Adapter for a screw-driving tool capable of collecting a breakable portion of a fastener and method of use

Abstract

An adapter (2) for a screw-driving device (1) for a fastener in a structure, the screw-driving device (1) comprising a body (10) and a head (12) having a hollow connecting member (13) for defining a passage channel (13C) for the breakable portion of the fastener, the adapter (2) being configured to be mounted between the body (10) and the head (12) of the screw-driving device (1) and comprising: an outer peripheral casing (3) delimiting a collection chamber, a drum (4) rotatably mounted in the collection chamber and mechanically connected to a drive shaft (15) of the screw-driving device and to the connecting member (13) of the head (12) so as to drive it in rotation, the drum (4) comprising a front opening into which the passage channel (13C) of the connecting member (13) opens so as to collect the breakable portion of the fastener fixing in the recovery enclosure. Figure from the summary: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Adapter for a screw-driving tool capable of collecting a breakable portion of a fastener and method of use. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fastening elements comprising a breakable portion, used particularly in the aeronautical field. More specifically, the invention aims at collecting the breakable portion of such fastening elements.

[0002] It is known to assemble two mechanical parts, for example of an aircraft structure, by means of blind fastening elements such as rivets. A blind fastening, also called a "blind fastener", refers to a fastening element mounted on only one side of the assembly.

[0003] In practice, with reference to [Fig.1], such a fastening element F comprises a fastening body C, intended to be mounted in the mechanical parts PI, P2 of the assembly, and a breakable portion S, known to those skilled in the art as a "fuse" and which allows the fastening of the fastening element F.

[0004] In particular, a fastening member F mounted in the assembly by screwing is known. For this purpose, with reference to [Fig. 2], a screw-driving tool 1 comprises a head 12 which includes an internal connecting member 13, rotatably mounted in the head 12, and a fixed outer casing 14. The connecting member 13 includes a cavity whose shape is adapted to receive the breakable portion S. In practice, the connecting member 13 of the head 12 is driven in rotation to screw the fastening body C into the assembly according to a predetermined torque. During screwing, the fastening body C deforms, resulting in the fastening of the assembly. The screw-driving tool 1 then applies a predetermined tension on the fastening member F that exceeds the tightening torque; the breakable portion S, which protrudes from the assembly, breaks off and must be discarded.

[0005] However, after being cut, the breakable portion S must be removed from the head 12 and generally falls to the ground on the production line, which is inconvenient for the operator and can pose a safety risk. Furthermore, to attach, for example, two panels of an aircraft structure, a significant number of fasteners are used. Therefore, at the end of the operation, a lengthy and tedious cleanup is required to collect all the breakable portions, which significantly increases the delays on the aircraft production line. The operator could alternatively retrieve each breakable portion manually, but this would significantly limit the rate of installation of fasteners and slow down the aircraft production line.

[0006] There is also a risk that a breakable portion may remain in the aircraft structure and form a foreign object, which could cause damage during the use of the aircraft.

[0007] There is currently no system for recovering the breakable portion of a blind fastener compatible with a rotating machine tool.

[0008] Incidentally, a blind fastener mounted using a tensile machine tool, for example a rivet gun, is known. In such a machine tool, the main body is inserted into the assembly, and a tensile force, generated by electrical or pneumatic energy, is applied to crush the rear of the blind fastener. At a predetermined tension, the breakable portion is severed. In such a machine tool, which has no rotating parts, the breakable portion can be collected in a reservoir mounted at the rear of the machine tool, i.e., at an end opposite the setting head 12.

[0009] However, a reservoir mounted at the rear of the rivet gun cannot be adapted to a rotating machine tool for mounting blind screw fasteners, since the machine tool has a motor to rotate the head. In the case of a reservoir mounted at the rear of the machine tool, the breakable portion must pass through the machine tool to reach the reservoir, which is incompatible with a rotating head machine tool. Such a riveting machine is, for example, known from document CN217370301.

[0010] The invention thus aims to eliminate at least some of these drawbacks by proposing a system for recovering a breakable portion of a blind fastener mounted by screwing. The invention particularly aims at a recovery system that is practical to use and ergonomic for an operator. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention relates to an adapter for a screw-driving device for a fastener in a structure, in particular an aircraft structure, the adapter being configured to collect a breakable portion of the fastener, the screw-driving device comprising: • a body extending from a rear to a front along a longitudinal axis, • a drive shaft mounted for rotation within the body along the longitudinal axis, • a head comprising a linking element configured to cooperate with the breakable portion of the fastening element and rotate it around the longitudinal axis, the connecting element being hollow to define a channel of passage of the separable portion of the fastening element extending along the longitudinal axis, • the adapter being configured to be mounted between the body and the head of the screwdriver and comprising: • an outer peripheral enclosure configured to be connected to the body of the screwdriving tool, the peripheral enclosure defining a recovery chamber, • a rotating drum mounted in the recovery chamber, the drum being configured to be mechanically connected, on the one hand, to the drive shaft, and on the other hand, to the connecting element of the head so as to drive it in rotation when the drive shaft rotates, • the drum comprising a front opening into which the passage channel of the connecting element opens so as to collect the separable portion of the fixing element in the recovery enclosure.

[0012] The adapter according to the invention, suitable for mounting on a screwdriving tool with a rotating head, collects the breakable portion of a fastener, thus preventing it from falling to the ground and improving operator safety. Production times are significantly reduced since, unlike the prior art, it is no longer necessary to perform a cleaning operation after installing all the fasteners required to assemble two structural parts of an aircraft, for example.

[0013] The adapter is also convenient to handle since it is advantageously mounted between the body and the head, thus eliminating the need for a collector, for example, located at the rear of the screwdriving tool, which could unbalance the tool. In other words, the adapter is advantageously configured for integration with the screwdriving tool. Furthermore, the adapter is ergonomic, as it is mounted in line with the screwdriving tool, which reduces strain on the operator.

[0014] According to a preferred aspect, the adapter is configured to be removably connected to the body and head, allowing for quick and easy assembly and disassembly. The screwdriver can also advantageously be used with or without the adapter.

[0015] Alternatively, the adapter is fixedly connected to the screw-driving device to allow a robust assembly.

[0016] In one embodiment, the peripheral casing includes an orifice for the dischargeable portion of the fastening member, thus avoiding the storage of several dischargeable portions in the recovery enclosure. It is not no longer necessary to disassemble the adapter to empty it, which is particularly convenient.

[0017] According to one aspect, the longitudinal axis extends horizontally in its nominal operating configuration, while the discharge opening extends along a vertical axis, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, so as to allow the separable portion to be discharged through the discharge opening by gravity. This eliminates the need for the operator to perform any manipulation to empty the recovery chamber, resulting in significant time savings and reduced delays on the production line.

[0018] Preferably, the adapter comprises a collection tank connected to the peripheral casing, with the discharge opening into the collection tank. The collection tank thus forms an external reservoir that fills with the separable portions from the recovery chamber. An external reservoir is simpler to empty since it is not necessary to disassemble the entire adapter.

[0019] According to a preferred aspect, the collection tank is made of a flexible material, preferably fabric, which makes it possible to form a lightweight collection tank.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the collection tank is connected to the peripheral casing in a removable manner, which allows it to be emptied simply and quickly.

[0021] Preferably, the collection tank is connected to the peripheral casing by one or more hook and loop fasteners (of the velcro® type), one or more snap buttons or a self-adhesive strip, allowing for convenient and quick assembly and disassembly of the collection tank.

[0022] In one embodiment, the drum comprises: • a rear element configured to be connected to the drive shaft of the machine tool, • a front element configured to be connected to the linking element, and • at least two connecting elements securely linking the rear element and the front element, the connecting elements being distributed around the longitudinal axis.

[0023] Such an embodiment makes it possible to form an open rotating drum within the peripheral casing, which allows the separable portion to be received and driven, for example towards the discharge opening, by means of the drive pin. A homogeneous distribution of the drive pins around the longitudinal axis allows the separable portion to be driven efficiently.

[0024] Preferably, the drum comprises at least three connecting elements extending between the rear element and the front element, the connecting elements being distributed angularly and homogeneously around the longitudinal axis, allowing the separable portion to be driven optimally, while forming a solid drum.

[0025] According to a preferred aspect, the peripheral envelope comprising an evacuation orifice for the breakable portion of the fastening member, the breakable portion having a minimum dimension, a radial axis being defined from a center to a peripheral border of the rear element, each connecting element extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis and is connected to the rear element at a radial distance from the peripheral border along the radial axis configured to be greater than the minimum dimension of the breakable portion, so as to avoid any risk of blockage.

[0026] In one embodiment, the peripheral casing includes an outlet portion that projects radially and forms a discharge orifice for the breakable portion of the fastening member. The outlet portion has a convergent shape from the peripheral casing towards the discharge orifice. Advantageously, such an outlet portion forms an outlet funnel for the breakable portion, which is efficiently conveyed from the recovery chamber to the discharge orifice.

[0027] The invention also relates to an assembly of a screw-driving tool and an adapter as described above, the screw-driving tool comprising: • a body extending from a rear to a front along a longitudinal axis, • a drive shaft mounted for rotation within the body along the longitudinal axis, • a head comprising a linking element configured to cooperate with the breakable portion of the fastening element and rotate it along the longitudinal axis, the connecting element being hollow to define a passage channel for the breakable portion of the fastening element extending along the longitudinal axis, • the adapter being connected, on one side, to the body and, on the other side, to the head of the screwdriving tool.

[0028] Finally, the invention relates to a method of using an assembly as described above, the method comprising the steps of: • mount a fastener using the breakable portion in the head of the screw tool, • to rotate, via the drive shaft, the adapter drum and the connecting element of the screwdriver head, and • collect the breakable portion of the fastening element in the recovery container.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the adapter includes a collection tank, the peripheral casing includes a discharge orifice opening in the collection tank, the process includes a step of evacuating the breakable portion into the storage tank via the discharge port. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, 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.

[0031] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a blind fastener mounted in a two-piece assembly.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an assembly of a blind fastener of Fig. 1 and a screwing device.

[0033] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a fastening element comprising a breakable portion.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a machine tool and adapter assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0035] Fig. 5 is a view along a longitudinal section plane of the whole of Fig. 4.

[0036] Fig. 6 is a close-up view of the adapter of Fig. 4.

[0037] Fig. 7 is an exploded view of the adapter of Fig. 5.

[0038] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of an assembly of a machine tool and of an adapter according to a second embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a machine tool and adapter assembly according to a third embodiment.

[0040] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures being of course able to serve to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] It is known to join two parts of a structure, for example an aircraft structure, by means of a fastener, for example a blind fastener, of the rivet type, also known as a "blind fastener". By definition, a blind fastener is a fastener mounted from only one side of the assembly.

[0042] With reference to [Fig. 3], a blind-type fastening element F typically comprises a female part F-0, intended to be mounted in the assembly, and a male part Fl, mounted in the female part F-0. To assemble the structural parts, the female part F-0 is inserted into an opening formed in the structural parts and the male part Fl is secured to the female part F-0.

[0043] In a known manner, as shown in [Fig. 3], the joining is achieved by threading the male part Fl, which complements a tapped hole formed in the female part F-0. The male part Fl is inserted into the female part F-0 to deform it and join the parts of the assembly. In other words, the fastener F is mounted in the assembly by screwing.

[0044] To this end, the male part Fl comprises a fastening body C, intended to be mounted in the assembly and which includes the thread, and a breakable portion S, known to those skilled in the art as a "fuse," which allows the fastening member F, in particular its male part Fl, to be grasped. To allow the mounting of the fastening member F, a screwing tool 1, shown in [Fig. 2], cooperates with the breakable portion S to insert the fastening body C into the assembly. When the latter is fully mounted in the assembly, the breakable portion S, which protrudes from the assembly, is cut off and discarded, as will be described in more detail later. A "blind fastening" type fastening member F is described; however, the invention applies more generally to any screwed fastening member F that includes a breakable portion S to be collected.

[0045] In this example, with reference to [Fig. 3], the fastening member F is defined in an orthogonal coordinate system (I, J, K), in which the fastening member F extends longitudinally along an axis K and radially in a plane (I, J) orthogonal to the axis K. In the coordinate system (I, J, K), the minimum dimension L of the breakable portion S is defined. In this example, the minimum dimension L corresponds to the diameter of the breakable portion S along a lateral axis I. It is understood that the minimum dimension L could also correspond to the height of the breakable portion S defined along the axis K.

[0046] With reference to [Fig. 4], the screw-driving tool 1 comprises a body 10 and a head 12.

[0047] In this example, the screw-driving tool 1 extends longitudinally along an axis X, laterally along an axis Y, and vertically along an axis Z, so as to form an orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z). Under nominal operating conditions, the vertical axis Z extends from bottom to top, as shown in [Fig. 4]. The longitudinal axis X extends from a rear to a front end of the screw-driving tool 1, the rear and front ends being defined with respect to a screw-driving direction from back to front, i.e., in the direction of the fasteners.

[0048] In particular, the body 10 extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis X and includes a front end 11.

[0049] The screw-driving tool 1 also includes a gripping handle 19 connected to the body 10, which allows an operator to grasp the tool. In this example, the gripping handle 19 extends substantially vertically, so as to form a screw-driving tool 1 whose operation is similar to a drill.

[0050] As shown in [Fig.4], the screw-driving device 1 comprises a drive shaft 15, which extends along the longitudinal axis X to the front end 11 of the body 10. The drive shaft 15 is rotatably mounted in the body 10. Such a body 10 is known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in further detail.

[0051] In one embodiment, the screwing device 1 includes a motor 14, for example an electric motor, to drive the drive shaft 15 in rotation. It is understood that the drive shaft 15 could be driven in a different way, for example by a pneumatic actuator.

[0052] The head 12, a view of which in a longitudinal section plane (X, Z) is shown in [Fig. 5], extends forward from the body 10. The head 12 typically comprises a connecting member 13 and an outer casing 14, which extends radially outward from the connecting member 13. The outer casing 14, which is fixed in position, is configured to hold the female portion F-0 of the fastening member F when the male portion Fl is screwed in. The connecting member 13 is configured to cooperate with the breakable portion S of the fastening member F, so as to fix it in the assembly. Furthermore, the connecting member 13 is configured to be driven in rotation about the longitudinal axis X, as will be described in more detail later.

[0053] In practice, the connecting member 13 includes a rear end 13E adapted to cooperate with the drive shaft 15 and the outer casing 14 includes a rear end 14E adapted to cooperate with the front end 11 of the body 10. When the head 12 cooperates with the body 10, the screwing device 1 is similar to a screwing device 1 of the prior art.

[0054] In order to cooperate with the breakable portion S of the fixing member F, with reference to [Fig.5], the connecting member 13 is hollow and defines a passage channel 13C of the breakable portion S, the passage channel 13C extending along the longitudinal axis X.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, an adapter 2 is configured to be mounted between the body 10 and the head 12 of the screw-driving device 1, to collect the breakable portion S of the fastening member F.

[0056] With reference to [Fig.5], the adapter 2 is configured to be connected, on the one hand, to the front end 11 of the body 10 and, on the other hand, to the head 12. The adapter 2 is preferably connected in a removable manner to the body 10 and to the head 12. It is understood that the adapter 2 could alternatively be connected to the screwdriving device 1 in a fixed manner.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the adapter 2, shown in more detail in [Fig.6] and in an exploded view in [Fig.7], comprises an outer peripheral envelope 3 configured to be connected to the body 10 of the screw-driving device 1, and a drum 4 located inside the peripheral envelope 3.

[0058] The peripheral casing 3 preferably has a cylindrical shape to allow the rotation of the drum 4, as will be described in more detail later. In practice, the peripheral casing 3 preferably has a rear end 31 configured to cooperate by complementary shape with the front end 11 of the body 10, in a manner analogous to the rear end 14E of the outer casing 14 of the head 12.

[0059] With further reference to Figures 6 and 7, the peripheral casing 3 is hollow and delimits an inner retrieval chamber 32, configured to receive the breakable portion S of the fastening member F, as will be described in more detail later. The peripheral casing 3 can be formed in one piece (as shown in Figures 6 and 7) or in several parts (as shown in [Fig. 8]).

[0060] According to a preferred aspect, the peripheral casing 3 includes an evacuation orifice 33 for the breakable portion S, to extract it from the recovery enclosure 32 and allow the latter to be emptied without it being necessary to remove the adapter 2 from the screwing device 1. This allows a large number of breakable portions S to be collected consecutively. In practice, in nominal operating configuration, the evacuation orifice 33 extends along the vertical axis Z, so as to allow the breakable portion S to be evacuated through the evacuation orifice 33 by gravity.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, with reference to [Fig. 8], the peripheral casing 3 comprises an outlet portion 34 which extends radially from the peripheral casing 3, the discharge orifice 33 being formed at a radial end of the outlet portion 34. Preferably, the outlet portion 34 has a convergent shape from the peripheral casing 3, so as to form a funnel-shaped cavity to more easily collect the breakable portion S from the recovery enclosure 32 and efficiently direct it towards the discharge orifice 33. A convergent shape by definition has a narrower outlet than inlet, which makes it easy to capture the breakable portion S through a wide inlet and to convey it towards the narrow discharge orifice 33, which thus forms a more precise guide for discharging the breakable portion S.

[0062] To close the recovery enclosure 32, the adapter 2 includes a closing element 5 mounted at the front of the peripheral enclosure 3 and fixedly connected to the peripheral enclosure 3. In this example, the closing element 5, similar to a closing cover, is connected to the peripheral enclosure 3 by a plurality of axial screws. It is understood that the connection could be different.

[0063] In the operating configuration, the peripheral envelope 3 and the closing element 5 are fixedly mounted on the screwing device 1. In other words, the peripheral envelope 3 and the closing element 5 are not driven by the rotational movement of the drive shaft 15.

[0064] As described above, the drum 4 is mounted internally with respect to the peripheral casing 3. In other words, the drum 4 is mounted in the recovery enclosure 32. In particular, according to one aspect of the invention, the drum 4 is rotatably mounted in the recovery enclosure 32.

[0065] With reference to [Fig.5], the drum 4 is configured to be mechanically connected, on the one hand, to the drive shaft 15, and on the other hand, to the connecting member 13 of the head 12. Thus, the drum 4 is configured to be driven in rotation by the drive shaft 15 and to in turn drive the head 12 in rotation.

[0066] For this purpose, in this example, the drum 4 comprises a rear element 6 and a front element 8 connected by one or more connecting element(s) 7, as shown in figures 6 to 8.

[0067] In this example, the drum 4 has a shape substantially complementary to the shape of the recovery chamber 32. The rear element 6 and the front element 8 preferably have the shape of a disc, similar to a crankcase flange, and are, in this example, substantially similar. It goes without saying that the elements 6 and 8 may alternatively have different shapes.

[0068] The rear element 6 is configured to be connected to the drive shaft 15. In this example, the rear element 6 includes a rear portion which extends longitudinally outward from the element and which includes a rear housing 61 configured to receive the drive shaft 15. The housing 61 is configured to cooperate by complementary shapes with the drive shaft 15, in a manner equivalent to the rear end 13E of the connecting member 13 of the head 12, so as to drive the drum 4 in rotation.

[0069] The front element 8 is configured to be connected to the linking member 13 of the head 12. More specifically, the front element 8 preferably has a front opening 81 into which the passage channel 13C of the linking member 13 opens, in order to collect the breakable portion S of the fixing member F in the recovery enclosure 32. In this example, the front element 8 is held in place by the closing element 5, for example by means of a shoulder.

[0070] As described previously, one or more connecting elements 7 securely link the rear element 6 and the front element 8. In practice, the adapter 2 preferably comprises two connecting elements 7 to link the rear element 6 and the front element 8 in a balanced manner, while keeping the interior of the drum 4 free opposite the opening passage channel 13C. In this example, as shown in Figures 6 to 8, three connecting elements 7 link the rear element 6 and the front element 8. It is understood that their number could be different.

[0071] The connecting elements 7 extend along the longitudinal axis X between the rear element 6 and the front element 8. According to a preferred aspect, the connecting elements 7 are distributed angularly, homogeneously, around the longitudinal axis X, so as to efficiently evacuate the breakable portion S. In practice, when the drum 4 rotates in the recovery enclosure 32, the breakable portion S is driven into rotation and is thus pressed against an inner wall of the recovery enclosure 32 by the effect of centrifugal force, which allows its evacuation, as will be described in more detail later.

[0072] More specifically, with reference to [Fig. 7], in this example, an axis A is defined which extends radially along the disk formed by the rear element 6 from a center 62 to an edge 63 of the rear element 6. Along the radial axis A, each connecting element 7 is linked to the rear element 6 at a distance D7 defined from the edge 63, preferably greater than the minimum dimension L of the breakable portion S (in this example, its diameter). This limits any risk of the breakable portion S becoming stuck between the inner wall of the peripheral casing 3 and one of the connecting elements 7, which could block the rotation of the drum 4 in the recovery enclosure 32.

[0073] According to a preferred aspect, with reference to [Fig.9], the adapter 2 includes a collection reservoir 9, for collecting the breakable portion S of the fastening member F. Preferably, the collection reservoir 9 is connected to the peripheral casing 3, configured to be fixed on the screwing device 1.

[0074] Preferably, the collection tank 9 is mounted so as to allow the discharge orifice 33 to open into the collection tank 9. In practice, in the operating configuration, the collection tank 9 is mounted along the vertical axis Z under the peripheral casing 3 and the drum 4, so as to allow the discharge portion S to be evacuated through the discharge orifice 33 into the collection tank 9 by gravity.

[0075] In one embodiment, the collection tank 9 is removably connected to the peripheral casing 3 to allow for assembly and disassembly without requiring the screwing device 1 to be immobilized for an extended period. The collection tank 9 can thus be emptied easily. In this example, the collection tank 9 is connected to the peripheral casing 3 by a hook-and-loop fastener (such as Velcro®), a snap fastener, or a self-adhesive strip, to allow for quick and easy detachment of the collection tank 9 from the peripheral casing 3. In practice, in one embodiment, the collection tank 9 has a connecting tab 91 that extends around the peripheral casing 3 and forms the removable connection.

[0076] According to a preferred aspect, the collection tank 9 is made of a flexible material, preferably fabric, which makes it possible not to weigh down the screwing device 1 in use and limits the strain on the operator.

[0077] Preferably, the collection reservoir 9 has dimensions allowing it to collect a large number of breakable portions S, so as to limit the interventions to empty it and thus allow a large number of fastening elements F to be mounted without interruption.

[0078] The adapter 2 mounted on the screwing device 1 between the body 10 and the head 12 allows the breakable portions S of successive fasteners F to be collected efficiently while being ergonomic and simple to handle.

[0079] A method for using the adapter 2, as previously described, will now be described. In this example, the adapter 2 is mounted on the screw-driving tool 1 between the body 10 and the head 12. In this example, an operator uses the screw-driving tool 1, on which the adapter 2 is mounted, to assemble two structural parts of an aircraft. It is understood that the method is equivalent for assembling other parts.

[0080] In a preliminary step, the operator inserts the breakable portion S of a fastening member F into the entrance of the passage channel 13C of the connecting member 13 of the head 12 of the screwing device 1. The fastening member F is then held by the breakable portion S.

[0081] In a first step, the operator activates the screwing device 1, the drive shaft 15 of which is driven in rotation along the longitudinal axis X, in this example, via an electric motor 14. The drive shaft 15 then drives the drum 4 in rotation within the peripheral casing 3, which in turn drives the connecting member 13 of the head 12.

[0082] The operator then inserts the fastener body C of a first fastener F into a dedicated hole formed in the structural parts, and then, via the rotation of the drive shaft 15, screws the fastener body C of the male part Fl into the female part F-0 according to a predetermined torque. When the male part Fl is fully screwed into the female part F-0, additional tension is applied by the screwing tool 1. The breakable portion S is cut off and detached from the fastener body C. The breakable portion S is then lodged in the passage channel 13C.

[0083] In this example, the operator screws several fasteners F and inserts, successively during assembly, the different breakable portions S of each fastener F via the entrance of the passage channel 13C. Each breakable portion S of successive fasteners F pushes the previous breakable portions S in the passage channel 13 from front to back, i.e. in a direction opposite to the longitudinal axis X, up to the rear end 13E.

[0084] When the breakable portion S of the first fastening member F is located at the rear end 13E of the connecting member 13 and a new fastening member F is inserted through the entrance of the passage channel 13C, the breakable portion S of the new member The fixing element F pushes the breakable portion S of the first fixing element F out of the passage channel 13C at the rear end 13E, opening into the recovery chamber 32 of the adapter 2. The breakable portion S of the first fixing element F is then collected in the recovery chamber 32.

[0085] The drum 4 driven in rotation in the recovery enclosure 32 drives, by the linking elements 7, the breakable portion S in rotation and therefore into the evacuation orifice 33 to evacuate it.

[0086] In this example, in which a collection tank 9 is removably mounted on the peripheral casing 3, the breakable portion S falls by gravity from the discharge orifice 33 into the collection tank 9.

[0087] When the collection container 9 is full, after deactivating the screw-making device 1, the operator detaches it from the peripheral casing 3, for example by means of a snap fastener or a hook-and-loop fastener such as Velcro®, and can easily empty it, simultaneously discarding all the collected breakable portions S. The collection container 9 can then be reattached to the peripheral casing 3 to securely mount the subsequent fasteners F.

Claims

1. Demands Adapter (2) for a screw-driving device (1) for a fastener (F) in a structure, in particular an aircraft structure, the adapter (2) being configured to collect a breakable portion (S) of the fastener (F), the screw-driving device (1) comprising: • a body (10) extending from a rear to a front along a longitudinal axis (X), • a drive shaft (15) rotatably mounted in the body (10) along the longitudinal axis (X), • a head (12) comprising a linking member (13) configured to cooperate with the breakable portion (S) of the fixing member (F) and drive it in rotation about the longitudinal axis (X), the linking member (13) being hollow to define a passage channel (13C) of the breakable portion (S) of the fixing member (F) extending along the longitudinal axis (X), • the adapter (2) being configured to be mounted between the body (10) and the head (12) of the screwdriving tool (1) and comprising: • an outer peripheral enclosure (3) configured to be connected to the body (10) of the screwdriving device (1), the peripheral enclosure (3) delimiting a recovery chamber (32), • a drum (4) mounted to rotate in the recovery enclosure (32), the drum (4) being configured to be mechanically connected, on the one hand, to the drive shaft (15), and on the other hand, to the connecting member (13) of the head (12) so as to drive it in rotation when the drive shaft (15) rotates, • the drum (4) comprising a front opening (81) into which the passage channel (13C) of the connecting member (13) opens so as to collect the breakable portion (S) of the fixing member (F) in the recovery enclosure (32).

2. Adapter (2) according to claim 1, the adapter (2) being configured to be connected to the body (10) and the head (12) in a removable manner.

3. Adapter (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the peripheral envelope (3) includes an evacuation orifice (33) for the breakable portion (S) of the fastening member (F).

4. Adapter (2) according to claim 3, wherein, the longitudinal axis (X) extending horizontally in nominal operating configuration, the discharge orifice (33) extends along a vertical axis (Z), orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (X), so as to allow the discharge of the breakable portion (S) through the discharge orifice (33) by gravity.

5. Adapter (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, comprising a collection tank (9) connected to the peripheral casing (3), the discharge port (33) opening into the collection tank (9).

6. Adapter (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drum (4) comprises: • a rear element (6) configured to be connected to the drive shaft (15) of the machine tool (1), • a front element (8) configured to be connected to the connecting member (13), and • at least two connecting elements (7) securely connecting the rear element (6) and the front element (8), the connecting elements (7) being distributed around the longitudinal axis (X).

7. Adapter (2) according to claim 6, wherein the drum (4) comprises at least three connecting elements (7) extending between the rear element (6) and the front element (8), the connecting elements (7) being distributed angularly in a homogeneous manner around the longitudinal axis (X).

8. Adapter (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, the peripheral envelope (3) comprising an outlet portion (34) which extends radially and forms an evacuation orifice (33) of the breakable portion (S) of the fastening member (F), the outlet portion (34) has a convergent shape from the peripheral envelope (3) to the evacuation orifice (33).

9. An assembly of a screwdriving tool (1) and an adapter (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the screwdriving tool (1) comprising:

10. • a body (10) extending from a rear to a front along a longitudinal axis (X), • a drive shaft (15) rotatably mounted in the body (10) along the longitudinal axis (X), • a head (12) comprising a linking member (13) configured to cooperate with the breakable portion (S) of the fixing member (F) and drive it in rotation about the longitudinal axis (X), the linking member (13) being hollow to define a passage channel (13C) of the breakable portion (S) of the fixing member (F) extending along the longitudinal axis (X), • the adapter (2) being connected, on the one hand, to the body (10) and, on the other hand, to the head (12) of the screw-driving device (1). A method for using an assembly according to claim 9, the method comprising the steps of: • mount a fastening element (F) by the breakable portion (S) in the head (12) of the screw tool (1), • drive in rotation, via the drive shaft (15), the drum (14) of the adapter (2) and the connecting member (13) of the head (12) of the screwdriving tool (1), and • collect the breakable portion (S) of the fixing organ (F) in the recovery chamber (32).

Images