Installation tool for temporary fixing and associated installation kit

Abstract

Setting tool for temporary fixing and associated setting assembly The invention relates to a setting tool (14), comprising: - a tool body (50) comprising a first opening capable of blocking the axial end of the body (26) of a fixing (12); - an actuating device (52), movable in rotation relative to the tool body and comprising a second opening capable of blocking an element (28) for actuating the fixing; - a pressure chamber (120), arranged in the tool body; - a conduit (122), connecting the pressure chamber to the first opening (62); - a blocking element (124), movable in the conduit between a retracted position and a projecting position; and - a fluid inlet (55), opening onto the pressure chamber. A fluid inlet into the pressure chamber moves the blocking element (124) towards the projecting position. Figure for abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Installation tool for temporary fixing and associated installation assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to a setting tool, for assembling a fastener with at least two previously drilled structures, said fastener comprising: a fastener body, extending along a first axis; and an actuating element, projecting relative to an axial end of the fastener body, the actuating element being rotatable relative to the fastener body.

[0002] The installation tool comprises: a tubular tool body, extending along a second axis; an axial end of the tool body comprising a first opening capable of receiving and locking in rotation the axial end of the fixing body; an actuating device, received inside the tool body and movable in rotation relative to said tool body, the actuating device defining an internal housing, an axial end of the actuating device comprising a second opening opening onto the internal housing, the second opening being capable of receiving and locking in rotation the actuating element of the fixing.

[0003] Such a fixing and a suitable installation tool are described in particular in document EP3781825, in the name of the Applicant.

[0004] Inserting the fastener into the aforementioned installation tool requires the application of a significant force, of the order of 5 kg. Such a force must be maintained in the form of pressure during the installation or removal of the fastener. However, current pressure maintenance systems tend to become deregulated over time.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a setting tool equipped with an improved mechanism for maintaining the fastener. To this end, the invention relates to a setting tool of the aforementioned type, further comprising: a pressure chamber, of annular shape, arranged in the tool body around the first opening; at least one conduit, arranged radially relative to the second axis and connecting the pressure chamber to the first opening; at least one locking element, movable in the at least one conduit between a retracted position and a projecting position in the first opening; and a first fluid inlet, opening onto the pressure chamber.

[0006] The setting tool is configured such that a fluid inlet into the pressure chamber is capable of moving the at least one locking element to the protruding position.

[0007] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the laying tool comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0008] - The laying tool comprises: a plurality of conduits distributed angularly around of the second axis; and a plurality of locking elements, each of said locking elements being movable in one of said conduits between the retracted position and the protruding position, the locking elements preferably being balls;

[0009] - The installation tool further comprises: an ejection piston, axially movable in the internal housing, so as to define an ejection chamber inside said internal housing; and a second fluid inlet, opening onto the ejection chamber; the setting tool being configured so that an excess fluid pressure in the ejection chamber is capable of moving the ejection piston towards the second opening;

[0010] - The installation tool further comprises an ejection rod extending according to the second axis in the internal housing of the actuating device, a first end of the ejector rod being fixed to the ejector piston, a second end of the ejector rod being oriented towards the first opening of the tool body;

[0011] - The installation tool further comprises a compression spring disposed in the internal housing around the ejector rod, between an internal crown of the actuating device, arranged near the second opening, and the piston;

[0012] - the actuating device comprises: a key, capable of being driven in rotation by a motor; and a key body, comprising the housing and the second opening; an axial clearance being provided between the key and the key body;

[0013] - at least one of the first and second openings of the tool is equipped with a cage with rollers or of an anti-rotation shape, capable of locking in rotation an external surface of the fixing body and / or of the actuating element of the fixing.

[0014] The invention further relates to a laying assembly comprising: a fastener for the temporary assembly of at least two previously drilled structures, said fastener comprising: a fastener body, extending along a first axis; and an actuating element, projecting relative to an axial end of the fastener body, the actuating element being rotatable relative to the fastener body; and a laying tool as described above, the first opening being configured to receive and lock in rotation the axial end of the fastener body, the second opening being configured to receive and lock in rotation the actuating element of the fastener.

[0015] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the installation assembly comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0016] - at least one of the first and second openings of the tool is equipped with a cage with rollers, capable of locking in rotation a surface of revolution of the axial end of the fixing body and / or of the actuating element of the fixing;

[0017] - a radial surface of the fixing body comprises a locking member, capable of mate with the at least one locking element in a projecting position, so as to axially lock the fixing body in the first opening.

[0018] The invention further relates to a method for removing a fastener inserted into at least two previously drilled structures, said fastener comprising: a fastener body, extending along a first axis; a plurality of elastic clips, each comprising a hooking beak in contact with a face of the structures; a locking member arranged on an outer surface of the body and an actuating element, projecting relative to an axial end of the fastener body, the actuating element being rotatable relative to the fastener body and capable of moving the elastic clips; the method comprising the following steps: introducing the axial end of the body of the fastener into the first opening of a setting tool as described above; and introducing the actuating element of the fastener into the second opening of the setting tool;then introducing pressurized fluid into the pressure chamber, so as to move the plurality of elements into the locking member of the fixing body, axially locking the fixing relative to the tool; then rotating the actuating device relative to the tool body, so as to rotate the actuating element relative to the fixing body; then extracting the fixing from the structures. ;

[0019] According to one embodiment, the method then comprises the following steps: interrupting the introduction of pressurized fluid into the pressure chamber; and introducing pressurized fluid into the ejection chamber, so as to move the ejection piston towards the second opening in order to axially push the fastener out of the tool.

[0020] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0021] - [Fig. 1][Fig.2][Fig.3] Figures 1, 2 and 3 are longitudinal sectional views of a installation assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, respectively in a first, a second and a third configuration; and

[0022] - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of the laying assembly in the second configuration of [Fig.2].

[0023] Figures 1 to 4 show a fitting assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The assembly 10 comprises a fastener 12 and a tool 14 for fitting and removing said fastener 12.

[0024] The fastener 12 is intended for the temporary assembly of at least two structures 16, visible in [Fig.l]. For the purposes of simplification, the structures 16 are shown in a single piece, defining two opposite faces 18, 20. A bore 22 passes through the structures 16 from the first 18 to the second 20 face.

[0025] The attachment 12 extends along a first axis 24 and comprises a attachment body 26, an actuating element 28, elastic clamps 30, a spacer 32 and a connecting device 34.

[0026] The fixing body 26 has a tubular shape and extends along the first axis 24, between a first and a second end. The elastic clips 30 and the spacer 32 form an axial projection relative to the first end, called the front end. The actuating element 28 forms a projection relative to the second end, called the rear end.

[0027] The fixing body 26 comprises an external surface 36, substantially cylindrical in revolution.

[0028] In the embodiment shown, the fixing body 26 further comprises a locking member 38, for axially locking said fixing body 26 relative to the tool 14, as will be described later. In the embodiment shown, the locking member is an external groove 38, formed in the outer surface 36 around the first axis 24.

[0029] The actuating element 28 is movable in rotation and in translation relative to said fixing body 28. More precisely, an inner surface of the actuating element 28 carries a tapping 40 cooperating with a thread provided on an outer surface of the connecting device 34.

[0030] A rear end of the actuating element 28, projecting relative to the fixing body 26, comprises an outer surface 42, substantially cylindrical in revolution.

[0031] The rear end of the actuating element 28 further comprises a rear annular surface 43, substantially planar and perpendicular to the first axis 24.

[0032] The elastic clamps 30 extend substantially parallel to the first axis 24 and are arranged substantially regularly around said first axis.

[0033] The elastic clips 30 are intended to pass through the bore 22 of the structures 16. A front end of each elastic clip 30, opposite the fixing body 26, comprises a hooking beak 44, capable of coming into contact with the second face 20 of the structures 16.

[0034] The spacer 32 is arranged along the first axis 24, between the elastic clamps 30. A front end of the spacer 32, opposite the fixing body 26, comprises an enlarged head 46.

[0035] In the embodiment shown, the actuating element 28, the elastic clamps 30 and the spacer 32 are axially movable relative to the fixing body 26. In a variant not shown, the elastic clamps 30 are axially movable, the actuating element 28 and the spacer 32 are axially fixed relative to the fixing body 26.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, the connecting device 34 extends inside the fixing body 26 and connects the actuating element 28 to the spacer 32 so that the translation of the connecting device 34 causes the translation of the spacer 32 in the body 26, or of the elastic clamps 30 if the spacer is fixed. The internal surface of the body 26 comprises a non-cylindrical shape, for example a hexagonal shape. The connecting device 34 comprises a non-cylindrical external surface, for example a hexagonal shape, so as to allow the translation of the connecting device 34 in the body 26 but prevent its rotation.

[0037] [Fig. 1] shows the fastener 12 in an installed state. In said installed state, the front end of the fastener body 26 is in contact with the first face 18 of the structures 16 and the elastic clips 30 are arranged in the bore 22. In addition, the actuating element 28 is in a first position relative to the fastener body 26 and the enlarged head 46 of the spacer 32 is arranged between the hooking beaks 44 of the elastic clips 30. Said elastic clips are thus in a deployed conformation, the hooking beaks 44 forming a radial projection relative to the bore 22 and coming into contact with the second face 20 of the structures 16.

[0038] Figures 2 and 3 show the fastener 12 in a disassembled state. In said disassembled state, the actuating element 28 is in a second position relative to the fastener body 26. The spacer 32 forms an axial projection relative to the elastic clips 30 so that the enlarged head 46 is arranged at a distance from the hooking beaks 44. The elastic clips 30 are thus in a retracted conformation, the hooking beaks 44 being radially brought closer to each other. Consequently, the elastic clips 30 are able to slide in the bore 22 of the structures 16.

[0039] The tool 14, or laying nose, will now be described.

[0040] The tool 14 extends along a second axis 48 and comprises: a tool body 50; an actuating device 52; a locking device 53; an ejection member 54; a first fluid inlet 55; and a second fluid inlet 57.

[0041] The tool body 50 is tubular in shape. A first end of the tool body 50, called the front end, comprises a first axial opening 62. The tool body 50 further comprises a first rotation-locking section 64, arranged near said first axial opening 62.

[0042] The first axial opening 62 is capable of receiving the rear end of the body 26 of the fastener 12. The first rotation-locking section 64 is capable of receiving and locking in rotation said rear end of the body 26.

[0043] In the embodiment shown, the first locking section 64 comprises a first roller cage 65, capable of locking in rotation the shape of revolution of the first radial surface 36, at the rear end of the body 26. The first roller cage is for example analogous to the device described in document EP2999571.

[0044] In a variant not shown, the rear end of the fixing body comprises an anti-rotation shape, comprising for example sides or flats, and the first locking section comprises a shape complementary to said anti-rotation shape.

[0045] In the embodiment shown, the tool body 50 further comprises an axial locking section 66, arranged between the first axial opening 62 and the first rotation locking section 64. The axial locking section 66 is notably defined by an internal wall 67, substantially cylindrical. The axial locking section 66 will be described in more detail later.

[0046] In the embodiment shown, the tool body 50 further comprises: an internal shoulder 68; an internal radial surface 69; and an internal groove 70.

[0047] The internal shoulder 68 is provided behind the first locking section 64. rotating and oriented towards the rear end of the tool body 50. The internal radial surface 69 has a substantially cylindrical shape of revolution and extends between the internal shoulder 68 and the rear end of the tool body 50. The internal groove 70 is formed in the internal radial surface 69.

[0048] The actuating device 52 comprises: a key 71; a key body 72; a pin 74; a plug 76; and a first compression spring 78.

[0049] The key 71 is arranged close to the rear end of the tool body 50. The key 71 has a widened front portion 80 and a narrower rear portion. Said rear portion is adapted to be connected to a motor in order to be driven in rotation about the second axis 48.

[0050] The key body 72 has a tubular shape. A front end of the key body 72 has a second axial opening 82. The key body 72 further comprises a second rotation locking section 84.

[0051] The second axial opening 82 is adapted to receive a portion of the rear end of the actuating element 28. The second rotation-locking section 84, adjacent to said second axial opening 82, is adapted to receive and lock in rotation said rear end portion of the actuating element 28.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, the second locking section 84 comprises a second roller cage 86, capable of locking in rotation the shape of revolution of the second radial surface 42. The second roller cage 86 is for example similar to the first roller cage 65. In a variant not shown, the rear end portion of the actuating element comprises an anti-rotation shape, comprising for example faces or flats, and the second locking section comprises a shape complementary to said anti-rotation shape.

[0053] In the embodiment shown, the key body 72 further comprises: a internal crown 88; a first shoulder 90; a second internal shoulder 92; and two oblong orifices 94.

[0054] The internal crown 88 is close to the second rotation locking section 84, opposite the second opening 82. The internal crown 88 has a central orifice 95, arranged along the second axis 48.

[0055] The first 90 and second 92 shoulders are arranged successively along the second axis 48 from the internal crown 88.

[0056] The key body 72 has a first, a second and a third increasing internal diameter, respectively between the internal crown 88 and the first shoulder 90, between the first shoulder 90 and the second internal shoulder 92, and behind the second internal shoulder 92.

[0057] The two oblong orifices 94 are arranged behind the second internal shoulder 92, close to the rear end of the key body 72. The pin 74 is arranged transversely relative to the second axis 48, each end of said pin being arranged in one of said oblong orifices 94. The oblong orifices 94 have an axial dimension larger than the diameter of the section of the pin, in order to allow relative play of the pin in the oblong orifices 94. The oblong orifices 94 may take the form of a groove or any other form allowing this relative play.

[0058] Furthermore, the pin 74 is inserted into a through hole in the front part 80 of the key 71. An internal housing 96 is thus defined in the key body 72, between the internal crown 88 and the key 71. The two oblong holes 94 and the pin 74 materialize an axial clearance of the key body 72 relative to the key 71.

[0059] The plug 76 is arranged in the internal housing 96, between the key 71 and the second internal shoulder 92 of the key body 72.

[0060] The plug 76 has a lateral surface 97 and a front surface 98. The lateral surface 97 is substantially cylindrical of revolution and has an external diameter slightly greater than the third internal diameter of the key body 72 so that the plug 76 is tightly mounted in the key body and blocks the diffusion of fluid from the internal housing towards the first spring 78. The front surface is substantially perpendicular to the second axis 48 and oriented towards the first shoulder 90.

[0061] The first compression spring 78 is disposed axially between the key 71 and the plug 76, opposite the front surface 98. In the configurations of FIGS. 1 to 3, the first spring 78 is in a semi-compressed state, so as to push the plug 76 against the second internal shoulder 92 of the key body 72.

[0062] The actuating device 52 is movable in rotation inside the body 50 of the tool 14. Furthermore, the actuating device 52 is movable in translation inside said tool body 50, according to a stroke limited by the internal shoulder 68. of the tool body, capable of coming into axial abutment against the first shoulder 90 of the key body.

[0063] The ejection member 54 comprises: a piston 100; an ejection rod 102; and a second compression spring 104.

[0064] The piston 100 is arranged in the internal housing 96 of the key body 72, between the first shoulder 90 and the front surface 98 of the cap 76. The piston 100 has an external diameter substantially equal to the second internal diameter of the key body 72.

[0065] The ejection rod 102 extends into the key body 72 and passes through the central orifice 95 of the internal crown 88. A rear end of the rod 102 is secured to the piston 100. A front end of the rod 102 comprises an ejection head 106, arranged forward relative to the internal crown 88. A diameter of said ejection head 106 is greater than a diameter of the central orifice 95. The ejection head 106 comprises a front face 108, oriented towards the first opening 62 of the tool body 50. In the embodiment shown, said front face 108 is substantially planar.

[0066] The piston 100 and the ejection rod 102 are axially movable inside the key body 72, between a first and a second axial position. In the first axial position, visible in [Fig.l], the ejection head 106 is arranged in the second blocking section 84 and comes into axial abutment against the internal crown 88; and the piston 100 is in abutment against the front surface 98 of the cap 76. In the second axial position, visible in [Fig.3], the piston 100 comes into abutment against the first shoulder 90 of the key body 72 and the ejection head 106 projects relative to the second axial opening 82 of said key body.

[0067] The second compression spring 104 is arranged in the internal housing 96 of the key body 72, around the ejection rod 102 and between the internal crown 88 and the piston 100.

[0068] The second fluid inlet 57 comprises an inlet 110, an intermediate passage 112 and an outlet channel 114. The inlet 110 comprises an orifice passing laterally through the tool body 50 and opening onto the internal groove 70 of said tool body. The intermediate passage 112 is a hole passing laterally through the key body 72 and opening on the one hand onto the internal groove 70 of the tool body and on the other hand onto the lateral surface 97 of the plug 76. The outlet channel 114 is provided in said plug 76, between the lateral surface 97 and the front surface 98.

[0069] The first compression spring 78 pushes the key body 72 back relative to the key 71, which is fixed in translation relative to the tool 14, in order to compensate for the translation of the actuating element 28 in the body of the clip, in the direction of the first end of the body 50, when the actuating element 28 is screwed onto the connecting device 34.

[0070] Furthermore, the internal groove 70 of the tool body 50 has a width along the second axis 48, allowing axial play of the key body 72 relative to said tool body 50 while retaining the intermediate passage 112 opposite said internal groove 70. In particular, the width of the internal groove 70 is preferably configured so that said internal groove is opposite the intermediate passage 112, whatever the axial position of the pin 74 relative to the oblong orifices 94.

[0071] On either side of the internal groove 70 along the second axis 48, an internal diameter of the tool body 50 is substantially equal to an external diameter of the key body 72 on either side of the intermediate passage 112.

[0072] Thus, the second fluid inlet 57 allows the introduction of a fluid from the outside of the tool 14 towards the internal housing 96, between the plug 76 and the piston 100. As described below, such an introduction of fluid is capable of axially widening an ejection chamber 116, between the plug 76 and the piston 100. The second spring 104 has sufficient stiffness to hold the piston 100 against the plug 76 in the absence of fluid in the ejection chamber 116, as shown in [Fig.2].

[0073] The blocking device 53 comprises: a pressure chamber 120; at least one conduit 122; and at least one blocking element 124.

[0074] The pressure chamber 120 has an annular shape and is arranged in the tool body 50, in the internal wall 67 of the axial locking section 66.

[0075] The at least one conduit 122 extends radially between the pressure chamber 120 and the axial locking section 66.

[0076] The at least one locking element 124 is movable in the at least one conduit between a retracted position and a projecting position. In said projecting position, the at least one locking element 124 projects radially internally in the axial locking section 66, relative to the internal wall 67.

[0077] Preferably, the at least one locking element 124 is capable of moving in the at least one conduit while substantially ensuring a fluid seal between the pressure chamber 120 and the axial locking section 66.

[0078] In the embodiment shown, as visible in [Fig.4], the locking device 53 comprises a plurality of conduits 122, arranged angularly around the second axis 48; and the at least one locking element comprises a plurality of balls 124, each of said balls being housed in one of said conduits and able to move between the retracted position and the projecting position.

[0079] The first fluid inlet 55 comprises a channel 126 arranged between an external surface of the tool body 50 and the pressure chamber 120. Thus, the first fluid inlet 55 allows the introduction of a fluid from the outside of the tool 14 towards the pressure chamber 120, so as to move the balls 124 in the conduits 122 towards the salient position.

[0080] In the embodiment shown, the first 55 and second 57 fluid inlets of the tool 14 are connected to pressurized gas supplies, preferably to compressed air supplies.

[0081] In the first configuration of the assembly 10, visible in [Fig.l], the attachment 12 is dissociated from the tool 14 and about to be assembled to said tool. More precisely, the attachment body 26 and the actuating element 28 are at a distance, respectively, from the first 64 and second 84 rotational locking sections. In [Fig.l], the rear end of the attachment body 26 is arranged at the first axial opening 62 of the tool body 50, the first 24 and second 48 axes being merged.

[0082] Furthermore, in the first configuration of the assembly 10, the first 55 and second 57 fluid inlets are not supplied with compressed air. Under the action of the second compression spring 104, the piston 100 and the ejection rod 102 are in the first axial position, behind the key body 72. The balls 124 are free to move in the conduits 122 between the projecting position and the retracted position.

[0083] Furthermore, in the first configuration, the first shoulder 90 of the key body 72 is substantially in contact with the internal shoulder 69 of the tool body 50; and the ends of the pin 74 are in contact with the rear ends of the oblong orifices 94.

[0084] In the second configuration of the assembly 10, visible in [Fig.2] and in [Fig.4], the attachment 12 is assembled to the tool 14, the first 24 and second 48 axes being merged. More precisely, the rear ends of the attachment body 26 and of the actuating element 28 are held in rotation by the roller cages 65, 86, respectively of the first 64 and second 84 rotation locking sections. The external groove 38 of the tool body 26 is axially opposite the conduits 122 of the locking device 53.

[0085] Furthermore, in the second configuration of the assembly 10, the first fluid inlet 55 is supplied with compressed air; and the balls 124 are in a projecting position and housed in the external groove 38 of the fixing body 26.

[0086] Furthermore, in the second configuration, the first shoulder 90 of the key body 72 is axially spaced from the internal shoulder 69 of the tool body 50; and the ends of the pin 74 are axially spaced from the rear ends of the oblong orifices 94.

[0087] Furthermore, in the second configuration, the second fluid inlet 57 is not supplied with compressed air and the piston 100 and the ejection rod 102 are in the first axial position, behind the key body 72. The front face 108 of the head 106 ejection is in contact with the rear surface 43 of the actuating element 28, said actuating element being received in the second blocking section 84.

[0088] In the third configuration of the assembly 10, visible in [Fig. 3], the fastener 12 is being ejected from the tool 14. The fastener body 26 and the actuating element 28 are axially spaced, respectively, from the first 64 and second 84 rotation locking sections.

[0089] More precisely, in the third configuration, the second fluid inlet 57 is supplied with compressed air and the piston 100 and the ejection rod 102 are in the second axial position, the piston 100 coming into contact with the first shoulder 90. Furthermore, the front face 108 of the ejection head 106 is in contact with the rear surface 43 of the actuating element 28.

[0090] Furthermore, in the third configuration of the assembly 10, the first fluid inlet 55 is not supplied with compressed air. The balls 124 are free to move in the conduits 122 between the protruding position and the retracted position.

[0091] Furthermore, in the third configuration of the assembly 10, the first shoulder 90 of the key body 72 is substantially in contact with the internal shoulder 69 of the tool body 50; and the ends of the pin 74 are in contact with the rear ends of the oblong holes 94.

[0092] A method of implementing the assembly 10 will now be described. Said method relates to the removal of the fastener 12, previously assembled to the structures 16.

[0093] At the start of the method, the attachment 12 is in the installation state described previously. Furthermore, it is considered that the rear end of the tool body 50 is connected to a laying automaton (not shown), said automaton comprising a motor (not shown) connected to the key 71.

[0094] In the absence of compressed air supply to the first 55 and second 57 fluid inlets, the tool 14 is brought close to the attachment 12 and the rear ends of the actuating element 28 and the attachment body 26 are introduced into the first opening 62, so that the first 24 and second 48 axes are merged. The assembly 10 is thus in the first configuration of [Fig.l].

[0095] A forward axial movement of the tool 14 is continued, until the front face 108 of the ejection head 106 comes into contact with the rear surface 43 of the actuating element 28. The rear ends of the fixing body 26 and of the actuating element 28 engage with the roller cages 65, 86 of the first 64 and second 84 rotation locking sections. The external groove 38 of the tool body 26 is axially opposite the conduits 122 of the locking device 53.

[0096] The first fluid inlet 55 is then supplied with compressed air. A sur- air pressure is thus applied in the pressure chamber 120 and the balls 124 are pushed back into the protruding position. Said balls 124 are thus housed in the external groove 38 of the fixing body 26, axially locking the fixing 12 relative to the tool 14.

[0097] The motor of the automaton is then actuated, so as to rotate the key 71 in a first direction of rotation. The actuating element 28 is thus rotated by the second roller cage 86 of the key body 72, while the fixing body 26 is held fixed by the first roller cage 65.

[0098] By means of the connecting device 34, the rotation of the actuating element 28 relative to the fixing body 32 causes the fixing 12 to pass from the installation state, in which the enlarged head 46 of the spacer 32 is arranged between the hooking beaks 44 of the elastic clamps 30, to the disassembly state, in which said hooking beaks 44 are brought together. At this stage of the method, the assembly 10 is in the second configuration of FIGS. 2 and 4.

[0099] In the embodiment shown, the transition of the fastener 12 from the installation state to the disassembly state results in a helical movement towards the rear of the actuating element 28 relative to the fastener body 26. During the rotation of the key 71, the key body 72 is pushed towards the rear of the tool body 50 by the ejection head 106, sandwiched between the actuating element 28 and the internal crown 88. The first shoulder 90 of the key body 72 therefore moves away from the internal shoulder 69 of the tool body 50. The key 71 being fixed in translation relative to the tool body 50, the ends of the pin 74 move away from the rear ends of the oblong orifices 94 and the first spring 78 compresses slightly.

[0100] According to a variant of the invention, in which the element 28 for actuating the fixing 12 is fixed in translation relative to the fixing body 26, the rotation of the key 71 does not cause the key body 72 to move backwards relative to the tool body 50.

[0101] The attachment 12 being in the disassembled state, the rotation of the motor of the automaton is interrupted, the supply of compressed air to the first fluid inlet 55 is maintained and the automaton (not shown) is moved, so as to extract the elastic clamps 30 from the bore 22 of the structures. The attachment 12 is for example transported by the automaton to a recovery container (not shown).

[0102] Then, the supply of compressed air to the first fluid inlet 55 is interrupted. Then or simultaneously, the second fluid inlet 57 is supplied with compressed air, leading to the expansion of the ejection chamber 116 between the plug 76 and the piston 100. The air pressure compensates for the action of the second spring 104 and the piston 100 and the ejection rod 102 are pushed forward, up to the second axial position in which the piston 100 contacts the first shoulder 90 of the key body. In parallel, the first spring 78 relaxes and the first shoulder 90 comes into contact with the internal shoulder 69 of the tool body 50.

[0103] The front face 108 of the ejection head 106 thus pushes the rear surface 43 of the actuating element 28 forward.

[0104] At this stage of the method, the assembly 10 is in the third configuration of [Fig.3]. The stroke of the piston 100 is calculated to eject the fastener from the installation nose. The fastener body 26 is no longer held axially by the balls 124, the fastener 12 is thus pushed forward from the installation nose.

[0105] Then, the supply of compressed air to the second fluid inlet 57 is interrupted. The second spring 104 relaxes and the piston 100 and the ejection rod 102 move rearward to the first axial position.

[0106] A reverse process allows the installation of the fixing 12, in order to assemble it to the structures 16. During the installation process, the motor of the automaton is started in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction.

Claims

Claims

1. Installation tool (14), for assembling a fastener (12) with at least two previously drilled structures (16), said fastener comprising: a fastener body (26), extending along a first axis (24); and an actuating element (28), projecting relative to an axial end of the fastener body, the actuating element being rotatable relative to the fastener body; the installation tool including: - a tubular tool body (50), extending along a second axis (48); an axial end of the tool body comprising a first opening (62) capable of receiving and locking in rotation the axial end of the fixing body (26); - an actuating device (52), received inside the tool body and movable in rotation relative to said tool body, the actuating device defining an internal housing (96), an axial end of the actuating device comprising a second opening (82) opening onto the internal housing, the second opening being capable of receiving and locking in rotation the actuating element (28) of the fastener; the laying tool being characterized in that it further comprises: - a pressure chamber (120), of annular shape, arranged in the tool body (50) around the first opening (62); - at least one conduit (122), arranged radially relative to the second axis (48) and connecting the pressure chamber to the first opening; - at least one locking element (124), movable in the at least one conduit between a retracted position and a projecting position in the first opening (62); and - a first fluid inlet (55), opening onto the pressure chamber the setting tool being configured such that a fluid inlet into the pressure chamber is capable of moving the at least one locking element (124) to the protruding position.

2. A laying tool according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of conduits (122) distributed angularly around the second axis; and a plurality of locking elements (124), each of said locking elements being movable in one of said conduits between the position retracted and the protruding position, the locking elements preferably being balls.

3. A setting tool according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: an ejection piston (100), axially movable in the internal housing, so as to define an ejection chamber (116) inside said internal housing; and a second fluid inlet (57), opening onto the ejection chamber; the setting tool being configured so that an excess fluid pressure in the ejection chamber is capable of moving the ejection piston towards the second opening (82, 84).

4. A setting tool according to claim 3, further comprising an ejection rod (102) extending along the second axis (48) in the internal housing (96) of the actuating device, a first end of the ejection rod being fixed to the ejection piston (100), a second end (106) of the ejection rod being oriented towards the first opening (62) of the tool body.

5. A setting tool according to claim 4, further comprising a compression spring (104) disposed in the internal housing (96) around the ejection rod (102), between an internal crown (88) of the actuating device (52), disposed near the second opening (84), and the piston (100).

6. Installation tool according to one of the preceding claims, in which the actuating device (52) comprises: a key (71), capable of being driven in rotation by a motor; and a key body (72), comprising the housing (96) and the second opening (82); an axial clearance being provided (74, 94) between the key and the key body.

7. Installation tool (14) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the first (62, 64) and second (82, 84) openings of the tool (14) is equipped with a roller cage (65, 86) or an anti-rotation shape, capable of blocking in rotation an external surface of the fixing body (26) and / or of the element (28) for actuating the fixing (12).

8. Method for removing a fastener (12) inserted into at least two previously drilled structures (16), said fastener comprising: a fastener body (26), extending along a first axis (24); a plurality of elastic clamps (30), each comprising a hooking beak (44) in contact with a face (20) of the structures (16); a locking member (38) arranged on an outer surface of the body (26) and an actuating element (28), projecting relative to one end axial of the fixing body (26), the actuating element being movable in rotation relative to the fixing body and capable of moving the elastic clamps; the method comprising the following steps: - introduction of the axial end of the body (26) of the fastener (12) into the first opening (62, 64) of a setting tool (14) according to one of the preceding claims; and introduction of the element (28) for actuating the fastener into the second opening (82, 84) of the setting tool; then - introduction of pressurized fluid into the pressure chamber (120), so as to move the plurality of elements (124) into the locking member (38) of the fixing body (26), axially locking the fixing (12) relative to the tool (14); then - rotating the actuating device (52) relative to the tool body (50), so as to rotate the actuating element (28) relative to the fixing body (26); then - extraction of the fixing (12) from the structures.

9. A method of laying according to claim 8, wherein the laying tool (14) is according to one of claims 3 to 7, the method then comprising the following steps: - interruption of the introduction of pressurized fluid into the pressure chamber (120); and - introduction of pressurized fluid into the ejection chamber (116), so as to move the ejection piston (100) towards the second opening (82) in order to axially push the fastener (12) out of the tool (14).

Images