Valve cover and vehicle

Abstract

This disclosure provides a valve cover and a vehicle, belonging to the field of automotive parts technology. The valve cover includes an edge housing, a middle housing, a first sealing ring, and a second sealing ring, with the edge housing located outside the middle housing. The bottom of the edge housing has multiple spaced-apart bosses, each boss having a first groove, and the first sealing ring located in the first groove. The bottom of the middle housing has a second groove, and the second sealing ring located in the second groove. The gaps between the bosses ensure the normal release of the sealing force of the first sealing ring, thereby resisting the creep of the first groove caused by the reaction force of the first sealing ring, thus enabling the first sealing ring to achieve effective sealing between the edge housing and the cylinder head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of automotive parts technology, and in particular to a valve cover and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] For the engine itself, the valve cover is a critical component, affecting not only the engine's weight but also directly determining its overall cost. The valve cover connects to the cylinder head and seals components such as the valve train. Especially now that hybrid engines are mainstream, the air filter in the vehicle must be fixed to the engine's valve cover due to space constraints in the front-cabin hybrid transmission. During driving, the engine's valve cover must withstand not only the vibrations of the engine itself but also the high-frequency pulsations from the air filter. Therefore, the valve cover must have high structural rigidity and strength to ensure a reliable seal between the valve cover and the cylinder head, preventing bolt torque attenuation and sealing strip cracking due to excessive vibration, which could lead to seal failure.

[0003] However, the valve cover in this technology has poor rigidity. Increased engine temperature, ignition coil vibration, and the reaction force of the valve cover's sealing ring can all easily lead to increased creep in the valve cover. This results in poor sealing between the valve cover and the cylinder head, potentially causing ignition coil seal failure, allowing engine oil to enter the cylinder and causing oil burning. It can also lead to decreased torque on the valve cover bolts, large-area oil leakage, and damage to the engine's appearance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a valve cover and a vehicle that can solve the technical problems existing in the related art. The technical solutions of the valve cover and the vehicle are as follows.

[0005] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a valve cover, the valve cover comprising an edge housing, an intermediate housing, a first sealing ring, and a second sealing ring;

[0006] The edge housing is located outside the middle housing;

[0007] The bottom of the edge housing has a plurality of spaced protrusions, each protrusion having a first groove, and the first sealing ring is located in the first groove;

[0008] The bottom of the intermediate housing has a second groove, and the second sealing ring is located in the second groove.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first groove includes a first sub-groove and a second sub-groove, the second sub-groove being located below the first sub-groove, and the width of the second sub-groove being greater than the width of the first sub-groove;

[0010] The first sealing ring includes a first sealing structure and a second sealing structure. The first sealing structure is located in the first sub-groove, and the second sealing structure is located in the second sub-groove. The width of the second sealing structure is greater than the width of the first sub-groove.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the depth of the second sub-groove is less than the depth of the first sub-groove.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the second groove is annular, and the second sealing ring is annular.

[0013] In one possible implementation, there are four of each of the second groove and the second sealing ring.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the cross-sectional shape of the second groove is different from that of the first groove, and the cross-sectional shape of the second sealing ring is different from that of the first sealing ring.

[0015] The technical solution provided in this disclosure can enrich the types of sealing rings in the valve cover. It avoids simultaneous damage to both the first and second sealing rings, thereby ensuring the sealing performance between the valve cover and the cylinder head.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the cross-sectional shape of the second groove is I-shaped;

[0017] The second sealing ring has an I-shaped cross-section.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the cross-sectional shape of the second groove is V-shaped;

[0019] The second sealing ring has a V-shaped cross-section.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the number of bosses is 30-50.

[0021] The technical solution provided in this disclosure sets the number of protrusions to 30-50, which can both ensure the sealing effect of the first sealing ring and resist the creep of the valve chamber cover.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the height of the boss is 4mm-8mm. This ensures both the sealing effect of the first sealing ring and resistance to creep of the valve cover.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the distance between adjacent bosses is 5mm-10mm. This ensures both the sealing effect of the first sealing ring and resistance to creep of the valve cover.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the wall thickness of the intermediate shell is 7mm-10mm.

[0025] The technical solution provided in this disclosure increases the rigidity of the intermediate housing by setting its wall thickness to 7mm-10mm. This creates a rigid connection and sealing structure between the bottom of the intermediate housing and the cylinder head. This mitigates vibration between the valve cover and the cylinder head, preventing the second sealing ring from cracking due to shear force caused by periodic relative vibration.

[0026] In a second aspect, this disclosure also provides a vehicle including a cylinder head and a valve cover as described in any of the first aspects, the valve cover being connected to the cylinder head.

[0027] The technical solution provided in this disclosure includes at least the following beneficial effects:

[0028] This disclosure provides a valve cover, wherein multiple bosses are provided on the bottom of the edge housing of the valve cover, and a first sealing ring is located in a first groove of the boss. The multiple bosses are arranged at intervals, and the gap between the bosses ensures the normal release of the sealing force of the first sealing ring, thereby resisting the creep of the first groove caused by the reaction force of the first sealing ring, and thus enabling the first sealing ring to achieve effective sealing between the edge housing and the cylinder head.

[0029] In addition, after the bolts between the valve cover and the cylinder head are tightened, the tightening height of the bolts will not change because the creep of the valve cover is reduced. This improves the problem of torque attenuation of the bolts and avoids gaps between the bolts and the mounting surface.

[0030] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of a valve chamber cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram illustrating the engagement of the edge housing and the first sealing ring in a free state, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the engagement of the intermediate housing and the second sealing ring in a free state, as shown in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the assembly state of the edge housing and the first sealing ring according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the assembly state of the intermediate housing and the second sealing ring according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0037] Legend:

[0038] 1. Edge shell;

[0039] 11. Boss; 111. First groove; 1111. First sub-groove; 1112. Second sub-groove;

[0040] 2. Intermediate shell;

[0041] 3. First sealing ring;

[0042] 31. First sealing structure;

[0043] 32. Second sealing structure;

[0044] 4. Second sealing ring;

[0045] 100. Cylinder head;

[0046] 200. Valve cover.

[0047] The accompanying drawings have illustrated specific embodiments of this disclosure, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of this disclosure to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the embodiments of this disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] The terminology used in the embodiments section of this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein should be understood in their ordinary sense by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “a” or “one,” and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding “comprising” or “including” encompass the elements or objects listed following “comprising” or “including” and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The terms “connected,” “linked,” and similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, and these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described object changes.

[0050] In recent years, soaring raw material prices and increasingly stringent lightweighting requirements worldwide have placed higher demands on the cost of automotive engines, especially passenger car engines, where cost reduction is a significant challenge. A lack of weight advantage can severely impact market competitiveness. As vehicle cost and weight reduction and energy efficiency requirements continue to rise, the design requirements for engine components are also constantly increasing. For engines, the valve cover is a critical component, affecting not only engine weight but also directly determining the overall engine cost. The valve cover connects to the cylinder head and seals components such as the valve train. Especially now that hybrid engines have become mainstream, the air filter in the vehicle must be fixed to the engine's valve cover due to space constraints in the front-mounted hybrid transmission. During vehicle operation, the engine's valve cover must withstand not only the vibration of the engine itself but also the high-frequency pulsations from the air filter. Therefore, the overall structure of the valve cover must be rigid and strong to ensure a reliable seal between the valve cover and the cylinder head, and to prevent the valve cover bolt torque from decreasing and the sealing strip from cracking due to excessive vibration, which could lead to seal failure.

[0051] However, the valve cover in this technology has poor rigidity. Increased engine temperature, ignition coil vibration, and the reaction force of the valve cover's sealing ring can all easily lead to increased creep in the valve cover. This results in poor sealing between the valve cover and the cylinder head, potentially causing ignition coil seal failure, leading to oil entering the cylinder and causing oil burning. It can also cause a decrease in the torque of the valve cover bolts, resulting in large-area oil leakage and damage to the engine's appearance.

[0052] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems, the present disclosure provides a valve cover with high rigidity and resistance to creep. The valve cover provided in the present disclosure is described below by way of example.

[0053] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the valve cover includes an edge housing 1, an intermediate housing 2, a first sealing ring 3, and a second sealing ring 4. The edge housing 1 is located outside the intermediate housing 2. The bottom of the edge housing 1 has multiple spaced protrusions 11, each protrusion 11 having a first groove 111, and the first sealing ring 3 is located in the first groove 111. The bottom of the intermediate housing 2 has a second groove 21, and the second sealing ring 4 is located in the second groove 21.

[0054] The edge housing 1 and the middle housing 2 are integrally formed. The valve cover 200 is connected to the cylinder head 100 by bolts.

[0055] The first groove 111 and the first sealing ring 3 have the same shape as the edge contour of the valve cover 200. The first sealing ring 3 is used to seal the mounting surface between the edge housing 1 and the cylinder head 100, thereby providing a seal between the engine valve train and the outside world.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the second groove 21 and the second sealing ring 4 are annular, and there are four second grooves 21 and two sealing rings 4. The second sealing ring 4 is used to seal the mounting surface between the engine ignition coil and the oil sump of the cylinder head 100.

[0057] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, before the valve cover 200 is installed onto the cylinder head 100, the first sealing ring 3 and the second sealing ring 4 are in a free and uncompressed state. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, after the valve cover 200 is installed on the cylinder head 100, the first sealing ring 3 and the second sealing ring 4 are in a compressed state.

[0058] The technical solution provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of protrusions 11 at the bottom of the edge housing 1 of the valve cover 200, and a first sealing ring 3 located in the first groove 111 of the protrusion 11. The plurality of protrusions 11 are arranged at intervals, and the gap between the protrusions 11 ensures the normal release of the sealing force of the first sealing ring 3, thereby resisting the creep of the first groove 111 caused by the reaction force of the first sealing ring 3, and thus enabling the first sealing ring 3 to achieve effective sealing between the edge housing 1 and the cylinder head 100.

[0059] In addition, after the bolts between the valve cover 200 and the cylinder head 100 are tightened, the tightening height of the bolts will not change because the creep of the valve cover 200 is reduced. This improves the problem of torque attenuation of the bolts and avoids gaps between the bolts and the mounting surface.

[0060] In some examples, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the first groove 111 includes a first sub-groove 1111 and a second sub-groove 1112. The second sub-groove 1112 is located below the first sub-groove 1111, and the width of the second sub-groove 1112 is greater than the width of the first sub-groove 1111. The first sealing ring 3 includes a first sealing structure 31 and a second sealing structure 32. The first sealing structure 31 is located in the first sub-groove 1111, and the second sealing structure 32 is located in the second sub-groove 1112. The width of the second sealing structure 32 is greater than the width of the first sub-groove 1111.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the first groove 111 and the cross-sectional shape of the first sealing ring 3 are T-shaped, and the bottom of the second sealing structure 32 abuts against the cylinder head 100.

[0062] During engine operation, the valve cover 200 vibrates relative to the cylinder head 100 and receives radiant heat from the cylinder head and the vehicle's front compartment. This may cause deformation of the first sealing ring 3, such as increased compression. Since the width of the second sealing structure 32 is greater than the width of the first sub-groove 1111, even if the compression of the first sealing ring 3 increases, it will only lead to further compression of the first sealing structure 31, not further compression of the second sealing structure 32. This results in a smaller reaction force from the first sealing structure 31 on the first sub-groove 1111, thus preventing creep in the first sub-groove 1111. This allows the valve cover to resist creep, ensuring that the tightening height of the connecting bolts between the valve cover and the cylinder head does not change significantly. This prevents loosening due to gaps between the bolts and the mounting surface, thereby ensuring the connection strength between the valve cover and the cylinder head.

[0063] In some examples, such as Figure 4As shown, the depth of the second sub-groove 1112 is less than the depth of the first sub-groove 1111. Correspondingly, the thickness of the second sealing structure 32 is less than the thickness of the first sealing structure 31.

[0064] Of course, in some other examples, the depth of the second sub-groove 1112 may also be greater than the depth of the first sub-groove 1111.

[0065] In some examples, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the second groove 21 is different from that of the first groove 111, and the cross-sectional shape of the second sealing ring 4 is different from that of the first sealing ring 3.

[0066] Currently, most valve cover structures use a single design for their sealing rings. Compared to related technologies, the valve cover 200 provided in this disclosure offers a wider variety of sealing rings. This prevents the first sealing ring 3 and the second sealing ring 4 from cracking and being damaged simultaneously, thereby ensuring the sealing performance between the valve cover 200 and the cylinder head 100.

[0067] In some examples, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the second groove 21 is I-shaped, and the cross-sectional shape of the second sealing ring 4 is also I-shaped.

[0068] Of course, in other examples, the cross-section of the second groove 21 may also be in other shapes, such as V-shaped and Y-shaped, etc., and this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0069] In some examples, the number of bosses 11 is 30-50.

[0070] If the number of protrusions 11 is too small, the distance between adjacent protrusions 11 will be too large, making it difficult for the first groove 111 of the protrusion 11 to limit the first sealing ring 3. Alternatively, it may cause the length of the protrusions 11 to be too long, making it difficult for the edge housing 1 to release the sealing force of the first sealing ring 3, thus causing the edge housing 1 to creep.

[0071] If there are too many bosses 11, the distance between them will be too small, making it difficult for the edge housing 1 to release the sealing force of the first sealing ring 3, thus causing the edge housing 1 to creep. Alternatively, the length of the bosses 11 may be too small, making it difficult for them to limit the position of the first sealing ring 3.

[0072] Understandably, in actual production, the number of bosses 11 can be set according to the actual size of the valve cover.

[0073] In some examples, the height of boss 11 is 4mm-8mm.

[0074] If the height of the boss 11 is too small, the thickness of the first sealing ring 3 will be too small, resulting in a poor sealing effect of the first sealing ring 3.

[0075] If the height of the boss 11 is too large, the thickness of the first sealing ring 3 will be too large, which may cause the first sealing ring 3 to generate a large reaction force on the first groove 111, thereby causing the first groove 111 to creep, thus affecting the sealing performance between the edge housing 1 and the cylinder head 100.

[0076] In some examples, the distance between adjacent bosses 11 is 5mm-10mm.

[0077] If the distance between adjacent bosses 11 is too large, the first groove 111 of the boss 11 will be unable to limit the first sealing ring 3.

[0078] If the distance between adjacent bosses 11 is too small, the edge housing 1 will have difficulty in releasing the sealing force of the first sealing ring 3, which will cause the edge housing 1 to creep.

[0079] In some examples, the wall thickness of the intermediate housing 2 is 7mm-10mm. The thickness of the intermediate housing 2 of the valve cover provided in this embodiment is 1.5 times the thickness of the intermediate housing of the valve cover in the related art. This strengthens the rigidity of the intermediate housing 2.

[0080] In related technologies, during engine operation, vibration of the ignition coil and high engine temperature can easily cause creep in the second groove 21. This embodiment increases the thickness of the intermediate housing 2 and, in conjunction with the second sealing ring 4, ensures that the bottom of the intermediate housing 2 directly contacts the cylinder head 100, forming a rigid connection sealing structure. This mitigates vibration between the valve cover 200 and the cylinder head 100, preventing the second sealing ring 4 from cracking due to shear force caused by periodic relative vibration, thus ensuring the sealing performance between the valve cover 200 and the cylinder head 100 and guaranteeing the normal operation of the automotive engine.

[0081] The assembly process of the valve cover and cylinder head is described below by way of example.

[0082] First, the first sealing ring 3 is inserted into the first groove 111, at which point the first sealing ring 3 is in a free and uncompressed state. Then, the second sealing ring 4 is inserted into the second groove 21, at which point the second sealing ring 4 is in a free and uncompressed state.

[0083] Then, the valve cover 200 is assembled onto the cylinder head 100, and the connecting bolts between the valve cover 200 and the cylinder head 100 are tightened. This causes the first sealing ring 3 to be compressed in the first groove 111, while the second sealing ring 4 is compressed in the second groove 21.

[0084] Because the valve cover provided in this embodiment has low creep, the tightening height of the bolts on the valve cover will not change significantly, thereby avoiding loosening due to gaps between the bolts and the mounting surface, and thus ensuring the connection strength between the valve cover and the cylinder head.

[0085] The technical solution provided in this disclosure avoids creep of the first groove 111 by providing multiple spaced protrusions 11 at the bottom of the edge housing 1. Furthermore, it improves the problem of gradual torque decay of the connecting bolts between the valve cover 200 and the cylinder head 100.

[0086] Furthermore, by setting the first sealing ring 3 and the second sealing ring 4 to different types of sealing rings, the types of sealing rings of the valve cover are no longer limited to one type, thus avoiding the simultaneous damage of the first sealing ring 3 and the second sealing ring 4, thereby ensuring the sealing performance between the valve cover and the cylinder head.

[0087] Furthermore, the wall thickness of the intermediate housing 2 is increased to 7mm-10mm, enhancing its rigidity. This creates a rigid connection and sealing structure between the bottom of the intermediate housing 2 and the cylinder head 100. This mitigates vibration between the valve cover and the cylinder head, preventing the second sealing ring 4 from cracking due to shear force caused by periodic relative vibration. This, in turn, ensures the sealing performance between the valve cover and the cylinder head.

[0088] This disclosure also provides a vehicle, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the vehicle includes a cylinder head 100 and the aforementioned valve cover 200, with the valve cover 200 connected to the cylinder head 100.

[0089] The vehicle can be a gasoline vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle; this disclosure does not specifically limit the type of vehicle.

[0090] The edge housing 1 of the valve cover 200 is fitted to the edge of the cylinder head 100. The middle housing 2 of the valve cover 200 is fitted to the oil sump of the cylinder head 100.

[0091] The technical solution provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of protrusions 11 at the bottom of the edge housing 1 of the valve cover 200, with the first sealing ring 3 located in the first groove 111 of the protrusion 11. The protrusions 11 are spaced apart, and the gaps between them ensure the normal release of the sealing force of the first sealing ring 3, thereby resisting the creep of the first groove 111 caused by the reaction force of the first sealing ring 3. This allows the first sealing ring 3 to achieve an effective seal between the edge housing 1 and the cylinder head 100, ensuring the normal operation of the vehicle's engine and thus enabling the vehicle to run smoothly.

[0092] In addition, after the bolts between the valve cover 200 and the cylinder head 100 are tightened, the tightening height of the bolts will not change because the creep of the valve cover 200 is reduced. This improves the problem of torque attenuation of the bolts and avoids gaps between the bolts and the mounting surface.

[0093] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A valve chamber cover, characterized in that, The valve chamber cover includes an edge housing (1), an intermediate housing (2), a first sealing ring (3), and a second sealing ring (4); The edge shell (1) is located outside the middle shell (2); The bottom of the edge housing (1) has a plurality of spaced protrusions (11), each protrusion (11) having a first groove (111), the first groove (111) including a first sub-groove (1111) and a second sub-groove (1112), the second sub-groove (1112) being located below the first sub-groove (1111), and the width of the second sub-groove (1112) being greater than the width of the first sub-groove (1111). The first sealing ring (3) includes a first sealing structure (31) and a second sealing structure (32), the first sealing structure (31) being located in the first sub-groove (1111), the second sealing structure (32) being located in the second sub-groove (1112), and the width of the second sealing structure (32) being greater than the width of the first sub-groove (1111). The bottom of the intermediate housing (2) has a second groove (21), and the second sealing ring (4) is located in the second groove (21). The cross-sectional shape of the second groove (21) is different from that of the first groove (111), and the cross-sectional shape of the second sealing ring (4) is different from that of the first sealing ring (3).

2. The valve chamber cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The depth of the second sub-groove (1112) is less than the depth of the first sub-groove (1111).

3. The valve chamber cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the second groove (21) is I-shaped; The cross-sectional shape of the second sealing ring (4) is I-shaped.

4. The valve chamber cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the bosses (11) is 30-50.

5. The valve chamber cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the boss (11) is 4mm-8mm.

6. The valve chamber cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between adjacent bosses (11) is 5mm-10mm.

7. The valve chamber cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the intermediate shell (2) is 7mm-10mm.

8. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a cylinder head (100) and a valve cover (200) as claimed in any one of claims 1-7, the valve cover (200) being connected to the cylinder head (100).

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