Water pump and method of closure
AssigneeGeneral Motors Corporation
InventorsNader A. Messih, Ernest C. Ionescu
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A water pump having a housing with an opening defined by an axial inner retention surface and a radial outer surface. A plug formed of sheet metal includes a radial closure portion surrounded by a continuous axial flange adapted to be press fitted into the inner retention surface of the housing. Before assembly, an adhesive is applied to either the axial flange of the plug or the inner retention surface of the housing. The plug is then pressed into the housing so that the flange of the plug engages the inner retention surface of the housing. After the adhesive sets, a water tight seal is formed between the plug and the housing adequate to hold pressurized coolant within the housing of the water pump.
Claims7
An engine water pump comprising:
- a housing having an impeller assembly opening with a continuous axial inner retention surface;
- a sheet metal plug having a generally radial closure portion bordered by a continuous axial flange, the flange press fitted into the inner retention surface of the housing;
- and
- a sealing adhesive between the axial flange and the inner retention surface.
A method of closing an impeller assembly opening in a housing of an engine water pump assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
- forming the opening with a continuous axial inner retention surface;
- providing a plug having a sheet metal body including a generally radial closure portion surrounded by a continuous axial flange adapted for press fitting into the inner retention surface;
- applying a sealing adhesive to one of the axial flange of the plug and the inner retention surface of the opening;
- pressing the plug into the opening with the axial flange of the plug press fitted in the inner retention surface of the opening to retain the plug in the opening;
- and
- setting the adhesive to seal the assembly opening against fluid leakage and to increase the force of retention of the plug in the opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.