TWI911116B - Torque wrench - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a torque wrench, which comprises: a rod body, a working assembly, a drive assembly, a release mechanism, and an electronic assembly. The rod body includes a first component and a second component connected to each other. The working assembly includes a main body and a ratchet head, wherein the main body is fixedly disposed on the first component, and the ratchet head is rotatably disposed on the main body. The drive assembly is disposed on the first component and includes an electric motor and a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is connected between the ratchet head and the electric motor to form a co-moving relationship. The release mechanism includes a tubular body, a connecting member, a first engaging member, a release pad, a second engaging member, an elastic member, and a pushing assembly. The tubular body is penetrably and positionally disposed on the second component. The connecting member includes a head portion and a body portion connected to each other, wherein the head portion is fixedly connected to the first component, and the body portion is pivotally connected to the tubular body. As a result, the first component, the working assembly, and the drive assembly are pivotable relative to the second component. The first engaging member, the release pad, the second engaging member, and the elastic member are received in the tubular body. The first engaging member is connected to the connecting member. The release pad is interposed between the first engaging member and the second engaging member. The second engaging member elastically abuts against one side of the elastic member, and the other side of the elastic member abuts against the pushing assembly. The pushing assembly is movably inserted into the tubular body. The electronic assembly is received in the second component and includes a control unit, a mainboard, and a power source. The control unit is coupled to the mainboard, and the mainboard is electrically connected to the power source and the electric motor.

Description

Torque wrench

This invention relates to handcraftsmanship, and in particular to a torque wrench.

A torque wrench is a specialized hand tool used to tighten fasteners. It effectively controls the tightening force to a predetermined value to prevent over-tightening or under-tightening. Common torque wrenches can be classified into different types based on the mechanism that informs the operator of the torque value, such as jump-action, pointer, electronic, and sliding wrench types. The torque wrenches disclosed in Taiwan patents I879543, I658908, and I875562 belong to this category.

However, these torque wrenches are generally quite long in order to have a longer lever arm to generate a larger torque. Moreover, most torque wrenches are made of metal, which results in a certain weight for the entire torque wrench. When users hold and repeatedly turn it for a long time, their hands are very easy to feel tired, and in severe cases, they may even get injured.

Therefore, it is necessary to provide a novel and advanced torque wrench to solve the above problems.

The main purpose of this invention is to provide a torque wrench that allows the user to turn the fastener using a drive mechanism initially. After the fastener has been turned for a period of time, the user can switch back to the original method to tighten the fastener until the release mechanism is activated. This mechanism design can significantly reduce the burden on the user's hands and improve screwing efficiency.

To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a torque wrench, comprising: a lever body, a working component, a drive component, a release mechanism, and an electronic component. The lever body includes a first component and a second component connected together. The working component includes a main body and a ratchet head; the main body is fixed to the first component, and the ratchet head is rotatably disposed on the main body. The drive component is disposed on the first component and includes an electric motor and a rotating shaft; the rotating shaft connects the ratchet head and the electric motor in a synchronous relationship. The escape mechanism includes a tube, a connector, a first locking element, a escape pad, a second locking element, an elastic component, and a pushing component. The tube is positioned through and connected to the second component. The connector includes a head and a body connected together. The head is fixed to the first component, and the body is hinged to the tube. The first component, the working component, and the driving component can pivot relative to the second component. The first locking element, the escape pad, the second locking element, and the elastic component... The component is housed in the tube body. The first locking component is connected to the connector. The release pad is sandwiched between the first locking component and the second locking component. The second locking component springs against one side of the elastic component, and the other side of the elastic component abuts against the push component. The push component is movably inserted into the tube body. The electronic component is housed in the second component and includes a control unit, a main board, and a power supply. The control unit is coupled to the main board, and the main board is electrically connected to the power supply and the electric motor.

The following examples illustrate possible embodiments of the invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of protection sought by the invention. The prefixes "a" or "at least one" before the nouns mentioned herein are not intended to limit the quantity, and may also be "plural" depending on the requirements. Such variations in quantity are also within the scope of protection sought, as stated above.

Please refer to Figures 1 to 9, which show one embodiment of the invention. The torque wrench of the invention includes: a lever body 1, a working component 4, a drive component 5, a release mechanism 6, and an electronic component 7.

The rod 1 includes a first component 2 and a second component 3 connected together. The working component 4 includes a main body 41 and a ratchet head 42. The main body 41 is fixed to the first component 2, and the ratchet head 42 is rotatably disposed on the main body 41. The drive component 5 is disposed on the first component 2. The drive component 5 includes an electric motor 51 and a rotating shaft 52. The rotating shaft 52 connects the ratchet head 42 and the electric motor 51 to form a synchronous relationship. In this embodiment, the drive component 5 further includes a reduction mechanism 53, which is connected between the rotating shaft 52 and the electric motor 51, thereby reducing the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 52 and increasing the output torque.

The escape mechanism 6 includes a tube 61, a connector 62, a first locking member 63, an escape pad 64, a second locking member 65, an elastic component 66, and a pushing component 67. The tube 61 is inserted and positioned on the second component 3. The connector 62 includes a head 621 and a body 622 connected together. The head 621 is fixed to the first component 2, and the body 622 is linked to the tube 61. The first component 2 and the second component 3 are connected together through the connector 62. 2. The working component 4 and the driving component 5 can pivot relative to the second component 3. The first locking member 63, the release pad 64, the second locking member 65 and the elastic component 66 are housed in the tube body 61. The first locking member 63 is connected to the connecting member 62. The release pad 64 is sandwiched between the first locking member 63 and the second locking member 65. The second locking member 65 springs against one side of the elastic component 66. The other side of the elastic component 66 abuts against the pushing component 67. The pushing component 67 is movably inserted into the tube body 61.

In this embodiment, the push assembly 67 includes a push rod 671, a ball 672 and a pressure plate 673. The ball 672 rolls against the end face of the pressure plate 673 and the push rod 671. The ball 672 can concentrate stress to push the pressure plate 673 to the bottom, and the pressure plate 673 can evenly transmit the force to the elastic assembly 66. Furthermore, the rod body 1 defines a length direction 11, and the torque wrench further includes a handle 9, which includes a fixed sleeve 91, a rotating sleeve 92, and an outer shell 93. The fixed sleeve 91 is sleeved on the tube body 61 and inserted into the second component 3. The rotating sleeve 92 is rotatably sleeved on the push rod 671. The rotating sleeve 92 can be selectively inserted into the fixed sleeve 91 along the length direction 11. The outer shell 93 is sleeved on the rotating sleeve 92. A plurality of grooves 911 are provided on the inner edge of the fixed sleeve 91, and at least one positioning member 921 is provided on the outer ring wall of the rotating sleeve 92. The at least one positioning member 921 can be selectively inserted into one of the grooves 911 so that the rotating sleeve 92 cannot rotate relative to the fixed sleeve 91.

The electronic component 7 is housed within the second component 3. The electronic component 7 includes a control unit 71, a mainboard 72, and a power supply 73. The control unit 71 is coupled to the mainboard 72, and the mainboard 72 is electrically connected to the power supply 73 and the electric motor 51. The user can control the operation of the electric motor 51 through the control unit 71, such as starting, forward rotation, and reverse rotation. In this embodiment, the first component 2 has at least one first wiring hole 23, and the second component 3 has at least one second wiring hole 36. A first wire unit 81 passes through the at least one first wiring hole 23 and the at least one second wiring hole 36 and is electrically connected to the electric motor 51 and the mainboard 72. A second wire unit 82 is electrically connected to the control unit 71 and the mainboard 72, thereby achieving communication and electrical conduction purposes.

When using this torque wrench to tighten bolts and other fasteners, the user can first use the drive component 5 to quickly rotate it. After the fastener is gradually tightened (or rotated for a period of time), the user can switch to the original method of swinging the torque wrench to tighten the fastener until the release mechanism 6 is released. This operation method can greatly reduce the burden on the user's hands and improve screwing efficiency.

The interior of the first component 2 is divided along the length direction 11 into a first receiving space 21 and a second receiving space 22. The drive component 5 is housed in the first receiving space 21, and the head 621 of the connector 62 protrudes from the second component 3 and is housed in the second receiving space 22. The arrangement of the heavier drive component 5 closer to the working component 4 facilitates user operation. The interior of the second component 3 is divided along the perpendicular length direction 11 into a third receiving space 31 and a fourth receiving space 32. The electronic component 7 is housed in the third receiving space 31, and the tube 61 passes through the fourth receiving space 32.

More specifically, the second component 3 further includes a first side cover 33, a base 34, and a second side cover 35. The first side cover 33 is disposed on one side of the base 34 to jointly enclose the third accommodating space 31, and the second side cover 35 is disposed on one side of the base 34 to jointly enclose the fourth accommodating space 32. More specifically, the insertion portion 43 of the ratchet head 42 and the second side cover 35 are located on the same side of the base 34. That is, the release mechanism 6 and the insertion portion 43 are on the same side, while the electronic component 7 is on the opposite side. This ensures that the electronic component 7 will not be directly subjected to unexpected collisions during operation, thus ensuring the structural stability of the electronic component 7. Furthermore, the control unit 71 is pressable on the first side cover 33, which faces the user. This configuration facilitates the user's viewing and pressing and avoids accidental touches during operation.

In this embodiment, the base 34 is provided with a through port, the electrical contacts of the motherboard 72 face the fourth accommodating space 32, one end of the first wire unit 81 is electrically connected to the electric motor 51, and the other end of the first wire unit 81 is electrically connected to the electrical contacts through the fourth accommodating space 32. This configuration ensures that the first wire unit 81 can be kept in the middle of the rod and extends. More importantly, the fourth accommodating space 32 is mainly a mechanical disconnect mechanism 6. The extension of the first wire unit in this space is quite conspicuous, allowing the maintenance personnel to quickly find the first wire unit 81 for subsequent maintenance.

Preferably, a charging module 74 is electrically connected to the motherboard 72. The charging module 74 is used to charge the power supply 73 by an external power source. In this embodiment, the charging module 74 is a charging port for plugging in an external power source. In other embodiments, it may also be a plug.

Alternatively, a protection module 75 is electrically connected to the control unit 71 and the motherboard 72 respectively, so that the protection module 75 can detect the status of the power supply 73 through the motherboard 72 to prevent the power supply 73 from overheating or overcharging.

1: Rod body 11: Length direction 2: First component 21: First accommodating space 22: Second accommodating space 23: First wire hole 3: Second component 31: Third accommodating space 32: Fourth accommodating space 33: First side cover 34: Base 35: Second side cover 36: Second wire hole 4: Working component 41: Main body 42: Ratchet head 43: Plug-in part 5: Drive component 51: Electric motor 52: Rotating shaft 53: Reduction mechanism 6: Ejection mechanism 61: Tube body 62: Connector Component 621: Head; 622: Body; 63: First locking component; 64: Jumper pad; 65: Second locking component; 66: Elastic component; 67: Pushing component; 671: Push rod; 672: Ball; 673: Pressure plate; 7: Electronic component; 71: Control unit; 72: Main board; 73: Power supply; 74: Charging module; 75: Protection module; 81: First wiring unit; 82: Second wiring unit; 9: Handle; 91: Fixed base; 911: Groove; 92: Rotating base; 921: Positioning component; 93: Shell.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the handle of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the electronic components of an embodiment of the present invention mounted on the base. Figure 5 is a block diagram of the component connection relationship of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the separation of the first component and the second component of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is another enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is yet another enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention.

1: Rod Body

4: Working Components

71: Control Unit

9: Grip

Claims (10)

A torque wrench includes: a lever body comprising a first component and a second component connected together; a working assembly comprising a main body and a ratchet head, the main body being fixed to the first component and the ratchet head being rotatably disposed on the main body; a drive assembly disposed on the first component, comprising an electric motor and a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft connecting the ratchet head and the electric motor in a synchronous relationship; and a release mechanism comprising a tube, a connector, a first locking member, a release pad, a second locking member, an elastic component, and a pushing component, the tube being disposed and positioned on the second component, the connector comprising a head and a body connected together, the head being fixed to the first component. The body is hinged to the tube, and the first component, the working component, and the driving component can pivot relative to the second component. The first latch, the release pad, the second latch, and the elastic component are housed in the tube. The first latch is connected to the connector, the release pad is sandwiched between the first latch and the second latch, the second latch springs against one side of the elastic component, and the other side of the elastic component abuts against the push component. The push component is movably inserted into the tube. An electronic component is housed in the second component and includes a control unit, a main board, and a power supply. The control unit is coupled to the main board, and the main board is electrically connected to the power supply and the electric motor. The torque wrench as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive assembly further includes a reduction mechanism connected between the rotating shaft and the electric motor. The torque wrench as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interior of the first component is divided into a first receiving space and a second receiving space, the drive component is received in the first receiving space, and the head of the connector protrudes from the second component and is received in the second receiving space. As described in any one of claims 1 to 3, the torque wrench has a length direction defined, the interior of the second component is divided into a third receiving space and a fourth receiving space along a direction perpendicular to the length direction, the electronic component is housed in the third receiving space, and the tube extends through the fourth receiving space. The torque wrench as described in claim 4, wherein the second component further includes a first side cover, a base and a second side cover, the first side cover being disposed on one side of the base to jointly enclose the third receiving space, and the second side cover being disposed on one side of the base to jointly enclose the fourth receiving space. The torque wrench as described in claim 5, wherein the base has a through-hole, the electrical contacts of the main board face the fourth accommodating space, one end of a first wire unit is electrically connected to the motor, and the other end of the first wire unit is electrically connected to the electrical contacts via the fourth accommodating space. The torque wrench as described in claim 5, wherein one of the ratchet heads has a connector and the second side cover are located on the same side of the body. The torque wrench as described in claim 5, wherein the control unit is pressably disposed on the first side cover. The torque wrench as described in claim 1, wherein the first component has at least one first wire hole, the second component has at least one second wire hole, and a first wire unit passes through the at least one first wire hole and the at least one second wire hole to electrically connect the electric motor and the motherboard. As described in claim 2, the torque wrench has a lever body defined along a length direction. The interior of the first component is divided along this length direction into a first receiving space and a second receiving space. The drive assembly is received in the first receiving space, and the head of the connector protrudes from the second component and is received in the second receiving space. The first component has at least one first wiring hole, and the second component has at least one second wiring hole. A first wire unit passes through the at least one first wiring hole and the at least one second wiring hole to electrically connect the electric motor and the motherboard. The interior of the second component... The component is divided into a third accommodating space and a fourth accommodating space along a direction perpendicular to its length. The electronic component is housed in the third accommodating space, and the tube passes through the fourth accommodating space. The second component further includes a first side cover, a base, and a second side cover. The first side cover covers one side of the base to jointly enclose the third accommodating space, and the second side cover covers one side of the base to jointly enclose the fourth accommodating space. The base has a through-hole, and the electrical contacts of the motherboard face the fourth accommodating space. One end of the first wire unit is electrically connected to the electric motor. The other end of a wire unit is electrically connected to the electrical contact via the fourth accommodating space; one insertion portion of the ratchet head and the second side cover are located on the same side of the base; the control unit is pressably mounted on the first side cover; the first component and the second component are connected together via the connector; the push assembly includes a push rod, a ball, and a pressure plate, the ball rolling against the pressure plate and the end face of the push rod; a handle includes a fixed sleeve, a rotating sleeve, and a shell, the fixed sleeve is fitted onto the tube and inserted into the second component, and the rotating sleeve is rotatably fitted onto the push rod. The rod, the rotating cylinder seat is selectively movably inserted into the fixed cylinder seat along the length direction, and the outer shell is sleeved on the rotating cylinder seat; a plurality of grooves are provided on the inner edge of the fixed cylinder seat, and at least one positioning member is provided on the outer circumferential wall of the rotating cylinder seat, the at least one positioning member can be selectively inserted into one of the grooves so that the rotating cylinder seat cannot rotate relative to the fixed cylinder seat; a second wiring unit is electrically connected to the control unit and the motherboard; a charging module is electrically connected to the motherboard, and the charging module is supplied with power from an external power source; a protection module is electrically connected to the control unit and the motherboard respectively.