Fastening apparatus

Details Fastening apparatus Fastening apparatus

1999-05-18

2001-06-19

Smith, James G. (Department: 3723)

Tools

Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor

Responsive to torque on work

C081S469000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06247387

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to fastening apparatus used to position and tighten threaded fasteners, and in particular to automated fastening apparatus.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Known fastening apparatus apply a predetermined set of conditions to a threaded fastener being tightened. Typically a constant axial load is applied to the threaded fastener which is rotated at a speed determined by the friction generated at the threads of the threaded fastener and the torque applied to the driving bit.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fastening apparatus that is capable of applying at least two distinct sets of tightening conditions to an associated threaded fastener to improve the speed and efficiency of tightening of the threaded fastener and also to improve its reliability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Thus according to the present invention there is provided a fastening apparatus for tightening an associated threaded fastener in which the apparatus applies a first set of tightening conditions to the associated fastener, during a first tightening stage the apparatus being capable of detecting a transitional tightening stage of the associated fastener, and applying a second set of tightening conditions during a second tightening stage in response to the detection of the transitional stage.
According to the present invention there is also provided a fastening apparatus for tightening an associated threaded fastener in which the apparatus rotates the associated threaded fastener at a first speed during a first tightening stage and said apparatus rotates the associated threaded fastener at a second speed during a second tightening stage. The second speed may be faster or slower than the first speed.
According to the present invention there is also provided a fastening apparatus for tightening an associated threaded fastener in which the apparatus applies a first axial load to the associated threaded fastener during a first tightening stage and said apparatus applies a second axial load to the associated threaded fastener during a second tightening stage. The second load may be greater or smaller than the first load.
A further aspect of the invention provides a robotic arm for use on an assembly line, for example for car production, comprising a fastening apparatus according to the earlier aspects of the invention such as a two speed fastening device adapted to enable a threaded fastener to pierce and tap a support layer such as a sheet of aluminium. Beneficially, the robotic arm can be controlled by a programmed device such as a micro controller to move the fastening apparatus to different locations.


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