Sealing device and sealing structure

Abstract

To simplify work for installing a sealing device that covers an elongated object such as a wire.SOLUTION: A sealing device 30 comprises a tubular elastic member 40 that covers an outer peripheral surface of an elongated object. The elastic member 40 is an integrated member with a slit 50 formed along the entire axial length.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing device and a sealing structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Terminals are fixed to the ends of various types of wiring. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the wiring is covered with a heat-shrinkable tube to prevent moisture from adhering to the wiring. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-108684 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, covering a wire with a cylindrical heat-shrinkable tube that is continuous around the entire circumference requires complicated processes. Specifically, the processes include (1) inserting the wire into the heat-shrinkable tube in advance, (2) fixing a terminal to the wire, (3) moving the heat-shrinkable tube to the connection portion between the wire and the terminal, (4) applying adhesive to the connection portion between the wire and the terminal, and (5) heating and shrinking the heat-shrinkable tube. In consideration of the above, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to simplify the installation of a sealing device that covers a long object such as a wire. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a sealing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a tubular elastic member that covers the outer surface of an elongated object, and the elastic member is a one-piece member having a slit formed along its entire axial length.

[0006] A sealing structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a long-shaped object, a housing having a storage space for storing the object, and a sealing device for sealing a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the object and the inner peripheral surface of the storage space, the sealing device including a tubular elastic member covering the outer peripheral surface of the object, the elastic member being a single member having a slit formed along its entire axial length. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view of the sealing structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional and plan views of a sealing device; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for forming a slit. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are process diagrams illustrating an assembly procedure for the sealing structure. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are explanatory views of a process of accommodating a connection cable inside an elastic member. [Figure 8] 10 is a process diagram illustrating an assembly procedure of the sealing structure according to Comparative Example 1. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a process diagram illustrating an assembly procedure of the sealing structure according to Comparative Example 2. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a sealing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a sealing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram relating to the effect of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a side view of a sealing device according to a modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a side view of a sealing device according to a modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a side view of a sealing device according to a modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a side view of a sealing device according to a modified example. [Figure 17]FIG. 10 is a side view of a sealing device according to a modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a side view of a sealing device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensions and scale of each element in each drawing may differ from those of the actual product. Furthermore, the embodiment described below is an exemplary embodiment that may be envisioned when carrying out the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment exemplified below.

[0009] A: First embodiment FIG. 1 is a side view of a sealing structure 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing structure 100. The sealing structure 100 according to the first embodiment is applied to a structure for electrically connecting multiple electrical devices, such as a power supply device mounted on an electric vehicle. However, the use of the sealing structure 100 is arbitrary and is not limited to the above examples. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sealing structure 100 includes a housing 10, a connection cable 20, and a sealing device 30.

[0010] 1 and 2 show the axis C of the sealing device 30. The axis C is the central axis of the sealing device 30. In the following description, the direction along the axis C will be referred to as the "axial direction." The axial direction is distinguished into the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction, which are opposite to each other. Furthermore, the direction of the circumference of an imaginary circle of any diameter centered on the axis C will be referred to as the "circumferential direction," and the direction of the radius of the imaginary circle will be referred to as the "radial direction." In the radial direction, the direction toward the axis C will be referred to as the "inner side," and the direction opposite to the axis C will be referred to as the "outer side."

[0011] The housing 10 is a structure in which a storage space 11 is formed. The storage space 11 is an insertion hole formed with a circular cross-sectional shape centered on the axis C. In the first embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 12 of the storage space 11 is an inclined surface that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the axial direction (axis C). Specifically, the inner circumferential surface 12 of the storage space 11 is a tapered surface that expands in diameter in the Z2 direction. In other words, the inner diameter of the storage space 11 at the end in the Z1 direction is smaller than the inner diameter of the storage space 11 at the end in the Z2 direction.

[0012] The connection cable 20 is a long member used for electrical connection. The connection cable 20 includes wiring 21 and terminals 22. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the wiring 21 is composed of a linear conductor 211 and an insulating film 212 that covers the conductor 211. The end of the conductor 211 in the Z1 direction is exposed from the insulating film 212.

[0013] The terminal 22 is a conductor fixed to the end of the wiring 21. Specifically, the terminal 22 is composed of a tip portion 221, a base portion 222, and a flange portion 223. The tip portion 221 is located in the Z1 direction of the base portion 222. The flange portion 223 is an annular portion that protrudes from the outer peripheral surfaces of the tip portion 221 and the base portion 222. The base portion 222 of the terminal 22 is fixed to the end of the conductive wire 211 of the wiring 21 that is exposed from the insulating film 212. The terminal 22 is fixed to the wiring 21 by, for example, crimping.

[0014] The sealing device 30 seals the portion of the connection cable 20 where the wiring 21 and the terminal 22 are connected (hereinafter referred to as the "connection portion"). The sealing device 30 of the first embodiment seals the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the connection cable 20 and the inner peripheral surface 12 of the accommodation space 11. As a result of the sealing by the sealing device 30, foreign matter such as moisture or dust is prevented from adhering to the connection portion.

[0015] 1 and 2, the sealing device 30 is composed of a tubular elastic member 40 that covers the connection cable 20. In other words, the connection cable 20 is an object (target) to be sealed by the sealing device 30. The sealing device 30 is housed in the housing space 11 of the housing 10 with the connection portion of the connection cable 20 covered.

[0016] The elastic member 40 is an elastically deformable structure. The elastic member 40 is formed of an elastic material such as a rubber material. Examples of rubber materials used for the elastic member 40 include ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), vinyl methyl silicone rubber (VMQ), acrylic rubber (ACM), butyl rubber (IIR), nitrile rubber (NBR), fluororubber (FKM), chloroprene rubber (CR), silicone rubber (SR), urethane rubber (U), polyurethane rubber (PUR), and hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR).

[0017] Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the sealing device 30. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view and a plan view of the sealing device 30. The cross-section illustrated in Fig. 4 is a longitudinal cross-section along the axis C of the sealing device 30. As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the elastic member 40 of the first embodiment includes a tubular portion 41 and a plurality of protrusions 42 (421, 422, 423). The elastic member 40 is a molded product in which the tubular portion 41 and the plurality of protrusions 42 are integrally formed.

[0018] The tubular portion 41 is a cylindrical portion of the elastic member 40. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the tubular portion 41 surrounds the connection cable 20. With the above configuration, the connection cable 20 can be effectively sealed.

[0019] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the tubular portion 41 includes a first end E1 and a second end E2. The first end E1 and the second end E2 are located on opposite sides of each other in the axial direction. Specifically, the first end E1 is the end of the tubular portion 41 in the Z1 direction. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the flange portion 223 of the terminal 22 of the connection cable 20 contacts the first end E1. The second end E2 is the end of the tubular portion 41 in the Z2 direction.

[0020] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tubular portion 41 includes an inner circumferential surface 411 and an outer circumferential surface 412. The outer circumferential surface 412 is an inclined surface that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the axial direction (axis C). Specifically, the outer circumferential surface 412 of the tubular portion 41 is a tapered surface that expands in diameter in the Z2 direction, similar to the inner circumferential surface 12 of the accommodation space 11. That is, the outer diameter D1 of the first end E1 of the tubular portion 41 is smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the second end E2 (D1 <D2)。

[0021] The inner circumferential surface 411 of the tubular portion 41 includes a first section 413 and a second section 414. The first section 413 is a portion of the inner circumferential surface 411 located in the Z1 direction and having an inner diameter d1. The second section 414 is a portion of the inner circumferential surface 411 located in the Z2 direction and having an inner diameter d2. The inner diameter d2 of the second section 414 is smaller than the inner diameter d1 of the first section 413. Therefore, a step surface 415 is formed between the first section 413 and the second section 414. The inner diameter d1 is an example of a "first inner diameter," and the inner diameter d2 is an example of a "second inner diameter."

[0022] The stepped surface 415 is an annular plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and connects the first section 413 and the second section 414. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the base end 222 of the terminal 22 of the connection cable 20, which is located in the Z2 direction, contacts the stepped surface 415 of the tubular portion 41. As described above, the positional relationship between the elastic member 40 and the terminal 22 in the axial direction is determined by the contact of the flange portion 223 with the first end E1 and the contact of the base end 222 with the stepped surface 415.

[0023] 3 and 4, each of the multiple protrusions 42 is a bead that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface 412 of the tubular portion 41. Each protrusion 42 is formed in an arc shape that extends in the circumferential direction of the elastic member 40. Each protrusion 42 in the first embodiment is a convex portion having a triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0024] The multiple protrusions 42 are arranged at intervals from one another in the axial direction. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, when the sealing device 30 is housed in the accommodation space 11, the top of each protrusion 42 contacts the inner circumferential surface 12 of the accommodation space 11. The outer diameter of each protrusion 42 is greater than the inner diameter of the accommodation space 11. Therefore, each protrusion 42 contacts the inner circumferential surface 12 of the accommodation space 11 with a predetermined interference.

[0025] The multiple protrusions 42 in the first embodiment include a first protrusion 421, a second protrusion 422, and a third protrusion 423. The first protrusion 421 is located in the Z1 direction of the third protrusion 423, and the second protrusion 422 is located in the Z2 direction of the third protrusion 423. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the first protrusion 421 and the third protrusion 423 are located within the range of the first section 413 in the axial direction, and the second protrusion 422 is located within the range of the second section 414. In other words, the step surface 415 of the tubular portion 41 is located between the second protrusion 422 and the third protrusion 423 in the axial direction.

[0026] The first protrusion 421 is located between the central portion and the first end E1 in the axial direction of the tubular portion 41. Specifically, the first protrusion 421 is provided at a position closer to the first end E1 than the central portion of the tubular portion 41. For example, the first protrusion 421 is located near the first end E1. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first protrusion 421 is formed at a position spaced a distance L1 from the first end E1 in the Z2 direction.

[0027] The second protrusion 422 is located between the central portion of the tubular portion 41 and the second end E2 in the axial direction. Specifically, the second protrusion 422 is provided at a position closer to the second end E2 than the central portion of the tubular portion 41. For example, the second protrusion 422 is located near the second end E2. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the second protrusion 422 is formed at a position spaced a distance L2 from the second end E2 in the Z1 direction.

[0028] The distance L2 between the second end E2 and the second protrusion 422 is greater than the distance L1 between the first end E1 and the first protrusion 421 (L2>L1). However, it is also possible for the distance L1 to be greater than the distance L2, or for the distance L1 and the distance L2 to be equal. Furthermore, the distance L1 or the distance L2 may be zero.

[0029] The third protrusion 423 is located between the first protrusion 421 and the second protrusion 422 in the axial direction. Specifically, the third protrusion 423 is formed in the central part of the tubular portion 41. Alternatively, the third protrusion 423 may be formed at the midpoint between the first protrusion 421 and the second protrusion 422.

[0030] As described above, in the first embodiment, the circumferential protrusions 42 are formed on the outer peripheral surface 412 of the tubular portion 41, which makes it possible to effectively seal the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the connection cable 20 and the inner peripheral surface 12 of the accommodating space 11. In particular, in the first embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 42 are formed on the outer peripheral surface 412 of the tubular portion 41, which makes it possible to effectively seal the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the connection cable 20 and the inner peripheral surface 12 of the accommodating space 11.

[0031] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, a slit 50 is formed in the elastic member 40 over the entire axial length. The slit 50 is a linear cut (narrow gap) that extends in the axial direction from the first end E1 to the second end E2. The elastic member 40 is continuous in the circumferential direction except for the slit 50. That is, the elastic member 40 is divided by the slit 50 at one location in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the tubular portion 41 and the multiple protrusions 42 are divided by the slit 50 at one location in the circumferential direction. Therefore, each protrusion 42 is formed in an arc shape with both ends in contact with each other across the slit 50.

[0032] As a result of the formation of the slits 50 exemplified above, the elastic member 40 includes a first divided surface 51 and a second divided surface 52, as illustrated in FIG. 4 . The first divided surface 51 and the second divided surface 52 are cross sections obtained when the elastic member 40 is cut at one location in the circumferential direction by a plane including the axis C. The first divided surface 51 and the second divided surface 52 face each other in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the first divided surface 51 and the second divided surface 52 contact each other. Therefore, although the elastic member 40 is divided by the slits 50, it essentially forms a tubular body.

[0033] The method for forming the slit 50 is arbitrary, but for example, the slit 50 is formed by cutting one circumferential point of the cylindrical elastic member 40 formed by injection molding in the axial direction using a cutting tool such as a cutter.

[0034] Note that the slits 50 may be formed by a molding die in the step of injection molding the elastic member 40. However, in molding using a molding die, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , the portion where the first divided surface 51 intersects with the outer peripheral surface 412 of the tubular portion 41 and the portion where the second divided surface 52 intersects with the outer peripheral surface 412 inevitably become curved (R-shaped). This may result in a decrease in the sealing performance of the sealing device 30. On the other hand, when the slits 50 are formed by cutting the elastic member 40 after injection molding, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , the portion where the first divided surface 51 or the second divided surface 52 intersects with the outer peripheral surface 412 of the tubular portion 41 becomes a highly accurate corner. This has the advantage of maintaining a high level of sealing performance.

[0035] Fig. 6 is a process diagram illustrating an assembly procedure of the sealed structure 100. The assembly procedure in Fig. 6 can also be expressed as a manufacturing method of the sealed structure 100. In the first step Pa1, the connection cable 20 is created by fixing the terminal 22 to the wiring 21. Specifically, the base end 222 of the terminal 22 is fixed to the end of the wiring 21 (conductor 211) by, for example, crimping.

[0036] In step Pa2 after step Pa1, the sealing device 30 is installed on the connection cable 20. Specifically, the connection portion of the connection cable 20 between the wiring 21 and the terminal 22 is covered with the sealing device 30. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of step Pa2. As illustrated in Fig. 7, step Pa2 includes an opening step Pa21, an accommodating step Pa22, and a closing step Pa23.

[0037] In the opening step Pa21, the elastic member 40 is deformed to an open state (hereinafter referred to as the "open state"). As illustrated in Fig. 7, the open state is a state in which the width of the slit 50 is expanded by applying an external force to the elastic member 40. That is, in the open state, the first divided surface 51 and the second divided surface 52 are separated from each other.

[0038] In the accommodating step Pa22 after the opening step Pa21 is performed, the connection cable 20 is accommodated inside the elastic member 40 by passing through the open slit 50. The connection cable 20 may be moved with the elastic member 40 fixed, or the elastic member 40 may be moved with the connection cable 20 fixed. In the accommodating step Pa22, the positional relationship between the elastic member 40 and the terminal 22 in the axial direction is determined so that the flange portion 223 of the terminal 22 contacts the first end E1 and the base end portion 222 contacts the step surface 415, as illustrated in FIG.

[0039] In the closing step Pa23 after the accommodating step Pa22, the elastic member 40 is deformed to a closed state (hereinafter referred to as the "closed state") as illustrated in Fig. 7. The closed state is a state in which the slit 50 is closed by removing the external force acting on the elastic member 40. That is, in the closed state, the first divided surface 51 and the second divided surface 52 are in contact with each other. Note that in step Pa2, an adhesive may be filled into the gap between the connection cable 20 and the sealing device 30.

[0040] 6 , in step Pa3 after step Pa2, the terminal 22 of the connection cable 20 and the sealing device 30 are inserted into the accommodation space 11 of the housing 10. With each protrusion 42 in contact with the inner circumferential surface 12 of the accommodation space 11, the sealing device 30 is pressed in the Z1 direction by an external force, whereby the connection cable 20 and the sealing device 30 are accommodated in the accommodation space 11.

[0041] In step Pa3, the sealing device 30 enters the accommodation space 11 with the first end E1 at the forefront. As described above, the outer peripheral surface 412 of the tubular portion 41 is an inclined surface in which the outer diameter D1 of the first end E1 is smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the second end E2. Therefore, compared to, for example, a configuration in which the outer peripheral surface 412 of the tubular portion 41 is a cylindrical surface whose outer diameter is maintained constant over the entire length (see FIG. 16 below), the operation of inserting the sealing device 30 into the accommodation space 11 is facilitated. The sealing structure 100 is completed through the above procedure.

[0042] In a configuration in which the protrusions 42 are not formed on the outer peripheral surface 412 of the tubular portion 41, in step Pa3 of accommodating the tubular portion 41 in the accommodation space 11, the outer peripheral surface 412 of the tubular portion 41 comes into surface contact with the inner peripheral surface 12 of the accommodation space 11. Therefore, a large external force is required to insert the tubular portion 41 into the accommodation space 11. In the first embodiment, the protrusions 42 are formed on the tubular portion 41, and therefore it is the protrusions 42 that come into contact with the inner peripheral surface 12 of the accommodation space 11 in step Pa3 of accommodating the tubular portion 41 in the accommodation space 11. Therefore, the external force required to insert the tubular portion 41 into the accommodation space 11 can be reduced.

[0043] As described above, in the first embodiment, the axial slit 50 is formed in the tubular elastic member 40 that constitutes the sealing device 30, so that the connection cable 20 can be housed inside the elastic member 40 through the slit 50. This simplifies the installation work of the sealing device 30 that covers the connection cable 20. Specifically, this is as follows.

[0044] 8 is a process diagram illustrating an assembly procedure for a sealing structure 100 according to Comparative Example 1. Comparative Example 1 is an embodiment in which the connection cable 20 is covered with a heat-shrinkable tube 91 instead of the sealing device 30 of the first embodiment. The heat-shrinkable tube 91 is a tubular member made of an elastic material that shrinks when heated.

[0045] In Comparative Example 1, in step Pb1, the wire 21 is inserted into the heat-shrinkable tube 91. In step Pb2 after step Pb1, the terminal 22 is fixed to the end of the wire 21 exposed from the heat-shrinkable tube 91.

[0046] In step Pb3 after step Pb2, the heat shrink tube 91 is moved in the Z1 direction to cover the connection portion of the connection cable 20 with the heat shrink tube 91, and adhesive is applied to the gap between the heat shrink tube 91 and the connection cable 20.

[0047] In step Pb4 after step Pb3, the heat-shrinkable tube 91 is shrunk by heat treatment (specifically, heating). Through the above steps, the connection portion of the connection cable 20 is sealed with the heat-shrinkable tube 91. In step Pb5 after step Pb4, the terminal 22 of the connection cable 20 and the heat-shrinkable tube 91 are inserted into the accommodation space 11 of the housing 10.

[0048] As can be understood from the above description, the first embodiment does not require the steps Pb1 of inserting the wiring 21 into the heat-shrinkable tube 91 in advance, the step Pb3 of moving the heat-shrinkable tube 91 in the Z1 direction to apply adhesive, and the step Pb4 of shrinking the heat-shrinkable tube 91 by heat treatment, which are steps in Comparative Example 1. That is, according to the first embodiment, the work of installing the sealing device 30 that covers the connection cable 20 is simplified compared to Comparative Example 1.

[0049] Furthermore, in Comparative Example 1, it is possible that in step Pb4, the heat-shrinkable tube 91 may not shrink properly, the heat-shrinkable tube 91 may overheat and burn, excess adhesive may drip, or the adhesive may not properly penetrate into the conductors 211 of the connection cable 20. According to the first embodiment, there is no need to use the heat-shrinkable tube 91, which has the advantage of eliminating the above-mentioned problems.

[0050] 9 is a process diagram illustrating an assembly procedure for the sealing structure 100 according to Comparative Example 2. Comparative Example 2 is an embodiment in which the connection cable 20 is covered by a sealing device 92 that does not have the slit 50 shown in the first embodiment. That is, the sealing device 92 of Comparative Example 2 is a cylindrical member that is continuous around the entire circumference.

[0051] In Comparative Example 2, in step Pc1, the wire 21 is inserted into the sealing device 92. In step Pc2 after step Pc1, the terminal 22 is fixed to the end of the wire 21 exposed from the sealing device 92.

[0052] In step Pc3 after step Pc2, the sealing device 92 is moved in the Z1 direction to cover the connection portion of the connection cable 20 with the sealing device 92. In step Pc4 after step Pc3, the terminal 22 of the connection cable 20 and the sealing device 92 are inserted into the accommodation space 11 of the housing 10.

[0053] As can be understood from the above description, the first embodiment does not require the process Pc1 of inserting the wiring 21 into the sealing device 92 in advance and the process Pc3 of moving the sealing device 92 in the Z1 direction in Comparative Example 2. That is, according to the first embodiment, the work of installing the sealing device 30 that covers the connection cable 20 is simplified compared to Comparative Example 2.

[0054] B: Second embodiment A second embodiment will be described. In the following embodiments, elements that have the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0055] Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the sealing device 30 in the second embodiment. Fig. 11 is a front view of the sealing device 30 as viewed from the axial direction. As illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11, the elastic member 40 constituting the sealing device 30 includes a first axial projection 431 and a second axial projection 432 in addition to the tubular portion 41 and multiple projections 42 (421, 422, 423) similar to those in the first embodiment. The elastic member 40 of the second embodiment is a molded product in which the tubular portion 41, the multiple projections 42, the first axial projection 431, and the second axial projection 432 are integrally formed.

[0056] Each of the first axial protrusion 431 and the second axial protrusion 432 is a bead that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface 412 of the tubular portion 41. The height of the top of the first axial protrusion 431 and the second axial protrusion 432 is equal to the height of the top of each protrusion 42. Therefore, when the sealing device 30 is housed in the housing space 11, the first axial protrusion 431 and the second axial protrusion 432, together with each protrusion 42, come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 12 of the housing space 11.

[0057] The first axial protrusion 431 and the second axial protrusion 432 extend linearly along the axial direction. Specifically, the first axial protrusion 431 and the second axial protrusion 432 extend along the slit 50 over the entire length of the elastic member 40 in the axial direction. In other words, the first axial protrusion 431 and the second axial protrusion 432 extend in the axial direction between the first end E1 and the second end E2.

[0058] 10 and 11, the first axial protrusion 431 and the second axial protrusion 432 face each other in the circumferential direction with the slit 50 therebetween. Specifically, the first axial protrusion 431 and the second axial protrusion 432 come into contact with each other. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the surface of the first axial protrusion 431 facing the second axial protrusion 432 constitutes the first divided surface 51, and the surface of the second axial protrusion 432 facing the first axial protrusion 431 constitutes the second divided surface 52.

[0059] The second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Moreover, in the second embodiment, the first axial protrusion 431 and the second axial protrusion 432 contact each other with the slit 50 therebetween, so that the first divided surface 51 and the second divided surface 52 that face each other with the slit 50 therebetween in the elastic member 40 can be effectively sealed.

[0060] 12, attention will be focused on the end portion e1 and the end portion e2 of each circumferentially extending protrusion 42, which face each other across the slit 50. When the sealing device 30 is housed in the housing space 11, the position of the end portion e1 and the position of the end portion e2 in the axial direction may be misaligned. Even in the above state, in the second embodiment, the first axial protrusion 431 and the second axial protrusion 432 come into contact with each other, thereby achieving sealing over the entire circumference by the circumferential protrusion 42. That is, as described above, the first divided surface 51 and the second divided surface 52, which face each other across the slit 50 in the elastic member 40, can be effectively sealed.

[0061] C: Modified Example Specific modified embodiments that can be added to the embodiments exemplified above are shown below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not being mutually contradictory.

[0062] (1) In the above-described embodiments, the angle at which the outer peripheral surface 412 of the tubular portion 41 is inclined relative to the axis C is equal to the angle at which the inner peripheral surface 12 of the accommodation space 11 is inclined relative to the axis C. However, the inclination angle of the outer peripheral surface 412 and the inclination angle of the inner peripheral surface 12 may be different. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13 , a configuration is envisioned in which the inclination angle of the outer peripheral surface 412 of the elastic member 40 is greater than the inclination angle of the inner peripheral surface 12 of the accommodation space 11. According to the above-described embodiment, the outer diameter D1 of the first end E1 of the elastic member 40 is sufficiently reduced compared to the outer diameter D2 of the second end E2, which facilitates the operation of accommodating the sealing device 30 in the accommodation space 11 with the first end E1 at the forefront.

[0063] 13, the distance between the outer peripheral surface 412 of the tubular portion 41 and the inner peripheral surface 12 of the accommodation space 11 varies depending on the axial position. For example, the distance between the outer peripheral surface 412 and the inner peripheral surface 12 at the first end E1 is greater than the distance between the outer peripheral surface 412 and the inner peripheral surface 12 at the second end E2. Therefore, in order to ensure an equal interference for the multiple protrusions 42, the height of each protrusion 42 relative to the outer peripheral surface 412 of the tubular portion 41 needs to be different for each protrusion 42.

[0064] 13, the height of the first protrusion 421 is greater than the height of the third protrusion 423, and the height of the third protrusion 423 is greater than the height of the second protrusion 422. According to the above embodiment, the elastic member 40 has a tapered shape, which makes it easier to insert the elastic member 40 into the accommodation space 11, while ensuring an equal amount of interference between the protrusions 42 and the inner circumferential surface 12 of the accommodation space 11.

[0065] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the elastic member 40 includes the first protrusion 421, the second protrusion 422, and the third protrusion 423. However, the number of protrusions 42 may be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in Fig. 14, the third protrusion 423 may be omitted. Also contemplated are embodiments in which the elastic member 40 does not include a protrusion 42, or embodiments in which the elastic member 40 includes one or four or more protrusions 42.

[0066] (3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the protrusions 42 have a triangular cross-sectional shape, but the shape of each protrusion 42 is not limited to the above examples. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 15, a protrusion 42 having a curved cross-sectional shape (e.g., semicircular) may be formed on the outer peripheral surface 412 of the tubular portion 41. Furthermore, a plurality of protrusions 42 having different cross-sectional shapes may be formed on the outer peripheral surface 412.

[0067] (4) In the above-described embodiments, the outer peripheral surface 412 of the tubular portion 41 is an inclined surface (tapered surface), but the shape of the outer peripheral surface 412 of the tubular portion 41 is not limited to these examples. For example, as shown in Fig. 16, the outer peripheral surface 412 of the tubular portion 41 may be a cylindrical surface whose outer diameter is constant along its entire length. Similarly, the inner peripheral surface 12 of the accommodation space 11 may be a cylindrical surface whose outer diameter is constant along its entire length.

[0068] (5) In the above-described embodiments, the slits 50 extending linearly in the axial direction are illustrated, but the shape of the slits 50 is not limited to the above examples. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 17, the slits 50 may be formed in the elastic member 40 in a folded (wave-shaped) shape along the axial direction. In the configuration of Fig. 17, a first axial protrusion 431 and a second axial protrusion 432 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface 412 of the tubular portion 41 in a folded line shape along the slits 50.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the slits 50 are illustrated as being parallel to the axial direction, but as illustrated in Fig. 18, for example, the slits 50 extending in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction may be formed in the elastic member 40. In the configuration of Fig. 18, a first axial protrusion 431 and a second axial protrusion 432 inclined toward the axis C along the slits 50 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface 412 of the tubular portion 41.

[0070] (6) In the above-described embodiments, the sealing device 30 is configured by the elastic member 40, but the configuration of the sealing device 30 is not limited to the above examples. For example, a highly rigid reinforcing ring made of a metal material may be embedded in the elastic member 40. In other words, the sealing device 30 is comprehensively expressed as an element including the elastic member 40, and the presence or absence of elements other than the elastic member 40 is not an issue.

[0071] (7) In the above-described embodiments, the elastic member 40 (tubular portion 41) is tubular in shape, but the shape of the elastic member 40 is not limited to the above examples. For example, the elastic member 40 (tubular portion 41) may be a rectangular tubular member having a polygonal (e.g., rectangular) cross-sectional shape.

[0072] (8) In the above-described embodiments, the sealing device 30 that covers the connection cable 20 has been exemplified, but the object to be sealed by the sealing device 30 is not limited to the connection cable 20. For example, the sealing device 30 may be used to cover a portion where multiple pipes are connected in series. Furthermore, a sealing device 30 in which the cross-sectional shape of the elastic member 40 is rectangular is used to cover, for example, the connection portion of a connector having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. As can be understood from the above examples, the object to be covered by the sealing device 30 is collectively referred to as the "object." The sealing device 30 is particularly suitable for sealing a long object such as the connection cable 20.

[0073] (9) The term "nth" (n is a natural number) in this application is used only as a formal and convenient label to distinguish each element in the description and does not have any substantive meaning. Therefore, there is no room for restrictive interpretation of the position of each element or the order of manufacture, etc., based on the term "nth."

[0074] D: Notes From the above-described exemplary embodiments, the following configurations can be understood, for example.

[0075] A sealing device according to one aspect (Aspect 1) of the present disclosure includes a tubular elastic member that covers the outer peripheral surface of an elongated object, and the elastic member is a single member with a slit formed along its entire axial length. According to this aspect, the tubular elastic member that constitutes the sealing device has an axial slit formed therein, so that the object can be moved from the slit into the elastic member. This simplifies the installation of the sealing device that covers the object.

[0076] In a specific example (Aspect 2) of Aspect 1, the elastic member includes a tubular portion that surrounds the object. According to the above aspect, the object is surrounded by the tubular portion, so that the object can be effectively sealed.

[0077] In a specific example (Aspect 3) of Aspect 2, the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion is an inclined surface that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the axial direction. According to the above aspect, since the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion is an inclined surface, the operation of inserting the tubular portion into the accommodation space from the small-diameter end of the tubular portion is easier than in an embodiment in which the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion is a cylindrical surface.

[0078] In a specific example (Aspect 4) of Aspect 2 or Aspect 3, the elastic member includes one or more protrusions protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion, and the one or more protrusions extend in the circumferential direction of the elastic member, with both ends contacting each other across the slit. According to the above aspect, since circumferential protrusions protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion are formed, it is possible to effectively seal the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the object and the inner peripheral surface of the storage space that stores the object.

[0079] In a configuration in which no protrusions are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion, the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion comes into surface contact with the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation space during the process of accommodating the tubular portion in the accommodation space, so a large external force is required to insert the tubular portion into the accommodation space.In a configuration in which protrusions are formed on the tubular portion, it is the protrusions that come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation space during the process of accommodating the tubular portion in the accommodation space, so the external force required to insert the tubular portion into the accommodation space is reduced.

[0080] In a specific example (Aspect 5) of Aspect 4, the tubular portion includes a first end and a second end located opposite each other in the axial direction, and the one or more protrusions include a first protrusion located between a central portion and the first end in the axial direction of the tubular portion, and a second protrusion located between the central portion and the second end. According to the above aspect, the first protrusion and the second protrusion can effectively seal a gap between the outer peripheral surface of an object and the inner peripheral surface of a storage space that stores the object.

[0081] In a specific example (Aspect 6) of Aspect 5, the one or more protrusions further include a third protrusion located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the axial direction. According to the above aspect, since the third protrusion is provided on the tubular portion in addition to the first and second protrusions, it is possible to more effectively seal the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the object and the inner peripheral surface of the storage space compared to an aspect in which the third protrusion is not provided.

[0082] In a specific example (Aspect 7) of any of Aspects 2 to 6, the elastic member includes a first axial protrusion and a second axial protrusion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion, the first axial protrusion and the second axial protrusion extending along the axial direction and contacting each other with the slit in between. According to the above aspects, since the first axial protrusion and the second axial protrusion contact each other with the slit in between, it is possible to effectively seal the first divided surface and the second divided surface of the elastic member that face each other with the slit in between.

[0083] In a specific example (Aspect 8) of any of Aspects 2 to 7, the object is a connection cable including a wire and a terminal fixed to an end of the wire, and the inner circumferential surface of the tubular portion includes a first section with a first inner diameter, a second section with a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter, and a stepped surface between the first section and the second section, and the base end of the terminal located on the wire side contacts the stepped surface. In the above aspect, the connection portion between the wire and the terminal in the connection cable can be effectively sealed by the sealing device. This reduces the possibility of foreign matter such as dust or moisture entering the connection portion.

[0084] A sealing structure according to one aspect (Aspect 9) of the present disclosure includes a long object, a housing having a storage space for storing the object, and a sealing device for sealing a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the object and the inner peripheral surface of the storage space, the sealing device including a tubular elastic member covering the outer peripheral surface of the object, the elastic member being an integral member having a slit formed along its entire axial length. According to the above aspect, the tubular elastic member constituting the sealing device has an axial slit formed therein, so that the object can be moved from the slit into the elastic member. This simplifies the process of covering the object with the sealing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 100...sealing structure, 10...housing, 11...accommodation space, 12...inner surface, 20...connection cable, 21...wiring, 211...conductor, 212...insulating film, 22...terminal, 221...tip portion, 222...base end portion, 223...flange-shaped portion, 30...sealing device, 40...elastic member, 41...tubular portion, 411...inner surface, 412...outer surface, 413...first section, 414...second section, 415...step surface, 42...protrusion, 421...first protrusion, 422...second protrusion, 423...third protrusion, 431...first axial protrusion, 432...second axial protrusion, 50...slit, 51...first dividing surface, 52...second dividing surface.

Claims

1. a tubular elastic member that covers an outer circumferential surface of an elongated object, The elastic member is an integral member having a slit formed along the entire axial length. Sealing device.

2. The elastic member is a tubular portion surrounding the object The sealing device of claim 1.

3. The outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion is an inclined surface that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the axial direction. The sealing device of claim 2.

4. The elastic member is one or more protrusions projecting from the outer circumferential surface of the tubular portion; The one or more protrusions extend in the circumferential direction of the elastic member, and both ends thereof contact each other across the slit. The sealing device of claim 2.

5. the tubular portion includes a first end and a second end axially opposite one another; The one or more protrusions are a first protrusion located between a central portion of the tubular portion in an axial direction and the first end; a second protrusion located between the central portion and the second end The sealing device of claim 4.

6. The one or more protrusions may further comprise: and a third protrusion located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the axial direction. The sealing device of claim 5.

7. The elastic member is a first axial protrusion and a second axial protrusion protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the tubular portion; The first axial protrusion and the second axial protrusion extend along the axial direction and contact each other across the slit. The sealing device according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. The object is Wiring and a terminal fixed to an end of the wiring, The inner circumferential surface of the tubular portion is a first section of a first inner diameter; a second section having a second inner diameter that is less than the first inner diameter; a step surface between the first section and the second section, The base end of the terminal located on the wiring side contacts the step surface. The sealing device of claim 2.

9. A long object, a housing having a storage space for storing the object; a sealing device that seals a gap between an outer peripheral surface of the object and an inner peripheral surface of the accommodation space; Equipped with the sealing device includes a tubular elastic member that covers an outer peripheral surface of the object, The elastic member is an integral member having a slit formed along the entire axial length. Sealed structure.

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