Rigid press-fit cap for motor vehicles
A rigid cap is provided for a motor vehicle, in particular, for the engine of a motor vehicle. The rigid cap has a first layer made of a metal material and at least a second layer comprising polyamide 11. Preferably, the second layer is made entirely of polyamide 11 and, even more preferably, entirely covers the first layer. The cap may be a press-fit cap or a threaded cap.
1. A rigid cap for a motor vehicle, said cap comprising;
a first metal layer having a thickness between 0.5 mm and 2 mm; and
at least a second layer comprising polyamide 11 in direct contact with said first metal layer, the second layer having a thickness between 0.15 mm and 0.3 mm,
wherein the second layer entirely covers said first metal layer, which includes a first side, an opposing second side, and ends defined between the first side and the opposing second side of the first metal layer; and
a press-fit feature providing for a hermetic seal;
wherein the cap has an oil resistance verified by an immersion test of 100 hours to 500 hours in a reference oil having a temperature of 150° C. and the cap resists pressure at 2 bar without leaking fluid.
2. The cap according to claim 1 , characterized in that said first layer is made of steel or aluminum.
3. The cap according to claim 1 , characterized in that said second layer comprises at least 50% polyamide 11.
4. The cap according to claim 1 , characterized in that said second layer comprises at least 80% polyamide 11.
5. The cap according to claim 1 , characterized in that said second layer consists of polyamide 11.
6. The cap of claim 1 , wherein the second layer entirely covers the first metal layer with a uniform thickness.
7. The cap of claim 6 , wherein the second layer is formed by immersing the first layer in a container comprising therein a polyamide 11 after being heated.
8. Manufacturing method for a rigid cap for a motor vehicle comprising: heating a preformed cap formed by a first layer of metal material, the first layer having a thickness between 0.5 mm and 2 mm and having a press-fit feature, and subsequent to heating, immersing the preformed cap in a container filled with polyamide 11 to form a second layer entirely covering and in direct contact with the first layer of metal material; wherein the second layer has a thickness between 0.15 mm and 0.3 mm, the press-fit feature provides a hermetic seal, and the cap has an oil resistance verified by an immersion test of 100 hours to 500 hours in a reference oil having a temperature of 150° C. and the cap resists pressure at 2 bar without leaking fluid.
9. An engine comprising:
a rigid cap as an engine cap or as part of the housing of a water pump, an oil pump, or a gearbox, said rigid cap comprising;
a first metal layer having a thickness between 0.5 mm and 2 mm; and
at least a second layer comprising polyamide 11 in direct contact with said first metal layer, the second layer having a thickness between 0.15 mm and 0.3 mm, wherein the second layer entirely covers the first metal layer, which includes a first side, an opposing second side, and ends defined between the first side and the opposing second side of the first metal layer; and
a press-fit feature providing a hermetic seal to the engine, water pump, oil pump, or gearbox;
wherein the cap has an oil resistance verified by an immersion test of 100 hours to 500 hours in a reference oil having a temperature of 150° C. and the cap resists pressure at 2 bar without leaking fluid.
10. The engine according to claim 9 , wherein said first layer is made of steel or aluminum.
11. The engine according to claim 9 , wherein said second layer comprises 50% to 100% polyamide 11.
12. The engine according to claim 9 , wherein said second layer on at least one side of said first layer faces oil when installed in an engine.