PROCEDURES FOR ASSESSING A SIGNAL

Abstract

This invention relates to a procedure for assessing a signal representing the manual actuating force acting on an adjusting tool for the electrical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic actuation of adjusting means which, at least in the operational state in which the adjusting tool interacts with the adjusting means, serve for the alignment of units and/or sensors of a vehicle. According to this invention, the adjusting tool's drive is blocked if the manual actuating force exceeds a threshold value and/or if a measuring signal representing the alignment of the unit and/or of the sensor is assessed as incorrect and not allowed and/or a signal indicating an error status is generated.

Claims

1. Procedure for assessing a signal representing the manual actuating force acting on an adjusting tool (1) for the electrical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic actuation of adjusting means which, at least in the operational state in which the adjusting tool (1) interacts with the adjusting means, serve for the alignment of units and/or sensors of a vehicle, said manual actuating force being the force with which the adjusting tool (1) is pressed onto the adjusting means, characterized in that the drive of the adjusting tool (1) is blocked (8, 10) if the manual actuating force (6, 7) exceeds a threshold value and/or if a measuring signal representing the alignment of the unit and/or of the sensor is assessed as incorrect and not allowed and/or a signal indicating an error status is generated (8, 10).

2. Procedure according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring system (6, 7) is integrated in the adjusting tool (1) or is assigned to the adjusting tool (1).

3. Procedure according to either of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the signal is derived in consequence of a spring (6) being compressed or extended by the manual actuating force, an end-position switch (7) being assigned to the spring travel.

4. Procedure according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the measuring signal is assessed as being incorrect by blocking the entry of a signal confirming a correct measurement by the mechanic.

5. Procedure according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the signal indicating the error status is generated as an optical, acoustic and/or haptic signal (10).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0044] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

[0045] FIG. 1 shows an adjusting tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing, which shows an adjusting tool 1 consisting of two parts 2 and 3. The adjusting tool has a coupling means 4 for an adjusting means, which, in the embodiment shown, is an adjusting screw. In the embodiment shown, the coupling means 4 is a bit for a screw.

[0047] The coupling means 4 is driven by an electric motor located in the adjusting tool 1.

[0048] The adjusting tool 1 is applied to the adjusting means in the axial direction 5 of the adjusting tool 1 by the mechanic. The mechanic grips this adjusting tool in the part 2 thereof. Application of the coupling means 4 to the adjusting screw causes the generation of a counter-force acting in the axial direction 5 against the manual actuating force.

[0049] The adjusting means is actually moved by the rotation of the coupling means 4.

[0050] This rotation is generated by the electric motor inside the adjusting tool 1.

[0051] The manual actuating force as defined in this application is merely the force with which the adjusting tool 1 is applied to the adjusting means. The driving power for moving the adjusting means is auxiliary power, and has nothing directly to do with this manual actuating force.

[0052] It is also evident that the two parts 2 and 3 of the adjusting tool 1 can be moved axially relative to each other. These two parts 2 and 3 are pressed apart by means of a spring force 6.

[0053] If the adjusting tool 1 is pressed onto an adjusting means via a manual actuating force that exceeds a threshold value, the spring 6 is compressed sufficiently to close an electrical push-button contact 7. For this purpose, the part 2 also contains a plunger 11, which closes the push-button contact when the two parts 2 and 3 are pushed together. Closure of this push-button contact 7 triggers a signal representing a manual actuating force on the adjusting tool 1 that is higher than the threshold value.

[0054] Instead of a system involving a position switch for measuring the actuating force, the applied force may also be measured continuously and the measured value compared with the threshold value.

[0055] It is evident that the signal triggered via the push-button contact 7 is supplied to an evaluating unit 8 as an input signal 9.

[0056] An output signal 10 from the evaluating unit 8 in supplied in turn to the adjusting tool 1. The adjusting tool 1 is controlled via this output signal 10. In particular, the function by which the adjusting tool is blocked, in so far as this function is implemented, is realized via this output signal 10. Optionally, this output signal optionally also controls the generation of the haptic information signal, in the form of vibration of the adjusting tool 1.

[0057] The evaluating unit 8 may also be an integral component of the adjusting tool 1.

[0058] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with the relevant legal standards; thus, the description is merely exemplary than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiment may become apparent to those skilled in the art and do come within the scope of the invention. Accordingly the scope of the legal protection afforded this invention can only be determined by studying the following claims.