IT202100023876A1 - PORTABLE EQUIPMENT WITH SAFETY DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to portable equipment suitable for operating on a fastening element.

[0002] In particular, the technical field in which the present invention fits? that of the equipment suitable for carrying out fastening operations on fasteners of the blind rivet, threaded insert, or lockbolt type, i.e. those fasteners that are suitable for joining two distinct components, typically two sheet metal elements. The equipment in question is suitable for carrying out specific operations of deformation, including plastic and/or permanent, of the fixing element or of a portion thereof, to obtain the fixing of the two distinct components.

[0003] In the state of the art these devices are also known as guns and/or inserters and/or riveters, also depending on the type of fastening element on which they operate. In the present discussion we refer to them with the generic definition of ?portable equipment?.

[0004] Depending on the type of fastener, insert, or rivet or lockbolt, the equipment must perform specific operations and actions on the fastener to complete its fastening. Said actions provide for axial type movements in one direction, in both directions, with or without intermediate stops, and sometimes also provide for rotational actions with respect to the axis along which the axial movements are performed.

[0005] For the above reason, state-of-the-art portable equipment comprises specific groups of components suitable for engaging the fastening elements to command them to move. In particular, portable equipment comprises gripping members suitable for engaging a fastening element, and comprises specific actuation members which actuate the gripping members. Preferably said actuation members are of the type with hydraulic operation, and the hydraulic actuation of said actuation members is performed by means of a pneumatic unit specifically operatively connected to said hydraulic actuation members.

[0006] In fact, portable equipment is typically equipped with a pressurized pneumatic cylinder, also known as a pneumatic tank or sometimes known as a "barrel".

[0007] Typical problem of portable equipment of the known art? linked to safety aspects of said pneumatic tank.

[0008] Specifically, during maintenance operations or in conditions of malfunction of the portable equipment, for example caused by a blockage of a valve or an exhaust pipe, the bottom cover which hermetically closes the pressurized tank must be disassembled , for example manually, by an operator.

[0009] Since, in certain situations, the tank contains pressurized gas, ? it is necessary to guarantee that the removal of the bottom cover takes place in conditions of maximum safety.

[00010] In addition, ? otherwise? It is important to avoid improper or accidental disassembly of the bottom cover, for example due to shocks, or at the same time any accidental event causing unwanted and uncontrolled operation of the portable equipment.

[00011] Therefore, in the sector ? strongly felt the need of a portable equipment equipped with a pneumatic tank of simple construction, in which improper or accidental disassembly of the bottom cover is prevented, and for which the operations of disassembly of the bottom cover can be performed in conditions of maximum safety.

[00012] The purpose of the present invention? that of satisfying the needs of the sector and solving the problems of the known art of which one? said.

[00013] This purpose? achieved by means of the portable equipment claimed in claim 1. The dependent claims seek protection for further characteristics and involve further technical advantages.

[00014] In addition, further characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[00015] ? figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the portable equipment according to the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment;

[00016] ? Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the pneumatic assembly of the portable equipment according to the present invention, in accordance with a first preferred embodiment;

[00017] ? figure 3a shows a perspective view of the pneumatic group of figure 2, without the safety device;

[00018] - figure 3b shows a perspective view of the safety device of figure 2;

[00019] ? Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the pneumatic assembly of the portable equipment according to the present invention, in accordance with a second preferred embodiment;

[00020] ? figure 5a shows a perspective view of the pneumatic group of figure 4, without the safety device;

[00021] - figure 5b shows a perspective view of the safety device of figure 4;

[00022] With reference to the attached figures, the number 1 indicates a portable equipment suitable for operating on a fastening element. Portable equipment 1 ? suitable for operating on a fastener, such as a blind rivet or threaded insert or lockbolt.

[00023] In accordance with the present invention, the portable equipment 1 comprises gripping members 2, suitable for engaging and operating on the fastening element, and comprises actuation members suitable for operating said gripping members 2.

[00024] The characteristics, typology and functioning of the gripping members 2 and of the actuating members are in no way limiting with respect to the present invention. In addition, the type of fastener does not limit the present invention.

[00025] Preferably, the actuating members comprise a trigger that can be pressed by a user.

[00026] According to a preferred embodiment, the portable equipment 1 comprises a gripable equipment body 90 which houses the gripping members 2 and the actuating members and allows connection to the pneumatic unit 3, as described below.

[00027] According to a preferred embodiment, the tool body 90 comprises a barrel which extends orthogonally to a handle portion of said tool body. Preferably, are the gripping members positioned at the end? of said barrel, for example in a removable and interchangeable manner according to needs.

[00028] According to the present invention, the portable equipment 1 comprises a pneumatic unit 3, operatively connected to the actuation members, to pneumatically control their action on the gripping members 2.

[00029] Said pneumatic unit 3 comprises a tank 4 containing a pressurized gas.

[00030] Preferably, the tank 4 ? fluidically connected to a gas source, for example a pneumophoric operating machine.

[00031] The type of gas used for the pneumatic control of the actuating members is not ? in no way limiting the purposes of the present invention. Preferably, in the present discussion reference is made to compressed air, of the type available in production environments or more? in general with compressed air supplied by a pneumophore operating machine.

[00032] Specifically, said tank 4 comprises an annular body 5 which extends along an X-X axis.

[00033] Tank 4 ? open to one of its bottom sections 6.

[00034] The tank 4 also comprises a bottom cover 7 which hermetically closes the annular body 5 being located in correspondence with the bottom section 6.

[00035] The coupling of the bottom cover 7 with the annular body 5 delimits a pressure chamber 50 containing the gas.

[00036] Preferably, an inner face of the bottom cover 7 axially delimits the pressure chamber 50.

[00037] According to a preferred embodiment, the pneumatic group 3 comprises a pneumatic piston housed in the tank 4. Said pneumatic piston slides in the annular body 5 and operates in said pressure chamber 50, moved by the pressurized gas inside it.

[00038] Preferably, the pneumatic piston ? single acting or double acting.

[00039] Preferably, moreover, the portable equipment 1 comprises gas filling devices 48, which can be fluidically connected to a flexible pipe of an external tank or of a pneumophoric operating machine, to introduce gas into the pressure chamber 50.

[00040] According to the present invention, the tank 4 also comprises a ring groove 8, obtained radially internally in said bottom section 6 and positioned externally to the pressure chamber 50.

[00041] For this purpose, the bottom section 6 preferably protrudes radially outward from the annular body 5, having larger dimensions in the radial direction.

[00042] In other words, along the X-X axis, the tank 4 comprises the ring groove 8, the bottom cover 7 and the pressure chamber 50.

[00043] In other words, the bottom section 6 protrudes axially from the bottom cover 7, beyond which ? the ring groove 8 is positioned.

[00044] Preferably, the ring groove 8 ? a continuous annular groove accessible in a substantially radial direction from a region proximal to the X-X axis.

[00045] According to the present invention, the tank 4 comprises an elastic ring 9 housed in an undeformed configuration in the ring groove 8 to block the bottom cover 7.

[00046] Specifically, said elastic ring 9 extends for a circumferential section comprising two ends angles 10, 11 angularly separated.

[00047] In other words, the elastic ring 9 ? an at least partially elastically deformable and circumferentially interrupted component.

[00048] According to a preferred embodiment, the elastic ring 9 is a snap ring, for example made of steel or made of a polymeric material.

[00049] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic ring 9 is a Seeger, also known as a ?circlip?.

[00050] In other words, the elastic ring 9 ? removable from the hollow ring 8 by angularly approaching the two ends? angles 10, 11, thus reducing the external diameter of said ring 9 and allowing it to come out of the ring groove 8.

[00051] For this purpose, preferably, the elastic ring 9 comprises specific coupling openings and these operations for removing the elastic ring 9 can conveniently be carried out with a dedicated tool or implement, for example a "Seeger pliers".

[00052] According to the present invention, the ends angles 10, 11 define between them a safety seat 12. In other words, the safety seat 12 has a predefined angular width defined by the ends? angles 10, 11.

[00053] Preferably, moreover, the security seat 12 ? open radially towards the X-X axis, ie ? accessible in a substantially radial direction starting from a region proximal to the X-X axis.

[00054] In accordance with the present invention, the tank 4 comprises a safety device 13 housed in the safety seat 12, so as to prevent the removal by elastic deformation of the elastic ring 9 from the ring groove 8.

[00055] Preferably the safety device 9 ? conveniently positioned between the ends? corners 10, 11 in such a way as to prevent its movement, i.e. to make the operations for removing the circlip 9 inoperable.

[00056] Preferably, the safety device 9 ? an elastically non-deformable component.

[00057] According to a preferred embodiment, the safety device 13 is housed at least partially in the ring groove 8.

[00058] According to a preferred embodiment, the safety device 13 is which can be inserted into the ring groove 8 starting from a region proximal to the axis X-X in a substantially radial direction.

[00059] In other words, the safety device 13 circumferentially occupies at least partially the ring groove 8 for an angular extension equal to or less than the angular extension of the safety seat 12.

[00060] According to a preferred embodiment, the elastic ring 9 is housed in the ring groove 8 in such a way as to prevent its improper or accidental removal in the axial direction.

[00061] Preferably, in fact, the ring groove 8 comprises a pair of annular surfaces facing each other and separated axially, the axial distance of which defines the width, i.e. the height of the ring groove 8. Preferably, moreover, the safety device 13 is positioned axially in contact with at least one of said annular surfaces.

[00062] According to a preferred embodiment, the safety device 13 is constituted by a planar body having the shape of a ?T? and comprises an engagement portion 20 at least partially housed in the ring groove 8.

[00063] Preferably, said engagement portion 20 constitutes the head of the safety device 13 having a ?T? shape.

[00064] In other words, are the lateral edges 28, 29 of the engagement portion 20 positioned circumferentially proximal to the two ends? angles 10, 11.

[00065] In further other terms, preferably said engagement portion 20 ? specially shaped to physically prevent the mutual approach of the ends? angles 10, 11 of the snap ring 9 in the circumferential direction.

[00066] According to a preferred embodiment, the engagement portion 20 has an axial dimension, also called thickness, such as to engage the annular surfaces of the ring groove 8 with interference.

[00067] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the bottom cover 7 comprises a vent duct 30 suitable for placing the pressure chamber 50 in fluid connection with the external environment.

[00068] In a preferred embodiment, the vent duct 30 is open on the outer face 75 of the bottom cover 7.

[00069] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the safety device 13 hermetically closes this vent duct 30.

[00070] In other words, in a preferred embodiment, the safety device 13 mounted on the bottom cover 7 prevents the pressurized gas from flowing through the vent duct 30 towards the external environment.

[00071] Specifically, the safety device 13 comprises a sealing portion 21 which closes the vent duct 30, provided for example with suitable sealing gaskets. Preferably, this sealing portion 21 extends in a radial direction, for example starting directly from the engagement portion 20.

[00072] Preferably, by removing the safety device 13, the vent duct 30? in fluid connection with the external environment, i.e. the gas leaves the pressure chamber 50.

[00073] In a preferred embodiment, the gas leak through the vent duct 30 occurs simultaneously with the operations for dismantling the safety device 13.

[00074] Preferably, the complete escape of gas through the vent duct 30 occurs before the safety device 13 is removed.

[00075] According to a preferred embodiment, the safety device 13 comprises a connection portion 22 configured for coupling to the bottom cover 7, for example provided with connection holes.

[00076] Furthermore, this connecting portion 22 preferably extends in a radial direction, for example starting directly from the sealing portion 21.

[00077] Preferably, the sealing portion 21 and the connecting portion 22 form the ?stem? of the safety device 13 having a ?T? shape.

[00078] In a preferred embodiment, the safety device 13 is removably fixed to the bottom cover 7, for example by means of a shape or force coupling or a snap fit or by means of a mechanical connection.

[00079] According to a preferred embodiment, the safety device 13 is fixed to the bottom cover 7 by means of a threaded coupling comprising a screw 70 and a nut screw 60.

[00080] According to a first embodiment, the vent duct 30 and the nut 60 are two separate openings of the bottom cover 7, for example aligned in the radial direction, open on the external face 75.

[00081] In accordance with a second preferred embodiment, the nut screw 60 extends passing along the bottom cover 7, ie ? suitable for fluidly connecting the pressure chamber 50 with the external environment. Furthermore, the screw 70 preferably fixes the safety device 13 and seals the nut screw 60.

[00082] In other words, the nut screw 60 and the vent duct 30 form a single opening which allows the pressurized gas to escape simultaneously with the disassembly operations of the safety device 13.

[00083] Preferably, by unscrewing the screw 70 from the nut 60, the gas flows around the threads of the screw 70 and the nut 60.

[00084] According to a preferred embodiment, the bottom cover 7 comprises at least one lightening groove 80, for example a plurality of of lightening grooves 80 positioned on the external face 75, and the safety device 13 has a variable thickness according to said at least one lightening groove 80.

[00085] Innovatively, the portable equipment amply fulfills the set purpose, overcoming the typical problems of the prior art.

[00086] Advantageously, the portable equipment allows a completely safe disassembly of its components under pressure.

[00087] Advantageously, the portable equipment ? simple to make, allowing easy and intuitive assembly and disassembly operations.

[00088] Advantageously, the portable equipment prevents improper or accidental disassembly of its components under pressure.

[00089] Advantageously, the portable equipment ? error-proof, minimizing the risk of accidents.

[00090] Advantageously, in fact, the safety device ? a multifunctional component, which prevents accidental disassembly of the circlip with the tank under pressure, and allows you to simplify the disassembly operations of this.

[00091] Advantageously, the pressure chamber is emptied at the same time as the safety device is removed, ie before the bottom cover is removed.

[00092] Advantageously, the presence of a hole separate from the connecting nut screw further minimizes the risk during disassembly operations. Advantageously, in fact, ? the risk of overpressure on the screw threads has been avoided.

[00093] Advantageously, the safety device ? designed to obtain a simplified fastening that guarantees maximum hold. Advantageously, in fact, the sealing portion ? comprised in the radial direction between the engagement portion and the connecting portion.

[00094] ? it is clear that a technician in the sector, in order to satisfy contingent needs, could make modifications to the invention described above, all contained in the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

Claims (11)

1. Portable equipment (1), suitable for operating on a fastener, such as a blind rivet or a threaded insert or a lockbolt, comprising: - gripping members (2) suitable for engaging said fastening element; - actuation members suitable for activating the gripping members (2); - a pneumatic unit (3) operatively connected to the actuation members to pneumatically control their action on the gripping members (2), said pneumatic unit (3) comprising a tank (4) containing a pressurized gas, in which the tank (4) comprises: i) an annular body (5) which extends along an axis (X-X), and which ? open to a bottom section (6); ii) a bottom cover (7) positioned in correspondence with the bottom portion (6) to hermetically close the annular body (5), delimiting a pressure chamber (50) with it; iii) a ring groove (8) formed radially internally in said bottom portion (6); iv) a snap ring (9), housed in an undeformed configuration in the ring groove (8) to block the bottom cover (7), in which the snap ring (9) extends for a circumferential length, comprising two ends? corner pieces (10, 11) separated angularly and defining between them a safety seat (12); v) a safety device (13) fixed in the safety seat (12) in such a way as to prevent the removal by elastic deformation of the snap ring (9) from the ring groove (8). The portable equipment (1) according to claim 1, wherein the safety device (13) is removably fixed to the bottom cover (7). 3. Portable equipment (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the safety device (13) is? housed at least partially in the ring groove (8). The portable equipment (1) according to claim 3, wherein the safety device (13) is consisting of a planar body having a ?T? shape, comprising an engagement portion (20) at least partially housed in the ring groove (8) between the two ends? angles (10, 11). 5. Portable equipment (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom cover (7) comprises a vent duct (30) suitable for placing the pressurized chamber (50) in fluid connection with the environment outside, wherein the safety device (13) hermetically closes said vent duct (30). 6. Portable equipment (1) according to claim 5, wherein the safety device (13) comprises a sealing portion (21) closing the vent duct (30), wherein said sealing portion (21) extends in the radial direction from the engaging portion (20). 7. Portable equipment (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the safety device (13) is ? fixed to the bottom cover (7) by means of a threaded coupling comprising a screw (70) and a female screw (60). The portable equipment (1) according to claim 7, wherein the nut (60) extends through the bottom cover (7), wherein the screw (70) seals the nut (60). The portable equipment (1) according to claims 6 to 8, wherein the safety device (13) comprises a connecting portion (22) extending in the radial direction from the sealing portion (21). 10. Portable equipment (1) according to claims from 4 to 9, wherein the bottom cover (7) comprises at least one lightening groove (80), wherein the safety device (13) has variable thickness according to of said at least one lightening groove (80). 11. Portable equipment (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pneumatic unit (3) comprises a single-acting or double-acting piston, housed in the tank (4) in the pressure chamber (50).