Next-generation sealing gasket

Abstract

A sealing gasket (F), typically used in areas such as doors, windows, and vehicle bodywork to ensure a perfect fit between two surfaces, close the gaps between them, and prevent the passage of external factors such as air, water, dust, and noise, characterized in that; comprising: - A clip (30) made of POM (Polyoxymethylene) material, forming the skeleton of the gasket (F), to ensure the gasket (F) is securely fixed in its intended location and to provide a corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and long-lasting gasket (F), - A body (10) formed by extruding TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) around the POM (Polyoxymethylene), to provide the gasket (F) with an elastic and durable structure and to ensure sealing against external factors such as water, dust, and air, and including at least one filler cavity (12), - Polyurethane (PU) injected into the filler cavity (12) to enhance the elasticity and high memory retention of the body (10).

Description

[0001] Next-Generation Sealing Gasket

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to sealing gaskets commonly used in areas such as doors, windows, and vehicle bodywork, designed to ensure a perfect fit between two surfaces, close the gaps between them, and prevent the passage of external factors such as air, water, dust, and noise.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Sealing profiles are components used in various industrial and construction applications to prevent the passage of external factors such as air, water, dust, and noise. Modem sealing profiles are typically made of flexible materials such as rubber, silicone, or EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer). These profiles are widely employed in door and window systems, the automotive industry, household appliances, and other industrial applications.

[0006] In the current state of the art, sealing profiles often face challenges adapting to the geometric structures of areas requiring sealing. Particularly in curved sections, standard profiles may fail to provide a perfect fit, resulting in incomplete sealing.

[0007] While existing sealing solutions have advanced in terms of ease of installation, durability, and longevity, they may still fall short in certain applications. For example, environments subjected to high pressure, extreme temperature fluctuations, or chemical exposure can exceed the durability limits of current profiles. Therefore, there is a need for more flexible, durable, and easy-to-apply sealing solutions. Sealing gaskets in the current technique are primarily manufactured from elastomeric materials such as EPDM or TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer). EPDM offers high strength and resistance to weather conditions; however, its production consumes significant energy and emits harmful gases, negatively impacting the environment. Alternatively, TPE is recyclable and more environmentally friendly than EPDM due to its thermoplastic nature. However, TPE tends to experience memory loss under prolonged compression, which limits its applicability in certain scenarios.

[0008] In existing applications, metal clips are often used to secure sealing profiles. However, these clips are prone to corrosion over time, increase the weight of the product, and raise production costs. Additionally, metal clips lack memory, meaning they do not return to their original shape once removed, leading to a loss of holding strength. This can result in deformation risks and reduced performance.

[0009] Environmental sustainability and memory durability remain key challenges in current sealing applications. EPDM's high energy consumption and harmful gas emissions, the corrosion issues associated with metal clips, and TPE's tendency to experience memory loss under prolonged pressure are fundamental problems in the existing technique.

[0010] Purpose of the Invention

[0011] The objective of the invention is to obtain a sealing gasket that reduces memory loss, preserves the shape of the product, and provides long-lasting use.

[0012] The objective of the invention is to obtain a gasket that enhances flexibility and durability, providing long-lasting performance against external factors. The objective of the invention is to obtain a gasket that prevents water, dust, air, and sound leakage, thereby increasing in-vehicle comfort.

[0013] The objective of the invention is to obtain a gasket that offers an environmentally friendly solution, contributing to environmental sustainability.

[0014] The objective of the invention is to obtain an economical gasket that reduces costs with lower energy consumption and recyclable properties.

[0015] The objective of the invention is to obtain a gasket that meets the sealing needs in various sectors such as automotive, household appliances, and marine industries, increasing energy efficiency.

[0016] The sealing gasket developed to achieve the mentioned objectives comprises:

[0017] • A clip (30) made of POM (Polyoxymethylene) material that forms the skeleton of the gasket (F) to ensure the gasket (F) is fixed in the position where it will be used and to obtain a corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and durable gasket (F),

[0018] • A body (10) formed by extruding TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) around the POM (Polyoxymethylene) to provide elasticity and durability to the gasket (F) and ensure sealing against external factors such as water, dust, and air, and which includes at least one filler cavity (12), and

[0019] • Polyurethane (PU) injected into the filler cavity (12) to provide elasticity and high memory retention to the body (10).

[0020] Description of the Figures

[0021] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sealing gasket without polyurethane and clip. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing gasket in its filled state. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a sealing gasket with a different design.

[0022] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the clip. Figure 5 is a front view of the clip.

[0023] Figure 6 is a side- sectional view of the clip.

[0024] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the application of a part of the gasket to a vehicle.

[0025] The main components indicated in the figures are listed below with their corresponding numbers and names:

[0026] (F) Gasket

[0027] (A) Vehicle

[0028] (K) Channel

[0029] (10) Body

[0030] (11) Tongue

[0031] (12) Filler Cavity

[0032] (20) Filler Material

[0033] (30) Clip

[0034] (31) Weakened Region

[0035] (32) Gap

[0036] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0037] The invention relates to sealing gaskets (F), typically used in areas such as doors, windows, and vehicle body parts to ensure a perfect fit between two surfaces, close gaps, and prevent the passage of external factors (air, water, dust, noise, etc.). The sealing gasket (F) subject to the invention comprises a body (10), filler material (20), and a clip (30).

[0038] The gasket (F) is positioned in areas corresponding to movable parts of vehicles (A), such as doors and covers, to provide sealing. This positioning is achieved through gasket channels (K) present in the vehicle (A). The tongues (11) on the gasket body (10) enter into or embrace the channel (K), ensuring the gasket (F) is fixed to the vehicle (A).

[0039] The gasket (F) generally consists of a body (10), filler material (20), and a clip (30). The body (10) is made of a polymer-based material. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the body is made of TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer).

[0040] TPE provides the body (10) with an elastic and durable structure. It also ensures sealing against external factors such as water, dust, and air. The body (10) made of TPE material includes a filler cavity (12). The filler cavity (12) is filled with filler material (20). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, polyurethane (PU) is used as the filler material (20). The injection of polyurethane into the body (10) causes the body (10) to expand and harden. This process enhances the body (10) with higher memory retention and a more durable structure.

[0041] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the gasket (F) includes a single filler cavity (12). However, in alternative embodiments, the gasket (F) may feature two, three, or more filler cavities (12). The number and shape of the filler cavities (12) can vary depending on preferences or requirements.

[0042] In alternative embodiments of the invention, EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) can be used as a substitute for polyurethane material. However, polyurethane used with TPE offers greater advantages compared to EPDM. While EPDM has higher energy consumption and gas emissions, which are more harmful to the environment, polyurethane provides lower memory loss and higher durability. For this reason, the use of polyurethane instead of EPDM is preferred for its environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

[0043] The inner part of the body (10) contains a tongue (11). The tongue (11) ensures that the gasket (F) is easily and securely fixed in place. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the body (10) may include multiple tongues (11) positioned in various shapes and orientations within its inner structure.

[0044] The clip (30) is made of polyoxymethylene (POM). The body (10) is formed by extruding polymer material around the POM. Through this extrusion process, the POM integrates with the polymer material. This integration enhances the durability, flexibility, and strength of the gasket (F). Additionally, the use of POM clips (30), unlike metal clips, provides a corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and long-lasting gasket (F) structure.

[0045] The use of POM results in a gasket (F) structure that is 50% lighter compared to gaskets (F) containing metal components. Additionally, the gasket (F) can be moved in any direction. The POM skeleton also enables cable protection and covering in areas where electrical cables are present. With the clip (30) made of POM, the gasket (F) can be easily fixed to the intended location (such as doors, windows, or vehicle bodywork).

[0046] The clip (30) serves as the skeleton for the polymer-based body (10). The clip (30) is generally designed in a "U" shape. This "U" shape is specifically chosen to enhance the elasticity and durability of the sealing gasket (F). The "U"-shaped clip (30) has a flexible structure that facilitates better adaptation to different surfaces during installation. Moreover, the "U" shape ensures that the gasket (F) resists bending and rotational movements, allowing it to rotate up to 320 degrees. This design provides the gasket (F) with installation ease and flexibility, making it an ideal sealing solution for various industrial applications.

[0047] The upper part of the clip (30) includes weakened regions (31). These weakened regions (31) are designed to allow the clip (30) to break easily. By breaking the weakened regions (31), the body (10) is prevented from experiencing dimensional shrinkage during the resting phase.

[0048] The weakened regions (31) are included to provide the gasket (F) with the necessary flexibility and ease of installation. These weakened regions (31) are created thinly and carefully during production. Subsequently, methods such as vibration are used to cause breakage / separation at the weakened regions (31), enhancing the elasticity of the gasket (F).

[0049] The "U"-shaped clip (30) has two legs, with gaps (32) located between them. These gaps (32) allow the clip (30) to move flexibly.

[0050] The invention relates to a sealing gasket (F) typically used in areas such as doors, windows, and vehicle bodywork to ensure a perfect fit between two surfaces, close the gaps between them, and prevent the passage of external factors such as air, water, dust, and noise. The invention is characterized by:

[0051] A clip (30) made of POM (Polyoxymethylene) material that forms the skeleton of the gasket (F), ensuring the gasket (F) is securely fixed to its intended location and providing a corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and long- lasting gasket (F),

[0052] A body (10) formed by extruding TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) around the POM (Polyoxymethylene) to provide the gasket (F) with an elastic and durable structure and ensure sealing against external factors such as water, dust, and air. The body (10) includes at least one filler cavity (12), and

[0053] Polyurethane (PU) injected into the filler cavity (12) to enhance the elasticity and high memory retention of the body (10).

Claims

C LA I M S1. A sealing gasket (F), typically used in areas such as doors, windows, and vehicle bodywork to ensure a perfect fit between two surfaces, close the gaps between them, and prevent the passage of external factors such as air, water, dust, and noise, characterized in that; comprising:A clip (30) made of POM (Polyoxymethylene) material, forming the skeleton of the gasket (F), to ensure the gasket (F) is securely fixed in its intended location and to provide a corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and long-lasting gasket (F), A body (10) formed by extruding TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) around the POM (Polyoxymethylene), to provide the gasket (F) with an elastic and durable structure and to ensure sealing against external factors such as water, dust, and air, and including at least one filler cavity (12),Polyurethane (PU) injected into the filler cavity (12) to enhance the elasticity and high memory retention of the body (10).

2. The clip (30) as described in Claim 1 is characterized in that; comprising weakened regions (31) to prevent dimensional shrinkage during the resting phase and to ensure that the clip (30) can break and separate easily.

3. The clip (30) as described in Claim 2 is characterized in that; comprising a gap (32) to ensure flexible movement of the clip (30).

4. The clip (30) as described in Claim 1 is characterized in that; comprising a "U" shape to provide the gasket (F) with ease of installation and flexibility, making it an ideal sealing solution for various industrial applications, ensuring that the polymer material surrounding the gasket (F) resists bending and rotational movements, and allowing the gasket (F) to rotate up to 320 degrees.The body (10) as described in Claim 1 is characterized in that; comprising at least one tongue (11) to ensure that the gasket (F) is securely and firmly fixed to its intended location.

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