WO2021247389A1

WO2021247389A1 - Tool for use in restricted spaces

Info

Publication number: WO2021247389A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/034721
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mike Johnson
Original assignee: Enerpac Tool Group Corp.
Priority date: 2020-06-01
Filing date: 2021-05-28
Publication date: 2021-12-09

Abstract

A tool, a plate assembly and a method of adjusting a fastener. The tool may include a body having a first side wall defining an arcuate track, a slot being defined between the first side wall and a second side wall, the track communicating with the slot; a ratchet arm supported by the body for pivoting movement about a fastener axis, the ratchet arm having a ratchet end, an opposite drive end, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being supported in the slot; a reciprocating drive mechanism engaging the drive end of the ratchet arm to cause pivoting movement of the ratchet arm about the fastener axis; a guide pin positioned in the track and engaging the intermediate portion of the ratchet arm, the pin moving along the track during pivoting movement of the ratchet arm; and a reaction arm supported by the body proximate the second end.

Description

TOOL FOR USE IN RESTRICTED SPACES

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This present application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/033,145, filed June 1, 2020, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0002] This invention generally relates to a fastening tool and, more particularly, to such a tool for use in places with restricted access.

SUMMARY

[0003] Tools are widely used to tighten and loosen fasteners. Often these tools need to be situated in tight or restricted spaces. Restricted access can make the action of tightening and loosening fasteners difficult, which may result in incorrect or incomplete fastening, damage to the tool, or damage or injury to the operator. A tool for use in places with restricted access is described and illustrated in United Kingdom Patent Application Publication No. GB 2573728 and in corresponding PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2019/122920, the entire contents of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0004] One example of such a restricted space is in aircraft assembly, especially assembly of aircraft wing components. Where wing components are fastened, operators may need to climb into the wing in order to position and operate a tool. Tools using reaction arms can sometimes lock on to the fastener that is being turned by the tool, making removal of the tool problematic. Typically, it is not possible to re-position the reaction arm of such a tool without removing the entire tool from the fastener being turned. It may therefore be desirable to provide a tool adapted for use in restricted spaces. It may also be desirable to provide a tool which stops tightening or loosening a fastener once a desired torque has been reached. It may be important in the case of aircraft assembly that fasteners are not over or under tightened. [0005] In one independent embodiment, a tool may generally include a body extending along a body axis between a first end and a second end, the body including a first side wall and a second side wall extending along and on opposite sides of the body axis, the first side wall defining an arcuate track, a slot being defined between the first side wall and the second side wall proximate the first end, the slot extending transverse to the body axis, the track communicating with the slot; a ratchet arm supported by the body for pivoting movement about a fastener axis transverse to the body axis, the ratchet arm having a ratchet end, an opposite drive end, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being supported in the slot; a reciprocating drive mechanism engaging the drive end of the ratchet arm to cause pivoting movement of the ratchet arm about the fastener axis; a guide pin positioned in the track and engaging the intermediate portion of the ratchet arm, the pin moving along the track during pivoting movement of the ratchet arm; and a reaction arm supported by the body proximate the second end.

[0006] In another independent embodiment, a tool may generally include a body extending along a body axis between a first end and a second end, the body including a first side wall and a second side wall extending along and on opposite sides of the body axis, a slot being defined at the second end between the first side wall and the second side wall; a ratchet arm supported by the body proximate the first end, the ratchet arm being supported for pivoting movement about a fastener axis transverse to the body axis, the ratchet arm having a ratchet end and an opposite drive end; a reciprocating drive mechanism engaging the drive end of the ratchet arm to cause pivoting movement of the ratchet arm about the fastener axis; and a reaction arm having a reaction end engageable relative to a workpiece and an opposite connection end supported in the slot, the reaction arm being supported for pivoting movement relative to the body about a pivot axis parallel to the fastener axis.

[0007] In yet another independent embodiment, a tool may generally include a body extending along a body axis between a first end and a second end, the body including a first side wall and a second side wall extending along and on opposite sides of the body axis, a slot being defined between the first side wall and the second side wall proximate the first end, the slot extending transverse to the body axis, the second end providing a reaction portion engageable relative to a workpiece; a ratchet arm supportable by the body for pivoting movement about a fastener axis transverse to the body axis, the ratchet arm having a ratchet end, an opposite drive end, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being supported in the slot, the ratchet arm being removably supportable by the body; and a reciprocating drive mechanism engaging the drive end of the ratchet arm to cause pivoting movement of the ratchet arm about the fastener axis.

[0008] In a further independent embodiment, a tool may generally include a body extending along a body axis between a first end and a second end, the body including a first side wall and a second side wall extending along and on opposite sides of the body axis, a slot being defined between the first side wall and the second side wall proximate the first end, the slot extending transverse to the body axis, the second end providing a reaction portion engageable relative to a workpiece; a ratchet arm supported by the body for pivoting movement about a fastener axis transverse to the body axis, the ratchet arm having a ratchet end, an opposite drive end, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being supported in the slot, the ratchet arm having a first side toward the first side wall and an opposite second side toward the second side wall; a reciprocating drive mechanism engaging the drive end of the ratchet arm to cause pivoting movement of the ratchet arm about the fastener axis; and a sensor device supported proximate the drive end and on one side of the ratchet arm.

[0009] In another independent embodiment, a plate assembly may generally include a plate member connectable to a workpiece, the plate member being operable to support a tool to adjust a fastener on the workpiece, the plate member defining a first opening operable to receive a first fastener on the workpiece and a second opening operable to receive a second fastener on the workpiece, the plate member providing a first reaction point associated with the first opening and a second reaction point associated with the second opening; and a plate fastener selectively engageable with one of the first fastener and the second fastener to install the plate member on the workpiece to facilitate adjustment of the other of the first fastener and the second fastener by the tool. With the plate fastener installed on the second fastener, the tool may be engageable with the first fastener and the first reaction point and operated to adjust the first fastener, and, with the plate fastener installed on the first fastener, the tool may be engageable with the second fastener and the second reaction point and operated to adjust the second fastener. [0010] In yet another independent embodiment, a method of adjusting a fastener on a workpiece may be provided. The method may generally include installing a plate member on the workpiece; engaging a tool with a first fastener to be adjusted and with a first reaction point on the plate member; adjusting the first fastener with the tool; engaging the tool with a second fastener to be adjusted and with a second reaction point on the plate member; and adjusting the second fastener with the tool.

[0011] Other independent aspects of the disclosure may become apparent by consideration of the detailed description, claims and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fastening tool.

[0013] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the tool of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the tool of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the tool of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a body of the tool of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a top view of a body of FIG. 5.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the body of FIG. 5.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a reaction arm assembly of the tool of

FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a ratchet arm assembly of the tool of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a piston bracket of the tool of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional top view of the tool of FIG. 1. [0023] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional top view of a piston assembly of the tool of FIG. 1, illustrated in a retracted position.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional top view of a piston assembly of the tool of FIG. 1, illustrated in an extended position.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a partial top view of the tool of FIG. 1 with a cover removed.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another fastening tool with a first reaction member.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a head of the tool of FIG. 15.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of a head of the tool of FIG. 15.

[0029] FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of a reaction plate in use with the tool of FIG.

15.

[0030] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the reaction plate of FIG. 18.

[0031] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the tool of FIG. 15 in use with another reaction plate, illustrating a second reaction assembly.

[0032] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the reaction plate of FIG. 20.

[0033] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a further reaction plate and the tool of FIG. 15 with the second reaction assembly.

[0034] FIG. 23 are perspective views illustrating a process of using the tool of FIG. 15 with yet another reaction plate with the second reaction assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Before any independent embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0036] Use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Use of “consisting of’ and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass only the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings.

[0037] Relative terminology, such as, for example, “about”, “approximately”,

“substantially”, etc., used in connection with a quantity or condition would be understood by those of ordinary skill to be inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (for example, the term includes at least the degree of error associated with the measurement of, tolerances (e.g., manufacturing, assembly, use, etc.) associated with the particular value, etc.). Such terminology should also be considered as disclosing the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints. For example, the expression “from about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4”. The relative terminology may refer to plus or minus a percentage (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10% or more) of an indicated value.

[0038] Also, the functionality described herein as being performed by one component may be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Likewise, functionality performed by multiple components may be consolidated and performed by a single component. Similarly, a component described as performing particular functionality may also perform additional functionality not described herein. For example, a device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0039] The embodiment s) described below and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present disclosure. As such, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications to the elements and their configuration and/or arrangement exist within the spirit and scope of one or more independent aspects as described. [0040] In general, the present disclosure relates to a tool 10 for adjusting (e.g., tightening and/or loosening; see FIG. 19) a fastener F, such as a bolt and nut, relative to a workpiece W.

The fastener F is rotated about a fastening axis 16. Often these fasteners F are located in hard-to- reach places in which operating space is limited, such as in aircraft assembly, especially assembly of aircraft wing components. In some aspects, the illustrated tool 10 is operable to adjust a fastener F in such a limited or restricted operating space.

[0041] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the tool 10 generally includes a body 18, a ratchet arm 20, a reaction arm 22, a drive assembly 24, a sensor 26, and a clip cover 28. The illustrated tool 10 extends generally in a tool plane 30, parallel to a plane of the workpiece W.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the illustrated body 18 includes a metal frame extending in the tool plane 30 with opposite end portions 34, 38, an intermediate portion 36, and opposite body surfaces 40, 42. The end portion 34 includes a pair of plates 44 extending parallel to each other and the tool plane 30. The plates 44 are spaced apart and define a gap 46 opening to the perimeter of the body 18. The plates 44 define respective plate apertures 48 which are aligned in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the tool plane 30. The end portion 34 is operable to support the reaction arm 22.

[0043] The intermediate portion 36 defines a cavity 50 extending from the body surface 40 partially through the body 18 and defined by cavity sidewalls 52. Apertures 54 through respective sidewalls 52 are aligned in a direction generally perpendicular to the tool plane 30.

The intermediate portion 36 is operable to support the drive assembly 24.

[0044] The end portion 38 defines a channel 56 extending through the surfaces 40, 42. The surface 42 has a curved portion 58 at the end of the channel 56. The channel 56 is defined by channel sidewalls 60, and guide tracks (e.g., slots 62 through respective sidewalls 60) are aligned in a direction generally perpendicular to the tool plane 30. Each slot 62 has a generally curved profile. Slot covers 64 (see FIG. 1-3) removably mount to the body 18, and each covers an associated slot 62.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 4, the reaction arm 22 allows force exerted on the fastener F by the ratchet arm 20 to be reacted against the workpiece W. The reaction arm 22 and the workpiece W, rather than force applied by the operator, resist or oppose turning of the tool 10 around the fastener F being adjusted.

[0046] The reaction arm 22 is supported by the body 18 to extend parallel to or coplanar with the tool plane 30. The illustrated reaction arm 22 is generally planar and includes a ring-shaped head 66 and a connection end 68 connected by a shaft 70. The head 66 is engaged with a reaction point on the workpiece W (e.g., a secondary fastener F2, proximate the fastener FI being adjusted). The connection end 68 defines an opening 72 extending through the reaction arm 22. A threaded bore 74 extends from an outer surface 76 of the connection end 68 and communicates with the opening 72.

[0047] The reaction arm 22 is pivotably coupled to the body 18 by a pin 78. The pin 78 is generally cylindrical and has a head 80 and a body 82 defining a groove 84. To couple the reaction arm 22 to the body 18, the connection end 68 is inserted into the gap 46 between the plates 44. The opening 72 is aligned with the plate apertures 48 creating a pathway for the pin 78. The pin 78 is inserted until the head 80 is flush with one of the plates 44 and the bore 74 is aligned with the groove 84. A threaded pin 86 and a ball 88 are inserted into the bore 74, with a portion of the ball 88 entering the groove 84, and the pin 86 is tightened. Engagement of the ball 88 in the groove 84 retains the pin 78 in the opening 72, thereby coupling the reaction arm 22 to the body 18.

[0048] In the illustrated construction, the reaction arm 22 is pivotable relative to the body 18 to adjust an angle 90 between the body 18 and the reaction arm 22. The illustrated reaction arm 22 is freely pivotable in a range of about 270°. In other constructions (not shown), the reaction arm 22 may be selectively fixed in a position relative to the body 18, for example, via friction between the ball 88 and the groove 84, a detent arrangement. The reaction arm 22 may also be pivotable through a different range less than or greater than the illustrated range.

[0049] The illustrated reaction arm 22 is removable from the body 18 in a reverse of the installation process described above. The reaction arm 22 may be interchangeable or replaceable by a different reaction arm (not shown). The different reaction arms may have a different construction (e.g., a different head (size, shape, orientation (off the plane of the shaft 70)), a different shaft (length, shape (non-linear (e.g., a swan neck), etc.) to accommodate use of the tool 10 in different applications, workpiece configurations, etc.

[0050] The ratchet arm 20 includes a curved surface 92, a ratchet mechanism 94 on one side and a shaft 96 extending on the other side. The shaft 96 defines an intermediate guide hole 98 and a drive hole 100 proximate the end.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 9, the ratchet mechanism 94 includes a pawl 104 spring mounted to the ratchet arm 20 and a ratchet socket 106 mounted to engage the pawl 104. The illustrated ratchet socket 106 includes a fastener engager 108 that couples to the fastener F for rotation about the fastening axis 16. The pawl 104 includes pawl teeth 110 that cooperate with ratchet teeth 112 of the ratchet socket 106. When the ratchet arm 20 is rotated in a first direction (e.g., clockwise in FIG. 9), the pawl teeth 110 engage the ratchet teeth 112 and rotate the ratchet socket 106 thereby exerting a drive torque on the fastener F causing it to rotate. When the ratchet arm 20 is rotated in an opposite, second direction (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 9), the angle of the teeth 110, 112 causes the pawl teeth 110 to override the ratchet teeth 112 so that drive torque is not exerted on the fastener F.

[0052] The illustrated ratchet arm 20 is removable from and, in some aspects, can be installed in the tool 10 two orientations. In a first orientation (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9), the ratchet mechanism 94 applies torque to the fastener F in the first direction to tighten the fastener F. In the second orientation (not shown; e.g., inverted in FIG. 9), the ratchet mechanism 94 applies torque to the fastener F in the second direction to loosen the fastener F.

[0053] The illustrated ratchet arm 20 may be interchangeable or replaceable by a different ratchet arm (not shown). The different ratchet arms may have a different construction (e.g., a different ratchet socket (size, shape, material, etc.), a different shaft, etc.) to accommodate use of the tool 10 with different fasteners.

[0054] The ratchet arm 20 is movably coupled to the body 18 by a guide pin 114. The guide pin 114 includes a head 116 and a body 118 with a groove 120 at the opposite end. To assemble to the body 18, the ratchet arm 20 is inserted into the channel 56 until the surface 92 is in sliding contact with the curved portion 58 of the surface 42. In this position, the guide hole 98 is aligned with the guide slots 62. The guide pin 114 is inserted into one guide slot 62, through the guide hole 98 and out the other guide slot 62. The head 116 abuts one sidewall 60, and the groove 120 is positioned beyond the other sidewall 60. A snap ring 122 fits in the groove 120, retaining the guide pin 114 in the ratchet arm 20 and on the body 18. The slot covers 64 are coupled to and cover the guide slots 62.

[0055] The drive assembly 24 includes a drive mechanism 124, a drive housing 126, a piston 128, and a piston bracket 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the tool 10 is a hydraulically- driven tool, and the drive mechanism 124 is a hydraulic drive mechanism including a pump (not shown). It should be understood that, in other embodiments (not shown), a different type of drive mechanism may be provided.

[0056] The piston bracket 130 (see FIG. 10) has a face 132 with a threaded projection 134 and a pair of flanges 136 extending in the opposite. Each flange 136 defines an aperture 138. One flange 136 has a lateral projection 140 sensed by the sensor 26. As shown in FIG. 11, the ratchet shaft 96 is positioned between the flanges 136 with the flange apertures 138 aligned with the mounting hole 100. A drive pin 139 connects the bracket 130 and the ratchet arm 20, extending through the apertures 138 and the hole 100. A set screw 142 threads into a fixing aperture 144 in one flange 136 and engages a groove in the drive pin 139 to retain the assembled components.

[0057] The drive housing 126 includes a body mounting projection 146, a sensor mounting projection 148, and a drive mechanism connection 150. A central bore 152 extends through the housing 126 to define a cylinder 154.

[0058] To couple the drive housing 126 to the body 18, the body mounting projection 146 is inserted into the cavity 50. The projection 146 defines a hole 156 that aligns with the cavity apertures 54. A mounting pin 158 with a head 160 and defining a groove 162 is inserted through the aligned hole 156 and apertures 54 until the head 160 abuts one sidewall 52 and the groove 162 extends beyond the other sidewall 52. A snap ring 164 fits into the groove 162 to retain the drive housing 126 on the body 18. [0059] As shown in FIGS. 11-13, the piston 128 includes a generally cylindrical piston rod 166 and a piston head 168. The piston head 168 includes a pair of ridges 170 with a seal 172 disposed in the space therebetween. A seal 174 is supported housing 126 through which the piston rod 166 projects. A threaded bore 176 in the piston rod 166 receives the threaded projection 134 on the piston bracket 130, to couple the piston bracket 130 and the ratchet arm 20 for movement with the piston 128. The piston 128 is movable between a retracted position (see FIG. 12) and an extended position (see FIG. 13) to drive the ratchet arm 20.

[0060] An end cap 178 with a seal (e.g., an O-ring 180) closes the opposite end of the central bore 152. Chambers 182, 184 are respectively defined between the piston seal 172 and the O- ring 180 and between the rod seal 174 and the piston seal 172. Hydraulic couplings 190, 192 are coupled to the ports 194, 196 of the drive mechanism connection 150 to communicate with the chambers 182, 184, respectively. Fluid supplied through the coupling 190 to the chamber 182 causes the piston 128 to extend; fluid supplied through the coupling 192 to the chamber 184 causes the piston 128 to retract.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, the sensor 26 is mounted to the sensor mounting projection 148. The sensor 26 includes a sensor body 198 extending through a bore 200 in the projection 148 communicating (e.g., via a wire 202 (as shown), a wireless connection, etc.) with a control circuit (not shown). A nut 204 is threaded onto the body 198 and engages the mounting projection 148 to hold the sensor 26 in position.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 26 includes a capacitive sensor operable to sense the projection 140 on the piston bracket 130 and to determine the position of the ratchet arm 20. When the piston 128 is in the extended position (see FIG. 11), the projection 140 on the piston bracket 130 is adjacent the sensor 26, and, when the piston 128 is retracted, the projection 140 is spaced from the sensor 26. In other embodiments (not shown), a different type of sensor may be used.

[0063] The clip cover 28 is disposed around the piston bracket 130 and the end of the ratchet arm 20 to cover the assembled components. The clip cover 28 includes resilient arms 206 that fit around the driver connection 150 on the drive housing 126. [0064] To operate the tool 10, the ratchet mechanism 94 is engaged with the fastener F to be adjusted. The reaction arm 22 is pivoted to an angle 90 to engage the ring head 66 with the secondary fastener F2. Once engaged, the reaction arm 22 is no longer freely pivotable and is geometrically locked in place (due to engagement with the fasteners F, F2 and the fixed engagement between the ratchet arm 20 and the drive assembly 24). If necessary due to different applications, workpiece configurations, etc., the reaction arm 22 may be replaced with a different reaction arm (not shown) to engage and react against a reaction point on the workpiece W.

[0065] The operator then activates the tool 10 through a user interface (not shown). The drive mechanism 124 is operated to supply hydraulic fluid, altematingly, to the first chamber 182 and to second chamber 184 to reciprocate the piston 128 in the cylinder 154. The piston bracket 130 reciprocates with the piston 128 causing the ratchet arm 20 to pivot back-and-forth about the fastener axis 16. As the ratchet arm 20 pivots, the guide pin 114 moves along the guide slots 62, and the curved surface 92 of the ratchet arm 20 slides along the curved surface 58 of the body 14.

[0066] With the ratchet arm 20 in the orientation shown in FIG. 9, as the piston 128 extends, the ratchet arm 20 rotates in the first direction, and the ratchet mechanism 94 transmits drive torque to the fastener F. As the piston 128 retracts, the ratchet arm 20 rotates in the second direction, and the pawl teeth 110 override the ratchet teeth 112 so that drive torque is not exerted on the fastener F. Depending on the orientation relative to the workpiece W, the fastener F is tightened or loosened in the process.

[0067] As the piston bracket 130 reciprocates and pivots the ratchet arm 20, the projection 140 passes the sensor 26. The sensor 26 transmits signals corresponding to the sensed condition of the projection 140, and the control circuit uses this information to monitor the ratchet arm 20 and determine the torque applied to the fastener F. Once the desired torque has been reached, the fastening operation is stopped (e.g., automatically by the control circuit, by the operator, etc.). The tool 10 can then be removed and placed on the next fastener to be adjusted.

[0068] To switch the tool 10 between a tightening mode and a loosening mode, the ratchet arm 20 is removed the body 18 and switched from one orientation (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9) to the opposite orientation. To remove the ratchet arm 20, the clip cover 28 is removed, exposing the piston bracket 130. The bracket set screw 142 is then removed, allowing the bracket pin 139 to be removed, and the ratchet arm 20 is disconnected from the piston bracket 130. The slot covers 64 are also removed, allowing access to remove the snap ring 122, and the guide pin 114 is removed to release the ratchet arm 20. The ratchet arm 20 is then removed from the channel 56 in the body 18.

[0069] The ratchet arm 20 is inverted (pivoted about its longitudinal axis 180 degrees) to the second orientation and installed in the reverse of the removal process described above. In the second orientation, torque is transmitted to the fastener F as the piston 128 retracts and the ratchet arm 20 rotates in the second direction. As the piston 128 extends and the ratchet arm 20 rotates in the first direction, the pawl teeth 110 override the ratchet teeth 112 so that drive torque is not exerted on the fastener F. As mentioned above, once removed, the ratchet arm 20 may be interchanged or replaced by a different ratchet arm (not shown) to accommodate use of the tool 10, for example, with different fasteners.

[0070] FIGS. 15-23 illustrate alternate embodiments an assembly including a tool 510 for performing a fastening operation and a reaction plate 534, 634. The assembly is operable to provide a reaction point for the tool 510 relative to the workpiece W.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 15-17, the tool 510 generally includes a head 512 and a handle 514 extending away from the head 512. The handle 514 includes a controller 516 and hydraulic fittings 518. The head 512 includes a ratchet mechanism 520, a drive housing 522, and reaction connector 524. The drive housing 522 supports a piston 526 operable to drive the ratchet mechanism 520. The tool 510 may be constructed and operate in a manner similar to that described and illustrated in United Kingdom Patent Application Publication No. GB 2573728.

[0072] FIGS. 18-19 illustrate one embodiment of a reaction assembly between the tool 510 and the plate 534. The tool 510 includes a first reaction connector 524 with a pivotably-mounted arm 528 including a T-handle 530 operating a threaded post 532. The reaction plate 534 includes apertures 536, through which fasteners F to be adjusted are received, and a second reaction connector, provided by threaded apertures 538.

[0073] In use, the reaction plate 534 is positioned on the workpiece W so that at least one fastener F extends through a fastener aperture 536. A plate fastener (e.g., a nut 540) is connected to each bolt to mount the reaction plate 534 to the workpiece W. The tool 510 is then engaged with the fastener F to be adjusted, and the threaded post 532 is threaded into an associated aperture 538, mounting the tool 510 to the reaction plate 534. A fastening operation is then performed on the fastener F, with the reaction force being transferred to the reaction plate 534 and therethrough to the workpiece W. Once an operation is completed, the tool 510 can then be dismounted and moved to the next fastener F to be adjusted, with the reaction connector 524 being connected to the associated aperture 536.

[0074] The reaction plate 534 can be constructed to the configuration of a workpiece W. For example, FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative construction for the reaction plate 534A with reaction apertures 538A associated with fasteners F to be adjusted.

[0075] FIGS. 20-23 illustrate another embodiment of a reaction assembly between the tool 510 and the plate 634. The tool 510 includes a reaction connector 624 with a pivotable arm 626 defining a bore 628. The reaction plate 634 defines apertures 636, through which fasteners F to be adjusted are received, and a second reaction connector, provided by projections 638.

[0076] In use, the reaction plate 634 is positioned on the workpiece W so that at least one fastener F extends through a fastener aperture 636. A plate fastener (e.g., a nut 640) is connected to each bolt to mount the reaction plate 634 to the workpiece W. The tool 510 is then engaged with the fastener F to be adjusted, and an associated projection 638 is received in the bore 628, mounting the tool 510 to the reaction plate 634. A fastening operation is then performed on the fastener F, with the reaction force being transferred to the reaction plate 634 and therethrough to the workpiece W. Once an operation is completed, the tool 510 can then be dismounted and moved to the next fastener F to be adjusted, with an associated projection 638 being received in the bore 628.

[0077] The reaction plate 634 can be constructed to the configuration of a workpiece W. For example, FIGS. 22-23 illustrate alternative constructions for the reaction plate 634A, 634B with reaction projections 638 A, 638B associated with fasteners F to be adjusted.

[0078] It should be understood that principles and methods used in the tool 10 could be adapted and used with the tool 510, and vice versa, and such combinations are contemplated within this disclosure. Aspects of the disclosure may allow a fastening operation to be conducted quickly and effectively and with limited effort from the operator, enabling the operator to efficiently and comfortably fasten many fasteners in a restricted space.

[0079] One or more independent features and/or independent advantages of the invention may be set forth in the following claims:

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A tool comprising: a body extending along a body axis between a first end and a second end, the body including a first side wall and a second side wall extending along and on opposite sides of the body axis, the first side wall defining an arcuate track, a slot being defined between the first side wall and the second side wall proximate the first end, the slot extending transverse to the body axis, the track communicating with the slot; a ratchet arm supported by the body for pivoting movement about a fastener axis transverse to the body axis, the ratchet arm having a ratchet end, an opposite drive end, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being supported in the slot; a reciprocating drive mechanism engaging the drive end of the ratchet arm to cause pivoting movement of the ratchet arm about the fastener axis; a guide pin positioned in the track and engaging the intermediate portion of the ratchet arm, the pin moving along the track during pivoting movement of the ratchet arm; and a reaction arm supported by the body proximate the second end.

2. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a cover engageable with the body over the track and the pin.

3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the track is a first track, wherein the second side wall defines an arcuate second track aligned with the first track, and wherein the pin has a first end supported in the first track and a second end supported in the second track, the pin extending through the intermediate portion of the ratchet arm, the pin moving along the first track and the second track during pivoting movement of the ratchet arm.

4. The tool of claim 3, further comprising a first cover engageable with the body over and covering the first track and the first end of the pin and a second cover engageable with the body over and covering the second track and the second end of the pin.

5. The tool of claim 1, wherein the slot is further defined by a transverse walls connecting the first side wall and the second side wall, the transverse walls tapering apart in a direction away from the fastener axis.

6. The tool of claim 1, wherein the ratchet arm has a first side toward the first side wall and an opposite second side toward the second side wall, and wherein the tool further comprises a sensor device supported proximate the drive end of the ratchet arm on one side of the ratchet arm.

7. The tool of claim 1, wherein reaction arm has a reaction end engageable relative to a workpiece and an opposite connection end connected to the body.

8. The tool of claim 7, wherein the second end of the body defines a second slot, the connection end being positioned in the slot.

9. The tool of claim 8, further comprising a reaction arm pin extending between the first side wall and the second side wall, the connection end being pivotably supported on the arm pin.

10. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a drive pin connecting the drive end of the ratchet arm to the drive mechanism.

11. The tool of claim 1, wherein the ratchet arm is removably supported by the body.

12. The tool of claim 11, further comprising a drive pin connecting the drive end of the ratchet arm to the drive mechanism, the guide pin and the drive pin being removable from the ratchet arm to permit removal of the ratchet arm.

13. The tool of claim 11, wherein the ratchet arm has a first side and an opposite second side, and wherein the ratchet arm is selectively and alternatively supported by the body in a first orientation, with the first side toward the first side wall and the second side toward the second side wall, and in a second orientation, with the first side toward the second side wall and the second side toward the first side wall.

14. The tool of claim 11, wherein the ratchet arm is a first ratchet arm, and wherein the tool further comprises a second ratchet arm operable to replace the first ratchet arm.

15. The tool of claim 11, further comprising a drive interface cover removably covering an interface between the ratchet arm and the drive mechanism.

16. A tool comprising: a body extending along a body axis between a first end and a second end, the body including a first side wall and a second side wall extending along and on opposite sides of the body axis, a slot being defined at the second end between the first side wall and the second side wall; a ratchet arm supported by the body proximate the first end, the ratchet arm being supported for pivoting movement about a fastener axis transverse to the body axis, the ratchet arm having a ratchet end and an opposite drive end; a reciprocating drive mechanism engaging the drive end of the ratchet arm to cause pivoting movement of the ratchet arm about the fastener axis; and a reaction arm having a reaction end engageable relative to a workpiece and an opposite connection end supported in the slot, the reaction arm being supported for pivoting movement relative to the body about a pivot axis parallel to the fastener axis.

17. The tool of claim 16, wherein the reaction arm is pivotable at least about 90° about the pivot axis.

18. The tool of claim 17 wherein the reaction arm is up to about 270° about the pivot axis.

19. The tool of claim 16, wherein the reaction arm is freely pivotably about the pivot axis.

20. The tool of claim 16, further comprising a reaction arm pin supported by the body and defining the pivot axis, the connection end being pivotably supported on the arm pin.

21. The tool of claim 20, wherein the first side wall defines a first opening and the second side wall defines a second opening, the arm pin having a first end supported in the first opening and a second end supported in the second opening.

22. The tool of claim 20, wherein the connection end defines an arm opening receiving the arm pin.

23. The tool of claim 22, wherein the arm pin defines and annular groove, wherein the reaction arm defines a bore communicating with the arm opening and into the groove, and wherein the tool further comprises a retainer assembly extending from the bore into the groove to retain the arm pin on the body.

24. The tool of claim 23, wherein the retainer assembly includes a screw positioned in the bore and a ball positioned in the groove.

25. The tool of claim 16, wherein the reaction arm is removably supported by the body.

26. The tool of claim 25, wherein the reaction arm is a first reaction arm, and wherein the tool further comprises a second reaction arm operable to replace the first reaction arm.

27. A tool comprising: a body extending along a body axis between a first end and a second end, the body including a first side wall and a second side wall extending along and on opposite sides of the body axis, a slot being defined between the first side wall and the second side wall proximate the first end, the slot extending transverse to the body axis, the second end providing a reaction portion engageable relative to a workpiece; a ratchet arm supportable by the body for pivoting movement about a fastener axis transverse to the body axis, the ratchet arm having a ratchet end, an opposite drive end, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being supported in the slot, the ratchet arm being removably supportable by the body; and a reciprocating drive mechanism engaging the drive end of the ratchet arm to cause pivoting movement of the ratchet arm about the fastener axis.

28. The tool of claim 27, further comprising a drive pin connecting the drive end of the ratchet arm to the drive mechanism, the drive pin being removable to permit removal of the ratchet arm.

29. The tool of claim 27, further comprising a drive interface cover removably covering an interface between the ratchet arm and the drive mechanism.

30. The tool of claim 27, wherein the first side wall of the body defines an arcuate track, the track communicating with the slot, and wherein the tool further comprises a guide pin positioned in the track and engaging the intermediate portion of the ratchet arm, the pin moving along the track during pivoting movement of the ratchet arm, the drive pin being removable from the ratchet arm to permit removal of the ratchet arm.

31. The tool of claim 30, further comprising a cover removably engageable with the body over the track and the pin.

32. The tool of claim 27, wherein the ratchet arm has a first side and an opposite second side, and wherein the ratchet arm is selectively and alternatively supported by the body in a first orientation, with the first side toward the first side wall and the second side toward the second side wall, and in a second orientation, with the first side toward the second side wall and the second side toward the first side wall.

33. The tool of claim 27, wherein the ratchet arm is a first ratchet arm, and wherein the tool further comprises a second ratchet arm operable to replace the first ratchet arm.

34. The tool of claim 27, further comprising a reaction arm supported by the body proximate the second end and providing the reaction portion.

35. A tool comprising: a body extending along a body axis between a first end and a second end, the body including a first side wall and a second side wall extending along and on opposite sides of the body axis, a slot being defined between the first side wall and the second side wall proximate the first end, the slot extending transverse to the body axis, the second end providing a reaction portion engageable relative to a workpiece; a ratchet arm supported by the body for pivoting movement about a fastener axis transverse to the body axis, the ratchet arm having a ratchet end, an opposite drive end, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being supported in the slot, the ratchet arm having a first side toward the first side wall and an opposite second side toward the second side wall; a reciprocating drive mechanism engaging the drive end of the ratchet arm to cause pivoting movement of the ratchet arm about the fastener axis; and a sensor device supported proximate the drive end and on one side of the ratchet arm.

36. The tool of claim 35, wherein the drive mechanism includes a housing, the sensor device being supported by the housing.

37. The tool of claim 36, wherein the housing defines a passage extending transverse to the body axis, the sensor device extending through the passage.

38. The tool of claim 37, wherein the drive mechanism also includes a reciprocating member supported by the housing for movement along a reciprocating axis generally parallel to the body axis, the housing having a projection extending toward the first end of the body along the reciprocating axis, the projection defining the passage.

39. The tool of claim 35, further comprising a drive pin connecting the drive end of the ratchet arm to the drive mechanism, the drive pin being positioned to pass the sensor device during pivoting movement of the ratchet arm.

40. The tool of claim 35, wherein the ratchet arm is removably supported by the body.

41. The tool of claim 35, further comprising a drive interface cover removably covering the sensor device and an interface between the ratchet arm and the drive mechanism.

42. The tool of claim 35, further comprising a reaction arm supported by the body proximate the second end and providing the reaction portion.

43. A plate assembly comprising: a plate member connectable to a workpiece, the plate member being operable to support a tool to adjust a fastener on the workpiece, the plate member defining a first opening operable to receive a first fastener on the workpiece and a second opening operable to receive a second fastener on the workpiece, the plate member providing a first reaction point associated with the first opening and a second reaction point associated with the second opening; and a plate fastener selectively engageable with one of the first fastener and the second fastener to install the plate member on the workpiece to facilitate adjustment of the other of the first fastener and the second fastener by the tool; wherein, with the plate fastener installed on the second fastener, the tool is engageable with the first fastener and the first reaction point and operated to adjust the first fastener; and wherein, with the plate fastener installed on the first fastener, the tool is engageable with the second fastener and the second reaction point and operated to adjust the second fastener.

44. The plate assembly of claim 43, wherein the first reaction point includes a first post and the second reaction point includes a second post, each post being receivable into a recess in the tool.

45. The plate assembly of claim 43, wherein the first reaction point includes a first recess and the second reaction point includes a second recess, each recess being operable to receive a projection on the tool.

46. A method of adjusting a fastener on a workpiece, the method comprising: installing a plate member on the workpiece; engaging a tool with a first fastener to be adjusted and with a first reaction point on the plate member; adjusting the first fastener with the tool; engaging the tool with a second fastener to be adjusted and with a second reaction point on the plate member; and adjusting the second fastener with the tool.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein installing the plate member includes installing a plate fastener to one of the first fastener and the second fastener.

48. The method of claim 46, wherein engaging a first reaction point includes inserting a first post on the plate member into a recess on the tool.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein engaging a second reaction point includes inserting a second post on the plate member into the recess on the tool.

50. The method of claim 46, wherein engaging a first reaction point includes inserting a projection on the tool into a first recess on the plate member.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein engaging a second reaction point includes inserting the projection on the tool into a second recess on the plate member.