Nut wrench

Abstract

A nut wrench is disclosed, the nut wrench comprising: a housing; a motor having an output shaft rotatable about a first axis; a head including an output driver rotatable about a second axis; a transmission comprising a ring gear rotatable about a first axis; and a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes an adjustment collar rotatable about a first axis, a rolling element engaged with the ring gear, and a spring located between the adjustment collar and the ring gear to bias the rolling element into engagement with the ring gear. The clutch mechanism is configured to prevent rotation of the ring gear when torque applied to the ring gear is less than a torque threshold, and to permit rotation of the ring gear when torque applied to the ring gear is greater than or equal to the torque threshold. Rotation of the adjustment shaft about the first axis adjusts a torque threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to power tools and, more particularly, to power nutrunner tools. Background Art

[0002] The nut runner tool generally includes a housing, a motor having an output shaft arranged along a first axis, a head, and a transmission device, wherein the head includes an output driver that can rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and the transmission device is configured to transmit torque and rotation from the output shaft to the output driver. When the existing nut runner applies a torque up to a torque threshold to the fastener, the torque of the fastener will be over-tightened, and the user cannot quickly and conveniently adjust the torque threshold. The nut runner of the present invention will not over-tighten the torque of the fastener when applying a torque up to the torque threshold to the fastener, and its collar can be adjusted by hand without using tools, so that the user can quickly and conveniently adjust the torque threshold. Utility Model Content

[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nut runner, the nut runner comprising: a housing; a motor disposed within the housing and comprising an output shaft rotatable about a first axis; a head extending from the housing, the head comprising an output drive rotatable about a second axis; a transmission configured to transfer rotation from the output shaft to the output drive, the transmission comprising a ring gear rotatable about the first axis relative to the housing; and a clutch mechanism comprising: an adjustment collar disposed about the housing and rotatable about the first axis. a first axis rotation; a plurality of rolling elements engaged with the ring gear; and a spring located between the adjustment shaft collar and the ring gear and configured to bias the plurality of rolling elements into engagement with the ring gear, wherein the clutch mechanism is configured to prevent the ring gear from rotating relative to the housing when a torque applied to the ring gear is less than a torque threshold, wherein the clutch mechanism is configured to permit the ring gear to rotate relative to the housing when a torque applied to the ring gear is greater than or equal to the torque threshold, and wherein rotation of the adjustment shaft about the first axis adjusts the torque threshold.

[0004] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nutrunner in which the adjustment collar is configured to be rotated by hand without the use of tools.

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nut runner, wherein the clutch mechanism further includes a plurality of pins disposed between the spring and the plurality of rolling elements.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nut runner, wherein the ring gear includes a groove formed in a front surface of the ring gear, the groove extending in a circumferential direction along a plurality of flat portions and a plurality of raised portions, and wherein the plurality of rolling elements are received by the groove.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nutrunner wherein the housing includes a flange portion having a plurality of apertures, and wherein the plurality of pins extend through the plurality of apertures in the flange portion.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nut runner, wherein the adjustment collar includes an outer collar and an inner collar, wherein the inner collar is rotationally fixed to the outer collar, and wherein the inner collar is capable of moving along the first axis relative to the outer collar in response to rotation of the adjustment shaft about the first axis.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nutrunner wherein the housing includes a plurality of detents and the outer collar includes at least one tab configured to engage the detents.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nutrunner, wherein the housing includes an externally threaded portion, and the inner collar includes an internally threaded portion engaged with the externally threaded portion.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nut runner further comprising a spindle extending along the first axis, wherein the transmission comprises a first transmission portion configured to transfer rotation from the output shaft to the spindle, wherein the first transmission portion comprises the ring gear, and wherein the nut runner further comprises a second transmission portion configured to transfer rotation from the spindle to the output drive.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nut runner comprising: a housing; a motor disposed within the housing and comprising an output shaft capable of rotating about an axis; a head extending from the housing, the head comprising an output drive; a transmission configured to transfer rotation from the output shaft to the output drive, the transmission comprising a ring gear capable of rotating about the axis relative to the housing; and a clutch mechanism engaged with the ring gear; wherein the clutch mechanism is configured to prevent the ring gear from rotating relative to the housing when a torque applied to the ring gear is less than a torque threshold, wherein the clutch mechanism is configured to permit the ring gear to rotate relative to the housing when a torque applied to the ring gear is greater than or equal to the torque threshold, and wherein the torque threshold is adjustable by hand without the use of tools.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nutrunner wherein the clutch mechanism includes an adjustment collar configured to be rotated to adjust the torque threshold.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nut runner, wherein the adjustment collar includes an inner collar and an outer collar, the inner collar including a protrusion and the outer collar including a recess that receives the protrusion to couple the inner collar for common rotation with the outer collar.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nutrunner wherein the clutch mechanism further includes a spring abutting the inner collar such that movement of the inner collar along the axis compresses or decompresses the spring to adjust the torque threshold.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nut runner further comprising a battery receptacle located at an end of the housing opposite the head, wherein the battery receptacle is configured to receive a battery pack along an insertion direction, and wherein the insertion direction is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the axis.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nut runner comprising: a housing; a motor disposed within the housing and comprising an output shaft; a head extending from the housing, the head comprising a rotatable output drive; a spindle disposed within the housing and extending between the output shaft of the motor and the head; and a transmission configured to transfer rotation from the output shaft to the output drive, the transmission comprising: a first transmission portion configured to transfer rotation from the output shaft to the spindle, the first transmission portion comprising a first planetary stage and a ring gear; a second transmission portion configured to transfer rotation from the spindle to the output drive, the second transmission portion comprising a second planetary stage; and a clutch mechanism disposed between the first transmission portion and the second transmission portion, wherein the clutch mechanism is configured to prevent rotation from being transferred from the output shaft to the output drive when a torque applied to the ring gear is greater than or equal to a torque threshold.

[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nut runner wherein the second transmission portion includes a first bevel gear drivingly coupled to a second bevel gear of the output drive such that the output shaft is driven about a first axis and the output drive is driven about a second axis different from the first axis.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nut runner, wherein the ring gear is capable of rotating within the housing, wherein the clutch mechanism is configured to prevent the ring gear from rotating relative to the housing when the torque applied to the ring gear is less than the torque threshold, and wherein the clutch mechanism is configured to permit the ring gear to rotate relative to the housing when the torque applied to the ring gear is greater than or equal to the torque threshold.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nutrunner wherein the clutch mechanism includes a collar that a user can rotate without tools to adjust the torque threshold.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nut runner, further comprising: a torque sensor coupled to the transmission; a controller in communication with the torque sensor; and a display in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is configured to determine a torque output of the output drive based on feedback from the torque sensor and control the display to indicate the torque output.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nut runner, wherein the housing includes a gearbox, wherein the second transmission portion is supported within the gearbox, wherein the second transmission portion includes a ring gear, wherein the torque sensor includes a first portion coupled to the ring gear, a second portion coupled to the gearbox, and a thin web interconnecting the first portion and the second portion, wherein the thin web is configured to deform in response to a reaction torque transmitted from the ring gear to the first portion of the torque sensor, and wherein the torque sensor further includes a strain gauge coupled to the thin web.

[0023] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nut runner comprising: a housing including a handle portion, a first gearbox supported by the handle portion, a second gearbox coupled to the first gearbox, and a head coupled to the second gearbox, wherein the handle portion, the first gearbox, the second gearbox, and the head are arranged along a first axis; a motor supported by the handle portion of the housing and including an output shaft rotatable about the first axis; a battery socket disposed on the handle portion of the housing opposite the head, the battery socket configured to receive a battery to provide power to the motor; an output drive extending from the head and rotatable about a second axis; a transmission configured to transfer rotation from the output shaft to the output drive; a torque sensor coupled to the transmission; a controller in communication with the torque sensor; and a display in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is configured to determine a torque output of the output drive based on feedback from the torque sensor and control the display to indicate the torque output.

[0024] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nut runner wherein the transmission includes a first transmission portion supported within the first gearbox and a second transmission portion supported within the second gearbox, and wherein the torque sensor is coupled to the second transmission portion.

[0025] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a nut runner, wherein the torque sensor includes a first portion coupled to the transmission, a second portion coupled to the second gearbox, and a thin web interconnecting the first portion and the second portion, wherein the thin web is configured to deform in response to a reaction torque transmitted from the transmission to the first portion of the torque sensor, and wherein the torque sensor further includes a strain gauge coupled to the thin web.

[0026] Other features and aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a nut runner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a nut runner.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a nut runner showing the clutch mechanism.

[0030] Figure 4yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the ring gear of the clutch mechanism.

[0031] Figure 5A yes Figure 1 A first side view of a portion of a housing of a nutrunner.

[0032] Figure 5B yes Figure 1 A second side view of a portion of the housing of the nut runner.

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Side view of the adjusting collar of the clutch mechanism.

[0034] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 Side view of the clutch mechanism.

[0035] Fig. 8A yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the outer collar of the adjusting collar.

[0036] Figure 8B yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of a housing of a nut runner.

[0037] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a nut runner according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig.10 It is a display Fig. 9 Exploded perspective view of the torque sensor and second transmission portion of the nut runner.

[0039] Before explaining any embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or shown in the following drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a power tool, and more particularly a nut runner tool, comprising: a housing; a motor having an output shaft arranged along a first axis; a head including an output driver rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and a transmission device configured to transfer torque and rotation from the output shaft to the output driver. The nut runner also includes a clutch mechanism, which includes an adjustment collar disposed around the housing. The rotation of the adjustment shaft around the first axis adjusts a torque threshold at which the clutch mechanism slides to limit the torque transfer to the output driver. This allows the nut runner to apply torque up to the torque threshold to the fastener without over-tightening the fastener. Advantageously, the collar can be adjusted by hand without the use of tools, thereby allowing a user to quickly and conveniently adjust the torque threshold.

[0041] For example, Figure 1 An embodiment of a power tool is shown in the form of a powered nut runner 10. The nut runner 10 includes a housing 14 having a handle portion 15 that is configured to be gripped by a user during operation of the nut runner 10. Figure 2 , the housing 14 also includes a first gearbox including a rear gearbox portion 16 coupled to and partially received within the handle portion 15 and a front gearbox portion 17 coupled to and extending from an end of the rear gearbox portion 16 opposite the handle portion 15. The housing 14 shown further includes a second gearbox 19 coupled to and extending from an end of the front gearbox portion 17 opposite the rear gearbox portion 16, and a head 18 coupled to and extending from the second gearbox 19. Thus, the housing 14 of the nut runner 10 defines an elongated inline configuration in which the handle portion 15, the first gearboxes 16, 17, the second gearbox 19, and the head 18 are connected in series with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 18 is coupled to the second gearbox 19 by a threaded collar 21 that can be loosened or removed to permit adjustment (i.e., change of orientation) or removal of the head 18 relative to the remainder of the housing 14.

[0042] Continue to refer Figure 2 The motor 22 is supported in the handle portion 15 of the housing 14 and has an output shaft 24 (rotatable about a first axis A). Figure 2). The motor 22 is configured to provide torque to an output drive 26 rotatably supported by the head 18 to rotate about a second axis B perpendicular to the first axis A. The motor 22 is preferably a brushless DC motor. In some embodiments, the motor 22 may be a surface permanent magnet (SPM) motor, which includes a stator, a rotor, and a permanent magnet fixed to or embedded in the outer surface of the rotor. In other embodiments, the motor 22 may be an outer rotor motor, which has a rotor surrounding the stator and rotating about the stator.

[0043] The output driver 26 shown is configured to receive a tool bit (e.g., a socket), which in turn can cooperate with and perform work on a workpiece (e.g., a fastener). In some embodiments, the output driver 26 includes a square driver head with a nominal size of 3 / 8 inch, 1 / 2 inch, 3 / 4 inch, 1 inch, or any other desired size. In other embodiments, the output driver 26 can include a spline driver head, a hexagonal recess, or any other suitable geometry for receiving a tool bit.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the nut runner 10 includes a battery receptacle 30 ( 40 ) formed in the housing 14 and more particularly formed at a rear end of the handle portion 15 opposite the head 18. Figure 1 ). The battery socket 30 is configured to receive a battery pack (e.g., a rechargeable power tool battery pack; not shown). In some embodiments, the battery pack may have a nominal output voltage of 18 volts. The battery socket 30 electrically connects the battery pack to the motor 22 via suitable electrical and electronic components (such as a PCBA (not shown) containing MOSFETs, IGBTs, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the battery socket 30 is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the first axis A. That is, the battery pack can be inserted into and removed from the battery socket 30 in a direction obliquely oriented relative to the first axis A.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the nut runner 10 includes an actuator 34 for controlling the operation of the nut runner 10 (e.g., energizing / de-energizing the motor 22 via the PCBA). In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 34 is a trigger that can be pressed into the housing 14 to energize the motor 22. The actuator 34 is shown extending from the handle portion 15 of the housing 14 in the same direction as the output drive 26 and is positioned between the battery receptacle 30 and the head 18.

[0046] refer to Figure 2, the output drive 26 is operably coupled to the output shaft of the motor 22 via a gear assembly or transmission 36. The transmission 36 includes a first transmission portion 38 supported within the rear portion 16 of the first gearbox. The first transmission portion 38 operably couples the output shaft 24 of the motor 22 to the main shaft 40. The transmission 36 shown also includes a second transmission portion 42 supported within the second gearbox 19. The second transmission portion 42 operably couples the main shaft 40 to a first bevel gear 46. The first bevel gear 46 drives the second bevel gear 50 coupled to the output drive 26. Either or both of the first transmission portion 38 and the second transmission portion 42 may be planetary transmissions. In the illustrated embodiment, the first transmission portion 38 is a three-stage planetary transmission that includes a final stage carrier 39 coupled to rotate with the main shaft 40 (e.g., via a spline fit or other suitable torque-transmitting connection). In other embodiments, the first transmission portion 38 may be composed of a different number of stages. In the illustrated embodiment, the second transmission portion 42 is a single-stage planetary transmission. In other embodiments, the second transmission portion 42 may be comprised of a different number of stages or may be omitted in still other embodiments. In some embodiments, other types of transmissions or gear reductions may be included as the first transmission portion 38 and / or the second transmission portion 42 .

[0047] The first transmission portion 38 includes a ring gear 54 that is supported concentrically with the first axis A within the rear gearbox portion 16 of the first gearbox. The ring gear 54 shown is common to all three stages of the first transmission portion 38. That is, three sets of planetary gears can mesh with the teeth of the ring gear 54 to rotate about the inner periphery of the ring gear 54. A radial bearing 58 (which can be a bushing, a roller bearing, etc.) is positioned between the ring gear 54 and the housing 14 to rotatably support the ring gear 54 within the housing 14. In the illustrated embodiment, a thrust bearing 63 is positioned between the rear end of the ring gear 54 and the rear gearbox portion 16 to rotatably support the ring gear 54 against rearward axial forces.

[0048] Continue to refer Figure 2 The second transmission portion 42 includes a ring gear 59 fixed within the second gearbox 19, a plurality of planetary gears 60, and a carrier 61. The carrier 61 is coupled to rotate together with the shaft portion of the first bevel gear 46 (e.g., via a spline fit or other suitable torque transmission connection). The planetary gears 60 are driven by the main shaft 40 (e.g., the planetary gears 60 mesh with pinion gears formed on the main shaft 40) to advance around the inner periphery of the ring gear 59, thereby rotating the carrier 61 and the first bevel gear 46.

[0049] The illustrated nut runner 10 includes a clutch mechanism 62 operably coupled between the output shaft 24 of the motor 22 and the output driver 26 to selectively limit the torque transmitted to the output driver 26 above a selected torque threshold. In the illustrated embodiment, the clutch mechanism 62 is coupled between the first transmission portion 38 and the second transmission portion 42; however, in other embodiments, the clutch mechanism 62 may be coupled between the output shaft 24 and the first transmission portion 38 or between the output driver 26 and the second transmission portion 42. The clutch mechanism 62 allows a user to limit the torque output of the nut runner 10 to a desired torque setting. For example, this helps the user assemble precision joint screws or screws with a specified torque rating. In the illustrated embodiment, the clutch mechanism 62 includes an adjustment collar 66 to facilitate adjusting the clutch mechanism 62 to different torque settings without the use of tools. The adjustment collar 66 extends between the rear gearbox portion 16 and the second gearbox 19 and surrounds at least a portion of the front gearbox portion 17.

[0050] refer to Figure 3 , the adjustment collar 66 of the clutch mechanism 62 includes an outer collar 66a and an inner collar 66b, the inner collar being configured as a nut in the illustrated embodiment. The clutch mechanism 62 further includes a biasing member or spring 70 disposed within a portion of the outer collar 66a. The first end of the spring 70 engages a surface of the inner collar 66b (directly or through a washer positioned between the first end of the spring 70 and the inner collar 66b). In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 70 is a wave spring; however, the spring 70 may alternatively be a coil spring, a spring washer, or any other biasing member.

[0051] The second end of the spring 70 engages a plurality of pins 74 (either directly or through a washer positioned between the second end of the spring 70 and the pins 74). The spring 70 biases the pins 74 toward an axial surface (i.e., a front surface) 78 of the ring gear 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the clutch mechanism 62 includes five pins 74. In other embodiments, the clutch mechanism 62 may include a different number of pins 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the pins 74 are evenly distributed in a circumferential direction around the main shaft 40. As described in more detail below, the pins 74 engage corresponding rolling elements 82 (the rolling elements are steel balls, such as ball bearings in the illustrated embodiment), which in turn engage the front surface 78 of the ring gear 54.

[0052] refer to Figure 4, the front surface 78 of the ring gear 54 is arranged adjacent to the teeth of the ring gear 54. An annular groove 78a is provided in the front surface 78. The front surface 78 further includes alternating flat portions 78b and raised portions 78c. The raised portions 78c are closer to the adjustment collar 66 relative to the flat portions 78b. The number of raised portions 78c is equal to the number of pins 74 and rolling elements 82, and the raised portions 78c are spaced on the front surface 78 of the ring gear 54 in the same manner as the pins 74 are distributed around the main shaft 40. In the illustrated embodiment, five raised portions 78c are evenly distributed on the outer surface 78 of the ring gear 54.

[0053] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the rolling element 82 is received in the groove 78a of the front surface 78. The movement of the rolling element 82 from the flat portion 78b of the outer surface 78 to the raised portion 78c of the outer surface 78 displaces the pin 74, thereby compressing the spring 70 due to the different distances between the inner collar 66b and the flat portion 78b and the raised portion 78c. Accordingly, in order for the rolling element 82 to move on the raised portion 78c of the front surface 78, the biasing force of the spring 70 must be overcome. Therefore, during operation of the nut runner 10, as long as the force between the front surface 78 and the rolling element 82 does not exceed the biasing force of the spring 70, the ring gear 54 will remain rotationally fixed relative to the housing 14. If the force between the front surface 78 and the rolling element 82 caused by the torque on the ring gear 54 exceeds the biasing force of the spring 70, the ring gear 54 will rotate (i.e., slide) relative to the housing 14, thereby inhibiting the rotational output of the first transmission portion 38 and interrupting the torque transmission to the output drive 26.

[0054] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the front gearbox portion 17 includes a flange portion 86. The flange portion 86 includes a plurality of apertures 86a. A portion of each of the plurality of pins 74 extends through each of the plurality of apertures 86a, and a portion of each of the plurality of rolling elements 82 is disposed within each of the plurality of apertures 86a. The plurality of pins 74 and the plurality of rolling elements 82 can move parallel to the first axis A within the plurality of apertures 86a. In this way, the flange portion 86 of the front gearbox portion 17 serves as a guide for the plurality of pins 74 and the plurality of rolling elements 82, and keeps each of the plurality of rolling elements 82 engaged with one of the plurality of pins 74.

[0055] refer to Figure 6, the outer collar 66a of the adjustment collar 66 includes a plurality of recesses 90. The inner collar 66b includes a plurality of protrusions 94 received in the plurality of recesses 90. In this way, the outer collar 66a and the inner collar 66b are rotationally fixed to each other. However, the inner collar 66b can slide along the first axis A relative to the outer collar 66a.

[0056] refer to Figure 7 , the inner collar 66b of the adjustment collar 66 includes an inner threaded portion 98. The inner threaded portion 98 of the inner collar 66b engages the outer threaded portion 102 of the front gearbox portion 17. Accordingly, the rotation of the adjustment collar 66 about the housing 14 moves the inner collar 66b along the first axis A. The adjustment collar 66 can rotate freely without the use of tools (i.e., a mechanical advantage mechanism). The movement of the inner collar 66b along the first axis A changes the distance between the inner collar 66b and the front surface 78 of the ring gear 54, and thereby changes the compression (preload) amount of the spring 70. Therefore, actuating the adjustment collar 66 allows the user to adjust the force (i.e., torque setting) required for the ring gear 54 to slide. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment collar 66 can be completely rotated around the housing 14 two to four times in moving from the lowest torque setting to the highest torque setting. The movement of the inner collar 66b along the first axis A is limited by the first step 106 and the second step 109. The first step 106 sets a lower torque setting limit, and the second step 109 sets an upper torque setting limit.

[0057] refer to Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , the outer collar 66a of the adjustment collar 66 includes at least one tab 114 located on the inner surface of the outer collar 66a. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer collar 66a includes two tabs 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs 114 are formed on a leaf spring coupled to the outer collar 66a so that the tabs 114 are elastically supported and biased inwardly toward the housing 14. In other embodiments, the tabs 114 may be integrally formed with the outer collar 66a (e.g., as a movable spring). The housing 14 and more specifically the second gearbox 19 include a plurality of rounded protrusions or detents 118 configured to be engaged by at least one tab 114. As such, a braking force between the at least one tab 114 and one of the plurality of detents 118 engaged by the at least one tab 114 must be overcome in order for the adjustment collar 66 to rotate relative to the housing 14. The braking force prevents the adjustment collar 66 from rotating unnecessarily due to vibrations during operation of the nut runner 10.

[0058] In operation, a user can operate the nut runner 10 by grasping the handle portion of the housing 14 and depressing the actuator 34 to energize the motor 22. The motor 22 drives the motor output shaft 24, which provides a rotational input to the first transmission portion 38. The first transmission portion 38 drives the spindle 40, which provides a rotational input to the second transmission portion 42. The second transmission portion 42 drives the first bevel gear 46, which drives the second bevel gear 50 coupled to the output drive 26. Therefore, the output drive 26 rotates (for example, to drive a fastener). The first transmission portion 38 and the second transmission portion 42 each provide a speed reduction and a torque increase from the motor output shaft 24 to the output drive 26. Therefore, the output drive 26 is able to deliver a large amount of torque to the fastener. In some embodiments, the size of the first bevel gear 46 and the second bevel gear 50 can be designed to provide further speed reduction and torque increase.

[0059] The user can set the torque limit of the nut runner 10 by rotating the adjustment collar 66 about the first axis A to a position corresponding to the desired torque value. If a threshold torque at the ring gear 54 corresponding to the desired torque value is reached or exceeded while operating the nut runner 10, the clutch mechanism 62 will cause the ring gear 54 to slip, thereby disabling rotational output of the first transmission portion 38 and interrupting torque transmission to the output drive 26.

[0060] Figures 9 and 10 A nut runner 110 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The nut runner 110 is similar to the nut runner 110 of the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 1 to 8B As such, features of the nut runner 110 that correspond to features of the nut runner 10 are given like reference numerals plus "100." Additionally, the following description generally focuses on the differences between the nut runner 110 and the nut runner 10. It should be understood that, where appropriate, features of the nut runner 10 may be incorporated into the nut runner 110, and vice versa.

[0061] The illustrated nut runner 110 includes a torque sensor 111 operable to measure at least one parameter from which the torque output of the nut runner 110 can be determined. In the illustrated embodiment, the torque sensor 111 is supported within the second gear housing 119 adjacent the rear end of the ring gear 159 of the second transmission portion 142. Fig.10 As shown, ring gear 159 is coupled to center portion 112 of torque sensor 111 by pin 113. Torque sensor 111 has outer ring 123 keyed to support ring 125 that receives and surrounds torque sensor 111. Support ring 125 is secured within second gear case 119 (e.g., by a plurality of fasteners).

[0062] The torque sensor 111 shown includes a plurality of thin webs 127 interconnecting the center portion 112 of the torque sensor 111 with the outer ring 123. The webs 127 may deform in response to a torque applied to the center portion 112 (i.e., a reaction torque on the ring gear 159) during operation of the nut runner 110 (via the pins 113). The torque sensor 111 includes one or more strain gauges 129 disposed on the thin webs 127 to convert the deformation / strain of the webs 127 into electrical signals. These electrical signals are received by a controller 131 of the nut runner 110, which may then use feedback from the torque sensor 111 to determine the torque value applied by the nut runner 110 during operation. The controller 131 may include, for example, a microprocessor, non-transitory memory, and an input-output interface that communicates with the torque sensor 111.

[0063] In some embodiments, the nut runner 110 includes a display 133 that communicates with the controller 131 (e.g., via an input-output interface) and is operable to indicate the torque value to a user. In some embodiments, the display 133 may include one or more LEDs configured to indicate when the measured torque value is within a predetermined range, which may be stored in a memory of the controller 131 and optionally programmed or selected by a user. In some embodiments, the display 133 may include an LCD screen or the like that is capable of presenting the measured torque value as a numerical value to the user.

[0064] The nut runner 110 may include a clutch mechanism (e.g., the clutch mechanism 62 described above). In some embodiments, the clutch mechanism may be an electronic clutch mechanism that is controlled based on feedback from the torque sensor 111. In such embodiments, the collar 166 ( Fig. 9 ) can be rotated to provide a clutch torque setting to the controller 131. During operation, the controller 131 monitors feedback from the torque sensor 111 and stops torque transmission to the output drive 126 when the clutch torque setting is reached (e.g., by shutting off the motor).

[0065] Although the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the disclosure described.

[0066] Various features and aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A nut wrench, characterized in that: include: case; a motor disposed within the housing and comprising an output shaft rotatable about a first axis; a head extending from the housing, the head including an output drive rotatable about a second axis; a transmission configured to transfer rotation from the output shaft to the output drive, the transmission comprising a ring gear rotatable relative to the housing about the first axis; as well as A clutch mechanism, the clutch mechanism comprising: an adjustment collar disposed around the housing and rotatable about the first axis, a plurality of rolling elements engaged with the ring gear, and a spring located between the adjustment collar and the ring gear and configured to bias the plurality of rolling elements into engagement with the ring gear, wherein the clutch mechanism is configured to prevent the ring gear from rotating relative to the housing when the torque applied to the ring gear is less than a torque threshold, wherein the clutch mechanism is configured to permit the ring gear to rotate relative to the housing when a torque applied to the ring gear is greater than or equal to the torque threshold, and The torque threshold is adjusted by rotating the adjustment shaft around the first axis.

2. The nut runner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjustment collar is configured to be rotated by hand without the use of tools.

3. The nut runner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clutch mechanism further includes a plurality of pins disposed between the spring and the plurality of rolling elements.

4. The nut runner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ring gear includes a groove formed in a front surface of the ring gear, the groove extending in a circumferential direction along a plurality of flat portions and a plurality of convex portions, and wherein the plurality of rolling elements are received by the groove.

5. The nut runner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The housing includes a flange portion having a plurality of apertures, and wherein the plurality of pins extend through the plurality of apertures in the flange portion.

6. The nut runner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The adjustment collar includes an outer collar and an inner collar, wherein the inner collar is rotationally fixed to the outer collar, and wherein the inner collar is movable along the first axis relative to the outer collar in response to rotation of the adjustment shaft about the first axis.

7. The nut runner according to claim 6, characterized in that The housing includes a plurality of detents and the outer collar includes at least one tab configured to engage the detents.

8. The nut runner according to claim 6, characterized in that: The housing includes an externally threaded portion, and the inner collar includes an internally threaded portion engaged with the externally threaded portion.

9. The nut runner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The nut runner further includes a spindle extending along the first axis, wherein the transmission includes a first transmission portion configured to transfer rotation from the output shaft to the spindle, wherein the first transmission portion includes the ring gear, and wherein the nut runner further includes a second transmission portion configured to transfer rotation from the spindle to the output drive.

10. A nut wrench, characterized in that: include: case; a motor disposed within the housing and comprising an output shaft rotatable about an axis; a header extending from the housing, the header including an output driver; a transmission configured to transfer rotation from the output shaft to the output drive, the transmission comprising a ring gear rotatable about the axis relative to the housing; as well as a clutch mechanism engaged with the ring gear; wherein the clutch mechanism is configured to prevent the ring gear from rotating relative to the housing when the torque applied to the ring gear is less than a torque threshold, wherein the clutch mechanism is configured to permit the ring gear to rotate relative to the housing when a torque applied to the ring gear is greater than or equal to the torque threshold, and The torque threshold can be adjusted manually without using tools.

11. The nut runner according to claim 10, characterized in that The clutch mechanism includes an adjustment collar configured to be rotated to adjust the torque threshold.

12. The nut runner according to claim 11, characterized in that The adjustment collar includes an inner collar including a protrusion and an outer collar including a recess that receives the protrusion to couple the inner collar for common rotation with the outer collar.

13. The nut runner according to claim 12, characterized in that The clutch mechanism further includes a spring abutting the inner collar such that movement of the inner collar along the axis compresses or decompresses the spring to adjust the torque threshold.

14. The nut runner according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that Further included is a battery receptacle located at an end of the housing opposite the head, wherein the battery receptacle is configured to receive a battery pack along an insertion direction, and wherein the insertion direction is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the axis.

15. A nut wrench, characterized in that: include: case; a motor disposed within the housing and comprising an output shaft; a head extending from the housing, the head including a rotatable output drive; a spindle disposed within the housing and extending between the output shaft of the motor and the head; as well as a transmission configured to transfer rotation from the output shaft to the output drive, the transmission comprising: a first transmission part configured to transfer rotation from the output shaft to the main shaft, the first transmission part comprising a first planetary stage and a ring gear, a second transmission part configured to transfer rotation from the main shaft to the output drive, the second transmission part comprising a second planetary stage, and a clutch mechanism disposed between the first transmission part and the second transmission part, Wherein the clutch mechanism is configured to prevent rotation from being transferred from the output shaft to the output drive when a torque applied to the ring gear is greater than or equal to a torque threshold.

16. The nut runner according to claim 15, characterized in that The second transmission part includes a first bevel gear drivingly coupled to a second bevel gear of the output drive such that the output shaft is driven about a first axis and the output drive is driven about a second axis different from the first axis.

17. The nut runner according to claim 15, It is characterized in that The ring gear is rotatable within the housing, wherein the clutch mechanism is configured to prevent the ring gear from rotating relative to the housing when the torque applied to the ring gear is less than the torque threshold, and Wherein, the clutch mechanism is configured to permit the ring gear to rotate relative to the housing when the torque applied to the ring gear is greater than or equal to the torque threshold.

18. The nut runner according to claim 15, characterized in that The clutch mechanism includes a collar that a user can rotate without tools to adjust the torque threshold.

19. The nut runner according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that Further including: a torque sensor coupled to the transmission; a controller in communication with the torque sensor; and a display in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is configured to determine a torque output of the output drive based on feedback from the torque sensor and to control the display to indicate the torque output.

20. The nut runner according to claim 19, wherein: The housing includes a gearbox, wherein the second transmission portion is supported within the gearbox, wherein the second transmission portion includes a ring gear, wherein the torque sensor includes a first portion coupled to the ring gear, a second portion coupled to the gearbox, and a thin web interconnecting the first portion and the second portion, wherein the thin web is configured to deform in response to a reaction torque transmitted from the ring gear to the first portion of the torque sensor, and wherein the torque sensor further includes a strain gauge coupled to the thin web.

21. A nut wrench, characterized in that: include: a housing comprising a handle portion, a first gear box supported by the handle portion, a second gear box coupled to the first gear box, and a head coupled to the second gear box, wherein the handle portion, the first gear box, the second gear box, and the head are arranged along a first axis; a motor supported by the handle portion of the housing and including an output shaft rotatable about the first axis; a battery receptacle disposed on the handle portion of the housing opposite the head, the battery receptacle being configured to receive a battery to provide power to the motor; an output drive extending from the head and rotatable about a second axis; a transmission configured to transfer rotation from the output shaft to the output drive; a torque sensor coupled to the transmission; a controller in communication with the torque sensor; and A display is in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is configured to determine a torque output of the output driver based on feedback from the torque sensor and to control the display to indicate the torque output.

22. The nut runner according to claim 21, characterized in that The transmission includes a first transmission portion supported within the first gearbox and a second transmission portion supported within the second gearbox, and wherein the torque sensor is coupled to the second transmission portion.

23. The nut runner according to claim 22, characterized in that The torque sensor includes a first portion coupled to the transmission, a second portion coupled to the second gearbox, and a thin web interconnecting the first portion and the second portion, wherein the thin web is configured to deform in response to a reaction torque transmitted from the transmission to the first portion of the torque sensor, and wherein the torque sensor further includes a strain gauge coupled to the thin web.

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