ITUA20164314A1 - Torque wrenches with data exchange, system and management method - Google Patents

Description

Description of the patent application for industrial invention entitled "Torque wrenches with data exchange, system and management method"

The present invention relates to an electronic torque wrench of the type comprising an electronic unit for storing, checking and displaying the tightening parameters. Here with electronic torque wrench we mean an electronic tightening device equipped with torque and / or angle sensors for the command and / or electronic control of the tightening.

For their functioning, these keys require an electric power source. In addition, an electrical connection is often necessary for the exchange of information to and from the key, for example to automatically set the operating parameters and / or to download the operating information stored during the use of the key itself.

For the power supply, the keys are often equipped with an internal rechargeable battery.

Electric contacts or connectors on the external surface of the key then allow the connection with a suitable recharger and for data exchange. To facilitate the connection, supports have also been proposed in which the keys must be inserted to automatically engage the electric contacts for charging and / or data exchange.

Due to the conditions of use of torque wrenches (for example in vehicle assembly lines) the use of electrical contacts or connectors always involves reliability problems. In particular, humidity or dirt on the contacts can lead to false connections with problems of not charging. To remedy this, it has been proposed to provide the contacts with sealed covers to be removed before connection. However, this entails an operational obstacle and can also mislead, for example with the user putting the key back in its seat to reload it, forgetting to remove the protective covers. Furthermore, the continuous removal and repositioning of the covers can lead to the breakage of the same, rendering them unusable.

Another problem is that the positioning must still be precise to ensure the connection and this requires particular care by the user.

A problem is also due to the need for the key to communicate its data externally and receive programming data from the outside even during use. To achieve this, keys equipped with a special communication connector have been proposed to connect the key to an external system, for example a key management system within the plant.

The need to physically connect a connector leads to the above-mentioned reliability problems. Furthermore, the use of such a connection binds the key to a fixed station for the entire duration of the transfer.

However, it is preferred that the keys are not bound by electrical cables that hinder their use in the field.

To partially solve these problems, keys have been proposed in which data transmission occurs through radio interfaces with keys that communicate with fixed systems at relatively long distances in the system. In the environments of normal use of torque wrenches, however, there are often many sources of radio interference, which often make the transmission of information to and from the key unreliable or very slow. Furthermore, multiple keys that transmit or receive can interfere with each other, disturbing the exchange of information. Key management in extended systems can therefore be very difficult, especially if the various keys in the system must have different settings depending on the area or station of the system where they are used. It is also necessary to provide complex communication methods to select the right keys among all those that communicate or can communicate via radio in the system.

The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a torque wrench that allows a quick, reliable and practical exchange of information to and from the wrench. A further purpose is to allow rapid, reliable and efficient management of keys. A further purpose is to provide a key with its charging base that allows easy recharging without electrical connection problems for recharging. In view of these purposes it was decided to realize, according to the invention, an electronic torque wrench characterized by the fact of including an NFC module for communication with the outside.

It was also thought of creating an assembly comprising an electronic torque wrench and an external unit for communicating with the key, characterized by the fact that the key and the external unit each include an NFC communication module for exchanging data between the key and the unit. when the key is close to the outdoor unit.

The key can comprise rechargeable batteries and, again according to the invention, the assembly can also include a charging base and recharging can advantageously take place by means of induction energy transfer.

A system according to the invention can comprise a plurality of sets of keys and external communication units and also include a key management unit that exchanges information with keys and / or external communication units through a communication line.

A method for managing electronic torque wrenches in an installation comprising the said system may comprise the steps of exchanging data and / or operating parameters with the keys through the NFC modules of the keys, using one or more of the following conditions:

- when a key is coupled to a charging base, if the base is equipped with an NFC module, exchanging data and / or operating parameters with the NFC module of the key by means of the NFC module of the charging base;

- when a key is brought close to a communication unit, exchanging data and / or operating parameters with the NFC module of the key by means of the NFC module of the communication unit;

- when a key is coupled through its NFC module to the NFC module of another key, exchanging data and / or operating parameters with the other key by means of the respective NFC modules of the keys.

To clarify the explanation of the innovative principles of the present invention and its advantages with respect to the known art, an exemplary embodiment applying these principles will be described below, with the help of the attached drawings. In the drawings:

-figure 1 represents a schematic view in perspective of an assembly of torque wrench plus charging station and / or data exchange according to the invention; - figure 2 represents a block diagram of the torque wrench system according to the invention;

-figure 3 represents a schematic view of a key system according to the invention associated with a system that uses this system.

With reference to the figures, Figure 1 shows an assembly, indicated generically with 10, of a dynamometric key 11 and of a charging and / or data exchange base 12.

In the exemplary embodiment, the key 11, of generically elongated shape, comprises a handle 13, a box-like body 14 (containing the electronic circuits of the key) and a clamping head 15. Internally the key will have a rechargeable power supply battery and known sensors. to detect the torque and possibly the tightening angle impressed with the wrench. During use, the electronic circuit of the key can, for example, detect the tightening parameters and indicate the achievement of a correct tightening based on the parameters detected and those stored for reference. Furthermore, the key can show the parameters and any other information on a display. It may also possibly store the parameters and operating modes for the purpose of subsequent documentation, etc. All of this is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be shown or described further.

Advantageously, the key 11 comprises an NFC (Near Field Communication) communication module 18, intended to exchange information to and from the key. The exchange can take place with another similar key and / or with the base 12, preferably also equipped with an NFC communication module 19. As is known, NFC systems communicate with each other when they are positioned at a short distance (for example, maximum 5-10cm) from each other.

The base 12 can advantageously contain an inductive coupling coil 16 powered by a suitable electrical source and designed to couple with a complementary coil 17 contained in the key. The coupling takes place when the key is substantially placed in contact with the base so that the coil 17 in the key can inductively receive electrical energy from the coil 16. The charging base can be a stand-alone system used locally for charging only. of a key or, preferably, it can be part of a complex key management system.

The charging base can also be cradle-shaped to impose a specific positioning of the key and / or to support the key (for example in the case of mounting the base on a vertical surface, so as to "hang" the key on the base). The shape of the cradle may depend on the specific shape of the key, although, thanks to wireless charging, it is possible to easily create a cradle to accommodate keys of different shapes.

NFC communication can also be used locally by the charging base to set the charging base appropriately according to the specific key or model of key placed on the base. In this case, the NFC module of the key will communicate to the NFC module of the base the model or identity of the key located on the base and possibly parameters useful for recharging (such as for example the state of charge of the batteries and / or the number of recharges already carried out) and the base will set the charging parameters accordingly to the information received.

Advantageously, the exchange of data between the base and the key can also be managed or supervised by an external management unit 20, for example belonging to a computerized key management system in the plant, as will be clear below.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a possible key system according to the invention. This system, generically indicated with 30, comprises at least one key 11 and at least one external NFC communication unit, for example in a recharging base 12. Typically, however, there will be several keys 11 and several communication units and recharging bases 12.

Advantageously, the key 11 will contain a control unit 31, for example with a suitably programmed microcontroller, which will detect, by means of suitable known sensors 32 (for example angular and torque sensors), the tightening parameters applied with the key to a member to be tightened. (e.g. a nut or bolt). The various information useful to the user will be displayed by the control unit on a display 33. Furthermore, the tightening parameters and / or the comparison values can be stored in a suitable memory 34. Commands can be entered by the user by means of buttons 35 on the key.

All the key circuits will be powered by a suitable battery 36, advantageously rechargeable. Recharging can take place through a recharging circuit 37 which receives the electrical power from the receiving coil 17 which is inductively coupled with the corresponding transmission coil 16 of the recharging base 12. Alternatively, recharging can take place with other traditional systems. Advantageously, the key 11 comprises the NFC communication module 18 which receives / transmits information under the control of the control unit 31.

The information received from the key through the NFC module can be transferred from the control unit to memory 34 to change, for example, the settings and operating parameters of the key. In this way the key can, for example, be automatically set for a particular use. The information in memory can also be modified or updated by the control unit based on the use of the key and / or transferred from the key's NFC module to an external system when the key is brought close enough to an external NFC module (e.g. of a key management system, a charging base and / or another key with NFC according to the invention).

As shown again in Figure 2, the recharging base 12 can comprise the coil 16 which advantageously receives, through a power supply and control unit 38, the electrical power to be inductively transmitted to the coil 17 of a key located on the base. The unit 38 can in turn receive an electrical power supply from a known external source 39 (for example a traditional power supply network).

The transmission between the two coils 16 and 17 will take place at a suitable alternating frequency (for example between 10KHz and 200KHz), to obtain a good efficiency in the inductive power transmission. In this case, the power supply and control unit 38 will receive the power supply voltage from the source 39 (for example a 220V-50Hz mains power supply, or other values used locally) and will convert them to the voltage and frequency necessary to power the coil 16 for inductive transfer to the receiving coil 17. The recharging circuit 37 will convert the electric power received by the coil 17 to the voltage and frequency values (for example low voltage and direct current) necessary for the correct recharging of the specific electric battery 36 of the key .

Unit 37 will also be able to interrupt or start recharging the battery depending on the state of charge of the battery itself.

As always visible in Figure 2, the recharging base 12 can also advantageously comprise the NFC module 19 which is coupled with the NFC module present in the key for a transfer of information to and from the key arranged on the recharging base. The charging base thus also realizes an NFC communication unit

Here, with coupling we mean that the key and the NFC communication devices with which it must communicate are close enough to each other to allow the NFC modules to communicate with each other.

As already mentioned, the NFC modules 18 and 19 can, for example, advantageously transfer information useful for recharging, which the module 19 can send to the unit 38 for this purpose, and / or exchange information that the NFC module 19 can send and / or receive. from the key management unit 20, optionally through a suitable interface 40 and a data communication line 41 of a per se known type (for example a LAN network).

The management system can also comprise one or more terminals 21 (for example personal computer of the desktop or portable type, tablet, etc.) for interfacing with users or operators responsible for managing the system.

The use of NFC modules 19 allows you to transfer data to and from a key 11 and, possibly, between a key and the management unit 20, simply by touching a key to the module. The NFC modules 19 can also comprise a programmed or programmable memory with data to be sent to a key which is approached to the module. This allows, for example, to set a key for a particular use simply by placing it on the appropriate module 19.

As mentioned above, the NFC modules 19 can also be used without the charging base, inserted in communication units 42. The communication units 42 (such as the NFC modules that may be present in the charging bases) can be suitably programmed "stand-alone" units or also be connected to the communication line 41, possibly through a suitable interface 40.

The communication units in their simplest form can also be realized in the form of an NFC smartcard, activated by proximity with a key 11. In this case the communication unit can be the "target" of the NFC standard and the module in the key. it can be the "initiator". The information contained in the smartcard can thus be transmitted to the key (or vice versa) simply by touching the smartcard and the key.

Figure 3 schematically shows a system according to the invention applied to a generic system (for example the system can be an assembly line for motor vehicles or parts of motor vehicles).

It is understood that, according to the invention, one or more of the elements shown and described can be missing or made differently and the various elements can be variously combined even if they are described together here, as will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the description made here of the invention.

Figure 3 shows as an example two processing stations (or areas) 43 (naturally the processing stations or areas in the plant may be any number at will) in which operations are performed that require the use of one or more keys 11 .

A recharging station 44 can be associated with the single station 43 or several processing stations 43 in which there are one or more recharging bases 12. For example, each processing station 43 may have associated or contain its own recharging station 44 in the which are stored the keys used in the processing station to reload them. The keys can also be greater in number than those used at the same time in the processing station, in order to have keys being recharged to replace the keys in use when the latter are discharged and must be charged in their recharging station.

If the charging base also contains the NFC transmission system according to the invention, the replacement of the keys can be easily traced by the management system which thus can always know which keys are being charged and which are in use in each processing station. During recharging, the keys can also be programmed for future use and / or download the data acquired during previous use.

Charging stations 44b (or even just key storage stations) not directly associated with a processing station 43 and containing "back-up" keys 11 can also be provided, i.e. keys not specifically programmed for use in a particular processing station but available to replace broken or dead keys.

Advantageously, each processing station can also comprise an associated NFC communication unit 42 so that a key 11 can be indicated associated with the processing station simply by bringing it closer to the relative communication unit. The management system can in this way, for example, trace the keys entering or leaving the station or processing areas and the communication unit can also download the data from the key and / or replace them with specific data for the processing station.

For example, if a key used in the station fails or a key still needs to be replaced for some reason, the user who is using the key can possibly download the data and settings present in the faulty key to the system (if the its FNC module is still operational to do this) bringing it closer to the communication unit and / or loading the data and settings of the specific key to be replaced in a back-up key (or in a key, if any, taken from the station charging station). In this way, a new key can immediately be made operational in the processing station to replace the key used up to that moment.

A key can also be associated with an operator, a processing station or a particular use by combining it with an FNC smartcard according to the invention, previously appropriately programmed. In this case, the smart card (indicated for example with 42b in figure 3) can be, for example, in the possession of the operator who must use the key. The operator can thus take a key from a recharging unit (44 or 44b depending on the case) and program it for his own use by bringing his own smartcard 42b previously programmed with the necessary data (for setting the key and / or user identification).

NFC smart cards for programming the keys can also be placed in specific areas of the processing stations (or on specific elements, for example parts of a vehicle, on which the key must be used), so that a user, who must perform tightening operations in a specific area or on a specific element, it can be equipped with a more generic key and can easily program it for the specific use by bringing it close to the corresponding smart card.

The same purpose can also be achieved by using the more complex units 42 and in communication with the management system, but the use of smartcards can be more advantageous due to their lower cost in the case, for example, of a large number of different zones or elements. on which you must operate with a key 11. For example, a smartcard can be associated with each part of the motor vehicles being assembled in a motor vehicle assembly line and a single operator with a single key can operate on the various parts by programming the key before moving from one tightened part to the next to be tightened.

At this point it is clear how the intended purposes have been achieved.

The use of NFC communication alone or in conjunction with the charging bases allows you to add further flexibility of use, as is now clear from the description made above.

The use of a short-range NFC system also allows the key to communicate without interference even when recharging the battery in the key, despite the proximity of the induction field for the transfer of electrical power from the base to the key.

The use of an NFC system in the key also allows you to easily exchange data from one key to another. In this way, a key to be replaced with another can also directly pass its data and the programming of the tightening parameters to the other key, simply by bringing the two keys together and entering with the commands on the key which of the two must pass the data to the other.

This can be useful, for example, in the event of a key failure or even simply in the event that an empty key must be placed on the charging base and replaced in use with another already charged.

The key that is then put on charge or on the sidelines can be placed on the charging base or on a communication unit 42 to transmit the information of its exit from the service (and possibly the information on which key was used in its replacement. ) to the key management unit 20.

The use of an induction charging base and NFC communications allows, for example, to create keys that are better protected against dirt and environmental agents, being able to eliminate the connectors and potential points of entry into the key of dirt and pollutants.

The entire key can also be made watertight and protected. In addition, induction recharging allows greater freedom in placing or engaging the keys on the recharging bases and also allows the use of the same base to recharge keys of different shapes and sizes. This allows, for example, to have systems with a greater number of keys and / or with a smaller number of recharging bases. This results in an advantage, for example, also for providing and using back-up keys.

At this point it is evident how a key management system in a system built with the principles of the present invention can have a greater knowledge of the keys used in the system and a better statistical basis for their use. This can be useful, for example, to optimize the use of keys, their periodic or extraordinary maintenance, etc.

Errors due to manual entry of operating parameters and / or key recharging are also avoided.

Naturally, the above description of an embodiment applying the innovative principles of the present invention is given by way of example of such innovative principles and must therefore not be taken as a limitation of the patent scope claimed herein. In the specific implementation of the features of the present invention, even only some of the functions and devices described above can be selected and combined with each other or, on the contrary, other known key management systems can also be integrated with the principles of the inventions.

Claims (10)

Claims 1. Assembly (10) comprising an electronic torque wrench (11) and an external unit (12, 42, 42b) for communicating with the key, characterized in that the key (11) and the external unit each comprise a NFC communication (18, 19) for data exchange between key and outdoor unit when the key is near the outdoor unit. 2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the key (11) is equipped with internal rechargeable batteries (36), and also comprising a charging base (12) for recharging the internal batteries (36) of the key, in the key there being a receiving coil (17) for inductive reception of electric energy, connected to an internal circuit (37) for recharging the internal battery (36), and in the base (12) there being a transmitting coil (16) for inductive transmission of electrical energy, the receiving coil (17) and the transmitting coil (16) being designed to inductively couple to each other at the coupling of the key (11) with the charging base (12) to inductively transfer the electrical energy from the base to the key and recharge the key's internal battery (36). 3. Assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the base (12) also provides an external communication unit with the key, comprising an NFC communication module (19) for exchanging data between the key and the base when the key is coupled to the base. System (30) comprising a plurality of assemblies (10) of keys (11) and external communication units (12, 42, 42b) according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a key management unit (20) which exchanges information with the keys and / or external communication units through a communication line (41). 5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that the data exchange between key management units (20) and keys passes between the communication line (14) and a key (11) through the NFC communication modules (18, 19) when the key (11) is approached to a communication unit. System according to claim 4, characterized in that a communication unit (42) is an NFC smart card (42b). 7. System according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises in combination communication units (42 and / or 42b) associated with processing stations (43) of a plant and recharging stations (44) equipped with recharging bases (12 ) and possibly also including communication units through NFC modules. 8. Electronic torque wrench (11) characterized by the fact of including an NFC module (18) for communication with the outside. 9. Key according to the preceding claim, equipped with an internal rechargeable battery (36) and characterized in that it comprises an inductive electric energy receiving coil (17) connected to an internal battery recharging circuit (37) and which is intended for couple with an external inductive electric power transmission coil (16) to receive electric power and recharge the internal battery. 10. Method for managing electronic torque wrenches in a plant comprising the system (30) according to claim 4, comprising the steps of exchanging data and / or operating parameters with the keys by means of the NFC modules of the keys, using one or more of the following conditions: - when a key (11) is coupled to a charging base (12), if the base is equipped with an NFC module, exchanging data and / or operating parameters with the NFC module (18) of the key by means of the NFC module (19) of the charging base (12); - when a key (11) is brought close to a communication unit (42, 42b), exchanging data and / or operating parameters with the NFC module (18) of the key by means of the NFC module (19) of the communication unit (42, 42b); - when a key (11) is coupled through its NFC module (18) to the NFC module (18) of another key (11), exchanging data and / or operating parameters with the other key (11) for by means of the respective NFC modules (18) of the keys.