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, said container interior (14) being accessible via a container opening (16), and b) a container closure (18). The container closure (18) closes the container opening (16) in a fluid-tight manner, wherein the container closure (18) comprises a first fluid channel (20) which extends through the container closure (18), said first fluid channel (20) being closed by a first closure layer (22), and the container closure (18) comprises a second fluid channel (24) which extends through the container closure (18), said second fluid channel (24) being closed by a second closure layer (26). The container closure (18) is designed such that the first closure layer (22) is irreversibly destroyed and forms a first through-opening as the result of a first pressure difference, ranging from 50 to 1000 kPa, between the faces of the first closure layer (22), and the second closure layer (26) forms a second through-opening as the result of a second pressure difference, ranging from 50 to 1000 kPa, between the faces of the second closure layer (26).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Sealant system

[0003] The invention relates to a sealant system, a container closure for the fluid-tight closure of a container opening of a sealant container in a corresponding sealant system, and a method for producing a corresponding sealant system or a corresponding container closure. Also disclosed are a breakdown kit and a method for sealing a damaged vehicle tire using a corresponding breakdown kit.

[0004] In many areas of technology, such as the tire and automotive industries, sealants are regularly used to seal leaking components. In most cases, sealants are provided in viscous form in so-called sealant systems and only develop their sealing effect after leaving this sealant system, for example, through contact with air and / or the substrate to be sealed. The use of sealant systems is particularly widespread in the tire and automotive industries, for example, in the context of breakdown kits for at least the temporary repair of damaged vehicle tires.

[0005] Such sealing systems for the storage of sealant are regularly subject to particularly high requirements, since on the one hand they must enclose a sealant to be stored in such a way that it does not harden prematurely and accordingly must reliably prevent any unwanted leakage of sealant, but on the other hand they must enable quick and easy provision in the event of an emergency, which, in the case of breakdown kits, must also be accomplished by laypeople or without suitable tools.

[0006] Accordingly, sealing systems must be sealed fluid-tight after being filled with sealant to protect the sealant from environmental influences, especially shocks and vibrations. Only when the sealing system is used by a user is the sealant opened by appropriate measures to fill the sealant, which is usually promoted or caused by applying external pressure and forcing the sealant out of the sealing system.

[0007] Various mechanisms are known in the prior art for closing sealant systems. Relevant disclosures can be found, for example, in EP 280701881 A1, EP 2030768 A1, DE 20113129 U1, DE 29716453 U1, and DE 10106468 A1. In this respect, seals for closing sealant bottles are known, in particular seals made of aluminum, which, for example, must either be removed manually before use or can be opened by connecting the sealant system to external components using cutting devices integrated therein. Furthermore, separate sealing elements for use in sealant systems are known from the prior art. These sealing elements can be integrated into lid elements and, when subjected to pressure, can be released, allowing fluid to pass through.

[0008] Even though the solutions known from the state of the art can in many cases at least largely meet the application requirements for sealing systems, in practice they are also perceived as disadvantageous, particularly from a manufacturing and handling point of view.

[0009] In particular, the simpler solutions are often limited to a simple closure of the sealant container, so that the functionality required in use to discharge the sealant must be provided by separate devices, for example, a corresponding fluid line system with coaxial lines. When the sealant container is closed with a seal, the specialist must in most cases also carefully match the material of the seal and the material of the sealant container, as well as any adhesives used for attachment, in order to ensure both a fluid-tight closure and, if necessary, secure opening. This means that the options for material selection are usually limited. In addition, in some cases, a special device, for example, a filling aid with a cutting tool, is required to efficiently break the seal.

[0010] However, closing the sealant system with separate sealing elements in the container closure usually requires particularly precise manufacturing of the components to achieve a fluid-tight fit between the sealing element and the container lid, which is maintained even in the face of shocks, vibrations, or impacts. Furthermore, with a separate sealing element, which is pushed open by compressed air, for example, there is always a risk that the lines could become blocked to such an extent that the escape of sealant from the sealing system is partially or even completely prevented.

[0011] For most of the state-of-the-art solutions, for example when using seals or separate sealing elements, additional manufacturing steps are necessary to implement the corresponding solutions.

[0012] It was the primary object of the present invention to eliminate or at least mitigate the disadvantages of the prior art described above.

[0013] In particular, the object of the present invention was to provide a sealant system and an associated container closure whose production should be particularly time- and cost-efficient, whereby the type of production should ideally promote the sealing effect, in particular by reducing the required work steps. A desirable requirement was that the production of the sealant system to be specified and the associated container closure, as well as the connection of the container closure to the sealant container, should be simplified compared to the prior art, whereby, in particular, the number of components used should be minimized and the range of usable materials should be increased.

[0014] It was an object of the present invention that the sealing system to be specified and the associated container closure should have advantageous fluid tightness even under external mechanical stresses, such as vibrations and shocks, and thus enable reliable storage of corresponding sealing agents even under demanding environmental conditions, for example in the trunk of a vehicle.

[0015] Furthermore, it was an object of the present invention that the sealing system to be specified should be able to be used efficiently in methods for sealing a damaged vehicle tire, wherein in particular the requirements for the devices required for this purpose should be reduced, in particular with regard to the need for cutting devices for opening the sealing system or complex fluid line systems.

[0016] A further object of the present invention was to prevent, as far as possible, unwanted blockage of fluid lines in the specified sealing system or container closure during use in the sealing process. Furthermore, it was an object of the present invention to provide an advantageous method for producing a corresponding sealing system or an associated container closure. A desirable requirement was that testing the tightness of the components should be particularly easy to implement within the scope of the specified method.

[0017] Furthermore, it was a secondary object of the present invention to provide a breakdown assistance kit with one or more corresponding sealing agent systems and a method for sealing a damaged vehicle tire with such a breakdown assistance kit.

[0018] The inventors have now found that the objects described above can surprisingly be achieved if a container closure in a sealing system is designed such that the sealing agent container of the sealing agent system is sealed in a fluid-tight manner via two fluid channels in the container closure, each provided with sealing elements, if the sealing elements are each designed such that they are broken open upon application of a specific pressure difference, so that fluid passage through the respective fluid channel is enabled, as defined in the claims.

[0019] This advantageously makes it possible to obtain a sealant system that can be manufactured particularly time- and cost-efficiently. The sealant system can be closed particularly easily and reliably using the corresponding container closure, reliably preventing unwanted blockage of pipes. In a synergistic manner, the container closure enables efficient fluid flow, which can significantly reduce the design requirements for the devices used in the process for sealing a damaged vehicle tire. Furthermore, the sealant system can be reliably opened using fluid-mediated pressure application, thus eliminating the need for external cutting devices.

[0020] The above-mentioned objects are accordingly achieved by the subject matter of the invention as defined in the claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following statements.

[0021] Such embodiments, which are designated as preferred below, are combined in particularly preferred embodiments with features of other embodiments designated as preferred. Combinations of two or more of the embodiments designated as particularly preferred below are thus very particularly preferred. Likewise preferred are embodiments in which a feature of one embodiment designated as preferred to any extent is combined with one or more further features of other embodiments designated as preferred to any extent. Features of preferred container closures, breakdown kits, and methods result from the features of preferred sealing systems.

[0022] The invention particularly relates to a sealant system, in particular a sealant system for use in sealing vehicle tires, comprising: a) a sealant container, comprising a container interior for receiving sealant, wherein the container interior is accessible via a container opening, and b) a container closure, wherein the container closure closes the container opening in a fluid-tight manner, wherein the container closure comprises a first fluid channel extending through the container closure, wherein the first fluid channel is closed with a first closure layer, by which the escape of fluid from the container opening through the first fluid channel is prevented, wherein the container closure comprises a second fluid channel extending through the container closure, wherein the second fluid channel is closed with a second closure layer,by which the escape of fluid from the container opening through the second fluid channel is prevented, wherein the container closure is designed such that the first closure layer is irreversibly destroyed as a result of a first pressure difference in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa acting between the sides of the first closure layer and forms a first passage opening through which a passage of fluid through the first fluid channel is enabled, and wherein the container closure is designed such that the second closure layer forms a second passage opening as a result of a second pressure difference in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa acting between the sides of the second closure layer, through which a passage of fluid through the second fluid channel is enabled.

[0023] The basic functioning of sealant systems and their use in breakdown kits are known to those skilled in the art based on their specialist knowledge. Accordingly, those skilled in the art understand that a sealant system according to the invention must be suitable for both fluid-tight storage and later dispensing of sealants. The sealant system can be adapted by the person skilled in the art with regard to its basic design to the requirements of the sealant to be contained, for example, with regard to the material of the sealant container. For the containment of sealant, the sealant system according to the invention comprises a sealant container with an interior accessible via a container opening, which is sometimes also referred to as a sealant bottle.A sealing agent system according to the invention is relevant for essentially all embodiments in the field of sealing vehicle tires, wherein the container interior has a volume in the range from 0.05 to 10 L, preferably in the range from 0.1 to 5 L, particularly preferably 0.2 to 2.5 L, most preferably 0.2 to 1.25 L.

[0024] The person skilled in the art understands that the sealant does not necessarily have to be part of the above-defined sealant system according to the invention, which can, for example, also be provided as a (re-)fillable storage container by a producer to a sealant manufacturer. In a particularly preferred embodiment, however, the sealant system according to the invention already comprises the sealant, so that it can be used directly in the sealing of vehicle tires. Compositions suitable for use as sealants, in particular for sealing vehicle tires, are known to the person skilled in the art from the prior art and are commercially available from various suppliers. Accordingly, a sealant system according to the invention is preferred which additionally comprises a sealant in the container interior, preferably a sealant for sealing damaged vehicle tires.A damaged vehicle tire is understood to mean, in particular, vehicle tires with small holes in the tread, such as those caused by nails or similar objects.

[0025] A person skilled in the art will understand that, in practice, the sealant container will in most cases be fluid-tight, apart from the container opening, so that entry or exit of viscous sealant or other fluids can only occur via the container opening. In principle, however, it is at least theoretically possible to equip the sealant container with multiple container openings, each of which would then have to be closed. However, in most cases it is advantageous to provide only a single container opening in order, on the one hand, to increase the stability of the sealant container and facilitate the manufacture of corresponding containers, and on the other hand, to simplify the fluid-tight closure of the container interior. In most cases, therefore, a sealant system according to the invention is relevant, wherein the container interior is accessible via only one container opening.

[0026] The sealing system according to the invention also comprises a container closure which closes the container opening in a fluid-tight manner.

[0027] The connection between the container closure and the sealant container is advantageously not limited in terms of its specific design. A sealing system according to the invention is expedient, wherein the container closure and the sealant container comprise complementary connecting elements. An example of a sealing system according to the invention is one in which the container closure is connected to the sealant container via a screw closure, a bayonet connection, or a plug-in connection, preferably via a screw connection. Accordingly, a sealing system according to the invention is also preferred, wherein the container closure comprises a screw thread.

[0028] In most embodiments, it is advisable to design the closure as a reversibly and non-destructively detachable connection, for example, to enable easier (re)filling. However, it is also possible to design the connection as a permanent, non-reversibly detachable connection, for example, by means of a twist-off lock, to prevent or at least complicate improper use of the sealing system.

[0029] For all the above embodiments, a sealing system according to the invention is preferred, wherein a sealing element, preferably a sealing ring, is arranged between the container closure and the sealing container.

[0030] During subsequent use of the sealant system according to the invention, a sealant arranged in the sealant system is conveyed out of the container opening of the sealant system by external force through the previously sealed container closure. In many cases, particularly in the field of tire repair, this external force is caused or conveyed by the introduction of another fluid, in particular compressed air. To enable this functionality, i.e., the introduction of a fluid and the discharge of the sealant, the container closure of the sealant system according to the invention comprises a specific fluid line system.

[0031] According to the invention, the container closure has a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel, which in the initial state, i.e., prior to use in a sealing process, are each sealed in a fluid-tight manner by a sealing layer. The term "sealing layer" refers, in accordance with the expert's understanding, to a flat, extensive, comparatively thin layer for sealing an opening. According to the invention, the fluid channels extend through the container closure, so that the container interior, in the state closed by the container lid, would only be accessible via the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel if they were not sealed by the sealing layers.

[0032] This opening of the fluid channels is achieved in sealing systems according to the invention by designing the sealing layers in such a way that they break open under predetermined conditions.

[0033] According to the invention, the sealing system according to the invention is designed such that the first sealing layer in the first fluid channel is irreversibly destroyed at a first pressure difference, and the second sealing layer in the second fluid channel is irreversibly destroyed at a second pressure difference, so that they each form a passage opening and allow fluid to pass through the respective fluid channel. As explained above, a sealing agent arranged in the container interior can thus leave the sealing system according to the invention through one of the two fluid channels when compressed air is applied.

[0034] The pressure difference acting between the two sides of the sealing layer is understood in the context of the present invention as the magnitude of the difference between a pressure PB acting on the inside of the respective sealing layer, i.e., usually in the container interior, and a pressure pF acting on the outside of the respective sealing layer, i.e., usually in the fluid channel. In other words, this is a sealing system according to the invention, wherein the container closure closes the container opening in a fluid-tight manner when the pressure difference between the pressure in the container interior and the ambient pressure is smaller than the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference.

[0035] The sealant system according to the invention will in most cases be operated in the subsequent sealing process in such a way that a sealant arranged in the container interior is forced out of the sealant container via one of the two fluid channels of the container closure when gas pressure is applied, so that it can be fed via a further line, for example into the vehicle tire to be sealed. In practice, for example, compressed air can be introduced into the first fluid channel via a compressor so that the first pressure difference is reached and the first sealing layer is correspondingly destroyed. The introduced compressed air then displaces a sealant arranged in the container interior in such a way that the second pressure difference is also reached and the second sealing layer is destroyed, so that the sealant can be fed, for example via a hose, into the object to be sealed, for example a damaged vehicle tire.In other words, this is a sealing system according to the invention, wherein the sealing system is designed such that, when the first passage opening and the second passage opening are formed, a working fluid can enter the container interior through the first fluid channel in order to displace a liquid arranged in the container interior from the container interior through the second fluid channel.

[0036] In later practice, the outward-facing ends of the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel will in many cases have to be connected to fluid lines for the guidance of fluids. For the efficient connection of the fluid lines to the fluid channels, threaded connections can be used, for example. Alternatively, so-called hose olives are also conceivable, i.e. pipe sockets to which a hose can be attached and, if necessary, additionally secured with a hose clamp. A sealing system according to the invention is therefore preferred, wherein the first fluid channel comprises a first connection for a fluid line, wherein the first connection preferably comprises a hose olive or a thread, preferably a thread.Additionally or alternatively, a sealing system according to the invention is also preferred, wherein the second fluid channel comprises a second connection for a fluid line, wherein the second connection preferably comprises a hose olive or a thread, preferably a thread.

[0037] Advantageously, the sealing system according to the invention is not limited with regard to the specific design of the fluid channels; in practice, their dimensions and orientation will be oriented in particular to the dimensions of the container closure and the structural design of the devices used in the sealing process. However, the inventors have identified dimensions that promote particularly advantageous robustness of the sealing system according to the invention against vibrations and impacts and enable excellent integration into typical sealing devices.A sealing system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the longitudinal axis of the first fluid channel and the longitudinal axis of the second fluid channel in the container closure form an intersection angle 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 most particularly preferably substantially 90°. With a perpendicular alignment of the longitudinal axes of the fluid channels to one another, the inventors have found that the sealing system according to the invention is easier to handle during operation, since this alignment of the fluid channels allows for more efficient conveyance of fluids and, in particular, the second fluid channel is more easily accessible for connecting an external fluid line.

[0038] An example is a sealing agent system according to the invention, wherein the first fluid channel has a length in the range of 10 to 50 mm, preferably in the range of 25 to 35 mm, and / or wherein the first fluid channel has an average diameter in the range of 2 to 35 mm, preferably in the range of 3 to 8 mm. An example is analogously a sealing agent system according to the invention, wherein the second fluid channel has a length in the range of 10 to 50 mm, preferably in the range of 15 to 25 mm, and / or wherein the second fluid channel has an average diameter in the range of 2 to 35 mm, preferably in the range of 3 to 8 mm.

[0039] The sealing system according to the invention can advantageously be efficiently adapted to a wide variety of application requirements, so that, for example, the sealing system according to the invention can be operated both upright and "overhead". In other words, this means that the sealing system according to the invention can be designed as required to enable the discharge of sealant both against and along the force of gravity. For this purpose, in upright operation, i.e. when a sealant arranged in the container interior must be conveyed at least partially against the force of gravity in order to leave the sealing system through the container opening, it is necessary to provide a so-called riser pipe on at least one of the fluid channels, namely the fluid channel through which the sealant is conveyed out.The term riser pipe is clear to those skilled in the art in connection with fluids and refers to a pipe or hose through which pressurized fluids can rise. When the sealing agent system according to the invention is operated “overhead,” that is, when a sealant arranged in the container interior is transported essentially by gravity, such a riser pipe is not necessary for the fluid channel provided for the outlet. For later upright use, a sealing agent system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the second fluid channel is designed as a riser pipe, wherein the end of the second fluid channel pointing towards the container interior preferably extends over 0.85*H or more, preferably over 0.9*H or more, particularly preferably over 0.95*H or more, into the container interior, where H is the height of the container interior.

[0040] A sealing agent system according to the invention is preferred for later use “overhead”, wherein the end of the second fluid channel pointing in the direction of the container interior extends over 0.15*H or less, preferably 0.1*H or less, particularly preferably 0.05*H or less, into the container interior, wherein the end of the first fluid channel pointing in the direction of the container interior preferably extends over 0.05*H or more, particularly preferably 0.1*H or more, very particularly preferably 0.15*H or more, into the container interior, where H is the height of the container interior.

[0041] Even if, at least in theory, possible overpressure protection devices can also be provided, the inventors believe that for essentially all embodiments it is expedient if the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel are completely spatially separated from one another and thus, in other words, cannot be short-circuited with one another. For essentially all embodiments, a sealing means system according to the invention is therefore preferred, wherein the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel are separated from one another in the container closure. A sealing means system according to the invention is also preferred, wherein the container closure is designed such that, after the first passage opening and the second passage opening have been formed in the interior of the container closure, no fluid can pass from the first fluid channel into the second fluid channel.

[0042] The sealing system according to the invention comprises—as explained above—at least one sealing layer in each of the fluid channels, which prevents the passage of fluid through the respective fluid channel unless a specific pressure difference is exceeded. The inventors have recognized that the position of the sealing layer within the respective fluid channel is fundamentally freely selectable, but that specific positions for the sealing layers can be selected that minimize the risk of unintentional rupture, for example, due to external vibrations, while simultaneously enabling reliable rupture during subsequent use.A sealing agent system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the first sealing layer is arranged in the end region of the first fluid channel, preferably the end region pointing in the direction of the container interior, 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, wherein the first sealing layer is preferably arranged exactly at the end of the first fluid channel. Additionally or alternatively, a sealing agent system according to the invention is also preferred, wherein the second sealing layer is arranged in the end region of the second fluid channel, preferably the end region pointing in the direction of the container interior, 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, wherein the second sealing layer is preferably arranged exactly at the end of the second fluid channel.

[0043] In view of the conflicting objectives of ensuring the safest possible handling and excellent tightness even under adverse ambient conditions on the one hand, and easy and reliable opening in the sealing process on the other, the inventors have identified particularly suitable ranges for the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference. In practice, this has made it possible to obtain particularly resistant sealant systems which nevertheless demonstrated reliable opening of the sealing layers when the specific pressure difference ranges were reached. A sealant system according to the invention is therefore preferred wherein the first pressure difference is in the range from 50 to 400 kPa, preferably in the range from 100 to 300 kPa, particularly preferably in the range from 150 to 250 kPa, and / or wherein the second pressure difference is in the range from 50 to 400 kPa, preferably in the range from 100 to 300 kPa, particularly preferably in the range from 150 to 250 kPa.

[0044] As explained above, the sealing layers are designed according to the invention to be irreversibly destroyed when a specific pressure difference acts on them. Accordingly, the dimensions of the sealing layers, in particular their average thickness, will essentially depend on the desired pressure difference and the particular material selected and will be selected accordingly by a person skilled in the art. In the opinion of the inventors, a sealing system according to the invention is suitable for most materials, wherein the first sealing 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 sealing 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.

[0045] In principle, neither the sealant container nor the container closure are particularly limited with regard to the materials used for their manufacture. However, it can be seen as a major advantage of the sealant systems according to the invention that the container closures can be efficiently formed as a single piece and, in particular, can be manufactured particularly time- and cost-efficiently using plastic molding processes. Accordingly, for essentially all embodiments, it is preferred to form at least the container closures from a thermoplastic material that can be easily processed using corresponding injection molding processes, with process-related advantages resulting, in particular, from the use of complementary plastics for the sealant container.Accordingly, a sealing system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the container closure consists of 90% or more, preferably 95% or more, particularly preferably 98% or more, very particularly preferably essentially completely, a first thermoplastic material, based on the mass of the container closure. Furthermore, a sealing system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the sealing container consists of 90% or more, preferably 95% or more, particularly preferably 98% or more, very particularly preferably essentially completely, a third thermoplastic material, based on the mass of the sealing container.

[0046] The inventors have succeeded in identifying materials with which particularly stable sealing systems could be obtained in practice and with which, with excellent manufacturing properties, reliable sealing could be achieved, especially under demanding environmental conditions. Preferred is a sealing system according to the invention, wherein the first thermoplastic material is selected from the group consisting of polyesters and polyolefins, preferably selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and polypropylene, and most preferably selected from the group consisting of polypropylene.Additionally or alternatively, a sealing agent system according to the invention is also preferred, wherein the third thermoplastic material is selected from the group consisting of polyesters and polyolefins, preferably selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and polypropylene, very particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of polypropylene.

[0047] With a view to particularly time- and cost-efficient production of sealing systems according to the invention, the inventors propose, based on the above considerations, that it is advantageous to form the sealing layers from the same material as the container closure. In particularly preferred embodiments, the sealing layers can be designed as an integral component of the container closure, which the inventors believe is preferred for all embodiments. Advantageously, this embodiment not only reduces the manufacturing steps required for production, namely in particular by avoiding subsequent production of the sealing layers in the container closure, but also increases the mechanical stability of the container closure.Accordingly, a sealing agent 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, consist of the first thermoplastic material, wherein the first closure layer and / or the second closure layer, preferably the first closure layer and the second closure layer, are integrally connected to the remaining container closure without an interface, wherein the container closure is preferably formed in one piece, preferably in an injection molding process.

[0048] Alternatively, at least one of the sealing layers can be made of a different material from the container closure. However, this will generally require greater manufacturing effort. However, this embodiment allows for a wider range of materials for the corresponding sealing layer or both sealing layers, allowing sealing layers to be better adapted to application-specific requirements, for example, the pressure difference required for irreversible destruction.Therefore, an alternative preferred sealing agent system according to the invention is one in which the first sealing layer and / or the second sealing layer, preferably the first sealing layer and the second sealing layer, consist of a second thermoplastic material, wherein the first sealing layer and / or the second sealing layer, preferably the first sealing layer and the second sealing layer, are integrally connected to the remaining container closure, preferably by fusing the first thermoplastic material with the second thermoplastic material.For example, a sealing agent system according to the invention is conceivable, wherein the second thermoplastic material is selected from the group consisting of polyesters and polyolefins, preferably selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and polypropylene, very particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of polypropylene.

[0049] In principle, the generation of the force required to break up the

[0050] The pressure differences required for the sealing layers in the subsequent sealing process can be achieved in various ways, for example mechanically or by introducing further fluids, in particular compressed air. Mechanical pressure can be exerted, for example, by connecting the first fluid channel and / or the second fluid channel to another component, for example a fluid line of a sealing device, for example by the respective sealing layer being opened by a projection integrated in the other component, which projection exerts mechanical pressure on the sealing layer during connection. Advantageously, however, such additional components are not required in sealing system according to the invention, since the sealing layers can be broken open particularly easily and reliably by the action of fluid-mediated pressure, ie by introducing a fluid, for example compressed air, into at least one of the fluid channels.For essentially all embodiments, therefore, a sealing system according to the invention is preferred, wherein the container closure is configured such that the first passage opening and / or the second passage opening, preferably the first passage opening and the second passage opening, are formed as a result of a pressure exerted by a fluid. The sealing system according to the invention unfolds its advantages particularly in situations in which, due to the technical conditions, at least one pressure generating unit, for example an air compressor, is present. Accordingly, a sealing system according to the invention is also preferred, wherein the sealing system is configured such that the first passage opening and the second passage opening can be formed by applying a gas pressure to the first fluid channel or the second fluid channel, preferably a gas pressure generated by a pressure generating unit.

[0051] The person skilled in the art will understand that the invention also

[0052] A container closure for the fluid-tight closure of a container opening of a sealant container in a sealant system according to the invention, wherein the container closure comprises a first fluid channel extending through the container closure, wherein the first fluid channel is closed with a first closure layer, by which the escape of fluid from the closed container opening through the first fluid channel is prevented, wherein the container closure comprises a second fluid channel extending through the container closure, wherein the second fluid channel is closed with a second closure layer, by which the escape of fluid from the closed container opening through the second fluid channel is prevented, wherein the container closure is designed tothat the first sealing layer is irreversibly destroyed as a result of a first pressure difference in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa acting between the sides of the first sealing layer and forms a first passage opening through which a passage of fluid through the first fluid channel is enabled, and wherein the container closure is designed such that the second sealing layer forms a second passage opening as a result of a second pressure difference in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa acting between the sides of the second sealing layer, through which a passage of fluid through the second fluid channel is enabled.

[0053] The invention further relates to a method for producing a sealing agent system according to the invention or a container closure according to the invention, comprising the method steps: i) producing or providing a first thermoplastic, and ii) forming the container closure blank from the first thermoplastic in a casting process, wherein the first closure layer and the second closure layer are formed in method step ii) independently of one another, each as part of the container closure blank or after injection of a second thermoplastic into the container closure blank.

[0054] The method according to the invention for producing the sealing system according to the invention or the container closure according to the invention comprises, in a first method step, producing or providing a first thermoplastic material and, in a second method step, molding the container closure blank from this first thermoplastic material using a casting process. Various suitable casting processes are known to those skilled in the art. A method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the casting process is an injection molding process.

[0055] According to the invention, the closure layers are formed either as part of the container closure blank or—somewhat less preferably—subsequently by introducing a second thermoplastic material into the container closure blank. In principle, the two closure layers are formed independently of one another, e.g., only in one case by subsequently introducing the closure layer. However, a method according to the invention is preferred, wherein the first closure layer and the second closure layer are formed in the same way in process step ii).

[0056] With a view to the particularly advantageous one-piece design of the container closures and a particularly time- and cost-efficient production of the sealing agent system according to the invention or of the container closure according to the invention, a method according to the invention is also preferred, wherein the first closure layer and the second closure layer are each formed independently of one another as part of the container closure blank in method step ii).

[0057] The inventors have recognized that the tightness of the sealing system according to the invention or of the container closure according to the invention can advantageously be tested directly during the manufacturing process using the method according to the invention. For this purpose, a method according to the invention is preferred, additionally comprising the method step: iii) testing the fluid tightness of the first fluid channel by applying a first test pressure difference and of the second fluid channel by applying a second test pressure difference, wherein the first test pressure difference is smaller than the first pressure difference and wherein the second test pressure difference is smaller than the second pressure difference, preferably by 10% or more in each case, particularly preferably by 20% or more.

[0058] Also disclosed within the scope of the invention is a breakdown assistance kit comprising: aa) one or more sealing agent systems according to the invention comprising a sealing agent in the container interior, and bb) a pressure generating unit.

[0059] In accordance with expert understanding, a breakdown assistance kit is understood to be a kit comprising several units which, when used, can enable the at least temporary sealing of a defective vehicle tire. In this respect, for example, a vehicle with a defect remedied by the breakdown assistance kit can continue to drive independently for at least a certain period of time, for example in order to be able to visit a workshop to replace or repair the affected vehicle tire, thereby eliminating the need for a towing service. For this purpose, the breakdown assistance kit comprises at least one sealing system according to the invention with sealant and a pressure generation unit. A breakdown assistance kit as disclosed above is relevant for most applications, wherein the pressure generation unit is an air compressor.

[0060] The disclosed breakdown repair kit is particularly suitable for sealing damage caused by small objects such as nails.

[0061] In practice, fluid lines, such as connecting hoses, are regularly used to connect the pressure-generating unit to the at least one sealing system and to connect the sealing system to the object to be sealed. For most embodiments, a breakdown assistance kit as disclosed above is appropriate, additionally comprising: cc) one or more fluid lines, preferably hoses, for connecting the sealing system to a vehicle tire and / or the pressure-generating unit.

[0062] Also useful in practice is a breakdown assistance kit as disclosed above, additionally comprising: dd) operating instructions for sealing a damaged vehicle tyre using the breakdown assistance kit.

[0063] Also disclosed is a method for sealing a damaged vehicle tire with a breakdown kit according to the invention, comprising the steps: v) establishing a fluid-conducting connection between the first fluid channel and the pressure generating unit, w) establishing a fluid-conducting connection between the second fluid channel and the pressure valve of the damaged vehicle tire, x) generating an overpressure in the first fluid channel with the pressure generating unit to generate 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 for forming the first passage opening in the first sealing layer, y) generating an overpressure in the container interior with the pressure generating unit to generate 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 for forming the second passage opening in the second sealing layer, and z) discharging the sealant from the sealant system through the second fluid channel into the damaged vehicle tire.

[0064] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures:

[0065] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sealing system according to the invention in a preferred embodiment; and

[0066] Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a container closure according to the invention in a preferred embodiment.

[0067] Fig. 1 shows a sealant system 10 according to the invention with a sealant container 12 and a container closure 18. In the example shown, the sealant container 12 has a container interior 14 with a volume of approximately 0.45 L, in which a sealant can be sealed in a fluid-tight manner if the container closure 18 is screwed reversibly and non-destructively to the container opening 16 of the sealant container 12 via a corresponding screw thread 28. The tightness is additionally promoted by a sealing element 30, which is arranged between the screw thread 28 of the container opening 16 and the container closure 18. In the example shown, both the sealant container 12 and the container closure 18 are made of polypropylene.

[0068] The container closure 18 has, as also shown enlarged in Fig. 2, a first fluid channel 20 and a second fluid channel 24, which are arranged with their longitudinal axes orthogonal to one another in the container closure 18 such that no fluid can pass from the first fluid channel 20 into the second fluid channel 24. Both fluid channels each comprise a thread at their end pointing away from the container interior 14 for connecting a fluid line, in particular for connecting hoses.

[0069] In addition, the first fluid channel 20 comprises, at its end facing the container interior 14, a first sealing layer 22 with an average thickness of approximately 0.05 mm. The second fluid channel 24 comprises, at its end facing the container interior 14, a second sealing layer 26 with an average thickness of approximately 0.05 mm.

[0070] In the example shown, the container closure 18 is designed such that the respective closure layer is irreversibly destroyed upon application of a first pressure difference of 250 kPa acting between the sides of the first closure layer 22 or as a result of a second pressure difference of 250 kPa acting between the sides of the second closure layer 26, thereby forming a first passage opening or a second passage opening, respectively, so that passage of fluid through the first fluid channel 20 or the second fluid channel 24 is enabled. In other words, the container closure 18 closes the container opening 16 in Fig. 1 in a fluid-tight manner until the pressure difference between the pressure in the container interior 14 and the ambient pressure is greater than the first pressure difference or the second pressure difference.In the example shown, the container closure 18 is designed such that the closure layers can each be destroyed as a result of a gas pressure generated by an air compressor, wherein the working fluid can enter the container interior 14 through the second fluid channel 24 in order to displace a sealant arranged in the container interior 14 through the first fluid channel 20 from the container interior 14, wherein the sealant system 10 shown is designed for use "overhead".

[0071] In the preferred container closure 18 shown, both closure layers are manufactured from the same material as the remaining container closure 18 in an injection molding process and are produced in such a way that they are integrally connected to the remaining container closure 18 without an interface, so that the container closure 18 is formed as a single piece.

[0072] List of reference symbols

[0073] 10 Sealant system

[0074] 12 sealant containers

[0075] 14 Container interior 16 Container opening

[0076] 18 Container closure

[0077] 20 first fluid channel

[0078] 22 first sealing layer

[0079] 24 second fluid channel 26 second sealing layer

[0080] 28 screw threads

[0081] 30 Sealing element

Claims

Claims 1. A sealant system (10), comprising: a) a sealant container (12) comprising a container interior (14) for receiving sealant, wherein the container interior (14) is accessible via a container opening (16), and b) a container closure (18), wherein the container closure (18) closes 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), wherein the first fluid channel (20) is closed with a first closure layer (22) by which the escape of fluid from the container opening (16) through the first fluid channel (20) is prevented, wherein the container closure (18) comprises a second fluid channel (24) extending through the container closure (18), wherein the second fluid channel (24) is closed with a second closure layer (26) by which the escape of fluid from the container opening (16) through the second fluid channel (24) is prevented becomes,wherein the container closure (18) is designed such that the first closure layer (22) is irreversibly destroyed as a result of a first pressure difference acting between the sides of the first closure layer (22) in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa and forms a first passage opening through which a passage of fluid through the first fluid channel (20) is made possible, and wherein the container closure (18) is designed such that the second closure layer (26) is irreversibly destroyed as a result of a second pressure difference acting between the sides of the second closure layer (26) in the range of, 50 to 1000 kPa forms a second passage opening through which a passage of fluid through the second fluid channel (24) is enabled.

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

3. Sealant system (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the container closure (18) is configured such that the first passage opening and / or the second passage opening are formed as a result of a pressure exerted by a fluid.

4. Sealant system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, additionally comprising a sealant in the container interior (14).

5. Sealant system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the container closure (18) consists of 90% or more of a first thermoplastic material, based on the mass of the container closure (18), wherein the first closure layer (22) and / or the second closure layer (26) consist of the first thermoplastic material.

6. Sealant system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first closure layer (22) and / or the second closure layer (26) are integrally bonded to the remaining container closure (18) without an interface.

7. Sealant system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second fluid channel (24) is designed as a riser pipe, or wherein the end of the second fluid channel (24) pointing in the direction of the container interior (14) extends over 0.15*H or less into the container interior (14), where H is the height of the container interior (14).

8. Sealant system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first sealing layer (22) is arranged in the end region of the first fluid channel (20), wherein the end region extends over 10% or less of the length of the first fluid channel (20), and / or wherein the second sealing layer (26) is arranged in the end region of the second fluid channel (24), wherein the end region extends over 10% or less of the length of the second fluid channel (24).

9. A container closure (18) for the fluid-tight closure of a container opening (16) of a sealant container (12) in a sealant system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the container closure (18) comprises a first fluid channel (20) extending through the container closure (18), wherein the first fluid channel (20) is closed with a first closure layer (22) by which the escape of fluid from the closed container opening (16) through the first fluid channel (20) is prevented, wherein the container closure (18) comprises a second fluid channel (24) extending through the container closure (18), wherein the second fluid channel (24) is closed with a second closure layer (26) by which the escape of fluid from the closed container opening (16) through the second fluid channel (24) is prevented, wherein the container closure (18) is designed such that the first closure layer (22) is irreversibly destroyed as a result of a first pressure difference in the range from 50 to 1000 kPa acting between the sides of the first closure layer (22) and forms a first passage opening through which a passage of fluid through the first fluid channel (20) is made possible, and wherein the container closure (18) is designed such that the second closure layer (26) forms a second passage opening as a result of a second pressure difference in the range from 50 to 1000 kPa acting between the sides of the second closure layer (26), through which a passage of fluid through the second fluid channel (24) is made possible.

10. A method for producing a sealing system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8 or a container closure (18) according to claim 9, comprising the method steps: i) producing or providing a first thermoplastic, and ii) molding the container closure blank from the first thermoplastic in a casting process, wherein the first closure layer (22) and the second closure layer (26) are molded in method step ii) independently of one another, each as part of the container closure blank or after injection of a second thermoplastic into the container closure blank.

Images