sealant system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sealant system (10) comprising: a) a sealant container (12) including a container interior (14) for holding a sealant, the container interior (14) being accessible through a container opening (16); and b) a container closure (18) fluid-tightly enclosing the container opening (16), the container closure (18) including a first fluid channel (20) extending within the container closure (18), the first fluid channel (20) being closed by a first closure layer (22), the container closure (18) being configured to seal the container The container closure (18) includes a second fluid channel (24) extending through the closure (18), the second fluid channel (24) being closed by a second closure layer (26), the container closure (18) being configured such that the first closure layer (22) is irreversibly ruptured and forms a first through opening as a result of a first pressure differential in the range of 50-1000 kPa acting between sides of the first closure layer (22), and the second sealing layer (26) forms a second through opening as a result of a second pressure differential in the range of 50-1000 kPa acting between sides of the second sealing layer (26).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealant system, a container closure for fluid-tight closure of a container opening of a sealant container in a corresponding sealant system, and a method for manufacturing the corresponding sealant system or the corresponding container closure. Also disclosed are a puncture repair kit and a method for using the corresponding puncture repair kit to seal a damaged vehicle tire. [Background technology]

[0002] In many fields of technology, such as the tire and vehicle industry, sealants are often used to seal leaking components. In most cases, sealants are provided in a viscous form in what is known as a sealant system, and only after leaving this sealant system do they exert their sealing effect, for example, upon contact with the air and / or substrate to be sealed. In particular, in the tire and vehicle industry, the use of sealant systems is widespread, for example, in the context of puncture repair kits for at least temporarily repairing damaged vehicle tires.

[0003] Such sealant storage systems are often subject to particularly demanding requirements, since on the one hand they must contain the stored sealant so that it does not harden prematurely and therefore must reliably prevent accidental leakage of the sealant, and on the other hand they must allow for quick and easy dispensing when used, which must be possible to achieve even for non-experts and / or those without the appropriate tools, particularly in the case of puncture repair kits.

[0004] Therefore, the sealant system must be fluid-tight after filling with sealant to protect the sealant from environmental influences, especially in the case of shaking and vibration. Only upon use by the user of the sealant system is the closure of the sealant system opened by suitable means to drain the sealant, which is generally facilitated or achieved by the application of external pressure and the extrusion of the sealant from the sealant system.

[0005] Various mechanisms for closing sealant systems are known in the prior art. Disclosures in this regard can be found, for example, in EP 280701881 A1, EP 2030768 A1, DE 20113129 A1, DE 29716453 A1, and DE 10106468 A1. Thus, for example, seals are known for closing sealant bottles, especially aluminum seals, which must be removed, for example, manually, before use or can be opened by connecting the sealant system to an external component via a disconnecting device integrated therein. In addition, the prior art discloses separate sealing elements for use with sealant systems that can be integrated into a cap element and released when exposed to pressure, allowing fluid to pass through.

[0006] In many cases, even if the solutions known from the prior art are able to meet the application requirements of sealant systems at least to a large extent, they are also perceived as having practical disadvantages, especially from the standpoint of production and handling.

[0007] Simpler solutions, in particular, are often limited to simply closing the sealant container, and therefore the functionality required to drain the sealant at the time of use must be provided by a separate device, for example by a corresponding fluid line system with a coaxial line.

[0008] Furthermore, when the sealant container is closed by a sealant, the skilled person must also in most cases carefully match the materials of the sealant container and the sealant container, as well as the adhesives that can be used for attachment, in order to be able to ensure both a fluid-tight closure and, if necessary, safe opening, and therefore the possible choices of materials are usually limited. Furthermore, in some cases, as a result, special equipment, such as an evacuation aid with a cutting tool, is required to efficiently cut and open the sealant.

[0009] On the other hand, closure of the sealant system by a separate sealing element within the container closure generally requires particularly precise manufacturing of the components to achieve a fluid-tight fit between the sealing element and the container cap, which is maintained especially in the event of shaking, vibration or impact. Additionally, in the case of separate sealing elements that are forced open, for example by compressed air, there is always a risk that the line will become clogged, partially or even completely preventing the sealant from exiting the sealant system.

[0010] In the case of most solutions known from the prior art, for example when using seals or separate sealing elements, additional manufacturing steps are still necessary to implement the corresponding solution. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 280701881A1 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 2030768A1 [Patent Document 3] German Utility Model Application Publication No. 20113129 [Patent Document 4] German Utility Model Application Publication No. 29716453 [Patent Document 5] German Patent Application Publication No. 10106468A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The main object of the present invention was to obviate or at least mitigate the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0013] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to specify a sealant system and an associated container closure, the manufacture of which should be possible in a particularly time- and cost-efficient manner, and the manufacturing mode should ideally promote the sealing effect, in which case, in particular, a reduction in the number of work steps required should be achieved. In this context, the manufacture of the sealant system and associated container closure to be specified, as well as the connection of the container closure to the sealant container, should be simplified compared to the prior art, in which case, in particular, minimizing the number of components used and expanding the range of materials that can be used were desirable goals.

[0014] The aim of the present invention was that the sealant system and associated container closure to be specified should have advantageous fluid-tightness even under external mechanical loads such as vibrations and shocks and should therefore allow reliable storage of the corresponding sealant even under harsh environmental conditions, such as in the trunk of a vehicle.

[0015] In addition, it was an object of the present invention that the sealant system to be identified should be able to be used efficiently in a method for sealing damaged vehicle tires, in which case, in particular, the requirements for the devices needed for this purpose should be reduced, in particular with regard to the need for cutting devices for opening the sealant system or complex fluid line systems.

[0016] A further object of the present invention was that this should be possible in the sealant system to be specified and in the container closure to be specified, in order to avoid as much as possible undesired clogging of the fluid lines during use in the sealing process.

[0017] Additionally, it was an object of the present invention to identify an advantageous method for manufacturing a corresponding sealant system and an associated container closure. At the same time, as part of the method to be identified, it was a desirable goal that it be possible in a particularly simple manner to carry out a check on the leaktightness of the component.

[0018] Furthermore, a second object of the present invention was to provide a puncture repair kit including one or more corresponding sealant systems, as well as a method for sealing a vehicle tire damaged by such a puncture repair kit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] The inventors have now surprisingly found that the above-mentioned object can be achieved when the container closure in the sealant system is implemented in such a way that the sealant container of the sealant system is fluid-tightly closed by two fluid channels in which the closure elements are each provided, when the container closure in the sealant system is designed so that it breaks open when a certain pressure difference is applied, thereby allowing the passage of fluid through the respective fluid channels, as defined in the claims.

[0020] This advantageously makes it possible to obtain a sealant system that can be produced in a particularly time- and cost-efficient manner, and in which the sealant system can be closed in a particularly simple and at the same time reliable manner by a corresponding container closure, reliably preventing undesired clogging of the line. At the same time, synergistically, the container closure allows for efficient fluid conduction, which can significantly reduce the design requirements for the devices used in the method for sealing damaged vehicle tires. Furthermore, the sealant system can be reliably opened by applying fluid-mediated pressure, which in particular makes it possible to dispense with external cutting devices.

[0021] The above-mentioned objects are therefore achieved by the subject matter of the invention as defined in the claims. Preferred design embodiments according to the invention are derived from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0022] In particularly preferred embodiments, the embodiments referred to below as preferred are combined with features of other embodiments referred to below as preferred. Thus, combinations of two or more of the embodiments referred to below as particularly preferred are most highly preferred. Similarly, preferred embodiments are those in which features of one embodiment referred to as somewhat preferred are combined with one or more additional features of other embodiments referred to as somewhat preferred. Features of the preferred container closure, puncture repair kit, and method are apparent from the features of the preferred sealant system.

[0023] The present invention relates in particular to a sealant system, in particular to a sealant system used in sealing vehicle tyres, which comprises: a) a sealant container including a container interior for holding a sealant, the container interior being accessible through a container opening; b) a container closure; and the container closure fluid-tightly closes the container opening; the container closure includes a first fluid channel extending through the container closure, the first fluid channel being closed by a first closure layer to prevent fluid from leaking through the first fluid channel and out the container opening; the container closure includes a second fluid channel extending through the container closure, the second fluid channel being closed by a second closure layer thereby preventing fluid from leaking through the second fluid channel and out the container opening; The container closure is configured such that a first closure layer is irreversibly ruptured and forms a first through opening, the first through opening allowing fluid to pass through the first fluid channel as a result of a first pressure differential in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa acting between sides of the first closure layer; The container closure is configured such that the second closure layer defines a second through opening that allows fluid to pass through the second fluid channel as a result of a second pressure differential in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa acting between the sides of the second closure layer.

[0024] The basic operation mode of a sealant system and its use in a puncture repair kit are known to those skilled in the art on the basis of their expertise, and therefore those skilled in the art will understand that the sealant system according to the invention is undoubtedly suitable for both the fluid-tight storage and subsequent dispensing of a sealant, whereby, with regard to the basic configuration, the sealant system can be adapted by those skilled in the art to the requirements of the sealant to be held, for example, with regard to the material of the sealant container.

[0025] To hold the sealant, the sealant system according to the invention comprises a sealant container having a container interior accessible via a container opening and sometimes referred to as a sealant bottle. Suitable sealant systems according to the invention for substantially all embodiments in the area of ​​sealing vehicle tires are those in which the container interior has a volume in the range of 0.05 to 10 l, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 5 l, particularly preferably in the range of 0.2 to 2.5 l, and very particularly preferably in the range of 0.2 to 1.25 l.

[0026] Those skilled in the art will understand that the sealant does not necessarily have to be part of the above-defined sealant system according to the present invention. The sealant system may, for example, be supplied by the manufacturer to the sealant manufacturer in a (re)fillable storage container. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the sealant system according to the present invention already contains the sealant, thereby enabling it to be immediately used to seal vehicle tires. Compositions suitable for use as sealants, in particular for sealing vehicle tires, are known to those skilled in the art from the prior art and are commercially available from various suppliers. Therefore, a sealant system according to the present invention is preferred, which further comprises a sealant inside the container, preferably a sealant for sealing damaged vehicle tires. In this context, a damaged vehicle tire should be understood to mean, in particular, a vehicle tire having a relatively small hole in the tread, such as may be caused by a nail, for example.

[0027] Those skilled in the art will understand that apart from the container opening, the sealant container will in most cases be fluid-tight in nature, and therefore viscous sealant or other fluids can only enter or escape through the container opening.

[0028] Although, in principle, it is at least theoretically possible to equip a sealant container with multiple container openings, each of which would have to be closed. In most cases, however, it is advantageous to provide only a single container opening, on the one hand to increase the stability of the sealant container and facilitate the manufacture of the corresponding container, and on the other hand to simplify the fluid-tight closure of the container interior. Therefore, a sealant system according to the present invention, in which the container interior is accessible via only one container opening, is suitable in most cases.

[0029] The sealant system according to the present invention further includes a container closure for fluid-tightly closing the container opening.

[0030] The connection between the container closure and the sealant container is advantageously not limited with respect to its specific configuration. In this regard, advantageous sealant systems according to the invention are those in which the container closure and the sealant container comprise complementary connecting elements. One example in this regard is a sealant system according to the invention in which the container closure is connected to the sealant container via a threaded closure, a bayonet joint, or a plug joint, preferably via a threaded joint. Therefore, sealant systems according to the invention in which the container closure comprises a thread are also preferred.

[0031] In most embodiments, it is advantageous to design the closure as a reversibly and non-destructively releasable connection, for example to allow for easy (re)filling, although in principle it is also possible to configure the connection as a permanent, non-reversibly releasable connection, for example by means of protection against unscrewing, in order to prevent or at least make more difficult incorrect use of the sealant system.

[0032] For all the above configurations, a sealant system according to the invention is preferred, in which a sealing element, preferably a sealing ring, is arranged between the container closure and the sealant container.

[0033] During subsequent use of the sealant system according to the invention, the sealant placed in the sealant system is delivered from the container opening of the sealant system through the pre-sealed container closure by the action of an external force. Often, particularly in the tire repair sector, this action of an external force is brought about or facilitated by the introduction of another fluid, in particular compressed air. To enable this functionality, i.e., the introduction of fluid and the evacuation of sealant, the container closure of the sealant system according to the invention includes a specific fluid line system.

[0034] More specifically, according to the present invention, the container closure has, in its initial state, i.e., before use in a sealing process, a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel that are each fluid-tightly closed by a closure layer. In this regard, consistent with the understanding of those skilled in the art, a "closure layer" refers to a two-dimensionally extending, relatively thin layer for closing an opening. According to the present invention, the fluid channels extend through the container closure, and therefore, in a state closed by a container cap, the interior of the container will be accessible through the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel only if they are not closed by the closure layer.

[0035] In the sealant system according to the invention, this opening of the fluid channel is achieved by the fact that the closure layer is designed to rupture open under predetermined conditions.

[0036] According to the present invention, the sealant system of the present invention is designed such that a first closure layer in a first fluid channel is irreversibly destroyed under a first pressure difference, and a second closure layer in a second fluid channel is irreversibly destroyed under a second pressure difference, thereby forming respective through openings and allowing fluid to pass through the respective fluid channels. As explained above, this allows the sealant disposed inside the container to exit the sealant system of the present invention through one of the two fluid channels when compressed air is applied.

[0037] In the context of the present invention, the pressure difference acting between the two sides of the closure layer is the pressure p acting inside the respective closure layer, i.e., usually inside the container. B and the pressure p acting outside each closure layer, i.e., usually inside the fluid channel. F This should be interpreted as meaning the absolute value of the difference between the pressure inside the container and the ambient pressure. In other words, this is therefore a sealant system according to the present invention, where the container closure fluid-tightly closes the container opening when the pressure difference between the pressure inside the container and the ambient pressure is less than the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference.

[0038] In most cases, the sealant system according to the invention operates in a subsequent sealing process such that the sealant disposed inside the container is forced out of the sealant container through one of the two fluid channels of the container closure when gas pressure is applied, thereby allowing it to be introduced, for example, via a further line, into the vehicle tire to be sealed. In practice, for example, compressed air can be introduced into the first fluid channel by a compressor, resulting in a first pressure difference and corresponding destruction of the first closure layer. The introduced compressed air then displaces the sealant disposed inside the container such that a second pressure difference is also created and the second closure layer is destroyed, thereby allowing the sealant to be introduced, for example, via a hose, into the object to be sealed, for example, a damaged vehicle tire. In other words, this is a sealant system according to the invention, which in this case is configured to allow the working fluid to enter the container interior through the first fluid channel when the first and second through openings are formed in order to displace the liquid disposed inside the container out of the container interior through the second fluid channel.

[0039] In subsequent implementations, it is often necessary to connect the outward ends of the first and second fluid channels to fluid lines for transporting fluids. To efficiently connect the fluid lines to the fluid channels, it is possible to use, for example, a threaded connection. Alternatively, hose connections, i.e., tube stubs to which a hose can be attached and optionally additionally fixed by a hose clamp, are also conceivable. Therefore, a sealant system according to the present invention is preferred, in which the first fluid channel comprises a first connection for a fluid line, the first connection preferably comprising a hose connection or a thread, preferably a thread. Also preferred is a sealant system according to the present invention, in which, additionally or alternatively, the second fluid channel comprises a second connection for a fluid line, the second connection preferably comprising a hose connection or a thread, preferably a thread.

[0040] The sealant system according to the invention is advantageously not limited with respect to a specific configuration of the fluid channels, in which case their dimensions and alignment will in fact be selected with particular reference to the dimensions of the container closure and the design configuration of the device used in the sealing process. However, the inventors have identified dimensions that promote particularly advantageous robustness of the sealant system according to the invention with respect to vibrations and shocks and allow excellent integration into typical sealing devices. More specifically, sealant systems according to the invention are preferred in which the longitudinal axes of the first and second fluid channels 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 very particularly preferably substantially 90°. When the longitudinal axes of the fluid channels are aligned perpendicular to each other, the inventors have found that this alignment of the fluid channels allows for more efficient fluid supply and that the sealant system according to the invention is easier to handle during operation, since the second fluid channel, in particular, is more easily accessible for connection of external fluid lines.

[0041] In one example of a sealant system according to the invention, the first fluid channel has a length in the range of 10-50 mm, preferably 25-35 mm, and / or the first fluid channel has an average diameter in the range of 2-35 mm, preferably 3-8 mm. Similarly, in one example of a sealant system according to the invention, the second fluid channel has a length in the range of 10-50 mm, preferably 15-25 mm, and / or the second fluid channel has an average diameter in the range of 2-35 mm, preferably 3-8 mm.

[0042] The sealant system according to the present invention can advantageously be efficiently adapted to a wide variety of application requirements, thereby enabling it to be operated both upright and upside down. In other words, the sealant system according to the present invention can be designed so that the sealant can be discharged not only against gravity but also with gravity, as needed. In the upright mode, i.e., when the sealant disposed inside the container must be supplied at least partially against gravity to exit the sealant system through the container opening, a "riser pipe" must be provided for this purpose in at least one of the fluid channels, i.e., the fluid channels through which the sealant is supplied. The term "riser pipe" is clear to those skilled in the art in relation to fluids and refers to a tube or hose through which a pressurized fluid can rise. In contrast, when the sealant system according to the present invention is operated upside down, i.e., when the sealant disposed inside the container is supplied substantially by gravity, such a riser pipe is not required for the fluid channel provided as an outlet. Therefore, for subsequent upright use, a sealant system according to the invention is preferred, in which the second fluid channel is designed as a riser pipe and the end of the second fluid channel pointing towards the interior of the vessel extends towards the interior of the vessel by preferably at least 0.85*H, preferably at least 0.9*H, particularly preferably at least 0.95*H, where H is the height of the interior of the vessel.

[0043] For subsequent upside-down use, a sealant system according to the invention is preferred, in which the end of the second fluid channel facing towards the interior of the container extends into the container by no more than 0.15*H, preferably no more than 0.1*H, particularly preferably no more than 0.05*H, and the end of the first fluid channel facing towards the interior of the container preferably extends into the container by more than 0.05*H, particularly preferably more than 0.1*H, very particularly preferably more than 0.15*H, where H is the height of the container interior.

[0044] Although, at least in theory, certain overpressure safeguards may also be provided, in the inventors' estimation, it is advantageous in substantially all embodiments for the first and second fluid channels to be completely spatially separated from one another and, therefore, in other words, unable to short-circuit one another. Therefore, in substantially all embodiments, a sealant system according to the present invention in which the first and second fluid channels are separated from one another within the container closure is preferred. Similarly, a sealant system according to the present invention in which the container closure is configured to prevent any fluid from flowing from the first fluid channel to the second fluid channel after forming the first and second through openings inside the container closure is preferred.

[0045] As explained above, the sealant system according to the invention comprises at least one closure layer in each of the fluid channels, which prevents fluid from passing through the respective fluid channel unless a certain pressure difference is exceeded. The inventors have recognized that, although there is essentially free choice as to the location of the closure layer in each fluid channel, it is possible to select a specific location for the closure layer that minimizes the risk of undesired opening due to, for example, external vibrations, while at the same time allowing reliable opening in subsequent use. More specifically, a sealant system according to the invention is preferred in which a first closure layer is arranged in the end region of the first fluid channel, preferably facing the interior of the container and extending over 10% or less, preferably 5% or less, particularly preferably 2% or less of the length of the first fluid channel, and the first closure layer is preferably positioned exactly at the end of the first fluid channel. Also preferred, in addition or as an alternative, is a sealant system according to the invention, in which the second closure layer is arranged in the end region of the second fluid channel, preferably in the end region facing towards the interior of the container, the end region extending over at most 10%, preferably at most 5%, particularly preferably at most 2% of the length of the second fluid channel, and the second closure layer is preferably positioned exactly at the end of the second fluid channel.

[0046] Taking into account the conflicting objectives arising from, on the one hand, maximum safety in handling and excellent leak-tightness even under adverse environmental conditions, and, on the other hand, easy and reliable opening during the sealing process, the inventors have identified particularly suitable ranges for the first and second pressure differences. Indeed, this has made it possible to obtain particularly robust sealant systems that can nevertheless demonstrate reliable opening of the closure layer when a certain pressure difference range is reached. Accordingly, sealant systems according to the invention are preferred in which 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 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.

[0047] As explained above, according to the present invention, the closure layers are each configured to irreversibly rupture at a specific pressure difference acting thereon. Therefore, the dimensions of the closure layers, in particular their average thickness, depend substantially on the desired pressure difference and the respective selected materials and will be selected accordingly by those skilled in the art. In the inventors' estimation, a favorable sealant system according to the present invention for most materials is one in which 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 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.

[0048] In principle, neither the sealant container nor the container closure are subject to any particular restrictions regarding the materials used for their manufacture. However, the ability to efficiently form the container closure in one piece and to produce it in a particularly time- and cost-efficient manner, particularly by injection molding, can be considered a major advantage of the sealant system according to the invention. Therefore, in substantially all embodiments, it is preferred to form at least the container closure from a thermoplastic material that is easy to process in the corresponding injection molding method, with advantages from the standpoint of process engineering being achieved, particularly by the use of a complementary plastic for the sealant container. Therefore, a sealant system according to the invention is preferred in which the container closure consists of at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, particularly preferably at least 98%, or very particularly preferably essentially entirely of the first thermoplastic material, based on the weight of the container closure. Further preferred is a sealant system according to the invention in which the sealant container consists of at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, particularly preferably at least 98%, or very particularly preferably essentially entirely of the third thermoplastic material, based on the weight of the sealant container.

[0049] The inventors have thus succeeded in identifying materials that make it possible to obtain particularly stable sealant systems and, in particular, to achieve reliable leak resistance even under harsh environmental conditions, in combination with excellent manufacturing properties. More specifically, sealant systems according to the invention are preferred in which the first thermoplastic is selected from the group comprising polyesters and polyolefins, preferably from the group comprising polyolefins, particularly preferably from the group comprising polyethylene and polypropylene, and very particularly preferably from the group comprising polypropylene. Also preferred are more specifically sealant systems according to the invention in which, additionally or alternatively, the third thermoplastic is selected from the group comprising polyesters and polyolefins, preferably from the group comprising polyolefins, particularly preferably from the group comprising polyethylene and polypropylene, and very particularly preferably from the group comprising polypropylene.

[0050] Regarding a particularly time- and cost-efficient production of the sealant system according to the invention, the inventors proceed from the above considerations and propose that it is advantageous to form the closure layer from the same material as the container closure. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the closure layer can be realized as an integral component of the container closure, which is preferred for all embodiments in the inventors' estimation. Advantageously, this embodiment not only reduces the production steps required for manufacture, in particular by avoiding subsequent production of the closure layer in the container closure, but also improves the mechanical stability of the container closure. Therefore, a sealant system according to the invention is preferred in which the first and / or second closure layer, preferably the first and second closure layers, consist of a first thermoplastic material, and the first and / or second closure layer, preferably the first and second closure layers, are substantially connected to the remainder of the container closure without a boundary layer, and the container closure is preferably formed in one piece, preferably by an injection molding process.

[0051] Alternatively, at least one of the closure layers can be manufactured from a material different from the container closure. However, in this case, the costs in terms of manufacturing technology are generally higher. However, in this embodiment, a wider range of materials is available for the corresponding or both closure layers, which allows the closure layers to be more effectively adapted to the application-specific requirements, such as the pressure difference required for irreversible rupture. Therefore, alternatively, a sealant system according to the present invention is preferred in which the first and / or second closure layers, preferably the first and second closure layers, consist of a second thermoplastic material, and the first and / or second closure layers, preferably the first and second closure layers, are substantially connected to the remainder of the container closure, preferably by fusing the first thermoplastic material with the second thermoplastic material. In this context, it is possible to consider, for example, a sealant system according to the present invention in which the second thermoplastic material is selected from the group comprising polyesters and polyolefins, preferably selected from the group comprising polyolefins, particularly preferably selected from the group comprising polyethylene and polypropylene, and very particularly preferably selected from the group comprising polypropylene.

[0052] Basically, the generation of the pressure difference required to break open the closure layer in the subsequent sealing process can be achieved in various ways, for example, mechanically or by introducing an additional fluid, in particular compressed air. The application of mechanical pressure can be achieved, for example, by connecting the first and / or second fluid channels to some other component, e.g., a fluid line of the sealing device, and the respective closure layer is opened, for example, by a protrusion integrated into the other component and exerting mechanical pressure on the closure layer during connection. However, advantageously, such additional components are not required in the sealant system according to the invention, since the break opening of the closure layer can be achieved particularly easily and reliably by the action of fluid-mediated pressure, i.e., by introducing a fluid, e.g., compressed air, into at least one of the fluid channels. Therefore, preference in substantially all embodiments relates to a sealant system according to the invention, in which the container closure is configured such that the first and / or second through-openings, preferably the first and second through-openings, are formed as a result of pressure applied by the fluid. The sealant system according to the invention is particularly advantageous in situations where, due to the technical circumstances, at least one pressure generating unit, for example an air compressor, is available. Therefore, a sealant system according to the invention is preferred, in which the sealant system is configured such that the first and second through-openings can be formed by application of gas pressure to the first or second fluid channel, preferably gas pressure generated by a pressure generating unit.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention relates to a container closure for fluid-tight closure of a container opening of a sealant container in a sealant system according to the present invention, the container closure includes a first fluid channel extending through the container closure, the first fluid channel being closed by a first closure layer to prevent fluid from leaking through the first fluid channel and out of the closed container opening; the container closure includes a second fluid channel extending within the container closure, the second fluid channel being closed by a second closure layer to prevent fluid from leaking through the second fluid channel and out of the closed container opening; the container closure is configured such that a first closure layer is irreversibly ruptured and forms a first through opening, the first through opening allowing fluid to pass through the first fluid channel as a result of a first pressure differential in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa acting between sides of the first closure layer; It will be appreciated that the container closure is configured such that the second closure layer defines a second through opening, which allows fluid to pass through the second fluid channel as a result of a second pressure differential in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa acting between the sides of the second closure layer.

[0054] The present invention further relates to a method for producing a sealant system according to the invention or a container closure according to the invention, the method comprising: i) producing or providing a first thermoplastic; ii) forming a container closure blank from the first thermoplastic material in a molding process; The first closure layer and the second closure layer are molded independently of each other in method step ii), either as part of the container closure blank or after injection of the second thermoplastic material into the container closure blank.

[0055] The method according to the invention for producing the sealant 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 forming a container closure blank from this first thermoplastic material in a molding process, various suitable molding methods being known to those skilled in the art, with the method according to the invention being preferred wherein the molding method is an injection molding method.

[0056] According to the invention, the closure layer is either molded as a component of the container closure blank or, as a slightly less preferred option, subsequently molded by introducing a second thermoplastic material into the container closure blank. In principle, the two closure layers are molded independently of each other, i.e., only in one case by subsequent introduction of the closure layer. However, a method according to the invention is preferred in which the first and second closure layers are formed in the same way in method step ii).

[0057] With regard to a particularly advantageous integral formation of the container closure and a particularly time- and cost-efficient production of the sealant system according to the invention and the container closure according to the invention, a method according to the invention is further preferred, in which in method step ii) the first closure layer and the second closure layer are formed independently of one another as part of the container closure blank in each case.

[0058] The inventors have realized that in the method according to the invention, the leaktightness of the sealant system according to the invention and of the container closure according to the invention can advantageously be checked directly during the manufacturing process. Preferably, the method according to the invention further comprises the step of iii) checking 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 the second test pressure difference is smaller than the second pressure difference, preferably by at least 10%, particularly preferably by at least 20% smaller in each case.

[0059] In the context of the present invention, aa) one or more sealant systems according to the present invention, comprising a sealant inside a container; bb) A pack repair kit is also disclosed that includes a pressure generating unit.

[0060] In accordance with the understanding of those skilled in the art, the term "puncture repair kit," as used herein, should be interpreted as meaning a kit including several units that can at least temporarily seal a defective vehicle tire. Thus, for example, a vehicle with a defect eliminated by the puncture repair kit can continue to operate independently for at least a certain period of time, for example, by finding a repair garage to replace or repair the affected vehicle tire, thereby eliminating the need for a vehicle recovery service. For this purpose, the puncture repair kit includes at least one sealant system according to the present invention, which includes a sealant and a pressure-generating unit. The puncture repair kit as disclosed above is suitable for most applications in which the pressure-generating unit is an air compressor.

[0061] The disclosed puncture repair kit is particularly suitable for sealing damage caused by relatively small objects such as nails.

[0062] In practice, fluid lines, for example connecting hoses, are generally used 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. Therefore, a convenient option for most embodiments is a puncture repair kit of the kind disclosed above, which further comprises: cc) one or more fluid lines, preferably hoses, for connecting the sealant system to the vehicle tire and / or pressure generating unit.

[0063] In fact, another convenient option is a puncture repair kit of the kind disclosed above, which further comprises: dd) Includes instructions for using the puncture repair kit to seal a damaged vehicle tire.

[0064] A method of sealing a damaged vehicle tire using a puncture repair kit according to the present invention is also disclosed, the method comprising: v) creating a fluid connection between the first fluid channel and a pressure generating unit; w) creating a fluid connection between a second fluid channel of the damaged vehicle tire and a pressure valve; x) generating an excess pressure in the first fluid channel by a pressure generating unit to generate a first working pressure difference between sides of the first closure layer, the first working pressure difference being equal to or greater than the first pressure difference to form a first through opening in the first closure layer; y) generating excess pressure inside the container by a pressure generating unit to generate a second working pressure difference between the sides of the second closure layer, the second working pressure difference being equal to or greater than the second pressure difference to form a second through-opening in the second closure layer; z) releasing the sealant from the sealant system through the second fluid channel into the damaged vehicle tire.

[0065] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0066] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a sealant system according to the present invention in one preferred embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a container closure according to the present invention in one preferred embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0067] FIG. 1 shows a sealant system 10 according to the present invention, including a sealant container 12 and a container closure 18 .

[0068] In the illustrated example, the sealant container 12 has a container interior 14 with a volume of approximately 0.45 liters, which allows for fluid-tight sealing of the sealant when a container closure 18 is reversibly, non-destructively, and releasably screwed onto the container opening 16 of the sealant container 12 with corresponding threads 28. Leak resistance is further promoted by a sealing element 30 disposed between the threads 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 manufactured from polypropylene.

[0069] 2, the container closure 18 has a first fluid channel 20 and a second fluid channel 24 whose longitudinal axes are arranged perpendicular to one another within the container closure 18 so that fluid cannot pass from the first fluid channel 20 into the second fluid channel 24. At their ends facing away from the container interior 14, each of the two fluid channels has a thread for the connection of a fluid line, in particular for the connection of a hose.

[0070] At its end facing the vessel interior 14, the first fluid channel 20 further comprises a first closure layer 22 having an average thickness of about 0.05 mm. At its end facing the vessel interior 14, the second fluid channel 24 comprises a second closure layer 26 having an average thickness of about 0.05 mm.

[0071] In the illustrated example, the container closure 18 is designed so that when a first pressure differential of 250 kPa is applied across the sides of the first closure layer 22 and a second pressure differential of 250 kPa is applied across the sides of the second closure layer 26, the respective closure layers are irreversibly destroyed, and in the process, first and second through openings are formed, thereby allowing fluid to pass through the first and second fluid channels 20, 24. In other words, the container closure 18 provides a fluid-tight seal against the container opening 16 of FIG. 1 until the pressure differential between the pressure in the container interior 14 and ambient pressure becomes greater than the first or second pressure differential.

[0072] In the illustrated example, the container closure 18 is designed so that the closure layers can each be broken as a result of gas pressure generated by an air compressor, and a working fluid can enter the container interior 14 through the second fluid channel 24 to displace the sealant disposed within the container interior 14 from the container interior 14 through the first fluid channel 20. In this case, the sealant system 10 shown is designed to be used upside down.

[0073] In the preferred container closure 18 shown, both closure layers are manufactured in an injection molding process from the same material as the remainder of the container closure 18 and are manufactured in this process so as to be substantially connected to the remainder of the container closure 18 without any boundary layer, and therefore the container closure 18 is an entirely unitary structure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 10 Sealant System 12 Sealant container 14 Inside the container 16 Container opening 18 Container closure 20 First fluid channel 22 First closure layer 24 Second fluid channel 26 Second closure layer 28 threads 30 Sealing Elements

Claims

1. A sealant system (10), a) A sealant container (12) including an interior container (14) for holding sealant, wherein the interior container (14) is accessible through a container opening (16) and b) Container closure (18) and Includes, The container closure body (18) fluidly closes the container opening (16), The container closure (18) includes a first fluid channel (20) extending into the container closure (18), the first fluid channel (20) being closed by a first closure layer (22), thereby preventing fluid from leaking through the first fluid channel (20) from the container opening (16). The container closure (18) includes a second fluid channel (24) extending into the container closure (18), the second fluid channel (24) being closed by a second closure layer (26), thereby preventing fluid from leaking through the second fluid channel (24) from the container opening (16). The container closure (18) is configured such that a first pressure difference in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa acting between the sides of the first closure layer (22) causes the first closure layer (22) to break and forms a first through-opening that allows fluid to pass through the first fluid channel (20). The container closure (18) is configured such that a second pressure difference in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa acting between the sides of the second closure layer (26) causes the second closure layer (26) to break and forms a second through-opening that allows fluid to pass through the second fluid channel (24). The first closing layer (22) and / or the second closing layer (26) are joined together without a boundary to the remaining part of the container closing body (18). Sealant system (10).

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

3. The sealant system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container closure (18) is configured such that the first through-opening and / or the second through-opening are formed as a result of pressure applied by the fluid.

4. The sealant system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising sealant inside the container (14).

5. The sealant system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container seal (18) is made of a first thermoplastic material that accounts for 90% or more of the mass of the container seal (18), and the first seal layer (22) and / or the second seal layer (26) are made of the first thermoplastic material.

6. The sealant system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second fluid channel (24) is designed as a riser tube.

7. The sealant system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sealing layer (22) is located in the end region of the first fluid channel (20), and the end region extends over 10% or less of the length of the first fluid channel (20), and / or the second sealing layer (26) is located in the end region of the second fluid channel (24), and the end region extends over 10% or less of the length of the second fluid channel (24).

8. A container closure body (18) for fluid-sealing the container opening (16) of a sealant container (12) in the sealant system (10) according to claim 1, The container closure (18) includes a first fluid channel (20) extending through the container closure (18), the first fluid channel (20) being closed by a first closure layer (22), thereby preventing fluid from leaking through the first fluid channel (20) from the closed container opening (16). The container closure (18) includes a second fluid channel (24) extending into the container closure (18), the second fluid channel (24) being closed by a second closure layer (26), thereby preventing fluid from leaking through the second fluid channel (24) from the closed container opening (16). The container closure (18) is configured such that a first pressure difference in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa acting between the sides of the first closure layer (22) causes the first closure layer (22) to break and forms a first through-opening that allows fluid to pass through the first fluid channel (20), and The container closure (18) is configured such that a second pressure difference in the range of 50 to 1000 kPa acting between the sides of the second closure layer (26) causes the second closure layer (26) to break and forms a second through-opening that allows fluid to pass through the second fluid channel (24), and The first closing layer (22) and / or the second closing layer (26) are joined together without a boundary to the remaining part of the container closing body (18). Container seal (18).

9. A method for manufacturing a sealant system (10) according to claim 1 or a container seal (18) according to claim 8, i) The step of manufacturing or providing a first thermoplastic material, ii) In the molding process, a step of molding a semi-finished product of a container closure from a first thermoplastic material, Includes, A method wherein the first closure layer (22) and the second closure layer (26) are molded independently of each other in step ii) as part of the semi-finished container closure, or after the injection of the second thermoplastic material into the semi-finished container closure.

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