Boot band pliers

Abstract

The mounting jig for securing the boot band springs is inappropriate, resulting in poor work efficiency. [Solution] A pliers-like tool specifically designed for spring installation is used to expand the diameter of the spring with one hand and install it in the designated location.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool specialized in the function of attaching a spring or the like for fixing a rubber boot frequently used in a steering mechanism of an automobile. In addition, a rubber boot (hereinafter referred to as a rubber boot) is mainly attached for the purpose of preventing dust and dirt from adhering to parts coated with grease, such as bearings and pivots. However, since the rubber deteriorates due to aging, it needs to be replaced regularly.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, the dedicated tools recommended by automobile manufacturers and commercially available are conical metal jigs. However, at the actual site of part replacement, in many cases, hands have to be inserted into the gap at the bottom of the automobile and the work has to be carried out in an unnatural posture, and it is extremely inefficient because the force to properly open a spring or the like cannot be applied.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] None

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When attaching a fixing spring or the like to a rubber boot, one hand has to hold down the rubber boot, so the work has to be done with one hand. With the current conical jig, since the rubber boot is held down with the jig for work, it may come off in an unnatural posture, and there may also be a problem that the spring or the like is fitted in a state where a part of the rubber boot is lifted.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the problems, one or more of the configurations described in any one of claims 1 to 3 of the present invention are selected and adopted. In other words, a pliers-like tool is used, which is designed so that the mounting part opens when the grip is squeezed. A spring or the like is attached to the mounting part, and the grip is squeezed to widen the diameter of the spring or the like while fitting it over the rubber boot. After the spring or the like is installed in the designated position, the grip is released and the tool is removed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] By adopting one or more of the configurations described in any of claims 1 to 3 of the present invention, all of the aforementioned problems can be solved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This shows the basic configuration of the boot band pliers, the tool in question. [Figure 2] This shows the grip section being held and the working part open. [Figure 3] This shows a cross-sectional view of the working part and the spring holding part. [Figure 4] This represents a configuration in which the left and right sides of the working part are asymmetrical. [Figure 5] This diagram shows a spring, formed from wire material into a circular shape, attached to a vertical wall that holds the spring in place. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments and configurations for implementing the present invention and solving all the problems are as detailed in claims 1 to 3, and any or more of them may be selected. An example of such configuration will be explained with reference to the figures. [Examples]

[0009] Figures 1 and 2 show an overall view of the boot band pliers of the present invention. The left part 1 and the right part 2 of the main body are rotatably joined by rivets 3. When a circular spring is placed on the spring mounting part 6 and the grip 4 is squeezed, the working part 5 opens and the diameter of the circular spring is expanded. 7 is an elastic member for returning the opened grip part to its original position, and a configuration without this member is also possible.

[0010] Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the spring mounting section, and Figure 5 shows the state with the circular spring installed. The circular spring 10 is attached to the arc-shaped vertical wall 8 provided on the spring holding section 6, and when the grip 4 is held, it is placed over the rubber boot, and when the grip 4 is loosened, the circular spring 10 is set in the predetermined position, and the main body can then be removed. The vertical wall 8 of the spring mounting section is designed to be approximately circular when the grip 4 is held and closed to a predetermined angle, making the installation process easy.

[0011] Figure 4 shows a configuration in which the working part 9 is shortened and the left and right sides are asymmetrical. In actual repair work, the mounting location may be dark or difficult to see because it is behind another part, in which case it is necessary to make the left and right sides asymmetrical or to create a gap in the mounting part 6 so that the other side of the boot band pliers can be seen. [Industrial applicability]

[0012] By adopting one or more of the configurations described in any of claims 1 to 3 of the present invention, all of the aforementioned problems can be solved, enabling the replacement of rubber boots damaged by aging to be performed quickly and accurately, thereby contributing to improved work efficiency and reduced labor costs. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0013] 1. Left side part 2. Right side part 3. The rivet that will be the center of rotation. 4. Grip 5, Working part 6. Spring retaining part 7. Elastic members 8. Vertical wall that holds the spring 9. Part of action in the case of left-right asymmetry 10. Springs made by shaping wire into a circular form for securing rubber boots.

Claims

1. A tool mainly composed of a C-ring, an e-ring, or a spring formed by shaping a wire or a plate material into a substantially circular shape, or a pliers-like tool for expanding the diameter of a coil spring and installing / fitting it at a predetermined position, which is specialized for attaching a rubber boot frequently used in an automobile steering mechanism, such as a spring, and is configured as follows.

1. It is composed of a grip part to be held by hand, a fulcrum as the center of opening and closing, and an acting part for holding a spring or the like.

2. When the grip part is held, that is, when it is actuated in the direction of closing the grip side, the two acting part sides on the opposite side are configured to open.

3. The acting part is provided with a spring holding part that holds a spring or the like during work and can be smoothly detached after attaching the spring or the like at a predetermined position.

4. The spring holding part is composed of an arcuate vertical wall that is substantially perpendicular to the opening and closing direction of the main body, and the left and right acting parts are equipped with substantially semi-circular spring holding parts that are less than 175 degrees with respect to a circle.

5. Before holding a spring or the like, that is, at the stage before work, the left and right spring holding parts have a shape like a crushed circle where the left and right arcs are close to each other, and in a state where the grip side is closed one or more times, that is, in a state where the acting part has opened one or more times at a predetermined opening angle, the vertical wall of the spring holding part is arranged so as to be closest to a circle.

2. The tool according to claim 1, having any one or a plurality of the following features.

1. The spring holding portion of the operating part was made asymmetrical.

2. The spring retaining section is provided with one or more notches to allow visibility to the opposite side during operation, or the spring retaining section consists only of multiple vertical walls.

3. The spring holding part, or part or all of the operating part, is made detachable to accommodate springs of different diameters.

4. The vertical wall of the spring retaining section was inclined within a range of -10 degrees to +10 degrees.

3. The tool according to claim 1 or 2, having any or more of the following features.

1. An elastic member is provided in the grip section, and the mechanism is designed so that the working part closes when there is no load.

2. An elastic member is provided in the grip section, and the mechanism is designed to open when there is no load.

3. The grip portion is coated with soft resin or rubber, or a cover made of soft resin or rubber is attached.

4. The lighting fixture was attached to the main unit.

5. An opening adjustment screw for the main body is installed on the grip, allowing it to be held at a predetermined opening angle.

6. A screw to restrict the opening angle of the main body is installed on the grip to prevent it from opening beyond a predetermined angle.

7. The main body is made of tool steel conforming to Japanese Industrial Standards.

8. A coating to reduce friction was applied to part or all of the spring retaining portion.

9. The grip section is shaped to allow fingers to pass through a through-hole, similar to scissors.

10. The pivot point that serves as the center of opening and closing is a fastening member such as a rivet, bolt, or nut.

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