WO2011060453A1

WO2011060453A1 - Apparatus for tightening or loosening fasteners

Info

Publication number: WO2011060453A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/056907
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Koppenhoefer; Lothar Hermann Seis
Original assignee: HYTORC Division Unex Corporation
Priority date: 2009-11-16
Filing date: 2010-11-16
Publication date: 2011-05-19

Abstract

A reaction force transfer apparatus useable during tightening or loosening of a fastener includes a first force-transmitting element rotatabiy attachable about a turning force axis of a device for effecting rotation of a receiving member to tighten or loosen the fastener; a second force-transmitting element extending substantially perpendicular to at least a distal portion of the first element; and a third force-transmitting element extending substantially perpendicular to at least a distal portion of the second element.

Description

APPARATUS FOR TIGHTENING OR LOOSENING FASTENERS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application is a continuation application of co-pending U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/261 ,378, having the Filing Date of November 16, 2009, that is entitled "Reaction Adaptors for Torque Power Tools", an entire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1 . Field of the Technology

The present application relates generally to torque power tools, and more particularly to reaction adaptors for tools and tools having the adaptors.

2. Description of the Related Art

Torque power tools are known in the art and include those driven pneumatically, electrically, hydraulically, manually, by a torque multiplier, or otherwise powered. All torque power tools have a turning force and an equal and opposite reaction force. Often this requires the use of reaction fixtures to abut against viable and accessible stationary objects to stop the housing of the tool from turning backward, while a fastener, such as for example a nut, turns forward. The stationary object must be viable in that it must be able to absorb the reaction force and be accessible in that it must be nearby for the reaction fixture to abut against it. Several examples of known torque power tools that include a reaction arm to abut against a stationary object are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6, 152,243, U.S. Patent No. 6,253,642 and U.S. Patent No. 6,715,881 , commonly owned and incorporated by reference herein.

In underground mining, excavation and tunneling operations, it is known in the art to support the overhead and lateral rock strata by elongated structural members such as metal roof mats or plates and channel members that extend transversely across the mine roof and downwardly along the lateral side walls. The plates are tensioned against the rock face by a fastening nut threadably mounted on a bolt. A multiple plate and channel member configuration may be used for such applications and may include strata plates and load plates. Strata plates are secured between the load plate and the mine roof. Strata plates may conform to some degree to the rock face of the mine roof, to thereby inhibit fretting of the rock face about the bolt. Load plates transfer the weight load of the supported rock to the bolt and must have sufficient strength to support considerable loads. To increase the load bearing capacity of the load plates, the central portions may have a domed configuration.

Binding the multiple plate and channel member configuration system to the mine walls and ceiling requires the use of torque power tools to tighten or loosen the fasteners. Often two or more operators are needed to carry out one tightening or loosening operation. Other methods include suspending the necessary equipment from the mine roof, channel members or plates or using articulated arms or other support fixtures. Trombone-shaped reaction devices are also known in the art. These methods are performed in inverted positions, require heavy and bulky equipment and result in substantial side load, which may cause tool failure.

Accordingly, what are needed are reaction force transfer mechanisms which overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.

SUMMARY

Reaction adaptors for torque power tools pneumatically, electrically, hydraulically and manually driven and tools having the adaptors are disclosed. In one illustrative example, a reaction adaptor of an apparatus for tightening or loosening a fastener includes: a first force-transmitting element, when engaged with a tool, being rotatable about a turning force axis of the tool; a second force- transmitting element extending substantially perpendicular to at least a distal portion of the first element; and a third force-transmitting element extending substantially perpendicular to at least a distal portion of the second element.

A reaction force transfer apparatus usable during tightening or loosening of a fastener includes a first force-transmitting element rotatably attachable about a turning force axis of a device for effecting rotation of a receiving member to tighten or loosen the fastener; a second force-transmitting element extending substantially perpendicular to at least a distal portion of the first element; and a third force-transmitting element extending substantially perpendicular to at least a distal portion of the second element.

Advantageously, the apparatus substantially reduces fastener twisting and bending forces; allows for hands-free operation of the tool on an inverted plate or channel member of a mine configuration or other inverted application; makes torque application faster and more precise, without the hassle of additional reaction arms, backup wrenches, pullers, bridges, tommy bars, jackscrews, impact wrenches or hand wrenches; deters over-stretching or over-relaxing of the fastener; and decreases the risk of operators pinching their fingers or being too close to the tool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present application, as well as the preferred mode of use, reference should be made to the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a reaction force transfer apparatus for a power tool and the tool having the reaction force transfer apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pneumatic tool with the reaction force transfer apparatus in a set-up position; and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pneumatic tool with the reaction force transfer apparatus in an operation position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a reaction adaptor 150, a reaction force transfer apparatus, for a torque power tool 100, a device for effecting rotation of a receiving member 1 1 1 to tighten or loosen a fastener, Tool 100 includes a housing 101 having two housing portions, a cylinder portion 102 and a driving portion 103.

Cylinder-piston means 104 are arranged in cylinder portion 102 and include a cylinder 105, a piston 106 reciprocatingly movable in cylinder 105 along a piston axis Ai , and a piston rod 107 connected with piston 106. A known lever- type ratchet mechanism 108 is arranged in driving portion 103, connected to and drivable by cylinder-piston means 104, and includes a ratchet 109. Ratchet 109 is turnable about a turning force axis Bi which is perpendicular to piston axis Ai . Ratchet 109 is connected with a driving element 1 10 which receives a first turning force 190 acting about turning force axis Bi in one direction 192 during operation of tool 100. Turning force 190 turns a deep well hex socket 1 1 1 attached to driving element 1 10 which turns a fastener. Deep well hex socket 1 1 1 is shown surrounded by and rotatable within reaction adaptor 150.

A reaction support portion 1 14, formed on a part of cylinder portion 103 receives second turning force 191 acting about turning force axis Bi in another direction 193 during operation of tool 100. Reaction support portion 1 14 is formed of an annular polygonal body 1 15 having a plurality of outer splines 1 16. Outer splines 1 16 are positioned circumferentially around annular body 1 15 and extend radially outwardly from a central axis A₂ which is coaxial with piston axis Ai .

A reaction support portion 120, connected to driving portion 103, also receives second turning force 191 acting about turning force axis Bi in another direction 193 during operation of tool 100. Reaction support portion 120 is formed of an annular polygonal body 121 having a plurality of outer splines 123. Outer splines 123 are positioned circumferentially around annular body 121 and extend radially outwardly from a central axis B₂ which is coaxial with turning force axis Bi .

Reaction adaptor 150, when attached to reaction support portion 120, receives second turning force 191 acting in another direction 193 during operation. First and second turning forces 190 and 191 are equal to and in opposite directions to each other. First turning force 190 turns fastener 131 while reaction adaptor 150 transfers second turning force 191 to a stationary object at abutment pressure point Pi .

Reaction adaptor 150 generally includes: a first force-transmitting element 160, a modified holding sleeve, which when engaged with tool 100, is rotatable about turning force axis Bi ; a second force-transmitting element 170, a sleeve extension which when attached to first element 160, extends substantially perpendicular to at least a distal portion 166 of first element 160; and a third force-transmitting element 180, a reaction extension which when engaged with second element 170, extends substantially perpendicular to at a least a distal portion 176 of second element 170.

First element 160 is rotatably attachable about turning force axis Bi and includes: a proximal portion 162 formed of an annular, polygonal or tubular body having a plurality of inner splines; a medial portion 164 formed of an annular, polygonal or tubular body; and distal portion 166 formed of an annular, polygonal or tubular body. First element 160 has an internal bore which runs substantially through proximal, medial and distal portions 162, 164 and 166.

Second element 170 includes a proximal portion 172 formed of an annular or polygonal body and a distal portion 176 formed of an annular or polygonal body with an opening. Third element 180 includes a proximal portion 182 formed of an annular, polygonal or tubular body and a distal portion 186 formed of an annular, polygonal or tubular body. Proximal portion 182 is insertable into the opening of distal portion 176. First element 160, when attached to tool 100, extends and has a first force-transmitting axis B₂ substantially perpendicular to piston axis A₂. Second element 170, when attached to first element 160, has a second force-transmitting axis Ci substantially perpendicular to first force- transmitting axis B₂. Third element 180, when attached to second element 170, has a third force-transmitting axis Di substantially perpendicular to second force- transmitting axis Ci .

Several examples of reaction fixtures having components similar to those of reaction adaptor 150 and tools having the reaction fixtures are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,929,439, U.S. Patent No. 7,003,862, U.S. Patent No. 7, 125,213 and U.S. Patent No. 7,207,760, commonly owned and incorporated by reference herein.

First element 160 is shown non-rotatably attached to reaction support portion 120 in a first position and held in place by a locking mechanism 180. First element 160 absorbs reaction turning force 191 created during turning of driving element 1 10. First element 160 is engageable and attachable separately, individually, and independently to tool 100. First element 160 may be rotatably attachable to, extensibiy and reiractabiy attachable from, or rotatably attachable to and extensibiy and retractably attachable from reaction support portion 120 or tool 100. The inner splines are positioned circumferentially around the inside of proximal portion 162 and extend radially inwardly toward a central axis B₃. Proximal portion 162 is of such inner width and annular body 121 is of such outer width that the inner splines mesh with outer splines 123. Locking mechanism 180 may include a bore and pin or other well known configuration like a spring loaded reaction clamp at the base of reaction support portion 120 and receiving grooves on proximal portion 162. Axes Bi , B₂, and B₃ are coaxial when first element 160 and reaction support portion 120 are attached to each other and to tool 100.

Second element 170 is shown attached to first element 160 in a second position and held in place by a locking mechanism (not shown) or a weld. Second element 170 may be rotatably attachable to. extensibly and retractably attachable from, or rotatably attachable to and extensibly and retractably attachable from at least distal portion 168. Second element 170 is engageable and attachable separately, individually, and independently to first element 160.

Third element 180 is shown attached to second element 170 in a third position in the opening of distal portion 176 and held in place by a locking mechanism (not shown) or a weld. Third element 180 may be rotatably attachable to, extensibly and retractably attachable from, or rotatably attachable to and extensibly and retractably attachable from at least distal portion 176. Third element 180 is engageable and attachable separately, individually, and independently to second element 170. Third element 180 may be t-shaped or mushroom-shaped such that the width of distal portion 186 is greater than the width of proximal portion 182. Third element 180 allows for hands-free operation of tool 100 on an inverted plate or channel member of a mine configuration or other inverted applications.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of pneumatic tool 200 with reaction adaptor 150, the reaction force transfer apparatus, in a set-up position T₂ adjacent a channel member 295. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of pneumatic tool 200 with reaction adaptor 150 in an operation position T₃ attached to channel member 295. In operation position T₃, reaction adaptor 150 is in a reaction force transfer position to transfer second turning force 191 , the reaction force, to channel member 295 at abutment pressure point P₃ during operation. Turning force 190 turns hex socket 1 1 1 on the fastener and distal portion 186 bears against channel member 295 at abutment pressure point P₃. This prevents ratchet 109 from rotating inwardly relative to the fastener.

Reaction adaptor 150 substantially reduces fastener twisting and bending forces; allows for hands-free operation of the tool on an inverted plate or channel member of a mine configuration or other inverted application; makes torque application faster and more precise, without the hassle of additional reaction arms, backup wrenches, pullers, bridges, tommy bars, jackscrews, impact wrenches or hand wrenches; deters over-stretching or over-relaxing of the fastener; and decreases the risk of operators pinching their fingers or being too close to the tool.

Reaction adaptors, tools, and other force-transmitting components of the present application may be made from any suitable material such as aluminum, steel, or other metal, metallic alloy, or other alloy including non-metals. Tools of the present application may have: load bolt sizes from ½" to 8"; have drive sizes from ½" to 8"; have hex sizes from ½" to 8"; have torque output ranges of 100 ft. lbs. to 40,000 ft. lbs; bolt load ranges of 10,000 lbs. to 1 ,500,000 lbs.; and have operating pressures from 1 ,500 psi to 10,000 psi. Tools of the present application may include Tension, Torque-Tension, and Torque machines, and may include those driven pneumatically, electrically, hydraulically, manually, by a torque multiplier, or otherwise powered. Dimensions of reaction adaptors of the present application may range from 3"x1 "x2.5" to 24"x8"x24" and weigh from 3 lbs. to 500 lbs. Dimensions of tools of the present application may range from 6"x 2"x 5" to 23"x12"x14" and weigh from 3 lbs. to 500 lbs. Note that reaction adaptors and tools of the present application may substantially diverge, both positively and negatively, from these representative ranges of dimensions and characteristics.

Reaction adaptors for torque power tools pneumatically, electrically, hydraulically and manually driven and tools having the adaptors are disclosed. In one illustrative example, a reaction adaptor of an apparatus for tightening or loosening a fastener includes: a first force-transmitting element, when engaged with a tool, being rotatable about a turning force axis of the tool; a second force- transmitting element extending substantially perpendicular to at least a distal portion of the first element; and a third force-transmitting element extending substantially perpendicular to at least a distal portion of the second element. In another illustrative example, a reaction adaptor includes: a first force-transmitting element being substantially coaxial with a turning force axis of a tool; a second force-transmitting element, when attached to the first element, extending substantially at an angle of between 45° - 135° to the turning force axis; and a third force-transmitting element, when attached to the second element, extending substantially at an angle of between 45° - 315° to at least the distal portion of the second element.

When used in the foregoing specification, and/or the following claims, the terms "comprises", "includes" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. Few if any of the terms or phrases in the specification and claims have been given any special meaning different from their plain language meaning, and therefore the specification is not to be used to define terms in an unduly narrow sense.

The features disclosed in the foregoing specification, the following claims, and/or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilized for realizing the invention in diverse forms thereof. It is to be understood that the above is merely a description of preferred embodiments of the present application and that various changes, combinations, alterations, and variations may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as set for in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

Claims

1 . An apparatus for tightening or loosening fasteners including:

a receiving member, rotatably supported in the apparatus, for receiving the fastener;

a device for effecting rotation of the receiving member to tighten or loosen the fastener;

a first force-transmitting element rotatably attachable about a turning force axis of the device for effecting rotation;

a second force-transmitting element extending substantially perpendicular to at least a distal portion of the first element; and

a third force-transmitting element extending substantially perpendicular to at least a distal portion of the second element.

2. An apparatus useable during tightening or loosening fasteners including: a first force-transmitting element rotatably attachable about a turning force axis of a device for effecting rotation of a receiving member to tighten or loosen the fastener;

3. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the third element is t-shaped.

4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the third element allows for the apparatus to be inverted.

5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein at least the distal portion of the first element, when attached to the device for effecting rotation of the fastener, extends substantially coaxial to the turning force axis; at least a distal portion of the second element, when attached to the first element, extends substantially at an angle of between 45° - 315° to the turning force axis; and the third element, when attached to the second element, extends substantially at an angle of between 45° - 315° to at least the distal portion of the second element.

6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the first element is rotatabiy attachable to and extensibiy and retractabiy attachable from the device for effecting rotation.

7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the second element is either rotatabiy attachable to, extensibiy and retractabiy attachable from, or rotatabiy attachable to and extensibiy and retractabiy attachable from at least a distal portion of the first element.

8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the third element is either rotatabiy attachable to, extensibiy and retractabiy attachable from, or rotatabiy attachable to and extensibiy and retractabiy attachable from at least a distal portion of the second element.

9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the first, second and third elements transfer a reaction force to a stationary object during operation of the apparatus.

10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the first element is engageable separately, individually and independently to the device for effecting rotation; the second element is engageable separately, individually and independently to the first element; and the third element is engageable separately, individually and independently to the second element.

1 1 . An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the device for effecting rotation is either pneumatically, electrically, hydraulically or manually driven.