Pressure application cover for vehicle system

Abstract

A pressure application cover (2) for a vehicle system (1) comprising a first metal layer (3) and a second polyamide layer (4) in direct contact with and completely covering the first metal layer (3), the pressure application cover (2) comprising a weakened portion (6) configured to break under the action of a predetermined force.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application is related to Italian patent application No. 102022000012698 filed on June 15, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a cover, and more particularly to a pressure applying cover for a vehicle system.

[0004] The invention is preferably, but not exclusively, applied in components of vehicle systems which have the function of closing openings, if necessary to prevent the ingress of contaminants and / or to prevent the leakage of fluids contained in said components. Said applications will be mentioned below by way of example. Background Art

[0005] It is known to use a pressure-applying cover to close an opening formed in a vehicle system. An example of such a cover in the prior art is shown in EP3033505A1.

[0006] As shown in the cited publication, the cover is press-fitted into an opening of a vehicle system, such as an engine system, of the vehicle. The cover has a high resistance to vehicle operating temperatures and pressures and is at the same time particularly rigid and also biocompatible.

[0007] However, once assembled, covers of the type shown are difficult to remove to gain access to the engine system through the opening for maintenance or inspection.

[0008] There is therefore a need to facilitate removal of the cover without compromising the above-mentioned excellent properties of the cover of the above-mentioned type during its standard operation.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to meet the above-mentioned needs in an optimized and inexpensive manner. Summary of the invention

[0010] The above objects are achieved by a cover and a vehicle system as described in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] For a better understanding of the present invention, preferred embodiments are described below by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a side schematic view of an engine system provided with a cover according to the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2 is a radial cross-sectional view of a cover according to the present invention; and

[0014] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The three-dimensional views are respectively from above and from below of a cover according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Figure 1 A vehicle system 1 of a vehicle is shown, for example an engine housing.

[0016] In the embodiment shown, the vehicle system 1 comprises a plurality of rigid pressure applying covers 2 according to the invention. In the following, for the sake of brevity, the expression "rigid pressure applying cover" will be replaced by "cover" or "pressure cover".

[0017] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the pressure cover 2 comprises a first structural layer 3 made of a metal material and a second protective layer 4 made of polyamide.

[0018] Advantageously, the second layer 4 is located outside the first layer 3, so that the first layer 3 is contained inside and in direct contact with the second layer 4. Preferably, the entire first layer 3 is completely surrounded by the second layer 4 over its entire surface.

[0019] Advantageously, the polyamide of the second layer 4 is a biopolyamide, preferably derived from castor oil, such as PA 1 1. More preferably, the second layer 4 is of the family of biopolyamides sold under the RILSAN brand.

[0020] In particular, the second layer is made of more than 50% polyamide, advantageously more than 80% polyamide and even more preferably completely polyamide.

[0021] Advantageously, the thickness of the first layer 3 ranges from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, preferably from 0.75 mm to 1.5 mm, and the thickness of the second layer 4 ranges from 0.15 mm to 0.3 mm, preferably from 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0022] The first layer 3 is advantageously made of steel or cast iron or aluminium.

[0023] The pressure cap 2 can be manufactured according to the process shown in the cited publication EP3033505A1 and will not be described in detail for the sake of brevity.

[0024] As in Figure 2 As can be better seen in FIG. 1 , the pressure cap 2 comprises a coupling portion 2 ′ configured to cooperate with the opening 5 of the vehicle system 1 , and a middle portion 2 ″ radially enclosed by the coupling portion 2 ′.

[0025] In particular, in the described embodiment, the coupling portion 2 ′ has a circular ring shape and the intermediate portion 2 ″ has a disc shape.

[0026] The coupling portion 2 ′ thus extends around an axis A which, in use, is advantageously coaxial with the axis of the opening 5 .

[0027] Specifically, the coupling portion 2' includes an axial wall 2a, a radial wall 2b, and an inclined wall 2c, wherein the axial wall 2a is configured to be mated in contact with the wall of the above-mentioned opening 5 and therefore extends parallel to the axis A, the radial wall 2b extends from one end of the axial wall 2a, and the inclined wall 2c extends from the radial wall 2b on the opposite side relative to the axial wall 2a and points to the opposite end relative to the radial wall 2b.

[0028] In the embodiment described, the inclined wall 2c extends in a conical manner, reducing its distance from the axis A as it moves away from the radial wall 2b.

[0029] Specifically, the axial wall 2a, the radial wall 2b, and the inclined wall 2c are connected to each other through a curved portion 2d having a predetermined radius.

[0030] According to the above-described geometry, a space 2''' therefore exists radially between the axial wall 2a and the inclined wall 2c and is axially delimited on one side by the radial wall 2b and is open on the opposite side.

[0031] The middle part 2" basically comprises a single wall 2e connected to the inclined wall 2c; preferably, the single wall 2e is connected to the inclined wall 2c via a bent part 2d.

[0032] The above-mentioned curved portions 2d are advantageously formed to have the same radius of curvature.

[0033] In particular, the single wall 2e is positioned substantially at the same height as the end of the axial wall 2a opposite the radial wall 2b.

[0034] The pressure cap 1 advantageously comprises a weakened portion 6 configured to rupture under the action of a predetermined force. For example, the predetermined force may be provided by a tool such as a screwdriver or a specific device suitable for the purpose, such as a hook element.

[0035] Preferably, the weakened portion 6 is formed in the middle portion 2". Advantageously, the weakened portion 6 is made as a lowering 7 in the middle portion 2", ie in a single wall 2e.

[0036] Preferably, the lowered portion 7 is substantially centered relative to the middle portion 2 ″ and is rectangular according to the embodiment shown.

[0037] Specifically, the weakened portion 6 defines a cutout 8 relative to the first layer 3 defining the middle portion 2" (i.e., the single wall 2e). In other words, the two portions of the first layer 3 are separated from each other by the cutout 8. In particular, the cutout 8 is formed at the deepest portion of the lowered portion 7 relative to the single wall 2e.

[0038] In particular, according to the described embodiment, the cutout 8 is formed on one of the sides of the rectangle, preferably on one of the short sides of the rectangle.

[0039] The cutout 8 is completely occupied by the second layer 4 , which forms a bridge portion 9 between the two portions of the first layer 3 separated by the cutout 8 .

[0040] The size and shape of the cutouts 8 and bridges 9 may vary depending on the size and type of pressure cap 1 required.

[0041] The operation of the embodiment of the pressure cap 1 according to the present invention described above is as follows.

[0042] In the operating state, the cover 1 is press-fitted in the opening 5, ie such that a force is exerted between the axial wall 2a and the opening 5. Said force is ensured by the "spring" effect provided by the inclined wall 2c which can be compressed according to the interference between the opening 5 and the axial wall 2a.

[0043] If it is necessary to remove the cover 1 from the opening 5, the user can pierce the cover 1 by acting on the weakened portion 6. In particular, the user can act on the short edge, which is deeper than the single wall 2e, which is essentially made only of the second layer 4 and is therefore less strong. Once penetrated by means of a suitable tool (such as a hook or a screwdriver), the cover can be easily removed thanks to the lever acting between the insertion point of the tool and the axial wall 2a.

[0044] From the above, the advantages of the pressure cap according to the present invention are apparent.

[0045] Due to the weakened portion, the pressure cap can be easily removed with it fitted in the opening, without compromising its structural, thermal and chemical / physical resistances.

[0046] In particular, arranging the middle portion of the cover at a specific lowered, visually identifiable point allows for easy identification by a user, who can easily remove it by applying reduced force and with the aid of a suitable tool, such as a hook or a screwdriver.

[0047] In fact, the presence of a first metal layer and a second polyamide layer ensures known resistance to high temperatures, thermal shocks and the operating pressures of the above-mentioned vehicle applications.

[0048] Furthermore, polyamides are very environmentally friendly compounds.

[0049] Finally, it is clear that modifications and variations may be made to the pressure cap according to the invention without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0050] For example, the described form and the described scope may vary relative to the specification within the limits of the claims.

Claims

1. A pressure-applying cover (2) for a vehicle system (1), the cover comprising a first metal layer (3) and a second polyamide layer (4), the second polyamide layer (4) being in direct contact with the first metal layer (3) and completely covering the first metal layer (3), the pressure-applying cover (2) comprising a weakened portion (6), the weakened portion (6) being configured to rupture under the action of a predetermined force.

2. The cover according to claim 1, wherein The cover (2) comprises a connecting portion (2') and a middle portion (2"), wherein the connecting portion (2') is configured to be press-fitted into an opening (5) of the vehicle system (1) and extends around an axis (A), the middle portion (2") is radially surrounded by the connecting portion (2"), and the weakened portion (6) is formed in the middle portion (2").

3. The cover according to claim 2, wherein: The weakened portion (6) includes a lowered portion (7).

4. The cover according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The weakened portion (6) comprises a cutout (8) between two portions of the first metal layer (3), the cutout (8) being occupied by the second polyamide layer (4).

5. The cover according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The lowered portion (7) has a rectangular shape.

6. The cover according to claim 5 and 4, wherein: The cutout (8) is formed in one of the short sides of the lowered portion (7) having a rectangular shape.

7. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The lowered portion (7) is centered relative to the axis (A).

8. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first layer (3) is made of steel, cast iron or aluminum.

9. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second layer (4) comprises at least 50% polyamide.

10. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second layer (4) comprises at least 80% polyamide.

11. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second layer (4) is made entirely of polyamide.

12. The cover according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein The coupling portion (2') comprises an axial wall (2a), a radial wall (2b) and an inclined wall (2c), wherein the axial wall (2a) is configured to be matched in contact with the opening (5), the radial wall (2b) extends from one end of the axial wall (2a), and the inclined wall (2c) extends from the radial wall (2b) on the side opposite to the axial wall (2a) and is matched with the intermediate portion (2").

13. The cover according to claim 12, wherein: The intermediate portion (2") comprises a single wall (2e).

14. The cover according to claim 13, wherein The walls (2a, 2b, 2c, 2e) are connected by connecting portions (2d), which define the same radius of curvature.

15. Use of a pressure-applying cover (2) according to any one of the preceding claims as a cover for a vehicle system (1).

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