Guide head for a striking tool, striking system and associated method

Abstract

A guide head (2) for a striking tool (1) configured to allow the driving of a fastening member, the striking tool (1) comprising a main body (10) and at least one striking member (11), the guide head (2) comprising a mounting member (3), a positioning member (4) defining a channel in which the striking member (11) is configured to translate, the positioning member (4) being configured to move in a translational movement (T4) along the striking axis (X1) relative to the mounting member (3), at least one elastic member (5) being mounted between the positioning member (4) and the mounting member (3), the elastic member (5) being configured to longitudinally separate the positioning member (4) and the mounting member (3) along the striking axis (X1). Abstract figure: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Guide head for a striking tool, striking system and associated method Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of connecting mechanical parts by striking a fixing member, in particular, in the aeronautical field.

[0002] In order to connect two mechanical parts, it is known to place a fixing member (for example a screw or a rivet) between the two mechanical parts and then to strike the fixing member so that it penetrates the mechanical parts. This allows work hardening to be carried out which improves the mechanical strength.

[0003] To carry out this operation, a striking tool, also called a “multi-strike tool”, is generally used. With reference to [Fig. 1], a striking tool 100 according to the prior art is shown schematically for connecting two mechanical parts PI, P2 together by a fixing member 9. In this example, the fixing member 9 is a screw which has been slightly driven into the mechanical parts PI, P2 along a fixing axis X9. In [Fig. 1], the fixing member 9 has a head which projects from the side of the first mechanical part PI.

[0004] The striking tool 100 comprises a body 110 in which a striking member 111 is movably mounted. The striking member 111 is configured to move in a translational movement T1 along a striking axis XL. In a known manner, the striking tool 100 comprises a drive motor (not shown) imposing a back-and-forth translational movement T1 on the striking member 111. The striking tool 100 comprises, in a known manner, an actuator 112, for example, a handle with a trigger, for controlling the movement of the striking member in translation T1 along the striking axis XL.

[0005] To make the connection, an operator grasps the striking tool 100 and positions the end of the striking member 111 against the head of the fixing member 9 while ensuring that the striking axis XI is aligned with the fixing axis X9 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Then, the operator activates the actuator 112 so that the striking member 111 drives the fixing member 9 into the mechanical parts PI, P2 as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0006] Such a striking operation has many disadvantages. Firstly, in terms of difficulty, a striking tool 100 is heavy and requires the operator to use both hands: one hand close to the handle and one hand close to the end of the striking member 111 in order to ensure, on the one hand, precise positioning on the head of the fixing member 9 and, on the other hand, precise alignment of the axis striking member XI with the fixing axis X9. When striking, the operator's fingers can be pinched, which presents a first disadvantage. In addition, the hand located near the end of the striking member 111 undergoes vibrations linked to the translational movement T1 of the striking member 111, which increases the difficulty.

[0007] In terms of quality, it is important that the striking axis XI is perfectly aligned with the fixing axis X9 to allow an optimal connection. An orientation defect has significant negative consequences since the striking member 111 can strike the vicinity of the first mechanical part PI and form scratches and / or dents. This is all the more critical since the mechanical parts PI, P2 can comprise several hundred connections. It is therefore difficult for operators to ensure optimal striking for all the connections. In the event of a major defect, the mechanical parts PI, P2 must be scrapped, which represents a significant financial loss.

[0008] One of the objectives of the present invention is to enable better binding by striking to reduce the strain on operators while ensuring high quality. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention relates to a guide head for a striking tool configured to allow the driving of a fixing member to connect at least two mechanical parts, the striking tool comprising a main body and at least one striking member mounted to move relative to the main body, the striking member being configured to move in a translational movement along a striking axis to strike the fixing member, the guide head extending longitudinally and being configured to externally envelop the striking member, the guide head comprising: • A mounting member configured to be securely attached to the main body of the striking tool, • A positioning member defining a channel in which the striking member is configured to translate, the positioning member comprising a contact end comprising an opening from which the channel opens, • The positioning member being configured to move in a translational movement along the striking axis relative to the mounting member, at least one elastic member being mounted between the positioning member and the mounting member, the elastic member being configured to longitudinally separate the positioning member and the mounting member along the striking axis.

[0010] Thanks to the invention, any damage to a mechanical part is avoided being since the positioning member protects the striking member, which is only in contact with the fixing member during striking. The positioning member facilitates the positioning and alignment of the striking member with the fixing member, which allows for optimal driving. In terms of arduousness, the operator no longer holds the striking member but the positioning member, which eliminates any risk of pinching and prevents the transmission of vibrations from the striking member to the operator. The presence of an elastic tool improves the damping of vibrations felt by the operator. The driving rate can thus be increased while guaranteeing operator safety and quality driving.

[0011] Preferably, the contact end of the positioning member has a scratch-protective coating, preferably made of Teflon. The risk of scratching by the positioning member is thus eliminated.

[0012] Preferably, the positioning member comprises at least one flat. This makes it possible to locally reduce the transverse size of the positioning member to take account of an obstacle while having a robust positioning member.

[0013] Preferably, the positioning member is angularly orientable along the striking axis relative to the mounting member. This advantageously allows the operator to maintain the positioning member in position while orienting the striking tool. This is particularly advantageous for orienting the flat in the event of the presence of an obstacle in the vicinity of the fixing member.

[0014] According to one aspect, the mounting member comprises a stop configured to contact one end of the elastic member, the position of the stop being adjustable. An adjustable stop makes it possible to adjust the projecting length of the positioning member relative to the striking member in order to adapt to the nature of the fixing member.

[0015] The invention also relates to a striking system configured to allow the driving of a fixing member to connect at least two mechanical parts, the striking system comprising a striking tool comprising a main body and at least one striking member mounted to move relative to the main body, the striking member comprising a contact end, the striking member being configured to move in a translational movement along a striking axis to strike the fixing member, the striking system comprising a guide head, as presented previously, fixedly attached to the main body of the striking tool, the guide head extending longitudinally and being configured to externally envelop the striking member.

[0016] Preferably, the positioning member being configured to move according to a translational movement along the striking axis between an extended position and a retracted position, the striking member being configured to move in a translational movement along the striking axis between an extended position and a retracted position, the longitudinal distance between the contact end of the positioning member in the extended position and that of the contact end of the striking member in the retracted position is between Omm and 40mm. This makes it possible to avoid any accidental contact of the striking member with a mechanical part while maintaining a limited striking member travel.

[0017] Preferably, the positioning member being configured to move in a translational movement along the striking axis between an extended position and a retracted position, the striking member being configured to move in a translational movement along the striking axis between an extended position and a retracted position, the longitudinal distance between the contact end of the positioning member in the retracted position and that of the contact end of the striking member in the extended position is less than 2 mm. This makes it possible to carry out a strike following installation while limiting the risk of damage to a mechanical part.

[0018] Preferably, the guide head is removably attached to the main body of the striking tool. This provides significant advantages over traditional striking tools.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method of driving a fixing member to connect at least two mechanical parts by means of a striking system as presented previously, the driving method comprising steps consisting of: • Positioning the contact end of the positioning member against the first mechanical part so that the head of the fixing member is located in the opening of the positioning member, • Bring the contact end of the striking member into contact with the fixing member, the positioning member translating towards the mounting member and • Strike the fastener with the striking device to drive the fastener in. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

[0020] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given by way of example, and referring to the following figures, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects.

[0021] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a striking tool according to the prior art.

[0022] [Fig. 2] is a close-up schematic representation of a fixing member before striking.

[0023] [Fig. 3] is a close-up schematic representation of a fixing member after striking.

[0024] [Fig. 4] is a schematic representation of a striking system comprising a striking tool and a guide head according to the invention.

[0025] [Fig. 5] is a close-up schematic representation in cutaway of an embodiment of a guide head and a striking member of a striking tool.

[0026] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of the longitudinal position of the guide head in the extended position.

[0027] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of the longitudinal position of the guide head in the retracted position.

[0028] [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of a positioning step.

[0029] [Fig.9] is a schematic representation of a contacting step.

[0030] [Fig. 10] is a schematic representation of a striking step.

[0031] [Fig. 11] is a schematic representation of a positioning step during the presence of an obstacle in the vicinity.

[0032] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] [Fig.4] shows a striking system S according to one embodiment of the invention to enable the driving of a fixing member 9 to connect at least two mechanical parts PI, P2 ([Fig.8]).

[0034] In this example, the striking system S comprises a striking tool 1 and a guide head 2 mounted on the striking tool 1. In this example, the guide head 2 is removably mounted but it goes without saying that it could be permanently mounted.

[0035] With reference to [Fig. 4], the striking tool 1 comprises a main body 10 and a striking member 11 (also called a “bolter”) mounted to move relative to the main body 10. The striking member 11 is configured to move in a translational movement T1 along a striking axis XI to strike a fixing member 9 ([Fig. 8]). With reference to [Fig. 4], the striking axis XI is oriented from the rear to the front. In this example, the striking member 11 is in the form of a longitudinal rod extending along the striking axis XL. Preferably, the striking member 11 is made of a metallic material in order to have greater mechanical strength. In this example, the striking member 11 has a diameter of between 5 mm and 30 mm. Preferably, the striking member 11 has a length greater than 5cm, preferably greater than 10cm. The striking member 11 has a contact end 11a intended to come into contact with the fixing member 9. The end 11a is flat or concave.

[0036] The striking tool 1 comprises a drive motor 12 connected to the striking member 11 configured to move it according to the translational movement T1, in particular, according to a back and forth movement between an extended position and a retracted position in the manner of a jackhammer. In this example, the striking tool 1 further comprises an electric battery 13 to power the drive motor 12 but it goes without saying that a wired electrical connection to the electrical network could also be suitable. In this example, the striking tool 1 also comprises an actuator 14 which is in the form of a trigger. It goes without saying that it could be in another form.

[0037] In this example, the striking member 11 is by default in the retracted position and moves to the extended position, i.e. forward, during actuation.

[0038] Such a striking tool 1 is known to those skilled in the art and will not be presented in further detail.

[0039] According to the invention, the striking system S comprises a guide head 2, mounted on the striking tool 1, which will now be presented.

[0040] As illustrated in [Fig. 4], the guide head 2 extends longitudinally along the striking axis XI and is configured to externally envelop the striking member 11. As will be presented later, this makes it possible to limit the risk of pinching with the contact end 11a of the striking member 11. In this example, the guide head 2 comprises: • a mounting member 3 configured to be securely fixed to the main body 10 of the striking tool 1, • a positioning member 4 defining a channel in which the striking member 11 is configured to translate, the positioning member 4 comprising a contact end 42 comprising an opening 420 ([Fig.5]) from which the channel opens, the positioning member 4 being configured to move in a translational movement T4 along the striking axis XI relative to the mounting member 3, and • an elastic member 5 mounted between the positioning member 4 and the mounting member 3 and configured to longitudinally separate the positioning member 4 and the mounting member 3 along the striking axis XL

[0041] The different parts of the guide head 2 will be presented with reference to [Fig.5],

[0042] In this example, with reference to [Fig. 5], the mounting member 3 is in the form of an envelope 30 of substantially circular section which can be slid axially on the main body 10. In this example, the casing 30 has a decreasing section from the rear to the front but it goes without saying that this could be different.

[0043] The mounting member 3 is securely connected to the main body 10 of the striking tool 1 by radial tightening, in particular, by two tightening screws 31 making it possible to reduce the diameter of the casing 30 in order to achieve the fastening. For this purpose, the casing 30 comprises a slot 301 whose thickness is adjusted by the tightening screws 31. It goes without saying that other fastening means could be suitable. In particular, the mounting member 3 could be made from the material of the main body 10 of the striking tool 1. Preferably, the mounting member 3 is made of metal, preferably aluminum.

[0044] In this example, the mounting member 3 comprises a stop 32 configured to come into contact with one end of the elastic member 5. As illustrated in [Fig. 5], the stop 32 is in the form of a ring comprising an internal opening in which the striking member 11 can translate. The stop 32 is mounted transversely to the striking axis XL. The stop 32 can be mounted fixedly or in an adjustable manner with the mounting member 3. In this example, the casing 30 has an internal surface 302 which is tapped so as to allow the stop 32 to be screwed in order to adjust its longitudinal position along the striking axis XL. The adjustment of the stop 32 makes it possible to adjust the position of the positioning member 4 in the output position as will be presented later.

[0045] In this example, the positioning member 4 is in the form of a tube of substantially circular section. The positioning member 4 is mounted to be movable in translation T4 along the striking axis XI relative to the mounting member 3 due to the elastic member 5 between an extended or rest position (when the elastic member 5 is relaxed) and a retracted position (when the elastic member 5 is compressed). Preferably, with reference to [Fig. 6], the positioning member 4 has a length determined to extend, in the extended position, projecting from the striking member 11 when the latter is not in the striking position (extended position). In other words, the striking member 11 does not extend outside the guide head 2 in the retracted position. This advantageously makes it possible to avoid any damage by the striking member 11 during handling of the striking system S.

[0046] With reference to [Fig. 5], the positioning member 4 comprises a contact end 42 (front end) configured to come into contact with the mechanical part PL. Preferably, the contact end 42 of the positioning member 4 comprises a scratch-protective coating, preferably made of Teflon. The contact end 42 comprises an opening 420 from which the striking member 11 can project as will be presented later.

[0047] Preferably, with reference to [Fig. 6], the longitudinal distance L1 between the contact end 42 of the positioning member 4 in the extended position and that of the end 11a of the striking member 11 in the retracted position is between 0mm and 40mm. Preferably, in the extended position, the striking member 11 may extend slightly projecting from the positioning member 4 as illustrated in [Fig. 7]. Preferably, the longitudinal distance L2 between the contact end 42 of the positioning member 4 in the retracted position and that of the end 11a of the striking member 11 in the extended position is less than 2mm in order to avoid any damage.

[0048] In this example, as illustrated in [Fig. 5], the positioning member 4 comprises a rear end 40, forming a stop, in contact with the elastic member 5. Furthermore, the positioning member 4 comprises at least one flat 43, preferably a single one, to limit the transverse size defined relative to the striking axis XI. The cross-section of the positioning member 4 is thus reduced over a longitudinal portion in order to be able to carry out strikes when access is complex. Preferably, the flat 43 has a longitudinal length of between 5 mm and 30 mm. Preferably, the flat 43 extends at a longitudinal distance from the contact end 42 greater than 10 mm. The positioning member 4 can be rotated relative to the mounting member 3 around the striking axis XI in order to choose the angular position of the flat 43 to take into account the position of an obstacle as will be presented later.

[0049] An example of implementation of a driving method according to the invention will be presented with reference to Figures 8 to 11.

[0050] As illustrated in [Fig.8], the method comprises a positioning step E1 consisting of positioning the contact end 42 of the positioning member 4 against the first mechanical part PI so that the head of the fixing member 9 is located in the opening 420 of the positioning member 4. During the positioning step E1, the striking axis X1 is aligned with the fixing axis X9 of the fixing member 9. Preferably, an operator can achieve precise orientation by holding the positioning member 4 with one hand. Since the contact end 42 has an anti-scratch coating and the striking member 11 is retracted into the positioning member 4, the first mechanical part PI cannot be damaged.

[0051] With reference to [Fig. 9], the method comprises a contacting step E2 during which the striking tool 1 is moved towards the fixing member 9 so as to bring the contact end 11a of the striking tool 11 into contact with the fixing member 9. The elastic member 5 compresses and the positioning member 4 translates T4 into the retracted position towards the mounting member 3. The contacting step is carried out in complete safety given that the striking end 11a is translated in the positioning member 4, which avoids any pinching. Preferably, an operator can achieve precise contact by holding the positioning member 4 with one hand.

[0052] With reference to [Fig. 10], the method comprises a striking step E3 during which the striking member 11 is moved to the extended position towards the fixing member 9 so as to strike the fixing member 9. Preferably, the operator activates the actuator 14 to control the drive motor 12 and thus move the striking member 11, preferably in a back-and-forth translational movement T1. The striking step E3 is carried out in complete safety without the risk of pinching an operator's fingers. Furthermore, the vibrations of the striking member 11 are not transmitted to the hand of the operator who holds the positioning member 4 and not the striking member 11. The elastic member 5 also makes it possible to limit jolts.

[0053] Thanks to the guide head 2, the striking step is carried out quickly and securely.

[0054] In certain configurations, due to the presence of an obstacle OBS as illustrated in [Fig.l 1], it is complex to carry out the positioning step E1 due to the transverse size of the positioning member 4. The positioning member 4 is angularly rotated around the striking axis XI1 so that the flat 43 is located opposite said obstacle OBS in order to reduce the transverse size of the positioning member 4. The obstacle OBS can thus be bypassed to carry out the driving.

Claims

Claims

1. Guide head (2) for a striking tool (1) configured to allow the driving of a fixing member (9) to connect at least two mechanical parts (PI, P2), the striking tool (1) comprising a main body (10) and at least one striking member (11) mounted movably relative to the main body (10), the striking member (11) being configured to move in a translational movement (Tl) along a striking axis (XI) to strike the fixing member (9), the guide head (2) extending longitudinally and being configured to externally envelop the striking member (11), the guide head (2) comprising: • A mounting member (3) configured to be fixed integrally to the main body (10) of the striking tool (1), • A positioning member (4) defining a channel in which the striking member (11) is configured to translate,the positioning member (4) comprising a contact end (42) comprising an opening (420) from which the channel opens, • The positioning member (4) being configured to move in a translational movement (T4) along the striking axis (XI) relative to the mounting member (3), at least one elastic member (5) being mounted between the positioning member (4) and the mounting member (3), the elastic member (5) being configured to longitudinally separate the positioning member (4) and the mounting member (3) along the striking axis (XI), the positioning member (4) being in the form of a tube of substantially circular section, the positioning member (4) comprising at least one flat (43) extending at a longitudinal distance from the contact end (42) greater than 10 mm.,

2. Guide head (2) according to claim 1, wherein the contact end (42) of the positioning member (4) has a scratch-protective coating, preferably made of Teflon.

3. Guide head (2) according to one of claims 1 to 2, in which the positioning member (4) is angularly orientable along the striking axis (XI) relative to the mounting member (3).

4. Guide head (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the mounting member (3) comprises a stop (32) configured to come into contact with one end of the elastic member (5), the position of the stop (32) being adjustable.

5. Striking system (S) configured to allow the driving of a fixing member (9) to connect at least two mechanical parts (PI, P2), the striking system (S) comprising a striking tool (1) comprising a main body (10) and at least one striking member (11) mounted movably relative to the main body (10), the striking member (11) comprising a contact end (11a), the striking member (11) being configured to move in a translational movement (Tl) along a striking axis (XI) to strike the fixing member (9), the striking system (S) comprising a guide head (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4 fixed integrally to the main body (10) of the striking tool (1), the guide head (2) extending longitudinally and being configured to externally envelop the striking member (H).

6. Striking system (S) according to claim 5, wherein, the positioning member (4) being configured to move in a translational movement (T4) along the striking axis (XI) between an extended position and a retracted position, the striking member (11) being configured to move in a translational movement (Tl) along the striking axis (XI) between an extended position and a retracted position, the longitudinal distance (Ll) between the contact end (42) of the positioning member (4) in the extended position and that of the contact end (11a) of the striking member (11) in the retracted position is between 0mm and 40mm.

7. Striking system (S) according to one of claims 5 to 6, wherein, the positioning member (4) being configured to move in a translational movement (T4) along the striking axis (XI) between an extended position and a retracted position, the striking member (11) being configured to move in a translational movement (Tl) along the striking axis (XI) between an extended position and a retracted position, the longitudinal distance (L2) between the contact end (42) of the positioning member (4) in the retracted position and that of the contact end (11a) of the striking member (11) in the extended position is less than 2 mm.

8. Striking system (S) according to one of claims 5 to 7, in which, the guide head (2) is removably attached to the main body (10) of the striking tool (1).

9. Method for driving a fixing member (9) for connecting at least two mechanical parts (PI, P2) by means of a striking system (S) according to one of claims 5 to 8, the driving method comprising steps consisting of: • Positioning (El) the contact end (42) of the positioning member (4) against the first mechanical part (PI) so that the head of the fixing member (9) is located in the opening (420) of the positioning member (4), • Bringing into contact (E2) the contact end (11a) of the striking member (11) with the fixing member (9), the positioning member (4) translating towards the mounting member (3) and • Striking (E3) the fixing member (9) with the striking member (11) to drive the fixing member (9).

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