sealing device

Abstract

A sealing device (1) comprises an annular elastic body portion (2) formed of an elastic body. The elastic body portion (2) comprises an annular seal lip (10). The seal lip (10) is adapted to contact a guide member (102) inserted into the seal lip (10). A tightening margin (α) of the seal lip (10) for the guide member (102) inserted into the seal lip (10) has a size adapted to facilitate insertion of the guide member (102) into the seal lip (10). The seal lip (10) is a cylindrical portion extending along an axis (x).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in electronic devices and electronic components, since the temperature rises due to heat generation, some are provided with a cooling mechanism for cooling. For example, inside an inverter device attached to a motor as a drive source, a cooling device for cooling the high-temperature inverter device is provided. Such a cooling device has a guiding member such as a pipe for guiding a coolant, and a guiding path is formed by connecting the guiding members to the cooling device. At the connection portion between the guiding members in the guiding path, a seal as a sealing device is provided to prevent leakage of the coolant (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] In the guiding path of such a cooling device, there is a case where the pipe portion of one guiding member is connected to the opening portion of another guiding member. In such a connection portion, when the pipe portion is eccentric with respect to the opening portion due to manufacturing tolerances or assembly tolerances, the seal lip may be deformed and the sealing performance may deteriorate. In contrast, a configuration of increasing the tightening allowance of the seal lip can be considered, but when the tightening allowance of the seal lip is increased, the force required for inserting the pipe portion into the seal becomes large. When the force required for inserting the pipe portion into the seal becomes large, improvement in the attachment condition (attachment performance) of the seal to the pipe portion may be required.

[0005] Thus, there has been a long-standing need for a configuration that can prevent a decrease in sealing performance while also preventing a decrease in the installation performance of the seals at the connection points of guide members in guide paths.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide a sealing device that can prevent a decrease in mounting performance while preventing a decrease in sealing performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the sealing device according to the present invention is a sealing device for closing the space between a first guide member, which is a fluid guide member, and a second guide member, which is a fluid guide member having an opening for housing the first guide member, and comprises an elastic body portion which is an annular portion formed of an elastic body around an axis, the elastic body portion has a seal lip which is an annular portion around the axis, the seal lip is in contact with the first guide member inserted into the seal lip, the overlap of the seal lip with respect to the first guide member inserted into the seal lip is sized to facilitate insertion of the first guide member into the seal lip, and the seal lip is a cylindrical portion extending along the axis.

[0008] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the axial length of the seal lip is greater than the size of any foreign matter that may be present between the first guide member inserted into the seal lip and the seal lip.

[0009] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the seal lip extends parallel to the axis.

[0010] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the seal lip is a cylindrical portion with the axis as its central axis.

[0011] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the foreign matter includes at least one of spherical foreign matter and fibrous foreign matter.

[0012] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the overlap and the thickness of the seal lip are set to facilitate insertion of the first guide member into the seal lip.

[0013] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the overlap and the thickness of the seal lip are set such that the insertion of the first guide member into the seal lip is facilitated when the seal lip deforms and the center of the opening end of the seal lip is shifted from the axis.

[0014] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the elastic body portion has a support portion which is a portion for applying tension to the seal lip.

[0015] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the support portion is a plurality of ribs extending along the axis.

[0016] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the elastic body portion has a base portion which is the portion from which the seal lip protrudes, the base portion is annular around the axis, and the thickness of the base portion is greater than the thickness of the seal lip.

[0017] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the elastic body portion has a gasket portion which is an annular shape around the axis and contacts the opening, and the seal lip is located on the inner circumference side of the gasket portion.

[0018] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the first guide member and the second guide member are components of a cooling device for an inverter device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The sealing device according to the present invention can prevent a decrease in sealing performance while also preventing a decrease in mounting performance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a partial perspective view showing a part of the sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view showing one of the cross-sections along the axis of the sealing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a partial cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the cross-section of the seal lip in the sealing device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a view showing a part of the elastic body portion in a state where the center of the inner end of the seal lip is deviated from the axis of the sealing device. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view showing the sealing device in a use state. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view showing a state when inserting a guide member into the inner space of the seal lip. [Figure 7] It is a view showing a state of inserting a guide member into the inner space of a seal lip whose center of the root end is deviated from the axis. [Figure 8] It is a partial perspective view showing a part of the sealing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a partial perspective view showing a part of the sealing device according to a modification of the sealing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] The sealing device according to the present invention is a sealing device for sealing the space between a first guide member, which is a fluid guide member, and a second guide member, which is a fluid guide member having an opening that accommodates the first guide member. The first guide member is, for example, a conduit, and the second guide member is, for example, a conduit or container having an opening that accommodates the end of another conduit. The fluid is, for example, a coolant used for cooling, and the first guide member and the second guide member are members that form a guide path for a cooling device. The cooling device is, for example, a cooling device for an inverter device. The sealing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used to seal the space between the first guide member and the second guide member, which are members of a cooling device for an inverter device. However, the application of the sealing device according to the present invention is not limited to a cooling device for an inverter device, and it may be used in other devices as well.

[0023] Figure 1 is a partial perspective view showing a part of a sealing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 1 shows a part of the sealing device 1 cut along a plane along axis x. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing one side of the cross-section of the sealing device 1 along axis x, and Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the sealing device 1 on one side with respect to axis x. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sealing device 1 includes an elastic body portion 2 which is an annular portion formed from an elastic body around axis x. The elastic body portion 2 has a seal lip 10 which is an annular portion around axis x. The seal lip 10 is configured to contact a first guide member inserted into the seal lip 10. The overlap α of the seal lip 10 with respect to the first guide member inserted into the seal lip 10 is sized to facilitate insertion of the first guide member into the seal lip 10. The seal lip 10 is a cylindrical portion extending along axis x. The configuration of the sealing device 1 will be described in detail below.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, for example, the sealing device 1 has a reinforcing ring 30 for reinforcing the elastic body 2. The reinforcing ring 30 is a member attached to the elastic body 2 so as to cover the elastic body 2, and is a member having annular rigidity around the axis x. The reinforcing ring 30 is, for example, made of metal or resin. The reinforcing ring 30 also has, for example, an annular portion 31 and a cylindrical portion 32 extending from the annular portion 31. The annular portion 31 is, for example, a portion that spreads out in an annular or substantially annular shape around the axis x, and is a hollow disc-shaped portion with the axis x as the central axis or substantially the central axis. The cylindrical portion 32 is a cylindrical portion that extends along the axis x, for example, a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical portion with the axis x as the central axis or substantially the central axis. The cylindrical portion 32 extends from the outer peripheral end of the annular portion 31. The cylindrical portion 32 has an outer peripheral surface 32a facing the outer circumference, and as will be described later, the cylindrical portion 32 has a shape and diameter corresponding to the inner peripheral surface of the opening such that the axis x of the sealing device 1 coincides with or substantially coincides with the axis of the opening of the second guide member when the sealing device 1 is in use. The shape of the cylindrical portion 32 is, for example, cylindrical or substantially cylindrical with axis x as the central axis or substantially the central axis. The tip portion 32b, which is the tip end portion of the cylindrical portion 32, has a smaller diameter than the outer peripheral surface 32a of the cylindrical portion 32. The diameter of the outer peripheral surface 32a of the cylindrical portion 32 is set to a size such that it is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the opening when the sealing device 1, as will be described later, is attached to the opening of the second guide member to be applied. As a result, when in use, the sealing device 1 is fixed to the application object by metal-to-metal fitting, and the space between the application object and the sealing device 1 is sealed. The stepped reinforcing ring 30 is integrally formed from the same material, and the annular portion 31 and the cylindrical portion 32 are parts of the integrally formed reinforcing ring 30.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the elastic body portion 2 has, for example, a base portion 20 in addition to the seal lip 10. The base portion 20 is the part from which the seal lip 10 protrudes. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the elastic body portion 2 also has, for example, a base portion 21, a cover portion 22, and a gasket portion 23.

[0026] The seal lip 10 forms an internal space S1 extending in the direction of the axis x, which extends parallel to the axis x, for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Specifically, the seal lip 10 extends in a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape with the axis x as its central axis or substantially central axis, and the seal surface 11, which is the inner circumferential surface of the seal lip 10 that defines the internal space S1, is a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical surface with the axis x as its central axis or substantially central axis. The outer circumferential surface 12, which is the surface facing the outer circumferential side of the seal lip 10 and is opposite to the seal surface 11, is a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical surface with the axis x as its central axis or substantially central axis. An opening 13 is formed at the inner end (upper side in Figure 2) (inner end 10a) of the seal lip 10 in the direction of the axis x, and the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10 is open to the outside at the inner end 10a. The seal lip 10 is connected to the root portion 20 at its outer end (bottom end 10b) in the axial x direction (lower side in Figure 2), and the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10 is in communication with the internal space S2 of the root portion 20.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the root portion 20 is an annular portion around the axis x, and for example, extends in a cylindrical shape along the axis x. Specifically, the root portion 20 decreases in diameter as it approaches the seal lip 10 along the axis x, and for example, has a conical or approximately conical cylindrical shape with the axis x as the central axis or approximately the central axis. The inner circumferential surface 20a that defines the internal space S2 of the root portion 20 is smoothly connected to the sealing surface 11 of the seal lip 10. However, the inner circumferential surface 20a of the root portion 20 does not have to be smoothly connected to the sealing surface 11 of the seal lip 10. The thickness of the root portion 20 is greater than the thickness of the seal lip 10. The root portion 20 has an annular surface (end face 20b) facing the inside at its inner end, and the seal lip 10 protrudes from the end face 20b.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the base portion 21 is an annular portion around axis x, extending outward from the outer end of the root portion 20. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cover portion 22 is an annular portion around axis x, extending inward from the outer end of the base portion 21. A gasket portion 23 is provided at the inner end of the cover portion 22, protruding outward from the cover portion 22. The gasket portion 23 has a sealing surface 23a that faces outward, and the sealing surface 23a forms, for example, a cylindrical surface or a substantially cylindrical surface with axis x as the central axis or substantially the central axis.

[0029] The base portion 21, cover portion 22, and gasket portion 23 of the elastic body portion 2 are attached to the reinforcing ring 30 so as to cover the reinforcing ring 30. For example, the base portion 21, cover portion 22, and gasket portion 23 are bonded to the reinforcing ring 30. Specifically, for example, the base portion 21 covers the annular portion 31 of the reinforcing ring 30 from the inside so as to cover the inner circumference end (inner circumference end 31a) of the annular portion 31 of the reinforcing ring 30. The cover portion 23 covers the cylindrical portion 32 of the reinforcing ring 30 from the inside, and the gasket portion 23 covers the tip portion 32b of the cylindrical portion 32 of the reinforcing ring 30 from the outside. The diameter of the sealing surface 23a of the gasket portion 23 is set to a size that is pressed against the inner circumference surface of the opening when the sealing device 1, which will be described later, is attached to the opening of the second guide member to which it is applied. As a result, in use, the gasket portion 23 is compressed radially between the tip portion 32b of the cylindrical portion 32 of the reinforcing ring 30 and the opening, fixing the sealing device 1 to the object to be applied and sealing the space between the object to be applied and the sealing device 1.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the elastic body portion 2, the seal lip 10 is located, for example, on the inner circumference side of the gasket portion 23. Specifically, for example, the inner end 10a of the seal lip 10 is located at the same or approximately the same position as the tip 23b of the gasket portion 23 in the axial x direction, and is not located further inward than the gasket portion 23. However, the inner end 10a of the seal lip 10 does not have to be located at the same position as the tip 23b of the gasket portion 23 in the axial x direction. For example, the inner end 10a of the seal lip 10 may be located further inward than the tip 23b of the gasket portion 23 in the axial x direction, or the inner end 10a of the seal lip 10 may be located further outward than the tip 23b of the gasket portion 23 in the axial x direction.

[0031] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the cross-section of the seal lip 10 shown in Figure 2. In Figure 3, a portion of the first guide member (guide member 102) housed in the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10 in the operating state is shown by dashed lines, as will be described later. The radius (radius R) of the sealing surface 11 of the seal lip 10 is of a predetermined size, the length L of the seal lip 10 is of a predetermined length, and the thickness T of the seal lip 10 is of a predetermined thickness. The radius R of the sealing surface 11 is the distance between the axis x and the sealing surface 11 in the direction perpendicular to the axis x (radial direction). The length of the seal lip 10 is the width of the seal lip 10 in the axial x direction, and the distance between the internal end 10a and the root end 10b of the seal lip 10 in the axial x direction. The thickness T of the seal lip 10 is the width of the seal lip 10 in the radial direction, and the distance between the sealing surface 11 and the outer circumferential surface 12 of the seal lip 10 in the axial x direction.

[0032] As described later, in the sealing device 1 in use when attached to the target object, a first guide member (guide member 102) is inserted into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10, and the sealing surface 11 of the seal lip 10 contacts the first guide member, sealing the space between the seal lip 10 and the first guide member. As mentioned above, the tightening allowance α of the seal lip 10 is set to a predetermined value (insertion force F1) such that the force required to insert the first guide member into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10 is a predetermined value. The magnitude of this predetermined value of insertion force F1 can be set to various values, for example, various values ​​that facilitate the insertion of the first guide member into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10. The tightening allowance α is set to be smaller than the conventional standard tightening allowance. Note that the tightening allowance α is the difference between the radius (radius R1) of the outer circumferential surface (outer circumferential surface 102a) of the first guide member (guide member 102) that the sealing surface 11 contacts in use, and the radius R of the sealing surface 11 (see Figure 3).

[0033] The length L of the seal lip 10 is set, for example, in relation to foreign matter. In the sealing device 1 in use, foreign matter may be present between the sealing surface 11 of the seal lip 10 and the first guide member. Foreign matter may include everything that can be present between the sealing surface 11 and the first guide member in the sealing device 1 in use. Foreign matter may include, for example, dust, dirt, fine particles, fine fibers, etc., which may unintentionally adhere to the first guide member or the sealing surface 11 of the seal lip 10 when the first guide member is inserted into the seal lip 10, or which may unintentionally be present between the first guide member and the sealing surface 11.

[0034] The length L of the seal lip 10 is greater than the size of any foreign matter that may exist between the first guide member and the sealing surface 11 in the sealing device 1 when in use. Such foreign matter includes at least one of spherical foreign matter and fibrous foreign matter. For example, if the size (diameter) of a spherical foreign matter is 1 mm, the length L of the seal lip 10 is, for example, greater than 1 mm. Also, for example, if the size (length) of a fibrous foreign matter is 1 mm, the length L of the seal lip 10 is, for example, greater than 1 mm. Also, for example, if the size (length) of a fibrous foreign matter is 2 mm, the length L of the seal lip 10 is, for example, greater than 2 mm. Note that the foreign matter varies depending on how the sealing device 1 is used, and similarly the size of the foreign matter also varies depending on how the sealing device 1 is used. For this reason, the length L of the seal lip 10 can be various values ​​depending on how the sealing device 1 is used. Furthermore, the upper limit of the length L of the seal lip 10 can be various values ​​depending on the target application of the sealing device 1 and how the sealing device 1 is used.

[0035] Furthermore, the overlap α of the seal lip 10 and the thickness T of the seal lip 10 are set such that, for example, the force required to insert the first guide member into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10 is a predetermined value (insertion force F2). The magnitude of this predetermined value of insertion force F2 can be set to various values, for example, various sizes that facilitate the insertion of the first guide member into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10. For example, the overlap α is set to be smaller than the conventional standard overlap, and the thickness T is set to be smaller than the conventional standard thickness of the seal lip. Furthermore, the overlap α of the seal lip 10 and the thickness T of the seal lip 10 are set such that, for example, when the seal lip 10 deforms and the center C of the root end 10b of the seal lip 10 is shifted from the axis x (eccentric) (see Figure 4), the force required to insert the first guide member into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10 is a predetermined value (insertion force F3). The magnitude of this predetermined insertion force F3 can be set to various values, for example, to facilitate the insertion of the first guide member into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10 that has undergone deformation such as eccentricity. For example, the interference fit α is set to be smaller than the conventional standard interference fit, and the thickness T is set to be smaller than the conventional standard thickness of the seal lip.

[0036] Furthermore, the overlap α of the seal lip 10 and the thickness T of the seal lip 10 are set such that, for example, the pressure at the contact surface between the seal lip 10 and the first guide member becomes a predetermined pressure (pressure P1). The magnitude of this predetermined pressure P1 can be set to various values, for example, such as a size that ensures, or is expected to ensure, a predetermined sealing performance between the sealing surface 11 of the seal lip 10 and the first guide member inserted into the internal space S1. Furthermore, the overlap α of the seal lip 10 and the thickness T of the seal lip 10 are set such that, for example, when the seal lip 10 is eccentric (see Figure 4), the pressure at the contact surface between the seal lip 10 and the first guide member becomes a predetermined pressure (pressure P2). The magnitude of this predetermined pressure P2 can be set to various values, for example, such as a size that ensures, or is expected to ensure, a predetermined sealing performance between the sealing surface 11 of the seal lip 10 and the first guide member inserted into the internal space S1.

[0037] The elastic body portion 2 is a component integrally formed from the same material, and the seal lip 10, root portion 20, base portion 21, cover portion 22, and gasket portion 23 are integrally formed parts of the elastic body portion 2 and are each integrally connected. The elastic body portion 2 is formed from an elastic material, for example, by cross-linking and bonding an elastic material to the reinforcing ring 30 and integrally molding it. The elastic body portion 2 is a molded body obtained by insert molding, for example, with the reinforcing ring 30 as an insert component.

[0038] Next, the operation of the sealing device 1 having the above-described configuration will be explained. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the sealing device 1 in use. The first guide member is inserted into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10, the sealing surface 11 of the seal lip 10 contacts the first guide member, and the sealing device 1 is fitted into the opening of the second guide member, the sealing surface 23a of the gasket portion 23 and the outer peripheral surface 32a of the cylindrical portion 32 contact the opening, and the sealing device 1 is put into use. In this embodiment, the sealing device 1 is applied to the cooling passage 101 of the inverter cooling device 100. In the cooling passage 101, the first guide member is a guide member 102 which is one of the components constituting the cooling passage 101, and the second guide member is a guide member 103 which is one of the components constituting the cooling passage 101. The cooling passage 101 is a guide passage that guides the coolant into the inverter, and the guide members 102 and 103 are members that guide the coolant in a part of the cooling passage 101, such as pipes or containers. The guide member 103 has an opening 104 that receives the end of the guide member 102.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, in the sealing device 1 in use, the guide member 102 is housed in the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10, and the sealing surface 11 contacts the outer peripheral surface 102a of the guide member 102, thereby sealing the space between the seal lip 10 and the guide member 102. Furthermore, the sealing device 1 is housed within the opening 104 of the guide member 103, with the outer peripheral surface 32a of the cylindrical portion 32 of the reinforcing ring 30 contacting the inner peripheral surface 104a of the opening 104, and the sealing surface 23a of the gasket portion 23 contacting the inner peripheral surface 104a of the opening 104, thereby sealing the space between the cylindrical portion 32 and the gasket portion 23 and the opening 104. As described above, the outer peripheral surface 32a of the cylindrical portion 32 of the reinforcing ring 30 has a shape corresponding to the inner peripheral surface 104a of the opening 104, and within the opening 104, the central axis of the opening 104 and the axis x of the sealing device 1 coincide or substantially coincide. In this way, the sealing device 1 closes the gap in the connection area between the guide member 102 and the guide member 103, thereby connecting the guide member 102 and the guide member 103.

[0040] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the insertion of the guide member 102 into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10. As described above, the overlap α of the seal lip 10 is set such that the force required to insert the guide member 102 into the internal space S1 (insertion force F) is a predetermined size F1 that facilitates the insertion of the guide member 102 into the internal space S1. This reduces the insertion force F, making it easier to insert the guide member 102 into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10. The predetermined size insertion force F1 may be a single value or a range.

[0041] Furthermore, as described above, the overlap α of the seal lip 10 and the thickness T of the seal lip 10 are set such that the force required to insert the guide member 102 into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10 (insertion force F) is set to a predetermined size F2 that facilitates the insertion of the guide member 102 into the internal space S1. Thus, the insertion force F2 is set considering not only the overlap α of the seal lip 10 but also the thickness T of the seal lip 10. As a result, the insertion force can be reduced, making it easier to insert the guide member 102 into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10.

[0042] Figure 7 shows how the guide member 102 is inserted into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10, where the center C of the root end 10b is offset from the axis x (eccentric). In the cooling device 100, due to manufacturing tolerances and assembly tolerances of each component of the cooling passage 101, a misalignment may occur between the central axis of the guide member 102 and the central axis (axis x) of the opening 104 of the guide member 103. In this case, as shown in Figure 7, when inserting the guide member 102 into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10, the center C of the root end 10b is offset from the axis x, and the guide member 102 is inserted into this eccentric seal lip 10. The overlap α of the seal lip 10 and the thickness T of the seal lip 10 are set so that the force (insertion force F) required to insert the guide member 102 into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10, where the center C of the root end 10b is offset from the axis x, is a predetermined insertion force F3 that facilitates the insertion of the guide member 2 into the internal space S1. This makes it easier to insert the guide member 102 into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10, even when the center C of the root end 10b is offset from the axis x.

[0043] Furthermore, the length L of the seal lip 10 is longer than the length in the axial x direction of foreign matter located between the sealing surface 11 of the seal lip 10 and the outer circumferential surface 102a of the guide member 102 in the sealing device 1 in use. Therefore, foreign matter located between the sealing surface 11 and the outer circumferential surface 102a of the guide member 102 is prevented from penetrating the contact surface between the sealing surface 11 and the outer circumferential surface 102a in the axial x direction. In this way, the seal lip 10 can prevent a decrease in sealing performance against foreign matter even when the pressure at the contact surface between the seal lip 10 and the guide member 102 is low.

[0044] Furthermore, the overlap α of the seal lip 10 and the thickness T of the seal lip 10 are set, as described above, so that the pressure (contact pressure P) at the contact surface between the sealing surface 11 of the seal lip 10 and the outer peripheral surface 102a of the guide member 102 in the operating state becomes a predetermined pressure P1 such that the seal lip 10 achieves a predetermined sealing performance. Therefore, the seal lip 10 exhibits the desired sealing performance in the operating state. Furthermore, the overlap α of the seal lip 10 and the thickness T of the seal lip 10 are set, as described above, so that the pressure P at the contact surface between the eccentric sealing surface 11 of the seal lip 10 and the outer peripheral surface 102a of the guide member 102 in the operating state (see Figure 7) becomes a predetermined pressure P2 such that the seal lip 10 achieves a predetermined sealing performance. Therefore, even if there is a misalignment between the central axis of the guide member 102 and the central axis of the opening 104 of the guide member 103 in the cooling passage 101, the seal lip 10 exhibits the desired sealing performance.

[0045] Thus, the overlap α and thickness T of the seal lip 10 are set based on the correlation between eccentricity tracking, shaft insertion, and contact pressure so that the eccentricity tracking, shaft insertion, and contact pressure of the seal lip 10 are good. For this reason, the sealing device 1 does not reduce the sealing performance of the seal lip 10 even when the guide member 102 is easily attached to the seal lip 10. Eccentricity tracking refers to the ability to maintain the area of ​​the sealing surface 10 that contacts the outer peripheral surface 102a of the guide member 102 when the seal lip 10 is eccentric. Shaft insertion refers to the performance of the seal lip 10 in inserting into the internal space S1 of the guide member 102.

[0046] Furthermore, in the sealing device 1, the base portion 20, which is thicker than the seal lip 10, forms an internal space S2 that communicates with the guide member 102. Therefore, the rigidity of the base portion 20 is higher than that of the seal lip 10, and the base portion 20 is less likely to deform when negative pressure is created inside the cooling passage 101. This prevents deformation of the seal lip 10 due to deformation of the base portion 20, which would cause a gap to open between the sealing surface 11 and the outer peripheral surface 102a of the guide member 102, thereby reducing the sealing performance.

[0047] As described above, according to the sealing device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a decrease in installation performance while preventing a decrease in sealing performance.

[0048] Next, a sealing device 3 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 8 is a partial perspective view showing a part of the sealing device 3 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8 shows a part of the sealing device 3 cut along a plane along axis x. As shown in Figure 8, the sealing device 3 differs from the sealing device 1 described above in that the elastic body portion 2 has a support portion 14 which is a part that provides tension to the seal lip 10. Hereinafter, regarding the configuration of the sealing device 3, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as or have similar functions as the sealing device 1 described above, and their descriptions are omitted, while different components will be described.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8, the sealing device 3 specifically has a plurality of ribs 14 as support parts extending along the axis x. The ribs 14 are, for example, plate-shaped parts extending along the plane containing the axis x. In the sealing device 3, the plurality of ribs 14 are provided, for example, at equal or approximately equal angular intervals around the axis x. The ribs 14 also extend between the outer circumferential surface 20c of the root portion 20, the inner circumferential surface 22a of the cover portion 22, and the inner surface 21a of the base portion 21. The outer circumferential surface 20c of the root portion 20 is the surface facing the outer circumferential side of the root portion 20, the inner circumferential surface 22a of the cover portion 22 is the surface facing the inner circumferential side of the cover portion 22, and the inner surface 21a of the base portion 21 is the surface facing the inner side of the base portion 21.

[0050] According to the sealing device 3 of this embodiment, the rib 14 supports the base portion 20 from the outer circumference and pushes the base portion 20 in the direction toward the axis x. This generates a tightening force on the seal lip 10 that causes the seal lip 10 to follow the guide member 102, which undergoes displacement such as eccentricity during use. Therefore, the ability of the seal lip 10 to follow the guide member 102 can be improved. As a result, even if there is a misalignment between the central axis of the guide member 102 and the central axis of the opening 104 of the guide member 103 in the cooling passage 101, a decrease in the sealing performance of the seal lip 10 can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the base portion 20 is supported by the rib 14, the rigidity of the base portion 20 can be increased, making it less likely to deform even when subjected to fluid pressure, and improving the pressure resistance of the base portion 20. As a result, the pressure resistance of the seal lip 10 can be improved. In addition, the sealing device 3 exhibits the effects of the sealing device 1 described above.

[0051] Next, a modified example of the sealing device 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 9 is a partial perspective view showing a part of the sealing device 4 according to a modified example of the sealing device 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 shows a part of the sealing device 4 cut along a plane parallel to axis x. As shown in Figure 9, the sealing device 4 differs from the sealing device 3 described above in the shape of the ribs. As shown in Figure 9, the ribs 15 of the sealing device 4 extend between the outer circumferential surface 12 of the seal lip 10 and the inner circumferential surface 22a of the cover portion 22. In other words, the ribs 15 extend between the outer circumferential surface 12 of the seal lip 10, the outer circumferential surface 20c of the root portion 20, the inner circumferential surface 22a of the cover portion 22, and the inner surface 21a of the base portion 21.

[0052] According to the sealing device 4, the rib 15 supports the root portion 20 and the seal lip 10 from the outer circumference and pushes the root portion 20 and the seal lip 10 in the direction toward axis x. As a result, a tightening force is generated on the root portion 20 and the seal lip 10 that causes the seal lip 10 to follow the guide member 102 which undergoes displacement such as eccentricity during use. Therefore, the ability of the seal lip 10 to follow the guide member 102 can be improved. As a result, even if there is a misalignment between the central axis of the guide member 102 and the central axis of the opening 104 of the guide member 103 in the cooling passage 101, the deterioration of the sealing performance of the seal lip 10 can be further suppressed. In addition, since the root portion 20 and the seal lip 10 are supported by the rib 15, the rigidity of the root portion 20 and the seal lip 10 can be increased, making them less prone to deformation even when subjected to fluid pressure, and improving the pressure resistance of the root portion 20 and the seal lip 10. Furthermore, the sealing device 4 provides the same effects as the sealing device 1 described above.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 to which the present invention applies, and may include anything to which the present invention can be used. The components of the above embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, and sizes, etc., 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1,3,4 Sealing device, 2 Elastic body part, 10 Seal lip, 10a Inner end, 10b Root end, 11 Seal surface, 12 Outer surface, 13 Opening, 14,15 Rib (support part), 20 Root part, 20a Inner surface, 20b End surface, 20c Outer surface, 21 Base part, 21a Inner surface, 22 Cover part, 22a Inner surface, 23 Gasket part, 23a Seal surface, 23b Tip, 30 Reinforcing ring, 31 Annular part, 31a Inner end, 32 Cylinder part, 32a Outer surface, 32b Tip part, 100 Cooling device, 101 Cooling passage, 102,103 Guide member, 102a Outer surface, 104 Opening, 104a Inner surface, F Insertion force, L Length, P Contact pressure, R radius, T thickness, S1, S2 internal space, x axis, α overlap.

Claims

1. A sealing device for closing the space between a first guide member, which is a fluid guide member, and a second guide member, which is a fluid guide member having an opening that accommodates the first guide member, It comprises an elastic portion which is an annular part formed from an elastic material around an axis, The elastic body portion has a seal lip which is an annular portion around the axis, The seal lip is configured to contact the first guide member inserted into the seal lip. The seal lip is a cylindrical portion extending along the axis, and has a sealing surface that contacts the first guide member inserted into the seal lip, and an outer peripheral surface that faces the outer peripheral side opposite to the sealing surface. The sealing surface is a cylindrical surface extending along the axis. Sealing device.

2. The axial length of the seal lip is greater than the size of any foreign matter that may be present between the first guide member inserted into the seal lip and the seal lip. The sealing device according to claim 1.

3. The seal lip extends parallel to the axis. The sealing device according to claim 1.

4. The seal lip is a cylindrical portion with the axis as its central axis, The sealing surface is a cylindrical surface with the axis as its central axis. The sealing device according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned foreign matter includes at least one of spherical foreign matter and fibrous foreign matter. The sealing device according to claim 2.

6. The sealing surface extends over the entire axial length of the sealing lip. The sealing device according to claim 1.

7. The elastic body portion has a base portion which is the part from which the seal lip protrudes. The base portion is annular around the axis, The thickness of the base portion is greater than the thickness of the seal lip. The base portion has an annular end face facing the direction of the axis, The seal lip protrudes from the inner circumference portion of the end face. The sealing device according to claim 1.

8. The elastic body portion has a support portion which is a part that provides tension to the seal lip, The support portion supports the base portion, or the base portion and the seal lip, from the outer circumference. The sealing device according to claim 7.

9. The support portion is a plurality of ribs extending along the axis. The sealing device according to claim 8.

10. The elastic body portion has a gasket portion which is an annular shape around the axis and contacts the opening. The seal lip is located on the inner circumference side of the gasket portion. The sealing device according to claim 1.

11. The first guide member and the second guide member are components of the cooling device for the inverter device. The sealing device according to claim 1.

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