Methods for adapters, tightening tools, and actuating tightening tools for use with tightening tools.

Abstract

The invention relates to an adapter for a tightening tool, a tightening tool and a method for actuating the tightening tool. In an adapter (1) for a tightening tool (2), the tightening tool (2) is provided with an adapter connection (3) with a vacuum connection (4); wherein the adapter (1) extends along an axial direction (5) between two end faces (6, 7), has a socket (8) for a screw (9) on the second end face (7), and can be pushed onto the adapter connection (3) via the first end face (6) along the axial direction (5), so that the socket (8) is fluidically connected to the vacuum connection (4); wherein the adapter (1) comprises a first outer sleeve (10), a second outer sleeve (11) and an inner sleeve (12). The invention also relates to a tightening tool (2) and a method for actuating the tightening tool (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention generally relates to an adapter for a tightening (screwing) tool having an adapter connection with a vacuum connection, which enables a screw to be securely received. The bit or screwdriver insert arranged in the adapter, which interacts with a corresponding contour on the screw head during tightening, should preferably not yet engage with the contour when the screw is picked up.

[0002] A tightening tool having an adapter and a method for operating the tightening tool are proposed. Background Art

[0003] Tightening tools can be used to facilitate tightening nuts on threaded shafts or bolts or screws in threaded holes. Screwdrivers are often used in assembly lines where a large number of nuts or bolts need to be tightened, such as when assembling components. Pneumatic screwdrivers are powered by compressed air. Electric screwdrivers use a DC controller as a power source. Hydraulic screwdrivers are powered by hydraulic fluid.

[0004] Such an adapter for a tightening tool is particularly useful for enabling the use of different screwdriver bits. The adapter can accommodate different bits that differ, for example, in diameter, length or shape (ie, the geometry that interacts with the contour on the screw head) of the bit.

[0005] Existing adapters or tightening tools are often inefficient and / or complex to use (automatically) and / or not fail-safe.

[0006] It is desirable to provide an adapter or a tightening tool that can quickly and easily change the bit or adapter. In addition, it is desirable to facilitate automatic screw picking by the tightening tool. Summary of the invention

[0007] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to at least alleviate or even solve the problems mentioned in the prior art. In particular, an adapter or tightening tool with a more robust but also simpler and / or more reliable structure is proposed.

[0008] To achieve these objects, an adapter according to the features of independent claim 1 is proposed. Advantageous embodiments and the associated tightening tool and method for actuating a tightening tool are the subject matter of the dependent claims. The features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in a technically expedient manner and, supplemented by explanatory features from the description and details from the drawings, further embodiments of the invention are indicated.

[0009] An adapter for a tightening tool is proposed, wherein the tightening tool is provided with an adapter connection with a vacuum connection. The adapter extends in an axial direction between two end faces. The adapter has a socket for a screw on the second end face and can be pushed to the adapter connection via the first end face in the axial direction so that the socket can be fluidically connected or fluidically connected to the vacuum connection. The adapter has a first outer sleeve, a second outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve has a first connection geometry for rotationally fixed connection with the adapter connection, a switchable first connection for axially fixed connection with the adapter connection, and a switchable second connection for axially fixed connection with a screwdriver insert, which can be pushed into the inner sleeve via the second end face. The first outer sleeve is arranged on the first end face of the adapter and can be arranged on the adapter connection so as to be displaceable in the axial direction, and the second outer sleeve extends from the second end face in the axial direction via the first connection and the second connection to the first outer sleeve and can be fixed to the first outer sleeve in two different axial positions relative to each other.

[0010] A tightening tool with an adapter connection and a vacuum connection can be designed in a known manner. Typically, the adapter connection is rotatably connected to the vacuum connection for tightening the screw, i.e., for driving the adapter. Air can be sucked in through the vacuum connection via a socket arranged on the second outer sleeve. Thus, the screw can be picked up via the socket and fixed to the socket.

[0011] In particular, the inner sleeve has a first connection geometry for a rotationally fixed connection with the adapter connection, a switchable first connection for an axially fixed connection with the adapter connection, and a switchable second connection for an axially fixed connection with a screwdriver insert (bit), which can be pushed into the inner sleeve via the second end face. In particular, the socket is fluidically connected to the vacuum connection via the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve can be pushed onto the adapter connection and then connected to the adapter connection in a rotationally fixed manner. For this purpose, the adapter connection can have a usual polygonal design and the inner sleeve can have a corresponding shape. In particular, the inner sleeve can be arranged on the adapter connection only in one position (relative to the axial direction).

[0012] In particular, the switchable axially fixed connection piece can be switched between two states. The first connection piece is used for axially fixed connection with the adapter connection piece, that is, it can be switched between the states of "establishing the axially fixed connection between the inner sleeve and the adapter connection piece" and "releasing the axially fixed connection between the inner sleeve and the adapter connection piece".

[0013] The second connecting piece is used for axially fixed connection with the screwdriver insert (bit), and the screwdriver insert (bit) can be inserted into the inner sleeve via the second end face, that is, it can be switched back and forth between the states of "forming an axially fixed connection between the inner sleeve and the screwdriver insert" and "releasing the axially fixed connection between the inner sleeve and the screwdriver insert".

[0014] In particular, the two mechanisms of the connector are designed to be identical. However, different designs are also possible. The mechanism comprises, for example, an element (e.g., a spherical element) displaceable in a radial direction extending transversely to the axial direction. In particular, the element is received in a guide of the inner sleeve. In particular, the element is displaced by a switching mechanism or by an actuating geometry (in particular, by a corresponding profile on the second outer sleeve). Thus, the element is displaced inwardly in a radial direction and engages in a corresponding profile on a screwdriver insert or on an adapter connector, thereby forming an axially fixed connection.

[0015] Such a mechanism is known in principle as a ball coupling, for example.

[0016] The first outer sleeve is arranged on the first end face of the adapter and can be arranged on the adapter connector so as to be displaceable in the axial direction. In particular, the first outer sleeve forms the first end face of the adapter. In particular, the first outer sleeve and the vacuum port are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction.

[0017] In particular, the second outer sleeve extends from the second end face in the axial direction via the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece to the first outer sleeve and is fixable with the first outer sleeve in two different axial positions relative to each other.

[0018] In particular, the outer sleeves (first and second outer sleeves) are axially fixedly connectable or connected via a first bayonet connection in a first axial position and via a second bayonet connection in a second axial position. Between the two axial positions, the two outer sleeves are displaceable relative to each other in the axial direction. In particular, in order to change the axial position, it is necessary to rotate the outer sleeves relative to each other so that displacement can occur in the axial direction.

[0019] In particular, the second outer sleeve has a first actuation geometry for actuating the first connection member and a second actuation geometry for actuating the second connection member. In particular, in a first axial position of the outer sleeve (the outer sleeves are positioned relative to each other via the first bayonet connection), both connections are not actuated, while in a second axial position (the outer sleeves are positioned relative to each other via the second bayonet connection), both connections are actuated.

[0020] The actuation geometry comprises in particular a profile of the inner circumferential surface of the second outer sleeve, wherein the surface is inclined in each case between two diameters of different sizes.By means of the actuation geometry, the aforementioned elements can be contacted and displaced in radial direction.

[0021] In particular, at least in the second axial position, the outer sleeve is displaceable together with respect to the inner sleeve in the axial direction. In particular, the displacement occurs when the second outer sleeve contacts via the second end face and is displaced toward the adapter connector.

[0022] In particular, an energy storage element (eg a spring) is arranged at least between the second outer sleeve and the inner sleeve, which stores potential energy when these sleeves are displaced relative to each other. The displacement of these sleeves relative to each other can thus be reversed.

[0023] This displacement of the sleeve starting from the second axial position enables the screw to be initially arranged on the socket and only after the displacement of the second outer sleeve the screwdriver insert can be arranged in the corresponding contour on the screw head.

[0024] In particular, the second outer sleeve is made of at least two parts, a first part having a connection geometry for connection to the first outer sleeve and a second part forming the second end face, the second part having a second connection geometry adapted to a screw or a screw head.

[0025] In particular, the second outer sleeve can be of multi-part design, wherein the individual parts are connected to one another, for example via threads or other types of connections, such as bayonet locks, etc. The multi-part design of the second outer sleeve enables the adapter to be adapted in a simple manner to differently shaped screwdriver inserts (e.g. longer or shorter) or screw heads (variation in the geometry of the socket).

[0026] Furthermore, a tightening tool is proposed, which comprises at least an adapter connection with a vacuum connection and an adapter, in particular as described above, which can be arranged on the adapter connection in at least three arrangements.

[0027] In each of the three arrangements, in particular, the adapter connector is inserted into the first connection geometry of the inner sleeve at maximum depth and the socket for the screw is fluidly connected to the vacuum connector. In the first arrangement of the adapter, the first outer sleeve is spaced apart from the axial stop of the adapter connector (e.g., the vacuum connector) in the axial direction and the outer sleeves are fixed relative to each other in a first axial position (via a first bayonet connection). In the second arrangement of the adapter, the first outer sleeve is further spaced apart from the axial stop and the outer sleeves are fixed relative to each other in a second axial position (via a second bayonet connection). In the third arrangement, the outer sleeve is still fixed in the second axial position and the first outer sleeve contacts the axial stop.

[0028] Between the second and the third arrangement, in particular, the outer sleeve is displaced together relative to the inner sleeve towards the adapter connection piece.

[0029] In particular, in a first arrangement, the adapter is connected to the adapter connection piece only frictionally with respect to the axial direction, and the screwdriver insert inserted into the inner sleeve via the second end face is connected only frictionally with respect to the axial direction. In a second arrangement, the adapter is connected to the adapter connection piece via the first connection piece, and the screwdriver insert is connected to the inner sleeve in each case in an axially fixed manner, whereby the screwdriver insert is arranged to be retracted relative to the socket, so that a screw with a screw head can be fixed in the socket by the vacuum connection piece. In a third arrangement, the screwdriver insert extends into the socket and thus into the screw head of a screw arranged there.

[0030] A method for operating the tightening tool is further proposed. The method comprises at least the following steps:

[0031] a) arranging the adapter on the adapter connection piece in a first arrangement, wherein the first outer sleeve is arranged spaced apart from an axial stop of the adapter connection piece in the axial direction and the outer sleeves are fixed in a first axial position relative to each other;

[0032] b) arranging the adapter on the adapter connection in a second arrangement, wherein the second outer sleeve is displaced in the axial direction relative to the inner sleeve and relative to the first outer sleeve, such that the first outer sleeve continues to be arranged at a distance from the axial stop and the outer sleeves are fixed in a second axial position relative to each other;

[0033] c) Placing the adapter in a third arrangement on the adapter port, whereby the outer sleeve is displaced together in the axial direction relative to the inner sleeve until the first outer sleeve contacts the axial stop.

[0034] The above (non-exhaustive) division of the process steps into a) to c) is primarily only used for differentiation and does not impose any order and / or dependency. The frequency of the process steps (e.g. during the setting and / or operation of the tightening tool) can also vary. It is also possible that the process steps overlap at least partially in time. In particular, steps a) to c) are performed in the order shown.

[0035] In particular, in or before step a), the screwdriver insert is inserted into the inner sleeve via the second end face of the adapter. In particular, during step b), the screw is sucked in through the vacuum port and placed in the socket. In particular, during step c), the screwdriver insert is moved into the socket and into the screw head of the screw arranged therein, and the screw is tightened.

[0036] In particular, at least one system for data processing is provided, which comprises means suitably equipped, configured or programmed to perform the method or means for performing the method.

[0037] In particular, the tightening tool comprises a system for data processing (eg a control device), which comprises means for performing the steps of the method and / or it comprises means suitably equipped, configured or programmed to perform the steps of the method or means for performing the method.

[0038] The device comprises, for example, a processor and a memory in which instructions to be executed by the processor are stored, as well as data lines or transmission means which enable the transmission of instructions, measured values, data etc. between the mentioned elements.

[0039] In particular, the "means" may include one or more of the following: a controller, a microcontroller, a data storage, a data link, a display device (eg a display), a counter or timer, at least one other sensor, a power source, etc.

[0040] It is further proposed a computer program comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer program to perform the method or the steps of the method.

[0041] A computer-readable storage medium is further proposed, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method or the steps of the method.

[0042] In particular, explanations concerning the method are transferable to the tightening tool, the adapter, the system for data processing and / or the computer-implemented method (ie, the computer program and the computer-readable storage medium) and vice versa.

[0043] The use of indefinite articles ("a", "an", "an" and "an"), in particular in patent claims and in the description reproducing them, should be understood as the indefinite article itself and not as a number. Thus, the term or component introduced accordingly should be understood to occur at least once, but in particular, may also occur several times.

[0044] As a precaution, the numerical terms used herein ("first", "second", etc.) are primarily (only) used to distinguish between several similar objects, dimensions or processes, i.e., in particular, they do not necessarily specify dependencies and / or sequences of the objects, dimensions or processes. If dependencies and / or sequences are required, they are explicitly indicated herein or are obvious to a person skilled in the art by studying the specifically described embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The present invention and the technical field are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, unless otherwise explicitly indicated, some aspects of a particular subject matter can also be obtained from the accompanying drawings and / or combined with other general descriptions above. Generally, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same objects so that explanations from other drawings can be considered as supplementary when necessary. Each drawing schematically shows:

[0046] Figure 1 : A side cross-sectional view of the tightening tool in a first arrangement;

[0047] Figure 2 : The basis under the second arrangement Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of a tightening tool;

[0048] Figure 3 : The basis under the third arrangement Figure 1 and Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of a tightening tool;

[0049] Figure 4 :according to Figures 1 to 3 A plurality of views of an inner sleeve of a tightening tool, each view being a cross-sectional view;

[0050] Figure 5 :according to Figure 4 A side cross-sectional view of a rotational view of an inner sleeve;

[0051] Figure 6 : Multiple cross-sectional views of the second outer sleeve;

[0052] Figure 7 : A three-dimensional view of the first outer sleeve;

[0053] Figure 8 : A cross-sectional view of the first outer sleeve along the axial direction.

[0054] Description of reference numerals:

[0055] 1 Adapter

[0056] 2 Tightening tools

[0057] 3 Adapter connector

[0058] 4 Vacuum connection

[0059] 5 Axial direction

[0060] 6 First end face

[0061] 7 Second end face

[0062] 8 Sockets

[0063] 9 Screws

[0064] 10 First outer sleeve

[0065] 11 Second outer sleeve

[0066] 12 Inner sleeve

[0067] 13 First connection geometry

[0068] 14 First connecting piece

[0069] 15 Second connecting piece

[0070] 16 Screwdriver insert

[0071] 17 First axial position

[0072] 18 Second axial position

[0073] 19 First bayonet connector

[0074] 20 Second bayonet connector

[0075] 21 First Actuation Geometry

[0076] 22 Second actuation geometry

[0077] 23 Energy storage elements

[0078] 24 Part 1

[0079] 25 Connection Geometry

[0080] 26 Part 2

[0081] 27 Second connection geometry

[0082] 28 First Arrangement

[0083] 29 Second Arrangement

[0084] 30 Third Arrangement

[0085] 31 Maximum Depth

[0086] 32 Axial stop

[0087] 33 Screw head

[0088] 34 Ball

[0089] 35 Radial direction

[0090] 36 Protrusion

[0091] 37 recess. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] Figure 1 The tightening tool 2 is shown in a side sectional view in a first position 28 .

[0093] The tightening tool 2 comprises an adapter connection 3 with a vacuum connection 4 and an adapter 1 which can be arranged on the adapter connection 3 in at least three arrangements 28 , 29 , 30 .

[0094] The adapter 1 extends between two end faces 6, 7 along the axial direction 5. The adapter 1 has a socket 8 for a screw 9 (not shown) on the second end face 7 and is arranged to be pushed onto the adapter connection 3 via the first end face 6 along the axial direction 5 so that the socket 8 can be connected or fluidically connected to the vacuum connection 4. The adapter 1 has a first outer sleeve 10, a second outer sleeve 11 and an inner sleeve 12. The inner sleeve 12 has a first connection geometry 13 for a rotationally fixed connection to the adapter connection 3, a switchable first connection 14 for an axially fixed connection to the adapter connection 3 and a switchable second connection 15 for an axially fixed connection to a screwdriver insert 16, which can be pushed into the inner sleeve 12 via the second end face 7. The first outer sleeve 10 is arranged on the first end face 6 of the adapter 1 and on the adapter connecting piece 3 so as to be displaceable along the axial direction 5, and the second outer sleeve 11 extends from the second end face 7 along the axial direction 5 via the first connecting piece 14 and the second connecting piece 15 to the first outer sleeve 10 and can be fixed to the first outer sleeve 10 at two different axial positions 17, 18 relative to each other.

[0095] The tightening tool 2 is designed in a known manner with an adapter connection 3 and a vacuum connection 4. Typically, the adapter connection 3 is rotatably connected to a (fixed) vacuum connection 4 for tightening a screw 9, i.e., for driving the adapter 1. Air can be sucked in via the vacuum connection 4 through a socket 8 arranged on the second outer sleeve 11. Thus, the screw 9 can be received via the socket 8 and fixed to the socket 8.

[0096] The inner sleeve 12 has a first connection geometry 13 for a rotationally fixed connection with the adapter connection 3, a switchable first connection element 14 for an axially fixed connection with the adapter connection 3 and a switchable second connection element 15 for an axially fixed connection with a screwdriver insert 16 (bit), which can be pushed into the inner sleeve 12 via the second end face 7. The socket 8 is fluidically connected to the vacuum connection 4 via the inner sleeve 12. The inner sleeve 12 can be pushed onto the adapter connection 3 and then connected to the adapter connection 3 in a rotationally fixed manner. For this purpose, the adapter connection 3 can have a usual polygonal design and the inner sleeve 13 can have a corresponding shape as the connection geometry 13. The inner sleeve 12 can be arranged on the adapter connection 3 in only one axial position (relative to the axial direction 5).

[0097] The switchable axially fixed connection members 14, 15 are switchable between two states. The first connection member 14 is used for axially fixed connection with the adapter connection member 3, that is, it can be used to "establish an axially fixed connection between the inner sleeve 12 and the adapter connection member 3" (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) and "releasing the axial fixed connection between the inner sleeve 12 and the adapter connector 3" (see Figure 1 ) status.

[0098] The second connecting member 15 is used for axially fixed connection with the screwdriver insert 16 (bit), which can be inserted into the inner sleeve 12 via the second end face 7, that is, it can "form an axially fixed connection between the inner sleeve 12 and the screwdriver insert 16" (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) and "releasing the axially fixed connection between the inner sleeve 12 and the screwdriver insert 16" (see Figure 1 ) to switch back and forth between the states.

[0099] The two mechanisms of the connection pieces 14, 15 have the same design. The mechanism comprises an element (here a ball 34) which is displaceable in a radial direction 35 extending transversely to the axial direction 5. The ball 34 is received in a guide of the inner sleeve 12. The ball 34 is displaced by a switching mechanism or by an actuation geometry 21, 22 (i.e. by a corresponding profile on the second outer sleeve 11). As a result, the ball 34 is displaced inwardly in a radial direction 35 and engages in a corresponding profile on the screwdriver insert 16 or on the adapter connection piece 3, thereby forming an axially fixed connection piece 14, 15. Such a mechanism is basically referred to as a ball coupling.

[0100] The first outer sleeve 10 is arranged on the first end face 6 of the adapter 1 and on the adapter connection piece 3 so as to be displaceable in the axial direction 5. The first outer sleeve 10 forms the first end face 6 of the adapter 1. The first outer sleeve 10 and the vacuum port 4 are arranged in the axial direction 5 adjacent to each other.

[0101] The second outer sleeve 11 extends from the second end face 7 in the axial direction 5 via a first connection piece 14 and a second connection piece 15 to the first outer sleeve 10 and can be fixed to the first outer sleeve 10 in two different axial positions 17 , 18 relative to one another.

[0102] The outer sleeves 10, 11 are axially fixedly connectable or connected via a first bayonet connection 19 in a first axial position 17 and axially fixedly connectable or connected via a second bayonet connection 20 in a second axial position 18. Between the two positions 17, 18, the two outer sleeves 10, 11 are displaceable relative to each other along the axial direction 5. In order to change the position 17, 18, the outer sleeves 10, 11 need to be rotated relative to each other so that a displacement along the axial direction 5 can occur.

[0103] The second outer sleeve 11 has a first actuation geometry 21 for actuating the first connection element 14 and a second actuation geometry 22 for actuating the second connection element 15. In a first axial position 17 of the outer sleeves 10, 11 (the outer sleeves 10, 11 are positioned relative to each other via the first bayonet connection 19, see Figure 1 ), both connections 14, 15 are not actuated, and in the second axial position 18 (the outer sleeves 10, 11 are positioned relative to each other via the second bayonet connection 20, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ), they are actuated.

[0104] The actuation geometries 21, 22 each comprise a profile of the inner circumferential surface of the second outer sleeve 11, whereby this surface extends in each case between two diameters of different size which are inclined relative to the axial direction 5. By means of the actuation geometries 21, 22, the aforementioned ball 34 can be contacted and displaced in the radial direction 35.

[0105] A spring is arranged as an energy storage element 23 between the second outer sleeve 11 and the inner sleeve 12, which stores potential energy when the sleeves 11, 12 are displaced relative to one another. The displacement of the sleeves 11, 12 relative to one another can thus be reversed.

[0106] The second outer sleeve 11 is made of two parts, a first part having a connection geometry for connection to the first outer sleeve 10 and a second part forming the second end face 7 and having a second connection geometry 27 for the adapter screw 9 .

[0107] The two separate parts of the second outer sleeve 11 are connected to each other by threads. The multi-part design of the second outer sleeve 11 enables the adapter 1 to be easily adapted to differently shaped screwdriver inserts 16 (e.g. longer or shorter) or screw heads 33 (changing the geometry of the socket 8).

[0108] In each of the three arrangements 28, 29, 30 (see Figures 1 to 3 ), the adapter connection 3 is inserted into the first connection geometry 13 of the inner sleeve 12 to a maximum depth 31, and the socket 8 for the screw 9 is fluidically connected to the vacuum connection 4. Figure 1In the first arrangement 28 of the adapter 1 shown, the first outer sleeve 10 is spaced apart from the axial stop 32 of the adapter connection 3 (vacuum connection 4) in the axial direction 5 and the outer sleeves 10, 11 are fixed relative to each other in a first axial position 17 (via the first bayonet connection 19).

[0109] In the first arrangement 28 , the adapter 1 is only frictionally connected to the adapter connection piece 3 with respect to the axial direction 5 , and the screwdriver insert 16 inserted into the inner sleeve 12 via the second end face 7 is only frictionally connected to the inner sleeve 12 with respect to the axial direction 5 .

[0110] Figure 2 The side cross-sectional view shows the second arrangement 29 according to Figure 1 Tightening tool 2. Reference Figure 1 Description.

[0111] In the second arrangement 29 of the adapter 1 , the first outer sleeve 10 is further spaced apart from the axial stop 32 and the outer sleeves 10 , 11 are fixed to each other in the second axial position 18 (via the second bayonet connection 20 ).

[0112] In the second arrangement 29, the adapter 1 is connected to the adapter connection 3 via the first connection 14 and the screwdriver insert 16 is in each case connected to the inner sleeve 12 in an axially fixed manner, whereby the screwdriver insert 16 is arranged to be retracted relative to the socket 8 so that the screw 9 with the screw head 33 can be fixed in the socket 8 by the vacuum connection 4.

[0113] Figure 3 The third arrangement 30 is shown in a side cross-sectional view according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Tightening tool 2. Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Description.

[0114] In the third arrangement 30, the outer sleeves 10, 11 continue to be fixed relative to each other in the second axial position 18 and the first outer sleeve 10 contacts the axial stop 32. Between the second arrangement 29 and the third arrangement 30, the outer sleeves 10, 11 are displaced together relative to the inner sleeve 12 towards the adapter connection 3.

[0115] At least in the second axial position 18, the outer sleeves 10, 11 are jointly displaceable relative to the inner sleeve 12 in the axial direction 5. This displacement occurs when the second outer sleeve 11 contacts and is displaced towards the adapter connection 3 via the second end face 7.

[0116] This displacement of the outer sleeves 10 , 11 from the second axial position 18 initially enables the screw 9 to be arranged on the socket 8 and only after the displacement of the outer sleeves 10 , 11 in the axial direction 5 the screwdriver insert 16 to be arranged in a corresponding contour on the screw head 33 .

[0117] In the third arrangement 30 , the screwdriver insert 16 extends into the socket 8 and thus into the screw head 33 of the screw 9 arranged there.

[0118] According to step a) of the method for actuating the tightening tool 2, the adapter 1 is arranged in a first arrangement 28 on the adapter connection part 3, whereby the first outer sleeve 10 is arranged in the axial direction 5 at a distance from the axial stop 32 of the adapter connection part 3 and the outer sleeves 10, 11 are fixed to each other in the first axial position 17 via the first bayonet lock 19 ( Figure 1 ).

[0119] In step b), the adapter 1 is arranged in a second arrangement 29 on the adapter connection 3, the second outer sleeve 11 is displaced in the axial direction 5 relative to the inner sleeve 12 and relative to the first outer sleeve 10, so that the first outer sleeve 10 continues to be arranged at a distance from the axial stop 32, and the outer sleeves 10, 11 are fixed relative to each other in the second axial position 18 ( Figure 2 ).

[0120] In step c), the adapter 1 is arranged in a third arrangement 30 on the adapter connection 3, and the outer sleeves 10, 11 are displaced together in the axial direction 5 relative to the inner sleeve 12 until the first outer sleeve 10 contacts the axial stop 32 ( Figure 3 ).

[0121] During or before step a), the screwdriver insert 16 is inserted into the inner sleeve 12 via the second end face 7 of the adapter 1. During step b), the screw 9 is sucked in through the vacuum port 4 and placed in the socket 8. During step c), the screwdriver insert 16 is moved into the socket 8 and into the screw head 33 of the screw 9 arranged there, and the screw 9 is tightened.

[0122] Figure 4 Multiple views are shown according to Figures 1 to 3 The inner sleeve 12 of the tightening tool 2 is shown in FIG. 1 , and each view is a cross-sectional view. Figure 5 The side cross-section shows the view rotated 90 degrees according to Figure 4 The inner sleeve 12. Figure 4 and Figure 5 .

[0123] Figure 4The left-hand illustration of shows a view from the first end face 6 in the region of the first connection part 14. The first connection geometry 13 which is non-rotatably connected to the adapter connection part 3 and the ball 34 of the mechanism of the first connection part 14 can be seen.

[0124] Figure 4 The right-hand illustration of shows a view from the second end face 6 in the region of the second connecting piece 15. The ball 34 of the mechanism of the second connecting piece 15 can be seen, which enables an axially fixed connection with the screwdriver insert 16, which can be pushed into the inner sleeve 12 via the second end face 7.

[0125] The inner sleeve 12 has a first connection geometry 13 for a rotationally fixed connection with the adapter connection 3, a switchable first connection 14 for an axially fixed connection with the adapter connection 3 and a switchable second connection 15 for an axially fixed connection with a screwdriver insert 16 (bit), which can be pushed into the inner sleeve 12 via the second end face 7. The socket 8 is fluidically connected to the vacuum connection 4 via the inner sleeve 12. The inner sleeve 12 can be pushed onto the adapter connection 3 and then connected to the adapter connection 3 in a rotationally fixed manner. For this purpose, the adapter connection 3 can have a usual polygonal design and the inner sleeve 13 can have a corresponding shape as the connection geometry 13. The inner sleeve 12 can be arranged on the adapter connection 3 only in one position (with respect to the axial direction 5).

[0126] Figure 6 The second outer sleeve 11 is shown in multiple cross-sectional views. Figures 1 to 5 Description. Figure 7 The first outer sleeve 10 is shown in a perspective view. Figure 8 The first outer sleeve 10 is shown in a cross-sectional view along the axial direction 5. Figures 6 to 8 .

[0127] The second outer sleeve 11 extends from the second end face 7 in the axial direction 5 via a first connection piece 14 and a second connection piece 15 to the first outer sleeve 10 and can be fixed to the first outer sleeve 10 in two different axial positions 17 , 18 relative to each other.

[0128] The first outer sleeve 10 is arranged on the first end face 6 of the adapter 1 and on the adapter connecting piece 3 so as to be displaceable in the axial direction 5. The first outer sleeve 10 forms the first end face 6 of the adapter 1.

[0129] The outer sleeves 10, 11 are axially fixedly connectable or connected via a first bayonet connection 19 in a first axial position 17 and via a second bayonet connection 20 in a second axial position 18. The first outer sleeve 10 has a correspondingly designed projection 36 and the second outer sleeve 11 has a correspondingly designed recess 37.

[0130] The two outer sleeves 10, 11 are displaceable relative to each other in the axial direction 5 between two positions 17, 18. To change the position 17, 18, the outer sleeves 10, 11 need to be rotated relative to each other so that a displacement in the axial direction 5 can take place.

[0131] The second outer sleeve 11 has a first actuation geometry 21 for actuating the first connection element 14 and a second actuation geometry 22 for actuating the second connection element 15. In a first axial position 17 of the outer sleeves 10, 11 (the outer sleeves 10, 11 are positioned relative to each other via the first bayonet connection 19, see Figure 1 ), both connections 14, 15 are not actuated, in the second axial position 18 (the outer sleeves 10, 11 are positioned relative to each other via the second bayonet connection 20, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) they are actuated.

[0132] The actuation geometries 21, 22 each comprise a profile of the inner circumferential surface of the second outer sleeve 11, whereby this surface extends in each case between two diameters of different size which are inclined relative to the axial direction 5. By means of the actuation geometries 21, 22, the aforementioned ball 34 can be contacted and displaced in the radial direction 35.

[0133] The present invention solves at least some of the problems of the prior art. In particular, an adapter 1 having a strong and / or simple and / or reliable construction is proposed. The system of the present invention enables rapid replacement of the adapter 1 and the screwdriver insert 16 while reducing complexity and / or improving fail-safe features.

[0134] With the given system, a manufacturing cell is able to tighten different types of screws 9 with the same tightening tool 2. In particular, it is possible to switch between a plurality of adapters 1 in a fully automated process, without the involvement of an operator. Furthermore, the flexibility of use of the tool operator and its productivity can be increased. The adapter enables full automation of workstations requiring different screwdriver inserts 16 or adapters 1.

Claims

1. An adapter (1) for a tightening tool (2), wherein: The tightening tool (2) is provided with an adapter connection (3) with a vacuum connection (4); wherein the adapter (1) extends in an axial direction (5) between two end faces (6, 7), has a socket (8) for a screw (9) on the second end face (7), and can be pushed onto the adapter connection (3) via the first end face (6) in the axial direction (5), so that the socket (8) is fluidically connected to the vacuum connection (4); wherein the adapter (1) has a first outer sleeve (10), a second outer sleeve (11) and an inner sleeve (12); the inner sleeve (12) has a first connection geometry (13) for rotationally fixed connection to the adapter connection (3), an energy source (14) for axially fixed connection to the adapter connection (3), and a second outer sleeve (11) for axially fixed connection to the adapter connection (3). A first switchable connection piece (14) and a second switchable connection piece (15) for axially fixed connection to a screwdriver insert (16), the screwdriver insert being pushable into the inner sleeve (12) via the second end face (7); wherein the first outer sleeve (10) is arranged on the first end face (6) of the adapter (1) and can be arranged on the adapter connection piece (3) so as to be displaceable in an axial direction (5), wherein the second outer sleeve (11) extends from the second end face (7) along the axial direction (5) via the first connection piece (14) and the second connection piece (15) to the first outer sleeve (10) and can be fixed to the first outer sleeve (10) in two different axial positions (17, 18) relative to each other.

2. The adapter (1) for a tightening tool (2) according to claim 1, wherein: The outer sleeve (10, 11) is connected in an axially fixed manner via a first bayonet connection (19) in a first axial position (17) and via a second bayonet connection (20) in a second axial position (18).

3. An adapter (1) for a tightening tool (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second outer sleeve (11) has a first actuation geometry (21) for actuating the first connecting member (14) and a second actuation geometry (22) for actuating the second connecting member (15); wherein, in a first axial position (17) of the outer sleeve (10, 11), both connecting members (14, 15) are not actuated, while in a second axial position (18) both connecting members (14, 15) are actuated.

4. An adapter (1) for a tightening tool (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The outer sleeves (10, 11) are jointly displaceable in an axial direction (5) relative to the inner sleeve (12) at least in a second axial position (18).

5. An adapter (1) for a tightening tool (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: An energy storage element (23) is arranged at least between the second outer sleeve (11) and the inner sleeve (12), which stores potential energy during displacement of these sleeves (11, 12) relative to one another.

6. An adapter (1) for a tightening tool (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second outer sleeve (11) is designed with at least two parts, wherein a first part (24) has a connection geometry (25) for connecting to the first outer sleeve (10), and a second part (26) forms a second end face (7), wherein the second part (26) has a second connection geometry (27) for an adapter screw (9).

7. A tightening tool (2), comprising at least an adapter connection (3) with a vacuum connection (4) and an adapter (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter (1) can be arranged on the adapter connection (3) in at least three arrangements (28, 29, 30); wherein In each arrangement (28, 29, 30), the adapter connection (3) is inserted into the first connection geometry (13) of the inner sleeve (12) to a maximum depth (31), and the socket (8) for the screw (9) is fluidically connected to the vacuum connection (4); wherein, in a first arrangement (28) of the adapter (1), the first outer sleeve (10) is arranged to be spaced apart from an axial stop (32) of the adapter connection (3) along an axial direction (5), and the outer sleeves (10, 11) are fixed in a first axial position (17) relative to each other; wherein, in a second arrangement (29) of the adapter (1), the first outer sleeve (10) is further arranged to be spaced apart from the axial stop (32), and the outer sleeves (10, 11) are fixed in a second axial position (18) relative to each other; wherein, in a third arrangement (30), the outer sleeves (10, 11) are further fixed in a second position (18) relative to each other, and the first outer sleeve (10) contacts the axial stop (32).

8. The tightening tool (2) according to claim 7, wherein: In a first arrangement (28), the adapter (1) is only non-rigidly connected to the adapter connection piece (3) with respect to the axial direction (5), and the screwdriver insert (16) inserted into the inner sleeve (12) via the second end face (7) is only non-rigidly connected with respect to the axial direction (5); wherein, in a second arrangement (29), the adapter (1) is connected to the adapter connection piece (3) via the first connection piece (14), and the screwdriver insert (16) is in each case connected to the inner sleeve (12) in an axially fixed manner, wherein, in this case, the screwdriver insert (16) is arranged to be retracted relative to the socket (8) so that a screw (9) with a screw head (33) can be fixed in the socket (8) via the vacuum connection piece (4); wherein, in a third arrangement (30), the screwdriver insert (16) extends into the socket (8) and thus into the screw head (33) of the screw (9) arranged therein.

9. A method of actuating a tightening tool (2) according to any one of the preceding claims 7 and 8, comprising at least the following steps: a) Arranging the adapter (1) in a first arrangement (28) on the adapter connecting piece (3), wherein: The first outer sleeve (10) is arranged to be spaced apart from an axial stop (32) of the adapter connector (3) in the axial direction (5), and the outer sleeves (10, 11) are fixed in a first axial position (17) relative to each other; b) arranging the adapter (1) on the adapter connection piece (3) in a second arrangement (29), the second outer sleeve (11) being displaced in the axial direction (5) relative to the inner sleeve (12) and relative to the first outer sleeve (10), so that the first outer sleeve (10) continues to be arranged at a distance from the axial stop (32) and the outer sleeves (10, 11) are fixed in a second axial position (18) relative to each other; c) arranging the adapter (1) in a third arrangement (30) on the adapter connection (3), so that the outer sleeves (10, 11) are displaced together in the axial direction (5) relative to the inner sleeve (12) until the first outer sleeve (10) contacts the axial stop (32).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: In step a) or before step a), the screwdriver insert (16) is inserted into the inner sleeve (12) via the second end face (7) of the adapter (1); wherein, during step b), the screw (9) is sucked in via the vacuum connection (4) and arranged in the socket (8); wherein, during step c), the screwdriver insert (16) is moved into the socket (8) and into the screw head (33) of the screw (9) arranged therein, and the screw (9) is tightened.

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