EP1825959A1 - Torque wrench - Google Patents

Abstract

The torque wrench (1) has a tubular shaft (5), a handle (3), which grips the shaft (5) at a first end (20) in a relatively rotatable and limited longitudinally displaceable manner, one at the other second end (19) of the shaft (20). 5) arranged key head (8) and in the shaft (5) by means of a spindle (43) and a spindle nut (44) comprehensive clamping unit (18) prestressable, acting on a short-path release helical compression spring (16). The outer surface (11) of the shaft (5) is provided in the longitudinal region of the handle (3) with longitudinal grooves (21) rounded in cross-section, into which locking elements in the form of cylindrical rollers (38) can be pressed. These lie in their contours adapted slot-shaped recesses (29) in the handle (3). By rotating an on the handle (3) axially immovably arranged locking sleeve (4), the cylindrical rollers (38) with rounded in cross-section receiving troughs (35) in the inner surface (34) of the locking sleeve (4) can be frontally brought to cover.

Description

The invention relates to a torque wrench according to the features in the preamble of claim 1.

Such a torque wrench counts through the DE-AS 23 09 618 to the state of the art. It has a tubular shaft, a handle at a first end relatively rotatable and limited longitudinally displaceable handle, arranged at the other end of the shaft 2 Umschaltknarre and in the shaft by means of a spindle and a spindle nut comprehensive clamping unit biased to a short trip acting helical compression spring. The outer surface of the shaft is provided in the longitudinal region of the handle with rounded longitudinal grooves in which the handle on the shaft fixing balls are pressed as locking elements.

The handle of the torque wrench is constructed in several parts. It first comprises an adjusting tube, which surrounds the end of the shaft facing away from the Umschaltknarre sliding fit. In the adjustment are designed accordingly Holes supported balls, which protrude into the longitudinal grooves of the shaft. The adjustment tube is enclosed by a longitudinally movable handle tube, which is secured against rotation relative to the adjustment tube. Between the adjusting tube and the handle tube, a helical compression spring is arranged, which permanently loads the handle tube in the direction of the end of the torque wrench facing away from the reversing ratchet. As a result, the inner surface of the reversing ratchet-facing end of the handle tube, which bears against the outer surface of the adjusting tube, presses the balls into the longitudinal grooves, with the result that the handle can not be rotated relative to the shaft.

The multi-part of the handle requires a higher production cost and a montage-appropriate time-accurate provision of various items such as adjustment, balls, helical compression spring, handle tube and pins to secure the rotation of the handle tube relative to the adjustment.

Scales are provided on the outer circumference of the shaft and on the outer circumference of the length of the adjustment tube projecting relative to the grip tube, with the aid of which the respectively desired release torque on the torque wrench can be adjusted.

To change the release torque, the handle tube is first moved on the adjustment tube in the direction of the Umschaltknarre against the restoring force of the helical compression spring. Due to an inner radial extension of the handle tube now the balls have the possibility of a radial displacement, so that the handle against the shaft can be rotated and moved and in this way a new release torque is adjustable. Subsequently, the handle tube needs only to be released. The arranged between the adjustment tube and the handle tube helical compression spring now ensures that the handle tube automatically returns to its original position and thus pushes the balls back into the longitudinal grooves via a corresponding conical design of the inner surface of the handle tube. Thus, the handle is secured in a subsequent use of the torque wrench against rotation and an adjustment of the set release torque.

The bias of the helical compression spring in the shaft is realized by a clamping unit having a spindle and an end of the shaft facing away from the reversing ratchet in this fixed spindle nut. The spindle in turn is rotatably fixed in a holder which is inserted into the adjusting tube. About the reversing ratchet remote from the front end of the handle, the spindle is accessible and can be rotated, so that the basic setting of the torque is adjustable.

The invention is - starting from the prior art - the object of the invention to provide a torque wrench, which is simpler, consists of fewer parts and can be easily manufactured and assembled.

This object is achieved with the features specified in claim 1.

The invention now provides at least one locking element which is formed from a cylindrical roller extending with its longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. This cylindrical roller lies in a slot-shaped recess adapted to its contour directly in the one-piece handle. In this way, eliminates an additional adjustment tube as in the prior art.

The use of a cylindrical roller leads to a lower radial load compared to a point contact when using balls. As a result, a locking sleeve made of plastic can be used to clamp the handle also made of plastic on the cylindrical roller on the shaft or release the displacement of the handle relative to the shaft, so that the tripping torque is variable.

In the clamped state of the handle on the shaft, the cylindrical roller is pressed by the inner surface of the locking sleeve in one of the longitudinal grooves. This wise in a preferred embodiment and in adaptation to the cylindrical roller on a rounded cross-section. Here, the number of longitudinal grooves corresponds to a circumferential decimal scale graduation directly on the surface of the key head facing the end of the handle. The key head is preferably a changeover ratchet.

To change the tripping torque, the locking sleeve must be rotated relative to the handle. Is then the cylindrical roller with a cross section in the preferably rounded receiving trough in the inner surface of the locking sleeve has been made to cover the front, the cylindrical roller has a radial Ausweichmöglichkeit. Thereby, the handle can be rotated and moved relative to the shaft, so that a new release torque can be adjusted. The shape of the cylindrical roller and the cross-sectional configuration of the longitudinal grooves and the receiving trough in the inner surface of the locking sleeve facilitate the radial deflection possibility of the cylindrical roller.

After setting the new release torque, the locking sleeve is again rotated relative to the handle and thereby pressed the cylindrical roller in one of the longitudinal grooves. When this position is reached, the handle is locked on the shaft. The torque wrench can be used with the newly set tripping torque.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention consists in the features of claim 2. Thereafter, two circumferentially offset by 180 ° cylindrical rollers provided in recesses of the handle and accordingly arranged two diametrically opposite inner receiving troughs in the locking sleeve. With this symmetrical design has the advantage that gegengleiche components can be manufactured, which can be assembled easily during assembly. Of course, the invention does not exclude that more than two cylindrical rollers and two receiving troughs can be provided.

In particular, to improve the appearance and comfort of the torque wrench according to the invention is provided according to the features of claim 3 that the locking sleeve comprises a reduced diameter nozzle of the handle and connects with a conical outer longitudinal portion of a correspondingly inclined conical end portion of the handle. In this way, a smooth transition from the outer surface of the shaft is ensured on the handle and the locking sleeve.

In order to limit the Verdrehweg the locking sleeve relative to the handle, according to claim 4 in the longitudinal region of a slot-shaped recess at least one circumferentially extending, closed end Begrenzungsnut provided in the outer surface of the handle into which a pin mounted in the locking sleeve engages in a sliding fit. If two cylindrical rollers are provided in a preferred embodiment, it is then expedient also to arrange two limiting grooves, in each of which a pin engages.

To further improve, in particular the handling comfort, the torque wrench according to the invention is provided according to the features of claim 5, that the locking sleeve with a widened inside diameter and stepped here stub encloses a paragraph and a collar on the handle. In paragraph at least one radially directed stepped recess is provided. In this recess, a latching element and a radially acting on this latching element outward compression spring are incorporated. Furthermore, in the inner surface of the paragraph cross-section of the nozzle two adapted to the locking element, incorporated in the circumferential spacing arranged locking recesses.

In the two end positions of the locking sleeve, therefore, the locking element engages audibly and palpably each in a detent recess. The user thus has a further orientation aid for determining the current operating state of the torque wrench.

Here, according to claim 6, the circumferential distance of the locking recesses corresponds approximately to the circumferential length of the Begrenzungsnut.

In adaptation to the cylindrical roller for fixing the handle on the shaft or for releasing the shaft according to the features of claim 7, the locking element is formed by a parallel with the longitudinal axis of the shaft aligned with its longitudinal axis cylindrical pin and there are also the detent recesses in alignment the cylindrical pins are rounded.

In this context, the comfort in the handling of the torque wrench with the features of claim 8 is further increased by two 180 ° staggered cylinder pins are provided with compression springs and four detent recesses.

In a further development of the invention is provided according to claim 9, that between the conical longitudinal portion of the locking sleeve and the conical end portion of the handle an O-ring is embedded in a circumferential groove of the neck of the handle. This O-ring in the form of in particular an O-ring made of rubber or suitable plastic can perceive by its coloring an identification function to clearly distinguish torque wrench of different sizes from each other. In addition, this O-ring still takes over the function of protection against the ingress of dirt into the annular gap between the neck of the handle and the locking sleeve and thus in the range of the cylindrical rollers.

The features of claim 10 are used for adjustment and the basic adjustment of a torque. For this purpose, the torque is initially built up by the corresponding biasing of the helical compression spring on the adjusting ring and the spindle. The adjusting ring is not yet coupled with the handle. This is suspended towards the key head. After adjustment, the outer toothing of the adjusting ring is joined with an internal toothing in the handle by the handle is moved away from the key head. A further rotation of the adjusting ring is then no longer possible. Following this measure, the adjusting ring is in particular by two pins, preferably threaded pins, which are screwed radially from the outside by the handle in the adjusting ring, fixed. The front of the handle can be closed by a suitable cap.

Figur 1

in der Perspektive einen Drehmomentschlüssel;

Figur 2

einen Handgriff des Drehmomentschlüssels der Figur 1, ebenfalls in der Perspektive, zusammen mit einem Verriegelungselement und einem Rastelement;

Figur 3

in der Perspektive eine Arretierhülse des Drehmomentschlüssels der Figur 1;

Figur 4

in der Perspektive einen Schaft des Drehmomentschlüssels der Figur 1;

Figur 5

eine Draufsicht auf den Handgriff und einen Längenabschnitt des Schafts des Drehmomentschlüssels der Figur 1;

Figur 6

einen vertikalen Längsschnitt durch die Darstellung der Figur 5 entlang der Linie VI-VI in Richtung der Pfeile VIa gesehen;

Figur 7

eine Ansicht auf den Handgriff des Drehmomentschlüssels der Figur 1;

Figur 8

einen vertikalen Längsschnitt durch die Darstellung der Figur 7 entlang der Linie VIII-VIII in Richtung der Pfeile VIIIa gesehen;

Figur 9

in vergrößerter Darstellung einen radialen Querschnitt durch die Figur 8 entlang der Linie X-X in Richtung der Pfeile Xa gesehen;

Figur 10

einen radialen Querschnitt durch die Darstellung der Figur 8 entlang der Linie X-X in Richtung der Pfeile Xa gesehen;

Figur 11

einen vertikalen Längsschnitt durch die Arretierhülse der Figur 3 und

Figur 12

einen vertikalen Querschnitt durch die Darstellung der Figur 11 entlang der Linie XII-XII in Richtung der Pfeile Xlla gesehen, teilweise im Querschnitt entlang der Linie Xllb.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1

in perspective a torque wrench;

FIG. 2

a handle of the torque wrench of Figure 1, also in perspective, together with a locking element and a locking element;

FIG. 3

in perspective, a locking sleeve of the torque wrench of Figure 1;

FIG. 4

in perspective, a shaft of the torque wrench of Figure 1;

FIG. 5

a plan view of the handle and a longitudinal portion of the shaft of the torque wrench of Figure 1;

FIG. 6

a vertical longitudinal section through the representation of Figure 5 along the line VI-VI seen in the direction of arrows VIa;

FIG. 7

a view of the handle of the torque wrench of Figure 1;

FIG. 8

a vertical longitudinal section through the representation of Figure 7 along the line VIII-VIII seen in the direction of arrows VIIIa;

FIG. 9

seen in an enlarged view a radial cross section through the figure 8 along the line XX in the direction of the arrows Xa;

FIG. 10

a radial cross section through the representation of Figure 8 taken along line XX in the direction of arrows Xa seen;

FIG. 11

a vertical longitudinal section through the locking sleeve of Figure 3 and

FIG. 12

a vertical cross section through the representation of Figure 11 along the line XII-XII in the direction of the arrows Xlla seen, partially in cross section along the line Xllb.

In FIG. 1, 1 denotes a torque wrench. The torque wrench 1 has at one end 2 a handle 3 made of plastic, which is enclosed by a relative to the handle 3 rotatable locking sleeve 4, also made of plastic. The handle 3 encloses a tubular shaft 5 made of steel, which has a pin 6 at the end of a flattened length section 7 with a known and therefore not described in detail key head 8 is pivotally connected in the form of a Umschaltknarre.

Both the handle 3 and the locking sleeve 4 have recesses 9 and 10 on the periphery to improve grip safety.

On the surface 11 of the shaft 5, a longitudinally extending torque scale 12 and on the surface 13 of a conical end portion 14 of the handle 3, a circumferentially extending decimal scale 15 for fine adjustment of the triggering torque are provided on the front side of the handle 3.

As can be seen in particular the figure 6, is located in the interior of the shaft 5, a helical compression spring 16, the first end 17 is acted upon axially by a later explained in more detail clamping unit 18 and the other unspecified illustrated second end on a likewise not illustrated in more detail Kurzwegauslösung in the second end 19 of the shaft 5 adjacent to the key head 8 is supported (FIG.

FIG. 4 shows that between the torque scale 12 on the shaft 5 and the first end 20 located in the handle 3, longitudinal grooves 21 which are incorporated in the outer surface 11 of the shaft 5 and are rounded in cross-section are provided. The number of longitudinal grooves 21 corresponds to the points of the decimal scale 15 at the conical end portion 14 of the handle. 3

It can be seen from FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 6 and 11 that the locking sleeve 4 has an outer cylindrical longitudinal section 22 and an outer conical longitudinal section 23. The conical longitudinal section 23 closes in accordance with FIGS. 1, 5 and 6 to the correspondingly inclined conical end section 14 of the handle 3. Between the conical longitudinal section 23 of the locking sleeve 4 and the conical end section 14 of the handle 3, an O-ring O-ring 24 is embedded in a circumferential groove 25 of a cylindrical connecting piece 26 of the handle 3 (see also Figs 2, 7 and 8).

Figures 2, 6 and 7 to 9 show that the nozzle 26 of the handle 3 merges into a larger-diameter shoulder 27, to which a collar 28 of the handle 3 connects. Adjacent to the paragraph 27 are located in 180 ° circumferential offset two longitudinal slot-shaped recesses 29 in the socket 26th

In the longitudinal region of the slot-shaped recesses 29 are, as the figures 2, 7 and 9 show, two circumferentially extending, offset by 180 ° to each other, end closed Begrenzungsnuten 30 in the outer surface 31 of the nozzle 26 is provided.

In the recesses 29 intersecting longitudinal plane of the handle 3, two radially directed stepped recesses 32 are incorporated in the paragraph 27 (Figures 2, 6 to 8 and 10).

From Figures 3, 6 and 11 it can be seen that the locking sleeve 4 has an enlarged inside diameter and stepped here stub 33. In the inner surface 34 of the locking sleeve 4 are adjacent to the nozzle 33 two 180 ° offset from each other, thus diametrically opposite, rounded in cross-section receiving troughs 35 are provided.

Figures 3, 11 and 12 also show that in the inner surface 36 of the paragraph 27 cross-section nozzle 33 of the locking sleeve 4 four rounded in cross-section latching recesses 37 are incorporated. Two locking recesses 37 diametrically offset by 180 ° in each case lie in the longitudinal plane of the receiving troughs 35 (FIG. 12), while two further latching troughs 37 are arranged offset by 60 ° to the receiving troughs 35. The circumferential distance between the locking recesses 37 corresponds approximately to the circumferential length of the Begrenzungsnuten 30th

In particular, Figures 2 and 6 show that in the slot-shaped recesses 29 in the socket 26 of the handle 3 locking elements in the form of cylindrical rollers 38 are incorporated. The longitudinal axes of the cylindrical rollers 38 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 5. The diameter of the cylindrical rollers 38 which are adapted to the longitudinal grooves 21 with respect to their contour is such that when the inner surface 34 of the locking sleeve 4 abuts against the cylindrical rollers 38, these are pressed into the longitudinal grooves 21 be, so that a rotation of the handle 3 relative to the shaft 5 is not possible. The rotation of the locking sleeve 4 relative to the Handle 3 is delimited by two pins 39 (FIGS. 1 and 5), which are inserted in bores 40 in the locking sleeve 4 and grip in the limiting grooves 30 (FIGS. 3, 5 and 11). As a result, an axial displacement of the locking sleeve 4 is excluded relative to the handle 3.

The stepped recesses 32 in paragraph 27 of the handle 3 (Figures 2, 6 to 8 and 10) each receive a compression spring 41 in the form of a helical compression spring and a cylindrical pin 42, the longitudinal axes extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 5. These cylindrical pins 42 cooperate with the latching recesses 37 in the inner surface 36 of the paragraph 27 cross-section of the nozzle 33 of the locking sleeve 4 together.

The clamping unit 18 (FIG. 6) comprises a spindle 43 which runs in a spindle nut 44 which is fastened in the first end 20 of the shaft 5 by means of two pins 45. The spindle 43 is supported on the one hand via a pressure sleeve 46 at the first end 17 of the helical compression spring 16 and on the other hand is clamped in an adjusting ring 47. This has on the periphery of an external toothing 48 which is available with an internal toothing 49 in the handle 3 (Figure 8). Two setscrews 50 serve to fix the adjusting ring 47 on the handle 3. With a cap 51 made of plastic, the front side of the handle 3 can be closed.

For basic adjustment of the torque, the cap 51 is removed and the handle 3 after releasing the setscrews 50 so far moved in the direction of the key head 8 that the outer teeth 48 on Justierring 47 from the internal teeth 49 in the handle 3 slides. Now, the torque can be adjusted by turning the spindle 43. Subsequently, the handle 3 are pulled back, the outer teeth 48 joined with the internal teeth 49 and then screwed the threaded pins 50. Finally, the cap 51 is used.

In the use state of the torque wrench 1, the locking sleeve 4 is rotated so that its inner surface 34 presses the cylindrical rollers 38 in two mutually opposite longitudinal grooves 21 in the shaft 5. A rotation of the handle 3 relative to the shaft 5 is not possible. The longitudinal displacement of the handle 3 is excluded by the set screws 50 between the adjusting ring 47 and the handle 3.

If the release torque is to be changed, the locking sleeve 4 is rotated so far that the receiving wells 35 according to the representation of Figure 6 the cylinder rollers 38 are frontally opposite. As a result, the cylindrical rollers 38 have the possibility of being able to displace radially when the handle 3 is rotated relative to the shaft 5. After setting the new release torque, the locking sleeve 4 is again rotated so far back that the cylindrical rollers 38 are pressed into the longitudinal grooves 21 and thus they are fixed between the inner surface 34 of the locking sleeve 4 and the longitudinal grooves 21.

Reference number :

1 -

torque wrench

2 -

End of v. 1

3 -

Handle v. 1

4 -

Locking sleeve on 3

5 -

Shank v.1

6 -

Tenon between 7 and 8th

7 -

flattened length v. 5

8th -

key head

9 -

Depressions in 3

10 -

Depressions in 4

11 -

Surface v. 5

12 -

Torque scale to 11

13 -

Surface v.14

14 -

conical end section v. 3

15 -

Decimal scale on 14

16 -

Helical compression spring

17 -

first end v. 16

18 -

clamping unit

19 -

2nd end v. 5

20 -

1st end of v. 5

21 -

Longitudinal grooves in 11

22 -

cylindrical length v. 4

23 -

conical length v-4

24 -

O-ring

25 -

Circumferential groove f. 24

26 -

cylindrical nozzle v. 3

27 -

Paragraph v.3

28 -

Covenant v. 3

29 -

slit-shaped recesses in 26

30 -

restricting grooves

31 -

Surface v. 26

32 -

recesses

33 -

Neck v. 4

34 -

Interior surfaces v. 4

35 -

Receiving troughs in 34

36 -

Interior surfaces v.33

37 -

Resting depressions in 36

38 -

cylindrical rollers

39 -

Pens f. 30

40 -

Bores f. 39

41 -

compression springs

42 -

straight pins

43 -

Spindle v. 18

44 -

spindle nut

45 -

pencils

46 -

pressure sleeve

47 -

Adjusting ring

48 -

External toothing on 47

49 -

Internal toothing in 3

50 -

screws

51 -

Cap f. 3

Claims (10)

A torque wrench comprising a tubular shank (5), a handle (3) which grips the shank (5) at a first end (20) in a relatively rotatable manner and with limited longitudinal movement, and one at the other end (19) of the shank (5) Key head (8), wherein the outer surface (11) of the shaft (5) in the longitudinal region of the handle (3) with longitudinal grooves (21) is provided in the at least one handle (3) on the shaft (5) fixing the locking element (38) can be pressed in, characterized in that the locking element is formed by a cylindrical roller (38) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (5) with its longitudinal axis and arranged in a slot-shaped recess (29) in the handle (3) adapted to its contour ) and by turning on the handle (3) arranged locking sleeve (4) with a receiving trough (35) in the inner surface (34) of the locking sleeve (4) can be brought frontally to cover. Torque wrench according to claim 1, characterized in that two 180 ° circumferentially offset from each other cylindrical rollers (38) provided in recesses (29) of the handle (3) and accordingly two diametrically opposed receiving troughs (35) in the locking sleeve (4) are arranged. Torque wrench according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking sleeve (4) comprises a reduced diameter stub (26) of the handle (3) and having a conical outer longitudinal portion (23) to a correspondingly inclined conical end portion (14) of the handle (3) connects. Torque wrench according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the longitudinal region of a slot-shaped recess (29) at least one circumferentially extending, closed end Begrenzungsnut (30) in the outer surface (31) of the handle (3) is provided, into which a in the locking sleeve (4) fixed pin (39) engages in a sliding fit. Torque wrench according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking sleeve (4) widened with an enlarged inside diameter and stepped here stub (33) a shoulder (27) and a collar (28) on the handle (3), wherein in Paragraph (27) at least one radially directed stepped recess (32) is provided, in which a latching element (42) and a radially outwardly acting thereon compression spring (41) are incorporated, and in that the inner surface (36) of the paragraph (27 ) cross-section of the connecting piece (33) has two adapted to the locking element (42), in the circumferential distance from each other arranged latching recesses (37) are incorporated. Torque wrench according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the circumferential distance of the latching recesses (37) corresponds approximately to the circumferential length of the Begrenzungsnut (30). Torque wrench according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the latching element is formed by a with its longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (5) aligned cylindrical pin (42) and the latching recesses (37) in adaptation to the cylindrical pin (42) are rounded , Torque wrench according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that two offset by 180 ° to each other cylinder pins (42) with compression springs (41) and four latching recesses (37) are provided. Torque wrench according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that between the conical longitudinal portion (23) of the locking sleeve (4) and the conical end portion (14) of the handle (3) an O-ring (24) in a circumferential groove (25) of the nozzle (26) of the handle (3) is embedded. Torque wrench according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein in the shaft (5) a prestressable by means of a clamping unit (18) helical compression spring (16) is arranged, characterized in that the clamping unit (18) facing away from the helical compression spring (16) end is provided with a circumferentially toothed and in the handle (3) fixable adjusting ring (47), wherein the external toothing (48) of the adjusting ring (47). with an internal toothing (49) in the handle (3) is available.

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