Method for temporarily closing a service opening in the housing of a headlight during a leak test

Abstract

Method for temporarily closing a service opening (16) in the housing (10) of a headlight with a closure element (1) during a leak test, wherein the closure element (1) has a ventilation means (11) by means of which gas exchange between the inside (I) and the outside (A) of the housing (10) of the headlight is enabled, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: - providing a closure element (1) with a sealing element (12) that protrudes from the outside (A) of the closure element (1) in a collar-like manner, such that the sealing element (12) forms an annular collar with a substantially cylindrical inner surface (14);- Arranging a sealing element (13) on the sealing profile (12), wherein the sealing element (13) is arranged in a self-retaining manner against an inner surface (14) of the sealing profile (12) by forming a radial force (R), whereby the ventilation means (11) is temporarily closed to the sealing element (13) without force, and wherein the sealing element (13) has sealing rings (15) which are brought into sealing contact with the inner surface (14) of the sealing profile (12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure element for closing a service opening in the housing of a headlight, wherein the closure element comprises a ventilation means by means of which gas exchange between an inner and an outer surface of the headlight housing is enabled. The invention further relates to a method for temporarily closing the service opening in the headlight housing with the closure element according to the invention. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] For example, DE 196 32 909 A1 discloses a sealing element for closing a service opening in the housing of a headlight. If a bulb needs to be replaced, the sealing element can be removed from the service opening to access the inside of the housing.

[0003] To ventilate the housing of a headlight, it is known to provide ventilation means within the housing, which can also be integrated into the sealing element. An example of a ventilation unit is shown in DE 10 2014 118 740 A1. To accommodate a filter element, a complex geometry of the support body is necessary to prevent the ingress of moisture and contaminants into the interior of the headlight housing.

[0004] More innovative ventilation systems can be made from microporous membranes, available under the trade name Gore-Tex. A particularly characteristic feature is their ability to breathe while simultaneously being waterproof and dirt-repellent. This allows the inside of the casing to ventilate from the outside, while preventing the penetration of moisture and contaminants thanks to the specially designed ventilation system.

[0005] To test the leak-tightness of a headlight housing, it is necessary to temporarily close any ventilation openings. For this purpose, the housing is pressurized internally or a vacuum is created to measure the pressure change over a specified period. Furthermore, to prevent any compromise of the sealing element's performance in the housing's service opening, the sealing element must remain in its normal position within the opening, without being pressed into the adhesive joint by a sealing element, for example. If a leak were to occur in the joint between the sealing element and the housing's service opening without any force being applied, this leak can be temporarily sealed by pressing the sealing element into the adhesive joint.Consequently, a distorted result is obtained, so the aim is to temporarily seal the ventilation medium in the sealing element for the leak test without pressing the sealing element into the adhesive joint of the service opening by applying external forces. REVELATION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The object of the invention is to further develop a closure element in such a way that the ventilation means introduced into the closure element can be temporarily closed without force for a leak test of the headlight.

[0007] This problem is solved starting from the closure element according to the preamble of claim 1 and starting from a method according to claim 6, each with the characterizing features. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention includes the technical teaching that the closure element has a sealing profile to which a sealing body can be arranged, so that the ventilation means can be temporarily closed with the sealing body.

[0009] The core of the invention is the further development of the closure element with a sealing profile such that the sealing element can be placed on or inserted into the sealing profile to close the ventilation element. The sealing element can be self-retaining on the closure element, so that no external force, neither manual nor with a handling system, needs to be applied to the closure element, thus also eliminating any forces acting on the adhesive joint between the closure element and the housing. The sealing system between the closure element in the service opening and the housing does not necessarily have to include an adhesive joint and can, for example, also be designed as a different type of sealing element.

[0010] A particularly advantageous feature is the sealing element formed on the outside of the closure. This sealing element can have a closed contour that encloses the ventilation elements. A further advantage arises when the sealing element is formed integrally with the closure and creates a collar that protrudes from the essentially flat surface of the closure. The closure, for example, forms a cap or a plate-shaped element for closing the service opening, and the collar-shaped sealing element projects outwards. The ventilation elements are located within the closed collar of the sealing element. When a sealing element is inserted into the sealing element, it closes the ventilation elements. These ventilation elements are, for example, designed as a microporous membrane, particularly one made of Gore-Tex material.

[0011] For example, the sealing element forms an annular collar with a substantially cylindrical inner surface. Complementing this, the sealing element can have a circumferential contour that is at least partially cylindrical, with which the sealing element is inserted into the inner surface of the sealing element. Advantageously, the outer contour of the sealing element includes sealing rings that seal against the inner surface of the sealing element when the sealing element is inserted. The sealing element can have a handle or a feature for handling, with which the sealing element is inserted into the sealing element from one direction. An advantage of an annular design of the collar for the sealing element is that the sealing element can be designed rotationally symmetrically, thus simplifying its manufacture.

[0012] The invention further relates to a method for temporarily closing a service opening in the housing of a headlight with a closure element, wherein the closure element has a ventilation means by means of which gas exchange between the inside and the outside of the housing of the headlight is enabled, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: providing a closure element with a sealing profile and arranging a sealing body on the sealing profile, whereby the ventilation means is temporarily closed with the sealing body without force.

[0013] The key advantage of the method using the sealing element in the sealing mold is the force-free positioning of the sealing element, which is particularly self-retaining. This prevents the sealing element from being forced into the service opening of the headlight housing to achieve the sealing effect for the ventilation medium. Once the leak test has been completed, the sealing element can be removed from the sealing mold.

[0014] The method is particularly advantageously implemented such that the sealing element protrudes from the outside of the closure element like a collar, and the sealing body is self-retaining against an inner surface of the sealing element by generating a radial force. Radial forces can cancel each other out in a closed sealing contour, so that no external force is exerted on the connection between the closure element and the housing. At most, the weight of the sealing body acts as an additional force on the closure element, so it is advantageous to manufacture the sealing body from a very lightweight material, for example, a plastic, and especially with a high-profile design.

[0015] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the sealing element has sealing rings with which the sealing effect is achieved against the inner surface of the sealing element. When subjected to gas pressure or a vacuum, it is important to achieve the sealing effect of the sealing element in the sealing element as completely as possible so that the result of the leak test is not distorted.

[0016] Furthermore, the sealing element is positioned manually or with a handling system, with the positioning being particularly self-retaining and thus without axial force perpendicular to the plane of extension of the closure element. This ensures that the positioning is particularly free of axial force in the insertion direction for sliding the sealing element into the inner surface of the sealing element.

[0017] This method serves, in particular, to position the sealing element for closing the ventilation medium against the sealing molding during a leak test of the headlight. Once the leak test is complete, the sealing element can be removed from the sealing molding, and the ventilation effect of the ventilation medium in the sealing element can be used for the operation of the headlight. PREFERRED EXAMPLE OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below, together with a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to the figures. The figures show:

[0019] Fig. 1 a partial cross-sectional view through the housing of the headlight with the service opening in which a closure element with a sealing element according to the invention is arranged and

[0020] Fig. 2 the view according to Fig. 1, wherein a sealing element is inserted in the sealing form to temporarily close the ventilation means in the closure element.

[0021] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view through the housing. 10 a headlight for a vehicle. In the service opening 16 inside the case 10 is a locking element 1 used. An adhesive joint is used in this process. 18 with a closed, circumferential contour around the service opening 16 the locking element 1 gas-tight in the housing 10 on.

[0022] The locking element 1 includes ventilation equipment 11 on, for example formed by a microporous membrane, especially Gore-Tex, to provide ventilation between the inside I and the outside A of the housing 10 to enable ventilation in Fig. 1 is indicated by arrows. On the outside A, the locking element 1 a sealing profile 12 on. The sealing surface 12 It is collar-shaped and encloses the ventilation elements. 11 ring-shaped. This creates a complete inner surface. 14 , into which a sealing element 13 can be arranged in a self-supporting manner, as Fig. 2 shows in detail.

[0023] Fig. Figure 2 shows the arrangement of the sealing element. 13 in the sealing process 12 . By means of sealing rings 15 can the sealing body 13 pressure-tight against the inner surface 14 in the sealing process 12 can be arranged. This allows for a pressure difference between the inside (I) and outside (A) of the housing. 10 The headlight's ventilation system allows for gas exchange. 11 be prevented.

[0024] Will the sealing body 13from the insertion direction shown 17 into the sealing mold 12 When inserted, a self-retaining arrangement of the sealing body is created. 13 by applying a radial force R, so that the sealing rings 15 with a slight excess against the inner surface 14 Effectively seal. The sealing element is used for the leak test. 13 for example, released or detached from a handling system to achieve a force-free arrangement without applying any force in the insertion direction. 17 to generate. This results in an arrangement of the locking element. 1 in the adhesive joint 18 of the case 10 created, which is indistinguishable from the later operation of the headlight. This avoids the need for a holding force to secure a sealing element. 13 against the ventilation agent 11to press down to make it temporarily gas-tight. This holding force would ensure the tightness of the adhesive joint. 18 distort, which is a disadvantage associated with the inventive design of the locking element 1 and is overcome by the method according to the invention.

[0025] The adhesive joint 18 It can also be designed as a sealing unit with, for example, a sealing tape or the like.

[0026] The invention is not limited in its implementation to the preferred embodiment described above. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable, which utilize the solution presented even in fundamentally different designs. All features and / or advantages arising from the claims, the description, or the drawings, including design details, spatial arrangements, and process steps, can be essential to the invention, both individually and in various combinations. Reference symbol list 1 locking element 10 cases 11 Ventilation devices 12 Sealing profile 13 sealing elements 14 interior surface 15 sealing ring 16 Service opening 17 Insertion direction 18 Adhesive joint A Outside Inside R radial force QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0027] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0028] DE 19632909 A1

[0002] DE 102014118740 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Locking element ( 1 ) to close a service opening ( 16 ) in the housing ( 10 ) of a headlight, wherein the shutter element ( 1 ) a ventilation device ( 11 ) has a gas exchange between an inner side (I) and an outer side (A) of the housing ( 10 ) of the headlight is made possible, characterized by that the locking element ( 1 ) a sealing profile ( 12 ) has a sealing element ( 13 ) can be arranged so that the ventilation medium ( 11 ) with the sealing body ( 13 ) can be temporarily closed. [2] Locking element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized by that the sealing formation ( 12 ) on the outside (A) of the locking element ( 1 ) is trained. [3] Locking element ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the sealing formation ( 12) has a closed contour that contains the ventilation medium ( 11 ) surrounds. [4] Locking element ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the sealing formation ( 12 ) one-piece with the locking element ( 1 ) is formed and creates a collar consisting of the essentially flat extension of the closure element ( 1 ) protrudes on the outside. [5] Locking element ( 1 ) according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by that the sealing formation ( 12 ) an annular collar with an essentially cylindrical inner surface ( 14 ) forms. [6] Method for temporarily closing a service opening ( 16 ) in the housing ( 10 ) of a headlight with a shutter element ( 1 ), wherein the locking element ( 1 ) a ventilation device ( 11) has a gas exchange between an inner side (I) and an outer side (A) of the housing ( 10 ) of the headlight is enabled, the method comprising at least the following steps: – Providing a locking element ( 1 ) with a sealing profile ( 12 ); – Arranging a sealing element ( 13 ) to the sealing surface ( 12 ), whereby the ventilation medium ( 11 ) with the sealing body ( 13 ) is temporarily locked without force. [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized by that the sealing formation ( 12 ) on the outside (A) of the locking element ( 1 ) protrudes like a collar, with the sealing body ( 13 ) against an inner surface ( 14 ) the sealing profile ( 12 ) is arranged in a self-holding manner by forming a radial force (R). [8] Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized bythat the sealing body ( 13 ) Sealing rings ( 15 ) exhibits which against the inner surface ( 14 ) the sealing profile ( 12 ) are brought to the plant in a sealing manner. [9] Method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by that the sealing body ( 13 ) manually or with a handling system at the sealing surface ( 12 ) is arranged, in particular wherein the arrangement is self-retaining and thus without axial force perpendicular to the extension plane of the locking element ( 1 ). [10] Method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by that the sealing body ( 13 ) to close the ventilation medium ( 11 ) during a leak test of the headlight to the sealing surface ( 12 ) is ordered.

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