Snap ring grip force testing device and testing method

Abstract

This invention discloses a testing device and method for the clamping force of a retaining ring. The testing device includes a first testing mechanism, a second testing mechanism, and a retaining ring. The first testing mechanism is detachably fixed to the base plate of a testing machine; the second testing mechanism is detachably fixed below the horizontal axis of the testing machine and located directly above the first testing mechanism, and the second testing mechanism can abut against the first testing mechanism; and the retaining ring is detachably installed at the abutment between the first testing mechanism and the second testing mechanism. Therefore, the clamping force testing device of this invention has a simple and reasonable structure, can realize the testing of the clamping force of the retaining ring, and thus can provide a substantial quantitative evaluation of the quality of the retaining ring assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of clasp testing technology, and in particular to a clasp clamping force testing device and method. Background Technology

[0002] The connection of high-temperature pipes on the engine is usually accomplished using retaining rings, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the engine cooler intake pipe and the EGR cooler are fixedly connected by a retaining ring. However, during engine hot testing, leaks are frequently reported at this point. In order to evaluate the quality of the retaining ring connection, it is necessary to know the clamping force of the retaining ring on the high-temperature pipe connection. However, there is currently no testing device or method that can test the clamping force of the retaining ring.

[0003] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a testing device and method for the clamping force of a retaining ring. The device and method have a simple and reasonable structure and can test the clamping force of the retaining ring, thereby enabling a substantial quantitative evaluation of the quality of the retaining ring assembly.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a device and method for testing the clamping force of a retaining ring, wherein the device for testing the clamping force of the retaining ring includes: a first testing mechanism, a second testing mechanism, and a retaining ring. The first testing mechanism is detachably fixed to the base plate of a testing machine; the second testing mechanism is detachably fixed below the horizontal axis of the testing machine and located directly above the first testing mechanism, and the second testing mechanism can abut against the first testing mechanism; and the retaining ring is detachably installed at the abutment point between the first testing mechanism and the second testing mechanism.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first testing mechanism includes: a first fixing unit and a first retaining ring flange. The first fixing unit is detachably fixed to the base plate of the testing machine, and a first screw hole is provided on the top of the first fixing unit; and the first retaining ring flange is screwed onto the top of the first fixing unit by a first bolt.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second testing mechanism includes a second fixing unit and a second retaining ring flange. The second fixing unit is detachably fixed below the horizontal axis of the testing machine, and a second screw hole is provided at the bottom of the second fixing unit; and the second retaining ring flange is screwed onto the bottom of the second fixing unit by a second bolt.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, both the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit are cylindrical, and the first fixing unit has a first pin hole opened laterally, and the second fixing unit has a second pin hole opened laterally. The first pin hole is used to correspond and adapt to the first locking pin on the base plate of the experimental machine, and the second pin hole is used to correspond and adapt to the second locking pin below the horizontal axis of the experimental machine.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first retaining ring flange includes: a first locking unit and a first abutting unit. The first locking unit is cylindrical, with an open top and a third threaded hole at the bottom, the third threaded hole being adapted to correspond with and fit the first threaded hole and the first bolt; and the first abutting unit is disc-shaped and fixed to the top of the first locking unit, and the middle part of the first abutting unit is hollow.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second retaining ring flange includes: a second locking unit and a second abutting unit. The second locking unit is cylindrical, with an open bottom and a fourth screw hole at the top, the fourth screw hole being adapted to correspond with the second screw hole and the second bolt; and the second abutting unit is disc-shaped and fixed to the bottom of the second locking unit, with a hollow middle section; wherein the bottom of the second abutting unit can abut against the top of the first abutting unit, and the retaining ring can be detachably installed at the abutting point between the first abutting unit and the second abutting unit.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the first locking unit is smaller than the diameter of the first fixing unit, the diameter of the second locking unit is smaller than the diameter of the second fixing unit, and the diameter of the first abutting unit is larger than the diameter of the first locking unit, and the diameter of the second abutting unit is larger than the diameter of the second locking unit.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first fixing unit and the first retaining ring flange are integrally formed, and the second fixing unit and the second retaining ring flange are integrally formed.

[0013] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for testing the clamping force of a retaining ring, comprising:

[0014] The first testing mechanism is installed on the base plate of the experimental machine and fixed by the first locking pin;

[0015] The second testing mechanism is installed below the horizontal axis of the experimental machine and fixed by the second locking pin, wherein the second testing mechanism is located directly above the first testing mechanism;

[0016] The force value of the experimental machine is reset to zero, and the horizontal axis is driven to move downward, so that the second testing mechanism comes into contact with the first testing mechanism;

[0017] The displacement of the experimental machine is zeroed, and the horizontal axis is driven to move upward a preset distance;

[0018] Install the retaining ring onto the abutment of the first test mechanism and the second test mechanism, and tighten the nut on the retaining ring to the preset torque;

[0019] The experimental machine outputs and displays the force value.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first testing mechanism includes: a first fixing unit and a first retaining ring flange. The first fixing unit is detachably fixed to the base plate of the testing machine, and a first screw hole is provided on the top of the first fixing unit; and the first retaining ring flange is screwed onto the top of the first fixing unit by a first bolt.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the clasp clamping force testing device and method according to the present invention has a simple and reasonable structure, and can realize the testing of clasp clamping force, thereby enabling a substantial quantitative evaluation of the quality of clasp assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of the clasp clamping force testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a testing machine;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the first testing mechanism of the clasp clamping force testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the first fixing unit of the first testing mechanism of the clasp clamping force testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the first retaining ring flange of the first testing mechanism of the retaining ring clamping force testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for testing the clamping force of a retaining ring according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0028] 1-First testing mechanism, 2-Testing machine, 3-Base plate, 4-Second testing mechanism, 5-Horizontal axis, 6-Snap ring, 7-First fixing unit, 8-First screw hole, 9-First snap ring flange, 10-First bolt, 11-Second fixing unit, 12-Second snap ring flange, 13-First pin hole, 14-Second pin hole, 15-First locking pin, 16-Second locking pin, 17-First locking unit, 18-Third screw hole, 19-First abutment unit. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it should be understood that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments.

[0030] Unless otherwise expressly stated, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" or its variations such as "including" or "comprises" shall be understood to include the stated elements or components without excluding other elements or other components.

[0031] Traditional ultrasonic bolt preload testing equipment can only measure the axial force of the bolt, which does not meet the requirement of testing the clamping force of the clasp, so it cannot be used. As for measuring pressure on the actual object using face-pressing paper, it is not used because the sealing strip is too narrow and the pressure lines cut on both sides of the face-pressing paper almost cover the entire sealing strip.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of the clasp clamping force testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a testing machine; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the first testing mechanism of the clasp clamping force testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the first fixing unit of the first testing mechanism of the clasp clamping force testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the first retaining ring flange of the first testing mechanism of the retaining ring clamping force testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in a first aspect, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a device and method for testing the clamping force of a retaining ring, wherein the device for testing the clamping force of the retaining ring includes: a first testing mechanism 1, a second testing mechanism 4, and a retaining ring 6. The first testing mechanism 1 is detachably fixed to the base plate 3 of the testing machine 2; the second testing mechanism 4 is detachably fixed below the horizontal axis 5 of the testing machine 2 and located directly above the first testing mechanism 1, and the second testing mechanism 4 can abut against the first testing mechanism 1; and the retaining ring 6 is detachably installed at the abutment between the first testing mechanism 1 and the second testing mechanism 4.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first testing mechanism 1 includes a first fixing unit 7 and a first retaining ring flange 9. The first fixing unit 7 is detachably fixed to the base plate 3 of the testing machine 2, and a first screw hole 8 is provided on the top of the first fixing unit 7; and the first retaining ring flange 9 is screwed onto the top of the first fixing unit 7 by a first bolt 10.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second testing mechanism 4 includes a second fixing unit 11 and a second retaining ring flange 12. The second fixing unit 11 is detachably fixed below the horizontal axis 5 of the experimental machine 2, and a second screw hole is provided at the bottom of the second fixing unit 11; and the second retaining ring flange 12 is screwed onto the bottom of the second fixing unit 11 by a second bolt.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, both the first fixing unit 7 and the second fixing unit 11 are cylindrical, and the first fixing unit 7 is provided with a first pin hole 13 in the horizontal direction, and the second fixing unit 11 is provided with a second pin hole 14 in the horizontal direction. The first pin hole 13 is used to correspond and adapt to the first locking pin 15 on the base plate 3 of the experimental machine 2, and the second pin hole 14 is used to correspond and adapt to the second locking pin 16 below the horizontal axis 5 of the experimental machine 2.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first retaining ring flange 9 includes: a first locking unit 17 and a first abutting unit 19. The first locking unit 17 is cylindrical, with an open top and a third screw hole 18 at the bottom, the third screw hole 18 being adapted to correspond with the first screw hole 8 and the first bolt 10; and the first abutting unit 19 is disc-shaped and fixed to the top of the first locking unit 17, and the middle part of the first abutting unit 19 is hollow.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second retaining ring flange 12 includes: a second locking unit and a second abutting unit. The second locking unit is cylindrical, with an open bottom and a fourth screw hole at the top, the fourth screw hole being adapted to correspond with the second screw hole and the second bolt; and the second abutting unit is disc-shaped and fixed to the bottom of the second locking unit, with a hollow middle section; wherein the bottom of the second abutting unit can abut against the top of the first abutting unit 19, and the retaining ring 6 can be detachably installed at the abutting point between the first abutting unit 19 and the second abutting unit.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the first locking unit 17 is smaller than the diameter of the first fixing unit 7, the diameter of the second locking unit is smaller than the diameter of the second fixing unit 11, and the diameter of the first abutting unit 19 is larger than the diameter of the first locking unit 17, and the diameter of the second abutting unit is larger than the diameter of the second locking unit.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first fixing unit 7 and the first retaining ring flange 9 are integrally formed, and the second fixing unit 11 and the second retaining ring flange 12 are integrally formed.

[0041] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for testing the clamping force of a retaining ring, comprising:

[0042] Step S100: Install the first testing mechanism 1 on the base plate 3 of the experimental machine 2 and fix it with the first locking pin 15;

[0043] Step S200: Install the second testing mechanism 4 below the horizontal axis 5 of the experimental machine 2 and fix it with the second locking pin 16, wherein the second testing mechanism 4 is located directly above the first testing mechanism 1;

[0044] Step S300: Zero the force value of the experimental machine 2 and drive the horizontal axis 5 to move downward so that the second testing mechanism 4 abuts against the first testing mechanism 1.

[0045] Step S400: Zero the displacement of the experimental machine 2 and drive the horizontal axis 5 to move upward a preset distance;

[0046] Step S500: Install the retaining ring 6 onto the abutment of the first test mechanism 1 and the second test mechanism 4, and tighten the nut on the retaining ring 6 to a preset torque;

[0047] In step S600, the experimental machine 2 outputs and displays the force value;

[0048] When the nut of the retaining ring 6 is tightened, the circumference of the retaining ring 6 shrinks. When it shrinks, it will squeeze the first retaining ring flange 9 and the second retaining ring flange 12, which will then generate tensile stress on the horizontal axis of the electronic stretching machine, and the stretching machine will naturally have a reading.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first testing mechanism 1 includes a first fixing unit 7 and a first retaining ring flange 9. The first fixing unit 7 is detachably fixed to the base plate 3 of the testing machine 2, and a first screw hole 8 is provided on the top of the first fixing unit 7; and the first retaining ring flange 9 is screwed onto the top of the first fixing unit 7 by a first bolt 10.

[0050] In practical applications, tightening the nut of the retaining ring 6 causes the retaining ring 6 to continuously compress the flange of the high-temperature pipe, generating a clamping force F, which in turn seals the flange of the high-temperature pipe. Currently, the process can only control the tightening torque of the retaining ring 6 nut, but the actual clamping force generated is unknown, making it impossible to quantitatively evaluate the quality of the retaining ring 6 assembly. The retaining ring clamping force testing device and method of this invention have identical structures for the first testing mechanism 1 and the second testing mechanism 4, except that the second testing mechanism 4 is installed upside down. The size of the retaining ring 6 flange can be customized according to the actual size of the high-temperature pipe flange, and a pin hole is provided in the middle of the fixing unit for connecting the universal electronic testing machine 2 (fixed by a retaining pin). The retaining ring 6 flange is fixed to the fixing unit by bolts. This invention transmits the clamping force of the retaining ring 6 to a device that can read the force value (universal electronic testing tensile testing machine), and achieves retaining ring clamping force testing for different nominal diameters by changing the retaining ring 6 flange. Specifically, the testing process is as follows:

[0051] 1. Install the first testing mechanism 1 and the second testing mechanism 4 onto the universal electronic testing machine (30 tons), one on the top and one on the bottom;

[0052] 2. Secure the two testing mechanisms with locking pins;

[0053] 3. Zero the force value of the universal electronic testing machine 2, and move the horizontal axis 5 of the universal electronic testing machine down to make the flange surfaces of the upper and lower testing mechanisms fit together (the fit is judged by the increase of the force value). At this time, zero the displacement of the universal electronic testing machine 2, and then move the horizontal axis 5 up to the displacement x (x = the gap between the locking pin and the pin hole + the thickness of the gasket between the actual high temperature pipe connections). The purpose of this step is to simulate the actual situation of the high temperature pipe connection as much as possible and reduce the test error.

[0054] 4. Install the retaining ring 6 onto the testing mechanism, and use a tightening wrench to tighten the nut on the retaining ring 6 to the set torque. Read the force value displayed on the universal electronic testing machine 2. This force value is the clamping force of the retaining ring 6 at this time. Different torques can be set to generate a curve of tightening torque versus tightening force, which can be used to determine the tightening process when assembling the retaining ring 6.

[0055] In summary, the clasp clamping force testing device and method of the present invention has a simple and reasonable structure, and can realize the testing of clasp clamping force, thereby enabling a substantial quantitative evaluation of the assembly quality of the clasp 6.

[0056] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the invention is for illustrative and explanatory purposes. These descriptions are not intended to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and it will be apparent that many changes and variations can be made in accordance with the foregoing teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the specific principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to implement and utilize various different exemplary embodiments of the invention, as well as various different choices and variations. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for testing the clamping force of a retaining ring, characterized in that, include: The first testing mechanism is detachably fixed to the base plate of the testing machine; The second testing mechanism is detachably fixed below the horizontal axis of the experimental machine and located directly above the first testing mechanism, and the second testing mechanism can abut against the first testing mechanism; as well as A retaining ring is detachably mounted on the contact point between the first testing mechanism and the second testing mechanism; The first testing organization includes: The first fixing unit is detachably fixed to the base plate of the experimental machine, and the top of the first fixing unit is provided with a first screw hole; The first retaining ring flange is screwed onto the top of the first fixing unit by the first bolt; The second testing facility includes: The second fixing unit is detachably fixed to the lower part of the horizontal axis of the experimental machine, and the bottom of the second fixing unit is provided with a second screw hole; The second retaining ring flange is screwed onto the bottom of the second fixing unit by the second bolt; The first testing mechanism is installed on the base plate of the experimental machine and fixed by the first locking pin; The second testing mechanism is installed below the horizontal axis of the experimental machine and fixed by a second locking pin, wherein the second testing mechanism is located directly above the first testing mechanism; Specifically, the force value of the experimental machine is reset to zero, and the horizontal axis is driven to move downward, so that the second testing mechanism comes into contact with the first testing mechanism; Specifically, the displacement of the experimental machine is zeroed, and the horizontal axis is driven to move upward a preset distance; Specifically, the retaining ring is installed at the abutment of the first test mechanism and the second test mechanism, and the nut on the retaining ring is tightened to a preset torque; The experimental machine outputs and displays the force value.

2. The clasp clamping force testing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit are cylindrical, and the first fixing unit has a first pin hole opened laterally, and the second fixing unit has a second pin hole opened laterally. The first pin hole is used to correspond and adapt to the first locking pin on the base plate of the experimental machine, and the second pin hole is used to correspond and adapt to the second locking pin below the horizontal axis of the experimental machine.

3. The clasp clamping force testing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first retaining ring flange includes: The first locking unit is cylindrical, with an open top and a third screw hole at the bottom. This third screw hole is designed to mate with the first screw hole and the first bolt. The first abutting unit is disc-shaped and fixed on the top of the first locking unit, and the middle part of the first abutting unit is hollow.

4. The clasp clamping force testing device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second retaining ring flange includes: The second locking unit is cylindrical, with an open bottom and a fourth screw hole at the top. This fourth screw hole is used to mate with the second screw hole and the second bolt. The second abutting unit is disc-shaped and fixed to the bottom of the second locking unit, and the middle part of the second abutting unit is hollow. The bottom of the second abutting unit can abut against the top of the first abutting unit, and the retaining ring can be detachably installed at the abutting point between the first abutting unit and the second abutting unit.

5. The clasp clamping force testing device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The diameter of the first locking unit is smaller than the diameter of the first fixing unit, the diameter of the second locking unit is smaller than the diameter of the second fixing unit, and the diameter of the first abutting unit is larger than the diameter of the first locking unit, and the diameter of the second abutting unit is larger than the diameter of the second locking unit.

6. The clasp clamping force testing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixing unit and the first retaining ring flange are integrally formed, and the second fixing unit and the second retaining ring flange are integrally formed.

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