Socket and tightening tool

Abstract

A socket for screwing or unscrewing a fastening element comprises a hollow body (2) provided with a first end (3) shaped to rotate the fastening element and with a second end (4) couplable with a drive shaft of a tightening tool to rotate the socket (1, 100) around a rotation axis (X), the socket (1, 100) is further conformed to transfer a signal coming from and / or directed to a sensorized fastening system comprising the fastening element and a wireless signal transceiver (24), and comprises an antenna (5) configured to receive a signal from the wireless signal transceiver (24) and an antenna-holder element (6) configured to house the antenna (5), the antenna-holder element (6) is arranged inside the body (2) and is distinct from the body (2). Further, a tightening tool and a tightening torque control system are disclosed.

Description

Socket and tightening toolBackground of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a socket for screwing or unscrewing a fastening element, for example a screw or a nut, also conformed 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 tightening 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 transmitter-receiver element or module, is, for example, a hub nut system for fastening a wheel in which the hub can be provided with the signal transceiver. The signal can comprise, for example, information on the tightening of 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 of the axial deformation of the shank 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 to adjust by 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 tightening torque control system.Background of the invention

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

[0003] The tightening data play 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 avoid the latter detaching unexpectedly after being fitted. In this field, 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, which is configured to screw or unscrew a fastening element. The fastening element can be a nut couplable for example with a hub of a wheel, or a screw. Such impact wrenches are provided with torque sensors to obtain information on the tightening 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 this is 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, torque is not measured at the fastening element itself.

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

[0008] In order to detect tightening data, fixing systems are moreover known that are provided with sensors that are able to detect and store tightening parameters. In particular, the fixing systems comprise screws provided with sensors and wireless transmitters. The transmitters are arranged in the head of the screw and transmit signals referring to tightening data.

[0009] Owing to the conformation of the fixing 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. Such systems do not therefore allow the tightening data to be transmitted in real time during tightening.

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

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

[0012] A further object of this 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 itself.

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

[0014] Yet another object is to provide a socket for transferring a signal that is easily reparable.

[0015] 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 appended to this description.Short description of the drawings

[0016] The invention can be better understood with reference to the appended 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, in a first position, fitted to a shaft of an impact wrench during the interaction with a hub -nut system;Figure 2 is an axial section of the assembly of Figure 1 in a second position;Figure 3 is an axial section of an assembly including a socket according to a second embodiment, in a first position, fitted to a shaft of an impact wrench during the interaction with a screw fastening system;Figure 4 is an axial section of the assembly of Figure 3 in a second position;Figure 5 is an axonometric view of the assembly of Figure 3;Figure 6 is an axonometric view of the assembly of Figure 4;Figure 7 is an exploded view of the assembly of Figure 5;Figure 8 is an axonometric section view of a component of the socket according to this invention;Figure 9 is an axial section of the component of Figure 8.Detailed description

[0017] This invention relates to a socket for screwing or unscrewing a fastening element 22. The fastening element 22 comprises an element provided with inner or outer threading and can be un nut (Figures 1 and 2) or a screw (Figures 3-7), as will be disclosed in detail below. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the socket is indicated by the reference 1, and in theembodiment of Figures 3-7 the socket is indicated by the reference 100. For the two embodiments of socket 1, 100 shown, the same reference numbers are used to indicate shared elements or elements having the same function.

[0018] The socket 1, 100 comprises a body 2 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 as to 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, which 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 that is 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.

[0019] The first end 3 is shaped to interact with the fastening element 22 to rotate the fastening element 22 around the axis of rotation X. In particular, the axis of rotation X is a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the body 2. The first end 3 defines a front opening that is suitable for receiving at least one portion of the fastening element 22. The first end 3 can be provided with appropriate teeth or grooves to engage a nut, in particular to fasten wheels in the motor sport sector, or engage the head of a screw.

[0020] 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 as far as the second end 4.

[0021] The socket 1, 100 is configured to transfer a signal coming from un sensorized fastening system 21.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, the socket 1, 100 is configured to transfer a signal directed to the sensorized fastening system 21.

[0023] In this description, ‘signal’ means a signal containing information, in particular information on tightening operating conditions, including for example tightening data. The tightening data can comprise in particular tightening torque applied, axial tightening force, pressure on the head of the screw or on the nut. Further, the signal can comprise for example information on the operator who performed the tightening, the date on which and the time at which tightening occurred, identification of the tool used to perform tightening,identification of the fastening element, i.e. of the screw or of the nut, the temperature of the system etc.

[0024] The signal is transmitted in the form of wireless radio waves.

[0025] The sensorized fastening system 21 comprises the fastening element 22, a sensor, which is not illustrated, to detect a measurement of a physical parameter or a parameter indicating a tightening 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.

[0026] According to a first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the sensorized fastening system 21 is a hub-nut system, used for example for fastening a wheel of a vehicle. In this embodiment, the fastening element 22 comprises a nut. In particular, the hub-nut system is of the type in which the wheel is fixed to the hub by a single nut, as in the case of hub-nut systems of single nut type provided in competition motor vehicle, as for example in Formula 1 motor vehicles. The signal transceiver 24 is fastened to a hub 23, in particular to an end portion of the hub 23, also called a nose 25; an outer surface 27 of the hub 23 is provided with threading 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, temperature and axial 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 the reference 1.

[0027] According to a second embodiment illustrated in Figures 3-7, 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 a 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, a protruding portion 29 in which the signal transceiver 24 is housed 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 thisembodiment, the socket is indicated by the reference 100. The socket 100 differs from the socket 1 substantially by the overall dimensions and by the shape of the first end 3, which is shaped in the socket 100 to interact with the head of the screw.

[0028] The socket 1, 100 comprises an antenna 5 (Figure 2 and Figure 4) configured to receive the signal from the signal transceiver 24.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, the antenna 5 is configured to transfer a signal directed to the sensorized fastening system 21.

[0030] The socket 1, 100 further comprises an antenna-holder element 6 configured to house the antenna 5. The antenna-holder element 6 is arranged inside the body 2, in particular in the cavity 2C, so as to be rotatable with the body 2 around the axis of rotation X.

[0031] The antenna-holder element 6 is distinct from the body 2. In other words, the antennaholder element 6 is a free-standing item that is separable from the body 2. The antennaholder element 6 that is distinct and separable from the body 2 makes it possible to repair the socket 1, 100 owing to easy replacement of the antenna-holder element 6 itself or of the antenna 5 contained therein or owing to the possible replacement of the body 2, for example because it is worn, in particular near the first end 3, maintaining the antenna-holder element 6. Further, the antenna-holder element 6 acts as a protection element for the antenna 5 that is protected by shocks that could occur in use, with parts of the sensorized fastening system 21.

[0032] In particular, the antenna-holder element 6 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The longitudinal axis of the antenna-holder element 6 is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X. More in particular, in use, the longitudinal axis of the antenna-holder element 6 substantially coincides with the axis of symmetry of the body 2 and thus with the axis of rotation X around which the antenna-holder element 6 and the body 2 rotate together to screw or unscrew the fastening element 22.

[0033] The antenna-holder element 6 is configured to face the signal transceiver 24.

[0034] The antenna-holder element 6 comprises a front wall 6A facing in use the nose 25 of the hub 23 or, in the second embodiment in which the fastening element is a screw, facing in use the head of the screw.

[0035] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the front wall 6A can comprise an abutting surface 6A’ shaped to abut on a counter- surface 28 of the end portion of the sensorized fastening system 21, in particular to abut on at least one part of the end portion of the sensorized fastening system 21 that is sufficiently distant from the signal transceiver 24 so as not tocause mechanical stress directly on the signal transceiver 24. When the abutting surface 6A’ abuts on the counter-surface 28, the antenna 5 is in a position that enables the antenna 5 to “couple” with the signal transceiver 24, i.e. is at a distance that is such as to receive a signal from signal transceiver 24 or to supply a signal to the signal transceiver 24 or both actions. The front wall 6A can be shaped to surround at least partially the end portion of the sensorized fastening system 21 - in other words the portion of nose 25 of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 - in which the signal transceiver 24 of the sensorized fastening system 21 is housed. In fact, the front wall 6A has a recess 6A”, in particular a central recess 6A”, shaped to receive the nose 25.

[0036] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the abutting surface 6 A’ can be arranged at the recess 6 A’ ’ shaped to receive the end portion of the sensorized fastening system 21 in which the signal transceiver 24 is housed. In this embodiment, the counter-surface 28 of the end portion of the sensorized fastening system 21 is obtained on the protruding portion 29.

[0037] In both embodiments, the antenna-holder element 6 and the body 2 are further movable in relation to one another along a translation direction F and along a further translation direction W, opposite the translation direction F, both substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X. In other words, the antenna-holder element 6 and the body 2 are movable in translation in relation to one another. This enables the body 2 to slide on the antennaholder element 6 that in use, when during screwing - in which the body 2 and the antennaholder element 6 rotate together - the body 2 moves along the translation direction F with respect to the signal transceiver 24 of the fastening element 22, the antenna-holder element 6 remains in contact with the end portion of the sensorized fastening system 21 in particular nearer the signal transceiver 24, in a position with respect to the signal transceiver 24 that enables a signal to be transmitted between the signal transceiver 24 and the antenna 5.

[0038] The antenna-holder element 6 is configured to slide inside the body 2 because of a reaction exerted by the counter-surface 28 on the abutting surface 6A’ of the antenna-holder element 6 through the effect of the translation of the socket 1, 100 along the direction F, in particular of the body 2, with respect to the antenna-holder element 6 and thus with respect to the signal transceiver 24. The translation of the socket 1. 100 is caused by a thrust exerted by an operator who handles the tightening tool 31 on the sensorized fastening system 21.

[0039] For example, when the sensorized fastening system 21 is the hub-nut system illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, in which the fastening element 22 is a single nut, for screwing or unscrewing the fastening element 22, the antenna-holder element 6 abuts in use on thecounter-surface 28 of the end portion of the hub 23, in particular of the nose 25, bearing the signal transceiver 24. Once the counter-surface 28 has been abutted, the antenna-holder element 6 remains fixed in translation with respect to the hub 23 and in particular with respect to the signal transceiver 24. At the same time, during rotation of the socket 1, the body 2 translates together with the fastening element 22 along the translation direction F during screwing or along the further translation direction W during unscrewing, whereas the antenna-holder element 6 remains in a fixed axial position with respect to the signal transceiver 24.

[0040] When the sensorized fastening system 21 is the screw fastening system, illustrated in Figures 3-7, for screwing or unscrewing the fastening element 22, the antenna-holder element 6 abuts in use on the counter-surface 28 of the end portion of the sensorized fastening system 21, in particular obtained on the protruding portion 29 of the head of the screw, bearing the signal transceiver 24, the antenna-holder element 6 remaining fixed in translation with respect to the counter-surface 28. At the same time, the body 2 of the socket 100 translates along the translation direction F or the further translation direction W with respect to the end portion of the sensorized fastening system 21, in particular with respect to the signal transceiver 24 and to the antenna-holder element 6 so that the first end 3 of the body 2 of the socket 100 can interact with the fastening element 22 to screw it or unscrew it. In particular, the body 2 of the socket 100 translates along the translation direction F to receive in the first end 3 the head of the screw for screwing or unscrewing the fastening element and along the further translation direction W to separate the first end 3 from the head of the screw.

[0041] Substantially, in both embodiments, the antenna-holder element 6 is configured to slide inside the body 2 when the counter-surface 28 of the end portion of the sensorized fastening system 21, bearing the signal transceiver 24, opposes the advance of the antennaholder element 6, exerting a counter thrust on the antenna-holder element 6, whilst the body 2 translates with respect to the end portion of the sensorized fastening system 21, and thus with respect to the signal transceiver 24 and accordingly with respect to the antenna-holder element 6. In this manner, the antenna 5 inside the antenna-holder element 6 remains “coupled” with the signal transceiver 24 during the entire screwing operation. This occurs analogously during the reverse operation i.e. unscrewing of the nut from the hub or, in the second embodiment, of unscrewing of the screw from a support on which it is screwed.

[0042] In one embodiment that is not illustrated, the signal transceiver 24 is recessed in the screw, in particular in the head of the screw. In this embodiment, the counter surface of the end portion of the sensorized fastening system is obtained on the head of the screw and the antenna-holder element is shaped to abut the counter surface, in particular the head of the screw. For screwing or unscrewing such fastening element, the antenna-holder element abuts in use on the counter-surface of the head of the screw and remains fixed in translation with respect to the counter-surface. At the same time, the body of the socket translates along the translation direction so that the first end of the body of the socket can interact with the fastening element to screw it or unscrew it. After the fastening element is screwed or unscrewed, the body of the socket is translated along the further translation direction with respect to the end portion of the sensorized fastening system, so that the separation of the first end of the body of the socket and the head of the screw occurs.

[0043] The antenna 5 and the signal transceiver 24 can be supplied by a battery. The battery can be arranged on the tightening tool 31 to supply the antenna 5 and, for example by magnetic induction, the signal transceiver 24.

[0044] The sliding of the antenna-holder element 6 enables the antenna 5 to face the signal transceiver 24 during screwing and unscrewing. In this manner, it is possible to use a battery of small dimensions to supply the antenna 5 and the signal transceiver 24 because, as these elements are very near, less power is necessary allow the signal to be transferred.

[0045] The antenna-holder element 6 is slidable inside the body 2 between a first position A, illustrated in Figures 1, 3 and 5, and a second position B, illustrated in Figures 2, 4 and 6. In the first position A, the antenna-holder element 6 is more distant from the second end 4. In the second position B, the antenna-holder element 6 is nearer the second end 4.

[0046] In particular, in the first position A, the antenna-holder element 6 is nearer the first end 3; in the second position B, the antenna-holder element 6 is further from the first end 3 of the body 2.

[0047] In other words, the antenna-holder element 6 translating from the first position A to the second position B moves away from the first end 3 of the body 2 and towards the second end 4 of the body 2. The antenna-holder element 6 translating from the second position B to the first position A moves towards the first end 3 and away from the second end 4 of the body 2.

[0048] The reaction exerted by the sensorized fastening system 21, in particular by the end portion of the sensorized fastening system 21, on the antenna-holder element 6 results in acorresponding movement of the antenna-holder element 6 from the first position A to the second position B.

[0049] The socket 1, 100 according to this invention comprises spring means 8 that acts on the antenna-holder element 6. The spring means 8 is configured to maintain the antenna holder element 6 element in the first position A. Further, the spring means 8 is configured to return the antenna-holder element 6 in the first position A when the reaction exerted by the end portion of the sensorized fastening system 21 ceases, i.e. at the end of the thrust exerted by the body 2 of the socket 1, 100 on the sensorized fastening system 21. In other words, the spring means 8 returns the antenna-holder element 6 to the first position A at the end of the screwing or unscrewing operations of the fastening element 21. In particular, the spring means 8 comprises a compression spring, for example a coil spring.

[0050] The socket 1, 100 is provided with a seat 9 for the spring means 8. The seat 9 is arranged in the cavity 2C, in particular between the second end 4 and the antenna-holder element 6. More in particular, the seat 9 is fitted near the second end 4, in particular to the drive shaft 32.

[0051] The socket 1, 100 comprises stop means 7 inside the body 2. The stop means 7 is configured to stop the stroke of the antenna-holder element 6 in the first position A. In the first position A, the antenna-holder element 6 is thus in contact with the stop means 7. In particular, the stop means 7 stops the antenna-holder element 6 in the first position A whilst the spring means 8 exerts on the antenna-holder element 6 a thrust action directed towards the stop means 7.

[0052] The stop means 7 is arranged in the cavity 2C on an inner surface of the body 2. In particular, the stop means 7 comprises an elastic ring, for example of the Seeger type.

[0053] The body 2 comprises a portion of grooved inner surface, in particular at the antennaholder element 6. The portion of grooved inner surface is provided with one or more grooves 2’ that extend parallel to the axis of rotation X.

[0054] The antenna-holder element 6 comprises an outer surface provided with one or more protrusions 6’ - illustrated schematically in Figure 7 - that extend parallel to the axis of rotation X and are shaped to engage one or more grooves 2’ to enable the antenna-holder element 6 to rotate around the axis of rotation X together with the body 2.

[0055] Such one or more protrusions 6’ and one or more grooves 2’ further enable the antenna-holder element 6 to slide in the body 2. In other words, the protrusions 6’ and the grooves 2’ guide, in use, the reciprocal translation movement of the body 2 and of theantenna-holder element 6 along the translation direction F e along the further translation direction W.

[0056] The socket 1, 100 comprises a further antenna 10. The further antenna 10 is fixed outside the body 2, in particular to the outer surface of the body 2, and is configured to transfer the signal from the antenna 5 inside the socket 1, 100 to a transceiving device 12 outside the socket 1, 100, which can be comprised in the tightening tool 31.

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, the further antenna 10 is configured to transfer the signal from the transceiving device 12 outside the socket 1, 100 to the antenna 5.

[0058] The antenna 5 and the further antenna 10 are connected by a cable 13. In particular, the antenna 5 and the further antenna 10 are supplied by the same source of energy, for example the battery disclosed above.

[0059] The body 2 is provided with a through hole 14 that enables the cable 13 to pass between the inside and the outside of the body 2, in particular between the cavity 2C and the outside of the body 2. In particular, the axis of the hole 14 is transverse to the axis of rotation X.

[0060] The antenna-holder element 6 comprises a housing 6R in which the antenna 5 is housed. In particular, the housing 6R is an annular housing.

[0061] As illustrated, the antenna 5 comprises an annular winding housed in the antennaholder element 6, in particular housed in the housing 6R.

[0062] The further antenna 10 comprises a further annular winding that surrounds a portion of the outer surface of the body 2.

[0063] With reference to Figures 8 and 9, the antenna-holder element 6 has the beakershaped body and comprises the front wall 6A and an edge 60 arranged at an end of the antenna-holder element 6 opposite the front wall 6A. The front wall 6A faces the first end 3. In particular, the front wall 6A extends, at least partially, transversely to the axis of rotation X. The edge 60 bounds an access opening giving access to the housing 6R. The edge 60 faces the second end 4.

[0064] The antenna-holder element 6 comprises a side wall 6L that connects the front wall 6A and the edge 60. The outer surface of the side wall 6L or at least one part thereof, is provided with protrusions 6’ which are shown in Figure 7.

[0065] The front wall 6A is a recessed wall. The side wall 6L and the front wall 6A define the housing 6R inside the antenna-holder element 6.

[0066] The antenna-holder element 6 comprises an abutting seat 6M on which the spring means 8 acts. In particular, the abutting seat 6M is obtained on an inner face of the front wall 6 A. The inner face of the front wall 6 A is opposite an outer face of the front wall 6 A that faces, in use, the sensorized fastening system 21. The abutting seat 6M comprises a substantially cylindrical inner wall 6C that extends from the front wall 6A to the second end 4 of the body 2. In particular, the inner wall 6C comprises an axis of symmetry substantially parallel, in particular parallel, to the axis of rotation X.

[0067] The antenna-holder element 6 is made of a material that is transparent to radio waves. In particular, it is made of polymer material, in particular a heat-resistant polymer, for example PTFE, PEEK, PA.

[0068] The antenna-holder element 6 is substantially the same for both embodiments of socket 1, 100 that are shown, apart from the overall dimensions.

[0069] According to this invention, a tightening tool 31 is further provided for screwing or unscrewing a fastening element 22. The tightening tool 31 comprises a drive shaft 32 to which the socket 1, 100 is fitted.

[0070] The tightening tool 31 is configured to transfer a signal coming from the socket 1, 100 to a control unit, which is not shown, that is able to process this signal.

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, the tightening tool 31 is configured to transfer a further signal directed to the socket 1, 100 coming from the control unit.

[0072] The tightening tool 31 can comprise the transceiving device 12 to receive and transmit the signal. The transceiving device 12 is fastened to a portion of the tightening tool 31. The tightening tool 31 comprises a casing 33 that surrounds the socket 1, 100 at least partially.

[0073] The transceiving device 12 is so fitted as to be interposed between a wall of the casing 33 and a portion of the socket 1, 100. In particular, the transceiving device 12 is so fitted as to be interposed between a wall of the casing 33 and an outer surface of the body 2. The casing 33 can moreover act as a gripping point for the operator during use of the impact wrench, protecting the hand of the operator.

[0074] For example, the transceiving device 12 faces the further antenna 10 of the socket 1, 100.

[0075] As illustrated in Figures 1-6, the transceiving device 12 is housed in a ring 30 that surrounds a portion of the body 2 of the socket 1, 100. The ring 30 is interposed between the wall of the casing 33 and an outer surface of the body 2.

[0076] The tightening tool 31 can comprise a plurality of transceiving devices 12, for example two or three or four or more, arranged between the wall of the casing 33 and the outer surface of the body 2, in particular housed in the ring 30. More in particular, the transceiving devices 12 are arranged around the outer surface of the body 2 so as to be angularly equidistant from one another.

[0077] The control unit comprises an electronic board connected to the tightening tool 31. In particular, the electronic board is fitted to the tightening tool 31, more in particular it is fitted to a part of the tightening tool 31, for example in the grip of the tightening tool 31 or to the body of the tightening tool 31.

[0078] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a control system is provided for controlling the tightening torque of a tightening tool that comprises the tightening tool 31 and the control unit. The control unit is in a remote position compared with the tightening tool 31.

[0079] For example, during operation, the control unit receives a signal from the sensorized fastening system 21, in particular information on the axial tightening force, which indicates with how much force the sensorized fastening system 21 is connected. When a given force is reached, the control unit sends a signal that indicates that a desired tightening torque is reached and the tightening tool 31 stops screwing.

[0080] In the light of what is set out above, it is clear that this invention achieves the set objects.

[0081] The socket 1, 100 and the tightening tool 31 enable tightening data to be transferred in real time, simply and effectively.

[0082] The socket 1, 100 allows a signal coming from a sensorized fastening system to be transferred in real time during screwing or unscrewing of the fastening system. Owing to the antenna-holder element 6 and to the antenna 5 arranged inside the body 2, the socket 1, 100 can cooperate dynamically with a sensorized fastening element in order to control and regulate torque applied to the fastening element.

[0083] Further, the socket 1, 100 is easily repairable owing to the antenna-holder element 6 that is distinct and separable from the body 2 that makes repair of the socket 1, 100 possible with a simple replacement of the antenna-holder element 6 or of the antenna 5 contained therein or of only the body 2.

[0084] Further, the antenna-holder element 6 acts as a protection element for the antenna 5 that is protected by shocks that could occur in use, with parts of the sensorized fastening system 21, ensuring greater reliability in transferring data.

Claims

Claims1. Socket for screwing or unscrewing a fastening element, said socket (1, 100) comprising a hollow body (2) provided with 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 to rotate said socket (1, 100) around a rotation axis (X), said socket (1, 100) being further conformed to transfer a signal coming from and / or directed to a sensorized fastening system comprising said fastening element and a wireless signal transceiver (24), said socket (1, 100) comprising an antenna (5) configured to receive a signal from said wireless signal transceiver (24) and an antenna-holder element (6) configured to house said antenna (5), said antenna-holder element (6) being arranged inside said body (2), in which said antenna-holder element (6) is distinct from said body (2).

2. Socket (1, 100) according to claim 1, wherein said antenna-holder element (6) is fitted to said body (2) so as to be rotatable with said body (2) around said rotation axis (X).

3. Socket (1, 100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said antenna-holder element (6) and said body (2) are movable with respect to each other along a translation direction (F, W) substantially parallel to said rotation axis (X) so that, in use, when said body (2) moves along said translation direction (F, W) during said screwing or unscrewing said fastening element, said antenna-holder element (6) remains nearer said transceiver (24).

4. Socket (1, 100) according to claim 3, wherein said antenna-holder (6) is slidable inside said body (2) between a first position (A), wherein said antenna-holder element (6) is further from said second end (4), and a second position (B), in which said antenna-holder element (6) is nearer said second end (4) of said body (2).

5. Socket (1, 100) according to claim 4, comprising stop means (7) inside said body (2) between said first end (3) and said second end (4) to stop a stroke of said antennaholder element (6) in said first position (A), said antenna-holder element (6) being in contact with said stop means (7) in said first position (A).

6. Socket (1, 100) according to claim 4 or 5, comprising spring means (8) that act on said antenna-holder element (6) to maintain the antenna-holder element (6) in said first position (A).

7. Socket (1, 100) according to any preceding claim, wherein said antenna-holder element (6) comprises an abutting surface (6A’) shaped to abut on a counter-surface (28) of said sensorized fastening system (21).

8. Socket (1, 100) according to claim 7, as claim 7 is appended to claim 4 or 5 or 6, wherein said antenna-holder element (6) is configured to slide inside said body (2) by means of a reaction exerted by said counter-surface (28) of said sensorized fastening system on said antenna-holder element (6) generated by a translation of said body (2) with respect to said transceiver (24) during said screwing.

9. Socket (1, 100) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein said antenna-holder element (6) comprises an outer surface provided with one or more protrusions (6’) and said body (2) comprises a grooved inner surface provided with one or more grooves (2’), said one or more protrusions (6’) being shaped to couple with said one or more grooves (2’), said one or more protrusions (6’) and said one or more grooves (2’) extending along axes parallel to the rotation axis (X) to enable said antennaholder element (6) to slide in said body (2) and to enable said antenna-holder element (6) to rotate around said rotation axis (X) with said body (2).

10. Socket (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said antenna (5) comprises an annular winding housed in said antenna-holder element (6).

11. Socket (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said antenna (5) is connected to a further antenna (10) fixed outside said body (2), said further antenna (10) being configured to transfer said signal from said antenna (5) inside said socket (1, 100) to a transceiving device (12) outside said socket (1, 100) and / or to transmit said signal from said transceiving device (12) outside said antenna (5) inside said socket (1, 100).

12. Socket (1, 100) according to claim 11, wherein said further antenna (10) comprises a further annular winding that surrounds a portion of the outer surface of said body (2).

13. Socket (1, 100) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said antenna (5) and said further antenna (10) are connected by means of a cable (13), said body (2) being provided with a through hole (14) to enable said cable (13) pass between the inside and the outside of said body (2).

14. Socket (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said antennaholder element (6) is made of a material that is transparent to radio waves, in particular is made of a polymer material.

15. 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 1 to 14 is fitted that is configured to transfer a signal coming from said socket (1, 100) to a control unit or to transfer a further signal directed to said socket (1, 100) by a control unit or to transfer both said signal and said further signal.

16. Tightening tool (31) according to claim 15, comprising a transceiving device (12) for receiving and transmitting said signal, said transceiving device (12) being fixed to a part of said tightening tool (31).

17. Tightening tool (31) according to claim 16, comprising a casing (33) that surrounds at least partially said socket (1, 100), said transceiving device (12) being fitted to said casing (33).

18. Tightening tool (31) according to claim 17, wherein said transceiving device (12) is fitted so as to be interposed between a wall of said casing (33) and a portion of said socket (1, 100).

19. Tightening tool (31) according to one of claims 15 to 18, wherein said control unit comprises an electronic board fitted / fixed to a surface / part / portion of said tightening tool (31).

20. Control system for controlling the tightening torque applicable by a tightening tool to a sensorized fastening element comprising a tightening tool (31) according to one of claims 15 to 18, wherein said control unit is in a remote position with respect to said tightening tool (31).

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