A manual inflation tool

Abstract

This utility model provides a manual inflation fixture, belonging to the field of twin-tube shock absorber equipment. The fixture includes a sleeve, which is open at one end. During use, the sleeve end face and the cylinder end face (e.g., the cylinder body end face) are on the same horizontal plane, and the piston rod inside the cylinder (e.g., the shock absorber) is inserted into the sleeve through the sleeve opening. A sealing cavity is formed between the two end faces of the sleeve to prevent gas leakage. An air inlet is provided through the sleeve side wall, with one end connected to the sealing cavity and the other end connected to an external air source. This utility model is suitable for using a simple structure to inject nitrogen into a twin-tube shock absorber to compensate for its performance. At the intersection of the piston rod and cylinder, a component is used to pry open a gap in the oil seal. The sleeve is then fitted onto the intersection of the piston rod and cylinder, forming a sealing cavity between the two end faces. Gas is injected into the sealing cavity, and the gas enters the cylinder (e.g., the shock absorber) through the gap between the oil seals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive twin-tube shock absorber equipment, specifically to a manual inflation tool. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing process of shock absorbers, inflating them is a crucial and necessary step. Current technology primarily relies on machinery to perform this inflation operation. These inflation devices play a vital role in ensuring the accurate inflation of shock absorbers to guarantee their performance meets requirements.

[0003] However, existing equipment used for inflating shock absorbers is quite complex, containing numerous components and intricate air and electrical systems. This complexity directly leads to a significant increase in equipment costs, requiring substantial investment in research, development, production, and maintenance. Furthermore, the complex structure makes the equipment more prone to malfunctions during operation. When a malfunction occurs, the complexity of the structure necessitates specialized technicians spending considerable time and effort troubleshooting each component and system to pinpoint the problem. Repairing the fault also presents challenges due to operational difficulties and the need for numerous spare parts. This not only increases maintenance costs but also disrupts production schedules due to equipment downtime, resulting in reduced production efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a manual inflation fixture, which can be used to fill the gap between the piston rod and the cylinder by using a sleeve to form a sealed cavity between the two end faces of the sleeve. Gas is injected into the sealed cavity and enters the cylinder body (such as a shock absorber) of the twin-cylinder shock absorber through the gap between the oil seals.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a manual inflation tool, including a sleeve with one open end. In use, the end face of the sleeve and the end face of the cylinder (such as the cylinder body end face) are on the same horizontal plane, and the piston rod inside the cylinder (such as a shock absorber) is inserted into the sleeve from the sleeve opening, so that the piston rod is completely inside the sleeve, which can prevent gas from escaping from the end of the sleeve. The sleeve opening is in contact with the cylinder body end face (such as the cylinder body end face), which can prevent gas inside the sleeve from leaking from the sleeve opening. The end of the sleeve away from the opening is sealed, so that a sealed cavity is formed between the two ends of the sleeve, avoiding gas leakage.

[0006] The sleeve has a through-hole air inlet on its side wall. One end of the air inlet connects to an external air source, and the other end connects to the sealing cavity. Gas from the external air source is injected into the sealing cavity through the air inlet. Before the sleeve is fitted between the piston rod and the cylinder (such as a shock absorber), a lip is used. Lifting lip pieces are mostly made of plastic to avoid damaging the oil seal. The lip has a right-angled triangular structure. The lip is inserted between the oil seals. The end of the oil seal closest to the cylinder (such as a shock absorber) has a lip, which provides a certain degree of "one-way leak prevention" during the sealing process. This feature allows for enhanced sealing by utilizing internal pressure within the cylinder (e.g., a shock absorber), preventing media leakage. The lip piece, located above the piston rod, creates a gap between the inner surface of the oil seal and the piston rod. When excessive gas is injected into the sealing cavity, the pressure forces the gas through the gap between the oil seal and the piston rod into the cylinder (e.g., a shock absorber). During injection, the lip piece is pushed open, allowing gas to flow into the cylinder (e.g., a shock absorber). When gas injection into the sealing cavity stops, the pressure inside the cylinder (e.g., a shock absorber) exceeds the pressure inside the sealing cavity. This pressure pushes the lip piece back to its original position, sealing the gas inside the cylinder (e.g., a shock absorber) and preventing leakage.

[0007] Furthermore, a through hole is opened at the end of the sleeve, so that when the piston rod is inserted into the sleeve from the sleeve opening, the piston rod can pass through the through hole at the end of the sleeve. This can reduce the height of the sleeve, increase the portability of the sleeve, reduce the manufacturing cost of the sleeve, and make the outer surface of the sleeve abut against the inner surface of the through hole, preventing the gas in the sealed cavity from escaping through the through hole.

[0008] The end of the through hole near the cylinder body (such as a shock absorber) has a first seal. The first seal is located in the sealing cavity. The inner surface of the first seal abuts against the outer surface of the piston rod. The first seal is located in the sealing cavity and can block the part where the inner surface of the through hole abuts against the outer surface of the piston rod, thereby increasing the sealing effect at the through hole.

[0009] The sleeve has a limiting ring at the bottom, which is integrally set with the sleeve. The limiting ring is located at the end of the sleeve away from the through hole, and the cylinder body (such as a shock absorber) is located inside the limiting ring. The inner surface of the limiting ring abuts against the outer surface of the cylinder body (such as a shock absorber). The limiting ring includes a second seal, which is located on the inner surface of the limiting ring. The inner surface of the second seal abuts against the outer surface of the cylinder body (such as a shock absorber), and the end face of the cylinder body (such as the cylinder end face) abuts against the end face of the sleeve. Adding the limiting ring can completely wrap the end of the cylinder body (such as a shock absorber), and the second seal is set inside the limiting ring. The second seal abuts against the outer surface of the cylinder body (such as a shock absorber), which can increase the sealing effect between the sleeve and the cylinder body (such as a shock absorber).

[0010] Both the first and second seals are Y-type sealing rings. The cross-section of the Y-type sealing cavity is "Y" shaped. The two lips (lip openings) of the Y-type seal contact the sealing cavity and the moving parts (such as pistons and piston rods) respectively, forming a bidirectional sealing surface. When there is pressure inside the cylinder (such as a shock absorber), the medium pressure will act on the bottom of the Y-type structure, pushing the two lips to expand outward and fit tightly against the sealing surface. The higher the pressure, the tighter the lip fit, forming a "self-tightening seal". When there is no pressure, the initial sealing force is maintained by the elasticity of the material to prevent static leakage.

[0011] The limiting ring has a chamfer at the end furthest from the sleeve. This chamfer facilitates the movement of the sleeve towards the cylinder (e.g., a shock absorber), creating a "flared" guide structure when it is fitted into the cylinder (e.g., a shock absorber). When there is a slight deviation between the sleeve and the cylinder (e.g., a shock absorber) axis, the chamfered surface automatically guides the sleeve to align with the cylinder (e.g., a shock absorber) port, reducing the precision requirements for manual alignment. The sleeve is made of nylon, whose dense molecular structure results in low permeability to common gases (e.g., air, nitrogen, inert gases), reducing gas leakage. It is particularly suitable for scenarios requiring stable gas pressure (e.g., shock absorbers, pneumatic components). Nylon is chemically inert to most gases (e.g., dry air, nitrogen) and will not oxidize, swell, or degrade due to prolonged contact with gases, making it more suitable for gas-sealed environments compared to metals or other plastics (e.g., PE, PP).

[0012] The beneficial effects of the above-mentioned technical solution of this utility model are as follows:

[0013] 1. Low cost and easy maintenance: Compared with existing complex machinery and equipment, this manual inflation tool has a simple structure and fewer parts, which reduces equipment costs and makes it less prone to failure. The difficulty and cost of maintenance are also reduced accordingly. At the same time, it reduces the impact of equipment downtime on production progress and improves production efficiency.

[0014] 2. Simple and portable structure: The sleeve is open at one end and has a through hole at the end, which can reduce the height of the sleeve, making the tooling structure simpler, improving portability, and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0015] 3. Wide range of applications: The sleeve is made of nylon material with a dense molecular structure and low permeability to common gases, making it suitable for scenarios that require maintaining stable air pressure, such as shock absorbers and pneumatic components; in addition, nylon has strong chemical inertness to most gases and will not oxidize, swell or degrade due to long-term contact, making it more suitable for gas sealing environments than metals or other plastics.

[0016] 4. Excellent sealing effect: The two ends of the sleeve form a sealing cavity, the opening of which abuts against the cylinder end face (such as the cylinder end face), and the seal is far away from the opening end. The second seal inside the limiting ring abuts against the outer surface of the cylinder (such as the shock absorber), and the first seal at the through hole abuts against the outer surface of the piston rod. The multiple sealing design effectively avoids gas leakage.

[0017] 5. Convenient and efficient operation: The chamfered design of the end of the limiting ring away from the sleeve forms a "trumpet mouth" shaped guide structure. When there is a slight deviation between the sleeve and the cylinder (such as a shock absorber) axis, it can automatically guide and align, reducing the accuracy requirements for manual alignment and making operation more convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a manual inflation tool according to the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the sealing cavity of this utility model.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Sleeve; 2. Sealing cavity; 3. Air inlet; 4. Through hole; 5. First seal; 6. Second seal; 7. Limiting ring; 8. Chamfer. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the following will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this utility model. Figure 1-2 The technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model are clearly and completely described herein. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this utility model are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0022] like Figure 1-2 As shown:

[0023] This embodiment provides a manual inflation fixture, including a sleeve 1. The sleeve 1 has an open end design. During use, its end face must be aligned with the cylinder end face (e.g., the cylinder body end face) to the same horizontal plane. The piston rod inside the cylinder (e.g., a shock absorber) is inserted through the opening of the sleeve 1 until it is completely retracted inside the sleeve 1. This design effectively prevents gas from escaping from the end of the sleeve 1. Simultaneously, the opening of the sleeve 1 is in close contact with the cylinder end face (e.g., the cylinder body end face), and combined with the sealing design of the sleeve 1 away from the open end, an independent sealed cavity 2 is formed between the two ends of the sleeve 1, structurally preventing gas leakage.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown:

[0025] A through-hole 3 is provided on the side wall of sleeve 1, one end of which is connected to an external air source, and the other end is connected to the sealing cavity 2. Gas supplied by the air source is injected into the sealing cavity 2 through the through-hole 3. Before sleeve 1 is fitted between the piston rod and the cylinder (e.g., a shock absorber), a gapper (usually made of plastic to avoid damaging the oil seal) is used. The gapper has a right-angled triangular structure and, after being inserted between the oil seals, is positioned above the lip of the oil seal near the cylinder (e.g., the shock absorber). The lip has a "one-way leak-proof" characteristic, which can enhance the sealing effect with the help of the pressure inside the cylinder (e.g., the shock absorber). The gapper creates a gap between the inner surface of the oil seal and the piston rod. When the air pressure inside the sealing cavity 2 is too high, gas can flow into the cylinder (e.g., the shock absorber) through this gap, pushing open the lip. After the gas injection stops, the air pressure inside the cylinder (e.g., the shock absorber) is greater than the air pressure in the sealing cavity 2, which will push the lip back to its original position, thus sealing the gas inside the cylinder.

[0026] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown:

[0027] A through hole 4 is provided at the end of the sleeve 1 to facilitate the piston rod's passage through the hole during insertion. This design reduces the height of the sleeve 1, improves portability, and lowers manufacturing costs. Simultaneously, the outer surface of the sleeve 1 tightly abuts against the inner surface of the through hole 4, preventing gas from escaping from the sealed cavity 2 through the through hole 4. A first seal 5 is provided at the end of the through hole 4 near the cylinder body (such as a shock absorber). Located within the sealed cavity 2, its inner surface abuts against the outer surface of the piston rod, further preventing gas leakage at the through hole 4 and enhancing the sealing effect.

[0028] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown:

[0029] A limiting ring 7, integrally formed with the sleeve 1, is located at the end away from the through hole 4. One end of the cylinder (such as a shock absorber) is embedded in the limiting ring 7, and the inner surface of the limiting ring 7 abuts against the outer surface of the cylinder (such as a shock absorber). A second sealing element 6 is provided inside the limiting ring 7, and its inner surface abuts against the outer surface of the cylinder (such as a shock absorber). Together with the abutment between the cylinder end face (such as the cylinder end face) and the end face of the sleeve 1, it achieves complete encapsulation of the end of the cylinder (such as a shock absorber), significantly increasing the sealing effect between the sleeve 1 and the cylinder (such as a shock absorber).

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown:

[0031] Both the first sealing element 5 and the second sealing element 6 are Y-shaped sealing rings with a "Y"-shaped cross-section. The two lips contact the sealing cavity 2 and the moving parts (such as pistons and piston rods) respectively, forming a bidirectional sealing surface. When there is pressure inside the cylinder (such as a shock absorber), the medium pressure acts on the bottom of the Y-shaped structure, pushing the two lips to expand outward and press tightly against the sealing surface. The higher the pressure, the tighter the fit, forming a "self-tightening seal." When there is no pressure, the initial sealing force is maintained by the elasticity of the material to prevent static leakage.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown:

[0033] The end of the limiting ring 7 furthest from the sleeve 1 has a chamfer 8, forming a "flared" guide structure when it is fitted into the cylinder (such as a shock absorber). When there is a slight deviation between the axis of the sleeve 1 and the cylinder (such as a shock absorber), the chamfer 8 can automatically guide the sleeve 1 to align with the port of the cylinder (such as a shock absorber), reducing the accuracy requirements for manual alignment. The sleeve 1 is made of nylon, which has a dense molecular structure and low permeability to common gases such as air and nitrogen, reducing gas leakage. It is suitable for scenarios that require maintaining stable air pressure (such as shock absorbers and pneumatic components). Moreover, nylon is chemically inert to most gases such as dry air and nitrogen, and will not oxidize, swell, or degrade due to long-term contact. Compared with metals or plastics such as PE and PP, it is more suitable for gas-sealed environments.

[0034] Working principle: Before use, a gapper (usually a plastic product with a right-angled triangular structure) is inserted between the oil seals to create a gap between the inner surface of the oil seal and the piston rod. During use, the sleeve 1 (open at one end, made of nylon) is placed at the intersection of the piston rod and cylinder, ensuring that the end face of the sleeve 1 is on the same horizontal plane as the end face of the cylinder (e.g., the cylinder body end face). The piston rod inside the cylinder (e.g., a shock absorber) is inserted through the opening of the sleeve 1 and passes through the through hole 4 at the end of the sleeve 1. Simultaneously, one end of the cylinder (e.g., a shock absorber) is embedded in the limiting ring 7 at the bottom of the sleeve 1. At this time, a sealing cavity 2 is formed between the two end faces of the sleeve 1. The second sealing element 6 inside the limiting ring 7 abuts against the outer surface of the cylinder (e.g., a shock absorber), and the first sealing element 5 (both Y-type sealing rings) near the end of the through hole 4 closest to the cylinder (e.g., a shock absorber) abuts against the outer surface of the piston rod to prevent gas leakage. Next, connect the external air source to the air inlet 3 on the side wall of sleeve 1, and inject gas into the sealing cavity 2. The gas passes through the gap between the oil seal and the piston rod, pushing open the lip and entering the cylinder body (e.g., the damper) of the twin-tube shock absorber. After the gas injection stops, the air pressure inside the cylinder body (e.g., the damper) is greater than the air pressure inside the sealing cavity 2. The air pressure inside the cylinder body (e.g., the damper) pushes the lip back to its original position, sealing the gas inside the cylinder body (e.g., the damper) and preventing leakage.

[0035] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] The above description is the preferred embodiment of this utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A manually operated inflation fixture, characterized in that: include; Sleeve (1), wherein the sleeve (1) is open at one end, and when in use, the end face of the sleeve (1) and the end face of the cylinder are on the same horizontal plane and the piston rod inside the cylinder is inserted into the sleeve (1) from the opening of the sleeve (1); A sealing cavity (2) is formed between the two end faces of the sleeve (1) to prevent gas leakage; An air inlet (3) is provided through the side wall of the sleeve (1). One end of the air inlet (3) is connected to the sealing cavity (2), and the other end of the air inlet (3) is connected to an external air source. The sleeve (1) has a through hole (4) at one end. The inner surface of the through hole (4) abuts against the outer surface of the piston rod. The through hole (4) has a first seal (5) at one end near the cylinder body. The first seal (5) is located in the sealing cavity (2). The inner surface of the first seal (5) abuts against the outer surface of the piston rod. The sleeve (1) has a limiting ring (7) at the bottom. The limiting ring (7) is located at the end of the sleeve (1) away from the through hole (4), and one end of the cylinder is located inside the limiting ring (7).

2. The manual inflation fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner surface of the limiting ring (7) abuts against the outer surface of the cylinder.

3. The manual inflation fixture as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The limiting ring (7) includes a second seal (6), which is located on the inner surface of the limiting ring (7) and the inner surface of the second seal (6) abuts against the outer surface of the cylinder.

4. The manual inflation fixture as described in claim 3, characterized in that: Both the first sealing element (5) and the second sealing element (6) are Y-type sealing rings.

5. The manual inflation fixture as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The limiting ring (7) has a chamfer (8) at the end away from the sleeve (1).

6. The manual inflation fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sleeve (1) is made of nylon material.

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