EP2633955A2 - Torque tool with display - Google Patents

Abstract

The torque tool (10) has a shaft-like housing (12) having a handle (16) at one end (14), where measuring elements are provided for detecting the torque in the housing. A connecting element (24) is provided at the other end (22) of the housing. A digital display (28) displays the torque. The display is formed as electronic organic light-emitting diode display.

Description

Technical area

1. a) ein schaftartiges Gehäuse mit einem Griff am einen Ende, wobei eine Messeinrichtung zum Erfassen des Drehmoments in dem Gehäuse und
2. b) ein Verbindungsglied an dem anderen Ende des Gehäuses vorgesehen ist, welches das Drehmoment zu einem Werkstück überträgt,
3. c) eine digitale Anzeige, welche das jeweils anliegende bzw. eingestellte Drehmoment anzeigt.

The invention relates to a torque tool for measuring and / or applying a torque containing

1. a) a shaft-like housing with a handle at one end, wherein a measuring device for detecting the torque in the housing and
2. b) a connecting member is provided at the other end of the housing, which transmits the torque to a workpiece,
3. c) a digital display, which indicates the respective applied or set torque.

State of the art

The screw connection is the most commonly used connection in mechanical engineering. Such fasteners can only be effective through the use of suitable assembly tools. Among the suitable assembly tools include torque tools, as mentioned above. Become torque tools required to exert a certain torque on a workpiece. Torque tools such as torque wrench or torque screwdrivers are known.

The torque to be transmitted when using hand-guided tools depends on the physical constitution of the user as well as on his subjective sense of strength. Torque tools are used to load a bolt with a high preload force that is within the elastic range of the bolt or also to load the bolt with only slight preload forces. The use of new construction materials, such as Magnesium, aluminum or plastic, especially for lightweight construction in the automotive or aircraft industry, can increase both the demand and the requirements for torque tools. These new materials increase the number of sensitive screw connections. The lower tensile strength of these lightweight materials compared to steel materials, would lead to damage the thread in an overuse of the screw, which would make these expensive components unusable.

For example, with a torque wrench a predetermined torque can be exerted on connecting elements, such as screws or nuts. These torque wrenches include a key lever with a handle and a key head. Often a trained as a square pin coupling for tool holder is provided on the key head. On the square pin various plug tools for turning screws or nuts can be inserted. A force applied by a user in the direction of actuation of the handle force is transmitted from the key lever on the key head and generated by the plug tool torque on a screw or nut. For measuring the applied torque and, if necessary, the angle of rotation, the torque wrench has a measuring device. By further devices, the measured torque can be displayed continuously or a reaching a predetermined torque can be signaled.

Torque wrenches with digital torque indicators count through the DE 20 2008 005 705 U1 to the state of the art. A major disadvantage of such digital displays is mainly that the display is no longer clearly visible depending on the viewing angle on the display of the torque wrench, so that it is difficult for a user to see whether a certain torque has been reached. In the DE 20 2007 018 043 U1 a torque wrench is described in which the displayed digits are underlaid with a lighted display, wherein the user is signaled by the color of a specific torque range. The disadvantage here is that the colored glow of the display is often recognizable only from a particular line of sight for the user of the torque tool. Especially when working on confusing places the readability is difficult.

From the utility model DE 20 2009 002 124U1 Therefore, a torque wrench with a display unit, which is arranged on the tool shaft of the torque wrench known. At least two different optical signals can be displayed via the display unit, wherein the display unit surrounds the tool shaft in an annular manner. As a result, an optical signal for detecting the applied torque is emitted on the periphery of the display unit in all radial directions, so that a user can also recognize, without the free view of the display module, in which torque range a currently applied torque is located. To generate the optical signals, at least one light emitter, for example in the form of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), is provided in the display unit. The optical signals can be realized according to the traffic light principle, each torque range being assigned a different color. Thus, for example, the torque range below the set torque by yellow light, within a tolerance range of the set torque by green light and exceeding the maximum torque set by red light signals. It is also conceivable to vary the brightness of the optical signals, so that the maximum intensity is displayed after exceeding the maximum specified torque. In addition, it is conceivable to vary the flashing frequency of the optical signals, so that the respective torque or rotation angle progress is displayed from a slow flashing frequency to a continuous light.

There are also known organic light-emitting diodes (English: organic light emitting diode, OLED). This is a luminous thin film device made of organic semiconducting materials. The OLED differs from the inorganic light-emitting diodes (LED) in that the current density and the luminance are lower and no single-crystalline materials are required. An advantage of OLED displays over the conventional liquid crystal displays is the very high contrast, since they do without backlighting. Liquid crystal displays only work as colored filters. The OLED displays emit even colored light, resulting in a better color representation.

The publication DE 112009001882 T5 describes, for example, a display with organic light emitting diode (OLED display) with active matrix. A typical OLED device comprises two layers of organic material, one of which is a layer of a light-emitting material, such. A light emitting polymer (LEP), an oligomer or a low molecular weight light emitting material, while the other of them is a layer of a hole transporting material, such as e.g. A polythiophene derivative or a polyaniline derivative. Organic LEDs can be deposited on a substrate in a matrix of pixels to form a display with single or multi-color pixels. A multicolor display can be constructed using groups of red, green, and blue-emitting subpixels. So-called active matrix displays have a storage element, typically a storage capacitor and a transistor associated with each pixel (whereas passive matrix displays do not have such a storage element and instead are repeatedly scanned to give the impression of a stationary image). It is common to provide current programmed driving for an OLED because the brightness of an OLED is determined by the current flowing through the device, which determines the number of photons it generates.

The known torque tools, such as those in the DE 20 2009 002 124U1 have the disadvantage that a reading of the display is only possible from a clearly limited angle. This is because the LCD displays are large in size over the torque tool to have. The annular display unit also has the disadvantage that it is also very large and can be a disturbing factor in the use of the torque tool, especially in confined spaces. Another disadvantage of the known torque tools is that the energy consumption of the displays is very high.

Disclosure of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to avoid in particular the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a compact display for torque tools, which has only a low power consumption.

• d) die Anzeige als elektronische OLED-Anzeige ausgebildet ist.

According to the invention the object is achieved in that in a torque tool for measuring and / or outputting a torque of the type mentioned

• d) the display is designed as an electronic OLED display.

The invention is based on using an electronic OLED display instead of the LCD display with its relatively high energy consumption in the torque tools. The OLED displays are characterized not only by compactness, but also by the extremely low energy consumption. The OLED displays are controlled directly for lighting. You therefore need no backlight, which lights up with a color-coded filter. This makes OLED displays much more efficient, which means that OLEDs require less energy. The use of OLED display technology further extends the reading angle to up to 170 °. Surprisingly, such compact OLED displays can also be used with torque tools. This makes the torque tools themselves considerably more compact. Due to the lower energy consumption, for example, correspondingly smaller accumulators can be used, which also has an effect on the compactness of the entire torque tool. The torque tool can thus be handled well even in confined spaces. If necessary, but also simply because of the lower Energy consumption of the OLED display the useful life of the accumulators are extended.

As an advantageous embodiment of the invention has been found, if the electronic OLED display is provided on the shaft-like housing in the torque tool according to the invention for measuring and / or outputting a torque. The shaft-like housing offers sufficient space to integrate or mount the OLED display there. It is also easy to read by a user. An advantageous aspect of the invention is also that the electronic OLED display is detachably provided on the shaft-like housing. This allows the OLED display to be changed at any time. It can then, if necessary, other ads, for example, with other properties or functions attach there.

Since the reading angle is also limited in the OLED display, an optical signal generator is provided in a preferred embodiment of the torque tool according to the invention, which is controlled by the voltage applied to the torque tool torque, the signal generator with the changing torque is a correspondingly changing optical signal sending out. This measure is thus suitable to extend the angle for detecting the applied torque for the user by the signal generator are arranged accordingly. They are positioned so that they are recognizable to a user from a different angle. The optical signal transmitter can, for example, change its color, so that the user of the torque tool always knows in which area he is currently located. For example, the spectrum can be traversed from yellow to green to red as in the case of a traffic light, where green stands for "torque reached". With red, the set torque is exceeded. Yellow can be seen as a pre-warning stage, i. set torque is almost reached. Blinking of the optical signal transmitter can mean, for example, an error message.

Preferably, the optical signal transmitter of the torque tool according to the invention can be designed as a light source, which emits a changing light intensity and / or changing flashing frequency with the changing torque. In alternative or in combination, these measures also serve with the changing color spectrum to visually signal to the user of the torque tool how much torque is being applied.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the torque tool according to the invention, an acoustic signal generator is provided, which emits a corresponding changing acoustic signal with the changing torque. This measure also serves to inform the user at any time about the applied torque. Thus, for example, information about the torque can be transmitted if the display or the optical signals are not visible. The acoustic signal may be, for example, a tone sequence that is getting faster. Upon reaching the preset torque, then, e.g. produces a continuous tone. Accordingly, for example, the pitch for a changing torque can be varied.

In order to process the detected torque values in a suitable manner, in a further preferred embodiment of the torque tool according to the invention, a processor-controlled measuring and control unit is provided for processing the detected and digitized torque values and / or control of the display or the signal transmitters of the torque tool. The detected torque values are usually initially available as an analog signal and must be digitized by means of analog-digital converters. The digitized values are processed with the measuring and control unit, possibly stored in a digital memory and displayed on the OLED display. The measuring and control unit controls the OLED display in a suitable manner.

An advantageous embodiment of the torque tool also results from the fact that an interface for the transmission of data, such as measurement and tool data, is provided. With the interface, the data obtained during the measurement, for example, be transmitted to a central processing unit to log and document the torque values. This is used in particular for monitoring and controlling the measurements. On the other hand, data can also be transmitted to the torque tool via the interface, for example, which torque should be set for the measurement.

Preferably, the torque tool is designed as a torque wrench or torque screwdriver. These torque tools are particularly well suited for detecting torques.

In a preferred embodiment of the torque tool according to the invention, a measuring device for detecting a rotation angle is provided. This measure serves to determine not only the torque but also the angle of rotation. The angle of rotation is also a frequently used measure for the tightening of a screw connection.

In a particular embodiment of the torque tool for measuring and / or outputting the torque of the optical signal transmitter is provided by the housing above and / or in a suitable recess of the housing. The signal generator can thereby be viewed over a larger angular range. The recess has a sufficient size to optimally see the optical signal transmitter from all sides. If necessary, the recess may also be coated with a reflective layer. In this case, the optical signal transmitter does not have to be directly visible. The measure thus allows the user of the torque tool at any time a good view for detecting the respective applied torque.

Further advantages and refinements emerge from the subject matter of the subclaims, as well as the drawings with the associated descriptions. Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the figures.

Short description of the drawing

Fig. 1

shows in a perspective schematic diagram of an inventive torque tool with OLED display.

Fig. 2

shows a schematic plan view of an inventive torque tool with OLED display.

Fig. 3

shows a schematic side view of an inventive torque tool.

Fig. 4

shows a schematic bottom view of an inventive torque tool.

Preferred embodiment

In Fig. 1 is denoted by 10 an inventive torque tool for measuring and / or outputting a torque. The torque tool 10 is shown as a perspective schematic diagram. The torque tool 10 has a shaft-like housing 12, at one end 14 of a handle 16 is provided. In the housing 12, a non-visible measuring device for detecting a torque is arranged.

The measuring device comprises a processor-controlled measuring and control unit 18. The measuring and control unit 18 processes recorded and digitized torque values. In a digital memory of the measurement and control unit 18 in addition to measurement and control programs and measurement data can be stored. A control panel 20 as part of the measurement and control unit 18 is provided for setting and operating the torque tool 10. The control panel 20 is formed here with switching buttons 21. In principle, a touch-sensitive display (touch screen) is also possible here, which displays the corresponding buttons for selection.

The required power supply for the electronic components receives the torque tool 10 from accumulators, which are arranged in the handle 16 and therefore are not visible here. At the other end 22 of the shaft-like housing 12, a connecting member 24 is provided. In the present embodiment, it is a square 26 on which a matching plug-in tool can be attached, which transmits the torque to a workpiece. The respective applied torques are by the torque tool 10 in suitable and adjustable time intervals sampled and digitized. The detected and processed in the measurement and control unit 18 torque value is finally displayed on a digital display 28. The measuring and control unit 18 controls to the display 28 in a suitable manner. The display 28 is designed as an electronic OLED display, which is provided on the shaft-shaped housing 12. The determined torques are displayed graphically or as a numerical value on the display 28. The OLED display 28 is detachably provided and can be removed if necessary.

Side of the OLED display 28 optical signal transmitter 30 of the torque tool 10 are provided. In the present embodiment, these are also OLEDs. In principle, however, inorganic LEDs can also be used here. The signal generator 30 are arranged so that the angle for detecting the applied torque for a user is extended. They are therefore designed a little above. The optical signal transmitter 30 can, for example, change its color, so that the user of the torque tool 10 always knows in which area he is currently located. For example, the spectrum can be traversed from yellow to green to red, as in the case of a traffic light, where green means that the set torque has been reached. Red stands for "torque exceeded". Yellow can be seen here as a pre-warning level, i. set torque is almost reached. Blinking of the optical signal transmitter 30 may mean, for example, an error message.

Fig. 2 shows in a plan view of the torque tool 10 according to the invention with the OLED display 28 of Fig. 1 , The same components are therefore also designated by corresponding reference numerals. In this view of Fig. 2 It is particularly clear that the optical signal transmitters 30 are mounted on both sides of the OLED display 28. The optical signal transmitter 30 stand out a little. As a result, the user of the torque tool 10 can observe the torque virtually 360 ° within a certain tolerance range.

In Fig. 3 is the torque tool 10 of the invention according to the previous FIGS. 1 and 2 shown in a side view. Therefore, also matching components to the previous figures are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. In this view, an interface 32 is also recognizable. The interface 32 is designed as a standard USB interface. This makes it easy to perform data exchange with a conventional computer. Basically, radio interfaces, such as Bluetooth or WIFI can be provided for data exchange. In addition, the batteries can be charged via the USB interface 32.

Fig. 4 shows the underside of the torque tool 10 according to the invention in accordance with the previous FIGS. 1 to 3 , As before, components which correspond to the previous figures are designated by corresponding reference numerals. From this view it is clear that the optical signal transmitter 30 are also visible from the bottom for a user of the torque tool. In this way, the torques can be optically read from all sides of the torque tool 10 or can recognize when the final torque has been reached. An acoustic signal transmitter 34, if necessary, supports the signaling of the final torque. For example. the acoustic signal transmitter 34 transmits a corresponding changing acoustic signal with the changing torque. The acoustic signal generator 34 is controlled by the measuring and control unit 18. Even in case of malfunction of the torque tool, an acoustic signal can be generated by the acoustic signal generator 34.

Claims (11)

Torque tool (10) for measuring and / or outputting a torque containing a) a shaft-like housing (12) having a handle (16) at one end (14), wherein a measuring device for detecting the torque in the housing (12) and b) a connecting member (24) is provided at the other end (22) of the housing (12), which transmits the torque to a workpiece, c) a digital display (28) indicating the respective applied or set torque,
characterized in that d) the display (28) is designed as an electronic OLED display. Torque tool (10) for measuring and / or outputting a torque according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic OLED display (28) on the shaft-like housing (12) is provided. Torque tool (10) for measuring and / or outputting a torque according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the electronic OLED display (28) releasably on the shaft-like housing (12) is provided. Torque tool (10) for measuring and / or outputting a torque according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an optical Signal generator (30) is provided, which is controlled by the torque applied to the torque tool (10), wherein the signal transmitter (30) emits a correspondingly changing optical signal with the changing torque. Torque tool (10) for measuring and / or outputting a torque according to claim 4, characterized in that the optical signal transmitter (30) is designed as a lighting means which emits a changing light intensity and / or changing flashing frequency with the changing torque. Torque tool (10) for measuring and / or outputting a torque according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an acoustic signal transmitter (34) is provided, which emits a corresponding changing acoustic signal with the changing torque. Torque tool (10) for measuring and / or outputting a torque according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a processor-controlled measuring and control unit (18) for processing the detected and digitized torque values and / or control of the OLED display (28 ) or the signal generator (30, 34) of the torque tool (10) is provided. Torque tool (10) for measuring and / or outputting a torque according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an interface (32) for the transmission of data, such as measurement and tool data, is provided. Torque tool (10) for measuring and / or outputting a torque according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the torque tool (10) is designed as a torque wrench or torque screwdriver. Torque tool (10) for measuring and / or outputting a torque according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a measuring device is provided for detecting a rotation angle. Torque tool (10) for measuring and / or outputting a torque according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the optical signal transmitter (30) from the housing (12) is provided above and / or in a recess of the housing (12).

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