Plug intended for sealing a hole through a wall.

Abstract

A stopper comprising: - an elastic plate (2) having an outer face (3) and an opposing inner face (4), - a gripping means (5) projecting from the outer face (3), originating from a central zone (6) on the plate (2), adapted to allow extraction of the stopper by an operator, - a cylinder (7) extending from the inner face (4), comprising a peripheral groove (8) adapted to fit the periphery of the hole, this groove (9) comprising a first lip (81) and a second lip (82) further from the plate (2) than the first lip (81), - a rib (9) projecting from the inner face (4), securing along its length the second lip (82) to the central zone (6) on the plate (2). Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: PLUG INTENDED FOR SEAL OF A HOLE THROUGH A WALL.

[0001] The invention relates to a plug intended for sealing a hole through a wall, as well as a vehicle comprising this plug.

[0002] Such a stopper, comprising a, is known from patent document FR-A1-2927589 grip handle to facilitate its installation and / or removal.

[0003] Unfortunately, although this handle allows for a better grip by an operator, the effort required to remove the plug is unchanged because elastic lips must still be spread apart by elastic deformation against the edge of the hole, during the forced translational extraction movement of the plug.

[0004] This is particularly disadvantageous when, for example, this plug obstructs a passage reserved for introducing a fire-fighting fluid into a traction battery casing of a vehicle, the fire-fighting personnel being, for example, equipped with gloves limiting the possible effort of extracting the plug.

[0005] The aim of the invention is to remedy this deficiency by proposing an improved stopper.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a plug intended for sealing a hole passing through a wall, this plug comprising: - an elastic plate comprising an outer face and an opposite inner face, - a gripping means projecting from the outer face, originating from a central area of ​​the plate, designed to allow the removal of the plug by an operator if the plug obstructs the hole, - a cylinder extending from the inner face, comprising a peripheral groove designed to fit the periphery of the hole, this groove comprising a first lip intended to cover a first face of the wall, and a second lip further from the plate than the first lip and intended to cover a second face of the wall, - a rib projecting from the inner face, securing the second lip to the periphery of the central area to the plate along its length.

[0007] This plug has, for example, an axis of symmetry passing through the axis of the cylinder and the center of the central zone. This central zone is, for example, contained within the cross-section of the cylinder.

[0008] Throughout this document, the term "section of the cylinder" will be understood to mean the cross-section of the cylinder at its end in contact with the inner face of the plate, and delimited by the inner shape of the cylinder.

[0009] Naturally, the geometric center of the plate coincides with the geometric center of the central zone. The peripheral groove extends, for example, around the entire periphery of the cylinder, or over only a part or several parts of the cylinder's periphery. The first and second lips form the two sides of the peripheral groove. The cylinder is adapted to fit the periphery of the hole via the groove, but in particular, the bottom of the peripheral groove is adapted to fit the periphery of the hole, with or without clearance. Indeed, the optional seal between the plug and the wall can be achieved: - by a tight, play-free contact of the lips against the wall, if, for example, the peripheral groove extends over the entire periphery of the cylinder, and / or - a support without play of the bottom of the peripheral groove against the periphery of the hole, if this bottom extends over the entire periphery of the cylinder.

[0010] Depending on whether this sealing is ensured by one of the lips, or by the bottom of the peripheral groove, a gap may be present respectively between the bottom and the periphery of the hole, or between the lips and the wall.

[0011] This seal is optional since this plug can simply serve as protection against sharp edges of the hole, for example. In this case, a gap may exist between the lips and the wall or between the bottom and the periphery of the hole.

[0012] The first and second lips allow the plug to remain in place through the hole, the wall being held between the first and second lips, i.e., in the peripheral groove. The plug is inserted into the hole, for example, by elastic deformation of at least the second lip, the operator positioning the plug while holding it in place with the gripping means.

[0013] The present solution is notable for the presence of the protruding rib on the inner face. This rib locally stiffens the otherwise elastic plate and secures the second lip, and in particular a base of the second lip, to the periphery of the central zone of the plate. This central zone remains elastic, as it is not stiffened by the rib, and is further secured by means of a grip.Thus, if an operator pulls on this gripping means, particularly a handle, the central area of ​​the plate will concentrate the plate's deformations by bending, allowing a pivot-type rotation between the gripping means and the rib. This rib then has one end pulled in translation along the axis of the cylinder by the gripping means, and a second, opposite end causing the second lip to rotate around the wall, thus allowing this second lip to move away from the wall and the hole. The rib therefore acts as a lever, using the tensile force exerted by the gripping means to move the second lip away from the wall, thus enabling a force of The traction required to extract the plug is much less than with prior art tools, since this second lip no longer needs to be deformed to escape from the hole. This allows the plug to be removed very quickly, for example, in an emergency such as a firefighting operation.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the height of the rib varies, according to the length of the rib, from a non-zero height to a zero height, the zero height being that of the first end of the rib attached to the central area of ​​the plate, the non-zero height being that of the second end of the rib attached to the second lip.

[0015] This arrangement saves material by homogenizing the internal mechanical stresses in the rib.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, this variation in height is linear.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, this cap comprises several of these ribs, obtained from a rotational symmetry of the rib around the axis of the cylinder. Thus, the tensile force of the gripping means is distributed symmetrically on the second lip, the cap can then be extracted along its axis, without being deflected, allowing a simple rectilinear movement of the operator's hand.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first ends of these ribs are disjointed.

[0019] This arrangement makes it possible to preserve a central area large enough so that it remains deformable.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central area of ​​the plate represents at most 40% of the surface of the section of the cylinder corresponding to the cross-section of the cylinder at its end in contact with the inner face and delimited by the inner shape of the cylinder.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central area of ​​the plate represents at least 5% of the surface of the section of the cylinder corresponding to the cross-section of the cylinder at its end in contact with the inner face and delimited by the inner shape of the cylinder.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stopper is made in one piece from an elastic material.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, this elastic material is an elastomer or a plastic.

[0024] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a wall having a through hole obstructed by a plug as previously described.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, this vehicle includes a battery, the wall forming at least part of a battery casing.

[0026] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of a particular, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, made with reference to the figures in which:

[0027] [Fig-1]: Fig. 1 represents a schematic cross-sectional view of a stopper according to the invention, in a position obstructing the hole.

[0028] [Fig.2]: [Fig.2] represents this same plug but in an intermediate position between its obstruction position and a position removed from the hole.

[0029] It should be borne in mind that the figures are given by way of example and are not limiting to the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to scale with practical applications. Furthermore, in what follows, reference is made to all the figures taken in combination. When reference is made to one or more specific figures, these figures are to be taken in combination with the other figures for the recognition of the designated numerical references. The references of unchanged elements or elements having the same function are common to all the figures and embodiment variants.

[0030] Figures 1 and 2 disclose a plug intended for sealing a hole through a wall 1, this plug comprising: - an elastic plate 2 comprising an outer face 3 and an opposing inner face 4, - a gripping means 5 projecting from the outer face 3, originating from a central area 6 on the plate 2, designed to allow the plug to be extracted by an operator if the plug obstructs the hole, - a cylinder 7 extending from the inner face 4, comprising a peripheral groove 8 adapted to fit the periphery of the hole, this groove 8 comprising a first lip 81 intended to cover a first face 11 of the wall 1, and a second lip 82 further away from the plate 2 than the first lip 81 and intended to cover a second face 12 of the wall 1, - a rib 9 projecting from the inner face 4, securing along its length the second lip 82 to the periphery 61 of the central zone 6 to the plate 2.

[0031] This cap has, for example, an axis of symmetry passing through the axis of the cylinder 7 and the center of the central zone 6. This central zone 6 is, for example, contained in the section of the cylinder 7. The geometric center of the plate 2 coincides with the geometric center of the central zone 6, due to the symmetry.

[0032] The cylinder 7 and the hole are advantageously of a corresponding, but arbitrary, shape. However, the hole in the wall 1 is, for example, circular, but could have another shape, notably rectangular. Thus, the cylinder 7 will be of a suitable shape, notably with a circular cross-section for the first case, or rectangular for the second case, but not necessarily: One could, for example, consider a cross-section The circular shape of the cylinder 7 penetrates a rectangular section of the hole. If the cylinder 7 has a rectangular section, the groove 9 will advantageously include an angle of this rectangular section, since this angle will be the most rigid area of ​​the second lip 82.

[0033] If the cylinder 7 is circular, the central zone 6 is, for example, a disk concentric with the cylinder 7, but with a smaller diameter. The periphery 61 of the central zone 6 is then a circle.

[0034] For example, if the cylinder 7 is of arbitrary shape, the periphery 61 of the central zone 6 will have the same arbitrary shape, but reduced. However, another shape can be considered for the periphery 61 of the central zone 6, contained within the cross-section of the cylinder 7.

[0035] The peripheral groove 8 extends, for example, over the entire periphery of the cylinder 7, or over only a part or several parts of the periphery of the cylinder 7. The first and second lips 81, 82 form the two flanks of the peripheral groove 8. The cylinder 7 is adapted to fit the periphery of the hole via the groove 8, but in particular the bottom of the peripheral groove 8 is adapted to fit the periphery of the hole, with or without clearance. Indeed, the optional seal between the plug and the wall 1 can be achieved: - by a tight fit of the lips 81, 82 against the wall 1, if for example the peripheral groove 8 extends over the entire periphery of the cylinder 7, and / or - a support without play of the bottom of the peripheral groove 8 against the periphery of the hole, if this bottom extends over the entire periphery of the cylinder 7.

[0036] Depending on whether this sealing is ensured by one of the lips 81, 82, or by the bottom of the peripheral groove 8, a gap may be present respectively between the bottom and the periphery of the hole, or between the lips 81, 82 and the wall 1.

[0037] This sealing is optional since this plug can simply serve as protection against sharp edges of the hole, for example. In this case, a gap may be present either between the lips 81, 82 and the wall 1 or between the bottom and the periphery of the hole.

[0038] For example and as illustrated, the height h of the rib 9 varies, according to the length of the rib 9, from a non-zero height to a zero height, the zero height being that of a first end 91 of the rib 9 attached to the central area 6 of the plate 2, the non-zero height being that of a second end 92 of the rib 9 attached to the second lip 82.

[0039] Thus, it will be noted that the periphery 61 of the central zone 6 passes through the or through each first end 91 of the rib(s) 9. Thus, if the set of the first ends 91 form a circle, the periphery 61 of the central zone 6 will be this same circle, the central zone 6 then being a disk.

[0040] For example, this variation in height h is linear.

[0041] This plug comprises, for example, several of this rib (9), obtained from a rotational symmetry of the rib (9) about the axis of the cylinder (7). For example, a pair of this rib 9, these two ribs 9 being diametrically opposed, or three ribs arranged at 120° to each other. The number of ribs 9 will depend, for example, on the size of the plate, or for example on a ratio dividing the thickness of the plate by a larger dimension of the cross-section of the cylinder 7.

[0042] For example, the ends 91 of these ribs 9 are disjointed, the central area 6 of the plate 2 separating them.

[0043] For example, the central zone 6 of the plate 2 represents at most 40% of the surface of the section of the cylinder 7 corresponding to the cross-section of the cylinder 7 at its end in contact with the internal face 4 and delimited by the internal shape of the cylinder.

[0044] For example, the central zone 6 of the plate 2 represents at least 5% of the surface area of ​​the section of the cylinder 7.

[0045] For example, this stopper is made in one piece from an elastic material.

[0046] For example, this elastic material is an elastomer or a plastic.

[0047] This invention is advantageously applicable to a motor vehicle comprising a wall 1 having a through hole obstructed by a plug as previously described.

[0048] This vehicle includes, for example, a battery, the wall 1 forming at least part of a battery casing.

[0049] The battery, not shown, is for example an assembly comprising at least one electrochemical cell. When there are several electrochemical cells, they are grouped into one or more modules. This battery may include electrical or electronic means for managing the electrical energy of this at least one module. When there are several modules, they are grouped in a casing or housing and thus form a battery pack, this battery pack being often referred to by the English expression "battery pack," this housing generally containing a mounting interface and connection terminals. This battery pack is, for example, divided into several independent battery sub-assemblies, each comprising its own housing containing at least one module.These battery sub-assemblies are called modular batteries, and some or all of the modular batteries are removable and interchangeable to avoid downtime for recharging, for example, removable from a housing in an electric vehicle or from a fixed power supply station.

[0050] This battery pack, and this or these modular batteries, will also be referred to as the battery throughout the text of this document.

[0051] Furthermore, the term electrochemical cell throughout the text of this document shall be understood to mean cells generating current by chemical reaction, for example of the lithium-ion (or Li-ion) type, of the Ni-Mh type, or Ni-Cd or lead type or even fuel cells.

[0052] Using this battery outside of its nominal conditions, for example following an incident such as accidental overcharging, a short circuit, or exposure to a temperature exceeding the battery's maximum operating temperature, creates a risk of thermal runaway of the cells, which could lead to a fire and / or the generation of toxic hot gases. It is therefore necessary to provide fire extinguishing equipment for such batteries.

[0053] An example of a fire extinguishing means according to the invention is a hole opening into the volume delimited by the battery casing, this hole being blocked by a plug as previously described. The wall 1 is then the casing wall, or an offset wall if a conduit connects this offset wall to the casing. The invention advantageously allows firefighters to remove this plug very easily and quickly, so as to be able to introduce the jet of a fire hose through the exposed hole.

[0054] Figure 1 shows this plug in a position obstructing the hole. This plug comprises two diametrically opposed ribs 9. The central area 6 of the plate 2 is not deformed, and the second lip 82 covers the second face 12 of the wall 1.

[0055] Figure 2 represents this same stopper but in an intermediate position between its obstruction position and a position withdrawn from the hole. The central area 6 of the plate 2 is deformed, more precisely "folded" which causes the rib 9 to move the second lip 82 away from the second face 12 of the wall 1, thus allowing the plug to be extracted without having to deform this second lip 82.

Claims

Demands

1. A plug for sealing a hole through a wall (1), said plug comprising: - an elastic plate (2) having an outer face (3) and an opposing inner face (4), - a gripping means (5) projecting from the outer face (3), originating from a central area (6) on the plate (2), adapted to allow extraction of the plug by an operator if the plug obstructs the hole, - a cylinder (7) extending from the inner face (4), comprising a peripheral groove (8) adapted to fit the periphery of the hole, this groove (8) comprising a first lip (81) intended to cover a first face (11) of the wall (1), and a second lip (82) further from the plate (2) than the first lip (81) and intended to cover a second face (12) of the wall (1), characterized in that it comprises a rib (9) projecting from the inner face (4),securing the second lip (82) to the periphery (61) of the central zone (6) to the plate (2) according to its length, the height (h) of the rib (9) varying, according to the length of the rib (9), from a non-zero height to a zero height, the zero height being that of a first end (91) of the rib (9) secured to the central zone (6) of the plate (2), the non-zero height being that of a second end (92) of the rib (9) secured to the second lip (82).

2. Cap according to claim 1, this variation in height being linear.

3. Plug according to any one of claims 1 to 2, comprising several of this rib (9) obtained from a rotational symmetry of the rib (9) around the axis of the cylinder (7).

4. Plug according to claim 3, these first ends (91) of these ribs (9) being disjointed.

5. Plug according to any one of the preceding claims, the central area (6) to the plate (2) representing at most 40% of the surface of a section of the cylinder (7) corresponding to the cross-section of the cylinder (7) at its end in contact with the inner face (4) and delimited by the inner shape of the cylinder.

6. Stopper according to any one of the preceding claims, made in one piece from an elastic material.

7. Stopper according to claim 6, this elastic material being an elastomer or a plastic.

8. Motor vehicle comprising a wall (1) having a through hole obstructed by a plug according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Vehicle according to claim 8, comprising a battery, the wall (1) forming at least a part of a battery housing.

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