DE102021127550A1 - Filling plug for introducing a plastic foam into a cavity of a raw component, filling device and raw component - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a filler plug (3) for introducing an expanding plastic foam into a cavity (2) of a bodyshell component (2a) of a motor vehicle, having an inlet opening (4), an outlet opening (5) spaced apart from the inlet opening (4) and having a by a wall (7) of the filler plug (3) at least partially delimited passage (6), wherein for introducing the plastic foam into the cavity (2) a nozzle (8) through which the foam can flow can be passed at least partially through the inlet opening (4) and thereby can be arranged at least partially in the through-channel (6), as a result of which the plastic foam flowing through the nozzle (8) can be introduced into the cavity (2) via the through-channel (6) and the outlet opening (5), and the filler plug (3) has a closing part (14) which is deformable when the plastic foam introduced into the cavity (2) expands and hardens at least partially, with the through-channel (6) being at least partially closed, as a result of which the plastic foam introduced into the cavity (2) can exit via the through-channel ( 6) omitted.

Description

The invention relates to a filler plug for introducing an expanding plastic foam into a cavity of a shell component of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1. The invention also relates to a filling device and a shell component.

The DE 10 2019 133 868 B3 discloses a filler plug for introducing a foam into a cavity, in particular in a vehicle body, by means of an injection nozzle having an injection opening. The filler plug includes a plug body having an inlet opening for inserting the injection nozzle into the filler plug, and a cover having an outlet opening for introducing foam into the cavity by means of the injection nozzle and being configured to cover the injection opening during introduction of the foam.

It is the object of the invention to provide a filler plug for introducing an expanding plastic foam into a cavity of a shell of a motor vehicle, a filler device for introducing an expanding plastic foam into a cavity of a shell of a motor vehicle with such a filler plug and a shell for a motor vehicle with such a filler plug create, so that the cavity can be particularly advantageously filled with foam from the plastic foam.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a filler plug for introducing an expanding plastic foam into a cavity of a shell component of a motor vehicle with the features of patent claim 1, by a filling device for introducing a plastic foam into a cavity of a shell component of a motor vehicle with such a filler plug with the features of patent claim 9 and solved by a body shell for a motor vehicle with such a filler plug with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims and the description.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a filler plug for introducing an expanding plastic foam into a cavity of a body shell component of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is preferably designed as a passenger car, commercial vehicle or truck.

The shell component can be understood in particular as a component or an assembly of a shell of the motor vehicle. The body shell can be designed as a particularly self-supporting body of the motor vehicle.

The plastic foam can be understood in particular as a foam formed from at least one plastic. Thus, at least one component of the foam can be the plastic or be formed from the plastic. The plastic is, for example, polyurethane (PU). The plastic foam can thus be referred to in particular as PU foam.

The plastic foam is preferably designed as a two-component plastic foam. This means that the foam can comprise the component formed from the plastic and at least one other component that is different from the component.

The additional component can be formed from an additional plastic that is different from the plastic. In other words, the second component can be the additional plastic. Alternatively, the further component may not be plastic or may not be formed from plastic.

The fact that the plastic foam is expanding can be understood in particular to mean that a volume of the plastic foam can be increased when the plastic foam foams and/or when the plastic foam hardens at least partially, in particular completely. This means that the plastic foam can have a first volume value before foaming or at least partial curing, and after foaming or at least partial curing can have a second volume value that is greater than the first volume value. Of course, this applies in particular when a container in which the plastic foam can be arranged can allow the plastic foam to increase in volume, in particular with regard to the geometry of the container.

In the fully manufactured state of the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle has the shell component. In the fully manufactured state of the shell or the shell component, the shell or the shell component has the cavity. The cavity is at least partially, in particular completely, delimited by at least one component area of the shell component or formed by the component area. In other words, the component surrounds area the cavity at least partially, in particular completely.

For example, the shell component is arranged or can be arranged in the motor vehicle in a rear area, in particular a trunk area, of the motor vehicle. For example, the body shell is designed as a side member of the body shell or the motor vehicle.

In a process referred to in particular as a foaming process, the plastic foam is introduced into the cavity. The foaming process is therefore preferably part of a manufacturing process for the motor vehicle or the body shell, in particular the body shell. By introducing the plastic foam into the cavity, the cavity can be filled at least partially, in particular completely, by the plastic foam. As a result, the acoustics of the motor vehicle or of the body shell, in particular of the body shell component, can be particularly improved. For example, noise from the motor vehicle or the body shell, in particular the body shell component, can be kept particularly low. Alternatively or additionally, the rigidity of the shell, in particular of the shell, can be particularly increased by filling the cavity with the plastic foam.

The filler plug has an inlet opening and an outlet opening spaced from the inlet opening. The filler plug comprises at least one through-channel delimited at least partially, in particular completely, by at least one wall of the filler plug, in particular in the radial direction of the filler plug. In other words, the through-channel, in particular in the radial direction of the filler plug or in the radial direction of the through-channel, is at least partially, in particular completely, delimited by a channel wall, in particular directly, with the wall of the filler plug, in particular an inwardly directed lateral surface of the wall , than the channel wall is formed. In other words, the wall surrounds the through-channel, in particular in the radial direction of the filler plug or the through-channel, at least partially, in particular directly. The through-channel can be understood in particular as a receiving space.

The wall of the filler plug, in particular the lateral surface directed inwards, preferably directly delimits the through-channel, in particular in the radial direction of the filler plug or the through-channel. The inwardly directed lateral surface or the duct wall can be understood to mean an inwardly facing or internal lateral surface of the wall or the duct wall, in particular in relation to the filler plug. The inwardly directed lateral surface can in particular be referred to as the inner lateral surface.

The outlet opening and the inlet opening are preferably connected to one another via the through-channel, in particular fluidically. The through-channel can thus be connected, in particular fluidly, to an area surrounding the filler plug via the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

The filler plug is provided for introducing the plastic foam into the cavity. This means that the filler plug can be used to introduce the plastic foam, particularly during the foaming process. The filler plug can in particular be referred to as a foam plug.

In order to introduce the plastic foam into the cavity, a nozzle through which the plastic foam can flow can be guided at least partially, in particular completely, through the inlet opening and can therefore be arranged at least partially in the through-channel. As a result, the plastic foam flowing through the nozzle, in particular directly, can be introduced into the cavity at least indirectly via the through-channel and at least indirectly via the outlet opening. In other words, the nozzle can be arranged or inserted via the inlet opening in the through-channel, as a result of which the plastic foam flowing through the nozzle can be removed from the nozzle and in particular introduced at least indirectly via the outlet opening into the cavity.

The filler plug can preferably be attached or fastened to the component area or the shell component. Thus, during the foaming process, the filler plug can be attached to the component area or the shell component and the nozzle can be guided through the inlet opening of the filler plug and thereby at least partially arranged in the through-channel. The plastic foam flowing through the nozzle is introduced into the cavity at least indirectly via the through-channel and at least indirectly via the outlet opening.

At least one longitudinal area of the nozzle arranged in the through-channel is at least predominantly, in particular completely, surrounded by the wall or the channel wall in the radial direction of the nozzle. In particular because the nozzle arranged in the through-channel is located at least partially, in particular completely, in the through-channel, the plastic foam can be introduced into the cavity via the through-channel and the outlet opening. It is preferably provided that the plastic foam flowing through the nozzle does not directly touch the wall or the duct wall. It can thus be provided that the plastic foam flowing through the nozzle can be introduced into the cavity via a partial volume of the passage channel or the outlet opening, with the nozzle being arranged in the partial volume and filling the partial volume, in particular completely.

The nozzle can be arranged in the through-channel in such a way that the nozzle arranged in the through-channel extends up to the outlet opening or is at a distance from the outlet opening. The nozzle, which is spaced apart from the outlet opening, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the passage channel, cannot extend as far as the outlet opening. This means that the longitudinal area of the nozzle arranged in the through-channel is shorter in the direction of longitudinal extent of the through-channel than a longitudinal extent of the through-channel. Thus the nozzle is spaced from the cavity. Alternatively, the nozzle arranged in the through-channel can protrude beyond the outlet opening. This means that the longitudinal area of the nozzle arranged in the through-channel extends in the direction of longitudinal extension of the through-channel the same distance as the direction of longitudinal extension of the through-channel, with the nozzle protruding into the cavity.

By introducing the plastic foam into the cavity, the cavity is at least partially, in particular completely, filled by the plastic foam. This can in particular be referred to as foaming the cavity.

In order to be able to foam the cavity particularly advantageously, it is provided according to the invention that the filler plug has at least one sealing part which, when the plastic foam introduced into the cavity expands and hardens at least partially, in particular completely, with at least partial, in particular complete, sealing of the through-channel is deformable, as a result of which the plastic foam introduced into the cavity does not exit via the through-channel when the nozzle is arranged in the through-channel and/or when the nozzle is removed from the through-channel. In other words, the closure part can be deformed by the at least partial expansion and hardening of the plastic foam located in the cavity, as a result of which the through-channel can be closed at least partially, in particular completely, by the closure part or by the closing part when the nozzle is arranged in the through-channel and/or when the nozzle is not located in the passageway.

This means that the closure part can be acted upon during the at least partial expansion and hardening of the in particular at least partially expanded and hardened plastic foam, as a result of which the deformation of the closure part can be brought about. The deformation of the closure part can be elastic or plastic deformation.

The at least partial closure of the through-channel can be understood in particular to mean that the plastic foam introduced into the cavity cannot be discharged from the cavity at least indirectly, in particular directly, via the through-channel. In this case, the plastic foam can preferably not be introduced into the cavity via the through-channel, in particular by means of the nozzle, at least indirectly, in particular directly. Thus, with the through-channel closed at least partially, in particular completely, the removal of the plastic foam via the through-channel from the cavity and in particular the introduction of the plastic foam via the through-channel into the cavity are omitted.

The nozzle removed from the through-channel can in particular be understood to mean that the nozzle is not located in the through-channel and is therefore not arranged in the through-channel. The nozzle can thus be spaced apart from the through-channel or the filler plug. For example, the nozzle is removed from the through-channel during or after the foaming process. The nozzle can be removed from the through-channel before or after the at least partial expansion and hardening of the plastic foam introduced into the cavity.

For example, the closure portion is deformable between at least two states. A first of the states can in particular be referred to as the non-deformed state of the closure part. The second of the states can in particular be referred to as a deformed state of the closure part. As a result of the at least partial expansion and hardening of the plastic foam introduced into the cavity, the closure part is deformable and can therefore be moved from the first state into the second state. A geometry of the closure part is preferably in different from each other in the respective states. In the second state, the through-channel is at least partially closed by the closing part or by the closing part.

The non-deformed state of the closure part can be understood in particular as meaning a shape of the closure part which the closure part has in the fully manufactured state of the filler plug, in particular if the closure part is not or is not being subjected to mechanical stress. That is to say, for example, the closure part is in the undeformed state when the closure part is not or is not being acted upon by the plastic foam, which in particular has at least partially expanded and hardened.

For example, in the first state the through-channel has a first cross-section, in particular through which the plastic foam can flow, and in the second state the through-channel has a second cross-section, in particular through which the plastic foam can flow, which is smaller than the first cross-section. A cross-sectional value of the second cross section is preferably 0. The cross-sectional value can be understood in particular as a surface area of the second cross section.

The closure part is preferably in the first state before the foaming process or before the start of the foaming process. The closure part is preferably in the first state before the at least partial expansion and hardening of the plastic foam introduced into the cavity.

During the at least partial expansion and hardening of the plastic foam introduced into the cavity, the volume of the plastic foam can be increased or enlarged. In particular, this can be referred to as an increase in volume. As a result of the expansion or the increase in volume, the closing part of the plastic foam can be subjected to a force, in particular caused by the expansion or the increase in volume. By applying the force to the closure part, the closure part can be deformed or moved from the first state into the second state, as a result of which the through-channel can be at least partially closed.

By closing the through-channel, the filler plug, in particular the through-channel, is foam-tight. As a result, the filler plug can in particular be referred to as a foam-tight filler plug or be designed as a foam-tight closable filler plug.

The invention is based in particular on the following findings and considerations: The filler plug can usually be used as an aid, particularly referred to as an assembly aid, for introducing the plastic foam into the cavity and thus during the foaming process. With a conventional filler plug, the at least partial expansion and hardening of the plastic foam introduced into the cavity, in particular as a result of the expansion or the increase in volume, can result in the foam escaping from the cavity via the filler plug. As a result, rework may be required in which the plastic foam that escaped from the cavity via the filler plug can be removed. As a result, the effort involved in or for the foaming of the cavity with the plastic foam can be particularly increased. As a result, the costs of the shell component or shell, in particular production costs, can be particularly high.

In contrast, in the case of the filling plug according to the invention, the deformable sealing part can prevent the plastic foam introduced into the cavity from escaping via the filling plug or the through-channel. As a result, the cavity can be foamed with the plastic foam in a particularly advantageous manner, in particular with particularly little effort. This is the case in particular because rework can be dispensed with. Thus, a quality of the foaming process, referred to in particular as quality, can be particularly increased by means of the filling plug according to the invention. As a result, the costs of the foaming process or of the body shell, in particular of the body shell component, can be kept particularly low.

The at least partial expansion and hardening of the plastic foam introduced into the cavity preferably takes place when the introduction of the plastic foam into the cavity by means of the nozzle has ended or has been completed.

Provision is preferably made for at least one wall area of the wall to be designed as the closing part. In other words, the wall area of the wall is the closing part. This means that the wall area in the at least partial expand dieren and hardening of the plastic foam introduced into the cavity is deformable by the at least partial expansion and hardening with the at least partial closure of the through-channel, whereby the exit of the plastic foam introduced into the cavity via the through-channel when the nozzle is arranged in the through-channel and/or when out of the Through channel removed nozzle is omitted. As a result, the through-channel can be closed particularly advantageously in a foam-tight manner. In this case, for example, the closure can be carried out particularly easily, in particular in that the wall area and thus the closure part is not formed separately from the wall and therefore does not have to be provided additionally. As a result, the costs of the filler plug can be kept particularly low.

The wall area can in particular be referred to as a trunk. For example, the wall includes a base body which, in particular directly, adjoins the wall area or the trunk. The wall area and the base body can be formed separately from one another and, in particular directly, connected to one another, or the wall area and the base body can be formed together in one piece.

The wall area can preferably be compressed by the plastic foam as a result of the at least partial expansion and hardening of the plastic foam introduced into the cavity, as a result of which the through-channel can be closed at least partially, in particular completely. This means that as the wall portion hardens and expands, the force applied to the wall portion compresses the wall portion. The force preferably runs in a direction running obliquely or perpendicularly to the direction of longitudinal extent of the filler plug or the through-channel. The wall area can preferably be compressed by the at least partial expansion and hardening of the plastic foam placed in the cavity in the direction running obliquely or perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the filler plug or the through-channel.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the plastic foam flowing through the nozzle can be removed from the nozzle via a nozzle opening of the nozzle through which the plastic foam can flow and can be introduced into the cavity, the nozzle opening being closable by deforming the closure part, in particular the wall area. This prevents the plastic foam from flowing through the nozzle. In other words, during the at least partial expansion and hardening of the plastic foam introduced into the cavity, the closing part, in particular the wall area, can be deformed by the at least partial expansion and hardening, with at least partial, in particular complete, closing of the nozzle opening of the nozzle, as a result of which the in plastic foam introduced into the cavity via the through-channel or the nozzle, in particular the nozzle opening, is omitted. As a result, the filler plug or the through-channel can be closed particularly advantageously, in particular particularly tightly, particularly when the nozzle is arranged in the through-channel.

For example, in the first state of the closure part, in particular the wall area, the nozzle opening is not closed by the closure part or by the closure part, in particular the wall area, and the plastic foam can therefore flow through it, and in the second state of the closure part, in particular the wall area, is the nozzle opening , In particular completely, closed by the closure part, in particular the wall area.

The fact that the nozzle opening is not closed by or by the closing part can in particular be understood to mean that the nozzle opening is uncovered by the closing part.

For example, in the first state the nozzle opening has a first flow cross section through which the plastic foam can flow, and in the second state the nozzle opening has a second flow cross section, in particular through which the plastic foam can flow, that is smaller than the first flow cross section. A cross-sectional value of the second flow cross-section is preferably 0. The cross-sectional value of the second flow cross-section can be understood in particular as a surface area of the second flow cross-section.

Provision is particularly preferably made for the outlet opening, in particular by the closure part or the wall area, to be closable by deforming the closure part, in particular the wall area. In other words, the closing part, in particular the wall area, is deformable during the at least partial expansion and hardening of the plastic foam introduced into the cavity with at least partial, in particular complete, closure of the outlet opening, whereby the discharge of the into the cavity plastic foam introduced via the outlet opening when the nozzle is arranged in the through-channel and/or when the nozzle is removed from the through-channel. As a result, the filler plug or the through-channel can be closed in a particularly advantageous manner, in particular in a particularly tight, foam-tight manner.

For example, in the first state the outlet opening is not closed by the closure part or the wall area and is thus released from the closure part or the wall area, and in the second state the outlet opening is closed by the closure part, in particular the wall area.

For example, in the first state the outlet opening has a third flow cross section, in particular through which the plastic foam can flow, and in the second state the outlet opening has a fourth flow cross section, which is smaller than the third flow cross section and in particular through which the plastic foam can flow. A cross-sectional value of the fourth flow cross-section is preferably 0. The cross-sectional value of the fourth flow cross-section can be understood in particular as a surface area of the fourth flow cross-section. The third flow cross section is preferably larger than the first flow cross section.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the nozzle arranged in the through-channel or the longitudinal area, in particular in the radial direction of the nozzle, is or can be covered at least predominantly, in particular completely, by the wall, in particular the wall area. In other words, the nozzle arranged in the through-channel or the longitudinal area, in particular in the radial direction of the nozzle, is at least predominantly, in particular completely, surrounded by the wall, in particular the wall area. This means that the wall, in particular the wall area, is designed to contain the nozzle or the longitudinal area while the nozzle is arranged in the through-channel and thus while the plastic foam is being introduced into the cavity by means of the nozzle, in particular in the radial direction of the nozzle , At least predominantly, in particular completely, to cover or cover.

As a result, contamination of the nozzle by the plastic foam, in particular an outer lateral surface of the nozzle, can be avoided or reduced. In this case, the nozzle or the outer lateral surface cannot be soiled, for example, by back-splashing foam that is still liquid. The wall, in particular the wall area, is thus designed to protect the nozzle. As a result, the effort required to clean the nozzle can be kept particularly low. This can in particular be understood to mean that the nozzle only has to be cleaned very rarely, as a result of which cleaning intervals can be particularly increased, for example. In addition, when cleaning the nozzle, the cleaning effort can be kept particularly low, in particular because the outer lateral surface of the nozzle is not dirty and therefore does not have to be cleaned. As a result, the costs of the body shell, in particular of the body shell component, can be kept particularly low.

Thus, the wall area can be provided or used for the, in particular foam-tight, closing of the through-channel and for protecting the nozzle or outer jacket surface. This means that the wall area has at least one double function. As a result, the costs of the filler plug can be kept particularly low. In addition, the cavity can be foamed in a particularly advantageous manner, in particular with particularly little effort. As a result, the costs of the body shell, in particular of the body shell component, or of the motor vehicle can be kept particularly low.

The nozzle arranged in the through-channel or the longitudinal area is preferably at least predominantly, in particular completely, covered by the wall area, in particular in the radial direction of the nozzle.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the nozzle arranged in the through-channel, in particular the longitudinal area, bears directly against the wall, in particular the wall area. In other words, the through-channel or the wall, in particular the wall area, is designed in such a way that the nozzle touches the wall, in particular the wall area, in particular over the entire circumference while the plastic foam is being introduced into the cavity by means of the nozzle. As a result, the filler plug or the through-channel can be kept particularly tight, in particular during the introduction of the plastic foam into the cavity. Alternatively or additionally, the contamination of the nozzle, in particular the outer lateral surface, can be particularly reduced or avoided.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the through-channel through the Ver shaping of the closure part, in particular the wall area, can be closed in a liquid-tight, in particular watertight manner, which prevents a liquid from entering the cavity, in particular at least indirectly, via the through-channel when the nozzle is arranged in the through-channel and/or when the nozzle is removed from the through-channel. In other words, the closure part, in particular the wall area, is deformable during the at least partial expansion and hardening of the plastic foam introduced into the cavity due to the at least partial expansion and hardening and the at least partial, in particular complete, liquid-tight, in particular watertight, closure of the through-channel.

This means that the through-channel can be closed by the closure part, in particular the wall area, in such a way that a liquid located outside of the cavity cannot get into the cavity via the through-channel when the nozzle is arranged in the through-channel and/or when the nozzle is not arranged in the through-channel, i.e. when the through-channel is free of the nozzle. This makes it possible for the filler plug to be removed after the foaming process, in particular after the plastic foam has completely cured, not from the shell component, in particular the component area, or not from the motor vehicle, but on the shell component, in particular the component area or in the motor vehicle can remain. As a result, the body shell, in particular the body shell component or the motor vehicle, can include the filler plug in its respective fully manufactured state. As a result, a sealing plug formed separately from the filling plug for sealing the cavity after the foaming process can be dispensed with. In other words, the filler plug is designed as a sealing plug. As a result, the manufacturing effort for the shell or the shell component can be kept particularly low. As a result, the costs of the body shell or of the motor vehicle can be kept particularly low.

The sealing plug can in particular be referred to as an assembly plug. The filler plug is thus designed in particular as an assembly plug.

The filler plug can thus be designed to remain on the body shell, in particular the component area, or on the body shell in the fully manufactured state of the body shell or body shell. Alternatively, it can be provided that the filler plug is removed from the raw component or the component area after the foaming process.

The liquid is preferably water. Thus, the filler plug can be referred to in particular as a foam-tight and watertight filler plug.

The nozzle opening can preferably be closed liquid-tight, in particular watertight, by deforming the closure part, in particular the wall area.

By deforming the closure part, in particular the wall area, the outlet opening can preferably be closed by the closure part, in particular the wall area, in a liquid-tight, in particular watertight manner.

The filler plug preferably has elastic lamellae or elastic slits, in particular on an upper side of the filler plug, it being possible for the inlet opening to be opened or closed by means of the lamellae or the slits. In other words, the slots or the lamellae can seal the inlet opening, in particular in a liquid-tight manner.

The nozzle can preferably be guided through the lamellae or the slits to arrange the nozzle in the through-channel with elastic deformation of the lamellae or the slits. The inlet opening is preferably closed by the lamellae or the slits when the nozzle is not arranged in the through-channel or when the through-channel is free of the nozzle. The inlet opening or the through-channel can thus be kept liquid-tight by the lamellae or the slits, as a result of which the filler plug can remain on the body part after the foaming process.

Preferably, the slits or the slats are cross-shaped. The slots or the lamellae are preferably cut at an angle to one another. For example, the slits or the lamellae have an angle to a surface of the filler plug that is formed separately from the slits or the lamellae. The angle can be 45 degrees.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the filler plug has at least one latching element, by means of which a latching connection of the filler plug with the component area of the shell component can be formed. In other words In other words, the filler plug can be positively connected to the component area via the latching element. As a result, the filler plug can be held particularly advantageously, in particular particularly securely, on the component area. In addition, the filler plug can be attached to the component area with particularly little effort and, in particular, can be removed from the component area with particularly little effort.

The shell part includes the part area. The component area can be understood in particular as a sub-area of the shell component.

During the foaming process, the filling plug is preferably held on the component area via the latching element, while the foam is introduced into the cavity by means of the nozzle.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a filling device for introducing an expanding plastic foam into a cavity of a shell component of a motor vehicle. The filling device comprises a filling plug, in particular according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous configurations of the first aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous configurations of the second aspect of the invention and vice versa.

In order to be able to introduce the plastic foam into the cavity in a particularly advantageous manner, in particular while avoiding leakage and thus particularly tightly, a nozzle through which the plastic foam can flow is provided, which can be or is guided at least partially, in particular completely, through the inlet opening and thereby at least can be or is arranged partially, in particular completely, in the through-channel, as a result of which the plastic foam flowing through the nozzle can be introduced into the cavity, in particular at least indirectly, via the through-channel and the outlet opening.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a shell component for a motor vehicle, with a filler plug, in particular according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous configurations of the first aspect and the second aspect of the invention are to be regarded as advantages and advantageous configurations of the third aspect of the invention and vice versa.

The body shell has the filler plug, in particular in its fully manufactured state. In its completely manufactured state, the motor vehicle preferably has the shell component and thus the filler plug.

The shell component preferably has at least one component area. The filler plug is preferably arranged or can be arranged, in particular directly, on the component area. The filler plug can be connected to the component area or attached to the component area.

Preferably, the filler plug comprises at least one closure part, which can be deformed when the plastic foam introduced into the cavity expands and hardens at least partially, with at least partially liquid-tight closure of the through-channel, whereby a liquid can enter the cavity via the through-channel, in particular when the liquid is removed from the through-channel Nozzle, omitted. The filler plug is thus preferably designed to be liquid-tight. As a result, the cavity can be kept free of the liquid and thus liquid-tight during operation of the motor vehicle, in particular over the entire service life of the motor vehicle.

Further features of the invention result from the claims, the figure and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description and the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and/or shown alone in the figure can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own.

The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred exemplary embodiment and with reference to the drawing. In the single figure, the drawing shows a schematic partial sectional view of a filling device according to the invention, which has a filling plug according to the invention.

The single figure shows a filling device 1 for introducing an expanding plastic foam into a cavity 2 of a shell component 2a of a motor vehicle in a schematic partial sectional view. The filling device 1 thus serves to fill the cavity 2 at least partially, in particular completely, with the plastic foam during a method step, referred to in particular as a foaming process, of producing a body shell of the motor vehicle or the shell component 2a.

In addition, the raw component 2a is shown particularly schematically in the single figure. The raw component 2a has at least one component area 2b. The component area 2b delimits the cavity 2 at least partially directly.

The filling device 1 has a filling plug 3 . The filler plug 3 has an inlet opening 4 and an outlet opening 5 spaced apart from the inlet opening 4 . The filler plug 3 has a through-channel 6 which is referred to in particular as a receiving space. The through-channel 6 is delimited by a wall 7 of the filler plug 3, in particular in the radial direction 3a of the filler plug 3, at least predominantly, in particular completely. An inwardly directed, inner lateral surface 7a of the wall 7 directly delimits the through-channel 6 in its radial direction at least predominantly, in particular completely. Thus, the inner lateral surface 7a is designed as a channel wall of the through-channel 6 . The radial direction of the through channel 6 preferably corresponds to the radial direction 3a of the filler plug.

The plastic foam is preferably designed as an acoustic foam. This means that the plastic foam is introduced into the cavity 2 in particular in order to particularly improve the acoustic properties of the shell, in particular the shell component 2a or the motor vehicle. Thus, the shell, in particular the shell component 2a or the motor vehicle, has the plastic foam in its respective fully manufactured state.

A nozzle 8 through which the plastic foam can flow is provided for introducing the plastic foam into the cavity 2 . The filling device 1 comprises the nozzle 8. The nozzle 8 has a nozzle channel 9 through which the plastic foam can flow. In its radial direction, the nozzle channel 9 is at least predominantly, in particular completely, delimited by a nozzle wall 10 of the nozzle 8 .

To introduce the plastic foam into the cavity 2, the nozzle 8 through which the plastic foam can flow can be guided at least partially through the inlet opening 4 and can therefore be arranged at least partially in the through-channel 6, as a result of which the plastic foam flowing through the nozzle 8, in particular at least indirectly, via the through-channel 6 and, in particular at least indirectly, can be introduced into the cavity 2 via the outlet opening 5 . Thus, the nozzle 8 is guided at least partially through the inlet opening 4 and is thus at least partially arranged in the through-channel 6 , while the plastic foam is introduced into the cavity 2 by means of the nozzle 8 .

The radial direction of the nozzle 8 arranged in the passage channel 6 preferably corresponds to the radial direction 3a of the filler plug.

The inlet opening 4 and the outlet opening 8 are connected to one another via the through-channel 6, in particular fluidically. The nozzle 8 has a nozzle opening 11 through which the plastic foam can flow and is referred to in particular as a nozzle outlet opening, via which the plastic foam flowing through the nozzle channel 9 can be removed from the nozzle channel 9 and introduced into the cavity 2 .

In the exemplary embodiment shown in the single figure, the nozzle 8 is arranged in a longitudinal region 12 in the through-channel 6, which is referred to in particular as the nozzle region. In addition, the nozzle 8 has a partial area 13 which adjoins, in particular directly, the longitudinal area 12 and which is arranged outside the through-channel 6 . The nozzle 8 or the nozzle channel 9 can preferably be fluidly connected, in particular via the partial area 13, to a feed device which is designed separately from the filling plug 3 or the filling device 1 and the plastic part. The plastic foam can be fed to the nozzle 8 via the feed device, in particular via the partial area 13 , and introduced into the nozzle channel 9 . The feed device can in particular be referred to as a mixer or be designed as a mixer. For example, several separately formed components of the plastic foam can be mixed with one another in the mixer, as a result of which the plastic foam can be formed.

The filling device 1 or the filling plug 3 for introducing the plastic foam into the cavity 2 is preferably arranged partially in the cavity 2 and thus partially introduced into the cavity 2 . For example, the raw component 2a, in particular the component area 2b, has a component opening 2c, through which the filling plug 3 or the filling device 1 can be passed for partial arrangement in the cavity 2. The filling plug 3 is preferably provided to seal the component opening 2c when the plastic foam is introduced into the cavity 2 . Thus, the filler plug 3, in particular the wall 7, directly touches a component wall 2d of the shell component 2a, in particular the component region 2b, which delimits the cavity 2 or the component opening 2c.

In order to be able to foam the cavity 2 particularly advantageously with the plastic foam, it is provided that the filler plug 3 has a closure part 14 which, when the plastic foam introduced into the cavity 2 expands and hardens at least partially, in particular completely, with at least partial, in particular complete , clasp of the through-channel 6 is deformable, as a result of which the plastic foam introduced into the cavity 2 cannot exit via the through-channel 6 when the nozzle 8 is arranged in the through-channel 6 and/or when the nozzle 8 is removed from the through-channel 6. This means that the closure part 14 can be deformed by the at least partial expansion and hardening of the plastic foam in the cavity 2 in such a way that the through-channel 6 can be closed at least partially in a foam-tight manner, as a result of which the plastic foam in the cavity 2 cannot escape through the through-channel 6 can be discharged from the cavity 2.

During the expansion or curing, the volume of the plastic foam introduced into the cavity 2 increases, and as a result of the increase in volume, the closure part 14 is acted upon by the plastic foam with a force 15 caused by the increase in volume, with the deformation of the closure part 14 being brought about by the force 15 becomes. By closing the through-channel 6 by means of the closing part 14, the hollow space 2 can be kept tight with respect to the plastic foam. As a result, the plastic foam located in the cavity 2 can be prevented from escaping. As a result, any subsequent work to remove or clean plastic foam that has escaped from the cavity 2 can be avoided after the foaming process. As a result, the cavity 2 can be filled with foam with particularly little effort. In addition, the costs of the shell component 2a or the shell can be kept particularly low.

The nozzle 8 removed from the through-channel 6 can in particular be understood to mean that the through-channel 6 is free of the nozzle 8 . Thus, the through-channel 6 can be kept sealed against the plastic foam when it is closed by means of the closure part 14 when the nozzle 8 is arranged in the through-channel 6 and/or when the through-channel 6 is free of the nozzle 8 .

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that at least one wall area 16 of the wall 7 is designed as the closure part 14 . This means that the wall 7 has the wall area 16 which is deformable during the at least partial expansion and hardening of the plastic foam introduced into the cavity 2 with the at least partial closure of the passage channel 6 . As a result, the through-channel 6 can be closed in a particularly advantageous manner. As a result, for example, no additional closure part designed separately from the wall 7 or the wall area 16 needs to be provided. As a result, the costs of the filling plug 3 or the filling device 1 can be kept particularly low. In particular, the filler plug 3 can thus be manufactured with particularly little effort, as a result of which, for example, the manufacturing costs of the filler plug 3 can be kept particularly low.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in the single FIGURE, the wall 7 has a second wall area 17 adjoining the wall area 16, in particular directly. The wall portions may be formed separately from one another and connected to one another, or the wall portions may be formed integrally together. The second wall area 17 is preferably not intended to close the passage channel 6 . The second wall area can in particular be referred to as a base body.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the plastic foam flowing through the nozzle 8 can be closed by the closing part 14, in particular the wall area 16, via the nozzle opening 11 of the nozzle 8 through which the plastic foam can flow, by deforming the closing part 14, in particular the wall area 16, whereby the flow through the nozzle opening 11 is omitted from the plastic foam. This means that the nozzle opening 11 can be blocked by the deformed closing part 14 or the deformed wall area 16 . As a result, the plastic foam located in the cavity 2 cannot be removed from the cavity via the nozzle opening 11 and introduced into the nozzle channel 9 . As a result, the through-channel 6 or the nozzle channel 9 can be kept sealed against the plastic foam in a particularly advantageous manner, in particular particularly tightly and/or with particularly little effort, when the nozzle 8 is arranged in the through-channel 6 .

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the outlet opening 15 can be closed by the closure part 14, in particular the wall area 16, by deforming the closure part 14, in particular the wall area 16. This means that the outlet opening 5 can be blocked by the deformed closure part 14 , in particular the wall area 16 . As a result, the filler plug 3 or the through-channel 6 can be sealed off from the plastic foam in a particularly advantageous manner, in particular particularly reliably and/or with particularly little effort, especially when the through-channel 6 is free of the nozzle 8 . This allows the cavity 2 or the filler plug 3 even after Foaming process, especially when the nozzle 8 is already removed, are kept particularly tight.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the nozzle 8 arranged in the through-channel 6 is at least predominantly, in particular completely, covered by the wall 7, in particular the wall region 16, in particular in the radial direction of the nozzle 8. As a result, in particular an outer lateral surface 18 of the nozzle wall 10 can be kept free of the plastic foam. The nozzle 8, in particular the outer lateral surface 18, can thus be protected from the plastic foam by the wall 7, in particular the wall area 16, whereby contamination of the nozzle 8, in particular the outer lateral surface 18, can be avoided or particularly reduced. As a result, the shell component 2a or the shell structure can be produced with particularly little effort, as a result of which the costs of the shell component 2a or the shell structure can be kept particularly low.

Thus, the wall area 16 can be provided or used for the, in particular foam-tight, closing of the passage channel 6 and for the protection of the nozzle 8 or the nozzle wall 10, in particular the outer lateral surface 18. This means that the wall area 16 has at least one double function. As a result, the costs of the filler plug 3 can be kept particularly low. In addition, the foaming of the cavity 2 can be carried out particularly advantageously, in particular with particularly little effort. As a result, the costs of the shell construction, in particular of the shell component 2a, or of the motor vehicle can be kept particularly low.

The outer lateral surface 18 of the nozzle wall 10 can be understood to mean an outwardly facing or external lateral surface 18 of the nozzle 8 or the nozzle wall 10 , in particular in relation to the nozzle 8 or the nozzle channel 9 . The outer lateral surface 18 can in particular be referred to as an outwardly directed lateral surface 18 .

The nozzle 8 arranged in the through-channel 6 preferably rests directly on the wall 7 , in particular on the wall area 16 . Thus, the nozzle wall 10, in particular the outer lateral surface 18, touches the wall 7, in particular the wall area 16, directly when the nozzle 8 is arranged in the through-channel 6. As a result, the nozzle 8, in particular the outer lateral surface 18, can be protected particularly well from contamination by the plastic foam. As an alternative or in addition, the through-channel 6 can thereby be closed off in a particularly advantageous manner.

The nozzle 8 can be arranged in the through-channel 6 in such a way that the nozzle opening 11 is arranged in the outlet opening 5 or that the nozzle opening 11 is spaced apart in the longitudinal direction 19 of the filler plug 3 or the through-channel 6 . The nozzle opening 11 can protrude into the cavity 2 or be at a distance from the cavity 2 . In particular when the nozzle opening 11 is arranged in the outlet opening 5, when the nozzle 8 is arranged in the passage channel 6, the nozzle 8 can be flush with the filler plug 3 on an underside 3b of the filler device 1 or filler plug 3 protruding into the cavity 2 conclude. This means that the wall 7, in particular the wall area 16, and the nozzle wall 10 can end flush at or on the underside 3b and in particular can touch directly.

In the embodiment shown in the single FIGURE, the filler plug 3, in particular the wall area 16, is at least partially, in particular completely, conical. A cross section of the filler plug 3 or of the wall area 16 tapers in a direction facing the cavity 2 . Preferably, the filler plug 3 and/or the nozzle 8 are radially symmetrical. When arranging the nozzle 8 in the through-channel 6, the nozzle 8 and the filler plug 3 are preferably arranged concentrically to one another. This means that a longitudinal axis 20 of the filler plug 3 or of the through-channel 6 running in the longitudinal direction 19 of the filler plug 3 corresponds to a central axis of the nozzle 8 , in particular of the nozzle channel 9 , running in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle 8 .

In the exemplary embodiment shown in the single figure, the filler plug 3 has at least one latching element 21, by means of which a latching connection of the filler plug 3 with the component region 2b of the shell component 2a can be formed. As a result, the filler plug 3 can be positively connected to the component area 2b for or during the introduction of the plastic foam into the cavity 2 .

The single figure shows that the filling plug 3 has a support surface 22, via which the filling plug 3 or the filling device 1 can be supported, in particular directly, on the component area 2b.

It is preferably provided that the passage channel 6 by deforming the closure part 14, in particular the Wandbe Reich 16, can be closed by the closure part 14, in particular the wall area 16, in a liquid-tight, in particular watertight manner, whereby a liquid can enter the cavity 2 via the through-channel 6 when the nozzle 8 is arranged in the through-channel 6 and/or from the through-channel 6 removed nozzle 8 is omitted. Thus, the filler plug 3, in particular the through-channel 6, or the outlet opening 5 and/or the nozzle opening 11, can be closed in a liquid-tight manner by means of the closing part 14, in particular the wall area 16. The liquid is water, for example.

Provision can be made for the filler plug 3 to be removed from the component region 2b or the shell component 2a after the foaming process or the expansion and hardening of the plastic foam. This means that the shell or the shell component 2a does not include the filler plug 3 in its fully manufactured state. The motor vehicle therefore also does not include the filler plug 3 in its fully manufactured state. The filler plug 3 can therefore be designed as an aid, referred to in particular as an assembly aid, which serves, in particular, only to introduce the plastic foam into the cavity 2. After the filler plug 3 has been removed from the component area 2b or the shell component 2a, a plug element, referred to in particular as a sealing plug, can be arranged in the opening, by means of which the cavity 2 can be closed, in particular in a foam-tight and/or liquid-tight manner. This means that the shell, in particular the shell component 2a, or the motor vehicle can include the sealing plug in its fully manufactured state.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the filler plug 3 is not removed from the raw component 2a or the component area 2b after the foaming process or the expansion and hardening of the plastic foam. This means that the body shell 2a or the body shell includes the filler plug 3 in its respective fully manufactured state. Thus, the motor vehicle can include the filler plug 3 in its fully manufactured condition. In particular, because the filler plug 3 is designed to be liquid-tight, i.e. the through-channel 6 is closed or can be closed in a liquid-tight manner by means of the closure part 14, in particular the wall region 16, penetration of the liquid via the filler plug 3, in particular the component opening 2c, can be avoided. Thus, the cavity 2 can be kept tight against the liquid. This means that the filler plug 3 is designed as an assembly plug and thus remains on the component area 2b or in the shell or the shell component 2a. The filler plug 3 thus includes the function or a function of the sealing plug. As a result, the sealing plug in the shell, in particular the shell component 2a, or the motor vehicle, can be omitted. As a result, the costs of the shell or the shell component 2a can be kept particularly low. In addition, production of the shell or the shell component 2a can be particularly simplified.

Reference List

1

filling device

2

cavity

2a

shell part

2 B

component area

2c

component opening

2d

component wall

3

filler plug

3a

radial direction

3b

bottom

4

entry opening

5

exit port

6

through channel

7

wall

7a

inner surface

8th

jet

9

nozzle channel

10

nozzle wall

11

nozzle opening

12

length range

13

subarea

14

closure part

15

Power

16

wall area

17

second wall area

18

outer surface

19

longitudinal direction

20

longitudinal axis

21

locking element

22

support surface

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102019133868 B3 [0002]

Claims (10)

Filler plug (3) for introducing an expanding plastic foam into a cavity (2) of a shell component (2a) of a motor vehicle, with an inlet opening (4), with an outlet opening (5) at a distance from the inlet opening (4) and with a wall ( 7) of the filler plug (3) at least partially delimited through-channel (6), with a nozzle (8) through which the plastic foam can flow into the cavity (2) being able to be guided at least partially through the inlet opening (4) and thereby at least partially in the cavity (2). through-channel (6) can be arranged, as a result of which the plastic foam flowing through the nozzle (8) can be introduced into the cavity (2) via the through-channel (6) and the outlet opening (5), characterized in that the filling plug (3) has a closing part (14 ) which is deformable when the plastic foam introduced into the cavity (2) expands and hardens at least partially, with the through-channel (6) being at least partially closed, as a result of which the plastic foam introduced into the cavity (2) can exit via the through-channel (6) with the nozzle (8) arranged in the through-channel (6) and/or with the nozzle (8) removed from the through-channel (6). filler plug (3). claim 1 , characterized in that at least one wall area (16) of the wall (7) is designed as the closure part (14). filler plug (3). claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the plastic foam flowing through the nozzle (8) can be removed from the nozzle (8) and introduced into the cavity (2) via a nozzle opening (11) through which the plastic foam can flow, the nozzle opening (11 ) can be closed by deforming the closure part (14), as a result of which the plastic foam is prevented from flowing through the nozzle opening (11). Filler plug (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet opening (5) can be closed by deforming the closure part (14). Filler plug (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle (8) arranged in the through-channel (6) is at least predominantly covered by the wall (7). Filler plug (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle (8) arranged in the through-channel (6) bears directly against the wall (7). Filler plug (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the through-channel (6) can be closed in a liquid-tight manner by deforming the closure part (14), whereby a liquid can enter the cavity (2) via the through-channel (6) at in with the nozzle (8) arranged in the through-channel (6) and/or with the nozzle (8) removed from the through-channel (6). Filler plug (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filler plug (3) has at least one latching element (21) by means of which a latching connection of the filler plug (3) with at least one component region (2b) of the shell component (2a) can be formed . Filling device (1) for introducing an expanding plastic foam into a cavity (2) of a shell component (2a) of a motor vehicle, with a filler plug (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a nozzle (8) through which the plastic foam can flow, which at least partially through the inlet opening (4) and can therefore be arranged at least partially in the through-channel (6), as a result of which the plastic foam flowing through the nozzle (8) can be introduced into the cavity (2) via the through-channel (6) and the outlet opening (5). is. Shell component (2a) for a motor vehicle with a filler plug (3) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th .

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