DE102019108761B3 - Sealable filler plug - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sealable filler stopper (100) for insertion into an opening (10) of a component of a vehicle, preferably a sheet metal of an automobile, the sealable filler stopper (100) having: an outer part (110) which at least partially extends into the Opening (10) can be used; and an inner part (120) which can be inserted or inserted at least in some areas into the outer part (110) and into which a nozzle for injecting foam can be introduced, the inner part (120) and the outer part (110) being designed so that the Inner part (120) is rotatable relative to the outer part (110), wherein the sealable filler plug (100) is in a first position of the inner part (120) relative to the outer part (110) in an open state, in the foam through the opening (10) of the component can be injected, the sealable filler plug (100) being in a second position of the inner part (120) relative to the outer part (110) in a sealing state in which the opening (10) of the component is tightly closed and wherein the inner part (120) is rotatable within the outer part (110) from the first position to the second position and preferably vice versa.

Description

The invention relates to a sealable filler plug for insertion into an opening of a component of a vehicle, preferably a sheet metal of an automobile.

Components of vehicles, in particular sheet metal of automobiles, are often back-injected with foam. For this purpose, the corresponding component has at least one opening through which foam can be injected behind the component. Before the injection process, a plug is first inserted into the opening of the component, through which the foam can be injected. After completion of the injection process, this plug is removed again from the opening of the component and replaced by a sealing plug or the like, which closes the opening of the component in a sealing manner.

Although the procedure described leads to a satisfactory result for the component, it is time-consuming and complex and therefore associated with high costs.

In the DE 10 2015 205 672 A1 describes a sealable filler valve plug with sealing elements for insertion into an opening of a vehicle body. The sealable filler valve plug can be inserted into a recess in the vehicle body, this opening being closable by means of the filler valve plug and a foam being able to be introduced into the vehicle body by means of an injection nozzle via the opening and the filler valve plug.

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a sealable filler plug that saves work steps, time and costs in the production of vehicles.

The solution according to the invention consists in specifying a sealable filler plug for insertion into an opening of a component of a vehicle, preferably a sheet metal of an automobile, which has the following: an outer part which can be inserted into the opening at least in some areas; and an inner part, which is at least partially insertable or inserted into the outer part and into which a nozzle for injecting foam can be inserted, the inner part and the outer part being designed so that the inner part can be rotated relative to the outer part, the sealable part being The filler plug is in an open state in a first position of the inner part relative to the outer part, in which foam can be injected through the opening of the component, the sealable filler plug being in a sealing state in a second position of the inner part relative to the outer part, in which the opening of the component is tightly closed, and wherein the inner part is rotatable within the outer part from the first position to the second position and preferably vice versa.

The object is achieved in a satisfactory manner with the sealable filler plug according to the invention.

In particular, the sealable filler plug described fulfills both the function of the filler plug described above and the function of the sealing plug described above. In contrast to the prior art, only one component is now required and the filler plug does not have to be replaced by a sealing plug after the foam has been injected.

In particular, the sealable filler plug fulfills the function of the filler plug when the inner part is in the first position. When the inner part is in the second position, the sealable filler plug, on the other hand, fulfills the function of the sealing plug, in which the opening of the component is tightly closed. In this context, “tightly closed” means that the inside of the component is reliably sealed against environmental influences (especially moisture) from the outside.

In practice, it is sufficient if the inner part can be rotated once from the first position to the second position after the foam has been injected. Consequently, the component does not necessarily have to be designed to be rotated several times.

According to an advantageous further development, the outer part and the inner part each have a lower area, which is arranged within the opening of the component when the sealable filler plug is (expediently) used, with the (at least two) openings aligned with one another in the first position of the inner part are that through this foam can be injected behind the component, and wherein in the second position of the inner part the openings are aligned with one another in such a way that the opening of the component is tightly closed.

In this context it should be noted that the (at least one) opening of the outer part does not have to have the same shape as the (at least one) opening of the inner part. Rather, it is also conceivable that the opening of the inner part is designed, for example, smaller than the opening of the outer part.

Of course, it is also conceivable in this context that the outer part has several (for example two) and the inner part has several (for example two) openings. For example, it is particularly conceivable that the inner part has two opposing quarter-circle openings and the outer part likewise has two opposing quarter-circle openings, preferably of the same size.

In the first position of the inner part relative to the outer part, the at least one opening of the inner part lies above the at least one opening of the outer part, so that a material passage area (for example for foam) is formed. In contrast to this, the at least one opening of the inner part in the second position of the inner part does not lie above the at least one opening of the outer part relative to the outer part, so that no material passage area is formed.

Because the openings are arranged on a lower area which is arranged behind the opening of the component when the sealable filler plug is used (that is, in the inserted state), the foam is injected directly behind the opening of the component.

According to an advantageous development, the openings are each arranged on the undersides of the outer part and the inner part.

The undersides are the sides of the outer part or inner part that protrude deepest into the component.

Arranging the openings at this point has the advantage that the direction in which the foam is injected through the openings no longer undergoes any major change in direction.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, the outer part has an insertion area which can be inserted into the opening at least in some areas, the outer part furthermore having a head area adjoining one end of the insertion area.

The insertion area is the area which is inserted into the opening of the component at least in some areas. The head area is adjacent to one (upper) end of the insertion area and the lower side of the outer part is located at the other (lower) end of the insertion area.

The head region preferably has an outer diameter which is greater than the diameter of the opening in the component.

According to an advantageous development, the sealable filler stopper also has a seal which is arranged at least in some areas between the outer part and the inner part.

According to an advantageous development, the seal is arranged at least circumferentially on the head area of the outer part and extends beyond an outer circumference of the head area that the seal seals an upper area between the opening, the outer part and the inner part.

The seal thus ensures that no liquid can enter or exit the component or foam from the component between the opening in the component and the outer part, and between the outer part and the inner part.

The openings arranged in the outer part and the inner part thus form the only material transition between an interior of the component and the surroundings.

According to an advantageous further development, the outer part has an at least essentially non-rotatable cross section, seen in the direction of its axis of rotation, namely preferably at least one essentially keyhole-shaped cross section, an at least essentially rectangular cross section, an at least essentially oval cross section, or at least essentially an elongated hole Cross-section.

In this context, an at least essentially non-rotatable cross-section is to be understood as any cross-section with which the outer part cannot be rotated relative to the component in the corresponding opening of the component. In the case of a cross-section that matches the opening of the component, this only does not apply to circular cross-sections that would be rotatable in the corresponding circular opening.

However, a circular cross-section can be changed to a non-rotatable keyhole-shaped cross-section by adding a rib. The rib comes into contact with an associated recess in the opening.

Of course, several ribs and correspondingly several cutouts would also be possible in this context.

At the same time as the “anti-rotation protection” described above, there is also an advantage in that the outer part can basically be used with different geometries of the opening of the component (hole geometries). The sealable filler plug can therefore be used universally. Since the seals are arranged circumferentially on the head area of the outer part, their outer circumference is also adapted to the hole geometry.

In this context, it should be emphasized that it is not necessary for differently designed exterior parts (for example, rectangular and oval cross-section) to design the inner part differently. This means that the same inner part can be used in different outer parts.

This reduces the variety of parts and is particularly advantageous compared to the prior art mentioned at the beginning, which lacks universal application possibilities.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, the outer part has at least one holding device which is designed to hold the sealable filler plug in the opening of the component.

According to an advantageous development, the at least one holding device is a latching element, preferably a plurality of latching elements.

The locking elements can serve to pull the head area of the outer part in the direction of the opening of the component, so that the sealing function between the component and the outer part is improved.
Furthermore, the holding device serves to ensure that the sealable filler plug does not inadvertently detach itself from the opening of the component.

According to an advantageous development, the outer part has at least one groove running in the circumferential direction on an inside, preferably several grooves running in the circumferential direction.

Advantageously, one groove or two grooves can run on an upper region of the outer part (more precisely the insertion region) and one groove or two grooves can run on a lower region of the outer part (more precisely the insertion region). As will be described in more detail later, the inner part can rotate well within the outer part.

According to an advantageous development, the inner part has an insertion area which is inserted or can be inserted into the outer part at least in some areas, the inner part also having a head area adjoining one end of the insertion area.

In terms of the base body, the shape of the inner part is similar to the shape of the outer part, the insertion area of the inner part being insertable into the insertion area of the outer part.

According to an advantageous development, the inner part has a receptacle for the engagement of a tool, preferably a foaming head.

This receptacle can initially be used to press the inner part into the outer part when it is inserted into the outer part. More importantly, however, the receptacle enables the tool to engage to rotate the inner part relative to the outer part.

The engagement can be, for example, a slot into which the correspondingly shaped tool (for example a slotted screwdriver) can be inserted.

However, the geometry of the receptacle is particularly preferably adapted for the engagement of a foaming head on which the nozzle used for foaming is arranged.
It is thus possible to also perform the sealing of the filler plug in an automated process in which, for example, robots equipped with foaming heads are used. After the foaming process, the robot can seal or close the component by rotating the foaming head. Here, the foaming head is advantageously only released from the filler plug after the rotary movement.

By eliminating an additional station for sealing the filler plug, further cost and time savings can be ensured in the process.

According to an advantageous development, the inner part has on its outside at least one radial projection in certain areas, preferably several radial projections in certain areas.

According to an advantageous development, the radial protrusion can be inserted into the at least one groove. The at least one radial protrusion of the inner part runs within the at least one groove when the inner part is correctly inserted into the outer part.

The formation of grooves with associated radial projections initially ensures that the inner part is guided and rotatable in the outer part.

Furthermore, the latching of the radial protrusion in the groove gives the fitter an indication that the component (that is to say the inner part in the outer part) has been correctly mounted.

In addition, with the interaction between the groove and the radial projection, the range of rotation (possible angle) of the inner part relative to the outer part can be limited. This means that the inner part can only be rotated in the area in which the radial protrusion of the inner part runs in the groove.

The rotation of the inner part relative to the outer part can thus be restricted. For example, a restriction to an angle of 90 ° would be conceivable.

Even if a groove and a radial protrusion were mentioned in this context, the foregoing naturally also applies to the formation of several grooves with corresponding several radial protrusions.
According to an advantageous development, the inner part has a further seal which is arranged on a lower area of the inner part.

This seal can ensure that a seal also takes place in a lower area between the outer part and the inner part. In particular, this seal is arranged on the outer underside of the inner part and preferably touches the inner underside of the outer part in the assembled state.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of the description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• 1 eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen abdichtbaren Einfüllstopfen gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 2 eine Querschnittsansicht des in 1 gezeigten abdichtbaren Einfüllstopfens gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 3 eine schematische Draufsicht auf den abdichtbaren Einfüllstopfen von oben in einer offenen Position des Einfüllstopfens;
• 4 eine schematische Draufsicht auf den abdichtbaren Einfüllstopfen von oben in einer geschlossenen Position des Einfüllstopfens;
• 5 eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen weiteren abdichtbaren Einfüllstopfen gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung; und
• 6 eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen weiteren abdichtbaren Einfüllstopfen gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.

The drawings show in:

• 1 a schematic plan view of a sealable filler plug according to the present invention;
• 2 a cross-sectional view of the in 1 shown sealable filler plug according to the present invention;
• 3 a schematic plan view of the sealable filler plug from above in an open position of the filler plug;
• 4th a schematic plan view of the sealable filler plug from above in a closed position of the filler plug;
• 5 a schematic plan view of a further sealable filler plug according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and
• 6th a schematic plan view of a further sealable filler plug according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

The following is first on 1 Reference is made to this, a schematic plan view of a sealable filler plug 100 shows in a disassembled state. It means that 1 the sealable filler plug 100 shows in a state where an inner part 120 not in an outside part 110 is used. The inner part 120 has a header area 121 and a lead-in area 122 on. The lead-in area 122 is at least substantially cylindrical, in particular hollow cylindrical. At an upper end in 1 of the lead-in area 122 is the head area 121 educated.

The head area 121 likewise has an essentially circular outer circumference and, in particular, in itself has at least essentially an annular shape. The outer circumference of the head area 121 is wider than the outer circumference of the lead-in area 122 .

As in 1 can be recognized by the head area 121 also a recording 123 arranged for receiving a tool. In this embodiment, the recording 123 slit-shaped. However, this can have a different shape, such as a cross shape. The recording 123 serves primarily to rotate the inner part 120 relative to the outer part 110 to facilitate.

The outer part 110 has a plurality of holding elements on an outside thereof 113 on. The holding elements 113 protrude radially outwards. On one (upper) side of the outer part 110 in 1 is a seal 130 arranged.

In addition, the outer part 110 an anti-rotation device on an outside of this 115 on which a “co-rotating” of the outer part relative to an opening 10 a component (not shown) prevented. In this embodiment, the rotation lock 115 designed as a rib, the opening 10 of the component has a corresponding recess in which the rib can be received.

Another seal 140 is at one of the head areas 121 of the inner part 120 opposite end of the lead-in area 121 arranged.

2 shows the sealable filler plug 100 in the assembled and installed state. That is, the filler plug 100 into the opening 10 of a component is used.

The holding elements 113 hold the outer part 110 in the opening 10 . The inner part 120 is so far into the outer part 110 introduced that radial protrusions 124 of the inner part 120 in the grooves 114 of the outer part 110 are included. Of course, a reverse training would also be conceivable here.
As in 2 to see the seal runs 130 extensively around a head area 111 of the outer part 110 . Hence are areas of seal 130 between the component and the outer part 110 arranged and further areas of the seal between the outer part 110 and the inner part 120 arranged.

An outer peripheral end of the seal 130 is angled in such a way that it does so when the filler plug is installed 100 into the opening 10 is pressed against the component and deforms. This is how the tightness between component and outer part is achieved 100 (especially head area 111 ) improved.

In addition, the head area 111 have a step on an outer circumference thereof, so that the seal 130 is held more securely. A further step can also be on an inner circumference of the head area 111 be arranged and also serves to seal the seal 130 keep safe.

In 2 a nozzle for injecting foam behind the component is also shown. The foam flows through openings O in the inner part 110 and the outer part 120 when the inner part 110 in the first position relative to the outer part 120 is located. In the second position of the inner part 110 relative to the outer part 120 are the openings O closed and the foam cannot be injected through this into the component. This difference is particularly evident in the 4th and 5 good to see.

In 2 can also be seen that the lead-in area 112 of the outer part 110 into the opening 10 is introduced and the head area 111 of the outer part 110 on one area of the seal 130 rests, which in turn rests on the component.

The lead-in area 122 of the inner part 120 is in the lead-in area 112 of the outer part 110 arranged. The head area 121 of the inner part 120 lies on another area of the seal 130 on, which is also on the head area 111 of the outer part 110 rests.

3 shows a top view of the sealable filler plug 100 in which it is open. That is, the inner part 120 is in its first position.

As in 3 to see, then lie the openings O in the inner part 120 and the outer part 110 on top of each other. This means that a material flow through the sealable filler plug 100 is possible.

In this embodiment the openings are O formed quarter-circle. More precisely, these are designed as quarter circles which are opposite one another, that is to say are point-symmetrical to the center of the circle.

4th shows the sealable filler plug 100 in its closed state. That is, the inner part 120 in its second position relative to the outer part 110 is located.

From 3 starting out is the inner part 120 especially rotated 90 ° clockwise. In order to perform this rotation, a tool is in the holder 123 inserted and rotated accordingly by 90 °.

With a different design of the openings O Of course, a different angle of rotation would also be possible or necessary around the inner part 120 from the first position to the second position. Thus, the angle of rotation is generally one based on the orientation and configuration of the opening O adjusted angle of rotation.

The angle of rotation is also determined in particular by the in 1 and 2 Shown arrangement of groove 114 and radial protrusion 124 set. So can the length of the groove 114 determine the maximum size of the angle of rotation. This is namely given by the fact that the radial projection 124 at a first end in the longitudinal direction of the groove 114 in the first position of the inner part 120 abuts and at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the groove 114 in the second position of the inner part 120 bumps.

The 5 and 6th show the sealable filler plug 100 in further embodiments. It shows 5 a sealable filler plug 100 for a slot-shaped opening 10 in one component and 6th a sealable filler plug 100 for a rectangular opening 10 in one component.

That means that depending on the opening 10 different filling plugs in the component 100 be used.

However, all of the filler plugs shown here can be used 100 the same interior parts 120 exhibit. That means that only the outer circumference of the outer part 110 and accordingly the seal 130 must vary.

List of reference symbols

10

opening

100

sealable filler plug

110

Outer part

111

Head area

112

Lead-in area

113

Holding device

114

Groove

115

Anti-twist device

120

inner part

121

Head area

122

Lead-in area

123

admission

124

radial protrusion

130

poetry

140

More poetry

O

opening

Claims (15)

Sealable filler plug (100) for insertion into an opening (10) of a component of a vehicle, preferably a sheet metal of an automobile, the sealable filler stopper (100) having the following: - An outer part (110) which can be inserted into the opening (10) at least in some areas; and - An inner part (120) which can be inserted or inserted into the outer part (110) at least in some areas and into which a nozzle for injecting foam can be inserted, the inner part (120) and the outer part (110) being designed so that the Inner part (120) is rotatable relative to the outer part (110), wherein the sealable filler plug (100) is in a first position of the inner part (120) relative to the outer part (110) in an open state, in which foam can be injected through the opening (10) of the component, wherein the sealable filler plug (100) is in a second position of the inner part (120) relative to the outer part (110) in a sealing state in which the opening (10) of the component is tightly closed, and wherein the inner part (120) is rotatable within the outer part (110) from the first position to the second position and preferably vice versa. Sealable filler plug (100) according to Claim 1 , wherein the outer part (110) and the inner part (120) each have at least one opening (O) at a lower area, which when the sealable filler plug is used behind the opening (10) of the component, wherein in the first position the inner part (120 ) the openings (O) are aligned with one another in such a way that foam can be injected through them into the opening (10) of the component, and wherein in the second position of the inner part (120) the openings (O) are aligned with one another in such a way that the Opening (10) of the component is tightly closed. Sealable filler plug (100) according to Claim 2 , wherein the openings (O) are respectively arranged on the undersides of the outer part (110) and the inner part (120). Sealable filler stopper (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer part (110) has an insertion area (112) which can be inserted at least partially into the opening (10), and wherein the outer part (110) also has an insertion area at one end of the insertion area (112) has adjoining head region (111). Sealable filler stopper (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealable filler stopper (100) furthermore has a seal (130) which is arranged at least in regions between the outer part (110) and the inner part (120). Sealable filler plug (100) according to at least Claim 4 in combination with Claim 5 , wherein the seal (130) is arranged at least circumferentially on the head region (111) of the outer part (110) and extends beyond an outer circumference of the head region (111) that the seal (130) has an upper region between the opening (10) and the outer part (110) and inner part (120) seals. Sealable filler plug (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer part (110) has an at least substantially non-rotatable cross-section, seen in the direction of its axis of rotation, and specifically preferably at least one substantially keyhole-shaped cross-section, an at least substantially rectangular cross-section, at least one Substantially oval cross section, or an at least substantially elongated cross section. Sealable filler plug (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer part (110) has at least one holding device (113) which is designed to hold the sealable filler stopper (100) in the opening (10) of the component. Sealable filler plug (100) according to Claim 8 , wherein the at least one holding device (113) is a latching element, preferably a plurality of latching elements. Sealable filler plug (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer part (110) has at least one circumferential groove (114) on an inside, preferably several circumferential grooves (114). Sealable filler plug (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner part (120) has an insertion area (122) which is inserted or insertable at least in regions into the outer part (110), and wherein the inner part (120) also has one at one end the head region (121) adjoining the insertion region (122). Sealable filler plug (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner part (120) has a receptacle (123) for the engagement of a tool, preferably a foaming head. Sealable filler plug (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner part (120) has on its outside at least one regionally radial protrusion (124), preferably several regionally radial protrusions (124). Sealable filler plug (100) according to at least Claim 11 in combination with Claim 13 , wherein the at least one radial protrusion (124) can be inserted into the at least one groove (114). Sealable filler plug (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner part (120) has a further seal (140) which is arranged on a lower region of the inner part (120).

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