sealing device

Abstract

To provide a gasket that can suppress corrosion of the contact surface to which it is applied. [Solution] The sealing device 1 comprises an elastic body portion 2 formed from an elastic material. The elastic body portion 2 has a fitting portion 10 which is an annular part, a lip 20 which is an annular part that protrudes inward from the fitting portion 10, and an annular first projection 30. The lip 20 protrudes inward from the inner end portion 10a of the fitting portion 10, inclined inward. The length l of the protruding lip 20 is set based on the minimum crushing allowance c when the pipe is maximally eccentric with respect to the through hole. The first projection 30 protrudes inward from the inner end portion 10a of the fitting portion 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , ,

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing device, and more particularly to a sealing device used between eccentric members.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to seal a space, a sealing device for sealing a gap between members has been used. Among such sealing devices, there are O-rings, D-rings, etc., which are annular sealing devices that seal the gap between a hole and a member inserted into the hole and seal the internal space in which the holes communicate. O-rings, etc. are attached between, for example, a pipe inserted into a through-hole formed in a housing and the through-hole of the housing in order to guide a fluid into the housing in a fluid mechanism such as a cooling mechanism, and seal between the pipe and the through-hole. O-rings, etc. are set in dimensions and the like so that sealing can be achieved even when the member inserted into the hole is eccentric based on, for example, the tolerance between members (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in recent years, with the development of new devices and the improvement of conventional devices, the structure of the devices has become more complex, and the devices using O-rings, etc. have also become more complex. For example, in a fluid mechanism such as a cooling mechanism, the eccentricity of the pipe with respect to the through-hole may be larger than before, and in a conventional sealing device such as an O-ring, the sealing performance may deteriorate due to the eccentricity, and the gap between the pipe and the through-hole may not be sealed. Thus, there is a need for a structure in which the sealing performance does not deteriorate even with a larger eccentricity between the members to which the conventional sealing device is applied.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide a sealing device that can suppress the deterioration of sealing performance due to eccentricity of the target object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the sealing device according to the present invention is a sealing device for sealing an annular gap between a hole formed in a first member and a second member that has entered the hole, and comprises an elastic body portion which is an annular portion formed of an elastic body around an axis, the elastic body portion having a fitting portion which is an annular portion around the axis, a lip which is an annular portion around the axis that protrudes inward from the fitting portion, and a first projection which is an annular portion around the axis, the lip protrudes from one end of the fitting portion on the axial direction toward the one side, the length of the protruding lip is set based on the minimum crushing allowance when the second member is maximally eccentric with respect to the hole, and the first projection protrudes from the end of the fitting portion toward the one side.

[0007] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the length of the lip is set such that the minimum crushing allowance is greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum value.

[0008] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the minimum value is based on the amount of eccentricity when the device is eccentric to the maximum extent.

[0009] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the minimum value is 30% of the eccentricity when the device is eccentric to the maximum extent.

[0010] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the minimum value is the ratio of the amount of eccentricity at the time of maximum eccentricity to the radial width of the annular gap.

[0011] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the first projection defines an annular recess between itself and the lip, which is recessed on the other side in the axial direction.

[0012] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the radial width of the first projection is less than or equal to the difference between the minimum value of the radial width of the annular gap when it is eccentric to its maximum extent and the thickness of the lip.

[0013] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the elastic body portion has an annular second projection about the axis that protrudes toward the outer circumference, and the second projection is provided such that the outer circumference end of the second projection is located in the axial direction from one end of the first projection to a predetermined position, the predetermined position being a position that is 1 / 3 of the height of the elastic body portion, which is the width of the fitting portion of the elastic body portion and the first projection in the axial direction, from the end of the first projection.

[0014] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the elastic body portion has a plurality of second protrusions, and the plurality of second protrusions are arranged in the axial direction.

[0015] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the end of the second projection is located on the outer circumference side of the fitting portion and the first projection, respectively. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the sealing device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of sealing performance due to eccentricity of the object to which it is applied. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the sealing device. [Figure 3] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing one side of the cross-section of the sealing device shown in Figure 1 with respect to the axis. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a sealing device, illustrating a modified example of the first projection. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view showing a sealing device in a use state attached to a fluid mechanism such as a cooling mechanism as an application target. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view showing a sealing device in a maximum eccentricity state where the axis of the pipe is maximally displaced from the axis of the sealing device in a use state. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a sealing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlargement of one side with respect to the axis of the cross-section of the sealing device shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a modified example of the sealing device shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a modified example of the sealing device shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a modified example of the sealing device shown in FIG. 7.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] The sealing device according to the present invention is a sealing device that seals an annular gap between a hole formed in a first member and a second member that enters this hole. The sealing device according to the present invention is applied to fluid mechanisms such as cooling mechanisms. Specifically, for example, in a fluid mechanism, it is used between a hole formed in a housing, which is the first member, and a tube, which is the second member. The hole is, for example, a through hole to guide fluid into the inside of the housing, and the tube is, for example, a fluid flow path. The sealing device according to the present invention is installed between the tube, which is the second member inserted into the through hole, and the through hole in the housing, which is the first member, to seal the gap between the tube and the through hole. However, the application of the sealing device according to the present invention is not limited to this. The sealing device according to the present invention can be applied to various devices and mechanisms. Below, as an example, a sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with a fluid mechanism as the target of application.

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a sealing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the sealing device 1. In Figure 2, only a part of the sealing device 1 is shown, and one side of the cross-section of the sealing device 1 with respect to the axis x is shown. Figure 3 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of one side of the cross-section of the sealing device 1 shown in Figure 1 with respect to the axis x. Note that the cross-section is a cross-section of a plane including the axis x. As shown in Figure 1, the sealing device 1 includes an elastic body portion 2 which is an annular portion formed from an elastic body with respect to the axis x. The elastic body portion 2 has a fitting portion 10 which is an annular portion with respect to the axis x, a lip 20 which is an annular portion with respect to the axis x that protrudes inward from the fitting portion 10, and a first projection 30 which is an annular portion with respect to the axis x. The lip 20 protrudes inward at an angle from the inner end portion 10a, which is the inner end portion that is one side of the fitting portion 10 in the direction of the axis x. The length l of the protruding lip 20 is set based on the minimum compression allowance c when the pipe is maximally eccentric with respect to the through hole. The first projection 30 protrudes inward from the inner end 10a of the fitting portion 10. The configuration of the sealing device 1 will be described in detail below.

[0021] As mentioned above, for the sake of explanation, one side in the x-axis direction (direction of arrow a in Figure 1) will be referred to as the inside, and the other side in the x-axis direction (direction of arrow b in Figure 1) will be referred to as the outside. The inside is the side in the x-axis direction in which the pipe is inserted, and the outside is the side in the x-axis direction opposite to the direction in which the pipe is inserted. The direction perpendicular to the x-axis direction is the radial direction, and the side that approaches the x-axis in the radial direction is the inner circumference, and the side that moves away from the x-axis in the radial direction is the outer circumference.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1-3, the sealing device 1 is composed of an elastic body 2. The elastic body 2 is an elastic body formed from an elastic material. Examples of the elastic material of the elastic body 2 include various rubber materials and elastomers. Examples of various rubber materials include synthetic rubbers such as nitrile rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (H-NBR), acrylic rubber (ACM), and fluororubber (FKM). However, the elastic material of the elastic body 2 is not limited to these. Furthermore, the elastic body 2 is a integrally formed member, and the fitting portion 10, lip 20, and first projection 30 are each part of the integrally formed elastic body 2 and are connected to one another.

[0023] As described above, the fitting portion 10 is an annular portion around the axis x, and is the portion that fits into the through hole of the housing when the sealing device 1, described later, is in use. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the fitting portion 10 has an annular surface 11 and an outer surface 12 that are facing away from each other in the radial direction. The inner surface 11 is a surface that faces the inner circumference, and is, for example, a cylindrical surface that extends along the axis x. The inner surface 11 is, for example, a cylindrical surface, a cylindrical surface, or a substantially cylindrical surface with the axis x as its central axis or substantially central axis. The outer surface 12 is a surface that faces the outer circumference, and is, for example, a cylindrical surface that extends along the axis x. The outer surface 12 is, for example, a cylindrical surface, a cylindrical surface, or a substantially cylindrical surface with the axis x as its central axis or substantially central axis, or a conical cylindrical surface or a substantially conical cylindrical surface. As an example, the outer surface 12, as shown in Figure 3, is a conical or substantially conical cylindrical surface that tapers inward from the outside in the axial x direction.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1-3, the fitting portion 10 has an inner end 13, which is the inner end. The inner end 13 has a portion exposed on its inner circumference side, and a portion on its outer circumference side forms a boundary with the first projection 30. The inner end 13 is located between the inner end of the inner circumference surface 11 and the inner end of the outer circumference surface 12. As shown in Figures 1-3, in the fitting portion 10, the inner end 13 and the portion near it constitute the inner end portion 10a.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1-3, the fitting portion 10 has an outer end 14 that faces away from the inner end 13 in the axial x direction. The outer end 14 is an annular surface facing outward and extends between the outer end of the inner circumferential surface 11 and the outer end of the outer circumferential surface 12. The outer end 14 extends along a plane perpendicular to the axis x, for example, on a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis x.

[0026] As described above, the lip 20 is a portion that protrudes inward from the inner end 10a of the fitting portion 10, and is a sealing lip that contacts the pipe in the usage state described later. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the lip 20 protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface 11 at the inner end 10a of the fitting portion 10, and extends in an annular shape around the axis x.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1-3, the lip 20 has an inner surface 21 and an outer surface 22, which are annular surfaces facing away from each other in the axial x direction. The inner surface 21 is, for example, a cylindrical surface that tapers in diameter from the outside to the inside in the axial x direction, and specifically, for example, a conical cylindrical surface or a substantially conical cylindrical surface with axis x as the central axis or substantially the central axis. The outer surface 22 is, for example, a cylindrical surface that tapers in diameter from the outside to the inside in the axial x direction, and specifically, for example, a conical cylindrical surface or a substantially conical cylindrical surface with axis x as the central axis or substantially the central axis. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, in cross-section, the lip 20 is, for example, thinner towards the tip 20a, and the outer surface 22 is inclined more inward than the inner surface 21. Note that the lip 20 does not have to taper towards the tip 20a; for example, the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22 may be parallel, and the lip 20 may be thicker towards the tip 20a in cross-section. The tip 20a is the inner circumference end of the lip 20. As shown in Figure 3, the tip 20a is, for example, a curved surface and smoothly connects to the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22, respectively. The tip 20a does not have to be a curved surface, nor does it have to smoothly connect to the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22, respectively.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the lip 20 protrudes, for example, from the portion of the inner end 10a of the fitting portion 10 that is on the inner end 13 side. Specifically, the inner surface 21 of the lip 20 is connected to the inner end 13 of the fitting portion 10, and the outer surface 22 of the lip 20 is connected to the inner circumferential surface 11 of the fitting portion 10. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the inner surface 21 is, for example, smoothly connected to the inner end 13 of the fitting portion 10, and the outer surface 22 is, for example, smoothly connected to the inner circumferential surface 11 of the fitting portion 10.

[0029] The length l1 of the protruding lip 20 is, for example, the length in the cross-section of the outer surface 22, as shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, if the outer surface 22 smoothly connects to the tip 20a or the inner circumferential surface 11 of the fitting portion 10, then each end of the outer surface 22 is defined as, for example, the end of the outer surface 22 if it did not smoothly connect to the tip 20a or the inner circumferential surface 11 of the fitting portion 10, and the distance between these two ends of the outer surface 22 is defined as the length l1 of the lip 20. Note that the length l1 of the lip 20 may be defined by other means. For example, the length l1 of the lip 20 may be the length in the cross-section of the inner surface 21, or the length l1 of the lip 20 may be the length of the center line between the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22 in the cross-section. As described above, the length l1 of the lip 20 is set based on the minimum crushing allowance c when the pipe is maximally eccentric with respect to the through hole. The setting of the length l1 of the lip 20 will be described later. The crushing allowance c is the amount of radial crushing of the lip 20 when it is crushed against the tube in the usage state.

[0030] Furthermore, as described above, the lip 20 is inclined inward, and the inclination angle θ of the lip 20 is set to a predetermined angle, for example. The inclination angle θ of the lip 20 is, for example, the angle of the protruding direction of the lip 20 with respect to the axis x in the cross-section, as shown in Figure 3, and specifically, for example, the angle of the outer surface 22 of the lip 20 with respect to the axis x in the cross-section. Note that the inclination angle θ of the lip 20 may be an angle defined by other methods. For example, the inclination angle θ of the lip 20 may be the angle of the inner surface 21 with respect to the axis x in the cross-section, or the inclination angle θ of the lip 20 may be the angle of the center line between the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22 with respect to the axis x in the cross-section. The setting of the inclination angle θ of the lip 20 will be described later.

[0031] Furthermore, as will be described later, for example, the thickness t1 of the lip 20 is set to a predetermined thickness. The thickness t1 of the lip 20 is the distance between the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22, as shown in Figure 3, for example, the distance between the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22 in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 22 at a predetermined position in the cross-section. This predetermined position in the cross-section is, for example, the center position in the length l1 direction of the lip 20. Note that the thickness t1 of the lip 20 may be a value defined by other means. For example, the thickness t1 of the lip 20 may be the distance between the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22 in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface 21 at a predetermined position in the cross-section, or the thickness t1 of the lip 20 may be the distance between the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22 in a direction perpendicular to the center line between the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22 at a predetermined position in the cross-section. Also, the thickness t1 of the lip 20 may be the maximum value, minimum value, or average value of multiple values.

[0032] As described above, the elastic body portion 2 has a first projection 30, which protrudes inward from the inner end 10a of the fitting portion 10. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first projection 30 protrudes inward from the inner end 13 of the fitting portion 10 on the outer circumference side of the lip 20. In other words, in the elastic body portion 2, the projection 30 is connected to the fitting portion 10 via the inner end 13 which acts as a boundary.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first projection 30 has an inner circumferential surface 31 and an outer circumferential surface 32, which are annular surfaces facing each other in the radial direction. The inner circumferential surface 31 is a surface facing the inner circumference and is, for example, a cylindrical surface extending along the axis x. The inner circumferential surface 11 is, for example, a cylindrical surface, a cylindrical surface, or a substantially cylindrical surface with the axis x as the central axis or substantially central axis, or a conical cylindrical surface or a substantially conical cylindrical surface. Specifically, the inner circumferential surface 31 is, for example, a conical cylindrical surface or a substantially conical cylindrical surface that widens in diameter from the outside to the inside in the direction of the axis x, and is a surface that tapers outward. The outer circumferential surface 32 is a surface facing the outer circumference and is, for example, a cylindrical surface extending along the axis x. The outer circumferential surface 32 is, for example, a cylindrical surface, a cylindrical surface, or a substantially cylindrical surface with the axis x as the central axis or substantially central axis, or a conical cylindrical surface or a substantially conical cylindrical surface. As an example, as shown in Figure 3, the outer circumferential surface 32 is flush or nearly flush with the outer circumferential surface 12 of the fitting portion 10, and is a conical or nearly conical cylindrical surface that tapers inward in the axial x direction, with a diameter decreasing from the outside to the inside. Thus, as an example, the first projection 30 becomes thinner in cross-section towards the tip 30a. The tip 30a is the inner end of the first projection 30. As shown in Figure 3, the tip 30a is, for example, an annular surface along a plane perpendicular to the axis x, and is smoothly connected to the inner circumferential surface 31 and the outer circumferential surface 32, respectively. The tip 30a does not necessarily have to be smoothly connected to the inner circumferential surface 31 and the outer circumferential surface 32, respectively.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the first projection 30 protrudes from the outer peripheral portion of the inner end 13 of the inner end 10a of the fitting portion 10. Specifically, the inner circumferential surface 31 of the first projection 30 is connected to the inner end 13 of the fitting portion 10 on the inner circumferential side, and the outer circumferential surface 32 of the first projection 30 is connected to the outer circumferential surface 12 of the fitting portion 10. Therefore, the inner circumferential surface 11 of the fitting portion 10 and the outer circumferential surface 32 of the first projection 30 form the outer circumferential surface 1a, which is the surface facing the outer circumferential side of the sealing device 1. As shown in Figure 3, the inner circumferential surface 31 is, for example, smoothly connected to the inner end 13 of the fitting portion 10, and the outer circumferential surface 32 is, for example, smoothly connected to the outer circumferential surface 12 of the fitting portion 10. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first projection 30 defines an outwardly recessed annular recess 1b between itself and the lip 20.

[0035] Note that the outer circumferential surface 32 of the first projection 30 does not have to be flush with the outer circumferential surface 12 of the fitting portion 10. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a sealing device 1 that illustrates a modified example of the first projection 30. As shown in Figure 4, the outer circumferential surface 32 of the first projection 30 may be inclined inward toward the outer circumferential surface with respect to the outer circumferential surface 12 of the fitting portion 10. Specifically, for example, the outer circumferential surface 32 may be a cylindrical surface that expands inward toward the axis x, with axis x as the central axis or approximate central axis, or a conical cylindrical surface or a substantially conical cylindrical surface. Alternatively, the outer circumferential surface 32 may be a cylindrical surface or a substantially cylindrical surface with axis x as the central axis or approximate central axis. Furthermore, as long as the outer circumferential surface 32 is inclined inward toward the outer circumferential surface 12 of the fitting portion 10, it may be a cylindrical surface that contracts inward toward the axis x, with axis x as the central axis or approximate central axis, or a conical cylindrical surface or a substantially conical cylindrical surface.

[0036] As will be described later, for example, the height h1 of the first projection 30 is set to a predetermined height. The height h1 of the first projection 30 is the height of the first projection 30 in the projection direction, and for example, as shown in Figure 3, it is the height of the first projection 30 in the axial x direction. Specifically, the height h1 of the first projection 30 is the distance between the inner end 13 of the fitting portion 10 and the tip 30a of the first projection 30 in the axial x direction. Note that the height h1 of the first projection 30 may be a height defined by other methods.

[0037] Furthermore, as will be described later, for example, the thickness t2 of the first projection 30 is set to a predetermined thickness. The thickness t2 of the first projection 30 is the radial width of the first projection 30, the radial distance between the inner circumferential surface 31 and the outer circumferential surface 32, as shown in Figure 3, for example, the radial distance between the inner circumferential surface 31 and the outer circumferential surface 32 at a predetermined position in the cross-section. This predetermined position in the cross-section is, for example, the center position in the height h1 direction of the first projection 30. Note that the thickness t2 of the first projection 30 may be a value defined by other methods. Also, the thickness t2 of the first projection 30 may be the maximum value, minimum value, or average value of multiple values, etc.

[0038] The sealing device 1 has the configuration described above. Next, the operation of the sealing device 1 will be explained. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the sealing device 1 in use, attached to a fluid mechanism 100 such as a cooling mechanism, which is the target of application. As shown in Figure 5, the sealing device 1 is attached to the annular gap 101 between the housing 110 and the pipe 120 of the fluid mechanism 100, and is in use. Specifically, the sealing device 1 is press-fitted into the through hole 111 of the housing 110 from the outside, and the sealing device 1 is fixed in the through hole 111. Then, the pipe 120 is inserted into the sealing device 1 fixed in the through hole 111 from the outside, that is, from the outer end 14 side of the fitting portion 10, and the outer surface 22 of the lip 20 contacts the outer circumferential surface 121 of the pipe 12, and the sealing device 1 is in use. In use, the outer circumferential surface 12 of the fitting portion 10 of the sealing device 1 is pressed against the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111. Furthermore, in the operating state, the outer circumferential surface 32 of the first projection 30 of the sealing device 1 is pressed against the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111. Also, in the operating state, the outer surface 22 of the lip 20 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 121 of the pipe 120 with a predetermined width of compression allowance c. In the operating state shown in Figure 5, the pipe 120 is located in a desired position (hereinafter also referred to as the initial position) in the radial direction, and the axis x1 of the pipe 120 coincides with or approximately coincides with the axis x of the sealing device 1. Therefore, when the pipe 120 is in the initial position, the compression allowance c of the lip 20 is constant or approximately constant over the entire circumference of the lip 20. Specifically, the compression allowance c of the lip 20 is, for example, the amount of radial displacement of the tip 22a of the deformed outer surface 22 of the lip 20 from the position of the tip 22a of the undeformed outer surface 22 of the lip 20. Note that the tip 22a of the outer surface 22 of the lip 20 is the end of the outer surface 22 on the side of tip 20a.

[0039] As described above, in the operating state, the fitting portion 10 contacts the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111 of the housing 110, and the lip 20 contacts the outer circumferential surface 121 of the pipe 120, thereby sealing the annular gap 101 between the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111 and the outer circumferential surface 121 of the pipe 120, and sealing the internal space of the housing 110 through which the through hole 111 communicates. As a result, the housing 110, the pipe 120, and the contents to be sealed, such as fluids, are sealed inside. Furthermore, the sealing device 1 is designed to seal the gap 101 even if the pipe 120 is eccentric from its initial position.

[0040] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the sealing device 1 in its maximum eccentric state, where the axis x1 of the pipe 120 is the maximum deviation from the axis x in the operating state. In the maximum eccentric state, the eccentricity d of the pipe 120 is the maximum eccentricity d1. The eccentricity is the amount of deviation of the axis x1 from the axis x in the direction of the axis x. For example, the pipe 120 becomes maximum eccentric due to the accumulation of the maximum tolerances of each part of the fluid mechanism 100 and the sealing device 1. For example, if there are multiple through holes 111 in the housing 110, and multiple pipes 120 inserted into each of the multiple through holes 111 are integrated, the eccentricity of the pipe 120 tends to be large.

[0041] The length l1 of the lip 20 described above is set based on the relative position between the pipe 120 and the through hole 111 when the pipe is in its most eccentric state.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, when the pipe 120 is in its maximum eccentric state, the maximum crushing allowance c of the lip 20 located in the direction in which the pipe 120 has moved the most radially (eccentrically) becomes the maximum crushing allowance c1, and the minimum crushing allowance c of the lip 20 on the radially opposite side of the lip 20 that has the maximum crushing allowance c1 becomes the minimum crushing allowance c2.

[0043] The length l1 of the lip 20 is set such that, for example, when the pipe 120 is in its maximum eccentric state, the minimum compression allowance c2 within the compression allowance c of the entire circumference of the lip 20 is greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum value. This predetermined minimum value of the minimum compression allowance c2 is based on, for example, the amount of eccentricity d of the pipe 120 in its maximum eccentric state. Specifically, for example, this predetermined minimum value of the minimum compression allowance c2 is set to 30% of the maximum eccentricity d1, which is the amount of eccentricity d of the pipe 120 in its maximum eccentric state. In other words, for example, the length l1 of the lip 20 is set such that the minimum compression allowance c2 of the lip 20 is greater than or equal to 30% (d1 × 0.3) of the maximum eccentricity d1 (c2 ≥ d1 × 0.3). As a result, even in the part of the lip 20 where the compression allowance c is the minimum compression allowance c2 when the pipe 120 is in its maximum eccentric state, the lip 20 can follow the eccentric pipe 120, maintain the required compression allowance, and maintain the required sealing performance.

[0044] Furthermore, the length l1 of the lip 20 is set, for example, to the ratio (d1 / g) of the maximum eccentricity d1 to the radial width g of the annular gap 101 between the through hole 111 and the pipe 120. Note that the radial width g of this gap 101 is the width when the pipe 120 is not eccentric (see Figure 5). As a result, even in the part of the lip 20 where the crushing allowance c becomes the minimum crushing allowance c2 when the pipe 120 is in its maximum eccentric state, the lip 20 can follow the eccentric pipe 120 and maintain the required sealing performance.

[0045] Furthermore, the thickness t1 of the lip 20 relative to its length l1 is set, for example, based on the pressure of the object being sealed by the sealing device 1. In other words, the thickness t1(t1 / l1) of the lip 20 relative to its length l1 is set so that the lip 20 has the rigidity to maintain the required sealing performance even when subjected to the pressure of the object being sealed. Specifically, for example, when the pipe 120 is in its maximum eccentric state, the thickness t1(t1 / l1) of the lip 20 relative to its length l1 is set so that even when the lip 20 is subjected to the pressure of the object being sealed, the minimum compression allowance c2 of the lip 20 has the value set as described above.

[0046] Furthermore, the inclination angle θ of the lip 20 is set to an angle within a predetermined range, for example. For example, the inclination angle θ is set to an angle such that the lip 20 is not damaged by interference when the pipe 120 is inserted into the sealing device 1. Also, the inclination angle θ is set to an angle such that the sealing device 1 does not come out of the through hole 111 when the pipe 120 is inserted. Also, the inclination angle θ is set to an angle such that the lip 20 and the projection 30 do not interfere with each other in use. The inclination angle θ is, for example, an angle in the range of 30° to 50°. If the inclination angle θ is large, the possibility of damage to the lip 20 when the pipe 120 is inserted increases. Also, if the inclination angle θ is large, the possibility of the sealing device 1 coming out of the through hole 111 when the pipe 120 is inserted increases. On the other hand, if the inclination angle θ is small, the lip 20 and the projection 30 may interfere with each other in use, which may lead to damage to the sealing device 1.

[0047] Furthermore, the dimensions of each part of the fitting portion 10 are set so that even if the pipe 120 is eccentric, the fitting portion 10 will contact the through hole 111 and maintain its sealing performance. For example, the press-fit allowance of the fitting portion 10 into the through hole 111 is 0.05 mm or approximately 0.05 mm. In other words, the radius of the outer circumferential surface 12 of the fitting portion 10 is 0.05 mm or approximately 0.05 mm larger than the radius of the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111. Also, for example, the thickness of the fitting portion 10 is 1.6 times or approximately 1.6 times the maximum eccentricity d1 of the pipe 120. Note that the thickness of the fitting portion 10 is the radial distance between the inner circumferential surface 11 and the outer circumferential surface 12.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, when the pipe 120 is eccentric, a reaction force (reaction force F) is generated in the first projection 30 in a direction opposite to the direction of eccentricity. As a result, a force is generated in the first projection 30 that resists the outer surface 12 of the fitting portion 10 being pulled away from the inner surface 112 of the through hole 111 by the lip 20 due to the eccentricity of the pipe 120. Therefore, when the pipe 120 is eccentric, the formation of a gap between the fitting portion 10 and the through hole 111 is suppressed. This suppresses a decrease in the sealing performance of the sealing device 1.

[0049] For example, the height h1 and thickness t2 of the first projection 30 are set so that the first projection 30 has rigidity such that it has a reaction force F against eccentricity that is effective in suppressing the deterioration of the sealing performance of the sealing device 1 as described above.

[0050] Furthermore, the thickness t2 of the first projection 30 is set to be less than or equal to the difference (g1-t1) between the minimum width g1, which is the radial width g of the annular gap 101 between the through hole 111 and the pipe 120 in the pipe 120's maximum eccentric state, and the thickness t1 of the lip 20. As a result, even in the pipe 120's maximum eccentric state, contact between the lip 20 and the first projection 30 is suppressed or prevented. This suppresses or prevents damage to the lip 20 and the first projection 30.

[0051] As described above, the sealing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can suppress the deterioration of sealing performance due to eccentricity of the pipe 120 to which it is applied.

[0052] Furthermore, the sealing device 1 can reduce the reaction force generated when it is attached to the through hole 111 of the housing 110, making it easier to attach the sealing device 1 to the housing 110. As a result, the worker attaching the sealing device 1 to the housing 110 can attach the sealing device 1 to the through hole 111 using only the strength of their fingers, thereby reducing the burden on the worker.

[0053] Next, a sealing device 3 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the sealing device 3 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Note that in Figure 7, only a part of the sealing device 3 is shown, and one side of the cross-section of the sealing device 3 with respect to the axis x is shown.

[0054] As shown in Figure 7, the sealing device 3 according to the second embodiment differs from the sealing device 1 described above in that it has an outer peripheral surface 3a with a different configuration from the outer peripheral surface 1a of the sealing device 1 described above. Hereinafter, regarding the configuration of the sealing device 3, components that are the same as or have the same function as those of the sealing device 1 described above will be given the same reference numerals as those of the sealing device 1 described above and their descriptions will be omitted, and only the different components will be described.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, the outer circumferential surface 3a of the sealing device 3 is different from the outer circumferential surface 1a of the sealing device 1 described above. Specifically, the outer circumferential surface 15 of the fitting portion 10 of the sealing device 3 has a different configuration from the outer circumferential surface 12 of the sealing device 1 described above, and similarly, the outer circumferential surface 33 of the first projection 30 of the sealing device 3 has a different configuration from the outer circumferential surface 12 of the sealing device 1 described above.

[0056] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the elastic body portion 2 of the sealing device 3 has an annular second projection 40 about an axis x that protrudes toward the outer circumference, and the second projection 40 is formed on the outer circumferential surface 3a of the sealing device 3. In other words, in the sealing device 3, the outer circumferential surface 3a has a second projection 40 which is an annular portion that protrudes toward the outer circumference. The second projection 40 extends, for example, along a ring with axis x as the central axis or approximate central axis, and specifically, for example, the tip 41 of the second projection 40 extends along a ring or approximate ring with axis x as the central axis or approximate central axis. The tip 41 is the outer circumferential end of the second projection 40 and is the outermost part of the second projection 40. The tip 41 is, for example, an annular line or an annular surface. The tip 41 is configured to contact the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111 when the sealing device 3 is in use.

[0057] Figure 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing one side of the cross-section of the sealing device 3 shown in Figure 7 with respect to the axis x. As shown in Figure 8, the tip 41 of the second projection 40 is located at a predetermined position in the axial x direction. For example, the tip 41 of the second projection 40 is provided to be located within a range from the tip 30a of the first projection 30 to a predetermined position in the axial x direction. Specifically, for example, the position p of the tip 41 of the second projection 40 in the axial x direction is such that, in the cross-section shown in Figure 8, the inner height h1 is less than or equal to 1 / 3 of the outer height h2 (h1 ≤ h2 × 1 / 3). As shown in Figure 8, the inner height h1 is the distance in the axial x direction from the tip 30a of the first projection 30 to the tip 41 of the second projection 40. Furthermore, the outer height h2 is the width in the axial x direction between the fitting portion 10 and the first projection 30 of the elastic body portion 2, and is the distance in the axial x direction between the tip 30a of the first projection 30 and the outer end 14 of the fitting portion 10.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, in the cross-section, the tip 41 of the second projection 40 is located at a predetermined height h3 in the radial direction. The height h3 of the tip 41 of the second projection 40 is the amount of radial protrusion of the second projection 40. The height h3 is, for example, in the range of 0.08 mm to 0.12 mm. The radial position of the tip 41 of the second projection 40 is, for example, a position where the crushing allowance c3 of the second projection 40 is 0.05 mm or more. The crushing allowance c3 of the second projection 40 is the amount by which the second projection 40 is crushed radially when it comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111 during use of the sealing device 3, and is the difference between the radius of the tip 41 of the second projection 40 and the radius of the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111 (radius of the tip 41 of the second projection 40 - radius of the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111).

[0059] In the operating state of the sealing device 3, the second projection 40 makes uniform or substantially uniform contact with the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111 around the axis x. Furthermore, as described above, the position p of the tip 41 of the second projection 40 is such that the inner height h1 is 1 / 3 or less of the outer height h2 (h1 ≤ h2 × 1 / 3). As a result, even if the pipe 120 is significantly eccentric and the compression allowance c of the lip 20 becomes uneven, and the outer circumferential surface 3a of the elastic body 2 deforms in response to this uneven compression allowance c, the second projection 40 can maintain uniform or substantially uniform contact with the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111 around the axis x. This prevents or suppresses a decrease in the sealing performance of the sealing device 3 due to the eccentricity of the pipe 120.

[0060] Furthermore, if the position p of the tip 41 of the second projection 40 is not such that the inner height h1 is greater than 1 / 3 of the outer height h2 (h1 > h2 × 1 / 3), the action of the second projection 40 described above, that is, uniform or substantially uniform contact of the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111 around the axis x, may not be obtained. This is due to the effect that when the pipe 120 is inserted into the sealing device 3, the contact of the pipe 120 with the lip 20 causes the entire sealing device 3 to deform so that it is drawn inward.

[0061] As described above, the sealing device 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention can further suppress the deterioration of sealing performance due to eccentricity of the pipe 120 to which it is applied.

[0062] Next, a modified version of the sealing device 3 will be described. Figures 9 to 11 are cross-sectional perspective views showing the schematic configuration of an example of a modified version of the sealing device 3. As shown in Figure 9, the sealing device 3 may be configured such that the sealing device 1 according to the modified version shown in Figure 4 is provided with a second projection 40. Also, as shown in Figure 9, the cross-sectional shape of the second projection 40 does not have to be symmetrical in the axial x direction; for example, the tip 41 may be located inward from the center of the second projection 40 in the axial x direction. Also, for example, the width of the second projection 40 in the axial x direction may be of various widths; for example, as shown in Figure 10, the width of the second projection 40 in the axial x direction may be narrow. Also, as shown in Figure 11, the sealing device 3 may have a plurality of second projections 40. In this case, the plurality of second projections 40 are arranged in the axial x direction. Furthermore, in this case, it is not necessary for all positions P of the multiple second protrusions 40 to be such that the inner height h1 is 1 / 3 or less of the outer height h2 (h1 ≤ h2 × 1 / 3). It is sufficient that at least one position P of the second protrusion 40 is such that the inner height h1 is 1 / 3 or less of the outer height h2 (h1 ≤ h2 × 1 / 3).

[0063] Although the present invention has been described above through the embodiments described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the embodiments above. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the embodiments described above. It will be clear from the claims that such modified or improved forms may also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0064] The embodiments described above are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. Furthermore, the embodiments described above do not limit the scope of application of the present invention, and the present invention may encompass anything as its target application. The components of the above embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, and sizes, are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. For example, the present invention includes differences that arise in the implementation of manufacturing tolerances, etc. Furthermore, components shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined to the extent that they do not contradict each other in a technical sense. In addition, each configuration can be selectively combined as appropriate to achieve at least some of the problems and effects described above.

[0065] For example, a reinforcing ring may be attached to the fitting portion 10. The reinforcing ring is a rigid, annular member made of metal or the like, and is a member for reinforcing the fitting portion 10. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1,3 Sealing device, 1a,3a Outer surface, 1b Groove, 2 Elastic body part, 10 Fitting part, 10a Inner end, 11 Inner surface, 12,15 Outer surface, 13 Inner end, 14 Outer end, 15 Outer surface, 20 Lip, 20a Tip, 21 Inner surface, 22 Outer surface, 22a Tip, 30 First projection, 30a Tip, 31 Inner surface, 32,33 Outer surface, 33 Outer surface, 40 Second projection, 41 Tip, 100 Fluid mechanism, 101 Gap, 110 Housing, 111 Through hole, 112 Inner surface, 120 Tube, 121 Outer surface, c,c3 Compression allowance, c1 Maximum compression allowance, c2 Minimum compression allowance, d Eccentricity, d1 Maximum eccentricity, F Reaction force, g Width, g1; Minimum width, h1, h2, h3; Height, l1, l2; Length, t1, t2; Thickness, x, x1; Axis line

Claims

1. A sealing device for sealing an annular gap between a hole formed in a first member and a second member that has entered the hole, It comprises an elastic portion which is an annular part formed from an elastic material around an axis, The elastic body portion has a fitting portion which is an annular part around the axis, a lip which is an annular part around the axis that protrudes inward from the fitting portion, and a first projection which is an annular part around the axis. The lip protrudes from one end of the fitting portion in the axial direction, inclined toward the one side. The length of the protruding lip is set based on the minimum compression allowance when the second member is maximally eccentric with respect to the hole. The first projection protrudes from the end of the fitting portion toward one side. Sealing device.

2. The length of the lip is set such that the minimum crushing allowance is greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum value. The sealing device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned minimum value is based on the amount of eccentricity at which the eccentricity reaches its maximum. The sealing device according to claim 2.

4. The minimum value is 30% of the eccentricity at the point of maximum eccentricity. The sealing device according to claim 3.

5. The minimum value is the ratio of the amount of eccentricity at the point of maximum eccentricity to the radial width of the annular gap. The sealing device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The first projection defines an annular recess between itself and the lip, which is recessed on the other side in the axial direction. The sealing device according to claim 1.

7. The radial width of the first projection is less than or equal to the difference between the minimum radial width of the annular gap when it is eccentric to its maximum extent and the thickness of the lip. The sealing device according to claim 1 or 6.

8. The elastic body portion has an annular second projection about the axis that protrudes toward the outer circumference, The second projection is provided such that its outer peripheral end is located in the axial direction within a range from one end of the first projection to a predetermined position. The predetermined position is a position located axially away from the end of the first projection by a distance of 1 / 3 of the height of the elastic body, which is the width of the fitting portion of the elastic body and the first projection in the axial direction. The sealing device according to claim 1.

9. The elastic body portion has a plurality of the second protrusions, The plurality of second protrusions are arranged in the axial direction. The sealing device according to claim 8.

10. The end of the second projection is located on the outer circumference side of the fitting portion and the first projection, respectively. The sealing device according to claim 8.

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