Sealant system

Abstract

The invention relates to a sealant system (10) comprising: a) a sealant container (12) comprising a container interior (14) for receiving a sealant, the container interior (14) being accessible via a container opening (16), and b) a container closure (18), the container closure (18) closing the container opening (16) in a fluid-tight manner, wherein the container closure (18) comprises a first fluid channel (20) extending through the container closure (18), where the first fluid channel (20) is closed by a first closure layer (22), where the container closure (18) comprises a second fluid channel (24) extending through the container closure (18), where the second fluid channel (24) is closed by a second closure layer (26), wherein the container closure (18) is configured such that the first closure layer (22) is irreversibly destroyed and forms a first through-opening due to a first pressure difference acting between the sides of the first closure layer (22) in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa; and the second closing layer (26) forms a second through-opening due to a second pressure difference acting between the sides of the second closing layer (26) in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealant system, a container closure for fluid-tightly closing a container opening of a sealant container in a corresponding sealant system, and a method for manufacturing a corresponding sealant system or a corresponding container closure. A failure rescue kit and a method for sealing a damaged vehicle tire with a corresponding failure rescue kit are also disclosed. Background Art

[0002] In many technical fields, such as in the tire and vehicle industries, sealants are commonly used to seal leaking components. Here, in most cases, the sealant is provided in a so-called sealant system in a viscous form and only exerts its sealing effect after leaving the sealant system (e.g., by contacting air and / or the substrate to be sealed). In particular, in the tire and vehicle industries, the use of sealant systems has been extended, for example, in the context of failure rescue kits for at least temporarily repairing damaged vehicle tires.

[0003] Such sealant systems for storing sealants are usually required to have particularly high standards because, on the one hand, the sealant system must encapsulate the sealant to be stored so that it does not cure prematurely and should correspondingly reliably prevent the sealant from escaping undesirably. However, on the other hand, in the case of use, rapid and easy supply must be achievable, which must be achieved by laypersons or without the use of supporting tools, especially in the case of failure rescue kits.

[0004] Correspondingly, after being filled with sealant, the sealant system must be fluid-tightly closed to protect the sealant from environmental influences, especially even in the case of oscillations and vibrations. Only when the user uses the sealant system is the closure of the sealant system opened by suitable measures to fill the sealant, which is mostly facilitated or achieved by applying external pressure and squeezing the sealant out of the sealant system.

[0005] In the prior art, various mechanisms are known for closing sealant systems. Related disclosures can be found, for example, in EP 280701881 A1, EP 2030768 A1, DE 20113129 U1, DE 29716453 U1, and DE10106468A1. In this regard, for example, seals for closing sealant bottles are known, especially seals made of aluminum, which either have to be manually removed, for example, before use, or can be opened by the connection of the sealant system to an external component by means of an integrated cutting device. In addition, from the prior art, separate sealing elements suitable for use in sealant systems are known, which can be integrated into a lid element and can be loosened under pressure and allow fluid to pass through.

[0006] Although the solutions known from the prior art can in many cases at least largely meet the application requirements for a sealant system, they are nevertheless considered to have disadvantages in practice, especially from the perspective of manufacturing and operation.

[0007] In particular, simpler solutions are often limited to easily closing the sealant container, such that when in use, separate devices (such as a corresponding fluid pipeline system with a common axis) are required to provide the functions necessary for discharging the sealant.

[0008] In the case of a sealant container being closed by a seal, those skilled in the art also have to carefully match the material of the seal, the material of the sealant container, and, if necessary, the adhesive material for application to each other in most cases, in order to be able to ensure a fluid-tight closure and a reliable rupture when required. Thus, the options for material selection are limited in most cases. In addition, in some cases, dedicated devices (such as a filling aid with a cutting tool) are further required to efficiently separate the seal.

[0009] Closing the sealant system by a separate sealing element in the container closure requires, in most cases, particularly precise manufacturing of the components in order to achieve a fluid-tight form fit between the sealing element and the container lid, especially to maintain the form fit even in the case of oscillations, vibrations, or shocks. In addition, in the case of a separate sealing element (which is, for example, impacted by compressed air), there is always a risk of blockage of the pipeline path, that is, partially or even completely hindering the escape of the sealant from the sealant system.

[0010] In most of the solutions known from the prior art, such as in the case of using a seal or a separate sealing element, additional manufacturing steps are also required to implement the corresponding solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The main object of the present invention is to eliminate or at least mitigate the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0012] In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a sealant system and an associated container closure, the manufacturing of which should be particularly time-efficient and cost-effective, wherein the manufacturing method should ideally be conducive to the sealing effect, and in particular, the number of required working steps should be reduced. Here, a desirable requirement is that compared with the prior art, the manufacturing of the sealant system and the associated container closure to be provided and the connection between the container closure and the sealant container should be simplified, and in particular, the number of components used should be minimized and the range of available materials should be increased.

[0013] It is an object of the present invention that the sealant system to be provided and the associated container closure should have an advantageous fluid tightness even in the case of external mechanical loads such as vibrations and shocks and should thus be able to reliably store the corresponding sealant even under high - demand environmental conditions (for example in the trunk of a vehicle).

[0014] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention that the sealant system to be provided should be able to be used efficiently in a method for sealing damaged vehicle tires, in which in particular the requirements for the devices required therefor should be reduced, especially with regard to the need for cutting devices to open the sealant system or complex fluid line systems.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is that in the sealant system to be provided or in the container closure to be provided, it should be possible to avoid as much as possible any undesired blockage of the fluid line during use during the sealing process.

[0016] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an advantageous method for manufacturing the corresponding sealant system or the associated container closure. Here, it is a desirable provision that it should be possible to check the tightness of the components particularly easily within the scope of the method to be provided.

[0017] In addition, a secondary object of the present invention is to provide a breakdown rescue kit having one or more corresponding sealant systems and a method for sealing damaged vehicle tires with such a breakdown rescue kit.

[0018] The inventors have now found that the above - mentioned objects can be achieved unexpectedly in the case where the container closure in the sealant system is implemented such that the sealant container of the sealant system is fluid - tightly closed via two fluid channels each provided with a closure element in the container closure when the closure elements are each designed to break under the application of a specific pressure difference so that fluid can pass through the corresponding fluid channels, as defined in the claims.

[0019] Thereby, a sealant system can be advantageously obtained which can be manufactured particularly time - effectively and cost - effectively, in which the sealant system can be closed particularly easily and at the same time reliably by the corresponding container closure, in which an undesired blockage of the pipeline path can be reliably prevented. Here, in a synergistic manner, the container closure enables efficient fluid guidance, by means of which the structural requirements for the devices in the method for sealing damaged vehicle tires can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the sealant system can be reliably opened by the pressure application caused by the fluid, so that in particular external cutting devices can be dispensed with.

[0020] The above object is correspondingly achieved by the subject matter defined in the claims of the present invention. Preferred embodiments according to the present invention result from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment, such an embodiment hereinafter referred to as preferred is combined with the features of other embodiments hereinafter referred to as preferred. Thus, a combination of two or more of the embodiments hereinafter referred to as particularly preferred is very particularly preferred. Also preferred are embodiments in which a feature to some extent referred to as preferred of one embodiment is combined with one or more further features to some extent referred to as preferred of other embodiments. The features of the preferred container closures, emergency rescue kits and methods result from the features of the preferred sealant systems.

[0022] The present invention particularly relates to a sealant system, in particular a sealant system for sealing vehicle tires, the sealant system comprising:

[0023] a) a sealant container, which sealant container comprises a container interior space for receiving a sealant, wherein the container interior space is accessible via a container opening, and

[0024] b) a container closure,

[0025] wherein the container closure fluid-tightly closes the container opening,

[0026] wherein the container closure comprises a first fluid passage extending through the container closure, wherein the first fluid passage is closed by a first closure layer, and by means of the first closure layer, fluid is prevented from escaping from the container opening through the first fluid passage,

[0027] wherein the container closure comprises a second fluid passage extending through the container closure, wherein the second fluid passage is closed by a second closure layer, and by means of the second closure layer, fluid is prevented from escaping from the container opening through the second fluid passage,

[0028] wherein the container closure is configured such that the first closure layer is irreversibly destroyed due to a first pressure difference acting between the sides of the first closure layer in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa and forms a first through-opening, through which first through-opening fluid can pass through the first fluid passage, and

[0029] wherein the container closure is configured such that the second closure layer forms a second through-opening due to a second pressure difference acting between the sides of the second closure layer in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa, through which second through-opening fluid can pass through the second fluid passage.

[0030] The basic mode of operation of the sealant system and its use in a breakdown rescue kit are known to a person skilled in the art based on their expertise. Correspondingly, a person skilled in the art understands that the sealant system according to the invention must be suitable both for the storage of the fluid sealant and for the subsequent output of the sealant, where a person skilled in the art can adapt the sealant system in terms of its basic design to the requirements of the sealant to be received, for example in terms of the material of the sealant container.

[0031] For receiving the sealant, the sealant system according to the invention comprises a sealant container which has a container interior space accessible via a container opening, which sealant container is sometimes also referred to as a sealant bottle. For substantially all embodiments in the field of vehicle tyre sealing, the sealant system according to the invention is of great significance, where the volume of the container interior space ranges from 0.05 to 10 l, preferably from 0.1 to 5 l, particularly preferably from 0.2 to 2.5 l, very particularly preferably from 0.2 to 1.25 l.

[0032] A person skilled in the art understands that the sealant does not necessarily have to be part of the sealant system according to the invention as defined above, which sealant system can for example also be provided by the manufacturer to the sealant manufacturer as a refillable storage vessel. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the sealant system according to the invention already comprises the sealant so that it can be used directly for sealing vehicle tyres. Here, compositions suitable as sealants, in particular for sealing vehicle tyres, are known to a person skilled in the art from the prior art and are commercially available from various suppliers. Correspondingly, preference is given to the sealant system according to the invention which additionally comprises a sealant in the container interior space, preferably a sealant for sealing damaged vehicle tyres. Here, a damaged vehicle tyre is in particular understood to mean a vehicle tyre with a small hole in the tread, as can for example be caused by a nail or the like.

[0033] A person skilled in the art understands that in practice, apart from the container opening, the sealant container is in most cases fluid-tight, so that the viscous sealant or other fluid can only enter or escape via the container opening.

[0034] However, in principle, at least theoretically feasible, is to equip the sealant container with a plurality of container openings, which may then each need to be closed. However, in most cases it is advantageous to have only a single container opening, in order on the one hand to increase the stability of the sealant container and to simplify the manufacture of the corresponding container, and on the other hand to simplify the fluid-tight closure of the container interior space. Therefore, for most cases, the sealant system according to the invention is of great significance, where the container interior space is only accessible via one container opening.

[0035] The sealant system according to the invention further comprises a container closure which fluid-tightly seals the container opening.

[0036] The connection between the container closure and the sealant container is advantageously unrestricted in terms of its specific design. Here, the sealant system according to the invention is expedient, wherein the container closure and the sealant container comprise connecting elements which are complementary to one another. Exemplary here is the sealant system according to the invention, wherein the container closure is connected to the sealant container by means of a screw cap, a bayonet connection or a plug connection (preferably by means of a screw connection). Also correspondingly preferred is the sealant system according to the invention, wherein the container closure comprises a thread.

[0037] Here, in most embodiments it is expedient to design the closure as a reversibly and releasably detachable connection without being damaged, for example in order to enable easy (re)filling. However, in principle it is also feasible to design the connection as a permanent, irreversibly detachable connection, for example by means of an anti-twist device, in order to prevent improper use of the sealant system or at least to make it difficult.

[0038] Preferred for all of the above design options is the sealant system according to the invention, wherein a sealing element, preferably a sealing ring, is arranged between the container closure and the sealant container.

[0039] When the sealant system according to the invention is used later, the sealant arranged in the sealant system is conveyed through the previously closed container closure from the container opening of the sealant system due to an external force. In many cases, especially in the field of tire repair, the external force is caused or facilitated by the introduction of another fluid (especially compressed air). In order to enable this function, namely the introduction of fluid and the discharge of sealant, the container closure of the sealant system according to the invention comprises a dedicated fluid line system.

[0040] That is, according to the invention, the container closure has a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel, which fluid channels are each fluid-tightly closed by a closing layer in the initial state, i.e. before the sealing process. In accordance with the understanding of those skilled in the art, the expression "closing layer" here means a relatively thin layer which extends in a plane and is used to close an opening. According to the invention, the fluid channels extend through the container closure such that in the state closed with the container lid, the interior space of the container can only be accessed via the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel (if they are not closed by the closing layer).

[0041] The opening of the fluid channels in the sealant system according to the invention is achieved by designing the closing layers such that they rupture under predetermined conditions.

[0042] That is, according to the present invention, the sealant system according to the present invention is designed such that the first sealing layer in the first fluid passage and the second sealing layer in the second fluid passage are irreversibly damaged under the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference, respectively, so that each of them forms a through-opening and enables the fluid to pass through the corresponding fluid passage. As described above, thus, when compressed air is applied through one of the two fluid passages, the sealant disposed in the interior space of the container can leave the sealant system according to the present invention.

[0043] Within the scope of the present invention, the pressure difference acting between the two sides of the sealing layer is defined as the pressure p acting on the inner side of the corresponding sealing layer (i.e., mostly in the interior space of the container) B and the pressure p acting on the outer side of the corresponding sealing layer (i.e., mostly in the fluid passage). F The difference. In other words, thus, it relates to a sealant system according to the present invention, wherein if the pressure difference between the pressure in the interior space of the container and the ambient pressure is less than the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference, the container closure seals the container opening fluid-tightly.

[0044] In most cases, the sealant system according to the present invention is operated in such a manner during a subsequent sealing process that, when gas pressure is applied through one of the two fluid passages of the container closure, the sealant disposed in the interior space of the container is extruded from the sealant container, so that the sealant can be guided via, for example, additional pipelines in a vehicle tire to be sealed. In practice, for example, compressed air can be introduced into the first fluid passage via a compressor such that the first pressure difference is reached and the first sealing layer is correspondingly damaged. The introduced compressed air then displaces the sealant disposed in the interior space of the container such that the second pressure difference is also reached and the second sealing layer is damaged, so that the sealant can be introduced, for example, via a hose into an object to be sealed (such as a damaged vehicle tire). In other words, thus, it relates to a sealant system according to the present invention, wherein the sealant system is configured such that, when the first through-opening and the second through-opening are formed, the working fluid can enter the interior space of the container through the first fluid passage to displace the liquid disposed in the interior space of the container through the second fluid passage.

[0045] In later practice, the outwardly directed ends of the first and second fluid channels for guiding fluids must in many cases be connected to fluid pipelines. For example, threaded connectors can be used to efficiently connect these fluid pipelines to the fluid channels. Alternatively, so-called hose olives, i.e., pipe fittings, can also be envisaged, onto which the hose can be fastened and, if necessary, additionally fixed with a hose clamp. Therefore, a sealant system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the first fluid channel includes a first connector for a fluid pipeline, and wherein the first connector preferably includes a hose olive or a thread, preferably a thread. Additionally or alternatively, a sealant system according to the invention is also preferred, wherein the second fluid channel includes a second connector for a fluid pipeline, and wherein the second connector preferably includes a hose olive or a thread, preferably a thread.

[0046] Advantageously, the sealant system according to the invention is not restricted in terms of the specific design of the fluid channels, wherein their dimensions and orientation are in practice particularly governed by the dimensions of the container closure and the structural design of the devices used during the sealing process. However, in this regard, the inventors have determined dimensions that are conducive to a particularly advantageous robustness of the sealant system according to the invention against oscillations and shocks and enable excellent integration into typical sealing devices. That is, a sealant system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the angle formed by the longitudinal axes of the first and second fluid channels in the container closure is in the range of 45° to 135°, preferably in the range of 60° to 120°, particularly preferably in the range of 75° to 105°, and very particularly preferably is substantially 90°. In the case of an orientation in which the longitudinal axes of the fluid channels are at right angles to each other, the inventors have found that the sealant system according to the invention can be more easily manipulated during operation, because this orientation of the fluid channels allows for more efficient fluid conveyance and particularly easier access to the second fluid channel for connecting external fluid pipelines.

[0047] Exemplary is a sealant system according to the invention, wherein the length of the first fluid channel is in the range of 10 to 50 mm, preferably in the range of 25 to 35 mm, and / or wherein the average diameter of the first fluid channel is in the range of 2 to 35 mm, preferably in the range of 3 to 8 mm. Similarly, exemplary is a sealant system according to the invention, wherein the length of the second fluid channel is in the range of 10 to 50 mm, preferably in the range of 15 to 25 mm, and / or wherein the average diameter of the second fluid channel is in the range of 2 to 35 mm, preferably in the range of 3 to 8 mm.

[0048] The sealant system according to the invention can advantageously and efficiently be adapted to a wide variety of application requirements, such that the operation of, for example, the sealant system according to the invention can be carried out both upright and "inverted". In other words, this means that: the sealant system according to the invention can be designed as required such that the sealant can be discharged both against gravity and along gravity. For this purpose, during upright operation, i.e., when the sealant arranged in the interior space of the container has to be conveyed at least partially against gravity in order to leave the sealant system through the container opening, a so-called riser tube needs to be provided at at least one of these fluid channels (i.e., the fluid channel through which the sealant is conveyed out). The term "riser tube" is well-known to those skilled in the art in connection with fluids and refers to a tube or hose through which a fluid under pressure can rise. When operating the sealant system according to the invention "inverted", i.e., when the sealant arranged in the interior space of the container is conveyed substantially along gravity, such a riser tube is not necessary for the fluid channel provided for discharge. For later upright use, it is correspondingly preferred for the sealant system according to the invention that the second fluid channel is designed as a riser tube, and the end of the second fluid channel pointing in the direction of the interior space of the container preferably extends into the interior space of the container by 0.85*H or more, preferably 0.9*H or more, particularly preferably 0.95*H or more, where H is the height of the interior space of the container.

[0049] For later "inverted" use, it is preferred for the sealant system according to the invention that the end of the second fluid channel pointing in the direction of the interior space of the container extends into the interior space of the container by 0.15*H or less, preferably 0.1*H or less, particularly preferably 0.05*H or less, and the end of the first fluid channel pointing in the direction of the interior space of the container preferably extends into the interior space of the container by 0.05*H or more, particularly preferably 0.1*H or more, very particularly preferably 0.15*H or more, where H is the height of the interior space of the container.

[0050] Even if it is at least theoretically possible to provide possible overpressure protection devices, according to the assessment of the inventors for substantially all embodiments, it is convenient that: the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel are spatially completely separated from each other and thus, in other words, cannot be short-circuited with each other. Therefore, for substantially all embodiments, it is preferred for the sealant system according to the invention that the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel in the container closure are separated from each other. It is also preferred for the sealant system according to the invention that the container closure is configured such that after forming a first through-opening and a second through-opening in the interior of the container closure, the fluid from the first fluid channel cannot pass through and enter the second fluid channel.

[0051] As described above, the sealant system according to the invention includes at least one closing layer in each of these fluid channels, which prevents fluid from passing through the corresponding fluid channel if a specific pressure difference is not exceeded. The inventors have recognized that the position of the closing layer within the corresponding fluid channel can in principle be freely selected, however, specific positions of the closing layer can be chosen which minimize the risk of an undesired rupture (e.g., due to external vibrations) and at the same time can reliably rupture during later use. That is, it is preferred that the sealant system according to the invention, wherein the first closing layer is arranged in the end region of the first fluid channel, preferably in the end region pointing in the direction of the interior space of the container, wherein the end region extends over 10% or less, preferably 5% or less, particularly preferably 2% or less of the length of the first fluid channel, and wherein the first closing layer is preferably arranged exactly at the end of the first fluid channel. Additionally or alternatively, it is also preferred that the sealant system according to the invention, wherein the second closing layer is arranged in the end region of the second fluid channel, preferably in the end region pointing in the direction of the interior space of the container, wherein the end region extends over 10% or less, preferably 5% or less, particularly preferably 2% or less of the length of the second fluid channel, and wherein the second closing layer is preferably arranged exactly at the end of the second fluid channel.

[0052] Taking into account the goal of as safe an operation as possible even under adverse environmental conditions and excellent sealing (on the one hand) conflicting with easy and reliable opening during the sealing process (on the other hand), the inventors have determined a particularly suitable range for the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference. Thus, in practice, particularly durable sealant systems can be obtained which can still exhibit reliable opening of the closing layer when a specific pressure difference range is reached. Therefore, it is preferred that the sealant system according to the invention, wherein the first pressure difference is in the range of 50 to 400 kPa, preferably in the range of 100 to 300 kPa, particularly preferably in the range of 150 to 250 kPa, and / or wherein the second pressure difference is in the range of 50 to 400 kPa, preferably in the range of 100 to 300 kPa, particularly preferably in the range of 150 to 250 kPa.

[0053] As set forth above, according to the present invention, these closure layers are configured to be irreversibly destroyed in the presence of a specific pressure difference acting thereon. Correspondingly, the size of the closure layer, in particular its average thickness, essentially depends on the desired pressure difference and the correspondingly selected material and will be selected accordingly by a person skilled in the art. According to the assessment of the present inventors, for most materials it is convenient for the sealant system according to the present invention, wherein the first closure layer has an average thickness in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 mm, preferably in the range of 0.02 to 0.05 mm, and / or wherein the second closure layer has an average thickness in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 mm, preferably in the range of 0.02 to 0.05 mm.

[0054] In principle, neither the sealant container nor the container closure is particularly limited in terms of the material used for their manufacture. However, what can be regarded as a great advantage of the sealant system according to the present invention is that the container closure can be efficiently formed as a one-piece and can in particular be manufactured in a particularly time- and cost-effective manner by plastic casting. Correspondingly, for substantially all embodiments it is preferred that at least the container closure is formed from a thermoplastic plastic, which can be well processed by corresponding injection molding methods, wherein in particular method-technical advantages are achieved by using complementary plastics for the sealant container. Correspondingly preferred is a sealant system according to the present invention, wherein the container closure consists of 90% or more, preferably 95% or more, particularly preferably 98% or more, very particularly preferably substantially completely of a first thermoplastic plastic in terms of the mass of the container closure. Additionally or alternatively, it is also preferred for a sealant system according to the present invention that the sealant container consists of 90% or more, preferably 95% or more, particularly preferably 98% or more, very particularly preferably substantially completely of a third thermoplastic plastic in terms of the mass of the sealant container.

[0055] In this regard, the present inventors have successfully achieved: identifying materials by means of which a particularly stable sealant system can be obtained in practice and in particular reliable sealing can also be achieved with these materials in the case of excellent manufacturing characteristics (even under high-demanding environmental conditions). That is, preferred is a sealant system according to the present invention, wherein the first thermoplastic plastic is selected from the group consisting of polyesters and polyolefins, preferably from the group consisting of polyolefins, particularly preferably from the group consisting of polyethylene and polypropylene, very particularly preferably from the group consisting of polypropylene. Additionally or alternatively, it is also preferred for a sealant system according to the present invention that the third thermoplastic plastic is selected from the group consisting of polyesters and polyolefins, preferably from the group consisting of polyolefins, particularly preferably from the group consisting of polyethylene and polypropylene, very particularly preferably from the group consisting of polypropylene.

[0056] Considering the particularly time - and cost - effective manufacture of the sealant system according to the invention, the inventors propose, based on the above considerations, that it is advantageous for the closure layer to be formed from the same material as the container closure. Here, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the closure layer can be implemented as an integral part of the container closure, which, according to the inventors' assessment, is preferred for all embodiments. Advantageously, in this embodiment, not only are the production steps required for manufacturing reduced (i.e., in particular by subsequently producing the closure layer in the container closure), but also the mechanical stability of the container closure is increased. Accordingly, a sealant system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the first closure layer and / or the second closure layer, preferably the first closure layer and the second closure layer, are formed from a first thermoplastic, wherein the first closure layer and / or the second closure layer, preferably the first closure layer and the second closure layer, are materially connected to the remainder of the container closure without an interface, and wherein the container closure is preferably formed as a single piece by injection molding.

[0057] Alternatively, at least one of these closure layers can be made of a material different from that of the container closure. However, in most cases here, the production technology is more costly. However, in this embodiment, a wider material selection can be achieved for the corresponding closure layer or for both closure layers, so that the closure layer can be better adapted to application - specific requirements, such as adapting to the pressure difference required for irreversible destruction. Therefore, alternatively, a sealant system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the first closure layer and / or the second closure layer, preferably the first closure layer and the second closure layer, are formed from a second thermoplastic, wherein the first closure layer and / or the second closure layer, preferably the first closure layer and the second closure layer, are materially connected to the remainder of the container closure, preferably by melting the first thermoplastic with the second thermoplastic. Here, for example, a sealant system according to the invention can be envisaged, wherein the second thermoplastic is selected from the group consisting of polyesters and polyolefins, preferably from the group consisting of polyolefins, particularly preferably from the group consisting of polyethylene and polypropylene, and very particularly preferably from the group consisting of polypropylene.

[0058] In principle, the pressure difference required to cause the rupture of the closure layer can be generated in various ways during a subsequent sealing process, for example mechanically or by introducing additional fluid, in particular compressed air. For example, mechanical pressure can be applied by connecting the first fluid channel and / or the second fluid channel to another component (such as a fluid line of a sealing device), for example by means of a protrusion integrated in this other component that opens the corresponding closure layer when connected and applies mechanical pressure to the closure layer. Advantageously, however, in the sealant system according to the invention, such additional components are not required, since the rupture of the closure layer can be carried out particularly easily and reliably by the action of fluid-induced pressure, that is, by introducing fluid, such as compressed air, into at least one of these fluid channels. Thus, for substantially all embodiments, it is preferred that the sealant system according to the invention is such that the container closure is configured such that a first through-opening and / or a second through-opening, preferably a first through-opening and a second through-opening, are formed due to the pressure exerted by the fluid. The sealant system according to the invention particularly exhibits its advantages in a situation where, due to technical conditions, there is at least one pressure generating unit, such as a compressed air compressor. Correspondingly, it is also preferred that the sealant system according to the invention is configured such that the first through-opening and the second through-opening can be formed by applying gas pressure (preferably gas pressure generated by a pressure generating unit) to the first fluid channel or the second fluid channel.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention also relates to a container closure for sealingly closing the container opening of a sealant container in the sealant system of the present invention against fluid.

[0060] The container closure includes a first fluid channel extending through the container closure, and the first fluid channel is closed by a first closure layer, whereby fluid is prevented from escaping through the first fluid channel from the closed container opening.

[0061] The container closure includes a second fluid channel extending through the container closure, and the second fluid channel is closed by a second closure layer, whereby fluid is prevented from escaping through the second fluid channel from the closed container opening.

[0062] The container closure is configured such that the first closure layer is irreversibly damaged due to a first pressure difference acting between the sides of the first closure layer in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa and a first through-opening is formed, through which fluid can pass through the first fluid channel, and

[0063] wherein the container closure is configured such that a second through-opening is formed in the second closure layer due to a second pressure difference acting between the sides of the second closure layer within a range of 50 to 1000 kPa, and through the second through-opening, fluid can pass through the second fluid passage.

[0064] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sealant system according to the present invention or a container closure according to the present invention, the method comprising the following method steps:

[0065] i) manufacturing or providing a first thermoplastic, and

[0066] ii) forming a container closure blank from the first thermoplastic by a casting method,

[0067] wherein in method step ii), the first closure layer and the second closure layer are each independently formed as part of the container closure blank or are formed after injecting a second thermoplastic into the container closure blank.

[0068] The method according to the present invention for manufacturing a sealant system according to the present invention or a container closure according to the present invention comprises: in a first method step, manufacturing or providing a first thermoplastic; and in a second method step, forming a container closure blank from the first thermoplastic by a casting method, wherein various suitable casting methods are known to those skilled in the art. Here, the method according to the present invention is preferred, wherein the casting method is an injection molding method.

[0069] According to the present invention, the closure layer is either formed as a component of the container closure blank or (slightly less preferably) subsequently formed by introducing a second thermoplastic into the container closure blank. In principle, the formation of these two closure layers is carried out independently of each other, that is: for example, only in certain cases by subsequently introducing the closure layer. However, the method according to the present invention is preferred, wherein in method step ii), the first closure layer and the second closure layer are formed in the same manner.

[0070] Taking into account the particularly advantageous one-piece design of the container closure and the particularly time-effective and cost-effective manufacturing of the sealant system according to the present invention or the container closure according to the present invention, the method according to the present invention is also preferred, wherein in method step ii), the first closure layer and the second closure layer are each independently formed as part of the container closure blank.

[0071] The inventors have recognized that the tightness of the sealant system according to the present invention or the container closure according to the present invention can be advantageously checked directly during the manufacturing process by the method according to the present invention. For this purpose, the method according to the present invention is preferred, which additionally comprises the following method steps:

[0072] iii) Check the fluid tightness of the first fluid passage by applying a first test pressure difference, and check the fluid tightness of the second fluid passage by applying a second test pressure difference, where the first test pressure difference is less than the first pressure difference, and where the second test pressure difference is less than the second pressure difference, preferably each being 10% or more less, and particularly preferably 20% or more less.

[0073] Within the scope of the present invention, a fault rescue kit is also disclosed, the fault rescue kit comprising:

[0074] aa) One or more sealant systems according to the present invention including a sealant in the internal space of a container, and

[0075] bb) A pressure generating unit.

[0076] In line with the understanding of those skilled in the art, the fault rescue kit is a kit composed of multiple units, which can enable at least temporarily sealing a defective vehicle tire during use. In this regard, for example, a vehicle having a defect eliminated by the fault rescue kit can continue to drive independently for at least a certain period of time, so as to be able to access a workshop to replace or repair the vehicle tire involved, thereby particularly eliminating the need for a towing service. To this end, the fault rescue kit includes at least one sealant system according to the present invention, and the sealant system includes a sealant and a pressure generating unit. Of great significance for most application cases is the fault rescue kit disclosed above, where the pressure generating unit is a compressed air compressor.

[0077] The disclosed fault rescue kit is particularly suitable for sealing damaged parts caused by smaller objects such as nails.

[0078] In order to connect the pressure generating unit to the at least one sealant system and to connect the sealant system to the object to be sealed, fluid pipelines such as connecting hoses are usually used in practice. Convenient for most embodiments is the fault rescue kit disclosed above, which additionally includes:

[0079] cc) One or more fluid pipelines, preferably hoses, to connect the sealant system to the vehicle tire and / or the pressure generating unit.

[0080] In practice, also convenient is the fault rescue kit disclosed above, which additionally includes:

[0081] dd) Operating instructions for using the fault rescue kit to seal a damaged vehicle tire.

[0082] The present invention also discloses a method for sealing a damaged vehicle tire with a fault rescue kit according to the present invention, the method comprising the following steps:

[0083] v) Establish a fluid-conducting connection between the first fluid channel and the pressure generating unit;

[0084] w) Establish a fluid-conducting connection between the second fluid channel and the pressure valve of the damaged vehicle tire;

[0085] x) Generate an overpressure in the first fluid channel using the pressure generating unit to create a first operating pressure difference between the sides of the first sealing layer, wherein the first operating pressure difference is greater than or equal to the first pressure difference to form a first through-opening in the first sealing layer;

[0086] y) Generate an overpressure in the interior space of the container using the pressure generating unit to create a second operating pressure difference between the sides of the second sealing layer, wherein the second operating pressure difference is greater than or equal to the second pressure difference to form a second through-opening in the second sealing layer; and

[0087] z) Discharge the sealant from the sealant system through the second fluid channel into the damaged vehicle tire. Description of the Drawings

[0088] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be elaborated and described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0089] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the sealant system of the present invention in a preferred embodiment is shown; and

[0090] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the container closure of the present invention in a preferred embodiment is shown.

[0091] List of Reference Numerals

[0092] 10 Sealant system

[0093] 12 Sealant container

[0094] 14 Interior space of the container

[0095] 16 Container opening

[0096] 18 Container closure

[0097] 20 First fluid channel

[0098] 22 First sealing layer

[0099] 24 Second fluid channel

[0100] 26 Second sealing layer

[0101] 28 Thread

[0102] 30 Sealing element Detailed implementation manner

[0103] Figure 1 The sealant system 10 according to the present invention is shown, and the sealant system has a sealant container 12 and a container closure 18.

[0104] In the illustrated example, the sealant container 12 has a container internal space 14 with a volume of approximately 0.45 L. If the container closure 18 is reversibly and detachably screwed to the container opening 16 of the sealant container 12 by means of the corresponding thread 28 without being damaged, the sealant can be fluid-tightly enclosed in the sealant container. In addition, the sealing property is facilitated by a sealing element 30, which is arranged between the thread 28 of the container opening 16 and the container closure 18. In the illustrated example, both the sealant container 12 and the container closure 18 are made of polypropylene.

[0105] As Figure 2 As shown enlarged, the container closure 18 has a first fluid channel 20 and a second fluid channel 24. These fluid channels are arranged in the container closure 18 such that their longitudinal axes are orthogonal to each other, so that the fluid from the first fluid channel 20 cannot pass into the second fluid channel 24. Each of the two fluid channels includes a thread at its end facing away from the container internal space 14 for connecting a fluid line, especially for connecting a hose.

[0106] In addition, the first fluid channel 20 has a first sealing layer 22 with an average thickness of approximately 0.05 mm at its end facing the container internal space 14. The second fluid channel 24 has a second sealing layer 26 with an average thickness of approximately 0.05 mm at its end facing the container internal space 14.

[0107] In the illustrated example, the container closure 18 is designed such that in the case of a first pressure difference of 250 kPa acting between the sides of the first sealing layer 22 or due to a second pressure difference of 250 kPa acting between the sides of the second sealing layer 26, the corresponding sealing layer is irreversibly damaged and in this case a first through-opening or a second through-opening is formed, so that the fluid can pass through the first fluid channel 20 or the second fluid channel 24. In other words, the container closure 18 fluid-tightly closes Figure 1 the container opening 16 in it until the pressure difference between the pressure in the container internal space 14 and the ambient pressure is greater than the first pressure difference or the second pressure difference.

[0108] In the example shown, the container closure 18 is designed such that the closure layers can each be ruptured due to the gas pressure generated by a compressed air compressor, where the working fluid can enter the interior space 14 of the container through the second fluid passage 24 to displace the sealant disposed in the interior space 14 of the container through the first fluid passage 20 from the interior space 14 of the container, where the sealant system 10 shown is designed for "inverted" use.

[0109] In the preferred container closure 18 shown, the two closure layers are made of the same material as the remainder of the container closure 18 by injection molding, and are produced such that these closure layers are materially joined to the remainder of the container closure 18 without an interface surface, such that the container closure 18 is generally formed as a one-piece unit.

Claims

1. A sealant system (10), comprising: a) a sealant container (12), the sealant container including a container interior space (14) for receiving a sealant, wherein the container interior space (14) is accessible via a container opening (16), and b) a container closure (18), wherein the container closure (18) fluid-tightly closes the container opening (16), wherein the container closure (18) includes a first fluid passage (20) extending through the container closure (18), wherein the first fluid passage (20) is closed by a first closure layer (22), and by means of the first closure layer, fluid is prevented from escaping from the container opening (16) through the first fluid passage (20), wherein the container closure (18) includes a second fluid passage (24) extending through the container closure (18), wherein the second fluid passage (24) is closed by a second closure layer (26), and by means of the second closure layer, fluid is prevented from escaping from the container opening (16) through the second fluid passage (24), wherein the container closure (18) is configured such that the first closure layer (22) is irreversibly damaged and forms a first through-opening due to a first pressure difference acting between the sides of the first closure layer (22) and within the range of 50 to 1000 kPa, and through the first through-opening, fluid can pass through the first fluid passage (20), and wherein the container closure (18) is configured such that the second closure layer (26) forms a second through-opening due to a second pressure difference acting between the sides of the second closure layer (26) and within the range of 50 to 1000 kPa, and through the second through-opening, fluid can pass through the second fluid passage (24).

2. The sealant system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first pressure difference is within the range of 50 to 400 kPa, and / or wherein the second pressure difference is within the range of 50 to 400 kPa.

3. The sealant system (10) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the container closure (18) is configured such that the first through-opening and / or the second through-opening are formed due to the pressure exerted by the fluid.

4. The sealant system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further including a sealant in the container interior space (14).

5. The sealant system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, with respect to the mass of the container closure (18), the container closure (18) is formed of a first thermoplastic to 90% or more, and wherein the first closure layer (22) and / or the second closure layer (26) are formed of the first thermoplastic.

6. The sealant system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first closure layer (22) and / or the second closure layer (26) are materially connected to the remaining part of the container closure (18) without an interface.

7. The sealant system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second fluid passage (24) is designed as a riser pipe, or wherein the end of the second fluid passage (24) pointing into the interior space (14) of the container extends into the interior space (14) of the container by 0.15*H or less, where H is the height of the interior space (14) of the container.

8. The sealant system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first closing layer (22) is arranged in the end region of the first fluid passage (20), wherein the end region extends by 10% or less of the length of the first fluid passage (20), and / or wherein the second closing layer (26) is arranged in the end region of the second fluid passage (24), wherein the end region extends by 10% or less of the length of the second fluid passage (24).

9. A container closure (18) for fluid-tightly closing a container opening (16) of a sealant container (12) in the sealant system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the container closure (18) comprises a first fluid passage (20) extending through the container closure (18), wherein the first fluid passage (20) is closed by a first closing layer (22), by means of which the first closing layer prevents fluid from escaping through the first fluid passage (20) from the closed container opening (16), wherein the container closure (18) comprises a second fluid passage (24) extending through the container closure (18), wherein the second fluid passage (24) is closed by a second closing layer (26), by means of which the second closing layer prevents fluid from escaping through the second fluid passage (24) from the closed container opening (16), wherein the container closure (18) is configured such that the first closing layer (22) is irreversibly damaged due to a first pressure difference acting between the sides of the first closing layer (22) in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa and forms a first through-opening, through which fluid can pass through the first fluid passage (20), and wherein the container closure (18) is configured such that the second closing layer (26) forms a second through-opening due to a second pressure difference acting between the sides of the second closing layer (26) in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa, through which fluid can pass through the second fluid passage (24).

10. A method for manufacturing the sealant system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the container closure (18) according to claim 9, the method comprising the following method steps: i) manufacturing or providing a first thermoplastic, and ii) shaping a container closure blank from the first thermoplastic by a casting method, Wherein in method step ii), the first sealing layer (22) and the second sealing layer (26) are each independently formed as part of the container closure blank or are formed after injecting a second thermoplastic into the container closure blank.

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