Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a method of assembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a seal with an extending member.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Axially extending members (cylindrical) such as rings, shafts, glands of hydraulic cylinders are sealed by cylindrical seals. Specifically, the cylindrical seals cover openings of cylindrical members and restricts penetration of any foreign bodies into the cylindrical members. Also if the seal is not correctly installed, the lubricating agent may leak. This reduces the life span of the objects containing the seal. At times, a typical lifespan of 10 to 15 years is reduced to just 6 months. Also this may lead to accidents due to jamming.

[0003] Referring now to Figure 1 showing a prior art assembly (100) having an assembled cylindrical member (106) and a cylindrical seal (102). A seal lip (108) of the cylindrical seal (102) is oriented downwards towards the cylindrical member (106) due to the assembly process. Due to downward orientation of the seal lip (108), there can be a gap (104) between the seal lip (108) and the cylindrical member (106). Generally, the seal lip (108) orients downward after assembly of the cylindrical seal (102) with the cylindrical member (106). Further, when a repair of the downward orientation of the seal lip is carried out by any external means, there is a possibility of damage to the seal lip. The gap (104) also increases quantity of dust penetration into the assembly (100).

[0004] US6226851B1 describes a method for sliding a seal with a lip onto a shaft. The method also uncurls a seal lip of the seal. In the method, a shaft and a seal are reciprocated relatively with each other while positioning the seal at a D-cut portion for uncurling a seal lip of the seal. The method requires calculated strokes and continues relative motions for assembling the seal with the shaft.

[0005] JP2009156428 describes a seal assembly method. In the method, a large diameter portion of a guide portion is set to a large diameter having a predetermined step from an outer diameter of a rotating side member. A small diameter portion of the guide portion is set to be slightly smaller than an inner diameter of a radial lip. The rotation side member is positioned and fixed by being fitted to a fixing portion of a seal assembly jig. The seal is extrapolated along the guide portion of the seal assembly jig. A large diameter portion of the guide portion is fitted over the rotation-side member beyond the point.

[0006] CN213470974U describes a bearing bush seal mounting tool. The tool includes an inner hole of the mounting tool in clearance fit with a motor shaft of a mounting bearing bush seal device. A shell of the mounting tool is a frustum-shaped boss. The frustum-shaped boss comprises a large end and a small end. An outer diameter of the small end is smaller than an inner diameter of a lip of the seal device. The outer diameter of the large end is larger than the outer diameter of the mounting motor boss of the seal device.

[0007] The prior art tools, assemblies and methods for assembling cylindrical seals (articles) with a cylindrical member (articles) are complex in construction and operation. Operation cost of the prior art tools, assemblies and methods is high. Also, the ability of the prior art tools, assemblies and methods to make the assemblies (100) with completely upwardly oriented seal lip (108) is less.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a method which overcomes the problems of the prior art.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method (400) of assembling an article (200). The method of assembling (400) starts with the step of placing (410) a seal (510) having a seal lip (512) and a seal case (514) on a platform (520). The platform (520) includes an indented portion (522) and a moving fixture (530). The method (400) includes placing (420) an extending member (540) on the seal (510). The method (400) includes associating (430) a first cylinder tool (550) on to the extending member (540) so as to place the extending member (540) at least partially in the seal (510) and to configure the extending member (540) to be in contact with the moving fixture (530).

[0010] The method (400) includes the step of dissociating (440) the first cylinder tool (550) and the extending member (540) to move the seal (510) and the extending member (540) away from the indented portion (522) of the platform (520). Further, associating (450) a second cylinder tool (560) on to the seal (510) to place the seal in contact with the indented portion (522) of the platform (520). Dissociating (460) the second cylinder tool (560) and the seal (510) to provide the article (200).

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, an assembling tool (300) is provided. The assembling tool (300) includes a platform (320), a first cylinder tool (350) and a second cylinder tool (360). The platform (320) has an indented portion (322) and a moving fixture (330). The moving fixture (330) is associated with the platform (320) by at least one adjusting mechanism (326), at least one guiding member (370) and at least one biasing member (380). The at least one biasing member (380) biases the moving fixture (330) away from the platform (320). The first cylinder tool (350) and the second cylinder tool (360) are independently movable towards and away from the platform (320).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which the reference letters indicate corresponding part in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0013] Figure 1 shows a sectional detailed view of an assembly of a seal and a cylindrical member with a seal lip of seal oriented downwards as in the prior art.
[0014] Figure 2 shows an article to be assembled using the method of assembly.
[0015] Figure 3a shows an isometric view of an assembling tool provided in accordance with the present invention; and
[0016] Figure 3b shows a detailed sectional view of the platform of the assembling tool in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 4 shows a method for assembling according to the present invention.
[0018] Figures 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e and 5f show schematic sectional views of a seal, an extending member and an assembling tool at various steps according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed.

[0020] In the specification and the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined to have the following meanings:

[0021] The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not. “Substantially” means a range of values that is known in the art to refer to a range of values that are close to, but not necessarily equal to a certain value.

[0022] Other than in the examples or where otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions referring to quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and the like, used in the specification and claims are to be understood as modified in all instances by the term “about.” In some aspects of the current disclosure, the terms “about” or “approximately” are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the terms are defined to be within 10%, alternatively within 5%, alternatively within 1%, or alternatively within 0.5%.

[0023] As used herein, the term “substantially” and its variations are defined as being largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting aspect substantially refers to ranges within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, or within 0.5%.

[0024] Various numerical ranges are disclosed herein. Because these ranges are continuous, they include every value between the minimum and maximum values. The endpoints of all ranges reciting the same characteristic or component are independently combinable and inclusive of the recited endpoint. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, the various numerical ranges specified in this application are approximations. The endpoints of all ranges directed to the same component or property are inclusive of the endpoint and independently combinable. The term “from more than 0 to an amount” means that the named component is present in some amount more than 0, and up to and including the higher named amount.

[0025] As used herein, “combinations thereof” is inclusive of one or more of the recited elements, optionally together with a like element not recited, e.g., inclusive of a combination of one or more of the named components, optionally with one or more other components not specifically named that have essentially the same function. As used herein, the term “combination” is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like.

[0026] The present invention is to provide a method of assembling an article. More specifically, the present invention provides a method of assembling a seal and an extending member. The method avoids downward orientation or folding of a seal lip of the seal when the seal is assembled with the extending member.

[0027] Referring now to Figure 2, an article (200) assembled using the method in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The article (200) may consist of a seal (210), a seal lip (212) and an extending member (240). The article (200) includes the extending member (240) inserted into the seal (210).

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the article (200) can be a combination of two or more physical components. In another embodiment of the present invention, the component can be a seal, a shaft or a ring or a rim or any such mechanical members.

[0029] In the illustrated example shown in Figure 2, the seal (210) is a circular cross section. In alternative embodiments, the shape of a cross section of the seal (210) may be a polygon, such as a square, a rectangle, and the like. The seal (210) includes a seal lip (212) and a seal case (not shown in Figure 2). In one embodiment of the present invention, the seal case may be extending in an axial direction of the seal (210). In another embodiment of the present invention, the seal lip (212) may be a lip wise extending portion on at least one end face of the seal (210). In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the seal (210) may be assembled with the extending member (240), such that the seal lip (212) is adapted to restrict penetration of foreign bodies into an interior space of the seal case. In addition, the seal lip (212) facilitates the retention of the lubricant within the seal (210).

[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the seal lip (212) may be made out of an elastomeric material. In another embodiment of the present invention, the seal lip (212) may be made out of a rubber material, PVC material, polyurethane, silicone, or any such material.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the extending member (240) is a ring. In another embodiment of the present invention, the extending member (240) may be a channel or a shaft or a gland or an eye or any such mechanical members which are extended in a direction.

[0032] Figure 3a and Figure 3b describe the assembling tool for assembling the article (200) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3a shows a detailed view of the assembling tool (300) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Typically, the assembling tool (300) may be used for assembling an extending member (340) on to the seal (310). The assembling tool (300) may include a platform (320), a first cylinder tool (350) and a second cylinder tool (360). The platform may freely move on the bottom plate along with side guide strip (305). The first cylinder tool (350) and the second cylinder tool (360) are independently movable towards and away from the platform (320). The second cylinder tool (360) may be a hollow cylindrical tool and the first cylinder tool (350) may be a plate. The first cylinder tool (350) passes through the second cylinder tool (360).

[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first cylinder (352) actuates the first cylinder tool (350) and the second cylinder (362) actuates the second cylinder tool (360).

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the assembling tool (300), the platform (320), the first cylinder tool (350) and the second cylinder tool (360) may be arranged coaxially for assembling the extending member (340) and the seal (310). In an alternative embodiment, the platform (320), the first cylinder tool (350) and the second cylinder tool (360) may be arranged in specific configurations which can be determined according to the required assembly between the extending member (340) and the seal (310).

[0035] Figure 3b shows an expanded view of the platform (320). The platform (320) may have an indented portion (322) and a moving fixture (330). The moving fixture (330) and the platform (320) may be connected by at least one adjusting mechanism (326), at least one guiding member (370) and at least one biasing member (380). The at least one biasing member (380) biases the moving fixture (330) away from the platform (320).

[0036] As shown in Figure 3b, in the platform (320), the moving fixture (330) includes pin holes (332). The pin holes (332) are extended from a first moving fixture face (334) towards a second moving fixture face (344) through the moving fixture (330). The platform (320) includes the at least one guiding member (370) extending vertically from the fixed surface (324) towards the moving fixture (330). The at least one guiding member (370) guides axial wise directional movement of the moving fixture (330) towards the fixed surface (324).

[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the moving fixture (330) and the platform (320) are connected by the at least one biasing member (380). The at least one biasing member (380) may be connected to the moving fixture (330) at a restricting surface (384) though spring holes (382) which are extending from the first moving fixture face (334). The at least one biasing member (380) biases the moving fixture away from the platform (320). In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one biasing member (380) may be a compression spring having a biasing force.

[0038] In another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one biasing member (380) may be an elastomer, a gas spring, an actuator or any such biasing member.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one guiding member (370) is a guiding pin. In another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one guiding member (370) may be a bolt, a stud, or any such guiding member.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, there may be a plurality of the at least one guiding member (370) in the platform (320). This facilitates avoidance of the rotation of the moving fixture (330).

[0041] Referring again to Figure 3b, in another embodiment of the present invention, the moving fixture (330) consists of at least one adjusting mechanism (326) which includes a position adjustable stopping mechanism (328). The position adjustable stopping mechanism (328) restricts any further movement of the moving fixture (330) away from the platform (320). In the shown embodiment, the position adjustable stopping mechanism (328) includes a screw hole (356), at least one adjusting bolt (354) and at least one adjusting nut (358). The screw hole (356) is configured in the moving fixture (330). The screw hole (356) extends through the moving fixture (330) at a centreline (not numbered) of the moving fixture (330). The at least one adjusting bolt (354) is fixedly connected to the fixed surface (324) and passes through the screw hole (356) away from the fixed surface (324). A cantilever end (316) of the at least one adjusting bolt (354) is projected beyond the second moving fixture face (344). The cantilever end (316) has external threads (318) thereon. The at least one adjusting nut (358) is arranged on the external threads (318) with a screw joint (not numbered) there between. An external diameter (not numbered) of the at least one adjusting bolt (354) is less than the hole diameter (not numbered) of the screw hole (356). A relative distance (R1) (may also be known as “adjusted relative distance”) between the moving fixture (330) and the fixed surface (324) can be adjusted by rotating the adjusting nut (358) accordingly. The moving fixture (330) can move away and towards the fixed surface (324) within this relative distance (R1). The at least one adjusting mechanism (326) restricts the movement of the moving fixture (330) away from the fixed surface (324) under the biasing force of the at least one biasing member (380) beyond the relative distance (R1).

[0042] In another embodiment of the present invention, the assembling tool (300) may be configured with position adjustable stopping mechanisms such as slot and pin arrangement, stoppers for restricting further movement of the moving fixture (330) away from the platform (320).

[0043] Referring to Figure 4, a flow chart of a method (400) of assembling an article (200) in accordance with the present invention is shown. In step 410, the seal (310) may be placed on a platform (320). In step 420, an extending member (340) is placed on the seal (310). In step 430, the first cylinder tool (350) is operated to place the extending member (340) at least partially in the seal (310) and to configure the extending member (340) to be in contact with the moving fixture (330). The first cylinder tool (350) may be connected to a hydraulic drive or a pneumatic drive or a mechanical drive which can move the first cylinder tool (350) to place the extending member (340) in contact with the seal (310) and the moving fixture (330) and move the moving fixture up to the fixed surface (324). The movement of the first cylinder tool (350) can be manually controlled or by operating an electronic control unit (not shown) which is connected to the drive of the first cylinder tool (350). In step 440, the first cylinder tool (350) is dissociated from the extending member (340) to move the seal (310) and the extending member (340) away from the indented portion (322) of the platform (320) by the moving fixture (330).

[0044] In step 450, the second cylinder tool (360) is operated to place the seal (310) in contact with the indented portion (322) of the platform (320). The second cylinder tool (360) is connected to a hydraulic drive or a pneumatic drive or a mechanical drive which can move the seal (310). The movement of the second cylinder tool (360) can be manually controlled or by operating an electronic control unit (not shown) which is connected to the drive of the second cylinder tool (360). In step 460, the second cylinder tool (360) is dissociated from the seal (310) to provide the article (200).

[0045] Referring to Figures 5a to 5f, the method (400) for assembling the article (200) is explained along with an assembling tool (300) described above in Figures 3a and 3b by using which the steps of method (400) are carried out.

[0046] Figure 5a depicts the step 410 wherein the seal (510) is placed on the indented portion (522) of the platform (520). The indented portion (522) is an indented pocket made in the fixed surface (524). The seal (510) is placed on the indented portion (522) in such a way that, a face (resting end) (506) of the seal case (514) is in physical contact with the platform (520) and the seal lip (512) of the seal (510) is facing away from the platform (520). The internal diameter (not numbered) of the intended portion (522) is more than outer diameter (not numbered) of the seal case (514). In the shown embodiment, the indented portion (522) is circular in shape as the cross section of the extending member (540) is circular. Similarly, according to the shape of the extending member (540), the indented portion (522) can also be configured to accommodate the extending member (540) therein(on).

[0047] Figure 5b depicts the step 420 wherein an extending member (540) is placed on the seal (510). In an embodiment of the present invention, the outer diameter (not numbered) of the bottom tip of the extending member (540) is slightly less than the inner diameter (not numbered) of the seal lip (512) for making a transition fit (508) there between.

[0048] In another embodiment of the present invention, the bottom tip of the extending member (540) may have a tapered edge (not shown). This enables easy placement of the extending member (540) on the seal (510).

[0049] In another embodiment of the present invention, the bottom end of the extending member (540) may have a straight edge, a chamfered edge, a sloped edge, or any such shaped edges.

[0050] Figure 5c depicts the step 430 wherein a first cylinder tool (550) is associated on to the extending member (540) so as to place the extending member (540) at least partially in the seal (510) and to configure the extending member (540) to be in contact with the moving fixture (530). Associating here may refer to making the first cylinder tool (550) to be in contact with the extending member (540) and moving the extending member (540) to place the extending member (540) at least partially in the seal (510) and to configure the extending member (540) to be in contact with the moving fixture (530). The first cylinder tool (550) moves the moving fixture (530) up to the relative distance (R1) towards the fixed surface (524).

[0051] While the extending member (540) moves inside the seal (510), the seal lip (512) will be in contact with the outer surface of the extending member (540). It may be observed that, due to the frictional rubbing between the seal lip (512) and the extending member (540), the seal lip (512) tends to orient in the downward direction.

[0052] Figure 5d depicts the step 440 wherein the first cylinder tool (550) is dissociated from the extending member (540) to move the seal (510) and the extending member (540) away from the indented portion (522) of the platform (520). Dissociating the extending member (540) here refers to, removing the force applied by the first cylinder tool (550) on the extending member (540).

[0053] The seal (512) and the extending member (540) are moved together away from the indented portion (522) by the at least one biasing member (580) through the moving fixture (530) by a relative distance (R1).

[0054] In an embodiment of the present invention, the biasing force of the at least one biasing member (580) may be greater than the combined weight of the seal (512) and the extending member (540).

[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one biasing member (580) may be a spring. In another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one biasing member (580) may be a damper, a plunger, an actuator or any such moving mechanism which can move the seal (510) and the extending member (540) away from the indented portion (522) under the absence of the external force of (by) the first cylinder tool (550).

[0056] Figure 5e depicts the step 450 wherein a second cylinder tool (560) is associated on to the seal (510) to place the seal (510) to be in contact with the indented portion (522) of the platform (520). Associating the second cylinder tool (560) here refers to applying external force on the seal (510) by the second cylinder tool (560) to move the seal (510) down to a relative distance (R1) for the seal (510) to be in contact with the indented portion (522). In the step 450 only the seal (510) is moved towards the indented portion (522) and the extending member (540) is resting on the moving fixture (530) with the biasing force of the at least one biasing member (580) acting on the extending member (540) away from the indented portion (522).

[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, if the seal lip (512) is downwardly orientated at the end of step 440, due to the movement of the seal (510) towards the indented portion (522) as described in step 450, the seal lip (512) is oriented upwards (away from the indented portion (522)). This can be also referred to as “lip straightening”.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present invention, for the second cylinder tool (560) to move only the seal (510) towards the indented portion (522), the pushing force of the second cylinder tool (560) is more than the frictional force in between the seal lip (512) and the extending member (540). Also, the biasing force of the at least one biasing member (580) on the extending member (540) is more than the frictional force in between the seal lip (512) and the extending member (540) which holds the extending member (540) in its extended position. The frictional force between the seal lip (512) and the extending member (540) being lower than the pushing force of the second cylinder tool (560) and the biasing force of the at least one biasing member (580), enables the extending member (540) to remain in its extended position and not move downwards along with the seal (510).

[0059] Figure 5f depicts the step 460 wherein the second cylinder tool (560) and the seal (510) are dissociated to provide the extending member (540) with the assembled seal (510) or the article (200). Dissociating the second cylinder tool (560) and the seal (510) refers to removing external force by the second cylinder tool (560) on the seal (510) and also removing contact there between. At the end of the step 460, the seal (560) is assembled with the extending member (540) to make the article (200) (Figure 2), with the seal lip (512) oriented upwards (away from the indented portion (522)).

[0060] The magnitude of the adjusted relative distance (R1) (Figure 5c and Figure 5d) may be determined based on deterministic factors like thickness of the seal case (514), the geometric dimensions of the extending member (540), the seal (510), the first cylinder tool (550) and the second cylinder tool (560) by a person skilled in the art.
ADVANTAGES:
[0061] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the various embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. These and other changes in the various embodiment of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
[0062] The present invention has an advantage of providing the method (400) of assembling a seal (510) and an extending member (540). The method (400) avoids downward orientation of a seal lip (512) of the seal when the seal (510) is assembled with the extending member (540). The reliability of the method (400) is 100%. The upwardly oriented seal lip (512) restricts dust penetration into the assembly of the seal (510) and the extending member (540). Also the upward orientation of the seal lip (512) facilitates the retention of the lubricant within the seal (510). Also with the help of the assembling tool (300), the manual labour is reduced. The 100% yield in the seal directed in the upward direction avoids seal damage.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A method (400) of assembling an article (200) comprising the steps of:
placing (410) a seal (510) having a seal lip (512) and a seal case (514) on a platform (520) comprising an indented portion (522) and a moving fixture (530);
placing (420) an extending member (540) on the seal (510);
associating (430) a first cylinder tool (550) on to the extending member (540) so as to place the extending member (540) at least partially into the seal (510) and to configure the extending member (540) to be in contact with the moving fixture (530);
dissociating (440) the first cylinder tool (550) from the extending member (540) to move the seal (510) and the extending member (540) away from the indented portion (522) of the platform (520);
associating (450) a second cylinder tool (560) on to the seal (510) to place the seal in contact with the indented portion (522) of the platform (520);
dissociating (460) the second cylinder tool (560) from the seal (510) to provide the article (200).
2. The method (400) of assembling as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cylinder tool (550) moves the extending member (540) and the moving fixture (530) up to an adjusted relative distance (R1).
3. The method (400) of assembling as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moving fixture (530) and the platform (520) are associated through at least one adjusting mechanism (526), at least one guiding member (570) and at least one biasing member (580).
4. The method (400) of assembling as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one biasing member (580) biases the moving fixture away from the platform (520), wherein when the first cylinder tool (550) is dissociated from the extending member (540), the moving fixture (530) moves the seal (510) and the extending member (540) away from the indented portion (522).
5. The method (400) of assembling as claimed in claim 4, wherein a biasing force of at least one biasing member (580) is more than the weight of the seal (510) and the extending member (540).
6. The method (400) of assembling as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pushing force of the second cylinder tool (560) is more than the frictional force between the seal (510) and the extending member (540).
7. The method (400) of assembling as claimed in claim 1, wherein a shape of a cross section of the seal (510) is a circle or a polygon; and a shape of a cross section of the extending member is a circle or a polygon.
8. An assembling tool (300) comprises:
a platform (320) having an indented portion (322) and a moving fixture (330), the moving fixture (330) is associated with the platform (320) by at least one adjusting mechanism (326), at least one guiding member (370) and at least one biasing member (380);
a first cylinder tool (350);
a second cylinder tool (360);
wherein the first cylinder tool (350) and the second cylinder tool (360) are independently movable towards and away from the platform (320).
9. The assembling tool (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the assembling tool (300) includes at least one guiding member (370) to guide movements of the moving fixture (330) towards and away from the platform (320).zs
10. The assembling tool (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the assembling tool (300) includes at least one biasing member (380) to bias the moving fixture (330) away from the platform (320).
Dated this 7th of December 2023
Signature:
Athira Ashaletha
Patent Agent (INPA/2423)
TekIP® Knowledge Consulting Pvt. Ltd.,
No. 89, HL216/2, Zareen Heights,
Nagavarapalya, C.V.Raman Nagar PO,
Bangalore - 560093, India
Email: docketing@tekip.com