Device for sealing at least one hole in a body

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (10) for sealing at least one hole (31) in a body (30), particularly in a vehicle body (30), preferably a white-bodied vehicle body (30), the device (10) having an expandable sealing device (11) and a carrier structure (12) for the sealing device (11), the carrier structure (12) comprising: a carrier plate (13) having a first carrier side (14) and a second carrier side (21), the first carrier side (14) being disposed on the side of the carrier plate (13) opposite to the second carrier side (14), the sealing device (11) being disposed on the first carrier side (14); from the carrier plate ( A connecting device (17) protruding from the first carrier side (14) of the carrier plate (13) is configured such that the device (10) is connected to the body (30), wherein the first carrier side (14) faces the body (30); and a boundary wall (15) protruding from the first carrier side (14) of the carrier plate (13) and at least partially defining the sealing device (11), the boundary wall (15) having an outlet opening (16) for the sealing device (11), the boundary wall (15) being configured to guide the sealing device (11) through the outlet opening (16) in a direction toward the hole (31) during expansion, so as to seal the hole (31). The invention also relates to a method for sealing at least one hole (31) in the body (30).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for sealing at least one hole in a body and a method for sealing at least one hole in a body.

[0002] To seal holes in the body of a vehicle, particularly holes in a white body-on-a-car body, a device is used that typically has an expandable (e.g., heat-activated) sealing device and a carrier structure for the sealing device. To seal the hole, this device is usually first arranged above or against the hole (with the sealing device facing the hole) so that the sealing device substantially covers the hole. Subsequently, the expansion of the sealing device is activated, for example by applying heat, causing the sealing device to flatten against the body area with the hole, and thus sealing the hole.

[0003] Typically, holes appear in angled regions of the body, such as corner areas. Such holes require the geometry of the carrier structure to conform to the shape of the body in the hole region, enabling the device to connect to the body so that the hole is substantially covered by the sealing device, thus ensuring a tight seal. Therefore, it is known to manufacture individual or dedicated devices for each hole to be sealed, tailored to the specific hole. A disadvantage is the increased manufacturing workload involved in producing such devices.

[0004] Different types of holes are openings used to accommodate fasteners. Seals used to seal holes that accommodate fasteners are known, for example, from US2010 / 199593, EP3954596, or EP4186677.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for sealing at least one hole in a body, which can be manufactured with reduced manufacturing effort. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for sealing at least one such hole.

[0006] According to the invention, this task is accomplished by the apparatus according to claim 1. Regarding the method, this task is accomplished by the subject matter of claim 18.

[0007] Specifically, according to the present invention, this task is accomplished by an apparatus for sealing at least one hole in a body, particularly in a vehicle body, preferably a white-bodied vehicle body, the apparatus having an expandable, particularly foamable, sealing device and a carrier structure for the sealing device, the carrier structure comprising:

[0008] - A carrier plate having a first carrier side and a second carrier side, wherein the first carrier side is arranged on the side of the carrier plate opposite to the second carrier side, and the sealing device is arranged on the first carrier side;

[0009] - A connecting device, which protrudes from a first carrier side of a carrier plate and is configured to connect the device to the body, wherein the first carrier side faces the body; and

[0010] - A boundary wall that protrudes from the first carrier side of the carrier plate and at least partially defines the sealing device, the boundary wall having an outlet opening for the sealing device and configured to guide the sealing device through the outlet opening in the direction of the hole during expansion (especially during foaming) so as to seal the hole.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention is based on the concept of providing a boundary wall on a first carrier side (particularly the bottom side) of a carrier plate. The boundary wall at least partially defines the sealing device, particularly in a plane substantially parallel to the first carrier side. The boundary wall also has an outlet opening for the sealing device, which specifically points in at least one direction extending in the plane substantially parallel to the first carrier side of the carrier plate. Thus, the boundary wall is arranged to at least partially prevent the sealing device from expanding and to guide the sealing device in the direction of the outlet opening. As a result, more of the sealing device escapes outward through the outlet opening during expansion, thereby achieving controlled or directional expansion of the sealing device, i.e., expansion toward the target, particularly toward the orifice.

[0012] In this embodiment, the at least one hole is an unwanted hole. An unwanted hole is different from a hole used to receive a connection device. In this embodiment, the unwanted hole is not used. In this embodiment, the unwanted hole does not perform any function, meaning it has no functionality. An unwanted hole may also be referred to as an unnecessary hole.

[0013] In this embodiment, the hole (especially an unwanted hole) is not used to connect the device to the body. In other words, the hole (especially an unwanted hole) is different from a hole through which the device can connect to the body.

[0014] The device according to the invention (particularly the boundary wall) is therefore able to guide the sealing device in a targeted manner toward the hole, thereby sealing the hole in this way. This means that the device does not need to be directly attached to or on the hole, but can be connected to the body away from the hole. This allows the device (particularly the carrier structure) to have a geometry independent of the specific shape of the body in the hole region, thus achieving standardization. In other words, the device can be used for different bodies with different shapes in the hole region. There is no need to produce a geometry suitable for the corresponding hole. This greatly reduces the amount of manufacturing work.

[0015] Because the sealing device can be guided to the hole through directional expansion and does not need to be directly positioned at the hole, the carrier structure does not need to extend from the connecting device to the hole. Instead, it is sufficient that the spatial dimensions of the carrier structure are substantially confined to the connecting device or to the point on the body where the device connects to the body. This allows for a particularly compact design of the device. On the one hand, this has the advantage of saving materials. On the other hand, it makes it easier to supply the sealing device into the hole, as the device can be connected to the body close enough to the hole even in a limited space.

[0016] The directional expansion of the sealing device toward the hole also ensures that the amount of sealing device can be precisely adapted to the size of the hole that is typically sealed using the device, such as a so-called mouse hole. Therefore, additional sealing devices not used for sealing the hole can be saved. Thus, the device according to the invention advantageously reduces the amount of sealing devices required.

[0017] The connecting device allows the carrier structure to connect to the body, that is, to make the carrier structure at least in contact with the body, wherein the first carrier side of the carrier plate faces the body, so that the device is at least firmly or stably arranged on the body, and the sealing device points towards the surface of the body. This enables controlled expansion of the sealing device toward the orifice.

[0018] A hole can be a through-hole that forms a passage through the body, such as through a wall or base plate. A through-hole opens on both sides of the passage. A hole can also be a recess, which, unlike a through-hole, has a closed wall. Therefore, the wall thickness in the recessed region can be less than the wall thickness in the adjacent region outside the recess.

[0019] Such holes can appear in various bodies. For example, the body of a vehicle (especially a white body-on-a-car body) may have unwanted holes that need to be sealed. For example, such holes (also known as mouse holes) may appear when multiple metal sheets are joined together but the sheets cannot be formed in a way that allows for a completely closed or flush joint (e.g., due to process-related limitations).

[0020] The hole to be sealed (especially an unwanted hole) is located in a hard-to-reach location / area of ​​the body. The hard-to-reach area may be at the junction of at least three plates of the body.

[0021] In one embodiment, the connecting device is arranged on the first side of the carrier.

[0022] In this embodiment, the connecting device is designed as a clamp or a welded tab.

[0023] In an embodiment, the hole (especially an unwanted hole) is different from the hole used when connecting the device (e.g., via a connecting device).

[0024] Therefore, the present invention adopts a different approach from the prior art, which typically proposes devices with a sealant that, in its unexpanded state, is distributed over a large area or spatially across the device to seal large or extensive holes, particularly, for example, the cross-section or cavity of a vehicle's A-pillar. In contrast, the present invention proposes a device with a sealant that, in its unexpanded state, is spatially concentrated, i.e., compactly housed on the side of a first carrier, and during expansion, can pass through an outlet opening specifically directed towards the hole, thereby preferably sealing small holes, particularly mouse holes, which typically appear in angled, hard-to-access corner areas of the vehicle body.

[0025] The carrier plate, as a plate, has dimensions in the plate plane that correspond to a multiple of the thickness or strength of the carrier plate, the thickness being the distance between the first carrier side (particularly the bottom side) and the second carrier side (particularly the top side), and the sealing device being directly arranged on the first carrier side of the carrier plate also advantageously reduces the overall height of the device.

[0026] The sealing device according to the invention is designed to expand, particularly foam, and thus the expansion can be activated, particularly by heat. Therefore, expansion can be activated, for example, by heating or cooling the sealing device to a certain temperature. Activation can also be achieved in other ways, such as by applying a specific pressure.

[0027] The device according to the invention is designed for sealing holes in a body. Specifically, the device is used to seal holes in a vehicle body, particularly a white-bodied vehicle body. The device can also be used to seal other bodies. The concept according to the invention can generally be used in conjunction with sealing.

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the boundary wall has two opposing wall portions that define the outlet opening on two opposite sides, and the distance between them is equal to or less than the width of the outlet opening, particularly along the total length of the wall portions. By limiting the sealing device on two opposite sides, less sealing device passes through the outlet opening during expansion, and therefore less material passes outward in a direction not pointing towards the hole to be sealed. This means that more sealing devices are guided through the outlet opening toward the hole, which improves the supply of sealing devices and thus improves the sealing of the hole. The distance between the wall portions being equal to or less than the width of the outlet opening also ensures a particularly wide outlet opening with a small overall width of the device. The increased width of the outlet opening further increases the amount of sealing device passing through the outlet opening and thus toward the hole during expansion. On the other hand, the smaller overall width of the device advantageously contributes to a compact design.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the distance between the wall portions increases toward the outlet opening. This has the advantage that, in the unexpanded state, i.e., before expansion, more sealing devices are arranged near the outlet opening. As a result, more sealing devices are guided through the outlet opening during expansion, and thus toward the orifice, thereby further improving the supply of sealing devices and thus improving the orifice's seal. For particularly efficient supply of sealing devices to the orifice, it is advantageous that the distance between the wall portions increases continuously or uniformly. This allows more sealing devices to spread evenly between the wall portions toward the outlet opening during expansion, reaching the sides without having to move through the outlet opening, for example, below the boundary wall (i.e., between the boundary wall and the body).

[0031] Preferably, the boundary wall has a connecting wall portion disposed on the first carrier side and on the side of the carrier plate opposite to the outlet opening, wherein the connecting wall portion connects the wall portions to each other. The connecting wall portion at least partially prevents the sealing device from expanding in the direction opposite to the outlet opening (and therefore opposite to the orifice). Thus, the amount of expansion of the sealing device through the outlet opening towards the orifice is further increased.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment, the height of the boundary wall is equal to or greater than the height of the sealing device in its unexpanded state. This ensures that the boundary wall completely defines the height of the sealing device. During expansion, less of the sealing device escapes through the outlet opening, particularly below the boundary wall, and therefore more of the sealing device is guided towards the orifice through the outlet opening. This further improves the supply of the sealing device to the orifice and thus improves the orifice seal.

[0033] Preferably, the carrier structure has a handle protruding from the second carrier side of the carrier plate. This allows the device to be easily gripped, for example, aligned with the outlet opening facing the hole, and accordingly connected to the body. This advantageously improves the operation of the device and thus facilitates the sealing of the hole.

[0034] Advantageously, the handle is positioned at a distance from the outlet opening (measured along the second carrier side of the carrier plate). In other words, advantageously, the handle is located at a distance from the outlet opening in a direction extending in a plane parallel to the second carrier side. On the one hand, this saves material. On the other hand, this ensures a low overall height in the area of ​​the outlet opening, thereby allowing the outlet opening to connect to the body sufficiently close to the hole, even in cavities with low heights.

[0035] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the carrier structure has at least one edge arranged on the second carrier side, the edge having two legs arranged at an angle to each other, thereby indicating the direction of the outlet opening in a plan view (particularly in a top view) on the second carrier side. Thus, the two legs of the edge are designed to point towards the orifice. This makes it easier to correctly align the device when connected to the body, thereby reducing assembly work and the risk of device misalignment, and thus reducing improper sealing of the orifice. The legs may be arranged at an angle to each other, thereby forming an arrow, particularly a rounded arrow, that indicates the direction of the outlet opening in the plan view.

[0036] Preferably, the sealing device at least partially surrounds the connecting device. This ensures that, in addition to the orifice, the sealing device also seals the corresponding receiving device for the connecting device on or within the body during expansion. This advantageously saves on additional sealing devices for sealing the receiving device. Due to the reduced number of sealing devices, the carrier structure can also be smaller. The sealing device preferably has a recess or opening, particularly a slot, through which the connecting device extends. The recess preferably opens in at least one direction in a plane substantially parallel to the first carrier side of the carrier plate. The recess may also close in all directions extending parallel to the first carrier side. The sealing device may also be formed differently.

[0037] Another preferred embodiment of the invention proposes a connecting device that can be inserted into a receiving device of the body and is configured to mate with the receiving device in a form-fitting manner in at least one direction. This fixes the device to the body in at least one direction of the carrier plate. This prevents undesirable movement, such as sliding, of the device relative to the body and therefore relative to the hole in that direction, for example, due to expansion of the sealing device. This further improves the supply of the sealing device to the hole. The simple fixation achieved through form-fitting also makes the connecting device particularly easy to manufacture.

[0038] Preferably, the connecting device has at least one protrusion that forms an undercut in a direction away from the first carrier side (particularly perpendicular to the first carrier side) for locking with the receiving device. Thus, the protrusion secures the device to the body in a direction away from the first carrier side. This prevents undesirable movement of the device relative to the body, such as elevation, caused by expansion of the sealing device. This further improves the supply of the sealing device to the orifice. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the connecting device has two such protrusions extending outward in opposite directions. To facilitate establishing and / or releasing the locking connection, the connecting device can be designed to allow adjustment of the distance between the two protrusions, for example, by pressing them together.

[0039] Another embodiment proposes a connecting device adapted to the receiving device of the body, such that the connecting device can only be inserted into the receiving device in one orientation relative to the receiving device and / or relative to the body. Preferably, the connecting device can only be inserted into the receiving device in an orientation in which the outlet opening points towards the hole. Alternatively, insertion in all other orientations can be prevented, for example, through geometric constraints. This prevents misalignment of the device, thereby further reducing the risk of assembly work and improper hole sealing. This structural safety measure can also be referred to as a mistake-proofing measure.

[0040] In this document, it is particularly preferred that the connecting device has an outer contour that, in a plan view on the first carrier side, forms two mating contours arranged on opposite sides of the connecting device. These mating contours are asymmetrical and adapted to mate with the inner contour of the receiving device in a form-fitting manner. This provides a particularly simple way to implement error-proofing measures. The mating contours form a geometric constraint that ensures the device can only be connected to the body in one orientation, particularly fixed to the body, especially when the outlet opening points towards the hole. Therefore, incorrect alignment of the device relative to the body is geometrically prevented.

[0041] For a particularly compact design of the device, it is preferable that the volume of the sealing device in its unexpanded state is larger than the volume of the carrier plate, specifically, the volume of the sealing device in its unexpanded state is at least twice the volume of the carrier plate. Since the sealing device is guided into the orifice during expansion, in its unexpanded state, the sealing device can be locally concentrated, i.e., confined to an area with low space dimensions, thus allowing a relatively small carrier plate to support the sealing device. Simultaneously, the directional expansion of the sealing device ensures that a particularly small number of sealing devices are required.

[0042] Preferably, the volume of the sealing device in its unexpanded state is at most about 1.5 cm³. 3 Especially at most about 1.2cm 3 Especially the basic size of about 1cm 3 This allows for a remarkably compact size of the sealant, which in turn results in a remarkably compact size of the device. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for additional sealant.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the sealing device arranged in front of the outlet opening in the expanded state has a maximum of approximately 15 cm. 3 The volume, especially at most about 12 cm 3 Preferably, it is at most about 10 cm. 3 This minimizes the amount of sealant and thus the size of the device, so that after expansion, there is just enough sealant in front of the outlet opening (i.e., at the hole) to seal the hole.

[0044] Preferably, the device is suitable for sealing holes formed at the junction of at least three planes, wherein the planes are arranged obliquely to each other, and each plane forms a tangential plane of the outer surface of the body at the junction. Therefore, the device is preferably suitable for sealing holes formed in angled, hard-to-reach corner areas of the body. In embodiments, the planes are sheet metal of the body, particularly sheet metal of a vehicle body. In embodiments, the three planes (particularly the three sheet metals) do not all overlap in the same plane. The first and second sheet metals may overlap in one plane, but the third sheet metal will overlap in a plane different from the first overlapping plane. In embodiments, the sheet metals are made of metal or plastic.

[0045] An appendix to the present invention relates to a method for sealing at least one hole in a body, particularly in a vehicle body, preferably in a white-bodied vehicle body, the method comprising the following steps:

[0046] - Provide the apparatus as described above;

[0047] - The device is connected to the body via a connecting device such that the outlet opening points towards the hole; and

[0048] - Activate the expansion of the sealing device, especially the foaming, so that the boundary wall of the device guides the sealing device through the outlet opening in order to seal the hole.

[0049] In principle, any suitable material capable of forming foam can be used as an expandable material for sealing devices. This material may or may not have reinforcing properties. Expandable materials are typically foamed by heat, moisture, or electromagnetic radiation.

[0050] Such expandable materials typically employ chemical or physical blowing agents. Chemical blowing agents are organic or inorganic compounds that decompose under the influence of temperature, moisture, or electromagnetic radiation, wherein at least one decomposition product is a gas. Compounds that transform into a gaseous polymer state when the temperature rises can be used, for example, as physical blowing agents. Therefore, both chemical and physical blowing agents can create foam structures within polymers.

[0051] Expandable materials are preferably thermally foamed using chemical blowing agents. Examples of suitable chemical blowing agents are azodicarbonamide, sulfonyl hydrazine, bicarbonate, or carbonate.

[0052] The heat required for foaming can be introduced by an external or internal heat source, such as an exothermic chemical reaction. Expandable materials can preferably be foamed at temperatures ≤160°C, particularly from 80°C to 150°C, and more preferably from 90°C to 140°C.

[0053] Suitable expandable materials are, for example, single-component epoxy resin systems that do not flow at room temperature, particularly exhibiting improved impact resistance, and containing thixotropic agents, such as aerosols or nanoclays. For example, such epoxy resin systems comprise 20 to 50 wt% liquid epoxy resin, 0 to 30 wt% solid epoxy resin, 5 to 30 wt% impact modifier, 1 to 5 wt% physical or chemical blowing agent, 10 to 40 wt% filler, 1 to 10 wt% thixotropic agent, and 2 to 10 wt% thermally activated catalyst. Suitable impact modifiers are reactive liquid rubbers based on nitrile rubber, or derivatives of polyether polyol polyurethanes, core-shell polymers, and similar systems known to those skilled in the art.

[0054] Equally suitable expandable materials are one-component polyurethane compositions containing a foaming agent and based on a crystalline polyester comprising OH groups, and blended with another polyol (preferably a polyether polyol) and a polyisocyanate having blocked isocyanate groups. The melting point of the crystalline polyester should be ≥50°C. The isocyanate groups of the polyisocyanate can be blocked, for example, by a nucleophile (e.g., caprolactam, phenols, or benzoxalones). Blocked polyisocyanates are also suitable, for example, for use in powder coating technology and can be marketed, for example, under the trade name Vestagon. ® BF 1350 and Vestagon ® BF 1540 was purchased commercially from Degussa GmbH, Germany. As isocyanates, there are also so-called encapsulated or surface-deactivated polyisocyanates, which are known to those skilled in the art and described, for example, in EP0204970.

[0055] Also suitable as expandable materials are two-component epoxy / polyurethane compositions containing a foaming agent, such as those described in WO2005 / 080524 A1.

[0056] Another suitable material is an ethylene-vinyl acetate composition containing a foaming agent.

[0057] Similarly suitable expandable materials are sold by Sika Corp., USA, for example under the trade name SikaBaffle. ® 240. SikaBaffle ® 250 or SikaBaffle ® 255, and described in patents US5266133 and US5373027. This expandable material is particularly preferred for the present invention.

[0058] Preferred expandable materials with enhanced properties are, for example, those produced by Sika Corp., USA under the trade name SikaReinforcer. ® 941 expandable materials are sold. They are described in US6387470.

[0059] In one example embodiment, the expansion rate of the expandable material is from 800% to 4000%, preferably from 1000% to 3000%, and particularly preferably from 1500% to 3000%. The advantage of expandable materials with this expansion rate is that they enable reliable sealing or isolation of structural elements from liquids and sound.

[0060] In one example embodiment, the expandable material is in the form of a temperature-stimulating material.

[0061] The advantage of this is that the furnace used for baking the dip coating can be used to expand the expandable material and thus isolate the cavity. Therefore, no additional working steps are required.

[0062] The carrier can be composed of any suitable material. Preferred materials are: plastics (especially polyurethane, polyamide, polyester, and polyolefin), preferably polymers capable of withstanding high temperatures (e.g., poly(phenylene ether), polysulfone, or polyethersulfone, which are also foamed); metals (especially aluminum and steel); or grown organic materials (especially wood or other (dense) fibrous materials), or glass-type or ceramic materials; especially foamed materials of this type; or any suitable combination of these materials. Polyamides are particularly preferred, especially polyamide 6, polyamide 6.6, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, or mixtures thereof.

[0063] For the effects and advantages of the method according to the invention, refer to the description relating to the apparatus.

[0064] The features of the apparatus and method described above can be combined with each other without limitation.

[0065] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate:

[0066] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of two bodies, each with a hole.

[0067] Figure 2 This is a side view of the device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Another view of the device;

[0069] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A plan view of the second carrier side of the device;

[0071] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A plan view of the first carrier side of the device; and

[0072] Figure 7 It is used to manufacture according to Figure 2 and / or Figure 4 Molds for multiple devices.

[0073] Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of two bodies 30, particularly two parts of the vehicle body, especially the white-bodied vehicle body, each body having a hole 31.

[0074] Holes 31 are each arranged in an angled region, particularly a corner region, of the corresponding white body component 30. Specifically, each hole 31 is formed at the junction of at least three planes, wherein the planes are arranged obliquely relative to each other, and each forms a tangential plane of the outer surface of the body 30 at the junction. Holes 31 are through holes. Therefore, they form a channel through the body component 30 and open on both sides of the channel.

[0075] Figure 2 This is a side view of the device 10 used to seal the hole 31 in the body 30. The body 30 and the hole 31 are substantially equivalent to... Figure 1 The white body of the vehicle body 30 and hole 31.

[0076] The device 10 can also be used in other ways. For example, it can be used to seal multiple holes 31. The device 10 is also suitable for sealing at least one recess, which, unlike a through hole, has a closed wall. The invention is not limited to the vehicle body or the white body of the vehicle.

[0077] The device 10 has a sealing device 11. The sealing device 11 is designed to expand, particularly to foam, wherein the expansion can be activated, particularly by heat. Thus, the expansion can be activated, for example, by heating or cooling the sealing device 11 to a specific temperature. Activation can also be achieved in other ways, such as by applying a specific pressure.

[0078] The device 10 has a carrier structure 12 for the sealing device 11. Therefore, the carrier structure 12 carries the sealing device 11. For this purpose, the carrier structure 12 includes a carrier plate 13 having a first carrier side 14, specifically a bottom side 14. Figure 2(Not shown in the image), the sealing device 11 is arranged on the first carrier side 14. The sealing device 11 can be securely connected to the first carrier side 14, for example, by material bonding or form fitting. The sealing device 11 can also be attached to the support structure 12 in another manner.

[0079] The carrier plate 13 has dimensions in its plane that correspond to a multiple of its thickness, which is the distance between the first carrier side 14 (particularly the bottom side 14) and the second carrier side 21 (particularly the top side 21). Therefore, the carrier plate 13 is flat. By arranging the sealing device 11 directly on the first carrier side 14 of the flat carrier plate 13, the device 10 has a particularly low overall height.

[0080] Specifically, the first carrier side 14, the plate plane, and the second carrier side 21 are arranged to be substantially parallel to each other. The first carrier side 14 and the second carrier side 21 may also be arranged at an angle to each other and at an angle to the plate plane.

[0081] The carrier structure 12 includes a connecting device 17 for connecting the device 10 (specifically, the carrier structure 12) to the body 30. For this purpose, the connecting device 17 is designed to protrude from the first carrier side 14 of the carrier plate 13, such that the device 10 can be connected to the body 30 with the first carrier side 14 facing the body 30 via the connecting device 17.

[0082] The carrier structure 12 includes a boundary wall 15 that protrudes from a first carrier side 14 of the carrier plate 13 and at least partially defines a sealing device 11 in a plane parallel to the first carrier side 14. Therefore, the boundary wall 15 covers or shields the sealing device 11 in at least one direction (the at least one direction extending in a plane parallel to the first carrier side 14). In other words, the boundary wall 15 is arranged to at least partially prevent the sealing device 11 from expanding in the plane parallel to the first carrier side 14.

[0083] The boundary wall 15 also has an outlet opening 16 for the sealing device 11, which points in a direction extending in a plane substantially parallel to the first carrier side 14. Thus, the outlet opening 16 forms a through-hole for the sealing device 11, through which the sealing device 11 can reach the outside from an inner region defined by the inner side of the boundary wall 15 and the first carrier side 14 of the carrier plate 13, and the sealing device 11 rests in this inner region in an unexpanded state.

[0084] The boundary wall 15 is designed to guide the sealing device 11 through the outlet opening 16 in the direction of the hole 31 during the expansion process (especially during the foaming process) so as to seal the hole 31. Therefore, the boundary wall 15 is able to guide or control the sealing device 11 to expand or expand at least partially through the outlet opening 16 in the direction of the hole.

[0085] In particular, this is achieved by a boundary wall 15, which at least partially prevents the sealing device 11 from expanding in a plane parallel to the first carrier side 14, and guides the sealing device 11 toward the outlet opening 16 in this manner. As a result, during expansion, more of the sealing device 11 escapes outward through the outlet opening 15, thereby achieving expansion of the sealing device 11 toward the orifice 31.

[0086] Therefore, the boundary wall 15 can specifically guide the sealing device 11 toward the hole 31, thereby sealing the hole 31 in this way. Thus, the device 10 can be connected to the body 30 away from the hole 31, such as... Figure 2 As clearly shown. Therefore, it can have a geometry independent of the specific shape of the body 30 in the region of the hole 31, thus achieving standardization. In addition, the spatial dimensions of the carrier structure 12 can be substantially limited to the connecting device 17, without having to extend to the hole 31, making the device 10 particularly compact.

[0087] The boundary wall 15 has two opposing wall portions 18 that define the outlet opening 16 on two opposite sides. In other words, the outlet opening 16 is formed by the wall portions 18 and the first carrier side 14. Therefore, the wall portions 18 define the sealing device 11 from the two opposite sides. Thus, the sealing device 11 is at least partially arranged between the wall portions 18. Specifically, the sealing device 11 extends from one wall portion 18 to the opposite wall portion 18. In the unexpanded state, the sealing device 11 may also be arranged between the wall portions 18 at a distance from one or both wall portions 18.

[0088] The wall portions 18 have a distance between each other that is equal to or less than the width of the outlet opening 16. In other words, the distance between the wall portions 18 along the wall portions 18 is at most as large as the width of the outlet opening 16, and therefore may be smaller in some portions, and thus can vary along the wall portions 18. Therefore, the outlet opening 16 is at least as wide as the interior space between the wall portions 18.

[0089] Specifically, the distance between the wall portions 18 increases toward the outlet opening 16. Therefore, the internal space between the wall portions 18 has its maximum width at the outlet opening 16 and decreases with distance from the outlet opening 16. The wall portions 18 are designed such that the distance between the wall portions 18 increases continuously or uniformly in the direction toward the outlet opening 16. The wall portions 18 extend substantially in a straight line along the carrier plate 13.

[0090] The boundary wall 15 has a connecting wall portion 19 disposed on the first carrier side 14 and on the side of the carrier plate 13 opposite to the outlet opening 16, wherein the connecting wall portion 19 connects the wall portions 18 to each other. Therefore, the connecting wall portion 19 closes the internal space between the wall portions 18 in a direction away from the outlet opening 16. Thus, the boundary wall 15 surrounds the sealing device 11 from three sides. In other words, the boundary wall 15 extends from one side of the outlet opening 16 around the sealing device 11 to the other side of the outlet opening 16. Therefore, it substantially completely defines the sealing device 11 in a circumferential direction located in a plane parallel to the first carrier side 14.

[0091] In principle, the boundary wall 15 may define the sealing device 11 from only one side or from both sides or more sides, whether partially or completely.

[0092] The height of the boundary wall 15 is equal to or greater than the height of the sealing device 11 in its unexpanded state. Therefore, the boundary wall 15 completely defines the height of the sealing device 11. Specifically, the boundary wall extends from the carrier plate 13 to the first carrier side 14 (specifically the lower edge) of the sealing device 11, thereby completely covering the sealing device 11 along a direction away from the carrier plate 13 (particularly a direction substantially perpendicular to the carrier plate 13).

[0093] The boundary wall 15 can also be designed to define the sealing device 11 only partially or at a local height. In this case, the boundary wall 15 can still have a height at least equal to the height of the sealing device 11 in its unexpanded state, for example by having one or more through holes.

[0094] The height of the boundary wall 15 increases as the distance from the outlet opening 16 decreases. Therefore, the height of the connecting wall portion 19 is equal to or less than the height of the wall portion 18, which increases from the connecting wall portion 19, and in particular increases continuously until the outlet opening 15.

[0095] In its unexpanded state, the sealing device 11 is therefore completely defined or covered by the boundary wall 15 in a plane parallel to the first carrier side 14 (except for the area of ​​the outlet opening 16).

[0096] In this way, the boundary wall 15 prevents the sealing device 11 from expanding in a plane parallel to the first carrier side 14, thereby significantly reducing the amount by which the sealing device 11 expands through the outlet opening 16 below the boundary wall 15 in a direction that does not point towards the hole 31 to be sealed. Instead, the boundary wall 15 guides most of the expanded sealing device 11 toward the hole 31 so that it passes through the outlet opening to seal the hole.

[0097] Boundary wall 15 is formed as a single piece. Boundary wall 15 can also be formed as two or more pieces.

[0098] The carrier plate 13 extends into the outer side of the boundary wall 15 in the plate plane. Therefore, the carrier plate 13 is flush with the side of the boundary wall 15.

[0099] The carrier structure 12 has a handle 20 that protrudes from the second carrier side 21 of the carrier plate 13, and is particularly vertically protruding. The handle 20 is flat or plate-shaped. Starting from the connecting wall portion 19, it extends along the second carrier side 21 toward the outlet direction of the outlet opening 16, that is, in a direction that intersects substantially vertically with the opening area of ​​the outlet opening 16 and is away from the sealing device in its unexpanded state. The handle 20 is arranged in a central or centered position relative to the carrier plate 13. Therefore, it extends in the intermediate plane (particularly the plane of symmetry) of the carrier plate 13 (specifically the carrier structure 12). Other geometries and arrangements of the handle 20 are possible.

[0100] The handle 20 is positioned at a distance from the outlet opening 16 (measured along the second carrier side 21 of the carrier plate 13). Specifically, the handle 20 is arranged to be offset rearward in the outlet direction, thereby ensuring a lower overall height of the device 10 in the region of the outlet opening 16. Therefore, the handle 20 extends along the second carrier side 21 from the connecting wall portion 19 toward the outlet direction to a position between the connecting wall portion 19 and the outlet opening 16. The handle 20 can also extend along the second carrier side 21 from the connecting wall portion 19 toward the outlet direction to the outermost edge 22 of the carrier structure 12 in the outlet direction, such as... Figures 4 to 6 As shown.

[0101] The carrier structure 12 has at least one edge 22 arranged on the second carrier side 21, the edge 22 having two legs 23 arranged at an angle to each other, such that they indicate the direction of the outlet opening 16 in a plan view of the second carrier side 21 (specifically, in a top view of the device 10). Thus, the two legs 23 are arranged at an angle to each other, forming an arrow that indicates the direction of the outlet opening in the plan view, and therefore, the direction of the hole in use.

[0102] Specifically, the carrier structure 12 has two such edges 22. The edges 22 are arranged in a plane parallel to the second carrier side 21 and are arranged one after the other in the outlet direction. The first edge 22 is located at the upper end of the carrier structure 12 and at the outer end of the carrier structure 12 in the outlet direction. Therefore, it forms the upper outer edge of the carrier structure 12. The second edge 22 is arranged behind the first edge 22 in the outlet direction. The legs 23 of the first and second edges 22 converge in the middle plane of the carrier structure 12, thus forming an arrowhead. The arrowhead of the first edge 22 is rounded.

[0103] The carrier structure 12 has a sleeve 28 forming an edge 22. The sleeve 28 has a U-shaped profile. It includes two generally parallel sleeve legs connected to each other by a sleeve bridge. Both the sleeve legs and the sleeve bridge are plate-shaped. The sleeve bridge is arranged above the outlet opening 16 on the second carrier side 21 of the carrier plate 13 and extends between the edges 22. The sleeve legs are arranged outside the boundary wall 15. Their height is greater than the height of the boundary wall 15, so that they protrude above the boundary wall 15 in a direction away from the carrier plate 13, i.e., downward. Therefore, the outlet opening 16 is arranged between the sleeve legs. Thus, the sleeve surrounds the outlet opening 16 from three sides, with the opening on the side opposite to the carrier plate 13. The sleeve 28 is arranged in the outlet direction to protrude beyond the carrier plate 13 and beyond the sealing device 11.

[0104] In the outlet direction, the carrier plate 13 and the sealing device 11 each have an outer contour, the geometry of which basically corresponds to the geometry of the first edge 22.

[0105] The sealing device 11 at least partially surrounds the connecting device 17 in a plane parallel to the first carrier side 14. Therefore, the connecting device 17 protrudes from the sealing device 11 in a direction away from the carrier plate 13. Specifically, the sealing device 11 has a recess through which the connecting device 17 extends. The recess opens in a direction extending in the plane parallel to the first carrier side 14, specifically in a direction away from the outlet opening 16, thereby forming a slot. The recess may also close in all directions extending parallel to the first carrier side 14. The sealing device 11 may be formed differently.

[0106] The connecting device 17 can be inserted into the receiving device of the body 30. For this purpose, the receiving device of the body 30 may have an opening (e.g., a through hole or a recess) designed to receive the connecting device 17. The receiving device may be designed differently.

[0107] The connecting device 17 is designed to mate with the receiving device in a form-fitting manner in at least one direction. Specifically, the connecting device 17 is designed to mate with the receiving device in at least one direction extending in a plane parallel to the first carrier side 14 and in at least one direction away from the first carrier side 14 (more specifically, in at least one direction perpendicular to the first carrier side 14).

[0108] In a plane parallel to the first carrier side 14, the connecting device 17 has at least one surface, specifically several surfaces, which can engage with at least one matching surface of the receiving device in a form-fitting manner (particularly in a force-transmitting manner) to secure the device 10 in at least one direction extending parallel to the first carrier side 14, thereby preventing relative movement between the device 10 and the body 30 in that direction. Specifically, the connecting device 17 is adapted to the receiving device to secure the device 10 in all directions extending in the plane parallel to the first carrier side 14.

[0109] The connecting device 17 has two opposing protrusions 24, which form undercut portions in a direction away from the first carrier side 14 for locking connection with the receiving device. Therefore, the protrusions 24 are used to fix the device 10 to the body 30 in a direction away from the first carrier side 14 (especially in a direction perpendicular to the first carrier side 14).

[0110] The connecting device 17 has an extension that extends from the first carrier side 14 of the carrier plate 13 to the end of the extension, and in particular extends vertically. The extension is plate-shaped and is arranged in a mid-plane.

[0111] The extension has two wings arranged on opposite sides of the extension at a certain distance from the intermediate plane, and each wing extends from the end of the extension in a direction toward the first carrier side 14. The wings extend at least partially parallel to the extension in a direction opposite to the outlet direction, and are at a certain distance from the side of the extension away from the outlet opening 15 in the outlet direction.

[0112] Each wing has a protrusion 24 on the side opposite to the extension. On the side opposite to the extension, each wing includes a surface arranged at the end of the wing facing the carrier plate 13, and is adapted to engage with a corresponding matching surface of the receiving device in a form-fitting manner (in particular in a force-transmitting manner).

[0113] The wings of the connecting device 17 are flexible, allowing them to be pressed together in the extending direction. This allows adjustment of the distance between the protrusions 24.

[0114] The connecting device 17 is adapted to the receiving device of the body 30, such that the connecting device 17 can only be inserted into the receiving device in one orientation relative to the receiving device and / or the body 30.

[0115] For this purpose, the connecting device 17 has an outer contour that forms two mating contours 25 arranged on opposite sides of the connecting device 17 in the plan view of the first carrier side 14. The mating contours 25 are asymmetrical with each other and are used to fit with the inner contour 26 of the receiving device in a shape-fitting manner (see...). Figure 4)Cooperate.

[0116] Specifically, the first mating profile 25 is arranged on the side of the connecting device 17 facing the outlet opening 16, and the second mating profile 25 is arranged on the side of the connecting device 17 away from the outlet opening 16. Each of the mating profiles 25 has a generally straight shape. The first mating profile 25 is asymmetrical with the second mating profile 25 because it comprises multiple (particularly three) sections, wherein the middle section geometrically corresponds substantially to the second mating profile 25. Therefore, the mating profiles 25 have different geometries from each other. The mating profiles 25 may also be arranged or formed differently.

[0117] The mating contours 25 of the connecting device 17 are each adapted to the corresponding mating portions of the inner contour 26 of the receiving device.

[0118] Therefore, the mating portions of the inner contour 26 are also asymmetrical. In other words, the side of the inner contour 26 facing the outlet opening 16 has a different geometry than the side of the inner contour 26 facing away from the outlet opening 16. Specifically, the side of the inner contour 26 facing the outlet opening 16 is formed by a first mating portion that fits the first mating contour 25. The side of the inner contour 26 facing away from the outlet opening 16 has two legs that are angled to each other and connected to each other by a second mating portion that fits the second mating contour 25. Therefore, the first mating portion is longer than the second mating portion.

[0119] This asymmetrical design of the contour 25 ensures that the connecting device 17 can only be inserted into the receiving device in one orientation, especially when the outlet opening 16 points towards the hole 31. Therefore, the device 10 can be fixed to the body 30 in only one orientation. This structural safety measure can also be called a mistake-proofing measure.

[0120] Step 27 is formed on the side of the extension opposite to the outlet opening 16. Step 27 is arranged between the second mating profile 25 and the first carrier side 14 of the carrier plate 13 (specifically the first carrier side of the sealing device 11).

[0121] The step 27 can engage with the body 30 in a force-transmitting manner in a direction away from the carrier plate 13 (particularly in a direction perpendicular to the carrier plate). In this respect, the step 27 can form a stop or contact surface of the carrier structure 12 in a direction away from the carrier plate 13 to ensure a minimum distance between the sealing device 11 and the body 30. When the device 10 is connected to the body 30, the step 27 may also not engage with the body 30, and thus it is spaced apart from the body 30.

[0122] The device 10 has a particularly compact design. It is characterized by the smaller volume of the carrier plate 13 relative to the unexpanded sealing device 11. Therefore, the volume of the unexpanded sealing device 11 is larger than the volume of the carrier plate 13, particularly at least twice the volume of the carrier plate 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the volume of the unexpanded sealing device 11 is approximately 1 cm³. 3 The volume of the sealing device 11 in its unexpanded state can also be larger, preferably up to approximately 1.5 cm. 3 Especially at most about 1.2cm 3 Or smaller. In the expanded state, the portion of the sealing device 11 located in front of the outlet opening 16 (i.e., outside the intermediate space between the boundary wall 15 and the outlet opening 16 downstream in the outlet direction) has a maximum of approximately 15 cm. 3 The volume. Especially at most approximately 12 cm. 3 Preferably, it is at most about 10 cm. 3 .

[0123] Because the volume of the sealing device is substantially suited to the size of the hole (especially a mouse hole) that is typically sealed by device 10, this design ensures a particularly small size for the carrier plate 13, thereby ensuring a particularly small size for the entire device 10. Specifically, the carrier plate 13 has a substantially constant thickness of approximately 1.5 mm (i.e., the distance between the first carrier side 14 and the second carrier side 21). The thickness of the sealing device 11 (i.e., the dimension in the direction substantially perpendicular to the first carrier side 14) is at most approximately 5 mm, particularly at most approximately 4.7 mm. The sealing device 11 extends at most approximately 20 mm, particularly at most approximately 15 mm, particularly approximately 14.6 mm, along a plane parallel to the first carrier side 14 and transverse to the outlet direction, and extends at most approximately 30 mm, particularly at most approximately 25 mm, particularly approximately 23.8 mm, along the outlet direction. The thickness of the boundary wall 15 and the sleeve 28 is approximately 1.5 mm. The handle 2 has a slightly greater thickness of about 2 mm to about 3 mm and extends between about 10 mm and about 20 mm, particularly about 14.3 mm, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second carrier side 21.

[0124] Thus, the device 10 is particularly suitable for sealing holes 31 formed at the connection points of at least three planes, wherein the planes are arranged to be inclined to each other and each plane forms a tangential plane of the outer surface of the body 30 at the connection point.

[0125] Figure 3 It indicates Figure 2 Another side view of the device 10, in which the shape of the sealing device 11 and the carrier structure transverse to the middle plane can be clearly seen.

[0126] Figure 4 This shows a perspective view of a device 10 according to another embodiment. Device 10 and according to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The only difference between device 10 and this one is the handle 20. All other features are the same. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The device 10 shown has the same features.

[0127] According to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The handle 20 is different, according to Figure 4 The handle 20 extends along the entire carrier plate 13 toward the outlet direction. Therefore, the handle 20 extends from the connecting wall portion 19 along the second carrier side 21 toward the outlet direction to the first edge 22 of the carrier structure 12.

[0128] Figure 5 It indicates Figure 4 The plan view of the second carrier side 21 of the device, specifically the top view, in which the shapes of the edge 22 and the carrier plate 13 in the plate plane become clear.

[0129] Figure 6 It indicates Figure 4 This is a plan view of the first carrier side 14 of the device, specifically a bottom view. In this view, the shape of the sealing device 11, which is adapted to the shape of the carrier plate 13, becomes clear. In particular, the recess in the sealing device 11 through which the connecting device 17 extends is clearly visible, and the recess extends along the carrier plate 13 in a direction away from the outlet opening 16. The mating contour 25 and inner contour 26 of the receiving device of the body 30, indicated by solid lines, are also clearly identifiable.

[0130] Figure 7 It indicates the basis for manufacturing Figure 1 and / or Figure 4 Molds for multiple devices, such as injection molds or casting molds. The mold shown specifically demonstrates the compact design of the device, thus enabling the manufacture of a large number of devices using a single mold.

Claims

1. A device (10) for sealing at least one unwanted hole (31) in a body (30), particularly in a vehicle body (30), preferably a white-bodied vehicle body (30), the device (10) having an expandable sealing device (11) and a carrier structure (12) for said sealing device (11), said carrier structure (12) comprising: - Carrier plate (13), the carrier plate (13) having a first carrier side (14) and a second carrier side (21), wherein the first carrier side (14) is arranged on the side of the carrier plate (13) opposite to the second carrier side (14), and the sealing device (11) is arranged on the first carrier side (14); - A connecting device (17) protrudes from the first carrier side (14) of the carrier plate (13) and is configured such that the device (10) is connected to the body (30) with the first carrier side (14) facing the body (30); and - A boundary wall (15) protrudes from the first carrier side (14) of the carrier plate (13) and at least partially defines the sealing device (11), the boundary wall (15) having an outlet opening (16) for the sealing device (11), wherein the boundary wall (15) is configured to guide the sealing device (11) through the outlet opening (16) toward the hole (31) during expansion in order to seal the hole (31).

2. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The unwanted holes are not used to connect the device to the body.

3. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The boundary wall (15) has two opposing wall portions (18) that define the outlet opening (16) on two opposite sides of the outlet opening (16), and the distance between the two wall portions (18) is equal to or less than the width of the outlet opening (16).

4. The device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The distance between the wall portions (18) increases toward the outlet opening (16), and in particular increases continuously.

5. The apparatus (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The boundary wall (15) has a connecting wall portion (19) arranged on the first carrier side (14) and on the side of the carrier plate (13) opposite to the outlet opening (16), the connecting wall portion (19) connecting the wall portions (18) to each other.

6. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The height of the boundary wall (15) is equal to or greater than the height of the sealing device (11) in the unexpanded state.

7. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The carrier structure (12) has a handle (20) protruding from the second carrier side (21) of the carrier plate (13). In particular, the handle (20) is arranged at a distance from the outlet opening (16), the distance being measured along the second carrier side (21) of the carrier plate (13).

8. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The carrier structure (12) has at least one edge (22) arranged on the second carrier side (21), the edge (22) having two legs (23) arranged at an angle to each other, so that it indicates the direction of the outlet opening (16) in the plan view of the second carrier side (21).

9. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The sealing device (11) at least partially surrounds the connecting device (17).

10. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The connecting device (17) can be inserted into the receiving device of the body (30) and is configured to engage with the receiving device in a form-fitting manner in at least one direction.

11. The apparatus (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that: The connecting device (17) has at least one protrusion (24) which forms an undercut portion in a direction away from the carrier plate (13) for bolting connection with the receiving device.

12. The apparatus (10) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The connecting device (17) is adapted to the receiving device of the body (30) such that the connecting device (17) can only be inserted into the receiving device in one orientation relative to the receiving device and / or the body (30).

13. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The connecting device (17) has an outer contour that forms two mating contours (25) arranged on opposite sides of the connecting device (17) in a plan view of the first carrier side (14). The mating contours (25) are asymmetrical to each other and are adapted to mate with the inner contour (26) of the receiving device in a shape-fitting manner.

14. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: At least one of the following conditions must be met: - The volume of the sealing device (11) in the unexpanded state is greater than the volume of the carrier plate (13), in particular, the volume of the sealing device (11) in the unexpanded state is at least twice the volume of the carrier plate (13). - said sealing device (11) has a volume of at most about 1.5 cm 3 in the unexpanded state, in particular at most about 1.2 cm 3 , preferably at most about 1 cm 3 ; - the sealing device (11) arranged in front of the outlet opening (16) in the expanded state has a volume of at most about 15 cm 3 , in particular at most about 12 cm 3 , preferably at most about 10 cm 3 .

15. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The device (10) is suitable for sealing holes (31) formed at the connection points of at least three plates of the body, wherein the plates of the body are arranged to be inclined to each other and each forms a tangential plane of the outer surface of the body (30) at the connection point.

16. A method for sealing at least one hole (31) in a body (30), particularly in a vehicle body (30), preferably a white-bodied vehicle body (30), the method comprising the steps of: - Provide an apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims; - The device (10) is connected to the body (30) via the connecting device (17), thereby causing the outlet opening (16) to point towards the hole (31); and - Activate the expansion of the sealing device (11) so that the boundary wall (15) of the device (10) guides the sealing device through the outlet opening (16) to seal the hole (31).

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