Patent Application
20190255685
In some mechanical assemblies, components are generally fastened together using nuts and bolts (e.g., via screw- or rotational-coupling via threads). Nut runner tools are configured to assist with the rotational coupling of nuts to bolts. For example, a nut runner may include a nut socket into which a nut, to be coupled to a bolt, is inserted. An actuating device is then used to rotate the nut socket to screw the nut onto the bolt. -couple the nut to the bolt.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a nut runner tool includes a housing having a drive gear and a plurality of guides. The drive gear is configured to receive a rotational drive input. The tool also includes a belt configured to engage the drive gear. The guides are positioned to guide oppositely-disposed portions of the belt toward each other to form a pear-shaped loop in the belt in a position exterior to the housing. The loop is engageable with a nut to cause rotation of the nut in response to the rotational drive input.
According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a nut runner tool includes a housing having a drive gear disposed therein and configured to receive a rotational drive input. A belt is configured to an hourglass shape having a first loop within the housing and engaging the drive gear and a second loop exterior to the housing. The second loop is engageable with a nut to cause rotation of the nut in response to the rotational drive input.
According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a nut runner tool includes a drive assembly, a belt, and a guide assembly. The guide assembly engages an exterior surface of the belt to form the belt into the hourglass shape having a first loop and a second loop. An interior surface of the first loop engages the drive assembly and the drive assembly causes rotation of the belt in response to receiving a rotational drive input. An interior surface of the second loop is engageable with a nut to cause rotation of the nut in response to the rotation of the belt.
For a more complete understanding of the present application, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a nut runner tool that is enables the rotational coupling (and de-coupling) of nuts to bolts. According to one embodiment, a nut runner tool includes a housing having a drive gear and a plurality of guides. The drive gear is configured to receive a rotational drive input. The tool also includes a belt configured to engage the drive gear. The guides are positioned to guide oppositely-disposed portions of the belt toward each other to form a pear-shaped loop in the belt in a position exterior to the housing. The loop is engageable with a nut to cause rotation of the nut in response to the rotational drive input. In some embodiments, the tool enables the rotation of a nut relative to a threaded bolt in limited access areas. For example, oftentimes, bolts may be located adjacent to walls or other structure such that there is limited access or space to secure a socket or other type of tool to the nut. Embodiments of the present disclosure enable a loop of a belt to be placed over the nut such that a space adjacent the nut can be as small as a thickness of the belt. The belt is then rotationally driven and engages the nut to rotate the nut relative to a threaded post or bolt.
In the embodiment illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the drive assembly 14 includes a drive pulley or gear 30 rotationally coupled to and disposed within a housing 32. The drive gear 30 includes teeth 34 to engage teeth 26 of belt 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive gear 30 receives a rotational drive input by a drive device 40 removably couplable to drive gear 30, such as a right angle drill motor 42; however, it should be understood that other types of drive devices 40 could be used (e.g., any type of drill or device that provides a rotational output). It should be further understood that in some embodiments, a drive device mechanism may be incorporated into tool 10 as an integral unit (e.g., a battery powered motor to drive gear 30, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, drive device 40 is removably coupled to housing 32 via one or more clamp fasteners 46; however, it should be understood that other types of fastening mechanisms may be used.
Guide assembly 16 is configured to enable an increased amount of torque to be applied to the nut 12 by the belt 18. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, guide assembly 16 includes guide rollers 50 and 52. In the illustrated embodiment, guide rollers 50 and 52 are rotationally coupled to and disposed within housing 32. In one embodiment, guide rollers 50 and 52 are disposed spaced apart from other and in alignment with each other relative to a distance to drive gear 30. Guide rollers 50 and 52 engage oppositely-disposed portions of the belt 18 on the exterior surface 24 of the belt 18 to create or form a necked-down or reduced-width medial region 56 of the belt 18. As best illustrated in
As illustrated in
Thus, embodiments of the present invention enable a flexible belt 18 to be fed into areas of limited access to engage a nut. For example, the belt 18 may be fed into limited access areas such that the flexibility of the belt 18 enables the belt 18 to be manipulated (e.g., by a user's hands or otherwise) to enable the belt 18 to be looped over a nut. The drive device 40 may then be actuated to cause the belt 18 to rotate relative to housing 32 and thereby imparting a torque to the nut. Embodiments of the present disclosure enable the loop 62 of the belt 18 to be placed over the nut 12 such that a space adjacent the nut 12 can be as small as a thickness of the belt 18. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure facilitates the coupling or de-coupling of a nut relative to a threaded bolt or stud in areas where access to the nut 12 is extremely limited.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62632769 | Feb 2018 | US |
