Modular Tools

Abstract

Portable tool 100 includes a work shaft 2, an electric motor 3, a reducer 6, an electronic control system 7 having actuators 5, 5′, a memory 8 in which a calibrated correlation between the working torque or force M of tool 100 and the corresponding current I absorbed by electric motor 3 is stored, a motor module 14 including a motor housing 15 that houses electric motor 3 and an electric motor electronic control board 16, a reducer module 17 including a reducer housing 18 that houses reducer 6, a handle module 19 including a support structure 20 forming a gripping handle 21, and a control panel 22 including a panel housing 23 that supports a user interface 10 including a display 24 and a parameter selection member 11. Motor housing 15, reducer housing 18, support structure 20, and panel housing 23 are separate components that are individually self-supporting and reversibly connectable to each other to form tool 100.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular tool, such as a modular portable wrench, which can be equipped with an electric motor and a battery and / or powered by an electric wire connection, in particular for screwing and unscrewing bolts, nuts and screws into and from rails and sleepers in the construction and maintenance of railway lines, for example for screwing and unscrewing so-called "connectors" into and from sleepers (these connections hold the rails firmly against the sleepers). [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a wrench that includes an electric motor that generates rotational motion, an activation switch that activates the electric motor, a work shaft, a reducer that is connected between the electric motor and the work shaft and that transmits the rotational motion from the electric motor to the work shaft and reduces the speed of the rotational motion to rotate the work shaft, an electronic control system that is connected to a power source and the activation switch, and a handle structure for manually gripping the wrench.

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

[0004] - A rail joint is made by means of a perforated plate placed on either side of the perforated web of two adjacent rails and screwed together by horizontal bolts to form a continuous steel surface.

[0005] - Fixing of rail connections to sleepers by means of longitudinal screws. In such applications, a nearly vertical screwing or unscrewing from the top is required.

[0006] A typical threaded joint involves a somewhat longer first step of threading, bringing the head of the screw or nut close to the abutment, and a second, true tightening step of torquing the screw or nut against the abutment. Similarly, unthreading a threaded joint involves a first step of loosening the clamping between the screw or nut and the abutment, and a somewhat longer second step of completely separating the two threaded members from each other.

[0007] The tightening and loosening steps of the fastening require high torque, obtained for example by a large torque multiplication, resulting in a proportional reduction in rotational speed, whereas the approaching and unscrewing steps of the threaded member relative to the abutment can be performed with low torque and high speed, obtained by a low torque multiplication with a proportional increase in the threading / unthreading speed.

[0008] In this regard, prior art wrench reducers are switchable between a first configuration (hereinafter referred to as the "fast gear") with a fast engagement speed and a low engagement torque and a second configuration (hereinafter referred to as the "slow gear") with a slow engagement speed and a high engagement torque, for example, by engaging or disengaging one or more reduction stages depending on the deformation state of a resilient spring coupled to the reducer.

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

[0010] This prevents, for example, easy adjustment or setting of the resisting torque value when the reducer switches between high and low gears.

[0011] Furthermore, in the prior art, the separation of reducer switching from engagement torque control and motor control can, under certain circumstances, lead to operational interruptions and the generation of abnormal signals simply due to a lack of coordination of control of all wrench functions by a single control system and process.

[0012] Finally, the gear changing mechanism increases the axial and radial restraining forces of the reducer compared to a reducer without a gear changer.

[0013] The aforementioned drawbacks have led some to consider using wrenches with gear reducers that do not change speed. However, the gear reducers and motors are sized to provide both the desired engagement speed and the maximum torque required to complete the tightening of the threaded connection. These wrenches are not versatile enough to accommodate a wide engagement torque range or a wide engagement speed range, but rather are designed for a very specific application.

[0014] This means that for different threading applications (with different threading torques and speeds) not only the motor but also the reducer must be sized differently each time.

[0015] Similar needs may arise for portable tools other than wrenches that have different motors and reducers, but which may be compact and designed for a range of operating speeds and a range of achievable torque or maximum force, such as, for example, pruners, crimpers, compression and / or cutting tools, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0016] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a tool, in particular a wrench, which has an electric motor and a reducer, has an overall structure that is as compact as possible, and allows for a combination of motor sizing, reducer sizing and motor control adapted to a determined application in an industrially efficient and inexpensive manner.

[0017] Within the scope of the above-mentioned primary object, a specific object of the present invention is to provide a tool, particularly a wrench, having an electric motor and a reducer, with features that reduce the manufacturing, assembly and maintenance costs of the tool.

[0018] At least some of the above objects 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 invention are dependent on other objects or are independent of other objects. Some of the embodiments of the dependent claims achieve one or more objects synergistically or independently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] In order to better understand the invention and to appreciate its advantages, some non-limiting exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool (wrench) according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tool (wrench) according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the tool (wrench) of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the tool (wrench) of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electric motor module of the tool (wrench) of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electric motor module of the tool (wrench) of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a top view of the electric motor module of the tool (wrench) of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the electric motor module taken along the cutting plane VIII-VIII of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 2 is a side view of the motor module of the tool (wrench) of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the motor module taken along the cutting plane XX in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a reducer module of the tool (wrench) of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reducer module of the tool (wrench) of FIG. 1. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a reducer module of a tool (wrench) according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a handle module of the tool (wrench) of FIG. 1. [Figure 15] 2 is a perspective view of the handle module of the tool (wrench) of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 16] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a detail of a handle module of a tool (wrench) in a deformed state according to one embodiment; FIG. [Figure 17] 17 is a cross-sectional view showing details of the handle module of the tool (wrench) according to the embodiment in a different deformed state from that of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the control panel of the tool (wrench) of FIG. 1 with the protective cover partially open. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the control panel of FIG. 18 with the connecting door removed from the control panel housing. [Figure 20] FIG. 19 is a user's view of the control panel of FIG. 18. [Figure 21] 21 is a cross-sectional view of the control panel taken along the section XXI-XXI of FIG. 20. [Figure 22] 1 is a diagrammatic view of a tool according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] (Tool 100 explanation)

[0021] Referring to the drawings, tool 100 includes a work shaft 2 adapted to engage a work member or mechanism 2'. Work shaft 2 is rotatably supported about an axis of rotation R. An electric motor 3, powered by one or more batteries 4, is adapted to generate the rotational motion and torque required for the working operation of tool 100, such as threading / unthreading, compressing, cutting, crimping, etc.

[0022] The tool 100 further includes a reducer 6 coupled between the electric motor 3 and the work shaft 2. The reducer 6 interacts with the electric motor 3 and the work shaft 2 to transfer rotational motion (transforming its angular velocity and torque) from the electric motor 3 to the work shaft 2, causing the work shaft 2 to rotate about the rotation axis R.

[0023] The tool 1 further includes an electronic control system 7 coupled to the at least one battery 4 and the electric motor 3 .

[0024] The electronic control system 7 includes:

[0025] - an actuation device 5, 5' for actuating the electric motor 3, for example comprising one or more buttons or trigger-activated switches, and / or the actuation of the electric motor 3 occurs automatically in response to a predetermined pressing support of the wrench tool 1 on the application or workpiece (by a working member or mechanism 2');

[0026] - a memory 8 in which a calibration association between the working torque or force M of the tool 100 and the corresponding current I absorbed by the electric motor 3, for example a calibration table with a calibration function or set of values ​​(torque or force M, current I), is stored.

[0027] The electronic control system 7 is configured for:

[0028] - detecting the instantaneous current I_inst of the electric motor 3 while the electric motor 3 is running;

[0029] - detecting the operating state of the actuating device 5, 5';

[0030] - controlling the power supply to the electric motor 3 depending on the detected operating state, the target value M_tgt of the operating force or torque of the detected instantaneous current I_inst and the stored calibration correlation.

[0031] The tool 100 includes:

[0032] - a motor module 14 with its own motor housing 15 which accommodates the motor 3, the motor electronic control board 16 and optionally the battery 4;

[0033] - a reducer module 17 with its own reducer housing 18 that accommodates the reducer 6;

[0034] a handle module 19 provided with its own support structure 20 on which one or more gripping handles 21 are formed;

[0035] a control panel 22 with its own panel housing 23 supporting a user interface 10 including a display 24 and parameter selection members 11;

[0036] Here, the motor housing 15 , the reducer housing 18 , the support structure 20 , and the panel housing 23 are separate components that can be independently supported and are reversibly connectable to one another to form the tool 100 .

[0037] The control panel 22 and the motor module 14 are electrically coupled by at least one quick coupling plug 27', 27", for example, by an electrical wire 27 for power supply and / or data transmission (on the same wire or additional wires), which extends, for example, over at least one segment outside the motor housing 15 and over at least one segment outside the panel housing 23 and has at least one quick coupling plug 27', 27" (e.g., one or more plugs complying with the UL 1977 standard), and / or by a docking interface having at least one quick coupling plug.

[0038] (Wrench 1 explanation)

[0039] With reference to the drawings, wrench 1 (embodiment of tool 100) includes a work shaft 2 adapted to support a bushing 2' or similar tool (embodiment of work member 2') for engaging the nut or head of a screw to be screwed or unthreaded. Work shaft 2 is located on the front side F of wrench 1 and is rotatably supported about a rotation axis R. An electric motor 3 (preferably a brushless motor, for example a 36-volt three-phase brushless motor, powered by one or more (rechargeable) batteries 4, for example a 36-volt, 6.2 Ah or 8 Ah rechargeable battery) is located in a central region or on the rear side P (opposite the front side F) of wrench 1 and adapted to generate the rotational movement and torque required for the screwing / unthreading operation.

[0040] The wrench 1 further includes a reducer 6 coupled between the electric motor 3 and the work shaft 2. The reducer 6 interacts with the electric motor 3 and the work shaft 2 to transfer rotational motion (transforming its angular velocity and torque) from the electric motor 3 to the work shaft 2, causing the work shaft 2 to rotate about the rotation axis R.

[0041] The wrench 1 further includes an electronic control system 7 coupled to the at least one battery 4 and the electric motor 3 .

[0042] The electronic control system 7 includes:

[0043] - an actuation device 5, 5' and direction selection device 9 for actuating the electric motor 3 and for selecting the direction of rotation of the working shaft 2 (screw-in or -out), comprising, for example, one or more buttons or trigger-actuated switches and / or a two-stable-position direction selection switch, and / or the direction selection function is realized by the actuation device 5, 5' itself, for example by means of a manual screw-in actuation member 5 and a manual screw-out actuation member 5', and / or the actuation of the electric motor 3 occurs automatically in response to a predetermined pressure support of the wrench 1 on the head of the screw (by a bushing 2'),

[0044] a memory 8 in which a calibration association between the unscrewing / screwing torque M (intended as the "working" torque) of the wrench 1 and the corresponding current I absorbed by the electric motor 3, for example a calibration function or a calibration table with pairs of values ​​(torque M, current I), is stored.

[0045] The electronic control system 7 is configured for:

[0046] - detecting the instantaneous current I_inst of the electric motor 3 while the electric motor 3 is running;

[0047] - detecting the operating state of the actuation 5, 5' and direction selection 9 devices;

[0048] - controlling the power supply to the electric motor 3 depending on the detected operating state, the selected direction of rotation, the target torque engagement value M_tgt, the detected instantaneous current I_inst and the stored calibration associations.

[0049] Wrench 1 includes:

[0050] - a motor module 14 with its own motor housing 15 which accommodates the motor 3, the motor electronic control board 16 and optionally the battery 4;

[0051] - a reducer module 17 with its own reducer housing 18 that accommodates / contains the reducer 6;

[0052] a handle module 19 with its own support structure 20 on which two grip handles 21 are formed;

[0053] a control panel 22 with its own panel housing 23 supporting a user interface 10 including a display 24 and parameter selection members 11;

[0054] Here, the motor housing 15 , the reducer housing 18 , the support structure 20 , and the panel housing 23 are separate components that can stand on their own and are reversibly connectable to each other to form the wrench 1 .

[0055] The control panel 22 and the motor module 14 are electrically coupled by at least one quick coupling plug 27', 27", for example by an electrical wire 27 for power supply and / or data transmission (on the same wire or on additional wires), which extends, for example, over at least one segment outside the motor housing 15 and over at least one segment outside the panel housing 23 and has at least one quick coupling plug 27', 27" (e.g., one or more plugs complying with the UL 1977 standard), and / or by a docking interface having at least one quick coupling plug.

[0056] A tool 100, e.g., wrench 1, configured in this way 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 working parameters of the tool 100 or wrench 1 for the specific conditions provided.

[0057] This eliminates the need to use a reducer and electric motor with a gear changer, which operates over a very wide operating range and therefore has an undesirably large size.

[0058] The tool 100, eg, wrench 1, can be manufactured and configured for a variety of uses, reducing manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance costs and time.

[0059] (Description of the electric motor module 14)

[0060] According to one embodiment, the motor housing 15 defines therein a motor compartment 28 in which the motor 3 is disposed, and a battery compartment 29 having a battery connection interface 30. A battery 4 can be inserted into the battery compartment 29. The battery compartment 29 is closable (sealable) from the external environment by a battery cover 31, which is preferably hinged and preferably made of rubber.

[0061] The motor housing 15 further defines an electrical board compartment 32 in which the motor electronic control board 16 is arranged, which is preferably closable and openable by a dedicated electrical board cover 33 connected to the motor housing 15, e.g., screwed on.

[0062] The motor compartment 28 is cooled by a cooling airflow generated, for example, by a fan 25 coupled to the motor 3. The electronics board compartment 32 is in heat exchange relationship with the motor compartment 28 (by a finned radiator 34), but is separated from the motor compartment 28. This allows the cooling airflow to indirectly cool the motor electronic control board 16, but prevents it from entering the electronics board compartment 32, thus preventing the transport of dust and water droplets towards the motor electronic control board 16.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the motor module 14, in particular the motor housing 15, comprises a first connecting wall 35, for example made of metal or a reinforced composite fiber material or a sintered material, which has a plurality of, for example four, first screw holes 36 for reversibly connecting, for example, with the reducer module 17 in a threaded manner, for example by a plurality of four first screws 37.

[0064] The first connecting wall 35 defines a first central passage opening 38 through which a connecting shaft 39 extends between the electric motor 3 and the reducer 6. The connecting shaft 39 is separable by a torsion-resistant insert coupling 39'.

[0065] The motor module 14 further defines one or more quick connect sockets 40. These quick connect sockets 40 are coupled to the motor electronic control board 16 and to the quick connect plugs 27′, 27″ or one of them (e.g., the power and data transmission line 27 or the quick connect plug 27′, 27″ of the docking interface) for tool-less quick connection.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the motor module 14 includes one or more, preferably two, lighting devices 41, e.g., LED devices, which are directed towards the working position of the tool 100, e.g., the wrench 1, and are controlled by the electronic control system 7.

[0067] (Description of reducer module 17)

[0068] According to one embodiment, a reducer housing 18 (preferably made of metal) accommodates / encloses the reducer 6 inside (this does not exclude that the reducer housing 18 contributes to the operation of the reducer 6 itself). The reducer 6 is, for example, a planetary reducer, preferably without a ratio changer, with one or more reduction stages, and forms a second connecting wall 42, for example made of metal or reinforced composite fiber material or sintered material. The second connecting wall 42 has second holes 43 for reversible screw connection with the motor module 14 by a plurality of, for example four, first screws 37.

[0069] The second connecting wall 42 defines a second central passage opening 44 through which the connecting shaft 39 extends between the electric motor 3 and the reducer 6. The connecting shaft 39 is separable by a torsion-resistant insert coupling 39'.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the motor module 14 and the reducer module 17 are connected to one another by the interposition of one or more spacing plates 45. The spacing plates 45 project from the locations of the first and second screw holes 36, 43, away from the rotation axis R of the work shaft 2, allowing connection of the handle module 19 outside the space occupied by the reducer module 17 and / or the motor module 14.

[0071] The spacing plate 45 forms:

[0072] a plurality of, for example four, third holes 46 for connecting one or more (preferably two) spacing plates 45 to the reducer module 17 and / or to the motor module 14 by means of the same first screws 37; and

[0073] a plurality of, for example four, fourth holes 47 for the connection of the spacing plate 45 with the handle module 19, for example by means of second connecting screws or bolts 48;

[0074] (Explanation of Handle Module 19)

[0075] According to one embodiment, the handle module 19 forms two grip handles 21, and the actuation devices 5, 5' or actuation and direction selection devices 5, 5', 9 are arranged on one and both grip handles 21.

[0076] The support structure 20 may include a metal tubular frame, forming a plurality of, e.g., four, frame connection holes 49 for connecting the handle module 19 to the reducer module 17 and / or to the motor module 14, e.g., by means of a second connecting screw or bolt 48, e.g., via one or more spacing plates 45 as described above.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the connection of the handle module 19 to the reducer module 17 and / or to the motor module 14 is a movable connection within certain limits, and thus relative to the rotation axis R of the work axis 2, via one or more elastic positioning springs 50 which elastically hold the handle module 19 in a planned position relative to the motor module 14 and the reducer module 17. However, it also allows deviations from said planned positions in order to allow the user to adopt an ergonomic and less fatigue-prone posture as opposed to the obligatory posture that would result from the planned position of a completely rigid tool.

[0078] According to one embodiment, a resilient positioning spring 50 is interposed between the spacing plate 45 and the support structure 20, preferably at the second connecting screw or bolt 48.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the power supply and data transmission lines 27 extend over at least one segment inside the tubular profile of the support structure 20, thus reducing the risk of damage to the lines themselves.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the handle module 19 includes a carriage support rod 51 by means of which the tool 100 or wrench 1 can be coupled to a tool carriage (not shown) with wheels that can move, for example, along a railway rail, thereby making it easier to perform work operations such as screwing and unscrewing.

[0081] Advantageously, the carriage support rod 51 forms a spherical joint 12 (FIGS. 16, 17) that allows simultaneously supporting and orienting the tool 100 or wrench 1 relative to the tool carriage.

[0082] (Control Panel 22 Description)

[0083] According to one embodiment, panel housing 23 defines an internal electronics compartment 52 in which is located a local control electronics board 53 that controls user interface 10, display 24, and control members 11. Local control board 53 forms part of electronic control system 7.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the electronics compartment 52 further houses near-field electronic communication modules (transceivers) coupled to or belonging to the electronic control system 7, namely a Bluetooth® 54, a positioning GPS (Global Positioning System) module 55, and a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) communication module (transceiver) 56.

[0085] The electronic control system 7 is adapted and configured to associate the following of the tool 100 with each operation, for example each screwing of the wrench 1:

[0086] - Date and time,

[0087] - the position of a tool 100, e.g., wrench 1, and

[0088] - technical parameters of the work operations performed;

[0089] The electronic control system 7 then generates a traceability file containing the data associations.

[0090] The traceability files or individual data associations may be transmitted in batch mode (e.g., at longer time intervals or in response to user controls entered into the user interface 10) or in real time to a remote server (cloud) or a remote electronic device (tablet, computer, smartphone), for example via a near-field electronic communication module (transceiver) 54 and / or a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) communication module (transceiver) 56.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control panel 22 is coupled to the local control electronics board 53 and further defines one or more quick connect sockets 57 for tool-less quick connection to the following:

[0092] - power supply and data transmission lines 27 or fast connection plugs 27, 27' of the docking interface, and / or

[0093] - a fast connection plug 58', 58'' of the signal line 58 connected to the actuation device 5, 5' and / or the direction selection device 5, 5', 9;

[0094] According to one embodiment, the battery 4 in the motor module 14 powers the motor control board 16. The motor control board 16 powers the local control electronics board 53 of the control panel 22 and exchanges data with the local control electronics board 53 of the control panel 22, for example, by power and data transmission line 27, through the high speed connection socket 40 and the high speed connection socket 57, or by a docking interface.

[0095] The power and data transmission lines 27 may include, for example, four-pole wires.

[0096] The local control electronics board 53 of the control panel 22 is configured to receive screw actuation signals and unscrew actuation signals (and thus actuation and direction selection signals) from the actuation and direction selection devices 5, 5', 9, for example from the manual screw actuation member 5 and the manual unscrew actuation member 5' (each of which may comprise a switch or an electric switch), for example via signal lines 58. The local control electronics board 53 exchanges data with the motor control board 16 to enable rotation of the motor 3 in the selected direction of rotation.

[0097] One or more quick connect sockets 57 are disposed within a connection compartment 59 of the panel housing 23. The connection compartment 59 can be opened and closed by a dedicated cover 60 that is coupled (e.g., threadedly engaged) with the panel housing 23. The cover 60 can form a passage hole for electrical wires that are connected to the control panel 22.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the control panel 22 further forms a connection socket 61 for connecting an external data medium, for example a USB socket for connecting a USB memory flash drive. The connection socket 61 is connected to the local control electronic board 53 for the transmission of the aforementioned traceability file or individual data associations on the external data medium (e.g. a USB flash drive) and / or for the transmission of technical control parameters from the external data medium (e.g. a USB flash drive) to the control system 7. .

[0099] The connecting socket 61 for the external data medium is arranged in a second connecting compartment 62 of the panel housing 23 which is connected to the panel housing 23, for example in a hinged manner, and which can be opened and closed using a dedicated second cover 63 (for example made of an elastomeric material) which can be opened and closed without the use of tools.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the control panel 22, in particular the panel housing 23, includes a third connecting wall 26. The third connecting wall 26 has a plurality of, e.g., three, screw holes 64 for reversible screw connection with the handle module 19 or the motor module 14, e.g., by a plurality of, e.g., three, screws 65.

[0101] The control system 7 of a tool 100, such as a wrench 1, may be distributed between the motor module 14 and the control panel 22. Alternatively, the control system 7 may be housed within the motor module (e.g., in the form of a motor control board 16), and the control panel 22 may house the accessories and peripheral devices in signal communication with the control system 7.

[0102] (Parameter selection explanation)

[0103] According to one embodiment, the user interface 10 allows for the selection or setting of a value for an operating parameter of the tool 100 (e.g., wrench 1) through a two-stage selection input, where a first input stage involves selecting an operating parameter from a plurality of different operating parameters, and a second input stage involves selecting or setting a value for the selected operating parameter from a plurality of different parameter values.

[0104] In an embodiment of wrench 1, the selectable operating parameters include two or more of the following:

[0105] - the type of connection to be screwed in (W, N, K, KS) or the corresponding target torque value (M_tgt),

[0106] - A series of screwing operations: SSSS, FFFF, SSFF, SFSF, FREE

[0107] - Option to generate a log file of screwing / unscrewing operations,

[0108] - display of the total number of screwing / unscrewing operations carried out and / or display of the partial number of screwing / unscrewing operations carried out, starting from a reset to be carried out by the user,

[0109] - display of the total number of operating times (hours and minutes) of wrench 1 and / or display of the partial number of operating times (hours and minutes) of wrench 1 starting from the reset to be performed by the user,

[0110] - display brightness,

[0111] - Download data to external memory media such as USB flash drives,

[0112] - View and adjust date and time.

[0113] Configurable or selectable operating parameter values ​​include, for example:

[0114] - a number of connection codes or symbols W, N, K, KS or a number of numerical torque values ​​as the type of connection to be screwed or the value of the target torque value M_tgt, and / or

[0115] - several different screwing sequences SSSS, FFFF, SSFF, SFSF, FREE as values ​​for the screwing sequence, and / or

[0116] - YES and NO as parameter values ​​for generating a log file of the screwing / unscrewing operations, and / or

[0117] - initializing to zero the value of said partial number of screwing / unscrewing operations that have been performed;

[0118] - initializing the value of the partial number of operating times (hours and minutes) of wrench 1 to zero;

[0119] - "High brightness" and "Low brightness" symbols as values ​​or limit adjustments for the adjustable brightness of the indicator, and / or

[0120] - Download symbol as value of parameter for downloading data to external memory medium.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the selection of operating parameters and the selection or setting of values ​​for the operating parameters is aided by visualization via an indicator.

[0122] According to an advantageous, particularly ergonomic embodiment, the user interface 10 includes only one rotary knob 11 and responds to both the rotation and the pressing of the knob.

[0123] - the selection of operating parameters in the first input stage occurs by rotating the knob 11,

[0124] - the transition from the selection of the operating parameter to the second input stage for selecting or setting the parameter value occurs by pressing the knob 11,

[0125] - the selection of the operating parameter value in the second input stage occurs again by turning the knob 11 or, if only two different values ​​are to be selected, by pressing the knob 11 in the same way;

[0126] Confirmation of the parameter value selected or set in the second input stage occurs by pressing the knob 11 .

[0127] The rotating knob 11 may be associated with a Hall sensor that generates a selection signal when the knob is rotated, and may also be associated with a magnetic proximity sensor that generates a distinct selection signal when the knob 11 is pressed.

[0128] Certain technical features in the present specification and claims are defined as "first feature," "second feature," "third feature," e.g., 1 / 2 / 3 / ... plug, 1 / 2 / 3 / ... wall, 1 / 2 / 3 / ... compartment, 1 / 2 / 3 / ... cover. The numeral adjective "1 / 2 / 3 / ..." has only a proper noun meaning. " has only a proper noun meaning of the indicated feature; for example, in the claims, the presence of a feature defined as "second feature" or "third feature" does not imply the necessity of the presence of a further feature identified by the numeral adjective "first." [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1 wrench 2 working axes 2' Working member or mechanism, bush 3 Electric motor 4 batteries 5,5',9 Actuation and direction selection device 5 Manual screw operation member 5' Manual unscrewing member 6 Reducer 7 Electronic Control System 8. Memory 9 Directional selection device 10 User Interface 11 Rotary Knob 12 Spherical Joint 13 Reaction Arm 14 Electric motor module 15 Motor housing 16 Motor control board 17 Reducer module 18 Reducer housing 19 Handle module 20 Support structure 21 Grasping handle 22 Control Panel 23 Panel housing 24 Display 25 fans 26 Third Connecting Wall 27 Power and / or data transmission lines 28 Motor compartment 29 Battery Compartment 30 Battery connection interface 31 Battery cover 32 Electrical board compartment 33 Electrical board cover 34 Finned radiator 35 First Connecting Wall 36 First screw hole 37 First Screw 38 Central passage opening 39 Connecting shaft part 39' Insertion Coupling 40 High-speed connection socket 41 Lighting equipment 42 Second connecting wall 43 Second Hole 44 Second central passage opening 45 Spacing plate 46 Third Hole 47 Fourth Hole 48 Second connecting screw or bolt 49 Frame connection hole 50 Elastic positioning spring 51 Carriage support rod 52 Electronics Compartment 53 Local control electronic board 54 Near-field communication module 55 Positioning GPS module 56 GSM communication module 57 High-speed connection socket 58 Signal wire for actuating member 58',58" High-speed connection plug 59 Connecting Compartments 60 Connecting compartment cover 61 Connection socket for external data media 62 Second connecting compartment 63 Second Cover 64 screw holes 65 screws 100 tools F front side P rear side R rotation axis I is the current absorbed by the motor I_inst Detected instantaneous current M Torque applied by wrench M_tgt Target torque value

Claims

1. A wrench (1), - a working axis (2), an electric motor (3) powered by at least one battery (4); a reducer (6) connected between the electric motor (3) and the working shaft (2); an electronic control system (7) linked to said battery (4) and to said electric motor (3), - an actuation (5, 5') and direction selection (9; 5, 5') device for actuating said electric motor (3) and for selecting the direction of rotation of said working shaft (2); a memory (8) in which is stored a calibrated correlation between the engagement torque (M) of said wrench (1) and the corresponding current (I) absorbed by said electric motor (3); The electronic control system (7) includes: The electronic control system (7) - detecting the instantaneous current (I_inst) of said electric motor (3) when it is running, - detecting the operating state of the actuation (5, 5') and direction selection devices (9, 5, 5'), Controlling the power supply to the electric motor (3) in response to the detected operating state, the selected direction of rotation, the target torque engagement value (M_tgt), the detected instantaneous current (I_inst) and the stored calibration association. It is structured as follows: The wrench (1) is a motor module (14) with its own motor housing (15) containing the motor (3) and a motor electronic control board (16); a reducer module (17) with its own reducer housing (18) that accommodates the reducer (6); a handle module (19) with its own support structure (20) on which one or more gripping handles (21) are formed; a control panel (22) with its own panel housing (23) supporting a user interface (10) including a display (24) and parameter selection members (11); Equipped with the motor housing (15), the reducer housing (18), the support structure (20), and the panel housing (23) are separate components, independently self-supporting and reversibly connectable to one another to form the wrench (1); The control panel (22) and the motor module (14) are electrically connected by at least one quick connection plug (27', 27''). A wrench (1) characterized by:

2. A wrench (1) according to claim 1, the motor module (14) includes a quick connect socket (40) connected to the motor electronic control board (16) and for quick connection to the quick connect plugs (27', 27") without tools; The motor housing (15) is a motor compartment (28) in which said motor (3) is placed; a battery compartment (29) with a battery connection interface (30) into which the battery (4) can be inserted, said battery compartment (29) being capable of being closed against the external environment by a battery cover (31) of said motor module (14); an electronics board compartment (32) in which the motor electronic control board (16) is placed, which can be closed and opened by a dedicated electronics board cover (33) preferably connected or screwed to the motor housing (15); a first connecting wall (35) having a plurality of first holes (36) for reversibly connecting with the reducer module (17) by a plurality of first screws (37); It forms A wrench (1) characterized by:

3. A wrench (1) according to claim 1 or 2, The control panel (22) and the motor module (14) an electric wire (27) for power supply and / or data transmission, which extends over at least one segment outside the motor housing (15) and over at least one segment outside the panel housing (23) and which has said at least one quick connection plug (27', 27"); or a plug interface comprising said at least one fast connection plug; are electrically connected by A wrench (1) characterized by:

4. A wrench (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The reducer housing (18) supports the reducer (6) without a gear ratio changer and forms a second connecting wall (42) with a plurality of holes (43) for reversible connection with the electric motor module (14) by threads. A wrench (1) characterized by:

5. A wrench (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The electric motor module (14) and the reducer module (17) are connected to each other via one or more spacing plates (45), which protrude from a screw-connected position between the electric motor module (14) and the reducer module (17) away from the rotation axis (R) of the working shaft (2), and the connection between the handle module (19) and the spacing plates (45) is performed outside the space occupied by the reducer module (17) and / or the electric motor module (14). A wrench (1) characterized by:

6. A wrench (1) according to claim 5, The one or more spacing plates (45) - a plurality of third holes (46) for the connection of said one or more spacing plates (45) to said reducer module (17) and to said motor module (14) via first screws (37); and - a number of fourth holes (47) for the connection of said one or more spacing plates (45) with said handle module (19) by means of second connecting screws or bolts (48); It forms A wrench (1) characterized by:

7. A wrench (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, - said handle module (19) forms two grip handles (21), said actuation and direction selection device (5, 5', 9) being arranged on one and / or both grip handles (21); The support structure (20) comprises 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). A wrench (1) characterized by:

8. A wrench (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the connection between the handle module (19) and the reducer module (17) and / or the connection between the handle module (19) and the motor module (14) is movable within a certain limit due to the presence of one or more positioning elastic springs (50); The one or more elastic positioning springs (50) elastically hold the handle module (19) in a planned position relative to the motor module (14) and the reducer module (17) and relative to the rotation axis (R) of the work shaft (2), but also allow deviations from the planned positions to allow the user to adopt ergonomic postures different from the virtual postures that would result from the planned position of a completely rigid tool. A wrench (1) characterized by:

9. A wrench (1) according to any one of claims 5 and 8, The one or more positioning elastic springs (50) are interposed between the one or more spacing plates (45) and the support structure (20) at the connecting screws or bolts (48) between the one or more spacing plates (45) and the support structure (20). A wrench (1) characterized by:

10. A wrench (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The control panel (22) and the motor module (14) are electrically connected by a power supply and / or data transmission electric wire (27) having the at least one high-speed connection plug (27', 27"); The electrical wires (27) for power supply and / or data transmission extend over at least one segment inside the tubular profile of the support structure (20). A wrench (1) characterized by:

11. A wrench (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The handle module (19) includes a carriage support rod (51) that allows the wrench (1) to be coupled to a tool carriage; The carriage support rod (51) forms a spherical joint (12) that simultaneously supports and orients the wrench (1) relative to the tool carriage. A wrench (1) characterized by:

12. A wrench (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The panel housing (23) has an electronic component compartment (52) formed therein, and the electronic component compartment (52) contains: a local control electronic board (53) that controls the user interface (10); - an electronic module (54) for near-field or Bluetooth communication, - GPS positioning module (55), - GSM communication module (56) of the electronic control system (7) is placed, The control panel (22) forms one or more quick connect sockets (57) connected to a local control electronics board (53), the quick connect sockets (57) for tool-less quick connection with the quick connect plugs (27', 27") and / or further quick connect plugs (58', 58") of the signal lines (58) connected to the actuation and direction selection devices (5, 5', 9). A wrench (1) characterized by:

13. A wrench (1) according to claim 12, the one or more quick connect sockets (57) are disposed within a connect compartment (59) of the panel housing (23); The connecting compartment (59) can be opened and closed by a dedicated cover (60) connected to the panel housing (23), The cover (60) forms a passage for electrical wires connected to the control panel (22). A wrench (1) characterized by:

14. A wrench (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The control panel (22) includes a connection socket (61) for an external data medium or a USB socket for connecting a USB memory flash drive, These sockets are connected to a local control electronic board (53) for the transmission of traceability files on an external data medium and / or for the transmission of technical control parameters from the external data medium to the control system (7). A wrench (1) characterized by:

15. A wrench (1) according to claim 14, A connection socket (61) for an external data medium is arranged in a second connection compartment (62) of said panel housing (23), This compartment can be opened and closed without tools using a dedicated second cover (63) that is connected to the panel housing (23). A wrench (1) characterized by:

16. A wrench (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The control panel (22) includes a plurality of holes (64) for reversible threaded connection with the handle module (19) or the motor module (14). A wrench (1) characterized by:

17. A wrench (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The user interface (10) allows selection of values ​​of operating parameters of the wrench (1) through two-stage selection input; the first input step includes selecting an operating parameter from a plurality of different operating parameters, and the second input step includes selecting or setting a value for the selected operating parameter from a plurality of different parameter values; The user interface (10) includes a rotatable knob (11) that responds to both rotation and depression of the knob; the selection of said operating parameters in said first input stage occurs by rotating said knob, the transition from said selection of said operating parameter to said second input stage for selecting or setting a parameter value occurs by pressing said knob (11); The selection of the value of said operating parameter in said second input stage occurs by rotating said knob. A wrench (1) characterized by:

18. A portable tool (100), comprising: - a working axis (2), an electric motor (3) powered by at least one battery (4); a reducer (6) connected between the electric motor (3) and the working shaft (2); an electronic control system (7) linked to said battery (4) and to said electric motor (3), - an actuation device (5, 5') for actuating said electric motor (3); a memory (8) in which is stored a calibrated correlation between the working torque or force (M) of said tool (100) and the corresponding current (I) absorbed by said electric motor (3); The electronic control system (7) includes: The electronic control system (7) - detecting the instantaneous current (I_inst) of said electric motor (3) when it is running, - detecting the operating state of said actuation device (5, 5'), - controlling the power supply to the electric motor (3) in response to the detected operating state, the force or torque target (M_tgt) to be applied by the tool (100), the detected instantaneous current (I_inst) and the stored calibration associations. It is structured as follows: The tool (100) a motor module (14) with its own motor housing (15) containing the motor (3) and a motor electronic control board (16); a reducer module (17) with its own reducer housing (18) supporting the reducer (6); a handle module (19) with its own support structure (20) on which one or more gripping handles (21) are formed; a control panel (22) with its own panel housing (23) supporting a user interface (10) including a display (24) and parameter selection members (11); Equipped with the motor housing (15), the reducer housing (18), the support structure (20), and the panel housing (23) are individually self-supporting, separate components that are reversibly connectable to one another to form the tool (100); The control panel (22) and the motor module (14) are electrically connected by at least one quick connection plug (27', 27''). A tool (100) characterized in that

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