Component with at least one through-opening and an insert part fixed in the through-opening and method for sealing a through-opening arranged in a component

Abstract

Component with at least one through-opening (12) and an insert part (16) attached in the through-opening (12), which extends along a longitudinal axis (26) in the through-opening (12) and has a collar element (18) extending at least partially around the longitudinal axis (26), wherein the collar element (18) is arranged at an entrance area (14) of the through-opening (12) and comprises a positive fit with the component (10) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (26), characterized in that the component (10) has a sealing element (20) arranged at the entrance area (14), which completely covers the entrance area (14), the through-opening (12) and the collar element (18), and which comprises an airtight connection (24) with the component (10), wherein the airtight connection (24) extends completely around the entrance area (14) and the collar element (18), and wherein the airtight connection (24) is a welded connection.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a component with at least one through-opening and an insert part fixed in the through-opening and a method for sealing a through-opening arranged in a component.

[0002] Components designed for use with fluids have chambers and cavities in which the fluids are stored or flow. Fluids can be gases, such as air. If these components are made of plastic, through-holes can be created in their walls to allow for the insertion of metal fasteners. However, this compromises the component's tightness, as leaks can occur between the metal fastener and the component wall, for example, due to tolerances. Furthermore, the metal fastener itself may also have through-holes, potentially leading to leakage between the fastener and the metal fastener.

[0003] From DE 38 31 308 C1, it is known to insert a threaded insert into an opening of an oil pan. The threaded insert has a collar with an adhesive element. The adhesive element connects the collar to a recess in the opening to seal the area between the threaded insert and the oil pan. However, this is a complex and time-consuming process.

[0004] DE 10 2007 009 488 A1 describes a threaded insert with a collar, wherein the threaded insert is arranged in a through-opening of a component. A sealing element is arranged between the collar and the component. However, leakage can still occur between the fastener and the threaded insert.

[0005] DE 102 31 274 A1 describes an insert for insertion into an opening in a wall, which has a neck for reaching through the opening and a flange arranged on the neck. The flange has a recess on its underside facing the neck. The recess is bounded externally by a raised circumferential rim and contains a body of adhesive that can be brought into a flowable state by heating. Locking lugs are provided on the neck to hold the insert in the wall opening. The body is sized such that it is completely contained by the recess, and the insert is designed so that, in the installed position in which it is held in the wall opening by the locking lugs, the circumferential rim of the flange is pressed firmly against the wall.

[0006] The object of the invention can therefore be to provide an improved component and an improved method that creates a secure seal at the through-opening with minimal effort.

[0007] The main features of the invention are specified in claims 1 and 13. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 12.

[0008] In a component with at least one through-opening and an insert part attached in the through-opening, which extends along a longitudinal axis in the through-opening and has a collar element extending at least partially around the longitudinal axis, wherein the collar element is arranged at an entrance area of ​​the through-opening and comprises a positive fit with the component in the direction of the longitudinal axis, it is provided according to the invention that the component has a sealing element arranged at the entrance area, which completely covers the entrance area, the through-opening and the collar element, and which comprises an airtight connection with the component, wherein the airtight connection extends completely around the entrance area and the collar element, and wherein the airtight connection is a welded connection.

[0009] According to the invention, the through-opening is sealed with the insert by means of an airtight connection between the sealing element and the component, wherein the sealing element completely covers the collar element and the through-opening. To create the seal, the insert is first inserted through the through-opening of the component until the collar element forms a positive fit with the component at the entrance area of ​​the through-opening in the direction of the longitudinal axis. This transfers a tensile load from the component directly into the collar element of the insert. The sealing element is then positioned over the collar element and the entrance area so that it completely covers both. An airtight connection is then created between the sealing element and the component, extending completely around the entrance area and thus ensuring a reliable seal between the through-opening and the insert.

[0010] The sealing element can be a cap, as one example illustrates.

[0011] The cap can have a circumferential projection that, when the sealing element is positioned, separates it from the component. This projection can also be used to connect the sealing element to the component; that is, the airtight connection between the sealing element and the component can be located at the projection of the sealing element. Designing the sealing element as a cap simplifies its handling.

[0012] Furthermore, the sealing element can, for example, consist of a foil material.

[0013] The foil material is lightweight, allowing for a low-weight sealing element. The foil material can be positioned over the collar element and the entrance area and connected to the component via a circumferential connection around the collar element and the entrance area.

[0014] According to another example, the airtight connection can be located at an edge of the sealing element that extends around the sealing element.

[0015] The edge of the sealing element is easily accessible, thus simplifying the handling when creating the connection between the sealing element and the component.

[0016] Furthermore, the sealing element and the component can each be made of a plastic material, for example.

[0017] Plastic materials can generally be joined together without much effort. This simplifies the creation of an airtight seal between the sealing element and the component.

[0018] The plastic material of the sealing element and the plastic material of the component can, for example, be the same and / or weldable together.

[0019] If the sealing element and the component are weldable, creating an airtight connection is further simplified. The same applies if the plastic material of the sealing element and the plastic material of the component are not identical, but can be welded together.

[0020] In another example, the airtight connection could be an adhesive bond.

[0021] Using an adhesive bond to create an airtight connection simplifies the process, as only one adhesive material is needed for the airtight bond.

[0022] According to the invention, the airtight connection is a welded connection.

[0023] A welded connection between the sealing element and the component can also be created airtight without much effort. In particular, ultrasonic welding can be used to melt the plastic materials to create the connection between the sealing element and the component.

[0024] According to another example, the component can be an air spring pot with an interior, wherein the entrance area of ​​the through-opening, on which the collar element is arranged, is located in the interior.

[0025] The arrangement of the collar element in an interior space of the component makes it more difficult to tear out the insert.

[0026] Furthermore, the insert can, for example, have a passage that extends along the longitudinal axis.

[0027] The opening is also sealed with the sealing element. This means that the selection of insert components is not limited, while the sealing element still ensures a reliable seal. Furthermore, the opening allows fasteners to be connected to the insert component along its entire length. This stabilizes the connection between the insert component and the fastener. The fasteners can then be used to attach the component to another component.

[0028] The insert part can, for example, be a threaded insert with an internal thread.

[0029] Alternatively, instead of an insert with a through-hole, an insert with a threaded stud can also be used.

[0030] Furthermore, the insert can be made of metal, as in another example.

[0031] According to another example, the passage opening can have a countersinking element at the entrance area, wherein the collar element is at least partially incorporated into the countersinking element.

[0032] In this way, the wall thickness of the component can be variable, and the countersinking element allows the positioning of the insert in the through-opening to be adjusted. Furthermore, a positive fit can be provided between the countersinking element and the collar element and / or between the through-opening and the insert, which can absorb torsional moments to, for example, enable the insert to be screwed to a fastener, such as a screw.

[0033] The invention further relates to a method for sealing a through-opening arranged in a component, wherein an insert part is attached in the through-opening, which extends along a longitudinal axis in the through-opening and has a collar element extending at least partially around the longitudinal axis, which is arranged at an entrance area of ​​the through-opening and comprises a positive fit with the component in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the method comprises the following steps: covering the entrance area and the through-opening with a sealing element; and generating an airtight connection between the sealing element and the component, wherein the airtight connection extends completely around the entrance area and the collar element and is designed as a welded connection.

[0034] The advantages, effects, and further developments of the process arise from the advantages, effects, and further developments of the component described above. Therefore, reference is made to the preceding description in this regard.

[0035] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic sectional view of a component with insert and sealing element; Fig. 2 an enlargement of the insert part used in the through-opening made of Fig. 1; Fig. 3a, b a schematic sectional view of various through-openings with insert part; Fig. 4a-c a schematic sectional view of an insert part with positive locking elements for anti-rotation protection; Fig. 5 a schematic sectional view of an insert with a threaded stud; and Fig. 6 a flowchart of the procedure for sealing a through-opening arranged in a component.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows a component 10, which schematically represents an air spring pot with an interior 32. At least one through-opening 12 of the component 10 connects the interior 32 through the component 10 to the environment of the component 10. Fig. Figure 1 shows two through openings 12.

[0037] Furthermore, it shows Fig. 1 Two insert parts 16. The left insert part 12 is shown outside the left through-opening 12. It can be inserted into the through-opening 12, for example by means of ultrasound. Embedding the insert part 12 by means of ultrasound is advantageous because the airtight connection 24 can also be produced by ultrasonic welding, and thus both process steps can be applied cost-effectively by using the same method.

[0038] The insert part 16 shown on the right extends along a longitudinal axis 26 and is inserted into the right-hand through-opening 12. Fig. Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the insert part 16 inserted in the right through-opening 12.

[0039] The insert 16 has a collar element 18 and, in this example, a through-hole 28 with an internal thread 34. The collar element 18 extends at least partially around the longitudinal axis 26. The through-hole 28 also extends around the longitudinal axis 26. Furthermore, the through-hole 28 extends along the longitudinal axis 26.

[0040] The collar element 18 is arranged at an end region 14 of the passage opening 12, with the collar element 18 being located in the interior 32. The passage opening 12 may have a countersink element 30 in which the collar element 18 is fully recessed in this example. In this example, the collar element 18 is flush with the inner wall 32.

[0041] The collar element 18 forms a positive fit with the component 10 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 26 of the insert part 16. This means that any movement of the insert part 16 out of the interior 32 is stopped by the positive fit. This secures the insert part 16 against being pulled out of the through-opening 12 in the direction in which the positive fit is effective.

[0042] Furthermore, component 10 includes a sealing element 20 in the form of a cap with a rim 22. The cap can be arranged with the rim 22 over the collar element 18 and the end region 14 such that the rim 22 extends around the collar element 18 and the end region 14.

[0043] Alternatively, the sealing element 20 can be designed as a film. The film can be arranged over the collar element 18 and the end region 14 in such a way that the film is in full-surface contact with the collar element 18 and the component 10.

[0044] The sealing element 20 covers the collar element 18 and the end region 14 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 26, regardless of the embodiment. An airtight connection 24 connects the sealing element 20 to the component 10. Thus, the sealing element 20 separates the end region 14 and the collar element 18 from the interior 32.

[0045] The airtight connection 24 can be arranged at the edge of the sealing element 20 and connected to it. The airtight connection 24 can be produced by means of an adhesive bond. According to the invention, the airtight connection 24 is a welded connection, e.g., an ultrasonic welded connection.

[0046] The sealing element 20 and the component 10 can be made from the same plastic material, so that a weld seam can be produced between the sealing element 20 and the component 10 made from the plastic material.

[0047] However, to connect the sealing element 20 to the component 10 by means of a welding process, it is sufficient if the sealing element 20 and the component 10 each consist of a material that can be welded together.

[0048] The insert part 16 can be made of metal in order to form a secure connection with a fastening element.

[0049] The Fig. Figures 3a and b show alternative embodiments of the through-hole 12.

[0050] In Fig. Figure 3a shows a through-opening 12 which contains a countersinking element 30' in which only part of the collar element 18 is received. In this example, the collar element 18 projects partially into the interior 32.

[0051] Furthermore, the sealing element 20 has a rim 22 which places the sealing element 20 further away from the component 12 than in the example according to Fig. 1. This allows the sealing element 20 to be connected to the component 10 despite the collar element 18 protruding from the countersinking element 30', and to separate the end area 14 and the collar element 18 from the interior 32.

[0052] In Fig. Figure 3b shows a through-opening 12 in which the collar element 18 is arranged completely outside the through-opening 12. The collar element 18 is thus arranged completely within the interior space 32.

[0053] Furthermore, the sealing element 20 has a rim 22 which places the sealing element 20 further away from the component 12 than in the example according to Fig. 3a. This allows the sealing element 20 to be connected to the component 10 despite the collar element 18 projecting completely into the interior 32, and to delineate the end area 14 and the collar element 18 from the interior 32.

[0054] Fig. Figures 4a to 4c show the insert 16, which is loosely inserted into a clearance fit 38 for the through-hole 12 before being connected to the component 10. This allows for tolerance compensation with regard to screw spacing when several inserts 16 are used. That is, initially, there is no positive locking connection between the insert 16 and the component 10 in directions transverse to the longitudinal axis 26.

[0055] In this example, optional positive locking elements 36, arranged in a star shape, are provided on the collar element 18 as an anti-rotation device. These elements are positioned between the collar element 18 and the component 10. When the insert part 16 is screwed on, the optional positive locking elements 36 press against a structure, such as a car body, into the component 10, thus preventing rotation during the screwing process; they therefore form an anti-rotation device. However, this anti-rotation device is optional.

[0056] Fig. Figure 4b shows a view of the positive locking elements 36 on the collar element 18 of the insert part 16. The positive locking elements 36 are arranged in a star shape and extend radially away from the longitudinal axis 26.

[0057] Fig. 4c shows a section through the view from Fig. 4b. It is shown that the positive locking elements 36 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 26 away from the collar element 18.

[0058] Alternatively, anti-rotation protection can be achieved by means of a knurled surface on the insert part 16, wherein the knurling is arranged in the through-opening 12 when the insert part 16 is guided through the through-opening 12. In this case, the insert part 16 does not have a clearance fit 38, but is instead lowered into the through-opening 12, for example, with the aid of ultrasound.

[0059] Fig. Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the insert part 16. In this example, the insert part 16 comprises a threaded stud 40, which is arranged on the side of the insert part 16 opposite the collar element 18. The threaded stud 40 extends away from the collar element 18 through the through-hole 12 and can, for example, have an external thread.

[0060] In this embodiment, only a leakage can occur between the insert 16 and the component 10, which is sealed by the sealing element 20.

[0061] By means of Fig.Section 6 describes a method 100 for sealing a through-opening arranged in a component. An insert is attached to the through-opening, extending along a longitudinal axis within the opening. Furthermore, the insert has a collar element that extends at least partially around the longitudinal axis. The collar element is arranged at an entrance area of ​​the through-opening and forms a positive connection with the component in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0062] In a first step, 102, the entrance area is covered with a sealing element. The sealing element simultaneously covers the collar element, which is arranged at the entrance area, and thus also the insert part.

[0063] In a further step 104, an airtight connection is created between the sealing element and the component. This airtight connection extends completely around the entrance area and the collar element.

[0064] The airtight connection can be made using an adhesive bond or a welding connection.

[0065] The invention is not limited to one of the embodiments described above, but can be modified in many ways.

[0066] All features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawing, including design details, spatial arrangements and process steps, can be essential to the invention both individually and in various combinations. Reference symbol list 10 components 12. Passage opening 14 End area 16 Insert part 18 collar elements 20 Seal element 22 Rand 24 airtight connection 26 Longitudinal axis 28 rounds 30 sinking element 30' sinking element 32 Interior 34 internal threads 36 Positive locking element 38 Game Pass 40 threaded studs

Claims

[1] Component with at least one through-opening (12) and an insert part (16) attached in the through-opening (12), which extends along a longitudinal axis (26) in the through-opening (12) and has a collar element (18) extending at least partially around the longitudinal axis (26), wherein the collar element (18) is arranged at an entrance area (14) of the through-opening (12) and comprises a positive locking with the component (10) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (26), characterized by , that the component (10) has a sealing element (20) arranged at the entrance area (14), which completely covers the entrance area (14), the passage opening (12) and the collar element (18), and which comprises an airtight connection (24) with the component (10), wherein the airtight connection (24) extends completely around the entrance area (14) and the collar element (18), and wherein the airtight connection (24) is a welded connection. [2] Component according to claim 1, characterized by , that the sealing element (20) is a cap. [3] Component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the sealing element (20) has a foil material. [4] Component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the airtight connection (24) is arranged at an edge (22) of the sealing element (20) which extends around the sealing element (20). [5] Component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the sealing element (20) and the component (10) are each made of a plastic material. [6] Component according to claim 5, characterized by , that the plastic material of the sealing element (20) and the plastic material of the component (10) are identical and / or weldable together. [7] Component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the airtight connection (24) is an adhesive connection. [8] Component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that the component (10) is an air spring pot with an interior (32), wherein the inlet area (14) of the through-opening (12) on which the collar element (18) is arranged is located in the interior (32). [9] Component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the insert part (16) has a passage (28) extending along the longitudinal axis (26). [10] Component according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the insert part (16) is a threaded insert with an internal thread (34) or a threaded stud. [11] Component according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the insert part (16) is made of metal. [12] Component according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that the passage opening (12) at the entrance area (14) has a countersinking element (30), wherein the collar element (18) is at least partially incorporated in the countersinking element (30). [13] Method for sealing a through-opening (12) arranged in a component (10), wherein an insert part (16) is attached in the through-opening (12), which extends along a longitudinal axis (26) in the through-opening (12) and has a collar element (18) extending at least partially around the longitudinal axis (26), which is arranged at an entrance area (14) of the through-opening (12) and comprises a positive locking with the component (10) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (26), wherein the method (100) comprises the following steps: - Covering (102) the entrance area (14) and the passage opening (12) with a sealing element (20); and - Generating (104) an airtight connection (24) between the sealing element (20) and the component (10), wherein the airtight connection (24) extends completely around the entrance area (14) and the collar element (18) and is designed as a welded connection.

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