Machine component with circumferential groove and retaining lugs on the groove

Abstract

Machine component (100) with: two sealing bodies to be sealed against each other (10, 20); and a circumferential groove (120) arranged on one of the sealing bodies (10), which is designed to receive a molded seal (130) and, when the molded seal (130) is pressed against a suitable contact surface of the other sealing body (20), to achieve a sealing effect in order to prevent fluid from escaping from the or foreign body from entering the two sealing bodies (10, 20); wherein the circumferential groove (120) comprises a plurality of retaining studs (121) which are designed to hold the molded seal (130) received in the groove (120) and to secure it against falling out of the groove (120).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of seals for sealing a fluid leak or foreign body ingress. The invention relates in particular to a machine component with a circumferential groove and retaining studs or lugs on the groove, especially retaining lugs on a component for catalog seals. State of the art

[0002] In the batteries of modern electric and hybrid vehicles, the internal components must be sealed to the outside, and often axially to the screw / assembly direction, both within the internal components and in the direction of the screw connection. This is usually achieved using specially manufactured elastomer seals. A common design involves inserting these seals into a groove. This guides the seal and creates the necessary compression, which is responsible for the sealing function. To ensure that these so-called insert seals remain in the groove after installation and are considered captive, opposing retaining lugs are incorporated into the seal. These lugs then press against the groove wall, thus holding the seal securely in place. As mentioned, these axial seals are manufactured specifically for certain purposes and applications. This means that a specially designed tool is required, which incurs significant costs even before the component is used.Specifically, there are applications that require an annular groove. Since annular grooves and standard seals like O-, X-, or R-rings share the same geometry (circle or ring), their use is a viable option. However, there are also applications that require a different groove shape (e.g., rectangular groove, oval groove, etc.). Seals that follow such geometries, i.e., the circumference of a rectangle, an oval, etc., are then inserted into these grooves. However, standard seals lack retaining lugs / bumps, meaning that custom-designed seals tailored to the specific application would be required instead. This would necessitate specially developed tooling and associated processes, significantly increasing manufacturing costs. Description of the invention

[0003] One objective of the invention is therefore to create a new design for a machine component with a groove and captive insert seal, in which a catalog seal can be used and thus significantly reduce manufacturing costs.

[0004] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the description, and the accompanying figures.

[0005] The inventive solution is based on the idea of ​​attaching the retaining studs or lugs to the groove, i.e., to the machine component (the part) itself, so that catalog seals can be inserted into the groove in a way that prevents loss, thus significantly reducing manufacturing costs.

[0006] By using pre-existing catalog parts, tooling costs for newly developed seals and related processes can be eliminated.

[0007] By attaching the opposing retaining lugs or studs to the component itself—that is, the component on which the groove for this insert seal is located, also generally referred to here as the machine component—retaining lugs or studs on the seal itself become unnecessary. This is because the retaining lugs or studs radially compress the catalog seals. As a result, catalog seals can be securely attached to components with annular grooves.

[0008] The invention described here is compatible with all components that require an axial seal. Furthermore, a circumferential groove, for example an annular groove or a rectangular groove, which surrounds the sealing point, can be provided.

[0009] Retaining lugs or studs on the component's inner and outer diameters ensure that the catalog seal sits precisely and centrally within the groove, allowing it to withstand alternating pressure. The catalog seal is compressed axially. Furthermore, these retaining lugs or studs enable primary forming processes such as injection molding or die casting, as they eliminate undercuts. Additionally, the correct installation of the catalog seal is clearly visible when inserted into the groove.

[0010] This results in cost advantages, as no additional seals need to be manufactured with newly developed tools and no additional machining steps (e.g. machining) need to be carried out on the component to create the groove.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the problem described above is solved by a machine component comprising: two sealing bodies to be sealed against each other; and a circumferential groove arranged on one of the sealing bodies, which is designed to receive a molded seal and, when the molded seal is pressed against a suitable contact surface of the other sealing body, to achieve a sealing effect in order to prevent fluid from escaping from the or foreign body from entering the two sealing bodies; wherein the circumferential groove includes a plurality of retaining studs designed to hold the molded seal received in the groove and to secure it against falling out of the groove.

[0012] With such a machine component, where the retaining studs or lugs are arranged on the groove, catalog seals can be inserted into the groove securely, thus significantly reducing manufacturing costs. By using pre-produced catalog parts, tooling costs for newly developed seals and the associated processes can be eliminated.

[0013] In one embodiment, the machine component includes an opening for the passage of the fluid, wherein the opening is formed by at least one of the two sealing bodies.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the machine component, the molded seal is a catalog seal available in large quantities, on which no retaining studs are attached.

[0015] The retaining studs are attached in the groove and not to the seal itself, allowing the use of mass-produced seals, referred to here as catalog seals. These catalog seals are seals that can be selected and ordered from a catalog, meaning they are available in large quantities and can be manufactured cost-effectively using standard tooling.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the machine component, the circumferential groove is formed as an annular groove; and the molded seal is designed as an O-ring, X-ring or R-ring.

[0017] Additionally, the circumferential groove can also have a different geometry (e.g., rectangular groove, etc.) into which corresponding sealing geometries are inserted. These can also have any cross-section.

[0018] Ring grooves are the simplest and most efficient type of groove into which various shaped seals, such as O-rings, X-rings, or R-rings, can be inserted. However, the circumferential groove can also have a different geometric shape, for example, rectangular, square, triangular, oval, or elliptical. The corresponding groove can then also be designed as an O-ring, X-ring, or R-ring.

[0019] O-rings are ring-shaped sealing elements. The name derives from the ring's round (O-shaped) cross-section. The surface to be sealed is typically annular. While relatively thin compared to the ring diameter, these rings are flexible enough to also be used for non-circular closed contours (e.g., oval or elliptical). An X-ring is a double-acting sealing element for static or dynamic applications, featuring an X-shaped profile with four sealing lips. An R-ring is a sealing element with a rectangular sealing profile.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the machine component, the groove comprises a circumferential inner surface and a circumferential outer surface running opposite the inner surface; and the retaining studs are arranged on both the inner and outer surfaces of the groove.

[0021] This ensures that the seal can be securely inserted into the groove. The seal is held in place on both sides of the groove, i.e., on both the outside and the inside, by the retaining lugs. This means that the machine component can be rotated in all directions necessary for installation, without the seal falling out of the groove.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the machine component, the retaining studs arranged on the inside and outside of the groove are designed to fix the molded seal centrally in the circumferential groove.

[0023] Due to the central fixing of the seal in the groove, the seal lies at the defined position in the groove and can develop an optimal sealing effect in conjunction with the matching contact surface of the second machine component.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the machine component, the retaining studs are arranged offset from each other on the inside and outside of the groove.

[0025] The staggered arrangement reduces the number of retaining studs required on the groove without compromising holding capacity. This allows the machine component with the groove to be efficiently manufactured using primary forming processes as an injection-molded or die-cast part.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the machine component, the retaining studs are arranged in groups of three; each group of three comprises a first retaining stud located either on the outside or on the inside of the groove, and two further retaining studs located on the opposite side of the groove.

[0027] These groups of three, also referred to here as "triple sets," hold the seal securely and centered in the groove. The seal is slightly deformed to ensure it cannot be lost. Furthermore, when grouped in threes, only a small number of retaining lugs are needed to keep the seal stable.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the machine component, the first retaining stud of a group of three is arranged centrally to the two other retaining studs of the group of three.

[0029] This ensures that the seal is centered in the groove and can provide an optimal seal. The retaining lugs ensure radial compression of the seal in the groove, thus guaranteeing its optimal positioning.

[0030] In addition to the execution of groups of three, other constellations are also possible, such as retaining studs alternately attached to the inner and outer diameter.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment of the machine component, the outer surface and / or the inner surface is provided with a draft angle in an area outside the retaining studs and has no draft angle in an area of ​​the retaining studs.

[0032] If the outer and / or inner surface of the groove is provided with draft angles, the machine component can be efficiently manufactured using primary forming processes, such as injection molding or die casting, since the machine component can then be easily removed from the mold. Even if no draft angles are provided in the area of ​​the retaining lugs, the machine component can still be easily removed from the mold as long as no undercuts occur. The machine component according to the invention can be manufactured without undercuts, which allows it to be produced as an injection-molded or die-cast component.

[0033] In one embodiment, the retaining studs can be formed in a continuous straight line, parallel to the demolding direction.

[0034] In one embodiment, the outer surface and / or the inner surface may even have at least a partial undercut, in particular a small undercut, which may arise due to the forming process.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment of the machine component, the machine component is designed as an injection-molded or die-cast part that has no undercuts.

[0036] This allows the machine component to be easily produced in large quantities using standard manufacturing processes. Brief character description

[0037] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1a-d Illustrations of machine components with different conventional types of grooves; Fig. 2 an illustration of a machine component 100 according to the invention with a top view of the annular groove 120 according to a first embodiment and already mounted catalog seal; Fig. 3 an illustration of a group of three retaining knobs 121a, 121b, 121c of the ring groove 120 from Fig. 2; Fig. 4 An illustration of a machine component 100 according to the invention with a top view of the annular groove 120 according to a second embodiment and already mounted catalog seal; Fig. 5a an illustration of a machine component 100 according to the invention with an enlarged view of the annular groove 120 in a frontal view (sectional view); and Fig. 5b an illustration of a machine component 100 according to the invention with an enlarged view of the annular groove 120 in top view.

[0038] The figures are merely schematic representations and serve only to illustrate the invention. Identical or equivalent elements are consistently identified by the same reference numerals.

[0039] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof and illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be implemented. It is understood that other embodiments can also be used and structural or logical modifications can be made without deviating from the concept of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be understood as limiting. Furthermore, it is understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein can be combined with one another, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0040] The aspects and embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, where the same reference numerals generally refer to the same elements. For illustrative purposes, numerous specific details are presented in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects of the invention. However, it may be obvious to a person skilled in the art that one or more aspects or embodiments can be implemented with a lesser degree of specific detail. In other cases, known structures and elements are shown schematically to facilitate the description of one or more aspects or embodiments. It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical modifications may be made without departing from the concept of the present invention.

[0041] The Fig. Figures 1a to 1d show illustrations of machine components with different conventional types of grooves.

[0042] The illustrations are taken from the brochure “The O-Ring 1x1 by C. Otto Gehrckens GmbH&Co. KG, 2016-05”.

[0043] The Fig. Figures 1a to 1d each show a first machine component 10 or a first sealing body 10 with a central opening 12 for the passage of a fluid; and an annular groove 11 circumferentially around the opening 12. An O-ring seal 13 is inserted into the annular groove 11, which presses the first machine component 10 against a suitable contact surface of a second machine component 20 or a second sealing body 20 in order to seal the opening 12 and to protect against the escape of fluid and the ingress of solids or foreign bodies. Fig. 1c shows only the first machine component 10 with the ring groove 11 and the O-ring seal 13.

[0044] The Fig. 1a and Fig. Figure 1b illustrates the stretched or compressed application of the catalog seals to the corresponding groove walls, depending on the pressure direction. For internal pressure, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1a, the outer diameter of the O-ring should be approximately equal to the outer diameter of the groove, d7. This means that the O-ring should be in contact with the outer diameter of the installation space, d7. Under external pressure, as shown in Figure 1a, the O-ring should be approximately equal to the outer diameter of the groove, d7. Fig. As shown in Figure 1b, the inner diameter of the O-ring should be approximately equal to the inner diameter of the groove, d8. This means that the O-ring should be in contact with the inner diameter of the installation space, d8. The disadvantage here is that if the pressure direction changes, the O-ring will be positioned undefined within the groove.

[0045] Fig. 1c describes a trapezoidal groove. This groove shape is desirable when the O-ring needs to be held in place during assembly, servicing, or when opening and closing tools and machines. It can also be understood as a type of valve seat seal when gases or liquids, for example, create low-pressure zones during flow that force the seal out of the groove. Machining the groove is complex and expensive. The trapezoidal groove can only be created through separate machining because it forms an undercut in the demolding direction. Therefore, a trapezoidal groove is unsuitable for primary forming processes.

[0046] Fig. 1d describes a triangular groove. This groove shape is used for flange and cover seals. In this installation space, the O-ring rests against three sides. However, this does not guarantee a defined contact pressure of the O-ring. Additionally, manufacturing difficulties arise, as the specified tolerances are rarely achieved, meaning the sealing function is not always reliable. Furthermore, the groove offers little room for potential swelling of the O-ring.

[0047] With the triangular groove shown here, it cannot be guaranteed that the seal has been installed correctly. Correct installation, meaning that it will not be "tangled," is not guaranteed. Furthermore, a 100% axial compression fit is not guaranteed.

[0048] Fig. Figure 2 shows an illustration of a machine component 100 according to the invention with a top view of the annular groove 120 according to a first embodiment and already mounted molded seal 130.

[0049] The machine component 100 comprises two sealing bodies to be sealed against each other, of which only the first sealing body is shown here, and a circumferential groove 120 arranged on the first sealing body, which is designed to receive a molded seal 130 and, when the molded seal 130 is pressed against a suitable contact surface of the other sealing body (not shown in Fig. 2, see here Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b) to achieve a sealing effect in order to prevent fluid from escaping from or foreign matter from entering the two sealing elements. The sealing element shown here includes an opening 110 for the passage of fluid. The circumferential groove 120 is formed around the opening 110.

[0050] The circumferential groove 120 comprises a plurality of retaining studs 121, which are designed to hold the molded seal 130 received in the groove 120 and to secure it against falling out of the groove 120.

[0051] The molded gasket 130 is a catalog gasket available in large quantities and lacks retaining studs. As described above, the retaining studs are attached to the groove, not the gasket itself, allowing for the use of mass-produced gaskets, referred to here as catalog gaskets. As mentioned, these catalog gaskets are selected and ordered from a catalog, meaning they are available in large quantities and can be manufactured cost-effectively using standard tooling.

[0052] The circumferential groove 120 can, for example, be shaped as an annular groove, or according to any other closed contour, such as a square, rectangle, ellipse, oval, triangle, polygon, etc. The molded seal 130 can, for example, be designed as an O-ring, X-ring or R-ring.

[0053] The groove 120 can, for example, comprise an inner surface 120a surrounding the opening 110 and an outer surface 120b surrounding the opening 110 and running opposite the inner surface 120a, as shown in the Fig. 2 to 5b or also in Fig. Figures 1a to 1d are shown as examples. The retaining studs 121 can be arranged on either the inside 120a or the outside 120b of the groove 120, as shown in the figures. Fig. 2 to 5b are shown as examples.

[0054] The retaining studs 121 arranged on the inside 120a and the outside 120b of the groove 120 are designed to hold or fix the molded seal 130 centrally in the circumferential groove 120.

[0055] The retaining studs 121 can, for example, be arranged offset from each other on the inside 120a and the outside 120b of the groove 120.

[0056] The retaining studs 121 can each be arranged in groups of three 122, as in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 shown. Each group of three 122 can comprise a first retaining stud 121a, which is arranged either on the outside 120b or on the inside 120a of the groove 120, and two further retaining studs 121b, 121c, which are arranged on the opposite side of the groove 120, as shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 shown.

[0057] The first retaining stud 121a of a group of three 122 can be arranged centrally to the two further retaining studs 121b, 121c of the group of three 122, as shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 shown.

[0058] The outer surface 120b and / or the inner surface 120a in an area outside the retaining studs 121 can be formed with a draft angle 140 (see also illustration in Fig. 5a) be provided as in the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b is shown as an example, and in one area of ​​the retaining studs 121 there is no draft angle 140.

[0059] In one embodiment, the retaining studs 121 can be formed in a continuous straight line, parallel to the demolding direction.

[0060] In one embodiment, the outer surface 120b and / or the inner surface 120a may even have at least a partial undercut, in particular a small undercut, which may arise as a result of the forming process.

[0061] The machine component 100 can be designed as an injection-molded or die-cast part that has no undercuts.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the groove 120 with the retaining studs 121 can be dimensioned as follows: The diameter of the retaining lugs / nubs on the inner diameter of the annular groove, where these lugs / nubs make contact with the inner diameter of the seal, should be larger than the inner diameter of the catalog seal 130. The diameter of the retaining lugs / nubs 121 on the outer diameter of the annular groove 120, where these lugs / nubs 121 make contact with the outer diameter of the seal 130, should be smaller than the outer diameter of the catalog seal 130. These diameter variations are necessary so that the seal is slightly deformed to ensure it cannot be lost. The overall width and depth of the groove 120 result from the interplay of compression and groove fill level and are therefore dependent on the design of the catalog seal 130.

[0063] The quality of the representations is Fig. Figures 2 to 5b show an O-ring seal 130. However, the descriptions also apply to X-rings and R-rings.

[0064] Fig. Figure 3 shows an illustration of a group of three retaining knobs 121a, 121b, 121c of the ring groove 120 made of Fig. 2.

[0065] The retaining studs 121 are arranged in groups of three 122. Each group of three 122 can include a first retaining stud 121a, which is arranged on the outside 120b of the groove 120, as shown in Fig. 3 shown, and two further retaining studs 121b, 121c, which are arranged on the opposite side of the groove 120. The first retaining stud 121a of the group of three 122 can be arranged centrally to the two further retaining studs 121b, 121c of the group of three 122, as shown in Fig. 3 shown.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the group of three 122 with the retaining studs 121a, 121b, 121c can be dimensioned as follows: The retaining lugs / retaining studs 121 can, for example, be used in the “triple set” 122, as in Fig. 3 shown, or can be arranged alternately on the inner and outer diameters. In the case of the “three-part arrangement” 122, two lugs / nubs 121b, 121c can lie in pairs on the inner diameter of the ring groove, as shown in Fig. 3 shown. The midpoint of the distance between these paired noses / studs 121b, 121c and the center of the circles describing the annular groove 120 can define an axis on which the third nose / stud 121a of the "triple" 122 then lies on the outer diameter, as shown in Fig. 3 shown.

[0067] Fig. Figure 4 shows an illustration of a machine component 100 according to the invention with a top view of the annular groove 120 according to a second embodiment and a catalog seal already mounted.

[0068] The retaining studs 121 are arranged in groups of three 122. Each group of three 122 can include a first retaining stud 121a, which is arranged on the inside 120a of the groove 120, as shown in Fig. 4 shown, and two further retaining studs 121b, 121c, which are arranged on the opposite side of the groove 120, i.e., here on the outer side 120b. The first retaining stud 121a of the group of three 122 can be arranged centrally to the two further retaining studs 121b, 121c of the group of three 122, as shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the group of three 122 with the retaining studs 121a, 121b, 121c can be dimensioned as follows: In this "triple assembly" 122, the paired studs / nubs 121c, 121b can be attached to the outer diameter of the annular groove 120. The midpoint of the distance between these paired studs / nubs 121c, 121b and the center point of the circles that describe the annular groove 120 can define an axis on which the third stud / nub 121a of the "triple assembly" 122 then lies on the inner diameter.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the groove 120 can have a circumference of, for example, 1000 mm, and the distance between two sets of three components 122 from center to center can, for example, be 25 mm. Thus, 1000 / 25 = 40 sets of three components can be formed on the groove 120. The molded seal 130 can be designed as an O-ring with a diameter of, for example, 2.5 mm.

[0071] Fig. Figure 5a shows an illustration of a machine component 100 according to the invention with an enlarged representation of the annular groove 120 in frontal view in section.

[0072] The inner surface 120a of the groove 120 is provided with a draft angle 140. The outer surface of the groove is cut precisely at the center point of a retaining stud / nub. As described above, these studs / nubs do not have draft angles; therefore, 120b is straight and does not have a draft angle 140. However, embodiments are also possible where the outer surface 120b or both sides 120a, 120b are provided with the draft angle 140.

[0073] Fig. Figure 5b shows an illustration of a machine component 100 according to the invention with an enlarged view of the annular groove 120 in oblique top view in section.

[0074] As can be seen here, the retaining studs 121 do not have any draft angles.

[0075] The Fig. 5a and Fig. Figure 5b shows that the walls of the annular groove 120 can be manufactured with a draft angle 140 (especially in injection and die casting). Only the retaining lugs 121 can be manufactured without a draft angle. For the shallow groove depths required for catalog seals, these can be demolded without a draft angle.

[0076] The solution presented here can be used for all machine components with two sealing elements to be sealed against each other and a circumferential groove for receiving a molded seal, as shown above. Fig. 1a to 5b are illustrated by way of example, for instance coolant pumps in vehicles, for example for cooling the engine or battery, or for any other type of component for sealing spaces against foreign objects, for example in shipbuilding or aircraft construction. REFERENCE MARK LIST 10 first sealing body or first machine component 11 Ring groove 12 Opening for the passage of a fluid 13 O-ring seal 20 second sealing body or second machine component 100 machine components according to the invention 110 Opening for the passage of a fluid 120 circumferential grooves, circumferential grooves for the opening 120a Inside of the groove 120b Outside of the groove 121 Plural of holding knobs or holding lugs 121a first holding stud of a group of three 121b, 121c second and third holding studs of the group of three 122 Group of three or three sets of holding studs 130 Molded seal 140 Draft angle

Claims

[1] Machine component (100) with: two sealing bodies to be sealed against each other (10, 20); and a circumferential groove (120) arranged on one of the sealing bodies (10), which is designed to receive a molded seal (130) and, when the molded seal (130) is pressed against a suitable contact surface of the other sealing body (20), to achieve a sealing effect in order to prevent fluid from escaping from the or foreign body from entering the two sealing bodies (10, 20); wherein the circumferential groove (120) comprises a plurality of retaining studs (121) which are designed to hold the molded seal (130) received in the groove (120) and to secure it against falling out of the groove (120). [2] Machine component (100) according to claim 1, wherein the molded seal (130) is a catalog seal available in large quantities, on which no retaining studs are attached. [3] Machine component (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the circumferential groove (120) is formed as an annular groove; and wherein the molded seal (130) is designed as an O-ring, X-ring or R-ring. [4] Machine component (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the groove (120) comprises a circumferential inner surface (120a) and a circumferential outer surface (120b) running opposite the inner surface (120a); and wherein the retaining studs (121) are arranged on both the inside (120a) and the outside (120b) of the groove (120). [5] Machine component (100) according to claim 4, wherein the retaining studs (121) arranged on the inside (120a) and outside (120b) of the groove (120) are designed to fix the molded seal (130) centrally in the circumferential groove (120). [6] Machine component (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the retaining studs (121) are arranged offset from each other on the inside (120a) and the outside (120b) of the groove (120). [7] Machine component (100) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the holding studs (121) are arranged in groups of three (122); wherein each group of three (122) comprises a first retaining stud (121a) arranged either on the outside (120b) or on the inside (120a) of the groove (120) and comprises two further retaining studs (121b, 121c) arranged on the opposite side of the groove (120). [8] Machine component (100) according to claim 7, wherein the first retaining stud (121a) of a group of three (122) is arranged centrally to the two further retaining studs (121b, 121c) of the group of three (122). [9] Machine component (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the outer surface (120b) and / or the inner surface (120a) is provided with a draft angle (140) in an area outside the retaining studs (121) and does not have a draft angle (140) in an area of ​​the retaining studs (121). [10] Machine component (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the machine component (100) is designed as an injection molded or die-cast part which has no undercuts.

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