CN1164272A

CN1164272A - Sealing member

Info

Publication number: CN1164272A
Application number: CN95196302A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·J·佩斯; I·莱拉德; P·A·布雷得莱; W·J·埃根顿; J·阿布德
Original assignee: Raychem Ltd
Current assignee: Raychem Ltd
Priority date: 1994-09-21
Filing date: 1995-09-11
Publication date: 1997-11-05
Anticipated expiration: 2015-09-11
Also published as: AU3478595A; CA2200593A1; KR970706461A; EP0782676A1; MX9702093A; JPH10505894A; BR9508856A; WO1996009483A1; CN1044152C

Abstract

Tubular layer of sealant (32) (preferably gel) on flexible (preferably tubular) carrier (30) provides advantageous sealing member, which can conveniently be compressed, e.g. in a tongue-and-groove joint (34, 36), to provide a sealed joint in items such as cable splice enclosures, car head lamp housings, gas meter casings, and domestic appliances. Styrene-alkylene or alkylmethacrylate-alkylene block copolymer gels coated (preferably co-extruded) on thermoplastic elastomer carriers are described. Gasket rings cut from such tubular articles, and provision of projecting fixing lugs for anchoring the articles to an object which is to carry them in use are also described.

Description

Sealing

The present invention relates to a kind of Sealing that forms sealing that is used between two surfaces, it is contaminated for example to be used in the content that prevents shell in the protecting sheathing, or is used in and prevents in household electric appliance or other devices that fluid from penetrating parts and giving rise to trouble or damage.

In known many class sealings, various materials can be placed between the sealed surface, the for example bar of lubricating grease and adhesive, foamed polymer, rubber gasket, with the gel rubber material that can use in a large number, as described in the WO-A-93/17477 (B219), maybe can be loaded on the gasket structure, compacted between two surfaces, for example as disclosed in WO-A-94/05935 (B236).

The present invention relates to a kind of new type sealing element, this Sealing has significant advantage to surpass the Sealing of the known type of various uses.

Correspondingly, the invention provides a kind of Sealing that comprises the body sealing material, this sealing material is carried by the gas carrier that contains of inner (for body) soft (preferably rebound elasticity softness), and the cone penetration of sealing material is 80 to 400 (10 ^-1Millimeter) in the scope, and have at least 100%, better at least 200%, best at least 500% limit elongation.

The sealing material of preferentially selecting for use is gel as described later, and it can also provide to a certain degree encapsulate and corrosion-resisting function outside sealing function.

The shape of carrier is not critical, and for example, square or hexagon profile all is fine, and is applied to equally on the tubular shape of sealing material.

Preferably, carrier also is tubular, for example circular, preferable is to be substantially ring pipe, it also is the most desirable shape for the body of sealing material.Yet, carrier also can be the solid body or the tubular body of foam polymerization material, and the foam polymerization material groove of opening is preferably arranged, or such foam polymerization material may reside on the outer surface of solid-core support, preferably solid wall pipe carrier, and/or in the hole of solid wall pipe.

Be understandable that: the structure of the tubular body of the sealing material on carrier as described like that can be with the big relatively space of the sealing material of relative small volume sealing, and this is favourable when the sealing material of needs costliness.The soft carrier of described gassiness, the preferably use of flexible pipe and/or foam polymerization material pipe, additional advantage is arranged, be that sealing material can be extruded distortion, so that excellent contact is arranged with sealed surface, in the space of a restriction, use the sealing layer more solid, or the remarkable little power of the sealing layer on solid-core support makes vector form deforming (compression or discharge gas) than displacement.The flexible soft carrier of preferred use has extra advantage, and promptly the elastic-restoring force of deformation carrier is used in and keeps sealing material to be close to sealed surface under the compressive state, and as hereinafter narration, this is special expectation when sealing material is gel.Yet for some purposes, only need are used very slight pressure to the tubular body of sealing layer or may only be contacted with the tubular body one of sealing layer, just can form suitable seal.

The Sealing that correspondingly the present invention includes, be positioned on first body, when being preferably in the groove that is formed in first body, thus first physical efficiency hold the part of second body and between first body and second body, form sealing, this preferably can carry out under the situation that Sealing pushes.The groove that can place Sealing can be that Any shape is complementary with the shape with the object that is sealed.Yet, mathematical simulation is pointed out: at Sealing, preferably circular or be that the Sealing of annular is placed on angled groove in first body, preferably is in the right angle type groove time substantially substantially, can obtain required stress distribution, in tongue-and-groove engages, between first and second bodies, form good sealing like this by compressive seal.

Sealing of the present invention is particularly useful, for example, be used for the sealing engagement in electric or other crusts of the device, as dome, gas instrument case, automobile light assembly and the mirror accessory of the joint coupling of cable of telecommunication or other purposes, traffic sensor, household electric appliance (as the condenser that in tumble dryer, refrigerator, seals) with in many other sealing gaskets or flange seal device.Sealing can be cut into chunks, and the end of the tubular carrier that for example slides with binder or on short connecting rod when needed is joined together to form its end on the ring of sealing.

The present invention correspondingly comprises a kind of method that forms sealing between first body and second body, the method comprise with a Sealing of the present invention be placed to the part that contacts with the part of first body and make second body therewith Sealing become the compression contact condition so that between first and second bodies compressive seal.The present invention also comprises the case member of electric or other devices, Sealing of the present invention of this case member carrier band, and this Sealing is positioned on the case member, seal so that be extruded and form between case member and another object, case member object therewith in use will fit together.Best, case member is the carrier band Sealing in groove, and groove is mounted in order to receive the mating part of described another object, in use forms to be tightly connected, and preferably tongue-and-groove engages.The present invention also comprises case member and Sealing, forms sealing when being fitted together with described another group of objects.What also comprised is a sleeve assembly, comprising case member and can on case member, lay and as previously mentioned can with the Sealing of described another object assembling.Such sleeve assembly also comprises described another object, and preferably second case member can fit together with described case member and compress described Sealing, so that form sealing between described case member and described another object.

In preferred seal of the present invention, sealing material is under molten state and be preferably under the elevated pressure and be coated on the carrier, and when contacting with the sealing material of fusion, preferably the surface region of carrier is or becomes fusion or soft state at least.Apply molten seal material, under pressure, be coated with especially and help improve the cohesion of sealing material carrier.Since carrier at least the surface fusion or softening cohesion is further improved because this will be easy to form a mixing or the tight bonding layer district of contact.When using preferred gel sealing material, need good cohesion especially, because the cohesive strength of gel helps to remove gel from the surface of sealing immediately after sealing surfaces is separately reentered the shell of sealing or other devices, this be in practice often need.Like this, preferably sealing material to the adhesive strength of carrier greater than adhesive strength to the object that in use is placed with the sealing contact.Usually, preferably the cohesive strength of gel surpasses its adhesive strength, at least self be so especially to carrier and the object that is used in particular cases, thereby when from other compact stowage arrangements of coil or Sealing, removing one section, Sealing self separated neatly with it it.

When carrier be extrusion modling thing and sealing material in carrier extrusion process or coated immediately after the extruding, can reach the purpose that improves cohesion, sealing material preferably and the carrier co-extrusion pressure.Yet, also sealing material can be squeezed on the preformed carrier, for example use the equipment of known kind, be used for polymer insulator is squeezed in electric wire.For example by pre-heat carrying agent and/or the cohesion that still can obtain the carrier material compatible with sealing layer by selecting to suit.Can use subbing and/or Bond to improve cohesion.The way that discovery is supplied with the object be extruded by water-bath is cooled off the gel layer that is extruded has surprising effect in the object of the satisfaction of producing final use subsequently.

This invention correspondingly comprises the method for production Sealing of the present invention, and the method comprises the tubular layer that applies the described sealing material of molten state to described carrier, and causes or make the sealing material curing of coating.This method preferably includes the extruding carrier and apply sealing material to carrier immediately in carrier extrusion process or afterwards, best and carrier co-extrusion, but can replace crush seal material on the carrier of moulding in advance, and carry out after being preferably in the carrier surface preheating.The technician who is familiar with this field selects suitable manufacturing equipment and condition easily.

Can select suitable material to reach required high cohesion by trial and error method.At least the preferred material of the outer surface region of carrier (preferably whole carrier) comprises in some cases or comprises as main component, contain by vinylacetate weight and to be less than 40%, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer most preferably less than 20%, contain by alkyl acrylate weight and to be less than 40%, preferably lack 20% ethylene/alkyl (preferably methyl) acrylate copolymer, or polyethylene, preferably low density polyethylene.In addition, elastic soft carrier, elastic material for example preferably thermoplastic elastomer (s), especially olefinic elastomer are arranged preferably, its example comprises:

-low density polyethylene (VLDPE) plastomer very, Dow Plastics ' EngageCL8001 (trade mark) for example be it is said the polyolefin elastomer of ethene and 25% octene copolymer monomer;

-polyether/polyester block copolymer, for example, DuPont ' s Hytrel (trade mark) is softer, low-molten-viscosity level, for example G4074;

-polypropylene-base elasticity, for example DSM ' s Sarlink 3140 (trade mark) allegedly has the polypropylene/EPDM mixture of 42 (extruding) to 49 (injection moulding) Shore A hardness (5 seconds).

Can obtain compatibility and cohesion good especially between carrier and sealing layer owing to for example make carrier, but intermediate section not had the gel of high-load expansion liquid formation with preferred triblock copolymer with polymer identical or that be closely related.The triblock copolymer of said kind can with known filler and other batch mixes so that generate carrier material, this material has the useful affinity of identical or similar polymer that generates gel.

As previously mentioned, sealing material is gel preferably, is more preferably thermoplastic gel, though do not get rid of crosslinked or thermoset gel.Preferably the flexible substantially deformation of gel is up at least 100% specific elongation; The ultimate tensile strength of gel (ASTMD412) is less than 1MPa, and dynamic storage modulus is less than 50KPa, is the zero-bit slump up to 100 ℃ substantially in temperature under preferably up to 120 ℃.

In particularly preferred Sealing form of the present invention, sealing material is a gel, and it comprises:

(i) vinyl benzene-alkylidene block copolymer, better be vinyl benzene-(hydrogenation alkylidene)-styrene triblock copolymer, be more preferably vinyl benzene-(ethylene/propene and/or ethylene/butylene)-styrene triblock copolymer, its average molecular weight Mw is at least 180,000 and

(better at least 400, better at least 500) part expansion liquid is to 100 parts of block copolymers (ii) by weight at least 300, and this liquid expansion is also softened the block of the alkylidene of copolymer.

Preferred gel is made by vinyl benzene-(ethylene/butylene)-vinyl benzene (SEBS) block copolymer, be used for test method definite and the sign gel and be described at WO-A-8800603 (RK308) and WO-A-9005166 (RK403), their disclosure is done the reference of this paper by receipts.By consulting the best gel that the WO-A-9323472 (RK469) that is introduced into this paper narrated is to be made by vinyl benzene-(ethylene/propene)-vinyl benzene (SEPS) block copolymer, and therein ethylene/propylene stage casing can comprise some ethylene/butylene unit.The average molecular weight Mw of these preferred SEPS copolymers is 180 at least, 000, better be 200 at least, 000, be 220,000 better at least, and the content of polystyrene is 25～45% (weight), better be 28～40% (weight), be more preferably 29～36% (weight), and be with being substantially or being that non-aromatic expansion liquid is made fully.Preferably soft, high temperature resistant slump, the resilient gel combination of gel, meaning polymer composition through expansion liquid expansion has and is higher than 100% limit elongation (ASTMD412 with modification as described below measures), and at least 100% specific elongation is arrived in elastic strain basically (promptly not having retardation phenomenon substantially); Ultimate tensile strength (ASTMD412) is less than 1 MPa (this card); Dynamic storage modulus (as described later) is less than 5000 handkerchiefs (this card); Up to 100 ℃, better up to 120 ℃, better the slump rate is zero up to 135 ℃ and when reaching 150 ℃ especially in temperature.

For the more special care gel combination of some purposes the present invention, this composition comprises the vinyl benzene-alkylidene block copolymer of 4～30% (weight) that account for total composition weight, distinguishingly comprise 4% to 20% by weight described copolymer and per at least by weight 100 parts of gelatin polymers to 500 parts the expansion liquid, wherein, described copolymer is by weight more than 50% of existing total gelatin polymer, better more than 75%, better more than 90%, especially more than 95%, or substantially all be gel.Can there be various additives, tackifier of for example in WO-A-9005166, narrating or the polyphenylene oxides of in WO-A-8800603, narrating, as vinyl benzene-methylene diblock copolymer for example styrene-ethylene/propylene or the styrene-ethylene/butylene diblock copolymer of narration in WO-A-9305113 (RK451), to reduce the loss of expansion liquid.The disclosure of above-mentioned document is collected herein by reference.

Use with final with way of example narration specific embodiments of the invention referring now to accompanying drawing.

Fig. 1 schematic perspective is represented a hexagon Sealing profile possible on square carrier;

One of the similar expression of Fig. 2 has the possible quad seal part on the round tubular carrier of foam layer on its outer surface;

Fig. 3 schematically shows a tongue-and-groove that contains circular tubular seal of the present invention and engages, and compares with the circular solids of Sealing in similar the joint;

The preferred Sealing of the similar expression of Fig. 4 with overlapping seal engaged circular solids body simply relatively;

Fig. 5 is illustrated in preferred Sealing in the possible supporting surface lateral confinement compression set;

Fig. 6 schematic perspective is represented a molded plastic sleeve shell that is used to seal the telecommunication cable joint, and this shell has vertical tongue-and-groove edge closing structure;

Fig. 7 schematically show Fig. 6 middle tenon groove closing structure with groove in the preferred seal closure before and after end elevation;

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates with preferred Sealing sealing has the two halves shell that tongue-and-groove engages; With

Fig. 9 schematically shows the side sectional view of the automobile headlamp shell that Sealing of the present invention is housed.

With reference to accompanying drawing, Fig. 1 illustrates the square carrier strip 11 of a foamed polymer, is extruded with the tubulose coating of the gel 12 of hexagon profile around it.

Fig. 2 illustrates a carrier, this carrier comprises the hollow tubular 20 of ethylene/vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer of an extrusion modling, the skin 22 (forming with known method) that a substantially concentric foamed polymer is arranged on the carrier is in the gel tubular layer 24 that forms a square contour on every side of polymeric outer layer 22.

Fig. 3 A represents the end elevation of a preferred seal, Sealing has the carrier 30 as one kind by the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) extrusion modling of a tubular shape, carrier 30 as one kind has the gel tubular layer 32 of co-extrusion essentially concentric thereon, Sealing is in groove 34, and in fact groove 34 can form in the main surface of an object to be sealed or edge.Fig. 3 B illustrates an edge section 36 that is introduced into second object that forms the tongue-and-groove joint in the groove 34, and so easy compressing hollow sealing element also makes this joint of gel seal.The structure that is shown among Fig. 3 A also can be used for being close to second object surfaces of passing the laying of groove 34 tops so that the Sealing that compresses in it forms sealing.The rebound elasticity of preferred thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) carrier helps keeping gel to be pressed on the sealing surfaces, thereby the expansion of compensation heat and contraction are to keep sealing.

In order to compare, Fig. 3 C and 3D show the tongue-and-groove that has Sealing solid body 38 accordingly and engage.Do not have in carrier of the present invention under the gas situation, solid Sealing is incompressible basically, therefore needs very big power to make its distortion and/or displacement when forming joint.May cause relatively little sealing contact surface long-pending, and keep the effect of sealing to rely on the rebound elasticity of sealing layer self, thereby limit the selection of sealing material and may not keep abundant sealing with some material.

Fig. 4 A and 4B show the preferred seal between overlapping

engaging surface

42,44 40 that is similar to Fig. 3.Fig. 4 C and joint that uses the less sealing material solid body 46 of compression of 4D explanation, this joint is similar to the described shortcoming of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 A illustrates and is similar to the described step type in the hypothesis that is formed by member 52 and 54 of Fig. 3 and flushes preferred seal 50 in the joint.Even in the seal space that limits, the gas carrier that contains of the present invention can compress this sealing of Sealing formation as shown in Fig. 5 B quite easily.And use the sealing material solid body is exceedingly difficult, and this is owing to lack the occupied space of incompressible basically solid body deformation like this.

Fig. 6 illustrates a molded perspective view for the sleeve shell 60 sealing electricity and/or the design of optical communication cable joining.The cable (not shown) enters and leaves through the entrance and exit in self known end, and sleeve 60 twines the joint in closed metal line or the optical fiber (not shown) part around this end, and this wire or optical fiber are layed between two ends.Sleeve 60 is used bump or flange 62 and groove 64 sealing sleeves 60 that extend along its opposite edges then.Shown in more detail at Fig. 7 A, in groove 64 is positioned at Sealing 66 of the present invention.Behind bump 62 insertion grooves 64, compress the gel seal that Sealing 66 forms shown in Fig. 7 B immediately.Be generally the locking folder 68 of groove shape, longitudinally slide with joint is fixed together (Fig. 7 B) from the end of joint tongue and groove structure.Available if desired quick hasp or other fastening pieces.

Fig. 8 A illustrates the perspective view of a part of two combination section shells of a simplification, and such shell can hold gas meter or electricity instrument.Top 80 (as shown) has a plan to pack into to stretch out joint tongue 82 in the respective grooves 84 of bottom (as shown) 86.According to the present invention, groove 84 contains a tubular Sealing 88 of the present invention, and pressurized forms gel seal during formation that this Sealing tongue-and-groove in the enclosure engages, shown in Fig. 8 B.Certainly such shell exists many difformities and structure adapting to the concrete gas meter of wanting packed or the needs of other equipment in practice, and all can seal with one or another kind of seal configuration of the present invention.

Fig. 9 illustrates a head lamp shell that comprises the molded back cover of polypropylene 90, and back cover has a rear orifice 92 so that hold the bulb that will install, also has a circumferential groove 94 that holds Sealing 96 of the present invention.Sealing is cut into the circumferential length that needs and its two ends are linked together is laid on securely in the groove 94.Pack into the circumferential flange of the protrusion in the groove 94 or joint tongue 100 compresses the tongue-and-groove that Sealing 96 forms a sealing and engages thereby head lamp lens 98 have a plan.Can use and keep clip or other device (not shown) that lens 98 and back cover 90 are fixed together.

Structure according to the sealing layer tubular body of the present invention on carrier can be produced Sealing so that spread in groove or other sealing positions by the length of common needs with long continuous length.

With way of example, preferred gel contains 11% " Septon " 4055 (trade mark) SEPS triblock copolymer and 4% " Septon ", 1001 vinyl benzene-(ethylene/propene) diblock copolymer by weight, the extending oil of non-aromatic basically described in this gel and the above-mentioned WO-A-9323472 is together infeeded the co-extrusion head (is known) of a 32mm Baughan extrusion press itself, so that co-extrusion is on the tubular carrier of the extrusion modling of following polymer, this polymer has the qualitative adhesion results of indicating:

Carrier polymer	Cohesion
Carrier polymer	Cohesion	EVA(EIVax470.18％VA)	Good
The polypropylene, polyethylene mixture	Medium	EVA(EIVax470.18％VA)	Good
The polypropylene, polyethylene mixture	Medium	Low density polyethylene (DOW LD150)	Medium/good
High density polyethylene (HDPE)	Medium/poor	Low density polyethylene (DOW LD150)	Medium/good
High density polyethylene (HDPE)	Medium/poor	Low density polyethylene (plastomer) Exxon Engage CL8001 very	Good
EMA copolymer (Lotryl 14MG02)	Good		Good
EMA copolymer (Lotryl 14MG02)	Good	Poly-ethyl ester/polytrimethylene ether elastomer (Hytrel G4074)	Difference
Polypropylene/EPDM mixture (Sarlink 3140)	Medium		Difference

" good " shows that gel can not be from delamination on the carrier; " medium " shows the possibility delamination; " poor " shows and is easy to delamination.Even the adhesion of " medium " or " poor " also can be accepted some purposes of the present invention.

The relative diameter of the tubular body of sealing layer and carrier and wall thickness are unessential, can be selected, and to adapt to special end use, should be taken into account, less carrier diameter limits the good deformability of Sealing easily.If foam is used to carrier, then the foam of higher density also tends to limit the compressibility of Sealing, but can freely select, to adapt to actual demand.May need the radial thickness that uses 0.5 times in many cases, preferably less than 0.25 times gel coat less than the carrier outer radial dimension.For annular carrier and sealing layer pipe, in other words, the thickness of tubulose sealing material usually can be less than 1/3 of gel tube outer radius, preferably less than 1/6.Carrier wall thickness (to the hollow tubular carrier) preferably is no less than (usually being to be higher than significantly) sealing layer thickness, but in some situation, for example to filling the space, it is favourable using thicker sealing layer.Can in these preferred radiuses and/or wall thickness range, select to adapt to special requirement.The scope of overall diameter is from several millimeters to several centimetres, and preferably 0.25cm to 3cm, especially 0.5cm to 2cm are in most of the cases seemingly useful.

For fear of query, here the term of Shi Yonging " tubulose " is interpreted as being similar to any elongated hollow body of pipeline or conduit, and let it be shape of cross section.

Can be replenished above-mentioned explanation, promptly be used the polysiloxane elastic material so that improve the resistance to compression pression of Sealing.By use polysiloxane elastic material (or comprise its mixture of polymers) according to aforementioned applications as interior carrier, can reach the effect of this raising resistance.In the case, sealing layer may need to improve to the cohesion of carrier, and its method is by primer coating or is provided at us as yet not described in the UK Patent Application 9425393.7 (B288) of authorization and claimed layer of fibers; Perhaps sealing layer (if sufficient bonding force is arranged) can form one with very little or do not have a pipe that cohesion is surrounded carrier.

Perhaps, can be by placing silicone elastomer material or mixture in the tubular inner carrier the inside of making to improve above-mentioned resistance, for example in one of method described in the aforesaid application for patent 9419035.2 by other materials.In the case, as claimed in the aforementioned application (B288), tubular carrier can play the sleeve installed on the Sealing that is formed by silicone elastomer.This elastomer self can be hollow tubulars annular or other shapes, or foam.

The appropriate method that is used to form the Sealing that comprises silicone elastomer generally can easily be selected from known co-extrusion pressure and other coatings and/or molding technique.

Have been found that when carrier self it is the tubulose of band hollow hole, the diameter in hole preferably is not more than 60% (and be not less than 5%, preferably be not less than 10%) of total external diameter.Remaining 40% diameter formation tubular carrier and tubulose gel are on the outer surface of carrier.Find " thick " gel layer (being the thickness of the thickness of gel layer) with interest by mathematical simulation greater than carrier, the characteristic of gel is top dog, therefore the firmness change of carrier material is less to the required effects of compressive of the Sealing deformation in " groove lid " sealing configuration, as shown in drawings.When using " thick " carrier (than gel bed thickness), the hardness of carrier tends to control compressive force, the influence that compressive force is not changed by gel hardness relatively.When gel and carrier have approximately uniform thickness each other, (every layer thickness is greater than 10% of overall diameter to find a pair of " thick " layer, more preferably greater than 15%) be easy to be subjected to the control of gel hardness, and a pair of " approaching " layer (every layer thickness is less than 10% of overall diameter) is easy to be subjected to the control of carrier hardness.These discoveries are specially adapted to generally use the pipe of size about overall diameter is as 10mm, and 2 to 30mm scope diameters are likely that preferably, preferably 5 to 20mm.

These aspects of the present invention are further explained by the following drawings, wherein:

Figure 10 and 11 is shown in the profile of the tubulose gel in the groove cap sealing.

In these accompanying drawings, Figure 10 illustrates the Sealing of a polysiloxane elastomer carrier 101 of the present invention, carrier 101 is equipped with tubulose gel coat 102, and carrier and gel have approximately uniform thickness, and have one substantially the center be substantially the circle hole 103.The diameter H (not being shown to scale) in hole 103 can be greater than 60% of total outer dia; Total outer dia equals bore dia H and adds the carrier thickness C of twice and the gel thicknesses G of twice.The sealing part is shown in the groove 104, and lid 105 is prepared to be pressed on the groove 104.Figure 11 illustrate lid be pressed in place on groove, thereby compressive seal and cause gel to form being close to the sealing of lid and two sides of groove and bottom.The pressure resistance of sealing is along with the hardness of carrier and/or gel increases and increases, and this has also increased closing cap and has made Sealing distortion desired compression power.

Typical gels has 60gms Voland hardness (11.5%Septon (trade mark) 2006 and 4.5%Septon 1001, surplus is non-aromatic oil); Or the Voland hardness of 100gm (14%Septon 2006 and 8%Septon 1001, surplus is non-aromatic oil).Typical carrier material can be that shore hardness is 40,60, or 80 Sarlink (trade mark) thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or the Thermolast of Shore A hardness 25 (trade mark) thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

Develop to come from above-mentioned those Sealings according to the another kind of useful Sealing shape of the present invention, its tubular length better less than its largest outer diameter half, is more preferably less than 1/4 less than its largest outer diameter.Such Sealing can be regarded as a ring (generally be roughly annular but also do not get rid of other shapes), and it can scale off formation from longer pipe shape seal segments.The method that it is contemplated that other is made so relative short tube or ring, is more easily usually actually but downcut from long section." maximum outside diameter " is intended to comprise that being different from basic is the shape of annular.

Advantageously, annular seal can be used as the seal washer between the relative pressure face, or as using at the sleeve pipe that passes on the prolongation object of Sealing (for example wire), especially in the place than macropore that needs sealing extension device also passes through, the circumference of the sleeve pipe that is provided by annular seal closely is provided in this hole.

In another useful application of this sealing technique, foregoing elongated seal can with one end and its other end or with an end termination of another such Sealing, wherein said sealing material is sealed on these two described abutting ends and with them, may be without any other the device that is connected to each other the end.When sealing material (preferably gel) in use is pressed in groove lid formula or the tenon-slot type sealing configuration, find that the sealing layer material keeps being sealed with surprising effect between the abutting end of the Sealing of making closed loop or ring-type.For example binder or firm wooden peg stretch in the endoporus of abutting end also can to use other connection means if desired.The abutting end joint that hollow connection pin can pass in the hollow tubular Sealing easily transmits internal gas pressure, as yet not described in the UK Patent Application 9424137.9 (B287) of authorization.

In all shapes of the Sealing of this narration, the circumference of the body of sealing layer material can be that segment map extends around carrier, thereby forms the tubular body of the sealing layer material that a side opens.The tubular body opened of side does not only comprise a plane that is loaded with the sealing layer material layer on an one main surface like this, but comprise sealing layer material part rather than the structure of extending around carrier fully, and comprise circular and angled open tube, for example the sealing layer extension is (better more than demifacet, better more than 3/4 face) center on circle or oval-shaped carrier or center on more than one of dihedral carrier, for example three faces around square or rectangle carrier extend.

In most of shapes of each side of the present invention, the most preferably carrier is continuous and essentially no space (meaning the involuntary space of staying) basically.

The best style that is used for certain purpose object is that carrier comprises a kind of structure on object, and best and carrier is whole, so that in use carrier is connected on that part object of loaded object.In these cases, though carrier and joint construction energy sealed material (preferably gel) coating complete closed, but usually preferably sealing layer only seals that part of of the main body that constitutes carrier, and this part in use implements sealing function, and makes joint construction not have sealing layer.It is desirable partly sealing carrier with aforesaid sealing layer like this, in these cases.Joint construction can adopt any suitable form, and a kind of desirable form is can hold one in the hole in described object the bump that enlarges the position is arranged, so that in use carrier is fixed on the described object.Joint construction not necessarily, but preferably in aggregates with carrier, carrier and joint construction preferably are molded or are extruded moulding or other modes form one.Joint construction self can be hollow, or continuous hollow tubular carrier or be connected to the hollow body that separates of hollow carrier, and perhaps joint construction can be solid.Can be used for joint construction to uncinus or other appropriate structures as required, but having the aforementioned bump that amplifies the position in use usually is easily, the sort of bump that expansion " head " is particularly arranged, this " head " can be installed or slip in the interior groove of object by stud type, and object will be connected on this object.

These attachable modes of the present invention can provide the object that is particularly suitable for the elongated sealing on window for example or the door, so that for example the sealing surface between window frame and casement provides sealing.This is advantageous particularly in the structure of bilayer installation glass.This connects bump or " bead " usually extends from the beginning to the end along carrier, if but preferentially select for use and can extend along its compartment of terrain.

It should be noted that, need not above-mentioned identical linkage structure, according to sealing profile of the present invention can be used as the overall simplification shape and be accommodated in the groove of a suitable shape or the hole in protrude the purpose that reaches sealing with the part that can make profile.No matter selected which type of profile profile, gel particularly above-mentioned preferred gel adhesive strength, ductility, sealing characteristics needs often sealing is reopened and the situation of sealing again under, for example aforesaid door and window are best.

Object according to this or others of the present invention is useful, for example owing to be able to provide the gel seal layer in use to be used to be close to other face seals that contact with object in these above object or the insides along coating in article surface or the groove that forms in object.

Desirable especially object according to variety of way of the present invention is the object that those sealing layers wherein are gels, this gel includes the elasticity mid-block of fluid expansion and the thermoplasticity triblock copolymer of final block (the preferably final block of polystyrene or polymethacrylate) is arranged, final block is impervious to the dilatant liquid of middle block substantially, and carrier is a plastic materials, for example comprise ethylene by polymer content as primary coil.

Triblock copolymer gel preferably has characteristics of narrating and the standard that satisfies them in any or all patent of EP-A-0426658 (RK308), WO-A-9305113 (RK451), WO-A-9323472 (RK469) and WO-A-9418273 (RK472), all these disclosures here are introduced into as a reference.These disclosures mainly or have all been discussed the triblock polymer that the last block of polystyrene is arranged.For the higher temperature operation, use the UK Patent Application book of not authorizing as yet at us ... (RK509) the new three block gels of narrating in that poly-alkylmethacrylate is arranged are desirable.

Other embodiment of the present invention is illustrated with way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 12 illustrates one and cuts the O-ring seals of preceding described tubulose seal freely;

Figure 13 and 14 illustrates the seal washer that use O-ring seals as shown in fig. 1 is connected as pipe with planimetric map and transverse cross respectively;

Figure 15 illustrates with the sleeve pipe of minor diameter annular seal as the wire that passes conduit with perspective view;

Figure 16 illustrates the joint that flushes between foregoing two tubular seals;

Figure 17 illustrates one and is similar in the tubular profile described in the aforementioned UK Patent Application NO.9419035.2 that does not authorize as yet, adds a sagittate projective structure, and this structure is fixed on this profile in two grooves between the sealing surfaces; With

Figure 18 illustrates a profile that comprises common triangle hollow carrier, this carrier is positioned at gel in the groove of machine shaping fully and seals so that keep and finish sealing function with the part of the profile that protrudes in the face of this profile in a pair of sealing surface from groove.

Referring to these accompanying drawings, Figure 12 illustrates a tubular seal that the external skin of tubular carrier 50 and gel 52 is arranged, and gel coat 52 sticks on the outer surface of carrier, as aforementioned as yet not described in the applications of authorization at first two.Shown thin ring 54 scales off as foregoing packing ring or sleeve pipe from tubular element.

In Figure 13 and 14, the shown connection between two

pipeline sections

60 and 62 uses the O shape circle 54 that is similar to substantially shown in Figure 12 to connect.Packing ring 54 is located on the step that pipeline section 62 ends form and is compressed during with interconnected pipeline section 60 assemblings at pipeline section 62.The cross-section profile of Figure 14 is along the intercepting of the 3-3 line of Figure 13.

Figure 15 illustrates a sleeve pipe 80, and it is the modification than minor diameter of the shape of O shown in Figure 12 circle basically, is installed on the insulated electric conductor 82 that passes transparent conduit 84, and the outer gel coat of sleeve pipe 80 is close to conduit 84 and is formed sealing.This sleeve pipe carrier 86 with resilience closely cooperates around wire 82.

Figure 16 illustrate one in the groove 96 of the signal of " groove lid " or " tongue-and-groove " formula seal arrangement two tubular seal ends 92 and 94 the end that flushes between seal 90.Represent the also joint 90 between sealing both ends at the gel seal layer that carries on the tubular carrier of sealing object 92 and 94 with 98.

Figure 17 illustrates the another kind of shape of profile, and gel 71 wherein sticks on the hollow carrier 70 of arrow shaped holding flange 72, flange 72 be engaged on can with the groove 73 of first body 72 of second body 75 coupling in, make this sealing object can finish its sealing function.Matching body 74 and 75 for example can be to be used to seal electric or other equipment, as electric wire or cable joining, the protectiveness case member of fibre-optical splice or gas meter workpiece, maybe can be the closure member of aforesaid door or window.Can select to be convenient to make and be suitable for final carrier and the gel rubber material that uses, gel is preferably in that intensity suitably adheres on the carrier in the object of this shape.Preferable material is those materials of mentioning in aforementioned application of not authorizing as yet, and these disclosures here are cited as a reference.

In Figure 18, the shaft-like hollow projectile cartridge carrier 40 of triangle that is surrounded by gel 41 has been installed by pressurized or has vertically been slipped in the groove 42 of a last formation in a pair of matching body 43,44 (for example aforesaid protectiveness shell or closure member) fully.The part 45 of general triangular profile is stretched out from groove 42 so that in use be close to match surface 44 and is formed gel seal.Groove 42 is formed as shown and is useful on the space that allows the deformation of profile under sealing load.

Claims

1. Sealing comprises one by the tubular body of the carrier carried sealing material of inner (for body) soft (the rebound elasticity softness is preferably arranged) gassiness, and the sealing layer material has 80 to 400 (10 ^-1Mm) cone penetration in the scope and have at least 100%, better at least 200%, better at least 500% limit elongation.

2. according to the Sealing of claim 1, it is characterized in that carrier and/or sealing material body are tubuloses, better are circular, better is the pipe of annular basically.

3. according to the Sealing of claim 1 or 2, it is characterized in that carrier is or comprises foam polymerization material, the groove of the foam polymerization material of opening is preferably arranged.

4. according to the Sealing of aforementioned arbitrary claim, be positioned on first body, preferably be arranged in the groove that first body forms, the part that this groove can hold second body makes compressive seal, thereby forms sealing between first body and second body.

5. according to the Sealing of claim 4, being positioned at the groove that the angle is arranged, preferably is in the groove of rectangle basically in first body.

6. according to the Sealing of claim 4 or 5, during connecting, the tenon-slot type between first and second bodies forms sealing.

7. according to the Sealing of aforementioned arbitrary claim, it is characterized in that, under molten state, be preferably under the condition of boosting to carrier and apply sealing material, when contact with the sealing material of fusion preferably at least the surface region of carrier be or become state fusion or that soften.

8. according to the Sealing of claim 7, it is characterized in that carrier is an extrusion modling part and in carrier extrusion process or apply sealing material afterwards immediately, sealing material preferably and the carrier co-extrusion.

9. according to the Sealing of claim 7, it is characterized in that sealing material is compressed on the carrier of moulding in advance.

10. according to the Sealing of aforementioned arbitrary claim, it is characterized in that, sealing material to the adhesive strength of carrier greater than it in use contacting the adhesive strength of the object of placing with its sealing.

11. Sealing according to aforementioned arbitrary claim, it is characterized in that, at least the superficies district of carrier comprises the olefin copolymer as key component, preferably contain by weight less than 40%, preferably, contain less than 40%, preferably less than 20% ethylene/alkyl acrylate copolymers by alkyl acrylate weight less than the ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer of 20% vinylacetate, or polyethylene, preferably low density polyethylene.

12. the Sealing according to arbitrary in the claim 1 to 10 is characterized in that, the superficies district of carrier comprises the elastomeric material as main component, preferably thermoplastic elastic material at least.

13. the Sealing according to claim 12 is characterized in that, elastomeric material is or comprises very low-density polyethylene plastomers material, polytrimethylene ether/polyester block copolymer, or polypropylene/EPDM mixture.

14. the Sealing according to above-mentioned arbitrary claim is characterized in that, sealing material is a gel, preferably thermoplastic gel.

15. the Sealing according to claim 14 is characterized in that, the flexible basically deformation of gel is up at least 100% specific elongation.

16. the Sealing according to claim 14 or 15 is characterized in that, gel has the ultimate tensile strength (ASTMD412) less than 1MPa, less than the dynamic storage modulus of 50KPa and in temperature up to 100 ℃, preferably be zero slump substantially under 120 ℃.

17. the Sealing according to claim 14,15 or 16 is characterized in that, sealing material is a gel, comprises:

(i) vinyl benzene-methylene block copolymer, better be vinyl benzene-(hydrogenation methylene)-styrene triblock copolymer, be more preferably vinyl benzene-(ethylene/propene and/or ethylene/butylene)-styrene triblock copolymer, its average molecular weight Mw is at least 180,000 and

(ii) by weight, per 100 parts of block copolymers are (better at least 400, better at least 500) part expansion liquid at least to 300, and this expansion liquid expands and softens the methylene block of copolymer.

18. according to the Sealing of aforementioned arbitrary claim, its tubular length is less than its maximum outside diameter, and is better less than half of its largest outer diameter, better less than 1/4 of its maximum outside diameter.

19. according to the Sealing of claim 18, it scales off from longer pipe shape Sealing.

20. according to the Sealing of claim 18 or 19, as the sealing gasket between the relative pressure face, or as the sleeve pipe on the oblong object that passes Sealing.

21. Sealing according to aforementioned arbitrary claim, one end and its other end or with an end termination of another such Sealing, it is characterized in that, described sealing material (preferably gel) is sealed on two described abutting ends and with them, preferably without any the additional connection device of end each other.

22. the object according to aforementioned arbitrary claim is characterized in that, carrier comprises a kind of best and carrier all-in-one-piece structure, is used for carrier is connected to an object of this object of carrier band in use.

23. an object comprises the elongated tubular product such carrier of the elongated gelatin of a carrying and comprises a kind of best and carrier all-in-one-piece structure, is used for carrier is connected to the object of loaded object in use.

24. the object according to claim 22 or 23 is characterized in that, described structure comprises that a band enlarges the bump body at position, in use can be contained in the hole in the described object so that carrier is fixed thereon.

25., it is characterized in that described structure is hollow according to each object in the claim 22 to 24.

26. the object according to claim 25 is characterized in that, described structure is to be integral with carrier, and hollow the communicating in the hollow and carrier in the described structure.

27. the Sealing according to aforementioned arbitrary claim is characterized in that, the periphery of the tubular body of sealing material only partly extends around carrier, forms the sealing material tubular body that a side is opened like this.

28. the object according to aforementioned arbitrary claim is characterized in that, carrier comprises the silicone elastomer material.

29. according to each object in the claim 22 to 27, as the sealing of door or window.

30. a method that is used for the Sealing of the aforementioned arbitrary claim of moulding, comprise to described carrier apply molten state described sealing material sealing or tubular layer that side is opened and coated sealing material is solidified.

31. according to the method for claim 30, comprise the extruding carrier and in carrier extrusion process or apply sealing material afterwards immediately thereon, preferably and the carrier co-extrusion.

32. according to the method for claim 30, be included in crush seal material on the carrier of moulding in advance, push after being preferably in the carrier surface preheating.

33. between first body and second body, form the method for sealing, comprise that placement contacts with the part of first body according to each described Sealing in the claim 1 to 28 and makes the part of second body become to compress contact condition with Sealing so that compress Sealing between first and second bodies.

34. the case member of electric or other equipment, case member be loaded with according to each described Sealing and Sealing in the claim 1 to 28 on the case member so that in use and between the object of case member assembling form sealing at case member and another, preferably compress Sealing.

35., in groove, be loaded with Sealing according to the case member of claim 34, form and be tightly connected thereby this groove is arranged in use to hold the compatible portion of described another body, preferably tenon-slot type connects.

36. case member and described another body according to claim 34 or 35 fit together.

37. comprise that thereby the set of parts of a case member and a Sealing can the assembled case member that provides according to claim 34 or 35.

38. according to the set of parts of claim 37, also comprise another object, preferably second case member can fit together with described case member so that compress described Sealing, so that form sealing between described case member and described another object.

39. comprise the set of parts of each object in door or window component and the claim 1 to 28, can in the assemblying body that constitutes door or window with described set of parts, seal.

40. door or window component, one of carrier band is according to each object in the claim 1 to 28.