DESCRIPTION

[0001]The present invention relates to portable equipment suitable for operating on a fastening element. [0002]In particular, the present invention relates to the technical field of equipment suitable for carrying out fastening operations of fastening elements of the tear- off rivet, threaded insert, or lockbolt type, i.e. those fastening elements which are suitable for joining two distinct components, typically two sheet metal elements. The subject equipment is suitable for carrying out specific deformation operations, including plastic and permanent ones, of the fastening element or of a portion thereof, to obtain the fastening of the two distinct components.

[0003]In the prior art, this equipment is also known as guns and/or inserting and/or riveting machines, also depending on the type of fastening element on which they operate. In the present discussion, reference is made to them with the generic definition of "portable equipment." [0004]Depending on the type of fastening element, insert, or rivet or lockbolt, the equipment must perform specific operations and actions on the fastening element to complete the fastening. Said actions provide for axial movements in one direction rather than in both directions, and sometimes also involve rotational actions with respect to the axis in which the axial movements are performed.

[0005]Portable equipment belonging to the prior art comprises specific components suitable for engaging the fastening elements and said components are commanded in movement by a specific electrical and/or pneumatic power supply.

[0006]In known solutions, the presence of an electrical power supply or a pneumatic power supply presents a series of drawbacks.

[0007]The main drawback is, in fact, linked to the need to connect the portable equipment to an external electric or pneumatic power supply, thus affecting the portability and usability thereof.

[0008]A further drawback, for example typical of electrically powered equipment comprising a suitable battery, is linked to the nature and physical features of the battery itself, and in particular to its duration and to the deliverable power.

[0009]In this context, the need is strongly felt to improve known solutions, improving the portability, efficiency and effectiveness thereof.

[0010]The portable equipment that is the object of the present invention is suitable for achieving said object, providing portable equipment which solves the aforementioned technical problems.

[0011]Such object is achieved by portable equipment according to what is claimed in claim 1. [0012]The claims dependent thereon describe preferred embodiment variants involving further advantageous aspects .

[0013]Further features and advantages of the invention will be made readily apparent from the following description of preferred embodiment examples thereof, provided purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0014]- Figures la and lb show two perspective views of portable equipment, according to the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment;

[0015]- Figures 2', 2’’ and 2’’’ show three sections of the portable equipment according to the present invention in a starting position, in a first pulling position, and in a second pulling position; [0016]- Figure 3 shows a sectional view along the plane A-

A of Figure 2'.

[0017]With reference to the accompanying figures, reference numeral 1 indicates portable equipment according to the present invention. [0018]The portable equipment 1 that is the object of the present invention is suitable for operating on a fastening element, for example a tear-off rivet, a threaded insert, or a lockbolt, or the like.

[0019]With the exception of some features and some very specific embodiments, described below, the type of fastening element does not limit the present invention. [0020]According to the present invention, the portable equipment 1 comprises a barrel 2 and a handle 3.

[0021]The barrel 2 extends along an axis X-X. [0022]The handle 3 extends transversely to said axis X-X and grippable by a user.

[0023]The handle 3 further comprises command means 35 engageable by the user to command the operations of the portable equipment 1 described in detail below. [0024]The command means 35 comprise a trigger 350 pressable by the user.

[0025]Preferably, the command means 35 also comprise a command inverter 351, suitable for being configurable by the user in two distinct operating modes which involve the following widely described different operating modes of the command equipment 1.

[0026]According to the present invention, moreover, the portable equipment 1 comprises a gripping member 8 positioned along the axis X-X at one end of the barrel 2. The gripping member 8 is suitable for engaging and operate the fastening element.

[0027]According to a preferred embodiment, the gripping member 8 is preferably removably fixable to the barrel 2. Preferably, several gripping members 8 are mountable to the barrel 2. Preferably, the gripping member 8 has different features and shapes depending on the type of fastening elements operable by the portable equipment 1. [0028]According to the present invention, the portable equipment 1 comprises an electrohydraulic operating assembly 4 suitable for commanding the gripping member 8 along the axis X-X. In particular, the commanded action of the operating assembly 4 is suitable for performing linear actions on the fastening element to modify it plastically and to perform the desired fastening action. [0029]Said operating assembly 4 comprises a cylinder group

5 which extends along the axis X-X accommodated in the barrel 2.

[0030]The hydraulic cylinder 5 comprises a fixed outer body 51 defining a working housing 510 and a movable central body 52 at least partially accommodated in said working housing 510.

[0031]The movable central body 52 is suitable for dividing the working housing 510 along the axis X-X into a first chamber 511 and a second chamber 512. [0032]Preferably, the fixed outer body 51 comprises two radial shoulders 516, 517 which project towards the axis

X-X defining the axial ends of the working housing 510. [0033]Preferably, the fixed outer body 51 has a substantially cylindrical shape. [0034]According to a preferred embodiment, the movable central body 52 comprises a radial ring 527 projecting radially in the direction opposite the axis X-X.

[0035]Preferably, the movable central body 52 has a substantially cylindrical shape. [0036]According to a preferred embodiment, the movable central body 52 is movable along the axis X-X starting from the engagement between the radial ring 527 and the first radial shoulder 516 up to the engagement between the radial ring 527 and the second radial shoulder 517. [0037]According to the present invention, the operating assembly 4 comprises a hydraulic group 6 operating on a predetermined amount of pressurized command fluid to command the cylinder group 5 in motion.

[0038]According to a preferred embodiment, said command fluid is an oil.

[0039]Preferably, as widely described, the hydraulic group 6 is fluidly connected to the working housing 510. By commanding the command fluid in the working housing 510, the hydraulic group 6 commands the axial movement of the movable central body 52 and therefore of the gripping member 8.

[0040]According to a preferred embodiment, the hydraulic group 6 is fluidly connected to the first chamber 511 and/or to the second chamber 512 for moving the movable central body 52.

[0041]According to a preferred embodiment, wherein the hydraulic group 6 is connected to a single chamber, it is suitable for single-acting commanding, i.e. it is suitable for obtaining an axial action in a single direction.

[0042]According to a preferred embodiment, wherein the hydraulic group 6 is connected to both chambers, it is suitable for double-acting commanding, i.e. it is suitable for obtaining an axial action in a double direction.

[0043]According to a preferred embodiment, the hydraulic group 6 comprises a pump device 60.

[0044]Preferably, the hydraulic group 6 comprises a first conduit 61 fluidly connected to the pump device 60 and to the first chamber 511.

[0045]Preferably, the hydraulic group 6 comprises a second conduit 62 fluidly connected to the pump device 60 and to the second chamber 512.

[0046]According to an embodiment variant, the hydraulic group 6 comprises only one conduit. [0047]According to an embodiment variant, the hydraulic group comprises both conduits.

[0048]The actuation of the pump device 60 involves a flow of the command fluid in the first chamber 511 or in the second chamber 512 and the consequent axial movement of the movable central body 52.

[0049]Preferably, the pump device 60 is commandable in rotary actuation.

[0050]In the double-acting embodiment, in which the pump device 60 is fluidly connected both to the first chamber 511 and to the second chamber 512, the pump device 60 is commandable in a first rotary direction in which the command fluid flows in the first chamber 511 and the movable central body 52 is moved in a pulling direction. In other words, the actuation of the pump device 60 in a first rotary direction corresponds to a flow of the command fluid in the first conduit 61.

[0051]Conversely, the pump device 60 is commandable in a second rotary direction in which the command fluid flows into the second chamber 512 and the movable central body 52 is moved in a pushing direction. In other words, the actuation of the pump device 60 in a second rotary direction corresponds to a flow of the command fluid in the second conduit 62. [0052]According to a preferred embodiment, the fixed outer body 51 comprises a first relief plug 519 operatively connected to the first chamber 511 and a second relief plug 529 operatively connected to the second chamber 512. [0053]Preferably, the first relief plug 519 and the second relief plug 529 comprise membranes or one-way valves.

[0054]According to the present invention, the movement of the movable central body 52 involves the movement of the gripping member 8 engaged thereto.

[0055]Preferably, Figures 2', 2’’ and 2’’’ observed in said order show a pulling action, performed by the portable equipment 1 according to a preferred embodiment. [0056]Instead, Figures 2’'', 2’’ and 2’ observed in said order show a pushing action, performed by the portable equipment 1 according to a preferred embodiment. [0057]According to a preferred embodiment, the pump device

60 is of the gear type, performing the action on the command fluid by volumetric compression. The pushing action is therefore a function of the action performed by the gears. [0058]According to a preferred embodiment, the pump device

60 is of the lobe type, performing the action on the command fluid by volumetric compression. The pushing action is therefore a function of the action performed by the lobes. [0059]According to a preferred embodiment, the first conduit 61 is fluidly connected to the first chamber 511 through a first calibrated opening 610.

[0060]According to a preferred embodiment, said first calibrated opening 610 defines an area of approximately 0.05 mm ^A 2.

[0061]According to a preferred embodiment, the second conduit 62 is also fluidly connected to the second chamber 512 through a second calibrated opening 620.

[0062]According to a preferred embodiment, said second calibrated opening 620 defines an area of approximately 0.05 mm ^A 2.

[0063]According to a preferred embodiment, the first conduit 61 comprises a first filter 615 suitable for filtering the command fluid flowing in the first conduit 61.

[0064]Preferably, the first filter 615 is suitable for filtering the command fluid entering in the first chamber 511.

[0065]According to a preferred embodiment, the second conduit 62 comprises a second filter 625 suitable for filtering the command fluid flowing in the second conduit 62.

[0066]Preferably, the first filter 615 is suitable for filtering the command fluid exiting from the second chamber 512. [0067]That is to say, the first filter 615 and the second filter 625 are positioned in proximity to the working housing 510.

[0068]According to a preferred embodiment, the first filter 615 and the second filter 625 prevent dirt or sediments in the working housing 510 from reaching the pump device 60.

[0069]According to a preferred embodiment, the action of the movable central body 52 in the pulling direction is greater than or equal to the action of the movable central body 52 in the pushing direction.

[0070]According to a preferred embodiment, the first chamber 511 defines a greater volume than the volume of the second chamber 512. [0071]According to a preferred embodiment, the action in the pulling direction is suitable for producing a force of about 6 tons (about 60 kN).

[0072]According to a preferred embodiment, the action in the pushing direction is suitable for producing a force of about 4 tons (about 40 kN) and 6 tons (about 60 kN).

[0073]According to a preferred embodiment, a first fluid channel 5160 and a second fluid channel 5170 are formed in the first radial shoulder 516 and in the second radial shoulder 517, respectively. [0074]Preferably, the first fluid channel 5160 is fluidly connected to the first conduit 61.

[0075]Preferably, the second fluid channel 5170 is fluidly connected to the second conduit 62.

[0076]According to a preferred embodiment, by means of the first fluid channel 5160 and the second fluid channel 5170 it is therefore always possible to bring a quantity of command fluid into the first chamber 511 and into the second chamber 512, even with the radial ring 527 abutting on the radial shoulders 516, 517. [0077]According to a preferred embodiment, moreover, the hydraulic group 6 comprises a tank 65 and a fluid recovery conduit 63 for the connection of the pump device 60 with the tank 65. Through the tank 65 and the fluid recovery conduit 63 it is possible to accumulate the command fluid in discharge and it is possible to obtain the suction of the command fluid in the operations performed by the pump device 60.

[0078]Preferably, in the tank 65 and in the fluid recovery conduit 63, the command fluid is not pressurized. [0079]According to a preferred embodiment, the hydraulic group 6 comprises a discharge hole 68 preferably connected to the tank 65 and/or to the fluid recovery conduit 63.

[0080]Preferably, the presence of the tank 65 compensates for the difference in volume between the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0081]Preferably, the pump device 60 comprises at least one non-return valve, preferably two non-return valves, suitable for managing the reversibility of the pump device 60 and of the working fluid in the aforementioned chambers and conduits.

[0082]According to the present invention, the portable equipment 1 comprises an electric group 7, commandable in operation by the command means 35, comprising an electric motor 70 operatively connected to the pump device 60 suitable for commanding it in the first rotary direction or in the second rotary direction.

[0083]According to a preferred embodiment, the electric motor 70 is of the brushless type. [0084]According to a preferred embodiment, the electric motor 70 is of the brush type.

[0085]Preferably, the electric motor 70 is of the direct current type.

[0086]According to a preferred embodiment, the electric motor 70 comprises a power supply battery 75.

[0087]Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the hydraulic group 6 comprises a pulling sensor 69 suitable for detecting the action of the command fluid in the first conduit 61. According to a preferred embodiment, when a certain threshold value detected by the pulling sensor 69 is exceeded, the pump group 6 is stopped.

[0088]Preferably, the pulling sensor 69 detects the pulling action directly. For example, the pulling sensor 69 detects the pressure of the flow in the first conduit

61. For example, the pulling sensor 69 is a load cell positioned between the barrel 2 and the gripping member 8 suitable for detecting the action undergone by the latter. [0089]According to a preferred embodiment, the pulling sensor 69 detects the pulling action indirectly. For example, the pulling sensor 69 detects the action of the electric motor 70, for example, the current absorbed by the electric motor 70 and/or the number of revolutions performed by it.

[0090]Preferably, the pulling sensor 69 is operatively connected to the electric group 7 and when a certain threshold value detected by the pulling sensor 69 is exceeded, the electric motor 70 is commanded in standstill or counter-rotation (i.e. it switches from pulling to pushing).

[0091]According to a preferred embodiment, the gripping member 8 comprises an elongated gripping element 81 operatively connected to the movable central body 52, which in turn is commandable to move along the axis X-X. [0092]Furthermore, preferably, the axially fixed annular element 82 through which the elongated gripping element 81 extends so that, when the elongated gripping element 81 is moved, the annular element 82 forces it to radially open or close.

[0093]Preferably, in this embodiment, the gripping member 8 is suitable for operating on fastening elements of the lockbolt type.

[0094]Such embodiment is the one shown by way of example in the accompanying figures.

[0095]According to a further preferred embodiment, the gripping member 8 comprises a tie rod element suitable for operating on fastening elements of the tear-off rivet or threaded insert type. [0096]According to a preferred embodiment, the movable central body 52 is hollow and comprises a through cavity 520 which extends along the axis X-X.

[0097]According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening elements are loaded with and reach the gripping member 8 through said through cavity 520.

[0098]According to a preferred embodiment, the portable equipment 1 comprises a base body 9 positioned at one end of the handle 3 opposite the barrel 2.

[0099]Preferably, the pump device 60 and the electric motor 70 are housed in the base body 9. [00100] Preferably, a plurality of electrical and hydraulic components is housed in the base body 9. Preferably, the first conduit 61 and/or the second conduit 62 extend into the handle 3. [00101] Innovatively, the portable equipment that is the object of the present invention fully achieves the intended object by solving the drawbacks that have emerged in the typical solutions of the prior art.

[00102] Advantageously, the portable equipment is totally independent from any necessary fixed power supply systems.

[00103] Advantageously, the portable equipment is suitable for carrying out both pulling and pushing operations on the fastening element in a simplified manner.

[00104] Advantageously, the hydraulic equipment is suitable for producing high pulling actions and/or high pushing actions. Advantageously, the pulling action is greater than or equal to the pushing action. [00105] Advantageously, the hydraulic equipment is calibratable according to the needs, for example according to the type or size of the fastening element with which to operate.

[00106] Advantageously, the pump device is fluidly connected to the first chamber and to the second chamber in a substantially symmetrical manner.

[00107] Advantageously, by managing the actuation of the electric motor, the actuation of the gripping member is managed. [00108] Advantageously, the filters prevent any slag present in the working housing from damaging the pump device.

[00109] Advantageously, the calibrated openings are suitable for preventing water hammers or recoils in the working housing from reaching the pump device.

[00110] Advantageously, the operating cycle of the portable equipment is extremely fast and simplified.

[00111] It is clear that a person skilled in the art may make changes to the portable equipment that is the object of the present invention in order to meet incidental needs, all falling within the scope of protection defined in the following claims.