Attachment part of a driven tool

Abstract

Attachment part of a driven tool (10) for a driven tool, comprising: - an elongated housing (11, 12) with an upper housing part (11) and a lower housing part (12) connected to the upper housing part (11), - an input gear (22) for connection to an output shaft of a driven tool, the input gear being arranged at a first end of the housing, - an output gear (23) having an output connection (23a), the output gear being arranged at a second end of the housing, - at least one intermediate gear (24, 25, 26) arranged within the housing (11, 12) to transmit the rotation of the input gear (22) to the output gear (23), and - two torque sensors (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f) configured to measure a deformation of the elongated housing (11, 12), wherein the two torque sensors (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f) are arranged on opposite sides of the intermediate gear (24, 25, 26) arranged adjacent to the output gear (23); wherein, when an output torque is applied to the output gear (23), the adjacent intermediate gear (24, 25, 26) is movable straight to the side so that one side of the elongated housing (11, 12) contracts, which is detectable by one torque sensor (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f), and the other side of the elongated housing (11, 12) expands, which is detectable by the other torque sensor (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a power tool attachment part for a power tool.

[0002] Power tool attachments are generally used in tight spaces where the use of a conventional power tool is impossible because the bolt or nut of the fastener to be tightened is difficult to access. A power tool attachment is also called a crowfoot attachment, front-end attachment, or offset attachment.

[0003] A power tool attachment comprises a plurality of gears that transmit rotational motion or torque from an input gear to an output gear. The gears are generally arranged in a straight row, tooth to tooth, within an elongated housing. In addition to the thickness of the housing wall, the length of the attachment corresponds to the sum of the widths of the gears. Power tool attachments are generally used in tight spaces. Therefore, it is important to keep the size of the power tool attachment as small as possible.

[0004] The torque in a power tool is generally measured by a transducer located within the power tool. However, the internal measurement within the power tool may not provide an accurate measurement of the torque experienced by the power tool attachment attached to the power tool.

[0005] EP3388199 discloses a screwing device with a constriction attachment connected to the screwing device. The constriction attachment is equipped with helical gears. The constriction attachment includes a torque transducer configured to measure the torque of the helical gear located adjacent to the helical output gear. The torque measurement is based on the axial movement of the helical gear, and the transducer uses a load cell to determine the torque.

[0006] The helical gear structure is required to perform torque measurements. However, there are confined space attachments that use other gear designs, such as spur gears. Furthermore, the torque transmitted through a series of gears is affected by friction.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an improved attachment of a powered tool that can solve or at least mitigate the above-mentioned problem.

[0008] The objective is to provide a driven tool attachment that offers better control of the output torque compared to conventional driven tool attachments.

[0009] According to one aspect, a power tool attachment for a power tool is presented. The power tool attachment includes an elongated housing having an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion connected to the upper housing portion, an input gear for connection to an output shaft of a power tool, the input gear disposed at a first end of the housing, an output gear having an output connection, the output gear disposed at a second end of the housing, at least one intermediate gear disposed within the housing to transmit rotation of the input gear to the output gear, and at least one torque sensor configured to measure deformation of the elongated housing.

[0010] By providing a torque sensor on the housing near the output gear of the attachment of a driven tool, the accuracy of the output torque is improved.

[0011] The at least one sensor or torque sensor can be arranged on the lower housing part.

[0012] The at least one sensor or torque sensor can otherwise be arranged on the upper housing part.

[0013] The at least one sensor or torque sensor may be arranged on the elongated housing on a side of the at least one intermediate gear adjacent to the output gear.

[0014] The power tool attachment may further comprise an electronics box disposed on the elongated housing. The electronics box may be configured to receive measured values ​​from the at least one torque sensor.

[0015] The electronics box can be connected to the control electronics of a powered tool to which the attachment of a powered tool is to be connected during use.

[0016] The electronics box may comprise a display, wherein the electronics box is configured to display a torque value measured by the at least one torque sensor.

[0017] The at least one sensor or torque sensor may be a strain gauge element.

[0018] Otherwise, the at least one sensor or torque sensor may be a piezoelectric element.

[0019] At least one of the torque sensors may be located on a surface of the elongated housing. At least one of the torque sensors may be recessed into the surface of the elongated housing or integrally arranged in the material of the elongated housing.

[0020] Torque sensors can be located close to the output gear.

[0021] Torque sensors can be arranged on opposite sides of the intermediate gear.

[0022] When an output torque is applied to the output gear, the adjacent idler gear is pushed sideways, affecting the elongated housing. One side of the elongated housing will contract, which can be detected by a (first) torque sensor. The other side of the elongated housing, opposite the idler gear, will expand, which can be detected by another torque sensor.

[0023] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the figures and from the detailed description of the embodiments shown.

[0024] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the attached drawings, of which: Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an exploded view of an attachment of a power tool to which the embodiments presented here can be applied; and Fig. 2 that in Fig. 1 shows the attachment part of a driven tool in the assembled state; Fig. 3a is a schematic representation of a plan view of an attachment part of a powered tool according to an embodiment presented here; Fig. 3b is a schematic representation of an exploded view of an attachment part of a power tool according to an embodiment presented here; Fig. 4a is a schematic diagram showing a side view of the attachment part of a power tool according to an embodiment presented here; Fig. 4b is a schematic representation of a plan view of an attachment part of a powered tool according to an embodiment presented here; Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing some components of a torque sensor according to an embodiment presented herein; and Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing some components of an electronics box according to an embodiment presented here.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of a power tool attachment 10, schematically illustrating an environment in which the embodiments presented here can be used. The power tool attachment 10 is a confined-space attachment comprising an elongated housing 11, 12 with an upper housing portion 11 and a lower housing portion 12. The upper housing portion 11 is connected to the lower housing portion 12. The power tool can be, for example, a screw driver or a nut driver.

[0026] An attachment for a power tool, such as a power screwdriver, is used in tight spaces where it's impossible to use a conventional power tool because it's difficult or impossible to reach the screw or nut to be tightened. Therefore, the size of the attachment is an important feature. Small gears are more susceptible to wear than large gears.

[0027] The exemplary power tool attachment 10 has a design that reduces wear and increases durability compared to a conventional attachment with the same accuracy and torque capacity. This will become clear in the following description.

[0028] In Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of the power tool attachment 10. The power tool attachment 10 includes an input gear 22 and an output gear 23 disposed within the elongated housing 11, 12. The input gear 22 is disposed at a first end of the elongated housing 11, 12. The output gear 23 is disposed at a second end of the housing 11, 12.

[0029] The input gear 22 is drivingly connected to the output gear 23 via one or more intermediate gears. In the present example, there are three intermediate gears 24, 25, 26 arranged to transmit the rotation of the input gear 22 to the output gear 23.

[0030] The output gear 23 includes an output connection 23a. The output connection 23a can be configured, for example, to receive a wrench bit, a screw bit, a nut, or a screw head.

[0031] The upper housing part 11 and the lower housing part 12 can each have a through-opening that is aligned with each other when the upper housing part 11 and the lower housing part 12 are assembled. The through-openings are arranged in the first end of the elongated housing 11, 12. The through-openings are designed to accommodate the input gear 22.

[0032] The gears are shown with straight teeth that mesh with each other. The gears may otherwise be helical gears.

[0033] In Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows the attachment part of a driven tool 10 in assembled form. The attachment part of a driven tool 10 is arranged with the upper housing part 11 on the lower housing part 12, so that the interior of the attachment part 10 is not visible. The upper housing part 11 can be attached to the lower housing part 12, for example, by fastening means 21.

[0034] An embodiment of an attachment part of a driven tool 10, as used in connection with the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is shown as an example, with reference to Fig. 3a. The attachment of a driven tool 10 comprises two torque sensors 13a and 13b. The torque sensors 13a and 13b are arranged on the upper housing part 11 of the elongated housing 11, 12. The torque sensors 13a and 13b are arranged as close as possible to the output gear 23, in this case on opposite sides of the intermediate gear 24. Each torque sensor 13a and 13b is configured to measure the torque and display the measured value on a display for the tool user. When an output torque is applied to the output gear 23, the adjacent intermediate gear 24 is shifted straight aside, which affects the elongated housing 11, 12.The stress changes of the elongated housing 11, 12 are related to its torque, and by adding at least one torque sensor 13 to the elongated housing 11, 12, the stress of the elongated housing 11, 12 can be measured, which provides a measure of the torque of the output gear 23. One side of the elongated housing 11, 12 will contract, which is detected by one torque sensor 13a, and the other side of the elongated housing 11, 12 will expand, which is detected by the other torque sensor 13b. The measurements can be reported to a power tool controller to which the power tool attachment 10 is connected during use. The torque sensors 13a and 13b can be connected to the controller via wiring.

[0035] A further embodiment of an attachment part of a driven tool 10, as used in connection with the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is shown as an example, with reference to Fig. 3b. The attachment of a driven tool 10 comprises two torque sensors 13c and 13d. The torque sensors 13c and 13d are instead arranged on the lower housing part 12 of the elongated housing 11, 12. The torque sensors 13c and 13d are also arranged as close as possible to the output gear 23, in this case on opposite sides of the intermediate gear 24. The torque sensors 13c and 13d can be connected to the control unit via cabling (not shown).

[0036] An example of a torque sensor configuration is shown in Fig. The torque sensor 13 shown comprises four series-connected elements arranged in the form of a Wheatstone bridge for differential measurements. A positive voltage V+ is applied between two elements, and a corresponding negative voltage V- is applied opposite to the positive voltage between the other two elements. The measurement voltages S+ and S- are then read at the other two points on the bridge. The elements can be, for example, strain gauge elements. In another example, the elements are piezoelectric elements.

[0037] A further embodiment of an attachment part of a driven tool 10 is shown in the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b. The attachment of a power tool 10 comprises at least one torque sensor 13a, 13b, 13e, or 13f. A torque sensor 13e may be arranged on the side of the upper housing part 11 of the elongated housing 11, 12. A torque sensor 13a may be arranged on one side of an intermediate gear adjacent to the driven gear 23. A torque sensor 13b may be arranged on the other side of the intermediate gear adjacent to the driven gear 23. A torque sensor 13f may be arranged on the upper housing part 11 of the elongated housing 11, 12 between the driven gear 23 and the intermediate gear adjacent to the driven gear 23. Since it is desirable to keep the attachment part of a powered tool 10 as small as possible, the sufficient space for a torque sensor depends on the specific design of the attachment part of a powered tool 10 and its fastening means.The wiring is shown straight in the drawings for simplicity, but typically does not run directly over fasteners or gear bearings, but is arranged around obstructions.

[0038] The power tool attachment 10 further includes an electronics box 14 configured to receive measurements from one or more of the torque sensors 13a-13f. The electronics box 14 is shown near the input gear 22, but may otherwise be arranged in conjunction with one or more of the torque sensors 13a-13f.

[0039] The electronics box 14 may further include a display 18 configured to display received torque measurements. The electronics box 14 may also include processing circuitry 15 and a computer program product 16 storing instructions 17 that, when executed by the processing circuitry 15, cause the electronics box 14 to receive a measurement and / or display of an output torque of a power tool connected to the attachment of a power tool 10. The electronics box 14 may further or otherwise be configured to send the measurements to the controller of the power tool. The electronics box 14 may be wired or wirelessly connected to the controller, directly to the controller, or through the power tool.The electronics box 14 can be connected to the control electronics of a power tool to which the attachment of a power tool 10 is connected during use. Alternatively, the electronics box 14 can be equipped with a battery for operating the electronics box 14.

[0040] Furthermore, the torque sensors are shown here as being located on a surface of the elongated housing 11, 12. The torque sensors may otherwise be recessed into the surface of the elongated housing or integrally arranged in the material of the elongated housing. Fig.Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing some components of the electronics box 14. The processing circuitry 15 may be provided using any combination of one or more suitable central processing units (CPUs), multiprocessor circuits, microcontrollers, digital signal processing circuitry (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits, etc., capable of executing software instructions of a computer program x stored in a memory. The memory may thus be considered part of the computer program product 16.

[0041] The memory can be any combination of read-and-write memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory can also include persistent storage, which can be, for example, a single or a combination of magnetic storage, optical storage, solid-state storage, or even remotely controlled storage.

[0042] The computer program product 16 may also be configured to read and / or store data during the execution of software instructions in the processing circuitry 15. The data storage may be any combination of read / write memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM), and may also include persistent storage, which may be, for example, a single or a combination of magnetic storage, optical storage, solid-state storage, or even remotely controlled storage. The data storage may, for example, contain other software instructions 17 to enhance the functionality of the electronics box 14.

[0043] The electronics box 14 may further include an input / output (I / O) interface 18, which may include, for example, a user interface, particularly a display. The electronics box 14 may further include a receiver configured to receive signals from other devices and a transmitter configured to transmit wireless signals to other devices (not shown). Other components of the electronics box 14 are omitted to clearly illustrate the concepts presented herein.

[0044] The housing parts 11, 12 only have (through) holes for attaching the rotational axes of the gears 22, 23, 24, 26, 26 and for receiving fastening means 21. In other words, this also means that, in the assembled state, rotational axes of gears 22, 23, 24, 26, 26 or fastening means 21 are arranged in these holes. The housing parts 11, 12 are otherwise closed or hole-free.

[0045] The aspects of the present disclosure have been described above primarily with reference to some embodiments and examples thereof. However, as one skilled in the art will readily appreciate, embodiments other than those described above are also possible within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3388199

[0005]

Claims

[1] Attachment part of a driven tool (10) for a driven tool, comprising: - an elongated housing (11, 12) with an upper housing part (11) and a lower housing part (12) connected to the upper housing part (11), - an input gear (22) for connection to an output shaft of a driven tool, the input gear being arranged at a first end of the housing, - an output gear (23) having an output connection (23a), the output gear being arranged at a second end of the housing, - at least one intermediate gear (24, 25, 26) arranged within the housing (11, 12) to transmit the rotation of the input gear (22) to the output gear (23), and - two torque sensors (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f) configured to measure a deformation of the elongated housing (11, 12), wherein the two torque sensors (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f) are arranged on opposite sides of the intermediate gear (24, 25, 26) arranged adjacent to the output gear (23); wherein, when an output torque is applied to the output gear (23), the adjacent intermediate gear (24, 25, 26) is movable straight to the side so that one side of the elongated housing (11, 12) contracts, which is detectable by one torque sensor (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f), and the other side of the elongated housing (11, 12) expands, which is detectable by the other torque sensor (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f). [2] Attachment part of a powered tool (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the torque sensors (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f) is recessed into the surface of the elongated housing (11, 12) or arranged integrally in the material of the elongated housing (11, 12). [3] Attachment part of a driven tool (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the torque sensors (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f) are arranged on the lower housing part (12). [4] Attachment part of a driven tool (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the torque sensors (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f) are arranged on the upper housing part (11). [5] Attachment part of a powered tool (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: - an electronics box (14) arranged on the elongated housing (11, 12), the electronics box (14) being configured to receive measurements from the at least one torque sensor (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f). [6] A power tool attachment (10) according to claim 5, wherein the electronics box (14) is connectable to the control electronics of a power tool to which the power tool attachment (10) is to be connected during use. [7] The attachment of a power tool (10) according to claim 5, wherein the electronics box (14) comprises a display, the electronics box (14) being configured to display a torque value measured by the at least one torque sensor. [8] Attachment part of a driven tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the torque sensors (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f) are strain gauge elements. [9] Attachment part of a driven tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the torque sensors (13a, 13b, 13, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f) are piezoelectric elements.

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