RING SEAL REMOVAL TOOL WITH INTEGRATED MEASURING DEVICE

Abstract

A ring seal removal tool (10) can have an elongated body (12) extending from a proximal end (14) to a distal end (16). The elongated body can have a bottom surface (30) and a surface (32) spaced vertically from the bottom surface. The ring seal removal tool can also have a hook (20) or a lever tip (22) attached to one of the proximal or distal ends. In addition, the ring seal removal tool can have multiple recesses (24) in the elongated body. Each recess can extend from the surface of the elongated body to the bottom surface of the elongated body. Each of the multiple recesses can be configured to receive a portion of a ring seal whose outer diameter is approximately equal to the width of the recess.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a ring seal removal tool and in particular to a ring seal removal tool with an integrated measuring device. State of the art

[0002] Various ring seals are typically used in one or more components of construction machinery. These components can include, for example, actuators, pumps, fluid tanks, or fluid connections. A ring seal helps prevent fluids contained within a component or component assembly from escaping into the surrounding environment. For example, one or more ring seals can be used in a hydraulic cylinder to prevent hydraulic fluid from leaking out into the external environment. A ring seal can also prevent air, water, and / or environmental contaminants (such as dirt or dust) from the surrounding environment from entering the internal parts of the components.

[0003] Over time, a sealing ring can deteriorate, altering its properties, such as its elasticity. This can impair its ability to provide a sufficient seal between the inside of a component and the external environment. In such cases, it may be necessary to remove the sealing ring from the component and replace it with a new one. A sealing ring removal tool can be used to remove a sealing ring from a component. The tool must be effective at removal, must not scratch the groove or other features where the sealing ring is installed, and should be robust enough to be reusable.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 4,813,120, granted to Fournier on March 21, 1989 (“the Patent '989”), describes a tool for extracting inserted O-rings from a bounding annular recess. The disclosed tool has an elongated O-ring lever section connected to a knurled handle. One surface of the lever section is inserted between the O-ring and the wall of the annular recess, so that one surface of the lever section is in contact with the right portion of the O-ring. The handle is then pressed down, lifting or levering the O-ring out of the recess. Although Patent '989 discloses a tool for extracting an inserted O-ring, the disclosed tool does not allow the operator to determine the size of the replacement O-ring. Therefore, the operator requires an additional gauge or measuring device to determine the size of the replacement O-ring.The need to use an additional tool makes the replacement process cumbersome and increases costs due to the additional expense of the measuring device, which may be undesirable.

[0005] The disclosure of the tool described herein for removing ring seals solves one or more of the above-mentioned problems and / or other prior art problems. Summary

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a ring seal removal tool. The ring seal removal tool may comprise an elongated body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The ring seal removal tool may also comprise a hook extending from the proximal end. Furthermore, the ring seal removal tool may comprise a lever tip extending from the distal end. The ring seal removal tool may also have a recess in the elongated body. The recess may be configured to receive a portion of a ring seal whose outer diameter is approximately equal to the width of the recess.

[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an annular seal removal tool. The annular seal removal tool may comprise an elongated body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The elongated body may have a bottom surface and a surface spaced vertically from the bottom surface. The annular seal removal tool may also have a hook or lever tip attached to one of the proximal or distal ends. Furthermore, the annular seal removal tool may have multiple recesses in the elongated body. Each recess may extend from the surface of the elongated body to the bottom surface of the elongated body. Each of the multiple recesses may be configured to receive a portion of an annular seal whose outer diameter is approximately equal to the width of the recess. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a representation of an exemplary embodiment of a ring seal removal tool; Fig. Figure 2 is an exemplary representation of a side view of the ring seal removal tool made of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is an exemplary representation of a cross-section of the ring seal removal tool made of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 along the in Fig. 2 shown section line AA. Fig. Figure 4 is another exemplary representation of a cross-sectional view of the ring seal removal tool made of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 along the in Fig. 2 shown section line BB. Fig. Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of a proximal section of the ring seal removal tool. Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of a distal section of the ring seal removal tool. Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of a middle section of the ring seal removal tool. Fig. 1; and Fig. Figure 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a ring seal removal tool. Detailed description

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the ring seal removal tool 10. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the ring seal removal tool 10 can comprise an elongated body 12 that extends from the proximal end 14 to the distal end 16 along the longitudinal axis 18 of the elongated body 12. The elongated body 12 can have any desired length. The hook 20 can extend outward from the proximal end 14, and the lever tip 22 can extend outward from the distal end 16, or vice versa. It is also conceivable that in some exemplary embodiments, the ring seal removal tool 10 comprises only a hook 20 or a lever tip 22 attached to one of the ends, the proximal end 14 or the distal end 16. As shown in Figure 1, the elongated body 12 can be of any desired length. Fig. As further illustrated in Figure 1, the ring seal removal tool 10 can have one or more recesses 24 in the elongated body 12. Each recess 24 can be configured to accommodate a ring seal with an outer diameter approximately equal to the width of that recess 24.

[0009] Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary side view of the ring seal removal tool 10. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the ring seal removal tool 10 can have a first surface (or bottom surface) 30 and a second surface (or surface) 32, which is spaced apart from the first surface 30 in a vertical direction 34 that may extend transversely to the longitudinal axis 18. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the ring seal removal tool 10 can have a first surface (or bottom surface) 30 and a second surface (or surface) 32, which is spaced apart from the first surface 30 in a vertical direction 34 that may extend transversely to the longitudinal axis 18. Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the vertical direction 34 can generally be arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18. As also shown in Figure 2, the vertical direction 34 can generally be arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18. Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the recess 24 can extend from the second surface 32 to the first surface 30 in a direction opposite to the height direction 34 into the elongated body 12. It is understood that the terms "generally" and "approximately" used in this disclosure may denote dimensions that may include typical tolerances and deviations with respect to design, material, manufacturing, and / or processing. For example, the term "generally perpendicular" may include angles between 90° ± 5°.

[0010] Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary cross-sectional view of the ring seal removal tool 10 along the section line AA, as in Fig. 2 shown. As in the exemplary embodiments of the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the elongated body 12 can have a height “H1” between the first surface 30 and the second surface 32. As also shown in Figure 3, the elongated body 12 can have a height “H1” between the first surface 30 and the second surface 32. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the elongated body 12 can have a third surface (or front surface) 36 and a fourth surface (or rear surface) 38, which can be spaced apart from the third surface 36 along a lateral direction 40 that can run both transversely to the longitudinal axis 18 and to the vertical direction 34. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the third surface 36 can be spaced apart along a lateral direction 40 that can run transversely to either the longitudinal axis 18 or the vertical direction 34. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the lateral direction 40 can generally be arranged perpendicular to both the vertical direction 34 and the longitudinal axis 18. As also shown in Figure 3, the lateral direction 40 can generally be arranged perpendicular to both the vertical direction 34 and the longitudinal axis 18. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the elongated body 12 can generally have a polygonal cross-section. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the body can have a polygonal cross-section. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the angled bottom surfaces 42 and 44 connect the first surface 30 to the third and fourth surfaces 36 and 38, respectively. Similarly, the angled upper surfaces 46 and 48 can connect the second surface 32 to the third and fourth surfaces 36 and 38, respectively, via the vertical surfaces 50 and 52. It is intended that the cross-section of the elongated body 12 may have more or fewer surfaces 36, 38, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, and / or 52. In some exemplary embodiments, the cross-section of the elongated body 12 may, for example, not have any vertical surfaces 50 and 52. It is also conceivable that the shape of the cross-sectional area of ​​the elongated body 12 may be, for example, circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, triangular, or any other shape.

[0011] The elongated body 12 can be divided into several sections. For example, the elongated body 12 can be divided into a Fig. The elongated body 12 in the embodiment shown in Figure 2 is divided into three sections: a proximal section 60, a distal section 62, and a middle section 64. However, it is conceivable that the elongated body 12 has fewer than or more than three sections with similar or different dimensions and / or cross-sectional shapes. The proximal section 60 of the elongated body 12 can extend from the proximal end 14 to the distal end 16. The distal section 62 of the elongated body 12 can extend from the distal end 16 to the proximal end 14. The middle section 64 of the elongated body 12 can extend between and connect the proximal section 60 and the distal section 62. The elongated body 12 can have a generally similar cross-sectional area in the proximal section 60 and the distal section 62.However, the elongated body 12 may have a cross-sectional area in the middle section 64 that may have a different shape or be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the elongated body 12 in the proximal section 60 and / or distal section 62.

[0012] Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary cross-section of the ring seal removal tool 10 along the section line BB, as in Fig. 2 shown. As in the exemplary embodiments of the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the elongated body 12 can have a height “H2” between the first surface 30 and the second surface 32. The height H2 of the middle section 64 can be greater than the height H1 of the proximal section 60 and / or the distal section 62 of the elongated body 12. As also shown in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the cross-sectional area of ​​the elongated body 12 can comprise angled bottom surfaces 42 and 44 in the central section 64, which can connect the third and fourth surfaces 36 and 38, respectively, to the first surface 30. Similarly, the cross-sectional area of ​​the elongated body 12 can comprise angled surfaces 46 and 48 in the central section 64, which can connect the third and fourth surfaces 36 and 38, respectively, to the second surface 32 via vertical surfaces 50 and 52, respectively. A comparison of the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 illustrates that the vertical surfaces 50 and 52 in the middle section 64 (as in Fig. 4 shown) compared to the dimensions of the vertical surfaces 50 and 52 in the proximal section 60 and / or distal section 62 (as in Fig. (as shown in Figure 3) may be longer (i.e., may have a greater height in the vertical direction 34). It is envisaged that the cross-section of the elongated body 12 in the central section 64 may have more or fewer surfaces 36, 38, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, and / or 52. It is also conceivable that the cross-section of the elongated body 12 in the central section 64 may have any other shape, for example, circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, triangular, or any other desired shape. Furthermore, it is conceivable that one or more of the proximal sections 60, distal sections 62, and central sections 64 may have the same or different cross-sectional shapes and / or sizes. Although the central section 64 has been described and illustrated to have a larger cross-sectional area and / or greater height H2 compared to the cross-sectional areas and / or heights H1 of the proximal section 60 and the distal section 62, respectively, the cross-sectional areas and / or heights H1 of the proximal section 60 and the distal section 62 are not necessarily the only possible cross-sectional shapes.The distal section 62 may, in some exemplary embodiments, have one or both of the proximal section 60 and / or the distal section 62 having a larger cross-sectional area and / or height compared to the other sections of the elongated body 12. Although the proximal section 60 and the distal section 62 of the elongated body 12 in . Fig. 2 shown and described as having the same height H1 and / or a similar cross-sectional shape and area, it is conceivable that in some exemplary embodiments the height, cross-sectional shape and / or area of ​​the proximal section 60 may differ from the height, cross-sectional shape and / or area of ​​the distal section 62.

[0013] Back to Fig. 2: The first surface 30 of the elongated body 12 can be partially or completely structured to provide an improved gripping surface. For example, as in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. Figure 2 shows that parts of the first surface 30 in the proximal section 60 and the distal section 62 of the elongated body 12 of the ring seal removal tool 10 are structured. It is provided that in some exemplary embodiments of the elongated body 12 of the ring seal removal tool 10, the proximal section 60, the distal section 62, and / or the central section 64 may be wholly or partially structured. However, it is also provided that in some exemplary embodiments of the ring seal removal tool 10, neither the proximal section 60 nor the distal section 62 and / or the central section 64 may be structured.

[0014] Fig. Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the proximal section 60 of the elongated body 12 and the hook 20. The hook 20 can comprise a shank 70, a bend 72, and a point 74. The hook 20 can be attached to the proximal end 14 of the elongated body 12 such that the point 74 can extend in the vertical direction 34 relative to the shank 70 and the bend 72. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, one end of the shaft 70 can be connected to the proximal end 14 of the elongated body 12 of the ring seal removal tool 10. The bend 72 can extend from an opposite end of the shaft 70 to the tip 74. The bend 72 can generally have a curved body, such that a section of the bend 72 can be spaced from the first surface 30 in the direction opposite to the height direction 34. However, it is provided that in some exemplary embodiments at least a section of an outer surface of the bend 72 can be coplanar with the first surface 30. The tip 74 can extend beyond the second surface 32 in the height direction 34. For example, in a Fig. In the embodiment shown in section 5, the height “H3” of the tip 74 relative to the first surface 30 is greater than the height H1 of the elongated body 12.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the hook 20 can be an integral part of the ring seal removal tool 10, such that the hook 20 can be formed integrally with the elongated body 12. In other exemplary embodiments, the hook 20 can be detachably attached to the elongated body 12 at the proximal end 14 of the elongated body 12. In one exemplary embodiment, the hook 20 can be screwed to the elongated body 12 at the proximal end 14. For example, the elongated body 12 can have internal threads extending from the proximal end 14 along the longitudinal axis 18 into the elongated body 12, and a section of the shank 70 of the hook can have external threads that can engage with the internal threads in the elongated body 12. In another exemplary embodiment, the hook 20 can be attached to the proximal end 14 of the elongated body 12 by an interference fit.For example, the elongated body 12 can have a blind hole extending from the proximal end 14 along the longitudinal axis 18 into the elongated body 12. The blind hole can have one or more recesses. The shank 70 of the hook 20 can have one or more projections that can engage in the one or more recesses in the blind hole of the elongated body 12 when the shank 70 is inserted or pressed into the blind hole. It is also provided that the hook 20 can be attached to the proximal end 14 of the elongated body 12 by fasteners or rivets, or by welding, soldering, gluing, and / or another fastening method.

[0016] Fig. Figure 6 shows an enlarged view of the distal section 62 of the elongated body 12 and the lever tip 22. The lever tip 22 can comprise a shaft 80, a tip section 82, and a tip end 84. The lever tip 22 can be attached to the distal end 16 of the elongated body 12 such that the tip end 84 can extend in the vertical direction 34 relative to the shaft 80. One end of the shaft 80 of the lever tip 22 can extend along the longitudinal axis 18 from the distal end 16 of the elongated body 12 in a direction from the proximal end 14 to the distal end 16. The tip section 82 can extend from an opposite end of the shaft 80 and be bent relative to the shaft 80 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 18. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the lever tip 22 can be positioned such that the tip section 82 is arranged in a vertical direction 34 relative to the shaft 80. Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the tip section 82 can be positioned such that the tip end 84 projects beyond the second surface 32 in the vertical direction 34. For example, the height "H4" of the tip end 84 relative to the first surface 30 can be greater than the height H1 of the elongated body 12. The tip section 82 can be arranged at an angle θ relative to the shaft 80 of the lever tip 22. The angle θ can be between approximately 90° and 150°. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the tip section 82 can be arranged at an obtuse angle relative to the shaft 80 of the lever tip 22. As also shown in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the apical section 82 can generally have a conical shape. However, it is conceivable that the apical section 82 could also have other shapes (e.g., pyramid, wedge, hexahedron).

[0017] In some embodiments, the lever tip 22 can be an integral part of the ring seal removal tool 10, such that the lever tip 22 can be formed integrally with the elongated body 12. In other exemplary embodiments, the lever tip 22 can be detachably attached to the elongated body 12 at its distal end 16. In one exemplary embodiment, the lever tip 22 can be screwed to the elongated body 12 at its distal end 16. For example, the elongated body 12 can have internal threads extending from the distal end 16 along the longitudinal axis 18 into the elongated body 12, and a section of the shank 80 of the lever tip 22 can have external threads that can engage with the internal threads in the elongated body 12. In another exemplary embodiment, the lever tip 22 can be attached to the distal end 16 of the elongated body 12 by an interference fit.For example, the elongated body 12 may have a blind hole extending from the distal end 16 along the longitudinal axis 18 into the elongated body 12. The blind hole may have one or more recesses. The shaft 80 of the lever tip 22 may have one or more projections that can engage in the one or more recesses in the blind hole of the elongated body 12 when the shaft 80 is inserted or pressed into the blind hole. It is also provided that the hook 20 can be attached to the distal end 16 of the elongated body 12 by fasteners or rivets, or by welding, soldering, gluing, and / or another fastening method.

[0018] Back to Fig. 2: The ring seal removal tool 10 can have several recesses 24. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the multiple recesses 24 can be grouped into a first group of recesses 90, a second group of recesses 92, a third group of recesses 94, a fourth group of recesses 96, and a fifth group of recesses 98. As shown in Fig. As further shown in Figure 2, the first and second groups of recesses 90 and 92 can be arranged on the proximal section 60 of the elongated body 12, the third and fourth groups of recesses 94 and 96 can be arranged on the distal section 62 of the elongated body 12, and the fifth group of recesses 98 can be arranged on the middle section 64 of the elongated body 12. Although in Fig. Since five groups of recesses 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98 are shown in Figure 2, it is conceivable that the elongated body 12 of the ring seal removal tool 10 may have more or fewer than five groups of recesses. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the elongated body 12 of the ring seal removal tool may comprise a group of recesses 90, a group of recesses 96, and a group of recesses 98, such that a first group of recesses 90 may be arranged on the proximal section 60, a second group of recesses 96 on the distal section 62, and a third group of recesses 96 on the middle section 64. Furthermore, it is envisaged that more than or fewer than two groups of recesses may be arranged on any part of the proximal section 60, the distal section 62, and / or the middle section 64 of the elongated body 12.It is also provided that each group of recesses (e.g., 90, 92, 94, 96, and / or 98) can comprise any number of recesses 24. As also in the . Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the elongated body 12 can have recess-free sections 86 that do not contain recesses 24. The cut-out free areas 86 can provide one or more locations for holding and / or manipulating the ring seal removal tool 10 during the removal of a ring seal. It is also provided that recesses 24 in one or more groups of recesses 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98 can also form gripping surfaces that allow an operator to hold and / or manipulate the ring seal removal tool 10 during the removal of a ring seal. For example, the third and fourth surfaces 36, 38 in the proximal section 60, distal section 62 and / or middle section 64 can provide an improved gripping surface 36 or 38 resulting from recesses 24 arranged between uncut sections of the third and fourth side surfaces 36, 38.

[0019] With reference to Fig. 5. Each recess 24 can be defined by a pair of flat surfaces 102 and 104 spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 18. A distance “W” can define the width of the gap between the flat surfaces (or walls) 102 and 104 of each recess 24. Each recess 24 can also include a curved surface 106 (or bottom wall 106) that extends between and connects the flat surfaces 102 and 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the curved surface 106 can be a generally semi-cylindrical surface. The dimension “H” along the vertical direction 34 can define a height of the recess 24. It is provided that the height H can be greater than or approximately equal to the width W of the recess 24. It is also provided that the height H of a recess 24 can be smaller than the heights H1 and H2 of the elongated body 12.In some exemplary embodiments, the height H of any recess 24 in the proximal section 60 or distal section 62 of the elongated body 12 can be approximately equal to or less than half the height H1 to ensure the structural integrity of the elongated body 12 and to minimize the likelihood of the elongated body 12 bending and / or breaking near the curved surface 106. Similarly, in some exemplary embodiments, the height H of any recess 24 in the central section 64 of the elongated body 12 can be approximately equal to or less than half the height H2. The recess 24 can be configured to accommodate at least a portion of an annular seal, allowing the annular seal to be inserted into the recess 24 without deformation of the annular seal.This means that a ring seal with a cross-section whose outer diameter corresponds approximately to the width W of the recess 24 can be inserted into the recess 24 without deformation of the ring seal. In some embodiments, the height H of the recess 24 can correspond approximately to the width W of the recess 24, so that when part of the ring seal is inserted into the recess 24, the ring seal can rest on the curved surface 106 and one surface of the ring seal can be coplanar with the second surface 32 of the elongated body 12.

[0020] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the first group of recesses 90, which can be arranged adjacent to the proximal end 14 of the elongated body 12. The first group of recesses 90 can comprise a plurality of recesses 24. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the first group of recesses 90 can, for example, comprise recesses 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, and / or 122. A first recess 110 can be located adjacent to the proximal end 14, and a second recess 122 can be spaced apart from the first recess 110. The second recess 122 can be located adjacent to the central section 64 of the elongated body 12. A plurality of intermediate recesses 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 of increasing width and / or height can be arranged between the first recess 110 and the second recess 122. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the first recess 110 can be located adjacent to the first recess 110. Fig. Figure 5 shows the recesses 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 and / or 120 having different sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the width W and height H of the recesses 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, and / or 122 can increase with increasing distance from the proximal end 14. For example, recess 110 may have the smallest width W and smallest height H of the recesses in the first group of recesses 90, and recess 122 may have the largest width W and largest height H of the recesses in the first group of recesses 90. Furthermore, the widths and heights of each successive recess in the direction from the proximal end 14 to the distal end 16 may be greater than the width and height of all preceding recesses. For example, the width and height of recess 112 can be greater than the width and height of recess 110, the width and height of recess 114 can be greater than the width and height of recess 112, the width and height of recess 116 can be greater than the width and height of recess 114, etc.The widths and heights of successive recesses 24 in one or more of the second group of recesses 92, third group of recesses 94, fourth group of recesses 96, and / or fifth group of recesses 98 can also increase from the proximal end to the distal end. That is, the first recess 110 can have a first width that may be smaller than the widths of the intermediate recesses 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, and the width of the second recess 122. Likewise, the second recess 122 can have a second width that may be larger than the widths of the intermediate recesses 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, and the width of the first recess 110.

[0021] However, it is provided that in some exemplary embodiments, the width W and the height H of the recesses 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 and / or 120 may decrease with increasing distance from the proximal end 14. For example, the width and height of recess 112 may be smaller than the width and height of recess 110, the width and height of recess 112 may be smaller than the width and height of recess 114, the width and height of recess 114 may be smaller than the width and height of recess 116, and so on. It is also provided that in some exemplary embodiments, the width W and the height H of the recesses 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 and / or 120 do not increase or decrease sequentially.

[0022] Fig. Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of the central section 64 of the elongated body 12. The central section 64 may have one or more recesses 24. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the recess 24 in the central section 64 can have a height H that may be less than the height H2 of the elongated body 12 in the central section 64. In some exemplary embodiments, the height H of the recess 24 in the central section 64 can be greater than the height H1 of the proximal and distal sections 60, 62 of the elongated body 12, but less than the height H2 of the central section 64 of the elongated body 12. It is also provided that the height H of the recess 24 in the central section 64 can be approximately equal to or less than half the height H2 in order to ensure the structural integrity of the elongated body 12 and to minimize the probability of the elongated body 12 bending and / or breaking near the curved surface 106 of the recess 24.It is further considered that the height H of the recess 24 in the middle section 64 may be approximately greater than half the height H1 of the proximal section 60 and / or the distal section 62.

[0023] The dimensions of the recesses 24 in each group of recesses (e.g., 90, 92, 94, 96, and / or 98) can be selected based on the dimensions of the ring seals used on a particular component, group of components, machine, or group of machines, or based on another criterion. For example, if a particular component (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder or pump) uses O-rings with diameters between 1 mm and 6 mm, the width and height of the recesses 24 in the first group of recesses 90 can be between 1 mm and 6 mm. It is understood that the range of 1 mm to 6 mm is exemplary and not limiting, and any other dimensional range can be used. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the recess groups (e.g.,The recesses 24 (e.g., 90, 92, 94, 96, and / or 98) may comprise recesses 24 with dimensions based on an industry standard, such as a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard. It is also provided that one or more of the groups of recesses (e.g., 90, 92, 94, 96, and / or 98) may comprise recesses 24 with dimensions in a predetermined system of units. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, recesses 24 in a first group of recesses 90, located adjacent to a proximal end 14, may have widths and heights specified in imperial units (e.g., inches, mils), and recesses 24 in a fourth group of recesses 96, located adjacent to a distal end 16, may have widths and heights specified in metric units (e.g., mm, cm).

[0024] Fig. Figure 8 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the ring seal removal tool 10. In the embodiment of Fig. 8 The ring seal removal tool 10 can comprise a lower half 130 and an upper half 132. The upper half 132 of the ring seal removal tool 10 can be detachably attached to the lower half 130. For example, the surface 134 of the lower half 130 and / or the bottom surface 136 of the upper half 132 can have one or more projections, recesses, and / or other locking mechanisms that allow the upper half 132 to be attached to the lower half 130 of the ring seal removal tool 10. In some exemplary embodiments, the lower half 130 and the upper half 132 can be detachably connected to each other by fasteners or clamps. In an exemplary embodiment, as described in Fig.As shown in Figure 8, the lower half 130 can have a hook 20 and a lever tip 22 extending from opposite ends of the lower half 130, and the upper half 132 can have recesses 24 and / or one or more groups of recesses (e.g., 90, 92, 94, 96, and / or 98), as described above. Thus, various upper halves 132, including groups of recesses (e.g., 90, 92, 94, 96, and / or 98) with different selections or combinations of width and height dimensions, can be attached to the lower half 130, allowing the ring seal removal tool 10 to be used for a greater variety and number of ring seals.Although the hook 20 and lever tip 22 have been described as being attached to the lower half 130, in some exemplary embodiments it is provided that the hook 20 and lever tip 22 may extend from opposite ends of the upper half 132 of the ring seal removal tool 10. Industrial applicability

[0025] The exposed ring seal removal tool 10 can be used to remove and replace one or more ring seals during the maintenance or repair of one or more components, such as a construction machine. For example, a construction machine such as an excavator, bulldozer, milling machine, paving machine, or dump truck may include one or more components such as an engine, a hydraulic cylinder, and / or other components necessary for the machine's operation. One or more of these components may include one or more ring seals to prevent fluids from leaking from inside the component into the external environment and to prevent air, moisture, or dirt from the external environment from entering the component. After a certain period of use, one or more of the component's ring seals may need to be replaced.The described ring seal removal tool can be used to remove and replace a worn ring seal.

[0026] Consider, for example, the situation in which an annular seal is installed and inserted in a recess or annular seal groove of a machine component. The tip 74 and / or the tip end 84 of the hook 20 or the lever tip 22 can be inserted between the annular seal and a wall of the annular seal groove. This allows an operator to manipulate the elongated body 12 of the annular seal removal tool 10 so that the annular seal can be lifted and pulled out of the annular seal groove. After removing the annular seal, the operator can insert a section of the extracted annular seal into one of the recesses 24, starting, for example, with a recess 24 whose width is smaller than the diameter of the annular seal, and then into recesses of progressively greater width or height.The operator can continue this process until the ring seal can be inserted into a recess 24 where the flat surfaces 102, 104 contact the ring seal on both sides without requiring compression when inserting the ring seal into the gap between the flat surfaces 102, 104. The operator can press the ring seal in so that it rests on the curved surface 106 and the surface of the ring seal is coplanar with the surface 32 of the ring seal removal tool 10. The operator can note the dimensions of the respective recess 24 and locate a replacement ring seal with the same dimensions. Thus, the exposed ring seal removal tool 10 can assist an operator in removing an existing worn ring seal and determining the dimensions of the ring seal based on the one or more recesses in the ring seal removal tool 10.The operator may be able to identify a replacement ring seal for installation based on the determined dimensions. The exposed ring seal removal tool 10 can help an operator quickly identify and locate a replacement ring seal with dimensions similar to the removed ring seal without the need for additional measuring tools. The exposed ring seal removal tool 10 can also give the operator confidence that the correct size replacement ring seal has been selected.

[0027] It should be noted that if some exemplary embodiments with a feature or property are described in this disclosure, some or all of the other exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure may also have the same feature or property. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed ring seal removal tool. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from considering the description and the practice of the disclosed ring seal removal tool. The description and examples are to be regarded as examples only, the actual scope being specified by the following claims and their equivalents. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 4,813,120

[0004]

Claims

[1] Ring seal removal tool (10), comprising: an elongated body (12) extending from a proximal end (14) to a distal end (16); a hook (20) extending from the proximal end; a lever tip (22) extending from the distal end; and a recess (24) in the elongated body, wherein the recess is configured to accommodate a section of an annular seal whose outer diameter is approximately equal to the width of the recess. [2] Ring seal removal tool according to claim 1, wherein the elongated body comprises a first surface (30) and a second surface (32) which are spaced apart from each other over the height of the elongated body, and the recess that extends from the second surface to the first surface into the elongated body. [3] Ring seal removal tool according to claim 2, wherein the height of the recess is greater than or equal to the width of the recess. [4] Ring seal removal tool according to claim 3, wherein the recess comprises: a pair of flat walls (102, 104) spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis (18) of the elongated body; and a generally semi-cylindrical floor wall (106) extending between the flat walls. [5] Ring seal removal tool according to claim 2, wherein the hook comprises: a shaft (70) which is attached to the elongated body, a generally curved body (72) extending beyond the first surface in a first direction extending from the second surface to the first surface, and a point (74) that extends beyond the second surface in a second direction, extending from the first surface to the second surface. [6] Ring seal removal tool according to claim 1, wherein the lever tip comprises: a shaft (80) extending from the distal end along a longitudinal axis of the elongated body; and a tip section (82) extending from the shaft in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. [7] Ring seal removal tool according to claim 6, wherein the tip section generally has a conical shape and the tip section is arranged at an obtuse angle relative to the shaft. [8] Ring seal removal tool according to claim 1, wherein the recess is one of several recesses and the several recesses (24) comprise: a first group of recesses (90) arranged adjacent to the proximal end of the elongated body; and a second group of recesses (96) located adjacent to the distal end of the elongated body. [9] Ring seal removal tool according to claim 8, wherein the first group comprises recesses: a first recess (110) next to the proximal end; a second recess (122) next to a middle section of the elongated body; and a multitude of intermediate recesses (110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120) arranged between the first recess and the second recess, where the first recess has a first width that is smaller than the widths of the intermediate recesses and the second recess, and the second recess has a second width that is larger than the widths of the intermediate recesses and the first width. [10] Ring seal removal tool (10), comprising: an elongated body (12) extending from a proximal end (14) to a distal end (16), wherein the elongated body has a base surface (30) and a surface (32) which is spaced apart in the vertical direction from the base surface; a hook (20) or a lever tip (22) attached to one of the proximal or distal ends; and a plurality of recesses (24) in the elongated body, each recess extending from the surface of the elongated body to the bottom surface of the elongated body and configured to accommodate a portion of an annular seal, the outer diameter of which is approximately equal to the width of the recess.

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