JP2005118956A - Torque tool - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a torque tool such as an immediately usable torque wrench and torque driver by releasing a sleep mode when a worker only holds the torque wrench by hand even in operation of the sleep mode. <P>SOLUTION: This torque wrench has a microcomputer 4 for setting the sleep mode for saving electric power when a measuring signal is not inputted in a predetermined time by arithmetically operating a torque value when inputting a signal for measuring torque caused by fastening of a bolt. The microcomputer 4 releases the sleep mode when a vibration sensor 1 detects the movement of the torque wrench. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a torque tool such as a torque wrench and a torque driver, and more particularly to a torque tool that is equipped with a microcomputer or the like to display and store a tightening torque.

  In recent years, the torque wrench has been digitized, and a torque wrench equipped with a microcomputer or a liquid crystal display and driven by a power battery has been proposed (Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of a torque management system using such a torque wrench.

  In the figure, 11 is a torque wrench, and this torque wrench 11 is a data processing circuit (microcomputer) capable of recording and displaying data such as the number of tightening screws and the tightening torque value of the screws. Is housed in the case 11a. Further, a transmitter (not shown) for sending data stored in the data processing circuit from the torque wrench 11 as a signal using infrared as a medium by operating a predetermined button 12 is incorporated.

  Reference numeral 13 denotes an interface incorporating a receiver for receiving a data signal from the torque wrench 11. The interface 13 is provided with a display unit 14 for displaying received data, various operation buttons 15, and the like. .

Reference numeral 16 denotes a personal computer for data processing. The personal computer 16 and the interface 13 are connected by a cable 17 so that data stored in the interface 13 can be input into the personal computer 16 by wire.
JP-A-8-118251

  By the way, in such a torque wrench as a torque tool, as a power saving measure, the microcomputer is provided with a function (sleep mode) that automatically turns off the power when it is not used for a certain period of time. To reduce battery life and extend battery life.

  However, depending on the use cycle of the torque wrench, the sleep wrench may be used after the fixed time has elapsed. In this case, the power switch must be turned on again, which is troublesome for the operator.

  The object of the present invention was made in view of such conventional problems. Even when the sleep mode is in operation, the sleep mode is canceled simply by the operator holding the torque wrench, and the machine can be used immediately. The company intends to provide torque tools such as torque wrench and torque screwdriver.

  According to the configuration for realizing the object of the present invention, as described in claim 1, when a signal for measuring torque accompanying tightening of a member to be fastened such as a bolt is inputted, a torque value is calculated and measured within a predetermined time. In a torque tool having at least a microcomputer for setting a sleep mode for saving power when no signal is input, the torque tool has a sensor that detects that the torque tool has moved or touched, and the microcomputer has the sensor The sleep mode is canceled when a detection signal is input from.

  According to the present invention, for example, when a vibration or acceleration sensor detects that an operator has moved by lifting a torque tool such as a torque wrench, or when the operator touched the torque tool, a change in capacitance or the like. When the touch sensor detects this, even if the microcomputer is in sleep mode to save power, this sleep mode is canceled, so that you can tighten immediately without performing any troublesome operations such as turning the power switch on again. , Workability is improved.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a sleep mode canceling mechanism showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

  The torque tool according to the present embodiment can be applied to the torque wrench shown in FIG. 2, and is generated as a mechanical element when the torque wrench is lifted in the case 11a housing an electronic device such as a microcomputer. Sensors that detect vibration, acceleration, etc. are provided. And the electronic device etc. with which the torque wrench is equipped are driven by a power supply battery (not shown).

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a sensor for detecting vibration or acceleration generated when the torque wrench is lifted. The detection signal is amplified by an amplifier 2 and compared with a comparison voltage by a comparator 3.

  The comparison voltage is determined so that the level of the signal detected by the sensor 1 due to the surrounding vibration when the torque wrench is placed on a table or the like is equal to or lower than the level corresponding to the vibration or acceleration generated by lifting the torque wrench. When the detection voltage exceeding the comparison voltage is output from the sensor 1, the comparator 3 outputs a sleep mode release signal to the microcomputer 4.

  The microcomputer 4 amplifies the measurement signal from the strain gauge 5 for measuring the torque value, which is affixed to a head to which a socket (not shown) to be mounted when a bolt or the like is tightened by the torque wrench 1 is amplified by an amplifier 7a. Then, the torque value is calculated based on the signal converted by the A / D converter 8 and digitized, and the calculation result is displayed on the display device 6 such as a liquid crystal. Measurement data and the like are transmitted to the interface 13. When the measurement signal is not input to the microcomputer 4 within a predetermined time, the sleep mode is entered.

  Further, when the sleep mode cancel signal is output from the comparator 3, the microcomputer 4 cancels the sleep mode set in the microcomputer 4 and sets the above-described measurement standby state.

  In addition to the functions described above, this torque wrench provides a sensation that when the torque wrench reaches a predetermined set torque, the toggle mechanism operates to reach the set torque value. The switch mechanism outputs a switch signal to the permanent magnet provided on a magnet holder (not shown) that moves integrally with the head of the torque wrench and the distance between the permanent magnet and the permanent magnet. A hall element 9 whose output voltage changes proportionally, and a signal from the hall element 9 is amplified by an amplifier 7b, and a switch signal converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 8 is output to the microcomputer 4. Is done.

  The peak of the torque value measured based on the strain gauge is also the point at which the toggle mechanism operates, and the Hall element 9 is arranged so as to set the switch point at a position slightly delayed from this operating point, and the permanent After the position of the magnet passes through the Hall element 9, the output voltage of the Hall element 9 becomes constant, and the output voltage of the Hall element decreases as the permanent magnet is further away. It is formed into a trapezoid. Therefore, a threshold value (voltage) that becomes a switch point in a region where the output voltage of the Hall element increases or decreases is set by the switch point adjuster 10, and the threshold value is adjusted to turn on from off in the region where the voltage increases. Or a point that is turned on from off in a region where the voltage drops can be arbitrarily set.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, when the operator lifts the torque wrench or the like, even when the microcomputer 4 enters the sleep mode for power saving, the sleep mode is canceled. The tightening operation can be performed immediately without performing troublesome operations such as turning on again, and the workability is improved.
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the embodiment described above, the vibration or acceleration sensor detects that the operator has held the torque wrench, and the microcomputer 4 sleep mode mounted on the torque wrench is canceled. In the first embodiment, an electrode 11c of a touch sensor that detects a change in capacitance or the like when a hand is touched and outputs a signal is provided in the grip portion 11b of the torque wrench 11, and the first embodiment is based on a signal from the electrode 11c. Similarly to the embodiment, the sleep mode of the microcomputer 4 is canceled.

  In the present embodiment, when the operator grips the grip portion of the torque wrench, the switch signal is amplified by the amplifier 2 by touching the electrode 11c of the touch sensor, and the comparator 3 removes a slight capacitance change that occurs in the natural state. Thus, a sleep mode release signal is output to the microcomputer 4.

The block diagram of the sleep mode cancellation | release mechanism which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The external appearance perspective view of the torque wrench which shows the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Schematic of the torque management system using the conventional torque wrench.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sensor 2 Amplifier 3 Comparator 4 Microcomputer 5 Strain gauge 6 Display 7a, 7b Amplifier 8 A / D converter 9 Hall element 10 Switch point adjuster 11 Torque wrench 11a Case 11b Grip part 11c Electrode 12 Button 13 Interface 14 Display part 15 Operation button 16 PC

Claims (1)

Provided with at least a microcomputer that calculates a torque value when a signal for measuring torque accompanying tightening of a member to be fastened such as a bolt is input, and sets a sleep mode for saving power when the measurement signal is not input within a predetermined time Torque tool
A torque tool comprising a sensor for detecting that the torque tool has moved or touched, and the microcomputer cancels the sleep mode when a detection signal is input from the sensor.

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