Thread insert insertion tool and control method of thread insert insertion tool

Abstract

Provided are a thread insert insertion tool and a control method for the thread insert insertion tool, which prevent scratches such as scratches on an object to be processed when a thread insert is inserted into the object to be processed, and which can uniformly and efficiently insert the thread insert into the object to be processed even when a plurality of thread inserts of different types are inserted. The device is provided with: a mandrel (23) to which a thread insert is mounted; an input device (11) for inputting a signal indicating the start of rotation of the mandrel (23) when the nut is inserted into the workpiece; and a control device (16) for controlling the rotation of the mandrel (23), and the control device (16) performs control in such a manner that when the thread insert is inserted into the workpiece, the thread insert is inserted into the workpiece W under the condition that a part of the insertion part (20) including the mandrel (23) is not in contact with the workpiece W.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a threaded insert insertion tool and a control method of the threaded insert insertion tool. Background Art

[0002] Generally, when a strong internal thread is sought, such as when durability of the internal thread is required or strong fastening is required, a screw insert called a spiral screw insert or a threaded screw insert is used. The screw insert is formed by winding a wire such as stainless steel into a spiral shape, and is screwed into a screw hole (threaded hole) of a workpiece such as a resin or an aluminum alloy by a screw inserting tool and inserted (buried).

[0003] In the past, the screw insert tool was rotated manually by the user to insert the screw insert into the screw hole. However, when the screw holes formed on the workpiece are multiple, the number of screw inserts screwed into the screw holes will naturally also become multiple.

[0004] In addition, depending on the workpiece, the number of screw sleeves to be screwed in may exceed one hundred, and it is very labor-intensive for the operator to screw all of these screw sleeves in manually. In order to avoid such inconvenience, the installation tool for screwing the screw sleeve into the screw hole has been electrified in recent years to reduce the labor of the operator.

[0005] Patent Document 1 shown below discloses a miniaturized automatic thread insert insertion device that can automatically and reliably insert a thread insert into an internal thread of a workpiece without manual operation by a user.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-028679 Summary of the invention

[0009] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0010] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, even when an insert inserting tool for inserting an insert into a workpiece is automated, after inserting the insert into the screw hole, it is necessary to pull the insert inserting tool out of the screw hole while leaving the insert in the screw hole.

[0011] The timing for pulling up the insert tool is controlled by detecting the change in torque of the driving force when a component arranged around the spindle, such as a retaining ring, contacts the workpiece, and reversing the rotation of the spindle to pull up the insert tool.

[0012] However, in this method, the screw inserting tool contacts the workpiece, which may cause some scratches on the workpiece. Although it is also possible to consider that the scratches are not too obvious, depending on the field, it is sometimes forbidden to cause any scratches on the workpiece.

[0013] In order to follow the above-mentioned instructions at the site where the insert is inserted into the workpiece, for example, the operator visually checks the insertion status of the insert into the workpiece and pulls up the insert insertion tool.

[0014] However, in the case of this method, the operator needs to carefully start and close the screw sleeve insertion tool and pay more attention to prevent the screw sleeve insertion tool from contacting the surface of the workpiece. In addition, sometimes even if careful attention is achieved and the operation is performed, scars will be caused, and the insertion conditions will inevitably become different depending on the operator. Because, in order to insert the screw sleeve evenly, more experience is required. In addition, especially as mentioned above, when multiple screw sleeves must be inserted into the workpiece, it cannot be said to be efficient.

[0015] The present invention provides a screw sleeve insertion tool and a control method for the screw sleeve insertion tool. The screw sleeve insertion tool and the control method for the screw sleeve insertion tool can prevent scratches and other scratches on the workpiece when the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece, and can also insert the screw sleeve into the workpiece evenly and efficiently when inserting multiple screw sleeves of different types.

[0016] Solutions for solving technical problems

[0017] The screw insert tool in the embodiment of the present invention comprises: a spindle for assembling the screw insert; an input device for inputting a signal for starting the rotation of the spindle when the screw insert is inserted into the workpiece; and a control device for controlling the rotation of the spindle, wherein the control device controls in the following manner: when the screw insert is inserted into the workpiece, the screw insert is inserted into the workpiece while a part of the insertion portion including the spindle is not in contact with the workpiece.

[0018] When the control device inserts the screw sleeve into the workpiece, the moment when the signal of the start of rotation of the spindle of the input device is received is set as the insertion start time. When the insertion time from the insertion start time which is pre-set according to the type of the screw sleeve inserted into the workpiece has passed, the insertion action of the screw sleeve into the workpiece is terminated.

[0019] The insert insertion tool in the embodiment of the present invention further includes a timing device, and the control device controls the rotation of the spindle to be reversed based on a notification signal notifying the timing device of the passage of insertion time measured from the insertion start time.

[0020] In the insert insertion tool according to the embodiment of the present invention, the insertion time is calculated based on the rotation speed of the insert insertion tool and the insertion distance of the insert into the workpiece, and is pre-stored in the storage device for each type of insert.

[0021] When the control device inserts the screw sleeve into the workpiece, the contact position of one end of the screw sleeve with the workpiece is taken as the reference position, and the detection sensor detects the distance the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece from the reference position. When the control device determines that the preset insertion distance has been reached, the insertion action of the screw sleeve into the workpiece is terminated.

[0022] The control device controls to reverse the rotation of the spindle when it is determined that the insert is inserted into the workpiece from the reference position to a preset insertion distance relative to the workpiece based on the detection signal from the detection sensor.

[0023] The control method of the screw sleeve insertion tool in the embodiment of the present invention comprises the following steps: assembling the screw sleeve on the screw sleeve insertion tool; and inserting the assembled screw sleeve into the workpiece, wherein the control method is controlled in the following manner: when the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece, the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece while a part of the insertion part including the central shaft does not contact the workpiece.

[0024] When inserting the screw sleeve into the workpiece, the insertion of the screw sleeve into the workpiece is terminated when the insertion time from the insertion start time, which is pre-set according to the type of the screw sleeve inserted into the workpiece, has passed, with the moment when the signal of the start of rotation of the spindle of the input device is received being set as the insertion start time.

[0025] The control method of the insert insertion tool in the embodiment of the present invention reverses the spindle of the insert insertion tool when the elapse of the insertion time is confirmed, completes the insertion into the workpiece, and pulls the insert insertion tool from the workpiece.

[0026] When inserting the screw sleeve into the workpiece, taking the contact position of one end of the screw sleeve with the workpiece as the reference position, a detection signal is obtained from the detection sensor, and the detection sensor detects the distance the screw sleeve is inserted from the reference position to the workpiece. When it is determined that a preset insertion distance has been reached, the control method terminates the insertion action of the screw sleeve into the workpiece.

[0027] Based on the detection signal from the detection sensor, when it is determined that the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece from the reference position to a preset insertion distance relative to the workpiece, the rotation of the spindle is reversed to end the insertion into the workpiece, and the screw sleeve insertion tool is pulled up from the workpiece only at the preset insertion distance.

[0028] Effects of the Invention

[0029] If the screw sleeve insertion tool and the control method of the screw sleeve insertion tool in the embodiment of the present invention are as follows, scratches and the like on the workpiece can be prevented when the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece, and the screw sleeve can be inserted into the workpiece evenly and efficiently even when inserting multiple screw sleeves of different types. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of the insert insertion tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the insert insertion tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing the flow of inserting an insert into a workpiece using the insert insertion tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of an insert insertion device including an insert insertion tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the insert insertion tool according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing an insertion portion including a mandrel and a part of a workpiece in an enlarged manner of a thread inserting tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the flow of inserting an insert into a workpiece using the insert insertion tool according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the insert insertion tool according to the second embodiment of the present invention has inserted the insert into the workpiece (screw hole) by a set distance.

[0038] Fig. 9It is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the insert insertion tool is separated from the workpiece and the rotation of the mandrel is stopped in the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] (First Embodiment)

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of a screw inserting tool 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The screw inserting tool 1 is used to insert a screw insert (in Figure 1 tools not shown in the figure).

[0042] It should be noted that the screw inserting tool 1 used in the embodiment of the present invention is a screw inserting tool driven by power, and is not a screw inserting tool for inserting the screw insert into the workpiece manually by an operator. It should be noted that if the screw inserting tool is driven by power, it can be an electric type, an engine type, etc., and there is no restriction on what is used as the power source.

[0043] In addition, in the screw inserting tool 1 in the embodiment of the present invention, it is set Figure 1 The shape is long in the vertical direction, and the user is required to hold it by hand. In addition to the case where the user uses it by himself, for example, the user can also use a screw sleeve insertion device that is used when the screw sleeve is automatically inserted into the workpiece without touching the device.

[0044] Furthermore, the screw inserting tool 1 is inserted into the workpiece by winding a wire material (for example, stainless steel) having a rhombus cross section into a spiral shape as described above. The outer peripheral surface of the screw insert functions as an outer thread, and the inner peripheral surface of the screw insert functions as an inner thread.

[0045] In addition, there are types of screw inserts, including screw inserts with tail shanks and screw inserts without tail shanks. The former has a tail shank formed at one end thereof, for example, bent in the diameter direction of the spiral. When inserting the screw insert with tail shank into the screw hole, the user uses a screw insert tool, clamps the tail shank with the end of the screw insert tool, or hooks the end of the screw insert tool on the tail shank, and rotates the screw insert with the help of the tail shank to screw it into the screw hole.

[0046] On the other hand, the shankless screw sleeve is not provided with a shank, but instead, notches (cutouts) are formed at both ends of the screw sleeve. Therefore, when inserting, the claws provided on the mandrel are hooked on the notches to fix the screw sleeve to the mandrel, and the screw sleeve is rotated by the rotation of the mandrel, thereby inserting into the workpiece.

[0047] As described above, there are roughly two types of inserts, and the insert inserted into the workpiece using the insert insertion tool 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be an insert with a shank or an insert without a shank.

[0048] And the object for the screw sleeve to be inserted is a workpiece. In the workpiece, a screw hole for the screw sleeve to be inserted is formed in advance. The screw hole is formed to a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw sleeve corresponding to the size of the inserted screw sleeve. And, the screw sleeve is screwed into the screw hole using a screw sleeve insertion tool 1.

[0049] The screw inserting tool 1 is composed of a main body 10 and an inserting part 20. In the main body 10, the user holds the surface of the main body 10 when inserting the screw insert, and various devices and mechanisms are stored inside the main body 10. On the other hand, the inserting part 20 is used to insert the assembled screw insert into the screw hole of the workpiece.

[0050] The main body 10 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and is a portion for the user to hold the screw inserting tool 1 when inserting the screw insert into the workpiece. The main body 10 is formed in such a shape that the screw inserting tool 1 can be firmly held when inserting the screw insert into the workpiece, and the screw insert can be prevented from shaking when being inserted into the screw hole.

[0051] The main body 10 is provided with an input device 11. In the case of the screw inserting tool 1 in the embodiment of the present invention, the first input device 11a is separated from the second input device 11b. The first input device 11a is formed in a rod shape and is provided to protrude outward from the main body 10 at the approximate center of the main body 10.

[0052] The first input device 11a acts as a switch to start the rotation of the mandrel described later when the user inserts the screw inserting tool 1 into the workpiece. That is, the user holds the main body 10 of the screw inserting tool 1, and by clamping the finger on the first input device 11a and moving to the main body 10 side, the switch is turned on and the rotation of the mandrel starts.

[0053] It should be noted that, in the screw inserting tool 1 in the embodiment of the present invention, the first input device 11a is a switch for starting the rotation of the spindle as described above. Thus, once operated by the user, the spindle will continue to rotate even if the user does not continue to operate it afterwards, that is, even if the user does not continue to hold the first input device 11a.

[0054] Furthermore, the screw inserting tool 1 further includes a second input device 11b. The second input device 11b is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, they are arranged in a button shape on the surface of the main body 10, and the user can select the function assigned to each button by pressing the button (second input device 11b).

[0055] It should be noted that the first input device 11a is formed to be easy to operate by the user. Figure 1 The shape shown in the figure can be a rod of other shapes, or it can be other than a rod, for example, it can be a switch shape, and the shape is not limited.

[0056] Here, the second input device 11b is in the button shape as described above, and the second input device 11b may be in any shape. The number and arrangement positions of the buttons may also be freely set in accordance with the desired functions.

[0057] In the insert insertion tool 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, a notification device 12 is provided above the second input device 11b. The notification device 12 can display, for example, the function selected by the second input device 11b and the number of inserts inserted into the workpiece.

[0058] In addition, information when information related to the inserted screw insert is input can also be displayed in the notification device 12. Furthermore, in addition to this information, various information such as the content of notification to the user can also be displayed.

[0059] It should be noted that, as the notification device 12, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, etc. may be used. Figure 1 The screen display as shown is, for example, in the form of a lamp.

[0060] In addition, the notification device 12 is Figure 1 In addition to the case of the device that notifies the user visually as shown, any mechanism can be used as long as it can notify the user's five senses such as voice and vibration.

[0061] A connection portion 10 a is provided on the upper portion of the insert insertion tool 1 , to which, for example, a cable for supplying power for driving and controlling the insert insertion tool 1 is connected.

[0062] The insertion part 20 is arranged at the lower part of the main body 10, and realizes the function of inserting a threaded insert with a tail shank or a threaded insert without a tail shank into the screw hole of the workpiece. For example, the insertion part 20 includes a driving device 21, a housing 22, a spindle 23, and a fixing member 24. And since the long side direction of the threaded insert insertion tool 1 becomes the insertion direction of the threaded insert, the insertion part 20 is set to be continuous in the long side direction of the main body 10.

[0063] The drive device 21 is a drive device that rotates the spindle described later with the central axis of the insertion portion 20 as the rotation center. For example, the drive device 21 has a motor, a connecting mechanism (all not shown), etc. In addition, in the case of the screw inserting tool 1 in the embodiment of the present invention, the drive device 21 is configured so that a part of the drive device 21 is accommodated in the main body 10.

[0064] The housing 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape (tube shape), and the mandrel 23 is inserted into the housing 22. A buffer member 22a is provided at the lower end of the housing 22, and is formed in an annular shape using, for example, resin.

[0065] The buffer member 22a is provided to prevent scratches or other injuries on the surface of the workpiece as much as possible in case the insertion portion 20 contacts the surface of the workpiece when the screw sleeve is embedded in the screw hole of the workpiece. An internal thread (not shown) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the housing 22 from the center of the housing 22 to the upper end.

[0066] The upper end side of the spindle 23 is connected to the driving device 21, so the spindle 23 rotates by the driving force from the driving device 21. On the other hand, a screw sleeve is installed on the lower end side of the spindle 23 as described later, and the lower end (terminal end) of the spindle 23 is inserted into the screw hole of the workpiece while the spindle 23 rotates, so that the screw sleeve is screwed into the screw hole.

[0067] The spindle 23 is formed into a cylindrical shape in a manner extending in the insertion direction of the screw sleeve. An external thread 23a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the spindle 23 from near the center of the spindle 23 to near the upper end of the spindle 23. The external thread 23a is combined with the above-mentioned internal thread formed on the inner peripheral surface of the housing 22, and the spindle 23 is held in the housing 22 in an integrated manner.

[0068] In addition, an external thread 23b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower end side (the terminal end side) of the mandrel 23. The external thread 23b is combined with a screw sleeve (not shown), and the screw sleeve is fitted to the mandrel 23. On the other hand, the upper end of the mandrel 23 is formed in the shape of a hexagonal drill (not shown), and the part of the hexagonal drill is fitted to the lower end of the main body 10 (the terminal end of the main body 10).

[0069] It should be noted that the lower end of the mandrel has different shapes depending on whether the screw sleeve to be assembled is a screw sleeve with a tail handle or a screw sleeve without a tail handle. For example, when the insertion portion 20 is an insertion tool for a screw sleeve without a tail handle, various components such as a ratchet (not shown) with a hook (claw) are arranged on the mandrel 23.

[0070] The fixing member 24 is formed into an external thread 23a that can be assembled on the outer peripheral surface of the spindle 23. That is, an internal thread (not shown) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 24 from the lower end to the upper end of the fixing member 24. The fixing member 24 is a fixing member that fixes the position of the housing 22 relative to the spindle 23 by combining with the external thread 23a on the outer peripheral surface of the spindle 23 and abutting against the upper end of the housing 22. As the fixing member 24, for example, a lock nut or the like is used.

[0071] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the insert insertion tool 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The main body 10 is provided with an input device 11 , a notification device 12 , a drive control device 13 , a storage device 14 , a timing device 15 , and a control device 16 .

[0072] The input device 11 includes a first input device 11a and a second input device 11b in the case of the insert insertion tool 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and a user inputs various operations. An input signal input through the input device 11 is sent through the bus B to the control device 16 described later.

[0073] The notification device 12 displays various information such as the above-mentioned information on control when inserting the insert into the workpiece and the number of inserted inserts, in accordance with the control of the control device 16 .

[0074] The drive control device 13 applies a driving force to the spindle 23 based on an instruction from the control device 16 , and rotates the spindle 23 to screw the insert into the screw hole of the workpiece.

[0075] The storage device 14 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor, a magnetic disk, etc., and stores a driver program related to the control method of the insert inserting tool 1 described later, information related to the insert, etc. In addition, the type of the insert and the insertion time of each type are stored in association with each other.

[0076] The timing device 15 measures the time required to rotate the mandrel 23 when the user inserts the insert into the workpiece using the insert insertion tool 1 .

[0077] The control device 16 comprehensively controls each part of the insert insertion tool 1. For example, the control device 16 performs drive control of the spindle 23 via the drive control device 13 according to the type of the insert to be inserted into the workpiece.

[0078] It should be noted that, for example, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, which are not shown in the figure, are provided inside the control device 16. If these functions are simply described, the CPU is a processing device that reads out programs and data stored in the RAM, the storage device 14, etc. and loads them into the RAM, and based on the instructions of the program read out from the RAM, for example, realizes the drive control of the screw inserting tool 1 described below.

[0079] That is, as mentioned above, when inserting the screw sleeve into the workpiece, it is not desirable that the screw sleeve insertion tool 1 contacts the surface of the workpiece and causes scratches or the like on the surface. In the screw sleeve insertion tool 1 in the embodiment of the present invention, although a buffer component 22a is provided, sometimes even the contact between the buffer component 22a and the surface of the workpiece is taboo.

[0080] Therefore, when the user uses the screw inserting tool 1 in the embodiment of the present invention, the control device 16 controls the rotation of the mandrel 23 in such a way that the buffer component 22a does not contact the surface of the workpiece when the screw insert is inserted into the workpiece. Among them, the size and number of turns of the inserted screw insert are different, and the time spent on the insertion is also different depending on the type of the screw insert or the rotation speed of the mandrel 23.

[0081] Therefore, the insertion time is pre-set for each of the types of these screw sleeves and stored in the storage device 14, and the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece using the optimal insertion time according to the type of the selected screw sleeve. By performing such control, the screw sleeve is reliably inserted into the workpiece, and on the other hand, the buffer member 22a does not contact the surface of the workpiece, so scratches and the like are not caused to the surface.

[0082] Specifically, as described above, the insertion time of each type of screw insert is stored in advance in the storage device 14. There are various types of screw inserts, and the time required for each of them to be inserted into the screw hole of the workpiece is different (hereinafter, appropriately expressed as "insertion time"). Therefore, the insertion time is calculated for each type of screw insert, and the information of the calculated insertion time is stored in the storage device 14.

[0083] Here, with respect to the insertion time, the moment when the control device 16 receives the signal of the rotation start of the spindle 23 from the input device 11 is taken as the insertion start time, which is the time when the screw sleeve is inserted to the desired depth of the screw hole. That is, if the insertion is performed according to the insertion time, the screw sleeve will not be poorly inserted relative to the workpiece. Here, "poor insertion" includes the situation where the screw sleeve is inserted too deeply into the screw hole in addition to the situation where the screw sleeve is not completely embedded in the screw hole.

[0084] The insertion time is calculated based on the rotation speed of the insert insertion tool 1 and the insertion distance of the insert inserted into the workpiece. Alternatively, the insertion time may be calculated by measuring the time actually inserted.

[0085] It should be noted that, like this, the insertion time is calculated for each type of threaded insert, and information related to the insertion time is stored in the storage device 14, but in the threaded insert insertion tool 1, for example, a storage device pre-stored with information related to the insertion time is installed when the threaded insert insertion tool 1 is manufactured.

[0086] Alternatively, the user inputs the insertion time of each type of screw insert to the storage device 14 using the second input device 11 b , so that the storage device 14 stores information related to the insertion time of each type of screw insert.

[0087] Next, when inserting the screw sleeve into the screw hole, the screw sleeve is first assembled by the user on the mandrel 23 of the screw sleeve insertion tool 1. For example, the user holds the main body 10, screws the screw sleeve into the external thread 32b of the mandrel 23 of the insertion part 20 connected to the main body 10, and assembles the screw sleeve at the terminal end of the screw sleeve insertion tool 1.

[0088] And the user uses the second input device 11b to select the insertion time corresponding to the type of the screw sleeve assembled on the screw sleeve insertion tool 1. Here, the information related to the type of the screw sleeve selected by selecting the type of the screw sleeve assembled on the screw sleeve insertion tool 1 to be inserted is sent from the input device 11 to the control device 16, and based on the information, the control device 16 accesses the storage device 14 and obtains the information related to the insertion time of the screw sleeve.

[0089] On this basis, the user holding the main body 10 of the screw inserting tool 1 positions the screw inserting tool 1 to make the screw inserting tool 1 contact the edge of the screw hole of the workpiece assembled on the end portion of the mandrel 23. In this state, if the user holds the first input device 11a, the input signal is sent to the control device 16, and the signal of starting the rotation of the mandrel 23 is sent from the control device 16 to the drive control device 13.

[0090] The insertion part 20 is automatically rotated by the driving device 21, and the screw sleeve mounted on the distal end of the spindle 23 is also rotated. The screw sleeve is gradually screwed in while rotating and inserted (buried) into the screw hole.

[0091] The control device 16 uses the moment when the mandrel 23 starts to rotate by the user holding the first input device 11a while the screw sleeve is in contact with the workpiece as the insertion start time. And using the insertion start time as a trigger, the control device 16 issues an instruction to the timing device 15 to measure the insertion time of the screw sleeve obtained in advance from the storage device 14.

[0092] Next, the timing device 15 measures the insertion time from the insertion start time which is preset according to the type of the screw sleeve inserted into the workpiece, and if the measured time has passed, a notification signal to that effect is sent to the control device 16. In the control device 16, if the information of the insertion time passing from the timing device 15 is received, a signal to stop the rotation of the mandrel 23 is sent to the drive control device 13, so that the insertion action of the screw sleeve into the workpiece ends.

[0093] [action]

[0094] Next, for the control process of inserting the screw sleeve using the screw sleeve insertion tool 1 in the embodiment of the present invention, use Figure 3 Provide explanation. Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing the flow of inserting an insert into a workpiece using the insert insertion tool 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] First, a screw insert to be inserted into a screw hole of a workpiece, i.e., a type of screw insert to be mounted on the screw insert tool 1 is selected (ST1). For example, the user selects the screw insert by operating the second input device 11b while observing the notification device 12. Information related to the selected screw insert is sent from the input device 11 to the control device 16 via the bus B.

[0096] The control device 16 accesses the storage device 14 based on the received information on the type of the insert and acquires the insertion time associated with the insert (ST2). The user fits the insert to the insert insertion tool 1 (ST3).

[0097] It should be noted that the processing of step ST3 is not the processing of the screw inserting tool 1, but the processing performed by the user. Figure 3 In the flowchart shown, the process is enclosed by a dotted line. In addition, the process performed by the user is also shown together with the process of the screw inserting tool 1 because it is easy to understand the process of inserting the screw insert into the workpiece, that is, the process of controlling the screw inserting tool 1. Therefore, the user's action and the process of controlling the screw inserting tool 1 are not distinguished, and the numbering of the steps showing the order of the processing is shown as a series of processes.

[0098] In addition, here, the selection of the type of the screw insert, the setting of the insertion time, and the order of assembling the screw insert to the screw inserting tool 1 are described in the above order, but the selection of the type of the screw insert and other processes may also be performed after the assembly of the screw insert is completed.

[0099] The control device 16 determines whether a signal for starting insertion is received (ST4). This determination is performed by determining whether the control device 16 has received a signal for starting the rotation of the spindle 23 by the user grasping the first input device 11a.

[0100] The situation that the spindle 23 does not start to rotate indicates that the insertion of the screw sleeve into the workpiece has not started, and the control device 16 becomes a continuous standby state (ST4 No). On the other hand, when the control device 16 determines that the user makes the workpiece contact with the screw sleeve and starts the rotation of the spindle 23 (ST4 Yes), the control device 16 sends an instruction to measure the insertion time to the timing device 15, and the timing device 15 starts measuring the insertion time of the screw sleeve obtained by the control device 16 (ST5).

[0101] The user inserts the screw insert into the screw hole of the workpiece while rotating it (ST6). The screw insert is gradually screwed into the screw hole from the surface side of the workpiece toward the depth side.

[0102] In the control device 16, it is determined whether the insertion time has passed (ST7). Specifically, it is confirmed whether a notification signal indicating that the insertion time has passed is received from the timing device 15. In addition, during the period when no signal from the timing device 15 is received, a driving force is continuously applied to the spindle 23 via the drive control device 13 to rotate the spindle 23 and insert the screw sleeve into the screw hole (NO in ST7).

[0103] On the other hand, when receiving a notification signal indicating that the insertion time has passed from the timing device 15 (YES in ST7 ), the control device 16 sends a signal for reversing the rotation from the drive control device 13 to the drive device 21 to reverse the spindle 23 ( ST8 ).

[0104] That is, by the passage of the insertion time, the screw insert is inserted into the screw hole only to a desired depth, and there is no need to insert it further than this. Therefore, when the insertion time has passed, the rotation of the spindle 23 is reversed.

[0105] Thus, the mandrel 23 moves upward together with the insert insertion tool to be separated from the workpiece while leaving the insert inside the screw hole, and the insert insertion process into the workpiece by the insert insertion tool 1 is completed.

[0106] If it is the screw sleeve insertion tool and the control method of the screw sleeve insertion tool as described above, scratches and other scratches on the workpiece can be prevented when the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece, and the screw sleeve can be inserted into the workpiece evenly and efficiently even when multiple screw sleeves of different types are inserted.

[0107] In particular, an insertion time corresponding to the type of the screw sleeve is set for the insertion of the screw sleeve into the screw hole. By controlling the rotation of the spindle based on the insertion time, it is possible to prevent the screw sleeve from contacting the surface of the workpiece and causing scratches and the like.

[0108] It should be noted that in the above description of the first embodiment of the present invention, although the triggering of the signal for starting the rotation of the spindle 23 is based on the premise that the user grasps the first input device 11a by hand, other input devices such as a foot switch may also be used.

[0109] Similarly, in the screw inserting tool 1 in the embodiment of the present invention, although it is a premise that the control device 16 is arranged inside the screw inserting tool 1, the control device can also be set as a device separated from the screw inserting tool. In this case, for example, information related to the insertion time corresponding to the type of the screw insert is stored in the control device, and the screw inserting tool is controlled by sending a control signal from the control device via the connecting portion through the user selecting the type of the screw insert in the control device.

[0110] In addition, it is also possible that the user does not fit the screw sleeve to the screw sleeve insertion tool by hand, but uses the screw sleeve arranging device etc. to fit the screw sleeve to the screw sleeve insertion tool. In this case, the insertion start time of the screw sleeve to the screw hole of the workpiece can also be set according to the movement of the screw sleeve insertion tool.

[0111] That is, for example, after the screw sleeve after being assembled and arranged in the screw sleeve arranging device temporarily rises and moves to the workpiece, it descends to the vicinity of the screw hole, and the time when the time set as the descending time ends can be set as the start time of inserting the screw sleeve into the screw hole.

[0112] (Second Embodiment)

[0113] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that in the second embodiment, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components is omitted because of duplication.

[0114] In the first embodiment described above, when inserting the screw sleeve into the workpiece using the screw sleeve insertion tool 1, the insertion time is managed to prevent scratches and other scratches on the workpiece. In response to this, in the control method of the screw sleeve insertion tool in the second embodiment, when inserting the screw sleeve into the workpiece, as a method of inserting the screw sleeve into the workpiece without making a part of the insertion portion 20 including the mandrel 23 contact the workpiece, a method of managing the insertion distance of the screw sleeve into the workpiece is adopted.

[0115] Here, Figure 41 is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of an insert insertion device 30 including an insert insertion tool 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The insert insertion device 30 is configured to automatically insert an insert into a workpiece W using the insert insertion tool 1A.

[0116] It should be noted that in Figure 4 In the diagram, the plane on which the insert inserting device 30 and the workpiece W are placed is defined as an XY plane indicated by the X direction and the Y direction. Also, the height direction, which is a direction orthogonal to the XY plane, is defined as a Z direction.

[0117] For example, Figure 4 The screw inserting device 30 shown is placed on a table, a workbench, etc. Here, the plane on which the screw inserting device 30 is placed is the XY plane, and the workpiece W is also placed on the same plane. The placing surface of the screw inserting device 30 and the placing surface of the workpiece W may not necessarily be placed on the same plane.

[0118] The insert insertion device 30 includes an insert insertion tool 1A and a moving mechanism M for moving the insert insertion tool 1A in three directions, X, Y, and Z. Furthermore, a detection sensor S for detecting a moving distance of the insert insertion tool 1A in the Z direction is provided.

[0119] The screw inserting tool 1A is installed on the moving mechanism M via the fixing device H. The moving mechanism M includes: a Z-direction moving part M1 connected to the fixing device H; a Y-direction moving part M2 connected to the Z-direction moving part M1 to move the screw inserting tool 1A in the Y direction; and an X-direction moving part M3 connected to the Y-direction moving part M2 to move the screw inserting tool 1A in the X direction.

[0120] Furthermore, in the moving mechanism M in the screw inserting device 30 , a Z-direction moving part M1 , a Y-direction moving part M2 , and an X-direction moving part M3 are arranged downward in the Z direction, and the X-direction moving part M3 is connected to the XY plane on which the screw inserting device 30 is placed.

[0121] Therefore, by moving each part of the moving mechanism M, the insert insertion tool 1A fixed to the moving mechanism M via the fixing device H can be moved in any of the three directions of X, Y, and Z.

[0122] Furthermore, when the screw inserting tool 1A is moved, the moving positions in the three directions of X, Y, and Z are preset as coordinates. Therefore, for example, the position of the screw hole when the screw inserting tool 1A is inserted into the workpiece W is set by the coordinates. In addition, when the screw insert arranging device is used, the position of each arrangement hole of the screw inserting tool 1A can also be set by the coordinates.

[0123] It should be noted that the method (structure) for moving the screw inserting tool 1A in various directions in the moving mechanism M may be any method such as a rack and pinion. In addition, the Z-direction moving part M1 and other parts are arranged at the above-mentioned positions, but are not limited to and must be arranged at such positions.

[0124] For example, the X-direction moving part M3 may be arranged at an upper Z-direction position than the Y-direction moving part M2. The overall structure of the moving mechanism M may be a structure suitable for the arrangement positions of each part.

[0125] The structure of the screw inserting tool 1A is substantially the same as that of the screw inserting tool 1 in the first embodiment described above. However, since the entire screw inserting device 30 having the moving mechanism M and the detection sensor S is controlled, the structure of the main body 10A is different from that of the main body 10 in the first embodiment described above.

[0126] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the screw inserting tool 1A involved in the second embodiment of the present invention, particularly the inside of the main body 10A. The main body 10A is provided with an input device 11, a notification device 12, a drive control device 13, a storage device 14, a timing device 15, and a control device 16. These are the same internal structures as the main body 10 of the screw inserting tool 1 in the first embodiment, and the functions of each part are as described above.

[0127] The main body 10A is also provided with an acquisition device 17 and a moving mechanism control device 18. The acquisition device 17 acquires the information related to the distance detected by the detection sensor S. It should be noted that the "information related to the distance" here refers to the downward movement distance in the Z direction when the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece W.

[0128] As described above, when inserting the screw sleeve into the workpiece, the screw sleeve is fitted to the distal end of the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A, and one end of the screw sleeve is screwed into the screw hole formed in the workpiece W. Thus, when inserted, first, one end of the screw sleeve contacts the surface W1 of the workpiece W formed in the screw hole.

[0129] Here, Figure 6 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an insertion portion 20 including a mandrel 23 and a part of a workpiece W of a screw inserting tool 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention in an enlarged manner. Figure 6 , a state in which one end portion I1 of the screw sleeve I mounted on the spindle 23 is in contact with a screw hole W2 formed and opened on the surface W1 of the workpiece W is shown.

[0130] As described above, the position where the end portion I1 of the screw insert I contacts the workpiece W (screw hole W2) corresponds to the starting point of the distance to be managed when the screw insert I is inserted into the workpiece W. Therefore, this position is appropriately indicated as the "reference position P" below.

[0131] It should be noted that, as described above, when the screw inserting tool 1A moves, the position of the workpiece W (screw hole W2) into which the screw insert 1 is inserted is set in advance to the coordinates of X, Y, and Z. Thus, for this "reference position P", it can be said that the position to which the screw inserting tool 1A equipped with the screw insert 1 moves is set in advance to the coordinates.

[0132] The screw sleeve 1 is screwed into the screw hole W2 downwards in the Z direction from this state, so that the screw sleeve 1 is inserted into the workpiece W. Wherein, when inserting, it is sought that the screw sleeve 1 is screwed into (configured) to an appropriate position inside the screw hole W2.

[0133] That is, when the screw sleeve 1 is inserted into the workpiece W, if the screw sleeve 1 is screwed too deeply into the screw hole W2, there is a possibility that the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A, for example, the buffer component 22a, contacts the surface W1 of the workpiece W. On the other hand, if the insertion distance of the screw sleeve 1 into the screw hole W2 is shorter than the setting, the other end 12 of the screw sleeve 1 protrudes toward the upper side in the Z direction more than the surface W1 of the workpiece W. If such a state is reached, various inconveniences such as the inability to realize the function of the screw sleeve 1 itself may occur. Thus, it is necessary to avoid such a situation.

[0134] Therefore, in a second embodiment of the present invention, as one of the methods for inserting the screw sleeve I into the workpiece W without causing a portion of the insertion portion 20 including the core shaft 23 to contact the workpiece W, a method for managing the insertion is adopted based on the distance when the screw sleeve I is inserted into the screw hole W2 of the workpiece W.

[0135] For this purpose, it is necessary to know how far the screw sleeve 1 is inserted into the screw hole W2. As the reference position used, the position where one end portion I1 of the screw sleeve 1 contacts the workpiece W, i.e., the position of the coordinates set as the moving target of the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A, is set as the reference position P as described above. If the position of the reference position P is set to "zero", the screw sleeve 1 is inserted in a manner of setting the amount of the distance D, and the screw sleeve 1 can be inserted into the desired position of the workpiece W, wherein the setting distance D is pre-set as the distance for inserting the screw sleeve 1 into the screw hole W2.

[0136] Among them, the screw sleeve 1 is a screw sleeve that is embedded in the workpiece W and used, so it is difficult to directly detect the insertion distance of the embedded screw sleeve 1. Therefore, in the control method of the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A in the second embodiment of the present invention, instead of detecting the distance of the screw sleeve 1 inserted into the workpiece W, the movement distance of the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A when the screw sleeve 1 is inserted into the workpiece W is treated as the insertion distance of the screw sleeve 1.

[0137] It should be noted that, hereinafter, the distance pre-set for embedding the screw sleeve 1 into the workpiece W is expressed as "set distance D". On the other hand, the moving distance of the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A when the screw sleeve 1 is inserted into the workpiece W, that is, the distance of the screw sleeve 1 inserted into the screw hole W2 is expressed as "insertion distance d". Therefore, the insertion distance d eventually becomes a value equal to the set distance D. In addition, the insertion distance d is equivalent to the distance moved downward in the Z direction when the screw sleeve 1 is screwed into the screw hole W2, and is therefore a value that changes with the movement of the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A.

[0138] In addition, here, the set distance D which is finally set as the distance that the screw insert 1 is inserted does not necessarily have to be consistent with the depth from the surface W1 of the workpiece W when the screw hole W2 is formed. This is because, for example, when using a screw insert with a tail shank, it is necessary to ensure space when folding the tail shank.

[0139] Furthermore, in order to detect the insertion distance d, a detection sensor S is provided. Figure 4 As shown, it is provided with: a detection device S1 for detecting the downward movement distance of the insert insertion tool 1A in the Z direction instead of the insertion distance d of the insert I into the workpiece W, and an action device S2 for actuating the detection device S1.

[0140] The detection sensor S is configured to follow the movement of the screw inserting tool 1A so as to detect the downward movement distance of the screw inserting tool 1A in the Z direction at any position in the X and Y directions. Therefore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the detection device S1 is arranged in parallel with the Z direction moving part M1.

[0141] In addition, the action device S2 is fixed to the fixing device H that connects the screw inserting tool 1A and the moving mechanism M. The detection sensor S is appropriately contacted by the action device S2 with the end of the detection device S1 in coordination with the movement of the screw inserting tool 1A in the Z direction. The position where the action device S2 contacts the end of the detection device S1 is equivalent to the reference position P.

[0142] In other words, as described above, the position where the insertion of the screw insert 1 starts is used as the position of the target to which the screw insert tool 1A moves and its coordinates are pre-set. And, because the coordinates are equivalent to the reference position P, the configuration position of the detection sensor S is set so that when the screw insert tool 1A reaches the reference position P, the action device S2 contacts the end of the detection device S1.

[0143] And, after one end I1 of the screw sleeve I contacts the screw hole W2, if the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A further moves downward in the Z direction, the screw sleeve I is screwed into the screw hole W2, and the end of the detection device S1 is also pushed downward in the Z direction through the action device S2. As mentioned above, the "reference position P" is set to zero distance, so the distance (insertion distance d) that the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece W is detected based on this position.

[0144] It should be noted that the screw hole W2 is a hole into which the screw sleeve 1 is inserted, and the screw hole W2 is pre-formed in the workpiece W. Among them, for example, when a plurality of screw holes W2 are formed, the directions of the screw holes cut near the surface W1 of the workpiece W are various. On the other hand, for the screw sleeve 1, the position where the assembly starts when it is assembled on the spindle 23 is also uncertain, and the direction of one end I1 of the screw sleeve 1 assembled on the spindle 23 is also not uniform.

[0145] Therefore, when the screw sleeve 1 is screwed into the screw hole W2, the direction of the threaded hole cut in the screw hole W2 when the one end I1 of the screw sleeve 1 contacts the screw hole W2 is not necessarily consistent with the direction of the one end I1 of the inserted screw sleeve 1. Therefore, it is considered that the time from the contact of the one end I1 of the screw sleeve 1 with the screw hole W2 to the actual screwing into the screw hole W2 is different for each screw sleeve 1.

[0146] As described above, to detect the insertion distance d when the action device S2 pushes the detection device S1 downward in the Z direction and the screw sleeve I is inserted into the workpiece W, the detection is performed after the screw sleeve I actually starts to be inserted into the screw hole W2. That is, the detection sensor S detects the insertion distance d of the screw sleeve I after the direction of the threaded hole of the screw hole W2 is consistent with the direction of the one end I1 of the screw sleeve I and the one end I1 starts to enter the screw hole W2.

[0147] Therefore, before the end I1 of the screw sleeve I actually enters the screw hole W2, the insertion distance d is still zero. Thereby, the insertion distance d of the screw sleeve I is accurately detected by the detection sensor S no matter what kind of screw hole W2 and the combination of the screw sleeve I are.

[0148] The distance that the end of the detection device S1 is pushed in is the downward movement distance of the screw inserting tool 1A in the Z direction, which is equivalent to the insertion distance d of the screw inserting tool 1A into the workpiece W. In addition, the information related to the insertion distance d of the screw inserting tool 1A to the workpiece W detected by the detection sensor S (the movement distance of the screw inserting tool 1A) is acquired by the acquisition device 17.

[0149] Specifically, the acquisition device 17 acquires the detection signal from the detection sensor S as information related to the insertion distance d, and the detection sensor S detects the insertion distance d of the screw sleeve 1 inserted into the workpiece W from the reference position P. And whether the insertion distance d of the screw sleeve 1 into the workpiece W is inserted by the set distance D is determined by comparing the insertion distance d with the set distance D.

[0150] It should be noted that the acquisition device 17 acquires the information of the insertion distance d from the detection sensor S at preset intervals. Therefore, for example, the movement of the detection device S1 of the detection sensor S can be acquired in real time, or it can be set to acquire at every predetermined interval.

[0151] When the acquisition device 17 determines that the insertion distance d of the screw sleeve 1 has reached the set distance D, it instructs the drive control device 13 and the moving mechanism control device 18 to end the insertion action of the screw sleeve 1 into the workpiece W. As a result, the screw sleeve 1 will not be inserted into the workpiece W at a distance greater than the set distance D. Similarly, the screw sleeve can be reliably inserted into the workpiece W at only the set distance D.

[0152] The moving mechanism control device 18 controls the moving mechanism M based on the instruction of the control device 16 to move the insert insertion tool 1A so that the insert I is inserted by the set distance D into the screw hole W2 to be inserted.

[0153] [action]

[0154] Next, for the control process of inserting the screw sleeve 1 of the screw sleeve insertion tool 1 in the second embodiment of the present invention, use Figure 7 etc. for explanation. Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the flow of inserting an insert into a workpiece W using the insert insertion tool 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] First, when inserting the screw sleeve 1 into the screw hole W2 of the workpiece W, the set distance D of the screw sleeve 1 is set (ST31). This is irrelevant to the type of the screw sleeve and is a numerical value that can be set arbitrarily. For example, the user operates the second input device 11b while observing the notification device 12 and inputs or selects the set distance D. The inputted information related to the set distance D is sent from the input device 11 to the control device 16 via the bus B.

[0156] The user assembles the screw sleeve 1 to the screw sleeve insertion tool 1 (ST32). It should be noted that the processing of this step ST32 is not the processing of the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A, but the processing performed by the user, so Figure 7 Surrounded with dotted lines in the shown flow chart and shown.Wherein, as mentioned above, the screw sleeve arranging device can also be used to automatically assemble the screw sleeve 1 on the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A.

[0157] In addition, such processing performed by the user is also shown together with the processing of the screw inserting tool 1 because it is easy to understand the process of inserting the screw insert 1 into the workpiece W, that is, the process of controlling the screw inserting tool 1A. Therefore, the user's action and the process of controlling in the screw inserting tool 1A are not distinguished, and the numbering of the steps showing the order of processing is shown as a series of processes with consecutive numbers.

[0158] After the user assembles the screw sleeve 1 on the mandrel 23, the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A moves to the upper part of the screw hole W2 to be inserted (ST33). The movement of the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A is performed in the following manner: based on the instruction of the control device 16, the moving mechanism control device 18 drives the moving mechanism M to the position (reference position P) of the preset coordinates.

[0159] After the inserted screw sleeve 1 is configured on the top of the desired screw hole W2, the control device 16 makes the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A descend (ST34) toward the workpiece W. By moving the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A downward in the Z direction, the action device S2 also descends in the same manner.

[0160] It should be noted that the coordinates of the reference position P are preset, so the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A may not be moved according to the process of first disposing the screw sleeve 1 on the upper part of the screw hole W2 and then lowering the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A. That is, the movement of the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may also be performed simultaneously. Wherein, for the convenience of explanation, the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A is set to move shown in the above-mentioned step ST33 and step ST34.

[0161] For example, immediately after the thread inserting tool 1A starts to descend, the thread insert 1 mounted on the spindle 23 has not yet reached the surface W1 of the workpiece W. Therefore, the descending action device S2 has not yet contacted the end of the detection device S1. Thus, the insertion distance d of the thread insert 1 is not detected in the detection device S1.

[0162] It should be noted that, here, the state in which the screw sleeve I is not inserted into the workpiece W and the insertion distance d is not detected is grasped as the state in which the insertion distance d=reference position P. That is, the screw sleeve I is not moved to the preset coordinate position, so the insertion distance d of the screw sleeve I (the moving distance of the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A) is still zero.

[0163] The acquisition device 17 receives information related to the insertion distance d from the detection device S1. As described above, when the screw inserting tool 1A is not moved to the reference position P, that is, before the action device S2 contacts the detection device S1, the insertion distance d is still zero and the insertion distance d does not change. Therefore, the acquisition device 17 determines whether the insertion distance d obtained from the detection sensor S has changed (ST35).

[0164] Furthermore, before the insert insertion tool 1A reaches the reference position P and the action device S2 contacts the detection device S1 and the detection device S1 is pushed in to change the insertion distance d (NO in ST35), the process returns to step ST34 to continue moving the insert insertion tool 1A downward in the Z direction.

[0165] If the screw inserting tool 1A continues to descend in the Z direction, Figure 6 As shown by the arrow, at a certain position, the action device S2 contacts the end of the detection device S1. This "certain position" refers to the position where one end of the screw sleeve assembled on the spindle 23 contacts the surface W1 of the workpiece W, which is the above-mentioned "reference position P".

[0166] If the screw inserting tool 1A moves further downward in the Z direction from this state, the detection device S1 is pushed in by the action device S2. That is, the positional relationship between the end portion I1 of the screw inserting tool 1A and the screw hole W2, that is, the insertion distance d from the reference position P, changes (YES in ST35). And in conjunction with this movement, the detection device S1 is pushed in downward in the Z direction by the action device S2.

[0167] This state shows that the insertion of the screw insert 1 into the screw hole W2 starts (ST36), and the detection sensor S detects the moving distance of the screw insert tool 1A (ST37). In the acquisition device 17, the information of the insertion distance d is obtained from the detection sensor S, and the moving distance (insertion distance d) of the screw insert tool 1A detected by the detection sensor S is compared with the preset setting distance D (ST38).

[0168] As a result, when the moving distance (insertion distance d) of the insert insertion tool 1A is smaller than the set distance D (NO in ST38), the insert insertion tool 1A is further lowered to insert the insert I into the screw hole W2.

[0169] On the other hand, when it is determined that the moving distance (insertion distance d) of the insert insertion tool 1A acquired from the detection sensor S is equal to the set distance D (YES in ST38 ), the acquisition device 17 transmits the determination result to the control device 16 .

[0170] The state is shown by Figure 8 . Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the insert I is inserted into the workpiece W (screw hole W2 ) by a set distance D by the insert insertion tool 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0171] Insertion tool 1A Figure 8 If the screw insert 1 is inserted into the screw hole W2 only by the set distance D, the set distance D and the insertion distance d become equal. Figure 8 As shown, the buffer member 22a does not come into contact with the surface W1 of the workpiece W, and can prevent scratches or the like from being caused to the surface W1.

[0172] The control device 16 that has received the instruction from the acquisition device 17 instructs the drive control device 13 to send a signal to reverse the rotation to the drive device 21. The drive device 21 stops the motor and then reverses the rotation based on the instruction from the drive control device 13. Thus, the rotation of the spindle 23 is reversed (ST39).

[0173] If the motor is reversed by the driving device 21, the screw inserting tool 1A gradually moves upward in the Z direction while the screw inserting tool 1A still remains in the workpiece W (screw hole W2). As the screw inserting tool 1A moves upward in the Z direction, the action device S2 moves away from the detection device S1. Thus, the value of the moving distance (insertion distance d) of the screw inserting tool 1A detected by the detection sensor S also changes.

[0174] In the acquisition device 17, the moving distance (insertion distance d) of the insert insertion tool 1A acquired from the detection sensor S is compared with the set distance D (ST40). Specifically, the moving distance (insertion distance d) is subtracted from the set distance D.

[0175] If the moving distance (insertion distance d) is shorter than the set distance D (no in ST40), the screw inserting tool 1A has not been pulled out from the screw hole W2 into which the screw inserting tool 1 is screwed. In this case, the screw inserting tool 1A is continuously moved upward in the Z direction. In addition, the detection sensor S also continues to detect the moving distance of the screw inserting tool 1A.

[0176] In this regard, when the acquisition device 17 determines that the moving distance of the screw inserting tool 1A and the difference of the insertion distance are zero (in ST40), the acquisition device 17 indicates to start timing (ST41) to the timing device 15. Here, the timing device 15 starts timing in order to stop the rotation of the mandrel 23 after the predetermined time has passed after the screw inserting tool 1A is pulled up from the screw hole W2.

[0177] The predetermined time is preset, for example, stored in the storage device 14. The timing device 15 is triggered by receiving an indication from the acquisition device 17 that the difference between the moving distance and the insertion distance has become zero, and counts the predetermined time. And, if the predetermined time has passed, the drive control device 13 is instructed to stop the rotation of the mandrel 23 (ST42). Through the above, the insertion process of the screw sleeve into the workpiece W based on the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A is completed.

[0178] Fig. 9 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the insert insertion tool 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention is away from the workpiece W and the rotation of the spindle 23 is stopped. Fig. 9 , the state that the screw sleeve 1 is inserted into the screw hole W2 of the workpiece W is shown. In addition, as a result of the screw sleeve insertion tool 1A moving toward the direction shown in the upward arrow, the spindle 23 is located above the workpiece W and is sufficiently away from the surface W1 of the workpiece W.

[0179] After the screw sleeve 1 is inserted into the workpiece W, another screw sleeve 1 is inserted into the screw hole W2. Therefore, after the screw sleeve 1 is inserted into the workpiece W, when the spindle 23 is sufficiently away from the screw sleeve 1, the rotation of the spindle 23 is stopped. Thus, a new screw sleeve 1 can be assembled on the spindle 23.

[0180] It should be noted that, regarding the time measured by the timer 15 , any time ranging from 0.5 seconds to 1 second, for example, can be set as the predetermined time.

[0181] If it is the screw sleeve insertion tool and the control method of the screw sleeve insertion tool as described above, it is possible to prevent the screw sleeve from causing scratches and the like on the workpiece when the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece, and evenly and efficiently insert the screw sleeve into the workpiece when multiple screw sleeves of different types are inserted.

[0182] In particular, for the insertion of the screw sleeve into the screw hole, the insertion distance (set distance) of the screw sleeve is pre-set. By detecting the insertion distance of the screw sleeve into the screw hole based on the set distance and executing and controlling the insertion process, it is possible to prevent the screw sleeve from contacting the surface of the workpiece and causing scratches and the like.

[0183] It should be noted that the invention is not directly limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, but is an example of the present invention. In the implementation stage, the structural elements can be deformed and concretized within the scope of the main purpose, and various changes or improvements can be applied to the above-mentioned embodiment. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple structural elements disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0184] For example, some structural elements may be deleted from all the structural elements shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, the structural elements of different embodiments may be appropriately combined, and the method of applying such changes or improvements is also included in the present invention. The embodiment and its variations are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the scope of the claims and the scope equivalent thereto.

[0185] In the screw inserting tool 1A in the second embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that the control device 16, the acquisition device 17, and the moving mechanism control device 18 are arranged inside the screw inserting tool 1A, but the control device can also be provided separately from the screw inserting tool to perform their functions in the control device.

[0186] In addition, in the control of the screw inserting tool based on the insertion distance of the screw insert in the second embodiment of the present invention, it is based on the premise that the insertion distance can be set independently of the type of the screw insert. Wherein, it is also possible to establish an association between the type of the screw insert and the insertion distance, for example, by selecting the type of the screw insert, the insertion distance of the screw insert is selected, and the control of inserting the screw insert into the workpiece W is performed with the selected insertion distance.

[0187] It should be noted that, as the detection sensor S, as described above, a sensor in the form of a contact between the action device S2 and the detection device S1 is used to detect the distance moved by the detection device S1. However, the detection sensor S is not limited to such a form, and the following sensor can also be used: a sensor that can detect the insertion distance of the screw sleeve by other methods.

[0188] For example, when the insertion distance of the threaded sleeve is detected, a contactless detection sensor can be used to detect the contact position of the workpiece, which becomes the reference position, of one end of the threaded sleeve. On this basis, the non-contact detection sensor is further used to detect the moving distance of the threaded sleeve insertion tool.

[0189] It should be noted that, for example, when an operator uses Figure 1 When the screw inserting tool as shown is used to manually insert the screw insert into the workpiece, the operator holds the first input device and sets the moment of receiving the signal of the start of rotation of the spindle from the first input device as the insertion start moment. Alternatively, when the insertion distance is used to control the insertion of the screw insert into the workpiece, the operator holds the first input device and sets the position of receiving the signal of the start of rotation of the spindle from the first input device as the reference position to detect the insertion distance.

[0190] In addition, the control of inserting the screw sleeve assembled on the screw sleeve inserting tool into the workpiece is to avoid the screw sleeve inserting tool contacting the surface of the workpiece and causing scratches on the surface by managing the insertion time or insertion distance. Among them, the control is based on the premise that the screw sleeve is assembled on the screw sleeve inserting tool and smoothly inserted into the workpiece.

[0191] When the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece, the screw hole provided in the workpiece as described above is formed with a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the inserted screw sleeve. Thus, when the screw sleeve is inserted into the screw hole, the screw sleeve is inserted while cutting the inner side of the screw hole.

[0192] Thus, for example, it is also considered that if the cutting chips or the like during insertion enter the movable part of the claw of the mandrel, wherein the claw of the mandrel is embedded in the recess of the shankless screw sleeve, the claw deviates from the recess when the shankless screw sleeve is inserted into the screw hole. In addition, when the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece, if the screw sleeve is not inserted smoothly, even the same screw sleeve may deviate during insertion, especially when the insertion is controlled based on the insertion time.

[0193] Therefore, after the screw sleeve is fitted to the screw sleeve inserting tool, liquid is sprayed from the outside of the screw sleeve to the periphery of the screw sleeve. Thus, the sliding when the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece is optimized, the resistance of insertion is reduced, and the cutting chips etc. are difficult to invade the claws of the mandrel, and are easily removed even if they invade.

[0194] By spraying the liquid toward the outer periphery of the sleeve in this way, the sleeve can be inserted into the workpiece more smoothly, so that more reliable control of inserting the sleeve into the workpiece based on management of the insertion time or the insertion distance can be performed.

[0195] It should be noted that, here, as the liquid sprayed to the screw sleeve, for example, ethanol can be enumerated. In addition, if it is a liquid that evaporates after insertion and does not remain in the workpiece, it can also be a liquid other than ethanol, for example, it can also be freely set for viscosity etc.

[0196] Description of Reference Numerals

[0197] 1…screw inserting tool; 10…main body; 10a…connecting part; 11…input device; 11a…first input device; 11b…second input device; 12…notification device; 13…drive control device; 14…storage device; 15…timing device; 16…control device; 17…acquisition device; 18…moving mechanism control device; 20…insertion part; 21…drive device; 22…housing; 22a…buffer component; 23…spindle; 24…fixing component; H…fixing device; M…moving mechanism; M1…Z-direction moving part; M2…X-direction moving part; M3…Y-direction moving part; S…detection sensor; S1…detection device; S2…acting device.

Claims

1. A screw inserting tool, characterized in that: have: A spindle, used for assembling the threaded sleeve; An input device, used to input a signal for starting the rotation of the spindle when the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece; as well as A control device controls the rotation of the spindle, The control device controls the insert to be inserted into the workpiece in such a manner that a portion of the insertion portion including the mandrel does not come into contact with the workpiece when the insert is inserted into the workpiece.

2. The thread inserting tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the control device inserts the screw sleeve into the workpiece, the moment when the signal of the start of rotation of the spindle from the input device is received is set as the insertion start moment, and when an insertion time pre-set according to the type of the screw sleeve inserted into the workpiece and starting from the insertion start moment has passed, the insertion action of the screw sleeve into the workpiece is terminated.

3. The thread inserting tool according to claim 2, characterized in that: The screw inserting tool further includes a timing device, and the control device controls in the following manner to reverse the rotation of the spindle based on a notification signal, and the notification signal notifies the timing device of the passage of the insertion time measured from the insertion start time.

4. The thread inserting tool according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The insertion time is calculated based on the rotation speed of the insert insertion tool and the insertion distance of the insert into the workpiece, and is pre-stored in a storage device for each type of the insert.

5. The thread inserting tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: When inserting the screw sleeve into the workpiece, the control device obtains a detection signal from a detection sensor with the contact position of one end of the screw sleeve with the workpiece as a reference position. The detection sensor detects the distance from the reference position to the workpiece by which the screw sleeve is inserted. When it is determined that a preset insertion distance has been reached, the control device terminates the insertion of the screw sleeve into the workpiece.

6. The thread inserting tool according to claim 5, characterized in that The control device performs control in the following manner: based on the detection signal from the detection sensor, when it is determined that the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece from the reference position to the preset insertion distance relative to the workpiece, the rotation of the spindle is reversed.

7. A method for controlling a screw inserting tool, characterized in that: The control method comprises the following steps: assembling the insert to the insert insertion tool; and Insert the assembled screw sleeve into the workpiece, The control method controls the insert into the workpiece in such a manner that, when inserting the screw insert into the workpiece, a portion of the insertion portion including the mandrel does not contact the workpiece.

8. The control method of the screw inserting tool according to claim 7, characterized in that: When the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece, the insertion of the screw sleeve into the workpiece is terminated after an insertion time from the insertion start time that is pre-set according to the type of the screw sleeve inserted into the workpiece has passed, with the moment when the signal of the start of rotation of the spindle from the input device is received being set as the insertion start time.

9. The control method of the screw inserting tool according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the passage of the insertion time is confirmed, the spindle of the insert insertion tool is reversed to complete the insertion into the workpiece, and the insert insertion tool is pulled up from the workpiece.

10. The control method of the screw inserting tool according to claim 7, characterized in that: When the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece, a detection signal is obtained from a detection sensor with the contact position of one end of the screw sleeve with the workpiece being taken as a reference position. The detection sensor detects the distance that the screw sleeve is inserted from the reference position to the workpiece. When it is determined that a preset insertion distance has been reached, the control method terminates the insertion action of the screw sleeve into the workpiece.

11. The control method of the screw inserting tool according to claim 10, characterized in that: Based on the detection signal from the detection sensor, when it is determined that the screw sleeve is inserted into the workpiece from the reference position to the preset insertion distance relative to the workpiece, the rotation of the spindle is reversed to end the insertion into the workpiece, and the screw sleeve insertion tool is pulled up from the workpiece only at the preset insertion distance.

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