Socket, tightening tool and method for transferring a signal

The socket and tightening tool system allows real-time transfer of tightening data from sensorized fastening systems, addressing indirect measurement issues and ensuring secure fastening by directly measuring torque and other parameters at the fastening element.

WO2026069217A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-04-02DINO PAOLI
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-26
Publication Date
2026-04-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing tightening tools, such as impact wrenches, provide indirect torque measurements that can lead to incorrect data during cross-threading or incomplete tightening, and existing sensor systems only transmit data after the operation, not in real time.

Method used

A socket designed to transfer wireless signals from a sensorized fastening system to a control unit in real time, using openings and antennas integrated with a tightening tool to facilitate direct measurement and control of tightening parameters.

Benefits of technology

Enables real-time transfer of tightening data, ensuring accurate and secure fastening operations by directly measuring torque and other parameters at the fastening element, preventing cross-threading and incomplete couplings.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A socket for screwing or unscrewing a fastening element comprises a hollow body (2) provided with a cavity (2C), with a first end (3) shaped for rotating the fastening element and with a second end (4) couplable with a drive shaft of a tightening tool for rotating the socket (1, 100) around a rotation axis (X), the socket (1, 100) is further conformed to transfer a signal coming from, or directed to, a sensorized fastening system (21) comprising the fastening element (22). A tightening tool (31) and a method are further disclosed for transferring a signal.
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Description

Socket, tightening tool and method for transferring a signalBackground of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a socket for screwing or unscrewing a fastening element, for example a screw or a nut, and shaped to transfer, in real time, a signal coming from and / or directed to a sensorized fastening system including the fastening element and a sensor, so as to cooperate with a control system to adjust in real time the torque applied to the fastening element by a tightening tool, like for example an impact wrench. The sensorized fastening system, which comprises, in addition to the sensor and the fastening element also a signal transceiver i.e. a signal transceiving element or module, is for example a nut hub system for fastening a wheel in which the hub can be provided with the signal transceiver. The signal can comprise, for example, information on tightening the nut on the hub. Another embodiment of a sensorized fastening system with which a socket according to the invention can be used comprises, as a fastening element, a screw incorporating a sensor, like for example a detector for detecting axial deformation of the screw, and a wireless signal transceiver. The signal coming from the sensorized fastening system can be transferred to a control unit that is able to process this signal and adjust through feedback the torque applied by the tightening tool to the fastening element dynamically, i.e. during the tightening operation. The invention further relates to a tightening tool and a method for transferring a signal.Background of the invention

[0002] In the field of tightening tools, solutions are increasingly sought that enable tightening data to be detected and transmitted. The tightening data are useful for monitoring the operation of the tools and the tightening parameters. Knowing these data enables the reliability of the tightening operation and operator safety to be increased. In fact, by monitoring the tightening data, it is possible to obtain secure coupling by avoiding problems that are for example due to failing to reach an appropriate torque setting or which are due to failure to reach a complete coupling between the fastening elements to be tightened.

[0003] The tightening data cover a fundamental role especially in the field of motor sport. In a pit-stop, for example, it is necessary to ensure secure tightening of the wheel to prevent the wheel coming off unexpectedly after being fitted. In this context, for example, the tightening data can comprise the torque applied to the nut and the position of the nut with respect to the hub of the wheel.

[0004] To date, impact wrenches are known that are provided with electromechanical or electronic measuring systems that are able to measure parameters referable to tightening.

[0005] Known impact wrenches comprise a drive shaft and a socket, which is rotatable by the drive shaft, configured to screw or unscrew a fastening element. The fastening element can be a nut, couplable with for example a hub of a wheel, or a screw. Such impact wrenches are provided with torque sensors to obtain information on the torque applied to the fastening element.

[0006] The torque sensors of known impact wrenches are fitted to the drive shaft and measure the torque applied to the drive shaft by the motor, whether pneumatic or electric. The tightening parameters applied to the fastening elements are obtained indirectly by measuring the torque at the drive shaft of the impact wrench. Accordingly, the torque is not measured at the fastening element.

[0007] Nevertheless, this indirect measurement can sometimes provide incorrect information. For example, in the case of tightening that is not aligned with the thread of the fastening elements, which is also called cross-threading tightening, in which the axis of the thread of a male fastening element (for example a hub of a wheel) is not aligned with the axis of the thread of the female fastening element (for example a nut) with resulting lack of complete tightening of and / or damage to the thread, known measuring systems provide incorrect information on tightening, detecting for example tightening parameters corresponding to those of complete tightening that in reality did not occur.

[0008] For detecting tightening data, fastening systems are further known that are provided with sensors that are able to detect and store tightening parameters. In particular, the fastening systems comprise screws provided with wireless sensors and transmitters. The transmitters are arranged in the head of the screw and transmit signals referable to tightening data.

[0009] Owing to the conformation of the fastening systems provided with sensors, the data can be transmitted only at the end of the tightening operations because, during tightening, the signals are screened by the tightening tool. These systems do not therefore enable the tightening data to be transmitted in real time during tightening.

[0010] It is thus desirable to provide a solution that is able to transfer tightening parameters simply and effectively in real time.Summary of the invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to enable tightening data to be transferred simply and effectively in real time.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide a socket that, once it is fitted to a tightening tool, is able to transfer in real time a signal coming from a sensorized fastening system during screwing or unscrewing of the sensorized fastening system.

[0013] Another object is to provide a socket to transfer a signal that is constructionally simple.

[0014] Such objects and still others are achieved by a socket for screwing or unscrewing a fastening element as specified in one or more of the claims attached to the present description.Short description of the drawings

[0015] The invention can be better understood with reference to the attached drawings that illustrate an embodiment thereof by way of non-limiting example, in which:Figure 1 is an axial section of an assembly including a socket according to a first embodiment fitted to a shaft of a tightening tool during interaction with a nut-hub system;Figure 2 is an axial section of an assembly including a socket according to a second embodiment fitted to a shaft of a tightening tool during the interaction with a screw fastening system;Figure 3 is a side view of the assembly of Figure 2;Figure 4 is an exploded view of the assembly including the socket of Figure 2 and a portion of the tightening tool;Figure 5 is an axial section of the assembly of Figure 4;Figure 6 is an exploded view of the assembly of Figure 2.Detailed description

[0016] The present invention relates to a socket for screwing or unscrewing a fastening element 22. The fastening element 22 comprises an element provided with an inner or outer thread and can be a nut (Figure 1) or a screw (Figures 2-6), as will be disclosed in detail below. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the socket is indicated with reference 1, and in the embodiment in Figures 2-6 the socket is indicated with reference 100. For the two embodiments of socket 1, 100 shown, the same reference numbers are used to indicate shared elements or elements that have the same function.

[0017] The socket 1, 100 comprises a body 2, in particular hollow, provided with a first end 3 and with a second end 4. The first end 3 is shaped to rotate the fastening element 22, so asto screw or unscrew the fastening element 22. The second end 4 is couplable with a drive shaft 32 of a tightening tool 31 (only a portion of which is illustrated in the Figures) to rotate the socket 1, 100 around a rotation axis X. For example, the second end 4 is a female connection shaped to couple with the drive shaft 32 that can be a grooved shaft or a square shaft or a shaft having another shape; accordingly, the second end comprises a coupling hole that is respectively a grooved hole or a square hole or a hole having another shape, the other shape being suitable for coupling with the drive shaft 32. The coupling between the drive shaft 32 and the second end 4 of the body 2 is such as to enable torque to be transferred and to enable the socket 1, 100 to be dismounted from the drive shaft 32 and replaced.

[0018] The first end 3 is shaped to interact with the fastening element 22 to rotate the fastening element 22 around the rotation axis X. In particular, the rotation axis X is a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the body 2 and thus of the socket 1, 100. The first end 3 defines a front opening suitable for receiving at least one portion of the fastening element 22. The first end 3 can be provided with teeth or suitable grooves to engage a nut, in particular to fasten wheels in the motor sport industry, or to engage the head of a screw.

[0019] The body 2 comprises a cavity 2C that extends inside the body 2 between the first end 3 and the second end 4. In particular, the cavity 2C extends from the front opening defined by the first end 3 to the second end 4.

[0020] The socket 1, 100 is conformed to transfer a signal coming from a sensorized fastening system 21.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, the socket 1, 100 is conformed to transfer a signal directed to the sensorized fastening system 21.

[0022] In this description, “signal” means a signal containing information, in particular information that is referable to tightening operating conditions, including for example tightening data, and moreover for example information on the operator who performed the tightening, the data and time of the tightening, an identifier of the instrument used to perform the tightening, an identifier of the fastening element, i.e. of the screw or of the nut, the temperature of the system etc. The tightening data can comprise in particular the tightening torque applied, the axial tightening force, pressure on the head of the screw or on the nut.

[0023] The signal is wireless and is transmitted in the form of radio waves.

[0024] The sensorized fastening system 21 comprises the fastening element 22, a sensor, which is not illustrated, to detect a measurement of a physical size or parameter indicating atightening datum and a signal transceiver 24, i.e. a signal transmitter-receiver element or module, in particular a wireless signal transmitter-receiver element or module.

[0025] According to a first embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the sensorized fastening system 21 is a nut-hub system, used for example to fasten a wheel of a vehicle. In this embodiment, the fastening element 22 comprises a nut. In particular, the nut-hub system is of the type in which the wheel is fastened to the hub by a single nut, as in the case of nuthub systems of single-nut type provided in competition motor vehicles, like for example in Formula 1 motor vehicles. The signal transceiver 24 is fastened to a hub 23, in particular at an end portion of the hub 23, also called a nose 25; an outer surface 27 of the hub 23 is provided with a thread 26 on which the fastening element 22 is screwable. The hub 23 is further provided with one or more sensors, which are not illustrated, in particular deformation sensors like for example strain gauges, or piezoresistive transducers or deformation sensors of another type. The signal transceiver 24 is configured to send a signal on the basis of parameters detected by one or more sensors. The sensor detects parameters like, for example, axial temperature and deformation. The parameters are detected by one or more sensors and transmitted by the signal transceiver 24 continuously over time during the screwing / unscrewing steps. In this embodiment, the socket is indicated by reference 1.

[0026] In a second embodiment illustrated in Figures 2-6, the sensorized fastening system 21 is a screw fastening system. In this embodiment, the fastening element 22 is a screw having a head, for example hexagonal head, and a shank provided with threads, in which the head comprises the signal transceiver 24. In particular, the signal transceiver 24 is fitted to the head or incorporated into the head of the screw. More in particular, the signal transceiver 24 protrudes from a surface of the head of the screw, for example axially and centrally. The screw can comprise one or more sensors, in particular deformation sensors like for example strain gauges, or piezoresistive transducers or deformation sensors of another type. The signal transceiver 24 is configured to send a signal on the basis of parameters detected by one or more sensors continuously over time during the screwing / unscrewing steps. In this embodiment, the socket is indicated by reference 100. The socket 100 differs from the socket 1 substantially by the overall dimensions and by the shape of the first end 3, that is conformed in the socket 100 to interact with the head of the screw.

[0027] The cavity 2C is configured to receive, in use, the portion of the sensorized fastening system 21 bearing the signal transceiver 24.

[0028] The socket 1, 100 comprising one or more through openings 6 obtained on the hollow body 2 to enable the signal to come from or be directed to the sensorized fastening system 21.

[0029] The through openings 6 are provided in a portion 5 of the hollow body 2 so as to be connected to the cavity 2C of the hollow body 2. The portion 5 is intermediate between the first end 3 and the second end 4. In other words, the portion 5 is the part of the body 2 arranged between the first end 3 and the second end 4. According to the embodiments illustrated, the axis of symmetry of the portion 5 corresponds to the rotation axis X and the portion 5 is cylindrical, i.e. the inner surface and the outer surface of the portion 5 are cylindrical and parallel to one another, this conformation facilitates the productive process. According to embodiments that are not illustrated, the inner surface and the outer surface of the portion 5 can be one cylindrical and one conical or both conical.

[0030] As illustrated, the portion 5 is nearer the second end 4 than the first end 3. In particular, the distance between the edge of each opening 6 and the second end 4 is less than the extent of each opening measured along a direction parallel to the rotation axis X.

[0031] According to the embodiments, the openings 6 has a slot shape, in other words an oval shape, having an axis of symmetry parallel to the longitudinal axis of the socket 1, 100 and thus to the rotation axis X.

[0032] According to embodiments that are not illustrated, the openings 6 can have any suitable shape, for example circular or polygonal.

[0033] As illustrated in the Figures, the openings 6 can be arranged angularly equidistant on the outer circumference of the hollow body 2. In particular, the openings 6 are intercepted by the same plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the socket 1, 100; i.e. by plotting a cross section that sections the socket, this plane intersects all the openings. According to the illustrated embodiment, this cross section is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the socket 1, 100. Accordingly, the openings 6 are arranged at the same distance from the second end 4; this distance is measured along a direction of longitudinal extent of the socket 1, 100, between the second end 4 and the edge of each opening nearer the second end 4. Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the openings are intercepted by the same transversal section plane that is slanted with respect to longitudinal axis of the socket, and each of the openings is arranged at a different distance from the second end with respect to the other openings.

[0034] The socket 1, 100 can be used to transfer a signal coming from the sensorized fastening system 21, through these one or more openings 6 of the socket 1, 100, to an antenna arranged in an environment outside the socket 1, 100 and / or to transfer a signal coming from the antenna, through these one or more openings 6, to the sensorized fastening system 21. In particular, the antenna is not part of the body or of a component of the socket 1, 100. The antenna can, for example, be part of a tightening tool or of an external signal receiving device.

[0035] According to the present invention, there is further provided a tightening tool 31 to screw or unscrew a fastening element 22. The tightening tool 31 comprises a drive shaft 32 to which the socket 1, 100 is fitted.

[0036] The tightening tool 31 comprises one or more antennas 8 facing an outer surface of the socket 1, 100 at the one or more openings 6, in particular the antennas 8 face the portion 5 of the socket 1, 100. The one or more antennas 8 can face only partially one or more openings 6; in other words one or more antennas 8 can be so arranged that only a respective portion thereof can cover a respective portion of one or more openings 6. Further, the antennas 8 can be in a position in which they are radially aligned or radially staggered with respect to the one or more openings 6, this radial position in relation to the one or more openings 6 being able to vary during rotation of the socket 1, 100. The antennas 8 are configured to transfer a signal coming from the sensorized fastening system 21 to a control unit or to transfer a further signal directed to the sensorized fastening system 21 from the control unit. Further, the antennas 8 can be configured to transfer both signals, i.e. the signal from the fastening system to the control unit and the further signal from the control unit to the sensorized fastening system 21.

[0037] The tightening tool 31 comprises a casing 33 that surrounds at least partially the socket 1, 100 and can act as a gripping point for the operator during use of the tightening tool 31, in particular during screwing / unscrewing operations, protecting the hand.

[0038] The antennas 8 are fixed to the tightening tool 31, in particular fixed to the casing 33, so as to be interposed between the casing 33 and an outer surface of the socket 1, 100, in particular between the casing 33 and an outer surface of the portion 5 of the hollow body 2.

[0039] According to the illustrated embodiments, each antenna 8 has a first end part 8a facing the outer surface of the socket 1, 100 at the openings 6, and a second part 8b that is connectable to the control unit to transmit the signal to, or receive the further signal from thelatter. The first end part 8a has, in particular, dimensions equal to or greater than each opening 6 by “dimensions” dimensions in plan view are to be intended.

[0040] In one embodiment, the first end part 8a of one or more antennas 8 extends axially and / or circumferentially so as to cover only partially an area of a respective opening 6.

[0041] The tightening tool 31 comprises, in particular, at least one antenna 8 for each opening 6. In other words, the number of antennas 8 can be equal to or greater than the number of openings 6. In the embodiments illustrated, the number of antennas 8 is equal to the number of openings 6 and the antennas 8 are arranged angularly equidistant around the portion 5. For example, in the illustrated embodiments the number of openings 6 is equal to eight and thus also the number of antennas 8. Further, the angular distance between two adjacent antennas 8 can be equal to the angular distance between two adjacent openings 6. Undoubtedly, the skilled person is able to determine the dimension, the number and the position of the openings 6 and of the corresponding antennas 8 so that, during rotation of the body 2, at least one of the antennas 8 faces at least partially one of the openings 6 so as to be able to transmit a signal to and / or receive a signal from the signal transceiver 24.

[0042] Alternatively, the antennas 8 can be arranged at different angular distances from one another so that during the rotation of the socket 1, 100 there is always at least one antenna 8 facing an opening 6.

[0043] In one embodiment that is not illustrated, the one or more antennas 8 comprise a winding with coils surrounding the socket 1, 100 at the one or more openings 6. In particular, coils surround the portion 5 and face the openings 6. The winding is further connectable to the control unit to transmit the signal to, or receive the further signal from the latter.

[0044] The one or more antennas 8 can be supplied by a battery. The battery can be arranged on the tightening tool 31 to supply the antennas 8, for example by an electric conducting element like an electric cable or by magnetic induction. Further, the one or more antennas 8 can consequently supply the signal transceiver 24 of the sensorized fastening system 21 by magnetic induction.

[0045] The control unit can comprise an electronic board connected to the tightening tool 31. In particular, the electronic board is fitted to the tightening tool 31, more in particular the electronic board is fitted to a part of the tightening tool 31, for example in the grip of the tightening tool 31 or on the body of the tightening tool 31.

[0046] Alternatively, the control unit can be arranged in a remote position with respect to the tightening tool.

[0047] The control unit is programmed to control the tightening tool 31 and, in particular, the rotation of the socket 1, 100 on the basis of one or more signals transmitted by the sensorized fastening system 21 and received through the socket 1, 100 and the one or more antennas 8. In particular, during operation, the control unit receives one or more signals from the sensorized fastening system 21 that show tightening data, for example signals showing the axial tightening force, which show by how much force the fastening system 21 is connected. When a given axial tightening force is reached, i.e. a threshold of a tightening datum, the control unit can be accordingly programmed to stop the tightening tool 31 and thus the rotation of the socket 1, 100.

[0048] According to the present invention a method is further disclosed for transferring a signal coming from, or directed to, a sensorized fastening system 21.

[0049] The method is implemented by the tightening tool 31 disclosed above, comprising the socket 1, 100 according to the present invention.

[0050] The method provides the step of bringing a tightening tool 31, to which the socket 1, 100 is fitted, up to a sensorized fastening system 21 to screw or unscrew a fastening element 22 of the sensorized fastening system 21.

[0051] According to this method, the sensorized fastening system 21 is energized. The fastening system 21 can be energized by magnetic induction. For example, the fastening system 21 and, in particular, the sensor and / or the signal transceiver 24, is supplied by an electromagnetic field generated by one or more antennas 8 at the moment in which the signal transceiver 24 enters the range of action of one or more antennas 8 at just a few centimetres of distance, thus enabling the signal to be transferred and information to be then exchanged. More in particular, in order to energize the sensorized fastening system 21 and transfer the signal between the latter and one or more antennas 8, NFC technology is used.

[0052] In this method, the socket 1, 100 is rotated by the tightening tool 31 to screw or unscrew the fastening element 22.

[0053] The sensorized fastening system 21, in particular during the steps of screwing or unscrewing, sends, by the signal transceiver 24, a signal that is representative of a tightening datum. The signal is transferred via the socket 1, 100 to one or more antennas 8 provided on the tightening tool 31. In particular, the signal is transferred owing to the openings 6 present on the portion 5 of the hollow body 2 of the socket 1, 100. More in particular, the signal is transferred in real time during the steps of screwing or unscrewing, during the rotation of the socket 1, 100, the antennas 8 facing the openings 6.

[0054] Further, the signal is transferred when the socket 1, 100 is brought up to the sensorized fastening system 21, in particular engages the fastening element 22, and the socket 1, 100 is stationary. In other words, the signal is transferred when the first end 3 of the socket 1, 100 receives the fastening element 22 and the socket 1, 100 is stationary, both just before the start of the screwing / unscrewing operation, and at the end of the screwing / unscrewing operation.

[0055] The signal is then transmitted by one or more antennas 8 to a control unit.

[0056] Further, the tightening tool 31 and thus the rotation of the socket 1, 100 is controlled on the basis of the signal transmitted by the sensorized fastening system 21 to the control unit. In particular, according to this method, controlling the rotation of the socket 1, 100 comprises stopping the rotation of the socket 1, 100. In fact, the control unit receives and processes the signal coming from the sensorized fastening system and adjusts the rotation of the socket 1, 100 through feedback on the basis of the value detected by processing the signal received.

[0057] For example, the control unit processes the signal coming from the sensorized fastening system showing the axial tightening force of the fastening element and controls the tightening tool so as to adjust the torque applied by the tightening tool to the fastening element dynamically, i.e. during the tightening operation, until the rotation of the socket is arrested when a set tightening torque value, i.e. a threshold value, is reached.

[0058] In the light of what has been set out above, it is clear that the present invention achieves the set objects.

[0059] The socket 1, 100 and the tightening tool 31 enable tightening data to be transferred simply and effectively in real time.

[0060] The socket 1, 100 enables a signal coming from a sensorized fastening system during screwing or unscrewing of the fastening system to be transferred in real time.

Claims

Claims1. Socket for screwing or unscrewing a fastening element, said socket (1, 100) comprising a hollow body (2) provided with a cavity (2C), of a first end (3) shaped to rotate said fastening element and with a second end (4) couplable with a drive shaft of a tightening tool for rotating said socket (1, 100) around a rotation axis (X), said socket (1, 100) being further conformed to transfer a signal coming from, or directed to, a sensorized fastening system (21) comprising said fastening element (22).

2. Socket (1, 100) according to claim 1, comprising one or more through openings (6) obtained on said hollow body (2) to enable said signal coming from or directed to said sensorized fastening system (21) to be transferred, wherein said through openings (6) are provided in a portion (5) of said hollow body (2) to connect an environment outside said socket (1, 100) to said cavity (2C) of said hollow body (2), said portion (5) being intermediate between said first end (3) and said second end (4).

3. Socket (1) according to claim 2, wherein said portion (5) is nearer said second end (4).

4. Socket (1, 100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said portion (5) is cylindrical.

5. Socket (1, 100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein each of said one or more openings (6) has a slot shape.

6. Socket (1, 100) according to claim 5, wherein said slot shape has an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the socket (1, 100).

7. Socket (1, 100) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said openings (6) are arranged angularly equidistant on the outer circumference of the hollow body (2).

8. Socket (1, 100) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein said openings (6) are arranged at the same distance from said second end (4), said distance being measured along a direction of longitudinal extent of said socket (1, 100).

9. Tightening tool for screwing or unscrewing a fastening element comprising a drive shaft (32) to which a socket (1, 100) according to any one of claims 2 to 8 is fitted, said tightening tool comprising one or more antennas (8) facing said portion (5) on which said one or more through openings (6) are provided on said socket (1, 100) and configured to transfer a signal coming from said sensorized fastening system (21) to a control unit or to transfer a further signal directed to said sensorizedfastening system (21) from said control unit or to transfer both said signal and said further signal.

10. Tightening tool (31) according to claim 9, comprising a casing (33) that surrounds at least partially said socket (1, 100), said one or more antennas (8) being arranged between said casing (33) and said socket (1, 100).

11. Tightening tool (31) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said tightening tool (31) comprises at least one of said one or more antennas (8) for each of said through openings (6).

12. Tightening tool (31) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein said one or more antennas (8) have a first end part (8a) the dimensions of which are equal to or greater than each opening (6).

13. Tightening tool (31) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said one or more antennas (8) comprise a winding with coils surrounding said socket (1, 100) at said one or more openings (6).

14. Method for transferring a signal coming from a sensorized fastening system (21) comprising the following steps: a tightening tool (31) according to one of claims 9 to 13 to which a socket (1, 100) according to one of claims 2 to 8 is fitted, is brought close to said sensorized fastening system (21) to screw or unscrew a fastening element (22) of said sensorized fastening system (21);- the sensorized fastening system (21) is energized; said socket (1, 100) is rotated by said tightening tool (31) to screw or unscrew said fastening element (22); a signal that is representative of a tightening datum sent by said sensorized fastening system (21) is transferred via said socket (1, 100) to an antenna (8) provided on said tightening tool (31).

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein said sensorized fastening system (21) is energized by magnetic induction.

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, comprising the step of transmitting said representative signal from said antenna (8) to a control unit.

17. Method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, comprising the step of controlling the rotation of said socket (1, 100) on the basis of said representative signal.

18. Method according to claim 17, wherein said controlling comprises stopping the rotation of said socket (1, 100) when said representative signal reaches a set threshold.

19. Method according to one of claims 14 to 18, wherein said representative signal of said tightening datum sent by said sensorized fastening system (21) is transferred via said socket (1, 100) to said antenna (8) when said socket (1, 100) engages said fastening element (22) and is stationary or rotates to screw or unscrew said fastening element (22).

20. Using a socket (1, 100) according to any one of claims 2 to 8 to transfer a signal coming from a sensorized fastening system (21), through said one or more openings(6) of said socket (1, 100), to an antenna arranged in an environment outside said socket (1, 100) and / or to transfer a signal coming from said antenna, through said one or more openings (6), to said sensorized fastening system (21).

Citation Information

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