A special tool for mounting an oil filter end cover

Abstract

This application relates to a special tool for installing oil filter end caps. It includes a support assembly and a gripper assembly. The gripper assembly includes a clamping member and a limiting member. The limiting member is connected to the support assembly and has a hollow portion extending through it. The clamping member is movably connected to the support assembly to pass through the hollow portion. The clamping member is used to retract when the hollow portion is pressed and to expand when the pressure on the hollow portion is released. By using the special tool for installing oil filter end caps provided in this application, a large clamping force can be generated on the end cap, facilitating transfer. Simultaneously, the end cap can be slowly released, preventing sudden drop and facilitating proper alignment during installation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of production tool technology, and in particular to a special tool for installing oil filter end caps. Background Technology

[0002] The oil filter is a crucial component of the engine oil system. It removes various harmful impurities and particles from the engine oil, maintaining its cleanliness to ensure the durable and reliable operation of the diesel engine. The main body of the oil filter is a welded steel structure, with the end cap connected to the body by couplings and bolts. In AC diesel locomotives, the end cap of the oil filter needs to be opened and the seven sets of internal filter elements replaced during each overhaul or oil dilution. Because the end cap is heavy, multiple people are required to work together to align it properly in the grooves of the end cap tank during transfer and installation, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

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

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a special tool for installing oil filter end caps, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive and requires multiple people to work together to align the end cap tank grooves.

[0005] A special tool for installing oil filter end caps includes:

[0006] Support components; and

[0007] A gripper assembly, comprising a gripper and a limiting member, wherein the limiting member is connected to the support assembly and has a hollow portion extending through it, and the gripper is movably connected to the support assembly to pass through the hollow portion, wherein the gripper is used to retract when the hollow portion is pressed and to unfold when the hollow portion is released from pressure.

[0008] In one embodiment, the gripper assembly further includes a reset member connected to the clamping member, the reset member being used to drive the clamping member to unfold when the hollow portion is released from pressure.

[0009] In one embodiment, the clamping member includes a fixed base and a plurality of clamping arms. The fixed base is movably connected to the support assembly, and each clamping arm is hinged to the fixed base. The resetting member includes a plurality of elastic elements, each of which is connected at one end to the fixed base along its own length direction and at the other end to a corresponding clamping arm.

[0010] In one embodiment, the gripper assembly further includes a lifting member movably connected to the support assembly, and the clamping member is connected to the lifting member.

[0011] In one embodiment, the support assembly has a through-hole, and the lifting member includes a first screw connected to the clamping member and threadedly connected to the screw hole to lift relative to the support assembly.

[0012] In one embodiment, the support assembly includes a lifting mechanism and an extension bracket. The lifting mechanism is used to drive the extension bracket to rise and fall. The extension bracket extends in a direction away from the lifting mechanism. The limiting member is connected to the extension bracket, and the clamping member is movably connected to the extension bracket.

[0013] In one embodiment, the lifting mechanism includes a support member, a transmission member, and a movable member. The transmission member is rotatably connected to the support member, the transmission member is drively connected to the movable member, and the movable member is connected to the extension bracket.

[0014] In one embodiment, the support member has a movable cavity, and the top of the support member along its own height direction is recessed with a sliding groove. The transmission member is disposed at the top of the support member along its own height direction, and the bottom of the transmission member is provided with a sliding protrusion. The sliding protrusion is slidably engaged with the sliding groove. The transmission member is provided with a through hole, and the through hole communicates with the movable cavity. The wall of the through hole is provided with an internal thread. The movable member includes a second screw, which is inserted into the movable cavity and engages with the internal thread of the through hole.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second screw has a recessed engagement cavity along its own length direction, and the wall of the movable cavity has a protruding engagement post along the height direction of the support member, the engagement post being inserted into the engagement cavity.

[0016] In one embodiment, the limiting member includes a connector and a limiting ring, the connector being connected to the support assembly at one end along its own length and extending toward the bottom of the support assembly along its own height direction at the other end, and the limiting ring being connected to the other end of the connector.

[0017] The clamping component of the aforementioned oil filter end cap installation tool is initially in an unfolded state. When it passes through the hollow portion of the limiting component, the hollow portion exerts a pressure on the unfolded clamping component, causing it to gradually retract as it passes through the limiting component. At this point, the clamping component can hold the end cap, and as it passes through, the clamping force gradually increases, ensuring a tight grip on the end cap. When installing the end cap, as the clamping component moves in the opposite direction relative to the limiting component, the pressure from the hollow portion gradually weakens until it is released, allowing the clamping component to gradually unfold and release the end cap for installation on the oil filter canister. By using the oil filter end cap installation tool provided in this application embodiment, a large clamping force can be generated on the end cap, facilitating transfer, while also enabling slow release of the end cap to prevent sudden drop and facilitating proper alignment during installation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the disclosed drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a special tool for installing an oil filter end cap, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a special tool for installing an oil filter end cap provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100, Special tool for installing oil filter end cap; 1, Support assembly; 11, Lifting mechanism; 111, Support component; 1111, Movable cavity; 1112, Slide groove; 1113, Locking post; 112, Transmission component; 1121, Sliding protrusion; 1122, Through hole; 113, Movable component; 1131, Second screw; 1132, Locking cavity; 12, Extension bracket; 2, Gripper assembly; 21, Clamping component; 211, Fixed base; 212, Clamping arm; 22, Limiting component; 221, Hollow part; 222, Connecting component; 223, Limiting ring; 23, Reset component; 231, Elastic component; 24, Lifting component; 241, First screw; 242, Screw hole. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0023] Please see Figure 1 This application provides a special tool 100 for installing an oil filter end cap, including a support assembly 1 and a gripper assembly 2. The gripper assembly 2 includes a clamping member 21 and a limiting member 22. The limiting member 22 is connected to the support assembly 1 and has a hollow portion 221 extending through it. The clamping member 21 is movably connected to the support assembly 1 to pass through the hollow portion 221. The clamping member 21 is used to retract when the hollow portion 221 is pressed and to unfold when the hollow portion 221 is released from pressure. It can be understood that the clamping member 21 is initially in an unfolded state. When it passes through the hollow portion 221 of the limiting member 22, the hollow portion 221 exerts a pressing effect on the unfolded clamping member 21, causing the clamping member 21 to gradually retract as it passes through the limiting member 22. At this time, the clamping member 21 can clamp the end cap, and as the clamping member 21 is inserted, the clamping force of the clamping member 21 gradually increases, so that the clamping member 21 can tightly clamp the end cap. When installing the end cap, as the clamping member 21 moves in the opposite direction to the limiting member 22, the pressure exerted by the hollow portion 221 on the clamping member 21 gradually weakens until it is released, allowing the clamping member 21 to gradually unfold and the end cap to be released for installation on the oil filter canister. By using the special tool 100 for installing the oil filter end cap provided in this embodiment, a large clamping force can be generated on the end cap, facilitating transfer, while also enabling slow release of the end cap to prevent it from suddenly falling off, thus facilitating the alignment of the end cap during installation.

[0024] Please see Figure 2 First, let’s introduce the specific structure of gripper assembly 2.

[0025] In an optional embodiment, the clamping member 21 can deform on its own; in other words, the clamping member 21 can automatically unfold after being pressed and closed. When the clamping member 21 is subjected to the pressure of the limiting member 22, it deforms to close. When the limiting member 22 releases the pressure, the clamping member 21 tends to recover its deformation and gradually unfold. For example, the clamping member 21 can be made of an elastic material.

[0026] Please see Figure 2In other alternative embodiments, the clamping member 21 cannot automatically unfold after being pressed and closed. A reset member 23 is needed to assist in unfolding the clamping member 21. In some embodiments, the gripper assembly 2 further includes a reset member 23 connected to the clamping member 21. The reset member 23 is used to drive the clamping member 21 to unfold when the hollow portion 221 is released from pressure. The reset member 23 facilitates the unfolding of the limiting member 22.

[0027] In an optional embodiment, the reset member 23 may be an elastic member or a mechanical drive member, etc. The mechanical drive member may be a telescopic motor, etc.

[0028] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the clamping member 21 includes a fixed base 211 and multiple clamping arms 212. The fixed base 211 is movably connected to the support assembly 1, and each clamping arm 212 is hinged to the fixed base 211. The resetting member 23 includes multiple elastic elements 231. One end of each elastic element 231 along its own length direction is connected to the fixed base 211, and the other end is connected to a corresponding clamping arm 212. The clamping arm 212 is hinged to the fixed base 211, which can improve the connection stability of the clamping arm 212. When the clamping member 21 is subjected to the pressure of the hollow part 221, the clamping arms 212 move closer together, and the elastic elements 231 are stretched by the clamping arms 212. When the pressure of the hollow part 221 gradually weakens, the elastic elements 231 tend to recover their own deformation and contract, pulling the clamping arms 212 away from each other and unfolding. The elastic elements 231 facilitate the unfolding of the clamping arms 212 and improve the clamping flexibility of the clamping arms 212.

[0029] In some embodiments, the elastic element 231 may be a sheet or a spring, etc.

[0030] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the gripper assembly 2 further includes a lifting member 24, which is movably connected to the support assembly 1, and the clamping member 21 is connected to the lifting member 24. The lifting member 24 facilitates the clamping member 21 passing through the hollow portion 221 of the limiting member 22.

[0031] In an optional embodiment, the lifting member 24 may be a slide rail or slider. The slide rail is provided on the support assembly 1, and the clamping member 21 is connected to the slider.

[0032] Please see Figure 2 In other optional embodiments, the support assembly 1 has a through screw hole 242, and the lifting member 24 includes a first screw 241, which is connected to the clamping member 21 and threadedly connected to the screw hole 242, so as to lift relative to the support assembly 1. The first screw 241 rotates relative to the screw hole 242 to change the height of the first screw 241 connected to the support assembly 1, thereby driving the clamping member 21 to lift relative to the limiting member 22. The lifting movement is achieved by setting the first screw 241 and the screw hole 242, which is simple in structure and easy to operate.

[0033] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the limiting member 22 includes a connector 222 and a limiting ring 223. One end of the connector 222 is connected to the support assembly 1 along its own length, and the other end extends toward the bottom of the support assembly 1 along its own height direction. The limiting ring 223 is connected to the other end of the connector 222. The limiting ring 223 is a certain distance from the support assembly 1 along its height direction, providing room for the lifting and lowering movement of the gripper assembly 2. The limiting ring 223 is arranged around the gripper assembly 2, which can apply uniform pressure to the clamping member 21, thereby enabling the clamping member 21 to clamp the end cap evenly.

[0034] Please see Figure 2 The specific structure of support component 1 will be described below.

[0035] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the support assembly 1 includes a lifting mechanism 11 and an extension bracket 12. The lifting mechanism 11 drives the extension bracket 12 to rise and fall. The extension bracket 12 extends in a direction away from the lifting mechanism 11. A limiting member 22 is connected to the extension bracket 12, and a clamping member 21 is movably connected to the extension bracket 12. The lifting mechanism 11 facilitates adjustment of the height of the gripper assembly 2, thereby facilitating the clamping assembly 2 to clamp the end cap and align it onto the oil filter tank, improving installation accuracy. The extension bracket 12 maintains a distance between the gripper assembly 2 and the lifting mechanism 11, facilitating the unfolding and closing of the clamping member 21 of the gripper assembly 2.

[0036] Please see Figure 2 In an optional embodiment, the lifting mechanism 11 may be a ball screw module, a synchronous belt and pulley module, a gear and rack module, etc.

[0037] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 11 includes a support member 111, a transmission member 112, and a movable member 113. The transmission member 112 is rotatably connected to the support member 111 and is drively connected to the movable member 113. The movable member 113 is connected to the extension bracket 12. The support member 111 provides support, and the transmission member 112 rotates relative to the support member 111, thereby driving the movable member 113 to move, converting the rotational motion into linear motion along the height direction, and driving the movable member 113 to move up and down.

[0038] Please see Figure 2In some embodiments, the support member 111 has a movable cavity 1111, and a groove 1112 is recessed at the top of the support member 111 along its own height direction. The transmission member 112 is located at the top of the support member 111 along its own height direction, and a sliding protrusion 1121 is provided at the bottom of the transmission member 112. The sliding protrusion 1121 is slidably engaged with the groove 1112. The transmission member 112 has a through hole 1122 that communicates with the movable cavity 1111. The wall of the through hole 1122 has an internal thread. The movable member 113 includes a second screw 1131, which is inserted into the movable cavity 1111 and engages with the internal thread of the through hole 1122. The transmission member 112 and the support member 111 are slidably engaged by the sliding protrusion 1121 and the groove 1112, so that the transmission member 112 rotates relative to the support member 111 while being connected to the support member 111. The internal thread of the through hole 1122 of the transmission component 112 engages with the external thread of the second screw 1131. When the transmission component 112 rotates, it can drive the second screw 1131 to move up and down in the height direction.

[0039] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the second screw 1131 has a recessed engagement cavity 1132 along its length, and the wall of the movable cavity 1111 has a protruding locking post 1113 along the height direction of the support member 111, with the locking post 1113 inserted into the engagement cavity 1132. The locking post 1113 and engagement cavity 1132 increase the connection area between the second screw 1131 and the support member 111, improving the support effect of the support member 111 on the second screw 1131. Simultaneously, the locking action provides a limiting effect on the second screw 1131, preventing it from descending excessively. When the second screw 1131 gradually rises under the drive of the transmission member 112, the engagement cavity 1132 gradually disengages from the locking post 1113. When the second screw 1131 gradually descends under the drive of the transmission member 112, the engagement cavity 1132 gradually engages with the locking post 1113.

[0040] Please see Figure 2The working principle of the special tool 100 for installing the oil filter end cap provided in this application will be specifically described below with reference to a specific embodiment: Rotating the transmission component 112 of the lifting mechanism 11 causes the second screw 1131 to descend, allowing the clamping component 21 of the gripper assembly 2 to align with the end cap. Rotating the second screw 1131 causes the clamping component 21 to rise relative to the limiting component 22, and the clamping component 21 gradually retracts under the action of the limiting component 22, clamping the end cap. Rotating the transmission component 112 of the lifting mechanism 11 in the opposite direction causes the second screw 1131 to rise, transferring the end cap to the vicinity of the oil filter tank. Rotating the transmission component 112 again causes the second screw 1131 to descend, lowering the end cap to the top of the oil filter tank. Rotate the second screw 1131 in the opposite direction to lower the clamping member 21 relative to the limiting member 22. The limiting member 22 releases its pressure on the clamping member 21. Under the action of the elastic member 231, the clamping member 21 unfolds to release the end cap, so that the end cap is installed on the oil filter tank.

[0041] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0042] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0043] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0045] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0046] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0047] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A special tool for installing an oil filter end cap, characterized in that, include: Support components; as well as A gripper assembly, comprising a gripper and a limiting member, wherein the limiting member is connected to the support assembly and has a hollow portion extending through it, and the gripper is movably connected to the support assembly to pass through the hollow portion, wherein the gripper is used to retract when the hollow portion is pressed and to unfold when the hollow portion is released from pressure.

2. The special tool for installing the oil filter end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gripper assembly further includes a reset member connected to the clamping member, which is used to drive the clamping member to unfold when the pressure on the hollow portion is released.

3. The special tool for installing the oil filter end cap according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping member includes a fixed base and multiple clamping arms. The fixed base is movably connected to the support assembly, and each clamping arm is hinged to the fixed base. The resetting member includes multiple elastic elements. One end of each elastic element is connected to the fixed base along its own length direction, and the other end is connected to a corresponding clamping arm.

4. The special tool for installing the oil filter end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gripper assembly further includes a lifting member, which is movably connected to the support assembly, and the clamping member is connected to the lifting member.

5. The special tool for installing the oil filter end cap according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support assembly has a through screw hole, and the lifting member includes a first screw rod connected to the clamping member. The first screw rod is threadedly connected to the screw hole to lift and lower relative to the support assembly.

6. The special tool for installing the oil filter end cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support assembly includes a lifting mechanism and an extension bracket. The lifting mechanism is used to drive the extension bracket to rise and fall. The extension bracket extends in a direction away from the lifting mechanism. The limiting member is connected to the extension bracket, and the clamping member is movably connected to the extension bracket.

7. The special tool for installing the oil filter end cap according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism includes a support member, a transmission member, and a movable member. The transmission member is rotatably connected to the support member, and the transmission member is drively connected to the movable member. The movable member is connected to the extension bracket.

8. The special tool for installing the oil filter end cap according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support member has a movable cavity, and the top of the support member along its own height direction is recessed with a sliding groove. The transmission member is located at the top of the support member along its own height direction. The bottom of the transmission member is provided with a sliding protrusion, which is slidably engaged with the sliding groove. The transmission member is provided with a through hole, which communicates with the movable cavity. The wall of the through hole is provided with an internal thread. The movable member includes a second screw, which is inserted into the movable cavity and engages with the internal thread of the through hole.

9. The special tool for installing the oil filter end cap according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second screw has a recessed engagement cavity along its own length direction, and the wall of the movable cavity has a protruding engagement post along the height direction of the support member, and the engagement post is inserted into the engagement cavity.

10. The special tool for installing the oil filter end cap according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The limiting member includes a connector and a limiting ring. One end of the connector is connected to the support assembly along its own length, and the other end extends toward the bottom of the support assembly along its own height direction. The limiting ring is connected to the other end of the connector.

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