Anti-Tampering Device for a Degassing Tank Cap

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an anti-tampering device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for securing a cap (103, 203, 303, 403, 503) onto a neck of a degassing tank of a vehicle cooling circuit, wherein the device comprises locking means that are either attached to a shell configured to surround and/or secure the cap on the neck (104, 204, 304), or attached to the cap and the neck (404, 504) of the tank. The device may comprise tamper-evident means (227′, 306) to provide evidence of unlocking the locking means. Additionally or alternatively, the device may be configured to be removed only by destruction such that once removed, it can no longer be reused.

Claims

1. An anti-tampering device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for securing a cap (103, 203, 303, 403, 503) onto a neck of a degassing tank of a vehicle cooling circuit, wherein the device comprises locking means that are attached to a shell configured to surround and secure the cap on the neck (104, 204, 304).

2. The anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 1, wherein the shell comprises a first portion (101, 201, 301) and a second portion (102, 202, 302) each comprising cooperating parts of the locking means.

3. The anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 2, wherein the shell comprises an upper wall and a side wall and that the first portion is hinged to the second portion along the side wall.

4. The anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 2, wherein the locking means comprises 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 intended to snap into the tab receiving means.

5. The anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 4, wherein the tab comprises a protruding portion (115, 315) intended to be held by the receiving means after the tab has snapped into the receiving means.

6. The anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 1, wherein the locking means are non-unlockable.

7. The anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 6, wherein it is configured to be removed only by destruction.

8. The anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 4, wherein the locking means are configured to be unlocked, when in use, by deforming the tab relative to the receiving means or the locking means are configured to be unlocked, when in use, by inserting a tool into the receiving means to force the protruding portion to disengage from the receiving means.

9. The anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 8, wherein it comprises tamper-evident means that are configured to provide evidence of unlocking the locking means.

10. The anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 9, wherein it is configured to be removed only by destroying the tamper-evident means.

11. The anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 9, wherein the tamper-evident means comprise a tamper-proof lid 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.

12. The anti-tampering device for a tank cap according to claim 9, wherein the tamper-evident means comprise a label (306) intended to be affixed to both the first portion and the second portion when they form a shell around the cap or the neck of the tank, the label being further configured to break or be damaged when it is removed or upon unlocking the locking means, when it has been affixed to the first and second portions.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods described herein will be apparent from the following description of particular examples thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying figures; where like or similar reference numbers refer to like or similar structures. The figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the devices, systems, and methods described herein.

[0051] FIG. 1 schematically shows an anti-tampering device for a degassing tank cap of a vehicle cooling circuit according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 2 schematically shows, from a first perspective, the anti-tampering device in FIG. 1 when it is applied to a neck of the degassing tank.

[0053] FIG. 3 schematically shows, from a second perspective, the anti-tampering device in FIG. 1 when it is applied to a neck of the degassing tank.

[0054] FIG. 4 schematically shows the anti-tampering device in FIG. 1 when it is locked to secure it to the cap and/or to the neck of the degassing tank.

[0055] FIG. 5 schematically shows an anti-tampering device for a degassing tank cap of a vehicle cooling circuit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 6 schematically shows, from a first perspective, the anti-tampering device in FIG. 5 when it is applied to a neck of the degassing tank.

[0057] FIG. 7 schematically shows the anti-tampering device in FIG. 5 when it is locked to secure it to the cap and/or to the neck of the degassing tank.

[0058] FIG. 8 schematically shows an anti-tampering device for a degassing tank cap of a vehicle cooling circuit according to a variant of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, locked to secure it to the cap and/or to the neck of the degassing tank.

[0059] FIG. 9 schematically shows an enlarged view of the front of the receptacle of the anti-tampering device in FIG. 8, with the tamper-proof lid preventing access to the receptacle.

[0060] FIG. 10 schematically shows a view similar to that in FIG. 9, but with the tamper-proof lid dislodged to allow access to the receptacle.

[0061] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the locking means when they are in the position illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0062] FIG. 12 schematically shows a view similar to that in FIG. 8, but with the locking means in an unlocked position and with the anti-tampering device in a partially open position.

[0063] FIG. 13 schematically shows an anti-tampering device for a degassing tank cap of a vehicle cooling circuit according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure when it is applied to a neck of the degassing tank.

[0064] FIG. 14 schematically shows the anti-tampering device in FIG. 13 when it is locked onto the cap and/or onto the neck of the degassing tank.

[0065] FIG. 15 schematically shows the anti-tampering device in FIG. 13 when it is locked onto the cap and/or onto the 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 of a vehicle cooling circuit comprising anti-tampering means that can be used to secure the cap to the neck according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] FIG. 17 schematically shows the underside of the degassing tank cap in FIG. 16.

[0068] FIG. 18 schematically shows the neck of the degassing tank in FIG. 16.

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

[0070] FIG. 20 schematically shows the underside of the cap when mounted on the neck of the degassing tank in FIG. 16.

[0071] FIG. 21 schematically shows a degassing tank of a vehicle cooling circuit comprising anti-tampering means that can be used to secure the cap to the neck according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] FIG. 22 schematically shows the neck of the degassing tank in FIG. 21.

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

[0074] FIG. 24 schematically shows an alternate neck that can be used in the degassing tank in FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Various aspects of an anti-tampering device for a cooling circuit degassing tank cap according to one aspect of the disclosure are described in more detail below, in reference to the drawings appended hereto.

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

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

[0078] Thus, a cooling circuit as referred to in the context of the present disclosure may be any cooling circuit, which includes in particular cooling circuit for systems that may include at least one battery. For example, a cooling circuit according to the disclosure may be a cooling circuit of an electric powertrain. For example, the cooling circuit may aim to cool the electric engine(s) and/or the power electronics driving the engines and/or the power electronics of the onboard charger and/or the battery or batteries, as well as other possible components.

[0079] For example, since the battery or batteries and the electric powertrain have different operating temperatures and heating/cooling requirements, a cooling circuit according to the disclosure may comprise two cooling sub-circuits which may be separate or coupled depending on the vehicle operating modes.

[0080] The cooling circuit or circuits may comprise multiple degassing tanks in the same vehicle.

[0081] For example, the vehicle is an electric vehicle. Of course, the vehicle may 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-tampering device is thus, for example, a shell comprising the first and second portions.

[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, such an anti-tampering device 100 can be seen. The anti-tampering 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 extends downward from the semi-circular upper wall 110 and is connected to the latter by a curved part 110a. The first portion 101 also comprises a radial lip 112 protruding inward from the lowest end of the side wall 111.

[0085] 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 extends downward from the semi-circular upper wall 120 and is connected to the latter by a curved part 120a. The second portion 101 also comprises a radial lip 122 protruding inwardly from the lowest end of the side wall 121.

[0086] The upper walls 110, 120 comprise tamper indicators 110b, 120b to deter unskilled persons from removing the anti-tampering device 100 from the cap 103 and from the neck 104.

[0087] A first side edge of the semi-cylindrical side wall 111 of the first portion 101 is hinged to a first side edge of the semi-cylindrical side wall 121 of the second portion 102 by a flexible hinge 105 built into or attached to or made in one piece with both the first and second portions 101, 102 in this example.

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

[0089] More specifically, the locking means comprises a tab 114 extending from a second side edge of the semi-cylindrical side wall 111 of the first portion 101 and tab receiving means 124 in the second portion 102. The tab 114 is built into or attached to or made in one piece with the first portion 101 and the tab receiving means 124 are built into or attached to or made in one piece with the second portion 102.

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

[0091] In this example, the receiving means 124 comprise a channel portion (or a receptacle or pierced housing) 125 arranged in the second portion 102 in which the tab 114 is introduced when locking. The length of the channel portion 125 is such that once the tab 114 is fully inserted, the projecting protruding portion 115 exits the channel and is held by a blank flange (not shown) of the channel portion 125.

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

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

[0094] As a variant, a tool, such as a screwdriver (not shown), may be inserted into the channel portion 125 when the tab 114 is locked therein, with its protruding portion 115 engaged with the blank flange (not shown). The tool can then be manipulated to bend the tab 114 and to dislodge the protruding portion 115 from its engagement with the blank flange (not shown) to release the tab 114 from the channel portion 125. In addition or alternatively, the channel portion 125 may comprise a notch, which allows the tool to be inserted into the channel portion 125 when the tab 114 is locked therein.

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

[0096] 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 position, the upper wall 220 is uninterrupted.

[0097] FIGS. 8 through 12 show an anti-tampering device 200′ according to a variant of the second example, wherein the similar characteristics are identified by the same references, with the addition of an ‘. These characteristics will not be described.

[0098] The anti-tampering device 200’ according to this example differs from the previous example in that it comprises tamper-evident means configured to provide evidence of unlocking 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/channel part 225′, and the tamper-evident means are in the form of a tamper-proof lid 227′, which prevents access to the hole 226′.

[0099] The tamper-proof lid 227′ comprises a living hinge 227a′ on a first of its sides, around which it can pivot, and a pair of frangible connectors 227b′ securing it in a position in which it covers the access hole 226′. The tamper-proof lid 227′ can be dislodged by inserting a tool (not shown) into a slot 227c′ between the frangible connectors 227b′ and pivoting it around the living hinge 227a′. This allows access to the access hole 226′, which allows the tool (not shown) to be inserted therein and manipulated to bend the tab 214′ to dislodge the protruding part 215′ from its engagement with the blank flange 228′ to release the tab 214′ from the channel part 225′.

[0100] Referring now to FIGS. 13 through 15, an anti-tampering device 300 according to a third example has been shown, which is similar to the anti-tampering device 100 according to the first example, wherein similar characteristics are identified by the same references, incremented by 200. These characteristics will not be described.

[0101] The anti-tampering device 300 in this example differs from the first example in that the tamper indicators 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 the locking means. Such visual indication may be provided by one of the many means known in the art, such as damage, delamination, destruction, color change or any other appropriate visual indicator.

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

[0103] Referring now to FIGS. 16 through 20, such an anti-tampering device 400 can be seen. The anti-tampering device 400 according to this example comprises anti-tampering means embedded in the cap 403 and the neck 404. More specifically, the anti-tampering device 400 comprises cooperating locking elements 401, 402 on both the cap 403 and the neck 404.

[0104] A first locking member 401, shown more clearly in FIG. 17, is embedded in the cap 403 and comprises a deformable tab 410 described in a lower part of the side wall 430 of the cap 403. The deformable tab 410 is built into or attached to or made in one piece with the cap 403 and comprises a radial stop 411 protruding inwardly from its free end.

[0105] A second locking member 402, shown more clearly in FIG. 18, is embedded in the neck 404 and comprises a radial stop 420 with 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 built into or attached to or made in one piece with the neck 404 and protrudes from a flange 440 under the screw threads 441 on the neck 404 that engage the cooperating screw threads 431 on the inner side of the side wall 430 of the cap 403.

[0106] The anti-tampering device 400 is thus configured such that when the cap 403 is screwed onto the neck 404 to a final, sealed position, the radial stop 411 of the first locking member 401 mounts on the tapered side 422 of the radial stop 420 of the second locking member 402. The deformable tab 410 bends to allow the radial stop 411 to move radially outward. The continuous rotation causes the radial stop 411 to protrude past the radial stop 420 of the second locking member 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 becoming unscrewed from the neck 404. 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 member 401 and the flange 440 of the neck 404. The tool must then be manipulated to deflect the deformable tab 410 outward when a loosening 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] FIGS. 21 through 23 show another example of an anti-tampering device 500, similar to the previous example of an anti-tampering device 400, wherein similar characteristics are identified by the same references, incremented by 100. These characteristics will not be described.

[0109] The anti-tampering 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 inner surface each describing a stop surface 511, and the lip 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 to a final and sealed position, the side wall 530 of the cap 503 deforms slightly when it mounts on the tapered side 522 of the axial stop 520 of the second locking member 502. Further rotation causes one of the axial recesses 531 to align with the axial stop 520 of the second locking member 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 can 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 aligns with one of the axial recesses 531, when it snaps into the axial recess 531.

[0113] Alternatively, of course, the channel portion may also comprise a recess sized and shaped to conform to the projecting portion of the tab as it snaps in.

[0114] Throughout the description and claims, the words “comprise” and “contain” and their variations mean “including but not limited to” and are not intended for (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 requires otherwise. In particular, when the indefinite article is used, the specification should be understood to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0115] Any features, integers, characteristics, compounds or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the disclosure are to be understood as being applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein, unless inconsistent therewith.

[0116] The reader's attention is drawn to all papers and documents that are filed concurrently or prior to this specification in connection with this application and that are open for public inspection with this specification, and the content of all such papers and documents is incorporated herein by reference.

TABLE-US-00001 List of Reference Signs 100 anti-tampering device 101 first portion 110 semi-circular upper wall 111 semi-cylindrical side wall 110a curved part 110b tamper indicators 112 radial lip 114 locking tab 115 protruding portion 102 second portion 120 semi-circular upper wall 120a curved part 120a 120b tamper indicators 121 semi-cylindrical side wall 122 radial lip 124 tab receiving means 125 channel portion 103 cap 104 degassing tank neck 105 flexible hinge 200 anti-tampering device 201 first portion 211 semi-cylindrical side wall 210a curved part 212 radial lip 214 locking tab 202 second portion 220 circular upper wall 220a curved part 120a 221 semi-cylindrical side wall 222 radial lip 224 tab receiving means 225 channel portion 203 cap 204 degassing tank neck 205 flexible hinge 200' anti-tampering device 201' first portion 210a' curved part 214' locking tab 202' second portion 220' circular upper wall 220a' curved part 120a 221' semi-cylindrical side wall 224' tab receiving means 225' channel part 226' access hole 227a' living hinge 227b' frangible connectors 227c' slot 228' blank flange 205' flexible hinge 300 anti-tampering device 301 first portion 310 semi-circular upper wall 311 semi-cylindrical side wall 310a curved part 312 radial lip 314 locking tab 315 protruding portion 302 second portion 320 semi-circular upper wall 320a curved part 120a 321 semi-cylindrical side wall 322 radial lip 324 tab receiving means 325 channel portion 303 cap 304 degassing tank neck 305 flexible hinge 306 label 400 anti-tampering device 401 first locking member 410 deformable tab 411 radial stop 402 second locking member 420 radial stop 421 radial stop surface 422 tapered side 403 cap 430 side wall 431 cap screw threads 404 neck 440 flange 441 neck screw threads 500 anti-tampering device 501 first locking member 510 axial stop 511 stop surface 502 second locking member 520 axial stop 521 stop surface 522 tapered side 503 cap 530 side wall 504 neck 540 flange 620 deformable tab 623 axial flange recess 604 neck 640 flange