Sealing element mounting tool and mounting method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of sealing installation, in particular to a sealing element installation tool and method, and the installation tool is used for installing a sealing element into a combined groove. The installation tool comprises a force application assembly and a positioning assembly. Through the linkage design of the first handle and the second handle and the cooperation of the elastic assembly between the first handle and the second handle, progressive transmission and automatic rebounding of pressure are achieved, specifically, when an operator holds the handles to apply pressure, the spring piece can absorb part of impact energy, the sealing piece is made to deform evenly under the guide of the positioning assembly, and the sealing effect is improved. By means of the structure, material breakage caused by instantaneous overload is avoided, an elastic buffering mechanism is combined with the lever effect generated when the handle is obliquely pressed, enough installation pressure is guaranteed, peak stress is controlled within the elastic deformation range of a sealing piece, instability of manual operation is greatly reduced, and the service life of the sealing piece is prolonged. The problem that an installation tool in the prior art is prone to exerting excessive pressure on a sealing piece is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of seal installation, and in particular to a seal installation tool and an installation method. Background Art

[0002] Seals are fundamental components that prevent fluids or solid particles from leaking between adjacent interfaces and from entering machinery and equipment. Seals occupy only a very small amount of weight and volume in the entire mechanical system, but they are one of the most important components for ensuring the normal and safe operation of the system. Their failure can impact the efficiency of the entire system, resulting in significant economic losses, or even lead to extremely serious safety incidents.

[0003] During traditional seal installation, operators typically press the seal into the groove with their bare hands or with the aid of simple tools. Due to the lack of precise pressure control, operators struggle to accurately control the amount of force applied, which can easily lead to irreversible damage to the seal material due to excessive force. Inappropriate installation tools can also cause the seal to experience instantaneous excessive pressure, potentially causing cracks or deformation within the seal's internal structure, seriously impacting sealing performance and service life.

[0004] In addition, most existing tools use a rigid structural design and are unable to buffer sudden impact forces during operation. When the tool contacts the seal, the pressure will act directly on the local area, causing stress concentration. This uneven stress state not only increases the difficulty of installation, but may also cause defects such as indentations and tears on the edges of the seal, ultimately affecting the sealing effect of the product. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a seal installation tool and an installation method, aiming to solve the problem in the prior art that the installation tools easily exert excessive pressure on the seal.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a seal installation tool, wherein the installation tool is used to install the seal into the fitting groove; The installation tool includes: The force-applying component includes a first handle and a second handle, wherein a plurality of elastic components are provided between the first handle and the second handle; The positioning assembly includes a positioning upper part and a positioning lower part, the positioning upper part is connected to the first handle, the positioning lower part is connected to the second handle, the positioning lower part is used to install the seal, and the positioning upper part is used to extrude the seal into an installation shape and then push it into the fitting groove, wherein the installation shape is the shape required to install the seal into the fitting groove.

[0007] It should be noted that during the traditional manual installation process, the operator needs to bend the VL-type seal into a specific shape by hand and then press it into the groove. Due to the lack of a uniform force application mechanism, it is very easy for local stress concentration to cause indentations on the seal surface or damage to the internal structure.

[0008] It should also be noted that, based on the above-mentioned problem, the force-applying component in this embodiment realizes the progressive transmission and automatic rebound of pressure through the linkage design of the first handle and the second handle, in cooperation with the elastic component therebetween. Specifically, when the operator holds the handle and applies pressure, the spring component will absorb part of the impact energy, causing the seal to deform evenly under the guidance of the positioning component, thereby avoiding material rupture caused by instantaneous overload. By combining the elastic buffer mechanism with the lever effect generated when the handles are tilted and pressed, sufficient installation pressure is guaranteed and the peak stress is controlled within the elastic deformation range of the seal, thereby greatly reducing the instability of manual operation and solving the problem that the installation tools in the prior art easily exert excessive pressure on the seal.

[0009] Optionally, the positioning upper portion includes a support rod and a first positioning rod, the support rod is connected to the end of the first handle, and the first positioning rod is connected to the end of the support rod.

[0010] Optionally, the installation tool further includes a second positioning rod, the second positioning rod is connected to the first positioning rod, and a free end of the second positioning rod is connected to a positioning roller.

[0011] Optionally, the outer circumferential surface of the first positioning rod is provided with a scale.

[0012] Optionally, the positioning lower part includes a fixed rod, a sliding rod and two limit rods, the fixed rod and the positioning upper part are located on the same side and are connected to the end of the second handle, the sliding rod is arranged on the fixed rod, and the two limit rods are slidably arranged at the two ends of the sliding rod, and the limit rods are used to adjust the position on the fixed rod.

[0013] Optionally, the two limiting rods constitute an installation space for the seal, and the second positioning rod is arranged on a side close to the installation space.

[0014] Optionally, the axes of the first handle and the second handle are in the same plane and parallel to each other.

[0015] Optionally, the elastic component includes a screw and a spring member, the screw is arranged between the first handle and the second handle, and the spring member is sleeved on the outer circumference of the screw.

[0016] An installation method, comprising the following steps: Assembly and installation tools; Install the seal on the limiting rod so that the positioning roller contacts the end face of the seal; Pressing the first handle squeezes the sealing member into a mounting shape; Install the seal into the joint groove.

[0017] Optionally, the assembling and installing tool comprises the following steps: Installing the first handle and the second handle on a plurality of elastic components; Install the support rod on the first handle, install the first positioning rod on the support rod, install the second positioning rod on the first positioning rod, and install the positioning roller on the second positioning rod; Connect the fixed rod to the second handle, install the sliding rod on the fixed rod, install the two limit rods on the two ends of the sliding rod, adjust the two limit rods to the sliding position and then fix them, wherein the sliding position is the theoretical position of the limit rod for sealing installation.

[0018] The present invention realizes the progressive transmission and automatic rebound of pressure through the linkage design of the first handle and the second handle in conjunction with the elastic component therebetween. Specifically, when the operator holds the handle and applies pressure, the spring component absorbs part of the impact energy, causing the seal to deform evenly under the guidance of the positioning component, thereby avoiding material rupture caused by instantaneous overload. By combining the elastic buffer mechanism with the lever effect generated when the handles are tilted and pressed, sufficient installation pressure is guaranteed and the peak stress is controlled within the elastic deformation range of the seal, thereby greatly reducing the instability of manual operation and solving the problem that the installation tools in the prior art easily apply excessive pressure to the seal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the installation tool in Example 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the installation tool in Example 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the front view of the installation tool in Example 1 of the present invention; Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the installation tool in Example 1 of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a flow chart of the installation method in Example 2 of the present invention.

[0020] Reference numerals: 1-force application component, 2-positioning component; 11-first handle, 12-second handle, 13-elastic component; 131-screw, 132-spring; 21-positioning the upper part, 22-positioning the lower part; 211-support rod, 212-first positioning rod, 213-second positioning rod, 214-positioning roller; 221-fixed rod, 222-sliding rod, 223-limiting rod.

[0021] The purpose, features and advantages of the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with the embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0024] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connection" and "fixation" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "fixation" can mean fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0025] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or suggesting their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, the meaning of "and / or" appearing throughout the text includes three parallel schemes. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes scheme A, or scheme B, or a scheme in which A and B are satisfied at the same time. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0026] Example 1: Please refer to the attached Figures 1 to 4 , this embodiment provides a seal installation tool, the installation tool is used to install the seal into the fitting groove; The installation tool includes: The force-applying component includes a first handle and a second handle, wherein a plurality of elastic components are provided between the first handle and the second handle; The positioning assembly includes a positioning upper part and a positioning lower part, the positioning upper part is connected to the first handle, the positioning lower part is connected to the second handle, the positioning lower part is used to install the seal, and the positioning upper part is used to extrude the seal into an installation shape and then push it into the fitting groove, wherein the installation shape is the shape required to install the seal into the fitting groove.

[0027] It should be noted that during the traditional manual installation process, the operator needs to bend the VL-type seal into a specific shape by hand and then press it into the groove. Due to the lack of a uniform force application mechanism, it is very easy for local stress concentration to cause indentations on the seal surface or damage to the internal structure.

[0028] It should also be noted that, based on the above-mentioned problem, the force-applying component in this embodiment realizes the progressive transmission and automatic rebound of pressure through the linkage design of the first handle and the second handle, in cooperation with the elastic component therebetween. Specifically, when the operator holds the handle and applies pressure, the spring component will absorb part of the impact energy, causing the seal to deform evenly under the guidance of the positioning component, thereby avoiding material rupture caused by instantaneous overload. By combining the elastic buffer mechanism with the lever effect generated when the handles are tilted and pressed, sufficient installation pressure is guaranteed and the peak stress is controlled within the elastic deformation range of the seal, thereby greatly reducing the instability of manual operation and solving the problem that the installation tools in the prior art easily exert excessive pressure on the seal.

[0029] In addition, the positioning lower part of the positioning assembly forms the initial installation space for the seal, and the positioning upper part of the positioning assembly is connected to the first handle to form the extrusion space for the seal, and the first handle indirectly and evenly applies force to the seal to ensure that the bending degree and center distance of the seal fluctuate within a fixed range during the installation process, thereby avoiding the VL combination seal from being broken or worn due to excessive pressure; due to the limitation of the initial installation space, after confirming the specifications and models of the seal, the initial installation space of the positioning lower part is adjusted to match the size and shape and other information of the seal to ensure that the VL combination seal for the shaft is placed in the correct position, which solves the problem that the current VL combination seal for the shaft has many specifications, poor tool versatility, and the need to continuously manufacture special tools, which requires a lot of manpower and material resources and has low work efficiency.

[0030] In some embodiments, the force-applying component begins with a countersunk threaded hole, and the positioning component is detachably connected to the force-applying component through the countersunk threaded hole.

[0031] In some embodiments, the trunk of the elastic component between the first handle and the second handle is preferably two rod-shaped structures, one of which is connected by a countersunk thread and the other is connected by a thread, and the distance between the two is preferably 6 cm to 12 cm. By pressing different positions of the first handle and the second handle, different extrusion torques are achieved.

[0032] In this embodiment, the positioning upper portion includes a support rod and a first positioning rod, the support rod is connected to the end of the first handle, and the first positioning rod is connected to the end of the support rod.

[0033] It is understandable that in the existing manual installation process, the operator often needs to apply pressure directly to the edge of the seal. Due to the lack of a rigid conduction structure, the pressure is prone to directional deviation during the transmission process, which in turn causes uneven force on the seal and unilateral warping or excessive local deformation.

[0034] Based on the above problems, the support rod provided in this embodiment serves as a force transmission hub. Its rigid connection with the first handle ensures that the vertical pressure applied by the operator can be transmitted to the working end, effectively eliminating the hinge gap commonly found in traditional tools, so that the pressure direction is always consistent with the tool axis. When the operator holds the handle and presses down, the support rod transmits the linear pressure along its axial direction to the first positioning rod at the end, forming a stable pressure channel.

[0035] It's understandable that as an extension component threaded into the support rod, its length and diameter have been calculated to achieve precise torque balance while ensuring structural strength. In actual operation, the first positioning rod converts the vertical pressure transmitted by the support rod into a parallel squeezing force on the end face of the seal. This force conversion allows the seal edge to curl inward evenly, rather than the point-like pressure common in traditional manual operation. Similarly, the first positioning rod and the support rod are detachably connected. This modular design allows positioning rods of different lengths to be replaced according to the size of the seal, thus adapting to various installation requirements without changing the main structure.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first positioning rod can also be directly connected to the first handle, thereby eliminating the use of the support rod, that is, the support rod and the first handle are designed to be integrated.

[0037] In this embodiment, the installation tool further includes a second positioning rod, the second positioning rod is connected to the first positioning rod, and a positioning roller is connected to the free end of the second positioning rod.

[0038] Understandably, in traditional installation tools, direct contact between metal parts and rubber seals often results in sliding friction, a hard contact that can leave scratches on the seal surface. It's also understandable that the second positioning rod, as an extension of the first positioning rod, forms a progressive pressure buffer zone. When the first positioning rod transmits vertical pressure to the second positioning rod, the second positioning rod smoothes the pressure curve ultimately transmitted to the positioning roller, effectively filtering out the inevitable hand shake and force fluctuations during operation.

[0039] Furthermore, unlike traditional fixed indenters, the positioning roller rotates freely as the material deforms when in contact with the seal edge, converting harmful sliding friction into rolling friction. In actual operation, when the seal is secured by the limit rod, the roller contacts its end face tangentially. As the handle is pressed downward, the roller rotates and pushes forward, causing the seal edge to bend inward evenly, as if being rolled. This effectively reduces the material tearing common in traditional tools. Furthermore, the positioning roller and the second positioning rod utilize a removable threaded connection, which not only facilitates replacement of worn parts but also allows for matching positioning rollers with corresponding materials to seals of varying hardness (e.g., nylon wheels for soft rubber and steel wheels for hard polyurethane), significantly improving the tool's adaptability to various operating conditions.

[0040] In some embodiments, the outer circumference of the first positioning rod is provided with a scale. The setting of the digital scale can control the precise installation and prevent a series of problems such as damage to the product due to excessive force.

[0041] In this embodiment, the positioning lower part includes a fixed rod, a sliding rod and two limit rods. The fixed rod and the positioning upper part are located on the same side and are connected to the end of the second handle. The sliding rod is arranged on the fixed rod. The two limit rods are slidably arranged at the two ends of the sliding rod. The limit rods are used to adjust the position on the fixed rod.

[0042] It should be noted that in traditional installation methods, operators often need to prepare multiple sets of special fixtures for seals of different diameters, which not only causes waste of tool inventory, but also leads to loss of installation reference during frequent replacement.

[0043] To address these issues, the fixed rod in this embodiment serves as the core support structure for the entire lower positioning unit. Its rigid connection to the second handle ensures zero displacement during force application. The sliding rod forms a movable pair with the fixed rod via precision guide rails, ensuring smooth adjustment while eliminating wobbling during operation. Two limit rods are symmetrically mounted at each end of the sliding rod. Their unique dovetail connection design ensures the limit rods remain relatively parallel during sliding adjustment, resolving concentricity issues during seal installation.

[0044] It's also worth noting that when adapting seals of different specifications, the operator simply loosens the retaining screws on the limit rods to allow the two limit rods to move synchronously toward or away from each other along the sliding rod. As you can see, during this movement, the center positioning reference remains on the axis of the fixed rod, ensuring automatic alignment between the seal and the upper positioning roller. The symmetrical force-distribution structure ensures that the seal is fully balanced during deformation, avoiding distortion caused by unilateral extrusion.

[0045] It should be noted that the two limiting rods constitute an installation space for the seal, and the second positioning rod is arranged on a side close to the installation space.

[0046] It should also be noted that the opening angle of the installation space formed by the two limit rods matches the bending radius of the seal, which effectively prevents the seal from accidentally slipping in the initial stage of pressure application and reserves a reasonable deformation path for subsequent active deformation.

[0047] The second positioning rod is positioned near the installation space. When the seal is placed in the installation space formed by the stop rod, the positioning roller on the second positioning rod is positioned directly above the starting point of seal deformation, ensuring an optimal force couple between the force application point and the support point. As the handle is pressed downward, the positioning roller first contacts a specific position on the upper edge of the seal. At this point, the support of the stop rod and the downward pressure of the positioning roller form a balanced force system. As can be understood, as the degree of seal deformation changes, the restraining force of the stop rod dynamically decreases with the increase in deformation, while the force applied by the roller increases accordingly, forming an automatically shifting force balance system.

[0048] In some embodiments, the axes of the first and second handles lie in the same plane and are parallel to each other. Because the two handles maintain strict parallel movement, the elastic component between them remains uniformly compressed, fully utilizing the spring's cushioning properties. In actual operation, when the operator presses the handles, the parallel structure ensures uniform spring deformation along the axis, preventing spring distortion or unilateral wear common in traditional tools.

[0049] In this embodiment, the elastic component includes a screw and a spring member. The screw is disposed between the first handle and the second handle, and the spring member is sleeved on the outer circumference of the screw.

[0050] Based on the above structure, the two screws are the main supporting parts of the frame structure. The two handles are fixed at both ends by the two screws. One end of one handle is connected by a threaded countersunk method, which is convenient for workers to apply pressure and conforms to ergonomic design. The other handle is connected by a threaded method. The distance between the two screws is 6cm to 12cm to facilitate workers' operation.

[0051] Example 2: As attached Figure 5As shown, this embodiment provides an installation method, which includes the following steps: Assembly and installation tools; Install the seal on the limiting rod so that the positioning roller contacts the end face of the seal; Pressing the first handle squeezes the sealing member into a mounting shape; Install the seal into the joint groove.

[0052] It should be noted that by precisely installing the first handle and the second handle on the elastic component and calibrating the relative positions of the upper and lower parts, a stable mechanical platform is established for subsequent operations.

[0053] The installation space formed by the two limit rods not only acts as a physical constraint, allowing the seal to be centered under the action of its own weight. When the positioning roller contacts the end face of the seal, the arc profile of the roller forms a line contact with the edge of the seal rather than a point contact. The contact characteristics make the initial pressure distribution more uniform.

[0054] Unlike traditional direct pressure, a variable pressure curve can be achieved through the buffering characteristics of the elastic component. When the operator presses the handle, the spring member first absorbs the impact energy, causing the seal to begin to deform slowly; as the stroke increases, the coordinated action of the upper and lower positioning parts guides the seal to curl along a predetermined path; when the deformation reaches a preset value, the mechanical limit function of the screw provided in some embodiments automatically takes effect to prevent excessive compression.

[0055] In this embodiment, the assembly and installation tool includes the following steps: Installing the first handle and the second handle on a plurality of elastic components; Install the support rod on the first handle, install the first positioning rod on the support rod, install the second positioning rod on the first positioning rod, and install the positioning roller on the second positioning rod; Connect the fixed rod to the second handle, install the sliding rod on the fixed rod, install the two limit rods on the two ends of the sliding rod, adjust the two limit rods to the sliding position and then fix them, wherein the sliding position is the theoretical position of the limit rod for sealing installation.

[0056] It should be noted that, see the attached Figure 1 The force-applying component and the positioning component are assembled to form the sealing installation tool of the present invention.

[0057] See also Figure 2The force-applying assembly is a frame structure, with the first and second handles serving as the primary support. Two elastic components secure the ends of the first and second handles. One end of the first handle is threaded with a countersunk screw, while the other end is threaded with a threaded screw. The two elastic components are spaced approximately the length of a palm, or 6 to 12 cm. They are supported by springs to ensure they spring open when pressure is applied, and are secured with two hexagonal nuts.

[0058] See also Figure 3 The positioning assembly includes a fastening screw, a fixed rod, a sliding rod, a support rod, a first positioning rod, a second positioning rod, a positioning roller, a limit rod, etc. The first handle and the second handle in the force-applying assembly are respectively connected to the support rod and the fixed rod; the support rod and the fixed rod are fixed to the first handle and the second handle by a threaded connection; the positioning assembly is regarded as two parts, the support rod connecting part is called the upper part, and the fixed rod connecting part is called the lower part.

[0059] The upper part is connected in the following way: the support rod is connected to the first positioning rod by means of fastening screws; similarly, the first positioning rod is connected to the positioning rod by means of fastening screws; the second positioning rod is fixed to the positioning roller by means of threaded connection.

[0060] The connection method of the lower part: the sliding rod and the fixed rod are fixed by means of fastening screws; there is a keyway on the sliding rod, which connects the limit rods of the two sealing rings, and the fastening screws are installed in the keyway to fix the limit rods of the two sealing rings, thereby playing an accurate positioning role.

[0061] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation made using the contents of the present invention description and drawings, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A seal installation tool, characterized in that: The installation tool is used to install the seal into the fitting groove; The installation tool includes: The force-applying component includes a first handle and a second handle, wherein a plurality of elastic components are provided between the first handle and the second handle; The positioning assembly includes an upper positioning part and a lower positioning part, wherein the upper positioning part is connected to the first handle, and the lower positioning part is connected to the second handle. The lower positioning part is used to install the seal, and the upper positioning part is used to extrude the seal into an installation shape and then push it into the fitting groove; wherein the installation shape is the shape required for installing the seal into the fitting groove.

2. A seal installation tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning upper part includes a support rod and a first positioning rod, the support rod is connected to the end of the first handle, and the first positioning rod is connected to the end of the support rod.

3. A seal installation tool according to claim 2, characterized in that: The installation tool further includes a second positioning rod connected to the first positioning rod, and a positioning roller is connected to the free end of the second positioning rod.

4. A seal installation tool according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer circumferential surface of the first positioning rod is provided with scales.

5. A seal installation tool according to claim 3, characterized in that: The positioning lower part includes a fixed rod, a sliding rod and two limit rods. The fixed rod and the positioning upper part are located on the same side and are connected to the end of the second handle. The sliding rod is arranged on the fixed rod. The two limit rods are slidably arranged at the two ends of the sliding rod. The limit rods are used to adjust the position on the fixed rod.

6. A seal installation tool according to claim 5, characterized in that: The two limiting rods constitute an installation space for the seal, and the second positioning rod is arranged on a side close to the installation space.

7. A seal installation tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The axes of the first handle and the second handle are in the same plane and parallel to each other.

8. A seal installation tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic component includes a screw rod and a spring member. The screw rod is arranged between the first handle and the second handle. The spring member is sleeved on the outer circumference of the screw rod.

9. An installation method, characterized in that: Based on the seal installation tool according to claim 6, the installation method comprises the following steps: Assembly and installation tools; Install the seal on the limiting rod so that the positioning roller contacts the end face of the seal; Pressing the first handle squeezes the sealing member into a mounting shape; Install the seal into the joint groove.

10. An installation method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The assembly and installation tool comprises the following steps: Installing the first handle and the second handle on a plurality of elastic components; Install the support rod on the first handle, install the first positioning rod on the support rod, install the second positioning rod on the first positioning rod, and install the positioning roller on the second positioning rod; Connect the fixed rod to the second handle, install the sliding rod on the fixed rod, install the two limit rods on the two ends of the sliding rod, adjust the two limit rods to the sliding position and then fix them; wherein the sliding position is the theoretical position of the limit rod for installing the seal.

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