FR3134141A1 - Anti-tampering device for degassing tank cap - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an anti-violation device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for a cap (103, 203, 303, 403, 503) of a degassing tank of a cooling circuit of a vehicle characterized in that that it is configured to surround and/or lock the cap on a neck (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) of the tank. Figure for abstract: FIG. 1.

Description

Anti-tampering device for degassing tank cap Technical field of the invention

The present invention generally relates 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

Due to economic constraints due to the increase in fuel prices and environmental constraints linked to the regulation of polluting emissions and greenhouse gases, we are observing a development of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, i.e. i.e. using a heat engine and an electric motor.

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

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. Therefore, when servicing the vehicle, it may be necessary to add coolant to the degassing tank. Thus, such a tank includes a cap which can be removed, for example, during vehicle maintenance.

For example, it happens that the cooling circuit has a coolant leak. Such a leak could cause the vehicle to catch fire if the liquid comes into contact with the battery. In response to such a leak, an unqualified user (e.g. the vehicle owner) could react by adding coolant to the tank and thus mask the leak.

In addition, during such a coolant leveling 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. .

The present invention aims, according to at least one of its embodiments, to provide a solution which deters an unqualified user from intervening to level the coolant or adjust the coolant level. The present invention also aims, according to at least one of its embodiments, to limit the risks of a coolant leak being masked by an unqualified user. The present invention also aims, according to at least one of its embodiments, to reduce the risks associated with batteries for unqualified users.

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

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

The means or device may comprise a first portion and a second portion adapted to form a shell around the cap and/or a neck of the reservoir.

The present invention also relates to an anti-violation 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 or a tank neck.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-violation device comprises means for locking the first portion and second portion around the cap and/or the neck of the tank.

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 it himself. even a coolant leveling operation in the degassing tank. 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 risk of masking coolant leaks.

For example, a tool such as a screwdriver may be required to unlock the anti-tamper device previously locked around the neck of the degassing tank. As an alternative, it can also be provided that the qualified or professional operator (or user) has to break the anti-violation device before intervening. In this case, a new anti-violation device can be placed and locked on the cap and/or neck of the tank after intervention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking means comprise a tongue provided on the first portion and means for receiving the tongue provided in the second portion, and in that the tongue is provided to fit into place by snapping into the means of receiving the tongue.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the tongue comprises a projecting portion intended to be retained by the receiving means after snapping the tongue into the receiving means.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-violation device 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.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the label is configured to provide a visual indication of its removal, for example once stuck to the first and second portions.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the label is configured to fail or be damaged when removed, for example once stuck to the first and second portions.

The present invention also relates to an anti-violation 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-tampering means usable to lock the cap to the neck.

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

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the stops is included on a deformable tongue.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the deformable tongue 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, e.g. at which point the deformable tab engages in a state locked in which the stops are engaged.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the deformable tongue of one of the neck and of the cap is configured to flex when engaging with a tool, for example to thus unlock the anti-tampering means.

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 sealing the neck, characterized in that it comprises a device as described above .

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 sealing the neck, characterized in that it comprises an anti-tampering means usable for locking the cap at the neck.

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

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

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

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

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

In the context of the present application, it is expressly provided that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual characteristics of these, can be taken independently or in any combination. In other words, any embodiments and/or features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner, unless those features are incompatible.

For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may", "and/or", "for example", "for example" and any other similar terms used herein should be construed as non-limiting, such that any feature so described does not necessarily have to be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not these are 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 on and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in this manner.

Brief description of the figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during reading of the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which we will refer to the appended drawings in which:

schematically shows an anti-violation device for a degassing tank cap of a cooling circuit of a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

schematically shows, from a first perspective, the anti-violation device when applied to a neck of the degassing tank;

schematically shows, from a second perspective, the anti-violation device when applied to a neck of the degassing tank;

schematically shows the anti-violation device of the when it is locked on the cap and/or on the neck of the degassing tank;

schematically shows an anti-violation device for a degassing tank cap of a cooling circuit of a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

schematically shows, from a first perspective, the anti-violation device when applied to a neck of the degassing tank;

schematically shows the anti-violation device of the when it is locked on the cap and/or on the neck of the degassing tank;

schematically shows an anti-violation 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;

schematically shows the anti-violation device of the when it is locked on the cap and/or on the neck of the degassing tank;

schematically shows the anti-violation device of the when it is locked on the cap and/or on the neck of the degassing tank and with a label stuck on both the first portion and the second portion;

schematically shows a degassing tank for a cooling circuit of a vehicle comprising anti-tampering means usable for locking the cap to the neck according to one embodiment of the present invention;

schematically shows the underside of the degassing tank cap of the ;

schematically shows the neck of the degassing tank of the ;

schematically shows the interaction between the cap and the neck of the degassing tank of the ;

schematically shows the underside of the cap when it is mounted on the neck of the degassing tank of the ;

schematically shows a degassing tank for a cooling circuit of a vehicle comprising anti-tampering means usable for locking the cap to the neck according to another embodiment of the present invention;

schematically shows the neck of the degassing tank of the ;

schematically shows the interaction between the cap and the neck of the degassing tank of the ;

schematically shows an alternative neck that can be used in the degassing tank of the .

Detailed description of the invention

Different aspects of an anti-violation device for a cooling circuit degassing tank cap according to one embodiment of the invention are described in more detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

We describe below in relation to Figures 1 to 19, anti-violation means for the degassing tank cap of a cooling circuit of a vehicle.

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.

Thus, a cooling circuit as referred to in the context of the present invention can be any cooling circuit, which includes in particular cooling circuits for devices which can include at least one battery. For example, a cooling circuit according to the invention can be a cooling circuit of 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 ( the) battery(s), as well as other possible components.

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

The cooling circuit(s) may include several degassing tanks in the same vehicle.

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.

For example, the anti-tampering means may comprise an anti-tampering device which 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-violation device is thus for example a shell comprising the first and second portions.

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

The first portion 101 is substantially semi-cylindrical with a semi-circular upper wall 110 and a semi-cylindrical side wall 111 which depends on the semi-circular upper wall 110 and which is connected to the latter by a curved part 110a. The first portion 101 also includes a radial rim 112 projecting inwards from the lowest end of the side wall 111.

Likewise, the second portion 102 is also substantially semi-cylindrical with a semi-circular upper wall 120 and a semi-cylindrical side wall 121 which depends on the semi-circular upper wall 120 and which is connected to the latter by a part curved 120a. The second portion 101 also includes a radial rim 122 projecting inwards from the lowest end of the side wall 121.

The upper walls 110, 120 include warning indicia 110b, 120b to dissuade unqualified persons from removing the anti-tampering device 100 from the cap 103 and the neck 104.

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

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 reservoir. In this example, the second side edge of the semi-cylindrical side wall 111, 121 of each of the first and second portions 101, 102 comprises respective locking features.

More precisely, the locking means 114, 124 comprise a tongue 114 extending from a second lateral edge of the semi-cylindrical side wall 111 of the first portion 101 and means for receiving the tongue 124 in the second portion 102. The tongue 114 is designed to fit by snapping into the means for receiving the tongue 124.

The tongue 114 comprises a projecting portion 115 intended to be retained by the receiving means 124 after snapping of the tongue 114 into the receiving means 124. In this example, the projecting portion 115 is a raised strip created on one end of the tongue.

In this example, the receiving means 124 comprise a corridor portion (or even pierced box) 125 formed in the second portion 102 into which the tongue 114 is introduced during locking. The length of the corridor portion 125 is such that once the tongue 114 is completely inserted, the projecting portion 115 exits the corridor and is retained by a blank (not shown) of the corridor portion 125.

A tool, such as a screwdriver (not shown), can be inserted into the passage portion 125 when the tongue 114 is locked there, with its projecting portion 115 engaged with the blank (not shown). The tool can 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 corridor portion 125. Alternatively, the flexible hinge 105 can understand or describe a line of weakness along which the connection between the first and second portions 101, 102 can be broken. Additionally or alternatively, the lane portion 125 may include a notch, which allows the tool to be inserted into the lane portion 125 when the tab 114 is locked there.

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

The anti-tampering 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.

Referring now to Figures 8 to 10, there is shown an anti-tampering device 300 according to a third example, which is similar to the anti-tampering 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.

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 . Tag 306 in this example is configured to provide a visual indication of its removal. Such visual indication may be provided by any of several means known in the art, such as damage, delamination, destruction, color change, or any other suitable visual indicator.

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

Referring now to Figures 11 to 15, we can see such an anti-tampering device 400. The anti-tampering device 400 according to this example comprises anti-tampering means incorporated in the cap 403 and the neck 404. More precisely, the anti-tampering device 400 comprises cooperating locking elements 401, 402 on each of the cap 403 and the neck 404.

A first locking element 401, shown more clearly on the , is incorporated in the plug 403, and comprises a deformable tongue 410 described in a lower part of the side wall 430 of the plug 403. The deformable tongue 410 comprises a radial stop 411 projecting inwards from its free end.

A second locking element 402, shown more clearly on the , 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 projects from a flange 440 below the screw threads 441 on the neck 404 which engage with the cooperating screw threads 431 on the interior side of the side wall 430 of the cap 403.

The anti-tampering device 400 is thus configured such that when the cap 403 is screwed onto the neck 404, towards a final, sealed position, the radial stop 411 of the first locking element 401 rises on the tapered side 422 of the stop radial 420 of the second locking element 402. The deformable tongue 410 flexes to allow the radial stop 411 to move radially outwards. Continued rotation causes the radial stop 411 to pass the radial stop 420 of the second locking element 402, until it engages in alignment with the radial stop face 421.

In this position, illustrated on the , the radial stops 411, 421 prevent the cap 403 from unscrewing from the neck 404. In order to remove the capsule 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 tongue 410 outwards when an unscrewing torque is applied to the cap 403. Once the deformable tongue 410 is deviated so that the stops 411, 421 are no longer radially aligned, the plug 403 can then be unscrewed and removed from the neck 404.

Figures 16 to 18 show another example of anti-tampering device 500, similar to the previous example of anti-tampering device 400, where similar characteristics are identified by the same references, incremented by 100. These characteristics will not be described .

The anti-violation 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 precisely, the side wall 530 of the plug 503 comprises a series of axial recesses 531 on its internal surface each describing an abutment surface 511, and the rim 540 of the neck 504 comprises an axial abutment 520 with an abutment surface 521 and a tapered side 522 on the opposite circumferential side of the axial abutment 520 .

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 when 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, such that the stop faces 511, 521 are aligned and prevent reverse rotation, as illustrated in Figure .

As in the previous example, a tool can be inserted between the plug 503 and the neck 504 when an unscrewing torque is applied to the plug 503, thus making it possible to remove the plug 503 from the neck 504.

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

Of course, as an alternative, the corridor portion can also include a recess whose dimensions and shape are provided so that it matches the projecting portion of the tongue at the time of snapping.

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

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention shall be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein, unless inconsistent with this one.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or prior to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

List of reference signs

100 anti-tamper device

101 first serving

110 semi-circular upper wall

111 semi-cylindrical side wall

110a curved part

110b warning signs

112 radial rim

114 locking tab

115 protruding portion

102 second serving

120 semi-circular top wall

120a curved part 120a

120b warning signs

121 semi-cylindrical side wall

122 radial rim

124 means of receiving tab

125 section of corridor

103 cap

104 degassing tank neck

105 flexible hinge

200 anti-tamper device

201 first serving

211 semi-cylindrical side wall

210a curved part

212 radial rim

214 locking tab

202 second serving

220 circular upper wall

220a curved part 120a

221 semi-cylindrical side wall

222 radial rim

224 means of receiving tab

225 portion of corridor

203 cap

204 degassing tank neck

205 flexible hinge

300 anti-tamper device

301 first serving

310 semi-circular top wall

311 semi-cylindrical side wall

310a curved part

312 radial rim

314 locking tab

315 protruding portion

302 second serving

320 semi-circular top wall

320a curved part 120a

321 semi-cylindrical side wall

322 radial rim

324 means of receiving tab

325 portion of corridor

303 cap

304 degassing tank neck

305 flexible hinge

306 label

400 anti-tamper device

401 first lock element

410 deformable tongue

411 radial thrust

402 second locking element

420 radial thrust

421 radial thrust surface

422 tapered side

403 cap

430 side wall

431 cap screw threads

404 pass

440 collar

441 neck screw threads

500 anti-tamper device

501 first locking element

510 axial stop

511 abutment surface

502 second locking element

520 axial stop

521 abutment surface

522 tapered side

503 cap

530 side wall

504 pass

540 collar

620 deformable tongue

623 axial flange recess

604 pass

640 collar

Claims (15)

Anti-violation device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for cap (103, 203, 303, 403, 503) of a degassing tank of a cooling circuit of a vehicle characterized in that it is configured to surround and/or lock the cap on a neck (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) of the tank. Anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a first portion (101, 201, 301) and a second portion (102, 202, 302) adapted to form a shell around the cap and /or a tank neck. Anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises locking means (114, 124, 214, 224, 314, 324) of the first portion and second portion around the cap and/or the tank neck. Anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking means comprise a tab (114, 214, 314) provided on the first portion and means for receiving the tab (124, 224, 324 ) provided in the second portion, and in that the tongue is designed to fit by snapping into the means for receiving the tongue. Anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 4, characterized in that the tab comprises a projecting portion (115, 315) intended to be retained by the receiving means after snapping of the tab into the receiving means. Anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a label (306) intended to be stuck both on the first portion and on the second portion when they form a shell around the cap and/or neck of the tank. Anti-tampering device for a fuel cap according to claim 6, characterized in that the label is configured to provide a visual indication of its removal, once stuck to the first and second portions. Anti-tampering device for a fuel cap according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the label is configured to fail or be damaged upon removal, once adhered to the first and second portions. Anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 1, characterized in that the anti-tampering means comprises locking elements (401, 402, 501, 502, 602) cooperating on each of the cap and the neck. Anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 9, characterized in that the cooperating locking elements comprise a stop (411, 420, 510, 520, 620) on each of the cap and the neck. Anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one of the stops (411, 621) is included on a deformable tongue (410, 620). Anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 11, characterized in that the deformable tab of one of the neck and the cap is configured to flex when the cap is screwed onto the neck until the cap reaches a sealed position, at which point the deformable tab snaps into a locked state in which the stops are engaged. Anti-tampering device for a fuel cap according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterized in that the deformable tab of one of the neck and of the cap is configured to flex upon engagement with a tool, thereby unlocking the anti-violation means. Anti-tampering device for a fuel cap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling circuit is a cooling circuit of at least one battery of the vehicle. Anti-tampering device for fuel cap according to claim 14, characterized in that the vehicle is an electric or hybrid vehicle.