Calibration of a torque wrench by means of machine-readable code

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for calibrating a torque wrench having a drive part (1) and an output part (2) which can be connected to one another by means of a coupling (3) and a mating coupling (4). The output part (2) can be exchanged for another output part (2) having a different output profile (6). Since the output profiles (6) are at different distances (S) from their output axis of rotation (5), recalibration is necessary. According to the invention, this is achieved by reading a first machine-readable code (8) on the drive part (1) and a second machine-readable code (10) on the output part (2) and transmitting data obtained from the two codes (8, 10) to a database (9) interacting with a computing device (11), which calculates a correction value or an adjustment value for the torque wrench.

Description

Description Calibration of a torque wrench using machine-readable codes field of technology

[0001] Method for calibrating a torque-transmitting screwing tool having a drive part with a coupling that can be connected to a mating coupling of an output part, wherein the drive part has a device for displaying or setting a torque value of a torque that can be applied to a screw connection or the like via an output rotational axis of the output part, wherein the output parts have different output profiles and different distances of their output rotational axis to the mating coupling, and a device for carrying out the method. State of the art

[0002] Torque-transmitting screwing tools are known, for example, from DE 102018 131 903 A1, DE 20 2018 003 607 U1, or DE 102008 055581 A1. The screwing tools described therein can transmit limited torques to a screw connection.

[0003] DE 10 2010 056 524 A1 discloses a portable screwing tool with a tool head and a drive shaft onto which a screwing tool can be attached. A scanner can be activated with a switch to receive a barcode.

[0004] DE 102015 221 033 A1 discloses a screwing tool with an interface for recognizing a QR code.

[0005] DE 11 2010 005996 T5 describes a drive unit for a tool with a data acquisition unit.

[0006] By connecting such a torque-transmitting screw tool to different socket tools, the length of the effective lever of the screw tool and thus the actual release torque change. This requires a correction of the torque value to which the torque wrench is to be set, otherwise the screw connection or similar component will be tightened with the incorrect torque.

[0007] It is known from the state of the art to calculate such a corrected torque value based on geometric data of the drive and output parts, taking the target torque value into account. To do this, it is generally necessary to first identify the model of torque wrench and the respective socket tool used and to extract the geometric data necessary for the calculation from the manufacturer's specifications. The required manufacturer's specifications are usually provided to the torque wrench user online on the manufacturer's website or in paper form as a catalog or as a supplementary sheet when the product is sold. Since the user must gather this information manually and the subsequent calculation of the corrected torque value is also carried out by the user themselves, for example using a calculator, replacing the socket tool requires a significant amount of time. Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention is based on the object of simplifying the calibration of a torque wrench.

[0009] The problem is solved by the invention specified in the claims.

[0010] The method according to the invention for calibrating a torque-transmitting screwing tool is characterized first and foremost in that the torque-transmitting screwing tool and interchangeable output parts that can be connected to a drive part of the screwing tool are each marked with a machine-readable code. By reading the codes using a reading device, the drive part and the output parts can each be identified in a database. Data, in particular geometric data of the drive part and the output parts, are stored in the database. By relating the geometric data stored in the database, a result value can be automatically determined using a computing device. The result value can be a correction value or a setting value of the torque target value to which the screwing tool can be set.The result value can also be calculated taking into account a target value, for example a torque target value. The torque target value can be entered manually, for example using a keyboard via an input device. However, it can also be recorded by the reading device. The correction value can, for example, be the quotient of the setting value and the torque target value. The setting value is the value to which the screwdriving tool must be set in order to trigger when a torque corresponding to the target value is reached. Ideally, immediately after reading in the two codes and entering the target value, the user is shown the setting value to which they must set a torque wrench so that a maximum torque corresponding to the target value is transmitted to the output rotary axis.

[0011] The drive part can have a coupling that can be connected to a mating coupling of an output part. Furthermore, the drive part has a device for displaying or setting a torque value of a torque that can be applied to a screw connection or the like via an output rotation axis of the output part. The output parts have different output profiles and different distances between their output rotation axes and the mating coupling. The resulting value can be a correction value that takes this distance into account. However, other model-specific geometric parameters can also be considered when calculating the resulting value.

[0012] By reading the codes, a user operating the reader can gain access to the data stored in the database. This data can be made available to the user via an output device. Based on this data, the user can identify the respective model of the drive part or output part. The data can in particular be geometric data, but it can also store the name of the respective model of the drive part or output part, for example. For example, the adjustable torque range of the drive part, the distance between the force application point of the drive part and a pivot point of a test attachment attached to the screwdriving tool, as well as the pitch of this test attachment can be displayed.

[0013] The reading device can, for example, be the camera of a mobile device, preferably a smartphone or tablet. However, other devices or scanners capable of reading a machine-readable code can also be used. The reading of the codes and any required setpoint input can be performed sequentially or simultaneously in any desired order.

[0014] In a first embodiment of the invention, the first and second machine-readable codes can each be a QR code or a micro-QR code. However, other machine-readable codes can also be used, such as a barcode. The code can also be carried by an RFID. The codes can be arranged at any location on the drive part or on the output part. However, they are preferably arranged at a standardized location, for example, near the coupling.

[0015] The output device can, for example, be integrated into a device comprising the reading device and can be a display. The output device can, for example, be arranged on a web interface that can be accessed via a mobile device. This can, for example, be the website of the manufacturer of the drive part and / or the output part.

[0016] The target value can be entered into an input mask on the web interface using an input device, such as a keyboard. The reading device, the output device, and the input device can be integrated into a web application. The web application can be provided on a web server, in particular a remote one. The database and the computing device can also be located on a server. The reading device, the output device, and the input device can also be integrated as locally executable programs, for example in an app. The app can also communicate with a server on which the database and the computing device are stored. The computing device and / or the database can also be located locally on a device, in particular a mobile device.

[0017] Data transmission between the reading device, the database, the input and output devices, and the computing device can be carried out via a cable or wirelessly, for example, via a radio connection or internet connection. Data from the database can be transmitted to the output device and computing device via an internet connection, for example. Data transmission can also be carried out via a Bluetooth connection.

[0018] Scanning the codes with the reader can trigger requests to a server. The requests can contain, for example, an identifier for the drive part and / or output part and one or more URLs. The requests can contain information that allows the server to assign the requests. Based on the requests, the server can recognize that, for example, the request generated by scanning the code of the drive part and the request generated by scanning the code of the output part originate from the same end device. The server can link the requests. The server can generate a graphical user interface that prompts the user to enter a target value or to perform another scan of the code. The setting value is preferably output via the graphical user interface.

[0019] In a first embodiment of the invention, the drive part can be a torque wrench. The output parts can be plug-on tools that can be attached to the torque wrench, for example, a ratchet, an open-end wrench, or a ring wrench with a specific width. However, other torque-transmitting screw tools can also be provided, for example, torque screwdrivers.

[0020] In a first method step, the first and second machine-readable codes are read one after the other by the reading device. A URL is created from the codes, which contains parameters encrypted in the codes. The URL is called up. The parameters are sent to the database. The parameters are used to automatically identify the model of the torque wrench and the socket tool in the database. The geometric data of the torque wrench and the socket tool stored in the database are used to calculate a correction value. Preferably, however, an input mask is generated and shown on a display, which prompts the user to enter a target value. The setting value is calculated and displayed using the target value and the data taken from the database. The data can also be sent to the output device and output via the output device.This could include, for example, the mounting size and other geometric data relevant to the use of the socket tool. Information about the application area of the respective socket tool can also be displayed.

[0021] In a first embodiment, in the first method step, the first and second machine-readable codes are read one after the other using a smartphone's camera. By scanning one of the two codes, the smartphone user is redirected to a manufacturer's website, where the user is provided with the data stored in the database for the torque wrench or the socket tool.

[0022] The output device can, for example, extract the model-specific data from a database using a program activated by executing the codes.

[0023] In a second method step, a target value can be entered using an input device. The input device can, for example, be an input mask on the same or a different web interface as the output device.

[0024] In a further process step, the correction value and / or a setting value can be automatically calculated using the computing device, taking into account the geometric data and the target value. The setting value can be a corrected torque value pi of the torque wrench, which must be set on the torque wrench so that a maximum torque corresponding to the target value is transmitted with the attached tool. This can be calculated using the following formula known from the state of the art: P2 X P3 Pl = - - r. P3 + (P4 - P5)

[0025] Here, p2 is the torque target value to be transmitted with the socket tool connected to the torque wrench, ps is the distance between the rotational axis of the socket tool used to calibrate the screwing tool and the counter-coupling of the torque wrench. P4 is the pitch of the socket tool, and p3 is the distance between the rotational axis of the socket tool used to calibrate the screwing tool and the force application point on the torque wrench, for example, a force application point located on the handle of the torque wrench.

[0026] The setting value pi and / or the correction value (e.g. K = — ) can be provided to the user P2 in a further process step via the output device.

[0027] In a subsequent process step, the user can set the torque wrench to the corrected torque value or correction value. Short description of the drawings

[0028] Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment, wherein a drive part 1 and output part 2 can each be identified in a database 9 by scanning the codes; Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the essential process steps of the process shown in Figure 1; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment, wherein the reading device 12, the input device 15 and the output device 16 are integrated into a mobile terminal 13; Fig. 4 is a representation of the drive part designed as a torque wrench, which is marked with a first machine-readable code 8; Fig. 5 shows a representation of the driven part 2 designed as a plug-on tool, which is marked with a second machine-readable code 10; Fig. 6 is a representation according to Figure 4, wherein a test attachment 17 with a gauge ps is attached to the torque wrench 1; Fig. 7 is a representation according to Figure 4, wherein an attachment tool 2 having a pitch p4 is attached to the torque wrench 1. Description of the embodiments

[0029] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for calibrating a torque-transmitting screwing tool.

[0030] The screwing tool shown in Figure 1 has a drive part 1 with a coupling 3, which can be connected to a mating coupling 4 of an output part 2. The drive part 1 and the output part 2 are each identified by a machine-readable code 8 and 10, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1, the drive part 1 is a torque wrench that can be connected to an output part 2 designed as a plug-in tool.

[0031] In a first step, parameters are recorded by scanning the codes 8, 10, with which a query can be addressed to a database and the drive part 1 and the driven part 2 can be identified in the database 9. By scanning the codes, queries which are transmitted to the database 9. The database 9 links the requests with one another, i.e., it can assign the two requests to a reading device 12. Based on the parameters of the requests, model-specific data stored in the database 9, such as the model name and geometric data of the socket tool 2 and the torque wrench 1, are retrieved. This data is then assigned to the respective request, whereby not only the socket tool 2 and the torque wrench, but also, for example, a web address of a requesting mobile device can be clearly identified.

[0032] This data is then transmitted to a computing device 11 in a further step. The transmitted data is designated ps, p4 and ps in Figure 1. This particularly concerns geometric data, such as the distance ps between the rotational axis 18 of the test attachment 17, the pitch p4 of the attachment tool 2 and the pitch ps of the test attachment 17. At the same time or in a subsequent step, a target value p2 is transmitted to the computing device 11 via an input device 15. This is done, for example, by the user of the torque wrench. Using the data from the database 9 and the target value p2, the computing device 11 automatically calculates a result value, for example, a setting value pi of the torque value, as shown in Figure 1. The result value can also be a correction value, for example the quotient of the setting value pi of the torque value and the target value p2.In a further step, the torque setting device 7 of the torque wrench 1 is set to the setting value pi, for example by the user of the torque wrench.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a list of the essential process steps of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

[0034] Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the method according to the invention. Here, the reading device 12, the input device 15, and the output device 16 are integrated into a mobile terminal 13. The mobile terminal is, for example, a smartphone or tablet. The reading device 12 is, for example, the smartphone's camera, with which the first machine-readable code 8 and the second machine-readable code 10 are read in successively in a first step. The queries generated by reading the codes 8, 10 are transmitted to the database 9 via a data transmission link, for example, an internet connection. The database 9 and the computing device 11 are arranged on a server 14.

[0035] After the database 9 has linked the queries and assigned them to the mobile terminal 13, as well as assigned the data stored in the database 9, particularly the geometric data, to the drive part 1 and the output part 2, these data are transmitted to the computing device 11 and optionally to the output device 16. The data transmission path can also be an internet connection here. However, the data transmission path can also be another method, for example, a Bluetooth connection. The output device 16 outputs this data.

[0036] The output device 16 is, for example, a web application or an app that can be accessed via the mobile device 13. The web application can, for example, be the website of the manufacturer of the drive part 1 and output part 2. The data is displayed, for example, on the interface of the manufacturer's website so that it can be accessed by a user.

[0037] In a further method step, a target value is entered via the input device 15. The input device 15 is configured as shown in Figure 3. In the exemplary embodiment shown, for example, it is integrated into the app or an input mask on the manufacturer's website, which can be accessed via a browser installed on the mobile device 13. However, the target value can also be read and recognized optically using a camera, for example by scanning a value currently set on the screwing tool.

[0038] The target value is then transmitted to the computing device 11. This is preferably done via an internet connection. The computing device 11 calculates the result value using the target value and taking into account other geometric data of the drive part 1 and the output part 2. This result is transmitted to the output device 16 and is displayed there, for example, on the interface of the web application, to the user of the mobile device 13.

[0039] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a drive part 1 designed as a torque wrench and marked with the first machine-readable code 8, for example a micro QR code. The first machine-readable code 8 is arranged, for example, on the coupling element 3, with which the drive part 1 can be coupled to the output part 2, which in Figure 5 is designed, for example, as an attachment tool. The codes 8, 10, for example micro QR codes, can be arranged at any location on the surface of the body of the drive part 1 or output part 2. In Figure 5, the pitch S of the output part 2 is marked as an example for the attachment tool shown.

[0040] Figure 6 shows the drive part 1 designed as a torque wrench. A test attachment 17 is coupled to the drive part 1. By means of this The drive part 1 is calibrated using the test attachment. The gauge Sk of the test attachment is the distance between the test attachment axis 18 and the end section of the coupling 3 directed towards the test attachment 17.

[0041] Both the pitch S of the driven part 2 and the pitch Sk of the test attachment 17, as well as the distance 1k between the force application point and the test attachment axis 18, are taken into account when calculating the result value, which is automatically calculated by the computing device 11. The force application point defines the point along the lever arm at which the force is transferred from the user's hand to the screwing tool.

[0042] Figure 7 shows an example of the drive part 1 designed as a torque wrench with the output part 2 coupled to it, designed as an attachment tool.

[0043] The above statements serve to explain the inventions covered by the application as a whole, which also independently develop the state of the art at least by the following combinations of features, whereby two, several or all of these combinations of features can also be combined, namely:

[0044] A method for calibrating a torque-transmitting screwing tool, which has a drive part 1 with a coupling 3 which can be connected to a counter-coupling 4 of an output part 2, wherein the drive part 1 has a device 7 for displaying or setting a torque value of a torque which can be applied to a screw connection or the like via an output rotational axis 5 of the output part 2, wherein the output parts 2 have different output profiles 6 from one another and different distances S from their output rotational axis 5 to the counter-coupling 4, wherein the drive part 1 is marked with a first machine-readable code 8, with which the drive part 1 can be identified in a database 9, wherein each output part 2 is marked with a second machine-readable code 10, with which the output part 2 can be identified in the database 9, wherein a computing device 11 determines a result value by relating the first machine-readable code 8 read by a reading device 12 with the second machine-readable code 10 read by the reading device 12 by means of the database 9, wherein the result value is a correction value taking into account the distance S of the output rotational axis 5 to the coupling 3 or a setting value of the torque value.

[0045] A method which is characterized in that a setpoint, in particular a torque setpoint, is taken into account when determining the result value.

[0046] A method characterized in that geometric data of the drive part 1 and the output part 2 are stored in the database 9.

[0047] A method characterized in that the first machine-readable code 8 and the second machine-readable code 10 are each a QR code, micro-QR code or a barcode or the code is carried by an RFID.

[0048] A method characterized in that the correction value is a quotient of the setting value of the torque value and the target value.

[0049] A method which is characterized in that the database 9 is accessed by means of a mobile terminal 13, in particular a smartphone or tablet, and in particular that the database 9 and the computing device 11 are operated by a remote server 14 with which the terminal 13 communicates via a remote data transmission.

[0050] A method characterized in that the target value is entered via an input device 15 and / or the data stored in the database 9, the correction value and / or the setting value are output via an output device 16.

[0051] A screwing tool, characterized in that the drive part 1 is marked with a first machine-readable code 8, with which the drive part 1 can be identified in a database 9, and each output part 2 is marked with a second machine-readable code 10, with which the output part 2 can be identified in the database 9.

[0052] A device comprising a torque-transmitting screwing tool according to claim 8, a computing device 11 for determining a result value which is a correction value or setting value of the torque value taking into account the distance S of the output rotational axis 5 to the counter-coupling 4, a reading device 12 for reading the codes 8, 10, an input device 15 for inputting a target value and an output device 16 for outputting geometric data of the drive part 1 and the output part 2 as well as the correction value and / or setting value, a data transmission path between the input device 15, the output device 16, the reading device 12 and the computing device 11.

[0053] All disclosed features are essential to the invention (individually, but also in combination with one another). The disclosure content of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby fully incorporated into the disclosure of the application, also for the purpose of incorporating features of these documents into claims of the present application. The subclaims characterize, with their features, independent inventive developments of the prior art, even without the features of a referenced claim, in particular for filing divisional applications based on these claims. The invention specified in each claim may additionally have one or more of the features provided in the above description, in particular with reference numbers and / or specified in the list of reference numbers.The invention also relates to designs in which individual features mentioned in the above description are not implemented, in particular insofar as they are clearly unnecessary for the respective intended use or can be replaced by other technically equivalent means. List of reference symbols 1 drive part pi setting value 2 Output section p2 setpoint 3 Clutch p3 Distance between power transmission 4 Counter coupling application point and test 5 Output rotary axis set axis 18 6 Output profile p4 Pitch of output part 7 Torque adjustment device 5 Gauge test attachment S Gauge 8 first machine-readable code Sk gauge 9 Database 10 second machine-readable code 11 Computing device 12 Reading device 13 End device 14 servers 15 Input device 16 Output device 17 Test attachment 18 Rotary axis test set 19 Data transmission path lk distance

Claims

Claims 1. A method for calibrating a torque-transmitting screwing tool, which has a drive part (1) with a coupling (3) that can be connected to a mating coupling (4) of an output part (2), wherein the drive part (1) has a device (7) for displaying or setting a torque value of a torque that can be applied to a screw connection or the like via an output rotational axis (5) of the output part (2), wherein the output parts (2) have different output profiles (6) and different distances (S) of their output rotational axis (5) from the mating coupling (4), wherein the drive part (1) is marked with a first machine-readable code (8) with which the drive part (1) can be identified in a database (9), wherein each output part (2) is marked with a second machine-readable code (10) with which the output part (2) can be identified in the database (9). is identifiable,wherein a computing device (11) determines a result value by relating the first machine-readable code (8) read by a reading device (12) with the second machine-readable code (10) read by the reading device (12) by means of the database (9), wherein the result value is a correction value taking into account the distance (S) of the output rotational axis (5) to the clutch (3) or a setting value of the torque value.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a target value, in particular a torque target value, is taken into account when determining the result value.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that geometric data of the drive part (1) and the output part (2) are stored in the database (9).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first machine-readable code (8) and the second machine-readable code (10) are each a QR code, micro-QR code or a barcode or the code is carried by an RFID.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the correction value is a quotient of the setting value of the torque value and the target value.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the database (9) is accessed by means of a mobile terminal (13), in particular a smartphone or tablet, and in particular that the database (9) and the computing device (11) are operated by a remote server (14) with which the terminal (13) communicates via a remote data transmission.

7. Method according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the target value is entered via an input device (15) and / or the data stored in the database (9), the correction value and / or the setting value are output via an output device (16).

8. Torque-transmitting screwing tool, which has a drive part (1) with a coupling (3) which can be connected to a counter-coupling (4) of an output part (2), wherein the drive part (1) has a device (7) for displaying or setting a torque value of a torque which can be applied to a screw connection or the like via an output rotation axis (5) of the output part (2), wherein the output parts (2) have output profiles (6) which are different from one another and have different distances (S) of their output rotational axis (5) to the counter-coupling (4), characterized in that the drive part (1) is marked with a first machine-readable code (8) with which the drive part (1) can be identified in a database (9), and each output part (2) is marked with a second machine-readable code (10) with which the output part (2) can be identified in the database (9).

9. Device comprising a torque-transmitting screwing tool according to claim 10, a computing device (11) for determining a result value which is a correction value or setting value of the torque value taking into account the distance (S) of the output rotational axis (5) to the counter-coupling (4), a reading device (12) for reading the codes (8, 10), an input device (15) for inputting a target value and an output device (16) for outputting geometric data of the drive part (1) and the output part (2) as well as the correction value and / or setting value, a data transmission path between the input device (15), the output device (16), the reading device (12) and the computing device (11).

10. Method, torque-transmitting screwing tool or device, characterized by one or more of the characterizing features of one of the preceding claims.

Images