EP1426544B1 - Sealing for container, in particular insulated container - Google Patents

Abstract

The sealing (1) for an insulated container, and especially the doors, has a constant cross section profile at least in part, with a sealing mantle (3) and a hollow interior (13) with two interior zones (15a,15b), and at least two convex raised portions (9a,9b) opposite to a ground side (7) for mounting. When in the sealing mode, at least two contact lines act as an effective sealing zone, while the hollow interior and the space between the raised portions act as insulating air cushions.

Description

The invention relates to a seal for a container, in particular a door seal for an insulated container.

Such insulated containers are used, for example, to transport chilled or frozen goods from large cold stores to retail outlets, where the goods are stored in freezers or freezers until they are sold to the end user. Such insulating containers have a height of for example 2 meters, a width of about 70 cm and a depth of about 80 cm. Floor mounted rollers allow easy transport of the containers.

A known container has a housing which is made almost entirely of plastic. In this case, a double-walled plastic skin is produced, for example by rotation, and the intermediate space is foamed with a PUR foam. In the same way, the door of such a container is made. In the door of the container, a locking device is provided, which locks the door on the side opposite the hinges with the container. Other known containers are reinforced at the outer edges by metal angle or even have a complete outer wall of a metal sheet.

Between the door and the container opening, this is usually a circumferential seal arranged at the edge of the container opening, which in the locked state prevents an undesired penetration of heat into the cooled interior or an outflow of the cooled air.

Since such containers are subjected to high mechanical stresses in use - loading, transport, unloading - it can be disadvantageously due to Damage, contamination, etc. come to a reduction in the sealing effect of the seal.

Thus, for example, in a known gasket, which is formed as an inwardly folded fold, occur that the seal due to contamination, cracks in the seal, a decrease in the spring action of the fold, etc. no longer at any point directly to the door and Edge of the container opening rests and the container is therefore leaking. This leads disadvantageously compared to the life of such a container prematurely to a reduced insulating effect, so that the cooled interior of the container and the refrigerated goods therein is exposed to the risk of premature heating or the container no longer maintains the prescribed maximum temperature over the full desired period ,

Furthermore, it is disadvantageously difficult to keep known hygienic seals hygienic because contaminants can penetrate into pockets and slots such seals and are difficult to access for cleaning.

In addition, in known containers, the cold losses due to insufficient tightness of the container are high.

A seal having the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known from EP 0 283 843 A2 known.

Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the object to provide a seal or a sealing system for a container, in particular an insulating container, which has an improved sealing and insulating effect.

This object is achieved by a seal with the features of claim 1.

By forming an (elongated) seal, which at least in a partial region, a cross-sectional profile with a circumferential closed sealing jacket, an inner cavity contained therein and at least two, with respect to a Base side for fixing lying, convex elevations, arise in a sealing state advantageously at least two lines of contact as an effective sealing area.

As a result, the sealing effect can be increased, since the further convex increase represents an additional effective isolation. Advantageously, even in the case of an impairment or damage to a convex elevation at one point, for example due to high mechanical loading of the container, leaking of the entire seal can be prevented and the highest possible insulating effect can be ensured over as long a period as possible.

In addition, the insulating effect is increased by the seal according to the invention, since in addition to an air cushion in the cavity of the seal in the sealing state between the convex elevations and the sealing element, for example, the container door, there is a further air cushion. In this case, according to the invention advantageously not only the air flow through the sealing material itself and the double contact line is repeatedly prevented by means of material closure, but also reduces or prevents the heat exchange or heat transfer by means of multiple effective air cushion. Preferably, the cross section of the direction over the entire length, if necessary except the corners, the same.

Due to the closed shape of the seal in the cross-sectional profile further penetration of impurities and contaminants in the interior of the seal is avoided, so that the seal according to the invention can therefore also advantageously easier to clean and contributes to the necessary overall hygiene (especially for food storage and transport).

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the seal at its base or bottom, with which they o.ä. at the opening edge of the insulated container or on the complementary element, for example, on the door, by gluing, clamping, squeezing. is attached, one step up. This step acts as an inner stop for the underside of a depression located between the convex elevations, thereby increasing the pressure of the seal on a member to be sealed.

In addition, at this stage or at the base in extension of a lower level of the step a detachable U-shaped holding portion may be integrally formed with a leg, so that two opposing outward in the cross-sectional profile U-shaped receiving areas arise. In these receiving areas can advantageously from both sides of the container or the complementary (sealing) element elements, such as side walls, mounting bracket o.ä. engage and thus ensure a stable and tight attachment with ease of mounting the seal.

According to the invention, the cavity comprises two inner regions, which are formed at least at maximum crushing of the seal as separate areas (multi-chamber system).

In such a bruise (or shortly before), the underside of a depression located between two convex elevations may contact the base side, in particular a stop formed as a step or a projection, so that the pressure force of both convex elevations on the sealing element is increased.

With a suitable choice of the stiffness of the side walls, for example, over different thicknesses, a similar pressing force can advantageously be generated in addition to both convex elevations. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the side wall, which is connected to the lower level of the step, a higher rigidity, preferably due to a larger wall thickness, on than the opposite side wall.

Accordingly, upon squeezing the seal for closing the container, at least the elasticized side walls are deformed such that the convex ridges and the intervening valley are substantially retained. In addition to or instead of varying stiffness of the sidewalls, one or more protrusions extending from the base toward a convex elevation, for example in the form of supporting or intermediate webs, may be provided within the seal to at least one of the convex ridges against over compression support.

In this way, advantageously formed in the opening plane adjacent, against heat exchange or heat transfer together effective air cushion. In this way arise at n increases n (with a maximum crushing by stops separated) air cushion in the interior and in addition n-1 air cushion between the increases, so a multi-chamber system with inner and outer chambers or air cushions.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the seal is formed circumferentially to seal an opening of a Isolierbehälters against a complementary element, in particular a door. In this way, advantageously, any opening or the surrounding edge of an insulating container, etc., even with complete Entfembarkeit a covering element, such as a door, a lid. good and safe with this insulating (gas and temperature-tight) are closed.

In one embodiment of the invention, the base side of the seal as an adhesive surface, ie formed as a surface by means of an adhesive, an already applied or first applied adhesive layer, etc. with a surface, in particular the opening edge, the insulating container or the corresponding complementary surface of the Sealing element is connected.

This makes it possible in an advantageous embodiment of the invention to replace an existing, for example, mounted in the production seal with holding area in a simple manner. For this purpose, only the seal from the holding area, which remains in the container or in the fastening elements, for example, be separated by means of a knife. In the following, then a seal without holding area with its adhesive surface instead of the separated seal in a simple, fast and inexpensive manner can be attached. For example, it is conceivable to manufacture and distribute such a seal without a holding area as a repair set.

Further embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Fig. 1

eine vergrößerte Querschnittsansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Dichtung als Einzelheit;

Fig. 2

eine Vorderansicht auf einen Isolierbehälter mit einer Dichtung nach Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine vergrößerte Schnittansicht entlang der Schnittlinie A-A in Fig. 2 mit geschlossener Tür und

Fig. 4

eine vergrößerte Schnittansicht entlang der Schnittlinie A-A in Fig. 2 mit geöffneter Tür.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing. In the drawing show:

Fig. 1

an enlarged cross-sectional view of a seal according to the invention as a detail;

Fig. 2

a front view of an insulated container with a seal after Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

an enlarged sectional view along the section line AA in Fig. 2 with closed door and

Fig. 4

an enlarged sectional view along the section line AA in Fig. 2 with open door.

In the FIG. 1 In cross-section profile shown seal 1 has a closed sealing jacket 3, which consists of a base side 7 with step 19, a left side wall 5a and a right side wall 5b and on its upper side from a left elevation 9a, a right elevation 9b and an intermediate Valley 17 exists.

On the underside or base side 7 is formed on the extension of the lower level of the step 19 in the position shown in dashed lines in cross-section U-shaped holding portion 21 with a leg, so that below the seal 1, a left open holding portion 23 a and in the intermediate region between the lower and upper level of the step 19, a holding area 23b opened to the right results.

In the interior of the seal 1 is a cavity 13, which is at a stress of the seal 1, so compression by crushing or compression in the direction of the central axis M by touching the underside of the depression 17 with the top of the base 7 and the stage 19 in two inner areas 15a and 15b is divisible.

As in the enlarged cross-sectional view FIG. 1 clearly seen, the left side wall 5a, which is connected to the lower level of the base 7, has a greater wall thickness d ₁ than the side wall 5b (d ₁ > d ₂ ) which is connected to the upper level of the stepped bottom 7.

In this way, it can be ensured even when using a similar material for the entire seal 1 that the side wall 5a has a higher rigidity against elastic deformation than the side wall 5b. Thus, with a uniform loading of the convex elevations 9a and 9b with a force, for example by closing a door 4, it can be achieved that the side wall 5a does not deform further than the side wall 5b, despite its greater length. As a result, when the elevations 9a and 9b are acted upon by a common force, an equally strong counteracting pressure force of the seal 1 or its elevations 9a and 9b results.

With a closed door 4 this results as if from FIG. 2 seen as a circumferential contact surface two parallel to each other and concentric in this example extending contact lines on which rests the corresponding inner surface of the door, so in the example whose outer border to the seal. Of course, these lines 11a, 11b, which are formed from the positive locking of the convex elevations 9a, 9b with the inner edge surface of the door, have a certain width, which depends on the deformation of the convex elevations 9a and 9b in the region of the touch.

In the in FIG. 3 illustrated sectional view taken along the line A - A in FIG. 2 It can be seen how the seal 1 according to the invention interacts with a sealing element, for example a door 4.

The gasket 1 with a holding portion 21 is fixed by engagement, for example, during assembly of the insulating container 2 with its receiving portion 23a on the plastic inner wall 29 (for example Gfk). For further attachment of the seal 1 engages an elongated in profile rectangular cover or holder 27 with a portion of a leg in the receiving portion 23b of the seal 1 and is attached with its other leg to an outer wall 25 of the insulating 2, for example, with rivet or screws. The outer wall 25 and the right-angled bracket 27 may in this case consist of appropriately suitable plastic or metal.

The intermediate space 37 between the plastic inner wall 29 and the outer wall 25 of the insulating container 1 is foamed, for example with PUR foam. As a result, it is advantageously possible to achieve a good adhesive effect even between different materials such as GRP plastic and metal or sheet metal.

The door 4 is in FIGS. 3 and 4 only schematically with its outer wall (without showing the interior or the opposite wall) shown.

At the corresponding position of the door 4, which cooperates with the seal 1, there is a seal or connecting strip 33 which, for example, has an H-shaped profile in cross-section. In the two outwardly open areas of the H-profile engage both an outer wall 31 of the door 4, for example a steel shell, as well as an inner side or plastic or Edelstahlinnenwandung 35 a. In this way, the door may have a similar construction as the insulating container, ie foamed with polyurethane foam, and additionally at the point of contact with the seal 1 or its convex elevations 9a and 9b, the sealing effect by means of a connecting and sealing strip 33 and their Support the elevations 9a and 9b opposite surface in form and material fit.

Of course, the seal 1 according to the invention is also without such a corresponding counter-element 33, for example, with the door inner wall itself, readily functional.

As in FIG. 3 shown with the door closed, the seal 1 is compressed substantially on the elasticity of the side walls 5a and 5b in the direction of the central axis M, wherein advantageously the underside of the sink 17 rests on the upper level of the stepped base side 7. The bottom of the sink 17 is therefore different from FIG. 4 in the non-compressed state of the seal no longer at the height H ₂ but at the height H ₂ 'which in this case simultaneously represents the height of the top of the stopper 19.

How out FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 As can be seen, the basic structure of the seal 1 on its surface, ie convex elevations 9a, 9b with intermediate sink 17, not only in the uncompressed state, but also in the compressed state of the seal (see FIG. 3 ) substantially, so that through this sink 17 an additional air cushion, actually outside of the sealing jacket 3 at a closed door 4 according to FIG. 3 or forms in the sealing state.

In addition to or instead of the different rigidity of the side walls 5a and 5b, in the cavity 13 of the seal 1 extending from the base side 7, for example in the region of the step or the stopper 19, in the direction of the elevation 5a extending (in Fig. 1 dashed line shown) projection 20 in the form of an intermediate webs or the like. be provided there to increase the pressure against compression of this increase 5a.

In addition, the cavity 13 is subdivided upon application of the elevations 9a, 9b in the sealing case into two subregions 15a, 15b, so that in extreme cases separate air cushions 15a, 15b are formed.

Of course, the seal 1 is functional even with a non-separate cavity 13 so that even with a lock without maximum pressure a good sealing effect can be achieved. How out FIGS. 3 and 4 can be seen, the flow of air by material closure at least two points, namely lines of contact 11a, 11b and side walls 5a, 5b and possibly additional contact between sink 17 and stop 19, from the inside outwards or from outside to inside in the direction of a plane perpendicular to the plane to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 and parallel to H ₁ , H ₁ ', H ₂ , H ₂ ' or parallel to the plane in FIG FIG. 2 prevented.

How out FIG. 1 As can be seen, the seal 1 originally used during assembly in the manner described above can be exchanged with holding region 21 later in the case of an operating container 2 in the following simple manner.

The existing seal 1, which no longer achieves the required sealing effect due to wear, is separated or demolished, for example by means of a carpet knife, at the dividing line between the base side 7 and the holding region 21 shown in dashed lines. Then, for example, separately available repair set a seal 1 without holding area 21 are applied by the Bottom of the base 7 with the corresponding surface, ie the opening edge is glued. Such a repair kit can, as in Fig. 1 shown already on the stepped underside at least on the horizontal adhesive surfaces 8 and 10 have a self-adhesive layer to facilitate the repair on.

In this way can advantageously be replaced by wear or damage not sufficiently sufficiently functional seal in the elaborately designed and costly insulated containers in a simple and cost-effective manner, without that new seal relative to the original seal with respect to its insulating disadvantages.

Of course, the embodiment described above is to be considered as an example only, so that the seal according to the invention can be used both in the cooling and in the heating area, being used as a sealing material for a corresponding application, a suitable over the corresponding temperature ranges elastic and a certain stiffness exhibiting material got to.

Claims (8)

1. Seal for a container, in particular an insulated container,
   which at least in a partial region has a substantially constant cross-sectional profile with a seal casing (3) and an inner cavity (13) contained therein and
   at least two convex elevations (9a, 9b) lying opposite a base side (7) for securement so that in a sealing state at least two lines of contact (11a, 11b) result as effective sealing regions, wherein
   both the cavity (13) and the space between the elevations (9a, 9b) act as an insulating air cushion,
   characterised in that
   in a non-compressed state of the seal the cavity is formed as just one cavity with two inner regions (15a, 15b) that are connected together, and
   when there is maximum squeezing of the seal (1) the inner regions (15a, 15b) are formed as regions that are separate from each other, with the underside of a depression (17) that lies between two convex elevations (9a, 9b) being in contact with the base side (7).
2. Seal according to claim 1, characterised in that the seal (1) has a step on its underside of the base side (7).
3. Seal according to claim 2, characterised in that the seal (1) has a separable U-shaped holding
   region (21) which is connected with a leg in extension of a lower plane of the step (19) to the base side (7) so that two opposing outwardly directed receiving regions (23a, 23b) develop.
4. Seal according to claim 3, characterised in that formed on the inside of the base side (7) for the depression (17) there is a stop (19) in the form of a step and/or for at least one of the convex elevations (9a, 9b) there is a support in the form of a projection (20).
5. Seal according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the seal (1) is formed circumferentially in order to seal an opening of a container (2) with respect to a complementary element, in particular a door (4).
6. Seal according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 2 and 4 to 5, characterised in that the base side (7) is formed as an adhesive surface.
7. Seal according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the seal (1) has side walls (5a, 5b) that are formed elastically in cross-sectional profile.
8. Seal according to claim 7, characterised in that the side wall (5a) that is connected to the lower plane of the step (19) has a higher level of rigidity, preferably by virtue of a greater wall thickness (d₁>d₂), than the opposing side wall (5b).

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