Patent Publication Number: US-11648650-B1

Title: Torque structure

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a hand tool and, more particularly, to a torque structure. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A conventional torque structure  10  was disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,834, and comprises a fastener drive structure, generally shown at  20 , a wrench body, generally shown at  30 , a tang engaging and stabilizing structure, generally shown at  40 , a stressed biasing element, generally shown at  50 , and an adjuster, generally shown at  60 . The fastener drive structure  20  has a head  22  constructed and arranged to be removably engaged with a fastener and a tang structure  24  extending rearwardly from the head  22 . The tang structure  24  has a hole  26  extending through a front portion  25  thereof. The head  22  comprises a mounting portion  28  integrally formed with the tang structure  24  and a conventional ratchet drive assembly (not shown), which is received within the mounting portion  28 . The wrench body  30  includes a generally cylindrical casing structure  32  with generally cylindrical interior and exterior surfaces  34 ,  36 . One end portion  35  of the casing structure  32  has a hole  38  therethrough. The opposite end portion  37  is constructed to mount the adjuster  60 . The tang engaging and stabilizing structure  40 , also referred to as a plunger, has a tang engaging portion  42  and a pair of stabilizing ear members  44 ,  46  spaced apart from one another in the direction of the pivot axis  80 . A shaft  48  extends rearwardly from the tang engaging portion  42 . The stabilizing ear members  44 ,  46  are positioned on opposing sides of a rear end portion  27  of the tang structure  24  to restrict movement of the tang structure rear end portion  27  generally in the direction of the pivot axis  80 , but allow relative pivotal movement between the casing structure  32  and the fastener drive structure  20  about the pivot axis  80 . The stabilizing ear members  44 ,  46  have rounded outer surfaces  45  conforming to the interior surface  34  of the casing structure  32 . Inner surfaces  47  of the ear members  44 ,  46  are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the pivot axis  80 . The load screw  70  is a component of the adjuster  60  and axial movement thereof adjusts the stress in the biasing element  50  and hence the biasing force applied to the tang engaging portion  42  by the biasing element  50 . Specifically, the load screw  70  has a threaded shaft portion  71 . A load nut  74  is secured to the end portion  37  of the casing structure  32  by retaining pins  75 , which pins  75  extend through holes in the casing structure  32  and the load nut  74 . The shaft portion  71  extends through the load nut  74  and is fixed within a grip portion, generally shown at  62 , of the adjuster  60 . The grip portion  62  comprises a front portion  64  and a rear portion  66 , which are coupled such that axial movement with respect to one another is permitted. The front portion  64  is biased forwardly from the rear portion  64  by a spring  65 . The front portion  64  has a plurality of recesses  68 , wherein each recess  68  includes a locking portion and an adjusting portion. The recesses  68  of the front portion  64  are positioned over a corresponding series of longitudinally extending grooves  33  of the casing structure  32 . A ball  76  is received between the locking portion of each recess  68  and a corresponding groove  33  to prevent rotational movement of the grip portion  62  with respect to the casing structure  32 . Referring to  FIG.  8   , to adjust the biasing force, the front portion  64  is moved rearwardly relative to the rear portion  66  against the biasing of the spring  65  such that the balls  76  are positioned in the adjusting portions of the recesses  68 . Rotational movement of the gripping portion  62  rotates the gripping portion  62  relative to the casing structure  32 , with the balls  76  moving along adjacent grooves  33 . This rotational movement of the gripping portion  62  adjusts the load screw  70  axially with respect to the load nut  74  to adjust the biasing force applied to the tang engaging and stabilizing structure  40  by the biasing element  50 . 
     However, the conventional torque structure  10  has the following disadvantages. 
     1. The retaining pins  75  are mounted on the interior surfaces  34  and the load nut  74  by an external force so that the retaining pins  75 , the interior surfaces  34 , and the load nut  74  are fit closely. Thus, the wrench body  30  and the load nut  74  have little tolerance defined therebetween so that the load screw  70  is rotated exactly. However, it is necessary to mount the retaining pins  75  on the interior surfaces  34  and the load nut  74  by an external arrangement, such as a hydraulic device or the like, thereby increasing the cost of fabrication. When the retaining pins  75  are replaced by balls, each of the balls has a diameter less than that of the hole of each of the interior surfaces  34  and that of the hole of the load nut  74 , so that the balls, the interior surfaces  34 , and the load nut  74  are fit loosely. However, the wrench body  30  and the load nut  74  have a determined tolerance defined therebetween so that the load screw  70  is not rotated exactly. 
     2. The load screw  70  and the load nut  74  are assembled previously and are then mounted in the wrench body  30 . Then, the retaining pins  75  are mounted on the interior surfaces  34  and the load nut  74 . Thus, the operator&#39;s two hands have to press the retaining pins  75  simultaneously and to assemble the wrench body  30  and the load nut  74  with the adjuster  60 , thereby causing inconvenience to the operator. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a torque structure comprising a first body, a second body, an elastic member, and a locking set. The first body has an interior provided with a receiving chamber. The second body is provided with a drive portion, a plurality of first securing portions, and a first end face. The locking set includes a locking member, a plurality of securing members, a plurality of balls, and a washer. The locking member is provided with a pivot portion, a plurality of second securing portions, and a second end face. The securing members are mounted in the first securing portions and the second securing portions so that the locking member is secured to the second body. The washer is mounted on the locking member and made of resilient material. The washer is elastically biased between the first end face and the second end face to space the second body from the locking member. The washer eliminates a gap between the locking member and the second body. 
     According to the primary advantage of the present invention, the first securing portions, the second securing portions, and the securing members are fit loosely so that the securing members are assembled conveniently. Each of the securing members rests on the first face and the second face. The washer is elastically biased between the second body and the locking member so that the second body and the locking member are spaced from each other by the elastic force of the washer. Thus, each of the securing members is locked between the first face and the second face by the elastic force of the washer to eliminate the gap between the locking member and the second body so that the locking member and the second body are fit closely. Thus, the torque structure has a double effect of easy assembly and gap elimination by provision of the washer. 
     Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a careful reading of the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG.  1    is an exploded perspective view of a torque structure in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a partial exploded perspective view of the torque structure in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded perspective view of a locking set of the torque structure in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  4    is a partial perspective assembly view of the torque structure in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  5    is a partial side view of the torque structure in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view of the torque structure taken along line A-A as shown in  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    is a locally enlarged view of the torque structure taken along circle B as shown in  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  8    is a partial perspective assembly view of a torque structure in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9    is a partial exploded perspective view of a torque structure in accordance with the third preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  10    is an exploded perspective view of the locking set of a torque structure in accordance with the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  11    is an exploded perspective view of the locking set of a torque structure in accordance with the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  12    is a partial exploded perspective view of a torque structure in accordance with the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings and initially to  FIGS.  1 - 7   , a torque structure in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a first body  10 , a second body  20 , an elastic member  28 , and a locking set  30 . 
     The first body  10  is held by a user and rotated to adjust the torque of the torque structure. The first body  10  has an interior provided with a receiving chamber  11 . The receiving chamber  11  has a circular shape and penetrates the first body  10 . 
     The second body  20  is assembled with the first body  10  and has a tubular shape. Preferably, the second body  20  is pivotally connected with the first body  10  which is rotated relative to the second body  20  to adjust the torque of the torque structure. Alternatively, the second body  20  is secured with the first body  10 . The second body  20  is partially received in the receiving chamber  11 . An indication unit is movably mounted on the second body  20  to indicate the torque of the torque structure. The second body  20  has a first end provided with a drive portion  21  and a second end provided with a plurality of first securing portions  23  and a first end face  25 . The drive portion  21  partially protrudes from the first body  10  and is preferably a hexagonal recess, a square head, a ratchet wrench, a box end wrench or an open end wrench. Each of the first securing portions  23  is a circular hole and is hidden in the receiving chamber  11 . The first securing portions  23  are close to an opening of the second body  20  and distant from the drive portion  21 . The first securing portions  23  are arranged in an annular shape about an axis of the second body  20 . Preferably, the second body  20  has two first securing portions  23  which are arranged symmetrically. The second body  20  has a periphery provided with an annular groove  24 . The annular groove  24  is connected to the first securing portions  23  and arranged at one side of the first securing portions  23 . The first end face  25  has a planar shape and is provided on the opening of the second body  20 . 
     The elastic member  28  is received in the second body  20  and elastically biased against the drive portion  21  (or a torque slip control member) of the second body  20  so that the second body  20  has a torque slip (or tipping) function formed between the second body  20  and the first body  10 . Preferably, the elastic member  28  is a spring. 
     The locking set  30  is assembled with and cannot be moved or rotated relative to the second body  20 . The locking set  30  is received in the receiving chamber  11  and includes a locking member  31 , a plurality of securing members  32 , a plurality of balls (or beads)  33 , and a washer (or O-ring)  34 . 
     The locking member  31  is assembled with the second body  20  and hidden in the receiving chamber  11 . The locking member  31  cannot be moved or rotated relative to the second body  20  and is distant from the drive portion  21 . The locking member  31  has an interior provided with a pivot portion  311  penetrating the locking member  31 . Preferably, the pivot portion  311  is a circular recess. Alternatively, the pivot portion  311  has an interior provided with a threading. The locking member  31  is provided with a plurality of second securing portions  312  aligning with the first securing portions  23 . Each of the second securing portions  312  is a circular hole. Preferably, each of the second securing portions  312  is a stepped circular hole. The second securing portions  312  have a number corresponding to that of the first securing portions  23 . The locking member  31  has a first end provided with a plurality of positioning grooves  313 . The positioning grooves  313  protrude from the second body  20  and are arranged in an annular shape about an axis of the locking member  31 . Preferably, the locking member  31  has ten, twelve or twenty positioning grooves  313 . Each of the positioning grooves  313  has an arcuate shape. The locking member  31  has a second end provided with a ball groove  314 . The ball groove  314  is close to an opening of the pivot portion  311  and distant from the positioning grooves  313 . The ball groove  314  has an annular shape and is hidden in the second body  20 . 
     The locking member  31  is provided with a first peripheral face  316  hidden in the second body  20  and a second peripheral face  317  protruding from the second body  20 . The second securing portions  312  are provided on the first peripheral face  316 . The positioning grooves  313  are provided on the second peripheral face  317 . The second peripheral face  317  has a diameter more than that of the first peripheral face  316 . The second peripheral face  317  has a first end provided with a second end face  318  and a second end provided with a third end face  319 . The second end face  318  faces the first end face  25  and is spaced from the first end face  25 . The second end face  318  is arranged between the second securing portions  312  and the positioning grooves  313  and has a planar shape. The third end face  319  has a planar shape. The positioning grooves  313  are connected to the second end face  318  and the third end face  319 . Each of the positioning grooves  313  has a length equal to that of the second peripheral face  317  and has a lengthwise direction the same as that of the second peripheral face  317 . The diameter of the second peripheral face  317  is slightly less than that of the receiving chamber  11  and slightly more than or equal to that of the second body  20 . 
     The securing members  32  are mounted in the first securing portions  23  and the second securing portions  312  so that the locking member  31  is secured to the second body  20 . The securing members  32  have a number corresponding to that of the first securing portions  23  and that of the second securing portions  312 . Each of the securing members  32  is a ball or a pin. 
     The first securing portions  23 , the second securing portions  312 , and the securing members  32  are fit loosely. 
     The balls  33  are arranged to form a ring and are rotatably mounted in the ball groove  314 . 
     The washer  34  is mounted on the locking member  31  and made of resilient material. The washer  34  is elastically biased between the first end face  25  and the second end face  318  to space the second body  20  from the locking member  31 . The washer  34  eliminates the gap between the locking member  31  and the second body  20 . The washer  34  is an O-ring. 
     Especially referring to  FIG.  7    with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 6   , each of the first securing portions  23  has a first diameter  51 , each of the second securing portions  312  has a second diameter  52 , and each of the securing members  32  has a third diameter  53 . The first diameter  51  is about equal to the second diameter  52 . The third diameter  53  is less than the first diameter  51  and the second diameter  52 . That is, the first securing portions  23 , the second securing portions  312 , and the securing members  32  are fit loosely. Each of the first securing portions  23  has a first face  54 , and each of the second securing portions  312  has a second face  55 . Each of the securing members  32  rests on the first face  54  and the second face  55 . The washer  34  is elastically biased between the second body  20  and the locking member  31  so that the second body  20  and the locking member  31  are pushed and moved away from each other by the elastic force of the washer  34 . Thus, each of the securing members  32  is locked between the first face  54  and the second face  55  by the elastic force of the washer  34  to eliminate the gap between the locking member  31  and the second body  20  so that the locking member  31  and the second body  20  are fit closely. 
     The torque structure further comprises a snap ring  40  mounted in the annular groove  24  and pressing the securing members  32  so that each of the securing members  32  will not be detached from each of the first securing portions  23 . The snap ring  40  is arranged between the first body  10 , the second body  20 , and the securing members  32 . The snap ring  40  is made of a metal ring with elasticity. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4    with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the drive portion  21  is mounted on and partially protrude from the first end of the first body  10 . The elastic member  28  is received in the second body  20 . The locking set  30  is mounted on the second end of the first body  10 . The second end face  318  faces the first end face  25 . The securing members  32  are mounted in the first securing portions  23  and the second securing portions  312  so that the locking member  31  is secured to the second body  20  and cannot be moved or rotated relative to the second body  20 . The snap ring  40  is snapped into the annular groove  24  and presses the securing members  32   
     Referring to  FIGS.  5 - 7    with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , each of the securing members  32  is locked between the first face  54  and the second face  55  by the elastic force of the washer  34  to eliminate the gap between the locking member  31  and the second body  20  so that the locking member  31  and the second body  20  are fit closely. Each of the securing members  32  are restricted by the snap ring  40 , the first face  54 , and the second face  55  so that the securing members  32  cannot be detached from the first securing portions  23  and the second securing portions  312   
     Referring to  FIG.  8    with reference to  FIG.  4   , each of the positioning grooves  313  has different length. Preferably, each of the positioning grooves  313  has a length of two times to allow the first body  10  moving relative to the second body  20 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  9    with reference to  FIG.  2   , the snap ring  40  and the annular groove  24  are undefined. 
     Referring to  FIG.  10    with reference to  FIG.  3   , the washer  34  is a corrugated ring with elasticity. 
     Referring to  FIG.  11    with reference to  FIG.  3   , the washer  34  is an annular spring with elasticity. 
     Referring to  FIG.  12    with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 7   , the second body  20  is provided with a plurality of scales. The positioning grooves  313  of the locking set  30  are undefined. The first body  10  is rotated and moved relative to the second body  20 . 
     Accordingly, the torque structure has the following advantages. 
     1. The first securing portions  23 , the second securing portions  312 , and the securing members  32  are fit loosely so that the securing members  32  are assembled conveniently. Each of the securing members  32  rests on the first face  54  and the second face  55 . The washer  34  is elastically biased between the second body  20  and the locking member  31  so that the second body  20  and the locking member  31  are spaced from each other by the elastic force of the washer  34 . Thus, each of the securing members  32  is locked between the first face  54  and the second face  55  by the elastic force of the washer  34  to eliminate the gap between the locking member  31  and the second body  20  so that the locking member  31  and the second body  20  are fit closely. Thus, the torque structure has a double effect of easy assembly and gap elimination by provision of the washer  34 . 
     2. The snap ring  40  is mounted in the annular groove  24  after assembly of the securing members  32  so that the securing members  32  are limited by the snap ring  40  and will not be detached from the first securing portions  23  and the second securing portions  312 . Thus, the locking set  30  and the securing members  32  are mounted in the receiving chamber  11  easily. 
     3. The snap ring  40  is snapped onto the second body  20  and the securing members  32  so that the securing members  32  are limited by the snap ring  40  and will not be detached from the first securing portions  23  and the second securing portions  312 . Thus, the snap ring  40  is used to retain the securing members  32 . 
     4. The locking member  31  is a single element that is formed by injection molding to decrease the cost of fabrication. 
     5. The washer  34  pushes the second body  20  toward the drive portion  21  so that the first face  54  rests on each of the securing members  32 , and each of the securing members  32  is locked between the first face  54  and the second face  55  by the elastic force of the washer  34 . The snap ring  40  presses the securing members  32 . Thus, each of the securing members  32  is retained by the snap ring  40 , the first face  54 , and the second face  55  and cannot not be detached from the first securing portions  23  and the second securing portions  312  so that the second body  20  and the locking set  30  are assembled exactly. 
     Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment(s) as mentioned above, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claim or claims will cover such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the invention.