A tool and method for installing a countersunk head nail

Abstract

The application belongs to the field of aircraft assembly tooling, and particularly relates to a tool for installing countersunk head nails and a method for installing countersunk head nails. The tool for installing countersunk head nails comprises a tool body, a screwing component arranged on the tool body, the screwing component driving a nut to rotate, a centering component movably arranged on the rotary axis of the screwing component, and the centering component preventing the nail rod of the countersunk head nail from rotating with the nut. The centering component is a centering pin, which comprises a guide rod, the diameter of the guide rod is matched with the screwing component, the guide rod can rotate freely, a centering rod is arranged on the end of the guide rod close to the screwing component, the size of the centering rod is matched with the internal hexagonal hole on the nail rod of the countersunk head nail, and the centering rod can be inserted into the internal hexagonal hole to prevent the countersunk head nail from rotating with the nut. The application realizes the installation of special countersunk head nails by movably arranging the centering component on the rotary axis of the screwing component, and the operation is more convenient and the installation efficiency is improved by arranging the spring sheet and the hinged handle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aircraft assembly tooling and relates to an installation tool and method for countersunk screws. Background Technology

[0002] In aircraft assembly, a special type of countersunk screw is required. Its structure consists of a head and a shank. Unlike ordinary countersunk screws, its head is flat, lacking slots, Phillips head, or hexagonal holes for tightening. The tightening slots are located on the shank, with a hexagonal hole at the center of the shank's end face for use with an Allen wrench. The shank also has external threads with a nut attached, which is used to secure the countersunk screw to the workpiece. To install the countersunk screw, it is first inserted into the countersunk hole in the workpiece, then a wrench is used to press the screw firmly against the workpiece. The nut is then installed on the shank from the other side and tightened with an open-end wrench. During tightening, an Allen wrench is inserted into the hexagonal hole in the shank to secure the countersunk screw and prevent it from rotating with the nut. Due to the confined space in aircraft assembly, parts often obstruct each other's view, hindering the operator's visibility. Furthermore, the installation of countersunk screws is cumbersome, and the Allen wrench can easily slip out of the screw's internal hexagonal hole, severely impacting installation efficiency. In some specific locations, there is simply no space to use an Allen wrench, making it impossible to install countersunk screws smoothly, affecting aircraft assembly and creating potential quality issues. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is that countersunk screw installation is cumbersome, inefficient, and in special locations where there is no space to use an Allen wrench, making it impossible to install countersunk screws.

[0004] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0005] A countersunk screw installation tool includes a tool body with a screwing component that drives a nut to rotate. A centering component is movably disposed on the rotation axis of the screwing component to prevent the shank of the countersunk screw from rotating with the nut.

[0006] Furthermore, the centering component is a centering pin, including a guide rod. The diameter of the guide rod matches the screwing component, allowing the guide rod to rotate freely. A centering rod extends from one end of the guide rod near the screwing component. The size of the centering rod matches the internal hexagonal hole on the countersunk nail rod. The centering rod can be inserted into the internal hexagonal hole to prevent the countersunk nail from rotating with the nut.

[0007] Furthermore, the centering component also includes a baffle, one end of which is detachably connected to the centering pin, and the other end is coupled with a baffle seat.

[0008] Furthermore, the centering component also includes an elastic component that provides elastic force to the centering pin.

[0009] Furthermore, the elastic component is a spring sheet, with one end of the spring sheet fixed to the baffle seat and the other end detachably connected to the baffle.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a slide groove with an arc groove on it. The center of the arc coincides with the axis of the centering pin, and the tool body and the baffle seat are slidably connected through the slide groove.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a hinged handle, which consists of a left handle and a right handle that are hinged to each other. The left handle is hinged to the baffle seat, and the right handle is hinged to the tool body.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a stopping component, which includes a locking mechanism housed within the tool body. The locking mechanism is rotatable, with its rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the turning component. The locking mechanism includes a lock body with a lock groove. A tooth is provided in the middle of the outer circumference of the turning component. The tooth engages in the lock groove and can rotate out of the lock groove in one direction. When one tooth rotates out of the lock groove, the locking mechanism rotates back under the action of the spring force, causing the lock groove to lock the next tooth, thus achieving one-way stopping of the turning component by the stopping component.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a two-way replaceable stop component. The two-way replaceable stop component includes a two-way locking mechanism housed within the tool body. The two-way locking mechanism is rotatable, and its rotation axis is parallel to the rotation axis of the screwing component. The two-way locking mechanism includes a two-way locking body, with a two-way locking groove on each side of the two-way locking body. The two locking grooves are symmetrically arranged, identical in shape, and opposite in direction. A tooth is provided in the middle of the outer circle of the screwing component. The tooth engages in one of the locking grooves and can rotate out of the locking groove in one direction. When one tooth rotates out of the locking groove, the two-way locking mechanism rotates under the action of the rebound force, causing the locking groove to engage the next tooth, achieving one-way stop. The tooth engages in the other locking groove, achieving stop in the other direction.

[0014] Meanwhile, to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention also provides a method for installing countersunk nails, the method comprising the following steps: installing the nail rod, installing the nut, centering and stopping, and tightening the nut.

[0015] Advantages of this invention:

[0016] This invention enables the installation of special countersunk screws by movably setting a centering component on the rotation axis of the screwing component. The addition of spring clips and hinge handles makes the operation more convenient and improves the installation efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2This is an exploded view of the parts in the first embodiment;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the screwing component;

[0020] Figure 4 Diagram of the centering pin structure;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the baffle structure.

[0022] Figure 6 Here is a structural diagram of the baffle seat;

[0023] Figure 7 Here is a diagram of the chute structure;

[0024] Figure 8 Structural diagram of the stop component;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment;

[0026] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of the bidirectional interchangeable stop component.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of a bidirectional replaceable stop component;

[0028] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the third embodiment;

[0029] Figure 13 This is a diagram of the left handle structure.

[0030] In the above diagram, 1 is the tool body, 11 is the housing, 12 is the handle, 13 is the cover, 2 is the screwing component, 21 is the guide sleeve, 22 is the gear tooth, 23 is the screwing sleeve, 3 is the centering component, 31 is the centering pin, 311 is the guide rod, 312 is the tail flat, 313 is the centering rod, 32 is the baffle, 321 is the plate body, 322 is the baffle slot, 323 is the protrusion, 324 is the protruding rod, 33 is the spring piece, 34 is the baffle seat, 341 is the seat body, 342 is the seat body slot, and 343 is the... 35 is a slider, 351 is a slide groove body, 352 is an arc groove, 353 is a plug, 4 is a stop component, 41 is a locking mechanism, 411 is a lock body, 412 is a lock groove, 42 is a spring, 4' is a bidirectional replaceable stop component, 41' is a bidirectional locking mechanism, 411' is a bidirectional lock body, 412' is a bidirectional lock groove, 413 is a center point, 43 is a ball bearing, 44 is a reversing switch, 5 is a hinge handle, 51 is a left handle, 511 is a connecting rod, 512 is a ring handle, and 52 is a right handle. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To better understand the purpose, structure, and function of this invention, the following detailed description of a countersunk screw installation tool, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is provided.

[0032] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The overall structure of the first embodiment of the present invention is shown, including a tool body 1, on which a tightening component 2 is provided. The tightening component 2 is responsible for driving the nut to rotate and tighten the nut. A centering component 3 is provided at the rotation center of the tightening component 2. The centering component 3 is responsible for locking the countersunk nail, preventing the countersunk nail from rotating with the nut during the tightening process. A stop component 4 is also provided inside the tool body 1. When the tool rotates in the direction of tightening the nut, the stop component 4 locks the tightening component 2, preventing the tightening component 2 from rotating relative to the tool body 1, so that the tool body 1 can drive the tightening component 2 to rotate together, thereby tightening the nut. When the tool rotates in the opposite direction of tightening the nut (i.e., the return motion), the stop component 4 does not lock the tightening component 2, allowing the tightening component 2 and the tool body 1 to rotate relative to each other, so that the tool body 1 returns independently, leaving space for the next tightening action.

[0033] Specifically, the tool body 1 includes a housing 11, which serves to house and support various parts. The housing 11 contains a accommodating chamber for mounting the screwing component 2 and the stop component 4. A through hole is provided at the bottom of the accommodating chamber as a positioning and mounting hole for the screwing component 2, and a blind hole is provided on the side wall of the accommodating chamber for mounting the spring 42 in the stop component 4. A handle 12 extends outward from the housing 11 for the worker to grip during use. The housing 11 and handle 12 can be manufactured separately or as a single unit. A cover 13 is also provided on the top surface of the housing 11, which encloses the required parts within the housing 11. The cover 13 also has a through hole for the screwing component 2 to extend from, and also serves as a support and positioning element.

[0034] Figure 3 The specific structure of the screwing component 2 is shown, including a guide sleeve 21, which is cylindrical. The outer diameter of the guide sleeve 21 mates with the through holes at the bottom of the housing 11 and the cover 13, allowing the guide sleeve 21 to rotate freely. A toothed ring 22 is provided in the middle of the outer ring of the guide sleeve 21. The cover 13 encapsulates the toothed ring 22 within the accommodating cavity of the housing 11. A screwing sleeve 23 extends from one end face of the guide sleeve 21. The screwing sleeve 23 has an internal hexagonal hole, the size of which matches the nut for tightening. The guide sleeve 21 and the screwing sleeve 23 can be manufactured integrally or separately. If the guide sleeve 21 and the screwing sleeve 23 are separate, various sizes of screwing sleeves 23 can be manufactured to accommodate nuts of different specifications, expanding the tool's applicability. Furthermore, the screwing sleeve 23 can be made of magnetic material, allowing the nut to be attracted to the screwing sleeve 23, preventing it from falling into the machine structure and becoming difficult to remove. The guide sleeve 21 also has a through hole along the axial direction at its center, which serves as the guide hole for the centering component 3.

[0035] Centering component 3 includes centering pin 31, Figure 4 The specific structure of the centering pin 31 is shown, including a guide rod 311. The diameter of the guide rod 311 matches the central guide hole of the guide sleeve 21, allowing the guide rod 311 to rotate freely within the hole. A centering rod 313 extends from one end of the guide rod 311. The centering rod 313 is an external hexagonal rod, its dimensions matching the internal hexagonal hole on the countersunk nail rod. The centering rod 313 is inserted into the internal hexagonal hole to prevent the countersunk nail from rotating with the nut. The guide rod 311 and the centering rod 313 can be manufactured integrally or separately. If the guide rod 311 and the centering rod 313 are manufactured separately, various sizes of centering rods 313 can be produced to accommodate different specifications of countersunk nails, expanding the tool's applicability. A tail flat 312 extends from the other end of the guide rod 311. The outer diameter of the tail flat 312 is larger than the diameter of the central guide hole of the guide sleeve 21, allowing the tail flat 312 to be engaged with the end face of the guide sleeve 21. A baffle 32 is provided in conjunction with the tail flat 312. Figure 5 The specific structure of the baffle 32 is shown, including a plate body 321, which is approximately plate-shaped. A baffle groove 322 is provided at the top of the plate body 321. The length of the baffle groove 322 is greater than the length of the tail flattened section 312, and the width of the baffle groove 322 matches the width of the tail flattened section 312, allowing the tail flattened section 312 to slide within the baffle groove 322, but preventing it from rotating. A protrusion 323 is provided in the middle of the baffle 32. The protrusion 323 can be a cylinder, a cuboid, or other shapes. Protruding rods 324 are provided on both sides of the bottom of the plate body 321, and the protruding rods 324 are inserted into the baffle seat 34. The specific structure of the baffle seat 34 is as follows... Figure 6 As shown, the system specifically includes a base 341, which is approximately cuboid in shape. A groove is provided at the top of the base 341 as a receiving chamber for the baffle 32. A base slot 342 is provided on each of the two side walls of the groove. The dimensions of the base slot 342 are matched with the protrusion 324, allowing the protrusion 324 to slide within the slot after insertion, and the baffle 32 to rotate about the protrusion 324. A slider 343 is provided at the bottom of the plate 321. The slider 343 is T-shaped, but other structures with a larger top and smaller base, such as a dovetail shape, can also be chosen. A groove 35 is provided to cooperate with the slider 343; the specific structure of the groove 35 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 7The tool body 351 includes a slide body 351 with an arc groove 352, the center of which coincides with the axis of the centering pin 31. The cross-sectional shape of the arc groove 352 matches the slider 343 and is T-shaped. If the slider 343 is dovetail-shaped, then the arc groove 352 must also be a dovetail groove. A plug 353 is also provided on the slide body 351 to prevent the slider 343 from sliding out of the arc groove 352. The slide 35 can also be integrally formed with the baffle seat 34 or the tool body 1. If the slide 35 is integrally formed with the baffle seat 34, the slider 343 can be set on the tool body 1. A spring piece 33 is also provided on the baffle seat 34. The spring piece 33 is made of an elastic material, such as spring steel. To further increase the elasticity, the spring piece 33 can be made into an arch shape. One end of the spring piece 33 is fixed to the baffle seat 34, and the other end has a spring piece slot that engages with the protrusion 323 and can slide along the protrusion 323. The spring piece 33 provides clamping force, which is transmitted to the centering pin 31 through the baffle 32 to prevent the centering rod 313 from falling out of the hexagonal hole of the nail rod during the installation of the countersunk nail. The spring piece 33 can also be replaced by other components that can provide elastic force, such as a spring coupled between the baffle 32 and the baffle seat 34, or between the baffle 32 and the tool body 1.

[0036] The specific structure of the stop component 4 is shown in the figure. Figure 8 The device includes a locking mechanism 41, which is installed within the housing 11 and is rotatable within the space. Its axis of rotation is parallel to the axis of rotation of the screwing component 2. Specifically, the locking mechanism 41 includes a lock body 411 with a locking groove 412. The locking groove 412 engages with a tooth 22 on the screwing component 2, with the tooth 22 locking into the groove. When the tooth 22 rotates to one side, the contact surface between the tooth 22 and the side wall of the locking groove 412 is perpendicular to the radius of rotation of the locking mechanism 41, and the resulting compressive force points towards the center of rotation of the locking mechanism 41, preventing it from rotating. When the tooth 22 rotates to the other side, the contact surface between the tooth 22 and the other side wall of the locking groove 412 is parallel to the radius of rotation of the locking mechanism 41, and the resulting compressive force points towards the tangent of the circumference of rotation of the locking mechanism 41, allowing it to rotate. When one tooth 22 rotates out of the lock groove 412, the locking 41 rotates under the action of the spring force, causing the lock groove 412 to lock the next tooth, thereby realizing the one-way stopping function of the stopping component 4 on the turning component 2. The stopping component 4 also includes a spring 42, which is set in a blind hole on the side wall of the receiving chamber inside the housing 11. One end of the spring 42 abuts against the lock body 411, providing the spring force required for the locking 41 to rotate.

[0037] In use, first lift the spring piece 33 and rotate it at a certain angle to disengage the slot on the spring piece from the protrusion 323, allowing the baffle 32 to rotate freely. Then, insert the centering rod 313 end of the centering pin 31 into the screwing component 2, and insert the tail flat 312 into the baffle slot 322. Finally, re-lock the spring piece 33 onto the protrusion 323, and the countersunk screw can be installed.

[0038] Because the countersunk screws installed in this invention come in both left-hand and right-hand forms, two different tools are needed for each, making them cumbersome and difficult to distinguish. To solve this problem, Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the stop component 4 is a bidirectional replaceable stop component 4', specifically including a bidirectional locking 41', which in turn includes a bidirectional lock body 411'. A bidirectional locking groove 412' is provided on each side of the bidirectional lock body 411', the two grooves being symmetrically arranged, identical in shape, and opposite in direction. A tip 413 is also provided on the bidirectional lock body 411', pointing towards a blind hole on the side wall of the accommodating chamber inside the housing 11. A spring 42 is installed inside the blind hole, and a ball bearing 43 is provided between the spring 42 and the tip 413. The lower half of the ball bearing 43 is in the blind hole, where it contacts the spring, while the upper half protrudes from the blind hole, contacting the side wall of the tip 413. When a tool is used to tighten the nut, during the return stroke, the bidirectional lock body 411' rotates slightly, and the tip 413 slightly compresses the ball bearing 43. The ball bearing 43, under the action of the spring 42, provides a restoring force to the bidirectional lock body 411'. When reversing is required, the bidirectional lock body 411' rotates significantly, and the tip 413 presses the ball 43 completely into the blind hole. The tip 413 moves from one side of the ball 43 to the other side, thereby activating the bidirectional lock groove 412' on the other side, realizing the reversing function. The bidirectional replaceable stop component 4' also includes a reversing switch 44. One end of the reversing switch 44 is located on the outside for user operation. The other end passes through the cover 13 and is located in the receiving chamber inside the housing 11, connected to the bidirectional lock body 411'. The bidirectional lock body 411' has two recesses on its contact surface with the reversing switch 44, and two corresponding protrusions on the reversing switch 44, so that the reversing switch 44 can drive the bidirectional lock body 411' to rotate together. In addition, the bidirectional lock body 411' and the reversing switch 44 can also be connected by other forms such as slots, square holes, or can be made as a single piece. In use, simply rotating the reversing switch 44 can change the turning direction of the installation tool, corresponding to different types of countersunk screws.

[0039] To further facilitate user operation and improve the installation efficiency of countersunk screws, Figure 12 and Figure 13Another embodiment is provided. In this embodiment, the handle 12 is replaced by a hinged handle 5. The hinged handle 5 includes a left handle 51 and a right handle 52 that is the same shape and symmetrical in direction as the left handle 51. The left handle 51 includes a connecting rod 511, one end of which is hinged to the baffle seat 34, and the other end is provided with a ring handle 512. The right handle 52 is hinged to the housing 11 and is hinged to the left handle 51 near the ring handle. In use, the left handle 51 and the right handle 52 respectively drive the centering component 3 and the tightening component 2 to rotate simultaneously in opposite directions. As the hinged handle 5 opens and closes, the tightening and return of the nut are quickly achieved, improving the installation efficiency of the countersunk screw.

[0040] Meanwhile, to solve the problem of difficult countersunk screw installation, the present invention also provides an installation method for countersunk screws using the above-mentioned installation tool, the method comprising the following steps:

[0041] First, install the countersunk screw shank. Insert the shank of the countersunk screw into the countersunk recess of the aircraft part and press the screw head down to make the countersunk screw fit snugly against the part.

[0042] Next, install the nut. Place the nut onto the nail rod, ensuring that the threads of both are properly engaged and there is no misalignment or jamming.

[0043] Next, center and stop the movement. Insert the centering rod 313 into the internal hexagonal hole of the nail rod to fix the countersunk nail and prevent it from rotating with the nut.

[0044] Finally, tighten the nut. Press the handle towards the aircraft part to slide the tightening component 2 along the centering pin 31, and place the tightening sleeve 23 onto the nut. Rotate the handle in a reciprocating motion to tighten the nut.

[0045] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of the implementation methods of the present invention, but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tool for installing countersunk screws, comprising a tool body (1), wherein a screwing component (2) is provided on the tool body (1), the screwing component (2) driving a nut to rotate, characterized in that, A centering component (3) is movably set on the rotation axis of the screwing component (2), and the centering component (3) prevents the shank of the countersunk nail from rotating with the nut; The centering component (3) is a centering pin (31), including a guide rod (311). The diameter of the guide rod (311) matches the screwing component (2), allowing the screwing component (2) to rotate freely. A centering rod (313) is extended from one end of the guide rod (311) near the screwing component (2). The size of the centering rod (313) matches the internal hexagonal hole on the countersunk nail rod. The centering rod (313) is inserted into the internal hexagonal hole to prevent the countersunk nail from rotating with the nut. It also includes a slide groove (35), on which an arc groove (352) is provided, the center of which coincides with the axis of the centering pin (31), and the tool body (1) and the baffle seat (34) are slidably connected through the slide groove (35).

2. The countersunk screw installation tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centering component (3) also includes a baffle (32), one end of which is detachably connected to the centering pin (31), and the other end is coupled with a baffle seat (34).

3. The countersunk screw installation tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The centering component (3) further includes an elastic component that provides elastic force to the centering pin (31).

4. The countersunk screw installation tool according to claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic component is a spring sheet (33), one end of which is fixed on the baffle seat (34), and the other end is detachably connected to the baffle (32).

5. A countersunk screw installation tool according to claim 1, 2, or 4, characterized in that, It also includes a hinge handle (5), which includes a left handle (51) and a right handle (52) that are hinged to each other. The left handle (51) is hinged to the baffle seat (34), and the right handle (52) is hinged to the tool body (1).

6. A countersunk screw installation tool according to claim 1, 2, or 4, characterized in that, It also includes a stop component (4), which includes a locking mechanism (41) installed in the tool body (1). The locking mechanism (41) can rotate, and its rotation axis is parallel to the rotation axis of the screwing component (2). The locking mechanism (41) includes a lock body (411), and a lock groove (412) is provided on the lock body (411). A tooth (22) is provided in the middle of the outer circle of the screwing component (2). The tooth (22) is inserted into the lock groove (412) and can rotate out of the lock groove (412) in one direction. When a tooth (22) rotates out of the lock groove (412), the locking mechanism (41) rotates under the action of the spring force, so that the lock groove (412) locks the next tooth, thereby realizing the one-way stop of the screwing component (2) by the stop component (4).

7. A countersunk screw installation tool according to claim 1, 2, or 4, characterized in that, It also includes a two-way replaceable stop component (4'), which includes a two-way locking lock (41') set in the tool body (1). The two-way locking lock (41') can rotate, and its rotation axis is parallel to the rotation axis of the screwing component (2). The two-way locking lock (41') includes a two-way lock body (411'). A two-way locking groove (412') is set on each side of the two-way lock body (411'). The two locking grooves are symmetrically arranged, have the same shape, and are opposite in direction. A tooth (22) is set in the middle of the outer circle of the screwing component (2). The tooth (22) is inserted into one of the locking grooves and can rotate out of the locking groove in one direction. When one tooth (22) rotates out of the locking groove, the two-way locking lock (41') rotates under the action of the spring force, so that the locking groove locks the next tooth, realizing one-way stop. The tooth (22) is inserted into the other locking groove, realizing stop in the other direction.

8. A method for installing countersunk screws using an installation tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The steps include the following: First, install the countersunk screw shank; insert the shank of the countersunk screw into the countersunk recess of the aircraft part and press down on the screw head to make the countersunk screw fit against the part; Then, install the nuts; Place the nut onto the nail rod, ensuring that the threads of both are properly engaged and there is no misalignment or jamming; Next, center and stop the movement; insert the centering rod (313) into the internal hexagonal hole of the nail rod to fix the countersunk nail and prevent it from rotating with the nut; Finally, tighten the nut; press the handle toward the direction of the aircraft part so that the screwing part (2) slides along the centering pin (31) and puts the screwing sleeve (23) onto the nut; rotate the handle to make a reciprocating motion to tighten the nut.

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