U.S. patent application number 11/788534 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-23 for access port clamp cover.
This patent application is currently assigned to ZF Friedrichshafen AG. Invention is credited to Loren Christopher Dreier.
Application Number | 20080257885 11/788534 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39871191 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080257885 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dreier; Loren Christopher |
October 23, 2008 |
Access port clamp cover
Abstract
An access port clamp cover is disclosed, such as for access
ports in housings of motor vehicle driveline components. An access
port clamp cover includes a first cover having a centrally disposed
cylindrical member defining at least one locking slot in its outer
surface and a handle extending from the cylindrical member. The
access port clamp cover also includes a second cover defining a
centrally disposed retaining member having an opening for receiving
the handle and an annulus concentrically disposed about the
opening. The annulus defines an inside diameter larger than an
outside diameter of the cylindrical member and has at least one
protrusion extending radially inwardly from the inside surface.
Also, the protrusion is engageable in the slot, and the covers may
be rotated relative to one another.
Inventors: |
Dreier; Loren Christopher;
(Southern Pines, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Assignee: |
ZF Friedrichshafen AG
|
Family ID: |
39871191 |
Appl. No.: |
11/788534 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/243 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16H 2057/0235 20130101;
F16H 57/031 20130101; F16H 57/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/243 |
International
Class: |
B65D 45/00 20060101
B65D045/00 |
Claims
1. An access port clamp cover assembly, comprising: a first cover
having a centrally disposed cylindrical member defining at least
one locking slot in its outer surface and a handle extending from
said cylindrical member; a second cover defining a centrally
disposed retaining member having an opening for receiving said
handle and an annulus concentrically disposed about said opening,
said annulus defining an inside diameter larger than an outside
diameter of said cylindrical member and having at least one
protrusion extending radially inwardly from said inside surface;
whereby said protrusion is engageable in said slot and said covers
may be rotated relative to one another.
2. The access port clamp cover assembly of claim 1 wherein said
cylindrical member includes at least two opposed slots and said
retaining member includes at least two diametrically opposed
protrusions.
3. The access port clamp cover assembly of claim 1 further
including a seal receiving groove extending about and proximate a
periphery of each of said covers and a resilient seal disposed in
each of said seal receiving grooves.
4. The access port clamp cover assembly of claim 3 wherein said
resilient seal is operable to elastically deform to provide a clamp
load.
5. The access port clamp cover assembly of claim 1 further
including at least one of a through opening and groove in said
handle and at least one of a retaining pin, fastener, and snap ring
operable to engage at least one of said through opening and
groove.
6. The access port clamp cover assembly of claim 1 wherein at least
one of said first cover and said second cover is operable to
elastically deform to provide a clamp load.
7. The access port clamp cover assembly of claim 1 further
including a housing having an access port and at least one cover
positioning feature disposed adjacent said access port.
8. An access port clamp cover for a driveline component housing,
comprising: a first cover having a handle extending therefrom, a
cylinder having an outside surface coaxially disposed about said
handle, said outside surface defining at least one slot having an
axial entrance portion, a generally circumferential portion and
terminal portion; a second cover having an annular member defining
an interior surface having a diameter larger than a diameter of
said cylinder and at least one protrusion extending radially
inwardly from said interior surface, said second cover also
defining a through opening for receiving said handle of said first
cover.
9. The access port clamp cover of claim 8 wherein said handle
comprises a stub shaft.
10. The access port clamp cover of claim 8 wherein said cylindrical
member includes at least two opposed locking slots and said annular
member includes at least two diametrically opposed protrusions.
11. The access port clamp cover of claim 8 further including a seal
receiving groove extending about and proximate a periphery of each
of said covers and a resilient seal disposed in said seal receiving
groove.
12. The access port clamp cover of claim 11 wherein said resilient
seal is operable to elastically deform to provide a clamp load.
13. The access port clamp cover of claim 8 further including at
least one of a through opening and groove in said handle and at
least one of a retaining pin, fastener, and snap ring operable to
engage at least one of said through opening and groove.
14. The access port clamp cover of claim 8 wherein at least one of
said first cover and said second cover is operable to elastically
deform to provide a clamp load.
15. The access port clamp cover of claim 8 further including a
housing having an access port and at least one cover positioning
feature disposed adjacent said access port.
16. An access port clamp cover assembly, comprising: a first cover
having a centrally disposed cylindrical member defining at least
one protrusion extending radially outwardly and a handle extending
from said cylindrical member; a second cover defining a centrally
disposed retaining member having an opening for receiving said
handle and an annulus concentrically disposed about said opening,
said annulus defining an inside diameter larger than an outside
diameter of said cylindrical member and having at least one locking
slot on said inside surface; whereby said protrusion is engageable
in said slot and said covers may be rotated relative to one
another.
17. The access port clamp cover assembly of claim 16 wherein said
cylindrical member includes at least two diametrically opposed
protrusions and said annular member includes at least two opposed
locking slots.
18. The access port clamp cover assembly of claim 16 further
including a seal receiving groove extending about and proximate a
periphery of each of said covers and a resilient seal disposed in
said seal receiving groove, wherein said resilient seal is operable
to elastically deform to provide a clamp load.
19. The access port clamp cover assembly of claim 16 wherein at
least one of said first cover and said second cover is operable to
elastically deform to provide a clamp load.
20. The access port clamp cover assembly of claim 16 further
including a housing having an access port and at least one cover
positioning feature disposed adjacent said access port.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates generally to covers for access ports
in housings of motor vehicle driveline components such as
transmissions, clutches, and differentials and more specifically to
an access port clamp cover having inner and outer plates that
include cooperating twist and lock retaining components.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Modern vehicular driveline devices, such as clutches,
transmissions, and differentials have as one of their many design
goals increased service life. Such service life goals are often
subdivided into a first goal of increasing the service interval,
that is, the time between any required maintenance and a second
goal of absolute service life, that is, the total life of the
component typically measured in hundreds of thousands of miles.
[0003] Because such a device may reside in the power train of a
vehicle for years before it is replaced, providing access to the
interior of the device for preventative or minor maintenance
without requiring removal of the device from the vehicle is
desirable. Additionally, it is desirable that such access means be
readily and easily removable so that inspection or minor service
may be quickly accomplished. Finally, it may also be desirable that
any such access means provide a secure, leak proof seal which can
be maintained during any and all anticipated operating conditions
and environment.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 1,581,928 teaches a cover for a transmission
of a motor vehicle in which a small, readily removable cover is
located in a cutout of a larger access plate which is removable
only with hand tools.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 2,703,663 teaches a closure plate holding
means wherein a bolt secured cover may be removed to provide access
into the interior, water jacket region of an internal combustion
engine.
[0006] Study of the foregoing patents reveals that improvements in
access panel art are desirable.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0007] According to one aspect of an access port clamp cover, a
first cover has a centrally disposed cylindrical member defining at
least one locking slot in its outer surface and a handle extending
from the cylindrical member. The access port clamp cover also
includes a second cover defining a centrally disposed retaining
member having an opening for receiving the handle and an annulus
concentrically disposed about the opening. The annulus defines an
inside diameter larger than an outside diameter of the cylindrical
member and has at least one protrusion extending radially inwardly
from the inside surface. Also, the protrusion is engageable in the
slot, and the covers may be rotated relative to one another.
[0008] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the
access port cover will be, or will become, apparent to one with
skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and
detailed description. It is intended that all such additional
systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of
the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like referenced numerals
designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a portion of a motor
vehicle driveline incorporating an access port clamp cover
according to a first exemplary embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an access port clamp cover
according to the first exemplary embodiment taken along line 2-2 of
FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded, sectional view of an access port
clamp cover according to the first exemplary embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an inside clamp cover according to
the first exemplary embodiment taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment
of an access port clamp cover.
[0015] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the installation and removal
process of an access port clamp cover.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, sectional view of a third exemplary
embodiment of an access port clamp cover.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 1, a portion of a motor vehicle
driveline is illustrated. The motor vehicle driveline portion
includes an internal combustion engine 12 that provides motive
power to a master clutch 14, which may be activated and deactivated
to provide such motive power to a multiple speed transmission 16.
The transmission 16 may be either a manual, automated manual, or
automatic transmission and thus may include a shift operator
assembly 18 or a shift lever (not illustrated). That transmission
16 includes an output feature such as a shaft or U-joint 20 which
is coupled to and drives a prop shaft, differential, and/or axles
(all not illustrated). The transmission 16 typically will include a
cast metal housing 22 which receives, supports, positions and
protects the various internal and external components and will
typically include oil drain and fill plugs 24 and 26 to facilitate
changing the lubricating oil within the transmission 16.
[0018] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, an access port clamp cover
assembly 30 according to a first exemplary embodiment is
illustrated in place on an access opening or port 32 in the
sidewall of the metal housing 22. If desired, the inside surface of
the housing 22 may include two or more lugs or bosses 34, or a
continuous lip or flange (not illustrated) to assist locating the
cover assembly 30. Alternatively, the access opening or port 32 may
be on any component of the motor vehicle driveline. For example,
the access opening or port 32 may be on the internal combustion
engine 12 or a clutch housing encompassing the master clutch
14.
[0019] The clamp cover assembly 30 includes a first or inner plate
or cover 36 having height and width which are somewhat larger than
the corresponding height and width of the access port 32.
Additionally, the first plate or cover 36 is preferably, though not
necessarily, slightly convex. About the periphery of the first
plate or cover 36 may be disposed a continuous peripheral shallow
groove or channel 38 that receives a continuous resilient O-ring
seal 42. The O-ring seal 42 may be fabricated of an elastomer or
other resilient material that is compatible with the lubricating
oil utilized within the transmission 16. At the center of the first
plate or cover 36 is a securement assembly 44 having a short
cylindrical member 46 concentrically disposed about a smaller
diameter, elongate stub shaft or handle 48.
[0020] On the outer surface of the cylindrical member 46 are
locking channel(s) or slot(s) 52, such as, for example, a pair of
diametrically opposed J-shaped or L-shaped channels or slots, one
of which is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The channel(s) or slot(s)
52 have a first axial portion 54 that is open and commences at the
end surface of the cylindrical member 46, an arcuate,
circumferential portion 56, which communicates with the first axial
portion 54 and a short reentrant terminal portion 58 extending
axially away from the plate or cover 36. The stub shaft or handle
48 is sufficiently long to extend beyond the outside surface of the
housing 22 when the first plate or cover 36 is located as
illustrated in FIG. 2 and may include surface treatment such as
knurling 62 or other features to improve its gripability.
[0021] Aligned with the first inside plate or cover 36 is a second,
outer plate or cover 66 that also has dimensions slightly larger
than the dimensions of the access opening or port 32. Likewise, the
outer plate or cover 66 is preferably slightly, though not
necessarily, convex. The outer plate or cover 66 may also include a
continuous peripheral shallow groove or channel 68 that receives a
resilient sealing member such as an O-ring 72. Centrally disposed
within the second, outer cover or plate 66 and aligned with the
securement assembly 44 is an annular retaining assembly 74. The
annular retaining assembly 74 includes an annular or tubular member
76 including an inside cylindrical surface 78 having an inside
diameter just slightly larger than the outside diameter of the
cylindrical member 46. Extending inwardly from the inside
cylindrical surface 78 of the tubular member 76 is a protrusion,
pin, or lug 82. Alternatively, multiple protrusions, pins, or lugs
82 may be used, such as, for example, a pair of protrusions, pins,
or lugs, one of which is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The
protrusion, pin, or lug 82 is complementary to and engages the
locking slot 52 and cooperates therewith to provide a twist and
lock, i.e., bayonet, mounting connection between the first and
second covers 36 and 66. It will be appreciated that while a single
locking slot 52 and cooperating protrusion, pin, or lug 82 will
provide the desired twist and lock assembly feature, two
cooperating slots 52 and two protrusions, pins, or lugs 82 are
preferred and three, four or more cooperating slots 52 and
protrusions, pins, or lugs 82 may be utilized if desired. The
retaining assembly 74 also defines a through aperture or passageway
86 that facilitates free passage of the stub shaft or handle 48
through the retaining assembly 74.
[0022] Alternatively, one or multiple protrusion(s), pin(s), or
lug(s) 82 may extend outwardly from the cylindrical member 46, and
one or multiple locking channel(s) or slot(s) 52 may be on the
inside cylindrical surface 78 of the tubular member 76.
Protrusion(s), pin(s), or lug(s) 82 and locking channel(s) or
slot(s) 52 may be mixed and matched in any combination or position
on covers 36 and 66.
[0023] Some components of the clamp cover assembly 30, for example,
but not limited to, the resilient seal, such as O-ring 42 and/or
O-ring 72, and/or the first plate or cover 36, and/or the second
plate or cover 66, may elastically deform during installation while
locking the slots. This elastic deformation may provide a clamp
load, thereby ensuring a tight fit over the access port 32.
Therefore, the clamp cover assembly 30 remains firmly set even
during vibrations or other occurrences causing disruptive
motions.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 4, the second or outer plate or cover
66 is illustrated in a plan view. Here, the peripheral channel 68
is shown below the resilient O-ring seal 72 and the retaining
assembly 74 including the tubular member 76, the inside cylindrical
surface 78, the diametrically opposed pair of pins or lugs 82, and
the through opening 86.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 5, a second exemplary embodiment of an
access port clamp cover is illustrated and designated by the
reference number 90. Here, the first or inside plate or cover 36'
is the same as the first exemplary embodiment of the inner access
port cover 36 except it does not include the peripheral groove 38
and the resilient O-ring seal 42. Thus, the inner seal between the
inner access plate or cover 36' will typically not be fluid tight.
However, the second, outer plate or cover 66 will typically include
the resilient O-ring seal 72. It will be appreciated, of course,
that a further alternative construction comprehends utilizing a
peripheral groove 38 and O-ring seal 42 on the first plate or cover
36 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 but omitting the peripheral
groove 68 and O-ring seal 72 on the second, outer plate or cover
66. A second modification utilized in the access port clamp cover
assembly 90 involves replacing the knurling 62 on the stub shaft or
handle 48 with a circumferential concave region 92 which may, under
certain circumstances provide better grip of the handle 48.
Additionally, it may be desirable to provide a transverse through
opening 94 in the handle 48 near the retaining assembly 74 to
ensure that the covers or plates 36' and 66 remain on the housing
22. This is achieved by inserting a spring retaining clip or cotter
pin 96 through the transfer aperture 94 in the handle 48.
Alternatively, the pin 96 may be a fastener or snap ring and the
transfer aperture 94 may be a hole or groove, respectively.
[0026] Reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B provides an illustration of the
installation procedure of an access port clamp cover 30. The first
or inner plate or cover 36 is positioned with its narrow dimension
parallel to the long dimension of the access opening or port 32.
The first cover 36 is then inserted into the access port 32 and
rotated 90.degree. until it is in the position illustrated in FIG.
6B. The handle 48 may now be held while the second or outer plate
or cover 66 is installed and rotated to engage the protrusions,
pins, or lugs 82 in the reentrant, terminal portions 58 of the
slots 52. It will be appreciated that installation is facilitated
if the region of the housing 22 proximate the access port 32 is
flat. Alternatively, the region of the housing 22 proximate the
access port 32 may be curved or any other geometrical shape.
[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a third exemplary embodiment of an access
port clamp cover assembly 100. Access port 102 is oval and thus the
access port plates or covers are likewise oval. Here, the inside
cover or plate 104 is in position within the oval access port 102.
This illustration is presented to note once again that the access
port or openings 32 or 102 preferably will define a longer or major
dimension and a shorter or minor dimension such that the inside
plate or cover 36, 36' or 104 may be inserted with its minor
dimension parallel to the major dimension and then rotated
approximately 90.degree..
[0028] It will be appreciated, however, that depending upon
internal clearances and interferences, a square access port or
opening may be utilized with a square inside cover inasmuch as the
diagonal of a square is 1.414 times an edge of the square which
theoretically, at least, provides sufficient clearance to pass the
inside cover or plate through the access port and move and rotate
it in proper alignment with the access port or opening. Thus, while
rectangular or oblong or oval access port shapes are preferable,
this is not a limitation on the access port and cover shapes.
[0029] It should also be appreciated, of course, that the locations
of the cylindrical member 46 and locking slot 52 on the first or
inner cover or plate 36 and the tubular member 76 and protrusion,
pin, or lug 82 on the second or outside cover or plate 66 may be
interchanged.
[0030] The foregoing disclosure is the best mode devised by the
inventor for practicing this invention. It is apparent, however,
that apparatus incorporating modifications and variations will be
obvious to one skilled in the art of covers for access ports in the
housings of motor vehicle driveline components. Inasmuch as the
foregoing disclosure is intended to enable one skilled in the
pertinent art to practice the present invention, it should not be
construed to be limited thereby but should be construed to include
such aforementioned obvious variations and be limited only by the
spirit and scope of the following claims.
* * * * *