Power tool attachment component
By providing a torque sensor on the long housing of the power tool attachment component, the problem in the prior art is solved that it is difficult for the power tool attachment component to accurately measure the output torque in a limited space, and higher torque accuracy and durability are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510061559.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2019-07-24
- Filing Date
- 2020-07-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-08
AI Technical Summary
The existing power tool attachment components are difficult to accurately measure the output torque in a limited space, and the torque transmitted by multiple gears will be affected by friction, resulting in low accuracy.
A power tool attachment component including an elongated housing, an input gear, an output gear, at least one intermediate gear and a torque sensor is designed. By providing a torque sensor on the long housing, deformation of the housing can be measured, thereby accurately measuring the output torque.
Improves the accuracy of output torque, reduces the impact of friction on torque transmission, and enhances the durability of the attachment components.
Smart Images
Figure CN119772841A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202080053542.9, application date July 6, 2020, and invention name “Power Tool Attachment Part”. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to a power tool attachment component for a power tool. Background Art
[0003] Power tool attachments are often used in confined spaces where ordinary power tools cannot be used due to the difficulty of ordinary power tools in accessing the bolts or nuts of the joints to be tightened. Power tool attachments are also called claws, front attachments or offset attachments.
[0004] A power tool attachment comprises a plurality of gears that transfer rotational motion or torque from an input gear to an output gear. The gears are usually arranged in a row with teeth against teeth on the inside of an elongated housing. The length of the attachment corresponds to the sum of the widths of the gears, in addition to the thickness of the housing wall. Power tool attachments are usually used in limited spaces. Therefore, the size of the power tool attachment is an important feature to keep as small as possible.
[0005] Torque in a power tool is typically measured by a sensor disposed inside the power tool. However, internal measurements in a power tool may not provide an accurate measurement of the torque being experienced by a power tool attachment component attached to the power tool.
[0006] EP3388199 discloses a screwing device comprising a claw connected to the screwing device. The claw is provided with a helical gear. The claw comprises a torque sensor configured to measure the torque of a helical gear arranged adjacent to the output helical gear. The torque measurement is based on the axial movement of the helical gear, and the sensor determines the torque using a load cell.
[0007] A helical gear structure is required to enable torque measurement. However, there are claws that utilize other gear designs, such as spur gears. In addition, torque transmitted through multiple gears will be further affected by friction.
[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an improved power tool attachment component that solves or at least alleviates the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the invention
[0009] An object is to provide a power tool attachment component having increased output torque control compared to conventional power tool attachment components.
[0010] According to one aspect, a power tool attachment component for a power tool is proposed. The power tool attachment component includes: an elongated housing, an input gear, an output gear, at least one intermediate gear, and a torque sensor, wherein the elongated housing includes an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion interconnected with the upper housing portion, the input gear is used to connect to the output shaft of the power wrench, the input gear is arranged at the first end of the housing, the output gear has an output connection portion, the output gear is arranged at the second end of the housing, at least one intermediate gear is arranged inside the housing, so as to transmit the rotation of the input gear to the output gear, and the torque sensor is configured to measure the deformation of the elongated housing; wherein the elongated housing is provided with an axial hole for mounting a gear shaft of the at least one intermediate gear; the torque sensor is arranged on one side of the axial hole of the gear shaft of the intermediate gear adjacent to the output gear in the at least one intermediate gear.
[0011] By providing a torque sensor on the housing of the output gear close to the power tool attachment component, the accuracy of the output torque is improved.
[0012] The torque sensor is configured to measure the shrinkage deformation of the elongated housing.
[0013] The torque sensor includes a plurality of sensors.
[0014] At least one sensor may be arranged on the lower housing part.
[0015] The at least one sensor may alternatively be arranged on the upper housing part.
[0016] The power tool attachment component may further include an electronics box disposed on the elongated housing. The electronics box may be configured to receive measurements from the torque sensor.
[0017] The electronics box may be connected to drive electronics of a power tool to which the power tool attachment component is configured to be connected during use.
[0018] The electronics box may include a display, wherein the electronics box is configured to display a torque value measured by the torque sensor.
[0019] The torque sensor may be a strain gauge element.
[0020] The torque sensor may alternatively be a piezoelectric element.
[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and detailed description of the illustrated embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing in exploded view a power tool attachment component in which the embodiments presented herein may be applied;
[0024] Figure 2 Shown in installed state Figure 1 The power tool attachment component shown in ;
[0025] Figure 3a is a top schematic diagram illustrating a power tool attachment component according to embodiments presented herein;
[0026] Figure 3b is an exploded schematic diagram illustrating a power tool attachment component according to embodiments presented herein;
[0027] Figure 4a is a schematic side view showing a power tool attachment component according to embodiments presented herein;
[0028] Figure 4b is a top schematic diagram illustrating a power tool attachment component according to embodiments presented herein;
[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a torque sensor according to embodiments presented herein; and
[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating some components of an electrical box according to embodiments presented herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] exist Figure 1 An example of a power tool attachment component 10 is shown in FIG. 1 , schematically illustrating an environment in which the embodiments presented herein may be applied. The power tool attachment component 10 is a claw-shaped member including an elongated housing 11, 12, which includes an upper housing portion 11 and a lower housing portion 12. The upper housing portion 11 and the lower housing portion 12 are connected to each other. The power tool may be, for example, a wrench or a nut runner.
[0032] Attachment components for, for example, power tools (e.g., power wrenches) are used in confined spaces where ordinary power tools may not be used because it is difficult or impossible for ordinary power tools to access the bolt or nut to be tightened. Therefore, the size of the attachment component is an important feature. Small gears are more sensitive to wear than large gears.
[0033] The exemplary power tool attachment component 10 has a configuration that reduces wear and increases durability compared to conventional attachment components having the same precision and maximum torque. This will become apparent from the following description.
[0034] exist Figure 1, the power tool attachment component 10 is shown in an exploded view. The power tool attachment component 10 includes an input gear 22 and an output gear 23 arranged in the elongated housing 11, 12. The input gear 22 is arranged at a first end of the elongated housing 11, 12. The output gear 23 is arranged at a second end of the housing 11, 12.
[0035] The input gear 22 is drivingly connected to the output gear 23 via one or more intermediate gears. In the present example, there are three intermediate gears 24, 25, 26 which are arranged to transfer the rotation of the input gear 22 to the output gear 23.
[0036] The output gear 23 includes an output connection portion 23a. The output connection portion 23a may be configured to receive a wrench bit, a screwdriver bit, a nut or a screw head, for example.
[0037] The upper housing portion 11 and the lower housing portion 12 may each have a through hole which is aligned when the upper housing portion 11 and the lower housing portion 12 are assembled to each other. The through hole is arranged in a first end of the elongated housing 11, 12. The through hole is configured to receive the input gear 22.
[0038] The gears have been shown as having interengaging spur teeth. The gears could alternatively be helical gears.
[0039] exist Figure 2 , the power tool attachment component 10 is schematically shown in an installed form. The power tool attachment component 10 shown has an upper housing part 11 arranged on a lower housing part 12, so that the interior of the attachment component 10 is not visible. The upper housing part 11 can be fixed to the lower housing part 12, for example, by a fixing device 21.
[0040] refer to Figure 3a Presents a combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 Embodiment of an exemplary power tool attachment component 10. The power tool attachment component 10 includes two torque sensors 13a and 13b. The torque sensors 13a and 13b are arranged on the upper housing portion 11 of the elongated housings 11, 12. The torque sensors 13a and 13b are positioned as close as possible to the output gear 23, in this case on opposite sides of the intermediate gear 24. Each torque sensor 13a and 13b is configured to measure torque and provide the measurement result to a display for the tool user.
[0041] As an example, the elongated housings 11 and 12 are provided with shaft holes for mounting the gear shafts of the intermediate gears. The torque sensor 13 a is arranged at one side of the shaft hole of the gear shaft of the intermediate gear 24 adjacent to the output gear 23 .
[0042] When there is an output torque at the output gear 23, the adjacent intermediate gear 24 will be pushed directly to one side, which will affect the elongated housings 11, 12. The stress change of the elongated housings 11, 12 is related to its torque. By adding at least one torque sensor 13 to the elongated housings 11, 12, the stress of the elongated housings 11, 12 can be measured, thereby providing a measurement of the torque of the output gear 23. One side of the elongated housings 11, 12 will contract, which will be detected by one torque sensor 13a, and the other side of the elongated housings 11, 12 will expand, which will be detected by another torque sensor 13b. The measurement results can be sent to the control device of the power tool, to which the power tool attachment part 10 is connected during use. The torque sensors 13a and 13b can be connected to the control device via wiring.
[0043] Reference Figure 3b Presents a combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 Another embodiment of an exemplary power tool attachment component 10. The power tool attachment component 10 includes two torque sensors 13c and 13d. The torque sensors 13c and 13d are alternatively arranged on the lower housing portion 12 of the elongated housing 11, 12. The torque sensors 13c and 13d are again positioned as close as possible to the output gear 23, in this case on opposite sides of the intermediate gear 24. The torque sensors 13c and 13d can be connected to the control device via wiring (not shown).
[0044] An example of a torque sensor configuration is Figure 5 As shown. The torque sensor 13 shown comprises four series elements arranged in a Wheatstone bridge manner for differential measurement. A positive voltage V+ is added between two elements and a corresponding negative voltage V- opposite to the positive voltage is added between the other two elements. The sense voltages S+ and S- are then read out from the other two positions of the bridge. The elements may be, for example, strain gauge elements. In an alternative example, the elements are piezoelectric elements.
[0045] refer to Figure 4a and Figure 4bYet another embodiment of a power tool attachment component 10 is presented. The power tool attachment component 10 includes at least one torque sensor 13a, 13b, 13e or 13f. One torque sensor 13e can be arranged on one side of the upper housing portion 11 of the elongated housing 11, 12. One torque sensor 13a can be arranged on one side of the intermediate gear adjacent to the output gear 23. One torque sensor 13b can be arranged on the other side of the intermediate gear adjacent to the output gear 23. One torque sensor 13f can be arranged on the upper housing portion 11 of the elongated housing 11, 12 between the output gear 23 and the intermediate gear adjacent to the output gear 23. Since it is desirable to keep the power tool attachment component 10 as small as possible, sufficient space for the torque sensor depends on the specific design of the power tool attachment component 10 and its fixing device. For simplicity, the wiring is shown straight in the figure, but is usually not arranged directly through the fixing device or gear bearing, but is arranged around obstacles.
[0046] The power tool attachment component 10 further includes an electronics box 14 configured to receive measurements from one or more of the torque sensors 13a-13f. The electronics box 14 is shown arranged proximate to the input gear 22, but may alternatively be arranged in connection with one or more of the torque sensors 13a-13f.
[0047] The electronic box 14 may further include a display 18 configured to display the received torque measurement results. The electronic box 14 may also include a processing circuit 15 and a computer program product 16 storing instructions 17, which, when executed by the processing circuit 15, causes the electronic box 14 to receive the measurement results and / or display the output torque of the power tool connected to the power tool attachment component 10. The electronic box 14 may be further or alternatively configured to send the measurement results to the control device of the power tool. The electronic box 14 may be connected to the control device via a wire or wireless connection, directly to the control device or via the power tool. The electronic box 14 may be connected to the drive electronics of the power tool, to which the power tool attachment component 10 is connected during use. Alternatively, the electronic box 14 may be provided with a battery for driving the electronic box 14.
[0048] Further, the torque sensors have been shown herein as being located on the surface of the elongate housing 11, 12. The torque sensors may alternatively be arranged pressed into the surface of the elongate housing, or arranged integrally within the material of the elongate housing.
[0049] Figure 6is a schematic diagram showing some components of the electronic box 14. The processing circuit 15 may use any combination of one or more of a suitable central processing unit, CPU, multi-processing circuit, microcontroller, digital signal processing circuit, DSP, application specific integrated circuit, etc., which is capable of executing software instructions of a computer program x stored in a memory. The memory may therefore be considered to be or form part of the computer program product 16.
[0050] The memory may be any combination of read-write memory RAM and read-only memory ROM. The memory may also include permanent storage, for example, the permanent storage may be any one or combination of magnetic memory, optical memory, solid-state memory or even remotely mounted memory.
[0051] The computer program product 16 may also be arranged, for example, to read and / or store data during execution of the software instructions in the processing circuit 15. The data memory may be any combination of read-write memory RAM and read-only memory ROM, and may also include permanent storage, for example, which may be any one or combination of magnetic memory, optical memory, solid-state memory or even remotely mounted memory. The data memory may, for example, store other software instructions 17, thereby improving the functionality of the electronic box 14.
[0052] The electronic box 14 may further include an input / output (I / O) interface 18, which includes, for example, a user interface, in particular a display. The electronic box 14 may further include a receiver configured to receive signaling from other devices, and a transmitter configured to transmit wireless signaling to other devices (not shown). Other components of the electronic box 14 are omitted so as not to obscure the concepts presented herein.
[0053] Aspects of the invention have mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments and examples thereof. However, as readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended patent claims.
Claims
1. A power tool attachment component (10) for a power tool, comprising: - an elongated housing (11, 12) comprising an upper housing part (11) and a lower housing part (12) connected to the upper housing part (11), - an input gear (22) for connection to an output shaft of the power wrench, said input gear being arranged at a first end of the housing, - an output gear (23) having an output connection (23a), said output gear being arranged at the second end of the housing, - at least one intermediate gear (24, 25, 26) arranged inside the housing (11, 12) so as to transmit the rotation of the input gear (22) to the output gear (23), and a torque sensor (13a) configured to measure the deformation of the elongated housing (11, 12), The elongated housing (11, 12) is provided with an axial hole for mounting a gear shaft of the at least one intermediate gear; the torque sensor (13a) is arranged on one side of the axial hole of the gear shaft of the at least one intermediate gear adjacent to the output gear (23) on the elongated housing (11, 12).
2. The power tool attachment component (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The torque sensor (13a) is configured to be able to measure the shrinkage deformation of the elongated housing (11, 12).
3. The power tool attachment component (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The torque sensor includes a plurality of sensors (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d).
4. The power tool attachment component (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of sensors (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d) are arranged on the lower housing portion (12).
5. The power tool attachment component (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of sensors (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d) are arranged on the upper housing portion (11).
6. The power tool attachment component (10) according to claim 3, further comprising: An electronics box (14) arranged on the elongated housing (11, 12), said electronics box (14) being configured to receive measurement results from said plurality of sensors (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d).
7. The power tool attachment component (10) according to claim 6, wherein: The electronics box (14) is connectable to drive electronics of a power tool, and the power tool attachment component (10) is configured to be connected to the drive electronics of the power tool during use.
8. The power tool attachment component (10) according to claim 6, wherein: The electronic box (14) comprises a display, wherein the electronic box (14) is configured to display a torque value measured by the torque sensor.
9. The power tool attachment component (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The torque sensor is a strain gauge element.
10. The power tool attachment component (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The torque sensor is a piezoelectric element.