DE102019109141B4 - Cold filling plate for optical level display in containers, method for producing the same and container for displaying the level of a liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a device (1) suitable for indicating a liquid level in a container at at least two levels, a first height (h) and a second height (H), comprising the steps of: (a) manufacturing a one-piece component (11, 12) 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 (11, 12). a structure (2) formed in the interior of the container at the second height (H); (c) detaching 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 (2) to the 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 (level display device) which is suitable for displaying the level of a liquid in a container on at least two levels, a corresponding device and a container with a level display device.

STATE OF THE ART

It is known to provide devices for indicating the level of a liquid in a container, which have plates arranged at different levels in the container. These devices are each inserted into a container, for example in a liquid container of a motor vehicle, e.g. in an expansion tank, 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 can be visually recognized by the user of the device, since the plate that has been washed over 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 'is shown in FIG 1 . The device 1 'is attached to a part, for example a rib 2', of a liquid container (not shown in full). The device 1 'is designed in one piece or in one piece as an injection molded component. It has a first (lower) plate 3 ', a second (upper) plate 4' and a connecting section 5 'provided with step-like equidistant projections 50'.

The device 1 'is placed in the container in such a way that the two plates 3', 4 'and the steps 5' are in the field of vision of a user who looks into the container through the filling opening. If the lower plate 3 'is washed over by the liquid, the minimum level (MIN) has been exceeded. If the upper plate 4 'is washed over by the liquid, the maximum fill level (MAX) has been exceeded. The projections 50 'can indicate intermediate levels of the fill level between MIN and MAX.

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

An alternative solution is to produce two plates (MIN and MAX) separately, e.g. in an injection molding process, and then to assemble them 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.

From the GB 2 285 509 A a measuring device for the level of a liquid in a container is known.

US 2006/0 032 855 A1 describes a wine glass with a projection arranged on the bottom of the glass for carrying out a wine tasting.

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 displaying the level in a container according to claim 1, a corresponding device for displaying the level in a container according to claim 7, and a container with such a device according to claim 12. Advantageous 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 only be carried out later in the procedure, 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.

Step (c) can preferably be carried out by moving a punch which breaks off the first component from the second component and possibly further leads 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 a 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 interior space, a device arranged in the interior space (fill level indicator device) which is arranged to display the fill level of a liquid on at least two levels, the device having a first first component arranged at a lower 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 interior of the container can have a structure which is designed for the arrangement and / or for the attachment 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, for example, comprise pegs and corresponding receptacles for inserting the pegs.

In particular, the level indicator is arranged in the area of the filling opening of the container. In particular, the 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 level indicator / cold filling plate are, on the one hand, in the manufacturing process a shape 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 the description thereof. 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 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 until 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 until 5 after completion of assembly;

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the 2 is a perspective view of a device 1 according to the invention for displaying a fill level in a container prior to assembly in the container.

The device 1 is initially produced in one piece or in one piece before being installed 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, which are connected to one another via at least one predetermined breaking point 10. The predetermined breaking point 10 consists, as is particularly clear from the 2 emerges, in this exemplary embodiment from four (4) thin webs which bridge an annular gap 13 between the first component 11 and the second component 12. The first component 11 encloses the second component 12 in the unassembled state. It is delimited from the latter by the gap 13, but is connected to the latter via the webs 10. In addition, in the first component 11 there are recesses 111 extending outward from the gap 13 (only one of the four (4) recesses is in the 2 designated) provided. The predetermined breaking point 10 can be designed 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 have an identification, which in the present case is designed as a recess in the form of an inscription 14. The second component 12 also has a T-shaped guide groove 120.

The first component 11 also has fastening pins 110, which are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, for alignment and fastening in the interior of a container.

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

The rib 2 of the container has a main rib 20 which is in the form of four (4) outwardly extending webs. The webs are designed to match the recesses 111 of the first component 11 with an exact fit. In addition, the rib 2 has a T-shaped rib structure 21 which adjoins the main rib 20 at the top and is designed to fit precisely with the guide groove 120 of the second component 12. At the transition between the T-shaped rib structure 21 and the main rib 20, the rib 2 has a first support 22 (MAX, cf. 6th ) for the second component 12. In addition, the rib 2 has an annular second support 23 (MIN), which is provided with receptacles 24 which are embodied equidistantly in the circumferential direction. The receptacles 24 are designed to fit the fastening pins 110 with an exact fit.

In the assembly step according to 4th the device 1 is attached to the rib 2 by the T-shaped guide groove 120 of the second component 12 is placed on the T-shaped rib structure 21 and placed on the first support 22. Subsequently, or in a later method step, the second component 12 can be attached to the rib 2, for example by hot caulking.

Subsequently, in the next assembly document, the predetermined breaking point 10 is broken by means of a stamp and the first component 11 is guided over the main rib 20 to the second support 23. There the fastening pins 110 are each inserted (plugged) into the associated receptacle 24 and the first component 11 is fastened to the rib 2.

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

In summary, the most essential steps of the method include plugging the still connected device 1 onto the rib 2, hot caulking the second component / plate 12, and breaking off the outer area (first component 11) of the device 1 by means of a stamp from the inner area (second component 12 ) of the device 1. The first component 11 is then pressed or guided downwards, where it is then fixedly mounted on 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 mounted in the container. No components have to be singled out or separated before assembly. In addition, the solution can be used to represent any fill level, i.e. component 1 can be used in differently designed containers.

Claims (17)

Method for producing a device (1) which is suitable for indicating a level of a liquid in a container at at least two levels of a first height (h) and a second height (H), comprising the steps: (a) Production of a one-piece component (11, 12) 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 (11, 12) to a structure (2) formed in the interior of the container at the 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 (2) to the 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 displaying a fill level in a container, produced according to a method according to one of the Claims 1 until 6th , 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) at least partially enclosing the second component (12), and the first component ( 11) and / or the second component (12) has a guide groove (111, 120) in the form of a recess. Device (1) 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) according to Claim 8 , 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) according to one of the Claims 7 until 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) according to one of the Claims 7 until 10 , 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. Container with a device (1) for displaying the level of a liquid, produced by a method according to Claim 1 until 6th , comprising an interior space, the device (1) being arranged in the interior space and for displaying the fill level of the liquid on at least two levels (h, H), the device (1) having a first component arranged at a low level (h) (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, and wherein 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 12 , characterized in that the container has a structure (2) 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 after Claim 13 characterized in that the structure (2) is a rib. Container according to one of the Claims 12 until 14th , characterized in that the first component (11) and / or the second component (12) has or have 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 12 until 15th , 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 12 until 16 , characterized in that the device (1) for filling level display is arranged in the area of the filling opening of the container.

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