High-locking bolt and mounting tool thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a high-locking bolt and a mounting tool thereof. The high-lock bolt includes a head and a shank integrally extending from the head along a longitudinal axis, the shank including a threaded section and a pull-in section, the threaded section being located between the head and the pull-in section, the pull-in section forming a free end, one or more bore portions being provided in the pull-in section, the bore portions extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. According to the lifting pull-in type high-locking bolt, visual pull-in can be achieved during installation, the problem that the pull-in position is not in place due to abrasion of an installation tool is effectively solved, and in addition, the pull-in section can be prevented from being damaged during thread machining and detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fastener technology for high-strength connections, and more specifically, to a high-strength locking bolt. Furthermore, this invention also relates to an installation tool for installing the high-strength locking bolt. Background Technology

[0002] During aircraft assembly, there are sections such as the outer wing box section and the center wing, which typically exhibit significant interference and require high fatigue performance. Under these conditions, ordinary high-strength bolts are often insufficient for effective installation. Therefore, existing technologies typically employ pull-in high-strength bolts to create permanent, high-strength connections to meet the structural load-bearing and fatigue life requirements.

[0003] Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of a conventional pull-in high-strength bolt 10. This high-strength bolt 10 typically includes a head, a smooth shank section, a threaded section, a necking groove, and a pull-in section. The pull-in section of the high-strength bolt 10 is a cylinder of a certain length, with an annular groove structure on its outer surface. During installation, a special installation tool is used to clamp the annular groove section, and the bolt is pulled entirely into the mounting hole of the structural component to be connected until the head reaches the predetermined installation position. Subsequently, the pull-in section is broken off and removed along the necking groove using installation equipment, and finally, a high-strength nut is used to complete the entire connection process.

[0004] However, the above-mentioned traditional structure has the following problems in practical applications.

[0005] First, it requires high precision and stability in the clamping of the installation tools. As the number of times the installation tools are used increases, the clamping parts of the tools are prone to wear, which leads to a decrease in the clamping force on the annular groove on the outer surface of the pull-in section. This may result in insufficient pull-in depth, which in turn affects the clamping force and fatigue resistance of the connection structure, posing a potential risk to the assembly quality.

[0006] Secondly, because the outer surface of the pull-in section of the high-strength bolt has an annular groove structure with a complex contour and high surface quality requirements, there is a certain risk of damage during bolt manufacturing. Specifically, during the thread machining stage, due to the contact between the machining equipment and the bolt surface, the cutting tool or fixture may scratch or indent the annular groove surface of the pull-in section. In addition, when using a ring gauge to check the thread accuracy, the advance and retraction operation of the ring gauge may also interfere with the edge of the annular groove of the pull-in section due to misalignment or improper operation, thereby causing mechanical scratches. Once the surface of the annular groove of the pull-in section is damaged, it will have two significant consequences. First, the damage will change the geometry and frictional characteristics of the annular groove surface, affecting the effective clamping and force transmission of the installation tool during the tightening process, leading to tool slippage, insecure clamping, or even installation failure.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the structure of existing pull-in high-strength bolts to overcome the above-mentioned defects. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, a high-locking bolt is provided. The high-locking bolt includes a head and a shank integrally extending from the head along a longitudinal axis. The shank includes a threaded section and a pull-in section. The threaded section is located between the head and the pull-in section. The pull-in section forms a free end. The pull-in section is characterized by having one or more holes that extend transversely to the longitudinal axis.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the hole of the high-lock bolt extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the hole extends through the pull-in section.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the pull-in section of the high-strength bolt is provided with a hole, which is closer to the free end of the pull-in section than to the threaded section.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the pull-in section of the high-lock bolt is provided with a plurality of holes, which extend substantially in parallel.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the smooth shank section of the high-strength bolt has a smooth outer peripheral surface, i.e., no external threads are provided on the outer peripheral surface. The high-strength bolt also has a smooth shank section and a necking groove, the smooth shank section being disposed between the head and the threaded section, and the necking groove being located between the threaded section and the pull-in section.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, an installation tool is provided for installing any of the above-mentioned high-strength bolts, the installation tool comprising a pin assembly including a pin for insertion into a hole from at least one side.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the installation tool further includes a handle portion connected to the pin assembly.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the pin assembly of the installation tool includes a bracket for detachably connecting the pin.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the pin assembly of the installation tool includes: a first pin portion including a first support portion and a first pin extending from the first support portion; and a second pin portion including a second support portion and a second pin extending from the second support portion.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the installation tool further includes a moving mechanism for moving the first pin portion and the second pin portion relative to or opposite to each other, wherein the moving mechanism allows the first pin portion and the second pin portion to be manually or mechanically moved relative to each other between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the first pin and the second pin are far apart from each other to allow insertion of the pull-in section, and in the second position the first pin and the second pin are close together to allow insertion of the first pin and the second pin into the hole.

[0018] When installing the pull-in high-strength bolt according to the present invention, visual pulling-in is achieved, effectively avoiding the problem of incomplete pulling-in position caused by wear of installation tools, thus improving installation efficiency. The pull-in section of the high-strength bolt does not use the existing annular groove design, which can avoid damage to the annular groove during thread processing and inspection; in addition, the pull-in section is drilled, making it lighter than traditional pull-in high-strength bolts. Attached Figure Description

[0019] For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference can be made to the following description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 The high-locking bolt in the prior art is shown.

[0021] Figure 2A A side view of a high-locking bolt according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 2B Another side view of the high-locking bolt according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figures 3A to 3D A schematic diagram of the installation process of the high-strength bolt according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 4A A side view of a high-locking bolt according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 4B A side view of a high-locking bolt according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A schematic diagram of the installation process of the high-strength bolt according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] List of reference numerals

[0028] 100, 100a high-strength bolts

[0029] 110, 110a head

[0030] 120, 120a smooth rod section

[0031] 130, 130a threaded sections

[0032] 160, 160a neck groove

[0033] 140, 140a pull-in section

[0034] 142 Free End

[0035] 150, 150a Hole

[0036] 200, 200a installation tools

[0037] 212, 212a pins

[0038] 214 support

[0039] 230 First Pin Section

[0040] 232 First Support Section

[0041] 234 First Pin

[0042] 240 Second latch section

[0043] 242 Second Support Section

[0044] 244 Second Pin

[0045] 260 Lever Device

[0046] 310 First workpiece

[0047] 320 Second workpiece Detailed Implementation

[0048] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. More details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can obviously be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions and derivations based on actual application situations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should not be limited by the content of this specific embodiment.

[0049] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A high-locking bolt 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. For example... Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown, the high-strength bolt 100 of this application includes a head 110 and a shank integrally extending from the head 110 along a longitudinal axis L. The head 110 of the bolt is typically a hexagonal head or a dodecagonal head. The shank further includes a smooth, unthreaded shank section 120, a threaded section 130, and a pull-in section 140 located at the distal end of the threaded section 130. The threaded section 130 is located between the head 110 and the pull-in section 140. The head 110, the smooth shank section 120, the threaded section 130, and the pull-in section 140 are all integrally formed. The high-strength bolt 100 can be made of materials suitable for bearing high locking loads to meet the stringent requirements of strength, weight, and corrosion resistance in fields such as aerospace. The specific material grade and heat treatment process should be selected according to the actual application requirements.

[0050] In addition, the high-strength bolt 100 is provided with a necking groove 160 between the threaded section 130 and the pull-in section 140. The necking groove 160 surrounds the shank and has a smaller diameter than the adjacent section, and is designed to break off after the bolt is installed in place.

[0051] Specifically, the pull-in section 140 has a smooth, cylindrical outer peripheral surface. At least one hole 150 is provided in the pull-in section 140 on its outer peripheral surface. This hole 150 is provided transversely through the pull-in section 140 for engaging the installation tool 200 to allow the high-strength bolt 100 to be pulled into the mounting hole. The hole 150 extends transversely to the longitudinal axis L. More preferably, the extension direction of the hole 150 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L; in other words, the hole 150 extends radially along the cross-section of the pull-in section 140. The cross-section of the hole 150 is preferably circular. The diameter and position of the hole 150 need to be rationally designed based on the size of the pin 212 of the installation tool 200 and the required operating space. The diameter of the hole 150 may be approximately one-third the diameter of the pull-in section 140.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the pull-in section 140 has only one hole 150. The hole 150 is designed to be closer to the free end 142 of the pull-in section 140 (the end of the high-lock bolt furthest from the head 110), that is, the distance of the hole 150 relative to the free end 142 of the pull-in section 140 is less than the distance relative to the threaded section 130.

[0053] For example, the length of the pull-in section 140 along the longitudinal axis L is approximately equal to the length of the threaded section 130 along the longitudinal axis L, while the length of the hole 150 from the free end 142 is approximately between one-third and one-quarter of the total length of the pull-in section 140.

[0054] Figures 3A to 3DThe installation process of the high-strength bolt 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the first workpiece 310 and the second workpiece 320 are connected by the high-strength bolt 100. Before installation, through holes are provided on the first workpiece 310 and the second workpiece 320 for installation.

[0055] like Figure 3A As shown, the two through holes of the first workpiece 310 and the second workpiece 320 are aligned, and the high-strength bolt 100 is inserted into the through hole. Typically, the outer diameter of the threaded section 130 and the pull-in section 140 is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole, thus the pull-in section 140 of the high-strength bolt 100 forms a clearance fit with the through hole, allowing it to easily pass through without the need for the tool 200. The diameter of the smooth shank section 120 forms an interference fit with the through hole. Thus, without tool assistance, the high-strength bolt 100 is inserted relative to the through hole of the workpiece into the through hole... Figure 3A The location shown.

[0056] like Figure 3B As shown, the installation tool 200 is engaged with the high-strength bolt 100, and then the entire shank of the high-strength bolt 100 is pulled through the through holes in the workpieces 310 and 320 using the installation tool 200. The installation tool 200 mainly includes a pin assembly. The pin assembly includes a pin 212, the length of which is greater than the length of the hole 150, and the outer diameter of which is smaller than the inner diameter of the hole 150. The pin 212 is designed to be inserted into and through the hole 150 from at least one side of the pull-in section 140 of the high-strength bolt 100. Both ends of the pin 212 protrude outside the hole 150. In addition, the pin assembly includes a bracket 214 (see...). Figure 3C The bracket 214 is used to support and position the two ends of the pin 212. The two ends of the pin 212 are detachably connected to the bracket 214. The bolt installation tool 200 may also include a handle (not shown) for manual operation by an operator. The handle is integrally or detachably connected to the pin assembly so that the operator can apply force or manipulate the installation tool 200.

[0057] By pulling the installation tool 200 downwards approximately along the longitudinal axis L, the smooth shank section 120 of the high-strength bolt 100 can be pulled into the through hole of the workpiece, such as... Figure 3C As shown. This operation can be performed manually or automatically by the relevant equipment.

[0058] When the high-strength bolt 100 is pulled to its predetermined position, the head 110 of the high-strength bolt 100 abuts against the upper surface of the workpiece, such as... Figure 3D As shown. Next, the installation tool 200 can be removed, that is, the pin 212 can be removed from the hole 150. Then, the next step of nut installation and neck breaking can be performed.

[0059] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A side view of the high-locking bolt 100a according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the high-strength locking bolt 100a also includes a head 110a, a smooth shank section 120a, a threaded section 130a, and a pull-in section 140a. A neck 160a may be provided between the pull-in section 140a and the threaded section 130a. These sections are integrally formed.

[0060] In the second embodiment, the pull-in section 140a is provided with two holes 150a and 150b, which extend from one outer peripheral surface of the pull-in section 140a to the opposite outer surface, thereby forming two through slots passing through the pull-in section 140a. These holes 150a and 150b extend substantially parallel to each other, both extending transversely or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L. Preferably, the holes 150a and 150b extend radially along the cross-section of the pull-in section 140a. Along the length of the pull-in section 140a along the longitudinal axis L, the two holes 150a and 150b can be evenly arranged and have the same inner diameter.

[0061] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Another installation tool 200a is shown, which includes a pin assembly comprising a first pin portion 230 and a second pin portion 240. The first pin portion 230 includes a first support portion 232 and two first pins 234 fixed thereon, while the second pin portion 240 includes a second support portion 242 and two second pins 244 fixed thereon. The first pins 234 and the second pins 244 are positioned opposite each other.

[0062] like Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the installation tool 200a includes a moving mechanism for moving the first pin 230 and the second pin 240 relative to each other. Preferably, the moving mechanism includes a lever device 260 for moving the first pin 230 and the second pin 240 relative to each other along a predetermined path. The lever device 260 includes a rotatable lever, one end of which drives the first pin 230 to move relative to the second pin 240. The lever device 260 can be manually operated (e.g., by turning a lever) or mechanically driven (e.g., by a motor or cylinder).

[0063] The bottoms of the first support portion 232 of the first pin portion 230 and the second support portion 242 of the second pin portion 240 can be respectively mounted on the translation guide rail or guide groove on the top of the moving mechanism to limit the linear motion of the two pin portions 230 and 240 relative to each other.

[0064] This moving mechanism allows the first pin 230 and the second pin 240 to switch between a first position (open position) and a second position (closed / inserted position). In such a way... Figure 5A In the first position shown, the first pin 234 and the second pin 244 are far apart from each other, with a distance greater than the outer diameter or maximum width of the bolt pull-in section 140a. At this position, the tool can be easily inserted into (or aligned) the bolt pull-in section 140a. Figure 5B In the second position shown, the first pin portion 230 and the second pin portion 240 (first pin 234 and second pin 244) are close to each other, and their spacing is adjusted so that the two pins can be precisely aligned from both sides and inserted into the corresponding holes 150a and 150b on the pull-in section 140a of the high-locking bolt 100a. Preferably, in the second position, the lever device 260 can be in a locked state where the lever cannot rotate, thereby ensuring that the pins do not move out of the holes 150a and 150b. Furthermore, from... Figure 5B As can be seen, the combined length of the first pin 234 and the second pin 244 is less than the length of the holes 150a and 150b.

[0065] After the pins 234 and 244 are inserted, the installation tool 200a can be moved downwards manually or mechanically, providing the required pulling force for installation through the engagement of its pins with the bolt holes.

[0066] In other embodiments, the moving mechanism may include a screw mechanism or a rack / pinion mechanism to achieve relative / opposite translation of the first pin portion 230 and the second pin portion 240.

[0067] When the high-strength bolt 100a is pulled to its predetermined position, the head 110a of the high-strength bolt 100a abuts against the upper surface of the workpiece. At this time, the installation tool 200a is removed, and the next step of nut installation and neck breaking operation can then be carried out.

[0068] During installation, the pull-in mechanism allows for visual insertion, effectively preventing issues caused by worn installation tools and improving installation efficiency. The pull-in section of the high-strength bolt does not employ the existing annular groove design, avoiding damage to the annular groove during thread processing and inspection. Furthermore, the pull-in section is drilled, resulting in a lighter weight compared to traditional pull-in high-strength bolts.

[0069] The pull-in high-lock bolt design of this invention enables a fully visualized pull-in installation process, allowing operators to intuitively observe the bolt's movement trajectory and final position. The pin of the installation tool and the hole in the bolt pull-in section employ an open-fit structure, allowing operators to directly observe the engagement state of the pin and the hole 150°, ensuring clear visibility of the positional relationships of each component during installation. This visualization design effectively avoids the problem of incomplete pull-in positioning caused by tool wear or blind spots in traditional installation methods, significantly improving installation accuracy.

[0070] In terms of structural design, the pull-in section of the high-strength bolt innovatively abandons the existing annular groove design, instead adopting a structure with a smooth cylindrical surface and a transverse hole. This design has significant advantages in the manufacturing process. First, in the threading process, since there is no need to consider tool interference in the annular groove area, standard threading technology can be used, improving processing efficiency.

[0071] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-strength locking bolt, the high-strength locking bolt comprising a head and a shank integrally extending from the head along a longitudinal axis, the shank comprising a threaded section and a pull-in section, the threaded section being located between the head and the pull-in section, the pull-in section forming a free end. Its features are, The pull-in section is provided with one or more holes, which extend transversely to the longitudinal axis.

2. The high-locking bolt as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hole extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and extends through the pull-in section.

3. The high-locking bolt as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pull-in section has a hole, which is closer to the free end of the pull-in section than to the threaded section.

4. The high-locking bolt as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pull-in section has multiple holes that extend substantially in parallel.

5. The high-locking bolt as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The smooth rod section has a smooth outer peripheral surface. The high-strength bolt also has a smooth shank section and a necking groove. The smooth shank section is disposed between the head and the threaded section, and the necking groove is located between the threaded section and the pull-in section.

6. An installation tool for installing a high-strength bolt as described in any one of claims 1-5, the installation tool comprising a pin assembly including a pin for insertion into the hole from at least one side.

7. The installation tool as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The installation tool also includes a handle that is connected to a pin assembly.

8. The installation tool as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The pin assembly includes a bracket for detachably connecting the pin.

9. The installation tool as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The latch assembly includes: A first latch portion, the first latch portion including a first support portion and a first latch extending from the first support portion; and The second pin portion includes a second support portion and a second pin extending from the second support portion.

10. The installation tool as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The installation tool further includes a moving mechanism for moving the first pin and the second pin relative to or in opposite directions. The first and second pins can be moved relative to each other manually or mechanically between a first and a second position via the moving mechanism. In the first position, the first and second pins are far apart from each other to allow insertion of the pull-in section. In the second position, the first and second pins are close together to allow insertion of the first and second pins into the hole.

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