Power screwdriver

• US 7,234,536 B2
• Filed: 08/04/2005
• Issued: 06/26/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/04/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: C.&E. Fein GmbH
• Original Assignee: C.&E. Fein GmbH
• Inventors: Scholl, Thomas, Greese, Oliver
• Primary Examiner(s): Smith; Scott A.
• Application Number:
  US11/197,254
• Publication Number:
  US 20060032648A1
• Time in Patent Office: 691 Days
• Field of Search: 173/1, 173/2, 173/176, 173/178, 173/179, 173/181, 173/183, 318/433, 318/463, 318/464, 318/611, 738/622.3
• US Class Current: 173/1
• CPC Class Codes: B23P 19/066 by electrical means
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/14 Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers couplings for transmitting rotation or clutches F16D; devices for measuring torque per se G01L
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/141 Mechanical overload release couplings
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/147 specially adapted for electrically operated wrenches or screwdrivers

Abstract

A power screwdriver is disclosed having a drive which is coupled via a clutch, disengaging as a function of torque, to a tool drive shaft for driving a tool. The screwdriver comprises an electronic control unit for controlling the drive, and a sensor which is coupled to the electronic control unit in order to switch off the drive when the clutch responds. The electronic control unit is designed for activating the drive with a certain output, preferably with a reduced output, for a limited time after switch-off.

Claims

1. A power screwdriver comprising:

a drive;

a tool drive shaft for driving a tool;

a clutch, releasing when a certain preset torque is reached, having an input side being coupled to said drive and having an output side being coupled to said tool drive shaft;

a sensor being coupled to said clutch for sensing a release of said clutch;

an angle sensor for sensing a rotation angle of said tool drive shaft;

brake means for braking said drive after release of said clutch; and

an electronic control for controlling said drive, said electronic control being coupled to said sensor for deactivating said drive when said clutch releases, and wherein said electronic control is coupled to said angle sensor for switching on said drive again upon reaching a first rotation angle after release of said clutch and for switching off said drive again upon reaching a second rotation angle after release of said clutch.

2. The screwdriver of claim 1, wherein said clutch is configured as a disconnect-type clutch having an adjustable disengaging torque.

3. The screwdriver of claim 2, wherein said clutch comprises a dog ring which is driven by said gear and is coupled via first rolling elements to a control ring, said control ring being elastically biased against said dog ring.

4. A power screwdriver comprising:

a drive;

a tool drive shaft for driving a tool;

a clutch, releasing when a certain preset torque is reached, having an input side being coupled to said drive and having an output side being coupled to said tool drive shaft;

a sensor being coupled to said clutch for sensing a release of said clutch;

and an electronic control for controlling said drive, said electronic control being coupled to said sensor for deactivating said drive when said clutch releases, wherein said electronic control is configured for reactivating said drive with a certain output for a limited time after deactivation of said drive.

5. The screwdriver of claim 4, wherein said electronic control is configured for reactivating said drive with a reduced output for a limited time after deactivation of said drive.

6. The screwdriver of claim 4, wherein said electronic control unit comprises a timer for switching on said drive after release of said clutch and for switching off said drive again in a time-controlled manner.

7. The screwdriver of claim 4, further comprising an angle sensor for detecting a rotation angle of said tool drive shaft, said angle sensor being coupled to the electronic control unit for switching on said drive upon reaching a first rotation angle and for switching it off again upon reaching a second rotation angle after release of said clutch.

8. The screwdriver of claim 4, wherein said electronic control unit is comprises means for electrically braking said drive after release of said clutch.

9. The screwdriver of claim 4, wherein said drive comprises a motor having a motor shaft and a gear driven by said motor, said angle sensor being configured as an angle counter which is coupled to said motor shaft.

10. The screwdriver of claim 4, wherein said drive comprises a motor having a motor shaft and a gear driven by said motor, said angle sensor being configured as an angle counter which is coupled to said tool drive shaft.

11. The screwdriver of claim 4, wherein said drive comprises a motor having a motor shaft and a gear driven by said motor, said angle sensor being configured as an angle counter which is coupled to an output side of said gear.

12. The screwdriver of claim 4, wherein said clutch is configured as a disconnect-type clutch having an adjustable disengaging torque.

13. The screwdriver of claim 12, wherein said clutch comprises a dog ring which is driven by said gear and is coupled via first rolling elements to a control ring, said control ring being elastically biased against said dog ring.

14. The screwdriver of claim 13, wherein said control ring comprises axial guides within which second rolling elements are guided, said second rolling elements engaging axial guides provided within said tool drive shaft, thereby connecting said control ring to said tool drive shaft in a rotationally locked but axially displaceable manner.

15. The screwdriver of claim 14, further comprising a housing, within which a bearing is held for supporting said dog ring rotatably, and further comprising third rolling elements resting against one end of said tool drive shaft for supporting said dog ring in axial direction.

16. A method of controlling a power screwdriver for tightening a screw connection with a certain tightening torque, comprising the following steps:

providing a clutch between a drive and a tool drive shaft for driving a tool, said clutch being releasable as a function of torque;

driving said tool drive shaft via said clutch;

monitoring said clutch for release;

switching off said drive when said clutch releases;

braking said drive;

switching on said drive again for subsequently driving said clutch for a limited time period; and

switching off said drive again according to a predetermined switch-off criterion.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said drive after release of said clutch is driven with an output reduced compared with a rated output of said drive.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said drive is switched on again after a certain period has elapsed after release of said clutch and wherein said drive is switched off again after a further period has elapsed.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein said drive is switched on after reaching a first rotation angle is reached starting from release of said clutch and is switched off again after reaching a second rotation angle starting from release of said clutch.