EP0760789B1 - Closure cap which can be fixed onto a container neck - Google Patents

Abstract

A closure cap which can screw onto the fixed neck of a cooling system expansion tank. The closure cap is provided with a screw cap and a threaded section in which a combination pressure-vacuum valve is mounted concentrically and in such a way that it can rotate in relation to the screw cap. The valve is provided with a sealing element which comes into tight contact with the fixed neck when the closure is screwed. To endure that the closure cap can be unscrewed only when the excess heat in the cooling system has been completely dissipated, it is proposed that the closure cap when screwed onto the fixed neck would be prevented from unscrewing means of a temperature-dependent control element.

Description

The present invention relates to one stationary nozzle, for example a motor vehicle radiator, an expansion tank of cooling or heating systems or the like. To be fastened, preferably screwed on or plug-on and rotating lid after Preamble of claim 1.

Such caps are, for example, at Automotive cooling systems are used, either immediately as a radiator cap or as a closure of the Expansion tank. The cap is there either screwed on by means of a thread or attachable and rotatable by means of a bayonet element. In automotive cooling systems with regard to Sealing cap is a problem in that usually due to the high temperature in the cooling system Pressure is high. Even if at the time of parking the temperature of the engine in the cooling system is not too high after switching off the engine by a certain post-heating effect a temperature and thus a Pressure increase in the cooling system. Then immediately the cover on the cooling system is removed acute risk of scalding for the user concerned. This danger exists especially with screwable ones Sealing caps, since the user unscrews the Closure lid is not stopped that Unscrew or slow down in the last phase best to interrupt to equalize pressure with the To produce outside air and above all to wait. At the Screwing a cover on the cooling system a vent connection opened to the outside, however, this cannot happen as quickly as that User may be able to completely remove the cap can unscrew. The same applies to the use a lid with a bayonet catch.

In such a known from US-A-33 38 455 a closable fastening cap becomes a Opening the cover at overtemperature prevents the shoulder of one attached to the lid and that temperature-dependent control-forming bimetal elements engages in a notch on the filler supports and thus that The bayonet catch is blocked. Furthermore describe US-A-25 28 372, FR-A-16 00 373 and GB-A-22 10 863 the coupling of the cap and the engaging part Sealing caps, each different temperature-dependent controls are used. The known attachable to a container neck Sealing caps are relatively complex and large.

The object of the present invention is therefore a To create sealing caps of the type mentioned at the outset, which is still under excess temperature Cooling systems can not be removed, but only when the overtemperature is completely reduced and the is still built to save space.

To solve this problem are in a cap of the type mentioned in claim 1 Features provided.

Due to the measures according to the invention, Closure cap created when in the cooling system (or in the heating system) still a critical high temperature prevails, can not be removed. With that is in in any case prevents injuries due to high Temperature and the resulting overpressure in the stationary nozzle when opening the cover may occur. The temperature-dependent control in the form of the Memory spring is in a space-saving way in the Coupling element housed.

Preferred design variants result from the Features of one or more of the subclaims.

Figur 1

einen links und rechts der Mittellinie in unterschiedlichen Ebenen ausgeführten Längsschnitt durch einen auf einen ortsfesten Stutzen eines Behälters aufgeschraubten Verschlußdeckel mit temperaturabhängiger Abschraubsicherung gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel vorliegender Erfindung,

Fig. 2

eine der Fig. 1 entsprechende Darstellung von Verschlußdeckel und zugehörigem temperaturabhängigem Steuerelement, jedoch gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel vorliegender Erfindung,

Fig. 3 und 4

jeweils eine der Figur 1 entsprechende Darstellung, jedoch gemäß einem dritten und vierten Ausführungsbeispiel vorliegender Erfindung,

Fig. 5 und 6

jeweils eine der Figur 1 entsprechende Darstellung, jedoch gemäß einem fünften und sechsten Ausführungsbeispiel vorliegender Erfindung.

Further details of the invention can be found in the following description, in which the invention is described and explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing. Show it:

Figure 1

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section on the left and right of the center line in different planes, through a closure cover screwed onto a stationary connection piece of a container with a temperature-dependent unscrewing protection according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

Fig. 2

1 shows a representation of the closure cover and associated temperature-dependent control element, but according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

3 and 4

1 in each case corresponding representation, but according to a third and fourth embodiment of the present invention,

5 and 6

in each case a representation corresponding to FIG. 1, but according to a fifth and sixth embodiment of the present invention.

The in the drawing according to six embodiments illustrated cover 210, 210 ', 310, 310', 410 and 410 ', respectively, on the Fixed nozzle 11 of a not shown Expansion tank of a motor vehicle cooler system is screwed on, has a screw cap 214, 214 ', 314, 314', 414, 414 ' Male thread part 221, 221 ', 321, 321 ', 421, 421' and a valve 215, 215 ', 315, 315', 415, 415 '. With these The nozzle 11 has exemplary embodiments Expansion tank two concentric parts, namely outside one Internal thread part 13, which Male thread part 221, 221 ', 321, 321 ', 421, 421' of the closure cover 210, 210 ', 310, 310', 410 or 410 'screwing takes up, and an inner neck 16, in which the Valve 215, 215 ', 315, 315', 415, 415 'of the closure cover 210, 210 ', 310, 310', 410 and 410 '. It understands yourself that it is also possible to close the cap 210, 210 ', 310, 310', 410 and 410 ' to be provided with an internal thread and / or such train that he is immediately on the stationary Neck of a motor vehicle radiator can be screwed on. Essential to the closure cover according to the invention 210, 210 ', 310, 310', 410 or 410 ', that it has a temperature-dependent unscrew protection 220, 220 ', 320, 320', 420 or 420 'is provided, which ensures that the Cover 210, 210 ', 310, 310 ', 410 or 410' of the relevant fixed nozzle 11 can only be detached or unscrewed when the Expansion tank or the motor vehicle radiator or the like. has dropped to normal or ambient temperature.

In all embodiments, the screw cap 214, 214 ', 314, 314', 414, 414 'of Sealing cover 210, 210 ', 310, 310 ', 410 or 410' provided with a cover plate 22, Over which, for example, a grip strip 23 runs diagonally. The Screw cap 214, 214 ', 314, 314 ', 414, 414' is hollow, in the area of Handle bar 23 through the cylindrical cavity 24 through rectangular depressions 25 is extended.

In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 4 are the screw cap 214, 214 ', 314, 314 ', 414, 414' and the external thread part or spigot 221, 221 ', 321, 321', 421, 421 'of the closure cover 210, 210 ', 310, 310', 410 and 410 'separate components and linked together in such a way that they are relative axially immovable to each other, in the circumferential direction however, are movable, and in the embodiments according to Figures 5 and 6 each in one piece Component summarized. In the former case it is Male thread connector with an inwardly projecting Provided collar 31, which in an L-shaped cross section, interrupted in the area of the depressions 25 Retaining ring 32 engages the bottom of the cover plate 22 is integrally formed. This is the Male thread connector on the underside of the screw cap kept hanging.

Inside the screw cap 214, 214 ', 314, 314', 414, 414 'or the external thread connector 221, 221 ', 321, 321', 421, 421 ' and concentric to the latter is a valve housing 17 of the valve on the screw cap 214, 214 ', 314, 314', 414, 414 'relative to this rotatable and essentially in the axial direction kept immobile. The relative rotatability between Valve housing 17 and screw cap 214, 214 ', 314, 314', 414, 414 'becomes similar Way like the relative rotatability between Screw cap and external thread socket reached. The valve is not to be described in detail because in itself known way as a combined pressure / vacuum valve trained that in on the stationary Stub 11 screwed on state of the cover 210, 210 ', 310, 310', 410 or 410 'if excessive pressure or Negative pressure opens and thus protects the cooling system. The Valve housing 17 is on a front part 28 with a Provided annular groove 26, in which an O-ring 27 is inserted, the one with the screw cap fully screwed on 210, 210 ', 310, 310', 410 and 410 ' on the smooth inner surface 18 of the neck 16 of the Expansion tank rests sealingly.

According to the present invention is a temperature dependent control of the temperature-dependent screw-off protection 220, 220 ', 320, 320 ', 420 or 420' of Cap 210, 210 ', 310, 310', 410 or 410 ' by a memory spring 237, 237 ', 337, 337', 437 or 437 '.

In the first shown in Figure 1 Embodiment of the present invention is in a accessible from the inside of the screw cap 214 axial recess 258 a control pin 238 is arranged, around its rear end 256 a back pressure spring 259 and around its front end 255 the memory spring 237 is arranged. The back pressure spring 259 is supported between the bottom of the axial recess 258 and one Collar 257 of the control pin 238, while the Memory spring 237 between the collar 257 and a front Abutment 254 supports. At normal temperature it will front end 255 of the control cam 238 under the action the back pressure spring 259 in an axial bore 253 in External thread part 221 pressed so that there is a non-rotatable Positive connection between screw cap 214 and External thread part 221 forms. With appropriate The memory spring expands at a predetermined high temperature 237 and presses against the action of the back pressure spring 259 the control cam 238 in the axial recess 258 in the Screw cap 214 so that the front end 255 of the Control cam 238 from the axial bore 253 in Male thread part 221 is released. The screw cap 214 turns hollow with respect to the external thread part 221. It it is understood that such a temperature-dependent Control element in the form of the memory spring 237 instead of one Instead of the circumference of the cover 210 several, preferably evenly over the circumference distributed locations may be present.

In the second shown in Figure 2 Embodiment of the present invention are Back pressure spring 259 'and the memory spring 237' different places, namely in the Screw cap 214 'or in the external thread part 221'. While the back pressure spring 259 'a control pin or cam Pressed 238 ', the memory spring 237' presses on one Mating bolt 265 ', the front end 266' in turn against the front end 255 'of the control cam 238 'presses. Depending on the prevailing in the nozzle 11 Temperature is either the front end 266 ' of the counter pin 265 'or the front end 255' of the Control cam 238 'in the axial bore 253' of Male threaded part 221 '. In the case shown in Figure 2 is on at a given inappropriately high temperature Idling between screw cap 214 'and external thread part 221 'given that the memory spring 237' with its through the high temperature predetermined force the control cam 238 ' pushed back against the action of the back pressure spring 259 '. The memory spring 237 'with the counter pin 265' is in one in the external thread part 221 'arranged on the edge Receiving housing 267 'held. It is understood that too here instead of a temperature-dependent control a certain point on the circumference of the cover 210 several such temperature-dependent control elements can be provided distributed over the circumference.

In the third shown in Figure 3 Embodiment of the present invention Closure cover 310 is the memory spring 337 trained temperature-dependent control element axially arranged within the valve 315. In one above an inner valve seal 365 arranged pot-like Part 371 of valve 315 is a collar 357 Connecting bolt 373 axially movable, the Connecting bolt 373 between its collar 357 and the Bottom of the pot-like part 371 from the memory spring 337 is acted upon and a covering the pot-like part Penetration 372 penetrates. On which the implementation 372 projecting end of the axial bolt 373 is the horizontal connecting leg of a U-shaped curve Control element 338 on by a back pressure spring 359 is applied to the other side on the inner surface 24 of the screw cap 314 is supported. Lateral to Male thread part 321 projecting leg 375 of the Control element 338 lie with their finger-like ends 376 of an axial bore 353 in the external thread part 321 opposite and engage at normal temperature in the nozzle 11 for the non-rotatable connection of screw cap 314 and Male thread part 321 into this. At a given high The memory spring 337 expands against the temperature value the action of the return spring 359, so that the axial Bolt 373 the control 338 against the action of Back pressure spring 359 up to the inner surface 24 of the Screw cap pushes 314 and thus the finger-like Ends 376 of the control element 338 from the axial Holes 353 are cleared. The screw cap 314 now turns hollow with respect to the external thread part 321. It understands yourself that the control 338 also more than two have lateral legs 375, for example star or can be cruciform.

In the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 4 present invention of a cap 310 ' the memory spring 337 'from the screw cap 314' seen beyond the valve inner seal 365 '. For this the axial connecting bolt 373 'penetrates the Seal 365 'so that the collar 357' of the pin 373 ' axially movable within the cup-shaped seal 365 ' is held. The implementation of the bolt 373 'by the Seal 365 'facing away is a bowl-shaped Sealing sleeve 366 'provided on which the sleeve 366 'indirectly supported. How this fourth works Embodiment corresponds to that of the third Embodiment.

In the fifth shown in Figure 5 Embodiment of the present invention Cap 410 is the temperature dependent Control element 437 of the temperature-dependent Unscrew protection 420 in the nozzle 11 of the concerned Container introduced, whereby it is achieved that at a predetermined high temperature value a blocking, i.e. non-rotatable connection between the screw cap 414 and the nozzle 11 of the container is reached. The temperature dependent control is also through here a memory spring 437 formed, which, as in the Embodiment of Figure 1, together with a Back pressure spring 459 an inner or outer end 455, 456 of a control pin 438 surrounds. The lower in Figure 5 or inner spring is the memory spring 437, which itself one end at the bottom of an axial recess 458 in Nozzle 11 and elsewhere on a collar 457 of the Control cam 438 supports. In contrast, the Back pressure spring 459 on one side on collar 457 and on the other on a ring insert 460 from the axial recess 458. The screw cap 414 has one from the inside accessible axial blind hole or recess 453 into which the tip of the front end 455 of the Control bolt 438 for non-rotatable connection and thus Blocking of the screw cap 414 can intervene. This happens at high temperature, in which the Memory spring 437 against the action of the back pressure spring 459 stretches and the control pin 438 in the axial Blind hole 453 pushes. It is also possible here instead of a temperature-dependent control several distributed over the circumference of the nozzle 11 to provide arranged controls.

The sixth embodiment shown in Figure 6 present invention of a closure cover 410 corresponds essentially to the embodiment of Figure 5, with the exception that the memory spring 437 'and also the back pressure spring 459 'in the nozzle 11 further below or inside towards the water surface of the concerned container are relocated. This does only an extension of the control pin 438 ' necessary.

In the illustrated embodiments of the Sealing cover 210, 210 ', 310, 310 ', 410 or 410' is thus either achieved that at Occurrence of a predetermined too high temperature within the nozzle 11 or reservoir No longer male threaded connector from the screw cap can be moved, in that by deforming of the temperature-dependent control element, the control plate or the temperature-dependent control element itself from the non-rotatable connection with the external thread of the Closure lid comes free, or a non-rotatable Locking between screw cap and container neck reached. At normal temperature that reverses temperature-dependent control back in its Starting position back, so that in the former case the rotatable connection between screw cap and External thread connector reached again and in the second case the lock is released.

In another embodiment, the present Invention, which is not shown in the drawing the temperature-dependent control is not between Screw cap and external thread connector but between Screw cap and valve housing provided. Here is the Male thread connector with the screw cap in one piece and the valve body is inside the Expansion tank neck 11 rotatably but in arranged axially movable. The function is the following: At ambient temperature it is Valve housing opposite the screw cap or Male thread connector relatively rotatable, with Unscrew the cap in axial direction Direction is taken. Join against it screwed on cover overtemperature, causes the temperature-dependent control non-rotatable connection or locking between Screw cap and valve housing, which is non-rotatable in the Stub 11 is held. So the screw cap not be twisted.

Although certain types of Memory springs have been shown and described , it is understood that other forms, such as flat, spiral, straight or the like are possible for the memory spring.

The measures according to the invention can also be applied to a Cap to be realized, the bayonet-type connection with a nozzle. The engagement part described as a threaded part formed as a plug-turn part, while the screw cap is designed as a plug and twist cap.

It is understood that such a cover not only on components of cooler or cooling systems but also on components of heating systems Can be found.

Claims (7)

1. A closure cap (210, 310, 410) to be fixed in place, preferably by screwing, plugging and rotating, on, for example, a fixed connector (11) of a motor vehicle radiator, a compensator reservoir for cooling or heating systems, or the like, with a screwable or a plug-and-turn cap (214, 314, 414) and an actuating element (221, 321, 421), which is rotatable in respect to it, inside of which a valve (215, 315, 415), which preferably is designed in an overpressure/underpressure combination, is arranged concentrically and rotatingly movable in respect to the cap, wherein the valve has a sealing element (27), which comes into sealing connection with an interior neck of the fixed connector (11) when the closure cap is attached, wherein the closure cap (210, 310, 410) can be secured against removal, preferably unscrewing or rotating off, when it has been placed on the fixed connector (11) by means of a temperature-dependent control element (237, 337, 437), wherein a coupling element (238, 338, 438) can be essentially moved approximately axially by means of the temperature-dependent control element, characterized in that the temperature-dependent control element with which at normal temperature a rotatingly fixed coupling between the cup and the actuating element and at over temperature an uncoupling can be achieved is constituted by a memory spring (237, 337, 437) and as a coupling element cooperates with a control bolt (238, 338, 438), on which a return spring (259, 359, 459) acts, which has a collar (257, 357, 457), between which and an abutment the memory spring (237, 337, 437) is supported, and that the memory spring (237, 337, 437) is disposed off-centered and seated in an axial recess in the cap (214) or in the actuating element (421), and the control bolt (238, 438) effects directly a coupling or an uncoupling of the cap (214, 414) at the actuation element (221, 421), or that the memory spring (337) is centrally disposed and a horizontal connecting leg of a U-shaped coupling element (338) rests above the actuating element (321) on the end of the axial control bolt facing the cap (314) and is acted upon by a return spring (359), whose other end is supported on the interior surface of the cap (314), so that lateral vertical connecting legs (375, 376) project from above in the direction toward the actuating element (321), and at normal temperature engage axial recesses (353) in the actuating element (321) for achieving a connection which is fixed against relative rotation.
2. The closure cap in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that several memory springs (237, 437) are disposed, together with control bolts (238, 438) on which return springs (259, 459) act, in an area away from the center of the closure cap (220, 420).
3. The closure cap in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that both the memory spring (237, 437) and the return spring (259, 459) are housed in the cap (214) or in the connector (11).
4. The closure cap in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the memory spring (237') and the return spring (259') are housed separated from each other in the cap (214') and the external thread element (221').
5. The closure cap in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that the memory spring (437, 437') is disposed close to or in the area of the liquid surface in the reservoir or reservoir connector (11).
6. The closure cap in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the memory spring (337, 337') is disposed inside the valve (15) and acts on the control plate (338, 338') via a connecting bolt (373, 373').
7. The closure cap in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control bolt (238) or an axial control fingers (376) of the control element (338) cooperates with an axial recess (253, 353) in the external thread element.

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