Device, modular construction system and method for inserting an elastic ring into an inner groove

A modular construction system having a device with

• at least two retainers that are circumferentially spaced apart from one another and can slide into the workpiece opening with regard to an axial insertion direction (B), each of said retainers having a radially outwards open recess for retaining regions on the ring,
• wherein the device is configured so that the ring that sits in the recesses can deform between its retaining regions to form a wavy shape, seen in a lateral view, in order to form trailing, curved regions,
• at least one slider for pushing the trailing, curved regions in the direction towards the inner groove, wherein the device is configured such that the slider can be moved into the workpiece opening in a trailing manner with respect to the recesses, and
• multiple mouthpieces, each mouthpiece having a guiding aperture for the ring to be pushed through in the direction towards the workpiece and for deforming the ring, wherein the retainers together with the inserted ring and the slider can be pushed axially through the guiding aperture, wherein
• the mouthpieces differ from one another by virtue of different diameters of the guiding apertures in the region of the outlet end, wherein the slider and the retainers can be coupled to each of the mouthpieces so that during the insertion procedure the retainers can make contact adjacent to their recesses with the inner face of the wall of the mouthpiece, said wall forming the guiding apertures.

A method for inserting an elastic ring into an inner groove in a workpiece opening, comprising the following steps:

• the elastic ring is inserted with its radial inner face at retaining regions into outwardly open recesses of retainers,
• the retainers are moved into a guiding aperture of a mouthpiece, wherein the guiding aperture is delimited by a wall inner face,
• wherein the guiding aperture tapers at least in sections in a direction towards its outlet end that faces the workpiece, and the retainers are positioned in the mouthpiece in such a manner that the elastic ring can contact the wall inner face with its regions that lie between the retaining regions and these regions become curved in a direction opposite to an insertion direction (B) during the movement into the mouthpiece and form trailing, curved regions,
• the ring is moved through the mouthpiece into the workpiece opening by the retainers,
• in the region of the groove, the retaining regions are moved into the groove, and
• at least one slider is moved into the workpiece opening in order to push the trailing, curved regions axially towards the groove.