US3900938A

US3900938A - Hydraulic cylinder service machine

Info

Publication number: US3900938A
Application number: US516375A
Authority: US
Inventors: Sr Oscar C Blomgren; Oscar C Blomgren
Original assignee: Tuxco Corp
Current assignee: Tuxco Corp
Priority date: 1974-10-21
Filing date: 1974-10-21
Publication date: 1975-08-26
Anticipated expiration: 1992-08-26

Abstract

A hydraulic cylinder service machine which includes a generally rectangular frame and a horizontal central mounting post supported thereon. The central mounting post has extensions which are adjustable in length allowing the machine to handle and mount a wide variety of cylinders for repair. A housing receiving chuck, housing retaining rollers, and piston rod retainer are adjustably secured on the central mounting post. A housing cap retainer may be adjustably secured to the central mounting post or be portable for separate use in the field. A hydraulic mechanism at one end of the frame operates to remove and replace the cylinder housing cap and piston rod nut of a cylinder while it is being held on the machine. The hydraulic mechanism may also be portable for use in the field together with the housing cap retainer.

Description

United States Patent [191 Blomgren, Sr. et a1.

[ Aug. 26, 1975 1 HYDRAULIC CYLINDER SERVICE MACHINE [73] Assignee: Tuxco Corporation, North Chicago,

[22] Filed: Oct. 21, 1974 21 Appl. No.: 516,375

[52] US. Cl 29/240; 81/5739 [51] Int. Cl. B23? 19/04 [58] Field of Search 29/240; 81/5739, 3.2, 81/5734 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,216,563 10/1940 Cartier 29/240 3,256,757 6/1966 Kochaver 3,848,485 11/1974 Grenci 81/32 Primary Examiner-James L. Jones, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Lockwood. Dewey, Zickert & Alex [57] ABSTRACT A hydraulic cylinder service machine which includes a generally rectangular frame and a horizontal central mounting post supported thereon. The central mounting post has extensions which are adjustable in length allowing the machine to handle and mount a wide variety of cylinders for repair. A housing receiving chuck, housing retaining rollers, and piston rod retainer are adjustably secured on the central mounting post. A housing cap retainer may be adjustably secured to the central mounting post or be portable for separate use in the field. A hydraulic mechanism at one end of the frame operates to remove and replace the cylinder housing cap and piston rod nut of a cylinder while it is being held on the machine. The hydraulic mechanism may also be portable for use in the field together with the housing cap retainer.

13 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures PATENTED Auczs 191s FIG.1

PATENTEU Amzzsms SHEET 2 OF 8 PATENTEB AUG 2 6 I975 SliZET- 3 BF 8 FIGB FIG.6

PATENTED AUBZ 6 I975 SET 5 BF 8 :21 E OF 8 PATENTEI] AUG 2 61975 mN Wm HYDRAULIC CYLINDER SERVICE MACHINE This invention relates in general to a hydraulic cylinder service machine, and more particularly to a machine capable of receiving hydraulic cylinders having widely varying dimensions and facilitating repair of same.

Heretofore, hydraulic cylinder repair machinery has not been widely used except by a very few shows specializing in repair of hydraulic equipment. The present invention solves size and space problems heretofore inherent in hydraulic cylinder repair machinery. Prior known non-extendable hydraulic cylinder service machines have necessarily had a basic length substantially longer than that of the longest cylinder to be mounted and repaired thereon. Financially, it is difficult to justify the cost of a large hydraulic cylinder service machine if only a small percentage of hydraulic cylinders to be repaired thereon utilize the full capacity of the machine.

The present invention is more compact and less bulky than heretofore known hydraulic cylinder service machines capable of servicing comparable size hydraulic cylinders. A present embodiment of the invention achieves its compactness by having structural members which enable it to continuously extend to several times its basic length. The extendability of the invention is achieved without diminution of the rigidity necessary in a machine capable of dismantling and reassembling large, heavy-duty hydraulic cylinders.

Another problem encountered when repairing hydraulic cylinders is the need to tighten and loosen hydraulic cylinder parts with the torque necessary for assuring proper cylinder functioning at high hydraulic circuit pressures. The present invention enables appli' cation of a torque not obtainable in heretofore known hydraulic cylinder service machines for dismantling and assembling a hydraulic cylinder mounted in the machine. The torque capability is achieved partially by hydraulic means, thereby eliminating large mechanical levers, planetary gears, and other apparatus.

The hydraulic cylinder service machine of the invention achieves a simplicity of construction not heretofore available in such machines by being planned around a central mounting post and its extensions. All non portable components of the machine mount directly to the central mounting post or its extensions. The lathe-like non-extendable dual rail construction heretofore used in machines for repairing hydraulic cylinders is eliminated.

The central mounting post is attached in a horizontal position to a rectangular frame having a plurality of leg supports. A horizontally telescoping member having an independent supporting pedestal is slidably received in one end of the tubular central mounting post. A power drive mechanism extends or retracts the telescoping member relative the post. The pedestal support member has a vertical extension extending above the horizontal post which includes a rotatably mounted cylinder housing receiving chuck. A hydraulic cylinder to be serviced mounts in the service machine over the post by attaching the closed end of the housing to the chuck. Rollers located in spaced relation above the central mounting post support the cylinder housing. An adjustable retainer also attached to the central mounting post connects to the cap of the housing to prevent turning. A piston rod mounting support is slidably connected to the central mounting post and retains the free end of the piston rod in a rigid position. The piston rod mounting support, rollers, and chuck are all adjustably movable along the central mounting post or extension to handle different length cylinders. Housing cap retainers may be adjustably movable along the central mounting post or portable for alternate use in the field.

A second extension to the mounting post may coact with the opposite end of the post from which the telescoping member is received to further lengthen the machine. This extension also has a supporting pedestal. The combination of two extensions and basic central mounting post permit the servicing of cylinders up to 15 feet in length. It can be further understood that the invention disclosed can provide extendability such that even longer cylinders may be mounted in the in the machine within the scope of the invention. When smaller hydraulic cylinders are repaired, the extendable members of the central mounting post are retracted forming a compact hydraulic cylinder service machine. A flat working surface upon which tools and parts are placed is defined on the frame adjacent the mounting post. An oil catching pan running the full length of the frame is attached under the central mounting post for collecting spilled hydraulic oil for reuse.

A hydraulic power torquing means including a torque plate moment arm and a portable hydraulic ram are connectable to the rotating chuck for driving same. In one embodiment, the hydraulic ram is placed between a bracket support and the torque plate. As the ram is extended, the plate is moved in an are causing the chuck assembly to turn. A portable unit utilizing these same principles and additionally capable of use in the field is a second embodiment of the hydraulic power torquing means.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a compact hydraulic cylinder service machine which is adjustably extendable for mounting hydraulic cylinders of various sizes.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a simple hydraulic torquing means in a hydraulic cylinder service machine providing more torque capacity than heretofore available for servicing cylinders.

A further object of the invention is to provide a hydraulic cylinder service machine of simplified construc tion by having all non-portable components of the machine connectable to a central mounting post.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a hydraulic cylinder service machine including basic torquing and torque reactive component which are portable providing alternative utilization in the field.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hydraulic cylinder service machine of the invention showing a hydraulic cylinder in phantom mounted therein and the extendability of one telescoping member;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 22 of FIG. 1, also showing in phantom the second extension member coacting with the central mounting post;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 33 of FIG. 2 showing the power torquing means and the drive mechanism for extending the telescoping member;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2 showing the adjustable spanner wrench type retainer for engaging the cylinder housing cap and a mounting mechanism for attaching the retainer to the central mounting post;

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 5 -5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 6-6 of FIG. 2 showing one of the adjustable cylinder housing retaining rollers as attached to the central mounting post and supporting a mounted hydraulic cylinder housing;

FIG. 7 is a partial exploded perspective view of the machine according to the invention showing the placement of components enabling the mounting of a cylinder therein;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of the hydraulic ram pivotally retained in its mounting bracket;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged top plan view of a cylinder and housing chuck assembly having a cylinder mounted with certain portions omitted for clarity;

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially along line 1010 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 with the cylinder housing removed and showing a socket received by the chuck assembly for removing the nut retaining the cylinder rod piston and a bar means in phantom as an alternative chuck turning means;

FIG. 12 is a vertical elevational view of a second embodiment of the invention showing the portable power torquing means and hydraulic telescoping means;

FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 13l3 of FIG. 12 showing the portable power torquing means;

FIG. 14 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 1515 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a vertical elevational view partially cut away of a modification of the spanner wrench mounted upon a cylinder cap positioned in the machine as shown in cross section taken along line 1616 of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 17 is a plan view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16 with some parts in section.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, a hydraulic cylinder service machine of the invention is generally shown at 10. The invention comprises a rectangular frame 11 having a plurality of leg supports typically shown at 12. Attached to the frame in horizontal position is a central tubular mounting post 13 having a rectangular cross section, although it may have any suitable cross section. At one end of the mounting post 13 a telescoping member 14 of like but smaller cross section having an upstanding first supporting member or pedestal 15 located at its outer end which is slidably received in the post to vary the length of the machine for servicing cylinders of differing lengths. Supporting member 15 has a stabliing foot portion 17 at its lower end with attached rolling means 170, FIG. 2, and a vertical extension 16 at its upper end rising above the telescoping member for mounting a ro tating hydraulic cylinder receiving chuck assembly 20. As a hydraulic cylinder 18 is serviced in the hydraulic cylinder service machine 10, the closed end of a cylinder housing 19 is mounted in chuck assembly 20 with cylinder housing support rollers 21-21 spaced along the post maintaining the remaining portion of the housing in a horizontal position.

An adjustable spanner wrench type retainer 22 mounted on the post engages the cylinder housing cap 23 of a cylinder to prevent the same from turning. An aperture through the center of cap 23 serves as a mounting for cylinder piston rod 116 which extends therethrough. A seal and packing assembly 23a prevents the leakage of oil through the aperture. The free end of the cylinder piston rod 116 includes an external mounting member or yoke retainer 24 and mounting apertures 24a therein which is retained in a vertical support 25 also attached to the central mounting post 13 as seen in FIG. 7.

A second extension 26 having a second supporting member or pedestal 27 substantially similar to supporting member 15 may be added to the opposite end of central mounting post 13 as shown in phantom in FIG. 2 to further increase the length of the machine for servicing still longer cylinders.

A flat work bench tabletop 30 is shown in FIG. I mounted on frame 11 adjacent the central mounting post 13. Parts and wrenches may be placed on the tabletop aiding in assembling or disassembling the hydraulic cylinder. One portion of an oil catching pan 31 mounted in frame 11 under the full length and width of the basic central mounting post 13 can be seen in FIG. 1 while it is shown in cross section in FIG. 2. Any oil leaking out of the cylinder is collected in the pan and drained through an outlet 32 into a suitable container. This oil may thereafter be filtered and reused.

The combination telescoping member 14 and supporting member 15 is slidably moved in the central mounting post 13 by a telescoping member drive unit or worm gear drive mechanism shown generally at 33 in FIGS. 1 and 2. Worm gear drive mechanism 33 includes a prime mover 34 such as a pneumatic motor, having an output shaft mounting a driving sprocket 35. A driven sprocket 36 mounted at one end of a worm gear shaft 37 rotatably supported by the vertical support member 15 and running the length of telescoping member 14 is drivingly connected to the driving sprocket by a chain 38. A protective safety enclosure 39 covers the sprockets and chain. An internally threaded rigid fitting or nut 40 is located in frame 11 and fixed against rotational and axial movement. Since the fitting 40 does not move and worm gear 37 is rotatably but not laterally movable in relation to supporting member 15, the rotation of worm gear 37 causes the telescoping member to move relative the hollow central mounting post 13 as shown in full line and phantom in FIG. 1.

A hydraulic torquing means for rotating the chuck 20 is shown. generally at 41 in FIG. 3. The chuck assembly 20 includes a shaft 42 which is rigidly connected to the torquing means 41 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Accordingly, the torquing means can loosen a cap on a housing or tighten same into sealing relationship. Additionally, the torquing means can loosen or tighten a cyl inder piston retaining nut to aid repair or replacement of a hydraulic cylinder piston. Hydraulic torquing means 41 includes a torque plate or moment arm 43 mounted on shaft 42 on the opposite side of the support member vertical extension 16 from chuck 20. The torque plate 43 is circular in shape and includes round pin holes 44 located in equally spaced angular relation inwardly adjacent the periphery of the plate. The torquing plate 43 is driven by a portable hydraulic ram 45 operated by a pump 46, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 7. Depending on the direction of rotation desired, a pivot pin mounting 45a located at one end of the ram is placed in and pivotally retained by an upwardly facing V-slot in

bracket

47a or 47b mounted on either side of the support member as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 8 while the ram piston 48a is retained against the plate. The arms of pivot mounting 45a extend over the outside of either

bracket

47a or 47b as mounted and pivot pin 45b is retained in the bight portion of the V-slot. A block 48 which retains the outer end of the ram piston includes a transverse bore for receiving a removable pin 49 which also engages the plate 43 at any of the pin holes 44. The ram piston, when extended as shown in phantom in FIG. 3, causes a part-revolution rotation of the torquing plate 43 and the connected chuck through shaft 42. It can be appreciated the force transmitted to the chuck by hydraulic cylinder 46 acting through the radius of torque plate 43 is substantial. The torque generating capacity of the invention for disassembling and assembling cylinders is higher than heretofore known hydraulic cylinder service machines. The high torque levels are required to assemble and disassemble hydraulic cylinders which are used in high pressure hydraulic circuitry. As shown in FIG. 3, the torquing means 41 is capable of operating in either direction clockwise, or counterclockwise to provide torquing power for assembly or disassembly of hydraulic cylinders. In operation, the hydraulic torquing means is preferably applied only during the beginning and end of turning operations when high torque capacity is required. Since the torquing plate 43 is only rotated through a partial revolution for full extension of the portable ram piston 45b, continual power rotation of the torquing plate 43 necessitates withdrawing the ram piston 48a, moving block 48, and securing pin 49 to the adjacent pin hole 44 which is closer to the end of the withdrawn piston. Manual turning means are employed to perform the necessary turning operations whenever the high torque capacity of the ram is not required.

In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the adjustable spanner wrench type retainer 22 which holds the cylinder cap and seal 23 against rotation during assembly and disassembly of cylinders includes two L-shaped

arm members

52, 53 retained on the central mounting post 13 by a split collar 54 including an inverted U-shaped plate 54a and a holding or retaining plate 54b. The horizontal leg portions of L-shaped

arm members

52 and 53 are adjacently juxtaposed and sandwiched between the top of collar 54 and a holding or retaining plate 55 so

pins

56 and 56a at the upper ends of the armmembers engage housing cap 23 on opposite sides thereof. Retaining

ridges

55a and 55b extend downwardly from the holding plate 55 to retain the horizontal leg portions closely adjacent one another. In order to align

pins

56 and 56a to fit detents in the housing cap 23, pin 56a is mounted on an offset arm at the side of L-shaped member 52 as shown most clearly in FIG. 7. Split collar 54 is selectively locked to or slidable along central mounting post 13 or extension 26 by means of tightening or loosening nut and bolt assemblies which coact with retaining plate 54b and collar portion 540 thereby securing the spanner wrench in a selected position along the post 13 or extension 26. The top of collar portion 54a includes

platforms

57, 57a extending to either side thereof and maintained in horizontal position by

triangular supports

58, 58a connected to the bottom of the respective platforms and their adjacent side portions of collar portion 54a.

Side platforms

57, 57a can additionally support the portion of L-shaped

arm members

52, 53 which would otherwise extend over the sides of central mounting post 13 and the similarly shaped split collar 54.

In FIG. 6, a cylinder housing support member 21 is shown which includes a roller 61 extending horizontally and transverse the central mounting post 13 having a roller surface tapering towards its center from both ends to guidably receive the rounded surface of a cylinder housing. The roller 61 is rotatably supported on a shaft 61a, the opposite ends of which are suitably secured to the upper ends of threaded

support rods

62, 62. A base plate 63 mounted transversely on the central mounting post 13 includes holes receiving the rods. Nuts on each rod at opposite sides of the plate are positioned to adjust and lock the rods at a desired location on the plate 63 to place the roller at a selected elevation. Plate 63 is slidable along the mounting post 13, and is maintained in transverse position by retaining pins 64-64 mounted on the underside of the plate immediately adjacent each side of the central mounting post 13. In operation, the roller 61 rotates as a cylinder housing 19 is disconnected and drawn away from the housing cap and seal 23 and moved longitudinally along the machine. Activation of the worm gear drive mechanism moves the telescoping member and the cylinder housing connected to chuck 20.

The mounting structure 25 for receiving and retaining cylinder rod external mounting 24 is most clearly shown in FIG. 7. It includes a rigid vertical support 65 mounted on the top surface of a split collar 66 which surrounds the central mounting post 13. The collar includes an inverted U-shaped member 66a and a lower plate member 66b held together by nut and bolt assemblies which when loosened allow the structure to be slidably positioned along the post or extension and when tightened fix the position of the structure. It should be noted that collar 66 of the mounting structure 25 and collar 54 of the adjustable housing cap retainer 22 are fastened to the central mounting post 13 in the same manner. While the rigid vertical support 65 is a channel shape, it could take any other suitable shape. Two horizontal parallel arms 70-70 connected to support 65 have aligned round apertures 71-71 at their distal ends through which a cylinder rod retaining pin 72 is slidably held. The cylinder rod mounting member 24 is rigidly retained on pin 72 by means of a proper size cylindrical sleeve 73. A plurality of sleeves 73 of various sizes are stored on frame 11 behind the central mounting post 13. Sleeves 73 are cylindrical in shape having a length slightly smaller than the distance between parallel arm members 70-70. Each sleeve has a central mounting hole 74 slightly larger than the diameter of retaining pin 72 for receiving the same. The outside diameters of sleeves 73 are varied. This enables cylinders having various mounting member aperture diameters to be mounted in the machine. In operation a proper diameter sleeve 73 is fitted into the apertures in the rod external mounting member 24. That assembly is placed between the mounting structure retaining arm members 70-70 so the central aperture 74 aligns with the retaining arm apertures 71-71. Retaining pin 72 is inserted through the aligned apertures to rigidly retain the rod mounting member 24 in machine 10. As can be seen in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, cylinder housing 19 mounts in rotating chuck assembly 20 in the same manner as rod mounting member 24 mounts in vertical support 65.

Chuck assembly 20 includes a head rotatably mounted to the supporting member vertical extension 16 by shaft 42 which is mounted in a hole 78 centrally through the chuck head and keyed thereto by key 76, as seen in FIGS. 7, 9 and 11. Arm members 81-81 mounted in opposite parallel positions at the outer periphery of head 75 and extending forward of the front working surface 80 are substantially similar to opposing arm members 70-70 of piston rod retaining structure 25. The arm members 81-81 have aligned apertures 82-82 at their distal ends for receiving a cylinder housing retaining pin 83 substantially similar to piston retaining pin 72. A sleeve 73, as previously described, is inserted in cylinder housing mounting member 84 at apertures 84a, and sleeve aperture 74 is aligned with apertures 82-82 of chuck arm members 81-81, and retaining pin 83 is inserted to retain the housing mounting member 84 in chuck assembly 20. A pair of centering screws 85-85 are turned into internally threaded apertures 86-86 located inwardly adjacent apertures 82-82 on chuck arm members 81-81. Centering screws 85-85 may be adjusted to place the cylinder housing mounting member 84 in a central position on sleeve 73 so as to provide rotary motion without any lateral motion as the chuck assembly 20 turns hydraulic cylinder housing 19.

As shown in FIG. 10, the chuck head 75 has a skirt 90 extending rearwardly from its outer circumference. Skirt 90 covers a portion of a round mounting hub 91 connected to supporting member vertical extension 16. A retaining ring 77 retains the head 75 on the hub 91. Chuck 20 and chuck mounting hub 91 have apertures extending radially inward from the outer circumference of each member. Aperture 92 extends diametrically of chuck head 75. Aperture 93 is axially aligned with aperture 92 and extends through the skirt 90. Aperture 94 is located in the most forward portion of chuck mounting hub 91, is preferably positioned vertically, and is capable of aligning with aperture 93 in skirt 90. Aperture 95 is vertically positioned, axially aligned with aperture 94, and located in a portion of chuck mounting hub 91 not covered by chuck skirt 90. A chuck turning bar 96, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 11, may be placed in aperture 92 of the chuck head 75 providing an efficient means for hand turning chuck 20 and a cylinder housing held thereby. A stationary bar 101 is inserted vertically in aperture 95 providing leverage means for turning chuck 20 with chuck turning bar 96. A pin may be inserted through skirt aperture 93 and into aligned hub aperture 94 to lock the head 75 to the hub 91. A locked stationary chuck is desirable when performing certain repair operations on hydraulic cylinders, such as the removal or replacement of

hydraulic fittings

98, 99 which are threadedly received in hydraulic cylinder housing 19.

As shown in FIG. 10, torque plate 43 includes a hub 102 with a central aperture 103 partially therethrough from one end thereof for receiving one end of chuck mounting shaft 42 opposite the end at which chuck head 75 is mounted. A central keyway or socket 104 is located between aperture 103 and free end 105 of hub 102. Shaft 42 has a central keyway or socket of identical cross section at 106. A key is mounted through hub keyway 104 and into shaft keyway 106 fixing the plate 43 and shaft 42 for corotation. Key 110 is preferably square in cross section for engagement of sockets or torque wrenches.

In FIG. 11, a socket 111, one of a plurality of varying size sockets, is shown with its male mounting end 112 positioned in socket mounting aperture 113 centrally located in one end of shaft 42 so it protrudes from chuck working face 80. Socket 111 has a recess at its other end which couplingly engages and is used for turning nut 114 which retains hydraulic cylinder piston 115 on piston rod 116. Nut 114 may be turned using hydraulic torquing means 41 or by hand means using chuck turning bar 96 or a wrench which may be mounted on the exposed end of key 110.

A second embodiment of the hydraulic cylinder service machine is shown in FIG. 12, generally at 121. The modification forming the second embodiment includes a portable torquing means, shown generally at 122 in FIGS. 12 and 13, and a modified spanner wrench, generally at 123 in FIG. 16. Both torquing means 122 and spanner wrench 123 may be used separately or in combination to aid in repairing a hydraulic cylinder in the field and yet compatibly provide the same functions as torquing means 41 and spanner wrench 22 of the first embodiment when attached to the machine 121. Also included in the second embodiment is a means for hydraulically telescoping portions of the machine, which is shown generally at 124 in FIG. 12.

Portable torquing means 122 includes a frame 125 having generally

parallel side members

126, 126 and

end plates

130, 131 attached therebetween. Torquing plate 132 is similar to torquing plate 43 of the first embodiment, and is pivotally mounted to frame 125 by a shaft 133 having mounting apertures or keyways 134-134 at its ends which provide the same function for both directions of rotation as mounting aperture 1 13 in shaft 42 of the first embodiment. A portable hydraulic cylinder is positioned in the frame 125 with its blank end 135a against end plate 131. Piston of hydraulic cylinder 135 is attached to a bracket 141 which is slidable along

frame side members

126, 126 and is slidably pivotally attached to rotatable torquing plate 132 through pin 144 which is removably retained in transverse elongated slots -145 astride the torquing plate. Bracket 141 is prevented from movement other than sliding along frame side rails 126, 126 by tongue 142 which extends from bracket 141, between frame side rails 126, 126, and which is maintained therebetween by a retainer 143 suitably removably attached to the tongue by bolts 143a or the like. Hydraulic cylinder piston 140 provides a force vector through bracket 141 and pin 144 which approximates the tangential component of the force necessary to move torque plate 132 through a partial rotation. The radial component of rotational force is compensated for by allowing pin 144 to slide in slots 145-145. Torquing means 122 is capable of exerting torque comparable to that of torquing means 41 of the first embodiment. Retaining are 136, shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 15, extends outwardly of pedestal post 137 and is utilized for bracing torquing means 122 against rotation when it is mounted in the machine 121.

Portable hydraulic torquing means 122 is connectable to the service machine 121 by positioning either of twin keyways 134-134 onto key 137. Torque is transferred through shaft 137a and chuck 138 in the second embodiment as it is transferred through shaft 42 and chuck in the first embodiment. When in operation on the service machine, torquing means 122 is positioned on either side of the retaining arm 136, depending on the direction of torque desired, so as to prevent rotation of the frame 125.

In operation, torquing means 122 provides torque through a step-wise rotation of torquing plate 132 similar to torquing means 41 of the first embodiment. The portable hydraulic cylinder piston 140 is extended causing bracket 141 to move and rotate torquing plate 132 through a partial rotation. Then pin 144 is withdrawn from its mounting, piston 140 is returned into cylinder 135, and slots 145-145 are aligned with a different hole 132a on the plate. After pin 144 is reinserted through slots 145-145 and through the second hole 132a, the torquing means may again be activated.

Portable torquing means 122 may also be removed I from the hydraulic cylinder service machine 121 and adapted to provide torquing capacity in the field. The portable torquing means 122 may also be utilized in the field for coaction with the portable spanner wrench 123 described below.

Portable spanner wrench 123 is shown most clearly in FIG. 16 and includes a lever arm 145 with a firstjaw 146 extending therefrom having a first detent mounting post 147 attached thereto. The first mounting post includes a horizontally slotted tool mounting way 148 oriented generally perpendicular to the axis of the lever arm 145. A detent tool 150 is slidably and adjustably retained on the way by nut and bolt combination 149 or its equivalent. A second jaw 151 is adjustably and slidably mounted on the lever arm in spatially aligned relation to first jaw 146 and includes a hollow support bar 152 fitting over one end 153 of lever arm 145 which is selectively retained thereon. In this embodiment, the lever arm distal end 153, on which the support bar 152 is mounted, is threaded. After the support bar 152 is positioned on lever arm 145 with threaded distal end 153 through aperture 152a of the support bar, lock nuts 154 are threaded thereon preventing the jaw 151 from moving laterally outward. A second detent mounting post 155 is attached to bar 152 and includes a detent tool 156 which is also slidably and adjustably mounted on its post tool mounting way 157. Tool 156 is positioned so as to be directly opposed to detent tool 150 on opposite sides of a hydraulic cylinder cap 129 which is mounted between and retained by the tools in the mounting

posts

147, 155 as shown in FIG. 16.

In operation, the jaws of the spanner wrench formed by the

detent mounting posts

147, 155 are adjustably fitted around hydraulic cylinder cap 129 mounted in the hydraulic cylinder service machine 121 until the

detent tools

150, 156 are positioned in corresponding

indents

160, 161 in the cap. While the spanner wrench 22 of the first embodiment is mounted on the central mounting post 13, portable spanner wrench 123 is not mounted directly on the service machine 121 but is maintained, when attached to the cylinder cap in nonrotatable position by the impingement of lever arm 145 upon the

sides

163, 164 of the hydraulic cylinder service machine frame 162. Spanner wrench 123, as retained, maintains the hydraulic cylinder cap 129 in stationary position as does spanner wrench 22 of the first embodiment.

While the pneumatically driven worm gear drive mechanism 33 of the first embodiment provides sufficient power to pull apart disconnected portions of a typical hydraulic cylinder mounted in the service machine, some hydraulic cylinders may become bent or otherwise abused during use. Bent and abused hydraulic cylinders may require more force during dismantling than provided by the first embodiment. Therefore, a hydraulically driven telescoping drive mechanism 124, shown in FIG. 12 may be 1) added to the first embodiment of the invention, or 2) substituted for the pneumatically driven worm gear drive mechanism 33.

In FIG. 12, the hydraulic telescoping means is shown, generally at 124, and includes a portable hydraulic cylinder 165 which may be the same or similar to hydraulic cylinder of the torquing means 122. The blank end of portable hydraulic cylinder is abutted against a flange 166 attached to the end of the central mounting post 167 through which extension 168 telescopes. Half moon shaped retainer 170 on flange 166 prevents the cylinder 165 from slipping out of position during operation. The piston rod 171 extending from the cylinder is fitted into female mounting 172 extending from a collar 173 which is mounted around telescoping member 168. The collar 173 is selectively attachable to extension 168 by means ofa pin 174 releasably mounted through the bottom of the collar which is insertable into any one of a plurality of mounting holes 168a located at intervals along the bottom of the extension. Collar 173 preferably includes offset top and bottom surfaces for increasing the distance between female mounting 172 and flange 166 although other collar shapes are also satisfactory.

In operation, the cylinder 165 is extended while mounted between the flange 166 and collar 173 forcing the collar and the post extension 168 attached thereto through pin 174 outward from central post 167. If member 168 is to be extended further than a full extension of piston rod 171, the rod is retracted into hydraulic cylinder 165., pin 174 is withdrawn from mounting hole 168a, and collar 173 is slidably moved closer to the retracted piston rod 171. The pin 174 is then inserted into another mounting hole 168a and the process is repeated until member 168 is extended a desired amount. The telescoping member 168 may be retracted into central mounting post 13 by pushing the entire pedestal support 137 to the left as shown in FIG. 12, or if the pneumatic worm gear drive mechanism is attached as shown in FIG. 1 the pneumatic drive may be utilized to perform the same function.

Also, it may be desirable to pull apart portions of the hydraulic cylinder 128 by hydraulically forcing the vertical support member 25 along the central mounting post 167 away from pedestal support 137. To perform this function, portable hydraulic cylinder 165 may be placed in position 165a, FIG. 12, wherein its blank end abuts against the opposite side of flange 166 from that previously described. Half moon retainer 170a per forms the same function as retainer 170 previously described in preventing undesirable movements of the portable cylinder when mounted abutting the flange. The piston rod 171a is positioned in female mounting 177 of vertical support 178 to which the hydraulic cylinder 128 is mounted. When lower plate member 178b of split collar 178a on vertical support 178 is loosened,

the portable cylinder 165 may be extended to forcibly move vertical support 178 along central mounting post 167.

Once vertical support 178 has been moved to a position away from flange 166 equal to or greater than the extended length of portable cylinder 165 in position 165a, a removable split collar 176 which is slidably selectively attachable to central mounting post 167 or its extension 26 is utilized to form a support for the porta ble cylinder. Split collar 176 includes an inverted U- shaped portion 176a and a lower plate member 176b which is attachable to the U-shaped portion by nut and bolt assemblies or their equivalent. A mounting flange 177 including a half moon retainer 177a is attached to the top of the U-shaped portion for receiving and retaining the blank end of portable cylinder 165. Lower plate member l76b may also include a removable pin assembly (not shown) similar to pin 174 for fitting into holes in the bottom of mounting post 167 and thereby aiding in selectively securing the collar to the post. The top and bottom portions of split collar 176 may also be offset in a manner similar to collar 173. Split collar 176 is removable from central mounting post 167 allowing it to be positioned on either side of vertical support 168. Once the portable cylinder 165 is mounted between collar 176 and vertical support 178, the cylinder may again be extended to move vertical support 178 in either direction along central mounting post 167 as shown in black line and in dotted line at 176a.

It will be understood that modifications and variations may be effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the present invention, but it is understood that this application is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. A hydraulic cylinder service machine for servicing a hydraulic cylinder wherein the cylinder includes a hollow cylindrical housing closed at one end and open at the other end, a piston slidably received in the housing, a rod connected to said piston at one end by a piston retaining nut and having an external mounting member on the other end and extending through the open end of the housing, and a cap having a central aperture therethrough threadedly secured to the open end of the housing retaining said piston therein and having an aperture through which the rod is guided, said machine comprising, a frame having a substantially rectangular form and support means, a tubular post means attached in horizontal position to said frame, first means selectively connected to or slidable relative said post means for receiving and retaining said cylinder housing, second means coacting with said post means for receiving and retaining said housing cap, means for preventing rotation of one of the first or second means, and hydraulic means for causing rotation of the other of said first or second means for removing said cap from said housing or replacing the cap on the housing.

2. The hydraulic cylinder service machine of claim 1, wherein said post means includes, a first member mounted on said frame, and a second member telescopically received in said first member at one end thereof for providing post means length extensibility.

3. The hydraulic cylinder service machine of claim 1, wherein said first means includes, chuck means rotatably mounted on said post means.

4. The hydraulic cylinder service machine of claim 3, wherein said first means further includes, support means for maintaining said cylinder housing in a spaced relation to at least a portion of said post means.

5. The hydraulic cylinder service machine of claim 1, wherein said second means for receiving and retaining said housing cap includes a non-rotatable adjustable spanner wrench-type retainer and means for adjustably mounting same on said central mounting means relative said first means.

6. The hydraulic cylinder service machine of claim 5, wherein said spanner wrench-type retainer includes a pair of upstanding arm members, each arm member having a horizontally inwardly facing protrusion for engaging said housing cap, means for adjustably retaining said arm members on said post means to vary the distance between said protrusions.

7. The hydraulic cylinder service machine of claim 1 wherein said second means includes a portable adjustable spanner wrench-type retainer, and said means for preventing the rotation thereof includes an elongated member on said retainer which when said retainer is mounted on said cylinder cap is capable of impinging said frame and thereby be restrained from further rotation.

8. The hydraulic cylinder service machine of claim 3, wherein said cylinder further includes at least one ear with an opening therethrough for pivotal mounting of the housing, and said chuck means comprises, a head portion, and members extending from said head portion having aligned pin openings, and a pin coacting with the pin openings of the chuck members and opening of said cylinder ear to retain said cylinder for rotation with said chuck means.

9. The hydraulic cylinder service machine of claim 8, wherein said hydraulic means includes, a portable hydraulic ram including means for operating said ram, moment arm means mounted in fixed rotational relation to said chuck means for pivotally retaining one end of said portable hydraulic ram, and stationary retaining means on said post means for pivotally retaining the other end of said portable hydraulic ram whereby extension of said hydraulic ram forces said chuck to rotate.

10. The hydraulic cylinder service machine of claim 8 wherein said hydraulic means includes a portable torquing means capable of providing torque to said chuck means in fixed rotational connection thereto and also capable of providing torque elsewhere when disconnected from said chuck means including,

a frame, a hydraulic ram insertable in said frame and means for operating said ram, and moment arm means rotatably mounted in said frame for pivotal connection to one end of said hydraulic ram.

11. The hydraulic cylinder service machine of claim 1, further comprising third means selectively connected to or slidable along said post means for receiving and retaining said piston rod.

12. The hydraulic cylinder service machine of claim 3, which further includes, drive means for selectively extending or retracting said second member from said post means.

13. The hydraulic cylinder service machine of claim 3, further comprising socket means detachably mountable in fixed rotational relation to said chuck means for removing the cylinder piston retaining nut from the

Claims

10. The hydraulic cylinder service machine of claim 8 wherein said hydraulic means includes a portable torquing means capable of providing torque to said chuck means in fixed rotational connection thereto and also capable of providing torque elsewhere when disconnected from said chuck means including, a frame, a hydraulic ram insertable in said frame and means for operating said ram, and moment arm means rotatably mounted in said frame for pivotal connection to one end of said hydraulic ram.

13. The hydraulic cylinder service machine of claim 3, further comprising socket means detachably mountable in fixed rotational relation to said chuck means for removing the cylinder piston retaining nut from the rod.