Abstract:
A sealing element ( 1 ) comprising, in cross-section, a body ( 7   a ) and a first sealing part ( 8   a ).The first sealing part ( 8   a ) providing a sealing face ( 12   a ), the first sealing part being connected to and angularly and resiliently displaceable relative to a first surface of the body ( 7   a ).

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit and priority of Great Britain Patent Application No. 1207996.8, filed May 4, 2012. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a sealing element, in particular, but not exclusively, a sealing element for sealing between planar surfaces. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The use of rubber seals or gaskets is known. The present invention aims to alleviate, at least to a certain extent, the problems and/or address at least to a certain extent the difficulties associated with the prior art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    According to the present invention, there is provided a sealing element comprising, in cross-section, a body and a first sealing part, the first sealing part providing a sealing face, the first sealing part being connected to and angularly and resiliently displaceable relative to a first surface of the body. 
         [0005]    In this way, when in use, the first sealing part provides a seal against a component against which it is placed. Because the first sealing part is resiliently and angularly displaceable, the sealing element may still seek to provide a consistent seal even if the surface of a component against which the sealing element is placed is not perfectly smooth. 
         [0006]    Preferably, in cross-section, the sealing element further comprises a second sealing part providing a sealing face, the second sealing part being spaced from the first sealing part and extending substantially perpendicular from the first side of the body. In this way, the second sealing part can provide a first seal, against, for example water and dust, and the first sealing element, can provide a second seal. The provision of two sealing parts provides a double line of defence. 
         [0007]    Preferably, in cross-section, the first sealing part, in an unbiased state, forms an angle of less than 90 degrees with the first surface of the body. By providing an angled first sealing part, when in use, a larger area of sealing contact can be provided. 
         [0008]    Preferably, in cross-section, the first sealing part, in an unbiased state, is angled toward the second sealing part. In use, where the second sealing part provides an outer sealing part, the first sealing part provides an inner sealing part. Preferably, a pocket or cavity is provided between the first sealing part and the first surface of the body. In use, if, for example, a fluid such as water should pass the second sealing part, the fluid may provide pressure between the first sealing part and the body. This pressure may in turn cause the first sealing part and its outer sealing surface to have an increased sealing force against a component against which the sealing element is positioned. 
         [0009]    Preferably, in cross-section, the first sealing part tapers from a first end thereof, where connected to the body, towards a second, free end of the first sealing part. Preferably, the first sealing part is fin shaped. Towards the free end of the first sealing part, the first sealing part may be increasingly flexible. Preferably, in its unbiased state, the sides of the first sealing part are substantially planar. 
         [0010]    Preferably, in cross-section, the second sealing part is formed with a radiused, rounded or generally semi-circular profile. Preferably, the second sealing part is formed as a rounded bead. The surface of the radiused, rounded or semi-circular profile may provide a sealing surface. 
         [0011]    Preferably, the sealing element comprises, in cross-section, a third sealing part, the third sealing part being formed similarly to the first sealing part, the third sealing part being connected to and inclined at an angle to a second side of the body opposing the first side of the body. In this way, a similar sealing arrangement may be made against components positioned on either side of the sealing element. 
         [0012]    Preferably, in cross-section, the first sealing part is substantially in alignment with the third sealing part. An even sealing force may therefore be provided at various points along the sealing element. 
         [0013]    Preferably, the sealing element comprises, in cross-section, a fourth sealing part, the fourth sealing part being formed similarly to the second sealing part and extending substantially perpendicular to the first sealing part on the second side of the body opposing the first side of the body. 
         [0014]    Preferably, the second sealing part is substantially in alignment with the fourth sealing part. 
         [0015]    Preferably, in cross-section, the body is formed at its first end with a stepped profile. Preferably, in cross-section, the body is formed at its second end with a stepped profile. 
         [0016]    Such a profile assists the release of the sealing element from a mould during manufacture. Instead of a stepped profile, any irregular profile may be provided. 
         [0017]    Preferably, in cross-section, the first and second sides of the body are substantially parallel. 
         [0018]    Preferably, in cross-section, the body is formed with a reduced diameter width between the second sealing element and the second end of the body. 
         [0019]    Preferably, in cross-section, the sealing element is substantially symmetric along its centreline. The sealing element may be symmetrical along its centreline apart from the stepped ends. 
         [0020]    Preferably, the sealing element forms a continuous closed loop. The sealing element may be formed to provide a seal around an aperture in an assembly. The sealing parts may be provided around the entire circumference of the loop. 
         [0021]    Preferably, the loop is formed substantially as a rectangle. 
         [0022]    Preferably, between adjacent sides of the rectangle, a radiused or rounded corner is provided. 
         [0023]    Preferably, the first and second surfaces of the body are parallel to the plane of the loop. 
         [0024]    Preferably, an orientation tab is provided at a point on the loop. 
         [0025]    Preferably, the sealing element is formed of a resilient material. 
         [0026]    Preferably, the sealing element is formed of rubber. Any suitable material may be used depending on the application and environmental considerations. 
         [0027]    Preferably, the sealing element is formed of Ethylene Propylene 
         [0028]    Thermoplastic Rubber. 
         [0029]    Preferably, the sealing element is formed integrally as a single piece. 
         [0030]    The sealing element may be formed in a mould. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0031]    The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0032]      FIG. 1  shows a plan view of a sealing element; 
           [0033]      FIG. 2  shows an end side view of the sealing element of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  shows a cross-section along section A-A of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  shows a cross-section detail C on one side of the sealing element at section A-A as shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-section detail B of a second side of the sealing element at section A-A as shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 6  shows an isometric view of the sealing element of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  shows an exploded view of the sealing element of  FIG. 1  in a keypad assembly; 
           [0039]      FIG. 8  shows a cross section of the keypad assembly of  FIG. 7  in assembled form; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  shows a cross-section detail D of the sealing element in the keypad assembly shown in  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]      FIG. 1  shows a plan view of a sealing element shown generally at  1  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The sealing element  1  is formed as a closed generally rectangular loop or ring with a through aperture  13 . The sealing element comprises two lateral opposing sides,  2   a,    2   b  and two opposing transverse sides  3   a,    3   b.  The lateral sides  2   a,    2   b  and the transverse sides  3   a,    3   b  are connected to each other via radiused or rounded corner sections  4   a,    4   b,    5   a  and  5   b.    
         [0042]    Although not limited to precise dimensions, in the embodiment of the sealing element  1  shown in  FIG. 1 , the width of the aperture  13  between the lateral sides  2   a  and  2   b  is 65.8 mm and the width of the aperture  13  between the two transverse sides  3   a,    3   b  is 67.6 mm. The sealing element can be sized according to application. 
         [0043]    The sealing element  1  comprises an orientation tab  6 , which in the embodiment shown, is in the form of a rectangular tab which extends along one of the transverse sides  3   b  of the sealing element  1 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 2  shows an end side view of the sealing element  1  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The sealing element  1  comprises a first sealing part  8   c  and a third sealing part  8   d.  The first and third sealing parts  8   c,    8   d  are inclined relative to the plane of the extent of the rectangular loop of the sealing element  1 . The sealing element  1  further comprises a second sealing part  9   c  and a fourth sealing part  9   d  which extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the extent of the rectangular loop of the sealing element  1 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 3  shows a cross section A-A through the sealing element as shown in  FIG. 1 . At the top end of the sealing element  1 , the sealing orientation tab  6  is shown. The cross-section shows the profile of the first sealing part  8   a  and the third sealing part  8   b.  The cross section also shows the second sealing part  9   a  and the fourth sealing part  9   b.  The first, second, third and fourth sealing parts extend around the entire circumference of the loop of the sealing element  1 . Accordingly, the first sealing part  8   a  and third sealing part  8   b  in highlighted detail C correspond with the first sealing part  8   d  and third sealing part  8   c  respectively in highlighted detail B. Similarly, the second sealing part  9   a  in detail C corresponds with the second sealing part  9   d  in detail B and the fourth sealing part  9   b  in detail C corresponds with the fourth sealing part  9   c  in detail B. 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  shows a cross section of the detail C shown in  FIG. 3 . In cross-section, the sealing element  1  comprises a body  7   a.  The body  7   a  is formed, in cross section, substantially as a rectangle. The body  7   a  has first and second parallel planar sides. In the embodiment shown, the first sealing part  8   a  is connected to the first side of the body  7   a  and the third sealing part  8   b  is connected to second side of body  7   a.  Each of the first and third sealing parts  8   a,    8   b  are connected to the body  7   a  on directly opposing sides of the body  7   a.  The first and third sealing parts  8   a,    8   b  are orientated, in their unbiased state, i.e. when not displaced, at an angle to the first and second parallel surfaces of the body  7   a  respectively. Each of the first and third sealing parts  8   a,    8   b  are formed as a tapered protrusion, which tapers from the end connected to the body  7   a  to the free end of the sealing part  8   a,    8   b.    
         [0047]    On the outermost side, i.e. the side facing away from the body  7   a,  of each of the sealing parts  8   a,    8   b,  a sealing surface  12   a,    12   b  is provided. The sealing parts  8   a,    8   b  are formed of a resilient material and are angularly displaceable with respect to the first and second parallel sides of the body  7   a  such that the angle between the innermost sides of the first and third sealing parts  8   a,    8   b  is reduced when the sealing element is displaced, for example, when the sealing element  1  is placed against a surface. 
         [0048]    In their unbiased state, the sealing parts  8   a,    8   b  are orientated at an angle of less than 90° with the first and second surfaces of the body  7   a.  In their unbiased state, the surfaces of the first and third sealing parts  8   a,    8   b  are substantially planar. 
         [0049]    Spaced from the first and third sealing parts  8   a,    8   b,  second and fourth sealing parts  9   a,    9   b  are provided. In the embodiment shown, the second and fourth sealing parts  9   a,    9   b  are formed as protrusions which extend substantially perpendicular the first and second surfaces of the body  7   a.  The second and fourth sealing parts  9   a,    9   b  are formed with a rounded, generally semi-circular profile. In the unbiased state of the first and third sealing parts  8   a,    8   b,  the free ends of the first and third sealing parts  8   a,    8   b  extend laterally further than the extent of the second and fourth sealing parts  9   a,    9   b  from the first and second opposing parallel surfaces of the body  7   a.    
         [0050]    Beyond the second and fourth sealing parts  9   a,    9   b  on one side of the sealing element  1  the orientation tab  6  is provided. At the innermost side or end of the sealing element, a stepped or irregular profile  11   a,    11   b  is provided. This profile facilitates the removal of the sealing element  1  from a mould during a preferred method of manufacture. 
         [0051]    The profile of the sealing element  1  in cross section is substantially symmetrical along its centre line, except for the stepped profile ends  11   a,    11   b.    
         [0052]      FIG. 5  shows the detailed view B of the cross section shown in  FIG. 3 . As previously outlined, in the embodiment shown, the sealing parts extend around the entire circumference of the rectangular loop and the sealing parts shown in  FIG. 5  correspond with those shown in  FIG. 4 . As such, the parts shown in  FIG. 5  function similarly to the parts shown in  FIG. 4 . However, in  FIG. 5 , no orientation tab is provided. 
         [0053]    The width of the body  7   a  of the sealing element is reduced for a part of the body  7   a  which extends beyond the second and fourth sealing part  9   a,    9   b,    9   c,    9   d.    
         [0054]      FIG. 6  shows an isometric view of the sealing element  1 . The orientation tab  6  can be shown located along one side of the rectangular loop of the sealing element  1 . The orientation tab  6  facilitates assembly of the sealing element with other components. 
         [0055]      FIG. 7  shows the sealing element in an exploded view of an assembly keypad unit. The assembly includes a keypad unit  20 , a mounting panel  30  and a securing bracket  35 . The mounting panel  30  has an aperture  32 . The aperture  32  in the mounting panel  30  is substantially rectangular in form. The keypad unit  20  includes components which protrude, when assembled, through the aperture  32  in the mounting panel  30 . The sealing element  1  is provided around the aperture  32  of the mounting panel  30  on a first side  31  of the mounting panel. The securing bracket  35  is provided with a plurality of fixing holes  37   a,    37   b,    37   c  to receive, fixing means, in the embodiment, screws or bolts  36   a,    36   b,    36   c.  As shown in  FIG. 7 , the orientation tab  6  of the sealing element  1  is provided along the lowermost edge, in use, of the sealing element  1 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 8  shows the keypad unit in assembled form. The sealing element  1  can be seen positioned between the side or surface  31  of the mounting panel  30  and a rear side surface  21  of the keypad unit  20 . The surface of  31  of the mounting panel  30  is substantially planar and parallel with the rear side surface  21  of the keypad unit. 
         [0057]    The sealing element  1  is provided in the assembly to prevent the ingress of foreign objects or other environmental products, such as oil, water or dust to the internal workings of the keypad unit  20 . The sealing unit provides a seal between the surface  31  of the mounting panel  30  and the rear side  21  of the keypad unit  20 . The screws  36   b,  serve to hold the securing bracket  35 , the mounting panel  30  and the keypad unit  20  together. 
         [0058]      FIG. 9  shows the detail D of  FIG. 8 . The sealing element  1  is shown positioned between the surface  31  of the mounting panel  30  and a rear surface  21  of the keypad unit  20 . As can be seen in  FIG. 9 , the second and fourth sealing parts  9   c,    9   d  which are formed with a rounded profile, extend substantially perpendicularly from the first and second surfaces of the body  7   b  and lie in contact with the surface  31  of the mounting panel  30  and the rear surface  21  of the keypad unit  20 . 
         [0059]    The first and third sealing parts  8   c,    8   d  are shown in their unbiased state. However, in use, when the sealing element  1  is positioned between the surfaces  31 ,  21  of the mounting panel  30  and keypad unit  20  respectively, the first and third sealing parts  8   c,    8   d  will be angularly displaced and deformed such that the first and third sealing parts generally follow the profile schematically represented by the dash lines  8   c′,    8   d′.    
         [0060]    When the sealing element  1  is in place, the second and fourth sealing parts  9   c,    9   d  are provided at the outermost sides of the sealing element  1 . In use, the second and fourth sealing parts  9   c,    9   d  provide the first seal or defence against the ingress of, for example, fluid, water or dust. Even if the water or dust should pass the second or fourth sealing parts  9   c,    9   d,  the first and third sealing parts  8   c,    8   d  provide a second additional seal. When deformed, the outermost surfaces  12   a,    12   b  of the first and third sealing part  8   c,    8   d  lie against the surface  31  of the mounting panel  30  and the innermost surface  21  of the keypad unit  20  respectively. 
         [0061]    Depending on the environmental conditions, if there is increased pressure of fluid, for example water, which has passed by the outermost sealing parts, i.e. the second and fourth sealing parts  9   c,    9   d,  this will act against the innermost surfaces of the first and third sealing parts  8   c,    8   d.  The orientation of the first and third sealing parts  8   c,    8   d  provides a pocket or cavity  14   a,    14   b  between the first and second surfaces of the body  7   b  and the innermost surfaces of the first and third sealing parts  8   c,    8   d.  The fin-like profile of the first and second sealing parts  8   c,    8   d  and a build up in fluid pressure in the pocket  14   a,    14   b  serves to press the first and second sealing parts  8   c,    8   d  increasingly firmly against the adjacent surfaces  31 ,  21  of the mounting panel  30  and keypad unit  20  resulting in an improved seal. 
         [0062]    Because the first and third sealing parts  8   c,    8   d  are angularly displaceable and, in use, their outermost surfaces  12   a,    12   b  provide a sealing surface against component parts placed adjacent thereto, a larger surface contact area can be provided. 
         [0063]    Because the first and third sealing parts  8   c,    8   d  are angularly displaceable and resilient in a form, the sealing element can contend with adjacent surfaces which are not perfectly planar in form. 
         [0064]    Although in the embodiment shown, a symmetric sealing element  1  has been shown, it is also envisaged that a sealing element could be provided with only one of the first tapered sealing parts  8   c,    8   d  with the other side being provided, for example, with an adhesive planar surface. The sealing element may also be provided with just one of the first sealing parts and/or may be provided with one or more of the second sealing parts. 
         [0065]    The sealing element  1  may be formed integrally of a single piece of homogeneous, resilient, material. In the embodiment shown, the sealing element  1  is formed of a rubber material, for example ethylene propylene thermoplastic rubber (EPTR). The choice of materials is however dependent on the application and any suitable material may be used. 
         [0066]    The present invention may be carried out in various ways and various modifications are envisaged to the embodiments described without extending outside the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.