EP1036262B1 - Closing cap for motor vehicle radiator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a Sealing cover for a fixed nozzle of a Container, in particular motor vehicle cooler, according to Preamble of claim 1.

In known caps for example. Motor vehicle cooler is the valve body of the Valve arrangement acted on in a constant manner, that the flow connection between the cooler interior and the cooler exterior is opened when a certain Limit of the internal cooler pressure is exceeded. This then leads to blowing off with cooling water permeated air. Such simple sealing covers provide during the operation of the motor vehicle for one Pressure equalization when the pressure is caused by the heating of the Cooling water in the cooler rises and a critical one Pressure value is reached or exceeded. This is a Safety aspect. In automotive radiators, however, is increasing when the vehicle is parked, i.e. the motor is switched off, the excess pressure due to heat build-up so that with the simple sealing caps mentioned also a full opening takes place and the There is a risk that a large amount of cooling water will escape or evaporates or the cooler even boils empty and thus cooling water has to be replenished frequently. To this end multi-stage caps were developed (DE 41 07 525 C1), the overpressure generated by the accumulation of heat is different dismantle as a malfunctioning one much higher overpressure. Such one However, the cover is due to several mutually movable valve body parts and several Sealing and counter sealing surfaces are relatively complex. Moreover is also caused by heat build-up after switching off the Vehicle engine reached overpressure cooling water through the Pressure release sprayed. An absolute loss of water can in this case, only be avoided if a Expansion tank installed to catch the liquid or an additional circulation pump, which when turning off of the engine an increase in pressure by circulating the Prevents coolant from being used. However, this is costly.

In one known from EP-A1-0 287 450 Sealing cap of the type mentioned is the Preload of the spring with which the valve body against the Sealing seat is pressed with the help of a Temperature-dependent control element changeable, that of is heated by an electrical coil that over a thermostat in the cooling system is controlled. One there disclosed vacuum line coming from the engine is not used for operation-controlled preloading of the valve body pressurizing spring, but one with a Vacuum valve equipped overpressure path from the container Channels to a space between two contradictory sealing seats to release and a for this engine operation To allow ventilation by lifting the valve body. Such a temperature-dependent operation-controlled A change in bias does not create one negligible time delay and effort.

The object of the present invention is therefore a To create sealing caps of the type mentioned at the outset, with the with reduced effort and immediacy of Transfer of operating data to the change in preload on the one hand, an opening in the case of a heat generated by accumulation heat Overpressure prevented in a simple and inexpensive manner and on the other hand it is still ensured that the container is protected if the pressure rises further is.

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

The measures according to the invention ensure that the preload on the valve body depending on an operating control variable that comes directly from the engine compartment can be removed from petrol engines or diesel engines can be controlled such that the Closure cover for a generated by heat build-up defined overpressure does not open. This is a Blowing off air mixed with cooling water for this "Operating phase" prevented. Additional components, such as Expansion tanks or circulation pumps are required Not. The excess pressure can be reduced by cooling the Motor vehicle cooler reached during standstill become. Nevertheless, the closure cover is one further pressure increase over a certain safety limit open out to burst the cooling system by yourself resulting leaks, also in the connecting hoses, not endangered. For example. the preload can be done in two stages, i.e. to one that corresponds to normal operation Opening pressure and the pressure increase in the case of heat build-up taking into account the higher opening pressure become.

The power transmission between the drive and the pressure piece can according to claim 2 either directly or according to claim 3 via a power transmission element, i.e. a kind of Gearboxes are made. Furthermore is one rectilinear connection or a connection via a die Drive movement deflecting element according to claim 4 possible. Preferred constructive configurations of the Drive movement deflecting element result from the Features of claim 5 and claim 6.

The type and design of the drive can also be diverse, as can be seen from the features of the claims 7 to 11 emerges.

A Combination of the cover with a security against Losing weight at excess temperature results from claim 12.

Figuren 1 und 2

in schematischer längsgeschnittener Darstellung einen Verschlussdeckel für Kraftfahrzeugkühler gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel vorliegender Erfindung in einer ersten bzw. einer zweiten aktiven Stellung,

Figuren 3 und 4

eine den Figuren 1 und 2 entsprechende Darstellung, jedoch gemäß einer nicht erfindungsmäßigen Vorrichtung und

Figuren 5 und 6

eine den Figuren 1 und 2 entsprechende Darstellung, jedoch gemäß einer nicht erfindungsmäßigen Vorrichtung;

Figuren 7 und 8

eine den Figuren 1 und 2 entsprechende Darstellung, jedoch gemäß einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel vorliegender Erfindung und,

Figuren 9 und 10

eine teilweise geschnittene Draufsicht bzw. Schnitt gemäß Pfeil IX der Figur 7 bzw. gemäß Linie X-X der Figur 9.

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:

Figures 1 and 2

a schematic longitudinal section of a closure cover for a motor vehicle radiator according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a first or a second active position,

Figures 3 and 4

a representation corresponding to Figures 1 and 2, but according to a non-inventive device and

Figures 5 and 6

a representation corresponding to Figures 1 and 2, but according to a non-inventive device;

Figures 7 and 8

2 shows a representation corresponding to FIGS. 1 and 2, but according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and

Figures 9 and 10

a partially sectioned plan view or section according to arrow IX of Figure 7 or according to line XX of Figure 9.

The one in the drawing according to three exemplary embodiments illustrated closure cover 10 or 10 'or 10 "or 10 '' 'has a pressure relief valve arrangement 11 and is in controlled in such a way that the opening pressure of the Pressure relief valve arrangement 11 by means of a drive 15, 15 ', 15 "or 15 '' 'can be set in two stages, namely to an overpressure of the motor vehicle radiator Opening pressure taking normal operation into account such an opening pressure that the higher Motor vehicle radiator excess pressure, which occurs when the Motor vehicle engine due to evolving Heat accumulates, corresponds.

According to FIGS. 1 and 2, the closure cover 10 an outer part 12 with a handle 13 and a External thread part 17 for screwing on and off Closure cover 10 from the opening of one does not shown motor vehicle cooler or other container and an inner part 14, which seals via an O-ring 16 in the neck of the motor vehicle radiator or one other container can be used. The outer part 12 is with the inner part 14 either rigid or lockable rotatably connected, not shown here One way is either pressure dependent or temperature dependent (Figures 7 and 8) working anti-rotation is provided is. It is understood that the outer part 12 instead of with an external thread part 17 also with a Bayonet fitting can be provided.

The cylindrical inner part 14 of the Closure cover 10 is with the relief valve arrangement 11 stocked. It has a bottom 18 and above the bottom an inwardly projecting ring rim 19, the upper Area with a sealing seat 21 for a valve body 22 the pressure relief valve assembly 11 is provided. The Valve body 22 has a central hat-shaped part 23, a sealing washer 26 rests on its peripheral flange 24. The hat-shaped part 23 is supported by a spring support 27 on floor 18. The sealing washer 26 is one Compressed spring 28 or pressure relief valve spring, the is supported at the other end on a sleeve 29 which in one possessing an axial stop 34 for the sleeve 29 Guide cylinder 31 is axially movable up and down. The guide cylinder 31, which is also the compression spring 28 picks up, is at the valve body 22 facing away from the end of Inner part 14 fastened and ends at a short distance in front of the sealing washer 26. Thus, the Guide cylinder 31 a possible opening movement of the Sealing disc 26 and the valve body 22. Between the Bottom 18 and the inner part 14 are in the Motor vehicle cooler or container-facing openings 32 intended. In addition, the inner part 14 outside circumference and the smaller diameter Guide cylinder 31 opposite openings 33 which with communicating with the outside atmosphere. At the sealing seat 21 lifted valve body 22 results in a Flow connection between the cooler or Inside and outside air.

In the sleeve 29, a pressure piece 36 is movement-locked added, the other in a chamber 39 between Outer part 12 and inner part 14 protrude and there one Has joint receptacle 37. The joint receptacle 37 of the Pressure piece 36 is opposite on the inside of the Handle 13 a fixed joint receptacle 38 is provided. Take the pan-like joint receptacles 37 and 38 cylindrical or spherical ends of a lever arm 42 or 43 of a toggle lever 41 articulated with the Pressure piece 36 forms a movement and force deflection. With the joint 44 of the toggle lever 41 is a rod 45 a piston 46 of the actuator 15 connected within a clutch cylinder 47 according to double arrow A back and forth is movable. The piston rod 45 is with a provided central joint 48 and a switching spring 49 surround one end of a collar 41 of the Piston rod 45 and other at the inner end of the Coupling cylinder 47 is supported. The clutch cylinder 47 is shaped on the outside in such a sleeve-like manner that it fits with a hose, not shown, can be connected, the directly or indirectly as a vacuum line to Engine compartment leads.

The operation of the control of the Pressure relief valve assembly 11 of the cover 10 is the following: If the clutch cylinder 47 in the chamber 39th the handle 13 of the cover 10 is engaged the switching spring 49 mechanically biased so that this corresponding to Figure 2, the piston rod 45 to the inside presses and the toggle 41 in the direction of arrow A1 emotional. Due to the angular spread of the two lever arms 42 and 43 of the toggle lever 41, the pressure piece 36 in Direction of arrow B1 moves so that the Pressure relief valve spring 28 is biased. In this way the valve body 22 receives an increased opening pressure.

Since negative pressure is created when the motor vehicle engine is started, piston 46 is pulled in the direction of arrow A2, whereby the piston rod 45 and the toggle lever 41 according to FIG. 1 withdraws. This will under the action of the compression spring 28 the pressure piece 36 in the direction of arrow B2 (upwards) moves so that the compression spring 28 relaxes somewhat. This results in a smaller one for the valve body 22 Opening pressure, which is usually around 1.4 bar is set. After switching off the motor vehicle engine there is no longer any vacuum on the piston 46, so that then the switch spring 49 the toggle lever 41 back in Can move in the direction of arrow A1, up to one Stop, which is before the dead center. In this way the pressure relief valve spring 28 is in turn tensioned so that an opening pressure increased to, for example, 2.0 bar for the Valve body 22 according to Figure 2 results. This can the valve body 22 one by the heat build-up due to switched off engine resulting higher cooler or Withstand the internal pressure of the container.

Is to open the cover 10, for example Refilling coolant, clutch cylinder 47 uncoupled, the switching spring 49 relaxes completely, so that the pressure relief valve spring 28 by its own power in to the normal operation opening pressure as described above of 1.4 bar, for example. Will after Forget screwing the cap 10 on Clutch cylinder 47 with the cover 10 too couple, the lower normal operating opening pressure remains automatically received so that the motor vehicle after can be used before.

According to further exemplary embodiments, not shown In the present invention, the drive 15 instead of the Piston cylinder arrangement, for example, by a corresponding acted upon membrane, preferably in the form of a Hat membrane formed and / or by the preload corresponding change in the drive and the force-transmitting device can be pressure-controlled.

Not shown in the figures 3 and 4 inventive device is the vacuum-controlled piston-cylinder arrangement (drive 15) by an electrically controlled solenoid (drive 15 ') replaced. The other components of the cover 10 'are identical to those of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG Figures 1 and 2, so that corresponding reference numerals are used. The electrically actuated solenoid 55 is with its plunger 56 directly with the joint 44 of the Knee lever 41 connected. The function here is as follows: The pressure relief valve 11 has the basic setting of Normal operating opening pressure (e.g. 1.4 bar). After the provided with the solenoid 55 cover 10 'on the Motor vehicle cooler or container has been screwed on, the contacts 57 of the solenoid 55 with a Control, for example the ignition, electrically connected. This electrical connection causes a lifting movement of the Solenoid 55 in the direction of arrow A1 and thus one Movement of the toggle lever 41 in this direction, the Tappet 56 or the joint 44 up to a stop beyond the dead center, as shown in FIG. 4 evident. This results in the valve body 22 Because of the tensioned compression spring 28 an increased Opening pressure (e.g. 2.0 bar).

When the motor vehicle engine is started, the lifting magnet gets 55 a switching signal via a relay, causing it is withdrawn and thus the toggle lever 41 with withdraws. The pressure relief valve spring 28 relaxes through its own power, which means that the normal operating opening pressure is restored for the valve body 22 is reached.

When the motor vehicle engine is switched off, the Solenoid 55 a switching signal via the relevant relay, so that the position according to FIG. 4 is reached again the increased internal pressure of the container due to heat build-up catch.

Is the electrical to open the cover 10 ' Disconnected, the solenoid 55 gives due to its Stroke movement in the direction of arrow A2 the toggle lever 41 free, so the pressure relief valve spring its the lower one Normal operating opening pressure has position. The same applies if when screwing on the Closure cover 10 'is forgotten, the solenoid 55 to be electrically connected to the switching relay.

In the illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 Devices can instead of the electrically controlled Solenoid 55 an electric drive 15 'in the form of a Electric motor are used, the Drive spindle with a parallel rack or a coaxial threaded sleeve is coupled to the drive, which rack or threaded sleeve on the threaded spindle opposite end with the joint 44 of the toggle lever 41 connected is.

In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 2 or 3 and 4, the drive 15 or 15 'is vertical in one position arranged to extend the compression spring 28 and circumferentially from the handle 13 of the closure cover 10 led out.

In the devices shown in Figures 5 and 6 is the drive 15 "in alignment, i.e. in an axially concentric orientation to the Compression spring 28 arranged and on the front side of the handle 13 of the closure cover 10 " Embodiment thus eliminates the toggle lever what means that the drive 15 "directly on the Pressure piece 36 "acts and engages on this The embodiment is the drive 15 "a rotary solenoid 55 ", whose electrical contacts 57" led to the outside are and its threaded spindle 58 in the corresponding trained pressure piece 36 "engages. Otherwise the Mode of operation as for the device of Figures 3 and 4 described.

It goes without saying that a rotary solenoid also works with the Device of Figures 3 and 4 are used and a simple solenoid in the device according to the Figures 5 and 6 can be used.

If also in the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1, 2 a toggle lever 41 as a force-transmitting element has been used, it is understood that others force-transmitting elements, such as eccentric discs or the like. can be used.

The second shown in Figures 7 to 10 Embodiment of the present invention shows a Cap 10 '' ', which is similar to cap 10 is formed according to Figures 1 and 2. With these The embodiment is the handle 13 '' 'of the outer part 12 '' 'of the cover 10' '' with a horizontal Cylinder recess 47 '' 'provided at its open End with the help of an easily removable coupling piece 61, to which a hose 62 leading to the motor, for example, is attached is pressure-tight sealable. Within the Cylinder recess 47 '' 'is a piston 46' '' in the direction the double arrow A movable back and forth. Between the coupling piece 61 and the opposite end of the Piston 46 '' 'is provided the switching spring 49' ''. That the Coupling piece 61 is the opposite end 63 of the piston 46 '' ' by incorporating a blind hole hollow cylindrical and via a coaxial cylindrical projection 64, on the other End of the handle 13 '' 'out. The projection 64 is from surrounded by a compression spring 65, which ends at the end 63 of the piston 46 '' 'and at the other end on the inside of the handle 13 '' supports. In a central area is in one slot-shaped recess 66 of the piston 46 '' 'a lever 42 '' 'pivoted. That from the piston 46 '' 'to Inner part 14 protruding end 67 of the lever arm 42 '' ' is in a receptacle 37 '' 'of the pressure piece 36' '' pivoted. As in the first embodiment the pressure piece 36 '' 'is supported on the pressure sleeve 29, which in turn via the compression spring 28 onto the valve body 22 suppressed. The inner approximately U-shaped end 68 of the lever arm 42 '' ' encompasses a transverse stationary bearing bolt 69, the one near the upper one facing away from the pressure piece 36 '' ' Area of the cylinder wall is arranged. It understands that a bearing ball instead of the bearing pin can be provided on which there is a corresponding cap of the lever 42 '' '. Through the lever 42 '' 'is one force-transmitting and direction-changing connection created between piston 46 '' 'and thrust piece 36' '', so that according to Figures 7 and 8 when the piston moves 46 '' 'according to double arrow A a movement of the pressure piece 36 '' 'according to double arrow B, as in the previously described Embodiments takes place. The function of this Embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, i.e., the in FIG. 7 shows the position when running Motor applied vacuum and even if that Coupling piece 61 removed from the cylinder recess 47 '' ' is, while the position shown in Figure 8 is just before engine switched off and thus overtemperature or Overpressure results.

Figures 9 and 10 show an embodiment of a easily detachable by hand with the hose 62 provided coupling piece 61 on the handle 13 '' 'or in the cylinder recess 47 '' '. After that the Handle 13 '' 'in the extension of the cylinder recess 47' '' on the outside a protruding hook 71, over the one Finger 72 engages latching on coupling piece 61. At the Coupling piece 61, a wire spring 73 is attached, which in relaxed state with her middle area in one Slot 75 of the hook 71 engages. By pressing the free end 76 of the wire spring 73 can this or her middle region 74 from slot 75 in hook 71 brought so that the coupling piece 61 of the Handle 13 '' 'can come free. While plugging in of the coupling piece 61 in the cylinder recess 47 '' ' Piston 46 '' 'reaches the position shown in FIG. 8, the piston 46 '' 'is in the position according to FIG. 7 returned when the coupling piece 61 from the handle 13 '' 'is uncoupled. The switching spring 49 '' 'remains thereby at the relevant end of the piston 46 '' '.

Figures 7 and 8 also show the closure cover 10 '' 'in combination with a temperature dependent working anti-rotation device 80 between the outer part 12 '' 'and an external thread part 17 Engagement part 81 with which the pressure relief valve arrangement 11 connected is. The anti-rotation device 80 is with a Provided coupling part in the form of a coupling bolt 82, that within the engaging part 81 at a peripheral portion is arranged. The axially movable coupling pin 82 opposite is the handle 13 '' 'in a wall 83 a blind hole 84 is provided axially. to rotary coupling of handle 13 '' 'and Engagement part 81 is the relevant end 90 of Coupling bolt 82 in the blind hole 84. In this Position the cover 10 '' 'from the radiator neck be removed. The coupling bolt 82 is on a Engagement part 81 held bearing ring 88 and movably guided by a temperature-dependent working Control device acts on a memory spring 86 and a back pressure spring 87 is constructed. The Memory spring 86 is supported at one end on the underside this bearing ring 88 and at the other end on a shoulder 89 of the coupling bolt 82. In contrast, the Back pressure spring 87 on the opposite upper side of the bearing ring 88 and on the engagement part 81. Expands in the case of impermissibly high for removing the cover If the memory spring 86 temperature, the coupling bolt 82 moves downwards so that it ends 90 out of the Blind hole 84 comes free. Through this decoupling leaves the handle 13 ″ is hollow relative to the engagement part 81 rotate.

Furthermore, such a cover can also Expansion tank of cooling or heating systems or the like. Find use.

Claims (12)

1. Sealing cap (10) for a fixed connecting piece of a container, particularly a motor vehicle radiator, having an inner cap section (14) with an outer cap section (12) to permit a flow connection between the interior and the exterior of the container, and exhibiting a valve assembly (11) for releasing and blocking the flow connection, whereby a reciprocating valve unit (22) of the valve assembly (11) is pressed against a sealing member (21) on the inner cap section (14) by a supporting spring (28) that is pre-tensioned on a thrust member (36) at the opposite end to the valve unit (22) and towards the container interior, in such a manner that it may be raised from the sealing member (21) if the internal pressure of the vessel exceeds a critical value, whereby the initial tension by means of which the valve unit (22) is pressed against the sealing member (21) is operationally adjustable, characterised in that initial tension for the valve unit (22) is controlled by under-pressure or over-pressure by means of a pressure-controlled drive means (15) which is attached to a handle (13) of the outer cap section (12) for radial or axial alignment and which can be connected by flexible pressure tubing (62) with an engine compartment.
2. Sealing cap according to claim 1, characterised in that the thrust member (36) is directly actuated by the drive means (15).
3. Sealing cap according to claim 1, characterised in that a power transmission element (41) is provided between the thrust member (36) and the drive means (15).
4. Sealing cap according to claim 3, characterised in that a deflection element (41) is positioned between the thrust member (36) and the drive means for deflecting drive motion.
5. Sealing cap according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the power transmission element and/or the element deflecting drive motion is a knee-lever (41), one lever (43) of which is fixed and the other lever (42) of which is supported by the axially movable thrust member (36), and the articulated links of which are connected to the drive means (15).
6. Sealing cap according to claim 3, characterised in that the power transmission element and/or the element for deflecting drive motion is a simple lever (42) that is supported at one end by the movable thrust member (36) and at the other end by the drive means (15).
7. Sealing cap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drive means (15) comprises a piston-cylinder unit (46, 47).
8. Sealing cap according to claims 6 and 7, characterised in that the piston (46) of the piston-cylinder unit (46, 47) is held between two terminal springs (49, 47) and has a central bearing (69) for the swivel-mounted admission of one end of the lever (42).
9. Sealing cap according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the drive means (15) consists of a pot diaphragm arrangement.
10. Sealing cap according to claim 7, characterised in that the cylinder (47) of the piston-cylinder unit (46, 47) is closed by a detachable hose-connecting piece (61) that can be connected up by hand.
11. Sealing cap according to claim 10, characterised in that a detent spring (73) that can be moved by hand is mounted on the hose-connecting piece (61) or on one of the sealing cap sections (13), which can be locked behind the other section or part, respectively.
12. Sealing cap according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it has a cap section (13) and an opposing twistable engaging part (81), which are locked against rotation at normal temperature by means of a coupling member (82) which is actuated by a temperature-dependent control element (86, 87), and that the control element has a memory spring (86) for actuating the coupling member (82) together with a return spring (87).

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