APPARATUS CAPABLE OF CONTROLLING, TRACKING AND MEASURING TIGHTENING TORQUE AND LOCKING FORCE, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING, TRACKING, MEASURING AND CALIBRATING THEREOF

• US 20120191378A1
• Filed: 01/20/2012
• Published: 07/26/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 01/20/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: China Pneumatic Corporation
• Original Assignee: China Pneumatic Corporation
• Inventors: Lin, Che-Min, Chu, Hsiu-Feng
• Granted Patent: US 9,026,379 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/41
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 25/003 for measuring torque
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 5/24 for determining value of torque or twisting moment for tightening a nut or other member which is similarly stressed

Abstract

This invention discloses an apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring the tightening torque and the locking force and a method thereof. The device comprises a control device, a transducing device, and a sensing device. The transducing device comprises a second connector and a first signal transmitter. The control device communicates with the transducing device through a second signal transmitter and the first signal transmitter wiredly or wirelessly. The sensing device comprises a first connector and a sensor, and electrically connects to the transducing device through the second connector and the first connector. The sensing device senses the torque applied to a fastener to transmit real-time sensing data to the control device. The control device compares the real-time sensing data with a setting value so as to measure, control or track the locking force or tightening torque applied to the fastener in real time.

Claims

1. An apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring a locking force and a tightening torque, applicable to measure and control the locking force or the tightening torque applied to a fastener provided by a tightening tool, or applicable to track or measure the locking force or the tightening torque applied on the fastener, comprising:

a sensing device, applicable to sense the locking force or the tightening torque applied on the fastener, wherein the sensing device comprises;

a connector, disposed on a head of the sensing device;

a sensor, electrically connected to the connector, and sensing the locking force or the tightening torque applied to the sensing device in order to output sensing data to the connector; and

an identifier, electrically connected to the connector, and having a device identification code, the identifier transmitting the device identification code to the connector, and the device identification code comprising at least one device serial number, a device material serial number or a device maximum locking force.

2. An apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring a locking force and a tightening torque, applicable to measure and control the locking force or the tightening torque applied to a fastener by a tightening tool, or applicable to track or measure the locking force or the tightening torque of the fastener, comprising:

a transducing device, connected to a sensing device of the apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring the locking force and the tightening torque, applicable to receive and transmit sensing data or a device identification code transmitted from the sensing device, wherein the transducing device comprising;

a connector, disposed on one end of the transducing device, receiving and outputting the sensing data and the device identification code;

an amplifying circuit, electrically connected to the connector, and sensing and amplifying the sensing data;

a first microprocessor, electrically connected to the amplifying circuit, and comprising a signal converter, the signal converter receiving the amplified sensing data, and converting the amplified sensing data from an analog signal to a digital signal to form a real-time sensing value;

a first signal transmitter, being a wired or wireless communication device, and electrically connected to the first microprocessor, the first signal transmitter receiving and transmitting the real-time sensing value; and

a first power supply, electrically connected to the second connector, the amplifying circuit, the first microprocessor and the first signal transmitter, and providing a first working voltage.

3. The apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring the locking force and the tightening torque of claim 2, wherein an appearance and a size of one end of the transducing device are respectively corresponding the appearance and the size of one end of the sensing device.

4. The apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring the locking force and the tightening torque of claim 2, wherein the transducing device further comprises a reader, the reader electrically connected to the connector, the first microprocessor and the first power supply, the reader reading out the device identification code, and transmitting the device identification code to the first microprocessor, and the first microprocessor outputting the identification code to the first signal transmitter.

5. The apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring the locking force and the tightening torque of claim 2, wherein the transducing device further wiredly or wirelessly connected to the sensing device in order to read out the device identification code at any time and transmit the sensing data to the first microprocessor, and the first microprocessor wiredly or wirelessly outputting the device identification code and the sensing data to a control device in order to display or control in real time.

6. An apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring a locking force and a tightening torque, applicable to measure and control the locking force or the tightening torque applied to a fastener by a tightening tool, or applicable to track the locking force or the tightening torque of the fastener, comprising:

a control device, communicating with a transducing device of the apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring a locking force and a tightening torque, the control device receiving a real-time sensing value or a device identification code via the transducing device so as to measure and control the locking force or the tightening torque applied to a sensing device of the apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring the locking force and the tightening torque by the tightening tool, or tracking and measuring the locking force or the tightening torque applied to the sensing device, wherein the control device comprises;

a second signal transmitter, being a wired or wireless communication device, and communicating with a first signal transmitter of the transducing device in order to receive the real-time sensing value or the device identification code;

a plurality of buttons, being used for inputting a setting value or choosing an operation mode of the control device;

a microprocessor, electrically connected the second signal transmitter and the plurality of buttons, and the microprocessor receiving the real-time sensing value or the device identification code, and comparing the setting value with the real-time sensing value in order to output a first measurement result, a second measurement result or a third measurement result;

a warning device, electrically connected to the microprocessor, and respectively outputting a first warning signal, a second warning signal or a third warning signal according to the first measurement result, the second measurement result or the third measurement result;

a displaying device, electrically to the microprocessor and the warning device, the displaying device displaying the device identification code, the first measurement result, the second measurement result, the third measurement result, the first warning signal, the second warning signal or the third warning signal;

a second power supply, electrically connected to the second signal transmitter, the microprocessor, the buttons, the warning device and the displaying device in order to provide a second working voltage;

a power source, for providing a power to the tightening tool, the power further comprising a electrical power, a pneumatic power, or a hydraulic power;

a power regulator, selectively connected to a output of the power source, when the power source is the pneumatic power, the power regulator adjusts the pneumatic pressure outputted by the power source;

a pressure sensor, connected to the microprocessor, the second power supply and the power regulator, when the power source is the pneumatic power or the hydraulic power, the pressure sensor will measure the pneumatic pressure or the hydraulic pressure adjusted by the power regulator; and

a control valve, connected to the microprocessor, the pressure sensor and the second power supply, when the microprocessor outputs the second measurement result or the third measurement result, the control valve blocks the power outputted by the power source;

wherein, when the real-time sensing value is lower than the admissible range of the setting value, the microprocessor outputs the first measurement result;

when the real-time sensing value is equal to the admissible range of the setting value, the microprocessor outputs the second measurement result; and

when the real-time sensing value is higher than the admissible range of the setting value, the microprocessor outputs the third measurement result.

7. An apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring a locking force and a tightening torque, applicable to measure and control the locking force or the tightening torque applied to a fastener by a tightening tool, or applicable to track the locking force or the tightening torque of the fastener, comprising:

a sensing device, applicable to sense the locking force or the tightening torque applied to the fastener, wherein the sensing device comprises;

a first connector, disposed on the head of the sensing device;

a sensor, electrically connected to the first connector, and sensing the locking force or the tightening torque applied to the sensing device so as to output sensing data to the first connector; and

an identifier, electrically connected to the first connector, and having an device identification code, the identifier transmitting the device identification code to the first connector, and the device identification code comprising at least one device serial number, a device material serial number or a device maximum locking force;

a transducing device, connected to the sensing device, applicable to receive and transmit the sensing data or the device identification code to the control device, wherein the transducing device comprises;

a second connector, disposed on one end of the transducing device, receiving and outputting the sensing data and the device identification code;

an amplifying circuit, electrically connected to the second connector, receiving and amplifying the sensing data;

a first microprocessor, electrically connected to the amplifying circuit, and comprising a signal convertor, the signal convertor receiving the amplified sensing data, and converting the amplified sensing data from a analog signal to a digital signal in order to form a real-time sensing value;

a first signal transmitter, being a wired or wireless communication device, and electrically connected to the first microprocessor, and the first signal transmitter receiving and transmitting the real-time sensing value; and

a first power supply, electrically connected to the second connector, the amplified circuit, the first microprocessor and the first signal transmitter, providing a first working voltage; and

a control device, communicating with the transducing device, the control device receiving the real-time sensing value and the device identification code via the transducing device in order to measure and control the locking force or the tightening torque applied to the sensing device by the tightening tool, or tracking and measuring the locking force or the tightening torque applied to the sensing device, wherein the control device comprises;

a second signal transmitter, being a wired or wireless communication device, and communicating with the first signal transmitter of the transducing device in order to receive the real-time sensing value or the device identification code;

a plurality of buttons, electrically connected to the second microprocessor, being used for inputting a setting value or choosing an operation mode of the control device;

a second microprocessor, electrically connected the second signal transmitter, and second microprocessor receiving the real-time sensing value or the device identification code, and comparing the setting value with the real-time sensing value in order to output a first measurement result, a second measurement result or a third measurement result;

a warning device, electrically connected to the second microprocessor, and respectively outputting a first warning signal, a second warning signal or a third warning signal according to the first measurement result, the second measurement result or the third measurement result;

a displaying device, electrically connected to the second microprocessor and the warning device, the displaying device displaying the device identification code, the first measurement result, the second measurement result, the third measurement result, the first warning signal, the second warning signal or the third warning signal;

a second power supply, electrically connected to the second signal transmitter, the second microprocessor, the buttons, the warning device and the displaying device in order to provide a second working voltage;

a power source, for providing a power to the tightening tool, the power further comprising an electrical power, a pneumatic power, or a hydraulic power;

a power regulator, selectively connected to an output of the power source, when the power source is the pneumatic power, the power regulator adjusts the pneumatic pressure outputted by the power source;

a pressure sensor, connected to the second microprocessor, the second power supply and the power regulator, when the power source is the pneumatic power or the hydraulic power, the pressure sensor will measure the pneumatic pressure or the hydraulic pressure adjusted by the power regulator; and

a control valve, connected to the second microprocessor, the pressure sensor and the second power supply, when the second microprocessor outputs the second measurement result or the third measurement result, the control valve blocks the power outputted by the power source;

wherein, when the real-time sensing value is lower than the admissible range of the setting value, the second microprocessor outputs the first measurement result;

when the real-time sensing value is equal to the admissible range of the setting value, the second microprocessor outputs the second measurement result; and

when the real-time sensing value is higher than the admissible range of the setting value, the second microprocessor outputs the third measurement result.

8. The apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring the locking force and the tightening torque of claim 7, wherein the first connector is engaged with the second connector to electrically connect to the second connector, or the first connector is connected to the second connector via wires to electrically connect to the second connector.

9. A control method for an apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring a tightening torque and a locking force, applicable to use the apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring the tightening torque and the locking force to control the tightening torque and the locking force applied to a fastener by a tightening tool, the apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring the tightening torque and the locking force comprising a sensing device, a transducing device and a control device, the control method comprising the following steps of:

connecting a first signal transmitter of the transducing device to a second signal transmitter of the control device so as to allow the control device to communicate with the transducing device;

choosing an operation mode by a plurality of buttons of the control device in order to control the control device to perform a tightening operation or a measurement operation;

engaging a first connector of the sensing device with a second connector of the transducing device in order to electrically connect the sensing device to the transducing device;

reading out a device identification code of the sensing device via the transducing device and displaying the device identification code on a displaying device of the control device;

transmitting sensing data to the transducing device via the first connector and the second connector;

receiving and amplifying the sensing data by an amplifying circuit of the transducing device;

receiving the amplified sensing data and converting the amplified data from an analog signal to a digital signal by a first microprocessor of the transducing device in order to form a real-time sensing value;

transmitting the real-time sensing value from the transducing device to the control device via the first signal transmitter and the second signal transmitter;

inputting a setting value;

coupling the tightening tool to the transducing device to rotate the sensing device;

comparing the real-time sensing value with the setting value by a second microprocessor of the control device;

outputting a first measurement result by the second microprocessor and outputting a first warning signal by a warning device of the control device when the real-time sensing value is lower than the admissible range of the setting value;

outputting a second measurement result by the second microprocessor and outputting a second warning signal by the warning device when the real-time sensing value is equal to the admissible range of the setting value;

outputting a third measurement result by the second microprocessor and outputting a third warning signal by the warning device when the real-time sensing value is higher than the admissible range of the setting value; and

displaying the first measurement result, the second measurement result, the third measurement result, the first warning signal, the second warning signal or the third warning signal on the displaying device.

10. The control method for an apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring a tightening torque and a locking force of claim 9, further comprising the following steps of:

receiving the second measurement result or the third measurement result by a control valve of the control device when the tightening tool is a dynamic-driven tightening tool; and

blocking a driving power of the dynamic-driven tightening tool by the control valve.

11. A tracking and measuring method for an apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring a tightening torque and a locking force, applicable to use the apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring the tightening torque and the locking force to track and measure the tightening torque and the locking force applied to a fastener, the apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring the tightening torque and the locking force comprising a sensing device, a transducing device and a control device, the tracking and measuring method comprising the following steps of:

choosing a tracking or measuring operation mode of the control device by a plurality of buttons of the control device to control the control device to perform a tracking or measuring operation;

connecting a first signal transmitter of the transducing device to a second signal transmitter of the control device to allow the transducing device to communicate with the control device;

transmitting a device identification code of the sensing device to the control device via the transducing device and displaying the device identification code on a displaying device of the control device;

engaging a first connector of the sensing device with a second connector of the transducing device to electrically connect the sensing device and the transducing device;

sensing the locking force or the tightening torque applied to the sensing device by a sensor of the sensing device to form sensing data;

transmitting the sensing data of the sensing device to the transducing device via the first connector and the second connector;

receiving and amplifying the sensing data by an amplifying circuit of the transducing device;

receiving the amplified sensing data and converting the amplified sensing data from an analog signal to a digital signal in order to form a real-time sensing value;

transmitting the real-time sensing value to the control device by the transducing device via the first transmitter and the second transmitter; and

displaying a value of the tightening torque or the locking force, the device identification code and the real-time sensing value on the displaying device.

12. A calibration method for an apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring a tightening torque and a locking force, performing a calibration operation on a sensing device of the apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring the tightening torque and the locking force by a standard torque transducer, a standard load cell and a calibration fixture, the apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring the tightening torque and the locking force further comprising a transducing device and a control device, the calibration method comprising the following steps of:

engaging a first connector of the sensing device with a second connector of the transducing device to electrically connect the sensing device and the transducing device;

connecting a first signal transmitter of the transducing device to a second signal transmitter of the control device to allow the transducing device to communicate with the control device;

transmitting a device identification code to the control device by the sensing device via the transducing device and displaying the device identification code on a displaying device of the control device;

plugging the sensing device into the standard load cell to wait for being screwed into the calibration fixture;

electrically connecting the sensing device and the standard load cell to the control device;

coupling a tightening tool with the standard torque transducer and the transducing device to apply a tightening torque to the standard load cell and drive the sensing device in order to screw the sensing device and the standard load cell into the calibration fixture;

receiving measurement data of the tightening torque of the standard torque transducer, a real-time sensing value of the sensing device and the measurement data of the locking force of the standard load cell by a microprocessor of the control device;

comparing and calculating the measurement data of the tightening torque of the standard torque transducer, the real-time sensing value of the sensing device and the measurement data of the locking force of the standard load cell in order to obtain a linear-relation equation of the real-time sensing value of the sensing device, the measurement data of the locking force of the standard load cell and the measurement data of the tightening torque of the standard torque transducer, and

recording and saving the linear-relation equation and the device identification code in the microprocessor or an independent memory device.