Assembly for sealing a gap between a first component and a second component

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (100) for sealing a gap (105) between a first component (110) and a second component (115), wherein a seal (120) is provided between a sealing surface (125) of the first component (110) and a sealing surface (130) of the second component (115). The assembly is characterized in that the seal (120) comprises a separate insert seal (135) with at least one corrosion inhibitor (140) provided thereon or in that the seal (120) is an EMC seal (700) which is integrally formed on the first or second component (110, 115) and is at least partially encased by a corrosion inhibitor (140).

Description

[0001] a gap between a first component and a second component

[0002] The present invention relates to an arrangement for sealing a gap between a first component and a second component, wherein a sealing element is arranged between a sealing surface of the first component and a sealing surface of the second component.

[0003] Various sealing concepts are known for sealing an installation space, protecting it from the external atmosphere, particularly with regard to dirt, dust, air, water, and also electromagnetic radiation. These concepts typically employ insert gaskets, supplemented by sealing material such as CIPG (Cured-In-Place Gasket, i.e., liquid sealing material applied at the sealing point and cured there) or FIPG (Formed-In-Place Gasket, i.e., sealing material formed at the sealing point and cured there) in a sealing gap between two components. All sealing concepts share the limitation that they cannot completely prevent corrosive undercutting.

[0004] The term "corrosive undercutting" refers to the specific aspect of corrosion where a material, component, or part is weakened from within by corrosion. A component, assembly, or device is corrosively undercut when there is insufficient protection against corrosive media that influence the chemical reactions leading to corrosion, or when a corrosion process begins or has already begun due to a lack of or inadequate corrosion protection resulting from the corrosive undercutting.

[0005] From EP 0 578 936 A1, for example, a corrosion protection agent for metallic workpieces is known in this context, which is applied by immersing a workpiece in a liquid corrosion protection agent, whereby after the workpiece is withdrawn from the liquid, the excess liquid drips off and subsequent cooling, a uniformly thick, pasty coating is formed on the workpiece, which seals the workpiece completely and thus protects it from external corrosive influences.

[0006] One object of the invention is to provide an arrangement for sealing a gap between a first component and a second component, which has an improved corrosion protection effect. The invention achieves this object by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

[0007] In an arrangement according to the invention for sealing a gap between a first component and a second component, a seal is arranged between a sealing surface of the first component and a sealing surface of the second component. The first component can be a housing or a housing segment, and the second component can be a cover or a cover segment, or vice versa.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, the seal comprises a separate insert seal with at least one corrosion inhibitor arranged thereon. For example, a so-called Metaloseal® from ElringKlinger AG or the like can be used as the insert seal. Such an insert seal is based on metallic carrier materials onto which an elastomeric functional coating is applied, whereby different metals can be combined with different types of elastomers. The insert seal is highly elastic with minimal installation forces and is therefore flexible, i.e., suitable for different applications. It is also particularly easy to install. The insert seal can additionally have an electrically conductive coating if high requirements for electromagnetic shielding (EMC), for example in battery applications, are present.

[0009] In the arrangement according to the invention, the corrosion inhibitor is not applied to the components from the outside in the area of ​​the sealing gap, as is otherwise customary, but rather is integrated or introduced into the sealing gap between the two components during assembly. The corrosion inhibitor provides active corrosion protection, wherein at least one component of the corrosion inhibitor is selected such that corrosive undercutting in the sealing gap is prevented or at least significantly delayed. In this sense, the corrosion inhibitor is or preferably comprises a chemical substance that serves to actively prevent or reduce the corrosion of metals. The corrosion inhibitor is used to prevent or at least slow down corrosion of components arranged within a sealed installation space.The corrosion inhibitor acts as a corrosion protection agent, further excluding electrolyte from the corrosion gap. This significantly extends the time frame before corrosion occurs, thereby further reducing the probability of failure of components located within a sealed installation space during their expected service life.

[0010] The corrosion inhibitor comprises an active corrosion protection agent, such as perfluoropolyether, polysiloxane, polybutadiene, butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymers, ethylene-propylene copolymers, ethylene-propylene diene copolymers, ethylene-butylene copolymers, fluoroalkyl surfactant polymers, polyesters, or a combination thereof. Perfluoropolyether or a functionalized derivative thereof has proven to be a particularly suitable corrosion inhibitor. The term "functionalized derivative" generally describes a compound that has been adapted for a specific purpose, in this case, corrosion protection, through targeted modification of specific properties.

[0011] According to the first aspect of the invention, the corrosion inhibitor is arranged on the separate insert seal and thus forms a separately manageable unit with the insert seal.

[0012] Preferably, the corrosion inhibitor is arranged in a groove of the insert seal. If the insert seal is annular, the groove is also formed accordingly around its circumference. The groove is filled with the corrosion inhibitor material and seals against the respective sealing surface or component. Preferably, a first corrosion inhibitor is arranged in a first groove of the insert seal, and a second corrosion inhibitor is arranged in a second groove of the insert seal on the opposite side. This improves the corrosion protection effect because, particularly when the insert seal is annular, an active barrier is formed radially inside and radially outside to protect against corrosion. In this sense, especially when the insert seal is annular, the first groove is located radially outside and radially outside.The first groove is formed and arranged on the outer surface of the insert seal, and the second groove is arranged radially inside or on the inner surface of the insert seal. A compact seal design can be achieved with an annular insert seal if the first groove is arranged radially inside the second groove, at least partially.

[0013] In a further embodiment, a corrosion inhibitor is arranged on an inner surface and / or on an outer surface of the insert seal, wherein the respective corrosion inhibitor is configured to be received in a groove on the first component and / or on the second component and to come into contact therein. In other words, the corrosion inhibitor can be arranged or applied to the inner circumference and / or the outer circumference of the annular insert seal.

[0014] In a further development of the invention, an EMC gasket is arranged between the first and second components. The EMC gasket (the abbreviation "EMC" stands for "electromagnetic compatibility") is a collar, shoulder, or ridge formed in the gap between the two components, which is preferably integrally formed on the first or second component, and in particular, integrally connected to it. The EMC gasket provides protection against electromagnetic radiation. The EMC gasket is a structural component in the sealing gap that serves to minimize or prevent electromagnetic interference. It is typically used to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). Such a ridge can constitute or comprise a barrier of conductive material that serves to block or shield electromagnetic radiation.Therefore, the EMC seal ensures the electromagnetic compatibility of electronic components and / or devices located in the interior of the assembly to be sealed.

[0015] Preferably, the insert seal with the corrosion inhibitor is arranged on the outside side and the EMC ridge on the inside side. In other words, the insert seal with the corrosion inhibitor is arranged facing the outside atmosphere in the sealing gap, and the EMC seal is arranged facing the interior space to be sealed in the sealing gap. The installation space or interior space to be sealed is bounded at least partially by the two components, with the outside atmosphere located on the opposite side of the components.

[0016] Preferably, a further insert seal, a CPIG seal, and / or a FIPG seal is arranged between the first component and the second component. In one embodiment, the further insert seal, a CPIG seal, and / or a FIPG seal is arranged spatially, particularly axially, between the EMC seal and the insert seal. The further insert seal can be made of the same material as the insert seal on which the corrosion inhibitor is mounted or arranged. Depending on the configuration of the arrangement, the further insert seal, the CPIG seal, and / or the FIPG seal is arranged axially between the EMC seal and the aforementioned insert seal.

[0017] The abbreviation "FIPG" stands for "Formed-In-Place Gasket." It refers to a process in which a gasket is applied directly to the surface of a component. This typically involves using a liquid or paste-like gasket material that then hardens to form an effective seal. The FIPG process is advantageous when the gasket precisely matches the shape and dimensions of the component, particularly between the sealing surfaces. An FIPG gasket is especially suitable for complex or irregular surfaces, particularly sealing surfaces.

[0018] The abbreviation "CIPG" stands for "Cured-In-Place Gasket." Similar to FIPG gaskets, this is a process in which a gasket is formed directly on a surface. The difference lies in the curing of the gasket material. With CIPG gaskets, a liquid or paste-like gasket material is applied to the surface to be sealed, and the material then cures in place. This process creates a solid and durable seal that meets the sealing requirements of various applications.

[0019] Regarding the material of the CPIG or FIPG gasket, there are no particular limitations as long as the gasket material can seal the sealing surfaces of the components. The additional insert gasket, the CPIG gasket or the FIPG gasket, further improves corrosion protection.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, the seal is an EMC seal integrally formed on the first or second component, which is at least partially encased by a corrosion inhibitor. In this case, a separate insert seal can be dispensed with, since the sealing effect is achieved by the EMC seal and the corrosion protection by the corrosion inhibitor arranged on the EMC seal. Regarding the design and function of the EMC seal, reference is made to the above descriptions to avoid repetition. The corrosion inhibitor can be arranged at a free end or at the head of the EMC seal.

[0021] The EMC seal is preferably arranged on the first component and projects into a groove formed on the second component, wherein the corrosion inhibitor is spatially, and in particular at least radially, arranged between the EMC collar and the second component. Alternatively, the EMC seal is arranged on the second component and projects into a groove formed on the first component, wherein the corrosion inhibitor is spatially, and in particular at least radially, arranged between the EMC seal and the first component. A further development of the second aspect of the invention provides for the arrangement of an insert seal, a CPIG seal, and / or an FIPG seal between the first component and the second component, i.e., in the gap or sealing gap. In one embodiment, the insert seal, the CPIG seal, or the FIPG seal is spatially, and in particular axially, arranged between the groove and the installation space to be sealed.Regarding the design and function of the aforementioned seals, reference is made to the above explanations to avoid repetition. The installation space to be sealed is limited by the components, with the outside atmosphere located on the opposite side of the components.

[0022] Preferably, a capillary gap is formed between the first and second components. Furthermore, the capillary gap is preferably located on a side of the components facing the outside atmosphere or on a side facing away from the interior space or installation area to be sealed. The capillary gap is particularly preferably located on a side of the sealing gap opposite the EMC seal and can prevent the corrosion inhibitor from being washed out.

[0023] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached figures, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 shows a highly schematic partial sectional view of an arrangement according to the invention for sealing a gap between a first component and a second component according to a first embodiment;

[0025] Figure 2 is a highly schematic partial sectional view of the arrangement according to a second embodiment;

[0026] Figure 3 is a highly schematic partial sectional view of the arrangement according to a third embodiment;

[0027] Figure 4 is a highly schematic partial sectional view of the arrangement according to the invention in a fourth embodiment;

[0028] Figure 5 is a highly schematic partial sectional view of the arrangement according to the invention in a fifth embodiment;

[0029] Figure 6 is a highly schematic partial sectional view of the arrangement according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a highly schematic partial sectional view of the arrangement according to a seventh embodiment of the invention; and

[0030] Figure 8 shows a highly schematic partial sectional view of the arrangement according to an eighth embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Figures 1 to 8 each show an embodiment of an arrangement 100 for sealing a gap 105 between a first component 110 and a second component 115. The gap 105 is to be understood as the sealing gap of the arrangement 100. A seal 120 is arranged in the gap 105, positioned between a sealing surface 125 of the first component 110 and a sealing surface 130 of the second component 115. In the examples shown, the environment or an external atmosphere 132 containing corrosive media is located to the left of the aforementioned components 110 and 115, and an interior space 133, for example, the interior of a housing, is located to the right of the components 110 and 115, at least partially enclosed by the components 110 and 115. The gap 105 and the sealing surfaces 125 and 130 are only labelled with reference numerals in Figure 1, unless otherwise required in the other figures.

[0032] In the embodiments according to Figures 1 to 6, the seal 120 comprises a separately insertable insert seal 135 with at least one corrosion inhibitor 140 arranged thereon.

[0033] According to Figure 1, the insert seal 135 is annular and has a radially inner first groove 145 and a radially outer second groove 150, wherein a corrosion inhibitor 140 is arranged in each groove 145, 150 and comes into sealing contact with the corresponding sealing surface 125, 130. The first groove 145 is arranged radially inside the second groove 150. This creates a seal 120 with an integrated corrosion inhibitor 140 as a corrosion protection agent.

[0034] Between the first component 110 and the second component 115, a web-shaped EMC seal 155 is arranged to improve electromagnetic compatibility; this seal can be integrally connected to either the first component 110 or the second component 115. The EMC seal 155 is located on the inside side of the gap 105, while the seal 120 is located at the opposite end of the gap 105.

[0035] The following discussion focuses solely on the differences between the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 6. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, please refer to the description of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1.

[0036] The difference between the second embodiment according to Figure 2 and the first embodiment according to Figure 1 is that in Figure 2 the insert seal 135 does not have a groove, but rather a corrosion inhibitor 140 is applied to an outer surface 200 and an inner surface 205 of the insert seal 135, respectively. The outer corrosion inhibitor 140 projects into a first groove 210 on the first component 110 and seals against the bottom of the first groove 210 on the first component 110. The inner corrosion inhibitor 140 projects into a second groove 215 on the second component 115 and seals against the bottom of the second groove 215 on the second component 115. The seal 120, together with the respective corrosion inhibitor 140, seals the grooves 210 and 215, which function as pockets.

[0037] Furthermore, a CPIG seal 220 is arranged axially between the EMC seal 155 and the insert seal 135 or the seal 120 to seal the dry space in the gap 105. Alternatively or additionally, another insert seal or an FIPG seal can be provided. Depending on the application, the EMC seal 155 can be omitted.

[0038] Furthermore, the groove 210 on the first component 110 or the groove 215 on the second component 115 can be omitted, as illustrated, for example, by the third embodiment shown in Figure 3. According to Figure 3, the radially outwardly arranged first groove 210 on the first component 110 and the corresponding external corrosion inhibitor 140 are omitted. Instead, the insert seal 135, with its outer surface 200, fits snugly against the first component 110 over its entire area. Otherwise, the third embodiment is designed analogously to the second embodiment. Naturally, the arrangement 100 can be mirrored, so that a groove is formed on the first component 110 and no groove is formed on the second component 115.

[0039] The difference between the fourth embodiment according to Figure 4 and the third embodiment according to Figure 3 is that, according to Figure 4, the seals 120 and 220 are, so to speak, enclosed. For this purpose, a capillary gap 400 is provided on the surrounding side, which prevents the corrosion inhibitor 140 from being washed out of the groove 215. The capillary gap 400 is formed between a shoulder 405 molded onto the first component 110 and the sealing surface 130 of the second component 115. For further details, please refer to the description of the third embodiment according to Figure 3. Naturally, the arrangement can be mirrored, so that a shoulder is molded onto the second component 115 and no shoulder is molded onto the first component 110 to create the capillary gap 400.

[0040] The difference between the fifth embodiment according to Figure 5 and the second embodiment according to Figure 2 is that, according to Figure 5, the additional axial seal 220 between the seal 120 and the EMC seal 155 can be omitted. Accordingly, the insert seal 135 seals the pockets or grooves 210, 215 to the outside, i.e., to the outside atmosphere 132.

[0041] The sixth embodiment according to Figure 6 is essentially identical to the third embodiment according to Figure 3, to which reference is made accordingly. In the present case, analogous to Figure 5, no additional seal 220 is provided. Instead, the second component 115 has a shoulder 600 which is shaped such that a capillary gap 605 is formed between the shoulder 600 and the sealing surface 125 of the first component 110, analogous to the embodiment according to Figure 4.

[0042] In the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 8, the seal 120 is an EMC seal 700 integrally formed on the first or second component 110, 115, which is at least partially encased by the corrosion inhibitor 140. The EMC seal 700 is designed here as a labyrinth seal. The gap 105 between the first and second component 110, 115 is formed as an O-gap. The two components 110, 115 are thus manufactured to fit precisely and are joined together, with the sealing surfaces 125, 130 abutting radially. The EMC seal 700 is located on the first component 110 and projects into a groove 705 formed on the second component 15. The corrosion inhibitor 140 surrounds the EMC seal 700 in such a way that it is arranged essentially radially between the bottom of the groove 705 and the EMC seal 700. A reverse configuration of the arrangement 100 is also conceivable.

[0043] The difference between the eighth embodiment according to Figure 8 and the seventh embodiment according to Figure 7 is that in Figure 8 a seal, here in the form of a FIPG seal 800, is arranged axially between the groove 705 and the interior 133 to further improve the sealing effect.

[0044] To facilitate the assembly of the arrangement 100, it may be necessary to design the first and / or the second component 110, 115 as a multi-part assembly. For example, an EMC gasket and / or a shoulder can be subsequently attached and fastened to the respective component 110, 115 after the components 110, 115 have been positioned relative to each other. For the sake of simplicity, a corresponding illustration of a potentially multi-part first or second component 110, 115 has been omitted from the figures and figure description.

[0045] Reference sign

[0046] arrangement

[0047] gap

[0048] First component

[0049] Second component

[0050] seal

[0051] Sealing surface

[0052] Sealing surface

[0053] Outdoor atmosphere

[0054] interior

[0055] Insert seal

[0056] Corrosion inhibitor

[0057] groove of the insert seal

[0058] groove of the insert seal

[0059] EMC seal

[0060] Outer surface of the insert seal Inner surface of the insert seal Groove on the first component

[0061] groove on the second component

[0062] CPIG seal

[0063] capillary gap

[0064] shoulder

[0065] shoulder

[0066] capillary gap

[0067] EMC seal

[0068] Nut

[0069] FPIG seal

Claims

Patent claims 1. Arrangement (100) for sealing a gap (105) between a first component (110) and a second component (115), wherein a seal (120) is arranged between a sealing surface (125) of the first component (110) and a sealing surface (130) of the second component (115), characterized in that the seal (120) comprises a separate insert seal (135) with at least one corrosion inhibitor (140) arranged thereon.

2. Arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein the corrosion inhibitor (140) is arranged in a groove (145, 150) of the insert seal (135).

3. Arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein a first corrosion inhibitor (140) is arranged at a first groove (145) of the insert seal (135) and a second corrosion inhibitor (140) is arranged at a second groove (150) of the insert seal (135) arranged on an opposite side.

4. Arrangement (100) according to claim 3, wherein the first groove (145) is arranged at least sectionally radially within the second groove (150).

5. Arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein a corrosion inhibitor (140) is arranged on an inner surface (205) and / or on an outer surface (200) of the insert seal (135), and wherein the respective corrosion inhibitor (140) is configured to be received in a groove (210) on the first component (110) and / or on the second component (115) and to come into contact therein.

6. Arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an EMC seal (155) is arranged between the first component (1 10) and the second component (115).

7. Arrangement (100) according to claim 6, wherein a further insert seal, a CPIG- Seal (220) and / or a FIPG seal is arranged.

8. Arrangement (100) for sealing a gap (105) between a first component (110) and a second component (115), wherein a seal (120) is arranged between a sealing surface (125) of the first component (110) and a sealing surface (130) of the second component (115), characterized in that the seal (120) is an EMC seal (700) integrally formed on the first or second component (110, 115), which is at least partially enclosed by a corrosion inhibitor (140).

9. Arrangement (100) according to claim 8, wherein the EMC seal (700) is arranged on the first component (110) and projects into a groove (705) formed on the second component (115), wherein the corrosion inhibitor (140) is arranged at least radially between the EMC seal (700) and the second component (115), or vice versa.

10. Arrangement (100) according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein a further insert seal, a CPIG seal and / or a FIPG seal (800) is arranged between the first component (110) and the second component (115).

11. Arrangement (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a capillary gap (400, 605) is formed between the first component (1 10) and the second component (115).

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