Spin pull module for threaded inserts

摘要

A method and apparatus for installing a hollow threaded insert into a hole in a substrate having first and second surfaces. The insert has a hollow shaft having a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion. The insert has a front flange at the first end portion for engaging the front surface of the substrate around the hole. The second end portion of the shaft has an internal thread and, the intermediate portion forms a gripping means that engages the second surface when a force is applied that pulls the second end portion toward the first end portion. The method includes the steps of: activating a rotatable drive so that the threaded portion of a mandrel rotates into the threaded portion of the insert until a nose retainer contacts the flange of the insert; moving the gun including a drive, drive shaft, mandrel and attached insert to place the shaft of the insert into the hole in the substrate so that the flange of the insert contacts the first surface of the substrate; pulling the second end portion of the insert toward the second surface of the substrate by a piston within a cylinder where the piston is connected to the drive shaft holding the mandrel so that the motion of the mandrel collapses the intermediate portion of the insert to grip the second surface of the substrate and so that the drive shaft moves in a slide coupling toward the drive; turning the drive in a reverse direction to disengage the mandrel from the threads in the insert; and moving the gun in a direction away from the flange of the installed insert. The apparatus of the invention includes structure for carrying out the method of the invention.