Power tool comprising a torque fastener arrangement

Abstract

A power tool (1) comprising a torque fastener arrangement (3) is disclosed. The torque fastener arrangement (3) is configured to drive a fastener (5) into a substrate (7). The torque fastener arrangement (3) is further configured to ensure that the fastener (5) is tightened to a set torque value when the fastener (5) is driven into the substrate (7) by the torque fastener arrangement (3). The power tool (1) further comprises a deforming arrangement (9), wherein the deforming arrangement (9) is configured to deform the fastener (5) after the fastener (5) has been driven into the substrate (7), thereby securing the fastener (5) in the substrate (7).

Description

[0001] POWER TOOL COMPRISING A TORQUE FASTENER ARRANGEMENT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a power tool.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Power tools are tools actuated by an additional power source and mechanism other than the sole manual labour used with hand tools. Power tools have long been in widespread use for various applications such as, but not limited to, drilling, cutting, shaping, sanding, grinding, and polishing. Traditional power tools are typically driven by electric motors or pneumatic power and are designed to reduce the effort and time required for various construction and manufacturing processes.

[0006] One application of power tools is tools comprising torque fastener arrangement where a specific torque with which the fastener, such as a screw or a bolt, is driven into the substrate may be set. These fastener arrangements may be referred to as torque fastener arrangements. One common example is powered torque screwdrivers. Thus, both the manual effort and the time required for the assembly task have been greatly reduced through the introduction of powered fastener drivers. These tools may be arranged with cords, thereby receiving their power from an auxiliary power source such as a mains outlet, or they may be battery powered. These tools typically offer features such as adjustable torque settings, multiple speed controls, and forward / reverse operation.

[0007] Though the powered tools having torque fastener arrangements work well there are still issues that can be improved upon. Fasteners may become detached from the substrate into which they are embedded due to various factors, including (bot not limited to), vibrations and external forces exerted on the fastening assembly, or temperature fluctuations that alter the physical properties of both the fastener and the substrate. Thus, it would be advantageous if such problems could be avoided or at least mitigated.

[0008] Furthermore, generally, it is an advantage if products, such as vehicles and associated components, systems, and arrangements, have conditions and / or characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost- efficient manner.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least alleviate, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a power tool comprising a torque fastener arrangement. The torque fastener arrangement is configured to drive a fastener into a substrate. The torque fastener arrangement is further configured to ensure that the fastener is tightened to a set torque value when the fastener is driven into the substrate by the torque fastener arrangement. The power tool further comprises a deforming arrangement. The deforming arrangement is configured to deform the fastener after the fastener has been driven into the substrate, thereby securing the fastener in the substrate.

[0011] Thereby, a power tool is provided capable of mitigating the risk of a fastener being detached from the substrate in which the fastener has been secured.

[0012] Since the power tool comprises a torque fastener arrangement configured to ensure that a fastener is tightened to a set torque value when the fastener is driven into a substrate by the torque fastener arrangement and a deforming arrangement which is configured to deform the fastener after the fastener has been driven into the substrate, thereby securing the fastener in the substrate, a single tool is provided which can both provide conditions for driving a fastener into a substrate as well as securing the fastener after the fastener has been driven into the substrate. Since the fastener is deformed after the fastener has been driven into the substrate, the interacting forces between the fastener and the substrate will increase. Thereby the friction between the fastener and the substrate will increase, counteracting relative movements between the fastener and the substrate. Thus, the risk of the fastener being detached from the substrate is mitigated. Thus, the power tool provides conditions for mitigating the risk of the fastener being detached from the substrate in which it is embedded.

[0013] Accordingly, a power tool is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

[0014] The torque fastener arrangement may e.g. comprise a torque screwdriver arrangement, or a torque driver for driving bolts into a substrate. The fastener may e.g. comprise a screw, or a bolt.

[0015] Optionally, the deforming arrangement is configured to also deform the substrate the fastener has been driven into. Since the substrate the fastener has been driven into is also deformed conditions are provided for the interacting forces between the fastener and the substrate to increase further. These conditions are provided since there is more opportunity for the deformed material of the fastener and / or the deformed material of the substrate to flow around and into each other. Said differently, the surface area between the substrate and the fastener is increased, providing for more frictional force engagement between the fastener and the substrate. Thereby the friction between the fastener and the substrate will increase further. This will counteract movements between the fastener and the substrate further. Thus, the risk of the fastener being detached from the substrate is mitigated further.

[0016] Optionally, the deforming arrangement is configured to deform the fastener by driving a punch into a head of the screw.

[0017] When the deforming arrangement is configured to also deform the substrate, the deforming arrangement is configured to deform the substrate by driving the punch also into the substrate. A first section of the punch may then be driven into the head of the screw, and a second section of the punch may be driven into the substrate.

[0018] Since the deforming arrangement is configured to drive a punch into a head of the fastener, the head of the fastener will be deformed by the punch providing conditions for increased interacting forces between the substrate and the fastener head. Furthermore, by deforming the head of the fastener with a punch, a relatively small amount of force is required to cause the deformation. The size and energy requirements of the power tool can therefore be kept low.

[0019] Optionally, the deforming arrangement is configured to be able to secure fasteners having fastener heads of different shapes and / or dimensions.

[0020] Since the deforming arrangement is configured to be able to secure fasteners having fastener heads of different shapes and / or dimensions the power tool may be used for a wide variety of fasteners. This may be achieved by providing ways of adjusting the deforming arrangement as will be described in greater detail below.

[0021] Optionally, the deforming arrangement comprises a punch holder configured to hold a punch in a detachable manner. Since the deforming arrangement comprises a punch holder configured to hold a punch in a detachable manner, the punch may be detached from the punch holder and thereby from the deforming arrangement. Different punches may therefore be used by the deforming arrangement, simply be detaching a punch and attaching a different punch. Thereby worn punches may be replaced without requiring to discard the entire power tool. Furthermore, different punches may be used for different types of fasteners, fastener heads, or substrates. The different punches may e.g. comprise punches of different material, different dimensions, having different shapes etc. Thus, conditions are provided for increasing the longevity and efficiency of the power tool.

[0022] Optionally, the deforming arrangement is configured to deform the fastener by applying a deformation force to the fastener.

[0023] Thereby it can be further ensured that the risk of detachment is mitigated. The deformation force may e.g. be applied by an impulse action exerted by the power tool on the deforming arrangement, causing the deforming arrangement to strike the fastener thereby imparting the deformation force on the fastener in a short amount of time.

[0024] Optionally, the deformation force can be adjusted manually and / or automatically.

[0025] Thereby the deformation force can be adjusted to the application at hand, e.g. with regards to the type of substrate, and the type of fastener. Thus, the deformation force can be lowered in cases where high forces are not needed. If the force cannot be adjusted a minimum force capable of most use cases must be used which would result in an excessive force used in many cases. This is wasteful of energy and may wear on the deforming arrangement unnecessary. In some cases this force may also compromise the integrity of the fastener and / or the substrate. Thus, by providing a deformation force which can be adjusted manually and / or automatically, conditions are provided for reducing wear, energy expenditure, and damages to the assembly.

[0026] Optionally, the deformation force is automatically adjusted based on the set torque value.

[0027] Thereby an efficient and simple way of providing an automatically adjusting deformation force is achieved. Since the torque value is set based on the present application, this provides for a good metric or proxy for the deformation force which should be used. Thus, the deformation force will automatically be set to a value which suits the application well. Thereby the power tool provides conditions for fast and accurate assembly where the fasteners which have been fastened have low risk of being detached from the substrate.

[0028] Optionally, the torque fastener arrangement has an elongated shape which axis of elongation extends in a first direction and wherein the torque fastener arrangement is configured to drive the fastener into the substrate in the first direction, and wherein the deforming arrangement has an elongated shape which axis of elongation extends in a second direction and is configured to deform the fastener by applying a deformation force on the fastener in the second direction.

[0029] Thereby, a structurally simple and functionally effective power tool having provisions for both driving a fastener into a substrate and thereafter securing the fastener in the substrate is provided.

[0030] Optionally, an angle between the first direction and the second direction is between 0 and 90 degrees, preferably between 0 and 45 degrees.

[0031] By keeping the angle between 0 and 90, preferably 0 and 45 degrees an angle suitable for most applications is obtained.

[0032] Optionally, the torque fastener arrangement and / or the deformation arrangement are configured movable such that an angle between the first direction and the second direction can be varied.

[0033] Thereby the power tool can be adjusted to the application at hand. The angle with which the deformation arrangement applies the deformation force onto the fastener may thereby be adjusted. Hence, the application of deformation force can be adjusted as suits the application best, depending on e.g. the dimensions and shape of the fastener head. Additionally, the direction with which the fastener is driven into the substrate can also be adjusted, which can e.g. be helpful in applications with limited space for tools.

[0034] Optionally, the torque fastener arrangement comprises a fastener bit holder and is configured to drive the fastener into the substrate using a fastener bit arranged on the fastener bit holder, wherein the torque fastener arrangement is configured to, after having driven the fastener into the substrate such that the fastener is tightened to the set torque value, retract the fastener bit holder and thereby the fastener bit from the fastener head. Thereby the fastener bit holder and the fastener bit will be moved away from the fastener head after having performed their purpose. Further actions may then be performed on the fastener head and / or on the substrate without needing to change position of the power tool. This facilitated handling of the power tool and performing of its functions.

[0035] In this case, optionally, the deforming arrangement is configured to deform the fastener after the fastener bit holder and fastener bit have been retracted from the fastener head.

[0036] Thereby the deforming arrangement does not risk interacting with the fastener bit holder or fastener bit when deforming the fastener. Thereby the positioning of the power tool need not be adjusted when performing the deforming action. This facilitates the act of deforming the fastener and thereby the act of mitigating detachment of the fastener from the substrate.

[0037] Optionally, the torque fastener arrangement and / or the deformation arrangement are configured movable such that a distance between the torque fastener arrangement and the deformation arrangement can be varied.

[0038] Thereby the power tool can be adjusted to the application at hand. The distance between the deformation arrangement and torque fastener arrangement may need to be adjusted depending on the size and shape of the fastener, in order for the deformation of the fastener to be optimally placed. By allowing the distance to be variable there is no need to reposition the tool after having driven the fastener into the substrate. This facilitates handling of the power tool and performing of its functions.

[0039] Optionally, the power tool comprises a support structure configured to rest on a surface and wherein the support structure supports the power tool when the support structure rests on the surface.

[0040] Thereby the usage of the power tool is facilitated since less force is needed to balance and keep the power tool in its position. The accuracy and thereby effectiveness of the power tool is also increased since the risk of positioning the tool wrongly is reduced. Since the user will need to divert less energy and mental capacity to the task of positioning the tool, the assembly process is sped up and the risk of fatigue and errors is reduced.

[0041] Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle according to some embodiments,

[0044] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a first exemplifying embodiment of a power tool according to the present disclosure,

[0045] Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of a substrate, a fastener head, and a deformation on the substrate and the fastener head,

[0046] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a second exemplifying embodiment of a power tool according to the present disclosure, and

[0047] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a third exemplifying embodiment of a power tool according to the present disclosure.

[0048] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to exemplifying embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The invention is however not limited to the exemplifying embodiments discussed and / or shown in the drawings, but may be varied within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the drawings shall not be considered drawn to scale as some features may be exaggerated in order to more clearly illustrate the invention or features thereof. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity.

[0050] When a range is given in the present disclosure, said range shall be considered to include the specified end values of the range, unless explicitly disclosed otherwise.

[0051] During assembly or construction there are often a multitude of fastening assemblies required, i.e. different components need to be attached to each other in various positions and manners. A common way of fastening components to each other is to use fastener. A fastener may e.g. be a screw or a bolt in combination with a nut. Here a fastener is driven into the components being fastened to each other such that the fastener penetrates both components, thereby attaching the components to each other. The fastening assembly may comprise two or more components being fastened to each other. One or more of the components may comprise holes arranged for accommodating the fastener being driven into the assembly. The fastener may comprise threads which interact with similarly shaped preexisting threads in the components, or the fastener may be so called thread-forming or self- tapping fastener where the threads on the fastener cuts into the components. The components being attached to each other may be referred to as substrates which the fastener is being driven into. For simplicity the term “substrate” will be used herein to denote material the fastener is being driven into. Thus, the substrate may comprise material from several components. Thus, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise, the usage of “fastening assembly” herein means the fastener and the substrate in which the fastener is embedded.

[0052] The present disclosure relates to a power tool. The power tool may be used for fastening assemblies. In what follows, “tool” may be used instead of “power tool”. Thus, whenever “tool” is used, it is herein meant “power tool” unless otherwise explicitly mentioned. The power tool may be pneumatically or electrically powered in a manner already well-known in the art. This will thus not be further explained herein.

[0053] The power tool comprises a torque fastener arrangement. The torque fastener arrangement is configured to drive a fastener into a substrate. The torque fastener arrangement is further configured to ensure that the fastener is tightened to a set torque value when the fastener is driven into the substrate by the torque fastener arrangement. In other words, the torque fastener arrangement is configured to provide the set torque value to the fastener in order to drive the fastener into the substrate. The torque applied to the fastener may also be referred to as the rotational force applied to the fastener. The torque fastener arrangement may e.g. be a torque screwdriver arrangement or a torque driver for driving bolts into the substrate using a set torque value.

[0054] The torque fastener arrangement may e.g. ensure that the fastener is tightened to the set torque value by comprising a torque-limiting clutch which disengages once the set torque value is reached. Other ways known within the art of ensuring that the correct torque is applied may alternatively be used, e.g. electronic torque measurements. The torque value may be set manually and / or automatically. The torque fastener arrangement may comprise a torque value setting device for setting the torque value manually. The torque value setting device may e.g. comprise a button, dial, touch-screen or similar solution, whereby the torque value may be manually set. The torque value setting device may comprise an option whereby the torque value is set automatically by the torque screwdriver arrangement, e.g. based on feedback data during operation.

[0055] The power tool further comprises a deforming arrangement. The deforming arrangement is configured to deform the fastener after the fastener has been driven into the substrate, thereby securing the fastener in the substrate. The deforming arrangement may be configured to also deform the substrate the fastener has been driven into. This is preferable since the substrate material being displaced may flow around and into the material of the fastener being displaced. This allow for more surface area interaction between the substrate and the fastener which increases the friction forces. Thus, the fastener will not be easily detached from the substrate.

[0056] The deforming arrangement may be powered from the same source as the power tool and may function through e.g. pneumatic or electrical means as is well known within the art.

[0057] The deforming arrangement may be configured to deform the fastener and / or substrate by applying a deformation force to the fastener and / or substrate. The deformation force may be adjustable. This is advantageous since the deformation force may be adjusted based on the substrate and / or the fastener being deformed. Applying too much deformation force may damage the fastening assembly and applying too little force may not deform the materials enough to provide the effect of securing the fastener in the substrate. Different materials of the substrate and / or fastener may require a different deformation force to be applied in order to achieve the effect. The shape of the fastener may also influence the required force. The deformation force may be adjusted manually and / or automatically. By providing the option of manual adjustment the user may determine the force being used directly. The deformation arrangement may comprise a deformation force setting device for setting the deformation force manually. The deformation force setting device may e.g. comprise a button, dial, touchscreen or similar solution. This provides for a large degree of autonomy for the user. Here, the deformation force setting device may comprise an option of choosing automatic deformation force adjustment. Automatic adjustment facilitates the usage of the power tool and require less expertise for handling the tool. Preferably the deforming arrangement is configured to allow both manual and automatic adjustment of the deformation force. The deformation force may be automatically adjusted based on the set torque value. The torque value may comprise a good metric for which deformation force should be used, since the torque value itself depends on the application at hand. By basing the deformation force on the set torque value the deformation force should in an automatic and simple way be suitably set to the application at hand, i.e. to the specific fastener and substrate.

[0058] In the case where the deformation force is automatically adjusted the control of the deformation force may be performed by a control unit. Thus, the power tool may comprise a control unit configured to control the deformation force. The deformation force may be controlled by adjusting the amount of power being delivered to the deforming arrangement. Thus, the control unit may be configured to control the deforming arrangement such that it applies the deformation force to the fastener and / or substrate.

[0059] The control unit may obtain data in order to control the deforming arrangement. The data may e.g. comprise one or more of the set torque value, a distance between the torque fastener arrangement and the deforming arrangement, and the angle between the torque fastener arrangement and the deforming arrangement. The control unit may control the deforming arrangement based on the obtained data.

[0060] Thus, the control unit may control the deformation force based on the obtained data. For example, the torque value may indicate the required deformation force. A high torque value may e.g. be an indication that a high deformation force is required. Thus, there may e.g. be a map between the torque value and the deformation force value, e.g. saved in a memory of the control unit, where a certain torque value correspond to a certain deformation force value. If the set torque value is changed the deformation force value will be automatically changed by the control unit based on the map.

[0061] In a similar way the angle between the deforming arrangement and the torque fastener arrangement may indicate the size of the head of the fastener. A larger fastener may require a larger angle between the torque fastener arrangement and the deforming arrangement. Thus, there may exist a map between the angle and the deformation force, e.g. saved in a memory of the control unit, where a certain angle between the torque fastener arrangement and the deforming arrangement correspond to a certain deformation force value. If the angle is changed the deformation force value will be automatically changed by the control unit based on the map.

[0062] In a similar way the distance between the deforming arrangement and the torque fastener arrangement may indicate the size of the head of the fastener. A larger fastener may require a larger distance between the torque fastener arrangement and the deforming arrangement. Thus, there may exist a map between the distance and the deformation force, e.g. saved in a memory of the control unit, where a certain distance between the torque fastener arrangement and the deforming arrangement correspond to a certain deformation force value. If the distance is changed the deformation force value will be automatically changed by the control unit based on the map. Other ways of automatically controlling the deformation force is of course possible, e.g. based on modelling, different types of machine learning algorithms etc. It is furthermore contemplated that the deformation force is automatically adjusted based on two or more of the data parameters mentioned above. Thus, the deformation force may be automatically adjusted based on two or more of the set torque value, the distance between the deforming arrangement and the torque fastener arrangement, and the angle between the deforming arrangement and the torque fastener arrangement.

[0063] The deforming arrangement may deform the head of the fastener, the shaft, or both. Preferably the deforming arrangement deforms the head of the fastener and not the shaft. This requires less material to be displaced and thus less applied force, since the deforming arrangement need not travel through the substrate to reach the shaft of the screw. Furthermore, the fastening assembly will receive less damage by deforming the head and not the shaft of the fastener. Preferably the head of the fastener and the substrate is deformed, allowing for a combination of low damage accrued and low energy expenditure, while reducing the risk of detachment of the fastener from the substrate.

[0064] The deforming arrangement may be configured to deform the fastener and / or substrate by driving a punch into the fastener and / or the substrate. The punch may then be driven into the head of the fastener, the shaft of the fastener or both. Preferably the punch is driven into the head of the fastener and the substrate, for the same reasons as outlined in the passage above. The deforming arrangement may comprise a punch holder configured to hold a punch in a detachable manner. Thereby different punches having different shapes, sizes and consisting of different materials may be used using the same power tool. This allows for a very flexible and robust tool since the tool may be adjusted to different types of fasteners and substrates simply by changing the punch. Punches which have worn down may also easily be replaced without having to discard the entire power tool.

[0065] The deforming arrangement may be shaped in a manner which is conducive for deforming the fastener and / or substrate. The deforming arrangement may thus have a narrow tip and a broad flat surface at the opposite end. The narrow tip is then used to deform the fastener and / or substrate. The tip may have e.g. have a tapering shape, e.g. a tapered cylindrical shape. The deforming arrangement may thus be shaped with an edge, e.g. a sharp edge. The deforming arrangement may alternatively or additionally have a wedge-like shape. Other shapes are of course possible. When the deforming arrangement comprises a punch, the punch may take the shapes described above. Furthermore, the deforming arrangement may consist of a material suitable for deforming the fastener and / or substrate, e.g. different type of steels such as high carbon, high chromium steels (e.g. D2) or high speed steels (e.g. M2). The material may alternatively consist of aluminium, copper, iron, nickel, tin, gold, silver or different types of alloys.

[0066] The torque fastener arrangement may have an elongated shape which axis of elongation extends in a first direction. The torque fastener arrangement may then be configured to drive the fastener into the substrate in the first direction. The deforming arrangement may have an elongated shape which axis of elongation extends in a second direction. The deforming arrangement may then be configured to deform the fastener by applying a deformation force on the fastener in the second direction.

[0067] The deforming arrangement may be configured to be able to secure fasteners having fastener heads of different shapes and / or dimensions. This may be achieved in a variety of ways, e.g. by adjusting the distance between the torque fastener arrangement and the deformation arrangement (which will be described below), adjusting the angle between the torque fastener arrangement and the deformation arrangement (which will be described below), or by exchanging the punch (as has been described above).

[0068] An angle between the first and second direction may be between 0 and 90 degrees, preferably between 0 and 45 degrees. In other words, the first and the second direction may be parallel or they may be angled relative to each other, the optimal angle may differ between different applications, i.e. depending on the fastener and / or the substrate. Therefore the torque fastener arrangement and / or the deformation arrangement may be configured movable such that the angle between the first direction and the second direction can be varied. In other words, the angle between the first and the second direction can be adjusted by moving either the torque fastener arrangement and / or the deformation arrangement. For example, the deformation arrangement may be pivotably arranged on the power tool such that the second direction can be altered by pivoting the deformation arrangement in relation to an extension of the power tool. This will be exemplified further below. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the torque fastener arrangement is movable. It is however preferred that the deformation arrangement is movable such that the angle may be varied since the deformation arrangement could then be adapted to deform the fastener and / or the substrate in an easy manner. Furthermore, oftentimes it is beneficial to drive the fastener straight into the substrate, i.e. orthogonal to the extension of the substrate since this improves the accuracy and reduces the force needed to drive the fastener into the substrate. The torque fastener arrangement and / or the deformation arrangement may be configured movable such that a distance between the torque fastener arrangement and the deformation arrangement can be varied. In this way the distance between the torque fastener arrangement and the deformation arrangement can be adjusted based on the size of the fastener which is being deformed by the deformation arrangement. Thereby the power tool can be adjusted quickly for a wide variety of sizes of fasteners which facilitates assembly. The distance between the torque fastener arrangement and the deformation arrangement can be adjusted by allowing either the torque fastener arrangement and / or the deformation arrangement to slide along an extension of the power tool. This will be explained in greater detail below.

[0069] The torque fastener arrangement may comprise a fastener bit holder and may then be configured to drive the fastener into the substrate using a fastener bit arranged on the fastener bit holder. The torque fastener arrangement may then be configured to, after having driven the fastener into the substrate such that the fastener is tightened to the set torque value, retract the fastener bit holder and thereby the fastener bit from the fastener head. Thereby different fastener bits may be used to accommodate different fasteners. Furthermore, by retracting the bit holder more space is made available for performing further actions on the fastener and / or the substrate. The deforming arrangement may be configured to deform the fastener after the fastener bit holder and fastener bit have been retracted from the fastener head. Thereby the risk of any interaction between the deforming arrangement and the fastener bit holder can be avoided.

[0070] The power tool may comprise a support structure configured to rest on a surface. The support structure may support the power tool when the support structure rests on the surface. The surface may e.g. be the substrate which the fastener is driven into. The surface may alternatively be a surface which the substrate rests on. Other options are also contemplated. The purpose of the support structure is to support the power tool when it is being used. By providing support the screwing action and the deformation action can be performed in a more accurate and speedy manner.

[0071] The support structure may e.g. comprise one or more elongate legs arranged on the power tool. The support structure may be arranged moveable between an inactive position and an active position. In the inactive position the support structure may be arranged in an extension direction of the power tool. In this way the support structure takes up little space when it is not being used. In the active position the support structure may extend out from the power tool towards the surface on which it is intended to rest. The support structure may be pivotably arranged on the power tool such that it can pivot between the inactive and active position. The support structure may comprise a base portion intended to rest on the surface when supporting the power tool. The base portion may have a larger cross section surface area than the rest of the support structure. Thereby the support structure may provide a stable support for the power tool.

[0072] Thus, in order to secure a fastener in a substrate. The power tool described herein provides a convenient way of achieving this effect. As an example, the fastener is first driven into the material using the torque fastener arrangement of the power tool. Thereby the fastener is tightened in the substrate to a specific torque value. Thereafter the deforming arrangement is used, deforming the fastener and possibly the substrate as well. Thereby the fastener is further secured in the substrate from unwanted detachment. The deforming arrangement may e.g. deform the fastener by striking the fastener with a punch as has been described herein.

[0073] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle 2 according to some embodiments. According to the illustrated embodiments, the vehicle 2 is a truck, i.e. , a type of heavy road vehicle, as well as a type of heavy commercial vehicle. According to further embodiments, the vehicle 2, as referred to herein, may be another type of heavy or lighter type of manned or unmanned vehicle for land or water based propulsion such as a lorry, a bus, a construction vehicle, a tractor, a car, a ship, a boat, or the like.

[0074] The vehicle 2 may e.g. be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or a vehicle comprising an only an internal combustion engine.

[0075] When assembling a vehicle, such as the vehicle 2 above, a number of fastening assemblies are required. For example, on a battery electric vehicle (BEV) there is a large amount of fastening assemblies comprising the busbar (which conducts electricity in e.g. the battery pack) and screws connecting the busbar to the battery modules. There are also a large amount of fastening assemblies on the chassis as well as in the cab. All of these fastening assemblies must be able to keep the components attached to each other even during influence from large external forces, such as e.g. vibrational forces.

[0076] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a power tool 1 according to some embodiments. The power tool 1 comprises an elongated shaft 10 having an extension direction d3. The extension direction d3 of the elongated shaft 10 may coincide with the extension direction of the power tool 1 itself, as is the case in Fig. 2.

[0077] The illustrated power tool 1 comprises a torque fastener arrangement 3. The torque fastener arrangement 3 may have an elongated shape, with an axis of elongation At that extends in a first direction d1. In Fig. 2 the first direction d1 is essentially perpendicular to the extension direction d3 of the elongated shaft 10. However, the first direction d1 may be angled in a different manner, including being parallel to the extension direction d3. The torque fastener arrangement 3 is configured to drive a fastener 5 into a substrate 7. In Fig. 2 the fastener 5 is illustrated as a threaded bolt. However, the fastener 5 may be any type of fastener capable of fastening different components together, e.g. a screw. The torque fastener arrangement 3 is configured to ensure that a fastener 5 is tightened to a set torque value when the fastener 5 is driven into the substrate 7 by the torque fastener arrangement 3. The torque fastener arrangement 3 may be configured to drive the fastener 5 into the substrate 7 in the first direction (d1)

[0078] The substrate 7 may e.g., purely for reasons of illustration and not to be construed as limiting, comprise a busbar and an underlying component onto which the busbar is attached. In fig. 2 the substrate 7 is shown as a single components only for ease of understanding. In reality the substrate will comprise several components which are being attached to each other. The fastener 5 comprises a fastener head 6 and threads 12.

[0079] By tightening the fastener 5 to a set torque value the risk of the fastening assembly detaching is reduced. In other words, the risk of the different components and the fastener 5 detaching from each other is reduced. However, it has been found that even though the fastener 5 is tightened to a set torque value which is suitable for the application, the fastening assembly may still detach for various reasons.

[0080] Therefore, the power tool 1 further comprises a deforming arrangement 9. The deforming arrangement 9 may have an elongated shape which axis of elongation Ad extends in a second direction d2. In Fig. 2 the second direction d2 is essentially perpendicular to the extension direction d3 of the elongated shaft 10. However, the second direction d2 may be angled in a different manner, including being parallel to the extension direction d3. The deforming arrangement is configured to deform the fastener after the fastener has been driven into the substrate, thereby securing the fastener 5 in the substrate 7. By deforming the fastener 5 after it has been driven into the substrate 7 the frictional forces between the substrate 7 and the fastener 5 is increased, which reduces the risk of the fastener 5 detaching from the substrate 7. Thereby the fastener 5 is secured further in the substrate 7.

[0081] In Fig. 2 the deforming arrangement 9 is configured to deform the fastener 5 by applying a deformation force Fd to the fastener 5. The deforming arrangement 9 may be configured to deform the fastener 5 by applying the deformation force Fd on the fastener 5 in the second direction d2. In Fig. 2 the second direction d2 is shown to be orthogonal in relation to the substrate 7. The second direction d2 may however be directed in a different manner as will be explained further below. The deformation force Fd may be adjusted manually and / or automatically. Thereby the deformation force Fd applied to the fastener can be varied based on the characteristics of the fastener 5 and / or the substrate 7. The deformation force Fd may be automatically adjusted based on the set torque value. This provides for a simple way of setting a suitable deformation force Fd value. In order to control the deformation force Fd automatically the power tool 1 may comprise a control unit (not shown) configured to control the deforming arrangement 9. Thus, the control unit may be configured to control the deforming arrangement 9 such that the deforming arrangement 9 applies the deformation force Fd to the fastener 5. The control unit may be configured to obtain data, e.g. related to the set torque value. Thereby the control unit may control the deformation force Fd automatically based on the set torque value.

[0082] The deforming arrangement 9 may further be configured to also deform the substrate 7 the fastener 5 has been driven into. This is beneficial since it provides conditions for more interaction between the surface of the substrate 7 and the surface of the fastener 5 as has been explained previously. The deformation may e.g. be achieved by the deforming arrangement 9 striking the fastener 5 and / or the substrate 7, thereby imparting energy upon the fastener 5 and / or the substrate 7, causing the fastener 5 and / or substrate 7 to deform. Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of the substrate 7 and the fastener head 6 after the deforming arrangement 9 has deformed both the fastener 5 and substrate 7 by striking the fastener 5 and the substrate 7. As can be seen a cut 13 has been introduced into the fastener head 6 and the substrate 7 by the deformation arrangement 9. This will “lock” the fastener 5 in the substrate 7.

[0083] Going back to Fig. 2, the illustrated deformation arrangement 8 is configured to deform the fastener 5 by driving a punch 11 into the head 6 of the fastener 5. The punch 11 may additionally be driven into the substrate 7 as has been explained above. The deforming arrangement 9 may be configured to be able to secure fasteners 5 having fastener heads 6 of different shapes and / or dimensions. This may be accomplished in a multitude of ways. For example, the deforming arrangement 9 may comprise a punch holder 10 configured to hold the punch 11 in a detachable manner. Thereby the punch 11 may be exchanged for a different punch having different characteristics, such as e.g. different dimensions, shapes, and / or being made of a different material. In this way the punch 11 may be chosen based on the shape and / or dimension of the fastener 5 or the fastener head 6.

[0084] Another way of adapting the deforming arrangement 9 such that it can secure fastener 5 having fastener heads 6 of different dimensions is to be able to adjust the direction with which the deforming arrangement 9 applies the deformation force Fd to the fastener 5 and / or substrate 6. Fig. 4 schematically illustrates the power tool 1 and the first and the second direction d1, d2. An angle a between the first and the second direction is also illustrated. The angle a may be between 0 and 90 degrees, preferably between 0 and 45 degrees. The torque fastener arrangement 3 and / or the deformation arrangement 9 may be configured movable such that the angle a between the first direction and the second direction can be varied. The deformation arrangement 9 may e.g. be pivotally connected to the power tool 1, e.g. to the elongated shaft 11 of the power tool 1. Thereby the deformation arrangement 9 may be steplessly or in discrete steps pivoted between a position in which the angle a is 0 degrees and a position in which the angle a is 90 degrees. The position of the deformation arrangement 9 may be locked at any angle, e.g. by a mechanical or electric locking arrangement. How this can be accomplished is well known within the art and will not be explained in further detail herein. Alternatively, or additionally, the torque fastener arrangement 3 may be pivotally attached or connected to the power tool 1, e.g. the elongated shaft 11 of the power tool 1, in a similar manner as was described for the deformation arrangement 9.

[0085] The control unit described above may be configured to obtain data related to the angle a. Thereby the deformation force Fd may alternatively or additionally be automatically adjusted based on the angle a.

[0086] Another way of adapting the deforming arrangement 9 such that it can secure fastener 5 having fastener heads 6 of different dimensions is to be able to adjust the distance w between torque fastener arrangement 3 and the deformation arrangement 9. This is illustrated in Fig. 5. Thus, the torque fastener arrangement 3 and / or the deformation arrangement 9 may be configured movable such that the distance w between the torque fastener arrangement 3 and the deformation arrangement 9 can be varied. The torque fastener arrangement 3 and / or the deformation arrangement 9 may be slideably arranged on the power tool 1. In other words, the power tool 1 may comprise one or more sliding arrangements (not shown in the figures), where the torque fastener arrangement 3 and / or the deformation arrangement 9 are arranged on a respective sliding arrangement. The sliding arrangement may be configured to be able to slide along the extension direction d3 of the power tool 1, e.g. along the elongated shaft 10 of the power tool 1. The position of the sliding arrangements on the power tool 1 may be locked through a mechanical or electric locking mechanism. By being able to adjust the distance w between the torque fastener arrangement 3 and the deformation arrangement 9 the power tool 1 can be used to secure screws 5 having heads 6 of different dimensions simply by adjusting the distance between the torque fastener arrangement 3 and the deformation arrangement 9.

[0087] The control unit described above may be configured to obtain data related to the distance w. Thereby the deformation force Fd may alternatively or additionally be automatically adjusted based on the distance w.

[0088] Going back to Fig. 2, the torque fastener arrangement 3 may comprise a fastener bit holder 4. Then the torque fastener arrangement 3 is configured to drive the fastener 5 into the substrate 7 using a fastener bit 8 arranged on the fastener bit holder 4. The torque fastener arrangement 3 may then be configured to, after having driven the fastener 5 into the substrate 7 such that the fastener 5 is tightened to the set torque value, retract the fastener bit holder 4 and thereby the fastener bit 8 from the fastener head 6. This makes space for the deforming arrangement 9 to deform the fastener 5 and / or the substrate 7 without risk of hitting the torque fastener arrangement 3. Thus, the deforming arrangement 9 may be configured to deform the fastener 5 after the fastener bit holder 4 and fastener bit 8 have been retracted from the fastener head 6.

[0089] Fig. 5 illustrates an embodiment where the power tool 1 comprises a support structure 13. The support structure 13 is configured to rest on a surface. The support structure 13 supports the power tool 1 when the support structure 13 rests on the surface. The support structure may be elongated with an axis of elongation having a direction d4. The support structure 13 may have a base or “foot” 14 which is configured to contact the surface when the support structure rests on the surface. The base 14 may have a larger cross sectional area than the rest of the support structure 13 in order to provide a stable support for the power tool 1. The surface may e.g. be the substrate 7 or a surface which the substrate 7 is placed on. The support structure may be movable between an active position, as shown in Fig. 5, whereby the support structure 13 contacts the surface and an inactive position wherein the support structure 13 does not contact the surface. The inactive position may e.g. be a position in which the support structure 13 takes up less space. Purely as an example, in the active position the support structure 13 may be positioned such that the direction d4 is parallel to the first d1 and / or the second d2 directions. In the inactive position, the support structure 13 may be positioned such that the direction d4 is parallel to the extension direction d3. Thus, the support structure 13 may pivot between a position in which it is parallel with the main extension direction of the power tool 1 to a position where it is perpendicular to the main extension direction of the power tool 1.

[0090] It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended independent claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended independent claims.

[0091] As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components, or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions, or groups thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A power tool (1) comprising a torque fastener arrangement (3), wherein the torque fastener arrangement (3) is configured to drive a fastener (5) into a substrate (7), and wherein the torque fastener arrangement (3) is further configured to ensure that the fastener (5) is tightened to a set torque value when the fastener (5) is driven into the substrate (7) by the torque fastener arrangement (3), characterized in that the power tool (1) further comprises a deforming arrangement (9), wherein the deforming arrangement (9) is configured to deform the fastener (5) after the fastener (5) has been driven into the substrate (7), thereby securing the fastener (5) in the substrate (7).

2. The power tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein the deforming arrangement (9) is configured to also deform the substrate (7) the fastener (5) has been driven into.

3. The power tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deforming arrangement (9) is configured to deform the fastener (5) by driving a punch (11) into a head (6) of the fastener (5).

4. The power tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deforming arrangement (9) is configured to be able to secure fasteners (5) having fastener heads (6) of different shapes and / or dimensions.

5. The power tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deforming arrangement (9) comprises a punch holder (10) configured to hold a punch (11) in a detachable manner.

6. The power tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deforming arrangement (9) is configured to deform the fastener (5) by applying a deformation force (Fd) to the fastener (5).

7. The power tool (1) according to claim 6, wherein the deformation force (Fd) can be adjusted manually and / or automatically.

8. The power tool (1) according to claim 7, wherein the deformation force (Fd) is automatically adjusted based on the set torque value.

9. The power tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the torque fastener arrangement (3) has an elongated shape which axis of elongation (At)extends in a first direction (d1) and wherein the torque fastener arrangement (3) is configured to drive the fastener (5) into the substrate (7) in the first direction (d 1 ), and wherein the deforming arrangement (9) has an elongated shape which axis of elongation (Ad) extends in a second direction (d2) and is configured to deform the fastener by applying a deformation force on the fastener in the second direction (d2).

10. The power tool (1) according to claim 9, wherein an angle (a) between the first direction (d1) and the second direction (d2) is between 0 and 90 degrees, preferably between 0 and 45 degrees.

11. The power tool (1) according to any one of the claims 9-10, wherein the torque fastener arrangement (3) and / or the deformation arrangement (9) are configured movable such that an angle (a) between the first direction (d1) and the second direction (d2) can be varied.

12. The power tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claim, wherein the torque fastener arrangement (3) and / or the deformation arrangement (9) are configured movable such that a distance (w) between the torque fastener arrangement (3) and the deformation arrangement (9) can be varied.

13. The power tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the torque fastener arrangement (3) comprises a fastener bit holder (4) and is configured to drive the fastener (5) into the substrate (7) using a fastener bit (8) arranged on the fastener bit holder (4), wherein the torque fastener arrangement(3) is configured to, after having driven the fastener (5) into the substrate (7) such that the fastener (5) is tightened to the set torque value, retract the fastener bit holder (4) and thereby the fastener bit (8) from the fastener head (6).

14. The power tool (1) according to claim 13, wherein the deforming arrangement (9) is configured to deform the fastener (5) after the fastener bit holder (4) and fastener bit (8) have been retracted from the fastener head (6).

15. The power tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power tool (1) comprises a support structure (13) configured to rest on a surface and wherein the support structure (13) supports the power tool (1) when the support structure (13) rests on the surface.

Images