EP0253750B1 - Device for placing a seal ring in a groove - Google Patents

Device for placing a seal ring in a groove Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0253750B1
EP0253750B1 EP87470012A EP87470012A EP0253750B1 EP 0253750 B1 EP0253750 B1 EP 0253750B1 EP 87470012 A EP87470012 A EP 87470012A EP 87470012 A EP87470012 A EP 87470012A EP 0253750 B1 EP0253750 B1 EP 0253750B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
prongs
gasket
axis
hooks
groove
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP87470012A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0253750A1 (en
Inventor
Alain Le Floch
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Pont a Mousson SA
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Pont a Mousson SA
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Publication date
Application filed by Pont a Mousson SA filed Critical Pont a Mousson SA
Priority to AT87470012T priority Critical patent/ATE75439T1/en
Publication of EP0253750A1 publication Critical patent/EP0253750A1/en
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Publication of EP0253750B1 publication Critical patent/EP0253750B1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B27/00—Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for
    • B25B27/0028—Tools for removing or installing seals
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/53657—Means to assemble or disassemble to apply or remove a resilient article [e.g., tube, sleeve, etc.]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for fitting a seal inside a groove. More particularly, it relates to a device intended to set up a deformable insert with shape memory in the form of a circular ring of any cross section, which can for example provide a seal, in a conjugate profile, such as a groove, located at the inside a cylindrical hollow body of revolution, such as a cylindrical sleeve or the socket located at the end of a pipe.
  • a seal will designate a ring-shaped insert and a groove will designate a conjugate profile of the hollow body.
  • This simplification corresponds to the most frequent case of use of the invention, that is to say the installation of a deformable circular seal in a groove located inside a cylindrical hollow body.
  • the deformation of the seal allows it to be introduced into the cylindrical space of smaller diameter than the outside diameter of the seal up to the level of the groove where the deformation action is stopped allowing the seal to regain its original shape and position itself in the throat. In other words, the deformation temporarily reduces the outside diameter of the seal at rest.
  • the annular seals are used to seal at the limit of two zones crossed by a rotating shaft or a control rod whose rotation is allowed at least during assembly.
  • the seal is mounted beforehand in the groove of the sleeve or of the socket and the pipes are fitted on the site by a simple translational movement, their mass making it difficult to print a rotational movement.
  • the second drawback lies in the fact that when the finger which deforms is removed, it is very difficult to prevent entrainment of the deformed part of the seal in the direction of translation of said finger. This is another cause of poor positioning in the throat.
  • Document US-A-2 086 371 discloses a device for installing a seal in a groove formed outside a cylindrical envelope, of the type ensuring the deformation of the joint at its periphery and comprising a plurality of fingers arranged radially and regularly distributed over a circumference, the fingers being movable radially all together and having at their outer end a hook or curved part perpendicular to the plane of their radii for gripping the joint, said fingers being carried by a support movable in translation relative to a circular retaining plate for the joint, along an axis (XX) perpendicular to the plane in which the radial movement of the fingers takes place.
  • XX axis
  • the present invention overcomes the disadvantages mentioned. It relates to a device having the characteristics of claim 1.
  • the invention therefore saves time on the manual installation of seals manually and guarantees high positioning accuracy which is often difficult to ensure when the groove is located far enough from the end of the cylindrical space.
  • the device according to the invention by causing a deformation regularly distributed over the entire periphery of the joint, imposes on the latter relatively small deformations and minimizes the risk of degradation.
  • the seal fitting device is more specifically but not exclusively, intended to be associated with a manipulator or a robot executing the sequence of operations for placing the seal.
  • the set 1 finger support consists of a bottomless cylindrical box comprising a horizontal plate 2 and a side 3.
  • the cylindrical plate 2 and the side 3 have four notches 4 allowing the passage of four uprights 28 integral with the assembly 21.
  • the center of the tray 2 receives a ring 6 having an axis XX whose inside bore 6a serves bearing for the rotary mechanism 14 for driving the fingers and which supports the inner end of guide rods 11 serving for the radial movement of sliding carriages 10 carrying the fingers 7.
  • the outer end of said guide rods 11 is fixed on the sidewall 3.
  • Each sliding carriage 10 carries at its lower part a horizontal radial finger 7 directed outwards, the end of the finger 7 being extended by a vertical hook 8 directed downwards. As shown in Fig. 1, when the carriages 10 are in the external position (against the sidewall 3) the fingers 7 protrude outside the assembly 1.
  • Each carriage further carries on its upper part a vertical lug 9 which crosses the plate 2 by a right radial lumen 5 limiting the stroke of the carriage.
  • the lug 9 projects upwards from the upper surface of the plate 2 so that it can be driven by the finger drive mechanism 14 described below.
  • the assembly 1 carries two vertical guide rods 12 b and 12 e secured to the plate 2 by fasteners 13 b and 13 e and serving to guide the assembly 1 during translations relative to the assembly 21 as will be explained later.
  • the use of the indices b and e for only two pieces is explained by the fact that these two pieces cooperate with two other pieces belonging to the set 21 and that it seemed more logical to respect the normal setting required for the good description of this set.
  • the assembly 14 or device for driving the fingers consists of a disc 15 pierced with six identical slots 16 in the form of an arc of a circle and uniformly distributed over the surface of the disc, with a ring 17 of corresponding axis XX at the bore 6 a of the guide bearing 6 carried by the assembly 1, this ring located below the plane of the disc 15 being fitted on a shaft, not shown, integral with the disc 15 and with a coupling sleeve 19 d axis XX located above the plane of the disc 15 and serving to drive the assembly 14 by means of rotation (not shown) placed above the assembly 14.
  • a keyway 20 to the interior of the sleeve 19 allows coupling with the axis of the rotation device.
  • This assembly 14 movable in rotation relative to the assembly 1 remains integral with the latter for translations along the axis X-X.
  • the assembly 21, which constitutes the lower part of the chassis of the device according to the invention, consists of two plates braced by studs.
  • the lower plate 22 is constituted by a disk while the upper plate is divided into six elements 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e and 23f which are disk sectors limited to the outside by the circumference of a circle of the same diameter than that of the plate 22 and inside by a circle whose diameter allows the passage of the ferrule 6 belonging to the assembly 1.
  • Each element is connected to the plate 22 by two pieces which are either two studs 24 and 25a, or 25c or 25d or 25f, respectively for the elements 23a, 23c, 23d or 23f, or a stud 24 and a guide tube 26b or 26e for the elements 23b and 23e diametrically opposite.
  • the two studs are similar and these elements are integral with four vertical uprights 28 constituting the lateral part of the chassis of the device.
  • the last two elements 23b and 23e are each connected to the plate 22 by a stud 24 and by a guide tube 26b or 26e respectively.
  • the guide tubes receive the vertical guide rods 12b and 12e fixed below the plate 2 of the assembly 1 and ensure the vertical guidance of the assembly 1 and of the assembly 14 movable in translation along the axis XX relative to to set 21.
  • connections to the external energy source necessary for the operation of the two jacks 34 and 31 are not shown. Most conveniently, this source can be for example a compressed air network or a pressurized fluid. These connections are located on the plate 29 and designed to allow automatic assembly with the energy inlets located on the wrist of the manipulator or the robot.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 The position of the seal 100, intended to be placed in a groove located inside a cylindrical space, is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 for the successive phases of the operation of the device according to the invention.
  • the left half-section of the gripping mechanism shows the seal 100 in its rest position before it is gripped by the hooks 8 of the fingers 7 in the extended position, the carriages 10 of the assembly 1 then being positioned towards the periphery by the mechanism 14.
  • the mechanism 14 by turning at an angle corresponding to the travel of the lugs 9 in the slots 16 in the form of an arc of a circle of the plate 15 has brought the carriages 10 towards the axis XX placing the fingers 7 in the retraction position, the hooks 8 gripping the joint and deforming it according to a star pattern whose external vertices are materialized by the studs 24 between the plate 22 and the elements 23a, 23b ... and the inner tops by the hooks 8.
  • Fig. 3 the left half-section is identical to that shown in FIG. 2, while the right half-section shows the assembly movable in translation along the axis XX in the high position.
  • the seal 100 the constrained position of which is recalled in dotted lines, is then released from the hooks 8 and by elasticity regains its initial circular shape.
  • the seal Being guided by the two plates of the assembly 21 positioned opposite the groove 41 formed inside the cylindrical space of the hollow body 40 intended to receive the seal (such as for example a sleeve or a pipe fitting), the seal is placed in the groove 41 in a single operation.
  • FIG. 4 completes Figs. 2 and 3 to explain the operation of the device according to the invention.
  • the seal 100 has a diameter at rest DR when the fingers are extended.
  • the maximum diameter of the joint becomes DP or temporary diameter in line with the holding pads 24, the device being arranged so that this diameter DP is less than the diameter DC of the cylindrical space carrying the inner groove 41, so that the device can fully penetrate this cylindrical space.
  • the diameter DG of the internal groove must be slightly less than the diameter DR of the seal at rest to ensure the maintenance of the seal in the groove.
  • the operation of the seal fitting device according to the invention can be summarized by referring to FIG. 5.
  • the device assumed here fixed by means of the part 51 to the arm 50 of a manipulator or a robot receives the external energy necessary for the operation of the jacks by the conduits 52 (for example conveying compressed air ).
  • the seal 100 is arranged by any external means in a centering tool composed of six portions of rings 61 which are not contiguous, leaving two to two six openings 62 to allow the passage of the fingers 7 and the end hooks 8 during the retraction of the fingers.
  • the device positioned directly above the joint is lowered to a level where the joint is between the two plates of the assembly 21.
  • the fingers which have remained extended until then are then retracted by the action of the rotary actuator 31 acting on the mechanism 14 for driving the fingers, imposing on the joint the star deformation described above.
  • the device is raised with the seal and then translated to plumb with the hollow body 40 with its cylindrical space carrying the groove 41.
  • the element 40 which is a sleeve in the example given by FIG. 5 is partially torn off to show the groove 41 and it is placed in a positioning tool 42.
  • the device is then lowered into the cylindrical space of the body 40 to a level where the deformed seal is located in front of the groove 41, then the entire movable part in translation along the vertical axis XX is raised using of the cylinder 34 so as to release the seal 100 from the hooks 8 which maintained the deformation.
  • the device is reassembled, the fingers still retracted to exit the cylinder and once the fingers extended it is ready for a new cycle if care has been taken to provide the supply of seal in the special tool and to place a new sleeve in the centering tool.
  • the device according to the invention it can therefore be seen that it is easy to place a seal in the internal groove of sleeves or pipe sockets in a safe and rapid manner and that this operation can be automated provided that automatic supply of seals on the one hand and parts to be provided with seals on the other.
  • a device of suitable size must be provided for each size of joint and corresponding parts, but if the workstation is automated, the robot or the manipulator can change the device to adapt it to the diameter of the parts to be automatically filled with joints.
  • the deformed seal Being maintained between the two plates of the assembly 21, the deformed seal remains substantially in the same plane and when the fingers are removed, these same plates provide guidance such as the seal in regaining its initial shape is housed in a single operation in the corresponding groove.
  • the device according to the invention can be modified to transform it into a hand tool for small diameters.
  • the rod makes it possible to carry out the rotation which controls the movement of the fingers and the translation which releases the seal, a stop placed on the rod and abutting on the chassis limiting the movement of translation. Stops placed on the uprights 28 of the chassis allow the device to be easily positioned opposite the groove.
  • the device according to the invention can be used for the installation of a deformable insert, for example a seal in a conjugate profile, for example a groove located inside a cylindrical hollow body of a manual, semi-automatic by a manipulator or atuomatic by a programmable or non-programmable robot.
  • a deformable insert for example a seal in a conjugate profile, for example a groove located inside a cylindrical hollow body of a manual, semi-automatic by a manipulator or atuomatic by a programmable or non-programmable robot.

Abstract

An apparatus for seating a ring gasket 100 in a groove 41 in the end socket of a pipe or coupling includes a plurality of radially oriented prong hooks 7 spaced at regular intervals around a circle, and cooperable with an equal plurality of interposed, upstanding studs 24 extending between a circular lower disk 22 and a sectored upper disk 23 defining radial slots 27 to accomodate the prongs. The prongs are driven inwardly together on a support 1 capable of translational motion along an axis X-X perpendicular to the plane of the prongs, and reduce the diameter of a gripped gasket by deforming it into an undulating polygonal configuration. The gasket may then be inserted into the pipe end, whereafter the prongs are disengaged and the gasket expands elastically to seat in its pipe groove 41.

Description

La présente invention est relative à un dispositif pour la pose d'un joint d'étanchéité à l'intérieur d'une gorge. Plus particulièrement, elle concerne un dispositif destiné à mettre en place un insert déformable à mémoire de forme en forme d'anneau circulaire à section quelconque, pouvant par exemple assurer une étanchéité, dans un profil conjugué, tel qu'une gorge, situé à l'intérieur d'un corps creux cylindrique de révolution, comme un manchon cylindrique ou l'emboîtement situé à l'extrémité d'un tuyau.The present invention relates to a device for fitting a seal inside a groove. More particularly, it relates to a device intended to set up a deformable insert with shape memory in the form of a circular ring of any cross section, which can for example provide a seal, in a conjugate profile, such as a groove, located at the inside a cylindrical hollow body of revolution, such as a cylindrical sleeve or the socket located at the end of a pipe.

La mise en place d'un anneau circulaire dans un profil conjugué exige la déformation de celui-ci puisque le diamètre extérieur de l'anneau est nécessairement supérieur au diamètre intérieur de l'espace cylindrique où est ménagé le profil conjugué destiné à recevoir l'anneau.The installation of a circular ring in a conjugate profile requires the deformation of this one since the outside diameter of the ring is necessarily greater than the inside diameter of the cylindrical space where is formed the conjugate profile intended to receive the ring.

Dans la suite du texte, un joint désignera un insert en forme d'anneau et une gorge désignera un profil conjugué du corps creux. Cette simplification, correspond au cas le plus fréquent d'utilisation de l'invention c'est-à-dire la mise en place d'un joint circulaire déformable dans une gorge située à l'intérieur d'un corps creux cylindrique.In the following text, a seal will designate a ring-shaped insert and a groove will designate a conjugate profile of the hollow body. This simplification corresponds to the most frequent case of use of the invention, that is to say the installation of a deformable circular seal in a groove located inside a cylindrical hollow body.

La déformation du joint permet à celui-ci d'être introduit dans l'espace cylindrique de plus faible diamètre que le diamètre extérieur du joint jusqu'au niveau de la gorge où l'on fait cesser l'action de déformation permettant au joint de retrouver sa forme première et de se positionner dans la gorge. En d'autres termes, la déformation permet de réduire provisoirement le diamètre extérieur du joint au repos. Généralement les joints annulaires sont employés pour assurer l'étanchéité à la limite de deux zones traversées par un arbre en rotation ou une tige de commande dont la rotation est permise au moins au montage.The deformation of the seal allows it to be introduced into the cylindrical space of smaller diameter than the outside diameter of the seal up to the level of the groove where the deformation action is stopped allowing the seal to regain its original shape and position itself in the throat. In other words, the deformation temporarily reduces the outside diameter of the seal at rest. Generally the annular seals are used to seal at the limit of two zones crossed by a rotating shaft or a control rod whose rotation is allowed at least during assembly.

Dans le cas particulier de la jonction de deux tuyaux, le joint est monté au préalable dans la gorge du manchon ou de l'emboîtement et les tuyaux sont emboîtés sur le site par un simple mouvement de translation, leur masse permettant difficilement d'imprimer un mouvement de rotation.In the particular case of the junction of two pipes, the seal is mounted beforehand in the groove of the sleeve or of the socket and the pipes are fitted on the site by a simple translational movement, their mass making it difficult to print a rotational movement.

Il est connu dans ce domaine d'utiliser des outils, portables ou non, qui permettent de déformer le joint et de l'introduire dans l'espace cylindrique au niveau de la gorge. La plupart de ces outils produisent une déformation du joint circulaire en forme de cardioîde, c'est-à-dire une forme à deux lobes séparés par une invagination induite par un doigt perpendiculaire au plan du joint au repos, qui par un déplacement radial vers le centre du joint entraîne celui-ci vers l'intérieur, tandis qu'au moins deux plots parallèles au doigt et situés à l'intérieur du joint guident et maintiennent celui-ci.It is known in this field to use tools, portable or not, which allow the joint to be deformed and introduced into the cylindrical space at the level of the groove. Most of these tools produce a deformation of the cardioid circular joint, that is to say a shape with two lobes separated by an invagination induced by a finger perpendicular to the plane of the joint at rest, which by a radial displacement towards the center of the joint causes this inward, while at least two studs parallel to the finger and located inside the joint guide and hold it.

Les outils du type décrit ci-dessus présentent un certain nombre d'inconvénients. Tout d'abord, il est difficile de déformer le joint dans un plan surtout si la section du joint n'est pas circulaire, la déformation conduisant normalement à une courbe gauche. Ceci est gênant pour assurer un positionnement du joint dans la gorge correspondante sur toute sa périphérie et l'on doit corriger manuellement le mauvais positionnement.Tools of the type described above have a number of drawbacks. First of all, it is difficult to deform the joint in a plane, especially if the section of the joint is not circular, the deformation normally leading to a left curve. This is inconvenient to ensure positioning of the seal in the corresponding groove over its entire periphery and the incorrect positioning must be corrected manually.

Le second inconvénient réside dans le fait que lorsque l'on retire le doigt qui assure la déformation, il est très difficile d'empêcher un entraînement de la partie déformée du joint dans le sens de la translation dudit doigt. Ceci constitue une autre cause de mauvais positionnement dans la gorge.The second drawback lies in the fact that when the finger which deforms is removed, it is very difficult to prevent entrainment of the deformed part of the seal in the direction of translation of said finger. This is another cause of poor positioning in the throat.

Un autre inconvénient vient du fait de la grande déformation imposée au joint, ce qui oblige à exercer des forces importantes qui peuvent amener des dégradations (fissuration, déchirure, déformation permanente d'un insert par exemple) préjudiciables à la fonction du joint, en particulier son étanchéité.Another drawback comes from the great deformation imposed on the joint, which means that significant forces must be exerted which can cause damage (cracking, tearing, permanent deformation of an insert for example) detrimental to the function of the joint, in particular its tightness.

De l'ensemble de ces inconvénients, il résulte qu'il est difficile d'automatiser la pose des joints en conservant un outillage à trois points d'appuis assurant une déformation en cardioîde.From all of these drawbacks, it follows that it is difficult to automate the installation of the joints while retaining a tool with three support points ensuring deformation in the cardioid.

On connaît par le document US-A-2 086 371 un dispositif pour la pose d'un joint dans une gorge ménagée à l'extérieur d'une enveloppe cylindrique, du type assurant la déformation du joint à sa périphérie et comportant une pluralité de doigts disposés radialement et régulièrement répartis sur une circonférence, les doigts étant mobiles radialement tous ensemble et présentant à leur extrémité extérieure un crochet ou partie recourbée perpendiculairement au plan de leurs rayons pour la saisie du joint, lesdits doigts etant portés par un support mobile en translation par rapport à un plateau circulaire de retenue pour le joint, suivant un axe (X-X) perpendiculaire au plan dans lequel s'opère le mouvement radial des doigts.Document US-A-2 086 371 discloses a device for installing a seal in a groove formed outside a cylindrical envelope, of the type ensuring the deformation of the joint at its periphery and comprising a plurality of fingers arranged radially and regularly distributed over a circumference, the fingers being movable radially all together and having at their outer end a hook or curved part perpendicular to the plane of their radii for gripping the joint, said fingers being carried by a support movable in translation relative to a circular retaining plate for the joint, along an axis (XX) perpendicular to the plane in which the radial movement of the fingers takes place.

La présente invention remédie aux inconvénients cités. Elle a pour objet un dispositif ayant les caractéristiques de la revendication 1.The present invention overcomes the disadvantages mentioned. It relates to a device having the characteristics of claim 1.

Grâce à ce dispositif, il est possible de mettre en place un joint circulaire dans une gorge sans aucune intervention manuelle lorsque l'appareillage selon l'invention est associée à un manipulateur ou un robot.Thanks to this device, it is possible to install a circular joint in a groove without any manual intervention when the apparatus according to the invention is associated with a manipulator or a robot.

L'invention permet donc un gain de temps sur la main d'oeuvre de mise en place des joints de manière manuelle et garantit une grande précision de positionnement qui est souvent difficile à assurer lorsque la gorge est située assez loin de l'extrémité de l'espace cylindrique.The invention therefore saves time on the manual installation of seals manually and guarantees high positioning accuracy which is often difficult to ensure when the groove is located far enough from the end of the cylindrical space.

En outre, le dispositif selon l'invention, en provoquant une déformation régulièrement répartie sur toute la périphérie du joint, impose à celui-ci des déformations relativement faibles et minimise le risque de dégradation.In addition, the device according to the invention, by causing a deformation regularly distributed over the entire periphery of the joint, imposes on the latter relatively small deformations and minimizes the risk of degradation.

La présente invention est présentée en détails dans la description ci-dessous, ladite description se référant aux dessins annexés donnés à titre d'exemple d'une réalisation préférée de l'invention, sur lesquels :

  • la Fig. 1 est une vue éclatée en perspective, avec arrachements partiels, de la partie inférieure du dispositif selon l'invention, montrant le mécanisme de préhension du joint.
  • la Fig. 2 est une vue en coupe partielle de l'ensemble du dispositif selon l'invention selon un plan diamétral, la moitié gauche de la coupe montrant le mécanisme de préhension avant la prise du joint et la moitié droite après cette prise.
  • la Fig. 3 est une vue en coupe partielle de l'ensemble du dispositif selon l'invention semblable à la coupe de la Fig. 2 montrant sur sa moitié gauche le mécanisme de préhension avant la prise du joint et sur sa moitié droite le mécanisme après libération du joint dans la gorge.
  • la Fig. 4 est une vue partielle en plan de la partie inférieure du dispositif selon l'invention selon la ligne II-II de la Fig. 2 avec enlèvement de la moitié du plateau fixe supérieur pour laisser voir la déformation du joint.
  • la Fig. 5 montre le dispositif selon l'invention fixé au bras d'un manipulateur en position pour la saisie d'un joint placé dans un outillage de distribution et de centrage, disposé à côté d'un manchon présentant un arrachment partiel pour montrer la gorge, le manchon étant placé lui aussi dans un outillage de centrage.
The present invention is presented in detail in the description below, said description referring to the appended drawings given by way of example of a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which:
  • Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view, with partial cutaway, of the lower part of the device according to the invention, showing the mechanism for gripping the seal.
  • Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view of the entire device according to the invention along a diametral plane, the left half of the section showing the gripping mechanism before the joint is taken and the right half after this grip.
  • Fig. 3 is a partial sectional view of the assembly of the device according to the invention similar to the section of FIG. 2 showing on its left half the gripping mechanism before taking the seal and on its right half the mechanism after release of the seal in the groove.
  • Fig. 4 is a partial plan view of the lower part of the device according to the invention according to line II-II of FIG. 2 with removal of half of the upper fixed plate to reveal the deformation of the seal.
  • Fig. 5 shows the device according to the invention fixed to the arm of a manipulator in position for gripping a seal placed in a distribution and centering tool, disposed next to a sleeve having a partial cutout for show the groove, the sleeve also being placed in a centering tool.

Selon la réalisation préférée de l'invention décrite ci-dessous, le dispositif de pose de joint est plus spécialement mais non exclusivement, destiné à être associé à un manipulateur ou un robot exécutant la séquence des opérations de mise en place du joint.According to the preferred embodiment of the invention described below, the seal fitting device is more specifically but not exclusively, intended to be associated with a manipulator or a robot executing the sequence of operations for placing the seal.

Le mécanisme de préhension du joint (Fig. 1) est composé de trois ensembles coaxiaux d'axe X-X mobiles relativement deux à deux :

  • un premier ensemble 1 servant de support à des doigts 7 portant à leur extrémité des crochets 8 pour la prise du joint et permettant leur mouvement radical. Cet ensemble est mobile en translation selon l'axe X-X perpendiculaire au plan dans lequel s'opère le mouvement radial des doigts 7 ;
  • un second ensemble 14 constituant le dispositif d'entraînement mécanique des doigts 7 de l'ensemble 1. Cet ensemble est mobile en rotation autour de l'axe X-X par rapport à l'ensemble 1 duquel il reste solidaire en translation selon l'axe X-X ;
  • un troisième ensemble 21 constituant un dispositif de maintien et de guidage du joint lors du fonctionnement, composé de deux plateaux 22 et 23, le plateau 23 le plus proche de l'ensemble 1 étant divisé en autant de secteurs 23a, 23b...qu'il existe de doigts ménageant ainsi des rainures 27 pour le passage des doigts 7 et des crochets 8, les deux plateaux étant entretoisés par des plots 24, 25 ou des tubes guides 26. L'ensemble 21 constitue une partie du châssis du dispositif étant lié rigidement à des montants 28.
The joint gripping mechanism (Fig. 1) is composed of three coaxial sets of axis XX which are relatively mobile in pairs:
  • a first assembly 1 serving as a support for fingers 7 carrying at their end hooks 8 for gripping the joint and allowing their radical movement. This assembly is movable in translation along the axis XX perpendicular to the plane in which the radial movement of the fingers 7 takes place;
  • a second assembly 14 constituting the mechanical drive device of the fingers 7 of the assembly 1. This assembly is movable in rotation about the axis XX relative to the assembly 1 of which it remains integral in translation along the axis XX ;
  • a third assembly 21 constituting a device for holding and guiding the seal during operation, composed of two plates 22 and 23, the plate 23 closest to the assembly 1 being divided into as many sectors 23a, 23b ... qu 'there are fingers thus making grooves 27 for the passage of fingers 7 and hooks 8, the two plates being braced by studs 24, 25 or guide tubes 26. The assembly 21 constitutes a part of the chassis of the device being rigidly linked to uprights 28.

Le dispositif étant supposé en position verticale, les tois ensembles ci-dessous sont disposées le long de l'axe X-X vertical dans l'ordre suivant du bas vers le haut :

  • l'ensemble 21 des deux plateaux
  • l'ensemble 1 support des doigts
  • le mécanisme 14 d'entraînement mécanique des doigts.
The device being assumed in a vertical position, the three sets below are arranged along the vertical axis XX in the following order from bottom to top:
  • the set 21 of the two trays
  • set 1 finger support
  • the mechanism 14 for mechanical drive of the fingers.

Chacun de ces ensembles va faire l'objet d'une description détaillée pour l'exemple particulier où le nombre des doigts a été fixé à six régulièrement répartis sur la circonférence.Each of these sets will be the subject of a detailed description for the particular example where the number of fingers has been fixed at six regularly distributed over the circumference.

L'ensemble 1 support des doigts se compose d'une boîte cylindrique sans fond comprenant un plateau horizontal 2 et un flanc cylindrique 3. Le plateau 2 et le flanc 3 présentent quatre encoches 4 permettant le passage des quatre montants 28 solidaires de l'ensemble 21. Le centre du plateau 2 reçoit une virole 6 d'axe X-X dont l'alésage intérieur 6a sert de palier pour le mécanisme tournant 14 d'entraî-nement des doigts et qui supporte l'extrémité intérieure de tiges de guidage 11 servant au déplacement radial de chariots coulissants 10 portant les doigts 7. L'extrémité extérieure desdites tiges de guidage 11 est fixée sur le flanc 3. Chaque chariot coulissant 10 porte à sa partie inférieure un doigt horizontal radial 7 dirigé vers l'extérieur, l'extrémité du doigt 7 étant prolongée par un crochet 8 vertical dirigé vers le bas. Comme montré sur la Fig. 1, lorsque les chariots 10 sont en position extérieure (contre le flanc 3) les doigts 7 dépassent à l'extérieur de l'ensemble 1.The set 1 finger support consists of a bottomless cylindrical box comprising a horizontal plate 2 and a side 3. The cylindrical plate 2 and the side 3 have four notches 4 allowing the passage of four uprights 28 integral with the assembly 21. The center of the tray 2 receives a ring 6 having an axis XX whose inside bore 6a serves bearing for the rotary mechanism 14 for driving the fingers and which supports the inner end of guide rods 11 serving for the radial movement of sliding carriages 10 carrying the fingers 7. The outer end of said guide rods 11 is fixed on the sidewall 3. Each sliding carriage 10 carries at its lower part a horizontal radial finger 7 directed outwards, the end of the finger 7 being extended by a vertical hook 8 directed downwards. As shown in Fig. 1, when the carriages 10 are in the external position (against the sidewall 3) the fingers 7 protrude outside the assembly 1.

Chaque chariot porte en outre sur sa partie supérieure un ergot 9 vertical qui traverse le plateau 2 par une lumière droite 5 radiale limitant la course du chariot. L'ergot 9 dépasse vers le haut de la surface supérieure du plateau 2 de façon à pouvoir être entraîné par le mécanisme d'entraînement des doigts 14 décrit plus loin. Enfin, l'ensemble 1 porte deux tiges de guidage verticales 12b et 12e solidaires du plateau 2 par des fixations 13b et 13e et servant à assurer le guidage de l'ensemble 1 lors des translations par rapport à l'ensemble 21 ainsi qu'il sera précisé plus loin. L'utilisation des indices b et e pour seulement deux pièces s'explique par le fait que ces deux pièces coopèrent avec deux autres pièces appartenant à l'ensemble 21 et qu'il a semblé plus logique de respecter l'indiçage normal requis pour la bonne description de cet ensemble.Each carriage further carries on its upper part a vertical lug 9 which crosses the plate 2 by a right radial lumen 5 limiting the stroke of the carriage. The lug 9 projects upwards from the upper surface of the plate 2 so that it can be driven by the finger drive mechanism 14 described below. Finally, the assembly 1 carries two vertical guide rods 12 b and 12 e secured to the plate 2 by fasteners 13 b and 13 e and serving to guide the assembly 1 during translations relative to the assembly 21 as will be explained later. The use of the indices b and e for only two pieces is explained by the fact that these two pieces cooperate with two other pieces belonging to the set 21 and that it seemed more logical to respect the normal setting required for the good description of this set.

L'ensemble 14 ou dispositif d'entraînement des doigts se compose d'un disque 15 percé de six lumières 16 identiques en forme d'arc de cercle et réparties uniformément sur la surface du disque, d'une bague 17 d'axe X-X correspondant à l'alésage 6a du palier de guidage 6 porté par l'ensemble 1, cette bague située en-dessous du plan du disque 15 étant emmanchée sur un arbre non représenté solidaire du disque 15 et d'un manchon d'accouplement 19 d'axe X-X situé au-dessus du plan du disque 15 et servant à l'entraînement de l'ensemble 14 par des moyens de mise en rotation (non représentés) placés au-dessus de l'ensemble 14. Une rainure de clavette 20 à l'intérieur du manchon 19 permet l'accouplement avec l'axe du dispositif de mise en rotation.The assembly 14 or device for driving the fingers consists of a disc 15 pierced with six identical slots 16 in the form of an arc of a circle and uniformly distributed over the surface of the disc, with a ring 17 of corresponding axis XX at the bore 6 a of the guide bearing 6 carried by the assembly 1, this ring located below the plane of the disc 15 being fitted on a shaft, not shown, integral with the disc 15 and with a coupling sleeve 19 d axis XX located above the plane of the disc 15 and serving to drive the assembly 14 by means of rotation (not shown) placed above the assembly 14. A keyway 20 to the interior of the sleeve 19 allows coupling with the axis of the rotation device.

Cet ensemble 14 mobile en rotation par rapport à l'ensemble 1 reste solidaire de ce dernier pour les translations selon l'axe X-X.This assembly 14 movable in rotation relative to the assembly 1 remains integral with the latter for translations along the axis X-X.

L'ensemble 21, qui constitue la partie inférieure du châssis du dispositif selon l'invention, se compose de deux plateaux entretoisés par des plots. Le plateau inférieur 22 est constitué par un disque tandis que le plateau supérieur est divisé en six éléments 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e et 23f qui sont des secteurs de disque limités à l'extérieur par la circonférence d'un cercle de même diamètre que celui du plateau 22 et à l'intérieur par un cercle dont le diamètre permet le passage de la virole 6 appartenant à l'ensemble 1.The assembly 21, which constitutes the lower part of the chassis of the device according to the invention, consists of two plates braced by studs. The lower plate 22 is constituted by a disk while the upper plate is divided into six elements 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e and 23f which are disk sectors limited to the outside by the circumference of a circle of the same diameter than that of the plate 22 and inside by a circle whose diameter allows the passage of the ferrule 6 belonging to the assembly 1.

Chaque élément est relié au plateau 22 par deux pièces qui sont soit deux plots 24 et 25a, ou 25c ou 25d ou 25f, respectivement pour les éléments 23a, 23c, 23d ou 23f, soit un plot 24 et un tube guide 26b ou 26e pour les éléments 23b et 23e diamètralement opposés. Pour les quatre premiers éléments susmentionnés les deux plots sont semblables et ces éléments sont solidaires de quatre montants 28 verticaux constituant la partie latérale du châssis du dispositif. Les deux derniers éléments 23b et 23e sont reliés chacun au plateau 22 par un plot 24 et par un tube guide 26b ou 26e respectivement. Les tubes guides reçoivent les tiges verticales de guidage 12b et 12e fixées en-dessous du plateau 2 de l'ensemble 1 et assurent le guidage vertical de l'ensemble 1 et de l'ensemble 14 mobiles en translation selon l'axe X-X par rapport à l'ensemble 21.Each element is connected to the plate 22 by two pieces which are either two studs 24 and 25a, or 25c or 25d or 25f, respectively for the elements 23a, 23c, 23d or 23f, or a stud 24 and a guide tube 26b or 26e for the elements 23b and 23e diametrically opposite. For the first four elements mentioned above, the two studs are similar and these elements are integral with four vertical uprights 28 constituting the lateral part of the chassis of the device. The last two elements 23b and 23e are each connected to the plate 22 by a stud 24 and by a guide tube 26b or 26e respectively. The guide tubes receive the vertical guide rods 12b and 12e fixed below the plate 2 of the assembly 1 and ensure the vertical guidance of the assembly 1 and of the assembly 14 movable in translation along the axis XX relative to to set 21.

L'ensemble du dispositif selon l'invention, en plus des trois ensembles présentés ci-dessus, comprend en outre un plateau supérieur 29 qui vient compléter le châssis constitué par le double plateau inférieur, ou ensemble 21, et les quatre montants verticaux 28 qui relient donc l'ensemble 21 au plateau 29. Le plateau 29 porte sur sa face supérieure un organe de raccordement 51 avec le bras d'un manipulateur ou d'un robot. A l'intérieur du volume défini par le châssis et entre le plateau 29 et l'ensemble 14 de mise en rotation, on trouve successivement :

  • un vérin 34 d'axe X-X assurant la translation selon cet axe de tous les organes placés en-dessous de lui jusqu'à l'ensemble 21 exclu ;
  • un vérin rotatif 31 d'axe X-X supporté à sa partie supérieure par la tige verticale du vérin 34, un arbre tounant 32 d'axe X-X s'engageant dans le machon d'accouplement 19 de l'ensemble tournant 14 où il est bloqué en rotation par une clavette 33, ainsi que dans un autre manchon d'accouplement 18 prolongé sous le niveau du plateau 15 qui porte la bague 17, par exemple en bronze, servant de coussinet entre l'ensemble tounant 14 et l'ensemble 1 fixé en rotation ;
  • un capot 30 en forme de cône tronqué assurant la liaison entre la partie inférieure du vérin rotatif 31 et l'ensemble 1 sur lequel il est fixé par des moyens non représentés sur le plateau 2.
The assembly of the device according to the invention, in addition to the three assemblies presented above, further comprises an upper plate 29 which completes the frame formed by the double lower plate, or assembly 21, and the four vertical uprights 28 which therefore connect the assembly 21 to the plate 29. The plate 29 carries on its upper face a connecting member 51 with the arm of a manipulator or a robot. Inside the volume defined by the chassis and between the plate 29 and the assembly 14 for rotating, there are successively:
  • a cylinder 34 of axis XX ensuring the translation along this axis of all the members placed below it up to the assembly 21 excluded;
  • a rotary actuator 31 of axis XX supported at its upper part by the vertical rod of the actuator 34, a rotating shaft 32 of axis XX engaging in the coupling rod 19 of the rotating assembly 14 where it is locked in rotation by a key 33, as well as in another coupling sleeve 18 extended below the level of the plate 15 which carries the ring 17, for example in bronze, serving as a bearing between the rotating assembly 14 and the assembly 1 fixed in rotation;
  • a cover 30 in the form of a truncated cone ensuring the connection between the lower part of the rotary actuator 31 and the assembly 1 to which it is fixed by means not shown on the plate 2.

Les connections à la source d'énergie extérieure nécessaire au fonctionnement des deux vérins 34 et 31 ne sont pas représentées. Le plus commodément, cette source peut être par exemple un réseau d'air comprimé ou un fluide sous pression. Ces connections sont situées sur le plateau 29 et conçues pour permettre un assemblage automatique avec les arrivées d'énergie situées sur le poignet du manipulateur ou du robot.The connections to the external energy source necessary for the operation of the two jacks 34 and 31 are not shown. Most conveniently, this source can be for example a compressed air network or a pressurized fluid. These connections are located on the plate 29 and designed to allow automatic assembly with the energy inlets located on the wrist of the manipulator or the robot.

La position du joint 100, destiné à être placé dans une gorge située à l'intérieur d'un espace cylindrique, est montrée sur les Fig. 2 et 3 pour les phases successives du fonctionnement du dispositif selon l'invention.The position of the seal 100, intended to be placed in a groove located inside a cylindrical space, is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 for the successive phases of the operation of the device according to the invention.

Sur la Fig. 2, la demi-coupe de gauche du mécanisme de préhension montre le joint 100 dans sa position de repos avant sa saisie par les crochets 8 des doigts 7 en position d'extension, les chariots 10 de l'ensemble 1 étant alors positionnés vers la périphérie par le mécanisme 14. Sur la demi-coupe de droite, le mécanisme 14 en tournant d'un angle correspondant à la course des ergots 9 dans les lumières 16 en forme d'arc de cercle du plateau 15 a ramené les chariots 10 vers l'axe X-X plaçant les doigts 7 en position de rétraction, les crochets 8 saisissant le joint et le déformant selon un dessin en étoile dont les sommets extérieurs sont matérialisés par les plots 24 entre le plateau 22 et les éléments 23a, 23b... et les sommets intérieurs par les crochets 8.In Fig. 2, the left half-section of the gripping mechanism shows the seal 100 in its rest position before it is gripped by the hooks 8 of the fingers 7 in the extended position, the carriages 10 of the assembly 1 then being positioned towards the periphery by the mechanism 14. On the right half-section, the mechanism 14 by turning at an angle corresponding to the travel of the lugs 9 in the slots 16 in the form of an arc of a circle of the plate 15 has brought the carriages 10 towards the axis XX placing the fingers 7 in the retraction position, the hooks 8 gripping the joint and deforming it according to a star pattern whose external vertices are materialized by the studs 24 between the plate 22 and the elements 23a, 23b ... and the inner tops by the hooks 8.

Sur la Fig. 3, la demi-coupe de gauche est identique à celle figurant sur la Fig. 2, tandis que la demi-coupe de droite montre l'ensemble mobile en translation selon l'axe X-X en position haute. Le joint 100, dont la position contrainte est rappelée en pointillés, est alors libéré des crochets 8 et par élasticité retrouve sa forme circulaire initiale. Etant guidé par les deux plateaux de l'ensemble 21 positionné en face de la gorge 41 ménagée à l'intérieur de l'espace cylindrique du corps creux 40 destiné à recevoir le joint (comme par exemple un manchon ou un emboîtement de tuyau), le joint vient se placer dans la gorge 41 en une seule opération.In Fig. 3, the left half-section is identical to that shown in FIG. 2, while the right half-section shows the assembly movable in translation along the axis XX in the high position. The seal 100, the constrained position of which is recalled in dotted lines, is then released from the hooks 8 and by elasticity regains its initial circular shape. Being guided by the two plates of the assembly 21 positioned opposite the groove 41 formed inside the cylindrical space of the hollow body 40 intended to receive the seal (such as for example a sleeve or a pipe fitting), the seal is placed in the groove 41 in a single operation.

La déformation en étoile du joint 100 est clairement montrée sur la Fig. 4 qui complète les Fig. 2 et 3 pour expliciter le fonctionnement du dispositif selon l'invention.The star deformation of the seal 100 is clearly shown in FIG. 4 which completes Figs. 2 and 3 to explain the operation of the device according to the invention.

Sur la Fig. 4, trois des six doigts 7 sont représentés étendus et trois autres rétractés. Les mêmes numéros de repère désignent les mêmes pièces précédemment décrites. Le joint 100 a un diamètre au repos DR lorsque les doigts sont étendus. Lorsque les doigts sont rétractés et imposent au joint une déformation en forme d'étoile, le diamètre maximum du joint devient DP ou diamètre provisoire au droit des plots de maintien 24, le dispositif étant disposé pour que ce diamètre DP soit inférieur au diamètre DC de l'espace cylindrique portant la gorge intérieure 41, de façon que le dispositif puisse pénétrer tout entier dans cet espace cylindrique. Bien entendu, le diamètre DG de la gorge intérieure doit être légérement inférieur au diamètre DR du joint au repos pour assurer le maintien du joint dans la gorge.In Fig. 4, three of the six fingers 7 are shown extended and three others retracted. The same reference numbers designate the same parts previously described. The seal 100 has a diameter at rest DR when the fingers are extended. When the fingers are retracted and impose a star-shaped deformation on the joint, the maximum diameter of the joint becomes DP or temporary diameter in line with the holding pads 24, the device being arranged so that this diameter DP is less than the diameter DC of the cylindrical space carrying the inner groove 41, so that the device can fully penetrate this cylindrical space. Of course, the diameter DG of the internal groove must be slightly less than the diameter DR of the seal at rest to ensure the maintenance of the seal in the groove.

Le fonctionnement du dispositif de pose de joint selon l'invention peut être résumé en se référant à la Fig. 5. Le dispositif supposé ici fixé par l'intermédiaire de la pièce 51 au bras 50 d'un manipulateur ou d'un robot reçoit l'énergie extérieure nécessaire au fonctionnement des vérins par les conduits 52 (par exemple véhiculant de l'air comprimé).The operation of the seal fitting device according to the invention can be summarized by referring to FIG. 5. The device assumed here fixed by means of the part 51 to the arm 50 of a manipulator or a robot receives the external energy necessary for the operation of the jacks by the conduits 52 (for example conveying compressed air ).

Le joint 100 est disposé par un moyen extérieur quelconque dans un outillage de centrage composé de six portions d'anneaux 61 non jointifs, ménageant deux à deux six ouvertures 62 pour permettre le passage des doigts 7 et des crochets terminaux 8 lors de la rétraction des doigts.The seal 100 is arranged by any external means in a centering tool composed of six portions of rings 61 which are not contiguous, leaving two to two six openings 62 to allow the passage of the fingers 7 and the end hooks 8 during the retraction of the fingers.

Le dispositif positionné à l'aplomb du joint est descendu jusqu'à un niveau où le joint se trouve entre les deux plateaux de l'ensemble 21. Les doigts qui sont restés étendus jusque là sont alors rétractés par l'action du vérin rotatif 31 agissant sur le mécanisme 14 d'entraînement des doigts, imposant au joint la déformation en étoile décrite précédemment.The device positioned directly above the joint is lowered to a level where the joint is between the two plates of the assembly 21. The fingers which have remained extended until then are then retracted by the action of the rotary actuator 31 acting on the mechanism 14 for driving the fingers, imposing on the joint the star deformation described above.

Le dispositif est relevé avec le joint puis translaté jusqu'à l'aplomb du corps creux 40 avec son espace cylindrique portant la gorge 41. L'élément 40 qui est un manchon dans l'exemple donné par la Fig. 5 est partiellement arraché pour montrer la gorge 41 et il est placé dans un outillage de positionnement 42.The device is raised with the seal and then translated to plumb with the hollow body 40 with its cylindrical space carrying the groove 41. The element 40 which is a sleeve in the example given by FIG. 5 is partially torn off to show the groove 41 and it is placed in a positioning tool 42.

Le dispositif est alors descendu dans l'espace cylindrique du corps 40 jusqu'à un niveau où le joint déformé se trouve en face de la gorge 41, puis toute la partie mobile en translation selon l'axe X-X vertical est remontée à l'aide du vérin 34 de façon à libérer le joint 100 des crochets 8 qui maintenaient la déformation.The device is then lowered into the cylindrical space of the body 40 to a level where the deformed seal is located in front of the groove 41, then the entire movable part in translation along the vertical axis XX is raised using of the cylinder 34 so as to release the seal 100 from the hooks 8 which maintained the deformation.

Le dispositif est remonté, les doigts toujours rétractés pour sortir du cylindre et une fois les doigts étendus il est prêt pour un nouveau cycle si l'on a pris soin de pourvoir à l'approvisionnement en joint dans l'outillage spécial et de placer un nouveau manchon dans l'outillage de centrage.The device is reassembled, the fingers still retracted to exit the cylinder and once the fingers extended it is ready for a new cycle if care has been taken to provide the supply of seal in the special tool and to place a new sleeve in the centering tool.

Grâce au dispositif selon l'invention on voit donc qu'il est facile de poser un joint dans la gorge intérieure de manchons ou d'emboîtements de tuyaux d'une façon sûre et rapide et que cette opération peut être automatisée à condition d'assurer l'alimentation automatique en joints d'une part et en pièces à munir de joints d'autre part.Thanks to the device according to the invention, it can therefore be seen that it is easy to place a seal in the internal groove of sleeves or pipe sockets in a safe and rapid manner and that this operation can be automated provided that automatic supply of seals on the one hand and parts to be provided with seals on the other.

Bien entendu, il faut prévoir un dispositif de taille convenable pour chaque dimètre de joint et de pièces correspondantes mais si le poste de travail est automatisé, le robot ou le manipulateur peut changer le dispositif pour l'adapter au diamètre des pièces à garnir automatiquement de joints.Of course, a device of suitable size must be provided for each size of joint and corresponding parts, but if the workstation is automated, the robot or the manipulator can change the device to adapt it to the diameter of the parts to be automatically filled with joints.

Du fait même de son principe qui conduit à une déformation du joint en forme d'étoile, celle-ci, étant régulièrement répartie sur toute la circonférence, reste relativement faible, et le joint ne risque pas de subir de dégradations dues à une importante déformation localisée.By the very fact of its principle which leads to a deformation of the star-shaped joint, the latter, being regularly distributed over the entire circumference, remains relatively small, and the joint is not likely to undergo damage due to a significant deformation localized.

Etant maintenu entre les deux plateaux de l'ensemble 21 le joint déformé reste sensiblement dans un même plan et lorsque l'on retire les doigts, ces mêmes plateaux assurent un guidage tel que le joint en retrouvant sa forme initiale vient se loger en une seule opération dans la gorge correspondante.Being maintained between the two plates of the assembly 21, the deformed seal remains substantially in the same plane and when the fingers are removed, these same plates provide guidance such as the seal in regaining its initial shape is housed in a single operation in the corresponding groove.

La description précédente a porté sur un dispositif de pose de joints comportant six doigts et spécialement conçu dans l'optique d'une automatisation de la pose. Il est évident que l'on peut modifier le nombre des doigts, sans toutefois descendre en-dessous de trois, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention.The foregoing description has focused on a joint laying device comprising six fingers and specially designed with a view to automating the laying. It is obvious that one can modify the number of fingers, without however going below three, without departing from the scope of the invention.

De même, le dispositif selon l'invention peut être modifié pour le transformer en outil à main pour les petits diamètres. Dans ce cas, on supprime les deux vérins 31 et 34 qui sont remplacés par une tige de commande manoeuvrée manuellement à l'aide d'un volant, par exemple, placé à l'extrémité de cette tige à la place de la pièce de raccordement 51.Likewise, the device according to the invention can be modified to transform it into a hand tool for small diameters. In this case, we remove the two cylinders 31 and 34 which are replaced by a control rod operated manually using a flywheel, for example, placed at the end of this rod in place of the connecting piece 51.

La tige permet d'effectuer la rotation qui commande le mouvement des doigts et la translation qui libère le joint, un arrêt placé sur la tige et venant buter sur le châssis limitant le mouvment de translation. Des arrêts placés sur les montants 28 du châssis permettent de positionner facilement le dispositif en face de la gorge.The rod makes it possible to carry out the rotation which controls the movement of the fingers and the translation which releases the seal, a stop placed on the rod and abutting on the chassis limiting the movement of translation. Stops placed on the uprights 28 of the chassis allow the device to be easily positioned opposite the groove.

En résumé, le dispositif selon l'invention peut être utilisé pour la mise en place d'un insert déformable, par exemple un joint dans un profil conjugué, par exemple une gorge située à l'intérieur d'un corps creux cylindrique d'une manière manuelle, semi-automatique par un manipulateur ou atuomatique par un robot programmable ou non.In summary, the device according to the invention can be used for the installation of a deformable insert, for example a seal in a conjugate profile, for example a groove located inside a cylindrical hollow body of a manual, semi-automatic by a manipulator or atuomatic by a programmable or non-programmable robot.

Claims (7)

  1. Apparatus for seating a gasket inside a groove formed in a part (40) which is to be provided with a gasket, of the type effecting the deformation of the gasket on its periphery and comprising a plurality of prongs (7) disposed radially and regularly distributed over a circumferencee, the prongs all being radially movable together and having at their outer end a hook (8) or part bent back at right angles to the plane of their radii for the purpose of gripping the gasket, said prongs being carried by a support (1) movable in translation, relative to a circular retaining plate (21) for the gasket, on an axis (X-X) perpendicular to the plane in which the radial movement of the prongs is made, the retaining plate (21) being composed of two discs, namely an upper disc (22) and a lower disc (23), between which the gasket is placed and which are spaced apart by studs (24), the upper disc (22) having radial slots (27) inside which the hooks (8) are placed.
  2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterised in that the prongs (7) carry for their radial movement a drive element (9) cooperating with a mechanical drive means (14) mounted for rotational movement about the axis X-X relative to the support (1) with which it moves in translation on the axis X-X.
  3. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the hooks (8) at the end of the prongs (7) are situated when the prongs are extended, on a circumference whose diameter is greater than the outside diameter of the gasket (100) at rest, thus allowing the hooks to surround the gasket before gripping it and, when the prongs are in a retracted position, on a circumference whose diameter is less than that of the circle externally tangent to the internal gasket retaining studs (24), thus imparting to the gasket a deformation regularly distributed over its entire periphery and provisionally giving it a shape close to that of a star-shaped polygon whose external apexes correspond to the retaining studs (24) and whose internal apexes correspond to the hooks (8).
  4. Apparatus according to Claim 2, characterised in that the drive element (9) for the radial movement of the prongs (7) consists of a toe fastened to each of the prongs and extending parallel to the axis X-X in a direction opposite to that of the hooks (8) at the end of the prongs, all the toes being movable only radially, each in a straight radial slot (5) formed in the plate (2) of the prong support, said toes (9) cooperating with the mechanical prong drive assembly (14), each of them engaging in an arc-shaped slot (16), the slots (16) being regularly distributed on a disc (15) perpendicular to the axis X-X and rotatable about X-X, the rotary movement imparting a radial translation to all the prongs (7).
  5. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the means bringing about the movement of the device (14) for the mechanical driving of the prongs and for the translatory movement on the axis X-X of the prong support (1) and of the prong drive device (14) consist of actuators fed by an external energy source, respectively a rotary actuator (31) and an actuator (34) having a linear stroke on the axis X-X.
  6. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that it has a connector unit (51) mounted on a plate (29) fastened to the retaining plate (21) for the purpose of securing it to the arm of a manipulator.
  7. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that it is designed to be operated manually, the actuators (31) and (34) being eliminated and replaced by an operating rod and the connector unit (51) by a manual gripping element permitting rotation and translation on the axis X-X.
EP87470012A 1986-07-10 1987-07-01 Device for placing a seal ring in a groove Expired - Lifetime EP0253750B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT87470012T ATE75439T1 (en) 1986-07-10 1987-07-01 DEVICE FOR INSERTING A SEALING RING INTO A GROOVE.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8610307A FR2601273A1 (en) 1986-07-10 1986-07-10 DEVICE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A SEAL SEAL INSIDE A THROAT.
FR8610307 1986-07-10

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0253750A1 EP0253750A1 (en) 1988-01-20
EP0253750B1 true EP0253750B1 (en) 1992-04-29

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87470012A Expired - Lifetime EP0253750B1 (en) 1986-07-10 1987-07-01 Device for placing a seal ring in a groove

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US4782573A (en)
EP (1) EP0253750B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE75439T1 (en)
DE (1) DE3778600D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2601273A1 (en)

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DE4036863A1 (en) * 1990-11-19 1992-05-21 Fraunhofer Ges Forschung Assembling O=rings in bores - involves O=ring supported on radially spring-loaded pins forcing it into shape that can enter bore
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE75439T1 (en) 1992-05-15
US4782573A (en) 1988-11-08
FR2601273A1 (en) 1988-01-15
EP0253750A1 (en) 1988-01-20
DE3778600D1 (en) 1992-06-04

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