Sealing body

Abstract

A sealing body, comprising a statically loaded first seal (1) and a dynamically loaded second seal (2). The second seal (2) consists of a PFAS-free material.

Description

[0001] Sealing body

[0002] Description

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The invention relates to a sealing body comprising a statically stressed first seal and a dynamically stressed second seal.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Such a sealing element is generally known and is designed, for example, as a flat gasket.

[0007] The first seal, for example, consists of a standard, rubber-elastic sealing material. Such materials are common, well-suited, widely proven, and readily available at low cost for static sealing applications.

[0008] The dynamically stressed second seal consists, for example, of a PTFE film, with the first and second seals being designed as a composite part.

[0009] The PTFE film exhibits good tribological properties with very low wear during the intended use of the sealing element. This ensures consistently good performance characteristics for the sealing element over a long service life. PTFE is a so-called PFAS material, where PFAS stands for per- and polyfluorinated chemicals. This group of substances comprises a wide variety of materials that are water-, grease-, and dirt-repellent, as well as chemically and thermally very stable. PFAS materials are extremely durable, not only as materials but also in nature and living organisms, accumulating in various organisms, including humans. Harmful effects on human health have already been demonstrated.

[0010] In addition to the disadvantages described above, PTFE is expensive and therefore also unsatisfactory from an economic point of view.

[0011] Description of the invention

[0012] The invention is based on the objective of further developing a sealing body of the type mentioned above in such a way that it has improved environmental compatibility and can be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0013] This problem is solved according to the invention by a sealing element having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are referred to in the claims directly or indirectly related to claim 1.

[0014] To solve the problem, it is planned that the second seal will be made of a PFAS-free material.

[0015] It is advantageous that the second seal, due to the material from which it is made, poses no danger to humans or the environment. Furthermore, it is advantageous that such materials are readily available in many specifications at low cost, making the sealing element according to the invention cost-effective to manufacture. According to an advantageous embodiment, the sealing element can be designed as a flat gasket with two sealing surfaces, wherein the first seal is arranged on the first sealing surface and the second seal on the second sealing surface, and wherein the first and second seals are designed as a composite component.

[0016] In the field of e-mobility, increasingly complex cooling and heating circuits are being interconnected for thermal management. This requires valves that connect the inlets and outlets of the cooling and heating circuits across multiple levels.

[0017] A key element of the cooling and heating circuits is a sealing element located between a static housing part and a rotatable inner cylindrical distributor element. The first seal provides a static seal to the housing, while the second seal seals the inner distributor element, which can rotate relative to the housing.

[0018] The first seal can be made of a rubber-elastic sealing material, while the second seal can be made of a PFAS-free film. This film provides a friction-reduced seal on the rotating body of the distributor element.

[0019] The second seal can preferably consist of polyketone (PK).

[0020] PK is one of several PFAS-free materials that can, in principle, be used for the sealing body.

[0021] However, a PK film is particularly advantageous because it has a variety of beneficial properties, is cost-effective and sustainable, and has no harmful effects on humans and nature.

[0022] Especially in the complex cooling and heating circuits described above, dynamic sealing with a PK membrane is advantageous. PK membranes are highly resistant to solvents and possess excellent barrier properties. Furthermore, their mechanical properties are very good, and friction is very low. PK membranes also have other positive characteristics, such as low wear, high elasticity, high impact strength, and high tensile strength.

[0023] A key advantage of PK is its simple and cost-effective production. The PK film functions over a wide temperature range, for example, from -30°C to 120°C. PK also possesses excellent electrical insulation properties, which is highly beneficial in the context of e-mobility. Due to its superior hydrolysis resistance, the PK film maintains its dimensions exceptionally well throughout the entire service life of the sealing element. Even when exposed to coolants, the PK film retains virtually its excellent performance characteristics.

[0024] Brief description of the drawing

[0025] An embodiment of the sealing body according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0026] Figures 1 and 2 each show a schematic representation of:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the second sealing side,

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the first sealing side,

[0029] Figure 3 shows a section through the sealing body.

[0030] Implementation of the invention

[0031] Figures 1 and 2 show a schematic embodiment of the sealing element according to the invention. The sealing element comprises a first seal 1 made of an elastomer and a second seal 2 made of a PFAS-free material. The first seal 1 is subjected to static stress during its intended use, while the second seal 2 is subjected to dynamic stress.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing element is designed as a flat gasket 3 and has two sealing surfaces 4, 5. The first gasket 1 is arranged on the first sealing surface 4, and the second gasket 2 on the second sealing surface 5. The two gaskets 1, 2 are designed as a composite part 6. The rubber-elastic material of the first gasket 1 is chemically bonded to the PFAS-free material of the second gasket 2. This chemical bond is formed by the presence of a reactive crosslinking system in at least one of the components, such that the component is bonded to the counterpart component.

[0033] The PFAS-free film, which forms the second seal 2, is connected to the first seal 1 as an assembly part by retaining structures.

[0034] Preferably by virtue of the foil connecting positively to the first seal 1 by means of overhangs 7.

[0035] Figure 3 shows one of the overhangs 7 in section.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the second seal 2 consists of PK.

[0037] Figure 1 shows the second sealing side 5 of the composite part 6, Figure 2 shows the first sealing side 4 of the composite part 6.

[0038] The sealing element shown seals a valve in the cooling and heating circuit of an electric motor. For clarity, the valve and the electric motor are not shown. The first seal 1 seals statically against a housing, while the second seal 2 seals dynamically against a relatively rotatable, cylindrical distributor element of the valve. The sealing element according to the invention can be manufactured cost-effectively, for example, by eliminating the need for expensive PTFE. Furthermore, the sealing element is sustainable due to the absence of harmful materials.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Sealing body comprising a statically stressed first seal (1) and a dynamically stressed second seal (2), characterized in that the second seal (2) is made of a PFAS-free material.

2. Sealing body according to claim 1, characterized in that it is designed as a compartment seal (3) and has two sealing sides (4, 5), that the first seal (1) is arranged on the first sealing side (4) and the second seal (2) on the second sealing side (5) and that the first (1) and the second seal (2) are designed as a composite part (6).

3. Sealing body according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the second seal (2) is designed as a film.

4. Sealing body according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second seal (2) consists of polyketone (PK).

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