Screwing apparatus and corresponding method

Abstract

Screwing apparatus (10, 110) for jointing objects (200) together comprising an anchoring structure (12) for anchoring said apparatus (10, 110) and contrasting, during use, the screwing torque, and a screwing member (11, 111), and corresponding screwing method.

Description

[0001] “SCREWING APPARATUS AND CORRESPONDING METHOD”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention concerns a screwing apparatus and corresponding method, for jointing two objects together. The apparatus can be applied, preferably but not exclusively, for jointing, to corresponding electrode holders or to preexisting electrodes, electrodes intended for arc furnaces, but also for screwing pipes, for example pipes for oil extraction.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the metallurgy sector, electrodes can be used to melt metal, the electrodes being necessary to create an electric arc to heat the metal. It is known that the electrodes are subject to high wear and have to be replaced or integrated with new electrodes.

[0005] To replace them, it is usually necessary to joint each electrode to a corresponding seating, for example on a pre-existing electrode.

[0006] The jointing is carried out by an operator who, by accessing the upper part of the furnace through fixed walkways / platforms, lowers a new electrode from above (by means of an overhead crane) and proceeds to manually screw it onto the preexisting electrode on the furnace. There are known devices that can be coupled to the overhead crane, by means of which a new electrode is coupled, picked up and taken in proximity to the old electrode to be elongated. Using one end, the new electrode is inserted into a cavity of an above-described device and constrained therein, in order to make it rotate for the subsequent screwing. While having the advantage that they do not require manual intervention by the operator, these known devices have the limitation of having large overall dimensions. Because of their construction, these devices in fact practically form a cap into which the end of the electrode is inserted; the overall vertical dimensions significantly exceed the length of the electrode, which is an obstacle to their use. The overall circumferential dimensions are also considerable, limiting their use.

[0007] In addition, these known devices need to be connected to the company’s utilities supply networks (typically compressed air, electricity, etc.). The overhead crane is therefore used for a considerable amount of time since, in addition to the time required to joint the electrodes, it will also be engaged during the connection / disconnection of the devices from the supply networks.

[0008] For these reasons, in many cases it is still necessary to resort to the manual replacement method, with the obvious safety problems for the operator. There is therefore the need to perfect a screwing apparatus that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0009] To do this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of identifying a solution that, by making the electrode rotate in order to screw it, constrains it while maintaining the overall dimensions of the electrode and of the screwing device suitable for limited spaces and corresponding maneuvering spaces.

[0010] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide a screwing apparatus and to perfect a method for jointing two objects together without the direct intervention of an operator.

[0011] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a screwing apparatus that is extremely compact and therefore usable in limited spaces.

[0012] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a screwing apparatus that can be easily assembled / integrated, even in a pre-existing plant, by exploiting the structures already existing on site.

[0013] A purpose is also to provide a screwing apparatus that can work even in harsh conditions, in terms of high temperatures, presence of dust, fumes and residues of various types, as well as contaminants, including gaseous ones, and electromagnetic interferences.

[0014] A purpose is also to provide a mechanically robust screwing apparatus.

[0015] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a screwing apparatus that does not need to be constrained to the pre-existing electrode in order to operate.

[0016] Another purpose of the present invention is to use the overhead crane for the shortest possible time, that is, only for the time necessary to lift and place the electrode in the screwing position.

[0017] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0018] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0020] In accordance with the above purposes and to resolve the technical problem described above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, a screwing apparatus according to the present invention for jointing two objects together comprises an anchoring structure for anchoring the apparatus and contrasting, during use, a screwing torque.

[0021] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the screwing apparatus comprises a screwing member constrained to the anchoring structure. The screwing member comprises a housing which has a through hole able to receive one of the objects inside it, and rotation devices and clamping devices housed inside the housing. In particular, the object that is positioned inside is the one that has to be made to rotate so as to screw it onto another object.

[0022] During use, the clamping devices are configured to partly come out in the through hole.

[0023] The rotation devices are configured to rotate around a central axis of the through hole in a first direction of rotation to make the clamping devices come out, clamping them around the object, and to make them rotate around the central axis, and in a second direction of rotation, reverse with respect to the first direction of rotation, to make the clamping devices re-enter the housing in order to release the object.

[0024] Doing so achieves at least the advantage that, by using the screwing apparatus, it is possible to joint two objects together without the intervention of an operator, who can simply control the screwing operation remotely. An additional advantage, linked to the fact that the object to be jointed can be inserted in the aforementioned hole, is that the screwing apparatus therefore proves to be extremely compact and therefore can be used in small spaces, with limited maneuvering areas.

[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the clamping devices can comprise one or more jaws configured to assume a closed configuration, in which a first end of each jaw is positioned inside the housing.

[0026] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the rotation devices can comprise an axial bearing, coaxial to the axis of the through hole and rotatable therearound. The axial bearing can be connected to the rotation means.

[0027] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the rotation devices can comprise coupling means for coupling to a second end, opposite the first, of the one or more jaws in order to move them in rotation. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the clamping devices can comprise a ring that has coupling elements for coupling to the first end of each of the one or more jaws. The ring can be positioned internally and coaxially with respect to the axial bearing.

[0028] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the one or more jaws can be configured to transmit the rotational motion from the axial bearing to the ring, and the ring is configured to oppose the rotational motion, making the first end rotate from the closed configuration to the open configuration, in the first direction of rotation, and vice versa, in the second direction of rotation.

[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the ring can comprise sliding elements located in contact with internal walls of the housing, which are configured, during the rotational motion, to create friction and brake the rotation of the ring with respect to the axial bearing.

[0030] In accordance with an embodiment variant, the one or more jaws can comprise, in correspondence with their second end, protrusions configured to cooperate with mating recesses of the axial bearing and to make the one or more jaws rotate from the closed configuration to the open configuration, and vice versa.

[0031] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the axial bearing can optionally comprise a semi-crown gear or a crown gear for the connection to the rotation means. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the rotation means can comprises a drive wheel and drive means.

[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the anchoring structure can comprise an attachment plate for attachment to an external support and an articulated arm for the connection of the screwing member to the attachment plate and its movement.

[0033] Advantageously, the anchoring structure can allow to position an object in correspondence with a second object, jointing it thereto, with a high degree of precision. Since it does not have to be constrained to the old electrode in order to contrast the screwing torque, the system can be connected to the existing fixed structures, thus not requiring a bulky anchoring system.

[0034] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the screwing apparatus comprises a linear displacement member configured to allow the displacement of the screwing member in the direction of the displacement caused by the screwing. The linear displacement member can optionally comprise systems selected from air spring compensator cylinders, coil spring systems, mechanical spring systems or gas spring systems. Advantageously, in this way it is possible to avoid using complex electronic devices or systems that are difficult to calibrate, to control and adjust the linear displacement of the screwing member resulting from the screwing action, thus limiting the use of sensors and electronic controls in general.

[0035] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the screwing apparatus comprises hollow spaces in which the one or more jaws are positioned and are mobile with a motion of partial exit to ward / re- entry from the through hole. The hollow spaces can be configured to isolate an internal chamber of the housing when the one or more jaws are in the closed configuration.

[0036] The screwing apparatus can comprise a ventilation circuit configured to generate an air flow through the hollow spaces toward the outside, at least when the one or more jaws are in the open configuration.

[0037] Advantageously, the screwing apparatus can therefore be less sensitive to the presence of dusts, fumes, residues and contaminants.

[0038] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a screwing method for jointing objects together comprises the steps of:

[0039] - making available an apparatus comprising an anchoring structure for anchoring the apparatus and contrasting, during use, a screwing torque, a screwing member constrained to the anchoring structure and comprising a housing, which has a through hole able to receive one of the objects inside it, and rotation and clamping means housed in the housing;

[0040] - clamping, in which the rotation devices are made to rotate around a central axis of the through hole in a first direction of rotation, making the clamping devices come out and clamping them around the object; - screwing, in which the rotation devices continue to supply a twisting torque with the same direction of rotation by rotating the clamping devices integrally with the object, until a predetermined clamping torque delivered by the rotation means is reached; - repositioning, in which the rotation devices rotate in a second direction of rotation, reverse with respect to the first, to make the clamping devices re-enter the housing for the release of the object.

[0041] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

[0043] - fig. 1 is a top view of a screwing apparatus, according to the present invention, during use and with a vertical section in which the corresponding internal parts are visible; - fig. 2 is a top view of a detail of the screwing apparatus of fig. 1;

[0044] - fig. 3 is a top section view of the detail of the screwing apparatus of fig. 2;

[0045] - fig. 4 is a cross-section view of the screwing apparatus of fig. 1, in a preliminary step of inserting an object to be screwed;

[0046] - fig. 5 is a front view of the screwing apparatus of fig. 3, during use and with a vertical section in which the corresponding internal parts are visible;

[0047] - figs. 6 and 7 are top views of details of the screwing apparatus of fig. 1;

[0048] - fig. 8 is a top section view of a detail of a screwing apparatus, according to the present invention and in accordance with a second embodiment.

[0049] We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0050] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications. DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION With reference to fig. 1, there is described a screwing apparatus 10 according to the present invention, in accordance with a first embodiment, for jointing objects 200, 201 (fig. 4) together.

[0051] The objects 200, 201 are elements that have to be constrained to each other by screwing, such as for example electrodes of a metallurgical furnace, an electrode and a respective electrode holder, tubes, poles, a nut and bolt system, or suchlike. Preferably, at least one of the sizes of the objects 200 is large, for example greater than half a meter, preferably greater than one meter.

[0052] Preferably, at least one of either the two objects 200, 201 has an oblong development. The section of the object 200 on a transverse plane, understood as the plane perpendicular to the oblong development, can be elliptical, square, rectangular, polygonal; preferably, it is circular in shape. For example, at least one of either the two objects 200 can be a solid with a cylindrical shape.

[0053] The apparatus 10 comprises a screwing member 11, or basket, (shown in fig. 2 without the vertical section shown in fig. 1) and an anchoring structure 12.

[0054] The screwing member 11 has a through hole 15 able to receive one of the objects 200 therein.

[0055] The screwing member 11 comprises rotation devices 17 and clamping devices 18. The screwing member 11 also comprises a housing 16, configured to house the rotation devices 17 and the clamping devices 18. For this purpose, an internal chamber 19 can be defined in which these devices 17, 18 are positioned.

[0056] The housing 16 has the aforementioned through hole 15. For example, the housing 16 can be configured in the shape of a ring, with the through hole 15 disposed substantially centrally.

[0057] The rotation devices 17 are coaxial to a central axis XI of the through hole 15 and are configured to rotate around it and also make the clamping devices 18 rotate. In particular, the clamping devices 18 are also free to rotate with respect to the housing 16, around the axis XI. In particular, by rotating in a first direction of rotation Rl, the rotation devices 17 are configured to make the clamping devices 18 partly come out in the through hole 15, in order to come into contact with the object 200 able to be positioned therein and clamp it. In this way, when in rotation, the clamping devices 18 can transmit the rotational motion to the object 200, and therefore screw it.

[0058] As shown in figs. 1 and 3, the clamping devices 18 can be configured to rotate in the direction of rotation R2, to come out of the housing 16.

[0059] By rotating in a second direction of rotation, reverse with respect to the first direction of rotation Rl, the rotation devices 17 are also configured to make the clamping devices 18 re-enter the housing 16, releasing the object 200. To re-enter the housing 16, the clamping devices 18 can be configured to rotate in the direction opposite the direction of rotation R2, not shown in the drawings.

[0060] The clamping devices 18 can comprise one or more jaws 20. The one or more jaws 20 can be configured to assume a closed configuration (figs. 3 and 4), in which a first end 21 of each jaw 20 is positioned inside the housing 16, and an open configuration (fig. 1), in which the first end 21 is positioned outside the housing 16.

[0061] Each jaw 20 has a second end 22, opposite the first end 21. In the first embodiment, the clamping devices 18 can comprise a ring 23. The ring 23 is positioned coaxially with respect to the rotation devices 17.

[0062] Preferably, the ring 23 is positioned internally with respect to the rotation devices 17, toward the through hole 15. The ring 23 can comprise coupling elements 24 for coupling to the first end 21 of each jaw 20. The coupling elements 24 can be configured for example as grooves, or slots, 25 (fig. 7) in which a positioning pin 26 located on the jaw 20 is constrained.

[0063] The rotation devices 17 can comprise an axial bearing 28, or center bearing, free to rotate with respect to the housing 16 around the axis XI.

[0064] As shown in fig. 4, the axial bearing 28 can be a ball bearing 29. The axial bearing 28 can optionally comprise a semi-crown gear, or a crown gear 30 for the connection to the rotation means 35.

[0065] The axial bearing 28 can be connected to the rotation means 35 that generate the rotational motion.

[0066] The rotation means 35 can comprise a drive wheel 36 and a motor. The motor can be an air motor, an electric motor or suchlike. Preferably, it is a hydraulic motor, which has the advantage of allowing to control the clamping torque by monitoring the operating pressure alone. In addition, it is much more suitable for working in challenging environments than an electric motor. The rotation devices 17 can comprise coupling means 31 (fig. 6) for coupling to the second end 22 of each jaw 20. For example, the coupling means 31 can be a pin and the jaw 20 can comprise a recess, or hole, in which the pin can be positioned. The one or more jaws 20 can be configured to transmit the rotational motion from the rotation devices 17, for example from the axial bearing 28, to the ring 23.

[0067] The ring 23 can be configured to oppose the rotational motion, by making the first end 21 of each jaw 20 rotate from the closed configuration to the open configuration, in the direction of rotation R2, in an initial step of starting the rotation, and therefore of clamping, and vice versa, in the direction of rotation opposite to the direction R2, in a step of ending the rotation and unclamping the object 200.

[0068] The ring 23 can comprise sliding elements 32 (fig. 4) located in contact with the walls of the internal chamber 19 of the housing 16. During the rotational motion, the sliding elements 32 create friction by sliding in contact with the housing 16, braking the rotation of the ring 23 with respect to the rotation devices 17.

[0069] In the clamping step, the difference in rotation between the ring 23 and the rotation devices 17 causes a thrust on the first end 21 of each jaw 20. In this way, it temporarily causes the motion of the first end 21 of each jaw 20, constrained in the groove 25, through the groove 25, the consequent rotation of each jaw 20 in the direction R2, around an axis X2 of the coupling means 31, and the consequent opening movement of each jaw 20. The clamping step ends when the one or more jaws 20 come into contact with the wall of the object 200, wedging themselves and transferring the rotation thereto; at this point, the braking friction force of the ring 23 on the screwing member 11 is overcome, and the clamping devices 18 rotate together with the rotation devices 17.

[0070] Once the clamping step has ended, the rotation devices 17 continue to receive a twisting torque from the rotation means 35 with the same direction of rotation, thus always rotating in the same direction of rotation Rl. In this step, the one or more jaws 20, since they are in contact with the object 200, lock the rotation devices 17 and the ring 23 together, making them rotate together integrally with the object 200, thus performing the screwing step. The screwing step ends when a predetermined clamping torque is reached, which is delivered by the rotation means 35 through the motor and transmitted to the rotation devices 17.

[0071] Once the screwing step has ended, the rotation means 35 can be configured to deliver a twisting torque opposite with respect to the clamping and screwing steps, by rotating in a direction of rotation opposite to the direction of rotation R1. In this repositioning step, each first end 21 is then stimulated in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation R2, thus causing the closing movement of the corresponding jaw 20.

[0072] The friction created by the sliding elements 32 can be adjusted by means of adjustment means, for example adjustment screws, not shown in the drawings. By acting on the adjustment means, the thrust of the jaws 20 on the object 200 can be varied. For example, by increasing or reducing the friction, the thrust of the jaws 20 on the object 200 is increased or reduced, respectively.

[0073] For the isolation of the internal chamber 19, in order to prevent dust from entering, the ring 23 can have a development such as to close the passage between the through hole 15 and the internal chamber 19. The housing 16 can therefore have, as in fig. 4, a C-shaped section, wherein the ring 23 also assumes the function of an internal wall of the housing 16.

[0074] According to another embodiment, not shown in the drawings, the housing 16 can comprise an internal wall delimiting the through hole 15. The internal wall can be, for example, preferably substantially circular, thus cylindrical in shape.

[0075] The internal wall can comprise a circular aperture for the exit and the rotational motion of the clamping devices 18. The aperture can extend without a break in continuity across the entire internal wall, on a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis XI. In this way, the clamping devices 18 can exit from the overall dimension of the screwing member 11 from the side of the through hole 15, and rotate around the axis XI .

[0076] The apparatus 10 can comprise hollow spaces 60 in which the one or more jaws 20 are positioned and are mobile with a motion of partial exit toward / re-entry from the through hole 15. The hollow spaces 60 can be configured to isolate the internal chamber 19 when the one or more jaws 20 are in the closed configuration. For example, it is the jaws 20 themselves that, when taken into the closed configuration, close the hollow spaces 60. As shown in figs. 3, 4, 6 and 7, the hollow spaces 60 can be created in the internal ring 23 and in part of the axial bearing 28.

[0077] The apparatus 10 can comprise a ventilation circuit 61, for example an air circuit, configured to generate an air flow toward the outside when the one or more jaws 20 are in the open configuration. For example, the air flow can be directed from the inside of the hollow spaces 60 toward the outside in the through hole 15.

[0078] In the closed configuration, the jaws 20 can keep the air flow delivery ducts 62 of the ventilation circuit 61 that flow into the hollow spaces 60 closed, preventing wasting air, and open them when they are not in the closed configuration, that is, when the operation of clamping and screwing the object 200 is being carried out.

[0079] In this way, contamination of the internal mechanisms of the screwing apparatus 10 by dust and other residues can be avoided.

[0080] Advantageously, since the air flow retention / delivery mechanism is completely mechanical, the screwing apparatus does not need special sensors or detection devices to determine the flow delivery start and end times. In addition, by keeping the pressure positive with the delivery ducts 62 closed, a slight over-pressure in the internal chamber 19 is achieved, able to prevent dust and other residues from entering the housing.

[0081] The anchoring structure 12 is suitable to anchor the apparatus 10 to an external support and to contrast, during use, the screwing torque.

[0082] The anchoring structure 12 can comprise an attachment plate 45 for attachment to an external support, for example a wall, a floor, a fixed structure of the plant on which the apparatus 10 is employed or suchlike, and an arm 46 connecting the screwing member 11 to the attachment plate 45. The arm 46 can be a single arm or an articulated arm 47 comprising a plurality of elements 48, 49, articulated to each other in succession so as to allow the movement of the arm 46.

[0083] The elements 48, 49 can be connected to each other and to the attachment plate 45 and to the screwing member 11, respectively, by joints 51, 52. The joints 51, 52 can allow the rotational motion of one or more of either the plurality of elements

[0084] 48, 49 and / or the screwing member 11. One or more of the plurality of elements 48, 49 can be telescopic elements.

[0085] The anchoring structure 12 can be braked. In particular, the joints 51, 52 and / or the elements 48, 49 can provide shock absorbers, or dampers, so that the anchoring structure 12 is moveable in a braked manner.

[0086] The articulated arm 47 thus structured is able to position the screwing member 11 precisely and concentrically with respect to the objects 200, 201 to be jointed, for example with respect to the pre-existing electrode to be elongated.

[0087] The apparatus 10 can comprise a linear displacement member 55 configured to allow the displacement of the screwing member 11 in the direction of the displacement caused by the screwing DI, D2 (fig. 5).

[0088] For example, the displacement of the screwing member 11 during screwing can be in a substantially vertical direction, if the object 200 to be screwed is positioned below or above the object 201 to which it has to be jointed, and therefore the direction of the displacement caused by the screwing DI, D2 is the vertical direction.

[0089] Substantially, in the initial screwing position, the linear displacement member 55 can be configured to bear the weight of the structure of the screwing member

[0090] 11. As the screwing step progresses, the screwing member 11 is pulled in the screwing direction by the screwing operation itself; this displacement is compensated by the travel of the linear displacement member 55. Once the screwing step has ended, it is sufficient to release the object 200 to cause the linear displacement member 55 to return the screwing member 11 to the initial position.

[0091] For example, the displacement to be compensated can be of the order of 50 / 60 mm.

[0092] The linear displacement member 55 can for example comprise one or more air spring compensator cylinders, for example two, coil spring systems, mechanical spring systems in general, or gas springs or suchlike.

[0093] The linear displacement member 55 can comprise one or more pressure regulators and / or solenoid valves for a possible control in the insertion and disconnection of the displacement-compensating function.

[0094] The apparatus 10 can comprise a system for cleaning the object 201 (fig. 4) to which the object 200 has to be jointed. For example, the cleaning system comprises a dedicated circuit with channels 65 for the passage of an air flow F.

[0095] By way of example, the cleaning system can be configured to perform a blowin into the hollow zone of a pre-existing electrode in which the new electrode will be screwed, in order to clean its thread.

[0096] With reference to fig. 8, one or more jaws 120 of clamping devices 118 of a screwing apparatus 110 according to the present invention, in accordance with a second embodiment, comprise, in correspondence with a second end 122 thereof, protrusions 170 configured to cooperate with mating recesses 171 of rotation devices 117, for example of an axial bearing 128.

[0097] For example, these protrusions 170 and recesses 171 can be portions of mating toothed wheels that cooperate to transmit the rotational motion.

[0098] Advantageously, in the clamping step, the movement of the rotation devices 117 in the direction of rotation Rl, acting on the protrusions 170, makes the one or more jaws 120 rotate from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Conversely, in the step of ending the rotation and unlocking the object 200, the movement in the direction reverse to the rotation Rl of the rotation devices 117, acting on the protrusions 170, makes the one or more jaws 120 rotate from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0099] In particular, in this second embodiment, the clamping devices 118 do not comprise any internal ring comprising coupling elements for coupling to the one or more jaws 120.

[0100] For the isolation of the internal chamber 19, in order to prevent dust from entering, the axial bearing 128 can have a development such as to close the passage between the through hole 15 and the internal chamber 19.

[0101] As in fig. 8, hollow spaces 160, in which the one or more jaws 120 are positioned and are mobile with a motion of partial exit toward / re-entry from the through hole 15, can be created in the structure of the axial bearing 128.

[0102] The operation of the screwing apparatus 10 described heretofore, which corresponds to the method according to the present invention, comprises the following steps.

[0103] The method comprises a clamping step, in which the rotation devices 17, 117 are made to rotate around the central axis XI, in the first direction of rotation Rl, making the clamping devices 18, 118 come out and clamping them around the object 200.

[0104] The method then comprises a screwing step, in which the rotation devices 17, 117 continue to supply a twisting torque with the same direction of rotation Rl, rotating the clamping devices 18, 118 integrally with the object 200.

[0105] The rotation can continue until a predetermined clamping torque delivered by the rotation means 35 is reached; once this has been detected, the rotation means 35 stop supplying the twisting torque necessary to make the rotation devices 17,

[0106] 117 rotate in the first direction of rotation Rl.

[0107] The method then comprises a repositioning step, in which the rotation devices 17, 117 are made to rotate in the second direction of rotation, reverse with respect to the first, by the rotation means 35, in order to make the clamping devices 18,

[0108] 118 re-enter the housing 16. In this way, the object 200 is released.

[0109] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts and / or steps may be made to the screwing apparatus 10 and to the method as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0110] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of screwing apparatus and corresponding method, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0111] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Screwing apparatus (10, 110) for jointing objects (200, 201) together comprising an anchoring structure (12) for anchoring said apparatus (10, 110) and contrasting, during use, a screwing torque, characterized in that it comprises a screwing member (11, 111) constrained to said anchoring structure (12) and comprising a housing (16) which has a through hole (15) able to receive one of said objects (200) inside it and is able to house rotation devices (17, 117) and clamping devices (18, 118), said rotation devices (17, 117) being configured to rotate around a central axis (XI) of said through hole (15) in a first direction of rotation (Rl) to make said clamping devices (18, 118) partly come out in said through hole (15), clamping them around said object (200), and in a second direction of rotation, reverse with respect to said first direction of rotation (Rl), to make said clamping devices (18, 118) re-enter said housing (16).

2. Apparatus (10, 110) as in claim 1, characterized in that said clamping devices (18, 118) comprise one or more jaws (20, 120) configured to assume a closed configuration, in which a first end (21) thereof is positioned inside said housing (16), and an open configuration, in which said first end (21) is positioned outside said housing (16), and in that said rotation devices (17, 117) comprise an axial bearing (28, 128) connected to rotation means (35) and rotatable around said axis (XI), and coupling means (31 ) for coupling to a second end (22, 122), opposite the first (21), of said one or more jaws (20, 120) in order to move said one or more jaws (20, 120) in rotation.

3. Apparatus (10) as in claim 2, characterized in that said clamping devices (18) comprise a ring (23) comprising coupling elements (24) for coupling to said first end (21), said ring (23) being positioned internally and coaxially with respect to said axial bearing (28), in that said one or more jaws (20) are configured to transmit the rotational motion from said axial bearing (28) to said ring (23), and in that said ring (23) is configured to oppose said rotational motion, making said first end (21) rotate from said closed configuration to said open configuration, in the first direction of rotation (Rl), and vice versa, in the second direction of rotation.

4. Apparatus (10) as in claim 3, characterized in that said ring (23) comprises sliding elements (32) located in contact with internal walls of the housing (16),which are configured, during the rotational motion, to create friction and brake the rotation of said ring (23) with respect to said axial bearing (28).

5. Apparatus (110) as in claim 2, characterized in that said one or more jaws (120) comprise, in correspondence with said second end (122), protrusions (170) configured to cooperate with mating recesses (171) of said axial bearing (128) and to make said one or more jaws (120) rotate from said closed configuration to said open configuration, and vice versa.

6. Apparatus (10, 110) as in any claim from 2 to 5, characterized in that said axial bearing (28, 128) optionally comprises a semi-crown gear or a crown gear (30) for the connection to said rotation means (35) and in that said rotation means(35) comprise a drive wheel (36) and drive means.

7. Apparatus (10, 110) as in any claim from 1 to 6, characterized in that said anchoring structure (12) comprises an attachment plate (45) for attachment to an external support and an articulated arm (47) for the connection of said screwing member (11, 111) to the attachment plate (45).8.Apparatus (10, 110) as in any claim from 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a linear displacement member (55) configured to allow the displacement of the screwing member (11, 111) in the direction of the screwing (DI, D2) and optionally comprising systems selected from air spring compensator cylinders, coil spring systems, mechanical spring systems or gas spring systems.

9. Apparatus (10, 110) as in any claim from 2 to 8, characterized in that it comprises hollow spaces (60, 160) in which said one or more jaws (20, 120) are positioned mobile, with a motion of partial exit toward / re-entry from said through hole (15), said hollow spaces (60, 160) being configured to isolate an internal chamber (19) of the housing (16) when said one or more jaws (20, 120) are in said closed configuration, and a ventilation circuit (61) configured to generate an air flow through said hollow spaces (60, 160) toward the outside at least when said one or more jaws (20, 120) are in said open configuration.

10. Screwing method for jointing objects (200, 201) together, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:- making available an apparatus (10, 110) comprising an anchoring structure (12) for anchoring said apparatus (10, 110) and contrasting, during use, a screwing torque, a screwing member (11, 111), constrained to said anchoring structure (12),comprising a housing (16) for rotation devices (17, 117) and clamping devices (18, 118) with a through hole (15) able to receive one of said objects (200) inside it;- clamping, in which said rotation devices (17, 117) are made to rotate around a central axis (XI) of said through hole (15) in a first direction of rotation (Rl) making said clamping devices (18, 118) come out and clamping them around said object (200);- screwing, in which said rotation devices (17, 117) continue to supply a twisting torque with the same direction of rotation (Rl) by rotating the clamping devices (18, 118) integrally with said object (200), until a predetermined clamping torque delivered by rotation means (35) and transmitted to said rotation devices (17, 117) is reached;- repositioning, in which said rotation devices (17, 117) rotate in a second direction of rotation, reverse with respect to said first direction of rotation (Rl), to make said clamping devices (18, 118) re-enter said housing (16) for the release of said object (200).

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