WIRE THREAD INSERT

Abstract

Wire thread insert consisting of a body with a plurality of helically wound windings, in which the plurality of helically wound windings comprises a first end winding and a second end winding which define the body at opposite axial ends, the first end winding has a first integral form-fitting means in a first end section and the second end winding has a second integral form-fitting means in a second end section, so that in an installed state of the wire thread insert a form-fit rotation-inhibiting connection with an adjacent component structure can be produced via the first and the second integral form-fitting means respectively.

Claims

1. A conically formed wire thread insert comprising a body having a plurality of helically wound windings, in which the plurality of helically wound windings comprises a first end winding and a second end winding delimiting the body at opposite axial ends, and the first end winding has a first integral form-fitting means at a first end section and the second end winding has a second integral form-fitting means at a second end section, so that, in an installed state of the wire thread insert, a form-fit rotation-inhibiting connection with an adjacent component structure can be produced via the first and the second integral form-fitting means respectively, wherein the first and the second integral form-fitting means of the wire thread insert of a bolt thread are oriented radially inwards with respect to the windings of the wire thread insert and the first and the second integral form-fitting means of the wire thread insert of a nut thread are oriented radially outwards with respect to the windings of the wire thread insert, wherein the first form-fitting means comprises a latching hook adjacent to a recess in the first end section and the second form-fitting means comprises an end tang in the second end section.

2. The conically formed wire thread insert according to claim 1, in which the first and the second form-fitting means provide a first and a second rotation-inhibiting undercut, respectively, which are oriented opposite to each other.

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. The conically formed wire thread insert according to claim 1, in which the first end winding has a larger diameter than the second end winding and the latching hook is located in the first end section and the end tang is located in the second end section.

9. A threaded bolt with a conical outer thread, on which a wire thread insert according to claim 1 is arranged.

10. A threaded opening with a conical inner thread, in which a wire thread insert according to claim 1 is arranged.

11. A connection of a bolt with an outer bolt thread and a threaded opening with an inner nut thread, wherein the bolt thread comprises a wire thread insert according to claim 1 and/or the nut thread comprises a wire thread insert according to claim 1.

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. A tool for a wire thread insert according to claim 1 for installing the latter on or removing it from a threaded bolt, which comprises the following features: a. a female installation thread with a thread turn, b. a movable stop means with which the thread is selectively blockable and releasable; and c. an unlocking means which is movable in a radial direction into the installation thread to release a form-fitting means.

20. The tool according to claim 19 in which the installation thread is 2-10% larger than a bolt thread of the threaded bolt.

21. The tool according to claim 19, in which the stop means and the unlocking means are realized by only one radially displaceable actuator, which comprises a driving or releasing construction at a radially inward projecting end.

Description

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0040] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in more detail by reference to the accompanying drawing. Showing:

[0041] FIG. 1 an embodiment of a conically shaped wire thread insert which is installed on a conically shaped bolt thread,

[0042] FIG. 2 an embodiment of a cylindrically shaped wire thread insert which is installed on a cylindrically shaped bolt thread,

[0043] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an attachment end of the wire thread insert according to FIG. 1,

[0044] FIG. 4 a perspective view of the wire thread insert of FIG. 1,

[0045] FIG. 5 a partial sectional view of the cylindrical wire thread insert of FIG. 2,

[0046] FIG. 6 is a top view of an end tang of the wire thread insert according to FIG. 1,

[0047] FIG. 7 an illustration of an embodiment of an end tang of the wire thread insert according to FIG. 2,

[0048] FIG. 8 an embodiment of a receiving recess in the bolt body adjacent to the bolt thread,

[0049] FIG. 9 an enlarged illustration of a d design of the latching hook, which may be used in combination with the conical and cylindrical wire thread insert,

[0050] FIG. 10 an enlarged illustration of a design of the bolt body with a recess for receiving the latching hook of the wire thread insert according to FIG. 9,

[0051] FIG. 11 a perspective view of an embodiment of the tool,

[0052] FIG. 12 another perspective view of an embodiment of the tool of FIG. 11,

[0053] FIG. 13 a partial sectional view of the tool of FIG. 12,

[0054] FIG. 14 an enlarged illustration of an embodiment of the unlocking means of the tool,

[0055] FIG. 15 a flow chart of an embodiment of the installation method, and

[0056] FIG. 16 a flowchart of an embodiment of the deinstallation method.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a wire thread insert 1 arranged on a bolt 50 with bolt thread 52. The wire thread insert 1 comprises a plurality of helically wound windings 10, 12, 14 which form a body 20 of the wire thread insert 1. A central axis M of the wire thread insert 1 at the same time defines an installation direction R.sub.I, in which the wire thread insert is screwed onto or installed on the bolt thread 52 of the bolt 50.

[0058] When viewed in the installation direction R.sub.I, the body 20 of the wire thread insert 1 is expanded. Accordingly, body 20 has a conical, especially a truncated cone shape. A diameter of the windings 10, 12, 14 increases in installation direction R.sub.I. Accordingly, a cone angle is enclosed between the central axis M and an outer lateral face 16 of the body 20. This angle may be within a range of 125, or 215 or within an angle range of 28.

[0059] The cone angle of the wire thread insert 1 and that of the threaded bolt or threaded bore may be adapted to each other. This means that the cone angle of the wire thread insert 1 corresponds to the cone angle of the threaded bolt or threaded opening.

[0060] When viewed in cross-section, the windings 10, 12, 14 may have an anchoring profile on a radially inner sidethat is, facing the receiving thread of the threaded bolt. This optional feature is suitable to assist the fastening of the wire thread insert in the receiving thread of the threaded bolt or the threaded bore. A profile is provided on a radially outer side which forms a thread shape as soon as the wire thread insert 1 has been installed in the bolt thread 52.

[0061] The installed wire thread insert 1 according to FIG. 2 has similar constructional features as the wire thread insert 1 of FIG. 1. These are indicated with the same reference signs as in FIG. 1. In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the body 20 of the wire thread insert 1 is cylindrical in shape. Accordingly, the windings 10, 12, 14 have the same diameter. The bolt 50 also has a cylindrical shape and the bolt thread 52 is enclosed by a cylindrical lateral face.

[0062] Both conical 52 and cylindrically shaped bolt threads 52 are generally known, so that with regard to the shape and dimensioning of these threads, reference is made to the prior art.

[0063] In order to initially fasten conically shaped and cylindrically shaped wire thread inserts 1, 1 frictionally on the bolt thread, it may be preferred to manufacture them with an undersize with respect to the bolt thread 52; 52. Undersize in this context means that the wire thread insert 1; 1 has a smaller thread than the bolt. It may be preferred that the undersize is in the range of 1 to 5% and sometimes in the range of 2% to 4% with respect to the bolt thread.

[0064] The plurality of helically wound windings 10, 12, 14; 10, 12, 14 have a first axial end winding 30; 30 and a second axial end winding 40; 40. As axial end winding 30, 40; 30, 40 is referred to, with respect to the body 20; 20, the last winding of the plurality of helically wound windings 10, 12, 14; 10, 12, 14 which is adjacent to the axial end face of the body 20; 20. Each end winding 30, 40; 30, 40 comprises an integrally formed form-fitting means 32, 42; 32, 42. These form-fitting means 32, 42; 32, 42 are used in analogous manner in conically shaped wire thread inserts 1 as in cylindrically shaped wire thread inserts 1.

[0065] With reference to the conically shaped wire thread insert 1, the first end winding 30 may have a larger diameter than the second end winding 40. In the first end winding 30, the first integrally formed form-fitting means 32 comprises a latching hook 34 which is formed adjacent to a recess 36 at a radially inner side of the first end winding 30.

[0066] The latching hook 34 may have a turn-in chamfer 33, which supports an installation of the wire thread insert 1 in the bolt thread 52. The turn-in chamfer 33 is located on the radially inner side and at the free end of the first end winding 30.

[0067] In the installed state, the latching hook 34 snaps into a latching recess 54 on the bolt thread 52. The latching recess 54 is arranged in the bolt body or in the bolt thread 52. It provides a stop face 55 the face normal N.sub.55 of which is approximately tangential to the bolt thread 52 and oriented in the turn-in direction of the wire thread insert 1. Due to this orientation, the stop face 55, as a stop portion and blocking face for a latching face 35 of the latching hook 32, forms a reverse rotation safety for the installed wire thread insert 1. For this purpose, a face normal N.sub.35 of the latching face 35 is oriented approximately anti-parallel to the face normal N.sub.55.

[0068] During the installation of the wire thread insert 1, it is screwed into the bolt thread 52. As soon as the integral form-fitting means 32 has moved out of the bolt thread 52 via an intermediate elevation 56 into the latching recess 54, it locks the wire thread insert 1 there against unscrewing from the bolt thread 52. Due to friction between the wire thread insert 1 and a surrounding receiving thread (not shown), such a backward rotation could occur without the simultaneous attempt of deinstallation and lead to a detachment of the wire thread insert.

[0069] In the second end winding 40, an end tang 44 may be provided in a second end section as integral form-fitting means 42. The end tang 44 protrudes approximately radially inwards in comparison to the course of the second end winding 40. In this connection it is not necessary that the end tang 44 points exactly to a central point of the second end winding 40. Furthermore, the end tang 44 may consist of an angular end of the second end winding 40. The end tang has a minimum length that may ensure an engagement of the end tang 44 in a corresponding recess 60 in the bolt body 50 or in a bolt thread 52. Since the end tang 44 provides an anti-rotation protection of the wire thread insert 1, due to its resistance to shear stress, even a short length is sufficient for this purpose. The length of the end tang 44, with which the end tang 44 may protrude radially inwards beyond the inner diameter D.sub.I of the wire thread insert 1, is from a range of 0.4 B.sub.DL.sub.Z3.0 B.sub.D. In this context, B.sub.D indicates the radial width of the wire of the wire thread insert 1, which in the case of an approximately rhomboid wire cross section indicates the longer diagonal in the wire cross section. In the case of a square wire cross-section, the diagonals of the wire cross-section are of equal length.

[0070] As can be seen from FIGS. 1, 6 and 8, the radial recess 60 in the bolt 50 is formed as a groove open in the axial direction. The groove is open opposite the installation direction R.sub.I. The groove may be limited in the tangential direction by the two blocking faces 62, 64.

[0071] As soon as the end tang 44 has snapped into the recess 60, the blocking face 64 may prevent further screwing-in of the wire thread insert 1 in the installation direction. Accordingly, the latching hook 34 cannot be pushed beyond the latching recess 54. The further blocking face 62 may prevent a back-turning of the wire thread insert 1, having the end tang 44 abut there, that is, at the blocking face 62. Due to its arrangement, the end tang 44 thus forms a rotation-inhibiting undercut in at least one rotational direction, which may block further screwing-in of the wire thread insert 1 and further may block unscrewing of the wire thread insert 1.

[0072] Accordingly, the rotation-inhibiting undercuts of the end tang 42 and the latching hook 34 are oriented opposite to each other. By this, incorrect installation by overtightening and deinstallation by screwing the wire thread insert 1 out of the bolt thread is avoided.

[0073] The above-described constructive design and arrangement of the integral form-fitting means 32, 42 can be applied analogously to a cylindrically shaped wire thread insert 1 according to FIG. 2. This can be seen from the partial sectional view in FIG. 5. Correspondingly, reference is made to the analogously applicable explanations for the above-mentioned embodiments of the wire thread insert with conical shape.

[0074] In general, it should be emphasized that the wire thread inserts, according to at least some embodiments, do not have an installation tang which is diametrically arranged according to the prior art. Such tangs serve as driving/installation and/or locking tangs. For a wire thread insert 1 of a conical or a cylindrical receiving thread of the threaded bolt, this diametral tang would be interfering, since the installation of the wire thread insert would be limited in the axial direction. For a wire thread insert of a conical or a cylindrical female thread (see below), this diametral tang would have to be removed in order to install a threaded bolt or similar within the female thread. This additional effort may be avoided.

[0075] In addition, the above-described features of the constructions of the wire thread inserts 1; 1 may also be transferred to conically and cylindrically shaped wire thread inserts for nut threads or threaded openings.

[0076] A wire thread insert for a nut thread may be provided with oversize with respect to a thread geometry of the threaded opening. This means that an outer diameter of the wire thread insert is larger than an inner diameter of the threaded opening. This ensures that the wire thread insert is pressed into the receiving thread due to its inherent spring properties and holds itself there via a frictional connection. It may be preferred that the oversize is in the range of 1 to 5% and further may be in the range of 2 to 4% with respect to the nut thread.

[0077] The functionality of the integral form-fitting means is maintained even when used in a wire thread insert for a nut thread. In contrast to the wire thread insert 1; 1 for a bolt thread 52; 52, the two integral form-fitting means are oriented radially outwards in order to be able to engage in the nut body or in a nut thread or in a component wall of the threaded opening.

[0078] It may be preferred in a connection of a threaded bolt and a female thread that at least one of the threads is reinforced by the wire thread insert described above. It may also be preferred to reinforce both threads, i.e. the bolt thread and the female thread, with one wire thread insert each. As soon as the respective reinforcement has been performed, the threaded bolt is screwed into the female thread and is fastened there.

[0079] In order to install the wire thread insert 1; 1 on the threaded bolt 50; 50, a tool 80 is provided. In a perspective view in FIGS. 11 and 12, characteristics of the tool 80 are shown to explain the principle of operation and functionality. It is understood that the tool 80 can be designed as a manual or automatic tool 80, without having to describe those in detail here.

[0080] The tool 80 comprises a female receiving thread 82. In the receiving thread 82 the wire thread insert 1; 1 is received in order to install the latter on the bolt thread 52; 52. Depending on the outer shape of the threaded bolt 50; 50 and the wire thread insert 1; 1, the female thread 82 is formed conically or cylindrically.

[0081] For installation, the wire thread insert 1; 1 is screwed into the receiving thread 82 (S1). At this, the wire thread insert 1; 1 may be turned until a stop means 84 projecting into the thread turn of the receiving thread 82 blocks the thread turn and thus a further screwing-in (S2).

[0082] The stop means 84 may be formed by an actuator which can be moved into the thread turn of the receiving thread 82. The radial adjustment of the actuator may be realized by means of a threaded connection. In the same way, an axial displacement or motorized adjustment is also possible.

[0083] The wire thread insert 1; 1 may be screwed into the receiving thread 82 with the second form-fitting means 44; 44, that is, the end tang, first. For this reason, the wire thread insert 1; l may be positioned on or adjacent to the end tang at the stop means 84. The screw-in direction is indicated by RE. During the screwing-in, frictional forces counteract the sliding of the wire thread insert 1; 1 in the thread turn. Thus, the wire thread insert 1; 1 is expanded during the screwing-in, which assists the screwing-in.

[0084] The wire thread insert 1; 1 may be screwed into the receiving thread 82 until the first form-fitting means 34; 34 is arranged adjacent to a radial recess 86. The recess 86 increases the thread turn of the receiving thread 82 radially outwards. As a result, the recess 86 allows the first form-fitting means 34; 34, here the end latching hook 34; 34 (see FIG. 9), to slide over the intermediate elevation 56; 56 during installation of the wire thread insert 1; l and latch into the latching recess 54; 54 (see FIG. 10). During a deinstallation of the wire thread insert 1; 1, the recess 86 ensures that the latching hook 34; 34 can be moved radially outwards and then pushed or turned over the intermediate elevation 56; 56.

[0085] The wire thread insert 1; 1 is screwed onto the bolt thread 52; 52 until the latching hook 34; 34 is engaged in the latching recess 54; 54 after passing the intermediate elevation 56; 56 (S6).

[0086] In addition, the end tang 44; 44 slides into the recess 60; 60 in the threaded bolt 50; 50 to latch therein (S7). The recess 60; 60 may have an insertion chamfer (not shown) instead of the side wall 62 (see FIG. 1). This facilitates the sliding of the end tang 44; 40 into the recess 60; 60.

[0087] As soon as the end tang 44; 44 and the latching hook 34; 34 are latched, the wire thread insert 1; 1 is reliably fastened. The tool 80 is then unscrewed from the installed wire thread insert 1; 1.

[0088] It may be preferred that the receiving thread 82 of the tool 80 is dimensioned 2 to 10% larger than the bolt thread 52; 52. This ensures that the wire thread insert 1; 1 is reliably receivable in the tool 80 and installable on the threaded bolt 50; 50.

[0089] For the deinstallation of the wire thread insert 1; 1 from the bolt thread 52; 52, the tool 80 may comprise an unlocking means for the end-sided form-fitting means 34; 34. The unlocking means may comprise a radially displaceable actuator 90. The actuator 90 is equipped with a driving or releasing construction 92 which projects into recess 86. In addition, the actuator 90 with the releasing construction 92 is movable in such a manner that the actuator 90 can release the latching hook 34; 34 from the recess/depression 36; 36 and move it into the recess 86 (D2). This movement and functionality are illustrated by the dotted lines in FIG. 14. Before this unlocking can take place, the tool 80 is screwed onto the threaded bolt 50; 50 with wire thread insert 1; 1 (D1).

[0090] After the latching hook 34; 34 has been unlocked in step D2, the tool 80 is rotated against the thread direction (D4). In doing so, the actuator 90 may move towards the end (D3) adjacent to the latching hook 34; 34 and begins to push out (D5) or unscrew (D6) the wire thread insert 1; 1 from the bolt thread 52; 52.

[0091] The pushing out causes an expansion of the wire thread insert 1; 1 against the frictional forces to the bolt thread 52; 52. This also assists the deinstallation of the wire thread insert 1; 1. In order to simplify the deinstallation, the end tang 44; 44 may slide out of the form-fit engagement, via the lead-in chamfer of the recess 60. The lead-in chamfer may be arranged instead of the limiting wall 62, as already described above.