A screw installation tool for tight spaces

Abstract

The application discloses a screw installation tool for narrow space, which comprises a fixing assembly, a guide component and a pushing mechanism. The fixing assembly comprises a short rod and a screw supporting part at the distal end of the short rod; the guide component is fixed to the short rod and is provided with a positioning hole; the pushing mechanism comprises an axially movable cutter head long rod and an elastic reset member sleeved outside the cutter head long rod, the cutter head long rod is coaxial with the supporting part and is used for pushing the screw, and the elastic reset member provides a reset force. A positioning block is arranged on the cutter head long rod, and when the cutter head long rod moves to abut against the screw head, the block can pass through the positioning hole. The tool can be reliably installed in various orientations such as a vertical plane, a top surface and a bottom, and effectively prevents the screw from falling off.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of screw installation tools, and specifically relates to a screw installation tool for confined spaces. Background Technology

[0002] In the assembly and manufacturing process of enclosure-type structural components, threaded connections are the primary method for fastening and installing components. After the main structure is assembled during the machining stage, some screws still require final tightening after the electrical interconnection circuitry is installed to achieve the repositioning of the components. These screws are typically located deep within the enclosure, where installation space is extremely limited and the gap between the component and the enclosure wall is small, significantly reducing operational visibility and tool operability.

[0003] Currently, the commonly used installation method is to use a screwdriver directly. However, in such narrow and limited environments, screws are often difficult to insert accurately into the target threaded holes, and screws frequently fall out or are lost during installation. This not only increases assembly time but also poses a potential risk to the overall assembly quality. If operators attempt to use clamping tools such as needle-nose pliers to assist in fixing the screws, the space constraints and obstructed view can easily cause the screws to slip or fly off during the clamping process, further exacerbating the installation difficulties and seriously affecting the efficiency and reliability of the enclosure assembly.

[0004] Several specialized tools for screw installation in confined spaces exist in the prior art. Their main structure typically includes a screw holder and a matching screwdriver. The holder slides along the screwdriver's axis and has a recess at its end for accommodating the screw head. During operation, the screw is placed in the recess, the entire tool extends into the narrow area, and the screw is initially tightened by rotating the screwdriver. However, these tools have significant limitations: their recess is usually designed only for installation with the screw facing the ground. When the mounting surface is a vertical wall or ceiling, the screw lacks effective mechanical retention or suction, easily detaching from the recess and causing installation failure. Therefore, existing screw installation tools for confined spaces suffer from significant drawbacks in practical applications, such as insufficient adaptability to working conditions and limited installation posture, requiring further improvement and optimization. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a multi-angle screw installation tool suitable for narrow spaces inside a box. This tool can reliably install screws in multiple orientations such as vertical, top, and bottom, effectively preventing screws from falling off during installation, improving assembly efficiency and quality, and having good adaptability to working conditions and ease of operation.

[0006] To achieve the above technical objectives, this application specifically adopts the following technical solution: In one aspect of this application, a screw installation tool for confined spaces is provided, comprising: The fixing component includes a short rod and a screw support portion located at the distal end of the short rod, the screw support portion being used to support the screw to be installed; A guide component is fixedly installed on the short rod, and the guide component is provided with a positioning hole; The propulsion mechanism includes a long cutting head and an elastic reset member. The long cutting head is axially movable and passes through the guide member, and is coaxially configured with the screw support to push the screw. The elastic reset member is sleeved on the outer periphery of the long cutting head and is used to provide a reset elastic force to the long cutting head away from the screw support. The long cutting head is fixedly provided with a positioning block. When the long cutting head moves toward the screw support and its far end abuts against the screw head, the positioning block is adapted to pass through the positioning hole. By offsetting the long cutting head, the positioning block engages with the guide member to mechanically lock the axial position of the long cutting head.

[0007] In one embodiment, the guide member includes a first fixing member and a second fixing member spaced apart along the extension direction of the short rod, the long rod of the cutter head axially moves through the first fixing member and the second fixing member in sequence, and the positioning hole is disposed in the first fixing member.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first fixing member has a through hole for the long cutting head rod to move through, and the positioning hole is adjacent to the through hole and communicates with it through a connecting channel; the width of the connecting channel allows the positioning block and the long cutting head rod to pass through, and the size of the positioning hole allows the long cutting head rod to be accommodated.

[0009] In one embodiment, the diameter of the positioning hole is the same as the diameter of the through hole.

[0010] In one embodiment, the propulsion mechanism further includes a fixed stop, which is fixedly disposed on the long rod of the cutter head and located between the first fixing member and the second fixing member; one end of the elastic reset member abuts against the second fixing member, and the other end abuts against the fixed stop.

[0011] In one embodiment, the screw support has a U-shaped opening, the plane of which is perpendicular to the extension direction of the short rod.

[0012] In one embodiment, the screw support is connected to the short rod via a mounting base, the mounting base having a socket, and the distal end of the short rod is inserted into the socket for connection.

[0013] In one embodiment, the fixing assembly further includes a first handle and a connector, the first handle being connected to the proximal end of the short rod via the connector; the extension direction of the first handle is perpendicular to the extension direction of the short rod.

[0014] In one embodiment, a second handle is connected to the proximal end of the blade handle.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: This application utilizes an axially movable cutting head rod and a matching elastic reset mechanism, combined with a positioning stop and a positioning hole on the guide component, to achieve reliable fixing during screw installation. Regardless of the installation orientation (vertical, top, or bottom), it effectively prevents screws from falling off, significantly improving the tool's adaptability and installation reliability. Specifically, by pushing the cutting head rod to abut the screw, slightly offsetting the cutting head rod causes the positioning stop to engage with the guide component, thereby locking the cutting head rod's position, overcoming the springback force of the elastic reset component, and continuously tightening the screw. This mechanism ensures the screw remains stable throughout the installation process, greatly reducing the risk of screw falling off or being lost. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the confined space screw installation tool according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] In the picture: 1-Short rod, 2-Screw support, 3-Cutter head rod, 4-Elastic reset component, 5-Positioning stop, 6-Mounting base, 7-First handle, 8-Connector, 9-First fixing component, 10-Second fixing component, 11-Fixing stop, 12-Second handle. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solution of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments, and are only used to illustrate this application, and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of this application. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] Reference Figure 1 As shown, this application provides a screw installation tool for confined spaces, including a fixing component, a guide component, and a propulsion mechanism.

[0020] The fixing assembly includes a short rod 1 and a screw support 2 located at the distal end of the short rod 1. The screw support 2 is used to hold the screw to be installed. The guide member is fixedly installed on the short rod 1 and has a positioning hole. The pushing mechanism includes a long cutting head 3 and an elastic reset member 4. The long cutting head 3 is axially movable and passes through the guide member, and is coaxially configured with the screw support 2 to push the screw. The elastic reset member 4 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the long cutting head 3 and is used to provide a reset elastic force to the long cutting head 3.

[0021] In actual operation, first, the screw is secured to the screw support 2, and the long cutting tool 3 is pushed forward so that its distal end abuts against the screw head, thus achieving initial screw fixing. Subsequently, the operator inserts the entire tool into the installation position in the confined space, and rotates the long cutting tool 3 to screw the screw into the threaded hole, completing the tightening.

[0022] However, during the above operations, for installations on non-horizontal surfaces such as vertical planes or top surfaces, if the installation space is narrow and deep, it is impossible to manually maintain the fixing effect of the cutter head rod 3 on the screw. To solve this problem, this application fixes a positioning block 5 on the cutter head rod 3. The shape and size of the positioning block 5 are adapted to the positioning hole on the guide member. When the cutter head rod 3 moves toward the screw support 2 to the abutment position, the positioning block 5 passes through the positioning hole.

[0023] In operation, when the long rod 3 of the cutter head moves towards the screw support 2 until its distal end fully abuts against the screw head, the positioning block 5 passes through the positioning hole. At this time, the operator can slightly offset the long rod 3 of the cutter head, causing the positioning block 5 to engage with the guide member, thereby mechanically locking the axial position of the long rod 3 of the cutter head, overcoming the rebound force of the elastic reset member 4, and continuously maintaining the pressure on the screw. This structure ensures that the screw can be stably fixed in the support under various installation orientations, significantly improving the installation success rate and ease of operation of the screw under complex working conditions.

[0024] In some embodiments, the screw support 2 is configured with a U-shaped opening to accommodate and support the screw to be installed. The plane of the U-shaped opening is perpendicular to the extension direction of the short rod 1. This U-shaped opening design facilitates the quick insertion and positioning of the screw, and after the screw is tightened to the target position, the U-shaped opening can be easily disengaged from the screw head by a laterally removed tool, achieving convenient release and avoiding interference with the already tightened screw.

[0025] Regarding the connection between the screw support 2 and the short rod 1, various implementation methods can be adopted, including but not limited to detachable or fixed connections. In some examples, detachable methods such as threaded connections, snap-fit ​​connections, or pin connections can be used; in other examples, fixed connections such as welding, riveting, or bonding can be used to meet different usage strength or maintenance and replacement needs.

[0026] In some embodiments, the screw support 2 is detachably connected to the distal end of the short rod 1 via a mounting base 6. Specifically, the screw support 2 is fixedly connected to the mounting base 6 (e.g., by welding or integral molding), and the mounting base 6 has an insertion hole that matches the outer diameter of the short rod 1. The distal end of the short rod 1 can be inserted into the insertion hole and secured by a set screw, pin, or threaded engagement. This split connection structure allows users to easily replace screw supports 2 with different U-shaped opening sizes according to actual needs, thereby adapting to screw installation tasks of different sizes and specifications, enhancing the versatility and practicality of the tool.

[0027] In some embodiments, the fixing assembly further includes a first handle 7 and a connector 8, wherein the first handle 7 is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the short rod 1 via the connector 8. The fixing connection method includes various connection methods for the purpose of fixing, such as welding.

[0028] In some embodiments, the fixing assembly further includes a first handle 7 and a connector 8, wherein the first handle 7 is connected to the proximal end of the short rod 1 via the connector 8. The connection method between the connector 8 and the short rod 1 can be selected as a fixed connection or a detachable connection according to actual application requirements. In a fixed connection, for example, welding or integral molding can be used to ensure the permanence and strength of the connection; in a detachable connection, for example, threaded connection, pin connection, or quick-release buckle structure can be used to facilitate component replacement, repair, or adjustment, thereby improving the tool's flexibility and maintenance convenience.

[0029] In some embodiments, the extension direction of the first handle 7 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the short rod 1. This vertical layout conforms to ergonomic principles, facilitating stable grip and force application when the operator pushes the propulsion mechanism or positions the overall tool, thus enhancing operational convenience and controllability.

[0030] In some embodiments, the guide member includes a first fixing member 9 and a second fixing member 10, the first fixing member 9 and the second fixing member 10 being arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the short rod 1, the long rod 3 of the cutter head being axially movable and passing through the first fixing member 9 and the second fixing member 10 in sequence, and the first fastener having the positioning hole.

[0031] In some embodiments, the guide member includes a first fixing member 9 and a second fixing member 10. The first fixing member 9 and the second fixing member 10 are spaced apart from each other and arranged correspondingly along the extension direction of the short rod 1, together forming a guiding foundation for the movement of the cutter head long rod 3. Both the first fixing member 9 and the second fixing member 10 have a through hole for the cutter head long rod 3 to move through. These two through holes are strictly coaxially aligned to ensure that the cutter head long rod 3 can move smoothly and accurately along the axial direction. In addition to the through hole, the first fixing member 9 also has a positioning hole. This positioning hole is arranged adjacent to its own through hole and is connected to the through hole via a connecting channel.

[0032] The dimensions of the connecting channel and the positioning hole are specially designed: the width of the connecting channel allows the long cutter head 3 and its positioning stop 5 to pass through; while the positioning hole has a sufficiently large space to accommodate the long cutter head 3. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the positioning hole is the same as the diameter of the through hole, which simplifies the processing and ensures consistent guidance.

[0033] The working process is as follows: When the operator pushes the long rod 3 towards the screw support 2 at the distal end, the long rod 3 passes through the through holes of the second fixing member 10 and the first fixing member 9 in sequence, and the positioning block 5 on it passes through the area of ​​the connecting channel and / or the positioning hole. When the distal end of the long rod 3 moves to the position where it fully abuts against the screw head, the positioning block 5 just passes over the first fixing member 9. At this time, the operator moves the long rod 3 laterally by slightly moving it, so that its body moves from the through hole to the positioning hole through the connecting channel. Since the diameter of the positioning hole is sufficient to accommodate the body of the long rod 3 but restricts the return stroke of the positioning block 5, the positioning block 5 is constrained below the first fixing member 9, thereby mechanically preventing the long rod 3 from reversing its return movement under the action of the elastic return member 4. In this way, the long rod 3 can maintain a continuous abutment force on the screw head, ensuring that the screw can be stably fixed in the support even under complex orientations such as vertical planes and top surfaces, until the installation is completed.

[0034] In some embodiments, the propulsion mechanism further includes a fixing block 11. The fixing block 11 is fixedly disposed on the cutter head rod 3 by means of an interference fit, welding or threaded connection, and its installation position is limited between the first fixing member 9 and the second fixing member 10 of the guide member.

[0035] The elastic reset member 4, such as a helical spring, is sleeved on the outer periphery of the long rod 3 of the cutter head. Its two ends respectively form an abutment relationship with the adjacent fixed parts: specifically, one end of the elastic reset member 4 (i.e. the end closer to the far end of the short rod 1) abuts against the second fixed member 10; while its other end (i.e. the end closer to the first handle 7) directly abuts against the corresponding end face of the fixed stop 11.

[0036] When the operator pushes the cutting head rod 3 towards the screw support 2, the fixing block 11 moves distally, compressing the elastic reset member 4 located between it and the first fixing member 9, thus storing elastic potential energy. When the external force is released, the compressed elastic reset member 4 pushes the fixing block 11 proximally, thereby moving the cutting head rod 3 away from the screw support 2 until it returns to its initial ready position. This structure provides a stable and automatic reset function for the cutting head rod 3, ensuring that the tool is quickly ready after each operation, enhancing the cycle efficiency and reliability of the operation.

[0037] In some embodiments, a second handle 12 is connected to the proximal end of the cutter head rod 3. The second handle 12 is used by the operator to grip and apply force to control the axial movement and rotation of the cutter head rod 3.

[0038] The connection method and spatial orientation between the second handle 12 and the long cutting head 3 can be configured according to actual operational needs. In a specific example, the second handle 12 can be set along the axial extension direction of the long cutting head 3, that is, coaxial with the long cutting head 3. This configuration is beneficial for the operator to apply force in a straight line when pushing the long cutting head 3, and at the same time, it is convenient to directly rotate the entire second handle 12 to drive the long cutting head 3 to rotate after the screw is initially in place, so as to tighten the screw.

[0039] In some embodiments, the second handle 12 may also be configured to be perpendicular to the extension direction of the cutter head rod 3. This "T"-shaped structure provides the operator with better leverage, making it easier to move the cutter head rod 3 in confined spaces, and is particularly suitable for scenarios requiring greater axial thrust or where operating space is limited.

[0040] By setting a second handle 12 and flexibly selecting its position, the operability of the tool is significantly enhanced, enabling the operator to control the movement of the long handle 3 of the cutter head more accurately and effortlessly, thereby effectively improving the installation efficiency and quality of screws in confined spaces.

[0041] Example like Figure 1 As shown, the confined space screw installation tool described in this embodiment includes a fixing component, a guiding component, and a propulsion mechanism.

[0042] The fixing assembly includes a short rod 1, a screw support 2, a mounting base 6, a first handle 7, and a connector 8. The screw support 2 has a U-shaped opening to receive the screw to be installed. The screw support 2 is connected to the short rod 1 via the mounting base 6. Specifically, the screw support 2 is fixedly connected to the mounting base 6 (e.g., by welding or integral molding). The mounting base 6 has an insertion hole that matches the shape of the short rod 1. The distal end of the short rod 1 is inserted into the insertion hole and fixedly connected by a set screw or welding. The plane of the U-shaped opening is perpendicular to the extension direction of the short rod 1, facilitating screw insertion and positioning, and allowing for detachment by a laterally removed tool after installation. The proximal end of the short rod 1 is fixedly connected to the first handle 7 via the connector 8, which is welded to both the first handle 7 and the short rod 1. The extension direction of the first handle 7 is perpendicular to the short rod 1, facilitating gripping and force application.

[0043] The guiding component includes a first fixing member 9 and a second fixing member 10, which are fixedly arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the short rod 1. Both the first fixing member 9 and the second fixing member 10 have coaxial through holes for the axial movement of the propulsion mechanism. In addition, the first fixing member 9 also has a positioning hole (not labeled in the figure), which communicates with the through hole of the first fixing member 9 through a connecting channel.

[0044] The propulsion mechanism includes a long cutter head 3, an elastic reset member 4, and a fixed stop 11. The long cutter head 3 is axially movable and passes through the through holes of the first fixing member 9 and the second fixing member 10, with its distal end used to push the screw head. The fixed stop 11 is fixedly installed on the long cutter head 3 and located between the first fixing member 9 and the second fixing member 10. The elastic reset member 4 is a helical spring, sleeved on the outer periphery of the long cutter head 3, with one end abutting against the second fixing member 10 and the other end abutting against the fixed stop 11, for providing the reset elastic force of the long cutter head 3.

[0045] A positioning block 5 is also fixedly provided on the long cutting head rod 3. Its size is adapted to the positioning hole and connecting channel on the first fixing member 9, and it is used to achieve mechanical locking at a specific position. A second handle 12 is connected to the proximal end of the long cutting head rod 3. The second handle 12 is coaxially arranged with the long cutting head rod 3, which facilitates the operator to push and rotate it.

[0046] In use, first insert the screw into the U-shaped opening of the screw support 2, then push the second handle 12 forward so that the distal end of the cutter head 3 abuts against the screw head, while the positioning block 5 passes through the connecting channel and positioning hole of the first fixing member 9. Then, slightly offset the cutter head 3 so that the positioning block 5 engages with the bottom surface of the first fixing member 9, thereby mechanically locking the axial position of the cutter head 3 and maintaining continuous pressure on the screw. After aligning the screw with the installation position, slightly reverse the movement of the cutter head 3 to release the lock, and rotate the second handle 12 to tighten the screw. After installation, under the action of the elastic reset member 4, the cutter head 3 automatically resets, and the tool moves laterally out, completing the installation.

[0047] Although the embodiments of this application have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments and application fields described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and instructive, not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms based on the guidance of this specification and without departing from the scope of protection of the claims of this application, and these are all within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A screw installation tool for confined spaces, characterized in that, include: The fixing component includes a short rod and a screw support portion located at the distal end of the short rod, the screw support portion being used to support the screw to be installed; A guide component is fixedly installed on the short rod, and the guide component is provided with a positioning hole; The propulsion mechanism includes a long cutting head and an elastic reset member. The long cutting head is axially movable and passes through the guide member, and is coaxially configured with the screw support to push the screw. The elastic reset member is sleeved on the outer periphery of the long cutting head and is used to provide a reset elastic force to the long cutting head away from the screw support. The long cutting head is fixedly provided with a positioning block. When the long cutting head moves toward the screw support and its far end abuts against the screw head, the positioning block is adapted to pass through the positioning hole. By offsetting the long cutting head, the positioning block engages with the guide member to mechanically lock the axial position of the long cutting head.

2. The confined space screw installation tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide member includes a first fixing member and a second fixing member spaced apart along the extension direction of the short rod. The long rod of the cutter head moves axially and passes through the first fixing member and the second fixing member in sequence. The positioning hole is provided in the first fixing member.

3. The confined space screw installation tool according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first fixing member has a through hole for the long cutting head rod to move through, and the positioning hole is adjacent to the through hole and communicates with it through a connecting channel; the width of the connecting channel allows the positioning block and the long cutting head rod to pass through, and the size of the positioning hole allows the long cutting head rod to be accommodated.

4. The confined space screw installation tool according to claim 2, characterized in that, The propulsion mechanism further includes a fixed stop, which is fixedly mounted on the long rod of the cutter head and located between the first fixing member and the second fixing member; one end of the elastic reset member abuts against the second fixing member, and the other end abuts against the fixed stop.

5. The confined space screw installation tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The screw support has a U-shaped opening, and the plane of the U-shaped opening is perpendicular to the extension direction of the short rod.

6. The confined space screw installation tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The screw support is connected to the short rod via a mounting base. The mounting base is provided with a socket, and the distal end of the short rod is inserted into the socket for connection.

7. The confined space screw installation tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing assembly further includes a first handle and a connector, wherein the first handle is connected to the proximal end of the short rod via the connector; the extension direction of the first handle is perpendicular to the extension direction of the short rod.

8. The confined space screw installation tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second handle is connected to the proximal end of the long handle of the blade.

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