TWI824481B - Turning tool with shape memory component - Google Patents

Abstract

A rotating tool (100) manually operated by a user, wherein the rotating tool (100) has a handle section (102) for the user to grasp, a functional section (104) forming a force coupling with the component to be rotated, and A shape memory component (106), wherein the shape memory component (106) switches the functional segment (104) between different operating states.

Description

Rotating tool with shape memory component

The invention relates to a rotary tool.

When there is insufficient space so that the mounted wrench cannot perform a complete rotation, and if it is not necessary to put the wrench back on and then turn it, the wrench is called a ratchet or ratchet. In other words, a ratchet moves back and forth at a specific angle to gradually tighten or loosen a screw. In this process, the ratchet transmits hand force directly to a nut or screw in one direction of rotation. On the contrary, the ratchet will not transfer the hand force in the opposite direction, but will spin idle. In order for a rotary tool to tighten and loosen screws, this function can be switched using a rocker or swivel ring located on the top of the tool, so that the directions of rotation of the freewheeling and force-transmitting rotations are interchanged.

The open switching mechanism used in general ratchets to switch between right and left operation can easily allow dust and similar foreign matter to escape, shortening the life of the ratchet.

The object of the invention is to propose a rotary tool with a long service life.

The above purpose can be achieved by using a rotating tool with the characteristics of an independent claim. Other embodiments are described in the respective dependent claims.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rotary tool is a tool manually operated by a user, wherein the rotary tool has a handle section for the user to grasp, a functional section that forms a force coupling with the component to be rotated, and a control section. A shape memory component whose functional segments switch between different operating states.

The "rotating tool" referred to in the present invention refers to a turning aid tool that can be operated by the user to produce rotation. Such rotary tools can be used, for example, for assembly or repair work. Rotating tools can be powered by muscle power or electricity. Ratchets, wrenches, electric wrenches, drills...etc. are all examples of turning tools. In particular, the rotary tool may be a hand tool or a manually operated machine.

In the present invention, the so-called "handle section" refers to a part of a rotary tool that is grasped or held by hand in a correct manner by the user. In particular, the handle section can be a grip.

In the present invention, the so-called "functional section" refers to a part of the rotary tool that provides the tool function of the rotary tool. In particular, functional segments can transmit forces between the rotary tool and the object to be moved by the rotary tool, such as a nut or screw.

In the context of the present invention, a so-called "shape memory component" is a component of a rotary tool whose function is entirely or partially based on a shape memory material (especially a shape memory alloy), wherein the shape memory material can change with itself Temperature changes form different spatial or structural configurations. For example, shape memory alloys may be composed of special metals that can exist in at least two different crystal structures. Even if this shape memory alloy is deformed, it can obviously remember its previous shape. That is to say, when the temperature changes accordingly, the shape memory alloy will return to another configuration on its own. This phenomenon in shape memory alloys is reversible, so the material can switch back and forth between different spatial or structural configurations by providing temperature control. For example, nickel-titanium alloy (especially nitinol) or nickel-titanium-copper alloy can be used as the material of the shape memory alloy.

In the present invention, the so-called "different operating states of functional segments" refer to different spatial or structural configurations of the shape memory material of the shape memory component (and optionally other materials that have structural cooperation with it). These Different spatial or structural configurations enable functional segments and rotating tools to perform different functional states or functions (such as right or left rotation of the ratchet), or trigger or stop a function (such as locking or releasing the slave sleeve on the ratchet). sleeve on the moving shaft).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the shape memory component used can be tightly integrated inside the rotary tool (especially a ratchet or a wrench), the structure of the rotary tool can be made particularly compact. One advantage of this tight construction is that it prevents dust and other foreign matter from getting inside the rotating tool. This is because using shape memory components enables the Built into the rotary tool (e.g. the switching mechanism can be integrated into the rotary tool). Compared with components that come into contact with the outside world (such as a switching mechanism), this built-in component allows the rotating tool to have a longer service life, especially much more than 2 years of use.

More exemplary embodiments of rotary tools will be described below.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the rotary tool can have an energy supply, in particular at least one (replaceable) battery or at least one (in particular rechargeable, in particular inductively rechargeable) accumulator, the function of which is to select Adaptive power supply to the shape memory component to switch the functional segments between different operating states. In order to switch the shape memory component between different operating states, the shape memory material of the shape memory component can be switched from below the critical temperature (also called the transition temperature) to above the critical temperature, or from above (the same or other) critical temperature switches below the critical temperature. It is best to use an energy supply device to supply the corresponding power required for heating. The advantage of this is that the current provided by the energy supply device can flow directly through the conductive shape memory material in order to switch between different configurations of the shape memory component, that is, between different operating states of the functional segments.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the temperature may be increased above a critical temperature to cause the shape memory material of the shape memory component to switch to a spatially expanded configuration. According to another embodiment, the shape memory material of the shape memory component can be caused to switch into a spatially contracted configuration.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the energy supply may be The device is arranged on the handle section of the rotating tool. According to an exemplary embodiment, based on structural requirements, the handle segment is generally of sufficient size to accommodate the energy supply device. For example, the energy supply device (for example, the battery) can be replaced from one end of the handle section.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the energy supply device can selectively send current to the shape memory component to switch the shape memory component between different mechanical configurations. An advantageous way is that the shape memory material is conductive, so that when current flows through the shape memory material, the shape memory material will be heated to a temperature higher than the critical temperature or switching temperature due to resistance loss, thus allowing the functional segments to operate in different Switch between states. One advantage of current flowing through a shape memory material is therefore the generation of resistive losses that heat the shape memory material above a critical temperature. That is to say, by simply allowing current to flow through the shape memory material, or interrupting the current flowing through the shape memory material, the shape memory component can be switched between different operating states in a very simple way.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the rotary tool may have a light source for illuminating the working range of the rotary tool, wherein the light source may receive an energy supply from an energy supply device. If an energy supply device is provided in the rotating tool in order to switch the shape memory component between different operating states of the functional segments, the energy supply device can simultaneously provide power to the light source to illuminate the functional segments of the rotating tool. scope of work. This improves the user's working comfort and hardly increases the construction complexity of the rotary tool.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the shape memory component may There is a mechanical spring made of shape memory material (especially a compression spring or a tension spring), or the shape memory component is composed of such a mechanical spring, wherein the mechanical spring can have different axial directions in different operating states. Length or axial extension. In particular, the mechanical spring can be a helical spring or a leaf spring. It is obvious that heating the mechanical spring made of this shape memory alloy above the critical temperature or switching temperature (for example, turning on current heating) can switch it from the initial configuration to a deflection configuration or an expansion configuration. In the case of a coil spring, this transformation of the shape memory material creates a stress. Similarly, a leaf spring made of shape memory material and mounted on the casing can be switched into an expansion configuration, at which time the leaf spring deflects and generates pressure within the functional segment to switch to another functional segment. operating status.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the shape memory component may have another mechanical spring coupled to the mechanical spring. The other mechanical spring is preferably made of non-shape memory material. The first critical temperature may be different from (especially higher than) the second critical temperature, wherein the shape memory material will expand when the temperature is above the first critical temperature and when the temperature decreases from above the first critical temperature to below the second critical temperature. temperature, the shape memory material will shrink back (see Figure 2). This effect may cause a time delay in the shape memory material's return to its original configuration after it is heated. Since the spring made of shape memory material is force-coupled with another mechanical spring, the spring made of shape memory material can return to the original configuration at a faster speed after cooling. This is because when heated above the critical temperature, another spring will be compressed by the spring made of shape memory material, and after cooling below the critical temperature, the spring made of shape memory material will be compressed. The spring exerts a restoring force, prompting it to return to its original state.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical spring and another mechanical spring can be located in a common housing, in particular coaxially within the housing. The force transmission between the two springs can therefore take place along a common central axis. To achieve this purpose, two mechanical springs can be connected in series longitudinally. The transverse guidance of two springs in a (hollow cylindrical) housing ensures a guided or specific force transmission along the central axis. The corresponding shape memory components have excellent characteristics in terms of deterministic and controllable force transmission.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the shape memory component may have another mechanical spring made of shape memory material, and another mechanical spring coupled to the other mechanical spring. That is to say, in addition to the configuration of the two springs mentioned above, the configuration of two other springs can also be added to form a very advantageous embodiment of the shape memory assembly. If the two configurations run in opposite directions to each other (for example, by adjusting the power supply accordingly so that they run in opposite directions), they can coordinately support each other when the functional segments switch between different operating states.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a mechanical spring can act on the switching cam in the functional section in a first cam position, while another mechanical spring of the shape memory assembly made of shape memory material can act on the second cam position. On the switching cam, the switching cam can be switched between two rotational positions via a shape memory component. For example, the mechanical spring and the other mechanical spring can act on the switching cam in the functional section in the first cam position. The other mechanical spring and the other mechanical spring can act on the switching cam in the functional section. The mechanical spring can act on the switching cam in the second cam position, so that the switching cam can be switched between two rotational positions through the shape memory component (see, for example, Figure 2A and Figure 2B). Between the corresponding arrangement of springs made of shape memory material and springs not made of shape memory material on one side and the switching cam on the other side, corresponding pull wires for force transmission can be provided. Applying current to the shape memory material from one of the two configurations is sufficient to transmit force via the corresponding pull wires to switch the switching cam. In this way, two different operating states of the functional section can be adjusted, for example, the ratchet can be selected to operate right or left.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical spring and the further mechanical spring are force coupled to each other in the axial direction. It is obvious that when a spring is axially connected in series with another spring, uniaxial force transmission between the springs (and therefore very precise force transmission) can be achieved. In particular, springs made of shape memory materials deflect when current flows through them, thus creating an axial force that acts on the other spring. Therefore, the cooperation of these two springs can speed up the recovery speed of the spring made of shape memory material after cooling.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the shape memory assembly may have a flat actuator made of shape memory material that has different lengths in different operating states. For example, a flat or planar actuator may have sections extending in different directions. For example, the structure of the flat actuator may be a meandering structure (see Figure 3), a bent structure, a wavy structure or a sawtooth structure. Flat structures with appropriate shapes can cause the shape memory material to bunch up or shrink when heated. In other words, current flows through this configuration Will result in reduced vertical size. This configuration of a flat actuator with lateral and longitudinal segments of shape memory material allows rapid switching between different operating states and rapid cooling of the shape memory material after it has been heated. Likewise, the flat actuator's shape-memory material can switch between different configurations as long as an electric current flows through the material.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the shape memory assembly may also have another flat actuator made of shape memory material that has different lengths in different operating states. For example, as shown in Figure 3, two flat actuators of the same structure can be coupled to a component in the functional segment via a pull wire respectively. By connecting the two flat actuators to corresponding currents, an antisymmetric pulling force can be input to the component through the pull wire, causing the component to be twisted, tilted, or moved, and thus switched.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a flat actuator can act on the switching cam in the functional segment in a first cam position, and another flat actuator can act on the switching cam in a second cam position, so that shape memory can be used The component switches the switching cam between two rotational positions. For example, the embodiment of Figure 3 may be configured to switch between right and left rotation of a ratchet or other rotating tool.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the shape memory component can form an outer section of the rotary tool made of shape memory material, which outer section has different outer dimensions, at least in stages, in different operating states. Figures 6B and 6C show this embodiment. For example, shape memory materials are shaped like filaments, stripes, or sheets, and can be expanded outward or contracted inward by applying electricity or heating in other ways. Opening outward In the unfolded operating state, the rotating workpiece can act on the peripheral component (for example, the grooved sleeve head is locked on the follower of the rotating component in a form-fitting manner, in which the temporarily deployed shape memory material can be embedded in the sleeve). Grooves on the barrel head to achieve locking). On the other hand, in the inwardly retracted operating state, the peripheral part can be removed from the rotating tool without exerting force (for example, the sleeve head can be removed from the follower without the shape memory material hindering this). According to an exemplary embodiment, the shape memory material may extend along the outside of the follower of the functional segment.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the configuration of the shape memory component may be switched between a structure immediately outside the rotating tool and a structure protruding at least sectionally outside the rotating tool. For example, the shape memory component may be a longitudinally extending shape within the proximal structure. The shape memory component can be significantly flattened within the protruding structure.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the shape memory component may be a filament made of shape memory material. Only a small input of energy is required to heat a filament made of shape memory material beyond the critical temperature required to switch the configuration of the shape memory material, especially since the shape of the filament promotes resistive losses in the heating effect.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the shape memory component can make the follower in a state of fixing the socket head on the follower (when the shape memory component protrudes from the outside of the rotating tool) and connect the socket head with the follower. Switching between separated states (when the shape memory component is immediately outside of the rotating tool). This embodiment uses a shape memory assembly to provide a quick release mechanism for releasing the socket head from the follower of the rotating tool. For example, you can pass a The engaging part controlled by the shape memory material is embedded in the gap of the sleeve head, or the shape memory material itself is embedded in the gap of the sleeve head, so that the sleeve head and the driven member are temporarily or reversibly fixed to each other. By controlling the corresponding temperature of the shape memory material so that the engaging part or the shape memory material enters the driven part, the sleeve head can be thrown or removed from the driven part. The socket head should be inserted into the follower so that the rotational force of the rotating tool acts on a component or fixture (such as a nut or screw) via the free end of the socket head. In order to firmly fix the socket head on the rotating tool, after the socket head is inserted into the follower of the shape memory assembly, the shape memory material can be fully heated to switch the shape memory material into a raised protruding configuration. . In this configuration, the shape memory material can be embedded in grooves, notches, or other recesses in the socket head to lock the socket head to the rotating tool. When the sleeve head is to be removed, power to the shape memory material can be terminated, allowing the shape memory material to cool, and switch or return to a configuration immediately outside the follower. This releases the shape-memory material from the recess of the socket head and releases the socket head from the rotating tool.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the functional section may have a force transmission mechanism that can selectively perform right or left rotation and a switching device, wherein the function of the force transmission mechanism is to transmit the rotational force of the rotating tool to the component to be rotated , the function of the switching device is to switch the force transmission mechanism between right operation and left operation, wherein the switching device has a shape memory component. Obviously, the shape memory material of the shape memory component can be activated by heating (for example, applying electricity), so that the switching device switches to right or left operation.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the force transfer mechanism may In the right-hand and left-hand operating states, the rotational force is transmitted to the component to be rotated in one of the two mutually opposite rotational directions of the rotating tool, and the other rotational direction is idling or unloaded. For example, a gear that is force-coupled to the output can be meshed with a switching cam so that force can be transmitted in one direction of rotation, while force cannot be transmitted in the opposite direction of rotation.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the force transmission mechanism may have a gear force-coupled with the component to be rotated, and a switching cam meshed with the gear, wherein the switching cam may be rotated in a corresponding right direction via a shape memory component of the switching device switch between the position and a position corresponding to left rotation. This switching mechanism can be completely integrated into the rotating tool, thus preventing dust, moisture or other foreign matter from getting in.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the shape memory component of the switching device may have a first shape memory structure and a second shape memory structure, and the two structures may be activated separately to adjust the right operation or the left operation. Energizing the first shape memory structure (but not energizing the second shape memory structure at the same time) can only affect the length (especially shortening) of the first shape memory structure, and can generate a force that produces right or left rotation. Conversely, energizing the second shape memory structure (but not energizing the first shape memory structure) can only affect the length (especially shortening) of the second shape memory structure, which can generate another right rotation and another left rotation. A force.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the switching device may have a bistable leaf spring (for example, a leaf spring with two bistable bending states) disposed between the first shape memory structure and the second shape memory structure, which The function is to switch the force transmission mechanism between a first stable configuration corresponding to right operation and a second stable configuration corresponding to left operation. This bistable leaf spring can selectively adopt a stable first configuration or a stable second configuration. In this case, the stable first configuration may be equivalent to an operating state in which only the first shape memory structure is energized (but not the second shape memory structure), whereas the stable second configuration may be equivalent to an operating state in which only the first shape memory structure is energized (but not the second shape memory structure). An operating state in which only the second shape memory structure is energized (but not the first shape memory structure). Therefore, this bistable leaf spring can stabilize left or right operation even if the starting current that activates the individual shape memory structures is cut off. For example, a bistable leaf spring configured in this manner may be made of spring steel. It functions like a "clicker".

According to an exemplary embodiment, one end of the bistable leaf spring may be coupled to the switching cam, while the other end of the bistable leaf spring may be coupled to a balance bar that is rotatable after installation. In addition, one end of the first shape memory structure and the second shape memory structure can be coupled with the balance bar that can be rotated after installation, while the other ends of the first shape memory structure and the second shape memory structure can be fixed on the rotating tool, For example, fixed on the chassis or board. If one shape memory structure is energized, it shrinks, while the length of the other shape memory structure remains unchanged. The retracted shape memory structure fixed at one end thus exerts a pulling force that causes the balance bar at the other end to rotate. As a result, the bistable leaf spring transfers from one stable configuration to another. Since the bistable leaf spring is coupled not only to the balance bar but also to the switching cam, the bistable leaf spring switches to another configuration so that the switching cam switches between left and right rotation of the rotating tool.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the functional section can have a follower, in particular a follower onto which the sleeve head is plugged. The so-called follower here refers to a protruding piece on the functional section that protrudes from the outside and has a non-rotationally symmetrical circumference (such as a quadrilateral circumference), on which a sleeve head with a gap can be inserted, so that the rotating tool can rotate. Torque transmission acts on the sleeve head. A free end of the sleeve head inserted on the follower is designed to rotate a fixing member (such as a screw or nut).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the rotary tool may have a socket head that is or has been inserted onto the follower. Another possibility is to have a set of different socket heads, each of which can be inserted into a follower provided by the rotating tool. This makes it possible to drive a wide variety of different fasteners with the same rotary tool.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the shape memory component can cause the driven member to switch between a state in which the ferrule head is fixed and a state in which the ferrule head is released. The shape memory component thus serves as a reversible locking device for the output element.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the shape memory component can act on the engaging member located in the gap of the driven member, so that the engaging member is in a state of protruding outward and fixing the sleeve head and a state of retreating and holding the sleeve head. Switch between the loosened state of the sleeve head. For example, the engaging element may be a sphere or a peg. Activating the shape memory component can generate a force acting on the engaging part, causing the engaging part to selectively fix or loosen the sleeve head.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the shape memory component can move parallel to the engagement member or at an angle (especially vertically) to the engagement member. The engaging member moves so that the engaging member switches between an outwardly protruding state and a retreating state. If the engaging piece protrudes outward, it will lock the inserted socket head. If the engaging member moves back, the cocked sleeve head will be released.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the handle segment may have at least one operating device operable by a user for the user to control the functional segment to switch between different operating states. For example, the at least one operating device may comprise an operating device (eg an operating device consisting of two buttons) that switches the shape memory assembly between left and right rotation. Alternatively or additionally, the operating device can switch the shape memory assembly between a state in which the follower of the rotating tool holds the socket head and a state in which the follower releases the socket head. For example, the operating device can have a first button for setting the right run. In addition, the operating device can also have a second button for setting the left-hand movement. Another possibility is that the operating device has a third button that selectively locks the sleeve head on the driven member or releases it from the driven member. Furthermore, there is at least one operating device for switching on and/or off the power supply, for example on and/or off an LED that illuminates the working range of the rotary tool.

According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the at least one operating device of the rotary tool may have a dual function, so that one operating device may select a function to be performed from two different functions. For example, the first operating device may be designed to have a dual function, so that it can be selected to perform a first function or a second function. Another possibility is that the second operating device also has a dual function so that it can be selected to perform Tertiary function or fourth function. For example, the first function is to switch the shape memory component to right rotation. For example, the second function is to switch the shape memory assembly to a state where the follower releases the socket head. For example, the third function is to switch the shape memory component to left rotation. For example, the fourth function is to turn on the power.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the shape memory component may be disposed on or within the handle segment, and/or disposed on or within the functional segment. Integrating shape memory components into rotating tools allows the creation of particularly small rotating tools. Another advantage of integrating shape memory components into the interior of a rotating tool is that it protects the internal mechanical components from foreign contamination, thereby increasing their service life.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the shape memory material of the shape memory component may be made of one of the following materials: metal wire, spring, sleeve, or diaphragm. Shape memory materials can therefore have a wide variety of shapes depending on the desired function.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the rotating tool may be a ratchet (also called a ratchet) or a wrench (eg, a wrench with a ratchet function). It could also be other rotary tools with shape memory components, such as an electric wrench or drill.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the functional section can have a force transmission mechanism, and the force transmission mechanism has a transmission device for transmitting the rotational force from the rotation tool to the component to be rotated. The transmission device may have at least two different transmission ratios between the rotational force exerted by the user on the handle segment and the rotational effect acting on the component to be rotated (eg, the rotational force acting on the component to be rotated). For example, a transmission can have up to There are at least two gears with different radii to produce at least two different transmission ratios, wherein one gear can be selected from the at least two gears to produce a force coupling between the handle section and the functional section. The functional section located at the head of the rotary tool can therefore be provided with a transmission, and the transmission can have at least two or more gears with different outer diameters. Different gears have different transmission ratios, similar to a bicycle transmission. The user selects a gear of the transmission device to create a force coupling between the rotating tool and the component to be rotated, so that in an operating state, a larger gear can be connected to match a rotational force to be transmitted. On the contrary, if the user wants to achieve a large rotation angle of the sleeve head inserted on the follower of the rotating tool with a small rotation angle of the rotating tool, the user can select a smaller gear. Since the transmission device is arranged in the functional section of the rotary tool, gear shifting can be performed, thereby improving the flexibility of use of the rotary tool. For example, a ratchet or wrench with a ratchet function can choose to work at a faster or slower rotation speed.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the transmission device can switch different transmission ratios between different operating states through the shape memory component. The shape memory component can therefore adjust a user-selectable transmission ratio, for example by activating one of a plurality of gears of different sizes using the shape memory component.

100:Rotating tool

102: handle section

104: Function segment

106:Shape memory component

108:Energy supply device

110:Light source

112,114,116,118: spring

120:Chassis

122:Switch cam

124,126: Flat actuator

128: External segment

130:Filament

132:Follower

134: Force transmission mechanism

136:Switching device

140:Gear

112: First shape memory structure

112’: Second shape memory structure

171: Bi-stable leaf spring

173: Balance bar

142:meshing parts

144,190:gap

150:joint piece

154: Electrical contact

156,158: Force transmission element

151:Separating gaskets and electrical contacts

160:brake parts

186:Tool housing

162: Force-path diagram

164,172:abscissa

166,174: vertical coordinate

170:DSC diagram

176,178: Curved path

180,182: conversion temperature

124,126: Flat actuator

188: Slider

192: Entrance platform

194: Entrance slope

198:Board

199:lid

191:Turn left

193:Turn right

175:Board

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the drawings.

[Figure 1A and Figure 1B] respectively show a side view and a top view of a rotating tool according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[Figure 2A and Figure 2B] Show a detailed cross-sectional view of the rotating tool in Figure 1A and Figure 1B respectively.

[Figures 2C and 2D] Shows the measurement results on the shape memory component of Figures 2A and 2B.

[Figures 2E and 2F] show two different configurations of the shape memory component of Figures 2A and 2B.

[Fig. 3] A detailed cross-sectional view showing a rotary tool according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[Figures 4A and 4B] respectively show a side view and a detailed cross-sectional view of a rotary tool according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[Figures 5A and 5B] respectively show a side view and a detailed cross-sectional view of a rotary tool according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[Figure 6A, Figure 6B and Figure 6C] respectively show a side view, a detailed cross-sectional view and a three-dimensional view of the rotating tool according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[Figures 7A and 7B] respectively show a side view and a detailed cross-sectional view of a rotary tool according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 8] A cross-sectional view showing the first operating state of the rotary tool according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, [Fig. 9] A cross-sectional view showing the second operating state of the rotary tool.

[Fig. 10] Different perspective views showing a rotary tool of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 11] A partial internal view showing a rotary tool according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 12] Shows a side view of the rotating tool of Fig. 11.

[Fig. 13] Shows a transparent top view of the rotating tool of Figs. 11 and 12.

[Fig. 14] shows a larger range of the rotating tool of Figs. 11 to 13.

[Fig. 15] A simplified top view showing a rotary tool of Figs. 11 to 14 without showing the shape memory component.

The same or similar components in different drawings are designated with the same component symbols.

Before describing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings, a general description of the embodiments of the present invention is provided:

Ratchets with pluggable socket heads are prior art. If the socket head is inserted into the ratchet, the screw head can enter the socket head to screw the screw into or out of an object. A mechanical switching device can be provided on the screw head to switch the ratchet between right and left rotation (equivalent to screwing in or out of the screw). In order to place the ratchet in To switch between right and left operation, a hand-turnable switching cam can be positioned in two positions (equivalent to right or left operation). One end of the switching cam is held in one of two positions by a spring-loaded ball. The other end of the switching cam can mesh with a gear, which gear is connected to a quadrilateral follower.

This basic structure of the ratchet has not changed over the years.

However, the operation friendliness of this traditional ratchet is not good. In addition, the service life of this ratchet is not long, because foreign matter such as dust can escape from the outwardly opening switching mechanism.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a user of a rotary tool (especially a ratchet) can be provided with a rotary tool that is easier to operate and has a longer service life. In particular, a shape memory component that controls the switching of the rotary tool between different operating states of the functional segments can be integrated into the rotary tool. This shape memory component is located inside the rotating tool and is closed to the outside, so dust, moisture, or other foreign matter cannot easily penetrate into the rotating tool, so the rotating tool has a longer service life.

The operation of the rotary tool can be made easier through an energy supply device (such as a battery) and a shape memory component containing a shape memory alloy provided in the handle of the rotary tool (especially a ratchet). According to one embodiment, it is possible to make it easier to switch between right-hand and left-hand turning tools (such as ratchets, wrenches, etc.).

At least one light-emitting diode can be provided at the bottom of the handle or around the rotating tool (especially the ratchet head), and these light-emitting diodes can be switched through an operating device (such as a button) on the handle. The photodiodes can be connected to an energy supply (eg a battery) located within the handle in order to illuminate the working range of the rotary tool.

Figures 1A and 1B respectively show a side view and a top view of the rotary tool 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2A and 2B show a detailed cross-sectional view of the rotating tool 100 of Figures 1A and 1B respectively. Figures 2C and 2D show measurement results on the shape memory component 106 of Figures 2A and 2B. Figures 2E and 2F show two different configurations of the shape memory component 106 of Figures 2A and 2B.

The embodiment of Figures 1A to 2F shows a manually operated rotary tool 100 configured as a ratchet. The rotary tool 100 has a handle section 102 for the user to hold and operate, wherein the structure of the handle section 102 is designed to match the human hand structure. The handle section 102 is connected to a functional section 104, wherein the function of the functional section 104 is to transmit torque to a component (not shown in the drawing) to be rotated (for example, a fastener such as a screw or nut). The shape memory component 106, which can be clearly seen in Figures 2A, 2B, 2E and 2F, can control the functional segment 104 to switch between two different operating states. In this embodiment, the two operating states refer to the right operation and the left operation of the ratchet wheel or ratchet tooth.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the rotary tool 100 has an energy supply device 108 disposed in the handle section 102 and occupying only a small space. For example, one or a plurality of batteries or accumulators may be used as the energy supply device. The function of the energy supply device 108 is to selectively provide power to the shape memory component 106 so that the functional segment 104 switches between different operating states. Even Preferably, the energy supply 108 may be designed to turn on or off the electrical current to the conductive shape memory material of the shape memory component 106 to allow the shape memory component 106 to operate in different mechanical configurations (corresponding to functional segments 104 Switch between different operating states). It is obvious that the (advantageous) resistive losses caused by the current flowing through the shape memory material heat the shape memory material. When the temperature exceeds the transition temperature, the solid structure of the shape memory material will change, causing the shape memory material to automatically switch between the configurations shown in Figure 2E and Figure 2F, thereby achieving two operating states (left rotation of the ratchet and Switching between right operation).

As shown in FIG. 1A , the rotating tool 100 has a light source 110 (such as one or a plurality of light emitting diodes) to illuminate the working range of the rotating tool 100 when the rotating tool 100 is used, wherein the light source can be from the energy supply device 108 Get current supply.

According to Figures 2E and 2F (as well as Figures 2A and 2B), the shape memory component 106 has a mechanical spring 112 composed of a coil spring and made of a conductive shape memory material (such as Nitinol). The temperature of the shape memory material can be adjusted by selectively energizing the shape memory material. As the temperature of the shape memory material changes, the spring 112 made of the shape memory material has different axial lengths in different operating states. In addition, the shape memory assembly 106 has a further mechanical spring 114 coupled to the mechanical spring 112 . The springs 112, 114 are axially connected in series and separated from each other by an engaging piece 150. The mechanical spring 112 and the further mechanical spring 114 are therefore force-coupled with each other in the axial direction. Mechanical springs 112, 114 are arranged along a common central axis. Mechanical spring 112 in whole or in part should be made of a shape memory material, but the other mechanical spring 114 could be made of another material that is not a shape memory material. The other mechanical spring 114 acts like a passive compression spring. Advantageously, the mechanical spring 112 and the other mechanical spring 114 are coaxially located in a common housing 120 . As shown in Figures 2E and 2F, the housing 120 surrounds the springs 112, 114 laterally on one end (in conjunction with a grub screw 152 if necessary), but the other end of the housing 120 may be open. Electrical current provided by the energy supply 108 can be connected via an electrical contact 154 to the spring 112 made of shape memory material. When no current flows (please compare Figure 2F), the spring 112 made of shape memory material is in a resting state. With current flowing (please compare Figure 2E), the spring 112 made of shape memory material will be heated and switch to another solid configuration, in this exemplary embodiment to a shape memory material. The spring 112 is produced in a longitudinally expanded state. The other mechanical spring 114 axially coupled to the spring 112 made of shape memory material is therefore compressed. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the force transmission element 156 (such as a metal wire) connected between the springs 112, 114 in the housing 120 and a switching cam 122 can in this way respond to whether there is current flowing through it. The shape memory material of spring 112 is switched to different tensioned states. It is obvious that the switching cam 122 acts like a balance bar which is acted upon by a spring force. Component symbol 151 in Figure 2 represents a spacer and an electrical contact.

Figures 2A and 2B show that the shape memory component 106 also has another mechanical spring 116 made of shape memory material, and a Another mechanical spring 118 is coupled to another mechanical spring 116 , and the two springs can also be provided within a housing 120 . The springs 116 and 118 in the casing 120 may have the same structure and configuration as the springs 112 and 114 in the casing 120, so this part can be referred to the previous description. Another force transmission element 158 (for example, a wire) connected between the springs 116, 118 in the other housing 120 and another position of the switching cam 122 can be used in the manner described above according to whether there is current flowing through the other force transmission element 158. A spring 116 of shape memory material is switched into different tensioned states.

As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the mechanical spring 112 and the mechanical spring 114 act on the switching cam 122 at the first cam position in the functional section 104. On the contrary, the other two mechanical springs 116 and 118 act on the functional section. 104 on the switching cam 122 in the second cam position. The switching cam 122 can therefore be switched via the shape memory assembly 106 between two rotational positions, which correspond to left and right rotations of the ratchet. The corresponding force transmission between the shape memory component 106 and the switching cam 122 is achieved by the force transmission elements 156 , 158 mentioned here that act like tension wires. The braking element 160 shown schematically in the figure, for example a braking ball, can engage in one of the two recesses of the switching cam 122 depending on the current operating state of the functional section 104 .

According to Figures 1A to 2F, the functional section 104 also has a force transmission mechanism 134 that can selectively operate in a right-hand or left-hand state, so as to transmit the rotational force from the rotating tool 100 to the component to be rotated. The function of the switching device 136 is to switch the force transmission mechanism 134 between right operation and left operation, thus using the shape memory component 106 described above. To be more precise, the function of the force transmission mechanism 134 is to rotate on the right and on the left. During this period, the rotational force is transmitted to the component to be rotated in one of the two mutually opposite rotational directions of the rotational tool 100, and the rotational tool 100 is idling in the opposite rotational direction. To achieve this purpose, the force transmission mechanism 134 has a gear 140 that can be coupled to the component to be rotated, while the gear 140 is in mesh with the switching cam 122 . The switching cam 122 can be switched between a position corresponding to the right movement and a position corresponding to the left movement via the shape memory component 106 of the switching device 136, which can be made of shape memory material by turning on or off the electric current. The springs 112, 116 are implemented.

The functional section 104 has a driven member 132 rigidly coupled to the gear 140, on which the driven member 132 (a sleeve head not shown in the drawings) can be inserted. In this embodiment, the follower 132 has a quadrilateral outline, but it can also be designed to have other shapes of outline. The free end of the socket head may be shaped to engage a part to be rotated, such as a fastener such as a screw or nut, so as to transmit torque to the part to be rotated.

It can be seen from Figure 1A and Figure 1B that the handle section 102 is provided with a plurality of operating devices 146 for manual operation by the user. The user can operate the shape memory component 106 on the left (eg, the lower operating device 146 in Figure 1B) and the right (eg, the upper operating device 146 in Figure 1B) through two operating devices 146 arranged on the side and composed of buttons. switch between. Therefore, the operating device 146 can be used to switch the functional section 104 between left operation and right operation. The user can move an operating device 146 made as a sliding member, so that the sleeve head inserted on the driven member 132 is locked on the driven member 132 in a form-fitting manner, or is released from the driven member 132 ( For example, the method shown in Figure 4A to Figure 6C). This operating device 146 can therefore be used to make the shape memory component 106 switches between a state in which the follower 132 of the rotating tool 100 fixes the socket head and a state in which the follower 132 releases the socket head. The shape memory component 106 can be switched between left and right rotation through the operating device 146 . In the same manner, another shape memory component 106 associated with the follower 132 (not shown in FIGS. 1A to 2F , for example configured as in FIGS. 4A to 6C ) may be powered. or cut off supply.

According to FIGS. 1A to 2F , the shape memory component 106 is located in the functional section 104 and is disposed inside the tool housing 186 , thus having the advantage of being decoupled from environmental influences. The rotating tool 100 made as a ratchet has a good protective effect in preventing the penetration of dust or similar foreign matter, so the rotating tool 100 can have a long service life even if it is in harsh use conditions.

1A and 1B show a rotary tool 100 designed as a ratchet, which has a handle section 102 shaped like a handle, and a functional section 104 configured as a ratchet head with a follower 132 . The side of the handle is provided with two operating devices 146 made into buttons, whose function is to control the ratchet to switch between right operation and left operation. The bottom surface of the rotary tool 100 is provided with another operating device 146 made as a button, whose function is to release the sleeve head inserted on the follower 132 . Another button can be provided on the top surface of the handle, and its function is to turn on a light-emitting diode (LED) provided on the bottom surface of the ratchet as the light source 110 . A battery as the energy supply device 108 is provided in the handle (see Figures 2A and 2B).

Figures 2A and 2B respectively show a cross-sectional view and a view of the rotating tool 100 made as a ratchet or the ratchet head as the functional section 104. An enlarged cross-sectional view. Two batteries are provided as energy supply 108 in the handle or handle section 102 . The gear 140 of the ratchet head has a follower 132, which is made in the shape of a quadrilateral in this example, and a switching cam 122 for switching between right-hand and left-hand operation. There is a housing 120 between the switching cam 122 and each terminal of the energy supply device 108 . Each housing 120 has a Hooke pressure spring (compare element symbol 114 or 118) and a spring 112 or spring 116 made of shape memory material, wherein the paired springs 112, 114 and the paired spring 116 , 118 are separated by a separating gasket or joint piece 150. By pressing the buttons shown above and below in Figure 2A and Figure 2B, current can flow through the spring 112 or spring 116 made of shape memory alloy. The spring 112 or spring 116 is heated due to the flow of current and is intended to be heated. Revert to the programmed configuration. If the spring 112 or spring 116 made of a shape memory alloy is connected to the current provided by the energy supply device 108, the spring 112 or spring 116 will return to the programmed configuration and press against its paired compression spring 114 or spring 118 . Therefore, the switching cam 122 is switched to the corresponding position. At the same time, another spring 116 or spring 112 made of shape memory alloy will be driven. In other words, the other spring 116 or spring 112 made of shape memory alloy is unloaded. The ratchet wheel can therefore be switched between right-hand and left-hand operation. Obviously, when the spring 112 or the spring 116 made of the shape memory alloy cools down, the spring 114 or 118 is compressed so that the spring 112 or the spring 116 returns to the original state faster.

Figure 2C shows a force-path diagram 162 for spring 112 or spring 116 made of a shape memory alloy. The adjustment path (unit: centimeters) is marked along the abscissa 164, and the force (unit: Newton) is marked along the ordinate 166. Dayton). Therefore, Figure 2C shows a mechanical measurement result of the shape memory component 106 as the switching unit in Figures 1A to 2F.

Figure 2D uses a DSC chart 170 to illustrate the characteristics of the spring 112 or the spring 116 made of the shape memory alloy measured by the dynamic differential calorimetry method. Marked along the abscissa 172 is the temperature (unit: °C), and marked along the ordinate 174 is the DSC value (unit: mw/mg). Curved path 176 corresponds to heating, and curved path 178 corresponds to cooling. As can be seen from the DSC plot 170, the transition temperature 180 (also called the activation temperature) when heating 176 may be different from the transition temperature 182 (also called the passivation temperature) when cooling 178. The DSC plot 170 therefore shows the transition temperatures 180 , 182 of the shape memory alloy that may be included in or form the spring 112 or the spring 116 .

Figure 3 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of a rotary tool 100 of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The difference between the embodiment of Figure 3 and the embodiment of Figures 1A to 2F is that according to Figure 3, the shape memory assembly 106 has two flat actuators 124, 126 made of shape memory material, wherein the flat actuator The devices 124 and 126 have different longitudinal lengths in different operating states (that is, the effective length in the horizontal direction in Figure 3). In particular, each flat actuator 124 , 126 can have a flat or planar structure, which can extend, for example, over the paper surface of FIG. 3 . According to FIG. 3 , each flat actuator 124 , 126 has sections extending in horizontal and vertical directions, wherein the horizontal sections and vertical sections are interlaced with each other to form a continuous structure made of conductive shape memory material. According to Figure 3, each flat actuator 124, 126 has a bent structure.

As can be seen in FIG. 3 , the flat actuator 124 acts in the first cam position via a force transmission element 156 (for example a pull wire) on the switching cam 122 in the functional section 104 . A further flat actuator 126 acts in the same manner on the switching cam 122 via a force transmission element 158 (for example a pull wire) in the second cam position. According to FIG. 3 , the switching cam 122 can therefore be switched between two rotational positions via the shape memory component 106 , for which purpose only one of the flat actuators 124 , 126 is selectively energized at a time. The difference from the embodiments of Figures 1A to 2F is that the flat actuators 124, 126 contract in the longitudinal direction (rather than expand in the longitudinal direction) when current is applied. Since the embodiment of Figure 3 uses flat actuators 124, 126, it has the advantage of fast switching/cooling of the shape memory assembly 106.

Therefore, Figure 3 shows an alternative to the pressure spring-shape memory alloy spring arrangement of Figures 1A to 2F, that is, a flat actuator 124, 126 made of a shape memory alloy replaces the pressure spring-shape memory alloy. Spring device, the principle of activating the actuator made of shape memory alloy is the same as before.

Figure 4A shows a side view of a rotary tool 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4B shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the rotary tool 100 of Figure 4A along section A-A of Figure 4A.

In the embodiment of Figures 4A and 4B, the shape memory component 106 functions to make the follower 132 in a state of fixing the inserted ferrule head (not shown) and in a state of releasing the ferrule head. switch between states. As can be seen from the figure, to achieve this purpose, the shape memory component 106 acts on a spherical engaging member 142 located in the gap 144 of the driven member 132, so that the engaging member 142 is in a state of protruding outward and fixing the sleeve head and a state of retreating and holding the sleeve. Switch between head-released states. According to FIGS. 4A and 4B , the shape memory component 106 can be vertically directed toward the engaging member 142 so that the engaging member 142 switches between an outwardly protruding state and a retreated state. Similar to the embodiment in Figure 2B, the shape memory component 106 of this embodiment is composed of a first spring 112 made of a shape memory material and a first spring 114 made of another material, wherein the spring 112, 114 is located in a common casing 120, and the two are force coupled in the axial direction. By activating the first spring 112 , that is, by causing current to flow through the shape memory material of the first spring 112 , the axial length of the first spring 112 changes and cooperates with the second spring 114 to push the slide rod 188 axially. Therefore, the engaging member 142 can selectively retreat backward into the gap 190 of the sliding rod 188, or be pressed outward from the gap 190. The slider 188 has an inlet platform 192 and an inlet ramp 194 adjacent to the gap 190 . In the configuration of Figure 4B, the engaging member 142 is locked in the groove or groove of the sleeve head (not shown), and the slide rod 188 can be pushed downward in the manner of Figure 4B, so that the sleeve can be Loosen the barrel head, then throw out the barrel head and take it out.

Figure 4A is a side view of the ratchet wheel and Figure 4B shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the ratchet head. The top of Figure 4B shows a compression spring-shape memory alloy device equivalent to that of Figure 2A (in the axial direction). The compression spring 114 is force-coupled with the sliding rod 188 in the immediate vicinity of the toothing element 142 . The engaging member 142 is engaged with the sleeve head in the locked state. In the first configuration of the spring 112 made of shape memory material, the slide rod 188 is pressed against the engagement member 142 and engages the sleeve. Barrel head engagement. In a second configuration of the spring 112 made of shape memory material, the engaging member 142 engages the inlet platform 192 which is pushed downwardly. At this time, the engaging member 142 is deeper into the interior of the quadrangular follower 132, so the sleeve head can be taken out or pulled out.

Figure 5A shows a side view 100 of a rotary tool according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5B shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the rotary tool 100 of Figure 5A along section B-B of Figure 5A.

According to FIGS. 5A and 5B , the shape memory component 106 can move parallel to the engaging member 142 to switch the engaging member 142 between an outwardly protruding state and a retracted state.

Figures 5A and 5B show an alternative to Figures 4A and 4B: a spring 112 made of shape memory alloy is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating tool 100 used as a ratchet, and can be activated or not. is activated (e.g., via heating current provided by energy supply device 108). The spring 112 made of shape memory alloy can therefore contract or expand. Correspondingly, the engaging member 142 made into a sphere is pressed outward from the quadrangular follower 132, thereby locking the sleeve, or the engaging member 142 is pressed into the quadrangular follower 132 to move the sleeve head. Plug it in or take it out.

Figure 6A shows a side view of a rotary tool 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6B shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the rotary tool 100 of Figure 6A along section C-C of Figure 6A. Figure 6C shows a three-dimensional view.

According to Figure 6A and Figure 6B, the shape memory component 106 is It consists of an outer section 128 of the rotary tool 100 which is produced in sections from a shape memory material. In different operating states of the associated functional section 104, the shape memory component 106 has a partially enlarged external dimension at the position of the notch or groove of the sleeve head (not shown), or an external dimension that is smaller than that of the surrounding environment. External dimensions will change. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the shape memory component 106 can be in a configuration (not shown) that is immediately adjacent to the outside of the rotating tool 100 and a ridge configuration that protrudes from the outside of the rotating tool 100 in sections (shown in FIGS. 6B and 6B ). Figure 6C). Especially according to Figures 6B to 6C, a filament 130 made of shape memory material can be used as the shape memory component 106, and current can be selectively connected to the filament 130. As previously described, the shape memory component 106 extends along the outside of the follower 132 of the functional segment 104 . The function of the shape memory component 106 in this embodiment is to make the follower 132 in a state where the sleeve head is fixed on the follower 132 (at this time, the shape memory component 106 protrudes from the outside of the rotating tool 100) and the sleeve head Switching between a state separated from the follower 132 (where the shape memory assembly 106 is immediately adjacent to the outside of the rotating tool 100).

Figures 6A to 6C therefore show an alternative to arranging separate engagement elements 142 (especially spheres) within the quadrilateral follower 132. Obviously, in the embodiments of Figures 6A to 6C, such a sphere is replaced by a filament 130 made of shape memory alloy-metal wire. Depending on the configuration (i.e., activated or deactivated), the filament 130 will be positioned flush within the quadrilateral follower 132 when the ferrule is released, or in a semicircular shape as shown in Figures 6B and 6C Swells outward from the follower. The sleeve head can therefore be inserted or removed depending on the shape memory alloy-wire configuration (i.e. activated or passivated) (the shape memory alloy-wire is flush with the quadrilateral follower In or on the member 132, or a shape memory alloy-metal wire fixes the sleeve head on the quadrilateral follower member 132. This embodiment can also be used with other shapes of the follower 132 .

Figure 7A shows a side view of a rotary tool 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7B shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the rotary tool 100 of Figure 7A along section D-D of Figure 7A.

According to Figure 7A and Figure 7B, the rotary tool 100 is made into a wrench. To be more precise, Figure 7A shows an overall view of the wrench, and Figure 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the wrench. In addition, Figure 7 also shows a right operation-left operation switching similar to that described in Figures 1A to 2F. According to Figures 7A and 7B, each end of the switching cam 122 is connected to a shape memory alloy-actuator as the shape memory component 106, and the other end of the shape memory alloy-actuator is fixed to the wrench or the tool housing 186 of the wrench. superior. The switching cam 122 switches to right or left operation depending on the activation status of the two shape memory alloy-actuators.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the first operating state of the rotary tool 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the second operating state of the rotary tool 100 .

The embodiments in Figures 8 and 9 are similar to the embodiments in Figures 4A and 4B, in which the shape memory component 106 in Figures 8 and 9 is made of a diaphragm shape memory material or a shape memory material. Made of leaf springs. A curved diaphragm made of shape memory material is disposed on the plate 198 (and/or on the rotary tool housing 186). According to Figure 8, shape memory The alloy-actuator is in a configuration in which slide rod 188 forces engagement member 142 outward to engage a sleeve head (not shown). According to Figure 9, the shape memory alloy-actuator is in another configuration, in which the slide rod 188 is pushed to the right and accommodates the engaging member 142 in the gap 190, thereby releasing the sleeve head.

Figure 10 shows a different perspective view of a rotary tool 100 of another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 shows how to first remove the cover 199 and then push a button cell as the energy supply 108 into the tool housing 186 from the back. The semicircular light source 110 located on the ratchet head can be activated through the operating device 146 provided on the bottom surface of the ratchet to illuminate the working range of the rotating tool 100 .

The rotary tool 100 of this embodiment provides a quick release mechanism for the socket head inserted on the follower 132. In addition, the entire enclosed tool housing 186 prevents dust or similar foreign matter from penetrating into the rotating tool. Just press the button to switch between turning left (see part number 191) and turning right (see part number 193). The light source 110 can illuminate the working range of the rotary tool 100 .

Figure 11 shows a partial internal view of a rotary tool 100 of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 shows a side view of the rotary tool 100 of Figure 11 . FIG. 13 shows a perspective top view of the rotating tool 100 of FIGS. 11 and 12 . Figure 14 shows a larger area of the rotary tool 100 of Figures 11 to 13. FIG. 15 shows a simplified top view of the rotary tool 100 of FIGS. 11-14 without the shape memory component 106 shown.

In the rotary tool 100 of FIGS. 11 to 15 , the functional section 104 has a force transmission mechanism 134 that can selectively operate in right or left rotation, so as to transmit the rotational force from the rotary tool 100 to (not shown) ) the part to be rotated. In this process, the function of the switching device 136 is to switch the force transmission mechanism 134 between right operation and left operation. The force transmission mechanism 134 has a gear 140 that can be coupled to the component to be rotated, and a switching cam 122 that meshes with the gear 140 .

The switching cam 122 can be switched between a position corresponding to a right rotation and a position corresponding to a left rotation via the shape memory component 106 of the switching device 136, as will be described in more detail below. It can be seen from Figures 11 to 13 that the shape memory component 106 of the switching device 136 has a first shape memory structure 112 and a second shape memory structure 112'. For example, the shape memory structures 112, 112' may be composed of coil springs or flat actuators made of a shape memory material such as titanium. One of the shape memory structures 112, 112' can be activated, while the other shape memory structure 112, 112' is deactivated, to switch right or left operation.

According to Figures 11 to 13 and 15, the switching device 136 also has a bistable leaf spring 171 disposed between the first shape memory structure 112 and the second shape memory structure 112', whose function is to transmit force Mechanism 134 switches between a first stable configuration corresponding to right operation and a second stable configuration corresponding to left operation. Depending on which of the shape memory structures 112, 112' is shortened by the current flowing through it, the bistable leaf spring 171 can be in a curved position as can be clearly seen in Figure 15. A stable configuration, or a stable configuration in another bend (not shown).

One end of the bistable leaf spring 171 is coupled to the switching cam 122 at a central position. The other end of the bistable leaf spring 171 is coupled to a rotatable balance bar 173 at a central position. Since the distance between the two ends is greater than the rest length or the unstressed length of the bistable leaf spring 171, the bistable leaf spring 171 is bent and tightened at one of the two stable end positions. Each of the first shape memory structure 112 and the second shape memory structure 112' has an end coupled to the rotatable balance rod 173 at an external position. Each of the first shape memory structure 112 and the second shape memory structure 112' has another end fixed to the rotating tool 100 and fixed to the plate 175 or another casing part.

The current of only the first shape memory structure 112 may be turned on, but not the second shape memory structure 112', so that only the length of the first shape memory structure 112 is shortened. On the contrary, only the current of the second shape memory structure 112' may be turned on, but the current of the first shape memory structure 112 may not be turned on, so only the length of the second shape memory structure 112' is shortened. This creates a force that switches between right and left motion. In the same manner, the force of the shape memory structure 112, 112' can switch the leaf spring 171 to either of two stable configurations. In this way, the double stable leaf spring 171 can stabilize the left or right operation.

According to Figure 14, two different operating devices 146 are provided on the handle section 102. Each operating device 146 has a dual function. Therefore, each operating device 146 can select one function from two different functions for operation.

The user can press briefly (that is, shorter than one to pre-set the The operating device 146 marked "L" in Figure 14 starts the left operation of the force transmission mechanism 134 to transmit the rotational force of the rotating tool 100 to the component to be rotated. If the user long presses (that is, longer than a predeterminable lower limit value) the operating device 146 marked "L" in Figure 14, a (not shown) light source (not shown) in Figure 15 will be activated. See symbol 110 in Figure 1A), for example to activate an LED.

The user can press briefly (that is, shorter than a predetermined lower limit value) another operating device 146 marked "R" in Figure 14 to start the right operation of the force transmission mechanism 134 to rotate the tool 100 The rotational force is transmitted to the parts to be rotated. If the user long presses (that is to say longer than a predeterminable lower limit value) another operating device 146 marked "R" in Figure 14, a (not shown) socket head can be moved from the The follower 132 in Figure 11 is released.

By making each operating device 146 of the rotary tool 100 have dual functions as shown in Figure 15, the structure of the rotary tool 100 can be made particularly compact, allowing the user to operate it in a very intuitive manner.

It should be added here that the word "having" in this article does not exclude the possibility of having other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude the possibility of being plural. Furthermore, it should be noted that the features or steps of any of the previously mentioned embodiments may be used in combination with the features or steps of any of the other previously mentioned embodiments. The use of component symbols in requests should not be construed as limiting in any way.

100:Rotating tools

102: handle section

104: Function segment

106:Shape memory component

108:Energy supply device

112,114,116,118: spring

120:Chassis

122:Switch cam

132:Follower

134: Force transmission mechanism

136:Switching device

140:Gear

146: Operating device

150:joint piece

156,158: Force transmission element

160:brake parts

186:Tool housing

199:lid

Claims (41)

A rotating tool (100) manually operated by a user, wherein the rotating tool (100) has: a handle segment (102) for the user to grasp; a functional segment (104) that forms a force coupling with the component to be rotated; A shape memory component (106) that can control the functional segment (104) to switch between different operating states; and an energy supply device (108), in particular with at least one battery or at least one accumulator, whose role is selective Power is supplied to the shape memory component (106) to switch the functional segment (104) between different operating states. The rotary tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the energy supply device (108) is provided on the handle section (102). The rotating tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the energy supply device (108) can selectively send current to the shape memory component (106), so that the shape memory component (106) switches between different mechanical configurations. . The rotating tool (100) of claim 1 has a light source (110) that illuminates the working range of the rotating tool (100), wherein the light source can obtain energy supply from the energy supply device (108). The rotary tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the shape memory component (106) has a mechanical spring (112) made of shape memory material, in particular a compression spring or a tension spring, or the shape memory component is made of the mechanical spring (112). The mechanical spring has different axial lengths in different operating states. The rotating tool (100) of claim 5, wherein the mechanical spring (112) is a coil spring or a leaf spring. The rotary tool (100) of claim 5, wherein the shape memory component (106) has another mechanical spring (114) coupled with the mechanical spring (112). The rotating tool (100) of claim 7, wherein the other mechanical spring (114) is made of non-shape memory material. The rotary tool (100) of claim 7, wherein the mechanical spring (112) and the further mechanical spring (114) are located in a common housing (120), in particular coaxially within the housing. The rotary tool (100) of claim 7, wherein the shape memory component (106) has another mechanical spring (116) made of shape memory material, and another mechanical spring coupled with the other mechanical spring (116) (118). The rotary tool (100) of claim 5, wherein the mechanical spring (112) can act on the switching cam (122) in the first cam position in the functional section (104), and the other of the shape memory component (106) uses shape memory A mechanical spring (116) made of material can act on the switching cam (122) in the second cam position, so that the switching cam (122) can be switched between two rotational positions through the shape memory assembly (106). The rotating tool (100) of claim 7, wherein the mechanical spring (112) and another mechanical spring (114) are force-coupled with each other in the axial direction. The rotating tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the shape memory component (106) has a length that has different lengths in different operating states. A flat actuator (124) made of shape memory material. The rotary tool (100) of claim 13, wherein the flat planar actuator (124) has sections extending in different directions, in particular sections extending in directions orthogonal to each other, in particular having a zigzag structure, a bending structure, Wave structure, or sawtooth structure. The rotary tool (100) of claim 13, wherein the shape memory component (106) further has another flat actuator (126) made of shape memory material with different lengths in different operating states. The rotary tool (100) of claim 15, wherein the flat actuator (124) acts on the switching cam (122) in the first cam position in the functional section (104), and another flat actuator (126) acts on the second cam position. On the switching cam (122) of the cam position, the switching cam (122) can be switched between two rotational positions through the shape memory component (106). The rotary tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the shape memory component (106) constitutes an outer section (128) of the rotary tool (100) made of shape memory material, and the outer section (128) operates in different operating states. The next is at least segment by segment with different external dimensions. The rotating tool (100) of claim 17, wherein the configuration of the shape memory component (106) can be a structure immediately outside the rotating tool (100) and a structure that at least sections protrudes outside the rotating tool (100). switch between. The rotary tool (100) of claim 17, wherein the shape memory component (106) is a filament (130) made of shape memory material. The rotating tool (100) of claim 18, wherein the shape The shape memory component (106) extends along an outside of the follower (132) of the functional section (104). The rotating tool (100) of claim 20, wherein the shape memory component (106) causes the driven member (132) to be in a state where the sleeve head is fixed on the driven member (at this time, the shape memory component (106) protrudes from the rotating tool). (100) outside) and the state where the sleeve head is separated from the follower (132) (when the shape memory assembly (106) is immediately adjacent to the outside of the rotating tool). Such as the rotating tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the functional section (104) has: a force transmission mechanism (134) that can selectively perform right or left rotation, and its function is to transmit the rotational force of the rotating tool (100) to the component to be rotated; and a switching device (136) whose function is to switch the force transmission mechanism (134) between right operation and left operation, wherein the switching device (136) has a shape memory component (106). Such as the rotating tool (100) of claim 22, wherein the force transmission mechanism (134) can rotate the rotating tool (100) in one of two mutually opposite rotational directions in the operating states of right operation and left operation. Force is transmitted to the part to be rotated, as well as idling or load-free operation in the other direction of rotation. The rotating tool (100) of claim 22, wherein the force transmission mechanism (134) has a gear (140) force-coupled with the component to be rotated, and a switching cam (122) meshed with the gear (140), wherein the switching The cam (122) may be configured via the shape memory assembly (106) of the switching device (136) Switching between a position corresponding to the right movement and a position corresponding to the left movement. The rotary tool (100) of claim 22, wherein the shape memory component (106) of the switching device (136) has a first shape memory structure (112) and a second shape memory structure (112'), and these two structures can be individually Start separately to adjust right or left operation. The rotary tool (100) of claim 25, wherein the switching device (136) has a bistable leaf spring (171) disposed between the first shape memory structure (112) and the second shape memory structure (112'), Its function is to switch the force transmission mechanism (134) between a first stable configuration corresponding to right operation and a second stable configuration corresponding to left operation. Such as the rotating tool (100) of claim 24, wherein one end of the bistable leaf spring (171) is coupled to the switching cam (122), and the other end of the bistable leaf spring (171) is coupled to a rotatable balance rod (173). ) coupling; and wherein each end of the first shape memory structure (112) and the second shape memory structure (112') can be coupled with the rotatable balance rod, and at the same time, the first shape memory structure (112) and the second shape memory structure (112') The respective other ends of the structures (112') are fixed to the rotating tool (100). The rotary tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the functional section (104) has a follower (132), in particular a follower for the socket head to be inserted. The rotary tool (100) of claim 28 has a socket head that can be inserted or has been inserted on the driven member (132). The rotary tool (100) of claim 28, wherein the shape memory component (106) switches the follower (132) between a state in which the socket head is fixed and a state in which the socket head is released. The rotating tool (100) of claim 29, wherein the shape memory component (106) acts on the engaging member (142) located in the gap (144) of the driven member (132), so that the engaging member (142) moves in a direction. Switch between the state of protruding outward and fixing the sleeve head and the state of retreating and releasing the sleeve head. Such as the rotating tool (100) of claim 31, wherein the shape memory component (106) can move parallel to the meshing member (142), or move toward the meshing member (142) at an angle (especially vertically), so that the meshing member (142) Switching between an outward protruding state and a retreating state. The rotary tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the handle section (102) has at least one operating device (146) operable by a user for the user to control the functional section (104) to switch between different operating states. The rotary tool (100) of claim 33, wherein the at least one operating device (146) at least includes at least one operating device in the following operating states: one that switches the shape memory assembly (106) between left operation and right operation. The operating device makes the shape memory assembly (106) between the state in which the follower (132) of the rotating tool (100) fixes the sleeve head and the state in which the follower (132) releases the sleeve head. The switching operating device is at least one operating device that turns on and/or cuts off the light source (110). The rotary tool (100) of claim 33, wherein at least one of the at least one operating device (146) has dual functions. Yes, so the operating device (146) can select a function to be performed from two different functions. The rotary tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the shape memory component (106) is provided on and/or within the handle section (102), and/or is provided on the functional section (104) and/or Within the function section (104). Such as the rotating tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the shape memory material of the shape memory component (106) is made of a material from the group consisting of: metal wire, spring, sleeve and diaphragm. For example, the rotating tool (100) of claim 1 is made into a ratchet or a wrench. The rotating tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the functional section (104) has a force transmission mechanism (134), and the force transmission mechanism (134) has a mechanism that transmits the rotational force from the rotating tool (100) to the object to be rotated. a transmission device on the component; and wherein the transmission device has at least two different transmission ratios between the user's rotational force acting on the handle section (102) and the rotational effect acting on the component to be rotated. The rotating tool (100) of claim 39, wherein the transmission device has at least two gears with different radii to produce at least two different transmission ratios. Such as the rotating tool (100) of claim 39, wherein the transmission device can switch different transmission ratios between different operating states through the shape memory component (106).

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