Patent Description:
In instruments having reciprocating shafts such as hydraulic cylinder devices and shock absorbers, a sealing device for sealing an annular interval between a reciprocating shaft and a shaft hole inner surface is provided between the reciprocating shaft and the shaft hole inner surface.

Patent document <NUM> discloses a sealing device for a shock absorber of a vehicle suspension device. This sealing device has: a metal reinforcement ring; a main lip disposed on an inner peripheral portion of the reinforcement ring and provided on an oil chamber side; and a dust lip disposed on the inner peripheral portion of the reinforcement ring and provided on an outer space side. The main lip and the dust lip are formed from an elastic material such as fluororubber and are adhered to the reinforcement ring. More precisely, an elastic body part comprising the main lip and an elastic body part comprising the dust lip are adhered, respectively, to the two surfaces of the reinforcement ring. Further, a thin elastic body part for coupling these elastic body parts is adhered to the inner periphery surface of the reinforcement ring.

Patent document <NUM> discloses a sealing device for a shock absorber, said sealing device having provided therein a back-up ring for reinforcing the main lip.

Patent Document <NUM> discloses a highly relevant sealing device having all the features defined in the preamble of claim <NUM> which is appended below.

Accompanying the greater variation in vehicle driving environments and ways of being driven, the usage conditions of sealing devices for shock absorbers have become harsher. Further, when internal oil pressure is high such as in a monotube-type shock absorber, designing requires consideration of the pressure resistance and the durability of the sealing device.

Here, the objective of the present invention is to provide a sealing device that has high pressure resistance and durability.

The sealing device according to the present invention is a sealing device to be provided between a reciprocating shaft and an inner surface of a shaft hole in which the reciprocating shaft is provided, wherein the sealing device comprises: an oil seal member comprising a liquid-side rigid ring made of a rigid body and provided inside the shaft hole, and a liquid-side elastic ring made of an elastic body and attached to the liquid-side rigid ring, the liquid-side elastic ring having formed thereon an oil lip that is provided radially inward of the liquid-side rigid ring and slidably makes sealing contact with the reciprocating shaft; a dust seal member comprising an atmosphere-side rigid ring made of a rigid body and detachably fitted in the liquid-side rigid ring, and an atmosphere-side elastic ring made of an elastic body and fixed to the atmosphere-side rigid ring, the atmosphere-side elastic ring having formed thereon a dust lip that is provided radially inward of the atmosphere-side rigid ring and slidably contacts the reciprocating shaft; and an intermediate rigid ring that is made of a rigid body, is detachably fitted in a concave portion formed radially inward of the atmosphere-side rigid ring, is provided between the liquid-side elastic ring and the atmosphere-side elastic ring in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the reciprocating shaft, and reinforces the liquid-side elastic ring.

In this sealing device, the oil seal member and the dust seal member are separate members, the oil seal member and the dust seal member each comprise a rigid ring provided inside the shaft hole and an elastic ring attached to the rigid ring, and the elastic ring has formed thereon a lip that slidably contacts the reciprocating shaft. Between the liquid-side elastic ring of the oil seal member and the atmosphere-side elastic ring of the dust seal member, an intermediate rigid ring, which is separate to the foregoing members, is provided in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the reciprocating shaft, and the liquid-side elastic ring is reinforced by the intermediate rigid ring which is made of a rigid body. The liquid-side elastic ring which has an oil lip formed thereon is reinforced by the liquid-side rigid ring, and the atmosphere-side elastic ring which has a dust lip formed thereon is reinforced by the atmosphere-side rigid ring, and furthermore, the liquid-side elastic ring is supported by the intermediate rigid ring, the intermediate rigid ring being fitted in a concave portion of the atmosphere-side rigid ring fitted in the liquid-side rigid ring, and rigidly supported with a strong supporting force by the atmosphere-side rigid ring and the liquid-side rigid ring. Other features of the present invention are defined in appended claim <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the pressure resistance and the durability of the sealing device.

In a sealing device of the present invention, the intermediate rigid ring is detachably fitted in a concave portion formed radially inward of the liquid-side elastic ring. In this case, after the intermediate rigid ring is fitted in the concave portion of the atmosphere-side rigid ring, it is easy to assemble the liquid-side elastic ring of the oil seal member to the intermediate rigid ring.

In a sealing device in one embodiment of the present invention, at least the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate rigid ring is formed from a metal that is softer than the outer peripheral surface of the reciprocating shaft. In this case, it is possible to use the intermediate rigid ring as a guide for guiding the reciprocal movement of the reciprocating shaft.

In a sealing device in one embodiment of the present invention, an elastic material is not fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate rigid ring. In this case, there is no risk of an elastic material peeling from the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate rigid ring, and further, it is possible to set a smaller gap between the intermediate rigid ring and the reciprocating shaft. Accordingly, it is possible to further enhance the pressure resistance and the durability of the sealing device.

In the present invention, between the liquid-side elastic ring of the oil seal member and the atmosphere-side elastic ring of the dust seal member, an intermediate rigid ring, which is different to the foregoing members, is provided in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the reciprocating shaft, and the liquid-side elastic ring is reinforced by the intermediate rigid ring which is made of a rigid body. The liquid-side elastic ring which has an oil lip formed thereon is reinforced by the liquid-side rigid ring, and the atmosphere-side elastic ring which has a dust lip formed thereon is reinforced by the atmosphere-side rigid ring, and furthermore, the liquid-side elastic ring is supported by the intermediate rigid ring, the intermediate rigid ring being fitted in a concave portion of the atmosphere-side rigid ring fitted in the liquid-side rigid ring, and rigidly supported with a strong supporting force by the atmosphere-side rigid ring and the liquid-side rigid ring. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the pressure resistance and the durability of the sealing device. Further, the oil seal member, the dust seal member, and the intermediate rigid ring are mutually separate members, and therefore, it is possible to exchange any of these members for a suitable member or select a suitable member according to the circumstances. For example, if the oil seal member has degraded due to age, it is possible to exchange only the oil seal member. Further, it is possible to prepare several kinds of oil seal members and several kinds of dust seal members having different sizes, shapes, structures, or other details, and to select a suitable oil seal member or dust seal member according to the environment in which the sealing device is to be used.

Below, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the attached drawings.

<FIG> shows the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows a portion of a shock absorber, which is an instrument that has a reciprocating shaft, and a sealing device disposed in the shock absorber.

A shock absorber <NUM> comprises a cylindrical housing <NUM> and a columnar reciprocating shaft <NUM>. The reciprocating shaft <NUM> is formed from a metal such as steel. The housing <NUM> is cylindrical and comprises a shaft hole 2A having the reciprocating shaft <NUM> provided therein. Oil, that is, a liquid L, has been put into the shaft hole 2A. An end wall <NUM> having an opening 3A formed in the center thereof is formed at a lower end of the housing <NUM>.

A sealing device <NUM>, which is an oil seal, and a rod guide <NUM> are provided inside the housing <NUM>. Although the details are not shown, the rod guide <NUM> is fixed to the housing <NUM>. The rod guide <NUM> guides the reciprocal movement of the reciprocating shaft <NUM> in the vertical direction in <FIG> (that is, the axial direction of the reciprocating shaft <NUM>) and presses the sealing device <NUM> to the end wall <NUM>.

The sealing device <NUM> is provided inside the housing <NUM>, and the movement of the sealing device <NUM> in the lateral direction in <FIG> is restricted by the inner peripheral surface of the housing <NUM>. Further, the sealing device <NUM> is sandwiched by the rod guide <NUM> and the end wall <NUM>, and the movement of the sealing device <NUM> along the axial direction of the reciprocating shaft <NUM> is restricted. The sealing device <NUM> is provided between the reciprocating shaft <NUM> and the inner surface of the shaft hole 2A in which the reciprocating shaft <NUM> is provided, and prevents or reduces leakage of the liquid L from a liquid L side to an atmosphere A side.

The reciprocating shaft <NUM> is columnar, the shaft hole 2A is cross-sectionally circular, and the sealing device <NUM> is substantially annular, but <FIG> shows only the left half of these parts. <FIG> shows a central axis C which is common to the reciprocating shaft <NUM>, the shaft hole 2A, and the sealing device <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the sealing device <NUM> comprises three separate members, i.e., an oil seal member <NUM>, a dust seal member <NUM>, and a rigid ring (intermediate rigid ring) <NUM>. If necessary, see <FIG> which is an exploded cross-sectional view clearly showing these three members.

The oil seal member <NUM> comprises: a liquid-side rigid ring <NUM> provided inside the shaft hole 2A and attached to the shaft hole 2A; and a liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> fixed to the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>. The liquid-side rigid ring <NUM> is formed from a rigid body such as a metal. The liquid-side rigid ring <NUM> has an L-shaped cross-section and comprises an annular portion 16a and a cylindrical portion 16b extending from an outer edge of the annular portion 16a.

The liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> is formed from an elastic material such as an elastomer and is fixed to the inner peripheral edge of the annular portion 16a of the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>. The liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> has formed thereon an oil lip <NUM> provided radially inward of the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>. The oil lip <NUM> makes sealing contact with the outer peripheral surface of the reciprocating shaft <NUM> and prevents or reduces leakage of a liquid from the liquid L side to the atmosphere A side. When the reciprocating shaft <NUM> moves in the direction of the central axis C, the reciprocating shaft <NUM> slides with respect to the oil lip <NUM>.

The liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> is mainly fixed to a liquid L-side surface of the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM> of the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>, but is also fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>, and furthermore, a region 18q which is a section of the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> is also fixed to an atmosphere A-side surface of the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>. The region 18q is compressed by the dust seal member <NUM>.

Moreover, the oil seal member <NUM> comprises an outer gasket <NUM>. The outer gasket <NUM> is formed from an elastic material such as an elastomer and is fixed in close adherence with the annular portion 16a and the cylindrical portion 16b of the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>. The liquid-side rigid ring <NUM> applies a supporting force on the outer gasket <NUM> radially outwardly, that is, toward the inner peripheral surface of the shaft hole 2A, and the outer gasket <NUM> is compressed by the inner peripheral surface of the shaft hole 2A and the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>. Thus, the outer gasket <NUM> prevents or reduces leakage of a liquid through an outer portion of the shaft hole 2A from the liquid L side to the atmosphere A side.

Although the outer gasket <NUM> and the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> may be separate, in this embodiment, they are coupled via a thin film portion <NUM>. That is, the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM>, the outer gasket <NUM>, and the thin film portion <NUM> constitute a continuous integrated elastic portion formed from the same material. The thin film portion <NUM> is also fixed in close adherence with the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>. In this embodiment, a protrusion 8a of the rod guide <NUM> is caused to contact the thin film portion <NUM> of the oil seal member <NUM> and a pressing force is applied to the sealing device <NUM> toward the end wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

With respect to the oil seal member <NUM>, "attached to the shaft hole 2A" means being attached directly or indirectly to the shaft hole 2A. These may be attached to the shaft hole 2A directly (for example, by press-fitting), and may also be attached to the shaft hole 2A indirectly (for example, as in this embodiment, by being pressed to the end wall <NUM> by the rod guide <NUM>).

The dust seal member <NUM> comprises: an atmosphere-side rigid ring <NUM> detachably fitted in the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM> of the oil seal member <NUM>; and an atmosphere-side elastic ring <NUM> fixed to the atmosphere-side rigid ring <NUM>. The atmosphere-side rigid ring <NUM> is formed from a rigid body such as a metal. The atmosphere-side rigid ring <NUM> is a circular ring and is provided in an internal space defined by the annular portion 16a and the cylindrical portion 16b of the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>, with one side surface of the atmosphere-side rigid ring <NUM> being contacted by the annular portion 16a, the other side surface thereof being contacted by the end wall <NUM>, and the external peripheral surface being caused to contact the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 16b.

The atmosphere-side elastic ring <NUM> is formed from an elastic material such as an elastomer and is fixed to the inner peripheral edge of the atmosphere-side rigid ring <NUM>. The atmosphere-side elastic ring <NUM> has formed thereon a dust lip <NUM> provided radially inward of the atmosphere-side rigid ring <NUM>. The dust lip <NUM> contacts the outer peripheral surface of the reciprocating shaft <NUM> and predominantly fulfills a role of preventing foreign matter (for example, mud, water, dust) from entering from the atmosphere A side to the liquid L side. When the reciprocating shaft <NUM> moves in the direction of the central axis C, the reciprocating shaft <NUM> slides with respect to the dust lip <NUM>. The dust lip <NUM> may make sealing contact with the outer peripheral surface of the reciprocating shaft <NUM> so as to fulfill a role of preventing or reducing leakage of a liquid.

This sealing device <NUM> comprises a garter spring <NUM> wound around the atmosphere-side elastic ring <NUM>. The garter spring <NUM> applies a force on the dust lip <NUM> that presses the dust lip <NUM> to the reciprocating shaft <NUM>. However, the garter ring <NUM> is not essential. Further, a garter spring may be wound around the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> in order to press the oil lip <NUM> to the reciprocating shaft <NUM>.

In order to contact the outer peripheral surface of the reciprocating shaft <NUM>, the oil lip <NUM> and the dust lip <NUM> are caused to elastically deform radially outwardly more than the state shown in <FIG> shows a state in which a sealing device <NUM> is not provided around the reciprocating shaft <NUM> (the reciprocating shaft <NUM> is shown by a dotted line) and does not show deformation of these lips <NUM>, <NUM>.

A concave portion 22A is formed radially inward of the atmosphere-side rigid ring <NUM> of the dust seal member <NUM>. The concave portion 22A is columnar and open on the liquid L side.

The concave portion 22A has detachably fitted therein a rigid ring <NUM> (intermediate rigid ring <NUM>) formed from a rigid body such as a resin (for example, polytetrafluoroethylene) or a metal. In this embodiment, the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> is back-up ring and has formed in the center thereof a through-hole into which the reciprocating shaft <NUM> is inserted. Further, when the sealing device <NUM> is assembled, the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> always contacts the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> of the oil seal member <NUM> and reinforces the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM>.

More specifically, the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> is detachably fitted in the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> of the oil seal member <NUM> in a concave portion 18A formed radially inward of a region near the dust seal member <NUM>. As shown in the drawings, at least one groove is formed in the concave portion 18A, and a protrusion to be press-fitted in the groove may be formed on the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>. Due to the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>, it is possible to enhance the pressure resistance and the durability of the sealing device <NUM>, and in particular of the oil lip <NUM>. In this embodiment, one intermediate rigid ring <NUM> is used, but the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> may also be configured from a plurality of rigid members.

The atmosphere-side elastic ring <NUM> comprises a region 24q fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the atmosphere-side rigid ring <NUM>, and the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> is also caused to contact the region 24q.

In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> is smaller than the inner diameter of a region in the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> of the oil seal member <NUM> that contacts the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>, and also smaller than the inner diameter of the region 24q in the atmosphere-side elastic ring <NUM> of the dust seal member <NUM> that contacts the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>. Accordingly, the rigid ring <NUM> is provided between the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> and the atmosphere-side elastic ring <NUM> in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the reciprocating shaft <NUM>.

In this embodiment, between the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> of the oil seal member <NUM> and the atmosphere-side elastic ring <NUM> of the dust seal member <NUM>, the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>, which is separate from the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> and the atmosphere-side elastic ring <NUM>, is provided in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the reciprocating shaft <NUM>, and the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> is reinforced by the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> which is made of a rigid body. The liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> which has an oil lip <NUM> formed thereon is reinforced by the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>, and the atmosphere-side elastic ring <NUM> which has a dust lip <NUM> formed thereon is reinforced by the atmosphere-side rigid ring <NUM>, and furthermore, the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> is supported by the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>, the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> being fitted in the concave portion 22A of the atmosphere-side rigid ring <NUM> fitted in the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>, and being rigidly supported with a strong supporting force by the atmosphere-side rigid ring <NUM> and the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>. Due thereto, the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>, the atmosphere-side rigid ring <NUM>, and the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> work as an integrated rigid body and can firmly reinforce the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> and the atmosphere-side elastic ring <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the pressure resistance and the durability of the sealing device <NUM>, and in particular of the oil lip <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> is detachably fitted in the concave portion 18A formed radially inward of the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM>. Accordingly, after the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> is fitted in the concave portion 22A of the atmosphere-side rigid ring <NUM>, it is easy to assemble the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> of the oil seal member <NUM> to the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>.

In the same manner as an intermediate rigid ring <NUM> of a third embodiment described below, at least the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> may be formed from a metal that is softer than the outer peripheral surface of the reciprocating shaft <NUM>. In this case, it is possible to use the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> as a guide for guiding the reciprocal movement of the reciprocating shaft <NUM>. In this case, the eccentricity of the sealing device <NUM> with respect to the reciprocating shaft <NUM> decreases and it is possible to prevent or reduce abrasion of or damage to the lips <NUM>, <NUM> from becoming significant in places.

In this embodiment, when the sealing device <NUM> is provided between the reciprocating shaft <NUM> and the inner surface of the shaft hole 2A, both the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> and the atmosphere-side elastic ring <NUM> always contact the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>. Accordingly, when the sealing device <NUM> is being used, both the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> and the atmosphere-side elastic ring <NUM> are always reinforced by the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, between the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> of the oil seal member <NUM> and the atmosphere-side elastic ring <NUM> of the dust seal member <NUM>, the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>, which is separate from the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> and the atmosphere-side elastic ring <NUM>, is provided in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the reciprocating shaft <NUM>, and therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the reciprocating shaft <NUM> and the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>. Since this gap is small, there is little risk of the oil lip <NUM> or the dust lip <NUM> entering this gap with the reciprocal movement of the reciprocating shaft <NUM>, even if the pressure of the liquid L is high. Thus, it is possible to further enhance the pressure resistance and the durability of the sealing device <NUM>.

Although an elastic material such as an elastomer may be fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>, such a material is unnecessary and is not provided in this embodiment. Due thereto, there is no risk of an elastic material peeling from the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>, and further, it is possible to set a smaller gap between the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> and the reciprocating shaft <NUM>.

To produce the oil seal member <NUM>, an elastic member comprising the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM>, the outer gasket <NUM>, and the thin film portion <NUM> may, for example, be adhered to the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM> using an adhesive. To produce the dust seal member <NUM>, the atmosphere-side elastic ring <NUM> may, for example, be adhered to the atmosphere-side rigid ring <NUM> using an adhesive. Or, the seal member <NUM> or <NUM> may be produced by arranging the rigid ring <NUM> or <NUM> inside a mold, pouring a liquid elastic material into the mold, and allowing to harden to form the elastic ring <NUM> or <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a sealing device <NUM> according to a second embodiment. Drawings from <FIG> onwards show the same constituent elements as those already described, and therefore the same reference signs are used and no detailed description is provided regarding these constituent elements.

This sealing device <NUM> comprises, instead of the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> of the first embodiment, a liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> which is indirectly attached to the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>. An oil seal member <NUM> of the sealing device <NUM> comprises: a liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>; an outer gasket <NUM> fixed in close adherence with the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>; an intermediate elastic ring <NUM> fixed in close adherence with the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>; a thin film portion <NUM> which couples the outer gasket <NUM> and the intermediate elastic ring <NUM>; and a liquid-side elastic ring <NUM>. The thin film portion <NUM> is also fixed in close adherence with the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>.

Although the outer gasket <NUM> and the intermediate elastic ring <NUM> may be separate, in this embodiment, they are coupled via the thin film portion <NUM>. That is, the intermediate elastic ring <NUM>, the outer gasket <NUM>, and the thin film portion <NUM> constitute a continuous integrated elastic portion formed from the same elastic material (for example, an elastomer). In this embodiment, the annular portion 16a of the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM> is smaller than that of the first embodiment. The intermediate elastic ring <NUM> is fixed in close adherence with the inner peripheral surface of the annular portion 16a.

Although the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> is formed from an elastic material (for example, an elastomer), it is a separate member from the abovementioned elastic portion and is detachably attached to the intermediate elastic ring <NUM>. A V-shaped groove 38A is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate elastic ring <NUM>, and a protrusion 39a of the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> is fitted in this groove 38A.

The liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> has formed thereon an oil lip <NUM> provided radially inward of the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>. The oil lip <NUM> makes sealing contact with the outer peripheral surface of the reciprocating shaft <NUM> and prevents or reduces leakage of a liquid from the liquid L side to the atmosphere A side. When the reciprocating shaft <NUM> moves in the direction of the central axis C, the reciprocating shaft <NUM> slides with respect to the oil lip <NUM>.

In this embodiment, too, it is possible to achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

As is clear from <FIG> and <FIG>, the different abovementioned embodiments have the dust seal member <NUM> and the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> in common, while the details of the oil seal member differ. It is possible to prepare several kinds of oil seal members having different sizes, shapes, structures, or other details, and to select a suitable oil seal member according to the environment in which the sealing device is to be used. That is, in the present invention, the oil seal member, the dust seal member, and the intermediate rigid ring are mutually separate members, and therefore, it is possible to customize the sealing device according to the circumstances. Several kinds of dust seal members having different sizes, shapes, structures, or other details may be prepared and a suitable dust seal member may be selected according to the environment in which the sealing device is to be used. Further, if the oil seal member or dust seal member has degraded due to age, it is possible to exchange only the degraded member.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a sealing device <NUM> according to a third embodiment. This sealing device <NUM> comprises an intermediate rigid ring <NUM> instead of the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>, which is a back-up ring, of the first embodiment. The intermediate rigid ring <NUM> is detachably fitted in the columnar concave portion 22A that is formed radially inward of the atmosphere-side rigid ring <NUM> of the dust seal member <NUM> and in which the liquid L side is open.

The intermediate rigid ring <NUM> is a bush, in other words a circular ring, formed from a rigid body such as a resin or a metal, preferably a metal. The inner peripheral surface of the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> is subjected to a smoothing process and it is possible to use the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> as a guide for guiding the reciprocal movement of the reciprocating shaft <NUM>. Thus, by using the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> of the sealing device <NUM> as a guide, the eccentricity of the sealing device <NUM> with respect to the reciprocating shaft <NUM> decreases and it is possible to prevent or reduce abrasion of or damage to the lips <NUM>, <NUM> from becoming significant in places.

In order to minimize abrasion of the reciprocating shaft <NUM>, it is preferable that at least the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> is formed from a metal that is softer than the external peripheral surface of the reciprocating shaft <NUM>.

For example, the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> may be formed by sintering from a powder of a copper alloy and a powder of an iron alloy. In this case, being formed into a porous body having multiple minute vacancies is more preferable.

Or, the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> may be formed from bronze. At least one of lead and polytetrafluoroethylene may also be mixed in the bronze, or the bronze may be impregnated with one of lead and polytetrafluoroethylene.

Or, the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> may be formed from aluminum or aluminum oxide. The aluminum oxide may also be impregnated with polytetrafluorothylene.

As shown in <FIG>, the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> may comprise an outer ring 47A and an inner ring 47B fitted inside of the outer ring 47A. It is preferable that the inner ring 47B is formed from a metal that is softer than the external peripheral surface of the reciprocating shaft <NUM> as described above. It is preferable that the outer ring 47A is formed from a metal that has a higher compression strength than the material of the inner ring 47B. The number of parts of the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> may be three or more.

Unlike the first embodiment, in this embodiment the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> of the oil seal member <NUM> does not have formed thereon a concave portion (corresponding to the concave portion 18A of the first embodiment) for receiving the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>. However, the same as in the first embodiment, even in this embodiment when the sealing device <NUM> is assembled, the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> always contacts the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> and reinforces the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> is not fitted in the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM>. Accordingly, after the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> is fitted in the concave portion 22A of the atmosphere-side rigid ring <NUM>, it is easy to assemble the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> of the oil seal member <NUM> to the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>.

Although an elastic material such as an elastomer may be fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>, such an elastic material is unnecessary and is not provided in this embodiment. Due thereto, there is no risk of an elastic material peeling from the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate rigid ring <NUM>, and further it is possible to minimize a gap between the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> and the reciprocating shaft <NUM>. Since this gap is small, there is little risk of the oil lip <NUM> or the dust lip <NUM> entering this gap with the reciprocal movement of the reciprocating shaft <NUM>, even if the pressure of the liquid L is high, and it is possible to further enhance the pressure resistance and the durability of the sealing device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a sealing device <NUM> according to a fourth embodiment. This sealing device <NUM> comprises, instead of the liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> of the third embodiment, a liquid-side elastic ring <NUM> which is indirectly attached to the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>. An oil seal member <NUM> of the sealing device <NUM> comprises: a liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>; an outer gasket <NUM> fixed in close adherence with the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>; an intermediate elastic ring <NUM> fixed in close adherence with the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>; a thin film portion <NUM> which couples the outer gasket <NUM> and the intermediate elastic ring <NUM>; and a liquid-side elastic ring <NUM>. The thin film portion <NUM> is also fixed in close adherence with the liquid-side rigid ring <NUM>.

Thus, the fourth embodiment is a modification of the third embodiment, and this modification is the same as the modification in the second embodiment with respect to the first embodiment. For details, see the description of the second embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, in this embodiment, too, the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> may also be configured from a plurality of parts. In this embodiment, too, it is possible to achieve the same effects as those of the third embodiment.

As is clear from <FIG> and <FIG>, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment have the dust seal member <NUM> and the intermediate rigid ring <NUM> in common, while the details of the oil seal member differ. It is possible to prepare several kinds of oil seal members having different sizes, shapes, structures, or other details, and to select a suitable oil seal member according to the environment in which the sealing device is to be used. That is, in the present invention, the oil seal member, the dust seal member, and the intermediate rigid ring are mutually separate members, and therefore, it is possible to customize the sealing device according to the circumstances. Several kinds of dust seal members having different sizes, shapes, structures, or other details may be prepared and a suitable dust seal member may be selected according to the environment in which the sealing device is to be used. Further, if the oil seal member or dust seal member has degraded due to age, it is possible to exchange only the degraded member.

Various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the above descriptions do not limit the present invention and, in the technical scope of the present invention, various modifications can be considered, including deletion, addition, and exchange of constituent elements.

For example, the present invention is not limited to a shock absorber and may also be applied in a sealing device used in another instrument having a reciprocating shaft such as a hydraulic cylinder device.

Claim 1:
A sealing device (<NUM>) suitable to be provided between a reciprocating shaft (<NUM>) and an inner surface of a shaft hole (2A) in which the reciprocating shaft (<NUM>) is provided, wherein the sealing device (<NUM>) comprises:
an oil seal member (<NUM>) comprising a liquid-side rigid ring (<NUM>) made of a rigid body and suitable to be provided inside the shaft hole (2A), and a liquid-side elastic ring (<NUM>) made of an elastic body and attached to the liquid-side rigid ring (<NUM>), the liquid-side elastic ring (<NUM>) having formed thereon an oil lip (<NUM>) that is provided more radially inward than the liquid-side rigid ring (<NUM>) and is suitable to slidably make sealing contact with the reciprocating shaft (<NUM>);
a dust seal member (<NUM>) comprising an atmosphere-side rigid ring (<NUM>) made of a rigid body and detachably fitted in the liquid-side rigid ring (<NUM>), and an atmosphere-side elastic ring (<NUM>) made of an elastic body and fixed to the atmosphere-side rigid ring (<NUM>), the atmosphere-side elastic ring (<NUM>) having formed thereon a dust lip (<NUM>) that is provided more radially inward than the atmosphere-side rigid ring (<NUM>) and is suitable to slidably contact the reciprocating shaft (<NUM>); and
an intermediate rigid ring (<NUM>) that is made of a rigid body, is detachably fitted in a concave portion (22A) formed radially inward of the atmosphere-side rigid ring (<NUM>) and in a concave portion (18A) formed radially inward of the liquid-side elastic ring (<NUM>), is provided between the liquid-side elastic ring (<NUM>) and the atmosphere-side elastic ring (<NUM>) in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the reciprocating shaft (<NUM>), and reinforces the liquid-side elastic ring (<NUM>),
characterized in that
at least one groove is formed in the concave portion (18A) formed radially inward of the liquid-side elastic ring (<NUM>), and a protrusion press-fitted in the groove is formed on the intermediate rigid ring (<NUM>).