Two-piece single-sided fastener and installation tool

Abstract

A single-sided fastener (10) for connecting workpieces (26, 30) includes a bolt (14) and a nut (18). The bolt includes a shaft (110), a bolt head (114), and a lug (118). A bolt head is located between the shaft and the lug and extends radially outward from the shaft. The shaft defines an external thread (126) opposite the bolt head. The lug includes a first tool engaging portion (1509) and a first frangible portion (174) that couples the lug to the bolt head in a frangible manner. The nut includes a sleeve (210), a nut head (214), and an actuation member (218). The shaft is threadingly received in the sleeve. The nut head extends radially outward from the sleeve and defines a recess (242) that receives the bolt head. The manipulation member surrounds at least a portion of the lug. The manipulation member includes a second frangible portion (270) and a second tool engaging portion (266). A second frangible portion frangibly couples the second tool engaging portion to the nut head.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with application number 202080060779.X, application date August 26, 2020, priority date August 26, 2019, and invention name “Two-piece single-sided fastener and installation tool”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 891,678, filed on August 26, 2019. The disclosure of the above application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to fasteners, and more particularly to blind fasteners having a core bolt and a nut surrounding the core bolt for connecting panels from one side of the panels. Background Art

[0005] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0006] Single-sided fasteners are commonly used to fasten multiple panels together and are used to install from one side (i.e., the front side) of the board. The single-sided fastener includes a core bolt and a sleeve surrounding the core bolt, which are inserted into a hole in the panel. During installation of the fastener, a portion of the sleeve adjacent to the back side of the panel may deform. The deformed portion of the sleeve provides a bearing surface to induce a preload in the fastener so that the panels can be clamped together.

[0007] After forming the deformed portion of the sleeve, the core bolt can be rotated to provide a preload to the fastener. When the fastener is fully installed, the front of the core bolt may break off. The breaking point of a typical core bolt cannot be controlled, and the rotation of the nut relative to the bolt usually needs to be controlled. In some cases, it is advantageous to have the fully installed fastener flush with the panel for aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes. Typical fasteners need to be prepared for painting by grinding after installation to be flush with the panel when the breaking point is located outside the countersunk head of the sleeve.

[0008] It is difficult to control the rotation of the bolt and nut while also ensuring a flush finish, maximizing installation speed, and reducing the cost per fastener. In addition, variations in grip length (i.e., the combined thickness of the panels at the fastener) can occur based on tolerances or design criteria. Therefore, it would be advantageous for a single-sided fastener to be able to accommodate variations in grip length without sacrificing the strength of the joint. Furthermore, typical fasteners do not include torque control features. When excessive torque is applied to the fastener, the sleeve of the fastener may splay to form a tulip-shaped configuration, resulting in an imperfect installation.

[0009] The present disclosure addresses these problems associated with the installation of blind fasteners. Summary of the invention

[0010] In one form, a single-sided fastener for connecting multiple workpieces includes a bolt and a nut. The bolt includes a shaft, a bolt head, and a lug. The bolt head is disposed between the shaft and the lug and extends radially outward from the shaft. The end of the shaft opposite to the bolt head defines an external thread. The lug includes a first tool engagement portion and a first breakable portion, the first breakable portion connecting the lug to the bolt head in a breakable manner. The nut includes a sleeve, a nut head, and a manipulation member. The sleeve includes a center hole, the center hole is configured to receive the shaft and defines an internal thread configured to cooperate with the external thread. The nut head is disposed between the manipulation member and the sleeve. The nut head extends radially outward from the sleeve and defines a recess configured to receive the bolt head. The manipulation member is configured to surround at least a portion of the lug. The manipulation member includes a second breakable portion and a second tool engagement portion. The second breakable portion connects the second tool engagement portion to the nut head in a breakable manner. In various alternative forms: when the bolt is fully screwed into the nut, the end face of the bolt head is flush with or recessed from the end face of the nut head; the first breakable portion is configured to break off from the bolt head so that the end face of the bolt head is flush with or recessed from the front surfaces of multiple workpieces, and the second breakable portion is configured to break off from the nut head so that the end face of the nut head is flush with or recessed from the front surfaces of multiple workpieces; the first tool engagement portion includes a lead-in chamfer; the second tool engagement portion includes a lead-in chamfer; the second breakable portion is completely radially inward of the outermost periphery of the nut head; the operating member defines a hole having a diameter equal to the outermost diameter of the recess; the lug includes a retaining lip, and the operating member defines a hole having a diameter smaller than the retaining lip; the retaining lip is radially inward from the first tool engagement portion The invention relates to a single-sided fastener comprising a first tool engaging portion and a second tool engaging portion, wherein the first tool engaging portion is provided with a plurality of first and second tool engaging portions, wherein the first tool engaging portion is provided with a plurality of first and second tool engaging portions, wherein the first and second tool engaging portions are ...

[0011] According to another form, a tool for installing a blind fastener including a bolt and a nut includes a drive member, a collet, and a nosepiece. The collet is driven by the drive member to engage the bolt. The nosepiece holds the nut and prevents the nut from rotating during the installation of the blind fastener. The nosepiece is movable between a first position and a second position, in which the nosepiece is driven by the collet to rotate with the collet, and in which the nosepiece is rotationally fixed despite the rotational action of the collet. According to a plurality of alternative forms: the tool also includes a retaining sleeve and a follower, the retaining sleeve is disposed around the nosepiece and defines a cam, the follower is disposed between the retaining sleeve and the nosepiece, so that rotation of the nosepiece relative to the retaining sleeve causes the cam to move the follower radially inward against the tool engagement portion of the nut; the tool also includes a push pin and a spring, the spring biasing the push pin toward an extended position relative to the collet; the tool also includes a plurality of fixed lugs, wherein the nosepiece includes a plurality of rotating lugs, the plurality of rotating lugs being configured to engage the fixed lugs when the collet is in the second position; each fixed lug includes a ramp, and each rotating lug includes a ramp.

[0012] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] In order that the present disclosure may be better understood, various forms thereof given by way of example will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is an exploded rear perspective view of a single-sided fastener according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded front perspective view of a single-sided fastener;

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a blind fastener showing the blind fastener in a pre-installed position relative to a set of workpieces;

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional detail of a portion of a blind fastener in a pre-installed position;

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a blind fastener in an installed position showing the blind fastener installed relative to the set of workpieces;

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of a single-sided fastener showing a set of workpieces partially cut away;

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A top view of a single-sided fastener;

[0021] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a tool for installing a blind fastener according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0022] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 An exploded perspective view of the nose of the tool;

[0023] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 a cross-sectional view of a nose portion of a tool;

[0024] Fig.11 yes Figure 8 a perspective view of a collet and a portion of a nose piece of a tool, showing a cross-section of the portion of the nose piece;

[0025] Fig.12 yes Figure 8 A perspective view of a clutch of a tool;

[0026] Fig.13 yes Figure 8 A front view of the nose of the tool showing the tool in a static state;

[0027] Fig.14 is similar to Fig.11 A front view showing the tool in working order;

[0028] Fig.15 yes Figure 8 a three-dimensional partial cross-sectional view of the nose of the tool in a working state; and

[0029] Fig.16 yes Figure 8 A stereoscopic view of the nose of the tool in a static state.

[0030] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0032] Fastener components

[0033] Reference Figure 1 and 2, the single-sided fastener 10 includes a bolt 14 and a nut 18, which are configured to fit together when coaxially positioned along a central axis 22. In the example provided, the bolt 14 is a single piece of integral material and the nut 18 is a separate single piece of integral material. The bolt 14 and the nut 18 may be formed of any suitable type of material, such as a metal or alloy material. The bolt 14 may be formed of the same material as the nut 18, or may be a different suitable material. The single-sided fastener 10 may be similar to the single-sided fastener of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 201,775 (U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0162217, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference), unless otherwise shown or described herein.

[0034] See also Figure 3 , the single-sided fastener 10 secures a first workpiece 26 to a second workpiece 30. In an alternative form not specifically shown, more than two workpieces may be secured together by the single-sided fastener 10. In the example provided, the workpieces 26, 30 are plates or panels formed of any suitable material, such as metal (e.g., aluminum), carbon fiber composite materials, or other suitable materials for a given application. The first workpiece 26 has a first front surface 34 and a first rear surface 38. The second workpiece 30 may be a material similar to or different from the first workpiece 26. Appropriate seals or barriers (not shown) may be optionally applied between the workpieces 26, 30 and / or between the workpieces 26, 30 and the single-sided fastener 10 to inhibit galvanic corrosion. The second workpiece 30 includes a second front surface 42 and a second rear surface 46. The second front surface 42 faces the first rear surface 38.

[0035] The first workpiece 26 and the second workpiece 30 each define a hole that, when aligned, cooperates to form a hole 50 through the first front surface 34 and through the second rear surface 46 that is coaxial with the axis 22. The hole 50 may be countersunk or counterbored from the first front surface 34. In the example provided, the hole 50 is countersunk such that it includes a cylindrical inner bore 54 and a contact surface 58 extending axially at an angle between the inner bore 54 and the first front surface 34.

[0036] The bolt 14 is formed of a single unitary material and includes a shaft 110, a bolt head 114, and lugs 118 disposed about the axis 22. The shaft 110 is generally cylindrical and includes a shank 122 and a threaded portion defining external threads 126. The external threads 126 begin at one end 130 of the bolt 14. The shank 122 is axially disposed between the threads 126 and the bolt head 114.

[0037] In one form, the rod 122 has a first outer surface 134 that is generally smooth and cylindrical, and its diameter is greater than or equal to the major diameter of the external thread 126. The external thread 126 extends axially along the shaft 110 until it ends near the rod 122, but other configurations may also be used. In an alternative example not shown, a sealant or seal may be provided between the end of the external thread 126 and the rod 122, or may be provided along the rod 122 to seal with the inner surface of the nut 18. The seal (not shown) is configured to prevent the passage of fluids such as water, oil, fuel, etc. The seal (not shown) may be an elastomer, such as an O-ring.

[0038] The bolt head 114 is located at an end of the rod 122 opposite the external threads 126. The bolt head 114 extends radially outward from a first outer surface 134 of the rod 122.

[0039] Reference Figure 4 , the bolt head 114 includes a clamping surface 138, a radially outermost perimeter 142, and a first end face 146. The clamping surface 138 extends radially outward from the first outer surface 134 at a certain angle, but other configurations may also be used. The perimeter 142 extends axially between the clamping surface 138 and the first end face 146. In the example provided, the perimeter 142 is generally parallel to the axis 22, but other configurations may also be used. The first end face 146 faces axially away from the rod 122. In the example provided, the first end face 146 is generally perpendicular to the axis 22, but other configurations may also be used.

[0040] Overall return Figure 1 and 2 , the lug 118 includes a first tool engagement portion 150 and a first frangible portion 154. In the example provided, the lug 118 may also include a rim or retaining lip 158 extending axially between the first tool engagement portion 150 and the first frangible portion 154. The first tool engagement portion 150 defines another end 162 of the bolt 14 opposite the external thread 126.

[0041] With particular reference Figure 3 , the first tool engagement portion 150 is configured to engage with the tool 310 to apply torque about the axis 22. In the example provided, the first tool engagement portion 150 has a plurality of outwardly facing flat surfaces 156 forming a generally hexagonal shape, and the tool 310 includes a first socket 314 having a plurality of inwardly facing flat surfaces that are configured to engage with the first tool engagement portion 150, but other shapes or configurations may also be used, such as a star, spline, or petal shape or other drive configurations. In an alternative form not shown, the first tool engagement portion 150 may have a female tool engagement feature, such as a recessed socket, and the tool 310 may have a mating male feature, such as a male protruding socket.

[0042] Back to Figure 1 and 2 The tool engagement portion 150 may also optionally include an angled lead-in ramp 152 that may be configured to engage the first socket 314 ( Figure 3 ) is guided onto the tool engagement portion 150. Each lead-in chamfer 152 begins at the end 162 of the bolt 14 and cuts a portion of the adjacent flat surface 156 (e.g., a portion of each corner of the hexagonal shape). In the example provided, the external thread 126 of the bolt 14 is a right-hand thread, and when viewed from the end 162, the lead-in chamfer 152 sweeps across the adjacent flat surface 156 in a clockwise direction and may sweep in an angled or spiral manner until it merges with the hexagonal shape.

[0043] The retaining lip 158 is axially located between the first tool engagement portion 150 and the first frangible portion 154 and extends radially outward from the first tool engagement portion 150. In the example provided, the retaining lip 158 has a generally frustoconical shape that widens as the distance from the first tool engagement portion 150 increases.

[0044] See also Figure 4 The circumference of the retaining lip 158 is greater than the diameter of the outer surface 166 of the first frangible portion 154, so that the retaining lip 158 and the outer surface 166 of the first frangible portion 154 form a shoulder 170. The retaining lip 158 can limit the tool 310 ( Figure 3 ) moves axially toward the bolt head 114.

[0045] The first frangible portion 154 frangibly couples the retaining lip 158 to the bolt head 114. In the example provided, the outer surface 166 of the first frangible portion 154 is generally cylindrical in shape and has a diameter that is equal to or less than the outermost diameter of the perimeter 142 of the bolt head 114. The first frangible portion 154 narrows from the outer surface 166 to a break neck 174 that connects the first end face 146 of the bolt head 114 with the lug 118. In the example provided, the diameter of the break neck 174 is also less than the diameter of the first outer surface 134 of the shank 122 and extends around the entire circumference of the bolt 14.

[0046] Back to Figure 1 and 2 In the example provided, the nut 18 is formed of a single unitary piece of material and includes a sleeve 210, a nut head 214, and a manipulation member 218 disposed about the axis 22. The sleeve 210 is a generally cylindrical body having a second outer surface 226. One end of the sleeve 210 defines a terminal end 222 of the nut opposite the nut head 214. The sleeve 210 is received between the first and second workpieces 26, 30 ( Figure 3 ) inner hole 54 ( Figure 3 )middle.

[0047] The sleeve 210 defines a central bore 230 that is coaxial with the axis 22 and includes internal threads 234. Figure 3 The internal thread 234 starts at the end 222 and extends axially toward the nut head 214, but terminates at a predetermined distance from the second rear surface 46. The internal thread 234 is configured to threadably engage with the external thread 126 of the bolt 14. The diameter of the first hole 230 is slightly larger than the diameter of the first outer surface 134 of the rod 122, so that the shaft 110 can be rotatably received in the first hole 230.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the sleeve 210 may also include one or more dimples 228 recessed radially inwardly from the second outer surface 226. The dimples 228 are proximate to the end 222 and may be equally spaced in the circumferential direction around the sleeve 210. The dimples 228 protrude slightly into the first central bore 230 so that they extend radially inwardly from the major diameter of the internal threads 234 and provide an interference fit with the external threads 126. Thus, the dimples 228 may provide some small resistance to rotation between the internal threads 234 and the external threads 126.

[0049] Reference Figure 3 , the sleeve 210 may include a ductile region 238 between the internal threads 234 and the nut head 214. The hardness of the ductile region is less than the hardness of the rest of the nut 18. In one form, the nut head 214, the area of ​​the sleeve 210 surrounded by the first workpiece 26 and the second workpiece 30, and the area of ​​the sleeve 210 including the internal threads 234 have a first hardness value, while the ductile region 238 may have a significantly lower hardness value. This significantly lower hardness value can be achieved by, for example, strip annealing the sleeve 210.

[0050] The nut head 214 is located at the end of the sleeve 210 opposite the internal thread 234 and extends radially outward from the sleeve 210. Figure 4 , the nut head 214 includes a recess 242, a clamping surface 246, and a second end surface 250. The clamping surface 246 extends radially outward from the second outer surface 226 of the sleeve 210 at a certain angle, but other configurations may also be used. The periphery 254 of the nut head 214 is defined by the junction of the clamping surface 246 and the second end surface 250. The second end surface 250 is axially away from the sleeve 210 and may be generally perpendicular to the axis 22, but other configurations may be used.

[0051] One end of the recess 242 opens through the second end surface 250, and the other end of the recess 242 leads to the first hole 230. The recess 242 is concentrically arranged around the axis 22 and is configured to receive the bolt head 114. The recess 242 has an inner wall surface 258 and a contact surface 262. The contact surface 262 extends radially outward from the first hole 230 at a certain angle to the inner wall surface 258. In the example provided, the inner wall surface 258 is generally cylindrical and extends axially between the contact surface 262 and the operating member 218. The inner wall surface 258 has a diameter greater than the periphery 142 of the bolt head 114 so that the bolt head 114 can be rotatably received in the recess 242.

[0052] The contact surface 262 of the nut head 214 is at an angle similar to the angle of the clamping surface 138 of the bolt head 114. The inner wall surface 258 of the nut head 214 meets the contact surface 262 at a depth from the second end surface 250 so that when the bolt head 114 is received in the recess 242, the first end surface 146 of the bolt head 114 is flush with or recessed from the second end surface 250 of the nut head 214.

[0053] The manipulation member 218 includes a second tool engagement portion 266 and a second frangible portion 270 disposed about the axis 22. The manipulation member 218 defines a second hole 274 coaxial with the axis 22, which opens through a terminal end 278 of the nut 18 and leads to the recess 242. The second hole 274 surrounds at least a portion of the first frangible portion 154. In the example provided, the second hole 274 has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the retaining lip 158 of the lug 118, but other configurations may also be used. In the example provided, the second hole 274 has the same diameter as the inner wall surface 258 of the nut head 214, so that the second hole 274 and the inner wall surface 258 can be formed as a single hole.

[0054] The second tool engagement portion 266 is configured to engage with the tool 310 ( Figure 3 ) to apply torque about the axis 22. In the example provided, the second tool engagement portion 266 has a plurality of outwardly facing flat surfaces 264 forming a hexagon, and the tool 310 ( Figure 3 ) includes a second socket 330 ( Figure 3 ), which has a plurality of inwardly facing flat surfaces configured to engage with the hexagonal shape of the second tool engagement portion 266, although other shapes or structures such as star, spline, or petal shapes or other drive configurations may also be used. In the example provided, the second tool engagement portion 266 is completely radially inward of the periphery 254 of the nut head 214.

[0055] Back to Figure 1 and 2The second tool engagement portion 266 may also optionally include an angled lead-in ramp 272 that can position the second socket 330 ( Figure 3 ) is guided onto the second tool engagement portion 266. Each lead-in bevel 272 begins at a terminal end 278 of the nut 18 and cuts a portion of the adjacent flat surface 264 (e.g., a portion of each corner of the hexagonal shape). In the example provided, the lead-in bevel 272 sweeps across the adjacent flat surface 264 in a clockwise direction when viewed from the terminal end 278, and may sweep in an angled or spiral manner until it merges with the hexagonal shape.

[0056] Back to Figure 4 , the second frangible portion 270 frangibly couples the second tool engagement portion 266 to the nut head 214. In the example provided, the inner surface of the second frangible portion 270 is defined by the second hole 274, and the outer surface of the second frangible portion 270 narrows from the second tool engagement portion 266 to define a breaking neck 276. Thus, the manipulation member 218 has a minimum wall thickness around the axis 22 at the location where the second frangible portion 270 meets the nut head 214. In the example provided, the breaking neck 276 extends around the entire circumference of the nut 18.

[0057] In an alternative form, the manipulation member 218 can be a component formed separately from the rest of the nut 18 (i.e., the sleeve 210 and the nut head 214). In this alternative form, the manipulation member 218 can be attached to the nut head 214, for example, by glue, adhesive, welding, or brazing. In this alternative form, the frangible portion 270 is formed by glue, adhesive, welding, or brazing. This alternative form can still narrow to a neck at the frangible portion 270 (similar to the breaking neck 276), or it can not narrow, depending on the strength of the glue, adhesive, welding, or brazing.

[0058] Install

[0059] Overall back to Figure 3 and 4 , the bolt 14 and the nut 18 are shown in a pre-installed position relative to each other. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when the blind fastener 10 is in the pre-installed position and extends through the first workpiece 26 and the second workpiece 30, the second end surface 250 of the nut head 214 is flush with or recessed from the first front surface 34. The sleeve 210 has an axial length that is longer than the maximum gripping length of the first and second workpieces 26, 30, so that the sleeve 210 is received through the hole 50 and extends from the second rear surface 46.

[0060] In this position, the first socket 314 of the tool 310 can mate and engage with the first tool engagement portion 150, and the second socket 330 of the tool 310 can mate and engage with the second tool engagement portion 266. The tool 310 is then operated in a first mode such that the first socket 314 transmits torque to the bolt 14 in the tightening direction of the threads 126, 234 while the second socket 330 holds the nut 18 rotationally fixed relative to the workpieces 26, 30. The tool 310 prevents the bolt 14 and the nut 18 from moving axially away from the workpieces 26, 30.

[0061] Continue to refer Figure 3 And also refer to Figure 5 , the threads 126, 234 exert an axial force on the sleeve 210 to move the distal end 222 of the sleeve 210 toward the workpieces 26, 30, thereby deforming the ductile region 238 of the sleeve 210 radially outward to form the ball projection 510. The ball projection 510 contacts the second rear surface 46 and can exert a force thereon that biases the second workpiece 30 toward the first workpiece 26. Thus, the first and second workpieces 26, 30 are clamped between the nut head 214 and the ball projection 510.

[0062] Once the ball protrusion 510 is formed, the ball protrusion 510 and the sleeve 210 can resist further deformation. Then, additional torque applied to the bolt 14 above the predetermined torque threshold can cause the first breakable portion 154 to break. More specifically, the lug 118 rotates in the tightening direction while the nut 18 remains rotationally and axially stationary. The threads 126, 234 exert an axial force on the sleeve 210 until the shear strength of the break neck 174 is exceeded. The break neck 174 then shears, thereby separating the lug 118 from the bolt head 114. The shearing of the break neck 174 causes the first end face 146 of the bolt head 114 to be flush with or slightly recessed from the second end face 250 of the nut head 214, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 shown.

[0063] The clamping force of the ball protrusion 510 and the nut head 214 on the workpieces 26, 30 can resist the rotation of the nut 18 relative to the workpieces 26, 30. The second socket 330 then applies a torque exceeding the predetermined torque threshold to the operating member 218 to break the second breakable portion 270. More specifically, the second breakable portion 270 shears off at the breaking neck 276, thereby separating the operating member 218 from the nut head 214. The shearing of the second breakable portion 270 causes the second end surface 250 of the nut head 214 to be flush with or recessed from the first front surface 34 of the first workpiece 26, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 In the embodiment provided, since the retaining lip 158 has a larger diameter than the second hole 274, the lug 118 cannot fall axially through the second hole 274. Therefore, the lug 118 can be removed together with the second operating member 218.

[0064] Therefore, if Figure 6 and 7 As shown, the blind fastener 10 can be easily installed and is flush with the first workpiece 26 when in the fully installed position without requiring further machining or processing.

[0065] tool

[0066] Reference Figure 8 , shows a method for installing a single-sided fastener such as a single-sided fastener 10 ( Figure 1-7 ) tool 810. The tool 810 and its operation can be similar to the tool of pending and commonly owned U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 203,535 (U.S. Publication No. 2019 / 0160520, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference), unless otherwise shown or described herein. The tool 810 includes a nose 814 and a driver 818 drivingly coupled to the nose 814. In the example provided, the driver 818 is an electric handheld nut tightener. In an alternative construction not shown, the driver 818 can be any suitable type of drive mechanism configured to drive the nose 814, such as a pneumatic drive mechanism or an end effector of a robotic arm.

[0067] See also Fig. 9 and 10 , the driver 818 includes a gearbox 822 and a drive shaft 826. The gearbox 822 receives an input torque from a motor (not specifically shown) of the driver 818 and outputs the torque to the drive shaft 826 to rotate the drive shaft 826 about an axis 830. The nose 814 includes a clutch 834, a first spring 838, a second spring 842, a knock pin 846, a retaining sleeve 850, a nose piece 854, and a collet 858. The collet 858 is coaxial with the axis 830 and is coupled to the drive shaft 826 for common rotation. In the example provided, the collet 858 is coupled to the drive shaft 826 by a set of mating threads 862.

[0068] Reference Fig.10 , the collet 858 defines a spring chamber 866, a stopper 870, a first socket 874 (eg Figure 3The first socket 874 of the present invention is provided with a nut 878. The first groove 874 can have an internal shape configured to cooperate with the tool engagement portion 150 of the bolt 14. The ejector pin 846 has a shaft 882 and a head 886 and is coaxial with the axis 830. The shaft 882 is configured to extend through a hole 890 defined by the stopper 870 and extend axially between the first socket 874 and the spring cavity 866. The head 886 is slidably received in the spring cavity 866 and has a diameter greater than the hole 890. The second spring 842 is disposed in the spring cavity 866 and is configured to bias the ejector pin 846 toward a forward position in which the head 886 abuts the stopper 870.

[0069] refer to Fig.11 , the nut 878 of the collet 858 is generally hexagonal in shape, but other configurations may also be used. In the example provided, the nut 878 also includes an angular or spiral lead-in ramp 910 that angles downward from the rear side of each point of the hexagon toward the cylindrical surface. The lead-in ramp 910 is also axially inclined. In other words, each lead-in ramp 910 can have a front portion 914 and a rear portion 918 (where the front portion 914 is axially forward of the rear portion 918) and radially outwardly tilted until it meets the rest of the hexagonal feature (e.g., the hexagonal plane or vertex). These ramps 910 can facilitate quick engagement of the mating nut 878 with the mating socket without requiring perfect alignment of the two features.

[0070] Reference Fig.10 , the nose piece 854 is arranged around the axis 830. In the example provided, the nose piece 854 includes a front nose piece 922 and a rear nose piece 926, which are connected by mating threads 930 ( Fig.10 926) are coupled together to rotate together about axis 830, but other configurations may also be used. In the example provided, the mating threads 930 are left-hand threads. The rear end of the front nose piece 922 is connected to the front end of the rear nose piece 926 by threads 930, and when fully threaded together, the lip 934 on the front nose piece 922 can abut the rear nose piece 926.

[0071] The front nose member 922 is disposed around the collet 858. The rear nose member 926 is disposed around the collet 858 and the drive shaft 826. The front end of the front nose member 922 defines a second socket 938 (e.g. Figure 3 The second socket 318 of the embodiment is configured to engage the nut 18 ( Figure 3 ) of the operating member 218 ( Figure 3 ). Reference Fig.10 and 11, the front end of the rear nose piece 926 defines an internal socket 942 and a spring seat 946. The internal socket 942 is configured to engage a nut 878 defined by the exterior of the collet 858. The first spring 838 is coaxial with the axis 830 and is radially disposed between the drive shaft 826 and the rear end of the rear nose piece 926. One end of the first spring 838 abuts against the spring seat 946 to bias the nose piece 854 toward the extended position in which the socket 942 engages the nut 878 of the collet 858.

[0072] Reference Fig.12 , the clutch 834 includes a plurality of fixed lugs 1010 and a plurality of rotating lugs 1014. The fixed lugs 1010 are fixed relative to the gearbox 822, while the rotating lugs 1014 extend from the rear end of the rear nose piece 926 of the nose piece 854. In the example provided, the clutch 834 includes an annular body 1018 fixedly mounted to the gearbox 822, and each fixed lug 1010 extends radially inwardly into a central hole 1022 of the annular body 1018. In the example provided, each fixed lug 1010 is defined by a corresponding lug block 1026 mounted to the annular body 1018, but other configurations may also be used.

[0073] In the example provided, each fixed lug 1010 has a flat surface 1030 and an angled surface 1034, and each rotating lug 1014 has a corresponding flat surface 1038 and a corresponding angled surface 1042. The rear end of the rear member of the nose piece 854 extends into the central hole 1022 of the annular body 1018. The nose piece 854 is axially movable relative to the fixed lug 1010 between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the rotating lug 1014 is disengaged from the fixed lug 1010, and the nose piece 854 is free to rotate relative to the annular body 1018. As described above, in this extended position, the socket 942 can also engage with the nut 878 of the collet 858. In the retracted position, the nose piece 854 is rotated in a clockwise direction (such as Fig.12 1030 of the fixed lug 1010 to prevent the nose piece 854 from rotating, while rotation in the counterclockwise direction (as shown) causes the flat surface 1038 of the rotating lug 1014 to engage the flat surface 1030 of the fixed lug 1010 to prevent the nose piece 854 from rotating. Fig.12 Rotation of the nose piece 942 (shown) causes the angled face 1042 of the rotating lug 1014 to engage the angled face 1034 of the fixing lug 1010, which can cause the nose piece to move axially in the direction toward the extended position until the rotating lug 1014 and the fixing lug 1010 are disengaged. When in the retracted position, the socket 942 is disengaged from the nut 878 of the collet 858.

[0074] Reference Fig.10 and 13-16, the retaining sleeve 850 is disposed around the nose piece 854, and the front end of the retaining sleeve 850 defines a socket 1046. The rear end of the retaining sleeve 850 is received in the central hole 1022 of the annular body 1018. In the example provided, an O-ring 1050 is disposed within the central hole 1022 and provides friction to resist rotation of the retaining sleeve 850 relative to the annular body 1018. In the example provided, the retaining sleeve 850 is prevented from axially moving in the rearward direction by the retaining ring 1054 received in the groove 1058 of the retainer sleeve 850, although other configurations may be used. A plurality of balls 1062 are disposed in the socket 1046 of the retaining sleeve 850. Each ball 1062 is positioned within a corresponding recess 1066 defined in the outer surface of the nose piece 854. Each recess 1066 opens through a corner of the second socket 938 so that a corner (eg, a hexagonal corner) of the manipulation member 218 of the nut 18 can extend into the recess 1066. Fig.13 When the nose piece 854 does not rotate about the axis 830, the ball 1062 fits in the corner of the socket 1046 with clearance relative to the corner of the operating member 218 of the nut 18. Fig.14 , when the nose piece 854 rotates, the O-ring 1050 ( Fig. 9 and Fig.10 ) resists rotation of the retaining sleeve 850, and the nose piece 854 rotates the ball 1062, and the socket 1046 acts as a cam, which forces the ball 1062 used as a follower radially inward to contact the operating member 218 of the nut 18. In an alternative form not shown, one ball 1062 or more than two balls 1062 can be used. In another alternative form not shown, a shape other than a spherical ball can be used as a follower (for example, a cylindrical roller).

[0075] Reference Fig.15 and 16 , the radially inward pressure of the balls 1062 on the operating member 218 of the nut 18 resists the axial movement of the operating member 218 relative to the nose piece 854 and is sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the second spring 842 that biases the ejector pin 846 forward. Because the retaining lip 158 overlaps the operating member 218 of the nut 18, both the lug 118 and the operating member 218 of the nut 18 are retained as the nose piece 854 rotates. When the nose piece 854 stops rotating, the balls 1062 release the operating member 218 of the nut 18 and the second spring 842 pushes the ejector pin 846 forward, which pushes the lug 118 and the operating member 218 of the nut 18 forward and pushes them out of the tool 810.

[0076] It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the form described and illustrated as an example. A variety of modifications have been described, and more modifications are part of the knowledge of those skilled in the art. These and further modifications and any replacement of technical equivalents may be added to the description and drawings without departing from the scope of protection of the present disclosure and this patent.

[0077] As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be construed to mean “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

[0078] Unless otherwise expressly stated, in describing the scope of the present disclosure, all numerical values ​​expressing mechanical / thermal properties, composition percentages, dimensions and / or tolerances or other properties should be understood to be modified by the word "about" or "approximately". Such modifications are required for various reasons including industrial practice, manufacturing techniques and testing capabilities.

[0079] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific example forms and are not intended to be restrictive. The singular forms "one", "an" and "the" may also include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "including" and "having" are inclusive, and thus specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. Unless explicitly determined as an execution order, the method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0080] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and therefore, examples that do not deviate from the essence of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. These examples should not be considered to deviate from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, because other modifications will become apparent after studying the drawings, description and appended claims.

Claims

1. A tool for installing a single-sided fastener including a bolt and a nut, the tool comprising: A driving member; a collet driven by the drive member to engage the bolt; as well as a nose piece for holding the nut and preventing the nut from rotating during installation of the blind fastener, the nose piece being movable between a first position in which the nose piece is driven by the collet to rotate with the collet and a second position in which the nose piece is rotationally fixed despite the rotational action of the collet, and Multiple fixing lugs, wherein the nose piece includes a plurality of rotation lugs configured to engage the fixed lugs when the collet is in the second position, and, Wherein, each of the fixing lugs includes an inclined surface, and each of the rotating lugs includes an inclined surface.

2. The tool according to claim 1, further comprising: a retaining sleeve disposed about the nose piece and defining a cam; as well as A follower is disposed between the retaining sleeve and the nose piece, wherein rotation of the nose piece relative to the retaining sleeve causes the cam to move the follower radially inwardly against the tool engaging portion of the nut.

3. The tool of claim 2, further comprising a push pin and a spring, the spring biasing the push pin toward an extended position relative to the collet.

Images