Patent Description:
To control environmental conditions and prevent contamination of the interior of a vehicle cabin, such as a truck cabin, openings in the cabin wall can be sealed to prevent exposure of the interior of the cabin to unwanted ingress of e.g. hot or cold air, water, dirt or oil and noise reduction. As such, a sealed compartment can be provided in which environmental conditions for a driver and passengers can be controlled. For example, <CIT> describes a sealing device for sealing a fixed cabin, e.g. of a passenger car.

In some vehicles however, cabin suspension may allow movement of the cabin relative to e.g. the steering system and chassis of the vehicle, to improve driver comfort. Specifically in trucks, where the engine is located below the cabin, (i.e. cab over engine type of trucks) the entire cabin is tiltable to a service position relative to the chassis, in which the cabin floor may be oriented under an angle, to provide access to the engine compartment. In such conditions, a seal around a steering shaft extending from the cabin to the steering system through a cabin floor opening should be suitable to accommodate for these relative movements.

<CIT> describes a truck with a tiltable cabin, with a sealing device that only covers the cabin floor opening in the non-tilted state of the cabin. Hence, in the tilted state in which the opening is not covered, set air and temperature conditions within the cabin may be lost and/or the cabin interior may be contaminated by entering water, dirt or oil.

Other known sealing devices comprise a bellow type sleeve that can extend or contract, to accommodate for movements along the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft, and for relatively small displacements in other directions. However, these sealing devices may not be suitable for accommodating a tilting position of a cabin, without requiring a relatively large building volume below the cabin.

It is a challenge to design a sealing device that addresses these and other drawbacks.

In summary, the present invention provides a truck comprising a steering shaft mounted between a cabin and a steering system of the truck, and extending through an opening in a cabin floor of the cabin, wherein the cabin is tiltable relative to the steering system between a drive position, in which the steering shaft is substantially perpendicular to a driving direction of the truck, and a service position, in which the steering shaft is substantially in the driving direction of the truck, wherein the truck comprises a moulded sealing device for sealing the opening of the cabin floor. The sealing device comprises a cabin connector, a shaft connector, and an extendible sleeve. The cabin connector comprises a mounting surface circumferentially connecting the sealing device to the cabin floor around the opening. The shaft connector comprises a cylindrical inner surface connecting with an outer surface of the steering shaft. The extendible sleeve extends radially between the shaft connector and the cabin connector and is folded in a fold pattern, wherein the extendible sleeve is extendible from a neutral position. At least the extendible sleeve is moulded from an elastically deformable material. In the neutral position, the fold pattern comprises first fold flanks oriented substantially normal to the mounting surface, and second fold flanks oriented substantially coaxial with a centreline of the cylindrical inner surface. In the neutral position, the centreline is at an angle to the mounting surface, thereby providing at least one of the first or second fold flanks with a negative draft angle for releasing from a corresponding mould.

Accordingly, a sealing device is provided which is optimized to seal an opening in a cabin floor while maximizing the range of motion of a steering shaft extending through the opening and minimizing the building volume of the sealing device. Thus, the sealing device is particularly suitable for the truck with a tiltable cabin and in which the available space between cabin and engine compartment is limited. The sealing device provides a compact solution for accommodating relatively large movements of the steering shaft relative to the cabin floor, e.g. when the cabin is tilted forward to provide access to the engine compartment.

In some embodiments, the extendible sleeve is arranged for allowing a tilting movement of the shaft connector relative to the cabin connector, from the neutral position, between the drive position and the service position. As such, the sealing device is suitable for implementation in the truck with a tiltable cabin, e.g. for accessing an engine compartment. In further variants of these embodiments, the tilting movement is at least <NUM> degrees, to provide a sufficiently large angle between the cabin floor and the chassis for accessing the engine compartment.

In some embodiments, the extendible sleeve is elongated, comprising a long side and a short side in plane of the mounting surface, thereby allowing a movement of the shaft connector along the long side, to accommodate a tilting movement of the steering shaft. The extendible sleeve preferably comprises a small fold radius along the long side and a large fold radius along the short side. As such, movements of the shaft connector relative to the cabin connector, e.g. caused by a translation or tilting of a steering shaft mounted in the shaft connector, can be facilitated along the long side by increasing the pliability of the extendible sleeve across the short side, while movements of the shaft connector along the short side can be constrained by decreasing the pliability of the extendible sleeve across the long side.

In other or further embodiments, at least the first fold flanks of the fold pattern protrude through the plane of the mounting surface, in the neutral position. As a result, the distance between the mounting surface and the shaft connector can be decreased to provide a more compact sealing device, while accommodating relatively large movements of the steering shaft.

In yet other or further embodiments, the first fold flanks are normal to the mounting surface in a range between -<NUM> and <NUM> degrees, in the neutral position. As such, the neutral position of the sealing device can be optimized in dependence of a neutral angle of the steering shaft relative to the cabin floor. This allows further maximizing the range of motion of the sealing device while minimizing the building volume.

In some embodiments, the second fold flanks are coaxial with the centreline in a range between -<NUM> and <NUM> degrees, in the neutral position. This may further maximize the range of motion of the sealing device while minimizing the building volume, by optimizing the neutral position of the sealing device.

To provide an optimal ratio between range of motion and building volume, the angle between the centreline and the mounting surface may, in the neutral position, be in a range between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees.

In other or further embodiments, the shaft connector comprises a bearing element arranged for allowing a rotation of the steering shaft around a longitudinal axis of the steering shaft relative to the shaft connector, to minimize a rotation of the sealing device caused by a rotation of the steering shaft around its centreline.

In some embodiments, the elastically deformable material is a rubber material, to seal the opening while providing a relatively high degree of flexibility during manufacturing, e.g. for releasing from a mould with a negative draft angle, flexibility during use, e.g. for facilitating movement of the steering shaft relative to the cabin floor, and high durability, e.g. for extending the lifespan of the sealing device under thermal and mechanical loading. In further variants of these embodiments, the rubber material is an ethylene propylene diene monomer, for its good sealing, flexibility, and durability properties suitable for addressing the above example challenges.

In some embodiments, a distance between the cabin connector and the shaft connector is smaller than <NUM> millimeter. In this way, the sealing device has a relatively small building height compared to conventional sealing devices, so that it is suitable for implementation in compact volumes, e.g. between a cabin floor and an engine compartment, while accommodating large movements of the steering shaft.

Other aspects of the inventions relate to a truck, comprising the sealing device as described herein. In some embodiments, the truck further comprises a steering system, and a steering shaft mounted between a cabin and the steering system and extending through an opening in a cabin floor, wherein the cabin is tiltable relative to the steering system between a drive position, in which the steering shaft is substantially perpendicular to a driving direction of the truck, and a service position, in which the steering shaft is substantially in the driving direction of the truck.

Yet other aspects of the invention pertain to a method for manufacturing the sealing device of claim <NUM>. The method comprises providing one or more first moulds, arranged for defining a first mould surface; providing one or more second moulds, arranged for defining a second mould surface, at an offset to the first mould surface; casting an elastically deformable material between the first and second mould surfaces; curing the elastically deformable material, to form the sealing device; and separating the one or more first moulds from the one or more second moulds. At least one of the first or second mould surface comprises a negative draft angle.

<FIG> illustrates a moulded sealing device <NUM> for sealing an opening <NUM> in a cabin floor <NUM> of a truck. The opening <NUM> can for example be a hole, slot or cut out in the cabin floor <NUM>, e.g. having a circular, elongate, or any other geometry, for allowing a component of the truck, e.g. a steering shaft <NUM>, to extend between an interior and an exterior side of the cabin floor <NUM> while moving in plane of the cabin floor <NUM>.

The sealing device <NUM> comprises a cabin connector <NUM>, e.g. a connector arranged for connecting with the cabin floor <NUM> without obstructing passage of the steering shaft <NUM> through the opening <NUM> in the cabin floor <NUM>. The cabin connector <NUM> comprises a mounting surface <NUM> arranged for circumferentially connecting the sealing device <NUM> to the cabin floor <NUM> around the opening <NUM>, e.g. on an interior side of the cabin floor <NUM>, or on an exterior side of the cabin floor <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The cabin connector <NUM> can be connected to the cabin floor <NUM> by any suitable fasting means, such as screws, bolts and nuts, rivets, plugs, or by a snap-fit or press-fit connection. In dependence of the size and geometry of the cabin connector <NUM> relative to the size and geometry of the opening <NUM>, the effective clearance for passage of the steering shaft <NUM> may be defined by the opening <NUM> or by an inner circumference of the cabin connector <NUM>, or by a combination thereof.

The sealing device <NUM> further comprises a shaft connector <NUM>, which comprises a cylindrical inner surface <NUM> arranged for connecting with an outer surface <NUM> of the steering shaft <NUM>. The cylindrical inner surface <NUM> can for example be arranged for constraining translations of the shaft connector <NUM> relative to the steering shaft <NUM> along the axial direction of the steering shaft <NUM> and along the radial direction of the steering shaft <NUM>, and for constraining rotations of the shaft connector <NUM> relative to the steering shaft <NUM> around any transverse direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the steering shaft <NUM>, preferably without constraining a rotation of the shaft connector <NUM> relative to the steering shaft <NUM> around the axial direction. The cylindrical inner surface <NUM> can for example be part of a bearing mechanism, e.g. comprising planar bearings, roller bearings, needle bearings or ball bearings, arranged for exclusively allowing a rotation of the steering shaft <NUM> around its centreline <NUM>, to minimize a rotation of the sealing device <NUM> caused by a rotation of the steering shaft <NUM> around its centerline <NUM>.

The moulded sealing device <NUM> further comprises an extendible sleeve <NUM>, extending radially between the shaft connector <NUM> and the cabin connector <NUM>. The extendible sleeve <NUM> is folded in a fold pattern, e.g. comprising a plurality of ring shaped folds or creases between the shaft connector <NUM> and the cabin connector <NUM>. The extendible sleeve <NUM> is extendible from the neutral position illustrated in <FIG>. In the neutral position, the fold pattern comprises first fold flanks <NUM> oriented substantially normal to the mounting surface <NUM>, and second fold flanks <NUM> oriented substantially coaxial with the centreline <NUM>.

This may provide a particularly flexible sealing device <NUM>, e.g. for accommodating relatively large movements in different directions of the steering shaft <NUM> with respect to the cabin floor <NUM>, without requiring a large building volume of the sealing device <NUM> in neutral position. In the sealing device <NUM> described herein, the shaft connector <NUM> can for example translate relative to the cabin connector <NUM> in a direction along the centreline <NUM>, e.g. to accommodate axial displacements of the steering shaft <NUM> relative to the cabin floor <NUM>, and in a direction transverse to the centreline <NUM>, e.g. to accommodate lateral displacements of the steering shaft <NUM> relative to the cabin floor <NUM>. Additionally, the shaft connector <NUM> can for example rotate relative to the cabin connector <NUM> around a direction transverse to the centreline <NUM>, e.g. to accommodate relatively large tilting movements of the steering shaft <NUM> relative to the cabin floor <NUM>, for example tilting movements of at least <NUM> degrees. As such, the sealing device <NUM> can be suitable for accommodating translations and rotations of the steering shaft <NUM> relative to the cabin floor <NUM> during driving conditions, e.g. caused by movement of a suspended cabin relative to a chassis mounted steering mechanism, and during service conditions, e.g. when the cabin is tilted forward relative to the chassis to provide access to the engine compartment.

As shown in <FIG>, in the neutral position, the centreline <NUM> of the cylindrical inner surface <NUM> of the shaft connector <NUM> is at an angle to the mounting surface <NUM> of the cabin connector <NUM>. Accordingly, at least one of the first fold flanks <NUM> or second fold flanks <NUM> of the fold pattern of the extendible sleeve <NUM> is provided with a negative draft angle for releasing from a corresponding mould. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the first fold flanks <NUM> is at a zero or positive draft angle, and at least one of the second fold flanks <NUM> is at a negative draft angle. When implementing a positive draft angle, the angle of the surface of the first or second fold flanks <NUM>, <NUM>, with respect to the direction of pull, is more than zero. For a positive draft angle, a corresponding mould typically has a taper with a wider base outside the casted material extending to a narrower tip inside the casted material. Conversely, when implementing a negative draft angle, the angle of the surface of the first or second fold flanks <NUM>, <NUM>, with respect to the direction of pull, is less than zero. A corresponding mould for a negative draft angle may have a taper with a narrower base outside the casted material extending to a wider tip inside the casted material. As such, releasing a cast from a mould with a negative draft angle may be challenging, as the casted material is locked inside the mould.

To facilitate releasing of the sealing device <NUM> from the corresponding mould(s) due to the negative draft angle, at least the extendible sleeve <NUM> is moulded from an elastically deformable material, e.g. a hyperelastic material having an elasticity of at least <NUM>%. In this way, the extendible sleeve <NUM> can be elastically deformed to release the sealing device <NUM> from the mould(s). By being moulded from an elastically deformable, e.g. hyperelastic, material, the flexibility of the sealing device <NUM> during operating conditions, e.g. accommodating movement of the shaft connector <NUM> relative to the cabin connector <NUM>, can be improved, since the fold pattern of the extendible sleeve <NUM> may be more pliable. Preferably, besides providing flexibility, the material of the extendible sleeve <NUM> may also provide a water and dirt proof seal between the exterior and interior side of the cabin floor <NUM>. Durability of the sealing properties of the sealing device <NUM> in terms of thermal and mechanical loading and/or fatigue may also be taken into account. For example, the sealing device <NUM> may be mounted in or near a high temperature area, such as an engine compartment, while accommodating cyclic movement of the shaft connector relative to the cabin connector. Preferred materials for the extendible sleeve <NUM> for example include rubber materials, more preferably ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubbers, or other elastomers such as silicone rubber, to seal the opening <NUM> in the cabin floor <NUM> while providing a relatively high degree of flexibility for manufacturability and use, as well as high durability.

<FIG> provides an isometric view of other or further embodiments of the sealing device <NUM>. In plane of the mounting surface <NUM>, the extendible sleeve <NUM> is elongated, comprising a long side <NUM> and a short side <NUM>. As a result, the extendible sleeve can allow a movement of the shaft connector <NUM> relative to the cabin connector <NUM> along the long side <NUM>, e.g. caused by a translation or tilting of a steering shaft mounted in the shaft connector <NUM>. The extendible sleeve <NUM> comprises a small fold radius <NUM> along the long side <NUM> and a large fold radius <NUM> along the short side <NUM>. The small fold radius <NUM> e.g. is a radius between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeter, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeter, and may have a constant radius of curvature along the long side <NUM>, e.g. with tapering ends towards the short side <NUM>. The large fold radius <NUM> e.g. is a radius between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeter, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeter, for example with a constant radius of curvature along the short side <NUM>, and tapering ends towards the long side <NUM>.

The large fold radius <NUM> can facilitate movements of the shaft connector <NUM> along the long side <NUM>, e.g. a rotation and/or translation, by increasing the pliability of the extendible sleeve <NUM> across the short side <NUM>. Conversely, by having a small fold radius <NUM> along the long side <NUM>, the pliability of the extendible sleeve <NUM> across the long side <NUM> can be decreased, to constrain movements of the shaft connector <NUM> along the short side <NUM>.

<FIG> provide section views of the embodiments illustrated in <FIG> as described above. <FIG> provides a section view from a direction perpendicular to a short side <NUM> of the extendible sleeve <NUM>, and a detailed view illustrating that the extendible sleeve <NUM> comprises a small fold radius <NUM> along the long sides. Accordingly, movement of the shaft connector <NUM> relative to the cabin connector <NUM> may be limited, e.g. reduced in range of motion and/or flexibility, in a direction parallel to the short side <NUM>.

<FIG> provides a section view from a direction perpendicular to a long side <NUM> of the extendible sleeve <NUM>. A detailed view illustrates that extendible sleeve <NUM> comprising a large fold radius <NUM> along the short sides. A large fold radius <NUM> can e.g. be implemented along all folds parallel to each short side, to maximize pliability of the extendible sleeve <NUM> in a direction parallel to the long side <NUM>. Alternatively, a large fold radius <NUM> can be implemented only along inner folds, e.g. adjacent to the shaft connector <NUM>, or only along outer folds, e.g. adjacent to the cabin connector <NUM>, along other folds in between the inner and outer folds, or any combination thereof, to adjust the pliability of the extendible sleeve <NUM> in the direction parallel to the long side <NUM>, and corresponding movement of the shaft connector <NUM> relative to the cabin connector <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a section view of other or further embodiments of the sealing device <NUM> in the neutral position. The extendible sleeve <NUM> is arranged for allowing a tilting movement of the shaft connector <NUM> relative to the cabin connector <NUM>, between a drive position PD and a service position PS. In the neutral position of the sealing device <NUM>, the centreline <NUM> of the shaft connector <NUM> is oriented in the drive position PD. From the drive position PD, the shaft connector <NUM> can make a tilting movement towards a service position PS, in which e.g. the cabin is tilted relative to the chassis to provide access to the engine compartment. In the service position PS, the shaft connector <NUM> may be tilted relative to the mounting surface <NUM>, indicated by centreline <NUM>' corresponding to the service position PS which is at an angle to centreline <NUM> corresponding to the drive position PD. As such, the shaft connector <NUM> can be tilted from a positive orientation relative to the mounting surface <NUM>, e.g. a forward angle, to a negative orientation relative to the mounting surface <NUM>, e.g. a rearward angle. Preferably, the tilting movement between the drive position PD and the service position PS is at least <NUM> degrees, for example between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, e.g. to provide a sufficiently large angle between the cabin floor and the chassis for accessing the engine compartment.

Besides a movement towards service position PS, the shaft connector <NUM> can also make a tilting movement towards front position PF, in which the shaft connector <NUM> can be at an angle relative to the mounting plane <NUM> indicated in <FIG> by centreline <NUM>", e.g. for accommodating movements of the steering shaft <NUM> caused by suspension related movements of the cabin relative to the chassis. These movements may be relatively small compared to the movement between the drive position PD and the service position PS.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the neutral position of the sealing device <NUM>, the first fold flanks <NUM> of the fold pattern protrude through the plane of the mounting surface <NUM>. This can decrease the distance D between the mounting surface <NUM> and the shaft connector <NUM>, while accommodating relatively large movements of the steering shaft <NUM>. The first fold flanks <NUM> may be normal to the mounting surface <NUM> in a range between -<NUM> and <NUM> degrees. As shown in <FIG>, the top edge of the first fold flanks <NUM> is at a slight angle relative to the mounting surface <NUM>. Accordingly, the neutral position of the sealing device <NUM> can be optimized in dependence of a neutral angle of the steering shaft <NUM> relative to the cabin floor, e.g. to provide a maximum range of motion towards the service position PS and the forward position PF, with a minimum building volume, defined by the distance D between the mounting surface <NUM> and the shaft connector <NUM>. For similar reasons, the second fold flanks <NUM> may be coaxial with the centreline <NUM> in a range between -<NUM> and <NUM> degrees.

Preferably, the angle A between the centreline <NUM> and the mounting surface <NUM> is in a range between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees in the neutral position of the sealing device <NUM>, to provide an optimal ratio between range of motion and building volume.

<FIG> illustrates that the shaft connector <NUM> comprises a bearing element <NUM>, e.g. a planar bearing, a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or a needle bearing. The bearing element <NUM> is arranged for allowing a rotation of the steering shaft <NUM> around centreline <NUM>, corresponding with the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the steering shaft <NUM>, relative to the shaft connector <NUM>.

Preferably, in the neutral position of the sealing device <NUM>, a distance D between the cabin connector <NUM> and the shaft connector <NUM> is smaller than <NUM> millimeter. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a distance D normal to the mounting surface <NUM>, between the mounting surface <NUM> and a farthest edge of the shaft connector <NUM>, is smaller than <NUM> millimeter, preferably smaller than <NUM> millimeter. In this way, the sealing device <NUM> has a relatively small building height compared to conventional sealing devices, so that it is suitable for implementation in compact volumes, e.g. between a cabin floor and an engine compartment, while accommodating large movements of the steering shaft <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a truck <NUM> comprising the sealing device <NUM> described herein. As shown, the truck <NUM> may for example comprise a steering system <NUM>, e.g. arranged for steering front wheels of the truck <NUM>. The truck <NUM> may further comprise a steering shaft <NUM> mounted between the cabin <NUM> and the steering system <NUM>. The steering shaft may extend through an opening in the cabin floor <NUM>. As indicated in <FIG>, the cabin <NUM> is tiltable relative to the steering system <NUM> between a drive position PD and a service position PS. In the drive position PD the steering shaft <NUM> may be substantially perpendicular to a driving direction X of the truck <NUM>. For example, the centreline of the steering shaft may be at an angle between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees to the driving direction X. In the service position PS the steering shaft <NUM> may be substantially in the driving direction X of the truck <NUM>, e.g. the steering shaft <NUM> may have a centreline at an angle between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees relative to the driving direction X.

By comprising a sealing device <NUM> as described herein, the opening in the cabin floor <NUM>, through which the steering shaft <NUM> extends, can be sealed e.g. against noise and unwanted ingress of water, dirt, oil or air, while accommodating movements of the steering shaft <NUM> relative to the cabin floor <NUM>, during driving conditions and during service of the truck <NUM>, when the cabin <NUM> is tilted forward to the service position PS.

<FIG> represents a method <NUM> for manufacturing the moulded sealing device <NUM> described herein, e.g. by injection moulding or die casting. The method <NUM> comprises step <NUM> of providing one or more first moulds, arranged for defining a first mould surface. In step <NUM>, the method <NUM> comprises providing one or more second moulds, arranged for defining a second mould surface, at an offset to the first mould surface. Step <NUM> of the method <NUM> comprises casting an elastically deformable material between the first and second mould surfaces. In step <NUM>, the method <NUM> comprises curing the elastically deformable material, to form the sealing device. Step <NUM> of the method <NUM> comprises separating the one or more first moulds from the one or more second moulds. At least one of the first or second mould surface comprises a negative draft angle. In this way, a sealing device <NUM> can be provided with an extendible sleeve which, in neutral position, is optimized to maximize range of motion of the shaft connector relative to the cabin connector while minimizing the building volume of the sealing device. Thus, the resulting sealing device <NUM> may e.g. be suitable for accommodating relatively large movements of a steering shaft relative to a cabin floor of a truck with a tiltable cabin, in which truck the available space between cabin and engine compartment is limited.

It is thus believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description and drawings appended thereto. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described.

The invention applies not only to automotive applications where the sealing device is used for sealing an opening of a cabin floor, but also to other technical, agricultural or industrial applications where a sealing device is used. It will be clear to the skilled person that the invention is not limited to any embodiment herein described and that modifications are possible which may be considered within the scope of the appended claims. Also kinematic inversions are considered inherently disclosed and can be within the scope of the invention. In the claims, any reference signs shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

The terms 'comprising' and 'including' when used in this description or the appended claims should not be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense but rather in an inclusive sense. Thus expression as 'including' or 'comprising' as used herein does not exclude the presence of other elements, additional structure or additional acts or steps in addition to those listed. Furthermore, the words 'a' and 'an' shall not be construed as limited to 'only one', but instead are used to mean 'at least one', and do not exclude a plurality. Features that are not specifically or explicitly described or claimed may additionally be included in the structure of the invention without departing from its scope.

Claim 1:
A truck (<NUM>), comprising a steering shaft (<NUM>) mounted between a cabin (<NUM>) and a steering system (<NUM>) of the truck, and extending through an opening (<NUM>) in a cabin floor (<NUM>) of the cabin, wherein the cabin is tiltable relative to the steering system between a drive position (PD), in which the steering shaft (<NUM>) is substantially perpendicular to a driving direction (X) of the truck, and a service position (PS), in which the steering shaft (<NUM>) is substantially in the driving direction (X) of the truck, wherein the truck comprises a moulded sealing device (<NUM>) for sealing the opening (<NUM>) in the cabin floor (<NUM>), wherein the sealing device (<NUM>) comprises:
- a cabin connector (<NUM>), comprising a mounting surface (<NUM>) circumferentially connecting the sealing device to the cabin floor (<NUM>) around the opening (<NUM>);
- a shaft connector (<NUM>), comprising a cylindrical inner surface (<NUM>) connecting with an outer surface (<NUM>) of the steering shaft (<NUM>); and
- an extendible sleeve (<NUM>), extending radially between the shaft connector (<NUM>) and the cabin connector (<NUM>) and folded in a fold pattern, wherein the extendible sleeve (<NUM>) is extendible from a neutral position;
wherein at least the extendible sleeve (<NUM>) is moulded from an elastically deformable material;
wherein, in the neutral position, the fold pattern comprises first fold flanks (<NUM>) oriented substantially normal to the mounting surface (<NUM>), and second fold flanks (<NUM>) oriented substantially coaxial with a centreline (<NUM>) of the cylindrical inner surface (<NUM>); and
wherein, in the neutral position, the centreline (<NUM>) is at an angle to the mounting surface (<NUM>), thereby providing at least one of the first or second fold flanks (<NUM>, <NUM>) with a negative draft angle for releasing from a corresponding mould, wherein,
from the neutral position, the extendible sleeve (<NUM>) is arranged for allowing a tilting movement of the shaft connector (<NUM>) relative to the cabin connector (<NUM>), between the drive position (PD) and the service position (PS), while the opening (<NUM>) in the cabin floor (<NUM>) is sealed.