partition

Abstract

This application relates to a partition (1) for sealing and / or supporting a cavity, comprising a carrier (2) and an expansion material (3) disposed on the carrier (2), the expansion material being capable of transitioning from an initial state to an expanded state by means of activation, wherein the carrier (2) comprises at least one compensating element (4) providing variability of the effective sealing surface (5) of the carrier (2), such that a change in the effective sealing surface (5) of the carrier (2) can be caused by means of a force acting on the carrier (2), and a limiting element (6) is provided to limit the movement of at least a portion of the carrier (2) accompanying the change in the effective sealing surface (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a partition for sealing and / or supporting a cavity, the partition comprising a carrier and an expansion material disposed on the carrier, the expansion material being able to transform from an initial state to an expanded state by means of activation. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive industry, such partitions are used for sound and / or waterproof sealing of cavities within the vehicle body, as well as for separation and / or support. In this case, the partition includes a carrier with an expandable material surrounding it. The expandable material is characterized in that, in the partition's installed state, it can be activated to transition from an initial state to an expanded state, in which it serves as a sealing and / or supporting material between the carrier and adjacent components of the vehicle body.

[0003] Considering the automotive industry's aim to keep vehicle weight low, thinner metal sheets are specifically used for vehicle skins. As a result, the skin can be externally visible in an inwardly recessed or bulging form, thanks to a partition of the type described in the background section (which is installed between the skin and internal components, such as another metal sheet). This is primarily due to the properties of the expandable material, which expands during expansion, for example by means of heat input, and rests against surrounding components in a sealing and / or supporting manner. After expansion, the expandable material cools again and contracts at least partially. Depending on the materials used for the carrier and the expandable material, and depending on the amount of expandable material, an outward bulge in the thin metal sheet can be caused by excessive expansion of the expandable material, or the outer metal sheet can be caused to retract inward due to the contraction of the cooled expandable material. This constitutes a visible defect.

[0004] In principle, the expansion and deformation characteristics, and thus the inward or outward bulge, can be influenced by the choice of materials and the dimensional design of the components involved. Because this is a complex system with multiple influencing variables, residual risks always exist. This situation clearly needs improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is therefore to provide a partition for sealing and / or supporting cavities within a vehicle body structure, the partition being easy to manufacture, providing excellent sealing against noise and moisture in the installed state, and preventing shrinkage or bulging of components adjacent to the partition, particularly the outer metal sheet.

[0006] This objective is achieved by a partition having the features described in the instruction manual.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments and modifications of this application are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] To achieve this objective, the specification proposes that the carrier includes at least one compensating element that provides variability of the effective sealing surface of the carrier, thereby allowing a change in the effective sealing surface of the carrier to be caused by a force acting on the carrier. A limiting element is provided by means of which movement of at least a portion of the carrier accompanied by the change in the effective sealing surface is restricted.

[0009] The partition according to this application is used to seal a cavity and is used for this purpose on the surface of the cavity that is constrained. The surface of the cavity that must be sealed is also referred to below as the constrained surface. Both the carrier of the partition and the expansion material contribute to the sealing of the constrained surface in the mounted state of the partition. In the context of this application, the effective sealing surface of the carrier is understood to mean the projected surface of the carrier, which lies in or is parallel to the plane of the constrained surface in the mounted state of the partition. Similarly, the effective sealing surface of the partition represents the projected surface of the entire partition, which covers and effectively seals the entire constrained surface in the mounted state.

[0010] Essentially, this application also includes a partition that does not have a primary sealing function, but rather, for example, a primary supporting function. Thus, applications are conceivable where the need for acoustic sealing is low and the constrained surface does not necessarily need to be covered across its entire surface area in a corresponding manner. Here, again, the partition according to this application can be used, which then primarily serves a supporting function, but can simultaneously have areas through which sound waves can pass.

[0011] In other words, according to the specification of this application, the carrier includes a compensating element by means of which the carrier can be designed such that the effective sealing surface of the carrier can be flexibly changed in response to forces acting on the carrier. Thus, forces can be applied to the carrier in the mounted state of the partition by the expansion characteristics of the expanding material. When the expanding material arranged on the edge side of the carrier is activated, the expanding material initially expands or foams until it sits against the component constraining the cavity. Depending on the material used and the amount of expanding material, the expansion effect can be so strong that a significant force acts on the surrounding components and on the carrier. To prevent the surrounding components from deflecting in response to such forces, for example, the outward bulging of the outer metal sheet in response to such forces, according to this application, the effective sealing surface of the carrier can be changed. For this purpose, the carrier has at least one compensating element that provides variability in the effective sealing surface of the carrier and thus allows for distance compensation. The significant expansion of the expanding material during activation can thus cause the carrier to react with the change in its effective sealing surface (in this case, with a decrease in size), so that the overall area sealed by the expanding material and the carrier remains substantially constant and no bulges are formed on the surrounding components.

[0012] Similarly, during the cooling and contraction of the expanding material, forces can act on the carrier and surrounding components, which can cause inward retraction. Here, again, the variability of the effective sealing surface of the carrier provided according to this application offsets the fact that the carrier increases the size of its effective sealing surface in response to the applied forces, so that the total area sealed by the expanding material and the carrier remains substantially constant and does not cause retraction of the surrounding components.

[0013] Compensating elements that provide variability in the effective sealing surface of the carrier can be designed such that, in the partition's installed state, the force threshold causing a change in the effective sealing surface of the carrier is lower than the deflection threshold of the surrounding components constraining the cavity. In other words, the compensating elements can be designed to be easily movable.

[0014] To limit the movement of at least a portion of the carrier associated with changes in the effective sealing surface of the carrier, this application provides a limiting element. This ensures that the carrier cannot yield arbitrarily, and that the expanding material sits against the components of the constrained cavity with sufficient contact pressure (even though the carrier yields in response to the applied force), thereby creating a robust connection with good sealing or support between the partition and the constrained components.

[0015] When installed, the partitions, designed to create a seal, ensure excellent sealing of the cavity against heat, moisture, and noise. Furthermore, dust, dirt, or other types of particles cannot penetrate the partitions.

[0016] The compensating element can be implemented as a spring element or a flexible component, which can cause the effective sealing surface of the carrier to expand or contract when force is applied to the carrier. Furthermore, the fixed and movable parts of the carrier can be connected to each other via the compensating element, thereby decoupling the movable part from the fixed part through the compensating element. Thus, the movable part can move within defined limits, while the fixed part remains stationary. The compensating element is part of the carrier and preferably has the same sealing properties as the carrier.

[0017] According to one embodiment of this application, the compensating element is designed as a bending element, by means of which a bending angle is formed between two parts of the carrier. The bending element is, for example, a bending point, a hinge, a spring element, or a similar device that allows the carrier to perform bending movement. Here, bending occurs about a bending axis, which is preferably parallel to the constraint surface. The bending angle between the two parts of the carrier can be in the range of 0° to 180°.

[0018] According to another embodiment of this application, the compensating element is designed as a thin spot. A region of the carrier (in which the carrier is thinned compared to adjacent regions) is designed as a thin spot. Such a region, designed, for example, with an internal hinge, has advantageous bending properties. The entire carrier, including the thin spot, can be manufactured from a single material, for example, by injection molding.

[0019] The compensating element can be configured with advantageous temperature- and time-dependent characteristics, and can be designed, for example, to respond rapidly. Thus, the compensating element can very quickly cause changes in the effective sealing surface of the carrier, resulting from the rapid foaming and / or shrinkage of the expanding material.

[0020] The forces acting on the carrier that alter the effective sealing surface of the carrier can have different causes. These forces primarily arise from the foaming and / or shrinkage of the expanding material. Furthermore, these forces can also arise from temperature-dependent deformation around the carrier and / or the expanding material.

[0021] The carrier may primarily serve to seal the constrained surface spanned by the cavity. Preferably, the carrier covers the main portion of the constrained surface. The remaining portion of the constrained surface is covered with an expanding material.

[0022] The carrier can be made of a material with advantageous sealing properties. The material can be selected to provide optimal sealing against water, oil, and / or similar liquids. Additionally, lightweight, stable, and / or fracture-resistant materials can be selected. The carrier can contribute to the structural stability of the entire object. Thus, the carrier can provide greater static and dynamic stability for use in the cavities of a motor vehicle. The carrier material can be selected to have advantageous material properties for cavity collapse (e.g., due to an accident). For example, the carrier material can be selected such that, in the event of failure, most of the deformation energy is dissipated through the carrier. Therefore, the material can be selected such that the carrier fractures, for example, into very small individual components, or deforms advantageously in the event of failure. The material is preferably selected to prevent damage in the cavity or adjacent areas (e.g., the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle).

[0023] Furthermore, the carrier material can be selected to minimize natural vibrations and / or structural noise. This can be the natural vibration of the cavity or the entire system forming the cavity. The carrier material can also possess optimal sound insulation properties. The carrier material can have insulating properties relative to sound waves and electromagnetic waves. For example, polymer materials can be used as carrier materials.

[0024] The expandable material itself is part of the partition. For example, the expandable material may be peripherally disposed on a carrier, for example, by means of overmolding. The expandable material essentially has two functions. First, in its expanded state, the expandable material is used to fix the partition within the cavity, for example, by means of adhesion or clamping. Second, the expandable material, together with the cavity, is used to seal the constrained surfaces of the cavity. In its expanded state, the expandable material fills the area formed between the carrier and the component constraining the cavity. The expandable material may advantageously possess adhesive and / or bonding properties. Additionally, the expandable material may possess elastic properties. Simultaneously, the expandable material may possess advantageous sealing properties relative to moisture and noise (the sealing properties being suited to specific conditions).

[0025] For example, an expandable material can be a material that foams during activation and solidifies in the foamed state. This could be, for example, derived from a material with the known name... The product series includes products from this company. The volume of the expanded material after expansion can be approximately 10% to 3000% of the volume of the expanded material in its initial state. It is possible that the expanded material initially expands after activation and then contracts again, at least partially, after reaching its maximum volume.

[0026] Activation of the expandable material can preferably be achieved by means of heat input. Alternatively, other forms of physical and / or chemical activation are also conceivable.

[0027] The limiting element provided according to this application restricts the movement of at least one portion of the carrier (accompanied by changes in the effective sealing surface of the carrier). In other words, the carrier cannot arbitrarily yield in response to the applied force. This ensures that the expanding material contacts the components of the constrained cavity with sufficient contact pressure under any circumstances, thereby creating a strong connection with good sealing effect between the partition and the constrained components.

[0028] According to one embodiment of this application, limiting elements are arranged on a fixed portion of the carrier. The fixed portion is understood to mean a part of the carrier that, in the installed state of the partition, does not substantially change position during changes in the effective sealing surface of the carrier. Conversely, the movable portion of the carrier is understood to mean a portion that changes position during changes in the effective sealing surface of the carrier in the installed state of the partition. In an alternative embodiment, the limiting elements may also be arranged on the movable portion of the carrier. The limiting elements serve as stops introduced into the intermediate space between the movable portion and the fixed portion, thereby limiting the movement of the movable portion relative to the fixed portion to a small extent.

[0029] In embodiments where the compensating element functions as a bending element (with a bending angle sandwiched between two parts of the carrier), a limiting element can be arranged on one of the two parts, such that movement of one part relative to the second part can occur only within a limited angular range of the bending angle. For example, the limiting element can be designed such that movement of one part relative to the other part occurs only within an angular range of 0° to 20°, while preventing larger angular movements. The limiting element can be designed to absorb vibrations, so that impacts do not cause damage to the partition. Furthermore, the limiting element can have an abutment edge that takes over / implements the vibration absorption function explained above.

[0030] In principle, limiting elements can have different cross-sections. For example, a limiting element can have a triangular or trapezoidal cross-section.

[0031] According to one embodiment of this application, the partition is equipped with at least one positioning aid, which includes a support rib having means for positioning the carrier. The positioning aid assists in the precise positioning and support of the partition within the cavity and ensures that the partition remains in the desired orientation after installation. The positioning aid may be designed such that its support surface sits flush with the wall of the constrained cavity.

[0032] In summary, using the described diaphragm, it is feasible to achieve excellent support and / or sealing of the cavity relative to moisture and noise. The variability of the effective sealing surface of the carrier according to this application results in the decoupling of stretching or compressive forces, thus ensuring that no force or no significant force acts on adjacent components during the activation of the expanding material, and effectively preventing bulging and / or shrinkage of these components. Therefore, greater freedom is available in the selection of materials for both the carrier and the expanding material. Sufficient waterproofing and sound insulation are additionally provided in the connection area of ​​the diaphragm, taking into account the limiting element according to this application (although yielding of the carrier is also provided). Attached Figure Description

[0033] This application will be explained in more detail below with reference to illustrative embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0034] Figure 1 An embodiment of the partition according to this application is shown in cross-sectional view;

[0035] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the partition is shown in sectional view;

[0036] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the partition is shown in sectional view;

[0037] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the partition is shown in a perspective view. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of partition 1, which is positioned within a cavity between two metal sheets 11 of the vehicle body. Partition 1 includes a carrier 2 and expandable material 3 arranged along the edges of the carrier 2. Figure 1 In the view, the expanding material 3 is in a state where it has not yet foamed or expanded.

[0039] The carrier 2 also includes a compensation element 4, which is designed as a spring element. The spring element allows for linear change in the length of the carrier 2 along an axis extending on the carrier 2. Therefore, the length of the carrier 2 along this axis, and consequently the effective sealing surface 5 of the carrier 2, can change in response to a force acting on the carrier 2. The effective sealing surface 5 of the carrier 2... Figure 1 The projected surface of the carrier 2 is shown in the middle.

[0040] For clear reasons, in Figure 1 Limiting elements are not shown. The function of the limiting elements is explained in the following reference. Figures 2 to 4 A more detailed explanation.

[0041] The partition 1 is also equipped with two positioning aids 7. The positioning aids 7 are designed as support ribs, each arranged on the edge of the carrier 2. Here, the support ribs help guide the edge of the carrier 2, which is equipped with the expansion material 3, against the metal sheet 11. Each support rib has a support surface that is applied against the associated metal sheet.

[0042] The cavity is sealed by means of the carrier 1 as follows: the partition 1 is held in place within the cavity by the positioning aid 7. The expansion material 3 is then activated by heat input. When the expansion material 3 is activated, it initially expands or foams and sits against the metal sheet 11. If the expansion process continues, forces act on the metal sheet 11 and on the carrier 2. In response to this force, the compensating element 4, designed as a spring element, reacts and is compressed. Therefore, the effective sealing surface 5 of the carrier 2 changes. In other words, distance compensation is generated by the carrier 2, thereby preventing the outward deflection or bulging of the metal sheet 11. The significant expansion of the expansion material 3 during activation causes the carrier 2 to react as the size of its effective sealing surface 5 decreases, so that the total area sealed by the expansion material 3 and the carrier 2 remains approximately constant and no bulge is formed on the outer metal sheet 11.

[0043] Similarly, during the cooling process of the expanded material after activation, the metal sheet 11 is prevented from retracting back into the cavity 1. The cooled expanded material 3 contracts at least partially again. This process also causes forces to act on the carrier 2 and the metal sheet 11, these forces now pointing in opposite directions. In response to these forces, the compensating element 4 extends, thereby increasing the effective sealing surface 5 of the carrier 2. In this case, the total area sealed by the expanded material 3 and the carrier 2 remains approximately constant.

[0044] Figure 2 An alternative embodiment of the partition 1 is shown. In this case, the carrier 2 is equipped with a compensating element 4, which is designed as an integral hinge, not shown in more detail in the views of the accompanying drawings. In the installed state of the partition 1, the movable portion 9 is movable relative to the fixed portion 8 of the carrier 2 due to the integral hinge. Figure 2In the illustrated state, portions 8 and 9 are bent at approximately 120° relative to each other. In response to the force exerted on the carrier 2 by the expansion of the expanding material 3, the movable portion 9 can pivot relative to the fixed portion 8, thereby increasing or decreasing the bent angle. When the bent angle decreases, a limiting element 6 arranged on the movable portion 9 restricts the pivoting movement of portion 9 to a small angular range. The pivoting of portion 9 away from the right-side metal sheet 11 is very rapid, causing the limiting element 6 to stop against the fixed portion 8. Therefore, it is ensured that the movable portion 9 cannot arbitrarily deflect in response to the applied force, and despite the yielding of portion 9, the expanding material 3 still sits against the metal sheet 11 with sufficient contact pressure, thus creating a strong connection with good sealing between the partition 1 and the metal sheet 11. The pivoting of the movable portion 9 relative to the fixed portion 8 is accompanied by a change in the effective sealing surface 5 of the carrier 2.

[0045] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the partition 1 with a compensating element 4 designed as an integral hinge is shown. The operating mode substantially corresponds to... Figure 2 The aforementioned descriptions. In the initial state shown here, a bending angle of approximately 90° is sandwiched between the fixed portion 8 and the movable portion 9 of the carrier 2. In this modified embodiment, a limiting element 6 is arranged on the fixed portion 8 of the carrier 2. Therefore, pivoting movement of the movable portion 9 from the right-side metal sheet 11 can occur only until portion 9 stops on the limiting element 6, and is thus limited to a defined angular range. By causing the movable portion 9 to pivot relative to the fixed portion 8 in response to an applied force, the effective sealing surface 5 of the carrier 2 changes.

[0046] Figure 4 Details of another embodiment of the partition 1 are shown in perspective. Here, again, the partition 1 is equipped with a compensating element 4 designed as an integral hinge. The thin point forming the integral hinge can be clearly seen in this view. Bending of the carrier 2 in the area where the thin point is located is restricted by a limiting element 6, which is here arranged on the fixed portion 8 of the carrier 2. The limiting element 6 includes an abutment edge 10, which can be designed to absorb vibrations, thus preventing damage to the carrier 2 from impacts. Figure 4 To further understand the importance of the effective sealing surface 5 of the projected surface as carrier 2.

[0047] List of reference numerals

[0048] 1 partition

[0049] 2 carriers

[0050] 3. Expansion materials

[0051] 4 compensation elements

[0052] 5 Effective sealing surfaces

[0053] 6 limit elements

[0054] 7 Positioning Auxiliary Unit

[0055] 8 Fixed parts

[0056] 9. Movable parts

[0057] 10. Edge contact

[0058] 11 Metal Sheets

Claims

1. A partition (1) for sealing and / or supporting a cavity, comprising a carrier (2) and an expansion material (3) disposed on the edge of said carrier (2), said expansion material being capable of transitioning from an initial state to an expanded state by means of activation, characterized in that, The carrier (2) includes at least one compensating element (4) that provides variability of the effective sealing surface (5) of the carrier (2), such that a change in the effective sealing surface (5) of the carrier (2) can be caused by a force acting on the carrier (2), and a limiting element (6) is provided to limit the movement of at least a portion of the carrier (2) accompanying the change in the effective sealing surface (5), the limiting element (6) including an abutment edge (10) designed to absorb vibration.

2. The partition (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compensation element (4) is designed as a bending element, by means of which a bending angle is sandwiched between the two parts of the carrier (2).

3. The partition (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The compensation element (4) is designed to be thin.

4. The partition (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The limiting element (6) is arranged on the fixed part (8) of the carrier (2).

5. The partition (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The limiting element (6) is arranged on the movable part (9) of the carrier (2).

6. The partition (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The partition (1) is equipped with at least one positioning aid (7), the positioning aid (7) including a support rib having elements for positioning the carrier (2).

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