FR3111287A1 - WARNING DEVICE FOR A TORQUE ADJUSTMENT DEVICE WITH A TORQUE WRENCH - Google Patents

Abstract

A torque wrench (10) includes a handle (12), wrench (11), clutch (15), adjuster (18), handle (16), scale ring, and ring locking. The key (11) includes a lever (13) inserted into the handle (12) and pivotally connected thereto. The clutch (15) is connected to the lever (13) to stop the rotation of a part when a maximum torque value is reached. The adjustment device (18) is connected to the clutch (15) and comprises a button (40) functional for adjusting the maximum torque value. The button (40) has a first color. The handle (16) is connected to the handle (12). The graduated ring is connected to the handle (16). The lock ring has a second color. The locking ring is movable between a locking position to prevent the knob (40) from rotating relative to the handle (16) and showing the first color, and an unlocking position to allow the knob (40) to rotate relative to the handle (16) and show the second color. Figure to be published with abstract: Figure 1

Description

WARNING DEVICE FOR A TORQUE ADJUSTING DEVICE OF A TORQUE WRENCH

The present invention relates to a torque wrench and, more particularly, to a warning device for a torque adjusting device of a torque wrench.

A maximum torque that can be transferred through a torque wrench can be set. While using the torque wrench to rotate a threaded nut or bolt, the torque wrench will, for protection, stop the rotation of the threaded nut or bolt when the maximum torque value is reached. A typical torque wrench consists of a wrench, handle, ball, thrust element, spring, and adjuster. The key includes a head formed at a forward end of a lever. The handle is a tubular element connected at one end to a handle. The lever is inserted into the handle and pivotally connected to the handle. The ball, thrust element and spring are also inserted into the handle. A notch is made in a rear end of the lever. A notch is made in a forward end of the push member. The ball includes a part inserted into the notch of the lever and another part inserted into the notch of the pushing element, that is to say, the ball is located between the rear end of the lever and the front end of the thrust element. The spring is compressed between a rear end of the push member and a front end of the adjuster. The adjuster is functional to adjust the amount of spring compression. Thus, the maximum torque value can be set. However, the adjuster could be operated accidentally to change the maximum torque value, which is undesirable.

To avoid the aforementioned problem, there is a need for a locking device to lock the adjustment device. Additionally, there is a need for a signaling device to signal the state of the setting device, i.e., locked or unlocked.

Accordingly, the present invention is intended to eliminate or at least alleviate the problems encountered in the prior art.

The main objective of the present invention is to provide a torque wrench whose status can be shown.

To achieve the aforementioned objective, the subject of the present invention is a torque wrench comprising: a handle; a key comprising a lever inserted in the handle and pivotally connected thereto; a clutch connected to the lever to stop the rotation of a part when a maximum torque value is reached; an adjustment device comprising a sleeve formed with a thread and in abutment against the clutch, a rod formed with a thread in engagement with the thread of the sleeve, and a knob operable to turn the rod in order to move the sleeve in translation in a manner setting the maximum torque value, the button having a first color; a handle connected to the handle; a graduated ring connected to the handle; and a locking ring movable between a locking position to prevent the knob from rotating relative to the handle and an unlocking position to allow the knob to rotate relative to the handle; one of the lock ring and handle having a second color; the first color being shown and the second color being hidden by the graduated ring when the locking ring is in the locking position; the second color being shown and the first color being hidden by the locking ring when the locking ring is in the unlocked position.

Advantageously, the sleeve comprises teeth, and the rod comprises teeth in engagement with the teeth of the sleeve.

According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the locking ring has the second color, and the button comprises a rear section having the first colour, the locking ring comprising a front section having the second colour.

According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the torque wrench further comprises a colored ring arranged around the front section of the locking ring, the second color being provided on the colored ring.

According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the front section of the locking ring comprises a groove to receive the color ring.

According to a particular feature of the invention, the front section of the locking ring is located between the graduated ring and the handle in a radial direction when the locking ring is in the locking position.

According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the locking ring has the second color, and the handle comprises a lens to cover and hold the graduated ring in such a way that the graduated ring is not able to move in translation relative to the handle with the locking ring and that the graduated ring is rotatable relative to the handle with the locking ring.

According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the graduated ring comprises numbers.

According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the handle has the second color, and the knob comprises a rear section having the first color, the handle comprising a reduced section having the second color.

According to a particular feature of the invention, the handle has the second color, and the front section of the locking ring is inserted into the graduated ring.

According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the torque wrench further comprises a colored ring extending around the reduced section of the handle, the second color being provided on the colored ring.

Other objects, advantages and characteristics of the present invention will be better understood on reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The present invention will be described by means of a detailed illustration of two embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

is a perspective view of a torque wrench according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

is an enlarged partial side view of the torque wrench shown in ;

is a sectional view of the torque wrench shown in ;

is a cross-sectional view of the torque wrench in a position other than that shown in ;

is a side view of the torque wrench from the ; and

is a partial side view of a torque wrench according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to the , a torque wrench 10 comprises a wrench 11, a handle 12, a clutch 15, an adjuster 18, a locking ring 33 and a signaling device (unnumbered) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The key 11 comprises a head 14 formed at a front end of a lever 13. The handle 12 is a tubular element. Lever 13 is substantially inserted into handle 12 and pivotally connected thereto. The torque wrench is functional for rotating a threaded nut or bolt. A handle 16 is attached to one end of handle 12 such that handle 16 cannot rotate relative to handle 12.

The clutch 15 is inserted into the handle 12. The clutch 15 comprises two connecting elements 17, a pushing element 19 and a spring 21. At a front end, the pushing element 19 comprises an inclined face (not numbered) corresponding to an inclined face formed at a rear end of the lever 13. The lever 13 is pivotally connected to the thrust element 19 by the connecting elements 17. The spring 21 is compressed between a rear end of the thrust element 19 and a front end of the adjustment device 18. The adjustment device 18 is connected to the handle 12 or to the handle 16. Thus, the clutch 15 is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Before reaching a maximum torque value, the clutch 15 is kept in the engaged position in which the inclined face of the thrust element 19 is in abutment against the inclined face of the lever 13 to transmit a torque. Once the maximum torque value is reached, the clutch 15 is moved to the disengaged position in which the inclined face of the thrust element 19 is detached from the inclined face of the lever 13 by the connecting elements 17 to stop , for protection purposes, the transmission of torque to the threaded nut or bolt from the torque wrench 10.

Adjuster 18 includes knob 40, rod 43, and sleeve 46. Knob 40 is rotatably inserted into handle 16. Knob 40 is connected to a rear end of rod 43. Knob 40 and rod 43 can rotate, but cannot move in translation. The sleeve 46 can move in translation, but cannot rotate. The rod 43 comprises a thread 47 in engagement with a thread 48 formed on an internal face of the sleeve 46 such that the rotation of the rod 43 causes the translational movement of the sleeve 46. The spring 21 is compressed between a front end of the sleeve 46 and the rear end of the thrust element 19. Thus, the adjuster 18 is functional to adjust the maximum torque value by adjusting the compression amplitude of the spring 21.

With reference to the , the adjustment device 18 further comprises an indicator 20 comprising a rectilinear window 22 formed on the handle 16. A scale 24 is located on one side of the rectilinear window 22. A scale 26 is located on another side of the rectilinear window 22. A colored section 28 is located on an outer face of the sleeve 46 so that they are movable together. The colored section 28 of the sleeve 46 is used as an indicator observable through the rectilinear window 22. Figures of the maximum value of torque in a metric unit in front of a decimal point can be observed on the scale 24. Figures of the maximum value of torque in an imperial unit in front of the decimal point can be seen on the 26 scale.

The adjuster 18 further includes an arrow head 30 and a scale ring 32. The arrow head 30 is printed or formed on the handle 16, near a rear end of the handle 16. The scale ring 32 is located near the rear end of the handle 16. A graduation 31 is printed or formed on an outer face of the graduated ring 32. The graduation 31 comprises numbers representing digits of the maximum torque value after the decimal point. Thus, the digits before and after the decimal point can be observed to accurately show the maximum torque value.

With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the locking ring 33 is used to lock the button 40 with respect to the handle 16, that is to say, to prevent the adjustment of the maximum torque value. For this purpose, the locking ring 33 is formed with teeth 50 on an internal face. Button 40 includes teeth 52 formed on an outer face. The handle 16 comprises teeth 37 formed on an outer face of a reduced section 45.

With reference to the , the locking ring 33 is in a locking position. Teeth 50 of lock ring 33 engage both teeth 52 of knob 40 and teeth 37 of handle 16. Thus, lock ring 33 prevents knob 40 from rotating relative to handle 16 Therefore, adjustment of the maximum torque value is prevented.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the locking ring 33 is in an unlocked position. Teeth 50 of lock ring 33 are disengaged from teeth 37 of handle 16. Thus, lock ring 33 allows knob 40 to rotate relative to handle 16. is authorized. As a result, using the torque wrench 10 to spin a threaded bolt or nut is not preferable now.

Lock ring 33 includes a front section 38 and a rear section (unnumbered). An outer diameter of the front section 38 of the lock ring 33 is smaller than an outer diameter of the rear section thereof. The front section 38 of the lock ring 33 is inserted into the graduated ring 32. The front section 38 of the lock ring 33 is formed with teeth 54 on an outer face. The graduated ring 32 is formed with teeth 56 on an inner face. The teeth 54 of the locking ring 33 mesh with the teeth 56 of the graduated ring 32 so that they cannot rotate relative to each other, but can move in translation. one relative to the other. The rear section of ring 33 is located near scale ring 32.

To signal that the ring 33 is in the locked position or in the unlocked position, that is to say, an adjustment of the maximum torque value is prevented or authorized, two colors are used. To this end, a first color is provided on a rear section 41 of the button 40. A second color is provided on the front section 38 of the locking ring 33. When the ring 33 is in the locking position, the rear section 41 of the button 40 is located outside of the lock ring 33, and the front section 38 of the lock ring 33 is covered by the graduated ring 32. Therefore, the first color is shown, and the second color is hidden. When ring 33 is in the unlocked position, rear section 41 of button 40 is covered by locking ring 33, and front section 38 of locking ring 33 is located outside of graduated ring 32. Thus, the second color is shown, and the first color is hidden.

Preferably, the first color is the color of the material used to make the button 40. In another embodiment, the first color can be the color of a sticker, a film or any other suitable element attached to the section. rear 41 of button 40. The first color is red, yellow or any other bright color.

The second color is the color of a colored ring 36 extending around the front section 38 of the locking ring 33. Preferably, the colored ring 36 is a ferrule fitted into a groove 39 made in the face. exterior of the front section 38 of the lock ring 33. In another embodiment, the color ring 36 may be filled with paint in the groove 39. The second color is green, blue or any other dark color having a marked contrast with the first color.

With reference to the , a spacer 44 is located between the handle 16 and the button 40 in a fixed manner. Thus, knob 40 is moved away from handle 16 an appropriate distance to allow rear section 41 to exit lock ring 33. Rod 43 extends through spacer 44 and is connected to the button 40. A cover 42 is used to cover the button 40 to prevent dust, dirt or the like from entering the interior of the button 40.

A lens 34 covers the graduated ring 32. The lens 34 is connected to the handle 16 via a connector 35 in such a way that the lens 34 cannot rotate or move in translation relative to the handle 16 The lens 34 includes an internal annular flange (unnumbered) in contact with an annular edge (unnumbered) of the graduated ring 32. Thus, the lens 34 prevents the graduated ring 32 from moving in translation with the ring of lock 33, but allows the rotation of the graduated ring 32 with the lock ring 33 around the reduced section 45 of the handle 16.

With reference to the , a torque wrench 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment of the present invention except for two things. First, the colored ring 36 extends around the reduced section 45 of the handle 16 instead of the front section 38 of the locking ring 33. Next, the connector 35 connects the lens 34 to the ring lock 33 instead of handle 16. Lens 34 holds scale ring 32 to allow scale ring 32 to translate and rotate with lock ring 33.

When the locking ring 33 is in the unlocked position, the colored ring 36, which extends around the reduced section 45 of the handle 16, is located outside the graduated ring 32. Accordingly, the second color, which is provided on the color ring 36, is visible.

When the locking ring 33 is in the locking position, the color ring 36, which extends around the reduced section 45 of the handle 16, is covered by the graduated ring 32. Accordingly, the second color , which is provided on the color ring 36, is invisible. Now, the rear section 41 of the button 40 is located outside the lock ring 33. Therefore, the first color, which is provided on the rear section 41 of the button 40, is visible.

The present invention has been described through the illustrative embodiments. Those skilled in the art will be able to deduce variants of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments should not limit the scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

Torque wrench (10) characterized in that it comprises:
a handle (12);
a key (11) comprising a lever (13) inserted in the handle (12) and pivotally connected thereto;
a clutch (15) connected to the lever (13) to stop the rotation of a part when a maximum torque value is reached;
an adjustment device (18) comprising a sleeve (46) formed with a thread (48) and in abutment against the clutch (15), a rod (43) formed with a thread (47) in engagement with the thread (48 ) of the sleeve (46), and a button (40) operative to turn the rod (43) in order to move the sleeve (46) in translation so as to adjust the maximum torque value, the button (40) having a first color ;
a handle (16) connected to the handle (12);
a graduated ring (32) connected to the handle (16); and
a locking ring (33) movable between a locking position to prevent the knob (40) from rotating relative to the handle (16) and an unlocking position to allow the knob (40) to rotate relative to the handle ( 16);
one of the locking ring (33) and the handle (16) having a second color;
the first color being shown and the second color being hidden by the scale ring (32) when the locking ring (33) is in the locking position;
the second color being shown and the first color being hidden by the locking ring (33) when the locking ring (33) is in the unlocked position. Torque wrench (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking ring (33) has the second color, and the knob (40) comprises a rear section (41) having the first color, the locking ring ( 33) comprising a front section (38) having the second color. Torque wrench (10) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a colored ring (36) arranged around the front section (38) of the locking ring (33), the second color being provided on the color ring (36). Torque wrench (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the front section (38) of the locking ring (33) includes a groove (39) to receive the color ring (36). Torque wrench (10) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the front section (38) of the locking ring (33) is located between the scale ring (32) and the handle (16) in a radial direction when the locking ring (33) is in the locking position. Torque wrench (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking ring (33) has the second color, and the handle (16) comprises a lens (34) to cover and hold the graduated ring (32) such that the scale ring (32) is not able to move in translation relative to the handle (16) with the locking ring (33) and the scale ring (32) is able to rotate relative to the handle (16) with the locking ring (33). Torque wrench (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the graduated ring (32) comprises numbers. Torque wrench (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle (16) has the second color, and the button (40) comprises a rear section (41) having the first color, the handle (16) comprising a reduced section (45) having the second color. Torque wrench (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle (16) has the second color, and the front section (38) of the locking ring (33) is inserted into the graduated ring (32) . Torque wrench (10) according to Claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a colored ring (36) extending around the reduced section (45) of the handle (16), the second color being provided on the color ring (36).