Wireless clutch sensor

Abstract

An output unit for transmitting torque from a fastening tool may include: an output spindle that may be configured to operatively couple with a fastener; an input interface that can operatively couple the output unit to a fastening tool; a drive assembly operably coupled to the output spindle; a clutch operatively coupled to the drive assembly and the input interface; a clutch sensor may be configured to detect a disengagement of the clutch and generate a disengagement signal in response to detecting the disengagement of the clutch; a control circuit that may be configured to receive a disengagement signal from the clutch sensor and generate a completion signal in response to the disengagement signal; and a communication module that may be configured to transmit the completion signal to the wireless control box. The clutch may disengage in response to a predetermined torque value being reached.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments relate generally to power tools, and in particular to improvements for hand-held fastening tools. Background Art

[0002] Fastening tools are commonly used in commercial and private settings to tighten various types of fasteners for various purposes. Commonly referred to as nut wrenches and screwdrivers, fastening tools can be used in assembly or disassembly settings. In an assembly setting, multiple different operators can simultaneously operate separate fastening tools to tighten fasteners on the assembled object. In some cases, multiple different operators can work on the same step in the assembly of an object, but in some other cases, multiple different operators can work on different steps in the assembly of an object. In this regard, the steps in the assembly line may require fasteners to be tightened to different torque ratings, depending on the object being assembled and the specific step of the assembly. In this way, the fastening tools can be operated differently depending on the desired use case.

[0003] The nature of tightening fasteners with a fastening tool requires that the fastening tool applies torque to the fastener to cause rotational motion of the fastener. Due to the high level of torque applied by the fastening tool, and depending on the use, over-tightening or under-tightening of fasteners is not only possible, but also common. Over-tightened fasteners may be subjected to high torsional loads and high shear stresses, and therefore there may be a risk of breaking the fastener or damaging the object being assembled. Under-tightened fasteners may not tighten the assembled object correctly, and may vibrate loose and fall off. Therefore, forming a fastening tool that can limit the amount of torque applied to the fastener and communicate with the operator when the limit is reached can reduce the possibility of breaking the fastener or damaging the object, and allow a more favorable overall experience than other fastening tools can produce. Similarly, forming a fastening tool that can warn the operator that the fastener is under-tightened can reduce the possibility of incorrectly assembling the object, and therefore can make the object assembly safer. Summary of the invention

[0004] Some exemplary embodiments may provide an output unit for transmitting torque from a fastening tool. The output unit may include: an output spindle, which may be configured to be operatively coupled to a fastener at a first end of the output spindle; an input interface, which may operatively couple the output unit to the fastening tool; a drive assembly, which may be operatively coupled to a second end of the output spindle; a clutch, which may be operatively coupled to the drive assembly and the input interface; a clutch sensor, which may be configured to detect disengagement of the clutch and generate a disengagement signal in response to detecting disengagement of the clutch; a control circuit, which may be configured to receive the disengagement signal from the clutch sensor and generate a completion signal in response to the disengagement signal; and a communication module, which may be configured to transmit the completion signal to a wireless control box. The clutch may be disengaged in response to reaching a predetermined torque value. The wireless control box may notify an operator of receipt of the completion signal.

[0005] Some exemplary embodiments may provide a fastening tool for applying torque to a fastener. The fastening tool may include: a motor that can be configured to generate torque, a power source that can supply power to the motor, a trigger that can control the speed of the motor, and an output unit that can transmit torque from the fastening tool to the fastener. The output unit may include: an output spindle that can be configured to be operatively coupled to the fastener at a first end of the output spindle; an input interface that can operatively couple the output unit to the fastening tool; a drive assembly that can be operatively coupled to the second end of the output spindle; a clutch that can be operatively coupled to the drive assembly and the input interface; a clutch sensor that can be configured to detect disengagement of the clutch and generate a disengagement signal in response to detecting disengagement of the clutch; a control circuit that can be configured to receive a disengagement signal from the clutch sensor and generate a completion signal in response to the disengagement signal; and a communication module that can be configured to transmit the completion signal to a wireless control box. The clutch can be disengaged in response to reaching a predetermined torque value. The wireless control box can notify the operator of the receipt of the completion signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Having generally described some exemplary embodiments, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of a fastening tool for driving a fastener according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 depicts a schematic overview of an output unit according to an exemplary embodiment; and Figure 3 Depicted is a schematic overview of an output unit according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some but not all exemplary embodiments are shown. In fact, the examples described and depicted herein should not be construed as limiting the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. On the contrary, these exemplary embodiments are provided to enable the present disclosure to meet applicable legal requirements. The same reference numerals always represent the same elements. In addition, as used herein, the term "or" should be interpreted as a logical operator that is true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, an operable connection should be understood to involve a direct or indirect connection, which, in either case, enables the functional interconnection of components that are operably connected to each other.

[0008] Figure 1A schematic overview of a fastening tool 100 for driving a fastener 110 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The fastening tool 100 may include a power source 120, an output unit 130, and a wireless control box 140. In some exemplary embodiments, the fastening tool 100 may operate without including the output unit 130 and the wireless control box 140. In this regard, the fastening tool 100 may be embodied as a nut runner, a cordless screwdriver, a drill, etc., to which the output unit 130 may be operatively coupled without limiting the functionality of the fastening tool 100. The fastening tool 100 may also include a motor 102, a shaft 104, and a drive interface 106. The motor 102 may be operatively coupled to the shaft 104 at a first end of the shaft 104 via a set of planetary reduction gears, and the drive interface 106 may be operatively coupled to the shaft 104 at a second end of the shaft 104. The fastening tool 100 can therefore be configured to direct power from the power source 120 to the motor 102 in response to an operator's actuation of the trigger 108. In this regard, the trigger 108 can control the operation of the fastening tool 100. In response to the actuation of the trigger 108, the motor 102 can generate torque. The torque can be transmitted to the shaft 104 through an operative connection with the motor 102, and thus to the drive interface 106 of the fastening tool 100 through an operative connection with the shaft 104. Therefore, the fastening tool 100 can be used to tighten the fastener 110 in response to the drive interface 106 being operatively connected to the fastener 110 and the trigger 108 being actuated to generate torque via the motor 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the power source 120 can be a power source, such as an AC to DC rectifier connected to a main power source or a battery that supplies DC current to the motor 102. In some other cases, the power source 120 can be a compressed air source, and the motor 102 and therefore the fastening tool 100 can be pneumatic. Including the output unit 130 in the fastening tool 100 does not change the internal operation of the fastening tool 100. In this regard, the output unit 130 can be operatively coupled to the shaft 104 and the fastener 110, and can accordingly transfer torque from the fastening tool 100 to the fastener 110. In some cases, the output unit 130 can define a predetermined torque rating to which the fastening tool 100 must tighten the fastener 110 in order to consider the fastener 110 properly tightened.

[0009] The wireless control box 140 may be provided separately from the fastening tool 100 and the output unit 130. The wireless control box 140 may include a processing circuit 142, a radio module 144, an output switch 146, and a power source 148. The processing circuit 142 of the wireless control box 140 may be configured to generate an indication of whether the task of tightening the fastener 110 to a predetermined rated torque is completed or not completed in response to the radio module 144 (which receives a signal from the output unit 130). In this regard, the radio module 144 may be configured to communicate with the output unit 130 to determine whether the fastener 110 has been successfully tightened to the predetermined rated torque or whether the fastener 110 has failed to be successfully tightened to the predetermined rated torque. Therefore, the output unit 130 may communicate a plurality of signals to the radio module 144. As will be described below, among the plurality of signals, there may be a signal that the fastener 110 is successfully tightened to the predetermined rated torque, or referred to as a completion signal, a signal that the fastener 110 is not tightened to the predetermined rated torque, and a section completion signal. The processing circuit 142 may be configured to generate a visual indication in the form of lighting a first light or LED (via the output switch 146), an audible beep with a first tone, a tactile alarm, or any combination thereof in response to receiving a signal of successfully completing the tightening of the fastener 110 to the predetermined rated torque, so as to provide necessary feedback to the operator. In some other cases, the processing circuit 142 may be configured to generate a visual indication in the form of lighting a second light or LED (via the output switch 146), an audible beep with a second tone, a tactile alarm, or any combination thereof in response to receiving a signal of an unsuccessful and uncompleted attempt (for tightening the fastener 110 to the predetermined rated torque), so as to provide feedback to the operator. For example, if the fastener 110 is broken or damaged and fails to be tightened on the object being assembled, the output unit 130 may be able to determine that the predetermined rated torque has not been reached, and therefore determine that the task of tightening the fastener 110 is not completed. In some embodiments, the wireless control box 140 may be arranged within a visible or audible range so that the operator can see and / or hear the indication generated by the wireless control box 140. In some embodiments, power source 148 can be a standard DC power source, such as a battery or a mains power source via an AC-DC rectifier. In some embodiments, output switch 146 can be a physical relay. In some cases, output switch 146 can be a solid-state relay.

[0010] Figure 2A schematic overview of an output unit 130 according to an example embodiment is depicted. The output unit 130 may be operatively coupled to the fastening tool 100 at the second end of the shaft 104, instead of the drive interface 106. In this regard, the output unit 130 may perform the work of the drive interface 106 and transmit the torque generated by the motor 102 to the fastener 110. In some embodiments, the output unit 130 may include an input interface 150, a clutch 160, a drive assembly 170, and an output spindle 180. Each of the input interface 150, the clutch 160, the drive assembly 170, and the output spindle 180 may be configured to facilitate the transmission of torque from the motor 102 to the fastener 110. The input interface 150 may operatively couple the output unit 130 to the shaft 104 of the fastening tool 100. In this regard, the input interface 150 may be configured to receive torque directly from the motor 102 via the shaft 104. The input interface 150 can be configured with a quick connection mechanism to enable an operator to easily and securely attach and detach the output unit 130 to the fastening tool 100. The input interface 150 can also be operatively coupled to a clutch 160 of the output unit 130. As will be described below, the clutch 160 can be configured to disengage in response to reaching a predetermined rated torque. Therefore, the disengagement of the clutch 160 can indicate a complete and successful tightening of the fastener 110.

[0011] The clutch 160 can operatively couple the input interface 150 to the drive assembly 170, and thus can ultimately transfer torque to the output spindle 180 and the fastener 110. In some embodiments, the clutch 160 can be a ball and detent type torque limiter. In this regard, the clutch 160 can rely on balls or rollers that can be disposed in a detent formed between two clutch plates, which can be biased together under the action of a spring force. In order to transfer torque from the input interface 150 to the drive assembly 170, the balls or rollers can be retained in their respective detents and rolled into place to transfer torque from the first clutch plate (which can be operatively coupled to the input interface 150) to the second clutch plate (which can be operatively coupled to the drive assembly 170). As long as the second clutch plate can rotate with the amount of torque transmitted by the first clutch plate, the drive assembly 170 can remain rotating. However, in some embodiments, the clutch 160 may be configured so that the ball or roller can roll out of its corresponding pawl, and the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate can be disengaged from each other at a predetermined rated torque. In other words, the clutch plate can rely on the spring force to keep the ball in their respective pawls and continue to transmit torque to transfer torque from the input interface 150 to the drive assembly 170. Once the clutch plate requires a predetermined amount of torque from the input interface 150 to keep the rotating drive assembly 170, the torque from the motor 102 can overcome the spring force that keeps the two clutch plates engaged via the ball, and thus the ball can roll out of their pawls and disengage. Once the clutch plates are disengaged, they no longer transfer torque from the input interface 150 to the drive assembly 170, but can rotate independently relative to each other. In this regard, the clutch 160 is configured to transfer all torques that do not exceed the predetermined rated torque from the input interface 150 to the drive assembly 170, but once the torque reaches the predetermined rated torque and the clutch 160 is disengaged, the clutch 160 can stop transferring torque from the input interface 150 to the drive assembly 170. Thus, the clutch 160 and its corresponding spring force between the clutch plates can define the predetermined rated torque of the output unit 130. In this regard, by removing the output unit 130 from the fastening tool 100 and replacing it with another output unit 130 configured to disengage at a different predetermined rated torque, the operator can change the predetermined rated torque of the fastening tool 100. In some embodiments, the spring force can be adjustable, and the operator can set its desired predetermined rated torque before operating the fastening tool 100. In some embodiments, the clutch 160 can be a slip clutch or any other suitable type of clutch mechanism.

[0012] The clutch 160 may be configured to transfer torque from the motor 102 of the fastening tool 100 to the drive assembly 170 via the input interface 150. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 170 may include a planetary gear. In this regard, the drive assembly 170 may be configured to convert the relatively high rotational speed of the shaft 104 and the motor 102 into a higher torque output for the output spindle 180. In addition, the planetary gear may remain coaxial with the clutch 160 and the output spindle 180, so that the drive assembly 170 can minimize the amount of physical space it occupies in the output unit 130. Therefore, due to more efficient use of space and efficient conversion of rotational speed into torque (through the ratio of the planetary gears in the drive assembly 170), the output unit 130 can be better suited for tightening the fastener 110 in various use cases. In some embodiments, the output spindle 180 can be operatively coupled to the planetary gear, thereby transmitting torque from the planetary gear to the fastener 110. In this regard, the output spindle 180 may include an aperture configured to be operatively coupled to the fastener 110 to effectively transfer torque thereto.

[0013] Figure 2 The output unit 130 schematically shown in FIG. 1 may also include a clutch sensor 190, a control circuit 200, an energy storage unit 210, and a communication module 220. In this regard, the clutch sensor 190 may be configured to monitor the clutch 160 and may detect that the clutch 160 is disengaged, wherein the disengagement is in response to the torque applied to the fastener 110 reaching a predetermined rated torque of the output unit 130. In some cases, the clutch sensor 190 may transmit a disengagement signal to the control circuit 200, and the control circuit 200 (powered by the energy storage unit 210) may then determine that the fastener 110 has been properly tightened due to the fact that the clutch 160 has been disengaged. In response to determining that the clutch 160 has been disengaged, the control circuit 200 may generate a completion signal and transmit the completion signal to the wireless control box 140 via the communication module 220. The communication module 220 may be a one-way or two-way radio device operating in a predetermined frequency band. In some cases, the communication module 220 may operate in the 2.4 GHz ISM (industrial, scientific, and medical) band to communicate with the radio module 144 of the wireless control box 140. In some other cases, the communication module 220 may operate in any one of the ultra-high frequency bands of 315 MHz, 434 MHz, 868 MHz, or 915 MHz to communicate with the radio module 144 of the wireless control box 140.

[0014] In some cases, the energy storage unit 210 may be a conventional battery, which may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. In some other cases, the energy storage unit 210 may be a rechargeable capacitor or a supercapacitor. In an exemplary embodiment, the clutch sensor 190 may be a mechanical switch that trips in response to detecting the action of the clutch 160 disengaging. In some cases, the clutch sensor 190 may be a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor in series with a permanent magnet, so as to detect that the clutch 160 is disengaged. In some other embodiments, the clutch sensor 190 may be an optical sensor. In some other cases, the clutch sensor 190 may be a piezoelectric vibration sensor, which may be configured to detect vibrations generated by the clutch 160 disengaging. In an exemplary embodiment, the clutch sensor 190 may be a microphone, which is configured to hear the sound generated by the clutch 160 disengaging. In some cases, the clutch sensor 190 may be an accelerometer, which is configured to detect the shifting of the clutch 160, which is in response to the clutch 160 disengaging. In an exemplary embodiment, the clutch sensor 190 may be a capacitive sensor that detects the clutch 160 disengaging.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit 200 may monitor the operation of the drive assembly 170. In this regard, the control circuit 200 may detect that the drive assembly 170 is in operation, but if the control circuit 200 does not receive a disengagement signal from the clutch sensor 190, the control circuit 200 may generate an uncompleted signal and transmit the uncompleted signal to the wireless control box 140 via the communication module 220 to indicate that the fastener 110 is not properly tightened to the predetermined rated torque of the output unit 130. In some cases, the control circuit 200 may also be configured to track the number of successful disengagement signals that may be received from the clutch sensor 190. In this regard, the control circuit 200 may generate a section completion signal in response to receiving a predetermined number of successful disengagement signals and transmit it to the wireless control box 140 via the communication module 220. Thus, the processing circuit 142 of the wireless control box 140 may be configured to generate (via the output switch 146) a visual indication in the form of illuminating a third LED, an audible beep having a third tone, a tactile alarm, or any combination thereof, in response to receiving a predetermined number of disengagement signals of successful and complete attempts to tighten the fastener 110 to a predetermined rated torque, to provide feedback to the operator. Thus, the output unit 130 may be configured to track the progress of assembling the object and communicate the completion of the predetermined number of fasteners 110 to the operator to indicate that the assembly of a section of the object is complete. In other words, the output unit 130 may be configured in a tracking mode, and after every "X" number of disengagement signals, which represent "X" number of fully tightened fasteners 110, the wireless control box 140 may indicate this feedback to the operator.

[0016] Figure 3 1 depicts a schematic overview of an output unit 130 according to an example embodiment. Figure 3 In the example depicted in FIG. 1 , the output unit 130 may be substantially similar to Figure 2embodied in the output unit 130, but may further include an energy harvester 230. In an exemplary embodiment, the energy harvester 230 may be operatively coupled to the input interface 150 and the clutch 160. Thus, the energy harvester 230 may be a generator, a rotary transformer, or a permanent magnet generator configured to charge the energy storage unit 210 by converting the rotational kinetic energy of the input interface 150 into electrical potential energy to be stored in the energy storage unit 210. In this regard, the energy storage unit 210 may be electrically operatively coupled to the energy harvester 230 to be recharged when the fastening tool 100 and the output unit 130 are in use. In an exemplary embodiment, the energy storage unit 210 may supply power to the communication module 220 and the clutch sensor 190 via the control circuit 200. In some embodiments, the clutch sensor 190 may utilize the energy harvester 230. In this regard, the energy harvester 230 may be operatively coupled to the input interface 150, and an angle sensor (e.g., an encoder) may be operatively coupled to the output spindle 180. When the energy harvester 230 begins to generate voltage, the clutch sensor 190 may indicate that the tool is in operation, and if the energy harvester 230 is still generating voltage while the encoder signals that the output spindle 180 is no longer rotating, the clutch sensor 190 may indicate that the tightening is successful. This situation may indicate that the output spindle 180 may have stopped rotating and the clutch 160 may have disengaged, which may be a sign that the fastener has been tightened to a predetermined rated torque. In some cases, the implementation of the energy harvester 230 may have no effect on the transmission of torque from the input interface 150 to the clutch 160, and may not affect the overall ability of the output unit 130 and the fastening tool 100 to tighten the fastener 110. In some cases, the energy harvester 230 may be a vibration-driven piezoelectric device. In an example embodiment, the energy harvester 230 may harvest energy from light in the form of a solar panel. In some cases, the energy harvester 230 may also include a charge controller that is electrically operatively coupled to the energy storage unit 210 to protect the energy storage unit 210 from undervoltage and overcharge.

[0017] Some exemplary embodiments may provide an output unit for transmitting torque from a fastening tool. The output unit may include: an output spindle, which may be configured to be operatively coupled to a fastener at a first end of the output spindle; an input interface, which may operatively couple the output unit to the fastening tool; a drive assembly, which may be operatively coupled to a second end of the output spindle; a clutch, which may be operatively coupled to the drive assembly and the input interface; a clutch sensor, which may be configured to detect disengagement of the clutch, and generate a disengagement signal in response to detecting disengagement of the clutch; a control circuit, which may be configured to receive a disengagement signal from the clutch sensor and generate a completion signal in response to the disengagement signal; and a communication module, which may be configured to transmit the completion signal to a wireless control box. The clutch may be disengaged in response to reaching a predetermined torque value. The wireless control box may notify an operator of receipt of the completion signal.

[0018] The output unit of some embodiments may include additional features, modifications, enhancements, etc. to achieve further purposes or enhance the performance of the output unit. Additional features, modifications, enhancements, etc. may be added in any combination with each other. Below is a list of various additional features, modifications and enhancements, each of which may be added individually or in any combination with each other. For example, the control circuit may be powered by an energy storage unit. In an exemplary embodiment, the energy storage unit may be disposed in the output unit and may not provide power for the fastening tool. In some cases, the energy storage unit may be rechargeable. In an exemplary embodiment, the output unit may also include an energy harvester that may be configured to generate energy to charge the energy storage unit. In some cases, the drive assembly may include a planetary gear. In an exemplary embodiment, the clutch sensor may be a mechanical switch, a piezoelectric vibration sensor, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a capacitive sensor, a microphone, or an accelerometer. In some cases, the energy harvester may be a generator that may generate a voltage in response to being rotated by a motor. In an exemplary embodiment, an encoder may be operatively coupled to the output spindle. In some cases, the clutch sensor may detect a voltage generated by the energy harvester and a signal generated by the encoder. In an exemplary embodiment, the clutch sensor may determine that the clutch may be disengaged in response to the energy harvester generating a voltage and the encoder signal indicating that the output spindle may be stationary. In some cases, the communication module may be a radio module operating in the 315 MHz, 434 MHz, 868 MHz, 915 MHz, 2.4 GHz Bluetooth low energy or 2.4 GHz frequency band. In an exemplary embodiment, the clutch sensor may be configured to detect a fault in the operation of the fastening tool. In some cases, the fault may include the fastening tool being operated but the clutch not slipping. In an example embodiment, the wireless control box may notify the operator of the fault by displaying an incomplete indication in response to receiving an incomplete signal from the communication module. In some cases, the control circuit may be configured to track the total count of completion signals and may generate a section completion signal in response to a predetermined number of completion signals transmitted to the wireless control box via the communication module.

[0019] Some exemplary embodiments may provide a fastening tool for applying torque to a fastener. The fastening tool may include: a motor that can be configured to generate torque, a power source that can supply power to the motor, a trigger that can control the speed of the motor, and an output unit that can transmit torque from the fastening tool to the fastener. The output unit may include: an output spindle that can be configured to be operatively coupled to the fastener at a first end of the output spindle; an input interface that can operatively couple the output unit to the fastening tool; a drive assembly that can be operatively coupled to the second end of the output spindle; a clutch that can be operatively coupled to the drive assembly and the input interface; a clutch sensor that can be configured to detect disengagement of the clutch and generate a disengagement signal in response to detecting disengagement of the clutch; a control circuit that can be configured to receive a disengagement signal from the clutch sensor and generate a completion signal in response to the disengagement signal; and a communication module that can be configured to transmit the completion signal to a wireless control box. The clutch can be disengaged in response to reaching a predetermined torque value. The wireless control box can notify the operator of the receipt of the completion signal.

[0020] Benefiting from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings, a person skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs will think of many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention set forth herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that different combinations of elements and / or functions can be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions are also expected to be set forth in some of the appended claims, compared to those explicitly described above. Where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be understood that these advantages, benefits, and / or solutions may be applicable to some exemplary embodiments, but not necessarily to all exemplary embodiments. Therefore, any advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be considered to be critical, necessary, or essential to all embodiments or the schemes claimed herein. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense, not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. An output unit for transmitting torque from a fastening tool, the output unit comprising: an output spindle configured to operably couple with a fastener at a first end of the output spindle; an input interface operatively coupling the output unit to the fastening tool; a drive assembly operatively coupled to the second end of the output spindle; a clutch operatively coupled to the drive assembly and the input interface; a clutch sensor configured to: detect disengagement of the clutch, and generate a disengagement signal in response to detecting disengagement of the clutch; a control circuit configured to: receive the disengagement signal from the clutch sensor and generate a completion signal in response to the disengagement signal; as well as a communication module configured to transmit the completion signal to a wireless control box, wherein the clutch disengages in response to reaching a predetermined torque value, and The wireless control box notifies the operator of receipt of the completion signal.

2. The output unit according to claim 1, wherein: The control circuit is powered by an energy storage unit, and The energy storage unit is disposed in the output unit and does not supply power to the fastening tool.

3. The output unit according to claim 2, wherein: The energy storage unit is rechargeable, and The output unit further includes an energy harvester, and the energy harvester is configured to generate energy to charge the energy storage unit.

4. The output unit according to claim 3, wherein: The energy harvester is a generator that generates voltage in response to being rotated by the fastening tool, and Wherein an encoder is operably connected to the output spindle.

5. The output unit according to claim 4, wherein: The clutch sensor detects the voltage generated by the energy harvester and the signal generated by the encoder, The clutch sensor determines that the clutch is disengaged in response to a voltage generated by the energy harvester and a signal generated by the encoder indicating that the output spindle is stationary. The output unit according to claim 1 , wherein: The drive assembly includes a planetary gear.

7. The output unit according to claim 1, wherein: The clutch sensor is a mechanical switch, a piezoelectric vibration sensor, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a capacitive sensor, a microphone or an accelerometer.

8. The output unit according to claim 1, wherein: The communication module is a radio module operating in the 315 MHz, 434 MHz, 868 MHz, 915 MHz, 2.4 GHz Bluetooth low energy or 2.4 GHz frequency bands.

9. The output unit according to claim 1, wherein: The control circuit is configured to detect a fastener that is not fully tightened, wherein, in response to the fastening tool being operated but the clutch not being disengaged, the fastener is not fully tightened, and Wherein, the wireless control box notifies the operator of the incompletely tightened fastener by displaying an incomplete indication in response to receiving an incomplete signal from the communication module.

10. The output unit according to claim 1, wherein: The control circuit is further configured to track a total count of completion signals and generate a segment completion signal in response to a predetermined number of completion signals being transmitted to the wireless control box via the communication module.

11. A fastening tool for applying torque to a fastener, the fastening tool comprising: a motor configured to generate torque; a power source configured to supply power to the motor; a trigger configured to control the speed of the motor; as well as An output unit for transmitting torque from the motor to the fastener, the output unit comprising: an output spindle configured to operably couple with a fastener at a first end of the output spindle; an input interface operatively coupling the output unit to the motor; a drive assembly operatively coupled to the output spindle; a clutch operatively coupled to the drive assembly and the input interface; a clutch sensor configured to: detect disengagement of the clutch, and generate a disengagement signal in response to detecting disengagement of the clutch; a control circuit configured to: receive the disengagement signal from the clutch sensor and generate a completion signal in response to the disengagement signal; and a communication module configured to transmit the completion signal to a wireless control box, wherein the clutch disengages in response to reaching a predetermined torque value, and The wireless control box sends a notification when receiving the completion signal.

12. The fastening tool according to claim 11, wherein: The control circuit is powered by an energy storage unit, and The energy storage unit is disposed in the output unit and does not supply power to the fastening tool.

13. The fastening tool according to claim 12, wherein: The energy storage unit is rechargeable, and The output unit further includes an energy harvester, and the energy harvester is configured to generate energy to charge the energy storage unit.

14. The fastening tool according to claim 13, wherein: The energy harvester is a generator that generates voltage in response to being rotated by the motor, and Wherein an encoder is operably coupled to the output spindle.

15. The fastening tool according to claim 14, wherein: The clutch sensor detects the voltage generated by the energy harvester and the signal generated by the encoder, The clutch sensor determines that the clutch is disengaged in response to a voltage generated by the energy harvester and a signal generated by the encoder indicating that the output spindle is stationary.

16. The fastening tool according to claim 11, wherein: The drive assembly includes a planetary gear.

17. The fastening tool according to claim 11, wherein: The clutch sensor is a mechanical switch, a piezoelectric vibration sensor, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a capacitive sensor, a microphone or an accelerometer.

18. The fastening tool according to claim 11, wherein: The communication module is a radio module operating in the 315 MHz, 434 MHz, 868 MHz, 915 MHz, 2.4 GHz Bluetooth low energy or 2.4 GHz frequency bands.

19. The fastening tool according to claim 11, wherein: The control circuit is configured to detect a fastener that is not fully tightened, wherein, in response to the fastening tool being operated but the clutch not being disengaged, the fastener is not fully tightened, and Wherein, the wireless control box notifies the operator of the incompletely tightened fastener by displaying an incomplete indication in response to receiving an incomplete signal from the communication module.

20. The fastening tool according to claim 11, wherein The control circuit is further configured to track a total count of completion signals and generate a segment completion signal in response to a predetermined number of completion signals being transmitted to the wireless control box via the communication module.

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