Modular tool

Abstract

A portable tool (100) comprises: a working shaft (2); an electric motor (3); a speed reducer (6); an electronic control system (7) with actuating means (5, 5 '); a memory (8) in which a calibration correlation between the operating torque or force M of the tool (100) and the corresponding current (I) absorbed by the electric motor (3) is stored; an electric motor module (14) having a motor housing (15) which accommodates the electric motor (3) and an electric motor control board (16); a speed reducer module (17) having a speed reducer housing (18) which accommodates the speed reducer (6); a handle module (19) having a support structure (20), which forms a gripping handle (21); the invention relates to a tool (100) comprising a motor housing (15), a decelerator housing (18), a support structure (20), a control panel (22) having a panel housing (23) supporting a user interface (10) with a display (24) and a parameter selection member (11), in which the motor housing (15), the decelerator housing (18), the support structure (20) and the panel housing (22) are different components that are each self-supporting, reversibly interconnected to form the tool (100).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular tool, such as a modular portable wrench, and the modular tool has an electric motor and a battery and / or the modular tool can be powered by connection to a wire, and the modular tool is particularly used for tightening bolts, nuts and screws onto and loosening bolts, nuts and screws from rails and sleepers during the construction and maintenance of railway lines, for example for tightening and loosening so-called "connectors" onto and from sleepers, which connections in turn tightly fix the rails to the sleepers.

[0002] There are known wrenches that have: a motor for generating a rotational movement; an actuation switch for actuating the motor; a working shaft; a speed reducer connected between the motor and the working shaft, the speed reducer being for transmitting and decomposing the rotational movement from the motor to the working shaft and rotating the working shaft; an electronic control system connected to a power source and the actuation switch; and a handle structure for manually holding the wrench.

[0003] In railway construction, two main applications can be identified:

[0004] - Creating a rail joint by arranging perforated plates on both sides of the perforated webs of two adjacent rails and fixing them by horizontal bolts, thereby forming a continuous iron surface.

[0005] - Anchoring rail connectors to sleepers using vertical screws. Such applications require tightening or loosening substantially vertically from the top.

[0006] Typical tightening of a threaded joint has a first more or less longer tightening step in which the head of the screw or nut is brought close to the base; and a second true tightening step in which the screw or nut is torqued against the base. Similarly, loosening of a threaded joint has a first loosening step of releasing the fastening between the screw or nut and the base, and a second more or less longer step for completely separating the two threaded members from each other.

[0007] The tightening and loosening steps of fastening require obtaining a high torque, for example by significantly multiplying the torque, which results in a proportionate reduction in the rotational speed. Conversely, the approaching and removing steps of the threaded member relative to the base can be performed with low torque and higher speed, which can be obtained by low torque multiplication with a proportionate increase in the tightening / loosening speed.

[0008] In this regard, the speed reducers of the wrenches of the prior art can be switched between a first configuration (hereinafter referred to as "fast gear") and a second configuration (hereinafter referred to as "slow gear"), in the first configuration, the screwing speed is high and the screwing torque is low, and in the second configuration, the screwing speed is low and the screwing torque is high. For example, the switching occurs by engaging or disengaging one or more reduction stages according to the deformation state of an elastic spring connected to the speed reducer.

[0009] This known switching solution is mechanically complex, costly to manufacture and assemble, difficult to calibrate precisely, cannot be synchronized with the possible electronic control of the motor, and cannot be directly influenced or monitored by the electronic control system of the wrench.

[0010] For example, this prevents the easy adjustment or setting of the resistance torque value of the speed reducer when switching between fast and slow gears.

[0011] Furthermore, in the prior art, the separation of speed reducer switching from the screwing torque control and motor control may, in some cases, lead to operation interruptions and abnormal signals only because the control of all wrench functions cannot be coordinated by a single control system and process.

[0012] Finally, with respect to speed reducers without gear changes, the gear change mechanism involves increased axial and radial encumbrance of the speed reducer.

[0013] The above disadvantages have led to the consideration of wrenches including speed reducers without speed changes, where, however, the sizes of the speed reducer and the electric motor are set to provide both the desired screwing speed and the maximum torque required to complete the tightening of the threaded connection. These wrenches are not suitable for a wide range of screwing torques and screwing speeds, and they are designed for very specific applications.

[0014] This means that for different screwing applications (with different screwing torques and screwing speeds), it is predicted that the sizes of the electric motor and the speed reducer will need to be differently formulated each time.

[0015] Similar requirements also arise for portable tools that, in addition to a wrench, have an electric motor and a speed reducer, but these portable tools are as compact as possible and are designed for an operating speed range and torque range or the maximum force achievable, such as trimmers, crimpers, compression and / or cutting tools, etc.

[0016] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide, in an industrially efficient and affordable manner, a tool, in particular a wrench, that has an electric motor and a speed reducer, has an overall possibly compact structure, and that allows for the combination of motor size, speed reducer size, and motor control according to a determined application.

[0017] Within the scope of the main object, a specific object of the present invention is to provide a tool, in particular a wrench, that has an electric motor and a speed reducer and that has features such as reducing the manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance costs of the tool.

[0018] At least some of the objects listed above are achieved by a tool, in particular a wrench, according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to preferred and advantageous embodiments. Some of the objects of the present invention are subordinate to other objects and even independent of other objects. Certain embodiments of the dependent claims achieve individual or multiple objects in a synergistic or independent manner.

[0019] For a better understanding of the present invention and to recognize its advantages, some non-limiting exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a perspective view of a tool (wrench) according to an embodiment;

[0021] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the tool (wrench) in ;

[0022] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the motor module of the tool (wrench) in ;

[0023] Figure 7 is Figure 1 a top view of the motor module of the tool (wrench) in ;

[0024] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the motor module taken along the Figure 7 cross-sectional plane VIII-VIII in ;

[0025] Figure 9 is Figure 1 a side view of the motor module of the tool (wrench) in ;

[0026] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the motor module taken along the Figure 9 cross-sectional plane X-X in ;

[0027] Figure 11 and Figure 12 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the reduction gear module of the tool (wrench) in ;

[0028] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the reduction gear module of the tool (wrench) according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 14 and Figure 15 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the handle module of the tool (wrench) in ;

[0030] Figure 16 andFigure 17 Cross-sectional view of details of a handle module of a tool (wrench) according to an embodiment in two different deformed states;

[0031] Figure 18 is Figure 1 Perspective view of a control panel of the tool (wrench) in , with the protective cover partially open;

[0032] Figure 19 is Figure 18 Perspective view of the control panel in , where the connecting door is detached from the housing of the control panel;

[0033] Figure 20 is Figure 18 View of the control panel from the user side in ;

[0034] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the control panel taken along the Figure 20 section plane XXI-XXI in ;

[0035] Figure 22 Schematic view of a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Description of Tool 100

[0037] Referring to the drawings, the tool 100 includes a working shaft 2 adapted to engage with a working member or mechanism 2'. The working shaft 2 is rotatably supported about a rotation axis R. An electric motor 3 powered by one or more batteries 4 (electric battery) is adapted to generate the rotational movement and torque required for the working operation of the tool 100. For example, tightening / loosening, compression, cutting, crimping operations.

[0038] The tool 100 further includes a speed reducer 6 connected between the motor 3 and the working shaft 2. The speed reducer 6 interacts with the motor 3 and with the working shaft 2 to transmit the rotational movement (transformation of angular velocity and its torque) from the motor 3 to the working shaft 2 to cause the working shaft 2 to rotate about the rotation axis R.

[0039] The tool 1 also includes an electronic control system 7 connected to at least one battery 4 and the electric motor 3.

[0040] The electronic control system 7 includes:

[0041] - actuation means 5, 5' for actuating the motor 3, for example including one or more buttons or a trigger actuation switch, and / or where the actuation of the motor 3 occurs automatically in response to a predetermined push support of the wrench tool 1 (by the working member or mechanism 2') on an application or workpiece,

[0042] - A memory 8 in which a calibration correlation between the operating torque or force M of the tool 100 and the corresponding current I absorbed by the motor 3 is stored, for example, a calibration function or a calibration table having paired values (torque or force M, current I).

[0043] The electronic control system 7 is configured to:

[0044] - Detect the instantaneous current I_inst of the motor 3 during the operation of the motor.

[0045] - Detect the actuation state of the actuating devices 5, 5'.

[0046] - Control the power supply of the electric motor 3 based on the detected actuation state, the target value of the working force or torque M_tgt of the detected instantaneous current I_inst, and the stored calibration correlation.

[0047] The tool 100 includes:

[0048] - A motor module 14 having a motor housing 15 that houses the electric motor 3, the electronic motor control board 16, and optionally also houses the battery 4.

[0049] - A reduction gear module 17 having a reduction gear housing 18 that houses the reduction gear 6.

[0050] - A handle module 19 having a support structure 20 at which one or more gripping handles 21 are formed.

[0051] - A control panel 22 having a panel housing 23 that supports a user interface 10 having a display 24 and a parameter selection member 11.

[0052] Wherein, the motor housing 15, the reduction gear housing 18, the support structure 20, and the panel housing 23 are different self-supporting components that are reversibly connected to each other to form the tool 100.

[0053] The control panel 22 and the motor module 14 are electrically connected by at least one quick-connect plug 27', 27", for example, by an electric wire 27 for power supply and / or data transmission (either the same wire or an additional wire), which extends at least a section outside the motor housing 15 and at least a section outside the panel housing 23, and the electric wire has at least one quick-connect plug 27', 27" (for example, one or more plugs conforming to the UL 1977 standard); and / or the control panel 22 and the motor module 14 are electrically connected by a docking interface having at least one quick-connect plug.

[0054] Description of Wrench 1

[0055] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a wrench 1 (an embodiment of a tool 100) includes a working shaft 2, which is adapted to support a bushing 2' or a similar tool (an embodiment of a working member 2') for engaging the head of a nut or a screw to be tightened or loosened. The working shaft 2 is arranged on the front side F of the wrench 1 and is rotatably supported about a rotation axis R. An electric motor 3 can be arranged in the central region of the wrench 1 or on the rear side P opposite to the front side F, and is adapted to generate the rotational movement and torque required for the tightening / loosening operation. The electric motor is preferably a brushless electric motor, such as a 36-volt three-phase brushless electric motor, which is powered by one or more (rechargeable) batteries 4. For example, the battery is a 36-volt, 6.2 ampere-hour or 8 ampere-hour rechargeable battery.

[0056] The wrench 1 further includes a speed reducer 6 connected between the motor 3 and the working shaft 2. The speed reducer 6 interacts with the motor 3 and the working shaft 2 to transmit the rotational movement (transformation of angular velocity and its torque) from the motor 3 to the working shaft 2 to cause the working shaft 2 to rotate about the rotation axis R.

[0057] The wrench 1 further includes an electronic control system 7 connected to at least one battery 4 and the electric motor 3.

[0058] The electronic control system 7 includes:

[0059] - actuation 5, 5' and direction selection 9 means, which are used to actuate the motor 3 and select the rotation direction (tightening or loosening) of the working shaft 2. For example, it includes one or more buttons or trigger actuation switches and / or a bistable position direction selection switch, and / or wherein the direction selection function is implemented by the actuation means 5, 5' itself, for example, by manually tightening the actuation member 5 and manually loosening the actuation member 5', and / or wherein the actuation of the motor 3 occurs automatically in response to a predetermined thrust support of the wrench 1 (through the bushing 2') on the head of the screw.

[0060] - A memory 8 in which a calibration correlation between the loosening / tightening torque M (referred to as the "working" torque) of the wrench 1 and the corresponding current I absorbed by the motor 3 is stored, such as a calibration function or a calibration table having paired values (torque M, current I).

[0061] The electronic control system 7 is configured to:

[0062] - Detect the instantaneous current I_inst of the motor 3 during the motor operation,

[0063] - Detect the actuation states of the actuation devices 5, 5' and the direction selection device 9',

[0064] - Control the power supply of the electric motor 3 based on the detected actuation states, the selected rotation direction, the target torque tightening value M_tgt, the detected instantaneous current I_inst, and the stored calibration correlation.

[0065] The wrench 1 includes:

[0066] - A motor module 14 having a motor housing 15 that houses the electric motor 3, the electronic motor control board 16, and optionally also houses the battery 4,

[0067] - A reduction gear module 17 having a reduction gear housing 18 that houses / encloses the reduction gear 6,

[0068] - A handle module 19 having a support structure 20 to which two gripping handles 21 are formed,

[0069] - A control panel 22 having a panel housing 23 that supports a user interface 10 having a display 24 and a parameter selection member 11,

[0070] Wherein, the motor housing 15, the reduction gear housing 18, the support structure 20, and the panel housing 23 are different self-supporting components that are reversibly interconnected to form the wrench 1.

[0071] The control panel 22 and the motor module 14 are electrically connected by at least one quick-connect plug 27', 27", for example, electrically connected by a wire 27 for power supply and / or (the same wire or another wire) data transmission, the wire extending at least a section outside the motor housing 15 and at least a section outside the panel housing 23, and the wire having at least one quick-connect plug 27', 27" (for example, one or more plugs conforming to the UL 1977 standard); and / or the control panel 22 and the motor module 14 are electrically connected by a docking interface having at least one quick-connect plug.

[0072] The tool 100 configured as such, for example the wrench 1, allows for modular and rapid assembly of motors and reducers of different sizes, as well as a control panel that allows programming and selection of the operating parameters of the tool 100 or the wrench 1 for the specific conditions provided.

[0073] This avoids the need to use reducers with gear converters and electric motors operating within a very wide operating range and thus having undesirably large dimensions.

[0074] The tool 100, such as the wrench 1, can be manufactured and configured for different applications while reducing manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance costs and time.

[0075] Description of Motor Module 14

[0076] According to an embodiment, the motor housing 15 is internally formed with a motor chamber 28 in which the electric motor 3 is located; the motor housing 15 is internally formed with a battery chamber 29 having a battery connection interface 30 into which the battery 4 can be inserted, and the battery chamber can be closed (and sealed) from the external environment by a battery cover 31, which is preferably hinged and preferably made of rubber.

[0077] The motor housing 15 also forms a circuit board chamber 32 in which the electronic motor control board 16 is arranged. Preferably, the circuit board chamber is closed and opened by a dedicated circuit board cover 33 that is coupled (e.g., screwed) to the motor housing 15.

[0078] The motor chamber 28 is cooled by a cooling air flow generated by a fan 25, which is, for example, coupled to the electric motor 3. The circuit board chamber 32 is in a heat exchange relationship with the motor chamber 28 (through a finned radiator 34), but is separated from the motor chamber 28 such that the cooling air flow can indirectly cool the electronic motor control board 16, but cannot enter the circuit board chamber 32, thereby preventing the transport of dust and water droplets to the electronic motor control board 16.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the motor module 14, in particular the motor housing 15, includes a first connecting wall 35, which is made of, for example, metal or reinforced composite fiber material or sintered material, and the first connecting wall has a plurality of first threaded holes 36, for example four first threaded holes 36, which are used for reversible threaded connection with the reducer module 17, for example by a plurality of - four - first screws 37 for reversible threaded connection with the reducer module.

[0080] The first connecting wall 35 forms a first central channel opening 38 through which the connecting shaft portion 39 extends between the electric motor 3 and the reducer 6. The connecting shaft portion 39 is separable due to an anti-torsion insertion coupling 39'.

[0081] The motor module 14 also forms one or more quick-connect sockets 40, which are connected to the electronic motor control board 16 and are used for quick connection without tools to, for example, a quick-connect plug 27', 27" of a power supply and data transmission wire 27 or a docking interface, or one of these quick-connect plugs.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the motor module 14 includes one or more lighting devices 41. Preferably, the motor module 14 includes two lighting devices 41, such as LED devices, which are directed towards the working position of the tool 100, such as the working position of the wrench 1, and are controlled by the electronic control system 7.

[0083] Description of Reducer Module 17

[0084] According to an embodiment, the reducer housing 18 (preferably made of metal) internally houses / encloses the reducer 6 (this does not exclude the reducer housing 18 contributing to the operation of the reducer 6 itself), such as a planetary reducer having one or more reduction stages, preferably without a transmission ratio changer, and the reducer housing forms a second connecting wall 42, which is made of, for example, metal or reinforced composite fiber material or sintered material, and the second connecting wall has a plurality of second holes 43, such as four second holes 43, which are used for reversible screw connection with the motor module 14, for example, by a plurality of first screws 37 for reversible screw connection with the motor module.

[0085] The second connecting wall 42 forms a second central channel opening 44, through which the connecting shaft portion 39 extends between the electric motor 3 and the reducer 6. The connecting shaft portion 39 is separable due to the torsion-resistant insertion coupling 39'.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the motor module 14 and the reducer module 17 are interconnected by inserting one or more spacer plates 45, which protrude away from the rotational axis R of the working shaft 2 from the positions of the first threaded holes 36 and the second threaded holes 43, to allow the handle module 19 to be connected outside the encumbrance areas of the reducer module 17 and / or the motor module 14.

[0087] The spacer plate 45 forms:

[0088] - a plurality of third holes 46, such as four third holes 46, which are used to connect one or more (preferably two) spacer plates 45 to the reducer module 17 and / or to the motor module 14 by the same first screws 37, and

[0089] - A plurality of fourth holes 47, for example four fourth holes 47, which are used to connect the spacing plate 45 to the handle module 19, for example by means of a second connecting screw or bolt 48 to connect to the handle module.

[0090] Description of Handle Module 19

[0091] According to an embodiment, the handle module 19 forms two gripping handles 21, and the actuating devices 5, 5' or the actuating and direction selection devices 5, 5', 9 are arranged at one or both of the gripping handles 21.

[0092] The support structure 20 may include a metal tubular frame and form a plurality of frame connection holes 49, for example four frame connection holes 49, which are used to connect the handle module 19 to the reduction gear module 17 and / or to the motor module 14, for example by inserting one or more of the aforementioned spacing plates 45, for example by means of a second connecting screw or bolt 48 to connect to the reduction gear module and / or the motor module.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the connection between the handle module 19 and the reduction gear module 17 and / or the motor module 14 is a connection that is movable within a certain limit, and one or more elastic positioning springs 50 are inserted, which elastically hold the handle module 19 in a planned position relative to the motor module 14 and the reduction gear module 17, and thus in a planned position relative to the rotational axis R of the working shaft 2, but also allows deviation from the planned position, so that the user can have an ergonomic posture with less fatigue compared to the forced posture that would result from the planned position of a completely rigid tool.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the elastic positioning springs 50 are inserted between the spacing plate 45 and the support structure 20, preferably at the second connecting screw or bolt 48.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the power supply and data transmission wire 27 extends at least a section within the tubular profile of the support structure 20, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the wire itself.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the handle module 19 includes a bracket support rod 51, which allows the tool 100 or the wrench 1 to be coupled to a tool bracket (not shown), for example, the tool bracket has wheels that move along a railway track, so as to perform work operations, such as tightening and loosening, in an easier manner.

[0097] Advantageously, the bracket support rod 51 forms a spherical joint 12( Figure 16 、 Figure 17 ), which simultaneously allows the support of the tool 100 or the wrench 1 and the orientation of the tool or wrench relative to the tool bracket.

[0098] Description of Control Panel 22

[0099] According to an embodiment, an electronic component chamber 52 is formed inside the panel housing 23, and a local control electronic board 53 is positioned in the electronic component chamber to control the user interface 10, the display 24, and the control member 11. The local control board 53 forms part of the electronic control system 7.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the electronic component chamber 52 further houses a near-field electronic communication module (transceiver), namely Bluetooth 54; a geolocation GPS (Global Positioning System) module 55; and a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) communication module (transceiver) 56 that is connected to or belongs to the electronic control system 7.

[0101] The electronic control system 7 is adapted and configured to associate the following with each operation of the tool 100, for example, to associate the following with each turn of the wrench 1:

[0102] - Date and time,

[0103] - The position of the tool 100, such as the position of the wrench 1, and

[0104] - Technical parameters of the work operation performed,

[0105] And the electronic control system 7 is adapted and configured to generate a traceability file containing the associated data.

[0106] The traceability file or the individual data associations can be transmitted to a remote server (cloud) or a remote electronic device (tablet, computer, smartphone) in batch mode (e.g., at even long time intervals or in response to a user control input in the user interface 10) or in real time, for example, via the near-field electronic communication module (transceiver) 54 and / or the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) communication module (transceiver) 56 for this transmission.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the control panel 22 further forms one or more quick-connect sockets 57 that are connected to the local control electronic board 53 and are used for quick connection without tools to the following:

[0108] - The power supply and data transmission wire 27 or the quick-connect plugs 27, 27' of the docking interface, and / or

[0109] - The quick-connect plugs 58', 58'' of the signal line 58, which are connected to the actuating devices 5, 5' and / or the direction selection devices 5, 5', 9.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the battery 4 in the motor module 14 powers the motor control board 16. The motor control board 16 powers the local control electronic board 53 of the control panel 22 and exchanges data with the local control electronic board 53 of the control panel 22, for example, via a power supply and data transmission wire 27, via a quick-connect socket 40 and a quick-connect socket 57, or via a docking interface.

[0111] The power supply and data transmission wire 27 may include, for example, a 4-pole wire.

[0112] For example, via a signal line 58, the local control electronic board 53 of the control panel 22 is configured to receive tightening and loosening actuation signals (and thus actuation and direction selection) from the actuation and direction selection devices 5, 5', 9 (for example, from a manual tightening actuation member 5 and a manual loosening actuation member 5', each of which may include a switch or an electrical switch). The local control electronic board 53 causes the motor 3 to rotate in the selected rotational direction by exchanging data with the motor control board 16.

[0113] One or more quick-connect sockets 57 are arranged in a connection chamber 59 of the panel housing 23, which connection chamber can be closed and opened by a dedicated cover 60 that is coupled (for example, screwed) to the panel housing 23. The cover 60 may form a through-hole for connecting a wire to the control panel 22.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the control panel 22 also forms a connection socket 61 for an external data carrier, for example, a USB socket for connecting a USB flash drive, which socket is connected to the local control electronic board 53 for transmitting the aforementioned traceability file or individual data associations on the external data carrier (for example, a USB flash drive) and / or for transmitting technical control parameters from the external data carrier (for example, a USB flash drive) to the control system 7.

[0115] The connection socket 61 for the external data carrier is arranged in a second connection chamber 62 of the panel housing 23, which second connection chamber can be closed and opened by a dedicated second cover 63 (for example, made of an elastic material), which second cover is coupled to the panel housing 23, for example, hinged, and can be opened and closed without the use of tools.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the control panel 22, in particular the panel housing 23, includes a third connection wall 26 having a plurality of threaded holes 64, for example, three threaded holes 64, which are used for reversible threaded connection with the handle module 19 or with the motor module 14, for example, via a plurality of screws 65 - for example, three screws 65 - for reversible threaded connection.

[0117] The control system 7 of a tool 100, such as a wrench 1, can be distributed over the motor module 14 and the control panel 22. Alternatively, the control system 7 can be accommodated in the motor module 14 (e.g., in the form of a motor control board 16), and the control panel 22 houses accessories and peripherals that are signal-connected to the control system 7.

[0118] Description of parameter selection

[0119] According to an embodiment, the user interface 10 allows for the selection or setting of the values of operating parameters of a tool 100, such as a wrench 1, by means of a two-stage selection input, where the first input stage involves selecting an operating parameter from among a plurality of different operating parameters, and the second input stage involves selecting or setting the value of the selected operating parameter from among a plurality of different parameter values.

[0120] In an embodiment of the wrench 1, the selectable operating parameters include two or more of the following:

[0121] - The type of connection W, N, K, KS to be screwed, or the corresponding target torque value M_tgt,

[0122] - The screwing sequence SSSS, FFFF, SSFF, SFSF, FREE of a series of screwing operations,

[0123] - The option to generate a log file of the tightening / loosening operations,

[0124] - Display the total number of tightening / loosening operations performed and / or display the partial number of tightening / loosening operations performed starting from a reset to be carried out by the user,

[0125] - Display the total number of operating hours and minutes of the wrench 1, and / or display the partial number of operating hours and minutes of the wrench 1 starting from a reset to be carried out by the user,

[0126] - Display brightness,

[0127] - Data downloaded to an external memory carrier, such as data downloaded to a USB flash drive,

[0128] - Display and adjust the date and time.

[0129] The values of the settable or selectable operating parameters include, for example:

[0130] - Multiple connection codes or symbols W, N, K, KS, or multiple numerical torque values, as values for the type of connection to be screwed or for the target torque value M_tgt, and / or

[0131] - Multiple different screwing sequences SSSS, FFFF, SSFF, SFSF, FREE as values for the screwing sequence, and / or

[0132] - The values of YES and NO are used as parameters for generating the tightening / loosening operation log file, and / or

[0133] - Initialize the number of parts of the tightening / loosening operation to be performed to zero.

[0134] - Initialize the number of parts of the working hours and minutes of wrench 1 to zero.

[0135] - The "high brightness" symbol and the "low brightness" symbol are used as adjustable brightness values or limiting adjustment values for the display, and / or

[0136] - The download symbol is used as the value of the download parameter for the data on the external memory carrier.

[0137] According to an embodiment, the selection of the operating parameters and the selection or setting of the values of the operating parameters are assisted by visualization through the display.

[0138] According to an advantageous and particularly ergonomic embodiment, the user interface 10 only includes a rotary knob 11, and responds to both the rotation and pressing of the knob, wherein:

[0139] - Select the operating parameters in the first input stage by rotating the rotary knob 11.

[0140] - Press the knob 11 to transition from the selection of the operating parameters to the second input stage for selecting or setting the parameter values.

[0141] - Select the values of the operating parameters in the second input stage again by rotating the rotary knob 11, or, in the case of only selecting between two different values, make the selection by pressing the knob 11 as well.

[0142] - Press the knob 11 to confirm the parameter values selected or set in the second input stage.

[0143] The rotary knob 11 can be associated with a Hall sensor for generating a selection signal by rotating the knob, and the rotary knob 11 can be associated with a magnetic proximity sensor for generating different selection signals by pressing the knob 11.

[0144] Certain technical features in the description and claims are defined as "first feature", "second feature", "third feature", such as first / second / third / ... plug, first / second / third / ... wall, first / second / third / ... chamber, first / second / third / ... cover. The numeral adjectives "first / second / third / ..." mean only the proper names of the indicated features, and, for example, the presence of a feature defined as "second feature" or "third feature" in a claim does not necessarily imply the presence of another feature identified by the numeral adjective "first".

[0145] Reference numeral

[0146] Wrench 1

[0147] Working shaft 2

[0148] Working member or mechanism, bushing 2’

[0149] Electric motor 3

[0150] Battery 4

[0151] Actuation and direction selection devices 5, 5’, 9

[0152] Manual tightening actuation member 5

[0153] Manual loosening actuation member 5’

[0154] Reducer 6

[0155] Electronic control system 7

[0156] Memory 8

[0157] Direction selector 9

[0158] User interface 10

[0159] Rotary knob 11

[0160] Ball joint 12

[0161] Reaction arm 13

[0162] Motor module 14

[0163] Motor housing 15

[0164] Motor control board 16

[0165] Reducer module 17

[0166] Reducer housing 18

[0167] Handle module 19

[0168] Support structure 20

[0169] Grip handle 21

[0170] Control panel 22

[0171] Panel housing 23

[0172] Display 24

[0173] Fan 25

[0174] Third connecting wall 26

[0175] Power supply and / or data transmission wire 27

[0176] Quick-connect plugs 27’, 27”

[0177] Motor chamber 28

[0178] Battery chamber 29

[0179] Battery connection interface 30

[0180] Battery cover 31

[0181] Battery plate chamber 32

[0182] Battery plate cover 33

[0183] Finned heat sink 34

[0184] First connecting wall 35

[0185] First threaded hole 36

[0186] First screw 37

[0187] Central channel opening 38

[0188] Connecting shaft portion 39

[0189] Insert coupling 39’

[0190] Quick-connect socket 40

[0191] Lighting device 41

[0192] Second connecting wall 42

[0193] Second hole 43

[0194] Second central channel opening 44

[0195] Spacing plate 45

[0196] Third hole 46

[0197] Fourth hole 47

[0198] Second connecting screw or bolt 48

[0199] Frame connection hole 49

[0200] Elastic positioning spring 50

[0201] Bracket support rod 51

[0202] Electronic component chamber 52

[0203] Local control electronic board 53

[0204] Near field communication module 54

[0205] Geolocation GPS module 55

[0206] GSM communication module 56

[0207] Quick connection socket 57

[0208] Signal line for the actuating member 58

[0209] Quick connection plugs 58’, 58”

[0210] Connection chamber 59

[0211] Connection chamber cover 60

[0212] Connection socket for the external data carrier 61

[0213] Second connection chamber 62

[0214] Second cover 63

[0215] Threaded hole 64

[0216] Screw 65

[0217] Tool 100

[0218] Front side F

[0219] Rear side P

[0220] Axis of rotation R

[0221] Current I absorbed by the motor

[0222] Detected instantaneous current I_inst

[0223] Torque M applied by the wrench

[0224] Target torque value M_tgt.

Claims

1. A wrench (1), the wrench comprising: - A working shaft (2); - An electric motor (3), the electric motor being powered by at least one battery (4); - A speed reducer (6), the speed reducer being connected between the motor (3) and the working shaft (2); - An electronic control system (7), the electronic control system being connected to the battery (4) and the electric motor (3), wherein the electronic control system (7) comprises: - Actuation (5, 5') and direction selection (9; 5, 5') means for actuating the motor (3) and selecting the rotation direction of the working shaft (2); - A memory (8) in which a calibration correlation between the screwing torque (M) of the wrench (1) and the corresponding current (I) absorbed by the motor (3) is stored, wherein the electronic control system (7) is configured to: - Detect the instantaneous current (I_inst) of the motor (3) during motor operation; - Detect the actuation state of the actuation (5, 5') and direction selection (9, 5, 5') means; - Control the power supply of the electric motor (3) according to the detected actuation state, the selected rotation direction, the target torque screwing value (M_tgt), the detected instantaneous current (I_inst) and the stored calibration correlation, wherein the wrench (1) comprises: - A motor module (14), the motor module having its own motor housing (15), the motor housing accommodating the electric motor (3) and an electronic board (16) for motor control; - A speed reducer module (17), the speed reducer module having its own speed reducer housing (18), the speed reducer housing accommodating the speed reducer (6); - A handle module (19), the handle module having its own support structure (20), one or more gripping handles (21) being formed on the support structure; - A control panel (22), the control panel having its own panel housing (23), the panel housing supporting a user interface (10) having a display (24) and parameter selection members (11), wherein the motor housing (15), the speed reducer housing (18), the support structure (20) and the panel housing (22) are different components, the motor housing (15), the speed reducer housing (18), the support structure (20) and the panel housing (22) are self-supporting respectively, and can be reversibly connected to each other to form the wrench (1), wherein the control panel (22) and the motor module (14) are electrically connected by at least one quick-connect plug 27', 27".

2. The wrench (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The motor module (14) includes a quick-connect socket (40), the quick-connect socket being connected to the electronic board (16) for motor control, and the quick-connect socket being used for quick connection with the quick-connect plug (27', 27") in the absence of tools, wherein the motor housing (15) forms: - A motor chamber (28), the electric motor (3) being located in the motor chamber; - A battery compartment (29) having an interface (30) for battery connection, into which the battery (4) can be inserted, and wherein the battery compartment (29) can be closed relative to the external environment by a battery cover (31) of the motor module (14); - A circuit board compartment (32) in which an electronic circuit board (16) for motor control is located. Preferably, the circuit board compartment can be closed and opened by a dedicated circuit board cover (33) connected to or screwed onto the motor housing (15); - A first connecting wall (35) having a plurality of first holes (36) for reversible connection to the reduction gear module (17) by means of a plurality of first screws (37).

3. The wrench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control panel (22) and the motor module (14) are electrically connected by: - Wires (27) for power supply and / or data transmission, which extend at least in part outside the motor housing (15) and at least in part outside the panel housing (23), and which wires have at least one quick-connect plug (27', 27"), or - A plug interface having at least one quick-connect plug.

4. The wrench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The reduction gear housing (18) supports a reduction gear (6) without a transmission ratio changer, and the reduction gear housing forms a second connecting wall (42) having a plurality of holes (43) for reversible connection to the motor module (14) by screws.

5. The wrench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The motor module (14) and the reduction gear module (17) are interconnected by the insertion of one or more spacer plates (45) which project away from the axis of rotation (R) of the working shaft (2) from the screwed connection position between the motor module (14) and the reduction gear module (17), and the motor module (14) and the reduction gear module (17) effect the connection of the handle module (19) to the spacer plate (45) outside the obstruction zones of the reduction gear module (17) and / or the motor module (14).

6. The wrench (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The one or more spacer plates (45) form: - A plurality of third holes (46) for connecting the one or more spacer plates (45) to the reduction gear module (17) and to the motor module (14) by means of first screws (37), and - A plurality of fourth holes (47) for connecting the one or more spacer plates (45) to the handle module (19) by means of second connecting screws or bolts (48).

7. The wrench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - The handle module (19) forms two gripping handles (21), and the actuation and direction selection means (5, 5', 9) are arranged at one and / or both of the gripping handles (21); - The support structure (20) includes a metal tubular frame and forms a plurality of frame connection holes (49) for connecting the handle module (19) to the reducer module (17) and / or the motor module (14) via connecting screws or bolts (48).

8. The wrench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Due to the insertion of one or more positioning elastic springs (50), the connection of the handle module (19) to the reducer module (17) and / or to the motor module (14) is a connection that is movable within a certain limit. Wherein, the one or more positioning elastic springs (50) elastically hold the handle module (19) in a planned position relative to the motor module (14), relative to the reducer module (17), and relative to the rotational axis (R) of the working shaft (2), but also allow deviation from the planned position to enable the user to have an ergonomic posture different from the assumed posture that would result from the planned position of a completely rigid tool.

9. The wrench (1) according to claims 5 and 8, wherein, The one or more positioning elastic springs (50) are inserted between one or more spacer plates (45) and the support structure (20) and at the connecting screws or bolts (48) between the one or more spacer plates and the support structure.

10. The wrench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control panel (22) and the motor module (14) are electrically connected by wires (27) for power supply and / or data transmission and having at least one quick-connect plug (27', 27"), and wherein the wire (27) for power supply and / or data transmission extends at least a section within the tubular profile of the support structure (20).

11. The wrench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The handle module (19) includes a bracket support rod (51) that allows coupling of the wrench (1) to a tool bracket, wherein the bracket support rod (51) forms a spherical joint (12) that allows simultaneous support of the wrench (1) and orientation of the wrench relative to the tool bracket.

12. The wrench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The panel housing (23) has an electronic component chamber (52) formed therein, and the following are positioned in the electronic component chamber: - A local control electronic board (53) that controls the user interface (10); - An electronic module (54) for near-field communication or Bluetooth communication; - A geolocation GPS module (55); - A GSM communication module (56) of the electronic control system (7), wherein the control panel (22) forms one or more quick-connect sockets (57) that are connected to the local control electronic board (53) and are used for quick connection to the quick-connect plugs (27', 27") and / or to additional quick-connect plugs (58', 58") of a signal line (58) in the absence of a tool, and the additional quick-connect plugs are connected to the actuation and direction selection devices (5, 5', 9).

13. The wrench (1) according to claim 12, wherein, The one or more quick-connect sockets (57) are arranged in a connection chamber (59) of the panel housing (23), wherein the connection chamber (59) can be closed and opened by a dedicated cover (60) coupled to the panel housing (23), and wherein the cover (60) forms a passage for the wire harness connected to the control panel (22).

14. The wrench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control panel (22) includes a connection socket (61) for an external data carrier or a USB socket for connecting a USB flash drive, and the connection socket or the USB socket is connected to the local control electronic board (53) for transferring traceability files on the external data carrier and / or for transferring technical control parameters from the external data carrier to the control system (7).

15. The wrench (1) according to claim 14, wherein, The connection socket (61) for an external data carrier is arranged in a second connection chamber (62) of the panel housing (23), and the second connection chamber can be closed and opened by a dedicated second cover (63) coupled to the control panel (23), and can be opened and closed without using tools.

16. The wrench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control panel (22) includes a plurality of holes (64) for reversibly screwing to the handle module (19) or to the motor module (14).

17. The wrench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The user interface (10) allows the selection of values of the operating parameters of the wrench (1) through a two-stage selection input, wherein the first input stage includes selecting an operating parameter from a plurality of different operating parameters, and the second input stage includes selecting or setting a value of the selected operating parameter from a plurality of different parameter values, and wherein the user interface (10) includes a rotary knob (11) and responds to both the rotation and the pressure of the knob, wherein: - The selection of the operating parameter in the first input stage is performed by rotating the knob (11); - The transition from the selection of the operating parameter to the second input stage for selecting or setting the parameter value is performed by pressing the knob (11); - The selection of the value of the operating parameter in the second input stage is performed by rotating the knob (11).

18. A portable tool (100), the portable tool comprising: - A working shaft (2); - An electric motor (3) powered by at least one battery (4); - A speed reducer (6) connected between the motor (3) and the working shaft (2); - An electronic control system (7) connected to the battery (4) and the electric motor (3), wherein the electronic control system (7) includes: - Actuating means (5, 5') for actuating the motor (3); - A memory (8) in which a calibration correlation between the working torque or force M of the tool (100) and the corresponding current (I) absorbed by the motor (3) is stored, wherein the electronic control system (7) is configured to: - Detect the instantaneous current (I_inst) of the motor (3) during motor operation; - Detect the actuation state of the actuating means (5, 5'); - Control the power supply of the electric motor (3) based on the detected actuation state, the target value (M_tgt) of the force or torque to be applied by the tool (100), the detected instantaneous current (I_inst), and the stored calibration correlation. Wherein, the tool (100) includes: - A motor module (14), the motor module having its own motor housing (15), the motor housing accommodating the electric motor (3) and the electronic motor control board (16); - A reduction gear module (17), the reduction gear module having its own reduction gear housing (18), the reduction gear housing supporting the reduction gear (6); - A handle module (19), the handle module having its own support structure (20), one or more gripping handles (21) being formed at the support structure; - A control panel (22), the control panel having its own panel housing (23), the panel housing supporting a user interface (10) having a display (24) and parameter selection members (11); Wherein, the motor housing (15), the reduction gear housing (18), the support structure (20), and the panel housing (22) are separate self-supporting components, and the motor housing (15), the reduction gear housing (18), the support structure (20), and the panel housing (22) are reversibly connected to each other to form the tool (100); Wherein, the control panel (22) and the motor module (14) are electrically connected through at least one quick-connect plug (27', 27").

Images