DE102020127143A1 - Pneumatic screwdriver for accomplishing wheel assembly on motor vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an impact wrench with a housing body that delimits a housing interior, a screwdriver mechanism accommodated in the housing interior, a socket kinematically coupled to the screw mechanism and driven by it, a triggering device for starting up the screwdriver mechanism, a flexible hose line with a valve connection section , for coupling the same to a wheel valve and a release device for releasing a stream of compressed air into the hose line, the hose line being dimensioned in such a way that in a state in which the nut is pushed onto a wheel nut and the pneumatic screwdriver is thus held on the wheel, a Coupling of the valve connection section allowed to a wheel valve.

Description

field of invention

The present specification relates generally to air-powered wheel-mounting impact wrenches which have been augmented with tire pressure testing and inflation systems.

In the context of the present description, the terms wheel and tire are sometimes used synonymously, in which case a structure is referred to that is composed of a rim with a tire mounted on it.

Background of the Invention

When changing a wheel on a motor vehicle, the wheels are usually mounted on the motor vehicle in the workshop by a specialist using an impact wrench operated with compressed air. After assembly, a tool change to the tire inflator is necessary so that the tire pressure of the assembled wheels can be checked and corrected if necessary in the next separate work step. The separation of these work steps entails additional set-up times and thus loss of time and efficiency due to the use of two separate tools.

Out of US2015165602 A1 a pneumatic wrench is known which includes an air filler neck which can be attached to a tire valve in connection with the impact wrench and thus enables the tire to be filled with compressed air.

object of the invention

The invention is based on the object of creating solutions which result in advantages over previous concepts when installing a wheel and checking the tire pressure.

Solution according to the invention

• - einem Gehäusekörper, der einen Gehäuseinnenraum begrenzt,
• - einer in dem Gehäuseinnenraum aufgenommenen Schraubermechanik,
• - einer mit der Schraubermechanik kinematisch gekoppelten und durch diese angetriebenen Nuss,
• - einer Auslöseeinrichtung, zur Inbetriebnahme der Schraubermechanik,
• - einer flexiblen Schlauchleitung mit einem Ventilanschlussabschnitt, zur Ankoppelung derselben an ein Radventil und
• - einer Freigabeeinrichtung zur Freigabe eines Druckluftstromes in die Schlauchleitung,
• - wobei die Schlauchleitung derart bemessen ist, dass diese in einem Zustand, in welchem die Nuss auf eine Radmutter aufgesteckt ist und der Druckluftschrauber damit am Rad gehalten ist, eine Ankoppelung des Ventilanschlussabschnitts an ein Radventil erlaubt.

The above object is achieved according to a first aspect of the present invention by an impact wrench with:

• - a housing body that delimits a housing interior,
• - a screwdriver mechanism accommodated in the interior of the housing,
• - a nut that is kinematically coupled to the screwdriver mechanism and driven by it,
• - a triggering device for putting the screwdriver mechanism into operation,
• - A flexible hose line with a valve connection section, for coupling the same to a wheel valve and
• - a release device for releasing a compressed air flow into the hose line,
• - Wherein the hose line is dimensioned such that it allows the valve connection section to be coupled to a wheel valve in a state in which the nut is fitted onto a wheel nut and the pneumatic wrench is thus held on the wheel.

This advantageously makes it possible to create an auxiliary tool that enables wheel bolt or wheel nut assembly and tire inflation, with the screwdriver being able to be slipped onto a wheel nut or wheel bolt during tire inflation, and in particular to remain on the wheel bolt tightened last and in the system can be used for tire inflation in this state.

Preferably, the case body includes a handle portion. The housing body can be made of a metal or plastic material. The housing body is preferably designed in the manner of a conventional impact wrench housing and structurally modified in such a way that the additional structures according to the invention can be integrated into the impact wrench. Overall, the housing body is preferably designed in such a way that the result is a device that can be handled in an ergonomically advantageous manner.

The pneumatic wrench according to the invention preferably includes a pressure display device. This is preferably provided on a side of the housing facing away from the socket attachment section or on its upper side facing away from the handle, so that it can be read off advantageously when the screwdriver is seated on the wheel bolt.

According to a particular aspect of the present invention, a transfer device, in particular a WLAN or Bluetooth interface, is provided in the screwdriver for effecting the transfer of signals indicative of the pressure in the tire to a reading device. This reading device can be the user's mobile phone or a computer system that is active in the vicinity of the workplace. In this way, the wheel tightening torque for each screw and the tire pressure can be documented, so that the assembly process is qualitatively secured.

The impact wrench is preferably a compressed air impact wrench, but the concept according to the invention can also be advantageously implemented in conjunction with an electric impact wrench.

• - einem Anzeigegehäuse,
• - einer darin eingebundenen Anzeigeeinrichtung,
• - einer flexiblen Schlauchleitung mit einem Ventilanschlussabschnitt, zur Ankoppelung derselben an ein Radventil,
• - einer Freigabeeinrichtung zur Freigabe eines Druckluftstromes in die Schlauchleitung und
• - einem Anschlussabschnitt zur Ankoppelung eines Druckluftschlagschraubers
• - wobei die Schlauchleitung derart bemessen ist, dass diese in einem Zustand, in welchem der Druckluftschlagschrauber über eine auf diesem sitzende Nuss auf eine Radmutter aufgesteckt ist und der Druckluftschrauber damit am Rad gehalten ist, eine Ankoppelung des Ventilanschlussabschnitts an ein Radventil erlaubt.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the object specified at the outset is also achieved by a tire inflation device with:

• - a display case,
• - a display device integrated therein,
• - a flexible hose line with a valve connection section for coupling it to a wheel valve,
• - A release device for releasing a compressed air flow into the hose line and
• - A connection section for coupling an air impact wrench
• - wherein the hose line is dimensioned in such a way that it allows the valve connection section to be coupled to a wheel valve in a state in which the pneumatic impact wrench is attached to a wheel nut via a nut seated on it and the pneumatic wrench is thus held on the wheel.

This measure makes it possible in an advantageous manner to implement the concept according to the invention in conjunction with a conventional compressed air impact wrench.

• 1 eine Darstellung der Erfindung in Ausführung als Schlagschrauber und Luftfüller in Form eines Kombigerätes;
• 2 eine Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Reifenfüllvorrichtung zur Ankoppelung an einen druckluftgetriebenen Schlagschrauber;
• 3 eine Darstellung zur Veranschaulichung einer erfindungsgemäßen Reifenfüllvorrichtung in einem Zustand mit angekoppeltem Schlagschrauber;
• 4 eine Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Schlagschraubereinrichtung in Form eines akkugetriebenen Kombigerätes.

Further details and features of the invention result from the following description in conjunction with the drawing. It shows:

• 1 a representation of the invention in execution as an impact wrench and air filler in the form of a combination device;
• 2 a representation of a tire inflation device according to the invention for coupling to a compressed air-driven impact wrench;
• 3 a representation to illustrate a tire inflation device according to the invention in a state with a coupled impact wrench;
• 4 a representation of an impact wrench device according to the invention in the form of a battery-powered combination device.

Detailed description of the figures

The representation after 1 shows an impact wrench according to the invention, with a housing body 1, which delimits a housing interior, a screwdriver mechanism accommodated in the housing interior, a socket 2 kinematically coupled to the screwing mechanism and driven by it, a triggering device 3 for starting up the screwdriver mechanism, a flexible hose line 4 with a valve connection section 5 for coupling the same to a wheel valve and a release device 6 for releasing a compressed air flow into the hose line 4. The hose line is dimensioned in such a way that it is held in a state in which the nut 2 is placed on a wheel nut and the pneumatic wrench is thus held on the wheel is, a coupling of the valve connection section 5 is allowed to a wheel valve.

The case body 1 includes a grip portion 1a. A pressure display device 7 is connected to the housing body. The impact wrench is designed here as a compressed air impact wrench and includes a compressed air hose connection section 8. Inside the housing body, the compressed air is branched off to the valve 6 and from there to the hose line 4. The valve 6 can be designed in such a way that it also enables a defined pressure reduction.

The representation after 2 shows a tire inflation device according to the invention with a display housing 11, a display device 7 integrated therein, a flexible hose line 4 with a valve connection section 5 for coupling the same to a wheel valve, a release device 6a for releasing a compressed air flow into the hose line 4 and a connection section 12 for coupling a compressed air impact wrench. Here, too, the hose line 4 is dimensioned in such a way that it allows the valve connection section to be coupled to a wheel valve in a state in which the pneumatic impact wrench is attached to a wheel nut via a nut seated on it and the pneumatic wrench is thus held on the wheel.

The compressed air supply for the impact wrench and the tire inflation device takes place via a compressed air hose connection section 18. In the display housing 11, the compressed air line paths branch off. A drain valve 6b is provided to reduce the tire pressure if necessary.

The representation after 3 shows the tire inflation device according to the invention in connection with a pneumatic impact wrench. The entire supply of compressed air takes place via the compressed air hose 14. The impact wrench 20 can be held on the nut 2 on the wheel bolt. The valve connection section 5 can be attached to the wheel valve 21 be plugged in. And the tire 22 can be filled with compressed air in a defined manner by actuating the valves 6a or 6b.

The compressed air hose connection section corresponds to the connection 8 of the impact wrench 20 with regard to its system compatibility. The tire inflation device can thus also be removed and the impact wrench 20 can be operated directly via the hose 14 .

The representation after 4 shows the impact wrench in the form of a battery-operated combination device with a housing body 1, which delimits a housing interior, a screwdriver mechanism accommodated in the housing interior, a socket 2 kinematically coupled to the screwing mechanism and driven by it, a triggering device 3 for starting up the screwdriver mechanism, a flexible hose line 4 a valve connection section 5 for coupling the same to a wheel valve and a switching device 6 with integrated compressed air generation for initiating a flow of compressed air into the hose line 4. The hose line 4 is dimensioned in such a way that it is in a state in which the nut 2 is pushed onto a wheel nut and the pneumatic wrench is thus held on the wheel, coupling of the valve connection section 5 to a wheel valve is permitted.

So far, the assembly and air filling of new wheels on a motor vehicle have been two separate and consecutive work steps. On the basis of the concept according to the invention, newly mounted wheels can be filled with air without an additional change of tools. A connected or built-in analogue or digital pressure gauge allows the specialist to read and check the existing tire inflation pressure. The procedural integration of wheel assembly and tire inflation saves time and efficiency, which is reflected in faster vehicle turnover on the lifting platform and thus in higher work productivity for the skilled worker.

Equipped with an analogue or digital display and control unit, both versions can inflate the tire to a predefined pressure value using a manual valve or optionally fill the vehicle and tire-specific optimal air filling quantity via a database using a fully automatic valve control.

The aim of the present invention is to expand the function of the impact wrench to include tire pressure testing or filling. The merging of the two functions in the combination device results in procedural efficiency and productivity gains. Further gains in efficiency are possible by automating the tire pressure check and inflation for each vehicle and tire size.

It is essential for the present invention that a flexible air filler is connected directly to the impact wrench in version a), or that it can be permanently retrofitted in version b). The air inflation hose has the required length to easily reach the tire valve from any position of the impact wrench on the wheel bolt. Due to the sufficient or adaptable length of the air filling hose, the present invention distinguishes itself in particular from the competitor invention, since the air pressure testing or filling process can be carried out more ergonomically here.

After the specialist has provisionally attached the new wheel and screwed in the wheel nuts by hand, they can use the impact wrench to tighten the wheel nuts. Afterwards, she can leave the impact wrench on the wheel nut that was last tightened with the combination device in order to carry out the tire pressure check and inflation process with the existing flexible air inflation hose. In both embodiments of the invention according to 1 and 2 the air filling hose is connected to the impact wrench or the adapter via a swivel joint. This can prevent excessive torsional forces acting on the air inflation hose. This also makes it easier to attach the air inflator to the tire valve and prevents material fatigue in the air inflator hose.

When performing the invention 1 the air filling hose, shown schematically, is attached directly under the base of the impact wrench, next to the compressed air connection. The middle position of the direction of rotation switch for clockwise or counterclockwise rotation can be used on the impact wrench as the selection position for filling the tire with air. For precise air filling, the specialist first moves the toggle switch on the impact wrench to the middle position; in this state, the impact wrench itself is idling: the impact wrench head does not move. The actual filling process takes place when the specialist then operates the lever of the impact wrench. In the event that the specialist has filled the tire with too much air, he can press the deflation button on the side of the impact wrench.

In carrying out the invention 2 A diverter valve is fitted between the air hose of the impact wrench and the impact wrench itself. An adapter is attached to it, which supplies compressed air as required via an air filling hose for the connected air filler tapped off and fed to the tire. Similarly, he can also remove air from the tire.

In carrying out the invention 2 the air outlet on the adapter can be offset to the side or arranged centrally. When the air outlet head is moved to the side, fewer air ducts are required due to the design, which can reduce manufacturing costs. With the central arrangement of the air outlet head, however, the adapter as a whole is more balanced.

In both embodiments of the invention, the pressure gauges can be completely or partially sunk into the housing and/or provided with a rubber coating to protect against impacts and falls. The manometer can either have an analog or digital display. In both embodiments of the invention, the built-in pressure gauge allows the tire pressure to be checked. When running after 2 the precisely fitting air filling takes place via an air filling button on the side. Correspondingly, the deflation button on the left side can deflate the tyre. Both buttons can be shaped differently and provided with embossing for better differentiation. This allows the technician to feel the right button without having to look at it.

The implementation of the invention 2 can also have rounded edges to protect against hand injuries and/or as an independent design element or be shaped like an egg and/or have finger indentations on both sides for an improved grip.

Both embodiments of the invention can be provided with a rechargeable high-performance battery or a power connection for the operation of a digital display, the automated air filling and/or for the transmission of data by radio. The charging of the battery can be wired or wireless. In both versions, the filling hose of the air filler is attached to the compressed air hose of the impact wrench with a clip or a button magnet when not in use. Both attachments ensure that the inflation hose is out of the way during wheel assembly. For pressure testing or filling, the air filler can be removed from both versions and locked in place again after use.

In order to be able to clearly distinguish the hoses of the air compressor and the air filler neck from one another during operation, the air filler hose can be of a different color and/or have a different surface texture. The latter allows the specialist to feel the right hose without having to look at it.

The two versions a) and b) of the invention enable the specialist to carry out the tire pressure check or filling with both hands, since the impact wrench is meanwhile firmly and securely connected to the wheel rim via the impact socket on the last mounted wheel nut. As a result, the specialist can carry out the assembly and pressure test or air filling of the wheels in one and the same process without having to convert equipment.

The variant after the 2 and 3 is a cost and resource-saving alternative to the execution 1 . In a specialist company, it would avoid the redundancy of one or more existing impact wrenches. After the specialist has provisionally attached the new wheel and the wheel nuts by hand, they can tighten the wheel nuts with the impact wrench. She can then leave the impact wrench on the wheel nut that was last tightened in order to continue with the tire pressure check and inflation process. Execution a) of the invention can in principle also be used with all its extensions as a battery-powered impact wrench, as in 4 is shown.

application extension

Additional workplace ergonomics are ensured by the fact that the specialist attaches the impact wrench to the lifting platform arm before or after screwing on or unscrewing the wheel bolts wheel bolt, it is necessary to fix the wheel on the wheel hub with one hand in order to either place the impact wrench on the lifting platform arm or, in the worst case, to let it land somewhat softly on the ground. In everyday operation, it sometimes happens that the specialist tries to get the wheel down with the impact wrench in one hand. On the one hand, these procedures result in one-sided physical stress for the specialist. On the other hand, there is a risk that a wheel will slip off the wheel hub or the impact wrench will slip off the arm of the lift and fall on the floor or on the feet of the specialist. Experience has shown that this can lead to claims for recourse by the vehicle owner, particularly in the case of high-quality wheel rims.

By inserting the impact wrench into the holder, the specialist has both hands for it Free balancing of the wheel. This can be done in many ways: A magnetic casing on both sides of the impact wrench barrel offers the option, after removing the wheel nuts on the old wheel, to hang the impact wrench securely on the respective arm of the lift at grip height so that it cannot fall. Alternatively, the magnet can also be attached to the lifting platform arm. With this variant, the specialist can create additional tools to hand as desired, e.g. B. the wheel bolts.

In both embodiments of the invention, the skilled worker basically has the option of automatically inflating the tire to a predefined pressure value and/or using a database to fill in the vehicle- and tire-specific optimal amount of air. The above methods of automatic filling can give the specialist an additional micro-break for the duration of the filling process, and as a result improve braking safety and driving comfort for the vehicle occupants, and as a result optimize the rolling behavior of the wheels to such an extent that tire wear and exhaust emissions from the vehicle are minimized. To do this, the specialist enters the type number and new tire size of the motor vehicle into an operating device. The database connected to this allocates the optimum amount of air for the vehicle, which in turn is automatically taken over and filled in by the connected air filling device.

1. 1. Name des Fachbetriebs
2. 2. Name bzw. Initialen der montierenden Fachkraft
3. 3. Fahrzeugtyp
4. 4. Radwechseldatum
5. 5. Felgenmarke und -größe
6. 6. Reifenmarke und -größe
7. 7. Optimaler Reifenluftdruck
8. 8. Piktogramm der jeweiligen Fahrsaison, i.e. Winter- bzw. Sommerbetrieb

A sticker can now be printed out via the control device using a connected printer, which contains the essential information for the respective newly mounted wheels in machine-readable and/or alphanumeric form. These can e.g. B. be:

1. 1. Name of specialist company
2. 2. Name or initials of the installing specialist
3. 3. Vehicle Type
4. 4. Wheel change date
5. 5. Rim brand and size
6. 6. Tire brand and size
7. 7. Optimum tire air pressure
8. 8. Pictogram of the respective driving season, ie winter or summer operation

The specialist can apply this sticker e.g. B. on the B-pillar or the inside of the tank cap of the vehicle. This gives the vehicle owner the guarantee of having a tire-specifically correct target value for the respective driving season in front of him for his own tire pressure test.

1. 1. Name des Fachbetriebs
2. 2. Name bzw. Initialen der montierenden Fachkraft
3. 3. Fahrzeugtyp
4. 4. Radwechseldatum
5. 5. Felgenmarke und -größe
6. 6. Reifenmarke und -größe
7. 7. Optimaler Reifenluftdruck
8. 8. Piktogramm der jeweiligen Fahrsaison, i.e. Winter- bzw. Sommerbetrieb

Meanwhile, the specialist has the option of entering the tire size of the old wheels that have been removed. In turn, a sticker can be printed out via the operator device using the connected printer, which sticker contains the essential information for a future wheel change in machine-readable and/or alphanumeric form. These can be:

1. 1. Name of specialist company
2. 2. Name or initials of the installing specialist
3. 3. Vehicle Type
4. 4. Wheel change date
5. 5. Rim brand and size
6. 6. Tire brand and size
7. 7. Optimum tire air pressure
8. 8. Pictogram of the respective driving season, ie winter or summer operation

The specialist can affix this sticker to one of the aforementioned removed wheels for storage.

When replacing the aforementioned old wheels again, the relevant specifications for the automated tire pressure check and filling can be quickly read and implemented with the aforementioned operating device. This procedure can further optimize the tire change process for the specialist company. At the same time, the specialist workshop can use the stickers as an additional element for customer loyalty.

The data can be transmitted by cable or wirelessly. In principle, it would also be possible to automatically transfer these processes to the specialist company's accounting software via the aforementioned operating device, so that further gains in efficiency could be expected.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• US2015165602A1 [0004]

Claims (9)

impact wrench, with: - a housing body that delimits a housing interior, - a screwdriver mechanism accommodated in the interior of the housing, - a nut that is kinematically coupled to the screwdriver mechanism and driven by it, - a triggering device for putting the screwdriver mechanism into operation, - A flexible hose line with a valve connection section, for coupling the same to a wheel valve and - a release device for releasing a compressed air flow into the hose line, - Wherein the hose line is dimensioned in such a way that it allows the valve connection section to be coupled to a wheel valve in a state in which the nut is fitted onto a wheel nut and the pneumatic wrench is thus held on the wheel. impact wrench claim 1 , characterized in that the housing body comprises a handle portion. impact wrench claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the pneumatic wrench comprises a pressure display device. Impact wrench according to at least one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that transfer means are provided for effecting the transfer of signals indicative of the pressure in the tire to a reading device. Impact wrench according to at least one of Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that the reading device is formed by a mobile phone. Impact wrench according to at least one of Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that indicative signals for the reading device can be made available via the transfer device with regard to the screw tightening torque. Impact wrench according to at least one of Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the impact wrench is a pneumatic impact wrench. Impact wrench according to at least one of Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the impact wrench is an electric impact wrench. Tire inflator with: - a display case, - a display device integrated therein, - A flexible hose line with a valve connection section for coupling the same to a wheel valve - a release device for releasing a compressed air flow into the hose line and, - A connection section for coupling an air impact wrench - wherein the hose line is dimensioned in such a way that it allows the valve connection section to be coupled to a wheel valve in a state in which the pneumatic impact wrench is attached to a wheel nut via a nut seated on it and the pneumatic wrench is thus held on the wheel.

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