Abstract: A compact press apparatus is provided that is capable of assuring the acceptability of a pressing, and in which the pressing location tends not to be restricted. Such a press apparatus includes a frame (1, 77) and a servopress (31, 50, 60, 101). A servomotor (33, 52, 62, 103) is provided within a first frame part (11, 17, 19, 79) or within a connecting-frame part (15, 83). At least a portion of a power-transmission mechanism (40, 56, 66, 90, 110) is provided within the first frame part (15, 83).

Abstract: In a fastening method and fastening apparatus, workpieces are fastened using a fastener made of a thermoplastic polymer comprising carbon fibers. The method and apparatus involve induction heating of the carbon fibers to soften the thermoplastic polymer and then plastically deforming axial ends of the fastener using a die or dies to form first and second heads while a shaft body or a shaft part of the thermoplastic polymer comprising the carbon fibers is inserted through respective through holes formed in the workpieces.

Abstract: A fastening apparatus includes a fastening device (1, 3) that heats in a non-contacting state, and then applies pressure to, a shaft part (11b) or shaft body (111) while it is inserted through the through holes (W10, W20) of workpieces (W1, W2), thereby forming at least a second head part (11c) of a fastener (11). The fastening device (1, 3) includes: a fastening die (15) that forms the second head part (11c); and a shaft-part pressure-applying device (9) that applies the pressure to the fastening die (15). A determining device (5) determines whether the fastener (11) is defective or not by calculating a load curve defined by the time and the load during which the pressure was applied and then determining whether an amount of change per unit of time in the load curve after a reference load has been exceeded is within a range of a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: A manufacturing device includes a first hinge defining a first axis of rotation and having an arm connected thereto. A parallel link mechanism includes a second hinge connected to the arm and first and second links pivotably connecting the second hinge to an attachment such that the attachment is vertically movable relative to the second hinge. A nut runner is configured to rotatably drive a fastening tool about a third axis of rotation and is connected to the attachment. A first motor is provided on the first hinge and is configured to horizontally rotate the arm about the first axis of rotation. A second motor is provided on the second hinge and is configured to horizontally rotate the parallel link mechanism about a second axis of rotation that is parallel to the first and third axes of rotation.

Abstract: A screw fastening method includes reversely rotating a shaft part of a fastening tool in a direction of loosening one of an external thread and an internal thread, which is engaged with the shaft part, while one of the external thread in a non-screwed state and the internal thread in a non-screwed state, which is engaged with the shaft part, is pressed against the other thread, detecting collisions between thread ridges of the external thread and the internal thread using a sensor while the shaft part remains rotated reversely, determining whether or not a time interval between collisions detected by the sensor matches a theoretical cycle of collisions calculated from rotation speed of the shaft part, and fastening the external thread and the internal thread to each other by normally rotating the shaft part when it is determined that the time interval matches the theoretical cycle.

Abstract: A manufacturing device includes a first hinge defining a first axis of rotation and having an arm connected thereto. A parallel link mechanism includes a second hinge connected to the arm and first and second links pivotably connecting the second hinge to an attachment such that the attachment is vertically movable relative to the second hinge. A nut runner is configured to rotatably drive a fastening tool about a third axis of rotation and is connected to the attachment. A first motor is provided on the first hinge and is configured to horizontally rotate the arm about the first axis of rotation. A second motor is provided on the second hinge and is configured to horizontally rotate the parallel link mechanism about a second axis of rotation that is parallel to the first and third axes of rotation.

Abstract: A screw fastening method includes reversely rotating a shaft part of a fastening tool in a direction of loosening one of an external thread and an internal thread, which is engaged with the shaft part, while one of the external thread in a non-screwed state and the internal thread in a non-screwed state, which is engaged with the shaft part, is pressed against the other thread, detecting collisions between thread ridges of the external thread and the internal thread using a sensor while the shaft part remains rotated reversely, determining whether or not a time interval between collisions detected by the sensor matches a theoretical cycle of collisions calculated from rotation speed of the shaft part, and fastening the external thread and the internal thread to each other by normally rotating the shaft part when it is determined that the time interval matches the theoretical cycle.