Sealing structure

Abstract

To provide a sealing structure which has low cost and is environmentally excellent.SOLUTION: A sealing structure comprises: a first housing having a first face in which an opening is formed, a second housing having a second face, and a gasket group including a plurality of gaskets which are arranged along a periphery of the opening between the first face and the second face. The plurality of gaskets include first gaskets having first end faces, and second gaskets having second end faces which are oriented to a side opposite to the first end faces, and adjoining the first gasket in a direction along an outer edge of the opening. Each of the first gaskets and the second gaskets has a sheet-shaped metal base material and a pair of elastic body layers laminated on both faces of the metal base material. A first step face opposing the first end face is arranged at the first face, and a second step face opposing the second end face is arranged at the second face.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sealing structure. [Background technology]

[0002] One type of gasket that seals the gap between a pair of housings is a laminated gasket in which elastic layers such as rubber are laminated on both sides of a metal substrate. This type of gasket generally has an opening in a plan view, and is obtained by punching a laminate in which rubber or the like is evenly applied to both sides of a metal plate, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-36607 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the gasket described in Patent Document 1, the opening portion is discarded as punching waste during manufacturing by punching, so there is room for improvement in terms of cost reduction and environmental friendliness. Here, in order to reduce such punching waste, a method is conceivable in which a plurality of gaskets having a shape divided in a plan view shape with an opening are formed by punching, and then the end faces of the plurality of gaskets are butted together and joined by welding, bonding, etc. However, in this method, the joint portion by welding or bonding, etc., is convex, so there is a problem that it is difficult to make the surface pressure generated on the gasket uniform even if the pair of housings are tightened. If a groove is provided in the pair of housings so as to avoid the convex joint portion, the gasket cannot be subjected to surface pressure at the groove, and as a result, sufficient sealing performance cannot be obtained.

[0005] In consideration of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a sealing structure that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a sealing structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first housing having a first surface on which an opening is provided, a second housing having a second surface, and a gasket group including a plurality of gaskets arranged along the periphery of the opening between the first surface and the second surface, the plurality of gaskets including a first gasket having a first end surface and a second gasket having a second end surface facing in a direction opposite to the first end surface and adjacent to the first gasket in a direction along an outer edge of the opening, each of the first gasket and the second gasket having a sheet-like metal base material and a pair of elastomer layers laminated on both sides of the metal base material, the first surface is provided with a first step surface facing the first end surface, and the second surface is provided with a second step surface facing the second end surface. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration example of a sealing structure according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a gasket group in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first housing and a first gasket in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration example of a sealing structure according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a gasket group in a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first housing and a first gasket in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a sealing structure according to a first modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a sealing structure according to a second modified example. [Figure 11] 13 is a perspective view of a first housing and a first gasket in Modification 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, in each drawing, the dimensions and scale of each part are appropriately different from the actual ones. In addition, since the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present disclosure, various technically preferable limitations are attached, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description to limit the present disclosure.

[0009] 1. First embodiment 1-1. Overview of sealing structure Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration example of a sealing structure 1 according to a first embodiment. The sealing structure 1 is a structure for liquid-tight or air-tight connection in a machine such as an automobile or industrial machine. As shown in Fig. 1, the sealing structure 1 has a first housing 10, a second housing 20, a plurality of fasteners 30, and a gasket group 40. Each part of the sealing structure 1 will be described in order below.

[0010] For ease of explanation, one direction along the axis AX is referred to as the "X1 direction" and the opposite direction to the X1 direction is referred to as the X2 direction. The axis AX is a virtual straight line that is parallel to the fastening direction of the gasket group 40 and passes through the center of an opening OP1 described below. In addition, in the following, the direction around the axis AX, i.e., the direction along the outer edge of an opening OP1 described below, may be referred to as the "circumferential direction," and the view along the axis AX may be referred to as the "planar view."

[0011] The first housing 10 is a hollow structure having a first surface F1, and an opening OP1 is provided on the first surface F1. The first housing 10 is, for example, a battery case, a motor housing, a power control unit (PCU), an electronic control unit (ECU), or a case body of an inverter used in an EV (Electric Vehicle) or HEV (hybrid electric vehicle). Similarly, the second housing 20 is a hollow structure having a second surface F2, and an opening OP2 is provided on the second surface F2. The second housing 20 is, for example, a cover connected to the case body. Each of the first housing 10 and the second housing is made of, for example, a metal such as an aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or iron.

[0012] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first housing 10 is disposed in a position in the X2 direction relative to the second housing 20. Each of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 is a tube having an axis line AX as a central axis. A flange 11 is provided at the end of the first housing 10 in the X1 direction. The surface of the flange 11 facing the X1 direction constitutes a first surface F1. Meanwhile, a flange 21 is provided at the end of the second housing 20 in the X2 direction opposite to the X1 direction. The surface of the flange 11 facing the X2 direction constitutes a second surface F2.

[0013] The shapes of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 1, but may be any shape, for example, without a flange. Here, the first housing 10 may have a configuration having a first surface F1 on which the opening OP1 is provided, and is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 1. The second housing 20 may have a configuration in which the opening OP2 is omitted, and is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 1, as long as it has a configuration having a second surface F2. In addition, the second housing 20 does not have to be hollow, and may be a solid structure.

[0014] The first surface F1 of the first housing 10 has a surface F1a, a surface F1b, and a pair of first step surfaces F1c. Each of the surfaces F1a and F1b faces the X1 direction. However, the heights of the surfaces F1a and F1b are different from each other. Specifically, the surface F1a is located in the X1 direction relative to the surface F1b. Here, the surfaces F1a and F1b are adjacent to each other in a direction along the outer edge of the opening OP1 when viewed in a direction along the axis AX.

[0015] The first step surface F1c is a surface that is perpendicular to the surfaces F1a and F1b and faces the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, one of the pair of first step surfaces F1c connects one ends of the surfaces F1a and F1b in the circumferential direction, and the other first step surface F1c connects the other ends of the surfaces F1a and F1b in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the first surface F1 is divided into the surfaces F1a and F1b by the pair of first step surfaces F1c when viewed in the direction along the axis AX.

[0016] On the other hand, the second surface F2 of the second housing 20 has a surface F2a, a surface F2b, and a pair of second step surfaces F2c. Each of the surfaces F2a and F2b faces the X2 direction. However, the heights of the surfaces F2a and F2b are different from each other. Specifically, the surface F2a is located in the X2 direction relative to the surface F2b. Here, the surfaces F2a and F2b are adjacent to each other in a direction along the outer edge of the opening OP1 when viewed in a direction along the axis line AX. Also, when viewed in a direction along the axis line AX, the surface F2a of the second surface F2 overlaps the surface F1b of the first surface F1, and the surface F2b of the second surface F2 overlaps the surface F1a of the first surface F1.

[0017] The second step surface F2c is a surface that is perpendicular to the surfaces F2a and F2b and faces the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, one of the pair of second step surfaces F2c connects one end of the surface F2a and the surface F2b in the circumferential direction, and the other second step surface F2c connects the other end of the surface F2a and the surface F2b in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the second surface F2 is divided into the surface F2a and the surface F2b by the pair of second step surfaces F2c when viewed in the direction along the axis AX.

[0018] Here, the pair of second step surfaces F2c correspond to the pair of first step surfaces F1c described above, and face in the opposite direction to the corresponding first step surfaces F1c. In this embodiment, the pair of first step surfaces F1c and the pair of second step surfaces F2c are arranged to overlap each other when viewed in the direction along the axis AX. That is, the position of the pair of first step surfaces F1c and the position of the pair of second step surfaces F2c match each other in the direction along the outer edge of the opening OP1. Here, "match" includes a state in which they match exactly, as well as a state in which there is a difference of the order of a manufacturing error.

[0019] The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are fixed to each other by a plurality of fasteners 30 via a gasket group 40. In the example shown in Fig. 1, each of the plurality of fasteners 30 is a bolt. Here, a flange 11 of the first housing 10 is provided with a female thread 12 that fits with the fastener 30. Meanwhile, a flange 21 of the second housing 20 is provided with a plurality of holes 22 for inserting the fastener 30.

[0020] Note that the flange 11 may be provided with a plurality of holes for inserting the fasteners 30 instead of the female threads 12. In this case, for example, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are fixed to each other by the plurality of fasteners 30 and a plurality of nuts that fit onto the fasteners 30.

[0021] The gasket group 40 includes a first gasket 41 and a second gasket 42 as a plurality of gaskets arranged along the periphery of an opening OP1 between a first surface F1 of the first housing 10 and a second surface F2 of the second housing 20, and forms a frame shape having an opening OP3. Here, one surface of the gasket group 40 is in close contact with the first surface F1, and the other surface of the gasket group 40 is in close contact with the second surface F2. As a result, the opening OP1 of the first housing 10 and the opening OP2 of the second housing 20 communicate with each other via the opening OP3 of the gasket group 40, and the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are connected liquid-tightly or air-tightly via the gasket group 40.

[0022] 1, the gasket group 40 is made up of a first gasket 41 and a second gasket 42. In this way, the first gasket 41 and the second gasket 42 are configured like a frame-shaped gasket divided into two.

[0023] The first gasket 41 and the second gasket 42 are sheet-shaped sealing members disposed between the first surface F1 of the first housing 10 and the second surface F2 of the second housing 20, respectively.

[0024] The first gasket 41 has a sheet-shaped metal base 41a and elastic layers 41b and 41c laminated on both sides of the metal base 41a. These are laminated in the X1 direction in the order of the elastic layer 41b, the metal base 41a, and the elastic layer 41c. Similarly, the second gasket 42 has a sheet-shaped metal base 42a and elastic layers 42b and 42c laminated on both sides of the metal base 42a. These are laminated in the X1 direction in the order of the elastic layer 42b, the metal base 42a, and the elastic layer 42c.

[0025] Each of the metal base materials 41a, 42a is a metal plate, such as a stainless steel plate, a cold-rolled steel plate, a galvanized steel plate, an aluminum plywood, etc. Each of the elastic layers 41b, 41c, 42b, 42c is a sheet-like member having elasticity, such as a rubber, such as nitrile rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, fluororubber, acrylic rubber, or silicone rubber.

[0026] The first gasket 41 is disposed between the face F1b of the first surface F1 and the face F2a of the second surface F2. Here, the face of the first gasket 41 facing the X2 direction is in close contact with the face F1b, and the face of the first gasket 41 facing the X1 direction is in close contact with the face F2a. The first gasket 41 is disposed over the entire area in the circumferential direction of the face F1b. As a result, the first gasket 41 is in contact with or close to the pair of first step faces F1c.

[0027] On the other hand, the second gasket 42 is disposed between the surface F1a of the first surface F1 and the surface F2b of the second surface F2. As a result, the second gasket 42 is adjacent to the first gasket 41 in a direction along the outer edge of the opening OP1 when viewed in a direction along the axis AX. Here, the surface of the second gasket 42 facing the X1 direction is in close contact with the surface F2b, and the surface of the second gasket 42 facing the X2 direction is in close contact with the surface F1a. In addition, the second gasket 42 is disposed over the entire area in the circumferential direction of the surface F2b. As a result, the second gasket 42 is in contact with or close to a pair of second step surfaces F2c.

[0028] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the gasket group 40 in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the first gasket 41 has a pair of first end faces E1. The pair of first end faces E1 are faces that face the pair of first step faces F1c of the first face F1 described above. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the first gasket 41 has a shape that extends along the outer edge of the opening OP1, and the pair of first end faces E1 are provided on both ends in the direction in which the first gasket 41 extends.

[0029] On the other hand, the second gasket 42 has a pair of second end faces E2. The pair of second end faces E2 are faces that face the pair of second step faces F2c of the second surface F2 described above. Here, the pair of second end faces E2 correspond to the pair of first end faces E1 described above, and face in the opposite direction to the corresponding first end faces E1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the second gasket 42 has a shape that extends along the outer edge of the opening OP1, and the pair of second end faces E2 are provided at both ends in the direction in which the second gasket 42 extends.

[0030] In this embodiment, the pair of first end faces E1 coincide with the pair of second end faces E2 in a plan view. Here, "coincidence" includes a state in which there is a difference of the order of a manufacturing error in addition to a state in which they coincide exactly.

[0031] 2, the first gasket 41 has two holes 41d, and the second gasket 42 has two holes 42d. Each of the holes 41d and 42d is a hole for inserting the above-mentioned fastener. Note that the holes 41d and 42d may be provided as necessary and may be omitted.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the first housing 10 and the first gasket 41 in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, a first end face E1 of the first gasket 41 faces the first step face F1c of the first housing 10. On the other hand, a second end face E2 of the second gasket 42 faces the second step face F2c of the second housing 20.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first step surface F1c is a smooth surface. Here, the first end surface E1 is formed by punching. Therefore, it is difficult to improve the dimensional accuracy of the first end surface E1. In contrast, the first step surface F1c is formed by machining such as cutting. Therefore, the dimensional accuracy of the first step surface F1c is higher than that of the first end surface E1. This makes it possible to reduce the gap between the first end surface E1 and the first step surface F1c compared to the gap when the first end surface E1 and the second end surface E2 are butted together. Although not shown, the second step surface F2c is also a smooth surface, similar to the first step surface F1c.

[0034] Here, it is preferable that the first end face E1 and the second end face E2 are each located between the first step face F1c and the second step face F2c when viewed in the thickness direction of the gasket group 40. In this case, the first face F1 and the second face F2 are prevented from contacting each other.

[0035] Moreover, it is preferable that the height of the first step surface F1c is smaller than the thickness of the first gasket 41 and larger than the thickness of the metal base material 41a. In this case, surface pressure can be suitably generated in the first gasket 41. Similarly, the height of the second step surface F2c is smaller than the thickness of the second gasket 42 and larger than the thickness of the metal base material 42a. In this case, surface pressure can be suitably generated in the second gasket 42.

[0036] In the above-described sealing structure 1, by using the gasket group 40 including the first gasket 41 and the second gasket 42 as the gaskets arranged along the periphery of the opening OP1 of the first surface F1, it is possible to reduce the amount of scraps generated during the manufacturing of the first gasket 41 and the second gasket 42 by punching. In addition, the first step surface F1c facing the first end surface E1 of the first gasket 41 is provided on the first surface F1 of the first housing 10, and the second step surface F2c facing the second end surface E2 of the second gasket 42 is provided on the second surface F2 of the second housing 20, thereby eliminating the gap between the first end surface E1 and the second end surface E2, and making the surface pressure applied to each of the first gasket 41 and the second gasket 42 uniform. From the above, it is possible to provide a sealing structure 1 that is environmentally friendly while achieving low cost.

[0037] Here, the first step surface F1c plays a role in positioning the first gasket 41 relative to the first housing 10, and the second step surface F2c plays a role in positioning the second gasket 42 relative to the second housing 20. This can reduce the relative positional deviation of the first gasket 41 and the second gasket 42. In addition, the first step surface F1c and the second step surface F2c can be formed with high accuracy by cutting or the like. This can reduce the gap between the first end surface E1 and the first step surface F1c and the gap between the second end surface E2 and the second step surface F2c, compared to the gap caused by butting the first end surface E1 and the second end surface E2 against each other by punching.

[0038] 2. Second embodiment A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. In the following example, for elements having the same actions and functions as those in the above embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the above embodiment will be used and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0039] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration example of a sealing structure 1A according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 5, the sealing structure 1A has a first housing 10A, a second housing 20A, a plurality of fasteners 30, and a gasket group 40A.

[0040] The first housing 10A is configured similarly to the first housing 10 of the first embodiment, except that it has a first surface F1A instead of the first surface F1 of the first embodiment.

[0041] The first face F1A of the first housing 10A has a face F1d, a face F1e, and a pair of first step faces F1f. The face F1d is configured similarly to the face F1a of the first embodiment, except that the face F1d has a different range in the circumferential direction. The face F1e is configured similarly to the face F1b of the first embodiment, except that the face F1e has a different range in the circumferential direction. The first step face F1f is configured similarly to the first step face F1c of the first embodiment, except that the face F1f has a different position in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, one of the pair of first step faces F1f connects between one ends of the face F1d and the face F1e in the circumferential direction, and the other first step face F1f connects between the other ends of the face F1d and the face F1e in the circumferential direction.

[0042] On the other hand, the second surface F2A of the second housing 20 has a surface F2d, a surface F2e, and a pair of second step surfaces F2f. The surface F2d is configured similarly to the surface F2a of the first embodiment, except that the surface F2d has a different range in the circumferential direction. The surface F2e is configured similarly to the surface F2b of the first embodiment, except that the surface F2e has a different range in the circumferential direction. The second step surface F2f is configured similarly to the second step surface F2c of the first embodiment, except that the surface F2f has a different position in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, one of the pair of second step surfaces F2f connects between one ends of the surface F2d and the surface F2e in the circumferential direction, and the other second step surface F2f connects between the other ends of the surface F2d and the surface F2e in the circumferential direction. Further, when viewed in the direction along the axis AX, the surface F2d of the second surface F2A overlaps with the surface F1e of the first surface F1A, and the surface F2e of the second surface F2A overlaps with the surface F1d of the first surface F1A.

[0043] In this embodiment, the pair of first step surfaces F1f and the pair of second step surfaces F2f are disposed at positions shifted from each other in the circumferential direction as viewed in the direction along the axis AX. That is, the position of the pair of first step surfaces F1c and the position of the pair of second step surfaces F2c are different from each other in the direction along the outer edge of the opening OP1.

[0044] The first housing 10A and the second housing 20A are fixed to each other by a plurality of fasteners 30 via a gasket group 40A. The gasket group 40A is configured similarly to the gasket group 40 of the first embodiment, except that the gasket group 40A includes a first gasket 41A and a second gasket 42A instead of the first gasket 41 and the second gasket 42 of the first embodiment.

[0045] The first gasket 41A is disposed between the surface F1e of the first surface F1A and the surface F2d of the second surface F2A. Here, the surface of the first gasket 41A facing the X2 direction is in close contact with the surface F1e, and the surface of the first gasket 41A facing the X1 direction is in close contact with the surface F2d. The first gasket 41A is disposed over the entire area in the circumferential direction of the surface F1e. As a result, the first gasket 41A is in contact with or close to the pair of first step surfaces F1f.

[0046] On the other hand, the second gasket 42A is disposed between the surface F1d of the first surface F1A and the surface F2e of the second surface F2A. As a result, the second gasket 42A is adjacent to the first gasket 41A in a direction along the outer edge of the opening OP1 when viewed in a direction along the axis AX. Here, the surface of the second gasket 42A facing the X1 direction is in close contact with the surface F2e, and the surface of the second gasket 42A facing the X2 direction is in close contact with the surface F1d. In addition, the second gasket 42A is disposed over the entire area in the circumferential direction of the surface F2e. As a result, the second gasket 42A is in contact with or close to a pair of second step surfaces F2f.

[0047] Fig. 6 is a plan view of a gasket group 40A in the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the first gasket 41A has a pair of first end faces E1A. The pair of first end faces E1A are faces that face the pair of first step faces F1f of the first face F1A described above. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the first gasket 41A has a shape that extends along the outer edge of the opening OP1, and the pair of first end faces E1A are provided on both ends in the direction in which the first gasket 41A extends.

[0048] On the other hand, the second gasket 42A has a pair of second end faces E2A. The pair of second end faces E2A are faces that face the pair of second step faces F2f of the second surface F2A described above. Here, the pair of second end faces E2A correspond to the pair of first end faces E1A described above, and face in the opposite direction to the corresponding first end faces E1A. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the second gasket 42A has a shape that extends along the outer edge of the opening OP1, and the pair of second end faces E2A are provided at both ends in the extension direction of the second gasket 42A.

[0049] In this embodiment, when viewed in the thickness direction of the gasket group 40, the first end face E1A overlaps the second gasket 42A, and the second end face E2A overlaps the first gasket 41A. Therefore, in the locations corresponding to the first end face E1A and the second end face E2A, the first face F1A can generate a surface pressure on the first housing 10A, and the second face F2A can generate a surface pressure on the second housing 20A. As a result, the surface pressures of the first gasket 41A and the second gasket 42A can be suitably uniformed.

[0050] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the first housing 10A and the first gasket 41A in the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, a first end face E1A of the first gasket 41A faces the first step face F1f of the first housing 10A. Meanwhile, a second end face E2A of the second gasket 42A faces the second step face F2f of the second housing 20A.

[0051] Here, when viewed in the thickness direction of the gasket group 40A, the first end face E1A and the second end face E2A are each located between the first step face F1f and the second step face F2f, thereby preventing the first face F1A and the second face F2A from contacting each other.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 8, the first step surface F1f is provided with a plurality of protrusions 13 aligned along the periphery of the opening OP1. This can reduce the gap between the first end surface E1A and the first step surface F1f. This gap can also produce a labyrinth effect, thereby improving the sealing performance. Although not shown, the second step surface F2f may be provided with a plurality of protrusions aligned along the periphery of the opening OP1, similar to the first step surface F1f. In this case, the gap between the second end surface E2A and the second step surface F2f can be reduced. This gap can also produce a labyrinth effect, thereby improving the sealing performance.

[0053] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the protrusions 13 are provided over the entire area in the thickness direction of the first gasket 41A so that the gap between the tip of each of the protrusions 13 and the first end face E1A is uniform. Therefore, the gap between the first end face E1A and the first step face F1f can be suitably reduced. The shape of the protrusions 13 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 8 and is arbitrary. However, it is preferable that the size or shape of the protrusions 13 is such that the labyrinth effect can be generated as described above. The tip of the protrusion 13 may contact the first end face E1A. In this case, the sealing performance can be improved by making the tip of the protrusion 13 bite into the first end face E1A.

[0054] According to the second embodiment described above, it is also possible to provide a sealing structure 1A that is environmentally friendly while achieving low costs.

[0055] 3. Variations Each of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments may be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments that may be applied to each of the above-mentioned embodiments are illustrated below. Two or more embodiments selected from the following examples may be appropriately combined as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

[0056] 3-1. Variation 1 9 is a cross-sectional view of a sealing structure 1B according to Modification 1. The sealing structure 1B is configured similarly to the sealing structure 1 of the first embodiment, except that a liquid gasket LG is added.

[0057] In the sealing structure 1B, the liquid gasket LG is filled in the gap between the first end face E1 and the first step face F1c and in the gap between the second end face E2 and the second step face F2c, thereby improving the sealing performance.

[0058] The sealing structure 1B, which is environmentally friendly and can be achieved at low cost, can also be provided by the above-described modification 1. The liquid gasket LG may be applied to both sides of each of the first gasket 41 and the second gasket .

[0059] 3-2. Variation 2 Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sealing structure 1C according to Modification 2. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a first housing 10A and a first gasket 41A in Modification 2. The sealing structure 1C is configured similarly to the sealing structure 1A of the second embodiment, except that liquid gaskets LG1 and LG2 are added.

[0060] In the sealing structure 1C, a liquid gasket LG1 is filled in the gap between the first end face E1A and the first step face F1f, and a liquid gasket LG2 is filled in the gap between the second end face E2A and the second step face F2f, thereby improving the sealing performance.

[0061] The above-described modification 2 also provides a sealing structure 1C that is environmentally friendly while achieving low cost. The liquid gaskets LG1 and LG2 may be integral with each other, or may be applied to both sides of the first gasket 41 and the second gasket 42.

[0062] 3-3. Variation 3 In the above embodiment, the gasket group is constituted by two gaskets, but is not limited to this, and the gasket group may be constituted by three or more gaskets.

[0063] 3-4. Variation 4 In the above-described embodiment, an example is given of a configuration in which the gasket group is composed only of a plurality of gaskets arranged in a circumferential direction, but this is not limited to the configuration, and the gasket group may include gaskets arranged in a direction transverse to the inside and outside of the opening of the gasket group.

[0064] 4. Notes For example, the following aspects can be understood from the above embodiment and modified examples.

[0065] A sealing structure according to a first aspect which is a preferred example of the present disclosure comprises a first housing having a first surface on which an opening is provided, a second housing having a second surface, and a gasket group including a plurality of gaskets arranged along the periphery of the opening between the first surface and the second surface, the plurality of gaskets including a first gasket having a first end surface and a second gasket having a second end surface facing in a direction opposite to the first end surface and adjacent to the first gasket in a direction along an outer edge of the opening, each of the first gasket and the second gasket having a sheet-like metal base material and a pair of elastomer layers laminated on both sides of the metal base material, the first surface is provided with a first step surface facing the first end surface, and the second surface is provided with a second step surface facing the second end surface.

[0066] In the first aspect described above, by using a gasket group including a plurality of gaskets arranged along the periphery of the opening on the first surface, it is possible to reduce the amount of scrap generated during the manufacture of each gasket by punching. Also, by providing a first step surface facing the first end surface of the first gasket on the first surface of the first housing and a second step surface facing the second end surface of the second gasket on the second surface of the second housing, it is possible to eliminate the gap between the first end surface and the second end surface and to equalize the surface pressure applied to each of the first gasket and the second gasket. From the above, it is possible to provide a sealing structure that is environmentally friendly while achieving low cost.

[0067] Here, the first step surface plays a role in positioning the first gasket relative to the first housing, and the second step surface plays a role in positioning the second gasket relative to the second housing. This can reduce the relative positional deviation of the first gasket and the second gasket. In addition, the first step surface and the second step surface can be formed with high accuracy by cutting or the like. This can reduce the gap between the first end surface and the first step surface and the gap between the second end surface and the second step surface, compared to the gap created by butting the first end surface and the second end surface together by punching.

[0068] In a second aspect which is a preferred example of the first aspect, the first end face and the second end face are each located between the first step face and the second step face when viewed in the thickness direction of the gasket group. In the second aspect described above, the first face and the second face are prevented from contacting each other.

[0069] In a third embodiment, which is a preferred example of the second embodiment, the first end face overlaps the second gasket and the second end face overlaps the first gasket when viewed in the thickness direction of the gasket group. In the third embodiment, the first face can generate a surface pressure against the first housing and the second face can generate a surface pressure against the second housing at locations corresponding to the first end face and the second end face, respectively. As a result, the surface pressures of the first gasket and the second gasket can be preferably made uniform.

[0070] In a fourth embodiment, which is a preferred example of any of the first to third embodiments, one or both of the first step surface and the second step surface are provided with a plurality of protrusions aligned along the periphery of the opening. In the fourth embodiment, the gap between the first end surface and the first step surface can be reduced, and the gap between the second end surface and the second step surface can be reduced. In addition, the gaps can create a labyrinth effect, thereby improving the sealing performance.

[0071] In a fifth aspect, which is a preferred example of any one of the first to fourth aspects, a liquid gasket is filled in a gap between the first end face and the first stepped surface and a gap between the second end face and the second stepped surface. In the fifth aspect, the sealing performance can be improved.

[0072] In a sixth aspect, which is a preferred example of any one of the first to fifth aspects, the height of the first step surface is smaller than the thickness of the first gasket and larger than the thickness of the metal base material, and the height of the second step surface is smaller than the thickness of the second gasket and larger than the thickness of the metal base material. In the sixth aspect, it is possible to preferably generate surface pressure on each of the first gasket and the second gasket. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1...sealing structure, 1A...sealing structure, 1B...sealing structure, 1C...sealing structure, 10...first housing, 10A...first housing, 11...flange, 12...female thread, 13...projection, 20...second housing, 20A...second housing, 21...flange, 22...hole, 30...fastener, 40...gasket group, 40A...gasket group, 41...first gasket, 41A...first gasket, 41a...metal base material, 41b...elastic layer, 41c...elastic layer, 41d...hole, 42...second gasket, 42A...second gasket, 42a...metal base material, 42b...elastic elastic layer, 42c...elastic layer, 42d...hole, AX...axis, E1...first end surface, E1A...first end surface, E2...second end surface, E2A...second end surface, F1...first surface, F1A...first surface, F1a...surface, F1b...surface, F1c...first step surface, F1d...surface, F1e...surface, F1f...first step surface, F2...second surface, F2A...second surface, F2a...surface, F2b...surface, F2c...second step surface, F2d...surface, F2e...surface, F2f...second step surface, LG...liquid gasket, LG1...liquid gasket, LG2...liquid gasket, OP1...opening, OP2...opening, OP3...opening.

Claims

1. a first housing having a first surface in which an opening is provided; a second housing having a second surface; a gasket group including a plurality of gaskets disposed along a periphery of the opening between the first surface and the second surface, The plurality of gaskets include a first gasket having a first end surface; a second gasket having a second end surface facing in a direction opposite to the first end surface and adjacent to the first gasket in a direction along an outer edge of the opening, Each of the first gasket and the second gasket has A sheet-like metal substrate; A pair of elastic layers laminated on both sides of the metal base material, The first surface is provided with a first step surface facing the first end surface, The second surface is provided with a second step surface facing the second end surface. Sealed structure.

2. When viewed in a thickness direction of the gasket group, each of the first end surface and the second end surface is located between the first step surface and the second step surface. The sealing structure according to claim 1 .

3. When viewed in a thickness direction of the gasket group, the first end surface overlaps the second gasket, and the second end surface overlaps the first gasket. The sealing structure according to claim 2 .

4. One or both of the first step surface and the second step surface are provided with a plurality of protrusions aligned along a periphery of the opening. The sealing structure according to claim 1 .

5. a liquid gasket is filled in each of a gap between the first end surface and the first step surface and a gap between the second end surface and the second step surface; The sealing structure according to claim 1 .

6. a height of the first step surface is smaller than a thickness of the first gasket and is larger than a thickness of the metal base material; The height of the second step surface is smaller than the thickness of the second gasket and is larger than the thickness of the metal base material. The sealing structure according to claim 1 .

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