Electric hand-held power tool, authentication system and authentication method

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric hand tool comprising a drive unit for driving a shaft of the electric hand tool and configured to drive a socket of the electric hand tool or a socket connectable to the electric hand tool via the shaft, a torque sensor for measuring a torque applied to the shaft via the drive unit, a control unit for controlling the drive unit to limit the measured torque to a predetermined value and / or to adjust the measured torque to a predetermined value within a tolerance range, and a transmitter for transmitting data from the electric hand tool to an external memory, the data comprising a final torque value. The invention further relates to a method of providing a traceable record of torque values and the issuance of a corresponding certificate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electric hand tool with a torque sensor, and related authentication systems and methods. Background Technology

[0002] In vehicles, torque adjustment for components like nuts or bolts used to attach wheels is currently done manually by workshop mechanics using mechanical torque wrenches. The corresponding maximum torque is primarily set via a mechanical slipper clutch or pneumatic pressure. The drawback of this approach is that it's impossible to verify whether the correct torque is being used. In other words, there's no traceable record of the actual torque value being used.

[0003] However, safety regulations require precisely setting a individually specified torque, which depends on the vehicle type and the corresponding wheel rim type. Currently, for example, in cases of doubt, auto repair shops cannot prove that the correct setting has been applied. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome at least some of the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0005] This objective is achieved by the electric hand tool according to the present invention.

[0006] The electric hand tool according to the invention includes: a drive unit for driving a shaft of the electric hand tool and configured to drive or be connected to a socket of the electric hand tool via the shaft; a torque sensor for measuring the torque applied to the shaft via the drive unit; a control unit for controlling the drive unit to limit the measured torque to a predetermined value and / or adjust the measured torque to a predetermined value within a tolerance range; and a transmitter for transmitting data from the electric hand tool to an external memory, the data including a final torque value. The electric hand tool according to the invention can be an impact wrench or a screwdriver. The control unit can determine the final measured torque value applied to the shaft and can control the transmitter to transmit the final applied torque value to the external memory. Limiting the torque value to a predetermined value can provide a final torque value lower or higher than the predetermined value. Therefore, the predetermined value can be a maximum torque value or a minimum torque value, respectively.

[0007] The socket can be part of or connected to a power hand tool. The socket can receive fastening elements such as nuts, bolts, or screws (e.g., in the case of an impact wrench or screwdriver), which can be driven and secured to an object. The control unit receives a measurement signal from a torque sensor and controls the drive unit to adjust the applied torque value by increasing the torque until the torque value is within a predetermined tolerance range around a predetermined value used for the current tightening process. This predetermined value and / or tolerance range can be stored in the memory of the power hand tool. For example, the tolerance range can be 10% or less of the predetermined torque value, preferably, for example, 5% or less of the predetermined torque value.

[0008] In an improved embodiment of the electric hand tool according to the present invention, the torque sensor may include a magnetostrictive torque sensor or a strain gauge.

[0009] Magnetostrictive torque sensors offer the advantage of providing reliable and repeatable measurements in various environments.

[0010] In a further improvement, the magnetostrictive torque sensor may include a magnetized portion of the shaft and a magnetic field sensor for detecting changes in the external magnetic field of the shaft. The shaft may be a solid shaft or a hollow shaft.

[0011] In this improved design, the driven shaft is magnetized and a magnetic field is positioned near the magnetized portion to determine the change in the magnetic field when a torque is applied, causing the shaft to twist and thus generating a change in the magnetic field at the location of the magnetic field sensor due to the dimagnetostrictive effect. The magnetization of the shaft can be provided during the manufacture of the power hand tool, and the calibration of the magnetic field sensor signal related to the applied torque can be stored in the sensor's memory.

[0012] According to another improvement, the magnetostrictive torque sensor may include a magnetized portion of a disk, such as spokes of the disk, and a magnetic field sensor for detecting changes in the magnetic field outside the disk. The disk may be wheel-shaped and have spokes between its interior and exterior.

[0013] In this improved design, the shaft can be connected to the central portion of the disk, and the bearing socket can be connected to the outer portion of the disk. Therefore, when the shaft is driven, the disk is subjected to stress, and the magnetized portion of the disk generates a magnetic field change at the location of the magnetic field sensor via the contramagnetic-strictive effect. Specifically, the disk can have spokes connecting the inner and outer portions of the disk, and one or more spokes can be magnetized. The magnetization of the disk can be provided during the manufacture of the electric hand tool, and the calibration of the magnetic field sensor signal relative to the applied torque can be stored in the sensor's memory.

[0014] According to another improvement, the electric hand tool may also include an additional module that can be detached from the housing, and the additional module includes an extension of a shaft, wherein a torque sensor is disposed in the additional module.

[0015] In this improved design, the additional module is a separate component that can be used when torque measurement is required and / or when certification (see below) is needed. The additional module can be connected to a shaft on one side of the module and to a bearing on the opposite side. The driven shaft can then drive an extension of the module's shaft.

[0016] In another improvement, the electric hand tool may further include at least one selected from the group consisting of: a unit for determining the geographical location of the electric hand tool; a clock unit for determining the current time and / or duration of torque application; a unit for determining the number of rotations or rotation angles of the shaft, particularly after the minimum torque value has been reached; a unit for determining object data of an object fastened by the electric hand tool to a fastening element, such as a bolt or nut; and a unit for determining the type and / or material of the fastening element.

[0017] The advantage of this is that it can record the precise location and / or current time and / or duration of the electric hand tool and / or object data of the object fastened with the fastening element and / or the type and / or material of the fastening element, each of which is related to the current fastening process.

[0018] This can be further improved by including a scanning unit for determining object data and / or for determining the type and / or material of the fastening element. The scanning unit scans one or more tags, such as barcodes or QR codes, from the object and / or fastening element, specifically for determining and setting predetermined torque values ​​and / or tolerance ranges. The scanning unit may be shared by both the unit for determining object data and the unit for determining the type and / or material of the fastening element.

[0019] According to another improvement, the object can be a vehicle or a vehicle wheel, and the object data can include at least one of vehicle identification data, wheel data such as wheel rim data, and a predetermined torque value; or the object can be an assembly component, such as a glass element or a building panel, and the object data can include a minimum torque value as a predetermined torque value.

[0020] In a further improvement, the electric handheld tool may include a storage unit for storing measurement data, such as the data or values ​​mentioned above.

[0021] According to another improvement, the transmitted data may also include data obtained or determined by one or more of units (i) to (v). Data, such as the aforementioned data or values, can therefore be transmitted to external memory (document device) for further processing. The data can be transmitted wirelessly (using, for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or mobile networks) or via a wired connection.

[0022] The present invention also provides an authentication system comprising an electric handheld tool according to the improved scheme and a document device, the document device comprising a receiver for receiving measurement data and a memory for storing the measurement data.

[0023] In the improved authentication system, the document device is configured to generate digital or printed certificates that include one or more of the measurement data, specifically to prove that the measurement data complies with relevant security standards.

[0024] The present invention also provides an authentication method comprising the following steps: driving a shaft of a power hand tool and driving a socket connected to the power hand tool via the shaft, and driving a fastening element received in the socket; measuring the torque applied to the shaft via a drive unit using a torque sensor; limiting the measured torque to a predetermined value and / or adjusting the measured torque to a predetermined value within a tolerance range; transmitting data including the final torque value applied to the fastening element from the power hand tool to a document device; and generating a digital or printed certificate including the final torque value via the document device.

[0025] Therefore, this invention provides a traceable record of torque values ​​and the issuance of corresponding certificates.

[0026] In the improved certification method, the following additional steps are performed: determining the geographic location of the electric hand tool, the current time and / or duration of torque application, the number of rotations or rotation angles of the axis, object data of the object fastened by the electric hand tool with fastening elements such as bolts or nuts, and data of at least one of the type and / or material of the fastening elements; transmitting the determined data to a document device; and generating a digital or printed certificate including the transmitted data.

[0027] Other features, exemplary embodiments, and advantages of the invention will be described in more detail below with the aid of the accompanying drawings. It is apparent that these embodiments do not exhaustively describe the scope of the invention. It is also apparent that some or all of the features described below may be combined with each other in different ways. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the electric hand tool according to the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the electric hand tool according to the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 Further details of the electric hand tool according to the invention, applicable to both the first and second embodiments, are shown.

[0031] Figure 4 An embodiment of the authentication system according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the electric hand tool 100 according to the present invention is shown.

[0033] The electric hand tool 100 includes a drive unit (electric motor) 10 for driving a shaft 20 of the electric hand tool 100, and the drive unit 10 is configured to drive a socket 30 connectable to the electric hand tool 100 via the shaft 20. The electric hand tool 100 also includes: a torque sensor 40 for measuring the torque applied to the shaft 20 via the drive unit 10; a control unit 50 for controlling the drive unit 10 to limit the measured torque to a predetermined value and / or adjust the measured torque to a predetermined value within a tolerance range; and a transmitter 65 for transmitting data from the electric hand tool to an external memory, the data including a final torque value. The electric hand tool 100 may be an impact wrench or a screwdriver. The control unit 50 determines the final measured torque value applied to the shaft 20 and controls the transmitter 65 to transmit the final applied torque value to the external memory.

[0034] In this embodiment, the electric hand tool 100 has a rechargeable battery unit 91 attached to the housing 90 for supplying electrical power to the drive unit 10. In this example, the battery unit 91 is attached to the hand grip portion 92 of the housing 90.

[0035] The socket 30 can receive a fastening element 31, such as a nut, bolt, or screw, which can be driven and secured to an object. The control unit 50 receives a measurement signal from the magnetostrictive torque sensor 40 and controls the drive unit 10 to adjust the applied torque value by increasing the torque until the torque value is within a predetermined tolerance range around a predetermined value used for the current tightening process. The predetermined value and / or tolerance range are stored in the memory 51 of the electric hand tool 100.

[0036] In this embodiment, the torque sensor 40 may be a magnetostrictive torque sensor, and the torque sensor 40 includes a magnetized portion 41 of the shaft 20 and a magnetic field sensor 42 for detecting changes in the magnetic field outside the shaft 20. However, the torque sensor 40 may alternatively include a strain gauge.

[0037] The driven shaft 20 is magnetized and a magnetic field sensor 42 is positioned near the magnetized portion 41 to determine changes in the magnetic field when a torque is applied, causing the shaft 20 to twist, and thus generating a change in the magnetic field at the location of the magnetic field sensor due to the dimagnetostrictive effect. The magnetization of the shaft 20 can be provided during the manufacture of the electric hand tool 100, and a calibration of the magnetic field sensor signal in relation to the applied torque can be stored in the sensor's memory.

[0038] For example, EP 3 050 790 B1 describes a torque sensor based on the principle of inverse magnetostriction. A magnetized shaft (as a primary sensor component) generates a magnetic field outside the shaft in response to the applied torque. This magnetic field can be detected non-contactly by a magnetic field sensor (as a secondary sensor component). Changes in the magnetic field are typically proportional to the applied torque. A corresponding one-time calibration is performed during the manufacturing phase of the torque sensor to correlate the magnetic field change with the applied torque.

[0039] Other torque sensors based on the inverse magnetostrictive effect are described in European Patent Application No. 21 183 622.6. These torque sensors include a disk comprising a magnetostrictive, pre-magnetized, or magnetizable material; and a magnetic field sensor device; wherein a torque acting about the disk's axis of rotation can be applied to the disk and the magnetostrictive material is designed to generate a magnetic field outside the disk, which varies according to the applied torque; wherein the magnetic field sensor device is designed to output a signal based on the magnetic field generated by the magnetostrictive material; and wherein the torque sensor is configured to determine the value of the applied torque based on the output signal. The disk, serving as a force transmission element, is used to measure the applied torque by pre-magnetizing at least a portion of the disk. In particular, the disk may have spokes connecting an inner portion and an outer portion of the disk, and one or more spokes may be magnetized. In this way, the disk, rather than the shaft on which the disk may be mounted, is used as a primary sensor.

[0040] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the electric hand tool 200 according to the present invention is shown.

[0041] In addition to having an additional module 95 that can be separated from the housing 90 of the electric hand tool 200, and the additional module 95 including an extension 21 of the shaft 20, the electric hand tool 200 according to the second embodiment and the electric hand tool according to the second embodiment are similar. Figure 1Similar to the first embodiment of the electric hand tool 100, wherein a magnetostrictive torque sensor 40 is disposed in the add-on module. When the add-on module 95 is connected to the housing 90, the extension 21 of the shaft 20 and the shaft 20 engage with each other.

[0042] The additional module 95 is a separate component that can be used only when torque measurement and / or certification of the applied torque is required. The additional module 95 can be connected to the shaft 20 on one side of the module 95 and to the bearing 30 on the opposite side of the module 95. The driven shaft 20 then drives the extension 21 of the shaft 20 of the module 95.

[0043] Figure 3 Further details of the electric hand tool 300 according to the present invention are shown.

[0044] The electric hand tool 300 includes one or more of the following elements connected to the control unit 50:

[0045] - Scanning unit 60, which is used to scan one or more labels, such as barcodes or QR codes, from an object, and in particular, to determine and set predetermined torque values ​​and / or tolerance ranges for torque values, and / or to determine object data of an object fastened with fastening elements, such as bolts or nuts, by a power hand tool, and / or to determine at least one of the following: type and / or material of the fastening element, and / or vehicle identification data, wheel data such as wheel rim data.

[0046] - Unit 61 used to determine geographical location, such as a GPS module,

[0047] - Clock 62 used to determine the current time and / or duration of torque application.

[0048] - A unit 63 for determining the number of rotations or rotation angles of shaft 20, particularly after the minimum torque value has been reached, may, for example, include a magnetic pole ring attached to and rotating with the shaft, while a magnetic field sensor counts magnetic pulses from the pole ring.

[0049] - Transmitter 65, which is used to transmit measurement data and / or determined data from a power handheld tool to an external memory. The transmitter can transmit data wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth, WiFi or mobile / cellular networks. Alternatively, a wired connection can be established.

[0050] The corresponding measurement data can be stored in memory 51 connected to the control unit.

[0051] One or more of these elements may be disposed according to the first and second embodiments described above, and respectively in... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Among the electric hand tools 100 and 200 shown. For illustrative purposes only, [the following is an example]. Figure 3 The Chinese text has been omitted. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The specific details are shown below.

[0052] The transmitter 65 needs to be integrated with the authentication system according to the present invention. This will be described in the following embodiments.

[0053] Figure 4 An embodiment of the authentication system 400 according to the present invention is shown.

[0054] In this embodiment, the authentication system 400 includes an embodiment according to one of the above embodiments and... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The electric hand tools 100, 200, and 300 shown herein, as well as the document device 450, include a receiver 455 for receiving measurement data and / or determined data, and a memory 451 for storing the measurement data and / or determined data.

[0055] The document device 450 is configured to generate a digital or printed certificate 460 that includes one or more of the measurement data and / or determined data, specifically for certifying that the measurement data conforms to the relevant security standards.

[0056] The following section summarizes some of the key elements included in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0057] This invention provides an electric handheld tool. The electric handheld tool, such as an impact wrench or screwdriver, has (automatic) target setting (e.g., manually or via a barcode / QR code scanner or RF code) and torque detection. On one hand, key tightening parameters such as torque, revolutions, rotational speed, and drive duration (seconds) can be recorded and controlled; on the other hand, contact pressure, time, GPS location, and the tool used (drill diameter, insert drill bit, or lead screw nut) and screw used in each case can be recorded and archived. This is to ensure the traceability of the work performed.

[0058] Data recorded in this way is initially stored temporarily in the tool and read out later, or alternatively, the data is uploaded in real time to a central unit or the cloud via a wireless connection (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, mobile network) and read out and evaluated using special software.

[0059] Data acquired and processed in this way ensures the traceability of performed work and allows for the issuance of corresponding certificates of conformity for correct work execution. This traceability can be applied to construction sites and workshops, as well as to the correct assembly / bolting of wheel rims in automotive workshops.

[0060] Specifically, an impact wrench with intelligent torque adjustment (based on vehicle type and rim type input) for use in automotive workshops is provided. An integrated torque sensor adjusts the required torque of the impact wrench according to individual maximum values. A wireless connection to a central evaluation system (certification device) records and stores the applied torque data for each individually installed wheel. Specifically, a rim code can be recorded and stored for each wheel to identify individual wheels as left front, right front, left rear, and right rear. Furthermore, even individual screw holes can be identified, and the corresponding torque values ​​are archived and certified.

[0061] Customer benefits refer to safety, specifically the safety resulting from precisely setting a individually specified torque, which depends on the vehicle type and the corresponding rim type.

[0062] Furthermore, torque detection is non-contact, utilizing magnetostriction and pre-magnetization of the "shaft." The sensor can be integrated into the tool or provided as a standalone plug-in module (accessory). Other advantages include the creation of traceable documentation / certificates by recording all key screw parameters, as well as other parameters such as GPS location, time, and working duration. Additionally, material data, vehicle data, and rim data can be stored.

[0063] These embodiments are merely exemplary, and the full scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An electric handheld tool, the electric handheld tool comprising: A drive unit for driving the shaft of the electric hand tool and configured to drive the housing of the electric hand tool via the shaft or be connected to the housing of the electric hand tool. A torque sensor for measuring the torque applied to the shaft via the drive unit; A control unit for controlling the drive unit to limit the measured torque to a predetermined value and / or adjust the measured torque to a predetermined value within a tolerance range; Selected from at least one of the following: (i) a clock unit for determining the duration of torque application, and (ii) a unit for determining the number of rotations of the shaft after the minimum torque value has been reached; as well as A transmitter for transmitting data from the electric handheld tool to an external memory, the data including a final measured torque value and data obtained or determined by one or more of the clock unit and the unit for determining the number of rotations of the shaft after the minimum torque value has been reached.

2. The electric handheld tool according to claim 1, wherein, The torque sensor includes a magnetostrictive torque sensor or a strain gauge.

3. The electric handheld tool according to claim 2, wherein, The magnetostrictive torque sensor includes a magnetized portion of the shaft and a magnetic field sensor for detecting changes in the external magnetic field of the shaft.

4. The electric handheld tool according to claim 2, wherein, The magnetostrictive torque sensor includes a magnetized portion of a disk and a magnetic field sensor for detecting changes in the magnetic field outside the disk.

5. The electric hand tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an additional module detachable from the housing, and said additional module including an extension of the shaft, wherein, The torque sensor is located in the additional module.

6. The electric hand-held tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising at least one unit selected from the group consisting of: (i) A unit for determining the geographical location of the electric handheld tool, (ii) the clock unit, which is further configured to determine the current time at which the torque is applied. (iii) A unit for determining the rotation angle of the shaft. (iv) A unit for determining object data, the object being secured by a fastening element via the electric hand tool, and (v) A unit for determining the type and / or material of the fastening element.

7. The electric hand-held tool according to claim 6, wherein, The unit for determining object data and / or the unit for determining the type and / or material of the fastening element includes a scanning unit for scanning one or more tags from the object.

8. The electric hand-held tool according to claim 6, wherein, The object is a vehicle or a vehicle wheel, and the object data includes at least one of vehicle identification data, wheel data, and a predefined torque value. Alternatively, the object may be an assembly component, and the object data may include a minimum torque value as a predetermined torque value.

9. The electric handheld tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a storage unit for storing measurement data.

10. The electric hand tool according to claim 6, wherein, The transmitted data also includes data obtained or determined by one or more of the unit groups.

11. The electric handheld tool according to claim 4, wherein, The magnetized portion of the disk is its spokes.

12. The electric hand tool according to claim 6, wherein, The unit used to determine the rotation angle of the shaft determines the rotation angle of the shaft after the minimum torque value has been reached.

13. The electric hand-held tool according to claim 6, wherein, The fastening element is a bolt or nut.

14. The electric hand tool according to claim 7, wherein, The one or more labels are barcodes or QR codes.

15. The electric hand tool according to claim 7, wherein, The scanning unit is used to determine and set a predetermined torque value and / or the tolerance range of the torque value.

16. The electric hand-held tool according to claim 8, wherein, The wheel data refers to the rim data of the wheel.

17. The electric hand-held tool according to claim 8, wherein, The assembly components are glass elements or building panels.

18. The electric hand-held tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The electric hand tool is an impact wrench or screwdriver.

19. An authentication system, comprising: The electric hand tool according to any one of claims 1 to 18; as well as A document device, comprising a receiver for receiving data and a memory for storing measurement data and / or determined data.

20. The authentication system according to claim 19, wherein, The document device is configured to generate a digital or printed certificate that includes one or more of the measurement data and / or determined data.

21. The authentication system according to claim 20, wherein, The digital or printed certificate is used to prove that the measurement data meets the relevant security standards.

22. An authentication method, comprising: The shaft of the electric hand tool is driven and connected to the socket of the electric hand tool via the shaft, and the fastening element received in the socket is driven. The torque applied to the shaft via the drive unit is measured by a torque sensor; Limit the measured torque to a predetermined value and / or adjust the measured torque to a predetermined value within the tolerance range; Determine data relating to at least one of the duration of torque application and the number of rotations of the shaft; Data is transmitted from the electric hand tool to the document device, and the transmitted data includes the final measured torque value applied to the fastening element and data determined in relation to at least one of the duration of torque application and the number of rotations of the shaft. as well as The document device generates a digital or printed certificate that includes the transmitted data.

23. The authentication method according to claim 22, further comprising: Determine data regarding the geographic location of the electric hand tool, the current time of torque application, the rotation angle of the axis, object data of an object fastened to a fastening element by the electric hand tool, and data on at least one of the type and / or material of the fastening element; The determined data is transmitted to the document device; as well as Generate the digital or printed certificate that includes the transmitted data.

24. The authentication method according to claim 23, wherein, The fastening element is a bolt or nut.

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