A method of assembling an oil seal spring

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of oil seal, in particular to an oil seal spring assembling method. The oil seal spring assembling method comprises the following steps: setting a spring ring on the outer circumferential side of a guide unit, inserting a plurality of guide teeth of the guide unit into an annular space of an oil seal semi-finished product, folding the plurality of guide teeth, pushing the spring ring, and controlling the guide unit to simultaneously separate from the annular space and the spring ring. The present application can solve the problem that the annular space opening width of the oil seal unit assembled spring ring is relatively narrow, resulting in low spring ring assembling precision and high assembling difficulty.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of oil seal technology, and more specifically, to an oil seal spring assembly method. Background Technology

[0002] Oil seals are an indispensable core sealing component in mechanical equipment. They are widely used in various hydraulic and rotating equipment such as shock absorbers and rotary transmission mechanisms. They are mainly used to seal and isolate media such as lubricating oil and hydraulic oil, while preventing external dust and impurities from entering the equipment, thus ensuring the stability and service life of the equipment.

[0003] A conventional oil seal unit mainly consists of three parts: a skeleton, a sealing lip, and a spring ring. The sealing lip is fixedly connected to the skeleton, and the two work together to form an annular installation space. The spring ring is then fitted inside this annular space. Currently, spring rings in the industry are generally made of carbon steel or stainless steel wire, with wire diameters controlled between 0.15 and 1.0 mm. As the core elastic compensation structure of the oil seal, the spring ring continuously provides radial clamping force to the sealing lip, ensuring a tight fit between the sealing lip and the equipment shaft surface, effectively improving the sealing performance of the oil seal. Simultaneously, during long-term use, the sealing lip is prone to wear, aging, and deformation. The spring ring can compensate for the radial sealing pressure through its own elastic deformation, offsetting the sealing gap caused by wear, preventing oil leakage and significantly extending the service life of the oil seal. It is a key structure for ensuring the long-term stable sealing performance of the oil seal.

[0004] Existing oil seal structures still have significant technical defects in actual production and assembly. To meet the assembly requirements of miniaturized and precision equipment, the annular space opening formed by the sealing lip and skeleton of some oil seals is designed to be narrow. This narrow annular space opening significantly increases the difficulty of spring ring assembly. Currently, the industry commonly uses a cylindrical guide structure to assist in press-fitting to complete spring ring assembly. During the press-fitting process, the downward stroke and positioning accuracy of the cylindrical guide structure are difficult to control precisely, making it easy to directly squeeze and bump the sealing lip structure. This not only easily causes appearance defects such as deformation, wrinkles, and damage to the sealing lip, leading to the scrapping of finished oil seals and increasing production losses and manufacturing costs, but also results in situations where the spring ring cannot fall accurately into the annular space, assembly misalignment, jamming, or incomplete assembly, significantly reducing the assembly accuracy and efficiency of the spring ring. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problem that the narrow opening width of the annular space in the oil seal unit assembly spring coil leads to low assembly accuracy and high assembly difficulty, this application provides an oil seal spring assembly method.

[0006] This application provides a method for assembling an oil seal spring, which includes:

[0007] A spring ring is fitted onto the outer periphery of the guide unit; wherein, the guide unit includes a guide cylinder and guide teeth; the guide cylinder is connected to the guide teeth; the guide teeth are located at one end of the guide cylinder; multiple guide teeth are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the guide cylinder;

[0008] Based on the guide unit carrying the spring ring, multiple guide teeth of the guide unit are inserted into the annular space of the oil seal semi-finished product; wherein, the oil seal semi-finished product includes a skeleton and a sealing lip; both the skeleton and the sealing lip are annular; the sealing lip is located on the inner circumference of the skeleton; one end of the sealing lip is adhered to one end of the skeleton; the annular space is located between the skeleton and the sealing lip;

[0009] When the guide teeth are inserted into the annular space, the multiple guide teeth are retracted, causing the guide teeth to shrink the diameter of the sealing lip, thereby expanding the opening width of the annular space; the opening width of the annular space is the difference between the inner radius and the outer radius at the opening of the annular space;

[0010] When the multiple guide teeth retract, they push the spring coil until the spring coil enters the annular space;

[0011] When the spring coil enters the annular space, the guide unit is controlled to simultaneously disengage from both the annular space and the spring coil.

[0012] Optionally, the step of fitting the spring coil onto the outer periphery of the guide unit includes:

[0013] In response to the spring loading command, the axis of the spring coil is positioned horizontally;

[0014] Based on the positioning of the spring ring, the spring ring and the vertical rotating column are moved relative to each other in the horizontal direction until the spring ring is fitted on the outer periphery of the rotating column.

[0015] The spring coil on the transfer column is pushed to the outer periphery of the guide unit.

[0016] Optionally, pushing the spring coil on the transfer column to the outer periphery of the guide unit includes:

[0017] Based on the spring ring carried on the transfer column, the transfer column and the guide unit are coaxially arranged, and the transfer column abuts against the guide tooth plate;

[0018] Based on the fact that the transfer column and the guide unit are in a coaxial contact state, the spring coil is pushed until the spring coil moves to the outer periphery of the guide unit.

[0019] Optionally, the oil seal spring assembly method further includes:

[0020] In response to the oil seal feeding command, the oil seal semi-finished product is positioned. After positioning, the process is performed whereby the guide unit, carrying the spring ring, inserts multiple guide teeth of the guide unit into the annular space between the skeleton and the sealing lip.

[0021] Optionally, when the oil seal semi-finished product is positioned, the axis of the oil seal semi-finished product is set vertically.

[0022] Optionally, the oil seal spring assembly method further includes:

[0023] When the guide unit disengages from the annular space, the presence of the spring coil in the annular space is detected.

[0024] When the presence of the spring ring is detected in the annular space, the oil seal unit assembly is complete; wherein, the oil seal unit includes the skeleton, the sealing lip, and the spring ring.

[0025] Optionally, the detection of the spring coil is achieved using a magnetic sensor.

[0026] Optionally, the oil seal spring assembly method further includes:

[0027] If the spring coil is not detected in the annular space, an assembly anomaly strategy is executed.

[0028] Optionally, the assembly anomaly strategy includes stopping the machine and issuing an alarm.

[0029] Optionally, the assembly anomaly strategy includes transferring the abnormal oil seal semi-finished product to the abnormal unloading area.

[0030] To address the problem of low assembly accuracy and high assembly difficulty caused by the narrow opening width of the annular space in the oil seal unit's spring ring assembly, this application has the following advantages:

[0031] The sealing lip is retracted circumferentially by guide teeth, minimizing axial compression of the sealing lip by the guide unit and reducing the risk of damage to the sealing lip and hindering spring ring assembly. The spring ring is then pushed into the annular space, ensuring precise assembly. This application solves the problem of narrow openings in the annular space for assembling the spring ring in the oil seal unit, which leads to lower assembly accuracy and greater assembly difficulty. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an oil seal unit according to one embodiment is shown;

[0033] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart of an embodiment of an oil seal spring assembly method is shown.

[0034] Reference numerals: 10, oil seal unit; 11, skeleton; 12, sealing lip; 13, spring ring; 14, annular space. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and thus implement the present disclosure, and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the disclosure.

[0036] As used herein, the term "comprising" and its variations are to be interpreted as open-ended terms meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" is to be interpreted as "at least partially based on". The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" are to be interpreted as "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" is to be interpreted as "at least one other embodiment". The terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "longitudinal", etc., indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation or being constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientations or positional relationships; for example, the term "upper" may in some cases indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "installed", "set up", "equipped with", "connected", and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, elements, or components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are mainly used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (the specific types and structures may be the same or different), and are not used to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0037] like Figure 1As shown, the oil seal unit 10 typically includes a skeleton 11, a sealing lip 12, and a spring ring 13. Both the skeleton 11 and the sealing lip 12 are annular. One axial end of the sealing lip 12 is bonded to one axial end of the skeleton 11. An annular space 14 for assembling the spring ring 13 is formed between the inner peripheral wall of the skeleton 11 and the outer peripheral wall of the sealing lip 12. The structure of the oil seal unit 10 still has significant technical defects in actual production and assembly. To meet the assembly requirements of miniaturized and precision equipment, the opening width of the annular space 14 formed by the sealing lip 12 and the skeleton 11 in some oil seal units is designed to be small. The narrow opening of the annular space 14 significantly increases the difficulty of assembling the spring ring 13. The opening width of the annular space 14 is the difference between the inner radius and the outer radius at the opening. Currently, the industry generally uses a cylindrical guide structure to assist in press-fitting to complete the assembly of the spring ring 13. During the press-fitting process, it is difficult to accurately control the downward stroke and positioning accuracy of the cylindrical guide structure. It is very easy to directly squeeze and bump the sealing lip 12 structure, which not only easily causes appearance defects such as deformation, wrinkles, and damage of the sealing lip 12, leading to the scrapping of the oil seal product and increasing production losses and manufacturing costs; at the same time, there will also be situations where the spring ring 13 cannot fall accurately into the annular space 14, assembly offset, jamming, or incomplete assembly, which greatly reduces the assembly accuracy and assembly efficiency of the spring ring 13.

[0038] Example 1:

[0039] This embodiment provides a method for assembling an oil seal spring, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the oil seal spring assembly method includes steps S10 to S50. Steps S10 to S50 are performed sequentially.

[0040] Step S10: The spring coil 13 is fitted onto the outer periphery of the guide unit. The guide unit includes a guide cylinder and guide teeth, with the guide cylinder connected to the guide teeth. The guide teeth are located at one end of the guide cylinder, and multiple guide teeth are spaced apart along the circumference of the guide cylinder. This toothed guide unit structure facilitates variable diameter operation.

[0041] It should be understood that step S10 can be performed manually by fitting the spring coil 13. This achieves the assembly of the spring coil 13 in a semi-automatic manner. Compared to manually assembling the spring coil 13 into the annular space 14, this improves assembly accuracy and work efficiency.

[0042] Step S20: Based on the guide unit carrying the spring coil 13, insert multiple guide teeth of the guide unit into the annular space 14 of the oil seal semi-finished product. The oil seal semi-finished product includes a skeleton 11 and a sealing lip 12; both the skeleton 11 and the sealing lip 12 are annular; the sealing lip 12 is located on the inner circumference of the skeleton 11; one end of the sealing lip 12 is adhered to one end of the skeleton 11; the annular space 14 is located between the skeleton 11 and the sealing lip 12.

[0043] When the guide tooth is inserted into the annular space 14 in the initial state, the spring coil 13 is located outside the annular space 14, that is, the axial length of the guide unit is greater than the depth of the annular space 14.

[0044] Step S30: When the guide teeth are inserted into the annular space 14, the multiple guide teeth are retracted to reduce the diameter of the sealing lip 12, thereby expanding the opening width of the annular space 14. The opening width of the annular space 14 is the difference between the inner radius and the outer radius at the opening of the annular space 14. By expanding the opening width of the annular space 14, the opening width of the annular space 14 can simultaneously accommodate the wall thickness of the guide unit and the spring coil 13, thereby improving the assembly accuracy of the spring coil 13.

[0045] Step S40: After the multiple guide teeth retract, push the spring coil 13 until the spring coil 13 enters the annular space 14.

[0046] In some embodiments, step S40 may involve manually pushing the spring coil 13 into the annular space 14.

[0047] In some embodiments, step S40 can be achieved by adding a push ring structure to the outer periphery of the guide unit and using a cylinder or other existing driving method to drive the push ring to move axially, thereby pushing the spring coil 13.

[0048] Step S50: When the spring coil 13 enters the annular space 14, the control guide unit simultaneously disengages from the annular space 14 and the spring coil 13.

[0049] This embodiment, through the sequence of actions S10 to S50, utilizes a converging and variable-diameter structure to manipulate the sealing ring within the narrow annular space 14, thereby expanding the opening size of the annular space 14 and achieving precise assembly of the spring ring 13 in the oil seal unit 10. This application solves the problem that the narrow opening width of the annular space 14 for assembling the spring ring 13 in the oil seal unit 10 leads to low assembly accuracy and high assembly difficulty for the spring ring 13.

[0050] Furthermore, step S10 includes steps S11 to S13. Steps S11 to S13 are executed sequentially.

[0051] Step S11: In response to the spring loading command, position the axis of the spring coil 13 horizontally. When the axis of the spring coil 13 is horizontally positioned, the end face of the spring coil 13 is in an upright position.

[0052] Step S12: Based on the positioning of the spring ring 13, move the spring ring 13 and the vertical rotating column relative to each other in the horizontal direction until the spring ring 13 is fitted onto the outer circumference of the rotating column. With the spring ring 13 hanging on the outer circumference of the rotating column, the axis of the spring ring 13 is set vertically.

[0053] In some embodiments, in step S12, the transfer column remains stationary, with the bottom end of the transfer column lower than the top end of the spring coil 13 and higher than the axis of the spring coil 13. By moving the spring coil 13 in the horizontal direction, the top end of the spring coil 13 first abuts against the transfer column, and then the spring coil 13 continues to move, and the spring coil 13 is stretched, and then the whole is sleeved on the transfer column, thereby achieving the purpose of the spring coil 13 being sleeved on the outer periphery of the transfer column.

[0054] In some embodiments, in step S12, the spring coil 13 remains stationary, and the spring coil 13 is hung on the outer periphery of the rotating column by moving the rotating column in the horizontal direction.

[0055] Step S13: Push the spring ring 13 on the transfer column to the outer periphery of the guide unit.

[0056] Compared to the method of driving the spring coil 13 and the guide unit to move relative to each other when the axes of the spring coil 13 and the guide unit are perpendicular to each other, so that the spring coil 13 is sleeved on the guide unit, this embodiment uses a material transfer column to transfer the material, which can reduce the structural damage caused by the long-term large force on one side of the toothed guide unit and improve the service life of the guide unit.

[0057] Further, step S13 includes steps S131 to S132. Steps S131 to S132 are executed sequentially.

[0058] Step S131: Based on the spring ring 13 carried on the transfer column, the transfer column is coaxially set with the guide unit, and the transfer column abuts against the guide tooth plate.

[0059] Step S132: Based on the fact that the transfer column and the guide unit are in a coaxial contact state, push the spring ring 13 until the spring ring 13 moves to the outer periphery of the guide unit.

[0060] In this embodiment, the spring ring 13 is mounted on the guide unit by coaxially abutting the transfer column and the guide unit, thus ensuring the structural stability of the toothed guide unit.

[0061] Furthermore, the oil seal spring assembly method also includes step S60.

[0062] Step S60: In response to the oil seal feeding command, position the oil seal semi-finished product. After positioning is completed, proceed to step S20.

[0063] It should be understood that steps S60 and S10 can be executed simultaneously or sequentially at different times, and the execution order of steps S60 and S10 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0064] This embodiment automatically positions the oil seal semi-finished product, which can improve the efficiency of the assembly process.

[0065] Furthermore, when the oil seal semi-finished product is positioned, its axis is vertically oriented. Therefore, when the oil seal semi-finished product is positioned, its end face is lying flat, and the opening of the annular space 14 faces upward, which facilitates the guide unit entering the annular space 14.

[0066] Furthermore, the oil seal spring assembly method also includes steps S70 to S80. Steps S70 to S80 are performed sequentially, with step S70 performed after steps S60 and S50.

[0067] Step S70: When the guide unit disengages from the annular space 14, detect whether the spring coil 13 exists in the annular space 14.

[0068] Step S80: When the presence of spring ring 13 in the annular space 14 is detected, the oil seal unit 10 is assembled; wherein, the oil seal unit 10 includes a skeleton 11, a sealing lip 12 and a spring ring 13.

[0069] This embodiment ensures the pass rate of product cutting by detecting the assembly results of the spring coil 13.

[0070] Furthermore, the detection of the spring coil 13 is achieved through a magnetic sensor.

[0071] In other embodiments, the spring coil 13 can be detected by bearing weight. If the weight reaches the target value, the assembly is complete. If the weight is lower than the target value, it indicates that the spring coil 13 has fallen off, the assembly was unsuccessful, or it was missing.

[0072] Furthermore, the oil seal spring assembly method also includes step S90. Step S90 is performed after step S80.

[0073] Step S90: When it is detected that the spring coil 13 is not present in the annular space 14, the assembly anomaly strategy is executed. This improves the automation level of the assembly process.

[0074] In some embodiments, the assembly anomaly strategy includes stopping the machine and issuing an alarm to prompt staff to take action.

[0075] In other embodiments, the assembly anomaly strategy includes transferring the abnormal oil seal semi-finished product to the abnormal unloading area, thereby further improving the automation of the assembly process.

[0076] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific examples of implementing this disclosure, and in practical applications, various changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for assembling an oil seal spring, characterized in that, The oil seal spring assembly method includes: A spring ring is fitted onto the outer periphery of the guide unit; wherein, the guide unit includes a guide cylinder and guide teeth; the guide cylinder is connected to the guide teeth; the guide teeth are located at one end of the guide cylinder; multiple guide teeth are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the guide cylinder; Based on the guide unit carrying the spring ring, multiple guide teeth of the guide unit are inserted into the annular space of the oil seal semi-finished product; wherein, the oil seal semi-finished product includes a skeleton and a sealing lip; both the skeleton and the sealing lip are annular; the sealing lip is located on the inner circumference of the skeleton; one end of the sealing lip is adhered to one end of the skeleton; the annular space is located between the skeleton and the sealing lip; When the guide teeth are inserted into the annular space, the multiple guide teeth are retracted, causing the guide teeth to shrink the diameter of the sealing lip, thereby expanding the opening width of the annular space; the opening width of the annular space is the difference between the inner radius and the outer radius at the opening of the annular space; When the multiple guide teeth retract, they push the spring coil until the spring coil enters the annular space; When the spring coil enters the annular space, the guide unit is controlled to simultaneously disengage from both the annular space and the spring coil.

2. The oil seal spring assembly method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of fitting the spring coil onto the outer periphery of the guide unit includes: In response to the spring loading command, the axis of the spring coil is positioned horizontally; Based on the positioning of the spring ring, the spring ring and the vertical rotating column are moved relative to each other in the horizontal direction until the spring ring is fitted on the outer periphery of the rotating column. The spring coil on the transfer column is pushed to the outer periphery of the guide unit.

3. The oil seal spring assembly method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Pushing the spring coil on the transfer column to the outer periphery of the guide unit includes: Based on the spring ring carried on the transfer column, the transfer column and the guide unit are coaxially arranged, and the transfer column abuts against the guide tooth plate; Based on the fact that the transfer column and the guide unit are in a coaxial contact state, the spring coil is pushed until the spring coil moves to the outer periphery of the guide unit.

4. The oil seal spring assembly method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oil seal spring assembly method further includes: In response to the oil seal feeding command, the oil seal semi-finished product is positioned. After positioning, the process is performed whereby the guide unit, carrying the spring ring, inserts multiple guide teeth of the guide unit into the annular space between the skeleton and the sealing lip.

5. The oil seal spring assembly method according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the oil seal semi-finished product is positioned, the axis of the oil seal semi-finished product is set vertically.

6. The oil seal spring assembly method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oil seal spring assembly method further includes: When the guide unit disengages from the annular space, the presence of the spring coil in the annular space is detected. When the presence of the spring ring is detected in the annular space, the oil seal unit assembly is complete; wherein, the oil seal unit includes the skeleton, the sealing lip, and the spring ring.

7. The oil seal spring assembly method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The detection of the spring coil is achieved through a magnetic sensor.

8. The oil seal spring assembly method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The oil seal spring assembly method further includes: If the spring coil is not detected in the annular space, an assembly anomaly strategy is executed.

9. The oil seal spring assembly method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The assembly anomaly strategy includes stopping the machine and issuing an alarm.

10. The oil seal spring assembly method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The assembly anomaly strategy includes transferring the abnormal oil seal semi-finished products to the abnormal unloading area.

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