Seal lip catch

Abstract

A seal assembly which includes a seal element (10) having an inner sleeve (12a) and an outer sleeve (12b), a first outer rib (18a) integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve (12b), and a second outer rib (18b) integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve (12b). A first protrusion (28a) is integrally formed as part of a housing (26), where the first protrusion (28a) is adjacent the first outer rib (18a). A second protrusion (28b) is also integrally formed as part of the housing (26), where the second protrusion (28b) adjacent the second outer rib (18b). The housing (26) is part of a multi-port valve assembly, and the seal element (10) is disposed in the housing (26) and surrounds a rotor. The first outer rib (18a) and the second outer rib (18b) are in contact with one another and disposed between the first protrusion (28a) and the second protrusion (28b), such that circumferential compressive force is applied to the first outer rib (18a) and the second outer rib (18b).

Description

[0001] SEAL LIP CATCH

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 578,474, filed August 24, 2023. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention relates generally to a seal assembly for a multi-port coolant flow control valve which includes a seal element having at least one sleeve, and one or more ribs integrally formed as part of the sleeve, where force is applied to one or more of the ribs to prevent leakage between the ends of the seal element.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Multi-port valves for directing fluid through various conduits are generally known. Some of the more common types of valves are a three-port valve and a four-port valve, where a single valve member is used to direct fluid from an inlet port to one of several outlet ports. Some multi-port valves include a five-port orientation, where multiple actuators are used to change the orientation of the valve to direct the flow of fluid as desired. There are also manifold style valves having up to eight ports are available but offer very little flexibility to accommodate different flow modes and different flow paths.

[0008] These current designs also have limitations with regard to sealing flexibility, which results in limitations for flow path design and efficiency. Current seal designs do not provide for a minimized leak path.

[0009] Accordingly, there exists a need for a multi-port valve assembly which includes sealing to provide for efficiency that facilitates desired flow paths and minimizes leakage. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In an embodiment, the present invention is a seal assembly for a multiport valve assembly, where the seal assembly includes a seal element having at least one sleeve, the seal element having a first end and a second end. At least one outer rib is integrally formed as part of the sleeve, and at least one protrusion integrally formed as part of a housing or a fastening device as a separate part of the seal element. The outer rib is in contact with the protrusion and the first end is in contact with the second end when the seal element is disposed in the housing or combined with the fastening device.

[0011] In an embodiment, the seal element includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve connected to the inner sleeve. In an embodiment, the outer rib is integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve.

[0012] In an embodiment, the seal element includes a first outer rib integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve in proximity to the first end, and a second outer rib integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve in proximity to the second end. The first outer rib is in contact with the second outer rib when the first end is in contact with the second end. At least one of the first outer rib or the second outer rib is in contact with the protrusion and the first end is in contact with the second end when the seal element is disposed in the housing or combined with the fastening device.

[0013] In an embodiment, the seal element includes a first protrusion integrally formed as part of the housing or the fastening device, and a second protrusion integrally formed as part of the housing or the fastening device. When the seal element is disposed in the housing, the first outer rib and the second outer rib are in contact with one another and disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, such that circumferential compressive force is applied to the first outer rib and the second outer rib.

[0014] In an embodiment, the inner sleeve includes a first lip portion, the first lip portion being integrally formed as a part of the inner sleeve and being part of the first end, and a second lip portion, the second lip portion being integrally formed as a part of the inner sleeve and being part of the second end. When the seal element is disposed in the housing, the first lip portion is in contact with the second lip portion when the first end of the seal element is in contact with the second end of the seal element.

[0015] In an embodiment, a first edge surface is integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve, and a second edge surface is integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve. When the seal element is disposed in the housing, the first lip portion is in contact with the first edge surface and the second lip portion is in contact with the second edge surface such that the first lip portion and the second lip portion are disposed between the first edge surface and the second edge surface.

[0016] In an embodiment, a first edge surface integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve and is adjacent the first end, and a second edge surface integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve and is adjacent the second end. A first recess portion integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve adjacent to the first edge surface, and a second recess portion is integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve adjacent to the second edge surface. A first end portion of the inner sleeve is disposed in and connected to the first recess portion, and a second end portion of the inner sleeve is disposed in and connected to the second recess portion. The first edge surface of the outer sleeve is in contact with the second edge surface of the outer sleeve, and the first edge surface of the inner sleeve is in contact with the second edge surface of the inner sleeve when the seal element is assembled in the housing.

[0017] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 is a first perspective view of a seal element which is part of a seal assembly, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 is a second perspective view of a seal element which is part of a seal assembly, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a housing in which a seal element is disposed, where the seal element is part of a seal assembly, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of a seal assembly, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a seal element which is part of a seal assembly, according to embodiments of the present invention; and

[0024] Figure 6 is a side view of an end portion of a seal element which is part of a seal assembly, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0027] A seal element which is part of a seal assembly according to the present invention is shown in Figures 1-4, generally at 10. The seal element 10 includes an inner sleeve 12a and an outer sleeve 12b. When assembled, the seal element 10 is substantially cone-shaped, and surrounds a rotor having various channels which distribute fluid through various apertures, shown generally at 14, of the inner sleeve 12a and outer sleeve 12b. The seal element 10 has a first

[0028] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 is a first perspective view of a seal element which is part of a seal assembly, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 is a second perspective view of a seal element which is part of a seal assembly, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a housing in which a seal element is disposed, where the seal element is part of a seal assembly, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of a seal assembly, according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a seal element which is part of a seal assembly, according to embodiments of the present invention; and

[0035] Figure 6 is a side view of an end portion of a seal element which is part of a seal assembly, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0038] A seal element which is part of a seal assembly according to the present invention is shown in Figures 1-4, generally at 10. The seal element 10 includes an inner sleeve 12a and an outer sleeve 12b. When assembled, the seal element 10 is substantially cone-shaped, and surrounds a rotor having various channels which distribute fluid through various apertures, shown generally at 14, of the inner sleeve 12a and outer sleeve 12b. The seal element 10 has a first end, shown generally at 16a, and a second end, shown generally at 16b, which are in contact with one another as shown in Figures 1-2 and 4.

[0039] Integrally formed as part of the first end 16a of the seal element 10 is a first outer rib 18a, and integrally formed as part of the second end 16b of the seal element 10 is a second outer rib 18b. Adjacent the first outer rib 18a is a first contact area, shown generally at 20a, and adjacent the second outer rib 18b is a second contact area, shown generally at 20b. The outer ribs 18a, 18b and the contact areas 20a, 20b extend along the entire height of the seal element 10. Furthermore, when assembled, the seal element 10 fits in a cavity, shown generally at 22, between the rotor and an inner wall 24 of a housing, shown generally at 26, such that there is an interference fit, where the seal element 10 is compressed between the inner wall 24 of the housing 26 and the rotor.

[0040] The housing 26 includes corresponding support protrusions 28a, 28b, which are of similar length as the outer ribs 18a, 18b. The protrusions 28a, 28b are also shaped to correspond to the cone-shape of the seal element 10.

[0041] Referring now to Figure 4, when the seal element 10 is assembled in the housing 26, the outer ribs 18a, 18b are positioned between the protrusions 28a, 28b resulting in an interference fit. Also, when the seal element 10 is assembled in the housing 26, the first protrusion 28a is in contact with the first contact area 20a and is adjacent the first outer rib 18a, and the second protrusion 28b is in contact with the second contact area 20b and is adjacent the second outer rib 18b, to prevent the seal element 10 from rotating as the orientation of the rotor is changed. This interference fit results in a circumferential compression force, represented by arrows 30, is applied to the outer ribs 18a, 18b by the protrusions 28a, 28b.

[0042] Also integrally formed as part of the inner sleeve 12a is a first lip portion 32a and a second lip portion 32b. The overall length of the inner sleeve 12a in its circumferential direction is longer than the outer sleeve 12b in its circumferential direction such that the lip portions 32a, 32b protrude beyond the length of the outer sleeve 12b - with regard to its circumferential direction - when the seal element 10 is in an unassembled state. The first lip portion 32a extends around and is connected to a first edge surface 34a of the outer sleeve 12b, and the second lip portion 32b extends around and is connected to a second edge surface 34b of the outer sleeve 12b. When the seal element 10 is assembled in the housing 26, and the outer ribs 18a, 18b are disposed between the protrusions 28a, 28b as described above, the lip portions 32a, 32b are in contact with one another, as shown in Fig. 4. The lip portions 32a, 32b are exposed to the same circumferential compression force 30, such that fluid is prevented from leaking between the ends 16a, 16b of the seal element 10.

[0043] When the seal element 10 and rotor are assembled in the housing 26, and the rotor is circumscribed by the seal element 10, the interference fit between the protrusions 28a, 28b and the outer ribs 18a, 18b also results in a radial compressive force, represented by arrows 36, such that the seal element 10 is compressed between the inner wall 24 of the housing 26 and the rotor as mentioned above. The combination of the circumferential compression force 30 and the radial force 36 minimizes leakage between the seal element 10 and the housing.

[0044] As previously mentioned, the seal element 10 is cone-shaped when assembled. The seal element 10 and the rotor are disposed in a cavity 22 of the housing 26 as mentioned above. The cavity 22 of the housing 26 also has a corresponding cone shape, and the rotor also has a corresponding cone shape such that the compression force 30 and the radial force 36 applied to the seal element 10 is consistent across the height and width of the seal element 10, regardless of the orientation of the rotor.

[0045] Another embodiment of the seal element 10 of the present invention is shown in Figures 5-6, with like numbers referring to like elements. The first end 16a and the second end 16b of the seal element 10 in the embodiment shown in Figures 5-6 are substantially similar such that reference numerals representing both ends 16a, 16b are shown in Figure 6. In this embodiment, the inner sleeve 12a does not have the lip portions 32a, 32b. Instead, the outer sleeve 12b includes recess portions integrally formed as part of each end of the outer sleeve 12b, respectively. In Figure 6, each recess portion 38a, 38b is integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve 12b. A first end portion 40a of the inner sleeve 12a extends into the recess portion 38a, and a second end portion 40b of the inner sleeve 12a extends into the recess portion 38b. An edge surface 42a of the inner sleeve 12a is adjacent the edge surface 34a of the outer sleeve 12b, and another edge surface 42b of the inner sleeve 12a is adjacent the edge surface 34b of the outer sleeve 12b.

[0046] When assembled, the ends 16a, 16b of the seal element are in contact with each other, as previously described. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5- 6, the edge surfaces 34a, 34b of the outer sleeve 12b are in contact with each other, and the edge surfaces 42a, 42b of each of the inner sleeve 12a are also in contact with one another.

[0047] In an embodiment, the inner sleeve 12a of the seal element 10 is made of a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material which is suitable for achieving the desired level of friction between the rotor and the inner surface of the inner sleeve 12a, while still providing desired sealing, but it is within the scope of the invention that other materials may be used. Also, the outer sleeve 12b the seal element 10 is made of an ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) material, to provide the desired sealing, but it is within the scope of the invention that other materials may be used.

[0048] In the embodiment described the seal element 10 is a two-piece or two- part seal element 10 including an inner sleeve 12a and an outer sleeve 12b, to which the inner sleeve 12a is connected, and in particular molded. However, in alternate embodiments, it is within the scope of the invention that the seal element 10 may be a one-piece seal element having a single sleeve.

[0049] In the embodiment shown, the outer ribs 18a, 18b are positioned between the protrusions 28a, 28b resulting in the interference fit previously described, and resulting in the circumferential compression force 30 applied to the outer ribs 18a, 18b by the protrusions 28a, 28b. However, in alternate embodiments, a fastening device, such as a clamp, may be attached to the outer ribs 18a, 18b, such clamp having two correspondingly formed protrusions 28a, 28b that extend along the height of the seal element 10 and which embrace the outer ribs 18a, 18b that are positioned between them, resulting in the circumferential compression force 30 applied to the outer ribs 18a, 18b. The fastening device may be attached to the outer ribs 18a, 18b prior to the seal element 10 being placed in the cavity 22 of the housing 26.

[0050] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

9CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A seal assembly for a multi-port valve assembly, the seal assembly comprising: a seal element (10) having at least one sleeve (12a, 12b), the seal element (10) having a first end (16a) and a second end (16b); at least one outer rib (18a, 18b) integrally formed as part of the at least one sleeve (12a, 12b); and at least one protrusion (28a, 28b) integrally formed as part of a housing (26) or a fastening device as a separate part of the seal element (10); wherein the at least one outer rib (18a, 18b) is in contact with the at least one protrusion (28a, 28b), and the first end (16a) is in contact with the second end (16b), when the seal element (10) is disposed in the housing (26) or combined with the fastening device.

2. The seal assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one sleeve (12a, 12b) further comprising: an inner sleeve (12a); and an outer sleeve (12b) connected to the inner sleeve (12a); wherein the at least one outer rib (18a, 18b) is integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve (12b).

3. The seal assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one outer rib (18a, 18b) further comprising: a first outer rib (18a) integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve (12b) in proximity to the first end (16a); and a second outer rib (18a) integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve (12b) in proximity to the second end (16b), the first outer rib (18a) is in contact with thesecond outer rib (18b) when the first end (16a) is in contact with the second end (16b); wherein at least one of the first outer rib (18a) or the second outer rib (18b) is in contact with the at least one protrusion (28a, 28b), and the first end (16a) is in contact with the second end (16b), when the seal element (10) is disposed in the housing (26) or combined with the fastening device.

4. The seal assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one protrusion (28a, 28b) further comprising: a first protrusion (28a) integrally formed as part of the housing (26) or the fastening device; and a second protrusion (28b) integrally formed as part of the housing (26) or the fastening device; wherein the first outer rib (18a) and the second outer rib (18b) are in contact with one another and disposed between the first protrusion (28a) and the second protrusion (28b), such that circumferential compressive force is applied to the first outer rib (18a) and the second outer rib (18b).

5. The seal assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner sleeve (12a, 12b) further comprising: a first lip portion (32a), the first lip portion (32a) being integrally formed as a part of the inner sleeve (12a) and being part of the first end (16a); and a second lip portion (32b), the second lip portion (32b) being integrally formed as a part of the inner sleeve (12a) and being part of the second end (16b); wherein the first lip portion (32a) is in contact with the second lip portion (32b) when the first end (16a) of the seal element (10) is in contact with the second end (16b) of the seal element (10).SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)116. The seal assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein further comprising: a first edge surface (34a) integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve (12b); and a second edge surface (34b) integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve (12b); wherein the first lip portion (32a) is in contact with the first edge surface (34a) and the second lip portion (32b) is in contact with the second edge surface (34b) such that the first lip portion (32a) and the second lip portion (32b) are disposed between the first edge surface (34a) and the second edge surface (34b).

7. The seal assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein further comprising: a first edge surface (34a) integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve (12b) and is adjacent the first end (16a); a second edge surface (34b) integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve (12b) and is adjacent the second end (16b); a first recess portion (38a) integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve (12b) adjacent to the first edge surface (34a); a second recess portion (38b) integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve (12b) adjacent to the second edge surface (34b); a first end portion (40a) of the inner sleeve (12a) disposed in and connected to the first recess portion (38a); and a second end portion (40b) of the inner sleeve (12a) disposed in and connected to the second recess portion (38b);12 wherein the first edge surface (34a) of the outer sleeve (12b) is in contact with the second edge surface (34b) of the outer sleeve (12b), and the first edge surface (42) of the inner sleeve (12a) is in contact with the second edge surface of the inner sleeve (12a) when the seal element 10 is assembled in the housing (26).

8. A method for sealing a seal element, comprising the steps of: providing a seal element (10) having a first end (16a) and a second end(16b); providing an inner sleeve (12a) being part of the seal element (10); providing an outer sleeve (12b) being part of the seal element (10) and connected to the inner sleeve (12a); providing a first outer rib (18a) integrally formed as part of a portion of the outer sleeve (12b) in proximity to the first end (16a); providing a second outer rib (18b) integrally formed as part a portion of the outer sleeve (12b) in proximity to the second end (16b); providing a first protrusion (28a) integrally formed as part of a housing (26) or a fastening device as a separate part of the seal element (10); providing a second protrusion (28b) integrally formed as part of the housing (26) or the fastening device; positioning the seal element (10) in the housing (26) such that the first outer rib (18a) and the second outer rib (18b) are in contact with one another and disposed between the first protrusion (28a) and the second protrusion (28b), such that circumferential compressive force is applied to the first outer rib (18a) and the second outer rib (18b).

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the steps of: providing a first lip portion (32a), the first lip portion (32a) integrally formed as a part a portion of the inner sleeve (12a) in proximity to of the first end (16a); and13 a second lip portion (32b), the second lip portion (32b) integrally formed as a part of a portion of the inner sleeve (12a) in proximity to the second end (16b); positioning the seal element (10) in the housing (26) such that the first lip portion (32a) is in contact with the second lip portion (32b) when the first end (16a) of the seal element (10) is in contact with the second end (16b) of the seal element (10).

10. The method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of: providing a first edge surface (34a) integrally formed as a part of the outer sleeve (12b) in proximity to the first end (16a); providing a second edge surface (34b) integrally formed as a part of the outer sleeve (12b) in proximity to the second end (16b); providing a first recess portion (38a) integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve (12b) adjacent to the first edge surface (34a); providing a second recess portion (38b) integrally formed as part of the outer sleeve (12b) adjacent to the second edge surface (34b); providing a first end portion (40a) of the inner sleeve (12) disposed in and connected to the first recess portion (38a); and providing a second end portion (40b) of the inner sleeve (12) disposed in and connected to the second recess portion (38b); positioning the seal element (10) in the housing (26) such that the the first edge surface (34a) of the outer sleeve (12b) is in contact with the second edge surface (34b) of the outer sleeve (12b), and the first edge surface (42) of the inner sleeve (12a) is in contact with the second edge surface of the inner sleeve (12a) when the seal element 10 is assembled in the housing (26).

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