HOUSING COVER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing cover for securing to a housing, wherein the housing cover is provided with a plurality of fastening means through-openings and with a sealing bead comprising an elastomeric material, and wherein the sealing bead is arranged on a sealing support surface of the housing cover.

[0002] From EP 1 683 997 A2 a housing cover is known in which a sealing bead made of an elastomer material is arranged in a groove embossed in the housing cover.

[0003] The requirement to provide a groove in the housing cover, the width of which must be greater than the width of the sealing bead when the housing cover is not pressed, limits the design freedom of the housing cover.

[0004] JP 2015 141991 A discloses a housing cover for fixing to a housing according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] JP H11 233962 A discloses a housing cover for securing to a housing, wherein the housing cover comprises a bent edge region which is pressed against a sealing element when the housing cover and the housing are clamped together.

[0006] JP 2004 095929 A discloses a housing cover for fixing to a housing, wherein a groove is provided on the housing in which a seal is received, wherein the housing cover covers the groove.

[0007] JP 2011 071362 A discloses a housing cover for fixing to a housing, wherein the housing comprises at least one groove in which a seal is arranged, wherein the housing cover covers the at least one groove.

[0008] The present invention is based on the object of creating a housing cover of the type mentioned at the outset, in which the course of the sealing bead can be designed more freely and in particular can be placed closer to the fastening means passage openings of the housing cover and which in particular can also be produced from a relatively thin starting material.

[0009] This object is achieved by a housing cover according to claim 1.

[0010] In the housing cover according to the invention, in the assembled state of the housing cover, in which the sealing bead is pressed between the housing cover and the housing to be closed by the housing cover, the deformation limiting element is in the main force connection and the sealing bead is in the secondary force connection. This prevents excessive deformation of the sealing bead.

[0011] In principle, the at least one deformation limiting element could be produced, for example, by a stamping process or a deep-drawing process on a base body of the housing cover.

[0012] The production of a deformation limiting element, which typically has a height of, for example, 1.0 mm, on a sheet-like starting material which has a low material thickness of, for example, 1.5 mm or less, is problematic due to the material weakening in this area by the stamping process.

[0013] It is therefore advantageous that, according to the present invention, a bending process is used to produce the deformation-limiting element instead of a stamping process or a deep-drawing process.

[0014] By producing the at least one deformation limiting element by a bending process, it is readily possible to produce a deformation limiting element that projects beyond the seal support surface by a height H of approximately 1.0 mm from a starting material with a material thickness of 1.5 mm or less, without weakening the material of the housing cover in the bending region.

[0015] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the bending angle α in the bending area is substantially 90°.

[0016] In this case, an end region of the bending region facing away from the seal support region is positioned substantially perpendicular to the seal support surface in the direction facing the housing in the assembled state of the housing cover, without folding one region of the housing cover onto another region of the housing cover.

[0017] This allows the deformation limiting element to be designed to be very space-saving.

[0018] This embodiment of the deformation limiting element is particularly suitable for producing a deformation limiting element in an intermediate fastening means passage opening region of the housing cover arranged between two fastening means passage openings of the housing cover.

[0019] The bending area preferably ends at an end face with which the housing cover can be placed against the housing.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the bending angle α is more than 160°, particularly preferably approximately 180°.

[0021] The deformation-limiting element preferably comprises a transfer region which is connected, preferably in one piece, via the bending region and a contact region to a seal support region of the housing cover on which the seal bead is arranged, wherein the transfer region rests against the contact region on the same side of the housing cover on which the seal bead is arranged on the seal support region.

[0022] The transfer area preferably lies flatly, particularly preferably over the entire surface or substantially over the entire surface, on the contact area of ​​the housing cover.

[0023] The average thickness of the allocation area can be essentially the same as the average thickness of the investment area.

[0024] The thickness of the transfer area and the thickness of the contact area can correspond to the thickness of the starting material from which the housing cover is formed.

[0025] This starting material is preferably a sheet-like material.

[0026] Furthermore, the starting material is preferably a metallic material.

[0027] For example, the starting material may comprise aluminum, particularly as a main component.

[0028] The starting material can be an aluminum alloy.

[0029] Furthermore, it can be provided that the starting material is a steel material, preferably a stainless steel material.

[0030] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the average thickness of the transfer area is smaller than the average thickness of the contact area.

[0031] The thickness of the transfer zone can be reduced compared to the thickness of the contact zone, for example, by a leveling process. Preferably, no leveling process is performed in the contact zone, or a leveling process is performed that involves a lower degree of deformation than the leveling process performed in the transfer zone.

[0032] In this case, the thickness of the contact area can be the same as the thickness of the seal support area or smaller than the thickness of the seal support area.

[0033] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the thickness of the transfer area varies with increasing distance from the bending area.

[0034] In particular, it can be provided that the thickness of the transfer area decreases with increasing distance from the bending area.

[0035] The thickness of the transfer area can vary continuously, preferably linearly, depending on the distance from the bending area.

[0036] Furthermore, in a particular embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the thickness of the contact area varies with increasing distance from the bending area.

[0037] Preferably, the thickness of the contact area increases with increasing distance from the bending area.

[0038] The thickness of the contact area can vary continuously, preferably linearly, depending on the distance from the bending area.

[0039] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sum DG of the local thickness DU of the transfer region and the local thickness DA of the contact region is substantially independent of the distance from the bending region and thus preferably substantially constant.

[0040] In an embodiment of the housing cover according to the invention which is very easy to manufacture, it is provided that the thickness of the transfer area and the thickness of the contact area are substantially equal to the thickness of the seal support area and preferably substantially equal to the thickness of the starting material from which the housing cover is made.

[0041] In this case, the bending process for producing the bending area can be carried out without first performing a planing process for reducing a thickness of the contact area and / or for reducing a thickness of the transfer area.

[0042] However, in such a design of the housing cover, the height H of the deformation limiting element above the seal support surface is determined by the thickness of the starting material.

[0043] In a special design of the housing cover, it is therefore provided that the thickness of the transfer area and / or the thickness of the contact area is at least partially smaller than the thickness of the seal support area.

[0044] This makes it possible to design the deformation limiting element such that the thickness H of the deformation limiting element above the seal support surface is smaller than the thickness of the starting material.

[0045] In a first alternative of the invention, the at least one deformation-limiting element comprises at least one fastening means passage opening section which extends along a circumferential direction of one of the fastening means passage openings over a circumferential angle β around the respective fastening means passage opening.

[0046] Preferably, this circumferential angle is less than 360°.

[0047] The circumferential angle β, which is determined with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the respective fastening means passage opening, is preferably more than 90°, in particular more than 120°, particularly preferably more than 160°.

[0048] Furthermore, the circumferential angle β, which is determined with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the respective fastening means passage opening, is preferably less than 270°, particularly preferably less than 200°.

[0049] In a second alternative of the invention, the at least one deformation-limiting element comprises at least one intermediate fastening means passage opening section which extends along a circumferential direction of an edge section of the housing cover lying between two of the fastening means passage openings.

[0050] The edge section of the housing cover located between two of the fastening means passage openings can be substantially straight or curved.

[0051] The intermediate fastening means passage opening section of the deformation limiting element preferably extends over more than half the length of the edge section of the housing cover lying between the two fastening means passage openings, in particular over more than three-quarters of the length of this edge section, particularly preferably over more than 90% of the length of this edge section.

[0052] The intermediate fastening means passage opening portion of the deformation limiting element may have at least one drainage opening and / or end at at least one drainage opening.

[0053] Such a drain opening establishes a fluid connection from the intermediate region between the sealing bead and the intermediate fastening means passage opening section of the deformation limiting element to the exterior of the housing cover, so that moisture or liquid which enters or is created in this intermediate region of the housing cover can drain through the at least one drain opening into the exterior of the housing cover and thus corrosion due to such an accumulation of moisture or liquid in the intermediate region of the housing cover is prevented.

[0054] The intermediate fastening means passage opening section of the deformation limiting element can, in particular, adjoin a drainage opening at one of its end regions or at both end regions, which drainage opening is delimited by a fastening means passage opening section of the deformation limiting element opposite the intermediate fastening means passage opening section.

[0055] In particular, such a drainage opening can have the form of a gap or a gap between an intermediate fastening means passage opening section of the deformation limiting element and a fastening means passage opening section of the deformation limiting element.

[0056] The at least one fastening means passage opening section and / or the at least one intermediate fastening means passage opening section of the deformation limiting element comprises a plurality of segments between which at least one gap is arranged in an initial state of the housing cover before the bending region is created.

[0057] In the ready-to-use state of the housing cover, after the creation of the bending region, the at least one gap between the plurality of segments of the deformation limiting element, in particular the transfer region of the deformation limiting element, can be closed.

[0058] Furthermore, it can be provided that in the operational state of the housing cover at least two of the segments of the deformation limiting element are pressed together.

[0059] Such pressing can in particular cause the material of at least two of the segments of the deformation limiting element to flow together.

[0060] The distribution area of ​​the deformation limiting element formed from the segments of the deformation limiting element can be formed in one piece in the operational state of the housing cover.

[0061] The housing to which the housing cover according to the invention can be fixed can in particular be a housing of an electrical device, for example an electrical control device, a housing of an inverter or a housing of an electric drive unit, for example of an electric vehicle.

[0062] The housing cover according to the invention is suitable for use as a component of an assembly which comprises the housing and the housing cover according to the invention.

[0063] By dividing the distribution area of ​​the deformation limiting element into several segments, it is possible to form a deformation limiting element with such a distribution area on a straight edge section of the housing cover or also on a curved edge section of the housing cover.

[0064] A component weakening of the housing cover is avoided because the segments of the transfer area lie outside the component contour of the housing cover and are transferred to a contact area of ​​the housing cover that lies within the component contour.

[0065] This allows very space-saving and flexibly applicable deformation limiting elements to be produced on a housing cover whose starting material has a material thickness of 1.5 mm or less, without weakening the material of the housing cover by indentations.

[0066] The deformation limiting element, also called a stopper, serves to compress the sealing bead, for example a CIP ("Cured in Place") sealing bead, to a defined dimension and to prevent the seal from being over-compressed.

[0067] Tabs can be provided in the outer contour of the housing cover, which are partially placed around an associated fastening means opening, for example a screw eye.

[0068] The support surface against which the fastening means, for example a fastening screw, rests when the housing cover is mounted, is located on the essentially flat, non-folded side of the housing cover, so that full-surface contact between the fastening means, in particular the head of a fastening screw, and the housing cover is ensured.

[0069] The thickness of the contact area, the bending area and / or the transfer area can be reduced before or after the bending process by a forming process, preferably by a planing process, compared to the initial material thickness of the starting material from which the housing cover is made.

[0070] The leveling process is preferably carried out on the starting material from the inside of the blade towards the outside of the blade, so that no height difference or edge has to be overcome during the transfer of the transfer area to the installation area.

[0071] By reducing the thickness of the contact area and / or the transfer area compared to the material thickness of the starting material, it can be achieved that the height H by which the deformation limiting element projects beyond the seal support surface on which the sealing bead is arranged is smaller than the material thickness or thickness of the starting material.

[0072] This is achieved without interfering with the material structure of the housing cover, since the transfer area is placed from the outside to the inside.

[0073] The thickness of the transfer area and / or the contact area is preferably reduced by at least 10%, in particular by at least 20%, particularly preferably by at least 30%, relative to the thickness of the starting material.

[0074] The degree to which the thickness of the starting material is reduced in the area of ​​the investment area and / or in the area of ​​the transfer area may vary within the investment area, within the transfer area and / or between the investment area and the transfer area.

[0075] A substantially linear variation of the degree of deformation can be achieved, for example, by using a wedge-shaped planing tool.

[0076] In particular, it can be provided that the average thickness of the forming area is smaller than the average thickness of the contact area. This minimizes material displacement in the contact area and shifts the high degree of forming to the transfer area. This offers the advantage that excess material is only pushed to a small extent toward the sealing bead and / or toward the fastener passage opening.

[0077] The desired contour of the transfer area is ensured despite the high material displacement in the transfer area by the fact that the transfer area is only separated, in particular cut out or punched out, from the starting material after the forming process to reduce the thickness of the transfer area, for example after a leveling process.

[0078] If the transfer area is formed in one piece before the bending process by which the transfer area is transferred onto the contact area, the deformation limiting element produced in this way is referred to as a "transfer stopper".

[0079] If the transfer area is divided into several individual segments, at least before the bending process, the deformation limiting element produced in this way is called a "segment stopper".

[0080] A deformation limiting element with a distribution area divided into segments is preferably provided on a curved section of the outer contour of the housing cover.

[0081] It can be provided that the segments are pressed after being folded onto the contact area in such a way that the material of the segments flows together and a flat transfer area of ​​the ready-to-use housing cover is formed.

[0082] The segments of a transfer area can be reduced in thickness in the same way as a one-piece transfer area, in particular by leveling, in order to set a desired height H of the deformation limiting element above the seal support surface.

[0083] A one-piece transfer area or a transfer area divided into segments can also have its thickness reduced after the bending process by which the transfer area is folded onto the contact area, for example by a leveling process.

[0084] A deformation limiting element can also be provided in the screw intermediate area, i.e. in an intermediate fastener passage opening area of ​​the housing cover.

[0085] In this area, the deformation limiting element can serve to protect the sealing bead against external influences, for example to protect against the penetration of contaminants, aggressive media and / or media under high pressure into the area of ​​the sealing bead.

[0086] In addition, the deformation limiting element can establish an electrically conductive, in particular metallically conductive, contact between the housing cover and the housing and thus fulfill the function of EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) protection.

[0087] Even when arranged in the intermediate fastening means passage opening area of ​​the housing cover, the contact area and / or the transfer area of ​​the deformation limiting element can be thickness-profiled, for example by a leveling process.

[0088] Furthermore, when arranging the deformation limiting element in the intermediate fastening means passage opening area, the distribution area of ​​the deformation limiting element can also be divided into several segments.

[0089] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the height H of the deformation-limiting element above the seal support surface increases with increasing distance from the nearest fastener passage opening. Due to the topography of the deformation-limiting element designed in this way, the variation in the surface pressure with which the housing cover is clamped by means of the fasteners, in particular fastening screws, passing through the fastener passage openings, in the longitudinal direction of the sealing bead, which is caused by the varying distances from the nearest fastener, is at least partially compensated, thus achieving a uniform contact of the sealing bead against the housing to be closed at every point on the sealing bead.

[0090] This topography of the deformation limiting element can be created before and / or after the bending process.

[0091] If the deformation limiting element does not comprise a transfer area, but the bending angle of the bending area is only approximately 90°, so that the bending area rests against the housing with an end face when the housing cover is mounted, this offers the advantage of a particularly space-saving design of the deformation limiting element.

[0092] Such a deformation limiting element can be arranged both in a fastening means passage opening region of the housing cover and in an intermediate fastening means passage opening region of the housing cover.

[0093] Such a deformation limiting element provides mechanical protection for the sealing bead against contamination, aggressive media and / or media under high pressure (e.g. a high-pressure water jet) that could otherwise reach the sealing bead from the outside of the housing.

[0094] In addition, such a deformation limiting element offers EMC optimization due to the good electrically conductive contact between the housing cover and the housing when the housing cover is mounted.

[0095] A deformation limiting element whose bending area has a bending angle of approximately 90° does not exhibit any material weakening due to a stamping process or a crimping process.

[0096] Furthermore, with such a deformation limiting element, no leveling process is required to set a desired height H of the deformation limiting element above the seal support surface.

[0097] A deformation limiting element with a bending area having a bending angle of approximately 90° is particularly suitable when the housing cover is made from a starting material with a material thickness of 2.0 mm or less.

[0098] The use of a deformation limiting element with a bending area whose bending angle is approximately 180° and which comprises a transfer area which rests against a contact area of ​​the housing cover, preferably flatly, is particularly suitable when the housing cover is made from a starting material with a material thickness of 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0099] Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

[0100] The drawings show: Fig. 1 is a partially sectioned side view of an edge region of a first embodiment of a housing cover not according to the invention, which is secured to a housing by means of a fastening means extending through a fastening means passage opening of the housing cover, wherein a sealing bead comprising an elastomeric material is arranged on a seal support surface of the housing cover, and the housing cover comprises a deformation-limiting element which projects beyond the seal support surface in the same direction as the sealing bead and limits deformation of the sealing bead in the assembled state of the housing cover, wherein the deformation-limiting element comprises a bending region in which the material of the deformation-limiting element is bent out by a bending angle of approximately 180° from a reference plane running substantially parallel to the seal support surface, and a deflection region,which is connected via the bending region and a contact region to a seal support region of the housing cover, on which the sealing bead is arranged, and rests against the contact region on the same side of the housing cover on which the sealing bead is arranged on the seal support region; Fig. 2 a plan view of the edge region of the housing cover from , Fig. 1 , with the view towards the seal support surface of the housing cover facing the housing in the assembled state of the housing cover; Fig. 3 a plan view of the edge area of ​​a housing cover preform from which the housing cover is made according to the Fig. 1 and 2 is produced by a bending process; Fig. 4 one of the Fig. 1 corresponding section, along the line 4 - 4 in Fig. 5, through an edge region of a second embodiment of a housing cover not according to the invention, in which the thickness of the transfer region is smaller than the thickness of the contact region and smaller than the thickness of the seal support region; Fig. 6 a plan view of the edge region of a housing cover preform of the second embodiment of a housing cover, with the view towards the seal support surface of the housing cover; Fig. 7 a section through the edge region of the housing cover preform from Fig. 6 , along the line 7 - 7 in Fig. 6 , without the sealing bead, wherein the thickness of the transfer area has been reduced by a leveling process compared to the thickness of the contact area and the thickness of the seal support area; Fig. 8 one of the Fig. 7corresponding section through the edge region of the housing cover preform after the creation of the bending region has begun and material of the deformation limiting element has been bent out by an acute angle α from the reference plane of the housing cover running parallel to the seal support surface; Fig. 9 Figs. 7 and 8 corresponding section through the edge area of ​​the housing cover, after the bending process for creating the bending area has been completed, material of the deformation limiting element has been bent out by a bending angle of 180° from a reference plane running parallel to the seal support surface and the transfer area lies flat against the contact area of ​​the housing cover; Fig. 10 one of the Fig. 1 corresponding section, along the line 10-10 in Fig. 11, through an edge region of a third embodiment of a housing cover not according to the invention, in which the thickness of the transfer region is equal to the thickness of the contact region and the thicknesses of the transfer region and the contact region are smaller than the thickness of the seal support region; Fig. 11 a plan view of the edge region of the housing cover from Fig. 10 , looking towards the seal support surface; Fig. 12 a plan view of a housing cover preform of the third embodiment of a housing cover from the Fig. 10 and 11 , looking towards the seal support surface; Fig. 13 a section through the edge area of ​​the housing cover preform from Fig. 12 , along the line 13 - 13 in Fig. 12 , wherein the thickness of the transfer area and the thickness of the contact area have been reduced by a planing process compared to the thickness of the seal support area; Fig. 14 one of the Fig. 13corresponding section through the edge region of the housing cover preform after a bending process has been started to create the bending region and material of the deformation limiting element has been bent out in the bending region by an acute angle α from a reference plane running parallel to the seal support surface; Fig. 15 Figs. 13 and 14 corresponding section through the edge region of the third embodiment of the housing cover, after the bending process for producing the bending region has been completed, material of the deformation limiting element in the bending region has been bent out of the reference plane running parallel to the seal support surface by a bending angle of 180° and the transfer region lies flat against the contact region of the housing cover; Fig. 16 one of the Fig. 1corresponding section through an edge region of a fourth embodiment of a housing cover not according to the invention, in which the thickness of the transfer region decreases with increasing distance from the bending region and the thickness of the contact region increases with increasing distance from the bending region, so that the sum of the local thickness of the transfer region and the local thickness of the contact region is essentially constant regardless of the distance from the bending region; Fig. 17 a section through an edge region of a housing cover preform of the fourth embodiment of a housing cover from Fig. 16 , in which the thickness of the contact area and the thickness of the transfer area decreases with increasing distance from the seal support area, preferably substantially continuously, in particular linearly; Fig. 18 one of the Fig. 17 corresponding cut through the edge area of ​​the housing cover preform Fig. 17after the start of a bending process to create the bending area, wherein in the bending area material of the deformation limiting element has been bent out by an acute angle α from a reference plane running parallel to the seal support surface; Fig. 19 one of the Figs. 17 and 18corresponding section through an edge portion of the fourth embodiment of a housing cover, after the bending process for producing the bending region has been completed, material of the deformation limiting element in the bending region has been bent out of the plane of the reference plane running parallel to the seal support surface by a bending angle of 180°, and the transfer region lies flat against the contact region; Fig.20 a plan view of an edge section of a fifth embodiment of a housing cover according to the invention, in which the deformation-limiting element comprises a fastening means passage opening section which extends along a circumferential direction of one of the fastening means passage openings over a circumferential angle of approximately 180° around the relevant fastening means passage opening, and the fastening means passage opening section of the deformation-limiting element comprises several, for example five, segments which are pressed together, with the view towards the seal-bearing surface of the housing cover; Fig. 21 one of the . Fig. 20corresponding plan view of an edge section of a housing cover preform, the transfer region of which comprises several segments that follow one another in the circumferential direction of a fastener passage opening and are spaced from one another by a gap in between, with the view towards the seal support surface of the housing cover preform; Fig. 22 a plan view of an edge section of a sixth embodiment of a housing cover according to the invention, in which the deformation limiting element comprises a fastener passage opening section that extends along a circumferential direction of a fastener passage opening over a circumferential angle of approximately 180° around the respective fastener passage opening, wherein the fastener passage opening section comprises two segments that abut one another in the operational state of the seal; Fig. 23 one of the Fig. 22corresponding plan view of an edge section of a housing cover preform of the sixth embodiment of a housing cover from Fig. 22, wherein the transfer region of the housing cover preform comprises two segments which follow one another in the circumferential direction of a fastener passage opening and are spaced from one another by a gap therebetween, viewed in the direction of the seal support surface of the housing cover preform; Fig.24 a plan view of an edge region of a seventh embodiment of a housing cover not according to the invention, in which the deformation-limiting element comprises a plurality of fastening means passage opening sections, each extending along a circumferential direction of one of the fastening means passage openings over a circumferential angle around the relevant fastening means passage opening, and wherein the deformation-limiting element further comprises intermediate fastening means passage opening sections, each extending along a circumferential direction of an edge section of the housing cover lying between two of the fastening means passage openings, wherein the intermediate fastening means passage opening sections of the deformation-limiting element are each formed in one piece, with the view towards the seal-bearing surface of the housing cover; Fig. 25 one of the. Fig. 24corresponding plan view of an edge region of a housing cover preform of the seventh embodiment of a housing cover from Fig. 24, which shows the transfer areas of the fastener through-opening sections and the intermediate fastener through-opening sections of the deformation-limiting element before the bending process by which the bending areas of the housing cover are created; Fig. 26 is a plan view of an edge region of an eighth embodiment of a housing cover according to the invention, in which the deformation-limiting element comprises a plurality of fastener through-opening sections, each extending along a circumferential direction of one of the fastener through-openings over a circumferential angle around the respective fastener through-opening, and the deformation-limiting element comprises a plurality of intermediate fastener through-opening sections, each extending along a circumferential direction of an edge section of the housing cover located between two of the fastener through-openings,wherein the fastening means passage opening sections of the deformation-limiting element are formed in one piece and at least one intermediate fastening means passage opening section of the deformation-limiting element comprises a plurality of segments which follow one another along the circumferential direction of an edge section of the housing cover and are pressed together, with the view towards the seal support surface of the housing cover; Fig. 27 one of the , Fig. 26 corresponding plan view of an edge region of a housing cover preform of the eighth embodiment of a housing cover from Fig. 26, wherein a transfer region of at least one of the intermediate fastener through-opening sections of the deformation-limiting element comprises a plurality of segments that follow one another in the circumferential direction of an edge section of the housing cover preform, wherein a gap is arranged between each two segments, viewed in the direction of the seal-supporting surface of the housing cover preform; Fig. 28 shows a plan view of an edge section of a ninth embodiment of a housing cover not according to the invention, in which the deformation-limiting element comprises a plurality of fastener through-opening sections, each of which extends along a circumferential direction of one of the fastener through-openings over a circumferential angle around the respective fastener through-opening, and the deformation-limiting element further comprises a plurality of intermediate fastener through-opening sections,which each extend along a circumferential direction of an edge portion of the housing cover located between two of the fastening means passage openings and each comprise a bending region in which the material of the deformation-limiting element is bent out by a bending angle of substantially 90° from a reference plane running parallel to the seal support surface and ends at an end face with which the housing cover can be placed against the housing, with the view towards the seal support surface of the housing cover; Fig. 29 shows a section through the edge region of the housing cover from , Fig. 28 , along the line 29 - 29 in Fig. 28; Fig. 30 a section through an edge region of a tenth embodiment of a housing cover not according to the invention, in which the deformation limiting element comprises bending regions running along an outer edge of the housing cover with a bending angle of substantially 90° and bending regions running along the edges of the fastening means passage openings of the housing cover with a bending angle of substantially 90°; and Fig. 31 one of the Fig. 28Corresponding plan view of an edge section of an eleventh embodiment of a housing cover not according to the invention, in which the deformation-limiting element comprises a plurality of fastening means passage opening sections, each extending along a circumferential direction of one of the fastening means passage openings over a circumferential angle around the respective fastening means passage opening, and the deformation-limiting element further comprises a plurality of intermediate fastening means passage opening sections, each extending along a circumferential direction of an edge section of the housing cover located between two of the fastening means passage openings and each comprising a bending region in which the material of the deformation-limiting element is bent out by a bending angle of substantially 90° from a reference plane running parallel to the seal support surface and ends at an end face,with which the housing cover can be placed against the housing, with the view towards the seal support surface of the housing cover, wherein between each intermediate fastening means passage opening section of the deformation limiting element and an adjacent fastening means passage opening section of the deformation limiting element, a drainage opening is formed through which moisture or liquid can drain from the intermediate region between the sealing bead and the intermediate fastening means passage opening section of the deformation limiting element into the exterior of the housing cover.

[0101] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0102] One in the Fig. 1 and 2The housing cover, shown in detail and designated as a whole by 100, is provided for closing a housing opening on a housing 102, for example on a housing of a control device or an inverter, in particular an inverter of a drive device for an electric automobile.

[0103] The housing cover 100 shown as an example in the drawings comprises a metallic base plate 104 with a preferably substantially flat seal support area 106.

[0104] Along the outer circumference of the seal support area 106 of the housing cover 100, the housing cover 100 is provided with a plurality of fastening means passage openings 108, which follow one another at a distance from one another along the circumference of the housing cover 100.

[0105] These fastening means passage openings 108 serve to receive the shafts 110 of fastening means 112, preferably in the form of fastening screws 114, when mounting the housing cover 100 on the housing 102 to be closed (see the Fig. 1 , which represents the housing cover 100 in its state mounted on the housing 102 by means of the fastening means 112), which extend through the fastening means passage openings 108 and are screwed with their external threads into corresponding internal threads of threaded holes 116 in fastening means mounting areas 118 of the housing 102 to be closed.

[0106] One or more of the fastener passage openings 108 are preferably arranged at least partially in a respective fastener passage opening region 124 of the housing cover 100, which is arranged between two intermediate fastener passage opening regions 126 of the housing cover 100 and which projects outward beyond an outer edge 128 of the adjacent intermediate fastener passage opening regions 126. The outer edge 130 of the fastener passage opening region 124 preferably runs substantially along the circumferential direction of the respective fastener passage opening 108.

[0107] For fluid-tight sealing between the housing cover 100 and the housing 102 to be closed, a sealing bead 120 is provided, which is arranged on an inner side of the housing cover 100 facing the interior of the housing 102 to be closed in the assembled state of the housing cover 100, which inner side forms a sealing support surface 122 of the housing cover 100.

[0108] The sealing bead 120 runs along the edge of the housing cover 100 and is preferably formed in a closed ring shape.

[0109] The sealing bead 120 is formed from an elastomer material, for example a silicone material, and can be formed on the seal support surface 122, for example, by application using a dispenser (in a so-called CIP ("cured-in-place") process) or by a screen printing process.

[0110] When the housing cover 100 is mounted on the housing 102 by means of the fastening means 112, the sealing bead 120 is pressed by tightening the fastening means 112 in the threaded holes 116 of the fastening means mounting areas 118 of the housing 102, wherein the height of the sealing bead 120, i.e. its extension perpendicular to the seal support surface 122, is reduced from the height h in the unloaded state to a value h' in the mounted state.

[0111] The elastic restoring force of the elastomeric sealing bead 120 then generates the sealing force with which the sealing bead 120 sealingly bears against the housing 102.

[0112] In order to avoid excessive deformation of the sealing bead 120, the housing cover 100 comprises one or more deformation limiting elements 132 which protrude beyond the seal support surface 122 in the same direction as the sealing bead 120, namely in a Z-direction 134 oriented perpendicular to the seal support surface 122, and limit deformation of the sealing bead 120 in the assembled state of the housing cover 100.

[0113] The deformation limiting element 132 is designed to be stiffer than the sealing bead 120, preferably substantially rigid, so that the height h' of the sealing bead 120 in the compressed state thereof is limited downwards by the height H of the deformation limiting element 132 above the seal support surface 122.

[0114] At least one of the deformation limiting elements 132 comprises a fastening means passage opening section 136 which extends along a circumferential direction of a respectively associated fastening means passage opening 108 over a circumferential angle β around the respective fastening means passage opening 108.

[0115] The circumferential angle β is preferably more than 90°, in particular more than 120°, particularly preferably more than 160°.

[0116] Furthermore, the circumferential angle β is preferably less than 270°, in particular less than 200°.

[0117] How best to Fig. 1 As can be seen, the deformation limiting element 132 comprises a bending region 138 in which the material of the deformation limiting element 132 is bent out by a bending angle α of approximately 180° from a reference plane 139 running parallel to the seal support surface 122.

[0118] The deformation limiting element 132 further comprises a transfer region 140 which is connected, preferably in one piece, via the bending region 138 and a contact region 142 of the housing cover 100 to the seal support region 106 of the housing cover 100, on which the sealing bead 120 is arranged.

[0119] The transfer area 140 rests against the contact area 142 on the same side of the housing cover 100 on which the sealing bead 120 is arranged on the housing cover 100.

[0120] Preferably, the distribution area 140 lies flatly, particularly preferably substantially over the entire surface, against the contact area 142.

[0121] The housing cover 100 is formed from a starting material, in particular from a metallic sheet material, which has a material thickness D which is preferably less than 1.5 mm.

[0122] The thickness D of the starting material of the housing cover 100 is in particular less than 1.4 mm, particularly preferably less than 1.2 mm, for example approximately 1.0 mm.

[0123] From this starting material, the housing cover 100 including the deformation limiting element 132 is manufactured as follows: From the metallic starting material, a Fig. 3 The partially shown housing cover preform 144 is cut out.

[0124] The separation can be done, for example, by cutting, for example using a laser, or by punching.

[0125] The housing cover preform 144 comprises a tab 146 which comprises the transfer area 140 and a part of the later bending area 138 of the deformation limiting element 132 (in Fig. 3 marked by hatching).

[0126] By performing a bending operation, the transfer area 140 and a part of the bending area 138 are raised from the plane of the starting material, and then the transfer area 140 is folded onto the contact surface 148 of the contact area 142 facing it.

[0127] The allocation area 140 allocated to the investment area 142 is compressed with the investment area 142.

[0128] In the finished state of the housing cover 100, the transfer area 140 lies essentially flat against the contact surface 148 of the contact area 142, and the bending angle α of the bending area 138 is essentially 180°.

[0129] In principle, it could be provided that the transfer area 140 completely encloses the fastening means passage opening 108.

[0130] In the embodiment shown in the drawing, however, it is provided that the transfer region 140 does not completely enclose the fastening means passage opening 108, but only borders it over a circumferential angle β of less than 360°, preferably of less than 270°, in each case relative to the longitudinal center axis of the fastening means passage opening 108.

[0131] This ensures that no portion of the transfer area 140 is arranged between the fastening means passage opening 108 on the one hand and the sealing bead 120 on the other hand, so that the sealing bead 120 can be guided very close to the fastening means passage opening 108 so that the highest possible contact pressure can be transferred from the head 150 of the fastening means 112 via the seal support area 106 of the housing cover 100 to the sealing bead 120.

[0132] The head 150 of the fastening means 112 preferably lies substantially over its entire surface against a fastening means contact surface 152 of the housing cover 102 facing away from the seal support surface 122, which is preferably substantially flat.

[0133] How best to Fig. 1 As can be seen, in this embodiment of the housing cover 100, the transfer area 140, the contact area 142 and the seal support area 106 of the housing cover 100 each have the thickness D, which corresponds to the thickness or material strength of the metallic starting material.

[0134] In this embodiment, the height H of the deformation limiting element 132 above the seal support surface 122 is equal to the thickness D of the starting material and thus equal to the thickness of the contact area 142 and the thickness of the seal support area 106 of the housing cover 100.

[0135] During assembly of the housing cover 100 to the housing 102, the deformation limiting element 132, also referred to as a stopper, compresses the sealing bead 120 to the defined dimension h', which corresponds to the height H of the deformation limiting element 132 above the seal support surface 122.

[0136] This prevents over-pressing of the sealing bead 120.

[0137] The metallic starting material from which the housing cover 100 is made may in particular comprise aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0138] Alternatively, it can also be provided that the starting material from which the housing cover 100 is formed is a stainless steel material.

[0139] In principle, however, any other sheet-like, in particular metallic, starting material can also be considered for the production of the housing cover 100.

[0140] One in the Fig. 4 to 9The second embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown in FIG. 1 differs from the one described above, shown in FIGS. Fig. 1 to 3 illustrated embodiment in that the thickness D' of the transfer region 140 of the deformation limiting element 132 and thus the height H of the deformation limiting element 132 above the seal support surface 122 is smaller than the thickness D of the contact region 142 and the seal support region 106, which correspond to the thickness D of the starting material.

[0141] This is achieved by Fig. 6 the area of ​​the starting material lying within the frame 154 shown there is leveled before the housing cover preform 144 is separated from the starting material.

[0142] By leveling the starting material, the thickness of the transfer area 140 is reduced from the starting value D to the value D', which preferably corresponds to at most 0.9 D, in particular at most 0.8 D, particularly preferably at most 0.7 D.

[0143] The leveling process takes place from the inside of the sheet towards the outside of the sheet-shaped starting material, so that no height difference or edge has to be overcome during the subsequent bending process.

[0144] In this way, a space-saving deformation limiting element 132 can be produced with a height H which is less than the thickness D of the starting material, without interfering with the material structure of the material of the housing cover 100, since the sheet metal layer is placed from the outside to the inside.

[0145] However, the degree of deformation in the transfer area 140 is relatively high in this embodiment.

[0146] The manufacturing process for the second embodiment of the housing cover is as follows: First, the starting material is placed in the area defined by the frame 154 in Fig. 6 marked area to reduce the material thickness in the transfer area 140. After the planing process, the housing cover preform 144 is cut out of the starting material (see Fig. 7 ).

[0147] For example, during the leveling process, the thickness of the starting material in the transfer area 140 can be reduced from 1.5 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0148] In a subsequent bending process, part of the material of the bending area 138 and the transfer area 140 are bent out of the reference plane 139 running parallel to the seal support surface 122 (see Fig. 8 , with the bending angle α, which increases from 0° to 180° during the bending process).

[0149] After the bending process is completed and the transfer area 140 lies flat, preferably substantially completely, against the contact surface 148 of the contact area 142, the transfer area 140 and the contact area 142 are pressed together (see Fig. 9 ).

[0150] This completes the production of the deformation limiting element 132.

[0151] Now the sealing bead 120 is created on the seal support area 106 of the housing cover 102.

[0152] Furthermore, the Fig. 4 to 9 The second embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown in FIG. 1 is identical in structure, function and method of manufacture to that shown in FIG. Fig. 1 to 3 illustrated first embodiment, to the above description of which reference is made in this respect.

[0153] One in the Fig. 10 to 15 The third embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown differs from that shown in the Fig. 1 to 3illustrated first embodiment in that the thickness D' of the transfer region 140 and the thickness D' of the contact region 142 of the deformation limiting element 132 are both smaller than the thickness D of the seal support region 106, which corresponds to the thickness D of the starting material of the housing cover 100.

[0154] In this embodiment, the thicknesses D' of the transfer region 140 and D' of the contact region 142 are substantially equal.

[0155] This is achieved by the fact that in this embodiment the thickness D of the starting material is within the area defined by the frame 154 in Fig. 12 defined area, which includes the transfer area 140, the bending area 138 and the contact area 142 of the deformation limiting element 132, is reduced by leveling.

[0156] Within this range, leveling is preferably carried out with a constant degree of deformation.

[0157] The reduced thickness D' of the region of the starting material reduced in thickness by planing is preferably at most 0.9 D and / or preferably at least 0.8 D, where D is the unreduced thickness of the starting material.

[0158] By reducing the thickness D' of the contact area 142 compared to the thickness D of the seal support area 106, in this embodiment of the housing cover 100, the height H of the deformation limiting element 132 and thus the height h' to which the sealing bead 120 is pressed during assembly of the housing cover 100 to the housing 102 is smaller than the material thickness D of the starting material and smaller than the thickness D' of the transfer area 140.

[0159] If, for example, a starting material with a thickness D = 1.5 mm is leveled to, for example, 1.25 mm in the transfer area 140 and in the contact area 142, the height H of the deformation limiting element 132 above the seal support surface 122 results in 1.0 mm.

[0160] The third embodiment of the housing cover 100 is manufactured as follows: The starting material with the material thickness D is cut into the section defined by the frame 154 Fig. 12 marked area is reduced to the smaller thickness D' by a planing process. After the planing process, the housing cover preform 144 is separated from the starting material (see Fig. 13 ).

[0161] A part of the bending area 138 and the transfer area 140 are bent out of the reference plane 139 running parallel to the seal support surface 122 and raised (see Fig. 14 , with the bending angle α increasing from 0° to 180° during the bending process).

[0162] After a bending angle α of 180° has been reached and the transfer area 140 is essentially in flat contact with the contact surface 148 of the contact area 142, the transfer area 140 and the contact area 142 are pressed together (see Fig. 15 ).

[0163] Furthermore, the Fig. 10 to 15 The third embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown in FIG. 1 is identical in structure, function and method of manufacture to that shown in FIG. Fig. 4 to 9 illustrated second embodiment, to the above description of which reference is made in this respect.

[0164] One in the Fig. 16 to 19 The fourth embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown in FIG. 1 differs from the one described above, shown in FIGS. Fig. 10 to 15 illustrated third embodiment in that the thickness DA of the contact area 142 in the contact area 142 is not constant, but varies with increasing distance from the bending area 138.

[0165] In particular, it is provided that the thickness DA of the contact region 142 increases with increasing distance from the bending region 138 up to the value D, which corresponds to the thickness of the starting material and the thickness of the seal support region 106 of the housing cover 100.

[0166] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is provided that the thickness DU of the transfer region 140 in the transfer region 104 is not constant, but varies with increasing distance from the bending region 138.

[0167] In particular, it is provided that the thickness DU of the transfer region 140 decreases with increasing distance from the bending region 138.

[0168] How best to Fig. 16 As can be seen, the sum DG of the local thickness DU of the transfer area 140 and the local thickness DA of the contact area 142 is preferably essentially independent of the distance from the bending area 138.

[0169] In this embodiment, the height H of the deformation limiting element 132 above the seal support surface 122 corresponds to the difference between the total thickness DG of the transfer region 140 and the contact region 142 on the one hand and the thickness D of the seal support region 106, which corresponds to the thickness D of the starting material, on the other hand.

[0170] This is achieved in that, when leveling the starting material, the deformation is distributed over the contact area 142, the later bending area 138 and the transfer area 140 in such a way that the degree of deformation increases from the edge of the contact area 142 facing the seal support area 106 to the outer edge of the transfer area 140 facing away from the bending area 138, preferably substantially continuously, particularly preferably substantially linearly.

[0171] This can be achieved, for example, by using a wedge-shaped leveling tool, which limits the material displacement in the contact area 142 to a minimum and shifts the high degree of deformation to the transfer area 140.

[0172] This offers the advantage that excess starting material is only pressed to a small extent in the direction of the sealing bead 120 and / or in the direction of the fastening means passage opening 108.

[0173] The desired outer contour of the transfer area 140 is obtained despite the high material displacement during the planing process by separating the housing cover preform 144 from the starting material after the planing process.

[0174] The fourth embodiment of the housing cover 100 is manufactured as follows: In the starting material with thickness D, the contact area 142, the later bending area 138, and the transfer area 140 are planed in a wedge shape, from the edge of the contact area 142 facing the seal support area 106, across the later bending area 138, to the edge of the transfer area 140 facing away from the seal support area 106, i.e., from the inside out. After the planing process, the housing cover preform 144 is cut out of the starting material (see Fig. 17 ).

[0175] In a bending process, the transfer area and a part of the bending area 138 are bent out of the reference plane 139 running parallel to the seal support surface 122 (see Fig. 18 with the bending angle α, which increases from 0° to 180° during the bending process).

[0176] When the bending process is completed and the transfer area 140 lies flat, preferably substantially completely, against the contact surface 148 of the contact area 142, the transfer area 140 and the contact area 142 are pressed together (see Fig. 19 ).

[0177] Furthermore, the Fig. 16 to 19 The fourth embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown in FIG. 1 is identical in structure, function and method of manufacture to that shown in the Fig. 10 to 15 illustrated third embodiment, to the above description of which reference is made in this respect.

[0178] One in the Figs. 20 and 21 The fifth embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown differs from the four previously described embodiments shown in the Fig. 1 to 19illustrated embodiments in that the fastening means passage opening section 136 of the deformation limiting element 132 is composed in its transfer area 140 of a plurality of segments 156, which form a coherent transfer area 140 of the deformation limiting element 132 by pressing and the resulting merging of the material of the segments 156.

[0179] In the Fig. 21 The segment preforms 158, from which the segments 156 of the transfer area 140 are later formed, follow one another along the circumferential direction of the fastening means passage opening 108, with a gap 160 being arranged between each two segment preforms 158 following one another in the circumferential direction.

[0180] The number of segment preforms 158 and thus the number of segments 156 is preferably two or more, in particular three or more, particularly preferably four or more, for example five or more.

[0181] In the illustrated embodiment, five segment preforms 158 and thus also five segments 156 are present in the finished transfer area 140.

[0182] The segment preforms 158 preferably protrude outwardly from the contact area 142 of the housing cover 100 in a substantially radial direction of the associated fastening means passage opening 108.

[0183] The fifth embodiment of the housing cover 100 is manufactured as follows: If the height H of the deformation limiting element 132 above the seal support surface 122 is to be smaller than the thickness D of the starting material, the contact area 142, the later bending area 138 and the segment preforms 158 of the transfer area 140 are planed as described above in connection with the second, third or fourth embodiment of the housing cover 100.

[0184] The Fig. 21 The housing cover preform 144 shown is cut out of the starting material.

[0185] The segment preforms 158 are bent out of the reference plane 139 parallel to the seal support surface 122, raised and folded onto the contact surface 148 of the contact area 142 until the segment preforms 158 lie flat, preferably substantially over their entire surface, against the contact surface 148 of the contact area 142.

[0186] Then, the contact area 142 and the segment preforms 158 of the transfer area 140 are pressed together and preferably planed in order to optionally produce a deformation limiting element 132 with a height H that is reduced compared to the material thickness D of the starting material.

[0187] As a result of the pressing process and the possible leveling process, the segments 156 of the transfer area 140 flow into one another and form a one-piece transfer area 140 which has a substantially constant height along the circumferential direction of the fastening means passage opening 108.

[0188] This height of the transfer area 140 can be, for example, 1.0 mm if the material thickness of the starting material is, for example, 1.5 mm.

[0189] Furthermore, the Figs. 20 and 21 The fifth embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown in FIG. 1 is identical in structure, function and method of manufacture to that shown in the Fig. 1 to 3illustrated first embodiment, to the above description of which reference is made in this respect.

[0190] One in the Figs. 22 and 23 The sixth embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown differs from the one described above, shown in the Figs. 20 and 21 illustrated fifth embodiment in that the transfer area 140 of the fastening means passage opening section 136 of the deformation limiting element 132 comprises only two, for example wing-shaped, segments 156 instead of five approximately circular sector-shaped segments 156.

[0191] As from Fig. 22 As can be seen, the segments 156 of the allocation area 140 touch each other at their end faces 161.

[0192] Both segments 156 adjoin the contact area 142 of the housing cover 100 at diametrically opposite edge sections 162 with respect to the longitudinal center axis 163 of the fastening means passage opening 108.

[0193] Furthermore, the Figs. 22 and 23 The sixth embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown in FIG. 1 is identical in terms of structure, function and method of manufacture to that shown in the Figs. 20 and 21 illustrated fifth embodiment, to the above description of which reference is made in this respect.

[0194] One in the Figs. 24 and 25 The seventh embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown in FIG. 1 differs from that shown in the Fig. 1 to 3illustrated first embodiment in that the deformation limiting element 132 of the housing cover 100 comprises not only fastening means passage opening sections 136, which each extend along a circumferential direction of one of the fastening means passage openings 108, but also one or more intermediate fastening means passage opening sections 164, which each extend along a circumferential direction of an edge section 166 of the housing cover 100 lying between two of the fastening means passage openings 108.

[0195] In these intermediate fastening means passage opening sections 164, the deformation limiting element 132 also comprises a contact area 142, a bending area 138 and a transfer area 140, which lies flatly, preferably substantially over its entire surface, against the contact surface 148 of the contact area 142 and is preferably pressed with the contact area 142.

[0196] Such an intermediate fastening means passage opening section 164 of the deformation limiting element 132 not only serves to limit the deformation of the sealing bead 120 during assembly of the housing cover 100 to the housing 102, but can also serve to protect the sealing bead 120 against external influences, for example against the penetration of contaminants or aggressive media or pressurized media, for example the fluid of a high-pressure water jet, since the transfer area 140 of such an intermediate fastening means passage opening section 164 bears flatly, preferably substantially over its entire surface, against the housing 102 and thus prevents a gap from forming between the housing cover 100 and the housing 102 through which such contaminants or aggressive and / or highly pressurized media could reach the sealing bead 120.

[0197] In addition, the transfer area 140 of such an intermediate fastening means passage opening section 164 of a deformation limiting element 132 can ensure an electrically conductive contact between the housing cover 100 and the housing 102, so that the unit consisting of the housing cover 100 and the housing 102 has EMC protection that prevents the effects of electrical, magnetic or electromagnetic fields from the exterior of the housing 102 on electrical devices in the interior of the housing 102.

[0198] Furthermore, the Figs. 24 and 25 The seventh embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown in FIG. 1 is similar in terms of structure, function and method of manufacture to that shown in the Fig. 1 to 3 illustrated first embodiment, to the above description of which reference is made in this respect.

[0199] Also in the seventh embodiment of a housing cover, the contact area 142 and / or the transfer area 140 in each of the intermediate fastener through-opening sections 164 and / or in each of the fastener through-opening sections 136 of the deformation limiting element 132 can be planed in the same manner as described above in connection with the second embodiment, the third embodiment or the fourth embodiment of a housing cover 100.

[0200] One in the Figs. 26 and 27 The eighth embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown differs from the one described above, shown in the Figs. 24 and 25illustrated seventh embodiment in that the transfer region 140 of an intermediate fastening means passage opening section 164 of the deformation limiting element 132 is not formed in one piece, but is composed of several segments 168 which follow one another in the circumferential direction of the edge section 166 of the housing cover 100 and have preferably merged with the contact region 142 by pressing.

[0201] In the Fig. 27 In the housing cover preform 144 shown in this embodiment of the housing cover 100, a gap 172 is arranged between each two segment preforms 170 that follow one another in the circumferential direction of the edge section 166 of the housing cover 100.

[0202] The segment preforms 170 and thus the resulting segments 168 can all have the same length or can differ from one another in terms of their length - taken along the circumferential direction of the edge section 166 of the housing cover 100.

[0203] Furthermore, the Figs. 26 and 27 The eighth embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown in FIG. 1 is identical in design, function and method of manufacture to that shown in the Figs. 24 and 25 illustrated seventh embodiment, to the above description of which reference is made in this respect.

[0204] In particular, in the eighth embodiment, the height of the segments 156 and / or the contact area 142 can also be reduced by a leveling process compared to the height D of the starting material.

[0205] One in the Fig. 28 and 29 The ninth embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown differs from that shown in the Figs. 24 and 25illustrated seventh embodiment in that in the intermediate fastening means passage opening section 164 of the deformation limiting element 132, the bending area 138 is not bent out by a bending angle α of 180 from the reference plane 139 running parallel to the seal support surface 122, but the bending angle α is essentially 90° and the bending area 138 ends at an end face 174, with which the housing cover 100 rests against the housing 102 when mounted on the housing 102 (see Fig. 29 ).

[0206] In this case, the distribution area 140 of the deformation limiting element 132 is omitted.

[0207] The section of the bending region 138 which is bent out by 90° from the reference plane 139 and which protrudes by the height H above the seal support surface 122 of the housing cover 100 limits, in this embodiment of the housing cover 100, the deformation of the sealing bead 120 during assembly of the housing cover 100 to the housing 102.

[0208] In a direction running parallel to the seal support surface 122 and perpendicular to the outer edge of the housing cover 100, this embodiment of a deformation limiting element 132 has only a very small extent, which essentially corresponds to the thickness D of the starting material of the housing cover 100 or is only slightly greater than the thickness D. In particular, it can be provided that the extent of the deformation limiting element 132 parallel to the seal support surface 122 and perpendicular to the edge of the housing cover 100 is less than twice the thickness D of the starting material of the housing cover 100 or the thickness D of the seal support region 106 of the housing cover 100.

[0209] As a result, a lot of space is saved in the already very narrow intermediate fastening means passage opening area 126 of the housing cover 100 by the bending area 138 of the deformation limiting element 132 not being bent over a bending angle α of 180°, but only by a bending angle α of 90° and being positioned perpendicular to the seal support surface 122.

[0210] Furthermore, the Fig. 28 and 29 The ninth embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown in FIG. 1 is identical in structure, function and method of manufacture to that shown in the Figs. 24 and 25 illustrated seventh embodiment of the housing cover 100, to the above description of which reference is made in this respect.

[0211] One in Fig. 30 The tenth embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown differs from that shown in the Fig. 28 and 29illustrated ninth embodiment in that the deformation limiting element 132 is formed not only in the intermediate fastening means passage opening section 164, but additionally or alternatively also in the fastening means passage opening section 136 of the deformation limiting element 132 by a bending region 138 with a bending angle of substantially 90°. In particular, the deformation limiting element 132 in this embodiment can have an additional bending region 138', which surrounds the fastening means passage opening 108 (with the diameter d; see Fig. 30 ) and rests with its end face 174 on the housing 102 when the housing cover 100 is mounted on the housing 102.

[0212] This bending area 138' also has a bending angle of essentially 90°.

[0213] This bending area 138' is also not connected to a transfer area 140 which is folded over onto a contact area 142 of the housing cover 100.

[0214] Furthermore, the Fig. 30 The tenth embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown in FIG. 1 is identical in structure, function and method of manufacture to that shown in the Fig. 28 and 29 illustrated ninth embodiment, to the above description of which reference is made in this respect.

[0215] One in Fig. 31 The eleventh embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown differs from that shown in the Fig. 28 and 29illustrated ninth embodiment in that the housing cover 100 comprises one or more drain openings 176, which are each arranged between an end region of an intermediate fastening means passage opening section 164 of the deformation limiting element 132 and a fastening means passage opening section 136 of the deformation limiting element 132.

[0216] These drainage openings 176 each represent a fluid connection from the intermediate region between the sealing bead 120 and the intermediate fastener passage opening section 164 of the deformation limiting element 132 into the exterior of the housing cover 100, via which moisture or liquid that arises and / or accumulates in this intermediate region can drain into the exterior of the housing cover 100, thereby preventing corrosive damage to the housing cover in this intermediate region.

[0217] In this embodiment, each of the drain openings 176 thus has the shape of a gap or a gap between an end region of an intermediate fastener passage opening portion 164 of the deformation limiting element 132 and a fastener passage opening portion 136 of the deformation limiting element 132.

[0218] Furthermore, the Fig. 31 The eleventh embodiment of a housing cover 100 shown in FIG. 1 is identical in structure, function and method of manufacture to that shown in the Fig. 28 and 29 illustrated ninth embodiment, to the above description of which reference is made in this respect.

[0219] In alternative embodiments of the eleventh embodiment of a housing cover 100, it can be provided that the intermediate fastening means passage opening sections 164 of the deformation limiting element 132 are designed as in the Figs. 24 and 25illustrated seventh embodiment of a housing cover 100.

[0220] In this case, the deformation limiting element in the intermediate fastening means passage opening sections 164 thus comprises a contact area 142, a bending area 138 and a transfer area 140, which rests flatly, preferably substantially over its entire surface, against the contact surface 148 of the contact area 142 and is preferably pressed with the contact area 142.

[0221] In a further alternative embodiment of the eleventh embodiment of a housing cover 100, the intermediate fastening means passage opening sections 164 of the deformation limiting element 132 can be designed as in the Figs. 26 and 27 illustrated eighth embodiment of a housing cover 100.

[0222] In this case, the transfer region 140 of an intermediate fastening means passage opening section 164 of the deformation limiting element 132 is not formed in one piece, but is composed of several segments 168 which follow one another in the circumferential direction of the edge section 166 of the housing cover 100 and have preferably merged with the contact region 142 by pressing.

Claims

1. Housing cover for fixing to a housing (102), wherein the housing cover (100) is provided with a plurality of fastening means through-openings (108) and with a sealing bead (120) that comprises an elastomeric material and wherein the sealing bead (120) is arranged on a seal support face (122) of the housing cover (100), wherein the housing cover (100) comprises at least one deformation limiting element (132), which projects over the seal support face (122) in the same direction as the sealing bead (120) and limits a deformation of the sealing bead (120) in the assembled state of the housing cover (100), and wherein the deformation limiting element (132) comprises a bending region (138; 138') in which the material of the deformation limiting element (132) is bent out of a reference plane (139) extending substantially in parallel to the seal support face (122) by a bend angle (α) of at least 30°, characterized in that the deformation limiting element (132) comprises at least one fastening means through-opening portion (136), which extends along a circumferential direction of one of the fastening means through-openings (108) over a circumferential angle (β) around the respective fastening means through-opening (108), and / or in that the deformation limiting element (132) comprises at least one intermediate fastening means through-opening portion (164), which extends along a peripheral direction of a rim portion (166) of the housing cover (100) located between two of the fastening means through-openings (108), wherein the at least one fastening means through-opening portion (136) and / or the at least one intermediate fastening means through-opening portion (164) of the deformation limiting element (132) comprises a plurality of segments (156; 168), between which at least one gap (160; 172) is arranged in an initial state of the housing cover (100) before producing the bending region (138).

2. Housing cover in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the bend angle (α) is substantially 90°.

3. Housing cover in accordance with either of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the bending region (138) ends on an end face (174; 174') with which the housing cover (100) can be placed against the housing (102).

4. Housing cover in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the bend angle (α) is more than 160°.

5. Housing cover in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the deformation limiting element (132) comprises a folding over region (140), which is connected by way of the bending region (138) and an abutment region (142) to a seal support region (106) of the housing cover (100) on which the sealing bead (120) is arranged, wherein the folding over region (140) abuts against the abutment region (142) on the same side of the housing cover (100) on which the sealing bead (120) is arranged on the seal support region (106).

6. Housing cover in accordance with Claim 5, characterized in that the average thickness (D; D') of the folding over region (140) is substantially equal to the average thickness (D; D') of the abutment region (142).

7. Housing cover in accordance with Claim 5, characterized in that the average thickness (D') of the folding over region (140) is smaller than the average thickness (D) of the abutment region (142).

8. Housing cover in accordance with any one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the thickness of the folding over region (140) varies with increasing distance from the bending region (138).

9. Housing cover in accordance with any one of Claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the thickness of the abutment region (142) varies with increasing distance from the bending region (138).

10. Housing cover in accordance with any one of Claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the sum (DG) of the local thickness (DU) of the folding over region (140) and the local thickness (DA) of the abutment region (142) is substantially independent of the distance from the bending region (138).

11. Housing cover in accordance with any one of Claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the thickness (D'; DU) of the folding over region (140) and / or the thickness (D'; DA) of the abutment region (142) is smaller than the thickness (D) of the seal support region (106) at least in sections.

12. Housing cover in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one of the intermediate fastening means through-opening portions (164) of the deformation limiting element (132) has at least one outlet opening (176) and / or ends with at least one outlet opening (176).

13. Housing cover in accordance with Claim 12, characterized in that at least one outlet opening (176) is delimited by an intermediate fastening means through-opening portion (164) and by a fastening means through-opening portion (136) of the deformation limiting element (132).

14. Housing cover in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the segments (156; 168) are pressed together in the operational state of the housing cover (100).