Flat gasket

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flat gasket which is to tightly connect two housing parts, which form a housing, to each other with the interposition of the flat gasket. The flat gasket is intended to ensure that medium from the housing does not pass to the outside or medium, such as water, does not pass from the outside into the housing. To achieve the sealing, the flat gasket is elastically deformed between sealing webs of the housing parts when the two housing parts are screwed together at screw connection points. It has been shown that a reliable seal is not always ensured over the length of the flat gasket. Regions occur in which the elastic deformation of the flat gasket between the housing parts is not sufficiently high or elastic deformation of the flat gasket does not occur at all. This has the result that there is insufficient sealing in these regions, and therefore corresponding medium can pass from the inside to the outside or from the outside to the inside. The embodiment of the flat gasket can be described having a main body (8), which is provided on at least one, preferably on both outer sides (9, 10), with protruding ribs (16, 19, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33) which are provided over the circumference of the flat gasket (3) and form a profile structure (15).

Description

[0001] KACO GmbH + Co. KG Industriestr. 19 74912 Kirchardt / Germany

[0002] Solyem SAS

[0003] 34 chemin pierre blanche 69800 Saint-Priest / France

[0004] 1110 PCT February 24, 2023

[0005] Flat gasket

[0006] The invention relates to a flat gasket according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0007] Such flat gaskets are used, for example, to tightly connect two housing parts that form a housing with the flat gasket sandwiched between them. The flat gasket is intended to ensure that medium does not escape from the housing to the outside, or that medium such as water does not escape from the outside into the housing. To achieve the seal, the flat gasket is elastically deformed between the sealing webs of the housing parts when the two housing parts are screwed together at screw points. It has been shown that a reliable seal is not always guaranteed over the length of the flat gasket. There are areas in which the elastic deformation of the flat gasket between the housing parts is not sufficiently high, or in which elastic deformation of the flat gasket does not occur at all.As a result, there is no adequate sealing in these areas, so that the corresponding medium can pass from the inside to the outside or from the outside to the inside.

[0008] Flat gaskets are those gaskets that are suitable for sealing housing components to each other or for sealing attachments or functional components to corresponding housings or walls.

[0009] This problem occurs especially when the housing to be sealed is used outdoors. In this case, the medium from the

[0010] CONFIRMATION COPY environment can enter the housing through leaks. An example of such housings are eBike motors, which are heavily exposed to environmental conditions.

[0011] The problem of inadequate sealing also occurs particularly when the screw connection points of the housing parts are far apart from each other, the sealing webs of the housing to be sealed are narrow or the housing parts and the flat seal are insufficiently positioned relative to each other.

[0012] In addition, choosing different materials for the two housing components can result in different expansion and / or deformation of the housing components under the influence of temperature. This can result in inadequate sealing because the elastic deformation of the flat gasket is insufficient or the flat gasket does not deform at all.

[0013] The inadequate sealing can occur partially in parts of the sealing ridges or affect the entire area of ​​one or more sealing ridges between screw connection points.

[0014] The invention is based on the object of designing the generic flat gasket in such a way that it ensures reliable and secure sealing.

[0015] This object is achieved according to the invention in the generic flat gasket with the characterizing features of claim 1.

[0016] The flat gasket according to the invention is characterized in that it has intersecting ribs on at least one, preferably on both outer sides, which delimit receiving spaces. They adjoin one another in the circumferential direction and / or transversely to the circumferential direction of the flat gasket. The intersecting ribs ensure that the flat gasket, in the installed position between the sealing webs of the housing parts, is elastically deformed sufficiently strongly around its circumference. This guarantees reliable sealing around the circumference of the flat gasket. Should a medium nevertheless penetrate from the outside to the inside or from the inside to the outside into the area of ​​the flat gasket, this medium is captured by the receiving spaces. Since they are arranged next to one another in the circumferential direction and / or transversely to the circumferential direction, the medium is reliably prevented from escaping to the outside or inwards.

[0017] A particularly simple design is achieved when the ribs intersect vertically. This creates rectangular or square receiving spaces that reliably prevent the medium from passing outwards or inwards.

[0018] If, advantageously, at least some of the ribs run in the circumferential direction of the flat gasket, then these rib parts form a barrier for the passage of the medium from the inside to the outside or from the outside to the inside.

[0019] A particularly advantageous embodiment is achieved when the ribs of the profile structure are arranged so that they intersect each other at an angle. The angular arrangement of the ribs results in a relatively large number of ribs, which ensures perfect elastic deformation of the flat gasket. The rib sections, which are inclined to the circumferential direction, also ensure that the medium is recirculated due to the inclined position of the rib sections.

[0020] A particularly effective seal is achieved when the ribs are positioned at an acute angle to the circumferential direction of the flat gasket. This angle is advantageously in the range of approximately 50° to approximately 70°, preferably approximately 60°.

[0021] Optimal sealing is advantageously achieved if the receiving spaces located along the edge of the profile structure in the circumferential direction of the flat gasket are open towards the edge of the profile structure. This allows any medium that may enter these open edge-side receiving spaces to be redirected back into the respective medium area thanks to the angled ribs.

[0022] The recirculation of any medium that may have entered the open-edged receiving spaces is made particularly easy if these receiving spaces are provided with ribbed sections arranged at an angle to the circumferential direction of the flat gasket. These reliably recirculate the medium.

[0023] It is advantageous for the receiving cavities of the flat gasket to have the same design. This ensures consistent sealing and fluid collection across the entire circumference of the flat gasket.

[0024] To allow sealing conditions to be varied across the circumference of the flat gasket depending on the installation situation, the profile structure can advantageously be designed to have differently shaped receiving spaces in the circumferential direction and / or transverse to the circumferential direction. The receiving spaces can then be adapted to the respective installation situation.

[0025] To ensure secure compression of the flat gasket in the installed position, the ribs are advantageously designed to taper toward their free ends. This has the advantage that even small compressive forces during installation of the flat gasket are sufficient to elastically deform the ribs.

[0026] Advantageously, the ribs have a triangular cross-section.

[0027] Optimal elastic deformation with regard to perfect sealing is achieved particularly when the opening angle of the triangular cross-section of the ribs is less than 90°, advantageously between approximately 50° and approximately 70°, preferably 60°. The ribs can be part of a coating that covers the base body of the flat gasket on at least one, preferably both, outer sides. Such a coating can be easily attached to the base body, which in turn can be made of any suitable material regardless of the sealing requirements. Metallic materials, plastics, or composite materials have proven to be particularly advantageous.

[0028] Advantages arise when the coating of the base body is part of a casing of the base body.

[0029] In principle, it is possible to form the ribs in one piece with the base body, so that an additional coating or sheathing is not necessary.

[0030] The flat gasket according to the invention is advantageously used for static sealing in e-bike motors. Furthermore, the flat gasket according to the invention can also be used where comparable problems with reliable sealing arise.

[0031] The subject matter of the application arises not only from the subject matter of the individual patent claims, but also from all information and features disclosed in the drawings and the description. Even if they are not the subject matter of the claims, they are claimed as essential to the invention insofar as they are novel, individually or in combination, over the prior art.

[0032] Further features of the invention emerge from the further claims, the description and the drawings.

[0033] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to several embodiments shown in the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a flat gasket according to the invention,

[0034] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of section A in Fig. 1 ,

[0035] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of section B in Fig. 1 ,

[0036] Fig. 4 shows section F in Fig. 1 ,

[0037] Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of section C in Fig. 1 ,

[0038] Fig. 6 is a section along the line VI - VI in Fig. 1,

[0039] Fig. 7 shows an enlarged section along the line VII - VII in Fig. 5,

[0040] Fig. 8 shows a first embodiment of a structural design on the top / bottom side of the flat gasket according to the invention, which is arranged in different positions relative to a sealing web between two housing parts to be sealed against each other,

[0041] Fig. 9 in a representation corresponding to Fig. 8 a second embodiment of a structural design of the flat gasket according to the invention,

[0042] Fig. 10 in a representation corresponding to Fig. 8 a third embodiment of a structural design of the flat gasket according to the invention,

[0043] Fig. 11 in a representation similar to Fig. 8 a fourth embodiment of a structural design of the flat gasket according to the invention,

[0044] Fig. 12 in a representation similar to Fig. 11 a fifth embodiment of a structural design of the flat gasket according to the invention, Fig. 13 in a representation according to Fig. 12 a sixth embodiment of a structural design of a flat gasket according to the invention,

[0045] Fig. 14 shows a schematic representation of a housing part which is sealingly connected to another housing part with the flat gasket according to the invention interposed.

[0046] Fig. 14 shows a schematic representation of a sealing web 4 of a first housing part 1, onto which a second housing part is placed to form a gearbox / motor housing with a flat gasket 3 interposed and connected to the first housing part 1. The second housing part 2 also has a sealing web, which is designed identically to the sealing web 4 of the first housing part 1. In the installed position, the flat gasket 3 rests on the sealing webs 4 of both housing parts 1.

[0047] Both housing parts 1 have eyes 6 projecting outwards and inwards along their circumference, which in a known manner have threaded bushings and fastening screws, with the aid of which the two housing parts 1 are sealingly connected to one another with the flat gasket 3 interposed.

[0048] The outline shape of the housing parts 1 is only an example. The housing parts can have a wide variety of outline shapes. Accordingly, the sealing webs 4 and the flat gasket 3 also have different outline shapes.

[0049] The flat seal 3 is designed in such a way that it ensures perfect sealing over the circumference of the sealing webs 4, in particular in the area between the eyes 6 of the housing parts 1.

[0050] As will be explained below, by appropriately designing protruding ribs it can be achieved that the compression of the flat gasket in the area between the screwing points 6 determined by the eyes 6 is so high that a perfect seal is achieved.

[0051] The flat gasket shown in Fig. 1 is ring-shaped and has a base body 8 that extends over the circumference of the flat gasket 3. The contour shape and the width of the flat gasket or the base body 8 depend on the contour shape and the width of the sealing webs 4 of the housing parts 1 to be tightly connected to one another.

[0052] The outline shape and width of the flat gasket 3 or the base body can be the same as the outline shape and width WF of the sealing webs 4 or can be narrower or wider than the sealing webs 4 or parts thereof.

[0053] The base body 8 has a rectangular cross-section with outer sides 9, 10 lying parallel to each other (Fig. 6 and 7).

[0054] In the area of ​​the eyelets 6 of the housing parts 1, the flat gasket 3 or its base body 8 has corresponding outwardly and inwardly projecting flat sealing sections 11, 12. They are designed such that they cover the eyelets 6 of the housing parts 1 in the installed position.

[0055] The sealing sections 11, 12 each have a central opening 13, 14 through which the connecting screws (not shown) protrude, which connect the two housing parts 1 to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 13, 14 have a circular outline. Depending on the design of the housing parts 1, the openings 13, 14 can also have other outlines.

[0056] At least on one, but preferably on both, outer sides 9, 10 of the base body 8 is a profile structure 15 formed by rib-like elevations. The profile structure 15 makes it possible to absorb leakage that could escape to the outside or inside between the two housing parts 1. Furthermore, the profile structure 15 has the task of ensuring that the flat gasket 3, in the installed position, is pressurized around its circumference between the two housing parts 1 in such a way that a reliable seal is ensured around the circumference of the flat gasket 3.

[0057] In the embodiment according to Fig. 1, the profile structure 15 is formed by ribs 16 running parallel to one another over the circumference of the flat seal 3, which are arranged at a distance from the outer edge 17 and the inner edge 18 of the base body 8.

[0058] The width Ws of the profile structure 3 can approximately correspond to the width WF of the sealing webs 4. An optimal design of the profile structure 3 is achieved if Ws is provided between 50% and 80%, preferably between 60% and 70% of WF.

[0059] However, the ribs 16 running over the circumference can also extend to the inner edge 18 and / or the outer edge 17.

[0060] The ribs 16, for example, have a smaller distance from the outer edge 17 than from the inner edge 18 of the base body 8.

[0061] The ribs 16 run largely parallel to the outer edge 17 as well as to the inner edge 18 of the base body 8. Only in the area of ​​the sealing sections 11, 12 do at least some of the ribs 16 extend into the sealing sections 11, 12.

[0062] The ribs 16 are crossed by transverse ribs 19, which are arranged at a distance one behind the other or next to each other over the circumference of the flat gasket 3 and extend, for example, to the outer edge 17 of the base body 8.

[0063] The transverse ribs 19 are arranged at equal distances one behind the other or next to each other around the circumference of the flat gasket 3.

[0064] However, they can also have different spacings. Preferably, the spacing of the transverse ribs 19 becomes smaller the further they are located from the screw connection points (eyelets 6) or the pressure on the respective sealing section between the screw connection points decreases.

[0065] The ribs 16 and the transverse ribs 19 thus delimit or form receiving spaces 20 which can absorb any leakage that may occur.

[0066] A receiving space 20 is thus a flat quadrilateral with side lengths A and B, where A describes the height and B the length of the quadrilateral. The further away a receiving space 20 is from the screw connection points (eyes 6), the greater the ratio of height to length or A to B. Preferably, the ratio A / B between two screw connection points (eyes 6) is between A / B = 1 / 2 and A / B = 1 / 3, with the ratio decreasing with smaller distance from a screw connection point (eye 6), here for example up to A / B = 1 / 10.

[0067] In the area of ​​the flat sealing sections 11, 12, the transverse ribs 19 are extended to the outer edge of the sealing sections 11, 12. In the area of ​​the sealing sections 11, 12, the transverse ribs 19 are crossed by short ribs 21, each of which extends from the edge of the openings 13, 14 to the outer edge of the sealing sections.

[0068] In the area of ​​the outwardly projecting sealing sections 11, at least one transverse rib 19 is designed such that it surrounds the edge of the opening 13 at a distance, so that the opening 13 is also securely sealed in this area.

[0069] As can be seen from Figs. 6 and 7, the ribs 16 have a triangular cross-section. During installation, their tips come into contact with the sealing webs 4 of the housing parts 1. In principle, apart from ribs 16 with a triangular cross-section, any conceivable rib shape tapering towards the free end is possible. The transverse ribs 19 and ribs 21 are designed in the same way. By varying the height of the ribs 16, 19, 21, the pressure on the flat gasket 3 can be adjusted. If the screw connection points (eyelets 6) are far apart, and the height of the ribs 16, 19, 21 remains constant, the pressure would decrease towards the middle distance between the screw connection points, which could lead to leaks. Therefore, the height of the ribs 16, 19, 21 is varied if necessary. Between the screwing points 6, the rib height is increased towards the middle distance of the screwing points 6, so that the pressure is correspondingly high.Then a perfect seal is achieved in this area.

[0070] The triangular cross-section of the ribs 16, 19, 21 ensures that the ribs 16, 19, 21 are elastically deformed sufficiently by the housing parts 1 so that a reliable sealing of the housing parts 1 against each other is achieved over the circumference of the flat seal 3.

[0071] With the ribs 16, 19, 21, an optimal pressure distribution can be achieved over the circumference of the flat gasket 3, so that a perfect seal is achieved over the circumference of the flat gasket 3.

[0072] Depending on the design of the housing parts 1, the ribs 16, 19, 21 can be designed with different heights and / or widths, so that, depending on the requirements, a higher elastic compression of the flat gasket 3 is achieved in certain circumferential areas than in others. In this way, the flat gasket 3 can be designed so that it exhibits the elastic deformation of the ribs required for proper sealing across its circumference.

[0073] The intersecting ribs 16, 19, 21 also provide the special advantage of ensuring a seal even when the flat gasket 3 is not optimally positioned on the relatively narrow sealing webs 4 of the housing parts 1. Even if the flat gasket 3 is not in its optimal installation position, the intersecting ribs 16, 19, 21 ensure that a perfect seal is achieved around the circumference. This will be explained in more detail using the following exemplary embodiments.

[0074] Since the ribs 19, 21 are also provided so that they intersect in the area of ​​the sealing sections 11, 12, a reliable seal is ensured in this area as well. Furthermore, this area also ensures that no leakage to the outside or from the outside to the inside occurs, even if the sealing sections 11, 12 are not positioned precisely on the eyes 6 of the housing parts 1.

[0075] Fig. 8 shows another profile structure 15 on the base body 8. The base structure consists of hexagonal honeycombs that adjoin one another in the circumferential and radial directions. The honeycombs are defined by ribs 22 that project beyond the outer sides 9, 10 of the base body 8 in the manner described.

[0076] The ribs 22 are provided such that some of the ribs run in the circumferential direction of the flat gasket 3.

[0077] The ribs 22 define hexagonal receiving spaces 20 for any leakage that may occur. Several such receiving spaces 20 are arranged one behind the other transversely to the circumferential direction, thus reliably preventing the leakage of the medium to be sealed.

[0078] The ribbed structure ensures that no passage of the medium to be sealed from the inside to the outside or vice versa is possible.

[0079] If the installation conditions permit, the ribs can be of equal height. In this case, such a flat gasket 3 can be manufactured very easily.

[0080] However, it is also possible to vary the height of the ribs 22 if the installation conditions require it. The profile structure 15 can then be designed such that, for example, the ribs 22 are locally compressed more strongly than in other areas of the flat gasket 3. In this case, the pressure distribution of the installed flat gasket 3 can be adjusted so that a uniform and secure seal is achieved over its circumference.

[0081] Figs. 8a to 8c show, by way of example, the two edges 23, 24 of the sealing webs 4 of the two housing parts 1. Since Fig. 8 is only a schematic representation, the edges 23, 24 are shown as straight. As can be seen from Fig. 14, the edges of the sealing webs 4 are not straight around the circumference, but are partially curved. However, the mode of operation of the profile structure 15 described below does not change this.

[0082] Fig. 8a shows the case where the flat gasket 3 is positioned precisely on the sealing rib 4. Therefore, all ribs 22 and the hexagonal, adjacent receiving spaces 20 are located completely between the sealing ribs 4 of the housing parts 1 over the circumference of the flat gasket. The width of the flat gasket 3 corresponds to the width of the sealing ribs 4.

[0083] Fig. 8b shows, by way of example, the case where the flat gasket 3 is not installed in the correct position. In this case, the flat gasket 3 protrudes beyond the edge 24 of the sealing ribs 4. Nevertheless, there is still a sufficient number of ribs 22 and receiving spaces 20 on the sealing ribs 4, so that there is no risk of leakage or the penetration of external harmful media, such as water, and a reliable seal is ensured. Between the two edges 23, 24, there is a sufficient number of ribs 22 and receiving spaces 20 for a secure seal around the circumference of the flat gasket.

[0084] Fig. 8c shows, by way of example, the case in which the flat gasket 3 is installed such that it protrudes beyond the edge 23 of the sealing web 4. In this case, too, there is a sufficient number of ribs 22 and receiving spaces 20 in the area between the sealing webs 4.

[0085] The profile structure 15 on the two outer sides 9, 10 of the base body 8 achieves the advantage described above that precise installation of the flat gasket 3 is not absolutely necessary, although it is desirable. The profile structure 15 ensures that the seal is always maintained around the circumference of the flat gasket 3 and that a sufficient number of ribs 22 are present to achieve adequate pressure distribution around the circumference of the flat gasket.

[0086] Fig. 9 shows another design of the profile structure 15 of the flat gasket 3. The profile structure 15 has a honeycomb arrangement of the ribs 22 that define the receiving spaces 20. As in the previous embodiment, some of the ribs 22 are located in the circumferential direction of the base body 8.

[0087] Between the uniformly hexagonal receiving spaces 20 are receiving spaces 25, which are elongated in the circumferential direction of the base body 8 but also have a hexagonal outline. These receiving spaces 25 are delimited by longer ribs 26 extending in the circumferential direction of the base body 8 and by ribs 27 arranged at an angle to them. The inclined ribs 27 are advantageously the same length as the ribs 22 of the receiving spaces 20. However, they can also have different lengths.

[0088] The ribs 26 and the corresponding ribs 22 are parallel and aligned with each other, seen in the circumferential direction of the base body 8.

[0089] As in the previous embodiment, the intersecting design of the ribs 22, 26, 27 ensures that the medium cannot leak outward or that contaminants cannot enter from the outside. Rather, the medium or contaminants are captured in the receiving spaces 20, 25 if a leakage path occurs across the boundary of a rib 22, 26, 27.

[0090] In addition, the ribs 22, 26, 27 ensure that the flat seal 3 is properly pressed between the housing parts 1, so that a sufficiently high pressing force is present over the circumference of the flat seal 3.

[0091] As in the previous embodiments, several receiving spaces 20, 25 arranged one behind the other are provided transversely to the circumferential direction of the flat gasket 3, so that even if the flat gasket 3 is not installed in the exact position, a sufficiently secure seal is achieved.

[0092] This is illustrated schematically in Figs. 9a to 9c. Fig. 9a shows the precise installation position of the flat gasket 3. It does not protrude beyond the edges of the sealing webs 4.

[0093] Figs. 9b and 9c show the case where the flat gasket 3, in the installed position, protrudes beyond one or the other edge 23, 24 of the sealing ribs 4. On the surface of the sealing ribs 4, there is still a sufficient number of receiving spaces 20, 25 that can accommodate any leakage that may occur.

[0094] Also, a sufficiently high number of ribs 22, 26, 27 is provided between the sealing webs 4 despite the inaccurate installation, so that a sufficiently secure pressing is guaranteed over the circumference of the flat seal 3.

[0095] The ribs 22, 26, 27 are advantageously designed according to the embodiment according to Figs. 1 to 7. In the embodiment according to Fig. 10, the receiving spaces 28 are rectangular. In the circumferential direction of the base body 8, the receiving spaces 28 are delimited by ribs 29 which are parallel to one another and run in the circumferential direction. Ribs 30 which connect adjacent ribs 29 to one another run perpendicular to the ribs 29. The ribs 30 are provided such that the receiving spaces 28 overlap one another transversely to the circumferential direction, in the exemplary embodiment over half the circumferential length. Thus, adjacent receiving spaces 28 transversely to the circumferential direction are offset from one another. In the embodiment according to Figs. 1 to 7, however, the rectangular receiving spaces 20 are each at the same height.

[0096] Thus, several receiving chambers 28 are arranged next to each other transversely to the circumferential direction. This reliably prevents leaks from escaping or contaminants from entering. Should leaks or contaminants penetrate, they are absorbed by the corresponding receiving chambers 28.

[0097] Since several receiving spaces are provided one behind the other transversely to the circumferential direction, a secure seal is guaranteed even if the flat gasket 3 is not installed in the exact position.

[0098] Fig. 10a shows the case in which the flat seal 3 is installed in a precise position, ie it does not protrude beyond the edges 23, 24 of the sealing webs.

[0099] Figs. 10b and 10c show an installation position in which the flat gasket 3 protrudes either beyond the edge 23 (Fig. 10b) or beyond the edge 24 (Fig. 10c). Nevertheless, a sufficient number of receiving spaces 28 are located in the surface of the sealing webs 4.

[0100] In the embodiments described below, the ribs of the profile structure are each designed such that they extend at an angle to the circumferential direction of the base body 8. In the embodiment according to Fig. 11, the ribs 31 are arranged at an angle a to the circumferential direction of the base body 8. The angle is less than 45° and is advantageously in a range between 10° and 30°.

[0101] The ribs 31 are arranged crossing one another on the outer sides 9, 10 of the base body 8 and are each arranged at an angle a to the circumferential direction of the base body 8. The ribs 31 delimit diamond-shaped receiving spaces 32.

[0102] The receiving spaces 32 adjoin one another circumferentially and transversely. This prevents the medium to be sealed from leaking outward and prevents contaminants from entering the interior. Any leaks / contaminants that may occur are absorbed by the receiving spaces 32, which are provided around the circumference of the flat gasket 3.

[0103] The ribs 31 are again triangular in cross-section, similar to the previous embodiments. Since they taper toward their free ends, similar to the previously described embodiment, the ribs 31 are elastically deformed sufficiently in the installed position to ensure a perfect seal around the circumference of the flat gasket 3.

[0104] In this embodiment, too, perfect sealing is achieved even if the flat seal 3 is not installed in the exact position.

[0105] Fig. 10c shows the precise position of the flat gasket 3. In this case, it lies exactly between the edges 23, 24 of the sealing webs 4.

[0106] Figs. 11a and 11b show, by way of example, that the flat gasket 3 protrudes to different extents beyond the edge 23 of the sealing ribs. Figs. 11d and 11e, however, show the case where the flat gasket protrudes to different extents beyond the other edge 24. In any case, there is a sufficient number of receiving spaces 32 and ribs 31 between the sealing ribs 4, so that the seal is perfect even if the installation is not precisely positioned.

[0107] At the edge, the profile structure 15 is provided with a circumferential rib 33, which is sufficiently elastically deformed in the installed position so that no medium can escape above or below these edge ribs 33. Should this nevertheless be the case, the leakage is absorbed by the subsequent receiving spaces 32.

[0108] The profile structure 15 according to Fig. 12 is essentially the same as in the embodiment according to Fig. 11. The only difference is that the profile structure 15 does not have the edge-side ribs 33.

[0109] This results in the receiving spaces 32 located along the circumferential edges of the profile structure 15 not being closed to the outside, but rather open. The sections 34 of the ribs 33 running in the edge region form return ribs that convey any medium that might get under the flat gasket back again. This is particularly helped by the fact that the ribs 3 are inclined at an angle a to the circumferential direction of the flat gasket 3, as explained with reference to Fig. 11.

[0110] Fig. 12c shows the precise installation of the flat gasket 3. Figs. 12a, 12b, 12d, 12e show the installation position when the flat gasket 3 projects beyond the edges 23 or 24 of the sealing webs 4.

[0111] The width of the profile structure 3 corresponds to the width of the sealing bars 4.

[0112] In the embodiment according to Fig. 13, the width of the profile structure 15 is greater than the width of the sealing webs 4, determined by their longitudinal edges 23, 24. The consequence of this is that the profile structure 15 protrudes beyond both edges 23, 24 of the sealing webs 4, even when installed precisely (Fig. 13c). If the flat gasket 3 is not installed precisely (Figs. 13a, 13b, 13d, 13e), a sufficient number of receiving spaces 32 and ribs 33 are located in the area of ​​the sealing webs 4.

[0113] Since the intersecting ribs are also provided in the area of ​​the sealing sections 11, 12, a perfect seal is also achieved in this area in which the housing parts 1 are joined together, for example with screws.

[0114] The base body 8 of the flat gasket 3 can be made of any suitable material, such as metallic, non-metallic materials, plastics and composite materials.

[0115] As can be seen from Figs. 6 and 7, the ribs can be part of a coating or casing 35 of the base body 8. Any suitable sealing material can be used for the ribs or the coating / casing 35. Elastomer materials, silicones, or plastics are particularly preferred.

[0116] In principle, it is possible to form the ribs and the base body 8 as a single piece. In this case, the ribs and the base body 8 would be made of the same material. All materials suitable for sealing, in particular elastomer materials, silicones, or plastics, are used.

[0117] The ribs 16, 19, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33 are advantageously designed in cross-section such that the opening angle ß (Fig. 7) is in the range greater than 1°, advantageously between approximately 50° and 70°, preferably 60°. It has been shown that with such a design of the ribs, a reliable seal is achieved for the circumference of the flat gasket 3.

Claims

Claims 1. Flat gasket with a base body (8) which is provided on at least one, preferably on both outer sides (9, 10) with projecting ribs (16, 19, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33) which are provided over the circumference of the flat gasket (3) and form a profile structure (15), characterized in that the ribs (16, 19, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33) intersect each other and define receiving spaces (20, 25, 28, 32) which connect to each other in the circumferential direction of the flat gasket (3) and / or transversely to the circumferential direction.

2. Flat gasket according to claim 1, characterized in that the ribs (16, 19, 29, 39) and the base body (8) are formed in one piece.

3. Flat gasket according to claim 1, characterized in that the ribs (16, 19, 29, 30) and the base body (8) are made of different materials.

4. Flat gasket according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the ribs (16, 19, 29, 30) are part of a coating or a covering (35) of the base body (8).

5. Flat gasket according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ribs (16, 19, 29, 30) intersect each other perpendicularly.

6. Flat gasket according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least a part of the ribs (16, 26, 29) extend in the circumferential direction of the flat gasket (3).

7. Flat gasket according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ribs (31 ) intersect each other at an angle.

8. Flat gasket according to claim 7, characterized in that the ribs (31 ) are inclined at an acute angle (a) to the circumferential direction of the flat gasket (3).

9. Flat gasket according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the receiving spaces (32) located in the circumferential direction of the flat gasket (3) at the edge of the profile structure (15) are open towards the edge of the profile structure (15).

10. Flat gasket according to claim 9, characterized in that the edge-open receiving spaces (32) have rib sections (34) lying obliquely to the circumferential direction of the flat gasket (3).

11. Flat gasket according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the receiving spaces (20, 25, 28, 32) have the same design.

12. Flat gasket according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the profile structure (15) has differently designed receiving spaces (20, 25, 28, 32).

13. Flat gasket according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the ribs (16, 19, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33) taper towards their free end.

14. Flat gasket according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the ribs (16, 19, 21 , 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31 , 33) have an approximately triangular cross-section. Flat gasket according to claim 14, characterized in that the opening angle (β) of the triangular cross-section of the ribs (16, 19, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33) is greater than 1°, preferably between about 50° and about 70°, advantageously at least about 60°. Flat gasket according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the base body (8) is provided on at least one, preferably on both outer surfaces (9, 10) with the coating (35) from which the ribs (16, 19, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33) protrude. Flat gasket according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the coating (35) is part of an illm- sheathing of the base body (8).

Images