Abstract:
An internal-combustion engine with two intake valves for each cylinder is provided with a system for variable actuation of the intake valves, including a single solenoid valve for each cylinder that controls communication of a pressurized-fluid chamber of the system with an exhaust channel. The solenoid valve is a three-way, three-position solenoid valve, including an inlet permanently communicating with the pressurized-fluid chamber and with the hydraulic actuator of an intake valve, and two outlets communicating, respectively, with the actuator of the other intake valve and with the exhaust channel. The solenoid valve has a first position, in which the inlet communicates with both of the outlets, a second position, in which the inlet communicates only with the aforementioned outlet connected to the actuator of an intake valve and does not communicate, instead, with the outlet connected to the exhaust channel, and a third position, in which the inlet does not communicate with any of the two outlets.
Abstract:
A user-interface device comprises a plurality of indication elements (3), each provided with a visual indication (4), mounted on a structure (5). Operatively associated to at least one indication element (3) is a lighting system (12a, 12b, 14) comprising light-generating means (12a, 12b) in position set at the back of the body of the indication element (3). The lighting system also comprises an optical module (14) made of transparent material associated to the light-generating means (12a, 12b) and configured for changing the direction of rays of light emitted by the generating means (12a, 12b).
Abstract:
A method for moulding a sheet into a component of complex shape having areas with different mechanical properties, particularly a motor-vehicle component, includes a first heating step of the sheet carried out by a kiln, prior to forming the component. The kiln has a main body with a roller shape, having a plurality of sectors extending along a radial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the roller body. The sectors are configured to each receive a sheet, so that the main body with a roller shape is arranged to simultaneously carry a plurality of sheets. The kiln includes a plurality of heating elements incorporated in the roller-shaped main body, so as to heat the sheets in contact with the roller body. The kiln includes at least one electronically-controlled drive motor, arranged to rotate the roller-shaped main body around the longitudinal axis of the kiln, so as to vary the position of the sectors with respect to the inlet and outlet ports. An additional heating step follows extraction of the sheets from the kiln, wherein the sheets are locally heated only at one area, so as to obtain sheets with areas heated to different temperatures.
Abstract:
A method of controlling a pickup manoeuvre of a hybrid vehicle is actuated with an engine off, an electric motor active and a first clutch being open. In a first phase of the manoeuvre, vehicle advancement is obtained by progressively closing the second clutch so that the input shaft is set in rotation with an increasing speed, while the motor rotates at an increasing speed higher than a speed of the input shaft with the second clutch in a slip condition. Upon a request for starting the engine, the first clutch is progressively closed so that the engine starts to be driven by the motor, while the second clutch is kept in the slip condition, which is maintained until the engine and motor rotate substantially at a same speed, higher than the speed of the input shaft, and once this condition is reached, closing of the second clutch is started.
Abstract:
A suspension device of a motor-vehicle wheel includes a support member of the motor-vehicle wheel connectable to the motor-vehicle structure by means of one or more suspension members, a brake disc connected in rotation with the motor-vehicle wheel, a brake caliper associated with the brake disc and a brake disc cover. The brake caliper is formed in a single piece with the support member of the motor-vehicle wheel by means of additive manufacturing technology.
Abstract:
A light duty vehicle includes a vehicle frame, including a pair of vehicle longitudinal beams connected to each other by a plurality of cross-members and a cabin frame, having a pair of cabin longitudinal beams rigidly connected to front ends of the vehicle longitudinal beams. A supporting structure for auxiliary units, such as gaseous fuel tanks or electric batteries, which is carried by the vehicle frame, and includes an auxiliary frame extending between the vehicle longitudinal beams and having connection plates arranged in vertical planes parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle frame and which are in contact with mutually facing inner lateral walls of the vehicle longitudinal beams and are rigidly connected to these longitudinal beams. The auxiliary frame fulfills a structural function equivalent to the structural function of one or more cross-members at an area of the vehicle frame where the cross-members are omitted.
Abstract:
A connection system for connection of two or more overlapping layers of material includes: a rivet having a head and a stem, the head being configured to bear upon a surface of a first layer of the layers of material, the stem having an outer surface that includes a surface sculpturing and being configured for passing through the layers of material and projecting beyond them; and a washer configured to fit on the stem and configured to bear upon a surface of a last layer of the layers of material, the washer being deformable by axial compression from an undeformed condition where it fits on the stem with play, to a deformed condition where it fits on the stem in a condition of interference with the outer surface of the stem. Moreover described is a corresponding method for joining the layers of material using the connection system.
Abstract:
A method for moulding a sheet into a component of complex shape having areas with different mechanical properties, particularly a motor-vehicle component, includes a first heating step of the sheet carried out by a kiln, prior to forming the component. The kiln has a main body with a roller shape, having a plurality of sectors extending along a radial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the roller body. The sectors are configured to each receive a sheet, so that the main body with a roller shape is arranged to simultaneously carry a plurality of sheets. The kiln includes a plurality of heating elements incorporated in the roller-shaped main body, so as to heat the sheets in contact with the roller body. The kiln includes at least one electronically-controlled drive motor, arranged to rotate the roller-shaped main body around the longitudinal axis of the kiln, so as to vary the position of the sectors with respect to the inlet and outlet ports. An additional heating step follows extraction of the sheets from the kiln, wherein the sheets are locally heated only at one area, so as to obtain sheets with areas heated to different temperatures.
Abstract:
A hinge of a motor-vehicle mobile part includes a first and a second hinge element mounted articulated with respect to each other about a hinge axis. The second hinge element is articulated to the first hinge element by an articulation portion having two pins defining the hinge axis, and projecting in opposite directions from two sides of the second hinge element. The first hinge element and the second hinge element are obtained by an additive manufacturing technique in an already reciprocally articulated condition, with the pins mounted with clearance within respective articulation seats formed on two flanges of the first hinge element adjacent to the sides of the second hinge element. The hinge also includes two bushing-shaped members, each interposed between one of said two pins and the respective articulation seat.
Abstract:
A method for providing a welded joint includes: providing a first metal sheet having a first melting point; providing a second metal sheet having a second melting point, the second melting point being lower than the first melting point; providing a weld material; and joining the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet together by means of the weld material, thus defining a first joining interface between the first metal sheet and the weld material and a second joining interface between the second metal sheet and the weld material. The joining includes heating the second metal sheet at the second joining interface to a temperature higher than the second melting point, but lower than the first melting point.