Screw holding device and screw fastening device

Abstract

This screw holding device comprises a bit part, a sealing member, and a suction part. The bit part is configured to be attachable to and detachable from a head portion of a screw in which a through-hole is formed from the head portion along the axial direction of the shaft part. The sealing member is provided on a facing surface facing a head portion of the bit part, and seals the through-hole. The suction part is configured to be able to suction the head portion of the screw attached to the bit part.

Description

Screw holding device and screw tightening device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a screw holding device and a screw tightening device.

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses an electric driver provided with a suction mechanism.

[0003] US Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0143791

[0004] The present disclosure provides a technique for holding a vacuum screw.

[0005] A screw holding device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a bit portion, a sealing member, and a suction portion. The bit portion is configured to be detachably attached to the head of a screw having a through hole formed in the axial direction of the shaft portion from the head. The sealing member is provided on a facing surface facing the head of the bit portion and seals the through hole. The suction portion is configured to be able to suck the head of the screw attached to the bit portion.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, a vacuum screw can be held.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a screw holding device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the schematic internal configuration of a case portion and a holder portion according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a bit portion according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the screw holding device according to the embodiment holds a screw. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the sealing member according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the sealing member according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining another example in which the screw holding device according to the embodiment holds a screw. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of fixing a sealing member to the bit portion according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of fixing a sealing member to the bit portion according to the embodiment.

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the screw holding device and the screw tightening device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the screw holding device and the screw tightening device disclosed are not limited by the present embodiment.

[0009] Screw tightening devices such as electric screwdrivers and nut runners are known for their ability to electrically tighten screws. A screw consists of a head and a cylindrical shaft with a spiral groove formed on its side. Screws include bolts and nuts. Some screw tightening devices have a suction mechanism that holds the screw by sucking on the screw head.

[0010] Incidentally, vacuum screws are used in the manufacture of vacuum processing equipment. Vacuum screws have a through hole formed in the axial direction from the head to the shaft. Vacuum screws can expel air or gas remaining at the bottom of the screw hole through the through hole. Vacuum screws are used to fasten parts that are placed in a reduced-pressure environment, such as parts inside a chamber.

[0011] However, even if the screw tightening device uses a suction mechanism to suck the head of the vacuum screw, it cannot hold the vacuum screw because a through hole is formed.

[0012] Therefore, technology that can hold vacuum screws is highly anticipated.

[0013] [Embodiment] [Device Configuration] An example of the screw holding device of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the screw holding device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0014] The screw holding device 10 according to this embodiment is configured as a tip tool (so-called bit) that can be attached to and detached from the socket of a screw tightening device such as an electric screwdriver or nut runner.

[0015] The screw holding device 10 comprises a shaft 20, a case portion 30, and a holder portion 40.

[0016] The shaft 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A connecting portion 21 for connecting to a screw tightening device is formed at one end of the shaft 20. A bit portion 22 for connecting to a screw is formed at the other end of the shaft 20. In the example in Figure 1, a hexagonal shaft is formed on the connecting portion 21. Also in the example in Figure 1, a hexagonal wrench is formed on the bit portion 22 for fastening a hexagonal socket head bolt. A sealing member 23 is provided on the tip end face 22a of the bit portion 22. The sealing member 23 is made of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0017] The case portion 30 is formed to surround the shaft 20. The case portion 30 is cylindrical and reaches the vicinity of the bit portion 22. A cylindrical seal portion 31 is provided at the end of the case portion 30 on the bit portion 22 side. The seal portion 31 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The case portion 30 is fixed to the shaft 20. The case portion 30 and the seal portion 31 rotate as the shaft 20 rotates.

[0018] The holder portion 40 is formed to surround the case portion 30. The holder portion 40 has a bearing inside and rotatably holds the case portion 30 via the bearing. The holder portion 40 is provided with a connector portion 41. A connection port 41a is formed in the connector portion 41. An exhaust pipe is connected to the connection port 41a.

[0019] The screw holding device 10 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to suck up a screw attached to the bit portion 22 by the case portion 30, the seal portion 31, and the holder portion 40. The case portion 30, the seal portion 31, and the holder portion 40 are examples of the suction portion of this disclosure.

[0020] Next, the general internal configuration of the case portion 30 and holder portion 40 of the screw holding device 10 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the general internal configuration of the case portion 30 and holder portion 40 according to the embodiment.

[0021] The holder portion 40 rotatably supports the case portion 30 by a bearing 42. A space 43 is formed between the holder portion 40 and the case portion 30 on the bit portion 22 side of the bearing 42. The space 43 is formed around the entire circumference in the circumferential direction along the surface of the holder portion 40 facing the case portion 30. The space 43 communicates with the connection port 41a of the connector portion 41. To improve the airtightness of the space 43, the holder portion 40 may be provided with a sealing member capable of sealing the rotation axis on the surface facing the case portion 30 on the connection portion 21 side and the bit portion 22 side of the space 43 in the axial direction. Examples of sealing members include a mechanical seal, an oil seal, and a packing.

[0022] The case portion 30 covers the shaft 20, leaving a space 32 between it and the shaft 20, from the central part of the axial holder portion 40 towards the bit portion 22. A seal portion 31 is provided at the tip of the case portion 30. Through holes 33 are formed in the circumferential surface of the case portion 30 facing the space 43. Spaces 32 and 43 communicate with each other through the through holes 33.

[0023] A sealing member 23 is provided on the end face 22a of the bit portion 22 at the tip. Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the bit portion 22 according to the embodiment. The bit portion 22 is configured as a hexagonal wrench with a hexagonal cross-section. The sealing member 23 is positioned on the end face 22a of the bit portion 22 at the position of the central axis when the bit portion 22 rotates. The sealing member 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The sealing member 23 is fixed to the end face 22a of the bit portion 22 by adhesive.

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates an example of how the screw holding device 10 according to the embodiment holds a screw. Figure 4 shows the case where the screw holding device 10 according to the embodiment holds a hexagon socket head bolt 50 as a screw. The hexagon socket head bolt 50 is composed of a head 51 and a shaft 52. A hexagonal hole 53 is formed in the head 51. Screw threads are formed on the side surface of the shaft 52. In addition, a through hole 54 is formed in the hexagon socket head bolt 50 from the bottom of the hole 53 in the head 51 in the axial direction of the shaft 52.

[0025] The hex socket head bolt 50 is attached to the bit portion 22 by aligning the hole 53 in the head 51 with the bit portion 22. The end of the bit portion 22 is formed to the dimensions corresponding to the hole 53 and engages with the hole 53. When the hex socket head bolt 50 is attached to the bit portion 22, the seal portion 31 comes into contact with the head 51. The sealing member 23 enters the through hole 54 and seals the through hole 54.

[0026] When the screw is held by the screw holding device 10, exhaust is released from the exhaust pipe connected to the connection port 41a. When exhaust is released from the connection port 41a of the connector part 41, the exhaust flows from the opening of the seal part 31 to the space 32, the through hole 33, the space 43, and the connection port 41a. Since the through hole 54 of the hex socket head bolt 50 is sealed by the sealing member 23, the space 32, the through hole 33, and the space 43 are depressurized. As a result, the hex socket head bolt 50 attached to the bit part 22 is attracted to the bit part 22 and held in place by the bit part 22.

[0027] In this way, the screw holding device 10 can hold the hex socket head bolt 50 by suction by exhausting air from the connection port 41a. Furthermore, when the exhaust from the connection port 41a is stopped, the space 32, the through hole 33, and the space 43 return to atmospheric pressure, and the suction of the hex socket head bolt 50 can be released.

[0028] In the above embodiment, the case in which the through hole 54 is sealed by a cylindrical sealing member 23 was described as an example. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The sealing member 23 may have any shape as long as it can seal the through hole 54. For example, the sealing member 23 may be formed such that the diameter of the end on the head 51 side of the hex socket head bolt 50 is smaller than the diameter of the through hole 54, and the diameter of the end face 22a side of the bit portion 22 is larger than the diameter of the through hole 54. Alternatively, for example, the sealing member 23 may be formed such that the diameter of the end on the head 51 side of the hex socket head bolt 50 is larger than the diameter of the through hole 54, and the through hole 54 is sealed by covering it.

[0029] Figure 5 shows another example of the sealing member 23 according to the embodiment. The sealing member 23 shown in Figure 5 enters the through hole 54 with its lower end 23a as the tip. The tip end 23a of the sealing member 23 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the through hole 54. The sealing member 23 also has a tapered surface 23b that gradually increases in diameter from the end 23a. The part of the sealing member 23 above the tapered surface 23b is formed to have a diameter approximately the same as the diameter of the through hole 54. As a result, even if the end 23a of the sealing member 23 is slightly misaligned with the through hole 54, it will enter the through hole 54 smoothly. As a result, even if the position of the bit portion 22 is slightly misaligned with the hole 53 of the head 51 of the hex socket head bolt 50, the sealing member 23 can seal the through hole 54.

[0030] Figure 6 shows another example of the sealing member 23 according to the embodiment. The sealing member 23 shown in Figure 6 enters the through hole 54 with its lower end 23a as the tip. The tip end 23a of the sealing member 23 is formed to have a larger diameter than the diameter of the through hole 54. Figure 7 shows another example of the screw holding device 10 holding a screw according to the embodiment. Figure 7 shows the case where the sealing member 23 has the shape shown in Figure 6. When the hex socket head bolt 50 is attached to the bit portion 22, the sealing member 23 seals the through hole 54 by covering the through hole 54 with its end 23a. In this case as well, the screw holding device 10 can hold the hex socket head bolt 50 by exhausting air from the exhaust pipe connected to the connection port 41a.

[0031] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which the sealing member 23 is fixed by adhesive bonding to the end face 22a of the bit portion 22 was described as an example. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The sealing member 23 can be fixed by any method as long as it can be positioned on the end face 22a of the bit portion 22. For example, the bit portion 22 may have a hole in its end face 22a. The sealing member 23 may be fixed to the end face 22a by inserting the end on the end face 22a side into the hole.

[0032] Figure 8 shows an example of fixing a sealing member 23 to a bit portion 22 according to an embodiment. A hole 22b is formed in the end face 22a of the bit portion 22. The sealing member 23 is fixed to the end face 22a by inserting its end on the end face 22a side into the hole 22b. This allows the sealing member 23 to be stably fixed to the bit portion 22. A screw groove may be formed in the hole 22b. The sealing member 23 may have a screw thread formed on its end on the end face 22a side and be fixed to the end face 22a by screwing it into the hole 22b. This prevents the sealing member 23 from coming out of the hole 22b, and thus allows the sealing member 23 to be stably fixed by the bit portion 22.

[0033] Figure 9 shows another example of fixing the sealing member 23 to the bit portion 22 according to the embodiment. A hole 22b is formed in the end face 22a of the bit portion 22. A crossing hole 22d is formed in the side surface 22c of the bit portion 22, intersecting with the hole 22b. The crossing hole 22d penetrates the bit portion 22. Note that the crossing hole 22d only needs to reach the hole 22b and does not need to penetrate the bit portion 22. The sealing member 23 is fixed by a pin 24 inserted through the crossing hole 22d. In this case as well, it is possible to prevent the sealing member 23 from coming out of the hole 22b, so that the sealing member 23 can be stably fixed by the bit portion 22.

[0034] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the vacuum screw was described as a hexagon socket head bolt 50 with a through hole 54 formed therein. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The vacuum screw can be any screw, as long as a through hole is formed from the head to the shaft in the axial direction. The screw holding device 10 according to this embodiment can adsorb and hold any screw, as long as a through hole is formed from the head to the shaft in the axial direction.

[0035] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which the screw holding device 10 is configured as a tip tool that can be attached to and detached from the socket of the screw tightening device was described as an example. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The screw tightening device and the screw holding device 10 may be configured as an integrated unit. For example, the screw holding device 10 may have the configuration of the screw holding device 10 according to the embodiment and a drive unit such as a motor, and the drive unit may be configured to rotate the shaft 20 and rotate the bit unit 22. As a result, the screw holding device 10 can hold vacuum screws with the bit unit 22 and tighten the held vacuum screws.

[0036] As described above, the screw holding device 10 according to the embodiment comprises a bit portion 22, a sealing member 23, and a suction portion (case portion 30, seal portion 31, and holder portion 40). The bit portion 22 is configured to be detachably attached to the head 51 of a screw (hex socket head bolt 50) having a through hole 54 formed in the axial direction from the head 51 to the shaft portion 52. The sealing member 23 is provided on the opposing surface (end face 22a) of the bit portion 22 that faces the head 51 and seals the through hole 54. The suction portion is configured to be able to suck the head 51 of the screw attached to the bit portion 22. As a result, the screw holding device 10 can hold a vacuum screw.

[0037] Furthermore, the sealing member 23 is made of an elastic material. This allows the screw holding device 10 to tightly seal the sealing member 23 against the through hole 54, thereby sealing the through hole 54.

[0038] Furthermore, the sealing member 23 enters the through hole 54 and seals the through hole 54. As a result, the screw holding device 10 can seal the through hole 54 with the sealing member 23.

[0039] Furthermore, the sealing member 23 is formed such that the diameter of the end 23a on the head 51 side of the screw (hex socket head bolt 50) is larger than the diameter of the through hole 54, and the sealing member covers the through hole 54 to seal it. As a result, the screw holding device 10 can seal the through hole 54 with the sealing member 23.

[0040] Further, the diameter of the end portion on the head 51 side of the screw (hexagon socket bolt 50) is formed smaller than the diameter of the through hole 54, and the diameter on the facing surface (end face 22a) side is formed to be equal to or larger than the diameter of the through hole 54. Thereby, even when the position of the bit portion 22 is slightly deviated with respect to the hole 53 of the head 51 of the hexagon socket bolt 50, the through hole 54 can be sealed by the sealing member 23.

[0041] Further, the bit portion 22 has a hole 22b in the facing surface (end face 22a). The end portion on the facing surface side of the sealing member 23 is inserted into the hole 22b and fixed to the facing surface. Thereby, the screw holding device 10 can stably fix the sealing member 23 to the bit portion 22.

[0042] Further, a screw groove is formed in the hole 22b. A thread is formed at the end portion on the facing surface (end face 22a) side of the sealing member 23. The sealing member 23 is screwed into the hole 22b and fixed to the facing surface. Thereby, the screw holding device 10 can prevent the sealing member 23 from coming out of the hole 22b, and thus can more stably fix the sealing member 23 to the bit portion 22.

[0043] Further, the bit portion 22 is formed in a columnar shape with the facing surface as the end face 22a, and an intersecting hole 22d that intersects the hole 22b is formed in the side surface 22c. The sealing member 23 is fixed by a pin 24 inserted into the intersecting hole 22d. Thereby, the screw holding device 10 can prevent the sealing member 23 from coming out of the hole 22b, and thus can more stably fix the sealing member 23 to the bit portion 22.

[0044] Further, the screw is a hexagon socket bolt 50. The bit portion 22 is formed as a hexagon wrench. The sealing member 23 is provided on the end face 22a of the hexagon wrench. Thereby, the screw holding device 10 can hold the hexagon socket bolt 50 in which the through hole 54 is formed in the axial direction from the head 51 to the shaft portion 52.

[0045] It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In fact, the above-described embodiments can be embodied in various forms. Also, the above embodiments may be omitted, replaced, or changed in various forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

[0046] Additionally, the following supplementary notes are disclosed regarding the above embodiments.

[0047] (Supplementary Note 1) A bit part detachably configured on the head of a screw having a through hole formed in the axial direction from the head to the shaft part, a sealing member provided on the opposing surface of the bit part facing the head, for sealing the through hole, and a suction part configured to be able to suck the head of the screw attached to the bit part. A screw holding device comprising these components.

[0048] (Supplementary Note 2) The screw holding device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the sealing member is formed of an elastic member.

[0049] (Supplementary Note 3) The screw holding device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the sealing member enters the through hole to seal the through hole.

[0050] (Supplementary Note 4) The screw holding device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the diameter of the end portion on the head side of the screw is formed larger than the diameter of the through hole, and the through hole is sealed by covering the through hole.

[0051] (Supplementary Note 5) The screw holding device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the diameter of the end portion on the head side of the screw is formed smaller than the diameter of the through hole, and the diameter on the opposing surface side is formed to be equal to or larger than the diameter of the through hole.

[0052] (Supplementary Note 6) The bit part has a hole in the opposing surface, and the screw holding device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the end portion on the opposing surface side of the sealing member is inserted into the hole and fixed to the opposing surface.

[0053] (Supplementary Note 7) A screw thread groove is formed in the hole, and the screw holding device according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein a screw thread is formed on the end portion on the opposing surface side of the sealing member, and the sealing member is screwed into the hole and fixed to the opposing surface.

[0054] (Supplementary Note 8) The bit part is formed in a columnar shape with the opposing surface as an end face, and an intersecting hole intersecting with the hole is formed on the side surface, and the screw holding device according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the sealing member is fixed by a pin inserted into the intersecting hole.

[0055] (Note 9) The screw holding device according to any one of Notes 1 to 8, wherein the screw is a socket head cap screw, the bit portion is formed of a hex wrench, and the sealing member is provided on the end face of the hex wrench.

[0056] (Note 10) A screw tightening device comprising: a screw holding device described in any one of Notes 1 to 9; and a drive unit for rotationally driving the bit portion.

[0057] 10 Screw holding device 20 Shaft 21 Connection part 22 Bit part 22a End face 22b Hole 22c Side surface 22d Intersecting hole 23 Sealing member 23a End part 23b Tapered surface 24 Pin 30 Case part 31 Seal part 32, 43 Space 33 Through hole 40 Holder part 41 Connector part 41a Connection port 42 Bearing 50 Hex socket head bolt 51 Head 52 Shaft part 53 Hole 54 Through hole

Claims

1. A screw holding device comprising: a bit portion detachably configured to be attached to the head of a screw having a through hole formed in the axial direction from the head to the shaft; a sealing member provided on the opposing surface of the bit portion facing the head and sealing the through hole; and a suction portion configured to suck up the head of the screw attached to the bit portion.

2. The screw holding device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is formed of an elastic member.

3. The screw holding device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member enters the through hole and seals the through hole.

4. The screw holding device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is formed such that the diameter of the end of the screw on the head side is larger than the diameter of the through hole, and the sealing member seals the through hole by covering it.

5. The screw holding device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is formed such that the diameter of the end of the screw on the head side is smaller than the diameter of the through hole, and the diameter of the opposing surface side is formed to be greater than or equal to the diameter of the through hole.

6. The screw holding device according to claim 1, wherein the bit portion has a hole on the opposing surface, and the sealing member has an end on the opposing surface side that is inserted into the hole and fixed to the opposing surface.

7. The screw holding device according to claim 6, wherein a screw groove is formed in the hole, and the sealing member has screw threads formed at the end on the opposing surface side and is fixed to the opposing surface by being screwed into the hole.

8. The screw holding device according to claim 6, wherein the bit portion is formed in a columnar shape with the opposing surface as the end face, and a crossing hole intersecting the hole is formed on the side surface, and the sealing member is fixed by a pin inserted into the crossing hole.

9. The screw holding device according to claim 1, wherein the screw is a socket head cap screw, the bit portion is formed of a hex wrench, and the sealing member is provided on the end face of the hex wrench.

10. A screw tightening device comprising: a screw holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and a drive unit for rotationally driving the bit portion.

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