Method for the non-destructive testing of an adhesive bond between a sealing element and a vehicle component

Abstract

Method for non-destructive testing of an adhesive bond (4) between a sealing element (6) and a vehicle component (2) wherein in a first step the sealing element (6) is attached to the vehicle component (2) by means of the adhesive bond (4), wherein in a second step after the adhesive bond (4) has cured the adhesive bond (4) is subjected directly or indirectly via the sealing element (6) to compressed air from a compressed air device (14) for a period of time t and in a third step the adhesive bond (4) is inspected.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for the non-destructive testing of an adhesive bond between a sealing element and a motor vehicle component.

[0002] In the automotive sector, it is well known to arrange sealing elements on a vehicle component. This is done using both form-fitting and material-fit connections. Examples of this include window sealing elements or sealing elements in the interior of a vehicle to reduce noise emissions. These sealing elements are not exposed to strong mechanical loads during normal operation of the vehicle. In order to test the adhesion of the adhesive bond between a sealing element and a component in the case of material-fit adhesive bonds, it is known, for example from WO 2015 / 024700 A1, to subject the adhesive bond in certain areas to a so-called peel force in order to subsequently assess the adhesion of the adhesive bond. However, such a process destroys the adhesive bond and is therefore not suitable for series production.However, underrun protection devices are now being used in the automotive sector in conjunction with electric vehicles. These devices are designed to prevent damage to high-voltage battery packs and are flexibly connected to the vehicle body via sealing elements. It should be clear that such underrun protection devices can be subjected to high aerodynamic and mechanical loads, making such an underrun protection device highly relevant to safety. Non-destructive testing suitable for series production is not possible with the described method.

[0003] The object of the invention is therefore to avoid the disadvantage described above in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0004] This object is achieved by providing a method for the non-destructive testing of an adhesive bond between a sealing element and a motor vehicle component. In a first step, the sealing element is attached to the motor vehicle component by means of the adhesive bond. In a second step, after the adhesive bond has cured, the adhesive bond is subjected to compressed air from a compressed air device, directly or indirectly via the sealing element, for a period of time t. In a third step, the adhesive bond is inspected. This enables non-destructive testing of the adhesive bond during series production in a particularly simple manner.

[0005] A particularly advantageous method is characterized by subjecting the adhesive joint to compressed air from a compressed air nozzle of a compressed air system in the second step. In this second step, the compressed air nozzle can be directed at the adhesive joint at different angles. In this way, a wide variety of loading conditions, such as shock loads or loads due to strong airflow, can be simulated and tested.

[0006] The sealing element can be manufactured in a particularly advantageous manner as a foam seal.

[0007] In a particularly advantageous manner, in the first step the sealing element is attached to an underrun protection for a high-voltage storage arrangement.

[0008] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing, the only figure showing a schematic view of an underrun protection device for a motor vehicle to be tested.

[0009] The single figure shows a prefabricated automotive component 2 in the form of an underrun protection device 2 for a high-voltage storage arrangement to be arranged in the floor area of ​​a motor vehicle (not shown in detail). As explained below, the underrun protection device 2 is provided with a sealing element 6 via an adhesive connection 4 during pre-assembly, which sealing element 6 in the present exemplary embodiment is designed as a foam seal 6. The foam seal 6 can be formed in a wide variety of areas of the underrun protection device 2, for example, even all the way around. Furthermore, a compressed air nozzle 8 is shown at various angles of incidence α, β, and γ to the base plane 10 of the foam seal 6. The compressed air nozzle 8 is fluidically connected to a compressed air device 14 via a hose 12 in a known manner.

[0010] A method for non-destructive testing of the adhesive bond 4 between the foam seal 6 and the underrun protection 2 during pre-assembly can be described as follows. In a first step, the foam seal 6 is attached to the underrun protection 2 by means of the adhesive bond 4. In the second step, after the adhesive bond 4 has cured, the adhesive bond 4 is subjected to compressed air from the compressed air nozzle 8 of the compressed air device 14, directly or indirectly via the foam seal, at various angles of attack α, β, and γ over a period of time t. Finally, in a third step, the adhesive bond 4 is inspected, and a decision is made as to whether the adhesive bond 4 is satisfactory, needs to be repaired, or needs to be completely replaced. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2015 / 024700 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Method for the non-destructive testing of an adhesive bond (4) between a sealing member (6) and a motor vehicle component (2), wherein in a first step the sealing member (6) is fastened to the motor vehicle component (2) by means of the adhesive bond (4), wherein in a second step after curing of the adhesive bond the adhesive bond (4) is subjected directly or indirectly via the sealing member (6) to compressed air from a compressed air device (14) over a period of time t and in a third step the adhesive bond (4) is inspected. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the adhesive connection (4) is loaded in the second step with compressed air from a compressed air nozzle (8) of a compressed air device (14). [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by that in the second step the compressed air nozzle (8) is directed at the adhesive joint (4) at different angles of attack (α, β, γ). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing member (6) is made as a foam seal. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in the first step the sealing element (6) is fastened to an underrun protection (2) for a high-voltage storage arrangement.

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