Anti-tamper device for degassing tank cap

Abstract

The invention relates to an anti-tamper device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for securing a cap (103, 203, 303, 403, 503) on a neck of a degassing tank of a cooling circuit of a vehicle, characterized in that the device comprises locking means which are either integral with a shell configured to surround and secure the cap on the neck (104, 204, 304), or integral with the cap and the neck (404, 504) of the tank. The device may comprise a tamper-evident means (227', 306) to provide proof of unlocking of the locking means. Additionally or alternatively, the device may be configured to be removed only by destruction so that once removed, it is no longer possible to reuse it. Figure for abstract: FIG. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Anti-tamper device for degassing tank cap Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the cooling circuits of vehicles and more particularly to electric or hybrid motor vehicles. In particular, the present invention relates to the cooling circuits of such electric or hybrid vehicles. Technical background

[0002] Due to economic constraints caused by the increase in the price of fuel and environmental constraints linked to the regulation of polluting emissions and greenhouse gases, there has been a development of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, i.e. vehicles using a thermal engine and an electric motor.

[0003] Electric or hybrid vehicles use powerful batteries that need to be cooled. Such cooling can be achieved in particular by means of a cooling circuit comprising a heat transfer circuit circulating a coolant (or heat transfer liquid) around the battery(ies) and / or around the cells of the battery(ies).

[0004] Such a cooling circuit comprises a degassing tank, also called an expansion tank, delimiting an interior volume intended to receive a coolant to be degassed. Thus, such a degassing tank is provided to receive the coolant in particular for any adjustment of the coolant level in the tank. Thus, during maintenance of the vehicle, it may be necessary to add coolant to the degassing tank. Thus, such a tank comprises a cap which can be removed for example during maintenance of the vehicle.

[0005] For example, it also happens that the cooling circuit includes a coolant leak. Such a leak can cause, if the liquid comes into contact with the battery, a fire in the vehicle. In response to such a leak, an unqualified user (for example the owner of the vehicle) could react by adding coolant to the reservoir and thus mask the leak.

[0006] Furthermore, during such a coolant topping-up operation, an unqualified user who intervenes to remove the cap risks touching the battery(ies) and / or their cells, which can be very dangerous for the operator. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims, according to at least one of its embodiments, to provide a solution which dissuades an unqualified user from intervening to top up the coolant level or adjust the coolant level. The present invention also aims, according to at least one of its embodiments, to limit the risks that a coolant leak is masked by an unqualified user. The present invention also aims, according to at least one of its embodiments, to reduce the risks linked to batteries for unqualified users.

[0008] The present invention relates to an anti-tamper means or device for a degassing tank cap of a cooling circuit of a vehicle which is configured to surround and / or secure the cap on a neck of the tank.

[0009] Thus, the invention provides a means of preventing an unqualified user from opening the cap of the degassing tank.

[0010] The anti-tampering means or device may be for securing a cap on a neck of a degassing tank of a cooling circuit of a vehicle. The means or device may comprise locking means. The locking means may be integral with a shell configured to surround and lock the cap on the neck. The locking means may be integral with the cap and / or the neck of the tank.

[0011] The present invention also relates to an anti-tamper device for securing a cap on a neck of a degassing tank of a cooling circuit of a vehicle, characterized in that the device comprises locking means which are either integral with a shell configured to surround and / or secure the cap on the neck, or integral with the cap and the neck of the tank.

[0012] The present invention also relates to an anti-tamper device for securing a cap on a neck of a degassing tank of a cooling circuit of a vehicle, characterized in that the device comprises locking means which are integral with a shell configured to surround and / or secure the cap on the neck.

[0013] The shell may be configured to prevent removal of the cap from the neck.

[0014] The shell may be configured to prevent the cap from being unscrewed from the neck.

[0015] The means or device or shell may comprise a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion may be adapted to form a shell around the cap and / or a neck of the tank.

[0016] The present invention also relates to an anti-tamper device for a degassing tank cap of a cooling circuit of a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a first portion and a second portion adapted to form a shell around the cap and / or a neck of the tank.

[0017] Thus, for example, the anti-tamper device comprises a protective shell which can be closed around the cap and / or the neck of the degassing tank.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first portion and the second portion may each comprise cooperating parts of the locking means. The anti-tamper device or the shell comprises means for locking the first portion and second portion around the cap and / or the neck of the tank.

[0019] Thus, for example, once the first portion and second portion of the device are locked around the cap and / or neck of the degassing tank, it becomes difficult for an unqualified user, for example, the owner of the vehicle to carry out an operation of topping up the coolant in the degassing tank himself. Thus, the unqualified (or non-professional) user is dissuaded, thanks to the invention, from intervening himself at the level of the cooling circuit in contact with the battery(ies) or battery cells. This has the advantage of reducing the risks of masking coolant leaks.

[0020] The locking means may be irreversible and / or non-unlockable. The device may be configured to be removed only by destruction, for example so that once removed, it is no longer possible to reuse it.

[0021] For example, it is preferable that a qualified or professional operator (or user) must break the anti-tamper device before intervening. In this case, a new anti-tamper device can be placed and secured on the cap and / or the neck of the tank after intervention.

[0022] The shell may comprise a top wall. The shell may comprise a side wall. The first portion may be hinged to the second portion, for example along the side wall.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking means comprise a tab provided on the first portion and tab receiving means provided in the second portion, and in that the tab is provided to snap into the tab receiving means. The tab receiving means may comprise a receptacle.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tab comprises a projecting portion intended to be retained by the receiving means after snapping the tab into the receiving means, for example in engagement with the receiving means. The receiving means may comprise a lip, for example, with which the projecting portion of the tab can engage.

[0025] In some examples, the locking means may be unlocked. The locking means may be reversible. The device may include a tamper-evident means, which may be configured to provide evidence of unlocking of the locking means.

[0026] The locking means may be configured to be unlocked, in use, by deforming the tab relative to the receiving means. The locking means may be configured to be unlocked, in use, by inserting a tool, such as a screwdriver, into the receiving means, for example to push the protruding portion out of engagement with the receiving means. The locking means may be configured to be unlocked, in use, by inserting a tool into the receiving means to move the protruding portion away from the lip of the receiving means or to prevent it from engaging with the lip.

[0027] The anti-tamper device is for example configured to be removed only by destroying the tamper-evident means.

[0028] The tamper-evident means may comprise a tamper-evident cover. The tamper-evident cover may prevent access to the receiving means. In some examples, the tamper-evident cover must be dislodged, for example, before the tool can be inserted into the receiving means to unlock the locking means.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tamper-evident means comprises a label. The label may be intended to be stuck on both the first portion and the second portion, for example when they form a shell around the cap and / or the neck of the tank.

[0030] The first and / or second portion may each comprise a portion of the top wall, for example a semi-circular portion. The first and / or second portion may each comprise a portion of the side wall, for example a semi-cylindrical portion, which may depend on the portion of the semi-circular top wall and which may be connected thereto by a curved portion.

[0031] The label may be intended to be stuck on the part of the upper wall of each of the first and second portions, for example when they form the shell around the cap and / or the neck of the tank.

[0032] In other examples, the first or second portion may comprise a circular portion of the top wall or all of it. The other portion may further comprise the portion of the side wall and / or the curved portion.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the label is configured to provide a visual indication of its removal and / or upon unlocking of the locking means, for example once adhered to the first and second portions.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the label is configured to fail or be damaged upon removal and / or upon unlocking of the locking means, for example once adhered to the first and second portions.

[0035] The present invention also relates to an anti-tamper device for a degassing tank cap of a cooling circuit of a vehicle, the tank comprising a neck and a cap for sealingly closing the neck, characterized in that it comprises an anti-tamper means usable for securing the cap to the neck.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-tamper means comprises cooperating locking elements on each of the cap and the neck.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooperating locking elements comprise a stop on each of the cap and the neck.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the stops is included on a deformable tab.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the deformable tab of one of the neck and the cap is configured to flex, for example when the cap is screwed onto the neck. The deformable tab of one of the neck and the cap may be configured to flex when the cap is screwed onto the neck until the cap reaches a sealed position, for example at which point the deformable tab engages in a locked state in which the stops are engaged.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the deformable tab of one of the neck and the cap is configured to flex upon engagement with a tool, for example to thereby unlock the anti-tampering means.

[0041] The present invention also relates to a degassing tank for a cooling circuit of a vehicle, the tank comprising a neck and a cap for sealingly closing the neck, characterized in that it comprises a device as described above.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a degassing tank for a cooling circuit of a vehicle, the tank comprising a neck and a cap for sealingly closing the neck, characterized in that it comprises an anti-tamper means usable for securing the cap to the neck. The present invention also relates to a cooling circuit of a vehicle comprising a degassing tank as previously described, as well as a vehicle comprising such a cooling circuit.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooling circuit is a cooling circuit for at least one battery of the vehicle.

[0044] Of course, the invention applies to any cooling circuit comprising at least one degassing tank.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle is an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0046] Of course, by vehicle we mean any type of vehicle, for example an automobile, a motorcycle, a truck, a boat, an airplane, ...

[0047] For the avoidance of doubt, all features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention.

[0048] Within the scope of the present application, it is expressly provided that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. In other words, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any way, unless such features are incompatible.

[0049] For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may", "and / or", "for example", "for example" and any other similar terms used herein are to be interpreted as non-limiting, such that any feature so described need not necessarily be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not expressly claimed. Applicant reserves the right to amend any originally filed claim or to file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend upon and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim not originally claimed in this manner. Brief description of the figures

[0050] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0051] [Fig. 1] schematically shows an anti-tamper device for a degassing tank cap of a cooling circuit of a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] [Fig.2] shows schematically, from a first perspective, the anti- violation of [Fig.l] when applied to a neck of the degassing tank;

[0053] [Fig.3] shows schematically, from a second perspective, the anti- violation of [Fig.l] when applied to a neck of the degassing tank;

[0054] [Fig.4] schematically shows the anti-tamper device of [Fig.l] when it is locked to secure on the cap and / or on the neck of the degassing tank;

[0055] [Fig.5] schematically shows an anti-tamper device for a cap of degassing tank of a cooling circuit of a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] [Fig.6] shows schematically, from a first perspective, the anti- violation of [Fig.5] when applied to a neck of the degassing tank;

[0057] [Fig.7] schematically shows the anti-tamper device of [Fig.5] when locked to secure on the cap and / or on the neck of the degassing tank;

[0058] [Fig.8] schematically shows an anti-tamper device for a degassing tank cap of a cooling circuit of a vehicle according to a variant of the second embodiment of the present invention, locked to secure on the cap and / or on the neck of the degassing tank;

[0059] [Fig.9] schematically shows an enlarged view of the front of the receptacle of the anti-tamper device of [Fig.8], with the tamper-evident cover preventing access to the receptacle;

[0060] [Fig. 10] schematically shows a view similar to that of [Fig.9], but with the tamper-evident cover dislodged to allow access to the receptacle;

[0061] [Fig. 11] shows a sectional view of the locking means when in the state illustrated in [Fig. 10];

[0062] [Fig. 12] schematically shows a view similar to that of [Fig.8], but with the locking means in an unlocked state and with the tamper-evident device in a partially open state;

[0063] [Fig. 13] schematically shows an anti-tamper device for a degassing tank cap of a cooling circuit of a vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention when applied to a neck of the degassing tank;

[0064] [Fig. 14] schematically shows the anti-tamper device of [Fig. 13] when locked onto the cap and / or neck of the degassing tank;

[0065] [Fig. 15] schematically shows the anti-tamper device of [Fig. 13] when locked onto the cap and / or neck of the degassing tank and with a label affixed to both the first portion and the second portion;

[0066] [Fig. 16] schematically shows a degassing tank for a cooling circuit of a vehicle comprising an anti-tamper means usable for securing the cap to the neck according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] [Fig. 17] schematically shows the underside of the degassing tank cap of [Fig. 16];

[0068] [Fig. 18] schematically shows the neck of the degassing tank of [Fig. 16];

[0069] [Fig. 19] schematically shows the interaction between the cap and the neck of the tank degassing of [Fig. 16];

[0070] [Fig.20] schematically shows the underside of the cap when it is mounted on the neck of the degassing tank of [Fig. 16];

[0071] [Fig.21] schematically shows a degassing tank for a circuit of vehicle cooling including usable anti-tamper means to secure the cap to the neck according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] [Fig.22] schematically shows the neck of the degassing tank of [Fig.21];

[0073] [Fig.23] schematically shows the interaction between the cap and the neck of the tank degassing of [Fig.21];

[0074] [Fig.24] schematically shows an alternative neck that can be used in the degassing tank of [Fig.21]. Detailed description of the invention

[0075] Various aspects of a cooling circuit vent tank cap tamper-evident device according to one embodiment of the invention are described in more detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] Anti-tampering means for a degassing tank cap of a vehicle cooling circuit are described below in relation to FIGS. 1 to 19.

[0077] For example, the cooling circuit is a cooling circuit for at least one battery of the vehicle. For example, the battery is a battery comprising several cells. For example, the battery is a lithium or nickel battery. Of course, the cooling circuit can also be adapted to cool other components of the vehicle, for example an electric powertrain.

[0078] Thus, a cooling circuit as targeted in the context of the present invention may be any cooling circuit, which notably includes cooling circuits for devices which may include at least one battery. For example, a cooling circuit according to the invention may be a cooling circuit for an electric powertrain. For example, the cooling circuit may aim to cool the electric motor(s) and / or the power electronics for controlling the motors and / or the power electronics of the on-board charger and / or the battery(ies), as well as other possible components.

[0079] For example, because the battery(ies) and the electric powertrain have different operating temperatures and heating / cooling requirements, a cooling circuit according to the invention may comprise two cooling sub-circuits which may be separated or coupled depending on the operating modes of the vehicle.

[0080] The cooling circuit(s) may comprise several degassing tanks in the same vehicle.

[0081] For example, the vehicle is an electric vehicle. Of course, the vehicle can also be a hybrid vehicle or even any other type of vehicle.

[0082] For example, the anti-tampering means may comprise an anti-tampering device that comprises a first portion and a second portion adapted to form a shell around the cap and / or a neck of the tank. The anti-tamper device is thus, for example, a shell comprising the first and second portions.

[0083] Referring now to Figures 1 to 4, such an anti-tamper device 100 is seen. The anti-tamper device 100 comprises a first portion 101 and a second portion 102 adapted to form a shell around a cap 103 and a neck 104 of a degassing tank (not shown) on which the cap 103 is installed.

[0084] The first portion 101 is substantially semi-cylindrical with a semi-circular upper wall 110 and a semi-cylindrical side wall 111 which depends from the semi-circular upper wall 110 and which is connected thereto by a curved portion 110a. The first portion 101 also comprises a radial flange 112 projecting inwardly from the lowest end of the side wall 111.

[0085] Similarly, the second portion 102 is also substantially semi-cylindrical with a semi-circular top wall 120 and a semi-cylindrical side wall 121 which depends from the semi-circular top wall 120 and which is connected thereto by a curved portion 120a. The second portion 101 also includes a radial flange 122 projecting inwardly from the lowest end of the side wall 121.

[0086] The upper walls 110, 120 include warning indicia 110b, 120b to deter unqualified persons from removing the tamper-evident device 100 from the cap 103 and the neck 104.

[0087] A first lateral edge of the semi-cylindrical lateral wall 111 of the first portion 101 is articulated to a first lateral edge of the semi-cylindrical lateral wall 121 of the second portion 102 by a flexible hinge 105 formed integrally or integrally or in a single piece with each of the first and second portions 101, 102 in this example.

[0088] The anti-tampering device 100 comprises locking means 114, 124 of the first portion 101 and second portion 102 around the cap 103 and the neck 104 of the tank. In this example, the second lateral edge of the semi-cylindrical side wall 111, 121 of each of the first and second portions 101, 102 comprises respective locking features.

[0089] More specifically, the locking means 114, 124 comprise a tab 114 extending from a second lateral edge of the semi-cylindrical lateral wall 111 of the first portion 101 and means for receiving the tab 124 in the second portion 102. The tab 114 is formed integrally, integrally or in a single piece with the first portion 101 and the means for receiving the tab 124 are formed integrally, solidly or in one piece with the second portion 102.

[0090] The tab 114 is designed to snap into the tab receiving means 124. The tab 114 comprises a projecting portion 115 designed to be retained by the receiving means 124 after the tab 114 has been snapped into the receiving means 124. In this example, the projecting portion 115 is a raised strip created on one end of the tab.

[0091] In this example, the receiving means 124 comprise a passage portion (or receptacle or pierced box) 125 formed in the second portion 102 into which the tab 114 is introduced during locking. The length of the passage portion 125 is such that once the tab 114 is completely introduced, the projecting portion 115 comes out of the passage and is retained by a flank (not shown) of the passage portion 125.

[0092] The tab 114 and the receiving means 124, in particular the projecting portion 115, are for example designed to snap together irreversibly. In other words, the tab 114 and the receiving means 124 are designed to prevent non-destructive disengagement of the tab 114 and the receiving means 124. The tab 114 therefore cannot be dislodged from the projecting portion 115. Destruction of the locking means 114, 124 is thus necessary to access the plug 103. The passage portion 125 may also be shaped so as not to allow access of a tool, such as a screwdriver, to the tab 114 and the projecting portion 115.

[0093] Additionally or alternatively, the flexible hinge 105 may comprise or describe a line of weakness along which the connection between the first and second portions 101, 102 may be broken.

[0094] Alternatively, a tool, such as a screwdriver (not shown), may be inserted into the passage portion 125 when the tab 114 is locked therein, with its protruding portion 115 engaged with the blank (not shown). The tool may then be manipulated to flex the tab 114, and to dislodge the protruding portion 115 from its engagement with the blank (not shown) to release the tab 114 from the passage portion 125. Additionally or alternatively, the passage portion 125 may include a notch, which allows the tool to be inserted into the passage portion 125 when the tab 114 is locked therein.

[0095] Figures 5 to 7 show an anti-violation device 200 according to a second example, similar to the anti-violation device 100 according to the first example, in which the similar characteristics are identified by the same references, incremented by 100. These characteristics will not be described.

[0096] The tamper-evident device 200 according to this example differs from the previous example in that the upper wall 220 of the second portion 202 is circular, while the upper wall 110 included in the previous example is omitted from the first portion 201 in this example. Therefore, when the device 200 is in the closed state, the upper wall 220 is uninterrupted.

[0097] Figures 8 to 12 show an anti-tamper device 200' according to a variant of the second example, in which similar features are identified by the same references, with the addition of a '. These features will not be described.

[0098] The tamper-evident device 200' according to this example differs from the previous example in that it comprises a tamper-evident means configured to provide evidence of unlocking of the locking means 214', 224'. In this example, an access hole 226' is provided on a front face of the device 200', opposite the side in which the tab 214' is inserted into the receptacle / lane portion 225', and the tamper-evident means is in the form of a tamper-evident cover 227', which prevents access to the hole 226'.

[0099] The tamper-evident cover 227' includes a living hinge 227a' on a first of its sides, about which it can pivot, and a pair of frangible bridges 227b' securing it in a position in which it covers the access hole 226'. The tamper-evident cover 227' can be dislodged by inserting a tool (not shown) into a slot 227c' between the frangible bridges 227b' and pivoting it about the living hinge 227a'. This provides access to the access hole 226', allowing the tool (not shown) to be inserted therein and manipulated to flex the tab 214' to dislodge the protruding portion 215' from its engagement with the blank 228' to release the tab 214' from the passage portion 225'.

[0100] Referring now to Figures 13 to 15, there is shown an anti-tamper device 300 according to a third example, which is similar to the anti-tamper device 100 according to the first example, in which similar characteristics are identified by the same references, incremented by 200. These characteristics will not be described.

[0101] The anti-fraud device 300 in this example differs from the first example in that the warning indicia 110b, 120b are omitted, providing a smooth surface on which a label 306 is placed when the first and second portions 301, 302 are locked together. The label 306 in this example is configured to provide a visual indication of its removal and / or upon unlocking of the locking means. Such a visual indication may be provided by one of many means known in the art, such as damage, delamination, destruction, change of color, or any other suitable visual indicator.

[0102] It is also possible, according to other embodiments according to the invention, to integrate this anti-tamper device directly into the cap / tank assembly, by making modifications to these components. For example, this can be done without adding additional components.

[0103] Referring now to Figures 16 to 20, one can see such an anti-tamper device 400. The anti-tamper device 400 according to this example comprises anti-tamper means incorporated in the cap 403 and the neck 404. More specifically, the anti-tamper device 400 comprises cooperating locking elements 401, 402 on each of the cap 403 and the neck 404.

[0104] A first locking element 401, shown more clearly in [Fig. 17], is incorporated in the cap 403, and comprises a deformable tab 410 described in a lower portion of the side wall 430 of the cap 403. The deformable tab 410 is formed integrally, integrally or in one piece with the cap 403 and comprises a radial stop 411 projecting inwardly from its free end.

[0105] A second locking element 402, shown more clearly in [Fig. 18], is incorporated in the neck 404, and includes a radial stop 420 having a radial stop surface 421 and a tapered side 422 on the opposite circumferential side of the radial stop 420. The radial stop 420 is formed integrally, integrally, or as a single piece with the neck 404 and projects from a flange 440 below screw threads 441 on the neck 404 which engage cooperating screw threads 431 on the inner side of the side wall 430 of the cap 403.

[0106] The tamper-evident device 400 is thus configured such that when the cap 403 is screwed onto the neck 404, toward a final, sealed position, the radial stop 411 of the first locking element 401 rides on the tapered side 422 of the radial stop 420 of the second locking element 402. The deformable tab 410 flexes to allow the radial stop 411 to move radially outward. Continued rotation causes the radial stop 411 to overshoot the radial stop 420 of the second locking element 402, until it snaps into alignment with the radial stop face 421.

[0107] In this position, illustrated in [Fig.19], the radial stops 411, 421 prevent the cap 403 from unscrewing from the neck 404. In order to remove the cap 403 from the neck 404, a tool, such as a screwdriver (not shown), must be inserted between the radial stop 411 of the first locking element 401 and the flange 440 of the neck 404. The tool must then be manipulated to deflect the deformable tab 410 outwardly when an unscrewing torque is applied to the cap 403. Once the deformable tab 410 is deflected such that the stops 411, 421 are no longer radially aligned, the cap 403 can then be unscrewed and removed from the neck 404.

[0108] Figures 21 to 23 show another example of an anti-tamper device 500, similar to the previous example of an anti-tamper device 400, where similar features are identified by the same references, incremented by 100. These features will not be described.

[0109] The anti-tamper device 500 according to the present example differs from that of the previous example in that the radial stops 411, 421 are replaced by axial stops 510, 520. More specifically, the side wall 530 of the cap 503 comprises a series of axial recesses 531 on its internal surface each describing a stop surface 511, and the rim 540 of the neck 504 comprises an axial stop 520 with a stop surface 521 and a tapered side 522 on the opposite circumferential side of the axial stop 520.

[0110] When the cap 503 is screwed onto the neck 504, towards a final and sealed position, the side wall 530 of the cap 503 deforms slightly as it rises on the tapered side 522 of the axial stop 520 of the second locking element 502. Continued rotation causes one of the axial recesses 531 to align with the axial stop 520 of the second locking element 502, so that the stop faces 511, 521 are aligned and prevent reverse rotation, as illustrated in [Fig.23].

[0111] As in the previous example, a tool may be inserted between the cap 503 and the neck 504 when a loosening torque is applied to the cap 503, thereby allowing the cap 503 to be removed from the neck 504.

[0112] [Fig.24] shows another example of a neck 604 that can be used with the same cap 503 as in the previous example. In this example, a deformable tab 620 constitutes the axial stop, which can be deflected into an axial recess 623 of the flange 640 of the neck 604. The deformable tab 620 can thus be deflected by the side wall 530 of the cap 503 until it comes into alignment with one of the axial recesses 531, when it engages in the axial recess 531.

[0113] Of course, as an alternative, the passage portion may also comprise a recess whose dimensions and shape are provided so that it fits the projecting portion of the tab at the time of snap-fastening.

[0114] Throughout the description and claims, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to (and do not exclude) other parts, additives, components, wholes or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular includes the plural, unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context otherwise requires.

[0115] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention should be understood as being applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein, unless inconsistent therewith. List of reference signs

[0116] 100 anti-tamper device

[0117] 101 first portion

[0118] 110 semicircular upper wall

[0119] 111 semi-cylindrical side wall

[0120] 110a curved part

[0121] 110b warning signs

[0122] 112 radial rim

[0123] 114 locking tab

[0124] 115 protruding portion

[0125] 102 second portion

[0126] 120 semi-circular upper wall

[0127] 120a curved part 120a

[0128] 120b warning signs

[0129] 121 semi-cylindrical side wall

[0130] 122 radial rim

[0131] 124 tongue receiving means

[0132] 125 portion of corridor

[0133] 103 cap

[0134] 104 degassing tank neck

[0135] 105 flexible hinge

[0136] 200 anti-tamper device

[0137] 201 first portion

[0138] 211 semi-cylindrical side wall

[0139] 210a curved part

[0140] 212 radial rim

[0141] 214 locking tab

[0142] 202 second portion

[0143] 220 circular upper wall

[0144] 220a curved part 120a

[0145] 221 semi-cylindrical side wall

[0146] 222 radial rim

[0147] 224 tongue receiving means

[0148] 225 portion of corridor

[0149] 203 cap

[0150] 204 degassing tank neck

[0151] 205 flexible hinge

[0152] 200' anti-violation device

[0153] 201' first portion

[0154] 210a' curved part

[0155] 214' locking tab

[0156] 202'second portion

[0157] 220' circular upper wall

[0158] 220a' curved part 120a

[0159] 221' semi-cylindrical side wall

[0160] 224' tongue receiving means

[0161] 225' part of corridor

[0162] 226' access hole

[0163] 227a' living hinge

[0164] 227b' frangible bridges

[0165] 227c' slot

[0166] 228' flan

[0167] 205' flexible hinge

[0168] 300 anti-tamper device

[0169] 301 first portion

[0170] 310 semicircular upper wall

[0171] 311 semi-cylindrical side wall

[0172] 310a curved part

[0173] 312 radial rim

[0174] 314 locking tab

[0175] 315 portion s aillante

[0176] 302 second portion

[0177] 320 semicircular upper wall

[0178] 320a curved part 120a

[0179] 321 semi-cylindrical side wall

[0180] 322 radial rim

[0181] 324 tongue receiving means

[0182] 325 portion of corridor

[0183] 303 cap

[0184] 304 degassing tank neck

[0185] 305 flexible hinge

[0186] 306 label

[0187] 400 anti-tamper device

[0188] 401 first locking element

[0189] 410 deformable tab

[0190] 411 radial thrust bearing

[0191] 402 second locking element

[0192] 420 radial thrust bearing

[0193] 421 radial abutment surface

[0194] 422 tapered side

[0195] 403 cap

[0196] 430 side wall

[0197] 431 cap screw threads

[0198] 404 col

[0199] 440 collar

[0200] 441 neck screw threads

[0201] 500 anti-tamper device

[0202] 501 first locking element

[0203] 510 axial stop

[0204] 511 abutment surface

[0205] 502 second locking element

[0206] 520 axial stop

[0207] 521 abutment surface

[0208] 522 tapered side

[0209] 503 cap

[0210] 530 side wall

[0211] 504 col

[0212] 540 collar

[0213] 620 deformable tab

[0214] 623 axial collar recess

[0215] 604 col

[0216] 640 collar

Claims

Claims

1. Anti-tamper device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for securing a cap (103, 203, 303, 403, 503) on a neck of a degassing tank of a cooling circuit of a vehicle, the device comprising locking means which are integral with a shell configured to surround and secure the cap on the neck (104, 204, 304), characterized in that the shell comprises a first portion (101, 201, 301) and a second portion (102, 202, 302) each comprising cooperating parts of the locking means.

2. An anti-tamper device for a fuel cap according to claim 1, characterized in that the shell comprises a top wall and a side wall and that the first portion is hinged to the second portion along the side wall.

3. An anti-tamper device for a fuel cap according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the locking means comprise a tab (114, 214, 314) provided on the first portion and tab receiving means (124, 224, 324) provided in the second portion, and in that the tab is provided to snap-fit ​​into the tab receiving means.

4. Anti-tamper device for a tank cap according to claim 3, characterized in that the tab comprises a projecting portion (115, 315) intended to be retained by the receiving means after snapping the tab into the receiving means.

5. Anti-tamper device for a tank cap according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking means are non-unlockable.

6. Anti-tamper device for fuel cap according to claim 5, characterized in that it is configured to be removed only by its destruction.

7. A fuel cap tamper-evident device according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that the locking means are configured to be unlocked, in use, by deforming the tab relative to the receiving means and / or the locking means are configured to be unlocked, in use, by inserting a tool into the receiving means to push the protruding portion out of engagement with the receiving means.

8. Anti-tamper device for a tank cap according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a tamper-evident means which is configured to provide proof of unlocking of the locking means.

9. Anti-tamper device for a fuel cap according to claim 8, characterized in that it is configured to be removed only by the destruction of the tamper-evident means.

10. A fuel cap tamper-evident device according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterised in that the tamper-evident means comprises a tamper-evident cover preventing access to the receiving means, which must be dislodged before the tool can be inserted into the receiving means to unlock the locking means.

11. Anti-tamper device for a tank cap according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the tamper-evident means comprises a label (306) intended to be stuck to both the first portion and the second portion when they form a shell around the cap and / or the neck of the tank, the label being further configured to fail or be damaged when it is removed and / or when the locking means are unlocked, once stuck to the first and second portions.

Images