Exemplary embodiments pertain to the art of machines and, more particularly, to a conductor seal system for a machine housing.
Many machines include a housing that surrounds electrical components. The electrical components often times require a connection to a remote power source, or a signal connection with another machine. In such cases, conductors are passed through the housing to connect with one or more of the electrical components. In some cases, the machine is placed in a harsh operating environment. For example, the housing may be exposed to water or dust. It is generally desirable to limit water and/or dust from entering the housing. In such cases, the conductors are surrounded by a seal member that is mounted to the housing.
Disclosed is a machine housing including a housing body having an outer surface and an inner surface, and an opening extending from the outer surface through the inner surface. A conductor seal system including an outer seal member and an inner seal member is disposed in the opening. The outer seal member has an outer seal body formed from a first material. The outer seal body includes an outer surface portion and an inner surface portion defining a central opening. The outer surface portion includes a housing gripping portion and the inner surface portion includes at least one retention feature arranged within the central opening. The inner seal member includes an inner seal body formed from a second material. The inner seal body includes an outer surface having at least one retaining element configured and disposed to engage with the at least one retention feature to join the inner seal member to the outer seal member to establish a water proof and dust proof seal at the opening extending through the housing body.
Also disclosed is a conductor seal system including an outer seal member having an outer seal body formed from a first material. The outer seal body includes an outer surface portion and an inner surface portion defining a central opening. The outer surface portion includes a housing gripping portion and the inner surface portion includes at least one retention feature arranged within the central opening. An inner seal member includes an inner seal body formed from a second material. The inner seal body includes an outer surface having at least one retaining element configured and disposed to engage with the at least one retention feature to join the inner seal member to the outer seal member to establish a water proof and dust proof seal at the opening extending through the housing body.
The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike:
A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.
An electric machine constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is indicated at 2 in
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Inner seal member 36 is configured to be inserted into central passage 46 of outer seal member 34. When fully inserted, first and second retaining elements 80 and 81 are received by and nest within first and second retaining features 61 and 62. Retaining elements 80 and 81 cooperate with corresponding ones of retaining features 61 and 62 to secure inner seal member 36 to outer seal member 34. In addition to providing a desired retention, retaining elements 80 and 81 and retaining features 61 and 62 provide a desired water and dust proofing about conductors 25 as will be further detailed below.
In further accordance with exemplary aspects, outer seal member 34 is formed from a material having a durometer of between about 30-A and about 50-A. In accordance with another aspect, outer seal member 34 is formed from a material having a durometer of about 40-A. In contrast, inner seal member 36 is formed from a material having a durometer of between about 70-A and about 90-A. In accordance with another aspect, inner seal member 36 is formed from a material having a durometer of about 80-A. In this manner, inner seal member 36 is less flexible than outer seal member 34 to facilitate insertion. In addition, the particular durometer property of outer seal member 34 enhances water and dust proofing properties of seal system 20. Specifically, outer seal member 34 is formed from a pliable material that envelops and seals against inner seal member 36 to substantially prevent water and/or dust passing into machine housing 4 through opening 14 while at the same time providing a passage for conductors 25.
While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.