Patent ID: 12220792

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the aforementioned figures, the clamping tool according to the present invention comprises a body11containing electronic control circuits and a processing electronic unit having at one end a handle12(preferably containing rechargeable batteries for powering the wrench) and on the other end an arm13. Advantageously, a display14for visualizing information and operating data is provided on the body11and a keyboard15allows data and commands to be entered.

Naturally, it is understood that if the processing or storage of data requires a unit which cannot be easily or completely contained in the body11, the body11can be connected, by means of a cable or a wireless connection, to external processing units. A wired connection can also be envisaged to provide external power supply. A plurality of inserts can be alternatively pluggable in a suitable seat16at the end of the arm13. For example, each insert will be suitable for engaging the wrench with a corresponding type and/or dimension of mechanical member or element (screw, nut, etc.) on which the tool is destined to operate.

Although for simplicity's sake inserts having all a similar dimension are shown, elongated inserts or inserts with arms of particular shape can also be provided, as known in the art.

Each insert may comprise internally a transponder in a suitable position (typically in the plugging shank to the seat16) to be coupled to a suitable antenna close to the seat16when it is mounted on the tool.

The manners for coupling between transponder and antenna for the activation of the transponder (usually known as “tag”) and the communication are widely known and will therefore not be described in detail here.

The tool comprises sensor means (for example made with strain gauges arranged in the arm) for detecting the torque exerted on the mechanical member. Advantageously, a sensor (for example gyroscopic) can also be provided for detecting the tightening angle. According to one aspect of the present invention, the tool comprises a device for the light signalling of the conditions of execution of the clamping operations.

This device comprises an annular support2, which is associated with the tool to which a plurality of lighting groups3are associated, provided along a circle arch long the ring and each one comprising at least two lighting points4(preferably LEDs); the groups3are substantially equidistant each other along the ring, each points lightens when the clamping is finished.

Preferably, the device in each group switches on in each point of the plurality of points according to a progressive sequence with all the points switched off before starting the clamping operation until having all the points switched on when the clamping is finished so as to simulate an arch of a circle extending from a point up to its maximum dimension with all the points switched on.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting groups are four arches, each one having a dimension slightly lower than 90°.

In this way, in whatever way the tool is gripped at least one of the groups is visible to the operator and therefore also the indication of the correct clamping.

Preferably, an initialisation lighting point41, for example made by a single LED, is provided between two contiguous lighting groups. This point can provide indications on the status of the tool; for example, it can flash in case of the initialization phase (booting up), it can be steady white when the tool/wrench is ready for clamping etc . . . .

Preferably the lighting points for each group are three. In this way, the clamping sequence is tracked by switching on the first point (which indicates operation started), then by also switching on the second point (clamping in progress), finally by switching on also the third point (reached target).The points are radially lit on the 4 groups. The switch-on thresholds are suitably configurable to ensure maximum control by the user

Furthermore, the lighting points can be realised through RGB LEDs which allow the lighting point to change its colour and/or intensity.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the electronic processing unit can switch on, switch off, change colour and intensity at the lighting points to identify anomalies, or particular tightening conditions etc . . . .

Through these codes it is also possible to show the status of the system and diagnostic output.

Furthermore, by means of light patterns, the indication provided by the device can also be distinguished by colour-blind operators.

The groups of LEDs are fixed to the outer surface of a ring shaped piloting electronic circuit5handling the power supply to the LEDs and that is inserted within the annular support2. Said circuit5is provided with an electric contact bus51for connecting the device with the electronic unit provided in the body11of the tool.

Said support is provided with slots21permitting to the LEDs to be visible from the outside. A layer of light diffusion which is adapted to optimize the visibility of the light emitted by the LEDs themselves is provided on these slots and in particular on the annular surface on which the LEDs are arranged.

The annular support and the device in general are preferably provided between the handle12and the body11. Alternatively, it can be arranged between the body11and the arm13, or in any annular section of the tool.