Apparatus for applying threaded inserts, method for applying a deformation threaded insert and method for applying a second insert

A method of applying a deformation threaded insert to a receiving body, optionally the receiving body being a shell of a vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:

• a) providing an apparatus for applying the threaded insert to the receiving body, wherein the threaded insert comprises a flat head and an internally threaded shank, wherein the apparatus comprises:
• a frame;
• a motor assembly supported by the frame;
• a drive shaft extending along and about a working axis and supported by the frame, the drive shaft being operatively connected to the motor assembly and actuatable in rotation about the working axis;
• a working head supported by the frame and operatively connected to the drive shaft and suitable for supporting a tool, wherein the tool comprises a retaining portion suitable for abutting against the flat head of the threaded insert and a threaded portion suitable for engaging the internally threaded shank of the threaded insert, the working head comprising a first connection hub and a second connection hub;
• and
• a linear movement device operatively connected to the drive shaft for actuating the drive shaft in translation along the working axis with respect to the working head between a first configuration in which the drive shaft rotationally engages the first connection hub and releases the second connection hub, and a second configuration in which the drive shaft rotationally engages the second connection hub and releases the first connection hub,
• wherein, in the first configuration, a rotation of the drive shaft about the working axis is converted into a rotation of the working head about the working axis, allowing the threaded portion of the tool to be screwed into and/or unscrewed from the threaded insert;
• wherein the working head further comprises a retaining portion suitable for remaining integral with the retaining portion of the tool and a pulling portion connected to the second connection hub and suitable for remaining integral with the threaded portion of the tool,
• wherein, in the second configuration, a coupling between the drive shaft and the second connection hub allows converting the rotation of the drive shaft about the working axis into a translation along the working axis of the pulling portion with respect to the retaining portion of the working head, allowing the threaded insert to be pulled with respect to the receiving body, and
• wherein the working head engages the tool comprising the retaining portion abutting against the flat head of the threaded insert and the threaded portion engaging the internally threaded shank of the threaded insert inserted into the receiving body;
• b) by the linear movement device, taking the drive shaft into the second configuration in which the drive shaft rotationally engages the second connection hub and releases the first connection hub;
• c) by the motor assembly, actuating the drive shaft in rotation by translating the pulling portion of the working head and the threaded portion of the tool into the working axis in a direction away from the receiving body, to cause a deformation of the internally threaded shank of the threaded insert;
• d) by the linear movement device, taking the drive shaft into the first configuration in which the drive shaft rotationally engages the first connection hub and releases the second connection hub;
• and
• e) by the motor assembly, actuating the drive shaft in rotation in an unscrewing direction, by rotating the working head to cause an unscrewing of the threaded portion of the tool from the internally threaded shank of the threaded insert.

A method of applying a second insert in a receiving body, the method comprising:

• m1) providing a second insert comprising a body having an inner thread and an outer thread, and providing an apparatus for applying a threaded insert to the receiving body, optionally the receiving body being a shell of a vehicle, wherein the threaded insert comprises a flat head and an internally threaded shank, wherein the apparatus comprises:
• a frame;
• a motor assembly supported by the frame;
• a drive shaft extending along and about a working axis and supported by the frame, the drive shaft being operatively connected to the motor assembly and actuatable in rotation about the working axis;
• a working head supported by the frame and operatively connected to the drive shaft and suitable for supporting a tool, wherein the tool comprises a retaining portion suitable for abutting against the flat head of the threaded insert and a threaded portion suitable for engaging the internally threaded shank of the threaded insert, the working head comprising a first connection hub and a second connection hub;
• and
• a linear movement device operatively connected to the drive shaft for actuating the drive shaft in translation along the working axis with respect to the working head between a first configuration in which the drive shaft rotationally engages the first connection hub and releases the second connection hub, and a second configuration in which the drive shaft rotationally engages the second connection hub and releases the first connection hub,
• wherein, in the first configuration, a rotation of the drive shaft about the working axis is converted into a rotation of the working head about the working axis, allowing the threaded portion of the tool to be screwed into and/or unscrewed from the threaded insert;
• wherein the working head further comprises a retaining portion suitable for remaining integral with the retaining portion of the tool and a pulling portion connected to the second connection hub and suitable for remaining integral with the threaded portion of the tool,
• wherein, in the second configuration, a coupling between the drive shaft and the second connection hub allows converting the rotation of the drive shaft about the working axis into a translation along the working axis of the pulling portion with respect to the retaining portion of the working head, allowing the threaded insert to be pulled with respect to the receiving body, and
• wherein the working head engages a second tool comprising a threaded portion which engages the body of the second insert;
• m2) by the motor assembly, actuating the drive shaft in rotation in a screwing direction, by applying a first torque between 3 Nm and 7 Nm, extremes included, by rotating the working head and the second insert to cause the outer thread to be screwed into the receiving body;
• m3) by the motor assembly, actuating the drive shaft in rotation in the screwing direction, by applying a second torque between 8 Nm and 27 Nm, extremes included, to cause rolling of the outer thread into the receiving body and lock the second insert into the receiving body;
• and
• m4) by the motor assembly, actuating the drive shaft in rotation in an unscrewing direction, to unscrew the threaded portion of the second tool from the second insert.