Electronic oil pump sheet metal end cover and method of use

Abstract

The application provides a metal end cover of an electronic oil pump and a use method, relates to the technical field of electronic oil pump parts and automobile part manufacturing, and comprises a pump body and a mounting mechanism arranged at the end of the pump body; the mounting mechanism comprises a first mounting assembly and a second mounting assembly; the first mounting assembly comprises a connecting lug, a protruding block, a first metal back cover and a buckle; compared with a plastic end cover, the electromagnetic shielding performance of the application is obviously improved, the structural strength and long-term reliability are better, compared with a die-cast aluminum alloy end cover, the cost advantage is obvious, the die-cast part usually needs subsequent machining, the wall thickness of the metal can be designed to be thinner, the lightweight effect is better, the production efficiency and the automation degree of the metal are higher, the connection mode of the metal itself is diversified, the metal can be connected by screws, can be hot riveted, can be buckled and bent, can be laser welded and can be press riveted, the production process of the metal part is mature, the structure is simple and the cost is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic oil pump components and automotive component manufacturing technology, and particularly to an electronic oil pump sheet metal end cap and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] As a key component in automotive transmission lubrication systems, engine cooling systems, and new energy vehicle thermal management systems, the electric oil pump's housing is typically made of die-cast aluminum alloy to ensure structural strength and heat dissipation performance. The end cover, as part of the electric oil pump assembly, is mainly used to seal the pump body's tail end. In existing technologies, the end cover is mostly made of aluminum alloy.

[0003] In existing technologies, aluminum alloy materials require die casting and subsequent machining, resulting in high costs and a large overall weight. The density of aluminum alloy is approximately 2.7 g / cm³. 3 Although lighter than steel, die casting requires consideration of process issues. For automotive parts that pursue extreme lightweighting, there is still room for weight reduction. The cycle from mold opening and trial molding to mass production of die castings is relatively long. In addition, the die casting process has high energy consumption, a long overall production cycle, and low material utilization. The die casting process generates a lot of waste such as sprues and flash. There are voids inside the die castings, and leakage problems may occur if not properly controlled during the production process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the issues in existing technologies where aluminum alloy materials require die casting followed by machining, resulting in high costs and significant overall weight (aluminum alloy density is approximately 2.7 g / cm³), this approach aims to address these problems. 3 Although lighter than steel, die casting requires consideration of process issues. For automotive parts that pursue extreme lightweighting, there is still room for weight reduction. The die casting process has a long cycle from mold opening and trial molding to mass production, and the die casting process has high energy consumption, a long overall production cycle, and low material utilization. The die casting process generates a lot of waste such as sprues and flash. There are voids inside the die castings, and if not controlled properly during production, there will be technical problems such as leakage. This invention provides a sheet metal end cap for an electronic oil pump and its usage method.

[0005] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention are as follows: The present invention provides an electronic oil pump sheet metal end cap and a method of using it, comprising: a pump body and a mounting mechanism disposed at the end of the pump body; The installation mechanism includes a first installation component and a second installation component; The first mounting component includes a connecting lug, a protrusion, a first sheet metal back cover, and a clip; The second mounting assembly includes a bolt slot, a second sheet metal back cover, a connector, and a through hole; The first sheet metal back cover and the second sheet metal back cover are fixed to the pump body or motor housing by at least one connecting structure.

[0006] Preferably, the buckle is a bent claw structure, and the claw is deformed by pressing to form an inverted buckle.

[0007] Preferably, the through hole and the bolt groove are interconnected, and the external fastening bolts pass through the through hole and the bolt groove in sequence to lock and fix the second sheet metal back cover to the end of the pump body.

[0008] Preferably, the first sheet metal back cover and the second sheet metal back cover are provided with riveting holes around their perimeters, and the pump body, motor housing or matching plastic bracket is provided with hot riveting posts. The hot riveting post is heated, softened, and deformed under pressure to form a rivet joint. The outer diameter of the rivet joint is larger than the diameter of the rivet hole, which presses and fixes the sheet metal back cover between the plastic part and the rivet joint.

[0009] Preferably, the wall thickness of the first sheet metal back cover and the second sheet metal back cover is less than the wall thickness of the aluminum alloy die-cast end cover, and the overall weight of the sheet metal sheet is lower than that of the aluminum alloy, thus achieving a lightweight design for the end cover.

[0010] Preferably, the first sheet metal back cover, the second sheet metal back cover, and the pump body and motor housing can also be fixed by laser welding or riveting.

[0011] Preferably, the connecting ear is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the pump body.

[0012] Preferably, the contact surfaces of the first sheet metal rear cover and the second sheet metal rear cover with the pump body are all equipped with sealing gaskets. Among them, the sheet metal stamping structure has no die-casting gaps inside, which, together with the sealing gasket layer, eliminates the risk of media leakage.

[0013] Preferably, the protrusion is integrally formed on the end face of the connecting ear, and the protrusion is in contact with the surface of the first sheet metal back cover, providing support and positioning for the first sheet metal back cover.

[0014] Preferably, a method of using a sheet metal end cap for an electronic oil pump includes the following steps; Step 1: When using, the parts are pre-treated. The surfaces of the stamped first sheet metal back cover, the second sheet metal back cover, and the pump body are cleaned, and the integrity of the structure such as buckles, rivet holes, through holes, and bolt grooves is checked. Step 2: Alignment and connection. Align the bent buckle with the protrusion on the pump body. Use a pressing device to apply pressure to the buckle, causing it to deform and form an inverted buckle that clamps the protrusion. Step 3: Bolt connection. Pass the fastening bolts through the through hole and bolt groove, and tighten the bolts to lock and fix the second sheet metal back cover. Step 4: Hot riveting connection. Place the riveting holes of the sheet metal back cover on the outside of the hot riveting post. Use heating and pressurizing equipment to treat the top of the hot riveting post to soften and deform it into a riveting joint. Press the sheet metal back cover to complete the fixation. Step 5: Locking and assembly. Using a matching connection process, the sheet metal back cover and the pump body are locked and fixed, completing the overall installation of the sheet metal end cover of the electronic oil pump.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention include at least the following: In this invention, compared with plastic end caps, the electromagnetic shielding performance is significantly improved, the structural strength and long-term reliability are better, and the cost advantage is obvious compared with aluminum alloy end caps. Die-cast parts usually require subsequent machining, while sheet metal can be designed with thinner wall thickness, resulting in better weight reduction. Sheet metal production efficiency and automation are higher, and sheet metal itself has diverse connection methods, including screw connection, hot riveting, snap-fit ​​bending connection, laser welding, and press riveting. Sheet metal parts have mature production processes, simple structures, and low costs. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an electronic oil pump sheet metal end cap and its usage method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a side view of the protrusion structure of an electronic oil pump sheet metal end cap and its usage method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a side view of the first sheet metal rear cover structure of an electronic oil pump sheet metal end cover and its usage method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a side view of the pump body structure of an electronic oil pump sheet metal end cap and its usage method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a side view of the second sheet metal rear cover structure, which is provided in an embodiment of the present invention as a sheet metal end cover for an electronic oil pump and a method of use.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram from another perspective of an electronic oil pump sheet metal end cap and its usage method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Reference numerals: 1. Pump body; 2. Connecting ear; 201. Protrusion; 202. First sheet metal back cover; 203. Buckle; 3. Bolt groove; 301. Second sheet metal back cover; 302. Connector; 303. Through hole.

[0024] As shown in the figure, specific structures and devices are marked in the figure to clearly illustrate the structure of the embodiments of the present invention. However, this is only for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the present invention to this specific structure, device and environment. Those skilled in the art can adjust or modify these devices and environments according to specific needs. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, to make the embodiments more detailed, the following embodiments are the best and preferred embodiments, and those skilled in the art can use other alternative methods to implement some well-known technologies. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are only for more specific description of the embodiments and are not intended to specifically limit the present invention.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic oil pump sheet metal end cap and a method of use, including: a pump body 1 and a mounting mechanism disposed at the end of the pump body 1; The installation mechanism includes a first installation component and a second installation component; The first mounting component includes a connecting ear 2, a protrusion 201, a first sheet metal back cover 202, and a buckle 203; The second mounting assembly includes a bolt groove 3, a second sheet metal back cover 301, a connector 302, and a through hole 303; The first sheet metal back cover 202 and the second sheet metal back cover 301 are fixed to the pump body 1 or the motor housing by at least one connecting structure. Specifically, during use, the installation of the sheet metal back cover and the pump body 1 can be achieved according to the actual installation situation. During the snap-fit ​​connection, the first sheet metal back cover 202 is pre-engaged with the end face of the pump body 1. As they engage, the positions of the clips 203 correspond to the positions of multiple protrusions 201. Then, under the downward pressure of external force, the clips 203 deform, forming an undercut. This undercut then engages with the protrusions 201, thus achieving a quick and convenient connection between the first sheet metal back cover 202 and the pump body 1. However, when screw connections are required... The second sheet metal back cover 301 is engaged with the end face of the pump body 1. At this time, as the second sheet metal back cover 301 contacts the pump body 1, the connector 302, which is integrally formed on the periphery of the second sheet metal back cover 301, will contact the connecting ear 2. Furthermore, the center line of the through hole 303 on the surface of the connector 302 and the center line of the bolt groove 3 are on the same center line. Then, the bolt is passed through the through hole 303 and the bolt groove 3 in sequence. Finally, the nut that matches the bolt is rotated to realize the quick connection between the second sheet metal back cover 301 and the pump body 1. The two different connection methods can be selected according to the actual use requirements, which is more flexible. Among them, since the first sheet metal back cover 202 can be made of steel or non-ferrous metal materials, such as sheet metal, the electromagnetic shielding performance is significantly improved compared to plastic end caps, and the structural strength and long-term reliability are better. Compared to aluminum alloy end caps, the cost advantage is obvious. Die-cast parts usually require subsequent machining, while sheet metal can be designed with thinner wall thickness, resulting in better weight reduction. Sheet metal has higher production efficiency and automation. Sheet metal itself has diversified connection methods, including screw connection, hot riveting, snap-fit ​​bending connection, laser welding, and press riveting. Sheet metal parts have mature production processes, simple structures, and low costs.

[0027] It is worth noting that in the hot riveting connection method, the second sheet metal back cover 301 is made of steel or non-ferrous metal material, such as sheet metal, and the connecting ear 2 has a cylindrical hole for subsequent hot riveting connection.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the buckle 203 is a bent claw structure, and the claw is deformed by pressing to form an inverted buckle. Specifically, the buckle 203 is a bent claw integrally stamped with the first sheet metal back cover 202. It is an elastic-plastic combination structure. During assembly, a special pressing equipment is used to apply external force to the claw, causing the claw to undergo plastic bending deformation and form an inward buckling structure. The pump body 1 or motor housing has a matching protrusion 201 pre-processed on it. The deformed buckle 203 engages with the protrusion 201, and the mechanical limit is used to achieve locking, without the need for additional fasteners.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the through hole 303 and the bolt groove 3 are interconnected, and the external fastening bolts pass through the through hole 303 and the bolt groove 3 in sequence to lock and fix the second sheet metal back cover 301 to the end of the pump body 1. Specifically, a through hole 303 is provided on the second sheet metal back cover 301, and a coaxial bolt groove 3 is provided on the pump body 1 at the corresponding installation position. The two holes are coaxially connected from top to bottom. During assembly, the fastening bolt is inserted from the outside of the sheet metal back cover, passes through the through hole 303 and the bolt groove 3 in sequence, and is tightened by the thread to generate axial clamping force, so that the second sheet metal back cover 301 is tightly pressed onto the end face of the pump body 1, and rigid fixation is achieved by relying on the thread preload.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the periphery of the first sheet metal back cover 202 and the second sheet metal back cover 301 are provided with riveting holes, and the pump body 1, the motor housing or the matching plastic bracket are provided with hot riveting posts. Among them, the hot riveting column is softened by heating and deformed by pressure to form a rivet joint. The outer diameter of the rivet joint is larger than the diameter of the rivet hole, which presses and fixes the sheet metal back cover between the plastic part and the rivet joint. Specifically, circular riveting holes are pre-drilled on the edges of the two sheet metal back covers. The pump body 1, motor housing, or matching plastic bracket are integrally formed with columnar hot riveting posts. During the assembly process, the riveting holes of the sheet metal back cover are aligned and fitted onto the outside of the hot riveting post to complete the initial alignment. Then, the top of the hot riveting post is heated using hot riveting equipment to soften the material at the top of the post. Simultaneously, axial pressure is applied to allow the softened material to extend and flatten outward, forming a rivet joint with an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the riveting hole. Finally, the rivet joint and the base below form a clamping structure, firmly clamping the sheet metal back cover in the middle to achieve permanent fixation.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the wall thickness of the first sheet metal back cover 202 and the second sheet metal back cover 301 is less than the wall thickness of the aluminum alloy die-cast end cover, and the overall weight of the sheet metal sheet is lower than that of the aluminum alloy, thus achieving a lightweight design for the end cover. Specifically, traditional electronic oil pump end caps use aluminum alloy die casting process. Due to limitations in draft angle, die casting strength, and demolding process, the wall thickness cannot be significantly reduced. This solution uses sheet metal stamping process. The sheet metal itself has stable mechanical properties and can be designed with a smaller wall thickness. At the same time, the weight of commonly used sheet metal substrates is lower than that of aluminum alloy, reducing the weight of a single piece from both the wall thickness and material density dimensions.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the first sheet metal back cover 202, the second sheet metal back cover 301, and the pump body 1 and the motor housing can also be fixed by laser welding or riveting. Specifically, in addition to clips 203, bolts, and hot riveting, two supplementary connection processes are introduced, which can be used individually or in combination.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the connecting ear 2 is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the pump body 1; Specifically, the connecting ear 2 serves as the bearing base of the second mounting component and is fixed to the outer peripheral wall of the pump body 1 by welding, riveting, or integral processing, extending outward to form an independent assembly support point.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the contact surfaces of the first sheet metal back cover 202, the second sheet metal back cover 301, and the pump body 1 are all fitted with sealing gaskets. Among them, the sheet metal stamping structure has no die-casting gaps inside, which, together with the sealing gasket, eliminates the risk of media leakage. Specifically, a flexible sealing gasket layer, such as rubber or foam, is installed on the mating end face of the sheet metal back cover and the pump body 1. The elasticity of the gasket layer is used to fill the tiny gap between the two hard contact surfaces, blocking the leakage channel of the joint surface.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the protrusion 201 is integrally formed on the end face of the connecting ear 2, and the protrusion 201 is attached to the surface of the first sheet metal back cover 202, which plays a supporting and positioning role for the first sheet metal back cover 202. Specifically, the protrusion 201 and the connecting ear 2 are integrally formed structures, and their positions are precisely corresponding to the inner surface of the first sheet metal back cover 202. During assembly, the first sheet metal back cover 202 fits against the end face of the pump body 1, and its inner side plate is completely fitted with the protrusion 201. On the one hand, the radial and circumferential displacement of the sheet metal back cover is restricted by the outline of the protrusion 201, so as to achieve quick and accurate alignment. On the other hand, the protrusion 201 forms a rigid support from the inside, which counteracts the outward pushing force generated by the internal pressure and vibration of the oil pump on the thin plate.

[0036] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention include at least the following: In this invention, compared with plastic end caps, the electromagnetic shielding performance is significantly improved, the structural strength and long-term reliability are better, and the cost advantage is obvious compared with aluminum alloy end caps. Die-cast parts usually require subsequent machining, while sheet metal can be designed with thinner wall thickness, resulting in better weight reduction. Sheet metal production efficiency and automation are higher, and sheet metal itself has diverse connection methods, including screw connection, hot riveting, snap-fit ​​bending connection, laser welding, and press riveting. Sheet metal parts have mature production processes, simple structures, and low costs.

[0037] This invention encompasses any substitutions, modifications, equivalent methods, and solutions made within the spirit and scope of this invention. To provide the public with a thorough understanding of this invention, specific details are described in detail in the preferred embodiments, while those skilled in the art will fully understand the invention even without these details. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding of the essence of this invention, well-known methods, processes, procedures, components, and circuits are not described in detail.

[0038] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sheet metal end cap for an electronic oil pump, characterized in that, include: Pump body and mounting mechanism located at the end of the pump body; The installation mechanism includes a first installation component and a second installation component; The first mounting component includes a connecting lug, a protrusion, a first sheet metal back cover, and a clip; The second mounting assembly includes a bolt slot, a second sheet metal back cover, a connector, and a through hole; The first sheet metal back cover and the second sheet metal back cover are fixed to the pump body or motor housing by at least one connecting structure.

2. The sheet metal end cap for the electronic oil pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buckle is a bent claw structure, and the claw is deformed by pressing to form an inverted buckle.

3. The sheet metal end cap for the electronic oil pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The through hole and the bolt groove are interconnected. External fastening bolts pass through the through hole and the bolt groove in sequence to lock and fix the second sheet metal back cover to the end of the pump body.

4. The sheet metal end cap for the electronic oil pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sheet metal back cover and the second sheet metal back cover are provided with rivet holes around their perimeters, and the pump body, motor housing or matching plastic bracket is provided with hot riveting posts. The hot riveting post is heated, softened, and deformed under pressure to form a rivet joint. The outer diameter of the rivet joint is larger than the diameter of the rivet hole, which presses and fixes the sheet metal back cover between the plastic part and the rivet joint.

5. The sheet metal end cap for the electronic oil pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the first sheet metal back cover and the second sheet metal back cover is less than that of the aluminum alloy die-cast end cover. The overall weight of the sheet metal thin plate is lower than that of the aluminum alloy, thus achieving a lightweight design for the end cover.

6. The sheet metal end cap for the electronic oil pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sheet metal back cover, the second sheet metal back cover, and the pump body and motor housing can also be fixed by laser welding or riveting.

7. The sheet metal end cap for the electronic oil pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting lug is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the pump body.

8. The sheet metal end cap for the electronic oil pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sheet metal rear cover and the second sheet metal rear cover are both fitted with sealing gaskets on their contact surfaces with the pump body. Among them, the sheet metal stamping structure has no die-casting gaps inside, which, together with the sealing gasket layer, eliminates the risk of media leakage.

9. The sheet metal end cap for the electronic oil pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion is integrally formed on the end face of the connecting ear, and the protrusion is attached to the surface of the first sheet metal back cover, providing support and positioning for the first sheet metal back cover.

10. The method of using the sheet metal end cap of an electronic oil pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, An electronic oil pump sheet metal end cap according to any one of claims 1-9 includes the following steps; Step 1: When using, the parts are pre-treated. The surfaces of the stamped first sheet metal back cover, the second sheet metal back cover, and the pump body are cleaned, and the integrity of the structure such as buckles, rivet holes, through holes, and bolt grooves is checked. Step 2: Alignment and connection. Align the bent buckle with the protrusion on the pump body. Use a pressing device to apply pressure to the buckle, causing it to deform and form an inverted buckle that clamps the protrusion. Step 3: Bolt connection. Pass the fastening bolts through the through hole and bolt groove, and tighten the bolts to lock and fix the second sheet metal back cover. Step 4: Hot riveting connection. Place the riveting holes of the sheet metal back cover on the outside of the hot riveting post. Use heating and pressurizing equipment to treat the top of the hot riveting post to soften and deform it into a riveting joint. Press the sheet metal back cover to complete the fixation. Step 5: Locking and assembly. Using a matching connection process, the sheet metal back cover and the pump body are locked and fixed, completing the overall installation of the sheet metal end cover of the electronic oil pump.

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