Holding device for closing openings in panels of a biplane in a vehicle

Abstract

This document describes a holding device (200) for closing an opening in a panel (104) of the body-in-white (BIM) of a vehicle while the BIM is being sprayed with acoustic foam. The holding device (200) comprises a cap (202) with an inner cavity (204) configured to be inserted into the opening to close it. The holding device (200) further comprises at least one sliding part (206) which is arranged in the inner cavity (204) for lateral movement between a retracted position in which the sliding part (206) is fully retracted into the cap (202) to allow the cap (202) to be inserted through the opening, and an extended position in which a section of the sliding part (206) protrudes from the cap (202) to cover an inner surface of the panel (104) in order to prevent the acoustic foam from being deposited on the inner surface.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of acoustic foam coating in motor vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a holding device for closing openings and cavities in a panel of a vehicle body-in-white while the body-in-white panel is being spray-coated with acoustic foam. BACKGROUND

[0002] The background information contains details that may be useful for understanding the present disclosure. It does not constitute an admission that the information contained herein is prior art or relevant to the present disclosure, or that any publication expressly or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] In the automotive industry, the body shell of a vehicle is sprayed before the installation of brackets and various components. This spraying is crucial as it protects against corrosion. Additionally, various holes, cutouts, and cavities in the body are filled with acoustic foam to mitigate noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues. This foam effectively seals these areas and prevents the foam from leaking out as it expands.

[0004] Traditionally, the foam in these areas is removed manually using hand tools. This is necessary because the foam obstructs the fastening of components such as the D-pillar cover. However, this manual removal process is both labor- and material-intensive, resulting in higher costs and longer production times. To overcome these drawbacks, a device is needed that can be installed in the holes, cutouts, or cavities of the BiW (Body-in-White) before the acoustic foam is applied. This device would allow for the foaming process and could then be easily removed, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing costs.

[0005] In the past, efforts have been made to facilitate the foaming process. For example, patent DE10131396A1 discloses a screwless joining method for painting movable components. In this method, the openings / bores of the components to be joined are aligned to receive a spring-loaded connecting element. The components are joined by this spring-loaded element, which can be released manually. The joined components can then be painted. After painting, the connecting element is removed and replaced with a positive-locking or force-locking fastener. However, the cited reference does not offer a joining solution that can be reused multiple times while simultaneously preventing the ingress of paint / foam into the openings / bores of the joined components.Therefore, the cited reference does not offer an effective solution to the problem mentioned above.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a simple, easy-to-install and cost-effective solution for sealing or covering holes, cutouts and / or cavities in a BIW panel while the BiW panel is being sprayed with acoustic foam. OBJECTS OF DISCUSSION

[0007] A general objective of the present disclosure is to minimize the effects of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) in vehicles by ensuring proper sealing of openings (holes, cutouts, and cavities) with acoustic foam in a simple, efficient, and cost-effective manner.

[0008] One objective of the present disclosure is to reduce the material costs associated with the method for removing foam and to improve the efficiency and speed of the foaming process, thereby increasing the overall economy and efficiency of vehicle production.

[0009] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a simple, easy-to-install and cost-effective solution for closing or covering the openings in a BIW panel by spraying the BIW panel with acoustic foam.

[0010] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a holding device that can be installed in holes, cutouts or cavities in the BIW of vehicles prior to the application of acoustic foam, ensuring that the holding device can be easily removed after the foaming process.

[0011] One purpose of the present disclosure is to reduce the labor-intensive nature of the current manual method for removing acoustic foam. SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the field of acoustic foam coating in motor vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a holding device for closing openings and cavities in a panel of a vehicle body-in-white (BIM) during the spray coating of the BIM panel with acoustic foam. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a spring-loaded, manually removable, and reusable holding device for closing holes, cutouts, and cavities in the BIM panel during the foaming process. This holding device can be easily removed after the foaming process and can be reused.

[0013] According to one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a holding device for closing an opening in a panel of a vehicle body-in-white (BIM) during the spray coating of the BIM with acoustic foam. The holding device comprises a cap with an inner cavity configured to be inserted into the opening to close it. The holding device further comprises at least one sliding element arranged in the inner cavity for lateral movement between a retracted position, in which the sliding element(s) are fully retracted into the cap to allow insertion of the cap through the opening, and an extended position, in which a portion of the sliding element(s) protrudes from the cap to cover an inner surface of the panel and prevent the acoustic foam from being deposited on that surface.

[0014] In one aspect, the sliding part(s) can be pre-tensioned in the direction of the extended position, so that the sliding part(s) can automatically move into the extended position when the cap is inserted into the opening after the sliding part has been moved against the pre-tensioning force. Furthermore, the cap can be removed from the opening after the sliding part has been moved against the pre-tensioning force into the retracted position.

[0015] In one aspect, the sliding part(s) can be pre-tensioned into the extended position by a spring.

[0016] In one aspect, the cap may include a flange configured around at least one section of the front circumference of the cap, so that when the cap is inserted into the opening, the flange can rest against an outer surface of the panel to limit the inward movement of the cap.

[0017] In one aspect, the flange and the sliding part can be configured such that the panel is clamped between the sliding part and the flange in the extended position of the sliding part(s).

[0018] In one aspect, the sliding part can comprise a first sliding part and a second sliding part, whereby the first sliding part and the second sliding part can be configured to move from the retracted position to the extended position in opposite directions.

[0019] In one aspect, the first sliding part and the second sliding part can be pre-tensioned into their respective extended positions by the spring, which can be arranged between the first sliding part and the second sliding part.

[0020] In one aspect, the cap may have at least one vertical channel to allow the insertion or removal of the sliding part(s) into or out of the cap, and at least one horizontal channel to allow the movement of the at least one sliding part between the retracted position and the extended position when inserted into the cap. Furthermore, the sliding part may have a projection that serves as a guide for inserting the sliding part into the cap and prevents its removal from the cap during movement between the retracted and extended positions.

[0021] In one aspect, the first sliding part and the second sliding part can be identical parts.

[0022] In one aspect, the first sliding part and the second sliding part can have a tab that protrudes from the cap.

[0023] In one aspect, the identical first sliding part and the second sliding part can be positioned in the cavity so that the tab of the two sliding parts is on an inside, so that the tabs can be held by a thumb and a finger to move the two sliding parts into the retracted position.

[0024] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter according to the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawing figures, in which the same numbers represent the same components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings serve to further understand the present disclosure and are an integral part of this description. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows various types of conventional plugs used to seal openings in BiW prior to spraying BiW of a vehicle with acoustic foam. Fig. Figure 2A shows an exemplary schematic representation of the proposed holding device for closing / covering openings in BiW panels prior to spraying BiW of a vehicle with acoustic foam according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2B shows an exemplary exploded view of the proposed holding device with a cap and a sliding part according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3A shows an exemplary representation of a front view of the holding device installed in the panel of the BiW in a retracted position according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3B shows an exemplary representation of a front view of the holding device installed in the panel of the BiW in an extended position according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3C shows an exemplary representation of a rear view of the holding device installed in the panel of the BiW in the extended position according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] A detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings follows. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to clearly convey the disclosure. However, the intention is not to limit foreseeable variations of embodiments with the necessary level of detail; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0027] The embodiments described herein relate to a holding device for closing openings and cavities in a panel of a vehicle body-in-white (BIM) during the spraying of the BIM panel with acoustic foam.

[0028] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a holding device for closing an opening in a panel of a vehicle body-in-white (BIM) during the spraying of the BIM with acoustic foam. The holding device comprises a cap with an inner cavity configured to be inserted into the opening to close it. The holding device further comprises at least one sliding element arranged within the inner cavity for lateral movement between a retracted position, in which the sliding element is fully retracted into the cap to allow insertion of the cap through the opening, and an extended position, in which a portion of the sliding element protrudes from the cap to cover an inner surface of the panel, thereby preventing the acoustic foam from being deposited on the inner surface of the panel.

[0029] In one embodiment, the at least one sliding element can be biased towards the extended position, so that the at least one sliding element can automatically move into the extended position when the cap is inserted into the opening after the sliding element has been moved against the bias force. Furthermore, the cap can be removed from the opening after the sliding element has been moved against the bias force into the retracted position.

[0030] In one embodiment, the at least one sliding piece can be pre-tensioned into the extended position by a spring.

[0031] In one embodiment, the container can have a flange configured around at least one section of the front circumference of the container, such that when the container is inserted into the opening, the flange can rest against an outer surface of the panel to limit the inward movement of the container.

[0032] In one embodiment, the flange and the at least one sliding part can be designed such that, in the extended position of the at least one sliding part, the panel is clamped between the at least one sliding part and the flange.

[0033] In one embodiment, the at least one sliding part can comprise a first sliding part and a second sliding part, wherein the first sliding part and the second sliding part can be configured to move from the retracted position to the extended position in opposite directions.

[0034] In one embodiment, the first sliding part and the second sliding part can be pre-tensioned into their respective extended positions by the spring, which can be arranged between the first sliding part and the second sliding part.

[0035] In one embodiment, the container can have at least one vertical channel to allow the insertion or removal of the at least one sliding part into or out of the container, and at least one horizontal channel to allow the movement of the at least one sliding part between the retracted position and the extended position when inserted into the container. Furthermore, the sliding part can have a projection that serves as a guide for inserting the sliding part into the cap and prevents its removal from the cap during movement between the retracted and extended positions.

[0036] In one embodiment, the first sliding part and the second sliding part can be identical parts.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first and second sliding parts can include a tab that protrudes from the cap.

[0038] In one embodiment, the identical first sliding part and the second sliding part can be positioned in the cavity such that the tab of the two sliding parts is located on an inside, so that the tabs can be held by a thumb and a finger to move the two sliding parts into the retracted position.

[0039] Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows conventional plugs used to seal openings in a BiW panel 104 before spraying the BiW with acoustic foam. As shown, the BiW panel 104 can have a variety of holes / openings 102-1, 102-2, ..., 102-N for receiving clips, wiring harness clips, and mounting strips on the BiW. These openings 102 must be sealed before the outer surface 108 of the BiW panel 104 is sprayed with acoustic foam, as otherwise the foam may escape from these openings 102 when it expands. This can lead to the excess foam having to be removed with additional effort, which can cause scratches and thus quality problems in the installation of the D-pillar trim.Furthermore, additional foam on the outer surface 108 of the BiW panel 104 can lead to improper fastening or gap and flushness problems, which can hinder the installation of the clips for the wiring harness and the mounting trims. These openings 102 can be closed with a conventional BIW plug 106-A, as shown in . Fig. 1A shown, or another conventional chain plug 106-B, as shown in Fig. 1B shown, to be sealed. However, these conventional plugs 106-A and 106-B are difficult to remove after foaming and cannot be reused.

[0040] The present invention offers a simple, easy-to-install and cost-effective solution in the form of a holding device 200 which can be used to close or cover the openings 102 in the panel 104 during coating with acoustic foam.

[0041] With reference to the Fig. References 2A to 3C disclose the proposed retaining device 200 for closing openings 102 in the panel 104 of BiW. In one embodiment, the retaining device 200 may include a cap 202 configured to be inserted into the opening 102 to close the opening 102 in the panel 104. The cap 202 may have an internal cavity 204 and a flange 210. The flange 210 may be configured around at least a section of a front circumference of the cap 202 such that, when the cap 202 is inserted into the opening 102, the flange 210 rests on an outer surface 108 of the panel 104 to limit inward movement of the cap 202.

[0042] The cap 202 can also include at least one sliding part 206, comprising a first sliding part 206-1 and a second sliding part 206-2, which are located in the inner cavity 204 of the cap 202 to allow lateral movement between a retracted position and an extended position in opposite directions. In one embodiment, the first sliding part 206-1 and the second sliding part 206-2 can be identical parts. In other embodiments, however, the first sliding part 206-1 and the second sliding part 206-2 can also be non-identical parts.

[0043] In one embodiment, the sliding parts 206 can be fully retracted into the container 202 in the retracted position to allow the container 202 to be inserted through the opening 102. Furthermore, in the extended position, a section (arms 218-1, 218-2) of the sliding parts 206 can protrude from the slots S provided in the cap 202 to cover an inner surface of the panel 104 or the opening 102, thereby securing the holding device 200 in the opening 102 and preventing the acoustic foam from being deposited on the inner surface of the panel 104 during the acoustic foaming process.

[0044] In one embodiment, the sliding parts 206-1 and 206-2 can be biased in opposite directions towards the extended position 304 by a spring 208 arranged between the two sliding parts 206-1, 206-2, so that the first sliding part 206-1 and the second sliding part 206-2 can be biased in opposite directions towards their respective extended positions.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first sliding part 206-1 and the second sliding part 206-2 can each comprise a tab 212-1, 212-2 (here collectively referred to as 212) that can project from the cap 202. The tabs 212-1, 212-2 can be configured to grip and allow movement of the first sliding part 206-1 and the second sliding part 206-2 within the cap 202. Furthermore, in the extended position, the arms 218-1 and 218-2 of the respective sliding parts 206-1 and 206-2 can extend through the respective slots S arranged on the lower width of the cap 202.

[0046] In one embodiment, the sliding parts 206-1 and 206-2 can be positioned in the cavity 204 of the cap 202 by pressing the respective tabs 212-1 and 212-2 into vertical channels 214-1 formed in the cap 202. The sliding parts 206 can further have a projection 220 that serves as a guide for inserting the sliding parts 206 into the cap 202 and prevents the sliding parts 206 from being removed from the cap while the sliding parts 206 are moved laterally between the retracted position and the extended position within the cap 202.

[0047] In one embodiment, when attaching the retaining device 200 in the opening 102, the two sliding parts 206-1 and 206-2, guided by their respective projections 202, can be pushed vertically into the respective vertical channels 214-1 of the cavity 204, with the sliding parts 206-1 and 206-2 facing each other. Once the sliding parts 206-1 and 206-2 are inserted into the cavity 204, they can slide further along a pair of horizontal channels 216-1, 216-2, which are arranged opposite each other on the inner walls of the cap 202 along a length of the retaining device 200. Furthermore, the spring 208 can be positioned between the sliding parts 206-1, 206-2 once they have been displaced relative to each other.As a result, the preload force of the spring 208 can push the two sliding parts 206-1, 206-2 opposite each other in the extended position along the pair of horizontal channels 216-1, 216-2, thereby pulling the arms 218-1 and 218-2 of the sliding parts 206-1 and 206-2 out of the respective slots S of the cap 202.

[0048] Later, when the spring 208 is positioned on the two sliding parts 206-1, 206-2, the two sliding parts 206-1, 206-2 can be moved into the retracted position relative to each other, and the cap 202 can be inserted into the opening 102 until the flange 210 rests on the outer surface of the panel 104. The flange 210 prevents the retaining device 200 from being fully inserted into the opening 102. Subsequently, the two sliding parts 206-1, 206-2 can be released so that the arms 218 of the sliding parts 206, under the preload force of the spring 208, protrude from the slots S of the cap 202 in the extended position. The extended arms 218 can accordingly cover the inner surface of the panel 104, which can help to prevent the deposition of the acoustic foam on the inner surface of the panel 104 during the spraying of the acoustic foam onto the panel 104.Furthermore, the holding device 200 can be removed from the opening 102 after completion of the foaming process by moving the two sliding parts 206-1, 206-2 towards each other in the retracted position against the preload force of the spring 208 and pulling the two sliding parts 206-1, 206-2 further to remove the holding device 200 from the opening 102.

[0049] In one embodiment, the holding device 200 can be inserted into the inner surface of the opening 102 in the retracted position 302, as shown in Fig. 3A shown. When the holding device 200 is inserted into the opening 102, the tabs 212-1 and 212-2 can be released, or the force applied against the preload of the spring 208 can be relieved. As a result, the compressed spring 208 can push the two sliding parts 206-1, 206-2 away from each other into the extended position 304, as shown in the Fig. 3B and Fig.As shown in Figure 3C, the sliding parts 206-1 and 206-2 are pushed away from each other into the extended position 304, causing their arms 218-1 and 218-2 to extend outside the cap 202 and across the inner surface of the panel 104 in two opposite directions, so that the panel 104 remains clamped between the flange 210 and the arms 218-1 and 218-2 of the sliding parts 206-1 and 206-2. In this way, the inner surface 306 of the panel 104, or the entire slot 102, remains covered, which helps to prevent the acoustic foam from being deposited on the inner surface of the panel 104 during the spraying of acoustic foam onto the panel 104.

[0050] In another embodiment, the holding device 200 can be removed from the opening 102 after completion of the foaming process by moving the two sliding parts 206-1, 206-2 towards each other against the preload force of the spring 208 using the tabs 212-1 and 212-2 and pulling them further out of the opening 102.

[0051] In one embodiment, the holding device 200 can be made of PVC material and polymer, but is not limited to such materials. Furthermore, the spring 208 can be made of high-strength steel, but is not limited to this.

[0052] Thus, the holding device 200 of the present invention offers a simple, easy-to-install and cost-effective solution for closing or covering the openings 102 in the BiW panel 104, while the outer surface 108 of the BiW panel 104 is sprayed with acoustic foam.

[0053] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention can be developed without deviating from the fundamental scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, variants, or examples that enable a person with normal technical knowledge to manufacture and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to that person. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0054] The present invention minimizes noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) effects in vehicles by ensuring proper sealing of openings in BIW panels with acoustic foam in a simple, efficient and cost-effective manner.

[0055] The present invention reduces the material costs associated with the removal of the foam and improves the efficiency and speed of the foaming process, thereby increasing the overall economy and efficiency of vehicle production.

[0056] The present invention offers a simple, easy-to-install and cost-effective solution for sealing or covering openings in the BiW panel during the spraying of the BiW panel with acoustic foam.

[0057] The present invention provides a holding device that can be installed in openings in the BiW panel of vehicles prior to the application of acoustic foam, ensuring that the holding device can be easily removed after the foaming process. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] 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

[0000] DE 10131396A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Holding device (200) for closing an opening (102) in a panel of a body-in-white (BIM) of a vehicle during spray coating of the BIM with acoustic foam, the holding device (200) comprising: a cap (202) configured to be inserted into the opening (102) to close the opening (102), the cap (202) having an inner cavity (204); at least one sliding part (206) which is arranged in the inner cavity (204) for lateral movement between a retracted position (302) in which the sliding part (206) is fully retracted into the cap (202) to allow the cap (202) to be inserted through the opening (102) and an extended position (304) in which a section of the sliding part (206) protrudes from the cap (202) to cover an inner surface of the panel (104) in order to prevent the acoustic foam from being deposited on the inner surface of the panel (104). [2] Holding device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding part (206) is biased in the direction of the extended position (304) so ​​that the sliding part (206) automatically moves into the extended position (304) when the cap (202) is inserted into the opening (102) after the sliding part (206) has been moved against the bias force, and wherein the cap (202) is removed from the opening (102) after the sliding part (206) has been moved against the bias force into the retracted position (302). [3] Holding device according to claim 2, wherein the at least one sliding part (206) is pre-tensioned by a spring (208) in the direction of the extended position (304). [4] Holding device according to claim 2, wherein the cap (202) comprises a flange (210) configured around at least one section of a front circumference of the cap (202) such that when the cap (202) is inserted into the opening (102), the flange (210) bears against an outer surface (108) of the c (104) to limit the inward movement of the cap (202). [5] Holding device according to claim 4, wherein the flange (210) and the at least one sliding part (206) are designed such that in the extended position (304) of the at least one sliding part (206) the panel (104) is clamped between the sliding part (206) and the flange (210). [6] Holding device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding part (206) comprises a first sliding part (206-1) and a second sliding part (206-2), wherein the first sliding part (206-1) and the second sliding part (206-2) are configured to move from the retracted position (302) to the extended position (304) in opposite directions. [7] Holding device according to claim 6, wherein the cap (202) comprises at least one vertical channel to allow the insertion or removal of the at least one sliding part (206) into or out of the cap, and at least one horizontal channel to allow the lateral movement of the at least one sliding part (206) between the retracted position and the extended position when inserted into the cap (202), and wherein the at least one sliding part (206) has a projection (220) which acts as a guide for inserting the at least one sliding part (206) into the cap (202) and prevents removal from the cap (202) during the movement between the retracted position and the extended position. [8] Holding device according to claim 6, wherein the first sliding part (206-1) and the second sliding part (206-2) are identical parts. [9] Holding device according to claim 8, wherein the first sliding part (206-1) and the second sliding part (206-2) have a tab (212) that protrudes from the cap (202). [10] Holding device according to claim 9, wherein the identical first sliding part (206-1) and the second sliding part (206-2) are positioned in the cavity (204) such that the tabs (212) of the two sliding parts (206) are located on an inside so that the tabs (212) can be held by a thumb and a finger to move the two sliding parts (206-1, 206-2) into the retracted position (302).

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