DE102019109141A1 - Cold filling plate for visual filling level display in containers - Google Patents

Abstract

A method according to the invention for producing a device 1 which is suitable for indicating the level of a liquid in a container on at least two levels comprises the steps: (a) producing a one-piece component comprising at least a first component 11 and a second component 12, which are connected to one another via at least one predetermined breaking point 10, in a thermoplastic process; (b) attaching the component to a structure 2 formed in the interior of the container at a second height H; (c) releasing the first component 11 from the second component 12 by breaking the predetermined breaking point; (d) guiding the first component 11 over the structure 2 to a first height h; and (e) attaching the first component 11 to the structure 2 at the first height h.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a method for producing a device (fill level display device) which is suitable for displaying the fill level of a liquid in a container on at least two levels, a corresponding device and a container with a fill level display device.

STATE OF THE ART

It is known to provide devices for indicating the filling level of a liquid in a container, which devices have plates arranged at different levels in the container. These devices are each placed in a container, for example in a liquid container of a motor vehicle, e.g. in an expansion tank, inserted and fixed, mounted, permanently installed and / or fixed there.

In particular, one plate of the device is arranged at the level of a minimum filling level and another plate is arranged at the level of a maximum filling level. If a plate is washed over by the liquid, this is visually recognizable for the user of the device, since the washed over plate is designed in such a way that its appearance changes visibly in relation to a plate that has not been washed over. In particular if the liquid is (partially) non-transparent, it obscures the view of the surface of the plate and thus shows that it has been flooded. The device is also referred to as a cold filling plate.

A conventional device or cold filling plate 1' show the 1 . The device 1' is on a part, e.g. a rib 2 ' , a liquid container (not fully shown) attached. The device 1' is formed in one piece or in one piece as an injection molded component. It has a first (lower) plate 3 ' , a second (top) plate 4 ' and one with step-like equidistant projections 50 ' provided connection section 5 ' on.

The device 1' is placed in the container so that the two plates 3 ' , 4 ' and the steps 5 ' lie in the field of vision of a user who looks into the container through the filling opening. Will the lower plate 3 ' if the liquid is overflowing, the minimum level (MIN) has been exceeded. Will the top plate 4 ' if the liquid is overflowing, the maximum level (MAX) has been exceeded. The protrusions 50 ' can display intermediate levels between MIN and MAX.

Due to the different filling level heights in different containers, an individually designed cold filling plate must be developed and manufactured for each container construction.

An alternative solution is to have two plates (MIN and MAX) separately, e.g. in an injection molding process, and then to assemble at suitable levels in the container.

However, this is complex to implement in terms of production technology, since the two components / plates must remain separate until they are individually mounted in the container.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Based on this, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a device for displaying the level in a container, a corresponding device for displaying the level in a container, and a container with such a device, production and assembly being simplified .

TECHNICAL SOLUTION

This object is achieved by the provision of a method for producing a device for indicating the fill level in a container according to claim 1, a corresponding device for indicating the fill level in a container according to claim 7, and a container with such a device according to claim 13 Embodiments result from the features of the dependent claims.

1. (a) Herstellung eines einteiligen Bauteils umfassend wenigstens eine erste Komponente und eine zweite Komponente, die über wenigstens eine Sollbruchstelle miteinander verbunden sind, in einem thermoplastischen Verfahren;
2. (b) Anbringen des Bauteils an einer im Innenraum des Behälters ausgebildeten Struktur in einer zweiten Höhe H;
3. (c) Lösen der ersten Komponente von der zweiten Komponente durch Brechen der Sollbruchstelle;
4. (d) Führen der ersten Komponente über die Struktur auf eine erste Höhe h; und
5. (e) Befestigen der ersten Komponente an der Struktur in der ersten Höhe h.

A method according to the invention for producing a device (level display device) which is suitable for displaying the level of a liquid in a container on at least two levels comprises the steps:

1. (a) Production of a one-piece component comprising at least a first component and a second component, which are connected to one another via at least one predetermined breaking point, in a thermoplastic process;
2. (b) attaching the component to a structure formed in the interior of the container at a second height H;
3. (c) releasing the first component from the second component by breaking the predetermined breaking point;
4. (d) guiding the first component over the structure to a first height h; and
5. (e) attaching the first component to the structure at the first height h.

In particular, the method in step (a) is an injection molding method.

Preferably, attaching the component to the structure formed in the interior of the container in step (b) comprises attaching the second component to the structure. However, this step can also be carried out later in the process, e.g. after steps (c), (d) or (e).

In particular, the fastening in step (b) and / or in step (e) can be carried out by a thermal method and / or by hot caulking. In particular, the second component is fastened at the second height H.

Preferably, step (c) can be carried out by moving a ram which breaks the first component from the second component and optionally leads further to a support formed in the structure at the first height h.

A device according to the invention for displaying the fill level in a container comprises a first component and a second component, which are connected to one another via a predetermined breaking point, the first component at least partially enclosing the second component.

The first component has in particular an inner recess with an inner contour which at least partially encloses the outer contour of the second component.

The inner contour of the recess of the first component preferably corresponds essentially to the outer contour of the second component.

The predetermined breaking point is preferably designed as a gap with at least one web bridging the gap and / or as an area with material weakening.

The first component and / or the second component preferably has a guide groove in the form of a recess.

The first component and / or the second component preferably has an identification in the form of a recess corresponding to the meaning of the identification.

A container according to the invention comprises an inner space, a device arranged in the inner space (level indicator device), which is arranged to display the level of a liquid on at least two levels, the device having a first first component arranged at a low level and a second one arranged at a higher level having second component, wherein the first component and the second component are arranged as separate (separate) components in the interior of the container.

In particular, the first component and the second component are formed from a one-piece (one-piece) component by breaking at a predetermined breaking point of the component. In another embodiment, however, the first and second components can be separate components that are assembled together prior to assembly.

In particular, the container can have a structure in the interior which is designed for the arrangement and / or for the fastening of the first component and the second component.

Preferably the structure can be a rib.

In particular, the first component and / or the second component has at least one groove for guiding and / or positioning the component in the interior of the container. The structure preferably has corresponding or complementary structural elements.

In particular, the structure has fastening means for fastening the first component and / or the second component in the interior of the container. The fastening means can comprise, for example, pins and corresponding receptacles for inserting the pins.

In particular, the level indicator is arranged in the area of the filling opening of the container. In particular, the filling level indicator is placed in the container in such a way that the two components are in the field of vision of a user who looks into the container through the filling opening. If the first (lower) component is washed over by the liquid, the minimum level (MIN) has been exceeded. If the second (upper) component is washed over by the liquid, the maximum level (MAX) has been exceeded.

The advantages of the one-piece device for filling level indicator / cold filling plate are, on the one hand, the method for manufacturing with a mold in a shaping process step. As a result, there is initially only one component that has to be installed in the container. In any case, no components have to be singled out or separated and then mounted / attached separately in the container.

This solution also allows any fill level to be displayed, regardless of the fill level of the container.

Figure list

• 1 ein System zur Anzeige eines Füllstands in einem Behälter gemäß dem Stand der Technik;
• 2 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Anzeige eines Füllstands in einem Behälter vor der Montage in dem Behälter;
• 3 eine Draufsicht auf die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zur Anzeige eines Füllstands in einem Behälter aus 2 vor der Montage in dem Behälter;
• 4 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Rippe eines Behälters und der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Anzeige eines Füllstands aus den 2 und 3 während eines ersten Montageschritts;
• 5 eine perspektivische Ansicht der Rippe des Behälters und der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Anzeige eines Füllstands aus den 2 bis 4 nach Abschluss der Montage; und
• 6 eine Seitenansicht der Rippe des Behälters und der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Anzeige eines Füllstands aus den 2 bis 5 nach Abschluss der Montage;

Further features and advantages of the invention will become clear on the basis of the special exemplary embodiment shown in the accompanying figures and its description. Show it:

• 1 a system for displaying a level in a container according to the prior art;
• 2 a perspective view of a device according to the invention for displaying a fill level in a container before mounting in the container;
• 3 a plan view of the device according to the invention for displaying a fill level in a container 2 prior to assembly in the container;
• 4th a perspective view of a rib of a container and the device according to the invention for displaying a fill level from the 2 and 3 during a first assembly step;
• 5 a perspective view of the rib of the container and the device according to the invention for displaying a fill level from the 2 to 4th after completion of assembly; and
• 6th a side view of the rib of the container and the device according to the invention for displaying a fill level from the 2 to 5 after completion of assembly;

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the 2 Figure 3 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention 1 shown to indicate a level in a container prior to assembly in the container.

The device 1 is initially produced in one piece or in one piece before assembly in the container, for example in a thermoplastic process such as an injection molding process. The device has a first component 11 and a second component 12 on that has at least one predetermined breaking point 10 are connected to each other. The predetermined breaking point 10 consists, as is particularly clear from the 2 emerges, in this embodiment, from four (4) thin webs that form an annular gap 13 between the first component 11 and the second component 12 bridge. The first component 11 encloses the second component in the unassembled state 12 . She is from this one through the gap 13 delimited, but over the bridges 10 connected to this. Also are in the first component 11 from the gap 13 outwardly extending recesses 111 (only one of the four (4) recesses is in the 2 designated) provided. The predetermined breaking point 10 can be implemented in any other arbitrary manner within the scope of the invention, for example in the form of differently designed webs, a material weakening, etc.

The first component 11 and / or the second component 12 (here the second component 12 ) can be a marking, which in the present case is a recess in the form of a label 14th is formed have. The second component 12 also has a T-shaped guide groove 120 on.

The first component 11 also has fastening pins formed at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction on the underside 110 for alignment and attachment in the interior of a container.

In the 4th is a first assembly step for assembling the device 1 on a rib 2 a container (not shown in full). At the same time, the 5 Referring to one state of the device 1 shows after the first assembly step.

The rib 2 of the container has a main rib 20th which is in the form of four (4) outwardly extending webs. The bars fit exactly to the recesses 111 the first component 11 educated. Also, the rib shows 2 a T-shaped rib structure 21st on the top of the main rib 20th connects and precisely fits the guide groove 120 the second component 12 is trained. The rib 2 points at the transition between the T-shaped rib structure 21st and the main rib 20 a first support 22nd (MAX, cf. 6th ) for the second component 12 on. It also has the rib 2 an annular second support 23 (MIN), with the recordings formed equidistantly in the circumferential direction 24 is provided. The recordings 24 are precisely fitting to the fastening pins 110 educated.

In the assembly step according to 4th becomes the device 1 on the rib 2 attached by the T-shaped guide groove 120 the second component 12 on the T-shaped rib structure 21st put on and on the first edition 22nd is placed. The second component can then, or also in a later process step 12 on the rib 2 attached, for example by hot caulking.

Then, in a next assembly document, the predetermined breaking point will be 10 broken by means of a punch and the first component 11 over the main rib 20th until the second edition 23 guided. There will be the mounting pins 110 in the corresponding recording 24 introduced (plugged in) and the first component 11 is on the rib 2 attached.

The cold filling plate 1 thus has the first component 11 at the level of the MIN level, the second component 12 is attached at the level of the MAX level.

In summary, the most essential steps of the method are the attachment of the device that is still connected 1 on the rib 2 , Staking the second component / plate 12 , and cancel the outer area (first component 11 ) of the device 1 by a stamp from the inner area (second component 12 ) of the device 1 . The first component 11 is then pushed or guided downwards, where it is then fixed to the MIN level.

The 6th shows the fully assembled device 11 , 12 in a side view.

Advantages of the one-piece cold filling plate 1 are in particular that initially only one component is produced that has to be installed in the container. No components have to be singled out or separated before assembly. In addition, the solution can be used to display any fill levels, ie the component 1 can be used in differently designed containers.

Claims (19)

Method for producing a device (1) which is suitable for indicating the filling level of a liquid in a container on at least two levels (h, H), comprising the steps: (a) Production of a one-piece component (11, 12) comprising at least one first component (11) and one second component (12), which are connected to one another via at least one predetermined breaking point (10), in a thermoplastic process; (b) attaching the component (11, 12) to a structure (2) formed in the interior of the container at a second height H; (c) releasing the first component (11) from the second component (12) by breaking the predetermined breaking point (10); (d) guiding the first component (11) over the structure to a first height h; and (e) attaching the first component (11) to the structure (2) at the first height h. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the thermoplastic process in step (a) is an injection molding process. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that attaching the component (11, 12) to the structure (2) formed in the interior of the container in step (b) comprises attaching the second component (12) to the structure (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening in step (b) and / or in step (e) is carried out by a thermal method and / or by hot caulking. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that step (c) is carried out by moving a punch which breaks off the first component (11) from the second component (12). Procedure according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the punch guides the first component (11) to a support (23) formed in the structure (2) at the first height h. Device (1) for indicating the filling level in a container comprising a first component (11) and a second component (12) which are connected to one another via a predetermined breaking point (10), the first component (11) being the second component (12) at least partially encloses. Device (1) for indicating the level according to Claim 7 , characterized in that the first component (11) has an inner recess with an inner contour which at least partially encloses the outer contour of the second component (12). Device (1) for indicating the level according to Claim 7 or 8th , characterized in that the inner contour of the recess of the first component (11) essentially corresponds to the outer contour of the second component (12). Device (1) for displaying the level after one of the Claims 7 to 9 , characterized in that the predetermined breaking point (10) is designed as a gap (13) with at least one web (10) bridging the gap and / or by an area with material weakening. Device (1) for displaying the level after one of the Claims 7 to 10 , characterized in that the first component (11) and / or the second component (12) has a guide groove (111, 120) in the form of a recess. Device (1) for displaying the level after one of the Claims 7 to 11 , characterized in that the first component (11) and / or the second component (12) has an identification in the form of a recess (14) corresponding to the meaning of the identification. A container comprising an interior space, a device (1) arranged in the interior space, which is arranged to display the filling level of a liquid at at least two levels (h, H), the device (1) having a first first arranged at a low level (h) Component (11) and a second second component (12) arranged at a higher level (H), the first component (11) and the second component (12) being arranged as separate components in the interior of the container. Container after Claim 13 , characterized in that the first component (11) and the second component (12) are formed from a one-piece component by breaking at a predetermined breaking point of the component. Container after Claim 13 or 14th , characterized in that the container has a structure in the interior which is designed for the arrangement and / or for the attachment of the first component (11) and the second component (12). Container according to one of the Claims 13 to 15th , characterized in that the structure (2) is a rib. Container according to one of the Claims 13 to 16 , characterized in that the first component (11) and / or the second component (12) has at least one groove (111, 120) for guiding and / or positioning the component in the interior of the container. Container according to one of the Claims 13 to 17th , characterized in that the device (1) and / or the structure (2) has fastening means (110, 24) for fastening the first component (11) and / or the second component (12) in the interior of the container. Container according to one of the Claims 13 to 18th , characterized in that the level indicator (1) is arranged in the area of the filling opening of the container.

Images