CA1127883A - Pneumatic nut-runner with torque indicator - Google Patents
Pneumatic nut-runner with torque indicatorInfo
- Publication number
- CA1127883A CA1127883A CA354,286A CA354286A CA1127883A CA 1127883 A CA1127883 A CA 1127883A CA 354286 A CA354286 A CA 354286A CA 1127883 A CA1127883 A CA 1127883A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- torque
- dial
- tool
- handle portion
- motor
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Details Of Spanners, Wrenches, And Screw Drivers And Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A pneumatically powered hand-held torque wrench having a dial gage arranged on the handel portion of the wrench to display the amount of torque exerted upon a fastener by the tool. A pointer indicates the tool maximum torque attained during tool operation, including manual torquing effort by the tool operator, which pointer maintains maximum torque read-out until the pointer is reset by the operator. A mechanical linkage arrangement transmits tool handle flexure into rotation of the dial gage to indicate maximum torque value developed upon a fastener being worked upon.
A pneumatically powered hand-held torque wrench having a dial gage arranged on the handel portion of the wrench to display the amount of torque exerted upon a fastener by the tool. A pointer indicates the tool maximum torque attained during tool operation, including manual torquing effort by the tool operator, which pointer maintains maximum torque read-out until the pointer is reset by the operator. A mechanical linkage arrangement transmits tool handle flexure into rotation of the dial gage to indicate maximum torque value developed upon a fastener being worked upon.
Description
~L~Z7~3~3 This invention relates to pneumatically powered hand-held torque wrenches having means for measuring and displayiDg the amount of torque applied to a fastener.
The structure and operational characteris-tics of the wrench per se are known in the art, for example, as disclosed in t~l 5t~ 5 ~patent 3,621,738, granted to OOVo Northcutt on November 23, 1971.
The present invention concerns the addition of a torque measuring and display means on a wrench of the type disclosed in said patent.
A feature of this invention resides in the fact that af-ter a fastener set-ting operation, the torque reading will be main-tained until reset by the operator.
Another feature of the invention is that the tool oper-ator can see the value of torque as it is being developed during tool operation.
Still another feature is that the torque developed by the tool can be measured in a forward as well as a reverse dir-ection, and with or without pressuri~ed medium being supplied to the tool.
A~other feature o:E the tool of the invention is use of a simple torque tube to provide resistance force to tool handle flexure, which torque tube also serves as a pressure medium con-duit for the tool motor.
A further feature of the tool is simplicity in struc-tural detail and operational characteristics, as well as a tool which will provide accurate torque read-out and long, trouble-free serviceO
The present invention provides in a torque read-out pneumatically powered hand-held tool for setting fasteners, the tool having in axial alignment a handle portion, a motor portion and a work engaging portion, an improvement comprising a torque read-out means including a rotatable torque indicating dial arranged on the handle portion, and a linkage means enclosed in the handle :
portion, one end of the linkage means arranged in operative en-gagement with the dial, the other end of the linkage means being arranged for movement responsive to change in axial alignment between the motor portion and the handle portion resulting from torque developed on a fastener by the tool at the work engaging portion whereby the dial is r,ota-ted to indicate the torqueO
Other features and advantages of the invention over known prior art devices, will be evident from the invention dis-closure which follows:
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the inven-tion:
Fig. 1 is a top view of a wrench embodying the invention;
Figo 2 is an enlarged partial section as seen from line
The structure and operational characteris-tics of the wrench per se are known in the art, for example, as disclosed in t~l 5t~ 5 ~patent 3,621,738, granted to OOVo Northcutt on November 23, 1971.
The present invention concerns the addition of a torque measuring and display means on a wrench of the type disclosed in said patent.
A feature of this invention resides in the fact that af-ter a fastener set-ting operation, the torque reading will be main-tained until reset by the operator.
Another feature of the invention is that the tool oper-ator can see the value of torque as it is being developed during tool operation.
Still another feature is that the torque developed by the tool can be measured in a forward as well as a reverse dir-ection, and with or without pressuri~ed medium being supplied to the tool.
A~other feature o:E the tool of the invention is use of a simple torque tube to provide resistance force to tool handle flexure, which torque tube also serves as a pressure medium con-duit for the tool motor.
A further feature of the tool is simplicity in struc-tural detail and operational characteristics, as well as a tool which will provide accurate torque read-out and long, trouble-free serviceO
The present invention provides in a torque read-out pneumatically powered hand-held tool for setting fasteners, the tool having in axial alignment a handle portion, a motor portion and a work engaging portion, an improvement comprising a torque read-out means including a rotatable torque indicating dial arranged on the handle portion, and a linkage means enclosed in the handle :
portion, one end of the linkage means arranged in operative en-gagement with the dial, the other end of the linkage means being arranged for movement responsive to change in axial alignment between the motor portion and the handle portion resulting from torque developed on a fastener by the tool at the work engaging portion whereby the dial is r,ota-ted to indicate the torqueO
Other features and advantages of the invention over known prior art devices, will be evident from the invention dis-closure which follows:
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the inven-tion:
Fig. 1 is a top view of a wrench embodying the invention;
Figo 2 is an enlarged partial section as seen from line
2-2 in Figo 1, Fig~ 3 is a sectioD view as seen from line 3-3 in Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a section view as seen from line 4-~ in Fig, 2;
Fig. 5 is a section view as seen from line 5-5 in Fig. 2;
and Fig. 6 is a top view of a torque transmitting linkage member arrangement as used in the tool of Figo lo Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 illustrates a tool 10 embodying the principles of the invention, which tool includes a handl~ portion 12, a motor portion 14, and a work engaging por- ~' tion 16, all portions normally being in axial alignment in non-operative tool conditionO The portions 14 and 16 include structural detail which is known in -the prior art, such as in patent 3,621,738, ;
and no detail description is believed necessary for a clear under-standing of the subject invention. The work engaging portion is affixed to the motor portion 14, by bolts 18, and includes a reversable ratchet mechanism 20, which drives a shank 22 for ro-tation of a fastener (not sho~)O The ratchet mechaDism 20 is operated by a crankshaft 24, the end of which is eccentrically '~
~L~278~3 arranged in a drive bushing 26 having the form of a ball. The crankshaft is rotated by a sliding vane motor arranged in the motor portion 140 The handle portion 12 is in the form of a cylindrical housing 28, one end of which is enclosed, the other end being open and mounted upon a rear extension 30 of the motor portion and secured thereon by two diametrically arranged pins 320 Slight clearance between the housing and the rear extension is provided to allow a change in axial alignment between said parts when rota-ting force is applied to the handle portionO If the housing ismade of material sufficiently flexible under the manual force e~-erted upon the handle portion in tool operation, such inter-fit clearance can be dispensed witho A torque tube 34 is enclosed in the handle portion 12, one end of the tube being mounted in the rear extension 30, the other end being mounted in a solid part 36 forming the enclosed end of the cylinder 28. Pressure medium i.e., compressed air, is admitted to the tool by means of hose coupling 38, and air flow control effected by a throttle valve 40 movable by a handle 42 pivotally secured to the handle portion 120 The valve is spring biased toward sea-ted positionO Air flowing past the throttle valve 40 enters the torque tube 34 and leaves at the forward end after which it powers the motor and is exhausted to atmosphere, in well known mannerO
~ truncated platform 44 is secured at one end to the rear extension 30 by cap screws 46, which platform extends in paralle].ed relation to the torque tube 34, as best seen in Fig. 2.
A gear platform 48 is mounted atop the platform 44, and is fixed for rotary movement about a pivot pin 50 secured to the platform 44. One end of the gear platform 48 has a gear toothed portion 52, while the other end has a pin 54, the free end o* which is arranged to extend into a longitudi~al groove 56 formed on the inner surface of handle cylinder 28~ ~he free end of the gear ~ L2178~3 platform may be arranged in contact with the torque tube 34 to provide platform rotation during fastener torquing, as is evident to one skilled in the artO
An elongated pin 58 is affixed to the platform 44 and projects upwardly therefromO A driver gear 60 is arranged upon the pin 58, the lower portion of the gear 60 being in working engagement with gear platform tooth portion 52, while the upper part supports a dial platform 62. The handle portion 12 is formed with a cylindrical portion 64, the axis of which coincides with the axis of elongated pin 58. A bezel.66, supporting a lens 68, is secured to the cylindrical portion 64 at the upper extremity thereof, and is arranged to be manually rotatedO A reverse button 70 is mounted upon the lens 68, the lower portion of the button having a pointer 72 affixed thereto. The dial platform 62 supports a dial 74 having indicia 76 representi.ng torque read-out values, as best seen in ~igo lo Note that the torque values are symmet-rically arranged on each side of zero value from 10 to 70 ft~-lbso of torque indication.
Extending from the dial platform and through a hole in the dial 74, is a small projection 78, which is arranged to serve as an abutment against the short end of the pointer 72, which is bent, as shown in Figo 2, A small pin 80 is affixed to the inner surface of the bezel 66 and pro~ects over the dial 74, however, the long end of the pointer 72 is free to move past the pin 80 without interferenceO A disc spring 82 is secured to the lower part of the revers.e button 70, and functions to hold the pointer 72 in position until reset by the operator after a torque read-out operation.
When manual force is applied to the tool handle, the ;
crankshaft 24 is rotated to a dead position, which is in line with the direction of the applied forceO This causes manual torque load to be taken by the tool handle and flex the tube 34 and ~27~83 handle portion 12 Such action results in movement of the gear platform 48 about pivot pin 50, and rotation of the dial platform 62 by reason of engagement of the driver gear 60 and platform toothed portion 520 As a result, the dial 74 is rotated, and when torquing effort is terminated, the pointer 72 remains at maximum torque value achievedO
It is seen that when torque load is applied to the tool, rotary movement of dial 74 causes the small pin 80 to indicate torque value on one set of indicia 76, and when torque load is released, the pointer 72 indicates torque on the opposite set of indicia 76. In such manner, the tool operator can observe the torque value being developed, and has a pointer indication of such torque value after the torque load is releasedO Since the tool is reversible, such torquing feature o~ the tool is obtained in either direction of rotation of a fastener being worked upon~
In operation, assuming that the tool is in operative position to run up and set a fastener, with the pointer 72 being set at "0" torque reading. Compressed air is admitted to the motor when the throttle lever ~2 is depressed, and the fastener is rotated until the motor stalls as the fastener is seatedO The pointer 72 is rotated to indicate the value of stall -torque by reason of the rotary movement of the dial platform 62, said pointer rotation being ef~ected by the projec-tion 78 engaging the bent end of the poi~ter.
The operator may then increase applied torque by e~er-ting manual force upon the tool handle until desired developed torque is achieved, as shown by the pointer 72 indicating the torque value on the dial 740 Upon release of force upon the tool handle, the pointer remains in torque read-out position until reset by the operator.
It is apprecia-ted that the tool will ~unction equally well, as far as torque read-out is concerned, with or without use o~ compresseA air, that is, manual force alone produces torque read-out values within the tool range capacityO
While an embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail, it is to be expressly understood that the invention is not limited theretoO Various changes in form, design, or arrangement may be made in its parts without departing ~rom the spirit and scope of the invention; it is my intention, therefore, to claim the invention not only as shown and described, but also in all such forms and modifications thereof as might be reasonably construed to be within the spirit o~ the invention and the sccpe of the appended claimsO
Fig. 4 is a section view as seen from line 4-~ in Fig, 2;
Fig. 5 is a section view as seen from line 5-5 in Fig. 2;
and Fig. 6 is a top view of a torque transmitting linkage member arrangement as used in the tool of Figo lo Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 illustrates a tool 10 embodying the principles of the invention, which tool includes a handl~ portion 12, a motor portion 14, and a work engaging por- ~' tion 16, all portions normally being in axial alignment in non-operative tool conditionO The portions 14 and 16 include structural detail which is known in -the prior art, such as in patent 3,621,738, ;
and no detail description is believed necessary for a clear under-standing of the subject invention. The work engaging portion is affixed to the motor portion 14, by bolts 18, and includes a reversable ratchet mechanism 20, which drives a shank 22 for ro-tation of a fastener (not sho~)O The ratchet mechaDism 20 is operated by a crankshaft 24, the end of which is eccentrically '~
~L~278~3 arranged in a drive bushing 26 having the form of a ball. The crankshaft is rotated by a sliding vane motor arranged in the motor portion 140 The handle portion 12 is in the form of a cylindrical housing 28, one end of which is enclosed, the other end being open and mounted upon a rear extension 30 of the motor portion and secured thereon by two diametrically arranged pins 320 Slight clearance between the housing and the rear extension is provided to allow a change in axial alignment between said parts when rota-ting force is applied to the handle portionO If the housing ismade of material sufficiently flexible under the manual force e~-erted upon the handle portion in tool operation, such inter-fit clearance can be dispensed witho A torque tube 34 is enclosed in the handle portion 12, one end of the tube being mounted in the rear extension 30, the other end being mounted in a solid part 36 forming the enclosed end of the cylinder 28. Pressure medium i.e., compressed air, is admitted to the tool by means of hose coupling 38, and air flow control effected by a throttle valve 40 movable by a handle 42 pivotally secured to the handle portion 120 The valve is spring biased toward sea-ted positionO Air flowing past the throttle valve 40 enters the torque tube 34 and leaves at the forward end after which it powers the motor and is exhausted to atmosphere, in well known mannerO
~ truncated platform 44 is secured at one end to the rear extension 30 by cap screws 46, which platform extends in paralle].ed relation to the torque tube 34, as best seen in Fig. 2.
A gear platform 48 is mounted atop the platform 44, and is fixed for rotary movement about a pivot pin 50 secured to the platform 44. One end of the gear platform 48 has a gear toothed portion 52, while the other end has a pin 54, the free end o* which is arranged to extend into a longitudi~al groove 56 formed on the inner surface of handle cylinder 28~ ~he free end of the gear ~ L2178~3 platform may be arranged in contact with the torque tube 34 to provide platform rotation during fastener torquing, as is evident to one skilled in the artO
An elongated pin 58 is affixed to the platform 44 and projects upwardly therefromO A driver gear 60 is arranged upon the pin 58, the lower portion of the gear 60 being in working engagement with gear platform tooth portion 52, while the upper part supports a dial platform 62. The handle portion 12 is formed with a cylindrical portion 64, the axis of which coincides with the axis of elongated pin 58. A bezel.66, supporting a lens 68, is secured to the cylindrical portion 64 at the upper extremity thereof, and is arranged to be manually rotatedO A reverse button 70 is mounted upon the lens 68, the lower portion of the button having a pointer 72 affixed thereto. The dial platform 62 supports a dial 74 having indicia 76 representi.ng torque read-out values, as best seen in ~igo lo Note that the torque values are symmet-rically arranged on each side of zero value from 10 to 70 ft~-lbso of torque indication.
Extending from the dial platform and through a hole in the dial 74, is a small projection 78, which is arranged to serve as an abutment against the short end of the pointer 72, which is bent, as shown in Figo 2, A small pin 80 is affixed to the inner surface of the bezel 66 and pro~ects over the dial 74, however, the long end of the pointer 72 is free to move past the pin 80 without interferenceO A disc spring 82 is secured to the lower part of the revers.e button 70, and functions to hold the pointer 72 in position until reset by the operator after a torque read-out operation.
When manual force is applied to the tool handle, the ;
crankshaft 24 is rotated to a dead position, which is in line with the direction of the applied forceO This causes manual torque load to be taken by the tool handle and flex the tube 34 and ~27~83 handle portion 12 Such action results in movement of the gear platform 48 about pivot pin 50, and rotation of the dial platform 62 by reason of engagement of the driver gear 60 and platform toothed portion 520 As a result, the dial 74 is rotated, and when torquing effort is terminated, the pointer 72 remains at maximum torque value achievedO
It is seen that when torque load is applied to the tool, rotary movement of dial 74 causes the small pin 80 to indicate torque value on one set of indicia 76, and when torque load is released, the pointer 72 indicates torque on the opposite set of indicia 76. In such manner, the tool operator can observe the torque value being developed, and has a pointer indication of such torque value after the torque load is releasedO Since the tool is reversible, such torquing feature o~ the tool is obtained in either direction of rotation of a fastener being worked upon~
In operation, assuming that the tool is in operative position to run up and set a fastener, with the pointer 72 being set at "0" torque reading. Compressed air is admitted to the motor when the throttle lever ~2 is depressed, and the fastener is rotated until the motor stalls as the fastener is seatedO The pointer 72 is rotated to indicate the value of stall -torque by reason of the rotary movement of the dial platform 62, said pointer rotation being ef~ected by the projec-tion 78 engaging the bent end of the poi~ter.
The operator may then increase applied torque by e~er-ting manual force upon the tool handle until desired developed torque is achieved, as shown by the pointer 72 indicating the torque value on the dial 740 Upon release of force upon the tool handle, the pointer remains in torque read-out position until reset by the operator.
It is apprecia-ted that the tool will ~unction equally well, as far as torque read-out is concerned, with or without use o~ compresseA air, that is, manual force alone produces torque read-out values within the tool range capacityO
While an embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail, it is to be expressly understood that the invention is not limited theretoO Various changes in form, design, or arrangement may be made in its parts without departing ~rom the spirit and scope of the invention; it is my intention, therefore, to claim the invention not only as shown and described, but also in all such forms and modifications thereof as might be reasonably construed to be within the spirit o~ the invention and the sccpe of the appended claimsO
Claims (10)
1. In a torque read-out pneumatically powered hand-held tool for setting fasteners, said tool having in axial alignment a handle portion, a motor portion and a work engaging portion, an improvement comprising a torque read-out means including a rotat-able torque indicating dial arranged on the handle portion, and a linkage means enclosed in the handle portion, one end of the linkage means arranged in operative engagement with the dial, the other end of the linkage means being arranged for movement respon-sive to change in axial alignment between the motor portion and the handle portion resulting from torque developed on a fastener by the tool at the work engaging portion whereby the dial is rotated to indicate said torque.
2. In a tool according to claim 1, wherein a torque tube is affixed at one end of the motor portion and at the other end to an enclosed end of the handle portion, said torque tube being arranged to resist change in axial alingment between the motor and the handle portion.
3. In a tool according to claim 2, wherein said torque tube is arranged to conduct pressurized air from the handle portion to the motor portion to cause operation of a motor therein.
4. In a tool according to claim 3, wherein the handle portion is pivotally affixed to the motor portion with clearance therebetween to allow said change in axial alignment.
5. In a tool according to claim 4, wherein the linkage means includes a first platform which is enclosed by the handle portion and has one end secured to the motor portion, a gear plat-form arranged on the first platform and pivotally affixed thereto, said gear platform having a gear portion at one end adapted to operatively engage a driver gear affixed to a dial platform sup-porting a dial, said gear platform being engageable with the handle portion, the arrangement of said platforms providing conversion of amount of change in axial alignment between the motor portion and the handle portion into rotation of the dial to indicate torque being developed by the tool upon a fastener.
6. In a tool according to claim 5, wherein a bezel is rotatably mounted in a cylindrical portion formed on the handle portion, which bezel supports a lens covering the dial, a reverse button rotatably mounted on the lens and projecting therethrough toward the dial, and a pointer arranged between the lens and the dial and connected to the reverse button.
7. In a tool according to claim 6, wherein the dial platform has a projection which extends through the dial and is positioned for engagement with an end of the pointer in either direction of rotation of the dial.
8. In a tool according to claim 7, wherein the dial has indicia comprising two groups of sequential torque values symet-rically arranged in a circumferential pattern.
9. In a tool according to claim 8, wherein a pin is affixed to the bezel beneath the lens and projects radially over the dial which pin provides torque read-out when the tool is operating on a fastener.
10. In a torque read-out pneumatically powered hand-held tool for setting fasteners, said tool having in axial alignment a handle portion, a motor portion, and a work engaging portion including a ratchet type wrench for rotation of a fastener, which wrench is operated by a motor enclosed in the motor portion, an improvement comprising a torque read-out means including a rotat-able torque indicating dial positioned in a cylindrical portion formed on the handle portion, a linkage means enclosed in the handle portion, and a torque tube arranged in the handle portion and affixed to the motor portion at one end and to the inside of the handle portion at the other end, said torque tube being ar-ranged to resist change in axial alignment between the motor portion and the handle portion when the motor stalls during tool operation and manual force is applied to the handle portion, said linkage means being arranged to rotate the torque indicating dial in proportion to the value of rotational force being applied to a fastener operated upon by the tool.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA354,286A CA1127883A (en) | 1980-06-18 | 1980-06-18 | Pneumatic nut-runner with torque indicator |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA354,286A CA1127883A (en) | 1980-06-18 | 1980-06-18 | Pneumatic nut-runner with torque indicator |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1127883A true CA1127883A (en) | 1982-07-20 |
Family
ID=4117210
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA354,286A Expired CA1127883A (en) | 1980-06-18 | 1980-06-18 | Pneumatic nut-runner with torque indicator |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1127883A (en) |
-
1980
- 1980-06-18 CA CA354,286A patent/CA1127883A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |