WO2023160871A1

WO2023160871A1 - Flat gasket

Info

Publication number: WO2023160871A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/000017
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Genesius; Stefan Epple; Alexis Combet; Pascal Rogeon
Original assignee: Kaco Gmbh + Co. Kg; Solyem
Priority date: 2022-02-24
Filing date: 2023-02-24
Publication date: 2023-08-31
Also published as: DE102022000722A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flat gasket which is to tightly connect two housing parts, which form a housing, to each other with the interposition of the flat gasket. The flat gasket is intended to ensure that medium from the housing does not pass to the outside or medium, such as water, does not pass from the outside into the housing. To achieve the sealing, the flat gasket is elastically deformed between sealing webs of the housing parts when the two housing parts are screwed together at screw connection points. It has been shown that a reliable seal is not always ensured over the length of the flat gasket. Regions occur in which the elastic deformation of the flat gasket between the housing parts is not sufficiently high or elastic deformation of the flat gasket does not occur at all. This has the result that there is insufficient sealing in these regions, and therefore corresponding medium can pass from the inside to the outside or from the outside to the inside. The embodiment of the flat gasket can be described having a main body (8), which is provided on at least one, preferably on both outer sides (9, 10), with protruding ribs (16, 19, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33) which are provided over the circumference of the flat gasket (3) and form a profile structure (15).

Description

KACO GmbH + Co. KG Industriestr. 19 74912 Kirchardt/Germany

Solem SAS

34 chemin pierre blanche 69800 Saint-Priest/France

1110 PCT February 24, 2023

flat gasket

The invention relates to a flat gasket according to the preamble of claim 1 .

Such flat gaskets are used, for example, to tightly connect two housing parts forming a housing with the flat gasket interposed. The flat seal is intended to ensure that medium does not leak out of the housing or that medium, such as water, does not get into the housing from the outside. In order to achieve the seal, the flat gasket between the sealing webs of the housing parts is elastically deformed when the two housing parts are screwed together at screwing points. It has been shown that a reliable seal is not always guaranteed over the length of the flat gasket. There are areas in which the elastic deformation of the flat gasket between the housing parts is not high enough or the elastic deformation of the flat gasket does not occur at all. As a result, there is insufficient sealing in these areas, so that the corresponding medium can get from the inside to the outside or from the outside to the inside.

Flat gaskets are to be understood as meaning those gaskets which are suitable for sealing housing components relative to one another or add-on parts or functional components on corresponding housings or walls.

This problem occurs in particular when the housing to be sealed is used outdoors. Then, in particular, medium from the

CONFIRMATION COPY Environment get into the housing via the leakage points. An example of such housings are eBike motors, which are heavily exposed to environmental conditions.

The problem of insufficient sealing also occurs in particular when the screwing points of the housing parts are farther apart, the sealing webs of the housing to be sealed are narrow or the housing parts and the flat seal are insufficiently positioned relative to one another.

In addition, if different materials are selected for the two housing parts, different expansions and/or deformations of the housing parts can occur under the influence of temperature. As a result, there may be insufficient sealing because the elastic deformation of the flat gasket is not high enough or there is no elastic deformation of the flat gasket at all.

Inadequate sealing can occur in partial areas of the sealing ribs or affect the entire area of one or more sealing ribs between screwing points.

The invention is based on the object of designing the flat gasket of the generic type in such a way that it ensures reliable and secure sealing.

In the case of the generic flat gasket, this object is achieved according to the invention with the characterizing features of claim 1 .

The flat gasket according to the invention is characterized in that it has ribs which cross one another on at least one, preferably on both, outer sides and delimit the receiving spaces. They adjoin one another in the circumferential direction and/or transversely to the circumferential direction of the flat gasket. The crossing ribs ensure that the flat gasket in the installation position between the sealing webs of the housing parts is sufficiently elastically deformed over its circumference. This ensures reliable sealing over the circumference of the flat gasket. However, should medium get into the area of the flat seal from the outside in or from the inside out, this medium is caught by the receiving spaces. Since they are arranged next to one another in the circumferential direction and/or transversely to the circumferential direction, it is reliably prevented that the medium can get to the outside or inside.

A particularly simple design results when the ribs cross each other perpendicularly. This results in rectangular or square receiving spaces that reliably prevent the medium from passing outwards or inwards.

If at least some of the ribs advantageously run in the circumferential direction of the flat gasket, then these rib parts form a barrier for the passage of the medium from the inside to the outside or from the outside to the inside.

A particularly advantageous embodiment results when the ribs of the profile structure are arranged in such a way that they cross one another at an angle. The angled arrangement of the ribs means that there is a relatively large number of ribs, which ensures that the flat gasket can be deformed properly in an elastic manner. The rib parts lying obliquely to the circumferential direction also ensure that the medium is fed back again due to the oblique position of the rib parts.

A particularly effective seal results when the ribs are at an acute angle to the circumferential direction of the flat gasket. This angle is advantageously in a range from about 50° to about 70°, preferably about 60°.

An advantageous contribution to optimal sealing is when the receiving spaces located in the circumferential direction of the flat gasket at the edge of the profile structure are open towards the edge of the profile structure. Then it can Any medium that has gotten into these open peripheral receiving spaces can be returned to the respective medium area as a result of the inclined ribs.

The reclaiming of medium that may have gotten into the open-edged receiving spaces is particularly facilitated if these receiving spaces are provided with rib sections that lie obliquely to the circumferential direction of the flat gasket. They feed the medium back reliably.

The receiving spaces of the flat gasket advantageously have the same design. The same conditions are then given over the circumference of the flat gasket with regard to the seal and the collection of the medium.

In order to make the sealing conditions changeable over the circumference of the flat gasket due to the installation situation, the profile structure can advantageously be designed in such a way that it has differently designed receiving spaces in the circumferential direction and/or transversely to the circumferential direction. The receiving spaces can then be adapted to the respective installation situation.

In order to achieve reliable compression of the flat gasket in the installation position, the ribs are advantageously designed in such a way that they taper towards their free end. This has the advantage that even small compressive forces when installing the flat gasket are sufficient to elastically deform the ribs.

The ribs advantageously have a triangular cross-section.

Optimum elastic deformation with regard to perfect sealing occurs in particular when the opening angle of the triangular cross section of the ribs is less than 90°, advantageously between about 50° and about 70°, preferably at 60°. The ribs can be part of a coating that covers the base body of the flat gasket on at least one, preferably on both, outer sides. Such a coating can be easily attached to the base body, which in turn can be made of any suitable material, regardless of the sealing requirements. Metallic materials, plastics or composite materials have proven to be particularly advantageous materials.

Advantages arise when the coating of the base body is part of a sheathing of the base body.

In principle, there is the possibility of forming the ribs in one piece with the base body, so that an additional coating or sheathing is not required.

The flat gasket according to the invention is advantageously used for static sealing in eBike motors. In addition, the flat gasket according to the invention can also be used where comparable problems with regard to reliable sealing occur.

The subject matter of the application results not only from the subject matter of the individual patent claims, but also from all the information and features disclosed in the drawings and the description. Even if they are not the subject of the claims, they are claimed to be essential to the invention insofar as they are new compared to the prior art, either individually or in combination.

Further features of the invention emerge from the further claims, the description and the drawings.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to several embodiments shown in the drawings. Show it 1 in view of a flat gasket according to the invention,

Fig. 2 shows detail A in Fig. 1 in an enlarged view,

Fig. 3 shows detail B in Fig. 1 in an enlarged view,

Fig. 4 shows detail F in Fig. 1,

Fig. 5 shows detail C in Fig. 1 in an enlarged representation,

6 shows a section along the line VI-VI in FIG. 1,

7 shows an enlarged view of a section along the line VII-VII in FIG. 5,

8 shows a first embodiment of a structural design on the upper/lower side of the flat gasket according to the invention, which is arranged in different positions relative to a sealing web between two housing parts to be sealed against one another,

9 shows a second embodiment of a structural design of the flat gasket according to the invention in a representation corresponding to FIG. 8,

10 in a representation corresponding to FIG. 8 a third embodiment of a structural design of the flat gasket according to the invention,

11 shows a fourth embodiment of a structural design of the flat gasket according to the invention in an illustration similar to FIG. 8,

FIG. 12 in an illustration similar to FIG. 11 a fifth embodiment of a structural design of the flat gasket according to the invention, 13 shows a sixth embodiment of a structural design of a flat gasket according to the invention in an illustration according to FIG. 12,

14 shows a schematic representation of a housing part which is sealingly connected to a further housing part with the flat gasket according to the invention being interposed.

14 shows a schematic representation of a sealing web 4 of a first housing part 1 , onto which a second housing part is placed and connected to the first housing part 1 to form a transmission/motor housing with a flat gasket 3 interposed. The second housing part 2 also has a sealing web which is of the same design as the sealing web 4 of the first housing part 1 . In the installed position, the flat seal 3 rests on the sealing webs 4 of both housing parts 1.

Both housing parts 1 have along their circumference outwardly and inwardly projecting eyes 6, which have threaded bushings and fastening screws in a known manner, with the aid of which the two housing parts 1 are sealingly connected to one another with the flat gasket 3 interposed.

The outline shape of the housing parts 1 is only to be understood as an example. The housing parts can have a wide variety of outline shapes. Accordingly, the sealing webs 4 and the flat gasket 3 also have different outline shapes.

The flat gasket 3 is designed in such a way that it ensures perfect sealing over the circumference of the sealing webs 4, especially in the area between the eyes 6 of the housing parts 1.

As will be explained below, a corresponding design of protruding ribs can ensure that the compression of the flat gasket in the area between the eyes 6 is determined Screw points 6 is so high that a perfect seal is achieved.

The flat gasket shown in FIG. 1 is ring-shaped and has a base body 8 which extends over the circumference of the flat gasket 3 . The outline shape and the width of the flat seal or the base body 8 depends on the outline shape and the width of the sealing webs 4 of the housing parts 1 to be connected tightly to one another.

Outline shape and width of the flat gasket 3 or the base body can be the same as the outline shape and width WF of the sealing webs 4 or can be designed narrower or wider than the sealing webs 4 or partial areas thereof.

The base body 8 has a rectangular cross section with mutually parallel outer sides 9, 10 (FIGS. 6 and 7).

In the area of the eyes 6 of the housing parts 1, the flat seal 3 or its base body 8 has corresponding flat sealing sections 11, 12 projecting outwards or inwards. They are designed in such a way that they cover the eyes 6 of the housing parts 1 in the installed position.

The sealing sections 11, 12 each have a central opening 13, 14, through which the connecting screws (not shown) protrude, with which the two housing parts 1 are connected to one another. The openings 13, 14 have a circular outline in the exemplary embodiment. Depending on the design of the housing parts 1, the openings 13, 14 can also have other outline shapes.

At least on one, but preferably on both outer sides 9, 10 of the base body 8 is a profile structure 15, which is formed by rib-like elevations. The profile structure 15 makes it possible to absorb leakage that could get between the two housing parts 1 to the outside or to the inside. In addition, the profile structure has 15 the task of ensuring that the flat gasket 3 in the installed position is pressurized over its circumference between the two housing parts 1 in such a way that reliable sealing is ensured over the circumference of the flat gasket 3 .

In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the profile structure 15 is formed by ribs 16 which run parallel to one another over the circumference of the flat gasket 3 and are arranged at a distance from the outer edge 17 and the inner edge 18 of the base body 8 .

The width Ws of the profile structure 3 can correspond approximately to the width WF of the sealing webs 4. An optimal design of the profile structure 3 is achieved when Ws is provided between 50% and 80%, preferably between 60% and 70% of WF.

However, the ribs 16 running over the circumference can also extend to the inner edge 18 and/or the outer edge 17 .

The ribs 16 have, for example, a smaller distance from the outer edge 17 than from the inner edge 18 of the base body 8.

The ribs 16 run largely parallel to the outer edge 17 and also to the inner edge 18 of the base body 8. Only in the area of the sealing sections 11, 12 do at least some of the ribs 16 extend into the sealing sections 11, 12.

The ribs 16 are crossed by transverse ribs 19 , which are spaced one behind the other or next to one another over the circumference of the flat gasket 3 and extend, for example, to the outer edge 17 of the base body 8 .

The transverse ribs 19 are arranged one behind the other or next to one another at the same distance over the circumference of the flat gasket 3 .

But they can also have different distances. The distance between the transverse ribs 19 preferably becomes smaller the further away they are from the screwing points (eyes 6) or the pressure on the respective sealing section between the screwing points decreases.

The ribs 16 and the transverse ribs 19 delimit or form accommodation spaces 20 which can accommodate any leakage that may occur.

A receiving space 20 is thus formed as a flat square with side lengths A and B, A describing the height and B the length of the square. The further away a receiving space 20 is provided from the screwing points (eyes 6), the greater the ratio of height to length or A to B. The ratio A/B between two screwing points (eyes 6) is preferably between A/B=1/ 2 and A/B = 1/3, with the ratio decreasing as the distance to a screwing point (eye 6) decreases, here for example up to A/B = 1/10.

In the area of the flat sealing sections 11 , 12 the transverse ribs 19 are extended to the outer edge of the sealing sections 11 , 12 . In the area of the sealing sections 11, 12, the transverse ribs 19 are crossed by short ribs 21, which each extend from the edge of the openings 13, 14 to the outer edge of the sealing sections.

In the area of the outwardly protruding sealing sections 11, at least one transverse rib 19 is formed in such a way that it surrounds the edge of the opening 13 at a distance, so that the opening 13 is also securely sealed in this area.

As is apparent from FIGS. 6 and 7, the ribs 16 have a triangular cross-section. During installation, their tips come into contact with the sealing webs 4 of the housing parts 1. In principle, apart from ribs 16 with a triangular cross section, any conceivable rib shape tapering towards the free end is possible. The transverse ribs 19 and the ribs 21 are also formed in the same way. By varying the height of the ribs 16, 19, 21, the compression of the flat gasket 3 can be adjusted. If the screwing points (eyes 6) are far apart, with a constant height of the ribs 16, 19, 21 the pressure would decrease towards the middle distance between the screwing points, which could lead to leaks. The height of the ribs 16, 19, 21 is therefore varied, if necessary. Between the screwing points 6, the rib height is increased towards the middle distance between the screwing points 6, so that the pressure is correspondingly high. A perfect seal is then achieved in this area.

The triangular cross-section of the ribs 16, 19, 21 ensures that the ribs 16, 19, 21 are sufficiently elastically deformed by the housing parts 1, so that the housing parts 1 are reliably sealed against one another over the circumference of the flat gasket 3.

With the ribs 16, 19, 21, an optimal pressure distribution can be achieved over the circumference of the flat gasket 3, so that perfect tightness is achieved over the circumference of the flat gasket 3.

Depending on the design of the housing parts 1, the ribs 16, 19, 21 can be of different heights and/or widths, so that, depending on the requirements, a higher elastic compression of the flat seal 3 is achieved in certain circumferential areas than in other areas. In this way, the flat gasket 3 can be designed in such a way that, over its circumference, it has the elastic deformation of the ribs required for a proper seal.

The crossing ribs 16, 19, 21 also have the particular advantage that a seal is also achieved when the flat gasket 3 is not optimally positioned on the relatively narrow sealing webs 4 of the housing parts 1. Even if the flat gasket 3 is not in its optimal installation position, they will face each other crossing ribs 16, 19, 21 ensure that a proper seal is achieved over the circumference. This will be explained in more detail using the following exemplary embodiments.

Since the ribs 19, 21 are also provided crossing one another in the area of the sealing sections 11, 12, reliable sealing is also ensured in this area. In addition, it is also ensured in this area that there is no leakage to the outside or from the outside to the inside, even if the sealing sections 11 , 12 are not positioned exactly on the eyes 6 of the housing parts 1 .

FIG. 8 shows another profile structure 15 on the base body 8. The base structure consists of hexagonal honeycombs which connect to one another in the circumferential and radial directions. The honeycombs are delimited by ribs 22 which protrude beyond the outer sides 9, 10 of the base body 8 in the manner described.

The ribs 22 are provided such that some of the ribs extend in the circumferential direction of the flat gasket 3 .

The ribs 22 delimit hexagonal receiving spaces 20 for any leakage that may occur. Several such receiving spaces 20 are located one behind the other transversely to the circumferential direction, so that the medium to be sealed is reliably prevented from escaping.

The rib structure ensures that the medium to be sealed cannot pass through from the inside to the outside or vice versa.

If the installation conditions permit, the ribs can have the same height. Then such a flat gasket 3 can be produced very easily.

However, there is also the possibility of varying the height of the ribs 22 if this is required by the installation conditions. The profile structure 15 can then be designed so that, for example, the ribs 22 are locally more compressed than in other areas of the flat gasket 3. In this case, the pressure distribution of the built-in flat gasket 3 can be adjusted so that a uniform and secure seal is achieved over its circumference.

8a to 8c show an example of the two edges 23, 24 of the sealing webs 4 of the two housing parts 1. Since FIG. 8 is only a schematic representation, the edges 23, 24 are shown running straight. As can be seen from FIG. 14, the edges of the sealing webs 4 do not run straight over the circumference, however, but are also partially curved. However, the mode of operation of the profile structure 15 described below does not change anything here.

FIG. 8a shows the case in which the flat gasket 3 is arranged in the exact position on the sealing web 4. FIG. Therefore, all of the ribs 22 and the hexagonal, adjoining receiving spaces 20 lie completely between the sealing webs 4 of the housing parts 1 over the circumference of the flat gasket. The width of the flat gasket 3 corresponds to the width of the sealing webs 4.

8b shows the case in which the flat seal 3 is not installed in the correct position. In this case, the flat gasket 3 projects beyond the edge 24 of the sealing webs 4 . Nevertheless, there is still a sufficient number of ribs 22 and receiving spaces 20 on the sealing webs 4 so that there is no risk of leakage or the ingress of external harmful media, such as water, and reliable sealing is ensured. There is a sufficient number of ribs 22 and receiving spaces 20 between the two edges 23, 24 for a secure seal over the circumference of the flat gasket.

FIG. 8c shows, by way of example, the case where the flat gasket 3 is installed in such a way that it protrudes over the edge 23 of the sealing web 4. Also in this If there is a sufficient number of ribs 22 and receiving spaces 20 in the area between the sealing webs 4.

Due to the profile structure 15 on the two outer sides 9, 10 of the base body 8, the advantage is achieved in the manner described that a precisely positioned installation of the flat gasket 3 is not absolutely necessary, although it is desired. The profile structure 15 ensures in any case that the seal around the circumference of the flat gasket 3 is guaranteed at all times and that there is a sufficient number of ribs 22 with which the sufficient distribution of pressure over the periphery of the flat gasket can be achieved.

9 shows another configuration of the profile structure 15 of the flat gasket 3. The profile structure 15 has the honeycomb arrangement of the ribs 22 which delimit the receiving spaces 20. FIG. As in the previous embodiment, some of the ribs 22 are in the circumferential direction of the base body 8.

Between the uniformly hexagonal receiving spaces 20 there are receiving spaces 25 which are elongated in the circumferential direction of the base body 8 but also have a hexagonal outline. These receiving spaces 25 are delimited by longer ribs 26 extending in the circumferential direction of the base body 8 and by ribs 27 lying obliquely to them. The sloping ribs 27 advantageously have the same length as the ribs 22 of the receiving spaces 20. However, they can also have different lengths.

The ribs 26 and the corresponding ribs 22 are parallel and aligned with each other as seen in the circumferential direction of the base body 8 .

As in the previous exemplary embodiment, the design of the ribs 22, 26, 27 crossing one another ensures that the medium cannot escape to the outside as a leak or that pollutants cannot enter from the outside. The medium or the pollutants are rather in the receiving rooms 20, 25 if there is a leakage path across the boundary of a rib 22, 26, 27.

In addition, the ribs 22, 26, 27 ensure that the flat gasket 3 is properly pressed between the housing parts 1, so that there is a sufficiently high pressing force over the circumference of the flat gasket 3.

As in the previous exemplary embodiments, a plurality of receiving spaces 20, 25 are provided one behind the other transversely to the circumferential direction of the flat gasket 3, so that even if the flat gasket 3 is not installed in the correct position, a sufficiently secure seal is achieved.

This is shown schematically with reference to FIGS. 9a to 9c. 9a shows the exact installation position of the flat gasket 3. It does not protrude beyond the edges of the sealing webs 4.

9b and 9c show the situation in which the flat gasket 3 protrudes over one or the other edge 23, 24 of the sealing webs 4 in the installed position. There is still a sufficient number of accommodation spaces 20, 25 on the surface of the sealing webs 4, which can accommodate any leakage that may occur.

A sufficiently high number of ribs 22, 26, 27 is also provided between the sealing webs 4, despite the fact that they are not installed in the exact position, so that a sufficiently reliable compression is guaranteed over the circumference of the flat gasket 3.

The ribs 22, 26, 27 are advantageously formed in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIGS. In the embodiment according to FIG. 10, the receiving spaces 28 are rectangular. In the circumferential direction of the base body 8, the receiving spaces 28 are delimited by mutually parallel ribs 29, which run in the circumferential direction. Ribs 30 run perpendicular to the ribs 29 and connect adjacent ribs 29 to one another. The ribs 30 are provided in such a way that the receiving spaces 28 overlap one another transversely to the circumferential direction, in the exemplary embodiment over half the circumferential length. Adjacent receiving spaces 28 are thus offset from one another transversely to the circumferential direction. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 7, however, the rectangular receiving spaces 20 are each at the same height.

A plurality of receiving spaces 28 are thus located next to one another transversely to the circumferential direction. This reliably prevents leakage or the entry of pollutants. Should leaks or pollutants enter, they are received by the corresponding receiving spaces 28 .

Since several receiving spaces are provided one behind the other transversely to the circumferential direction, reliable sealing is also guaranteed if the flat gasket 3 is not installed in the correct position.

10a shows the case where the flat gasket 3 is installed in the correct position, i.e. it does not protrude beyond the edges 23, 24 of the sealing webs.

10b and 10c show an installation position in which the flat gasket 3 protrudes either over the edge 23 (FIG. 10b) or over the edge 24 (FIG. 10c). Nevertheless, there is a sufficient number of receiving spaces 28 in the area of the sealing webs 4.

In the embodiments described below, the ribs of the profile structure are each formed in such a way that they run at an angle to the circumferential direction of the base body 8 . In the embodiment according to FIG. 11, the ribs 31 are at an angle a to the circumferential direction of the base body 8. The angle is less than 45° and is advantageously in a range between 10° and 30°.

The ribs 31 are arranged crossing one another on the outer sides 9, 10 of the base body 8 and are each at an angle a to the circumferential direction of the base body 8. The ribs 31 delimit rhombic receiving spaces 32.

The receiving spaces 32 adjoin one another in the circumferential direction and transversely thereto. As a result, there is no leakage path to the outside for the medium to be sealed and no entry for pollutants to the inside. Any leaks/pollutants that occur are absorbed by the receiving spaces 32 that are provided over the circumference of the flat gasket 3 .

The ribs 31 are again triangular in cross-section in accordance with the previous embodiments. Since they taper in the direction of their free ends in accordance with the exemplary embodiment described above, the ribs 31 are elastically deformed to a sufficient extent in the installed position, so that a perfect seal is achieved over the circumference of the flat gasket 3 .

In this exemplary embodiment, too, perfect sealing is also achieved if the flat seal 3 is not installed in the correct position.

Fig. 10c shows the precise position of the flat gasket 3. In this case, it lies exactly between the edges 23, 24 of the sealing webs 4.

11a and 11b show, by way of example, that the flat gasket 3 protrudes to different extents beyond the edge 23 of the sealing webs. On the other hand, FIGS. 11 d and 11 e show the case in which the flat seal protrudes by different amounts beyond the other edge 24 . In any case, there is a sufficient number of receiving spaces 32 and ribs 31 between the sealing webs 4, so that the seal is perfect even if the installation is not in the correct position.

On the edge, the profile structure 15 is provided with a circumferential rib 33 in the circumferential direction, which is sufficiently elastically deformed in the installed position, so that no medium can escape over or under these edge ribs 33 to the outside. Should this nevertheless be the case, the leakage is taken up by the subsequent receiving spaces 32 .

The profile structure 15 according to FIG. 12 is designed essentially the same as in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 11. The only difference is that the profile structure 15 does not have the ribs 33 on the edge.

The consequence of this is that the receiving spaces 32 located along the peripheral edges of the profile structure 15 are not closed to the outside, but are open. The sections 34 of the ribs 33 running in the edge area form return ribs, which return any medium that has gotten under the flat gasket. The fact that the ribs 3 run inclined at the angle α to the circumferential direction of the flat gasket 3 contributes in particular to this, as has been explained with reference to FIG. 11 .

12c shows the installation of the flat gasket 3 in the exact position. FIGS.

The width of the profile structure 3 corresponds to the width of the sealing webs 4.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 13, the width of the profile structure 15 is greater than the width of the sealing webs 4, determined by their longitudinal edges 23, 24. The consequence of this is that the profile structure 15 extends over both edges 23 , 24 of the sealing webs 4 protrudes. If the flat gasket 3 is not installed in the correct position (Fig. 13a, 13b, 13d, 13e), there is a sufficient number of receiving spaces 32 and ribs 33 in the area of the sealing webs 4.

Since the ribs that cross one another are also provided in the area of the sealing sections 11, 12, perfect sealing is also achieved in this area, in which the housing parts 1 are joined together with screws, for example.

The base body 8 of the flat gasket 3 can consist of any suitable material, such as metallic, non-metallic materials, plastics and composite materials.

As can be seen from FIGS. 6 and 7, the ribs can be part of a coating or a casing 35 of the base body 8. FIG. All materials suitable for sealing can be used for the ribs or the coating/casing 35 . Elastomer materials, silicones or plastics can be used with particular preference.

In principle, there is the possibility of forming the ribs and the base body 8 in one piece with one another. In this case, the material of the ribs and the base body 8 would be the same. All materials suitable for sealing, in particular elastomeric materials, silicones or plastics, are used here.

The ribs 16, 19, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33 are advantageously formed in cross section in such a way that the opening angle ß (Fig. 7) is greater than 1 °, advantageously between about 50 ° and 70°, preferably 60°. It has been shown that with such a design of the ribs, reliable sealing for the circumference of the flat gasket 3 is achieved.

Claims

Expectations

1 . Flat gasket with a base body (8), which is provided with protruding ribs (16, 19, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 3.1, 33) on at least one, preferably on both, outer sides (9, 10) which are provided over the circumference of the flat gasket (3) and form a profile structure (15), characterized in that the ribs (16, 19, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33) cross each other and receiving spaces (20, 25, 28, 32) which adjoin one another in the circumferential direction of the flat gasket (3) and/or transversely to the circumferential direction.

2. Flat gasket according to claim 1, characterized in that the ribs (16,19, 29, 39) and the base body (8) are formed in one piece with each other.

3. Flat gasket according to claim 1, characterized in that the ribs (16, 19, 29, 30) and the base body (8) consist of different materials.

4. Flat gasket according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the ribs (16, 19, 29, 30) are part of a coating or a casing (35) of the base body (8).

5. Flat gasket according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ribs (16, 19, 29, 30) cross each other perpendicularly.

6. Flat gasket according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least some of the ribs (16, 26, 29) run in the circumferential direction of the flat gasket (3).

7. Flat gasket according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ribs (31) cross each other at an angle.

8. Flat gasket according to claim 7, characterized in that the ribs (31) are at an acute angle (a) obliquely to the circumferential direction of the flat gasket (3).

9. Flat gasket according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the receiving spaces (32) lying on the edge of the profile structure (15) in the circumferential direction of the flat gasket (3) are open towards the edge of the profile structure (15).

10. Flat gasket according to claim 9, characterized in that the open-edged receiving spaces (32) have rib sections (34) lying obliquely to the circumferential direction of the flat gasket (3).

11 . Flat gasket according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the receiving spaces (20, 25, 28, 32) have the same design.

12. Flat gasket according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the profile structure (15) has differently designed receiving spaces (20, 25, 28, 32).

13. Flat gasket according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the ribs (16, 19, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33) taper towards their free end.

14. Flat gasket according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the ribs (16, 19, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33) have an approximately triangular cross section. Flat gasket according to claim 14, characterized in that the opening angle (ß) of the triangular cross section of the ribs (16, 19, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33) is greater than 1 °, preferably between about 50° and about 70°, advantageously at least about 60°. Flat gasket according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the base body (8) is provided with the coating (35) on at least one, preferably on both, outer sides (9, 10), from which the ribs (16, 19, 21 , 22, 26, 27, 29, 30,

31, 33) protrude. Flat gasket according to one of Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the coating (35) is part of an lm sheathing of the base body (8).