Dual-function elastomer part

Abstract

The invention relates to a part (100) made of elastomer of a predetermined hardness comprising a first part (101) providing a sealing function, and at least one second part (102) providing a damping function, the part being remarkable in that the second part (102) comprises at least one cavity configured to reduce the hardness to a value compatible with the damping function. Figure 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Dual-function elastomer part Technical field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of waterproof housings, and particularly relates to an elastomer part having at least a first and a second hardness respectively compatible with a first and a second function. Prior art

[0002] Elastomers are known for providing a seal between two parts. For this purpose, an elastomer strip is conventionally used, the hardness of which under mechanical pressure provides a barrier against the intrusion of liquids. According to another widespread use, elastomers are used to provide a damping function. For this purpose, an elastomer of a hardness suitable for absorbing vibrations or mechanical shocks is chosen. In other words, the hardness of an elastomer is chosen according to its function. Consequently, when different functions must be provided in the same area of a device, it is necessary to use separate parts. The parts must therefore be manufactured and installed separately, which incurs a cost.

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide an elastomer part which has a first hardness in a first zone and at least a second hardness in at least a second zone making it possible to provide different functions. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims in particular to propose an elastomer part, one part of which has a hardness compatible with a sealing function and a second part of which has a lesser hardness allowing a damping function to be provided, so that two functions are fulfilled by a single part.

[0005] For this purpose, an elastomer part of a predetermined hardness is proposed comprising a first part providing a sealing function, and at least one second part providing a damping function, the part being remarkable in that the second part comprises at least one cavity configured to reduce the hardness to a value compatible with the damping function.

[0006] The cavity provided in the second part of the elastomer makes it possible to reduce its hardness compared to the first part. This produces a part made of the same elastomer material and molded in a single piece, a first part of which has a hardness adapted to provide a first function, and a second part of which the hardness is modified by the presence of one or more cavities provided for this purpose so that the second part is capable of providing a second function requiring a hardness lower than the hardness of the elastomer.

[0007] This avoids the manufacture and installation of separate parts, which reduces manufacturing and assembly costs. The flexibility of the second zone can be adjusted by varying the shape, volume, position and / or number of cavities provided in the thickness of the elastomer. In addition, the part can comprise a plurality of second parts of different hardnesses.

[0008] To form a seal, it is necessary to use an elastomer of a particular hardness. On the other hand, an elastomer whose hardness is suitable for forming a seal is generally not suitable for providing a damping function, for which it is necessary to use a softer elastomer. The present invention advantageously makes it possible to obtain, from the same elastomer material, a single part providing both a seal function and a damping function.

[0009] According to a particular embodiment, the part is such that the elastomer has a hardness of between 60 and 80 Shore A, and that the at least one cavity is configured so that the hardness of the second part is between 20 and 40 Shore A.

[0010] In this way, a part formed from an elastomer material is obtained, the hardness of which is between 60 and 80 ShoreA, enabling it to effectively perform a sealing function. The second part of the part is made compatible with a damping function by lowering its hardness to a value between 20 and 40 ShoreA by inserting one or more cavities, such as one or more bubbles. A particular hardness can be achieved by adapting the size, number or arrangement of cavities provided in the elastomer.

[0011] According to a particular embodiment, the part is such that the at least one cavity provided in the second part is filled with nitrogen.

[0012] Nitrogen is a neutral gas whose volume varies little with heat. By using such a gas, the volume of the second part and / or its hardness are not very sensitive to temperature variations. This results in constant mechanical characteristics, which is particularly advantageous when the part is used in a vehicle that may be subject to large temperature variations.

[0013] In a particular embodiment, the part is such that the first part is a seal next to which the second part extends to form a shock absorber.

[0014] Such an arrangement allows the part to perform spatially distinct functions. In other words, the damping is not carried out at the location of the joint, but next to it.

[0015] In a particular embodiment, the part is such that the first part is a peripheral seal of a housing, towards the inside of which extends the second part to form a shock absorber between the housing and at least one component inside the housing.

[0016] The first part is for example a peripheral seal intended to ensure the sealing of a housing in which a component is arranged, and of which at least one portion extends inwards to form a tab interposed between the housing and the component to limit the transmission of vibration phenomena or shocks from the housing to the component. Such an arrangement makes it possible both to protect a component internal to the housing and to ensure a sealed closure of this housing.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, the part is such that the first part is a peripheral seal of a housing, towards the inside of which the second part extends transversely to form a shock absorber between the housing and at least one component inside the housing.

[0018] The second part is thus connected to two opposite regions of the first part. For example, when the first part is circular in shape, the second part extends diametrically inside the shape. In this way, the central part forming a shock absorber remains substantially in the plane of the peripheral part when the part is handled. Such an arrangement facilitates the automated assembly of such a part. Brief description of the figures

[0019] Other aspects, aims and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of one of its embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example. The invention will also be better understood with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0020] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a sectional isometric view of a dual-function elastomer part according to a particular embodiment,

[0021] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an isometric sectional view of an elastomer part with dual functions according to a particular embodiment,

[0022] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an isometric sectional view of an elastomer part with dual functions according to a particular embodiment,

[0023] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a section of a portion of the proposed part having a function shock absorber, according to a particular embodiment, and

[0024] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a section of a portion of the proposed part having a function shock absorber, according to a particular embodiment.

[0025] Throughout these figures, identical or similar elements are identified by identical or similar reference signs. Detailed description

[0026] [Fig. 1] represents a part 100 formed from an elastomer material. The part 100 is for example formed by injection, casting, extrusion, or even by cutting from rubber or any other elastomer.

[0027] The elastomer from which the part 100 is formed has a hardness of between 60 and 80 Shore A.

[0028] The part 100 comprises at least two parts 101 and 102.

[0029] The first part 101 is intended to serve as a seal. To achieve this goal, the part 101 is configured to offer a hardness identical to that of the elastomer from which the part 100 is formed, i.e. a hardness of between 60 and 80 shore A. For this, the first part 101 of the part is for example molded in full from the elastomer. The first part can have any desirable shape to produce a seal.

[0030] The part 100 also comprises at least one second part 102 located next to the first part 101. The second part 102 is connected to the first part 101 by means of a connecting element formed from the elastomer, such as a tab 103, so that the second part 102 is integral with the first part 101.

[0031] Thus, the first part 101 describes a closed line, for example adapted to match the contours of a housing, and the second part 102 is arranged laterally, outside the zone circumscribed by the first part 101.

[0032] The second part 102 has the main function of filtering and absorbing vibrations or shocks transmitted between a first element and a second element (not shown) between which the second part 102 is interposed. For this, the second part 102 comprises at least one cavity making it possible to locally reduce the hardness of the part 100 so that the hardness of the second part is within a range from 20 to 40 shoreA.

[0033] [Fig. 4] is a sectional view of the second part 102 of the part 100 according to a particular embodiment. [Fig. 4] shows a cavity 104 formed inside the second part 102. The cavity 104 is for example a bubble of air or any other suitable gas. In a particular embodiment, the gas included in the cavity 104 is nitrogen.

[0034] [Fig. 5] is a sectional view of the second part 102 of the part 100 according to another particular embodiment according to which the hardness of the second part 102 is reduced thanks to a plurality of cavities 104 arranged inside the second part 102. The cavities 104 are for example bubbles of air or any other suitable gas. In a particular embodiment, the gas included in the cavities 104 is nitrogen.

[0035] Of course, depending on the intended use, different shapes can be envisaged for the first part 101 as for the second part 102, without it being necessary to modify the invention. Furthermore, the number, shape, location and / or volume of the cavities 104 can vary depending on the desired hardness for the second part 102.

[0036] According to a particular embodiment shown in [Fig.2], the part is such that the first part 101 is a peripheral seal of a housing, towards the inside of which the second part 102 extends to form a shock absorber between the housing and at least one component inside the housing.

[0037] According to a particular embodiment shown in [Fig. 3], the part 100 is such that the first part 101 is a peripheral seal of a housing, towards the inside of which the second part 102 extends transversely to form a damper between the housing and at least one component inside the housing. With reference to [Fig. 3], it is noted that the second part 102 is connected to the first part 101 by two elements 103 located on either side of the second part 102, so that the holding elements 103 and the second part 102 extend transversely from one side to the other of the first part 101 forming the peripheral seal. The damper element 102 is better held in place during handling of the part 100, which facilitates automated assembly.

Claims

Claims

1. Housing comprising an elastomer seal (100) of a predetermined hardness comprising a first part (101) providing a peripheral sealing function for said housing, and at least one second part (102) extending towards the inside of said housing and configured to provide a damping function between said housing and at least one component inside the housing, the elastomer seal (100) being remarkable in that the second part (102) comprises at least one gas bubble forming a cavity (104) configured to reduce the hardness thereof to a value compatible with the damping function.

2. Housing comprising an elastomer seal (100) according to claim 1 wherein the elastomer of the seal (100) has a hardness of between 60 and 80 Shore A, and the at least one cavity (104) is configured so that the hardness of the second part (102) is between 20 and 40 Shore A.

3. Housing comprising an elastomer seal (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the at least one cavity (104) formed in the second part (102) is filled with nitrogen.

4. Housing comprising an elastomer seal (100) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first part (101) is a peripheral seal describing a closed line, towards the inside of which the second part (102) extends transversely to form a shock absorber.

5. A housing comprising an elastomer seal (100) according to any preceding claim wherein the first portion (101) and the second portion (102) are physically connected by at least one connecting element (103) formed from the elastomer.

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