Seal and housing with a seal

Abstract

The invention relates to a seal, in particular a gasket, for sealing a gap in a housing, said gap extending around an inner chamber of the housing and thus for sealing the inner chamber from the outside of the housing, said seal comprising at least one sealing layer. In particular, the invention relates to a frame seal providing a seal between at least two components of a housing, for example between a bottom and a top of a housing, for example a motor vehicle battery housing or a motor vehicle battery box housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a seal, particularly a gasket, for sealing a gap in a housing that extends around an inner cavity of the housing and thus seals the inner cavity to the outside of the housing. The seal includes at least one sealing layer. In particular, the invention relates to a frame seal that provides a seal between at least two components of a housing, such as between the bottom and top of the housing, for example, a vehicle battery housing or a vehicle battery box housing. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, the gaps around the top and bottom of a housing, such as between the battery compartment slot and the battery cover, are sealed by gluing the top to the bottom within these gaps. However, a drawback of this is that the housing is difficult to disassemble and reassemble in a sealed manner. Therefore, alternatively, a seal is placed around the gaps around the bottom edge before the cover is releasably tightened, for example, before it is screwed on. For this purpose, elastomeric seals are typically used around the perimeter. The disadvantage of these elastomeric seals is that assembly is not very secure or requires more assembly work due to the flexibility and deformability of the seal as a whole, for example, the need to mill or cast corresponding grooves in the housing for the elastomeric seal.

[0003] Furthermore, housings like battery boxes are typically large, with the length and / or width of the bottom, for example, exceeding one meter. For instance, battery boxes used for traction batteries in vehicles are often given dimensions exceeding 1.3 meters in length and 0.8 meters in width.

[0004] Therefore, purely elastomeric seals are disadvantageous in this situation because they may be mispositioned or slip, meaning the assembly is not very secure. On the other hand, traditional one-piece frame seals with continuous metal or plastic supports are difficult to manufacture within the required dimensions, with the rubber sealing lip molded onto the support to form the sealing profile. Very large molds are required in this case to manufacture the support. There will also be a significant amount of material waste. Transportation and assembly are also more complex. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, based on the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved seal for sealing a housing that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0006] This objective is achieved through the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous constructions are set forth in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0007] This invention relates to a seal, particularly a gasket, for sealing a gap in a housing, and thus for sealing the inner cavity of the housing to the outside of the housing. This type of gap can be, for example, a circumferential gap between the housing, such as the slot and cover of a battery compartment. When intended for use, the seal, as described below, is arranged in this gap, for example, between the slot and cover of the housing, i.e., around the perimeter of the gap between the two parts.

[0008] Therefore, preferably, and as will be described in detail below, the seal includes an opening that substantially corresponds to the size of the inner cavity of the housing in the plane of the seal, and is substantially or completely enclosed by the seal. Thus, the term "substantially" can be understood to mean at least partially, i.e., partially or preferably substantially or particularly preferably entirely. The opening may also be referred to as a hole and / or cutout. Therefore, the seal or gasket is used to seal the gap extending around the inner cavity of the housing by means of at least one sealing layer.

[0009] The sealing layer, preferably a planar sealing layer, comprises at least two rigid sealing layer portions interconnected by flexible sealing layer portions distinct from the rigid sealing layer portions. In this case, each rigid sealing layer portion may include a corresponding rigid support element, such as a metal support element. Specifically, in this case, the support element may be manufactured comprising or made of aluminum, or thus comprising or made of steel. The flexible sealing layer portions are at least partially, i.e., partially or entirely, composed of an elastomer.

[0010] The sealing layer also includes at least one sealing profile, for example having one or more corresponding sealing lips, which extend continuously over different sealing layer portions. In this case, the continuous sealing profile can be composed of different sealing profile portions, i.e., partial sealing profiles, which are produced in different manufacturing steps and / or using different materials. For example, in the region of the rigid sealing layer portion, such a sealing profile can be produced having a flexible component that provides a seal at the relevant support element, and in the region of the flexible sealing layer portion, the aforementioned elastomer can be present. In this process, the sealing flexible component can also be at least partially, i.e., partially or entirely, composed of the elastomer or of different elastomers.

[0011] The uninterrupted sealing profile is formed by the merging of related partial sealing profiles into each other in different sealing layer sections. Particularly advantageous is that the partial sealing profiles merge substantially seamlessly into each other. As a result, at least one uninterrupted sealing profile can be provided along the sealing layer, extending on both the rigid sealing layer sections and at least one flexible sealing layer section connecting these rigid sealing layer sections, such that both the rigid sealing layer section including the associated sealing flexible component and the flexible sealing layer section having an elastomer provide uninterrupted sealing due to the respective partial sealing profiles.

[0012] The advantage of this approach is that the rigid sealing layer portion of the seal can be connected via at least one connecting flexible sealing layer portion, making it easier to manufacture even large-sized seals (length x width dimensions can be greater than 1.3m × 0.8m or greater than 2m × 1m). This is because the individual rigid sealing layer portions can be produced separately in the first step and connected in the second step via connecting flexible components, i.e., at least one connecting flexible sealing layer portion. In this case, the manufacturing of the flexible sealing layer portion can be divided into several sub-steps, which can also be partially combined with the first step. Furthermore, these sub-steps do not need to be performed simultaneously for all existing connecting flexible components; instead, they can be performed sequentially for different connecting flexible sealing layer portions.

[0013] Preferably, the number of rigid sealing layer portions corresponds to the number of flexible sealing layer portions connecting the rigid sealing layer portions, and generally the rigid and flexible sealing layer portions form a self-contained seal with a self-contained sealing profile, which may have annular, rectangular, or similar shapes and extend continuously around the opening. By combining the rigid and flexible sealing layer portions, the corresponding advantages are combined in this case: on the one hand, a robust and reliable sealing effect and simple assembly, and on the other hand, simple manufacturing.

[0014] The flexible sealing layer portion has at least two support elements, and within the region of the support elements, the thickness of the flexible sealing layer portion, measured perpendicular to the main extension plane of the seal, is greater than the thickness in the corresponding region surrounding the support elements. The support elements are arranged such that, when the seal is intended to be used, at least one sealing profile in the flexible sealing layer portion is positioned between the support element and the inner cavity and / or between the support element and the outside. In the case of multiple sealing profiles, such as one sealing profile facing the inner cavity and one sealing profile facing the outside, in each case, the support element can be assigned to the nearest sealing profile. However, alternatively, for example, if a support element is equidistant from both sealing profiles, one support element can be assigned to both sealing profiles. The rigid sealing layer portion may not have support elements. Therefore, support elements are typically not arranged near through openings, such as fasteners or locating openings.

[0015] The advantage of this arrangement is that at least one sealing profile is supported and stabilized by a support element in the flexible sealing layer region, such that the sealing performance of the sealing profile in the flexible sealing layer region is equal to or at least close to that of the sealing profile in the rigid sealing layer region. This is because it has been found that by providing additional support elements, both local displacement of the sealing profile in the flexible sealing layer region within the main extension plane of the seal can be offset, and the effective sealing width of the sealing profile (defined by the surface area of ​​the sealing profile abutting the adjacent housing portion when intentionally compressed) can be equal to the corresponding effective sealing surface area of ​​the sealing profile in the rigid sealing layer region; otherwise, due to the softer material in the flexible sealing layer, this effective sealing width is typically at least slightly smaller than this effective surface area. This improves the reliability of the sealing performance of large, easily manufactured seals.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, it is specified that, in each case, the two rigid sealing layer portions are interconnected via one or more flexible sealing layer portions that can be folded or bent. The advantage of this is that the seal can be folded at the connection of the flexible components(s) and the flexible sealing layer(s), thereby making it easier to transport, install, or remove large (large) seals with length x width dimensions greater than 1.3m × 0.8m or greater than 2m × 1m in the folded state. In particular, logistics are simplified due to the reduced transport volume in the folded state. Standard containers can be used, and the packaging quantity can generally be reduced. Therefore, damage during transport can also be avoided. Furthermore, the space required during installation and, optionally, during disassembly is reduced.

[0017] When folded or bent, the flexible sealing layer portion typically bends along a radius (which also varies); in this process, it almost completes a circle, such that the associated rigid sealing layer portions, optionally together with their respective support elements, rest planarly on the main portion of their adjacent surfaces. Alternatively, they may also rest on each other in areas spaced apart from the fold or bend point, while in the remaining areas facing the fold or bend point, they may be moved away from each other at a very sharp angle along the direction of the fold or bend point. Thus, the seal can be referred to as a flexible or foldable seal. Here, the support element is particularly advantageous because, compared to a seal without such a support element, the length of the flexible sealing layer portion can therefore be chosen to be greater in the circumferential direction of the seal in the main extension plane without adversely affecting the sealing performance. Therefore, during bending or folding, the distribution of bending forces in the seal profile is also improved, resulting in greater durability and a more lasting seal. Buckling is avoided during folding.

[0018] In another advantageous embodiment, at least two sealing profiles are specified, which in each case extend continuously over different sealing layer portions. The sealing profiles preferably extend along corresponding edges of the sealing layer and can thus be assigned to corresponding edges or correspondingly to the inner and outer cavities. The sealing profiles preferably extend in a substantially parallel manner. At least one of at least two support elements is assigned to each of the sealing profiles and thus provides support for one sealing profile, i.e., the associated sealing profile, in each case. The support elements are preferably assigned to closely adjacent (closely adjacent) sealing profiles respectively. Therefore, each sealing profile may also be assigned only one support element, thereby achieving appropriate support. In particular, if the support element assigned to only one sealing profile extends along the sealing profile, the sealing performance of the sealing profile can be significantly improved by using a small number of support elements, while still maintaining flexibility in the flexible sealing layer portion. Appropriate support elements may also be assigned to the two sealing profiles at a position substantially half the distance between them, and these support elements subsequently provide support for both sealing profiles.

[0019] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, at least one sealing profile in the region of the support element and / or the flexible sealing layer portion is integrally formed with at least a portion of the flexible sealing layer portion, i.e., a part or the entire flexible sealing layer portion. In particular, the support element and / or sealing profile and the flexible sealing layer portion can be manufactured to include or be made of an elastomer. This makes manufacturing particularly simple and also achieves the described advantages. If the flexible sealing layer portion consists of multiple parts in the circumferential direction of the seal, preferably, if a support element is present, it is located at least in one or more intermediate portions.

[0020] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the height of the support element (measured perpendicular to the main extension plane of the seal and compared with the area surrounding the support element) is specified to be at least 45% of the height of the seal profile, particularly at least 75%, preferably at least 95%, or substantially 100% or exactly 100%. Thus, the height can also be considered as the thickness of the seal layer in the area of ​​the support element minus the thickness of the seal layer in the area surrounding the support element. Preferably, but not necessarily, the heights of each support element protrude equally beyond both surfaces of the flexible seal layer portion under discussion. The height of the seal profile can be determined in a similar manner to the height of the support element. The described range of support element heights has proven particularly advantageous here because the effective linear pressure (line pressure) obtained on the seal profile of the flexible seal layer portion is not linearly related to the height of each support element.

[0021] Advantageously, it is specified that, with increasing height, each support element, in every case, tapers at least slightly or significantly in a cross-section perpendicular to the main extension plane of the seal, which preferably extends parallel to at least one sealing profile. While a slight taper brings advantages, particularly from a manufacturing perspective, a considerable taper also facilitates bending or folding of the seal within the flexible sealing layer supported by the support elements, because during bending, the support elements do not laterally abut against each other before reaching a relatively small bending radius. This is particularly advantageous when the support elements are arranged in at least one row, as described below.

[0022] Specifically, in another particularly advantageous embodiment, the support elements are arranged in at least one row, which preferably extends adjacent to at least one sealing profile, preferably to an associated sealing profile, and therefore generally to the nearest sealing profile. In this case, the row can particularly advantageously extend along or parallel to the sealing profile. One, two, or four rows, each comprising multiple support elements, are particularly advantageous, with each row assigned to one of two sealing profiles. In the case of four rows, preferably, two rows are arranged on each side of the flexible sealing layer portion. As a result, the desired stability of the sealing profile in the region of the flexible sealing layer portion can occur without adversely affecting other characteristics, particularly the bendability or flexibility of the flexible sealing layer portion and ease of manufacture.

[0023] In another advantageous embodiment, it is specified that, particularly in the main extension plane, the support element is configured to be more rigid than the sealing profile in a direction perpendicular to its orientation. Specifically, this can be achieved by the width of the support element, which is measured perpendicular to the thickness and orientation of the sealing profile and is greater than the width of the sealing profile. However, this can also be achieved, for example, by a reinforcement made of a material different from the elastomer, such as a core-shaped reinforcement, particularly made of a different elastomer or some other plastic material, which is incorporated into the flexible sealing layer portion in the region of the corresponding support element. In particular, the core of the support element can have a more robust component compared to the rest of the support element, especially compared to the edge layer of the support element, and thus can form a reinforcement. This has the advantage that the sealing profile is supported particularly reliably.

[0024] In another advantageous embodiment, the support elements are specified to have a non-uniformly distributed height measured perpendicular to the main extension plane of the seal, and / or a width measured transversely to the direction of the seal profile in the main extension plane of the seal, and / or a length measured along the direction of the seal profile in the main extension plane of the seal, and / or a distance from the corresponding closely adjacent support element measured along the direction of the seal profile in the main extension plane of the seal, and / or a distance from the seal profile measured transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the direction of the seal profile in the main extension plane of the seal. The seal preferably has multiple support elements, i.e., at least three or more support elements. Due to the non-uniform distribution, i.e., the different values ​​of height and / or width and / or length and / or at least one distance, the support effect of the support elements and other characteristics, such as the flexibility of the flexible sealing layer portion, can be adapted continuously or almost continuously along the direction of the flexible sealing layer portion, and thus can be adapted to various requirements of the respective seal or corresponding specific material properties. As a result, the advantages of combining the rigid and flexible sealing layer portions in the seal can be individually adjusted (adapted) again, and the sealing performance of the seal can be optimized. However, alternatively, all support elements can be constructed in essentially the same way. This may correspond to the same distribution.

[0025] One aspect also relates to housings having a seal according to one of the above embodiments, particularly motor vehicle battery housings or motor vehicle battery box housings.

[0026] On the other hand, a method for manufacturing a seal for sealing an inner cavity of a housing is also involved. The seal comprises: at least one sealing layer having at least two rigid sealing layer portions interconnected by flexible sealing layer portions; and at least one sealing profile extending continuously over different sealing layer portions. In this case, the flexible sealing layer portions are formed having, for example, at least two support elements formed by injection molding from an elastomer, wherein, in the region of the support elements, the thickness of the flexible sealing layer portion, measured perpendicular to the main extension plane of the seal, is greater than the thickness in the corresponding region around the support elements, wherein the support elements are arranged such that, when the seal is intended to be used, the sealing profile in the flexible sealing layer portion is arranged between the support element and the inner cavity and / or between the support element and the outside. In this case, the support elements can be produced in the same method steps as the associated flexible sealing layer portion, particularly in the same method steps as the adjacent(s) sealing profile(s). In one variation, two rigid sealing layer portions (particularly previously punched, optionally embossed, and injection-molded with their own at least one sealing profile) are joined by injection molding a flexible sealing layer portion thereon, simultaneously forming at least one sealing profile and at least two support elements. In another variation, two rigid sealing layer portions (particularly previously punched, and possibly embossed) are provided in a first step by injection molding together with their own at least one sealing profile and a section of the flexible sealing layer portion, hereinafter referred to as connector segments. In a second step, these two elements are then injection-molded together with the edges of the connector segments facing each other, simultaneously forming a connecting portion, at least one sealing profile, and at least one support element. In an intermediate step, the edges of the connector segments may be trimmed. In principle, in this variation, at least one support element may also be formed in at least one connector segment. In a third variation, unlike the first variation, the sealing profiles of the rigid sealing layer portions are molded together with the flexible sealing layer portions onto the rigid sealing layer portions and are continuous with the sealing profiles(s) belonging to these portions and at least two support elements. Therefore, a surrounding seal can be generated via a relatively large number of flexible sealing layer portions and optionally via a relatively large number of rigid sealing layer portions.

[0027] Here, the advantages and advantageous embodiments of the method correspond to the advantages and advantageous embodiments of the described seal.

[0028] The features and combinations of features described above in the specification, including those in the introductory section, and those shown in and / or in the accompanying drawings, may be used in combinations other than those described in each case without departing from the scope of the invention. In this respect, the invention should be considered to include and disclose embodiments not explicitly shown or illustrated in the drawings, but which arise from and can result from combinations of features derived from the described embodiments. Therefore, embodiments and combinations of features that do not contain all the features of the original independent claims should also be considered disclosed. Furthermore, the invention should be considered to disclose embodiments and combinations of features that go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features described in the reverse reference of the claims, particularly embodiments and combinations of features resulting from the above-described embodiments.

[0029] The subject matter of the invention will now be explained in more detail based on the following drawings, but is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments shown therein. Attached Figure Description

[0030] In the attached diagram:

[0031] Figure 1 An example housing and an example seal with a battery cell module arranged therein are shown;

[0032] Figure 2 An example embodiment of the seal is shown in cross-section, wherein the cutting plane is parallel to the main extension plane of the seal;

[0033] Figure 3 shows the four sub- Figures 3A to 3D The diagram shows a conventional seal without a support element and a seal with a support element in both uncompressed and compressed states.

[0034] Figure 4 shows two sub- Figures 4A to 4B The image shows corresponding sectional views of support elements constructed in different ways, wherein the cutting plane is parallel to the main extension plane of the seal;

[0035] Figure 5 A perspective view showing details of an example embodiment of the seal in a folded state;

[0036] Figure 6 shows the three sub- Figures 6A to 6C The image shows the folded state. Figure 5 A perspective view of an example embodiment of the seal, wherein the cutting plane extends perpendicular to the main extension plane, and a perspective view showing two variations thereof;

[0037] Figure 7 shows the three sub- Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7CThe image shows different sectional views cut through different cutting planes of an example embodiment with two support elements;

[0038] Figure 8 shows the four sub- Figures 8A to 8D Different views of example rows of support elements are shown in the figure;

[0039] Figure 9 shows two sub- Figure 9A and Figure 9B The image shows a cross-sectional view of an uncompressible seal with an example support element, wherein the cutting plane is perpendicular to the outer circumferential direction; and

[0040] Figure 10 Example characteristic curves for different seals are shown in the form of linear pressure (N / mm) versus profile height (mm). Detailed Implementation

[0041] Components that are similar in appearance or have the same function are indicated by the same reference numerals in the figure.

[0042] Figure 1 A vehicle battery housing is shown as an example housing 1. In this example, housing 1 has battery modules 4a to 4e of a vehicle traction battery disposed therein. Housing 1 has a groove as a bottom 2 and a cover as a top 3. Battery modules 4a to 4e are housed in an inner cavity 7 of housing 1. In this example, housing 1 includes a gap 6 above the battery modules 4a to 4e between the bottom 2 and the top 3 (this gap 6 is to be sealed). Therefore, in this example, a seal 10 is placed in the gap 6 to seal it, thus sealing the inner cavity 7 to the outside 7' of housing 1. For this purpose, in this example, the seal 10 extends accordingly around the inner cavity 7 of housing 1, and in the example shown, it correspondingly includes an opening 13 corresponding to the inner cavity 7 of housing 1. Figure 2 ).

[0043] This type of housing 1 typically has a dimension exceeding 1m in at least the length or width direction, or both, such that the seal 10 typically has a length of several meters in the outer circumferential direction U. Figure 5 The seal 10 is preferably in the form of a gasket.

[0044] Figure 2A cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of the seal 10 is shown, with the cutting plane extending parallel to the main extending plane of the seal 10 (in this example, the xz plane). This embodiment accordingly includes N rigid sealing layer portions 11a to 11f and N flexible sealing layer portions 12a to 12f, which connect the rigid sealing layer portions 11a to 11f, and connect the respective rigid sealing layer portions 11a to 11f such that in each case, two rigid sealing layer portions 11a, 11b are connected by one flexible sealing layer portion 12a. In the example shown, N=6. In this example, the seal 10 with the opening 13 is correspondingly formed by the same number of rigid sealing layer portions 11a to 11f and flexible sealing portions 12a to 12f. This type of seal 10 can also be referred to as an annular seal 10. In this example, the seal 10 includes inner edges 15a, 15b of the rigid sealing layer portions 11a to 11f facing the opening 13. Figure 3A The uninterrupted sealing profile 14a at the opening 13, and in the example shown, also includes the outer edges 15a' and 15b' of the seal 10 facing away from the opening 13. Figure 3A The other uninterrupted sealing profile 14b at the location. The characteristics of the uninterrupted sealing profiles 14a and 14b in this example will be explained more precisely with the aid of the example in the accompanying drawings, based on the internal uninterrupted sealing profile 14a.

[0045] In this embodiment, the rigid sealing layer portions 11a to 11f each further include holes 16, which can be both positioning holes and threaded holes for corresponding fastening devices. These holes can be in the form of conventional round holes as shown, but they can also have special shapes to improve electromagnetic compatibility, for example, such that when they are in the installed state, due to special rough areas on their surfaces or edges, direct metal-to-metal contact is established with fasteners such as screws.

[0046] The width b of the seal 10 in the main extension plane is constant in several regions. Specifically, at the transition from the rigid sealing layer portions 11a to 11f to the flexible sealing layer portions 12a to 12f adjacent to the rigid sealing layer portions 11a to 11f, the width b of the seal 10 preferably does not change significantly. In particular, the width b changes by less than 5% at the transition from the rigid sealing layer portions 11a to 11f to the flexible sealing layer portions 12a to 12f.

[0047] Based on Figures 3A to 3D Examples of advantages and differences between seals with support elements and seals without support elements are illustrated. Although in Figures 3A to 3D All rigid sealing layer portions in the following figures are shown as single layers, but in principle these rigid sealing layer portions may include at least two layers arranged on top of each other.

[0048] Figure 3A The image shows a transverse circumferential direction U through a section of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a having sealing profiles 14a, 19a for a conventional seal 10. Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the diagram. In the example shown, sealing profiles 14a and 19a seal the inner chamber 7 internally relative to the outside (not shown). Here, even in the uncompressed state, the sealing lips 60a of the sealing profiles 14a and 19a have a width b It also abuts against the corresponding housing part, in this case, the housing cover 3. This also applies to the other sealing lip 60a of the sealing profiles 14a and 19a. The sealing lip 60a The mating portion (opposite portion) abuts the first part, which in this example is the housing groove 2. In the following description, reference will be made to the sealing lip 60a located on one side, which in this example is the upper side of the seal 10 and is oriented in the positive y-direction. The seal 10 described herein and below may have such a sealing lip or sealing profile only on one or both sides, on the upper side oriented in the positive y-direction and / or on the lower side oriented in the negative y-direction.

[0049] exist Figure 3B The image now shows the image in a compressed state. Figure 3A The seal 10. Due to compression, the height of the gap 6 in the y direction decreases, and the effective support (abutment) width b of the sealing lip 60a. Increased. In conventional seals, the effective support width b in the flexible sealing layer portion 12a is... Less than the effective support width in the rigid sealing layer portion (not shown).

[0050] Figure 3C It is shown that there are two support elements 70a, 70a The flexible sealing layer portion 12a of the sealing element 10. Support elements 70, 70a The upper sealing lip 60a and lower sealing lip 60a of the sealing profiles 14a and 19a are assigned to the sealing profiles 14a and 19a. The corresponding support members 70a, 70a are respectively arranged on the upper or lower side of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a. In the uncompressed state shown here, the sealing lips 60a, 60a and support elements 70a, 70a Each is within its respective effective sealing lip width b and effective support element width c Within the range, they abut against their respective housing portions, namely housing cover 3 and housing groove 2. Therefore, in the example shown, the lip height l of the sealing profiles 14a and 19a is equal to that of the support elements 70a and 70a. The height s of the supporting element.

[0051] like Figure 3D As shown, in the presence of support elements 70a, 70a Under the compressed state of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a, each support element 70a, 70a Not only in the larger effective support element width c Within the range, it abuts against the corresponding shell parts 3 and 2, and is in contact with... Figure 3B In comparison, the effective sealing lip width b of sealing profiles 14a, 19a or sealing lip 60a There has also been an increase, approximately 7% in the example shown. In this case, the function of the support element 70a is not to seal the gap 6, but to support the sealing profiles 14a and 19a, which prevent the flexible sealing layer portion 12a (e.g., which may be made of an elastomer) from yielding in the region of the sealing lip 60a along the direction of the seal 10, i.e., along the positive x-direction in this example, thereby reducing the contact pressure of the sealing lip 60a on the housing portion 3.

[0052] Figure 4A It shows Figure 2Detail 20. Here, the two rigid sealing layer portions 11a, 11b include inner edges 15a, 15b and outer edges 15a', 15b', and end edges 15a'', 15b'', which are oriented in opposite directions relative to each other. In this example, a flexible sealing layer portion 12a formed of an elastomer is arranged between the end (side) edges 15a'', 15b'' and interconnects the two rigid sealing layer portions 11a, 11b. In this example, each of the two rigid sealing layer portions 11a, 11b includes two sealing flexible members 17a, 17a' and 17b, 17b'. In this example, the inner sealing flexible members 17a, 17b form the inner partial sealing profiles 18a, 18b of the inner continuous sealing profile 14a, while the outer sealing flexible members 17a', 17b' form the corresponding outer partial sealing profiles 18a', 18b' of the outer continuous sealing profile 14b. In this example, the connecting flexible sealing layer portion 12a correspondingly forms an inner partial sealing profile 19a and an outer partial sealing profile 19a', which, together with the inner partial sealing profiles 18a, 18b and the outer partial sealing profiles 18a', 18b', form an inner continuous sealing profile 14a and an outer continuous sealing profile 14b. In this example, the length L connecting the flexible sealing layer portion 12a represents the length along which the flexible sealing layer portion 12a connects the two rigid sealing layer portions 11a, 11b by its elastomer between its end edges 15a'', 15b''. Therefore, in this example, the length L does not extend to the areas where the partial sealing profiles 19a, 19a' of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a are arranged adjacent to the edges of the rigid sealing layer portions 11a, 11b, or where the rigid sealing layer portions 11a, 11b are covered by the elastomer of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a.

[0053] Internal sealing profiles 18a, 18b, 19a and Figure 2 Other sealing layers 11c to 11f and Figure 2 The corresponding sealing profiles of 12b to 12f together form the internal uninterrupted sealing profile 14a. Correspondingly, the outer portions of sealing profiles 18a', 19a', and 18b' together with the partial sealing profiles of other sealing layer portions 11c to 11f and 12b to 12f form the outer sealing profile 14b. In the example shown, detail 20 also depicts other rigid sealing layer portions 11c to 11f and the associated connecting flexible sealing layer portions 12b to 12f with necessary modifications.

[0054] In this example, the sealing flexible components 17a, 17a', 17b', 17b' are molded onto the corresponding inner edges 15a, 15b and outer edges 15a', 15b' of the corresponding rigid sealing layer portions 11a, 11b. In this case, the sealing flexible components 17a, 17a', 17b, 17b' are only molded onto the edges 15a, 15a', 15b, 15b' on the corresponding sub-parts 21a, 21b of the corresponding rigid sealing layer portions 11a, 11b, that is, the sealing flexible components 17a, 17a', 17b, 17b' do not extend completely along the corresponding edges 15a, 15a', 15b, 15b'. Conversely, in this example, the elastomer of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a is directly molded onto the remaining ends 22a, 22b of the rigid sealing layer portions 11a, 11b (not covered by the sealing flexible components 17a, 17a', 17b, 17b'), and in this example, the elastomer is also directly molded onto the end edges 15a', 15b'', forming a sealing profile there. Therefore, the elastomer of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a encloses the corresponding rigid sealing layer portions 11a, 11b in the main extension plane xz plane of the seal 10, and is particularly well held onto the rigid sealing layer portions 11a, 11b. In the example shown, the sealing flexible components 17a, 17a', 17b, 17b' are incorporated into the elastomer of the flexible sealing portion 12a not abruptly but smoothly along the peripheral direction U, i.e., along the z direction in this example, that is, perpendicular to the z direction. This improves the uninterrupted sealing profiles 14a, 14b.

[0055] This example also shows two support elements 70a, 70a of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a. In this example, these support elements 70a, 70a Arranged on the upper side oriented in the positive y-direction and / or the lower side oriented in the negative y-direction of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a, that is, in each case, the flexible sealing layer portion 12a is provided with corresponding support elements 70a, 70a Support and stabilize the associated sealing profiles 14a, 19a, 14a', 19a', or their respective sealing lips(s). Here, support elements 70a, 70a... Arranged between sealing profiles 19a and 19a'. In the example shown, they have elliptical cross-sections in the xz plane, where, in this example, the principal axis extends transversely to the outer periphery, i.e., in the x-direction. Therefore, in a manner easily produced, support elements 70a and 70a belonging to the vertices of the principal axis can be used. The end regions are used to stabilize the regions of the corresponding sealing profiles 19a and 19a' that are closely adjacent to them. Due to the orientation of the main axis parallel to the x-direction, the support elements 70a and 70a... It will not prevent the seal 10 from folding outward from the drawing plane because the support elements 70a, 70a The thickness of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a in the surrounding area remains unchanged.

[0056] Figure 4B With similar Figure 4A Another exemplary embodiment is shown in the manner in which, in addition to the support elements 70a, 70a In addition, the end regions 22a, 22a', 22b, end edges 15a'', 15b'', and sealing profiles 14a, 14b were also changed. The changes shown can also occur independently of each other.

[0057] Here, it should first be noted that, with Figure 4A Compared to the example shown, sealing profiles 14a and 14b in this example have different widths in the main extension plane. Therefore, in the example shown, the inner sealing profile 14a has a larger width than the outer sealing profile 14b, which offers advantages in many applications. This can also be combined with end regions 22a, 22a', 22b of different sizes, as in this case. For example, the length of the outer end region 22a' is shorter than that of the inner end region 22a. In this case, the respective associated end edges 15a'', 15b'' of the rigid sealing layer portions 11a, 11b can simply have a generally rough structure, as in the case of end edge 15a'' shown on the left in the figure, or they can be specially constructed to improve the engagement of the elastomeric flexible sealing layer portion 12a in the associated end regions, such as in the case of end edge 15b'' in end region 22b, where a particularly stable attachment of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a to the rigid sealing layer portion 11b is achieved through a design with a corresponding undercut, as can be seen from dovetail joints in wood.

[0058] and Figure 4A Compared to the example shown, independent of the aforementioned differences, the construction of the support elements is also different in this example. For example, in this example, the flexible sealing layer portion 12a has multiple support elements 70a to 70f, 70a up to 70f In this example, these support elements are arranged in two rows along the sealing layers 19a' and 19a. Here, the row with the first group of six support elements 70a to 70f is assigned to the sealing profile 19a, that is, it is arranged here to be closely adjacent to the sealing profile 19a, and is suitable for supporting them when intended to be used due to the distance from the sealing profile 19a. The second group of support elements 70a... up to 70f A row is arranged along the inner sealing profile 19a', and a subsequent row extends parallel to the sealing profile 19a'. In this example, another row of support elements 70a... up to 70f For example, the distance from the corresponding, closely adjacent support element, the length of the support element measured along the direction of the sealing profile 19a, and the length of the support element 70a measured transversely to the sealing profile. up to 70f It has a uniform distribution in terms of width.

[0059] Conversely, the rows of support elements 70a to 70f assigned to the outer sealing profile 19a (which otherwise have characteristics corresponding to the other row) have an uneven distribution of width measured transversely to the direction of the sealing profile, and therefore have uneven distances from the outer sealing profile 19a'. In this example, the support elements 70d and 70c, furthest from the corresponding inner edges 15a'' and 15b'', have the largest widths and therefore the smallest distances from the outer sealing profile 19a'', while the support elements 70a and 70f, arranged closest to the end edges 15a'' and 15b'', have the smallest widths and therefore the largest distances from the outer sealing profile 19a''. The support elements 70b and 70e located in between have corresponding intermediate values, thereby achieving a transition as smooth as possible. As a result, the sealing profile 19a' in the central region of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a, located at the furthest point from the end edges 15a'' and 15b'', is most strongly supported by the support elements 70c and 70d, and the corresponding bend in the flexible sealing layer portion 12a is subject to the least possible resistance.

[0060] Figure 5 An example perspective view of the described seal 10 in an example folded or bent state is shown. It can be seen particularly clearly here that the material transition M between the flexible sealing components 17a, 17a', 17b' and the elastomer of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a extends transversely to the orientation direction U of the seal 10, and in the example shown, another material transition M' between the elastomer of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a and the rigid sealing layer portions 11a, 11b in the orientation direction U is offset on the corresponding end edges 15a'', 15b''. This other material transition M' also extends transversely to the orientation direction U, extending at least over a large portion of the width b of the seal 10.

[0061] Multiple support elements 70a, 70b, 70c#, 70d#, 70e#, and 70a are arranged on the flexible sealing layer portion 12a. 70b In this example, these support elements are arranged in different rows on different sides of the seal 10 and are closely adjacent to different edges of the seal 10. For example, support element 70a 70b The support elements 70a, 70b, and correspondingly 70c#, 70d#, 70e# are arranged in corresponding rows along the outer, upper side of the sealing profile 14b in the figure. Furthermore, according to the bending radius shown, in this example, the support elements 70a, 70b of the first outer row are formed on the outer side of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a, and the support elements 70c#, 70d#, 70e# are correspondingly formed symmetrically on the inner side of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a. Therefore, regardless of whether the seal 10 is folded or bent, the support elements 70a, 70b, 70e# are... 70b 70c#, 70d#, and 70e# can all be placed on the corresponding flexible sealing layer portions 12a to 12f without adversely affecting flexibility. The reinforcements on both sides, as shown in the figure, are particularly advantageous, wherein the corresponding support elements 70a, 70b, 70c#, 70d#, and 70e# are arranged symmetrically with respect to a symmetrical plane extending parallel to the main extension plane of the seal 10.

[0062] Figure 6A A perspective sectional view of the seal 10 is shown. The cutting plane extends perpendicularly to the main extension plane of the seal, i.e., perpendicular to the xz plane and perpendicular to the orientation direction U of the seal 10. As previously described, to improve the connection with the flexible sealing member 17a forming the partial sealing profile 18a, the elastomer of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a is molded onto the flexible sealing member 17a, and a partial sealing profile 19a is formed thereon. Therefore, the flexible sealing member 17a is no longer visible from the outside downstream of the visible material transition portion M along the orientation direction D, but instead continues below the elastomer of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a along the direction of the end edge 15a'' of the rigid sealing layer portion 11a, thereby achieving improved service life and better sealing performance. This type of transition is also possible not only when the sealing profile 14a has a double profile as shown here, but also when the sealing profile 14a has a single profile (which has only one sealing lip) or when the sealing profile 14a has a profile of other forms. Only the flexible sealing layer portion 12a is visible in the cross section. Therefore, in this example, the seal 10 in the region of the partial sealing profile 19a is entirely formed by the elastomer of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a.

[0063] Here again, on the side facing the observer, a row of support elements 70a to 70c are assigned to the partial sealing profile 19a, and thus to the sealing profile 14a in the region of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a. Figure 5In contrast to the example shown, in this example, at least one row of support elements 70a to 70c exists on only one surface of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a. In the example shown, the support elements 70a to 70c have a square cross-section, i.e., a square bottom surface, in the main extension plane of the seal 10. The thickness of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a in the region of the support elements 70a to 70c is obtained by adding the thickness d of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a in the region surrounding each support element 70a to 70c to the height s of the support element. In the region of the sealing profile 14a, the thickness of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a is correspondingly obtained by the thickness d of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a in the region surrounding the sealing profile 14a and the lip thickness l.

[0064] Figure 6B and Figure 6C Corresponding variations are shown, wherein the flexible sealing layer portion 12a is manufactured as a plurality of components having a connector segment 121a and a connecting portion 120a, which are preferably injection molded one after the other. In the details shown, the connector segment facing the next rigid sealing layer portion 11b is not visible. The material edge M extends substantially in a straight line here and extends perpendicularly to the outer peripheral direction U from the sealing profile 14a to the sealing profile 14a' (not shown). This embodiment can be advantageous for the formation of the flexible sealing layer portion or the connection of the entire flexible sealing layer portion with adjacent rigid sealing layer portions. Alternatively, other orientations of the material edge are possible besides the straight perpendicular orientation shown, such as wavy and / or inclined. Figure 6B and Figure 6C The difference is that, in Figure 6B In the example, the support element 70a is also formed in the connector section 121a. On the other hand, in Figure 6C In the example shown, support elements 70b and 70c are formed only in the connecting portion 120a. Besides the two variations shown, support elements can also be formed such that they are partially formed in the region of the connector segment 121a and partially formed in the connecting portion 120a, i.e., the support elements intersect with the material edge M. In another variation not shown here, the entire flexible sealing layer portion 12a can be molded together with the continuous sealing profile 14a (which also surrounds the rigid sealing layer portions 11a and 11b) and support elements 70a, 70b, and 70c, thereby forming as shown... Figure 6A As shown, only the material edge M is missing, making it impossible to distinguish between the partially sealed contours 18a and 19a.

[0065] With similar Figure 4A and Figure 4B The example shape of the support element is shown in Figure 7. Figure 7A, Figure 7B , Figure 7C As shown.

[0066] Figure 7A A cross-sectional view is shown again, with the cutting plane located in the main extension plane of the seal 10; the flexible sealing layer portion 12a is again arranged between the end edges 15a'', 15b'' of the rigid sealing layer portions 11a, 11b. In the example shown, two support elements 70a, 70a'' are shown in the flexible sealing layer portion 12a. Two support elements extend parallel to the sealing lips 14b and 14a, respectively. Here, the first support element 70a is closely adjacent to the outer sealing profile 14b, and the second support element 70a... It is closely adjacent to the internal sealing profile 14a. In this example, the support elements 70a, 70a They have elongated profiles in the xz plane and extend parallel to the outer peripheral direction, and thus parallel to the corresponding sealing profiles 14a, 14b. Therefore, the support elements 70a, 70a In support elements 70a, 70a The lengths in the outer peripheral direction U are those of the support elements 70a and 70a. Several times the width of the transverse direction U, for example, greater than 10 times.

[0067] In showing along Figure 7A Sectional view of section AA in Figure 7B The figure shows an example height shape of the support element, in this example, support element 70a. Here, support element 70A In each case, the surface extends in a U-shape along the outer periphery in two adjacent regions, with a shorter concave region provided in the middle of the two adjacent regions. Because the support element 70a is located on the other side of the seal 10 (in... Figure 7A The symmetrically paired portions (which are located on the rear side, or in this example, on the lower side oriented along the negative y-direction) supplement each other, with the corresponding protrusions corresponding to the corresponding support elements 70a. The shrinkage in the height profile. In this example, a reinforcing element V, made of a rubber material different from the elastomer G of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a, is arranged inside the support element. This counteracts the shrinkage in the support element 70a. The deformation (and the deformation of the mating part on the other side, i.e. the lower side).

[0068] Figure 7C It shows along Figure 7A The cross-section BB shown is the cross-section of the diagram. Although in Figure 7BIn the sectional view shown, the described profile (surface) is mirror symmetrical, but in this example, it is asymmetrical. The transition between the sealing profile 14b and the support element 70a is higher, and the transition between the sealing profile 14b and the support element 70a is higher than that between the sealing profile 14a and the support element 70a. The transition between them is higher; that is, the flexible sealing layer portion has a greater thickness between the sealing profile 14b and the support element 70a. As a result, when used as intended, the deformation of the sealing profile 14b is less than that of the sealing profile 14a, therefore, the folding or bending of the flexible sealing layer portion 12a is not hindered or significantly hindered. Also shown is a configuration arranged only on the support elements 70a, 70a... The reinforcing element V in the region.

[0069] Figure 8 in the sub Figures 8A to 8D The characteristics of example variations of support elements 70a to 70f are shown again in the diagram. In this case, as... Figure 8A As shown, the corresponding support elements 70a to 70f are arranged in a row and have a substantially circular bottom surface.

[0070] from Figure 8B As can be seen, these support elements 70a to 70f taper in the upward direction (i.e., in the vertical or y-direction). This has the following advantages: Figure 8C and Figure 8D As shown, during the corresponding bending period, regardless of the larger radius ( Figure 8C ) or a smaller radius ( Figure 8D The required force is smaller, and the support elements 70a to 70f are in the corresponding related sealing profiles 14a, 14b ( Figure 7A The stabilizing effect on the flexible sealing layer 12a is combined with its high flexibility during bending or folding. In the example shown, the rows of support elements 70a to 70f are arranged only on one side of the flexible sealing layer 12a, i.e., on the inner side relative to the bend in this example. However, the flexible sealing layer 12a can also be bent only in the opposite direction, such that the rows of support elements 70a to 70f are arranged on the outer side, thus combining the same advantages. As explained above, such rows of support elements can also be arranged on both sides of the flexible sealing layer 12a, for example, thereby supporting different sealing layers or sealing lips on the upper and lower sides of the seal in the region of the flexible sealing layer 12a. Figure 8C and Figure 8D The different curvatures in the seal can be caused, for example, by different designs of the sealing profile; in particular, Figure 8C The adjacent sealing profiles in the middle may be larger than Figure 8DThe support elements in both embodiments may be made of materials with different stiffnesses, or alternatively.

[0071] Figure 9 shows two sub- Figure 9A and Figure 9B The seal 10 and support elements 70a, 70a are shown in the figure. Located in gap 6. In each case, the seal 10 is fitted with two sealing profiles 14a, 14b in gap 6 between the cover 3 and the groove 2. Here, support element 70a is assigned to the outer sealing profile 14b, and support element 70a It is assigned to the internal sealing profile 14a. Figure 9A In the middle, support elements 70a, 70a The height s corresponds to the sealing lip height l of the corresponding sealing profiles 14a and 14b. Figure 9B In the middle, support elements 70a, 70a The height s is less than the sealing lip height l of sealing profiles 14a and 14b. Therefore, Figure 9A Can be with Figure 10 The curve D in the image is related to this curve, and... Figure 9B Can be with Figure 10 The curves A, B, and C in the diagram are related.

[0072] Figure 10 The linear pressure relative to the actual profile height, i.e. the effective pressure on the sealing lips of the corresponding sealing profiles 14a, 14b, is shown in the installed state of the seal 10, wherein its rigid sealing layer portions 11a, 11b have support elements with a thickness of 2.5 mm.

[0073] Curve A shows the linear pressure (pipeline pressure) of the sealing profile with a sealing lip height l of 0.6 mm relative to the profile height in the flexible sealing layer section 12a without support elements. When fully compressed to a profile height of 2.5 mm, the achievable linear pressure is approximately 1.6 N / mm, and is therefore significantly lower than the approximately 1.9 N / mm achievable in the regions of the rigid sealing layer sections 11a, 11b with support elements. If corresponding support elements 70a, 70a with a height s of 0.05 mm (i.e., a projection of 0.1 mm for the sum of the two surfaces) are arranged in the region of the flexible sealing layer section... The achievable linear pressure will increase significantly, as can be seen from curve B. If the height s of the support elements on both sides is further increased to 0.15 mm (curve C) or 0.3 mm (curve D), so that the total projection is 0.3 mm (curve C) or 0.6 mm (curve D), the achievable linear pressure in the corresponding supported sealing profiles 14a and 14b will again increase sharply to about 1.8 and 1.85 N / mm, as shown in the figure.

[0074] It has support elements 70a, 70a The performance of the corresponding seal 10 changes exactly at point P during compression in each case, where the compression profile height in the region of the seal profiles 14a, 14b reaches the support element height s. Therefore, the support elements 70a, 70a They begin to function the moment they come into contact with the corresponding housing parts 2 and 3. This is also true for support elements 70a and 70a. After contact has been established between the corresponding housing portions 2 and 3 during compression, the subsequent pressure profiles are essentially the same as those in the rigid sealing layer portions 11a and 11b shown in curve E. Therefore, despite the use of soft components (e.g., elastomers with or without reinforcing element V), the support elements 70a and 70a in the flexible sealing layer portion 12a... This enables the achievement of performance very similar to the sealing profiles 14a, 14b in the rigid sealing layer portions 11a, 11b, especially similar magnitudes of linear pressure.

Claims

1. A seal (10) for sealing an inner chamber (7) of a housing (1) from the outside (7') of the housing, wherein the housing (1) is a vehicle battery housing or a vehicle battery box housing, comprising: At least one sealing layer, the sealing layer having: a. At least two rigid sealing layer portions (11a-11f), said rigid sealing layer portions being interconnected by flexible sealing layer portions (12a-12f); b. At least one sealing profile (14a, 14b) that extends continuously over different sealing layer portions (11a-11f, 12a-12f); Its features are, The flexible sealing layer portion (12a-12f) has at least two support elements (70a-70f, 70a). , 70a#, in the support element (70a-70f, 70a) In the region of 70a#, the thickness of the flexible sealing layer portion (12a-12f) measured perpendicular to the main extension plane of the seal (10) is greater than that of the support element (70a-70f, 70a). The thickness of the corresponding area around the seal (70a#), when the seal (10) is used as intended, at least one sealing profile (14a, 14b) in the flexible sealing layer portion (12a-12f) is arranged in the support element (70a-70f, 70a#). Between the inner chamber (7) and the support elements (70a-70f, 70a) and / or the support elements (70a-70f, 70a) Between 70a# and the outer (7'), Among them, the support elements (70a-70f, 70a) 70a#) supports at least one sealing profile (14a, 14b) and prevents the flexible sealing layer portion (12a-12f) from yielding along the direction of the seal (10).

2. The seal (10) as described in claim 1. Its features are, The rigid sealing layer portions (11a-11f) are interconnected in a foldable manner through the flexible sealing layer portions (12a-12f).

3. The seal (10) as described in claim 1 or 2. Its features are, There are at least two sealing profiles (14a, 14b), and the at least two support elements (70a-70f, 70a) At least one of (70a#) is assigned to each of the sealing profiles (14a, 14b).

4. The seal (10) as described in claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The support element (70a-70f, 70a) The at least one sealing profile (14a, 14b) in the region of the flexible sealing layer portion (12a-12f) and / or the region of the flexible sealing layer portion (12a-12f) is integrally formed with at least a portion of the flexible sealing layer portion (12a-12f).

5. The seal (10) as described in claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The support element (70a-70f, 70a) The at least one sealing profile (14a, 14b) in the region of the flexible sealing layer portion (12a-12f) and / or the region of the flexible sealing layer portion (12a-12f) is integrally formed with at least a portion of the flexible sealing layer portion (12a-12f) and is formed of an elastomer (G).

6. The seal (10) as described in claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The support element (70a-70f, 70a) measured perpendicular to the main extension plane of the seal (10) The height (s) of 70a# is at least 45% of the height (l) of the sealing profile (14a, 14b).

7. The seal (10) as described in claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The support element (70a-70f, 70a) measured perpendicular to the main extension plane of the seal (10) The height (s) of 70a# is at least 75% of the height (l) of the sealing profile (14a, 14b).

8. The seal (10) as described in claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The support element (70a-70f, 70a) measured perpendicular to the main extension plane of the seal (10) The height (s) of 70a# is at least 95% of the height (l) of the sealing profile (14a, 14b).

9. The seal (10) as described in claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The support element (70a-70f, 70a) measured perpendicular to the main extension plane of the seal (10) The height (s) of 70a# is at least 100% of the height (l) of the sealing profile (14a, 14b).

10. The seal (10) as described in claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The support element (70a-70f, 70a) Arrange 70a#) in at least one row.

11. The seal (10) as described in claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The support element (70a-70f, 70a) , 70a#) are arranged in at least one row, said at least one row extending adjacent to at least one sealing profile (14a, 14b).

12. The seal (10) as claimed in claim 11. Its features are, The at least one row extends parallel to the at least one sealing profile (14a, 14b).

13. The seal (10) as described in claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The support element (70a-70f, 70a) 70a#) is configured to be more rigid than the sealing profiles (14a, 14b) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the sealing profiles (14a, 14b).

14. The seal (10) as described in claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The support element (70a-70f, 70a) The support element (70a-70f, 70a#) is constructed to be more rigid than the sealing profiles (14a, 14b) in a direction perpendicular to the orientation of the sealing profiles (14a, 14b) because the support element (70a-70f, 70a#) is larger than the width of the sealing profiles (14a, 14b) as measured perpendicular to the thickness and orientation of the sealing profiles (14a, 14b). This is due to the width of 70a#.

15. The seal (10) as described in claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The support element (70a-70f, 70a) Each of the following has a height (s) that is unevenly distributed and measured perpendicular to the main extension plane of the seal (10), and / or a width that is unevenly distributed and measured transversely to the direction of the sealing profiles (14a, 14b) in the main extension plane of the seal (10), and / or a length that is unevenly distributed and measured along the direction of the sealing profiles (14a, 14b) in the main extension plane of the seal (10), and / or a distance that is unevenly distributed and measured along the direction of the sealing profiles (14a, 14b) in the main extension plane of the seal (10) from the corresponding closely adjacent support element.

16. The seal (10) as described in claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The support element (70a-70f, 70a) The flexible sealing layer portion (12a-12f) in the region of 70a# includes at least two different components.

17. The seal (10) as claimed in claim 16. Its features are, The support element (70a-70f, 70a) The core of (70a#) has a larger diameter than the support element (70a-70f, 70a). The remaining parts of 70a# are more robust components.

18. A housing (1) having a seal (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The housing (1) as claimed in claim 18. Its features are, The housing (1) is a motor vehicle battery housing or a motor vehicle battery box housing.

20. A method for manufacturing a seal (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, The corresponding rigid sealing layer portions are manufactured independently of each other in the first manufacturing step, and in one or more second manufacturing steps, every two said rigid sealing layer portions are connected by at least one connecting flexible sealing layer portion.

21. The method of claim 20, Its features are, In the second manufacturing step, the two rigid sealing layer portions are connected by injection molding of the flexible sealing layer portions, simultaneously forming at least one sealing profile and at least two support elements, each of the rigid sealing layer portions having its own at least one sealing profile at least partially formed by injection molding in the first manufacturing step.

22. The method as described in claim 20, characterized in that, Its features are, In the first manufacturing step, at least two rigid sealing layer portions are each manufactured with at least one of their own sealing profiles by injection molding, and a segment of the flexible sealing layer portion serves as a corresponding connector segment. In the second manufacturing step, the two rigid sealing layer portions with the connector segments are then connected to the edges of the connector segments facing each other by injection molding, thereby forming a connection portion, at least one sealing profile, and at least one support element.

23. The method as described in claim 22, Its features are, Before joining the two rigid sealing layer portions with the connector section by casting, at least one edge of each of the connecting portions is trimmed.

24. The method of claim 20, Its features are, In the second manufacturing step, at least one sealing profile of the rigid sealing layer portion is molded together with the at least one flexible sealing layer portion onto the rigid sealing layer portion, and is continuous with the corresponding sealing profile of a different flexible sealing layer portion and at least two support elements.

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