Gasket and sealing structure

Abstract

To seal between members while securing durability against high pressure from the outside.SOLUTION: The gasket 20 includes a loop-shaped sealing part 30, a protection part 40 located outside the sealing part 30 and having a thickness equal to or larger than that of the sealing part 30, and one or more connection parts 50 connecting the sealing part 30 and the protection part 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to gaskets and sealing structures. [Background technology]

[0002] Gaskets for sealing the space between opposing components have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for increasing the size of a gasket while reducing the size of a molding die by unfolding a gasket that has been molded in a folded shape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-065635 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-301874 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, a sealing structure in which a space between a first member and a second member is sealed with a gasket may be subjected to high pressure from the outside. For example, a high-pressure cleaning solution used for high-pressure washing may be sprayed onto the gasket from the outside. If the gasket is deformed due to high pressure from the outside, it may not be possible to achieve the desired sealing performance. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to seal between members while ensuring durability against high pressure from the outside. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a gasket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a loop-shaped sealing portion, a protective portion located outside the sealing portion and having a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the sealing portion, and one or more connecting portions connecting the sealing portion and the protective portion.

[0006] A sealing structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first member including a first sealing surface, a second member including a second sealing surface opposite the first sealing surface, and a gasket that seals the space between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, wherein the gasket includes a loop-shaped sealing portion located between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, a protective portion located outside the sealing portion and having a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the sealing portion, and one or more connecting portions that connect the sealing portion and the protective portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the gasket. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sealing structure according to a comparative example. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the gasket during molding. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the guide portion in the attached state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a gasket according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a partial plan view of a gasket during molding in a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a gasket according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a gasket according to a modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a gasket according to a modified example. [Figure 15]FIG. 10 is a plan view of a gasket according to a modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a gasket during molding in 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 cross-sectional view of a sealing structure 100 according to a first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the sealing structure 100 according to the first embodiment includes a first member 11, a second member 12, and a gasket 20. The first member 11 and the second member 12 are joined together to form a hollow housing 10. The housing 10 is a structure that houses various items, such as a battery mounted in an electric vehicle. For example, the second member 12 is a box-shaped member that houses the items, and the first member 11 is a lid member that seals the opening of the second member 12. A gasket 20 is sandwiched between the first member 11 and the second member 12. The gasket 20 is an endless loop-shaped sealing device that seals the space between the first member 11 and the second member 12.

[0010] In the following description, the Z axis is assumed. The Z axis is an axis parallel to the thickness direction (or height direction) of the gasket 20. One direction along the Z axis is referred to as the Z1 direction, and the direction opposite to the Z1 direction is referred to as the Z2 direction. The first member 11 is located in the Z1 direction of the second member 12. In the following description, observing an object from a line of sight along the Z axis is referred to as a "planar view." Any direction within a plane perpendicular to the Z axis is referred to as an "in-plane direction."

[0011] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first member 11 is a structure including a first sealing surface S11, a first outer surface S12, and a first side surface S13. The first sealing surface S11 is a flat surface perpendicular to the Z axis and facing the Z2 direction. The first outer surface S12 is the surface opposite the first sealing surface S11 (i.e., the top surface of the housing 10). The first side surface S13 is an exterior surface that forms an angle with the first sealing surface S11 and the first outer surface S12. Specifically, the first side surface S13 is perpendicular to the first sealing surface S11 and the first outer surface S12. The Z axis can also be expressed as an axis perpendicular to the first sealing surface S11.

[0012] The second member 12 is a structure including a second sealing surface S21, a second outer surface S22, and a second side surface S23. The second sealing surface S21 is a flat surface perpendicular to the Z axis and facing the Z1 direction. The second outer surface S22 is the surface opposite the second sealing surface S21 (i.e., the bottom surface of the housing 10). The second side surface S23 is an exterior surface that forms an angle with the second sealing surface S21 and the second outer surface S22. Specifically, the second side surface S23 is perpendicular to the second sealing surface S21 and the second outer surface S22. The Z axis is also expressed as an axis perpendicular to the second sealing surface S21.

[0013] The first sealing surface S11 of the first member 11 and the second sealing surface S21 of the second member 12 face each other. Specifically, the first sealing surface S11 and the second sealing surface S21 face each other with a predetermined distance between them. The gasket 20 of the first embodiment is disposed between the first sealing surface S11 and the second sealing surface S21 to seal the space between the first sealing surface S11 and the second sealing surface S21.

[0014] In the first embodiment, the first sealing surface S11 and the second sealing surface S21 are flat surfaces without an installation groove for accommodating the gasket 20. Therefore, the manufacturing costs of the first member 11 and the second member 12 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which an installation groove for accommodating the gasket 20 is formed in the first sealing surface S11 and the second sealing surface S21.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the gasket 20 in the first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows the gasket 20 in a state where it is not installed between the first member 11 and the second member 12 (hereinafter referred to as the "unattached state"). As shown in Fig. 2, the first embodiment illustrates a gasket 20 whose planar shape is a rectangular loop. However, the planar shape of the gasket 20 may be changed as desired.

[0016] The gasket 20 is made of an elastic material. The elastic material used as the base material of the gasket 20 is, for example, various rubber materials. Examples of the main material of the gasket 20 include various rubber materials such as chloroprene rubber (CR), silicone rubber (SR), acrylic rubber (ACM), urethane rubber (U), polyurethane rubber (PUR), vinyl methyl silicone rubber (VMQ), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), and fluororubber (FKM). However, the material of the gasket 20 is not limited to the above examples. For example, the gasket 20 may be made of various elastically deformable resin materials.

[0017] 2, the gasket 20 of the first embodiment includes a sealing portion 30, a protective portion 40, and a plurality of connecting portions 50. Each of the connecting portions 50 connects the sealing portion 30 and the protective portion 40 together. The gasket 20 is a molded product in which the sealing portion 30, the protective portion 40, and the connecting portions 50 are integrally formed. The gasket 20 is manufactured using a molding technique such as injection molding or compression molding.

[0018] The sealing portion 30 is a portion formed in a loop shape in a plan view. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the sealing portion 30 is positioned between the first sealing surface S11 and the second sealing surface S21, thereby realizing the original sealing function of the gasket 20.

[0019] Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the gasket 20. The upper part in Fig. 3 corresponds to the inside of the gasket 20, and the lower part in Fig. 3 corresponds to the outside of the gasket 20. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 3.

[0020] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the sealing unit 30 includes a first surface F1 and a second surface F2. The first surface F1 is the upper surface of the sealing unit 30 located in the Z1 direction. The first surface F1 faces and contacts the first sealing surface S11 of the first member 11. On the other hand, the second surface F2 is the surface opposite the first surface F1. In other words, the second surface F2 is the lower surface of the sealing unit 30 located in the Z2 direction. The second surface F2 faces and contacts the second sealing surface S21 of the second member 12.

[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the protective portion 40 is a loop-shaped portion located outside the sealing portion 30 in a plan view. The protective portion 40 is formed with a predetermined width around the entire periphery and surrounds the sealing portion 30. The protective portion 40 protects the sealing portion 30 from high external pressure. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the cross-sectional shape of the protective portion 40 is, for example, a rectangular shape that is elongated in the Z-axis direction. The protective portion 40 includes a first end face E1 and a second end face E2. The first end face E1 is the upper surface of the protective portion 40 located in the Z1 direction. The second end face E2 is the surface of the protective portion 40 opposite the first face F1. In other words, the second end face E2 is the lower surface of the protective portion 40 located in the Z2 direction.

[0022] 4 to 6, in the unattached gasket 20, the thickness Tb of the protective portion 40 is greater than the thickness Ta of the sealing portion 30 (Tb>Ta). The thickness Ta of the sealing portion 30 is the distance between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2. The thickness Tb of the protective portion 40 is the distance between the first end surface E1 and the second end surface E2. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 1, even in a state in which the gasket 20 is attached between the first member 11 and the second member 12 (hereinafter referred to as the "attached state"), the thickness Tb of the protective portion 40 is greater than the thickness Ta of the sealing portion 30 (Tb>Ta).

[0023] 1 and 4 to 6, in both the attached state and the detached state, the first end face E1 of the protective unit 40 is located further in the Z1 direction than the first face F1 of the sealing unit 30. That is, the protective unit 40 protrudes in the Z1 direction from the first face F1 of the sealing unit 30. Furthermore, the second end face E2 of the protective unit 40 is located further in the Z2 direction than the second face F2 of the sealing unit 30. That is, the protective unit 40 protrudes in the Z2 direction from the second face F2 of the sealing unit 30. As can be understood from the above explanation, the range in which the protective unit 40 exists on the Z axis (the range between the first end face E1 and the second end face E2) includes the range in which the sealing unit 30 exists on the Z axis (the range between the first face F1 and the second face F2).

[0024] As described above, in the first embodiment, the protective portion 40 is installed on the outside of the loop-shaped sealing portion 30 that seals the gap between the first member 11 and the second member 12. Therefore, the gap between the first member 11 and the second member 12 can be sealed while ensuring durability against high external pressure. For example, high-pressure cleaning fluid supplied from the outside for high-pressure cleaning collides with the outer peripheral surface of the protective portion 40. Therefore, the pressure of the cleaning fluid reaching the sealing portion 30 is sufficiently reduced, or the cleaning fluid is blocked by the protective portion 40, preventing it from reaching the sealing portion 30. As a result of reducing the external pressure on the sealing portion 30 as described above, excessive deformation of the sealing portion 30 (e.g., inward deformation due to pressure) is suppressed. Therefore, the target sealing performance can be maintained by the sealing portion 30.

[0025] As a structure for suppressing deformation of the sealing portion 30 due to high external pressure, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a configuration in which a protective portion 13 located outside the sealing portion 30 is provided on the first member 11 (hereinafter referred to as a "comparative example") is also envisioned. The gasket 20 of the comparative example is composed only of the sealing portion 30 and does not include a protective portion 40 or a connecting portion 50. The protective portion 13 in FIG. 7 is formed by pressing the peripheral portion of the flat plate-shaped first member 11. The protective portion 13 in FIG. 7 can also be formed by casting a metal material such as aluminum or molding a resin material.

[0026] However, the comparative example has a problem of an increase in the manufacturing cost of the first member 11. In contrast to the comparative example, in the first embodiment, the gasket 20 includes the sealing portion 30 and the protective portion 40, and therefore has an advantage over the comparative example in that an increase in the manufacturing cost of the housing 10 (particularly the first member 11) can be suppressed.

[0027] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the thickness Tb of the protection portion 40 is greater than the thickness Ta of the sealing portion 30. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the thickness Tb of the protection portion 40 is less than the thickness Ta of the sealing portion 30, high external pressure is suppressed over a wider range, resulting in effective improvement in durability against high pressure. In particular, in the first embodiment, the first end face E1 of the protection portion 40 is located further in the Z1 direction than the first face F1 of the sealing portion 30, and the second end face E2 of the protection portion 40 is located further in the Z2 direction than the second face F2 of the sealing portion 30. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the first end face E1 of the protection portion 40 is located further in the Z2 direction than the first face F1 of the sealing portion 30 or a configuration in which the second end face E2 of the protection portion 40 is located further in the Z1 direction than the second face F2 of the sealing portion 30, durability against high external pressure can be effectively improved.

[0028] 1, when the gasket 20 is attached, the protective portion 40 is located outside the first member 11 and the second member 12 in a plan view. That is, the first member 11 and the second member 12 are surrounded by the protective portion 40 over their entire periphery in a plan view. With the above configuration, compared to a configuration in which the protective portion 40 is located between the first member 11 and the second member 12, it is easier to protect the sealing portion 30 from high pressures such as those caused by cleaning fluid used for high-pressure washing. Therefore, durability against high external pressures can be improved.

[0029] In addition, in the attached state, the inner circumferential surface of the protective part 40 faces the first side surface S13 and the second side surface S23. In the first embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the protective part 40 faces the first side surface S13 and the second side surface S23 at a predetermined distance. Specifically, the inner circumferential surface of the portion of the protective part 40 on the first end face E1 side faces the first side surface S13, and the inner circumferential surface of the portion of the protective part 40 on the second end face E2 side faces the second side surface S23.

[0030] In the above configuration, when high pressure acts on the protective part 40, for example, by spraying a cleaning liquid or the like, the inner peripheral surface of the protective part 40 comes into contact with the first side surface S13 and the second side surface S23. That is, the protective part 40 is pressed inward by the high pressure and is supported from behind by the first side surface S13 and the second side surface S23. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, durability against external high pressure can be sufficiently ensured.

[0031] 2 and 3, the sealing portion 30 of the gasket 20 in the first embodiment includes a plurality of base portions 60 and a plurality of joint portions 70. The base portions 60 and the joint portions 70 are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the gasket 20. That is, a joint portion 70 is located between two adjacent base portions 60, and another base portion 60 is located between two adjacent joint portions 70. The protective portion 40 is continuous around the entire periphery of the sealing portion 30 so as to surround both the plurality of base portions 60 and the plurality of joint portions 70.

[0032] The bending rigidity of each joint portion 70 in the width direction of the gasket 20 is lower than the bending rigidity of each base portion 60 in the width direction. For example, the second moment of area of ​​the joint portion 70 is lower than the second moment of area of ​​the base portion 60. Therefore, each joint portion 70 is more susceptible to deformation such as bending in the in-plane direction than each base portion 60.

[0033] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the planar shape of each joint portion 70 is a bellows shape that is repeatedly curved toward both the inside and outside of the gasket 20. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the cross-sectional shape of the joint portion 70 is, for example, a rectangular shape that is elongated in the Z-axis direction. However, the cross-sectional shape of the joint portion 70 may be changed as desired. The relationship (whether different or larger or smaller) between the width of the joint portion 70 and the width of the protective portion 40 is arbitrary. That is, the width of the joint portion 70 may be the same as the width of the protective portion 40, may be larger than the width of the protective portion 40, or may be smaller than the width of the protective portion 40.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the gasket 20 during molding. FIG. 8 also illustrates a mold 200 for molding the gasket 20, along with the molded gasket 20. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the gasket 20 is molded in a folded state due to the bending of each joint 70. The molded gasket 20 unfolds into the target planar shape illustrated in FIG. 2 due to the extension of each joint 70. For example, the portions illustrated by dashed lines in FIG. 8 correspond to the four corners of the unfolded gasket 20. That is, unfolding after molding produces a large gasket 20 capable of sealing a wide area. As described above, since the gasket 20 of the first embodiment is molded in a folded state, the size of the mold 200 required for molding is sufficiently smaller than the size of the unfolded gasket 20. As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to achieve both a compact molding mold 200 and a large unfolded gasket 20.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 3 , each of the multiple base portions 60 in the first embodiment includes a support portion 61 and two guide portions 62. The support portion 61 is a linearly extending portion of the base portion 60. As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the cross-sectional shape of the support portion 61 is, for example, a rectangular shape that is elongated in the Z-axis direction. However, the cross-sectional shape of the support portion 61 may be changed as desired. The relationship (whether different or larger or smaller) between the width of the support portion 61 and the width of the joint portion 70 is arbitrary. That is, the width of the support portion 61 may be the same as the width of the joint portion 70, may be larger than the width of the joint portion 70, or may be smaller than the width of the joint portion 70. The relationship (whether different or larger or smaller) between the width of the support portion 61 and the width of the protective portion 40 is also arbitrary. That is, possible configurations are that the width of the support portion 61 is equal to the width of the protective portion 40, that the width of the support portion 61 is greater than the width of the protective portion 40, or that the width of the support portion 61 is smaller than the width of the protective portion 40.

[0036] Each guide portion 62 (62a, 62b) in FIG. 3 is a portion connected to the support portion 61. Specifically, the guide portion 62a is provided at one end of the support portion 61, and the guide portion 62b is provided at the other end of the support portion 61. The guide portion 62a is an example of a "first guide portion," and the guide portion 62b is an example of a "second guide portion."

[0037] Each guide portion 62 is an annular portion in a planar view. Specifically, a guide hole 63 is formed in the center of the guide portion 62. The guide hole 63 is a through hole formed in a circular shape in a planar view. As illustrated in FIG. 6, a protrusion 64 is formed around the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the guide hole 63. The protrusion 64 is an annular protrusion that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the guide hole 63. The protrusion 64 is formed in the center of the inner circumferential surface of the guide hole 63 in the direction of the Z axis. Specifically, the protrusion 64 is formed near the center between the first surface F1 and the second surface F2. Note that the protrusion 64 may be omitted.

[0038] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the guide portion 62 in the attached state. Figure 9 shows a cross section corresponding to line VI-VI in Figure 3. As illustrated in Figure 9, a guide pin 80 is inserted into each guide portion 62 of the sealing portion 30. The guide pin 80 is a fastener for positioning the sealing portion 30 relative to the first member 11 and the second member 12 in the in-plane direction.

[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 9, a plurality of insertion holes H1 are formed in the first member 11. Specifically, the insertion holes H1 are formed in the first member 11 at positions that overlap with the respective guide portions 62 in a plan view. Each insertion hole H1 is a through hole that is circular in a plan view. Furthermore, a plurality of insertion holes H2 are formed in the second member 12. Specifically, the insertion holes H2 are formed in the second sealing surface S21 of the second member 12 at positions that overlap with the respective guide portions 62 in a plan view (therefore, positions that overlap with the respective insertion holes H1 of the first member 11). The inner diameter of the insertion hole H2 is greater than the inner diameter of the insertion hole H1. The guide pin 80 is inserted into the insertion hole H2 after passing through the insertion hole H1 of the first member 11 and the guide hole 63 of the guide portion 62.

[0040] The guide pin 80 of the first embodiment is composed of a first pin 81 and a second pin 82. The first pin 81 includes a shaft portion 811 and a head portion 812. The shaft portion 811 is a cylindrical portion. The head portion 812 is an annular portion that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 811 at the upper end of the shaft portion 811. The first pin 81 is inserted into the insertion hole H2 of the second member 12. Specifically, the shaft portion 811 is inserted into the insertion hole H2 with the lower surface of the head portion 812 in contact with the second sealing surface S21. The outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 811 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole H2 with pressure. That is, the shaft portion 811 is fitted into the insertion hole H2. The upper surface of the head portion 812 is in contact with the first sealing surface S11 of the first member 11. That is, the plate thickness of the head portion 812 corresponds to the distance between the first sealing surface S11 and the second sealing surface S21.

[0041] The second pin 82 includes a shaft portion 821 and a head portion 822. The shaft portion 821 is a cylindrical portion. The head portion 822 is an annular portion that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 821 at the upper end of the shaft portion 821. The second pin 82 is inserted into the shaft portion 811 of the first pin 81. Specifically, a thread groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the shaft portion 811, and the second pin 82 is a bolt that engages with the thread groove. Note that the shaft portion 821 of the second pin 82 may be fitted inside the shaft portion 811 of the first pin 81. The lower surface of the head portion 822 of the second pin 82 contacts the first outer surface S12 of the first member 11. As described above, the shaft 811 of the first pin 81 is inserted into the insertion hole H2 of the second member 12, and the first member 11 is sandwiched between the head 812 of the first pin 81 and the head 822 of the second pin 82, and as a result, the guide pin 80 is fixed to the first member 11 and the second member 12.

[0042] 9, the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion 64 of each guide portion 62 faces the outer peripheral surface of the head 812 of the first pin 81 over the entire circumference, with a predetermined gap between them. As explained above, each base portion 60 of the gasket 20 is positioned in the in-plane direction by the guide pin 80. As a result of the guide portion 62 of each of the multiple base portions 60 being positioned by the guide pin 80, the planar shape of the gasket 20 is determined.

[0043] As described above, according to the first embodiment, each base portion 60 can be easily positioned by inserting the guide pin 80 into the guide hole 63 of the guide portion 62 in each base portion 60. In particular, in the first embodiment, the guide portions 62 are formed at both ends of each support portion 61. Therefore, the position and direction of each support portion 61 in the in-plane direction can be determined by the guide pin 80.

[0044] 3, the protective portion 40 includes a plurality of first portions 41 and a plurality of second portions 42. The first portions 41 and the second portions 42 are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the gasket 20. That is, one second portion 42 is located between two adjacent first portions 41, and one first portion 41 is located between two adjacent second portions 42. Note that there is no clear boundary between the first portions 41 and the second portions 42. That is, the first portions 41 and the second portions 42 are a convenient division for explaining the present disclosure.

[0045] The multiple first portions 41 correspond to the multiple base portions 60 of the sealing portion 30, respectively. Specifically, each first portion 41 is located outside the base portion 60 of the multiple base portions 60 that corresponds to the first portion 41. Furthermore, the multiple second portions 42 correspond to the multiple joint portions 70 of the sealing portion 30, respectively. Specifically, each second portion 42 is located outside the joint portion 70 of the multiple joint portions 70 that corresponds to the second portion 42.

[0046] The multiple connecting portions 50 correspond to the multiple base portions 60 (or the multiple first portions 41), respectively. Specifically, each of the multiple connecting portions 50 is located between the base portion 60 and the first portion 41. That is, each of the multiple connecting portions 50 is a portion that connects a base portion 60 of the multiple base portions 60 of the sealing portion 30 that corresponds to the connecting portion 50 to a first portion 41 of the multiple first portions 41 that is located outside the base portion 60. Specifically, the connecting portion 50 connects a central portion of the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 60 in the Z-axis direction to a central portion of the inner circumferential surface of the first portion 41 in the Z-axis direction.

[0047] 2 to 4, no connecting portion 50 is formed between each joint portion 70 and the protective portion 40 (second portion 42). Specifically, each of the multiple joint portions 70 and one of the multiple second portions 42 of the protective portion 40 that is located outside the joint portion 70 are formed to be spaced apart from each other. In other words, a gap is secured between the joint portion 70 and the second portion 42. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the multiple connecting portions 50 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the gasket 20 at intervals corresponding to the joint portions 70.

[0048] As described above, in the first embodiment, each base portion 60 of the sealing portion 30 and the first portion 41 of the protective portion 40 are connected by the connecting portion 50, and each joint portion 70 of the sealing portion 30 and the second portion 42 of the protective portion 40 are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, both the base portion 60 and the joint portion 70 can be protected by the protective portion 40 without the protective portion 40 inhibiting deformation of the joint portion 70.

[0049] 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.

[0050] Fig. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the gasket 20 in the second embodiment. Fig. 10 illustrates one second portion 42 among the multiple second portions 42 of the protective portion 40. The second portion 42 in Fig. 10 is located between two first portions 41 (first portion 41a and first portion 41b). The first portion 41a is an example of "one first portion," and the first portion 41b is an example of "the other first portion."

[0051] The second portion 42 in the second embodiment includes a first extending portion 421 and a second extending portion 422. The first extending portion 421 is a portion of the second portion 42 that extends from the base end connected to the first portion 41a toward the first portion 41b. The second extending portion 422 is a portion of the second portion 42 that extends from the base end connected to the first portion 41b toward the first portion 41a.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the first tip Q1 of the first extending portion 421 and the second tip Q2 of the second extending portion 422 overlap each other in the width direction of the gasket 20 (the vertical direction in FIG. 10).

[0053] The first tip Q1 of the first extending portion 421 is a portion of the first extending portion 421 that is close to the first portion 41b. The first tip Q1 is a stepped portion that has a smaller width than the other portions of the first extending portion 421. Specifically, the width of the first tip Q1 is approximately half the width of the other portions of the first extending portion 421.

[0054] On the other hand, the second tip portion Q2 of the second extending portion 422 is a portion of the second extending portion 422 that is closer to the first portion 41a. The second tip portion Q2 is a stepped portion that has a smaller width than the other portions of the second extending portion 422. Specifically, the width of the second tip portion Q2 is approximately half the width of the other portions of the second extending portion 422. Therefore, the width of the portion where the first tip portion Q1 and the second tip portion Q2 overlap each other is equal to the width of the first portion 41a.

[0055] The second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the second portion 42 of the protective part 40 includes a first extension part 421 and a second extension part 422. Therefore, as will be described in detail below, the gasket 20 including the joint part 70 can be easily manufactured.

[0056] FIG. 11 is a partial plan view of the gasket 20 during molding. As illustrated in FIG. 11, during molding, the gasket 20 is formed with the first extension portion 421 and the second extension portion 422 spaced apart from each other. Therefore, restrictions on the angle between the first portion 41a and the first portion 41b of the gasket 20 are relaxed. For example, in a configuration in which the second portion 42 of the protective portion 40 is a continuous, single portion (e.g., the first embodiment), the angle between the first portion 41a and the first portion 41b during molding is restricted so that the overall length of the second portion 42 falls within a desired range. In the second embodiment, because the second portion 42 is divided into the first extension portion 421 and the second extension portion 422, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the gasket 20 can be manufactured with the joint portion 70 sufficiently bent so that the angle between the first portion 41a and the first portion 41b is sufficiently small. Therefore, the molding die 200 can be made smaller than in the first embodiment.

[0057] Furthermore, the first tip Q1 of the first extending portion 421 and the second tip Q2 of the second extending portion 422 overlap each other in the width direction. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the first tip Q1 and the second tip Q2 do not overlap each other, it is easier to maintain durability against high external pressure.

[0058] C: Third embodiment Fig. 12 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the gasket 20 in the third embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 12, the sealing structure 100 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of support pins 85. The plurality of support pins 85 are fixed to, for example, the second member 12, and protrude in the Z1 direction from the second sealing surface S21. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 12, two support pins 85 are provided for each joint portion 70.

[0059] Each support pin 85 is a cylindrical structure located inside the joint portion 70. Therefore, the outer circumferential surface of each support pin 85 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the joint portion 70. Specifically, the outer circumferential surface of the support pin 85 contacts the inner circumferential surface of a portion of the joint portion 70 that is recessed in an arc shape toward the outside.

[0060] The third embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, a support pin 85 is installed inside each joint portion 70. In the above configuration, when the joint portion 70 is pressed by high external pressure, the support pin 85 supports the joint portion 70 from behind. Therefore, the joint portion 70 is prevented from being excessively deformed inward due to high external pressure.

[0061] 12 illustrates an example in which two support pins 85 are provided for each joint portion 70, but the number of support pins 85 provided for each joint portion 70 can be changed as desired. For example, one support pin 85 or three or more support pins 85 may be provided for each joint portion 70. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide support pins 85 for all of the joint portions 70 of the gasket 20. For example, one or more support pins 85 may be provided for some of the joint portions 70 of the gasket 20.

[0062] Furthermore, the positions at which the support pins 85 are fixed may be changed arbitrarily. For example, each support pin 85 may be fixed to the first member 11 and protrude in the Z2 direction from the first sealing surface S11. Each support pin 85 may also be fixed to both the first member 11 and the second member 12. That is, the support pins 85 are installed on one or both of the first sealing surface S11 and the second sealing surface S21.

[0063] D: Modification 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.

[0064] (1) In the above-described embodiments, the thickness Tb of the protective portion 40 is greater than the thickness Ta of the sealing portion 30. However, the relationship between the thickness Tb of the protective portion 40 and the thickness Ta of the sealing portion 30 is not limited to the above examples. For example, a configuration in which the thickness Tb of the protective portion 40 is equal to the thickness Ta of the sealing portion 30 is also possible. That is, the thickness Tb of the protective portion 40 is equal to or greater than the thickness Ta of the sealing portion 30 (Tb≧Ta). Note that a configuration in which the thickness Tb of the protective portion 40 is less than the thickness Ta of the sealing portion 30 is also possible.

[0065] (2) In the second embodiment, the step portion formed on the first extension portion 421 is exemplified as the first tip portion Q1, and the step portion formed on the second extension portion 422 is exemplified as the second tip portion Q2, but the shapes of the first tip portion Q1 and the second tip portion Q2 are not limited to the above examples.

[0066] 13, the first tip portion Q1 may be a portion including an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the direction in which the first extension portion 421 extends. Similarly, the second tip portion Q2 may be a portion including an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the direction in which the second extension portion 422 extends. The inclined surface of the first tip portion Q1 and the inclined surface of the second tip portion Q2 face each other and contact each other. In other words, the first tip portion Q1 and the second tip portion Q2 form a bias cut.

[0067] 13, the first tip end Q1 of the first extending portion 421 and the second tip end Q2 of the second extending portion 422 overlap each other in the width direction of the gasket 20. Therefore, the same effects as in the second embodiment are achieved.

[0068] (3) In each of the above-described configurations, the base portion 60 is exemplified as having a configuration in which the guide portion 62 is provided at both ends of the support portion 61, but the configuration of the base portion 60 is not limited to the above examples. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, a configuration in which the guide portion 62 is located in the center of the base portion 60 is also envisioned. In other words, the base portion 60 in FIG. 14 is configured such that the guide portion 62 is provided between two support portions 61. As can be understood from the above examples, the base portion 60 is comprehensively expressed as an element that includes the support portion 61 and one or more guide portions 62.

[0069] 14, in a configuration in which one guide portion 62 is formed on the base portion 60, the angle of the base portion 60 about the guide portion 62 is not determined. Therefore, a configuration in which the angle of the base portion 60 is regulated by a configuration other than the guide portion 62 (for example, engagement with a recess formed in the first sealing surface S11 or the second sealing surface S21) is preferred. As explained above, from the perspective of simply regulating the angle of the base portion 60, a configuration in which two or more guide portions 62 are formed on the base portion 60, as in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, is preferred.

[0070] (4) In the above-described embodiments, the protective portion 40 is positioned outside the first member 11 and the second member 12 in a plan view, but the position of the protective portion 40 is not limited to the above examples. For example, the protective portion 40 may be sandwiched together with the sealing portion 30 between the first member 11 (first sealing surface S11) and the second member 12 (second sealing surface S21).

[0071] (5) In the above-described embodiments, all of the base portions 60 constituting the sealing portion 30 of the gasket 20 have the same shape. However, the base portions 60 may include two or more base portions 60 having different shapes. For example, as illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, among the multiple base portions 60 constituting the sealing portion 30, a base portion 60a constituting a linear portion in the unfolded gasket 20 (Figure 15) may be formed in an elongated shape with a longer overall length than the other base portions 60. During molding, the gasket 20 is folded into a rectangular shape with each base portion 60a as one side, as illustrated in Figure 16.

[0072] (6) In each of the above-described embodiments, the following configurations are exemplified. [Configuration 1] A protective portion 40 on the outside of the sealing portion 30 ensures durability against high external pressure. [Configuration 2] The joint portion 70 is supported by a support pin 85 inside the joint portion 70.

[0073] Configuration 1 and Configuration 2 can be established independently of each other. For example, Configuration 1 is not essential for Configuration 2. That is, in the gasket 20 employing Configuration 2, the protective portion 40 may be omitted.

[0074] (7) 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."

[0075] D: Notes From the above-described exemplary embodiments, the following configurations can be understood, for example.

[0076] A gasket according to one embodiment (embodiment 1) of the present disclosure comprises a loop-shaped sealing portion, a protective portion located outside the sealing portion and having a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the sealing portion, and one or more connecting portions connecting the sealing portion and the protective portion. In the above embodiment, the protective portion is located outside the loop-shaped sealing portion that seals between components. Therefore, the gasket can seal between components while ensuring durability against high external pressure.

[0077] In a specific example (Aspect 2) of Aspect 1, the thickness of the protective portion is greater than the thickness of the sealing portion. According to this aspect, compared to a configuration in which the thickness of the protective portion is less than the thickness of the sealing portion, high external pressure is suppressed over a wider range, and as a result, durability against high pressure can be effectively improved.

[0078] In a specific example (Aspect 3) of Aspect 1 or Aspect 2, a first end face of the protective portion located in a first direction along the axis of the thickness direction of the gasket is located further in the first direction than a first surface of the sealing portion located in the first direction, and a second end face of the protective portion located in a second direction opposite the first direction is located further in the second direction than a second surface of the sealing portion located in the second direction. According to the above aspect, durability against high external pressure can be effectively improved compared to a configuration in which the first end face of the protective portion is located further in the second direction than the first surface of the sealing portion or a configuration in which the second end face of the protective portion is located further in the first direction than the second surface of the sealing portion.

[0079] In a specific example (Aspect 4) of any of Aspects 1 to 3, the sealing portion includes a plurality of base portions and a plurality of joint portions, each of which is located between two adjacent base portions of the plurality of base portions, and the widthwise bending rigidity of each of the plurality of joint portions is lower than the widthwise bending rigidity of each of the plurality of base portions. According to the above aspect, the sealing portion is composed of a plurality of base portions and a plurality of joint portions. Therefore, by molding the gasket in a folded shape at each joint portion and unfolding it after molding, a large gasket capable of sealing a wide area is realized. According to the above configuration, it is possible to achieve both a miniaturized molding mold and an enlarged gasket.

[0080] In a specific example (Aspect 5) of Aspect 4, each of the plurality of base parts includes a support part and one or more guide parts connected to the support part, and the one or more guide parts are formed with a guide hole into which a guide pin is inserted. In the above aspect, each base part can be easily positioned by inserting the guide pin into the guide hole of the guide part of each base part.

[0081] In a specific example of Aspect 5 (Aspect 6), the one or more guide portions include a first guide portion provided at one end of the support portion and a second guide portion provided at the other end of the support portion. In the above aspect, guide portions are formed at both ends of each support portion. Therefore, the position and direction of each support portion in the in-plane direction of the gasket can be determined by the guide pin.

[0082] In a specific example (Aspect 7) of any one of Aspects 4 to 6, the one or more connecting portions are a plurality of connecting portions corresponding to the plurality of base portions, and the protective portion includes a plurality of first portions located outside the plurality of base portions and a plurality of second portions located outside the plurality of joint portions, each of the plurality of connecting portions connecting a base portion of the plurality of base portions corresponding to the connecting portion to a first portion of the plurality of first portions located outside the base portion, and each of the plurality of joint portions and a second portion of the plurality of second portions located outside the joint portion are formed to be spaced apart from each other. In the above aspect, each base portion of the sealing portion and the first portion of the protective portion are connected by a connecting portion, and each joint portion of the sealing portion and the second portion of the protective portion are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, both the base portion and the joint portion can be protected by the protective portion without inhibiting deformation of the joint portion by the protective portion.

[0083] In a specific example of Aspect 7 (Aspect 8), one or more of the second portions are located between one first portion and another first portion of the plurality of first portions, and include a first extension portion extending from a base end connected to the one first portion toward the other first portion, and a second extension portion extending from a base end connected to the other first portion toward the one first portion, wherein the distal end of the first extension portion and the distal end of the second extension portion overlap each other in the width direction. In the above aspect, the second portion of the protective portion includes the first extension portion and the second extension portion. Therefore, the gasket can be molded with the first extension portion and the second extension portion spaced apart from each other. In other words, constraints on the shape of the gasket during molding can be alleviated. On the other hand, because the distal end of the first extension portion and the distal end of the second extension portion overlap each other in the width direction, durability against high external pressure can be easily maintained.

[0084] A sealing structure according to one embodiment (embodiment 9) of the present disclosure includes a first member including a first sealing surface, a second member including a second sealing surface opposite the first sealing surface, and a gasket that seals the space between the first and second sealing surfaces. The gasket includes a loop-shaped sealing portion located between the first and second sealing surfaces, a protective portion located outside the sealing portion and having a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the sealing portion, and one or more connecting portions that connect the sealing portion and the protective portion. In the above embodiment, the protective portion is located outside the loop-shaped sealing portion that seals between the first and second members. Therefore, the sealing between the members can be achieved while ensuring durability against high external pressure.

[0085] In a specific example of Aspect 9 (Aspect 10), the thickness of the protective portion is greater than the thickness of the sealing portion. According to the above aspect, compared to a configuration in which the thickness of the protective portion is less than the thickness of the sealing portion, high external pressure is suppressed over a wider range, resulting in effective improvement in durability against high pressure.

[0086] In a specific example (Aspect 11) of Aspect 9 or Aspect 10, the protective portion is located outside the first member and the second member in a plan view. According to the above aspect, durability against high external pressure can be improved compared to a configuration in which the protective portion is located inside the first member and the second member.

[0087] In a specific example (Aspect 12) of Aspect 11, a first end face of the protection portion located in a first direction perpendicular to the first sealing surface or the second sealing surface is located in the first direction further than a first face of the sealing portion located in the first direction, and a second end face of the protection portion located in a second direction opposite the first direction is located in the second direction further than a second face of the sealing portion located in the second direction. According to the above aspect, durability against high external pressure can be effectively improved compared to a configuration in which the first end face of the protection portion is located in the second direction further than the first face of the sealing portion or a configuration in which the second end face of the protection portion is located in the first direction further than the second face of the sealing portion.

[0088] In a specific example (Aspect 13) of Aspect 12, the first member further includes a first side surface, the second member further includes a second side surface, and the inner circumferential surface of the protective portion faces the first side surface and the second side surface. In the above aspect, when high external pressure acts on the outer circumferential surface of the protective portion, the inner circumferential surface of the protective portion comes into contact with the first side surface and the second side surface, thereby supporting the protective portion. Therefore, durability against high external pressure can be sufficiently ensured.

[0089] In a specific example (Aspect 14) of any of Aspects 9 to 13, the sealing portion includes a plurality of base portions and a plurality of joint portions, each of which is located between two adjacent base portions of the plurality of base portions, and the widthwise bending rigidity of each of the plurality of joint portions is lower than the widthwise bending rigidity of each of the plurality of base portions. According to the above aspects, the sealing portion is composed of a plurality of base portions and a plurality of joint portions. Therefore, by molding the gasket in a folded shape at each joint portion and unfolding it after molding, a large gasket capable of sealing a wide area is realized. According to the above configuration, it is possible to achieve both a miniaturized molding mold and an enlarged gasket.

[0090] In a specific example (Aspect 15) of Aspect 14, each of the plurality of base parts includes a support part and one or more guide parts connected to the support part, and the one or more guide parts have guide holes formed therein, and further includes a guide pin inserted into the guide hole in the one or more guide parts. In the above aspect, each base part can be easily positioned by inserting the guide pin into the guide hole in the guide part of each base part.

[0091] In a specific example (Aspect 16) of Aspect 14 or Aspect 15, one or more support pins are provided on one or both of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface and positioned inside each of the plurality of joints. In the above aspects, one or more support pins are provided on the inside of each joint. Therefore, excessive inward deformation of the joints due to high external pressure is suppressed.

[0092] In a specific example (Aspect 17) of any of Aspects 9 to 16, the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface are flat surfaces without mounting grooves for mounting the gaskets. In these aspects, there is no need to form mounting grooves in the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, which reduces the manufacturing costs of the first and second members.

[0093] A sealing structure according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a first member including a first sealing surface, a second member including a second sealing surface opposite the first sealing surface, a gasket sealing a space between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, and one or more support pins installed on one or both of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface. The gasket includes a plurality of base portions and a plurality of joint portions, each of the plurality of joint portions being located between two adjacent base portions of the plurality of base portions, the widthwise bending stiffness of each of the plurality of joint portions being lower than the widthwise bending stiffness of each of the plurality of base portions, and the one or more support pins being located inside each of the plurality of joint portions. In the above aspect, the one or more support pins are installed inside each of the joint portions, which have lower rigidity than the base portions. Therefore, excessive inward deformation of the joint portions due to high external pressure is suppressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 100...sealing structure, 10...housing, 11...first member, 12...second member, 20...gasket, 30...sealing portion, 40...protective portion, 41...first part, 42...second part, 421...first extension portion, 422...second extension portion, 50...connecting portion, 60...base portion, 61...support portion, 62...guide portion, 63...guide hole, 64...protrusion portion, 70...joint portion, 80...guide pin, 81...first pin, 811...shaft portion, 812...head portion, 82...second pin, 821...shaft portion, 822...head portion, 85...support pin.

Claims

1. A loop-shaped sealing portion; a protective portion located outside the sealing portion and having a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the sealing portion; one or more connecting portions that connect the sealing portion and the protection portion; A gasket comprising:

2. The thickness of the protection portion is greater than the thickness of the sealing portion. The gasket of claim 1.

3. a first end surface of the protection portion located in a first direction along an axis in a thickness direction of the gasket is located further in the first direction than a first surface of the sealing portion located in the first direction, A second end surface of the protection portion, which is located in a second direction opposite to the first direction, is located further in the second direction than a second surface of the sealing portion, which is located in the second direction. The gasket of claim 2.

4. The sealing portion is A plurality of base parts; a plurality of joints; each of the plurality of joint portions is located between two adjacent base portions among the plurality of base portions; The bending stiffness in the width direction of each of the plurality of joint portions is lower than the bending stiffness in the width direction of each of the plurality of base portions. The gasket of claim 1.

5. Each of the plurality of base portions is A support part; one or more guides coupled to the support; The one or more guide portions are formed with guide holes into which guide pins are inserted. The gasket of claim 4.

6. The one or more guide portions include: a first guide portion provided at one end of the support portion; a second guide portion disposed at the other end of the support portion; The gasket of claim 5.

7. the one or more connecting portions are a plurality of connecting portions respectively corresponding to the plurality of base portions, The protective part is a plurality of first portions respectively positioned outside the plurality of base portions; a plurality of second portions respectively positioned outside the plurality of joint portions; each of the plurality of connecting portions connects a foundation portion of the plurality of base portions corresponding to the connecting portion to a first portion of the plurality of first portions that is positioned outside the foundation portion; Each of the plurality of joint portions and a second portion of the plurality of second portions positioned outside the corresponding joint portion are formed to be spaced apart from each other. The gasket of claim 4.

8. One or more of the second portions of the plurality of second portions are Located between one first portion and another first portion among the plurality of first portions, a first extension portion extending from a base end portion connected to the one first portion toward the other first portion; a second extension portion extending from a base end portion connected to the other first portion toward the one first portion, The tip end of the first extending portion and the tip end of the second extending portion overlap each other in the width direction. The gasket of claim 7.

9. a first member including a first sealing surface; a second member including a second sealing surface opposite the first sealing surface; a gasket that seals a space between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, The gasket is a loop-shaped sealing portion located between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface; a protective portion located outside the sealing portion and having a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the sealing portion; and one or more connecting portions that connect the sealing portion and the protection portion. Sealed structure.

10. The thickness of the protection portion is greater than the thickness of the sealing portion. The sealing structure of claim 9.

11. The protection portion is located outside the first member and the second member in a plan view. The sealing structure according to claim 9 or 10.

12. a first end surface of the protection portion, which is positioned in a first direction perpendicular to the first sealing surface or the second sealing surface, is positioned in the first direction further than a first surface of the sealing portion, which is positioned in the first direction; A second end surface of the protection portion, which is located in a second direction opposite to the first direction, is located further in the second direction than a second surface of the sealing portion, which is located in the second direction. The sealing structure of claim 11.

13. the first member further includes a first side; the second member further includes a second side; The inner circumferential surface of the protection portion faces the first side surface and the second side surface. The sealing structure of claim 12.

14. The sealing portion is A plurality of base parts; a plurality of joints; each of the plurality of joint portions is located between two adjacent base portions among the plurality of base portions; The bending stiffness in the width direction of each of the plurality of joint portions is lower than the bending stiffness in the width direction of each of the plurality of base portions. The sealing structure of claim 9.

15. Each of the plurality of base portions is A support part; one or more guides coupled to the support; a guide hole is formed in the one or more guide portions; a guide pin inserted into the guide hole in the one or more guide portions; The sealing structure of claim 14 further comprising:

16. One or more support pins are installed on one or both of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface and positioned inside each of the plurality of joint portions. The sealing structure of claim 14 or claim 15, further comprising:

17. The first sealing surface and the second sealing surface are flat surfaces on which no mounting groove for mounting the gasket is formed. The sealing structure of claim 9.

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