Annular seal removal tool with integrated measuring device

Abstract

An annular seal removal tool (10) may have an elongate body (12) extending from a proximal end (14) to a distal end (16). The elongated body may have a bottom surface (30) and a top surface (32) spaced apart from the bottom surface in a height direction. The annular seal removal tool may also have one of a hook (20) or a prying tip (22) attached to one of the proximal end or the distal end. Further, the elongated body of the annular seal removal tool may have a plurality of cutouts (24) therein. Each cutout may extend from the top surface of the elongated body toward the bottom surface of the elongated body. Each of the plurality of cutouts may be configured to receive a portion of an annular seal having an outer diameter substantially equal to a width of the cutout.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a ring seal removal tool, and more particularly to a ring seal removal tool having an integrated measuring device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Various ring seals are commonly used in one or more components of construction equipment. For example, such components can include actuators, pumps, fluid reservoirs, or fluid connections. Ring seals can help prevent liquids contained inside the component or component assembly from leaking to the surrounding environment that surrounds the component. For example, one or more ring seals can be used in a hydraulic cylinder to prevent hydraulic fluid from leaking from inside the hydraulic cylinder to the outside environment. Ring seals can also prevent air, water, and / or environmental debris (e.g., dirt or dust) from entering the interior portion of the component from the surrounding environment.

[0003] Over time, ring seals can degrade, causing the properties of the ring seal, such as its elasticity, to change, which can reduce the ring seal’s ability to provide a sufficient seal between the interior of the component and the outside environment. In such cases, it can be necessary to remove the ring seal from the component and replace it with a new ring seal. Ring seal removal tools can be used to remove ring seals that are attached to components. At removal, the ring seal replacement tool must be effective, should not scratch the groove or other features in which the ring seal is installed, and should be sufficiently robust so as to be able to be reused.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 4,813,120 to Fournier, issued March 21, 1989 (“the ‘989 Patent”), discloses a tool for extracting a seized O-ring from a closed annular recess. The disclosed tool has an elongated O-ring prying section coupled to a knurled handle. The surface of the prying section is slid between the O-ring and the annular recess wall so that the upper surface of the prying section contacts the right side portion of the O-ring. The handle is then moved downward so that the O-ring is lifted or pried out of the recess. While the ‘989 Patent discloses a tool for extracting a seized O-ring, the disclosed tool does not allow the operator to determine the size of a replacement O-ring. Thus, the operator needs another measuring tool or gauge to determine the size of a replacement O-ring. The need to use an additional tool makes the replacement process cumbersome and increases costs due to the additional cost of the measuring tool, which can be undesirable.

[0005] The ring seal removal tool disclosed by the present disclosure addresses one or more of the problems set forth above and / or other problems in the art. SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, this disclosure relates to a tool for removing an annular seal. The tool may include an elongated body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The tool may also include a hook extending from the proximal end. Furthermore, the tool may include a prying tip extending from the distal end. The tool may also include a cut in the elongated body. The cut may be configured to receive a portion of an annular seal, the outer diameter of which is substantially equal to the width of the cut.

[0007] In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a tool for removing annular seals. The tool may include an elongated body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The elongated body may include a bottom surface and a top surface, the top surface being spaced apart from the bottom surface along its height. The tool may also have one of a hook or a pry tip attached to either the proximal or distal end. Furthermore, the tool may include a plurality of slits in the elongated body. Each slit may extend from the top surface of the elongated body toward the bottom surface of the elongated body. Each of the plurality of slits may be configured to receive a portion of an annular seal, the outer diameter of which is substantially equal to the width of the slit. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is an example of an exemplary embodiment of a tool for removing annular seals;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exemplary illustration of a side elevation view of a tool for removing annular seals;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 Ring seal removal tool along Figure 2 An exemplary example of a cross-sectional view of section line AA shown;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 Ring seal removal tool along Figure 2 Another exemplary example of a cross-sectional view of the section line BB shown;

[0012] Figure 5 Examples Figure 1 Enlarged view of the proximal portion of the tool for removing the annular seal;

[0013] Figure 6 Examples Figure 1 Enlarged view of the distal portion of the annular seal removal tool;

[0014] Figure 7 Examples Figure 1 An enlarged view of the central part of the tool for removing the annular seal;

[0015] Figure 8 This is an example of another exemplary embodiment of a tool for removing annular seals. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the annular seal removal tool 10 is illustrated. Figure 1 As illustrated, the annular seal removal tool 10 may include an elongated body 12 that extends along a longitudinal axis 18 from a proximal end 14 to a distal end 16. The elongated body 12 may have any desired length. A hook 20 may extend outward from the proximal end 14, and a prying tip 22 may extend outward from the distal end 16, and vice versa. It is also contemplated in some exemplary embodiments that the annular seal removal tool 10 may include only one of the hook 20 or the prying tip 22, which is attached to either the proximal end 14 or the distal end 16. Figure 1 As further illustrated, the annular seal removal tool 10 may include one or more cuts 24 in the elongated body 12. Each cut 24 may be configured to receive an annular seal, the outer diameter of which is approximately equal to the width of the cut 24.

[0017] Figure 2 An exemplary side elevation view of the annular seal removal tool 10 is shown. Figure 2 As illustrated, the annular seal removal tool 10 may include a first surface (or bottom surface) 30 and a second surface (or top surface) 32, the second surface being spaced apart from the first surface 30 along a height direction 34 that may be transverse to the longitudinal axis 18. In such cases... Figure 2 In one exemplary embodiment, the height direction 34 can be set to be approximately perpendicular to the vertical axis 18. Also, Figure 2 As illustrated, the cut 24 may extend from the second surface 32 toward the first surface 30 in a direction opposite to the height direction 34 into the elongated body 12. It should be understood that the terms "generally" and "approximately" as used in this disclosure can refer to dimensions that may include typical design, materials, manufacturing and / or processing tolerances and variations. Thus, for example, the term "generally perpendicular" may cover angles within the range of 90° ± 5°.

[0018] Figure 3 An example of a ring seal removal tool 10 is shown along... Figure 2 An exemplary cross-sectional view of section line AA is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, the elongated body 12 may have a height "H1" between the first surface 30 and the second surface 32. Also, Figure 3 As illustrated, the elongated body 12 may have a third surface (or front surface) 36 and a fourth surface (or rear surface) 38, the fourth surface being spaced apart from the third surface 36 along a width direction 40 that may be transverse to both the longitudinal axis 18 and the height direction 34. In such a case... Figure 3 In one exemplary embodiment, the width direction 40 can be configured to be substantially perpendicular to both the height direction 34 and the vertical axis 18. Furthermore... Figure 3 As illustrated, the elongated body 12 can have a cross-sectional area that is generally polygonal in shape. For example, as Figure 3 As illustrated, the angled bottom surfaces 42 and 44 can connect the first surface 30 to the third surface 36 and the fourth surface 38, respectively. Similarly, the angled top surfaces 46 and 48 can connect the second surface 32 to the third surface 36 and the fourth surface 38 via vertical surfaces 50 and 52, respectively. It is contemplated that the cross-section of the elongated body 12 may have more or fewer surfaces than surfaces 36, 38, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, and / or 52. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the cross-section of the elongated body 12 may not include vertical surfaces 50 and 52. It is also contemplated that the shape of the cross-sectional region of the elongated body 12 may be, for example, annular, elliptical, rectangular, square, triangular, or any other shape.

[0019] The slender body 12 can be divided into multiple parts. For example, in... Figure 2 In one exemplary embodiment, the elongated body 12 may be divided into three parts: a proximal portion 60, a distal portion 62, and a central portion 64. However, it is contemplated that the elongated body 12 may have fewer or more portions than three, these portions having similar or different dimensions and / or cross-sectional area shapes. The proximal portion 60 of the elongated body 12 may extend from the proximal end 14 toward the distal end 16. The distal portion 62 of the elongated body 12 may extend from the distal end 16 toward the proximal end 14. The central portion 64 of the elongated body 12 may extend between and connect the proximal portion 60 and the distal portion 62. The elongated body 12 may have substantially similar cross-sectional areas in the proximal portion 60 and the distal portion 62. However, compared to the cross-sectional areas of the elongated body 12 in the proximal portion 60 and / or the distal portion 62, the cross-sectional area of ​​the elongated body 12 in the central portion 64 may have a different shape or may have a larger area.

[0020] Figure 4 An example of a ring seal removal tool 10 is shown along... Figure 2 An exemplary cross-sectional view of the section line BB shown. Figure 2 andFigure 4 As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, the elongated body 12 may have a height "H2" between the first surface 30 and the second surface 32. The height H2 of the central portion 64 may be greater than the height H1 of the proximal portion 60 and / or the distal portion 62 of the elongated body 12. Furthermore... Figure 4 As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, the elongated body 12 may include angled bottom surfaces 42 and 44 in the cross-sectional region of the central portion 64, which may connect the third surface 36 and the fourth surface 38 to the first surface 30, respectively. Similarly, the elongated body 12 may include angled top surfaces 46 and 48 in the cross-sectional region of the central portion 64, which may connect the third surface 36 and the fourth surface 38 to the second surface 32 via vertical surfaces 50 and 52, respectively. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The comparison illustrates the dimensions of the vertical surfaces 50 and 52 in the proximal portion 60 and / or the distal portion 62 (e.g., Figure 3 As shown), the vertical surfaces 50 and 52 in the central portion 64 can be longer (e.g., higher in the height direction 34) (as shown). Figure 4 (As shown). It is envisioned that the cross-section of the elongated body 12 at the central portion 64 may have more or fewer surfaces than surfaces 36, 38, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, and / or 52. It is also envisioned that the cross-section of the elongated body 12 at the central portion 64 may have any other shape, such as annular, elliptical, rectangular, square, triangular, or any other desired shape. It is further envisioned that one or more of the proximal portion 60, distal portion 62, and central portion 64 may have the same or different cross-sectional shapes and / or sizes. Although the cross-sectional area and / or height H2 of the central portion 64 has been discussed and illustrated to be larger than the cross-sectional area and / or height H1 of the proximal portion 60 and the distal portion 62, respectively, in some exemplary embodiments, one or both of the proximal portion 60 and / or distal portion 62 may have a larger cross-sectional area and / or height than other portions of the elongated body 12. Although Figure 2 The proximal portion 60 and distal portion 62 of the elongated body 12 have been illustrated and discussed to have the same height H1 and / or similar cross-sectional shape and area. However, it is contemplated that in some exemplary embodiments, the height, cross-sectional shape and / or area of ​​the proximal portion 60 may differ from the height, cross-sectional shape and / or area of ​​the distal portion 62, respectively.

[0021] Back Figure 2 Part or all of the first surface 30 of the elongated body 12 may be textured to provide an improved gripping surface. For example, as Figure 2As illustrated in the exemplary embodiments, some portions of the first surfaces 30 of the proximal portion 60 and distal portion 62 of the elongated body 12 of the annular seal removal tool 10 may be textured. It is contemplated that in some exemplary embodiments, some or all of the proximal portion 60, distal portion 62, and / or central portion 64 of the elongated body 12 of the annular seal removal tool 10 may be textured. However, it is also contemplated that in some exemplary embodiments of the annular seal removal tool 10, the proximal portion 60, distal portion 62, and / or central portion 64 may all be left untextured.

[0022] Figure 5 An enlarged view of the proximal portion 60 of the elongated body 12 and the hook 20 is shown. The hook 20 may include a rod 70, a bend 72, and a tip 74. The hook 20 may be attached to the proximal end 14 of the elongated body 12 such that the tip 74 may extend relative to the rod 70 and the bend 72 in the height direction 34. Figure 5 As illustrated, one end of the rod 70 may be connected to the proximal end 14 of the elongated body 12 of the annular seal removal tool 10. A bend 72 may extend from the opposite end of the rod 70 to the tip 74. The bend 72 may include a generally curved body such that a portion of the bend 72 may be spaced apart from the first surface 30 in a direction opposite to the height direction 34. However, in some exemplary embodiments, it is contemplated that at least a portion of the outer surface of the bend 72 may be coplanar with the first surface 30. The tip 74 may extend beyond the second surface 32 in the height direction 34. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, as... Figure 5 As illustrated, the height “H3” of the tip 74 relative to the first surface 30 can be greater than the height H1 of the elongated body 12.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the hook 20 may be a component of the annular seal removal tool 10, such that the hook 20 may be integrally formed with the elongated body 12. In other exemplary embodiments, the hook 20 may be removably attached to the elongated body 12 at its proximal end portion 14. In one exemplary embodiment, the hook 20 may be threaded to the elongated body 12 at its proximal end portion 14. For example, the elongated body 12 may have internal threads extending from the proximal end portion 14 along a longitudinal axis 18 into the elongated body 12, and a portion of the hook's shank 70 may include external threads that can engage with the internal threads in the elongated body 12. In another exemplary embodiment, the hook 20 may be attached to the proximal end portion 14 of the elongated body 12 via a press fit. For example, the elongated body 12 may include a blind hole extending from the proximal end portion 14 along a longitudinal axis 18 into the elongated body 12. The blind hole may include one or more recesses. The shank 70 of the hook 20 may include one or more protrusions that can engage with one or more recesses in the blind hole when the shank 70 is inserted into or pressed into the elongated body 12. It is also contemplated that the hook 20 may be attached to the proximal end 14 of the elongated body 12 using fasteners or rivets, or by welding, brazing, bonding and / or any other attachment method.

[0024] Figure 6 An enlarged view of the distal portion 62 of the elongated body 12 and the prying tip 22 is shown. The prying tip 22 may include a rod portion 80, a tip portion 82, and a tip end 84. The prying tip 22 may be attached to the distal end 16 of the elongated body 12 such that the tip end 84 may extend relative to the rod portion 80 in the height direction 34. One end of the rod portion 80 of the prying tip 22 may extend from the distal end 16 of the elongated body 12 along the longitudinal axis 18 in a direction from the proximal end 14 toward the distal end 16. The tip portion 82 may extend from the opposite end of the rod portion 80 and may be bent relative to the rod portion 80 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 18. Figure 6 In one exemplary embodiment, the tip portion 82 may be positioned such that the tip tip 84 may protrude beyond the second surface 32 along the height direction 34. Therefore, for example, the height "H4" of the tip tip 84 relative to the first surface 30 may be greater than the height H1 of the elongated body 12. The tip portion 82 may be positioned at an angle q relative to the lever portion 80 of the prying tip 22. The angle q may range between approximately 90° and 150°. Therefore, for example, in some exemplary embodiments, the tip portion 82 may be positioned at an obtuse angle relative to the lever portion 80 of the prying tip 22. Figure 1 and Figure 6 As illustrated in the exemplary embodiments, the tip portion 82 may be generally conical in shape. However, it is contemplated that the tip portion 82 may have other shapes (e.g., pyramidal, wedge-shaped, hexahedral).

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments, the pry tip 22 may be part of the annular seal removal tool 10, such that the pry tip 22 can be integrally formed with the elongated body 12. In other exemplary embodiments, the pry tip 22 may be removably attached to the elongated body 12 at its distal end 16. In one exemplary embodiment, the pry tip 22 may be threaded to the elongated body 12 at its distal end 16. For example, the elongated body 12 may have internal threads extending from the distal end 16 along a longitudinal axis 18 into the elongated body 12, and a portion of the shank 80 of the pry tip 22 may include external threads that can engage with the internal threads in the elongated body 12. In another exemplary embodiment, the pry tip 22 may be press-fitted to the distal end 16 of the elongated body 12. For example, the elongated body 12 may include a blind hole extending from the distal end 16 along a longitudinal axis 18 into the elongated body 12. The blind hole may include one or more recesses. The lever portion 80 of the pry tip 22 may include one or more protrusions that can engage with one or more recesses in the blind hole when the lever portion 80 is inserted into or pressed into the elongated body 12. It is also contemplated that the hook 20 may be attached to the distal end 16 of the elongated body 12 using fasteners or rivets, or by welding, brazing, bonding and / or any other attachment method.

[0026] Back Figure 2 The annular seal removal tool 10 may include multiple cuts 24. In such cases... Figure 2 In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of cuts 24 can be divided into a first group of cuts 90, a second group of cuts 92, a third group of cuts 94, a fourth group of cuts 96, and a fifth group of cuts 98. For example... Figure 2 As further illustrated, the first set of incisions 90 and the second set of incisions 92 can be provided on the proximal portion 60 of the elongated body 12, the third set of incisions 94 and the fourth set of incisions 96 can be provided on the distal portion 62 of the elongated body 12, and the fifth set of incisions 98 can be provided on the central portion 64 of the elongated body 12. Although Figure 2Five sets of cuts 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98 are illustrated, but it is contemplated that the elongated body 12 of the annular seal removal tool 10 may have more or fewer than five sets of cuts. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the elongated body 12 of the annular seal removal tool may include three sets of cuts 90, 96, and 98, such that a first set of cuts 90 may be provided on the proximal portion 60, a second set of cuts 96 may be provided on the distal portion 62, and a third set of cuts 96 may be provided on the central portion 64. Furthermore, it is contemplated that more or fewer sets of cuts may be provided on any of the proximal portion 60, the distal portion 62, and / or the central portion 64 of the elongated body 12. It is also contemplated that each set of cuts (e.g., 90, 92, 94, 96, and / or 98) may include any number of cuts 24. Also... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As illustrated, the elongated body 12 may include uncut portions 86, which may not include any cuts 24. The uncut portions 86 may provide one or more locations for gripping and / or manipulating the annular seal removal tool 10 during annular seal removal. It is also contemplated that cuts 24 may provide gripping surfaces in one or more sets of cuts 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98, allowing the operator to grip and / or manipulate the annular seal removal tool 10 during annular seal removal. For example, since cuts 24 separate the intermediate uncut portions of the third side 36 and the fourth side 38, the third surface 36 and the fourth surface 38 in the proximal portion 60, the distal portion 62, and / or the central portion 64 may provide improved gripping surfaces 36 or 38.

[0027] refer to Figure 5Each cutout 24 may be defined by a pair of planes 102 and 104, which are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 18. A distance “W” may define the gap width between the planes (or walls) 102 and 104 of each cutout 24. Each cutout 24 may also include a curved surface 106 (or bottom wall 106) that may extend between and connect the planes 102 and 104. In one exemplary embodiment, the curved surface 106 may be a generally semi-cylindrical surface. A dimension “H” along the height direction 34 may define the height of the cutout 24. It is contemplated that the height H may be greater than or approximately equal to the width W of the cutout 24. It is also contemplated that the height H of any cutout 24 may be less than the heights H1 and H2 of the elongated body 12. In some exemplary embodiments, the height H of any cutout 24 in the proximal portion 60 or distal portion 62 of the elongated body 12 may be approximately equal to or less than half the height H1 to ensure the structural integrity of the elongated body 12 and minimize the possibility of the elongated body 12 bending and / or breaking near the curved surface 106. Similarly, in some exemplary embodiments, the height H of any cutout 24 in the central portion 64 of the elongated body 12 may be approximately equal to or less than half the height H2. The cutout 24 may be configured to receive at least a portion of an annular seal, such that the annular seal can be inserted into the cutout 24 without causing any deformation of the annular seal. That is, an annular seal with a cross-sectional outer diameter approximately equal to the width W of the cutout 24 can be inserted into the cutout 24 without causing any deformation of the annular seal. In some embodiments, the height H of the cut 24 may be approximately equal to the width W of the cut 24, such that when a portion of the annular seal is inserted into the cut 24, the annular seal may abut against the bottom of the curved surface 106, and the upper surface of the annular seal may be coplanar with the second surface 32 of the elongated body 12.

[0028] Figure 5 An example of a first set of cuts 90 is shown, which may be positioned adjacent to the proximal end 14 of the elongated body 12. The first set of cuts 90 may include a plurality of cuts 24. For example, as Figure 5 As illustrated, the first set of cuts 90 may include cuts 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, and / or 122. The first cut 110 may be positioned adjacent to the proximal end 14, and the second cut 122 may be spaced apart from the first cut 110. The second cut 122 may be positioned adjacent to the central portion 64 of the elongated body 12. A plurality of intermediate cuts 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 with increasing width and / or height may be positioned between the first cut 110 and the second cut 122. For example, as... Figure 5 As illustrated, the dimensions of the cuts 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, and / or 120 can be different. In such cases... Figure 5In one exemplary embodiment illustrated, the width W and height H of cuts 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 and / or 120 may increase with increasing distance from the proximal end 14. For example, cut 110 may have the smallest cut width W and the smallest cut height H among the first set of cuts 90, and cut 122 may have the largest cut width W and the largest cut height H among the first set of cuts 90. Furthermore, the width and height of each successive cut may be greater than the width and height of any previous cut as it moves in the direction from the proximal end 14 toward the distal end 16. Thus, for example, the width and height of cut 112 may be greater than the width and height of cut 110, the width and height of cut 114 may be greater than the width and height of cut 112, the width and height of cut 116 may be greater than the width and height of cut 114, and so on. In one or more of the second group of incisions 92, the third group of incisions 94, the fourth group of incisions 96, and / or the fifth group of incisions 98, the width and height of the successive incisions 24 may also increase in the direction from the proximal end to the distal end. That is, the first width of the first incision 110 may be less than the width of the intermediate incisions 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 and the width of the second incision 122. Similarly, the second width of the second incision 122 may be greater than the width of the intermediate incisions 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 and the width of the first incision 110.

[0029] However, it is envisioned that in some exemplary embodiments, the width W and height H of cuts 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 and / or 120 may decrease as the distance from the proximal end 14 increases. Thus, for example, the width and height of cut 112 may be smaller than the width and height of cut 110, the width and height of cut 112 may be smaller than the width and height of cut 114, the width and height of cut 114 may be smaller than the width and height of cut 116, and so on. It is also envisioned that in some exemplary embodiments, the width W and height H of cuts 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 and / or 120 may not increase or decrease sequentially.

[0030] Figure 7 An enlarged view of the central portion 64 of the elongated body 12 is shown. The central portion 64 may include one or more cutouts 24. Figure 7 As illustrated, the height H of the cutout 24 in the central portion 64 can be less than the height of the elongated body 12 in the central portion 64. H2In some exemplary embodiments, the height H of the cut 24 in the central portion 64 may be greater than the height H1 of the proximal portion 60 and the distal portion 62 of the elongated body 12, but less than the height H2 of the central portion 64 of the elongated body 12. It is also contemplated that the height H of the cut 24 in the central portion 64 may be approximately equal to or less than half the height H2 to ensure the structural integrity of the elongated body 12 and to minimize the possibility of the elongated body 12 bending and / or breaking near the curved surface 106 of the cut 24. Further contemplation is that in the central portion 64, the height H of the cut 24 may be approximately greater than half the height H1 of the proximal portion 60 and / or the distal portion 62.

[0031] The dimensions of cut 24 in each set of cuts (e.g., 90, 92, 94, 96, and / or 98) can be selected based on a particular component, a set of components, a particular machine, the dimensions of an annular seal used on a set of machines, or based on any other standard. For example, when a particular component (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, a pump) uses an O-ring with a diameter between 1 mm and 6 mm, the width and height of cut 24 in the first set of cuts 90 can be between 1 mm and 6 mm. It should be understood that the range of 1 mm to 6 mm is exemplary and not limiting, and any other size range can be used. In one exemplary embodiment, one or more cuts in a set of cuts (e.g., 90, 92, 94, 96, and / or 98) may include cut 24 with dimensions based on industry standards (such as SAE standards). It is also contemplated that one or more cuts in a set of cuts (e.g., 90, 92, 94, 96, and / or 98) may include cut 24 with dimensions using a predetermined system of measurement units. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the width and height of the cut 24 in the first set of cuts 90 adjacent to the proximal end 14 can be specified in imperial units (e.g., inches, mils), and the width and height of the cut 24 in the fourth set of cuts 96 adjacent to the distal end 16 can be specified in metric units (e.g., mm, cm).

[0032] Figure 8 Another exemplary embodiment of the annular seal removal tool 10 is illustrated. Figure 8 In some embodiments, the annular seal removal tool 10 may include a lower half 130 and an upper half 132. The upper half 132 of the annular seal removal tool 10 may be removably attached to the lower half 130. For example, the upper surface 134 of the lower half 130 and / or the lower surface 136 of the upper half 132 may include one or more protrusions, recesses, and / or other locking mechanisms to attach the upper half 132 of the annular seal removal tool 10 to the lower half 130. In some exemplary embodiments, the lower half 130 and the upper half 132 may be removably attached to each other via fasteners or clips.Figure 8 In one exemplary embodiment, the lower portion 130 may include a hook 20 and a pry tip 22 extending from opposite ends of the lower portion 130, and the upper portion 132 may include cuts 24 as described above and / or one or more sets of cuts (e.g., 90, 92, 94, 96, and / or 98). Thus, different upper portions 132 with different width and height dimension choices or combinations, including multiple sets of cuts (e.g., 90, 92, 94, 96, and / or 98), may be able to be attached to the lower portion 130 to allow the annular seal removal tool 10 to be used for a wider variety and number of annular seals. While the hook 20 and pry tip 22 are described as being attached to the lower portion 130, it is contemplated that in some exemplary embodiments, the hook 20 and pry tip 22 may extend from opposite ends of the upper portion 132 of the annular seal removal tool 10.

[0033] Industry Applicability

[0034] The disclosed annular seal removal tool 10 can be used to remove and replace one or more annular seals during the maintenance or repair of one or more components, such as those of construction machinery. For example, construction machinery (such as backhoe excavators, bulldozers, milling machines, pavers, and dump trucks) may include one or more components, such as engines, hydraulic cylinders, and / or other components required for the operation of the machinery. One or more of these components may include one or more annular seals to prevent fluid leakage from the component's interior to the external environment, and to prevent air, moisture, or debris from the external environment from entering the component's internal space. One or more annular seals of the component may need to be replaced after a period of use. The disclosed annular seal removal tool can be used to remove and replace worn annular seals.

[0035] For example, consider a case where an annular seal is installed and secured in a recess or annular sealing groove of a mechanical component. The hook 20 or the tip 74 of the pry tip 22 and / or the pry tip 84 can be inserted between the annular seal and the wall of the annular seal groove, respectively. This allows the operator to manipulate the elongated body 12 of the annular seal removal tool 10 to lift and remove the annular seal from the annular seal groove. After removing the annular seal, the operator can insert a section of the removed annular seal into one of the cuts 24, for example, starting with a cut 24 whose width is smaller than the diameter of the annular seal, and then inserting it into cuts whose width or height increases progressively. The operator can continue this process until the annular seal can be inserted into the cut 24, where the planes 102, 104 contact either side of the annular seal without compression when the annular seal is inserted into the gap between the planes 102, 104. The operator can push the annular seal in so that it abuts against the bottom of the curved surface 106, and the upper surface of the annular seal is coplanar with the top surface 32 of the annular seal removal tool 10. The operator can note the dimensions of a specific cut 24 and find a replacement annular seal of the same size. Therefore, the disclosed annular seal removal tool 10 can help the operator remove existing worn annular seals and determine the size of the annular seal using one or more cuts in the tool. The operator can then identify and assemble a replacement annular seal based on the determined dimensions. The disclosed annular seal removal tool 10 can help the operator quickly identify and find a replacement annular seal of similar size to the removed annular seal without any additional measuring tools. The disclosed annular seal removal tool 10 can also assure the operator that a replacement annular seal of the correct size has been selected.

[0036] It should be noted that when some exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure exhibit features or characteristics, some or all other exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure may also exhibit the same features or characteristics. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed annular seal removal tool. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the description and practice of the disclosed annular seal removal tool. The description and examples are intended to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope is indicated by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A tool for removing annular seals (10), the tool comprising: An elongated body (12) extends from a proximal end (14) to a distal end (16). Hook (20), the hook extending from the proximal end; A prying tip (22) extends from the distal end; and A cut (24) is located in the elongated body and is configured to accommodate part of an annular seal, the outer diameter of which is approximately equal to the width of the cut.

2. The annular seal removal tool according to claim 1, wherein... The elongated body includes a first surface (30) and a second surface (32) spaced apart across the height of the elongated body, and The cut extends from the second surface toward the first surface into the elongated body.

3. The annular seal removal tool according to claim 2, wherein the height of the cut is greater than or equal to the width of the cut.

4. The annular seal removal tool according to claim 3, wherein the cut includes: A pair of planar walls (102, 104) are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis (18) of the elongated body; and A generally semi-cylindrical bottom wall (106) extends between the planar walls.

5. The annular seal removal tool according to claim 2, wherein the hook has A rod (70) is attached to the elongated body. A generally curved body (72), the generally curved body extending along a first direction from the second surface toward the first surface and beyond the first surface, and Tip (74), the tip extends from the first surface toward the second surface in a second direction and protrudes beyond the second surface.

6. The annular seal removal tool according to claim 1, wherein the prying tip comprises: A rod portion (80) extending from the distal end along the longitudinal axis of the elongated body; and The tip portion (82) extends from the rod portion in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

7. The annular seal removal tool according to claim 6, wherein... The pointed portion has a generally conical shape, and The tip portion is set at an obtuse angle relative to the rod portion.

8. The annular seal removal tool according to claim 1, wherein the cut is one of a plurality of cuts, and the plurality of cuts (24) includes: The first set of incisions (90) is set adjacent to the proximal end of the elongated body; and The second set of cuts (96) is set adjacent to the distal end of the elongated body.

9. The annular seal removal tool according to claim 8, wherein the first set of cuts comprises: A first incision (110) is made adjacent to the proximal end; A second incision (122) is made adjacent to the central portion of the elongated body; and Multiple intermediate cuts (110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120) are provided between the first cut and the second cut. in The first width of the first incision is smaller than the width of the intermediate incision and the second incision, and The second width of the second cut is greater than the width of the intermediate cut and the first width.

10. A tool for removing an annular seal (10), the tool comprising: An elongated body (12) extending from a proximal end (14) to a distal end (16) includes a bottom surface (30) and a top surface (32) spaced apart from the bottom surface along the height direction; One of a hook (20) or a prying tip (22), said hook or prying tip being attached to one of the proximal end or the distal end; and Multiple slits (24) are located in the elongated body, each slit extending from the top surface of the elongated body toward the bottom surface of the elongated body and configured to receive part of an annular seal, the outer diameter of which is approximately equal to the width of the slit.

Images