A device for increasing pressure between an oil pump housing and an oil pump cover

Abstract

A device (120, 220, 320, 520, 620) for increasing pressure between an oil pump housing (102, 702) and an oil pump cover (104, 704), the device comprising: a body (122, 221, 322, 522, 622) configured to be externally attached to at least one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover, the oil pump cover mounted to the oil pump housing by at least one fastener, the at least one fastener providing base pressure between a housing rim (112, 714) of the oil pump housing and a cover rim (114, 716) of the oil pump cover; and at least one force element (124, 324, 534, 634) extending from the body to exert a force proximate at least one of the housing rim and the cover rim, the force providing enhanced pressure between the housing rim and the cover rim in addition to the base pressure provided by the at least one fastener.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates generally to oil pumps for vehicles. In particular aspects, the disclosure relates to a device for increasing pressure between an oil pump housing and an oil pump cover. The disclosure can be applied to heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and construction equipment, among other vehicle types such as passenger cars. Although the disclosure may be described with respect to a particular vehicle, the disclosure is not restricted to any particular vehicle.BACKGROUND

[0002] Oil pumps include a housing for the components of the oil pump and a cover that is intended to seal the inner compartment of the oil pump. It has been discovered that once an oil pump is disassembled and then reassembled, a significant flow degradation occurs. This unfortunately leads to that the oil pumps currently are not candidates for remanufacturing.SUMMARY

[0003] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a device for increasing pressure between an oil pump housing and an oil pump cover, the device comprising: a body configured to be externally attached to at least one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover, the oil pump cover mounted to the oil pump housing by at least one fastener, the at least one fastener providing base pressure between a housing rim of the oil pump housing and a cover rim of the oil pump cover; and at least one force element extending from the body to exert a force proximate at least one of the housing rim and the cover rim, the force providing enhanced pressure between the housing rim and the cover rim in addition to the base pressure provided by the at least one fastener.

[0004] The first aspect of the disclosure may seek to provide a device that can prevent significant oil flow degradation in reassembled oil pumps. A technical benefit may include that oil pumps can be remanufactured for further use while minimizing oil flow degradation. This may lead to improved performance of reassembled oil pumps, reduced cost related to replacement of oil pumps, and reduced environmental impact related to replacements.

[0005] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the at least one force element may be configured to contact the at least one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover at a location aligned with the housing rim and the cover rim. A technical benefit may include that the force is applied directly where it is most efficiently used for enhancing the pressure between the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover.

[0006] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the device may further comprise at least one through-hole configured to receive a fastening element for mounting the device to the one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover. A technical benefit may include that the body is securely fastened to the oil pump. Furthermore, by securing the body to the oil pump the at least one force element can direct the force in a precise location for efficient pressure enhancement.

[0007] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the fastener may mount the device to at least one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover and also mounts the oil pump cover to the oil pump housing. A technical benefit may include that by using the fasteners both for the oil pump cover and the mounting if the device the number of parts is reduced. Furthermore, it allows for the body to pull on one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover against the other one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover when the force element applies its force.

[0008] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the least one force element may be mounted in a respective through hole of the body. A technical benefit may include that the force element can be accurately placed in the correct position in the body and also in relation to the oil pump housing rim or cover rim. The force element may be secured in the respective through hole.

[0009] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the least one force element may be at least one screw configured to apply force on the at least one of the oil pump cover and oil pump housing by threading through threads in the through hole of the body. A technical benefit may include that the force may be accurately adjusted by the screws providing for improved control of providing the enhanced pressure between the housing rim and the cover rim.

[0010] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the body may be configured to be attached to the oil pump cover side of the oil pump. A technical benefit may include simplified mounting on the same side as the oil pump cover side which is typically the side where the fasteners are mounted.

[0011] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, wherein the exerted force may be directed along an axis that intersects with the housing rim and the cover rim. A technical benefit may include precise application of the force where it most efficiently enhances the pressure between the housing rim and the cover rim.

[0012] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the device may further comprise a spacer configured to be arranged between the body and the one of the oil pump cover and the oil pump housing where the body is configured to be attached. A technical benefit may include that the spacer provides space for components, such as screw heads, between the body and the one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover.

[0013] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, at least one of the body or the force element may be configured to clamp on both the oil pump cover and the oil pump housing. A technical benefit may include that a simple and time efficient way to apply the enhanced pressure is provided the clamp.

[0014] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the at least one force element may be configured to apply a force on an inlet side, also referred to as the suction side, of the oil pump. A technical benefit may include that the enhanced pressure is applied where it is needed the most, where air suction may be caused by gaps between the oil pump cover rim and the oil pump housing rim.

[0015] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, two force elements may be configured to apply force at two locations along one rim section of the housing rim and cover rim, the one rim section being on one side of an inlet side of the oil pump. A technical benefit may include that the enhanced pressure is applied along one rim section where it may be needed the most, that is, one rim section is specifically targeted.

[0016] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the rim section being intercepted by a single fastener, the two locations being on opposite sides of the fastener. A technical benefit may include that the enhanced pressure may be evenly applied along the rim section.

[0017] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, each of the two locations being substantially equidistantly located between neighboring pairs of fasteners. A technical benefit may include that the enhanced pressure is more evenly applied along the rim section.

[0018] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the two locations are aligned along the housing rim and cover rim in the rim section. A technical benefit may include that the enhanced pressure is applied where it is most useful in enhancing the pressure between the housing rim and cover rim.

[0019] Optionally in some examples, the body may be a bracket configured to be attached to the oil pump cover by at least two screws mounted in a respective through hole of the bracket and arranged to mount the oil pump cover to the oil pump housing, the bracket comprising two threaded through holes configured to receive the force elements which are threaded, the threaded force elements being configured to apply the force at or near the rim of the oil pump cover and the oil pump housing forming a contact interface between the oil pump cover and the oil pump housing, wherein, with the bracket mounted to the oil pump cover, threading the force elements to apply a force to an external surface of the oil pump cover cause the bracket to pull on the screws arranged to mount the oil pump cover to the oil pump housing thereby causing enhanced pressure between the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover. A technical benefit may include that a precise bracket is provided that can provide the enhanced pressure adaptively and efficiently in the correct locations.

[0020] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the device may comprise a spacer arranged between the bracket and the oil pump cover, the screws arranged to mount the oil pump cover to the oil pump housing being arranged through a respective spacer. A technical benefit may include that space for protruding parts of the oil pump cover under the bracket is provided.

[0021] There is further provided an oil pump comprising the device according to any of the herein disclosed examples.

[0022] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the oil pump may be a fixed or variable displacement pump.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method for increasing a pressure between an oil pump housing and an oil pump cover of an oil pump, the method comprising: attaching a body of the device to an external side of at least one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover, the oil pump cover mounted to the oil pump housing by at least one fastener, the at least one fastener providing base pressure between a housing rim of the oil pump housing and a cover rim of the oil pump cover, applying a force using at least one force element extending from the body to exert a force at at least one of the housing rim and the cover rim, the force providing enhanced pressure between the housing rim and the cover rim in addition to the base pressure provided by the at least one fastener.

[0024] The second aspect of the disclosure may seek to prevent significant oil flow degradation in reassembled oil pumps. A technical benefit may include that oil pumps can be remanufactured for further use while minimizing oil flow degradation. This may lead to improved performance of reassembled oil pumps, reduced cost related to replacement of oil pumps, and reduced environmental impact related to replacements.

[0025] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the method may comprise: arranging the force elements through threaded through-holes of the body, and tightening the force elements in the threaded through-holes of the body to apply the force on at least one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover. A technical benefit may include that the force may be accurately adjusted by the force elements providing for improved control of providing the enhanced pressure between the housing rim and the cover rim.

[0026] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the method may comprise: attaching the body to the one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover using the same fastener as for mounting the oil pump cover to the oil pump housing. A technical benefit may include that by using the fasteners both for the oil pump cover and the mounting if the device the number of parts is reduced and also the steps required for reassembling the oil pump and mounting the device to the oil pump. Furthermore, it allows for the body to pull on one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover against the other one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover when the force element applies its force.

[0027] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the method may comprise attaching the body to the external side of at least one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover such that force elements apply the force on an inlet side of the oil pump. A technical benefit may include that the enhanced pressure is applied where it is needed the most, where air suction may be caused by gaps between the oil pump cover rim and the oil pump housing rim.

[0028] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the body may be a bracket, and the bracket comprises two threaded through holes configured to receive the force elements which are threaded, the method comprises: attaching to bracket the oil pump cover by at least two screws mounted in a respective through hole of the bracket and arranged to also mount the oil pump cover to the oil pump housing, applying the force using the threaded force elements at or near the rim of the oil pump cover and the oil pump housing forming a contact interface between the oil pump cover and the oil pump housing, wherein, with the bracket mounted to the oil pump cover, threading the force elements to apply a force to an external surface of the oil pump cover cause the bracket to pull on the screws arranged to mount the oil pump cover to the oil pump housing thereby causing enhanced pressure between the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover. A technical benefit may include that a precise bracket is provided that can provide the enhanced pressure adaptively and efficiently in the correct locations.

[0029] The disclosed aspects, examples (including any preferred examples), and / or accompanying claims may be suitably combined with each other as would be apparent to anyone of ordinary skill in the art. Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims, and drawings, and in part will be readily apparent therefrom to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the disclosure as described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Examples are described in more detail below with reference to the appended drawings. FIG. 1 is an exemplary oil pump equipped with a device according to an example. FIG. 2 illustrates one example device according to an example. FIG. 3 illustrates one example device according to an example. FIG. 4 illustrates one example device according to an example. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an example device according to an example. FIG. 5B is another perspective view of the example device in fig. 5A. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an example device according to an example. FIG. 6B is another perspective view of the example device in fig. 6A. FIG. 7A is an exploded view of an oil pump equipped with a device according to an example. FIG. 7B is an exploded view of an oil pump equipped with a device according to an example. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an oil pump equipped with a device according to an example. FIG. 9 is a flow-chart of method steps according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The detailed description set forth below provides information and examples of the disclosed technology with sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure.

[0032] Oil pumps for circulating oil in vehicle engines include a housing for an oil area that is sealed by a cover. The oil area typically includes an inlet side and an outlet area between which the oil is transferred, from the inlet side to the outlet area. The performance of the oil pumps depends, at least partly, on the sealing between the cover and the housing. If the sealing is poor, the oil pump will suck air leading to oil flow degradation.

[0033] It was discovered that if an oil pump is disassembled by removing the cover from the housing, and subsequently reassembled, a significant oil flow degradation occurs. This phenomenon appears unrelated to whether the oil pump is new or previously used. This means that reusing a disassembled oil pump is not optimal due to the oil flow degradation. The examples of the present disclosure addresses this issue with oil pumps.

[0034] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary oil pump 100 comprising an oil pump housing 102 and an oil pump cover 104 according to an example. The oil pump cover 104 is configured to seal the inner compartment 106 of the oil pump housing 104. The inner compartment 106 typically houses mechanical parts of the oil pump 100 and the oil as it is transferred between an inlet 108 and an outlet 110 during operation of the oil pump 100. The oil pump 100 may for example be fixed or variable displacement pump.

[0035] The oil pump housing 102 comprises a housing rim 112 on which the cover 104 is attached to close the compartment 106 of the housing 102. The housing rim 112 extends around the compartment 106 and defines the opening into the compartment 106.

[0036] The cover 104 comprises a cover rim 114 facing towards the housing rim 112. The cover rim 114 is configured to connect with the housing rim 112 to close the compartment 106. More specifically, the oil pump cover 104 is configured to be mounted to the oil pump housing 102 by at least one fastener 116 that is tightened in a respective tapped hole 117 of the housing 102. The at least one fastener 116 is configured to provide a base pressure between the housing rim 112 of the oil pump housing 102 and the cover rim 114 of the oil pump cover 104.

[0037] To increase the pressure between the oil pump housing 102 and the oil pump cover 104, a device 120 is proposed. The device 120 comprises a body 122 configured to be externally attached to at least one of the oil pump housing 102 and the oil pump cover 104. In this example, the body 122 is shown to be mounted to the oil pump housing 102. The body 122 can be mounted to the housing by various means such as clamping it to the oil pump 100, or be separate fasteners or joint fasteners with the oil pump cover 104.

[0038] At least one force element 124 extends from the body 122. With the body attached to the cover 104, the force element 124 is exerts a force proximate at least one of the housing rim 112 and the cover rim 114. The force provided by the at least one force element 124 provides an enhanced pressure between the housing rim 112 and the cover rim 114 in addition to the base pressure provided by the at least one fastener 116.

[0039] The body 122 of example herein are preferably stiff to ensure that the enhanced pressure can be maintained. For example, the body 122 may be made from a metal material such as steel, although other material are possible such as stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloys. The body may be casted or machined or using other manufacturing methods suitable depending on the material of choice.

[0040] That the force is exerted proximate the at least one of the housing rim 112 and the cover rim 114 is herein also considered as being near or at the at least one of the housing rim 112 and the cover rim 114. For example, the at least one force element 124 may be configured to contact the at least one of the oil pump housing 102 and the oil pump cover 104 at a location 115 aligned with the housing rim 112 and the cover rim 114. Preferably, the exerted force is directed along an axis 126 that intersects with the housing rim 112 and the cover rim 114.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates one example device 120 comprising a body 122 and at least one force element 124 that extends from the body 122. In this example, the at least one force element 124 is integral with the body 122. In other words, the force elements 124 are fixedly attached to the body 122 or made in one piece with the body 122. The body 122 may be clamped or strapped, or attached to the oil pump by other means.

[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates one example device 220 comprising a body 221 and at least one force element 124 that extends from the body 221. The example device 220 is a clamp that is spring-loaded by spring 222. The spring 222 is configured to pull the two legs 224a and 224b attached to the clamp body 221 against each other with the oil pump housing between them such that the force element 124 exerts a force proximate at least one of the housing rim 112 and the cover rim 114. The force elements 124 extend from the legs 224a-b of the body 221. The legs 224a-b may be flexible or hinged to the clamp body 221.

[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates one example device 320 comprising a body 322 and at least one force element 324. In this example, the force elements 324 are mounted in a respective through hole 326 of the body 322. For example, the force elements may be screws configured to apply force on the at least one of the oil pump cover 104 and oil pump housing 102 by threading through threads in the through hole 326 of the body 322. The body 322 comprises at least one through-hole 328 configured to receive a fastening element for mounting the device 320 to the one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover.

[0044] FIG. 5A is a perspective top view of one example device 520 comprising a body 522. The body 522 comprises at least one through-hole 528 configured to receive a fastening element for mounting the device 520 to the one of the oil pump housing 102 and the oil pump cover 104. Spacers 530 are attached to the body 522 and aligned with the through-holes 528. The spacers 530 are configured to be arranged in contact with the one of the oil pump housing 102 and the oil pump cover 104 and aligned with attachment points, e.g., holes, where the fastening element mounts the device 520 to the one of the oil pump housing 102 and the oil pump cover 104. The through holes 528 reach through the spacers 530. The device 520 further has a cut-out 531 in the body 522 and a chamfered surface 532 to better comply with space requirements and limitations once mounted to the oil pump 100.

[0045] FIG. 5B is a perspective rear view of the example device 520. The device 522 comprises two force elements 534 that protrudes from the body 522. Once mounted to for example the oil pump cover 104 using fastening elements arranged through the through holes 528, the force elements 534 exert a force proximate at least one of the housing rim 112 and the cover rim 114 to provide an enhanced pressure between the housing rim 112 and the cover rim 114.

[0046] FIG. 6A is a perspective top view of one example device 620 comprising a body 622. The body 622 comprises at least one through-hole 628 configured to receive a fastening element for mounting the device 620 to the one of the oil pump housing 102 and the oil pump cover 104. Separate spacers may be arranged between the body 622 and the oil pump 100. Force elements 634 are configured to be mounted in a respective through hole 636 in the body 622 such that they protrude from the body 636 on the rear side of the body 622. The device 620 further has a cut-out 631 in the body 622 and a chamfered surface 632 to better comply with space requirements and limitations once mounted to the oil pump 100.

[0047] FIG. 6B is a perspective rear view of the example device 620. Here, the two force elements 634 are mounted in their respective threaded through-hole 636 such that they protrude from the rear side 638 of the body 622. Once mounted to for example the oil pump cover 104 using fastening elements arranged through the through holes 628, the force elements 634 aligned proximate at least one of the housing rim 112 and the cover rim 114 to provide an enhanced pressure between the housing rim 112 and the cover rim 114.

[0048] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are exploded views from two different perspectives of an oil pump 700 comprising an oil pump housing 702 and an oil pump cover 704, and a device 620, or bracket, mounted to the oil pump housing 702.

[0049] The oil pump housing 702 defines an inner compartment 706 configured to hold and transfer oil during operation of the oil pump 700. The inner compartment 706 houses mechanical parts such as internal gears 708a,b that are configured to transfer the oil from the inlet side 710 to the outlet side 712 of the oil pump 700.

[0050] The oil pump housing 702 comprises a housing rim 714 and the oil pump cover 704 comprises a cover rim 716. Fasteners 718 are configured to mount the oil pump cover 704 to the oil pump housing 702. In this example, the fasteners 718' also mounts the device 620 to the oil pump housing 702 by letting the fasteners 718' pass through the clearance holes 628 of the bracket 622. In other words, two of the fasteners 718' are arranged through the through holes 628 of the body 622 before being arranged through through-holes 722 of the cover 704 and then tightened in threaded holes 724 of the housing 702. Spacers 640 are arranged between the cover 704 and the body 622 of the bracket 620.

[0051] The force elements 634, here being screws, are configured to be threaded in the threaded through-holes 636 of the body 622. Preferably, the force elements 634 are arranged to apply a force on the inlet side 710 of the oil pump 700 where the highest risk of sucking air through gaps between the housing 702 and the cover 704 occurs. Preferably, the exerted force is directed along an axis 642 that intersects with the housing rim 714 and the cover rim 716.

[0052] The two force elements 634 are configured to apply force at two locations 726 and 728 along one rim section 730 of the housing rim 714 and cover rim 716. The rim section 730 is on one side of an inlet side 732 of the oil pump 700. The rim section 730 is here on a bottom side of the inlet side 732 and is intercepted by a single fastener 718' such that the two locations 726 and 728 are on opposite sides of the fastener 718'. In specific examples, the two locations 726, 728 are substantially equidistantly located between neighboring pairs of fasteners 718, 718'. In some specific examples, the two locations 726 and 728 are aligned along the housing rim 714 and cover rim 716 in the rim section 730. In such case, the two locations are located along a relatively straight rim section 730, at the bottom side of the inlet side 732.

[0053] The required torque to be applied to the screws 634 for obtaining sufficient enhanced pressure to reduce flow degradation is typically less than the torque required for attaching the cover 704 to the housing 702. For example, the torque applied to the screws 634 may be 50% or less than 50% of the torque applied to the fasteners 718, 718' used for attaching the cover 704 to the housing 702. In other examples, the torque applied to the screws 634 may be about 20%-30% of the torque applied to the fasteners 718, 718' used for attaching the cover 704 to the housing 702. In other examples, the torque applied to the screws 634 may be about 10%-20% of the torque applied to the fasteners 718, 718' used for attaching the cover 704 to the housing 702.

[0054] FIG. 8 illustrates the bracket 620 attached to the oil pump cover 704 by at least two screws 718' mounted in a respective through hole 628 of the bracket 620 and also arranged to also mount the oil pump cover 704 to the oil pump housing 702. The force elements 634 are screws 634 that are tightened in their respective through-hole 636 of the body 622 of the bracket 620.

[0055] The threaded force elements 634 applies the force at or near the rim 714, 716 of the oil pump cover 704 and the oil pump housing 702 that forms a contact interface between the oil pump cover 704 and the oil pump housing 702. With the bracket 620 mounted to the oil pump cover 704, threading the force elements 634 to apply a force to an external surface of the oil pump cover 704 cause the bracket 620 to pull on the screws 718' arranged to mount the oil pump cover 704 to the oil pump housing 702 thereby causing enhanced pressure between the oil pump housing 702 and the oil pump cover 704. In other words, since the screws 718' are not attached to the cover 704, but only to the threaded holes 724 of the housing 702, once the screws 634 push on the cover 704 the force will attempt to push the bracket 620 away from the cover 704. Consequently, the screws 718' pull the housing 702 towards the cover 704 while the screws 634 applies and maintains their force on the cover 704, thereby providing the enhanced pressure to close gaps or voids between the housing rim 714 and the cover rim 716.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a flow-chart of method steps according to an example. The method is for increasing a pressure between an oil pump housing 102 and an oil pump cover 104 of an oil pump 100.

[0057] In step S102, attaching a body 122 of the device 120 to an external side of at least one of the oil pump housing 102 and the oil pump cover 104, the oil pump cover 104 mounted to the oil pump housing 104 by at least one fastener 116. The at least one fastener 116 providing base pressure between a housing rim 112 of the oil pump housing 102 and a cover rim 114 of the oil pump cover 104.

[0058] In step S104, applying a force using at least one force element 124 extending from the body 122 to exert a force at at least one of the housing rim 112 and the cover rim 114, the force providing enhanced pressure between the housing rim 112 and the cover rim 114 in addition to the base pressure provided by the at least one fastener 116.

[0059] In some examples such as the one shown in fig. 7, Step S102 may comprise attaching the body 622 to the one of the oil pump housing 702 and the oil pump cover 704 using the same fastener 718 as for mounting the oil pump cover 704 to the oil pump housing 702. Furthermore, step S104 may comprise arranging the force elements 634 through threaded through-holes 636 of the body 622, and tightening the force elements 634 in the threaded through-holes 636 to apply the force on at least one of the oil pump housing 702 and the oil pump cover 704.

[0060] Example 1: A device for increasing pressure between an oil pump housing and an oil pump cover, the device comprising: a body configured to be externally attached to at least one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover, the oil pump cover mounted to the oil pump housing by at least one fastener, the at least one fastener providing base pressure between a housing rim of the oil pump housing and a cover rim of the oil pump cover; and at least one force element extending from the body to exert a force proximate at least one of the housing rim and the cover rim, the force providing enhanced pressure between the housing rim and the cover rim in addition to the base pressure provided by the at least one fastener.

[0061] Example 2: The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one force element is configured to contact the at least one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover at a location aligned with the housing rim and the cover rim.

[0062] Example 3: The device of any of claims 1-2, further comprising: at least one through-hole configured to receive a fastening element for mounting the device to the one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover.

[0063] Example 4: The device of claim 1-3, wherein the fastener mounts the device to at least one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover and also mounts the oil pump cover to the oil pump housing.

[0064] Example 5: The device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the least one force element is mounted in a respective through hole of the body.

[0065] Example 6: The device of claim 5, wherein the least one force element is at least one screw configured to apply force on the at least one of the oil pump cover and oil pump housing by threading through threads in the through hole of the body.

[0066] Example 7: The device of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the body is configured to be attached to the oil pump cover side of the oil pump.

[0067] Example 8: The device of any one of claims 1-7 wherein the exerted force is directed along an axis that intersects with the housing rim and the cover rim

[0068] Example 9: The device of any one of claims 1-8, comprising a spacer configured to be arranged between the body and the one of the oil pump cover and the oil pump housing where the body is configured to be attached.

[0069] Example 10: The device of any one of claims 1-5, wherein at least one of the body or the force element is configured to clamp on both the oil pump cover and the oil pump housing.

[0070] Example 11: The device of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the at least one force element is / are configured to apply a force on an inlet side of the oil pump.

[0071] Example 12: The device of any one of claims 1-11, wherein two force elements are configured to apply force at two locations along one rim section of the housing rim and cover rim, the one rim section being on one side of an inlet side of the oil pump.

[0072] Example 13: The device of claim 12, the rim section being intercepted by a single fastener, the two locations being on opposite sides of the fastener.

[0073] Example 14: The device of any one of claims 12-13, each of the two locations being substantially equidistantly located between neighboring pairs of fasteners.

[0074] Example 15: The device of any one of claims 12-14, wherein the two locations are aligned along the housing rim and cover rim in the rim section.

[0075] Example 16: The device of claim 1, wherein the body is a bracket configured to be attached to the oil pump cover by at least two screws mounted in a respective through hole of the bracket and arranged to mount the oil pump cover to the oil pump housing, the bracket comprising two threaded through holes configured to receive the force elements which are threaded, the threaded force elements being configured to apply the force at or near the rim of the oil pump cover and the oil pump housing forming a contact interface between the oil pump cover and the oil pump housing, wherein, with the bracket mounted to the oil pump cover, threading the force elements to apply a force to an external surface of the oil pump cover cause the bracket to pull on the screws arranged to mount the oil pump cover to the oil pump housing thereby causing enhanced pressure between the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover.

[0076] Example 17: The device of claim 16, comprising spacers arranged between the bracket and the oil pump cover, the screws arranged to mount the oil pump cover to the oil pump housing being arranged through a respective spacer.

[0077] Example 18: An oil pump comprising the device according to any of claims 1-17.

[0078] Example 19: The oil pump of claim 18, being a fixed or variable displacement pump.

[0079] Example 20: A method for increasing a pressure between an oil pump housing and an oil pump cover of an oil pump, the method comprising: attaching a body of the device to an external side of at least one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover, the oil pump cover mounted to the oil pump housing by at least one fastener, the at least one fastener providing base pressure between a housing rim of the oil pump housing and a cover rim of the oil pump cover, applying a force using at least one force element extending from the body to exert a force at at least one of the housing rim and the cover rim, the force providing enhanced pressure between the housing rim and the cover rim in addition to the base pressure provided by the at least one fastener.

[0080] Example 21: The method of claim 20, comprising: arranging the force elements through threaded through-holes of the body, and tightening the force elements in the threaded through-holes of the body to apply the force on at least one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover.

[0081] Example 22: The method of any one of claims 20-21, comprising: attaching the body to the one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover using the same fastener as for mounting the oil pump cover to the oil pump housing.

[0082] Example 23: The method of any one of claims 20-21, comprising: attaching the body to the external side of at least one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover such that force elements apply the force on an inlet side of the oil pump.

[0083] Example 24: The method of claim 20, wherein the body is a bracket, and the bracket comprises two threaded through holes configured to receive the force elements which are threaded, the method comprises: attaching to bracket the oil pump cover by at least two screws mounted in a respective through hole of the bracket and arranged to also mount the oil pump cover to the oil pump housing, applying the force using the threaded force elements at or near the rim of the oil pump cover and the oil pump housing forming a contact interface between the oil pump cover and the oil pump housing, wherein, with the bracket mounted to the oil pump cover, threading the force elements to apply a force to an external surface of the oil pump cover cause the bracket to pull on the screws arranged to mount the oil pump cover to the oil pump housing thereby causing enhanced pressure between the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover.

[0084] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0085] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0086] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0087] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0088] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed aspects for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the disclosure being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A device (120, 220, 320, 520, 620) for increasing pressure between an oil pump housing (102, 702) and an oil pump cover (104, 704), the device comprising: a body (122, 221, 322, 522, 622) configured to be externally attached to at least one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover, the oil pump cover mounted to the oil pump housing by at least one fastener, the at least one fastener providing base pressure between a housing rim (112, 714) of the oil pump housing and a cover rim (114, 716) of the oil pump cover; and at least one force element (124, 324, 534, 634) extending from the body to exert a force proximate at least one of the housing rim and the cover rim, the force providing enhanced pressure between the housing rim and the cover rim in addition to the base pressure provided by the at least one fastener.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one force element is configured to contact the at least one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover at a location (115, 726, 728) aligned with the housing rim and the cover rim3. The device of any of claims 1-2, further comprising: at least one through-hole (328, 528, 628) configured to receive a fastening element (718') for mounting the device to the one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover.

4. The device of claim 1-3, wherein the fastener mounts the device to at least one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover and also mounts the oil pump cover to the oil pump housing.

5. The device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the least one force element (324, 634) is mounted in a respective through hole (326, 636) of the body (322, 622).

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the least one force element is at least one screw (634) configured to apply force on the at least one of the oil pump cover and oil pump housing by threading through threads in the through hole of the body.

7. The device of any one of claims 1-6 wherein the exerted force is directed along an axis (126, 642) that intersects with the housing rim and the cover rim.

8. The device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein at least one of the body (221) or the force element is configured to clamp on both the oil pump cover and the oil pump housing.

9. The device of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the at least one force element is / are configured to apply a force on an inlet side (710) of the oil pump.

10. The device of any one of claims 1-9, wherein two force elements are configured to apply force at two locations (726, 728) along one rim section (730) of the housing rim and cover rim, the one rim section being on one side of an inlet side of the oil pump.

11. The device of claim 10, the rim section being intercepted by a single fastener, the two locations being on opposite sides of the fastener.

12. The device of any one of claims 10-11, each of the two locations being substantially equidistantly located between neighboring pairs of fasteners (718, 718').

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the body is a bracket configured to be attached to the oil pump cover by at least two screws mounted in a respective through hole of the bracket and arranged to mount the oil pump cover to the oil pump housing, the bracket comprising two threaded through holes configured to receive the force elements which are threaded, the threaded force elements being configured to apply the force at or near the rim of the oil pump cover and the oil pump housing forming a contact interface between the oil pump cover and the oil pump housing, wherein, with the bracket mounted to the oil pump cover, threading the force elements to apply a force to an external surface of the oil pump cover cause the bracket to pull on the screws arranged to mount the oil pump cover to the oil pump housing thereby causing enhanced pressure between the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover.

14. An oil pump (100, 700) comprising the device according to any of claims 1-17.

15. A method for increasing a pressure between an oil pump housing and an oil pump cover of an oil pump, the method comprising: attaching (S102) a body of the device to an external side of at least one of the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover, the oil pump cover mounted to the oil pump housing by at least one fastener, the at least one fastener providing base pressure between a housing rim of the oil pump housing and a cover rim of the oil pump cover, applying (S104) a force using at least one force element extending from the body to exert a force at at least one of the housing rim and the cover rim, the force providing enhanced pressure between the housing rim and the cover rim in addition to the base pressure provided by the at least one fastener.

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