seal assembly 10 are as follows: simplification of the manufacturing process and reduced manufacturing cycle time, more cost-effective material, reduced tooling complexity, elimination of certain processes such as annealing due to correct hardness of materials, elimination of a metal-to-rubber bonding agent as in known seal assemblies, compatibility with a wide range of refrigerants, oils, and other fluids, possibility of using seal assembly 10 materials that include optimal material properties for efficient sealing material, and minimized costs.

[0029] Fig. Figure 7 shows a seal assembly 10' according to another alternative embodiment. Features of the seal assembly 10' of Fig. 7, which corresponds to the features of the sealing assembly 10 of Fig. 1-6 are the same or similar, are indicated by the same reference numeral, but for simplicity with an additional prime ('). The seal assembly 10' is essentially the same as the seal assembly 10 of Fig. 1-6, except that the seal assembly 10' is formed from three components instead of two components. The outer seal member 14' includes a first portion 14a formed from a first material such as nylon, and a second portion 14b formed from a TPE, TPV, or other material with similar softness properties. The second portion 14b is molded onto the first portion 14a. It should be understood that the seal assemblies 10, 10' may include outer seal members 14, 14' formed from more than two components of different materials or a combination of materials, as desired, to achieve a desired seal.

[0030] Fig. Figure 8 shows a seal assembly 10" according to another alternative embodiment. Features of the seal assembly 10" from Fig. 7, which corresponds to the features of the sealing assembly 10, 10' of Fig. 1-7 are the same or similar, are indicated by the same reference numeral, but for simplicity with an additional double prime (''). The seal assembly 10'' is essentially the same as the seal assembly 10 of Fig.1-6, except that the outer seal member 14'' of the seal assembly 10'' includes a plurality of serrations 100 formed in the first surface 18'' and the second surface 20'' thereof. In one example, each of the serrations 100 may be continuously formed in a mutually concentric arrangement in each of the surfaces 12', 14'. In another example, the serrations 100 may be formed intermittently, randomly, or in a pattern in the surfaces 18'', 20'', or configured as arcuate, circular, egg-shaped, or any other shaped holes formed in the surfaces 18'', 20''.The serrations 100 improve sealing during compression and decompression of the fluids flowing through the block valve assembly because the serrations 100 allow the outer sealing member 14" to contract and expand, as the serrations 100 ensure that there is space for the outer sealing member 14" to move in a contraction and expansion configuration. The serrations 100 also facilitate rapid removal of fluid gases from the area around the sealing assembly 10".

[0031] Although certain representative embodiments and details have been shown to illustrate the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure, which is further described in the following appended claims.

Claims

[1] Sealing assembly (10) for an air conditioning system, having the following features: an annular inner sealing member (12) formed from a first material, and an annular outer sealing member (14) coupled to the inner sealing member (12) by a snap connection, the annular outer sealing member (14) comprising an inner surface (16), an outer surface (17), a first surface (18) and a second surface (20) opposite the first surface, the annular outer sealing member (14) being formed from a second material. [2] Sealing assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first material is a metal. [3] Sealing assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the first material is an aluminum alloy. [4] Sealing assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the first material is a copper alloy. [5] Sealing assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the second material is a nylon. [6] Sealing assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the second material is a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic vulcanizate, a thermoplastic polyurethane or a thermoplastic rubber. [7] Sealing assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the annular inner sealing member (12) is coated with tin. [8] Seal assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the annular outer sealing member (14) comprises a plurality of first seal retaining portions (36) disposed between a plurality of second seal retaining portions (38) each receiving an outer surface (17) of the annular inner sealing member (12), each of the plurality of first seal retaining portions (36) and the plurality of second retaining portions (38) being formed on the inner surface (16) of the annular outer sealing member (14). [9] The seal assembly (10) of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of first seal retaining portions (36) and each of the plurality of second seal retaining portions (38) extend at a range of intervals between approximately 0 and 180 degrees with respect to the inner surface (16) of the annular outer seal member (14). [10] The seal assembly (10) of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of first seal retaining portions (36) and each of the plurality of second seal retaining portions (38) extend at 30-degree intervals, 45-degree intervals, or 60-degree intervals. [11] The seal assembly (10) of claim 8, wherein each of the first seal retaining portions (36) includes a first lip (40) extending inwardly from the inner surface (16) of the annular outer seal member (14) adjacent the first surface (18) of the annular outer seal member (14), and wherein each of the second seal retaining portions (38) includes a second lip (42) extending inwardly from the inner surface (16) of the annular outer seal member (14) adjacent the second surface (20) of the annular outer seal member (14). [12] The seal assembly (10) of claim 8, wherein the inner surface of each of the first seal retaining portions (36) is inclined in a first direction and the inner surface of each of the second seal retaining portions (38) is inclined in a second direction, the first direction being substantially the same as but opposite to the second direction. [13] Seal assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the annular outer sealing member (14) comprises a first projection (30) formed on the first surface (18) and / or the second surface (20) thereof. [14] Seal assembly (10) according to claim 13, wherein the annular outer sealing member (14) comprises a second projection (32) formed on the first surface (18) and / or the second surface (20) thereof. [15] Seal assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of ribs (50) are formed on the outer surface (17) of the annular outer sealing member (14). [16] Seal assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the annular outer sealing member (14) comprises a plurality of serrations (100) formed on the first surface (18) and / or the second surface (20) thereof. [17] The seal assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the outer seal member (14) is formed from a pair of coupled components, a first of the pair of components being a nylon and a second of the pair of components being a thermoplastic. [18] Sealing assembly (10) for an air conditioning system, having the following features: an annular inner sealing member (12) formed from a first material, and an annular outer sealing member (14) coupled to the inner sealing member (12), the annular outer sealing member (14) comprising an inner surface (16), an outer surface (17), a first surface (18), and a second surface (20) opposite the first surface, the inner surface (16) comprising a plurality of first seal retaining portions (36) located between a plurality of second seal retaining portions (38) that cooperate to snap the annular inner sealing member (12) to the annular outer sealing member (14). [19] The seal assembly (10) of claim 18, wherein the annular outer seal member (14) is formed from a second material and each of the first seal retaining portions (36) and the second seal retaining portions (38) includes a lip (40, 42) extending inwardly from the inner surface (16) of the annular outer seal member (14). [20] The seal assembly (10) of claim 18, wherein the inner surface of each of the first seal retaining portions (36) is inclined in a first direction and the inner surface of the second seal retaining portions (38) is inclined in a second direction substantially equal to, but opposite to, the first direction.

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