Patent Publication Number: US-10315297-B2

Title: Torque indication wrench

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to small sized torque wrenches, and more particularly, to a torque wrench requiring only limited operational space. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a conventional fine-tunable torque wrench comprises a shaft  1 , an operation rod  2 , a pointer  3 , an operation head  4 , and a scale plate  5 . The shaft  1  and the operation head  4  are disposed on two ends of the operation rod  2 , with the scale plate  5  fixed to the operation rod  2 . The pointer  3  has one end thereof attached to the operation head  4 , with the other end thereof pointing to the scale plate  5 . When a force is imposed on the shaft  1 , the operation rod  2  is bent due to the force while the pointer  3  keeps being straight. Therefore, the user learns the torque value by reading the scales on the scale plate  5  pointed by the pointer  3 . 
     However, the pointer  3  may possibly cause harm upon the user. Also, the transversely disposed scale plate  5  occupies a relatively large space, failing to meet the convenience of storage. 
     Therefore, referring to  FIG. 2 , an improved torque wrench  10  is developed, which is a torque tool applicable to a bicycle. The torque wrench  10  comprises a main body  11  and a scaling device  12 . The main body  11  includes a handle  13  and a driving rod  14 . The handle  13  is designed to store various types of driver heads. The driving rod  14  has one end thereof disposed on the handle  13 , with the other end thereof provided with a driving portion  15  for driving a screw member. The scaling device  12  includes a pointer  12   a  and a scale member  12   b . The pointer  12   a  has one end thereof disposed on the handle  13 , with the other end thereof pointing at the scale member  12   b , while one end of the scale member  12   b  is mounted around the driving rod  14 . When the user operates the torque wrench  10 , the pointer  12   a  is displaced and therefore points at a corresponding scale on the scale member  12   b , such that the torque value imposed through the driving portion  15  is acquired. 
     However, the pointer  12   a  on such torque wrench  10  may still cause harm to the user. Also, such torque wrench  10  is generally formed in a T shape. Hence, the torque wrench  10  consumes a relatively large space, failing to meet the convenience or portability and storage. 
     Another improved torque wrench  20  is further developed, as shown by  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . The torque wrench  20  comprises a housing  21 , a driving rod  22 , and a pointing member  23 . The housing  21  comprises an upper housing  21   a  and a lower housing  21   b , and is applied for storing multiple tool heads  24 . The driving rod  22  has one end thereof fixed to the housing. An indication window  25  opens on the upper housing  21   a , with multiple values  25   a  marked round the indication window  25 . The pointing member  23  is disposed on the housing  21  with one end thereof provided with a pointing portion  23   a , which is located in the scope of the indication window  25  and points at the values  25   a . In operation, the user is able to directly observe the values  25   a  pointed by the pointing portion  23   a  on the housing  21 , so as to efficiently read the torque value of the wrench. 
     Such torque wrench  20  replaces the originally exposed pointer. However, the general shape of the torque wrench  20  remains in a T shape, causing a similar issue of being unfavorable to portability and storage. 
     Further, regarding each known prior art above, the wrench applies the pointer or pointing member to sway in a relatively narrow angle to point out the torque scale. However, due to the narrow angle of swaying, the scales allowed to be pointed out are limited, such that the user is prevented from efficiently identify the torque level. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     For improving the issues above, a torque indication wrench is disclosed. With the general profile performed in a pen shape, the consumed space is reduced, thus meeting the convenience of portability and storage. 
     For achieving the aforementioned objectives, an embodiment of the present invention provides a torque indication wrench, comprising: 
     a main body including a wrenching portion and a support portion connected with the wrenching portion, the wrenching portion rotating around a rotation axis for driving an object to rotate, the main body defining a longitudinal line arranged in vertical to the rotation axis and passing through the rotation axis, the longitudinal line defining two halves of the torque indication wrench divided by the longitudinal line into a counterclockwise area and an opposite clockwise area; 
     a torque rod including a first end and a second end, the first end connected with the support portion, the second end placed away from the rotation axis, a biasing section formed between the first and second ends, a central axis defined by the biasing section positioned in the counterclockwise area of the torque indication wrench; when the user wrenches the second end of the torque rod, the biasing section of the torque rod resiliently bends from the counterclockwise area of the torque indication wrench toward the clockwise area; and 
     an indication device disposed between the main body and the torque rod; when the biasing section of the torque rod resiliently bends from the counterclockwise area toward the clockwise area, the user reads an indicated torque value displayed by the indication device. 
     Preferably, the central axis of the biasing section is disposed in the counterclockwise area, wherein the central axis of the biasing section does not overlap the longitudinal line of the main body and is arranged in parallel to the longitudinal line. 
     Preferably, the support portion is provided with a biased recess disposed in parallel to the longitudinal line. The central axis of the biased recess is placed in the counterclockwise area. The first end of the torque is received in the biased recess. 
     Preferably, the torque rod is formed in a straight shape. 
     Preferably, the support portion further comprises an enlarged groove connected with the biased recess, which allows the torque rod to resiliently bend from the counterclockwise area toward the clockwise area. 
     Preferably, the support portion and the wrenching portion are integrally formed. The support portion extends along the longitudinal line, wherein the extension length of the support portion is equal to or larger than the length of the wrenching portion positioned along the longitudinal line. The wrenching portion is allowed to be a unidirectional ratchet, a direction switchable ratchet, an opening end, a box end, or a sleeve. A positioning member is further included between the support portion and the torque rod. 
     Preferably, the main body further comprises a hollow case covering the support portion and extending along the longitudinal line. The second end of the torque rod projects from the case. The indication device is disposed on the case and connected with the biased section of the torque rod. 
     Preferably, a distal end of the case away from the wrenching portion is provided with a block member, wherein the block member includes a guide opening through where the second end of the torque rod passes to project. 
     Preferable, the second end of the torque rod is provided with a handle, wherein the center portion thereof is formed in a concave shape. 
     Preferably, the second end of the torque rod is provided with a handle, wherein the handle comprises two concave areas positioned in the counterclockwise area, and a resisted area positioned in the clockwise area and extending toward the main body. 
     Preferably, the indication device includes a toothed block disposed on the torque rod, and a rotary disc marked with a scale. The rotary disc is rotationally disposed on the case and provided with a gear which is engaged with the toothed block. The indication device further includes a mask mounted around the distal end of the case and the rotary disc, with an expose portion correspondingly exposing the scale on the rotary disc. 
     Preferably, length of a toothed side of the toothed block is larger than 2 times the radius of the gear. 
     Preferably, the rotary disc includes an inner disc and an outer disc, wherein the outer disc surrounds a periphery of the inner disc, and the outer disc is allowed to rotate against the inner disk. 
     With such configuration, besides the function for allowing the user to directly read the indicated torque value, with the torque rod biasedly disposed against the main body, the torque rod is wrenched from the counterclockwise area of the main body toward the clockwise area during the operation, thus ensuring that the torque indication wrench is generally maintained in a pen shape facilitating the space saving demand and advantageously meeting the convenience of storage and portability. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a known fine-tunable torque wrench structure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a known torque wrench. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another known torque wrench. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the torque wrench in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the torque indication wrench in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a laterally sectional view of the torque indication wrench in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a vertically sectional view illustrating the relative positions of the torque rod and block member. 
         FIG. 8  is a transversely sectional view illustrating the torque rod in a non-operation status. 
         FIG. 9  is a transversely sectional view illustrating the torque rod being wrenched in an operation status. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the torque wrench in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a partially enlarged view of  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The aforementioned and further advantages and features of the present invention will be understood by reference to the description of the preferred embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings where the components are illustrated based on a proportion for explanation but not subject to the actual component proportion. Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in detail along with the drawings. However, the technical features included by the present invention are not limited to certain embodiments hereby provided. Scope of the present invention shall be referred to the claims, which include all the possible replacements, modifications, and equivalent features. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5  to  FIG. 11 , the torque indication wrench  100  comprises a main body  30 , a torque rod  40 , and an indication device  50 . 
     The main body  30  comprises a wrenching portion  31  and a support portion  32  connected with the wrenching portion  31 . The wrenching portion  31  is allowed to be formed in a unidirectional ratchet, a direction switchable ratchet, an opening end, a box end, or a sleeve. Also, the wrenching portion  31  is able to rotate around a rotation axis X for driving an object to rotate. The main body  30  defines a longitudinal line L arranged in vertical to the rotation axis X and passing through the rotation axis X. The longitudinal line L further defines the two halves of the torque indication wrench  100  divided by the longitudinal line L into a counterclockwise area A 1  and an opposite clockwise area A 2 . The counterclockwise area A 1  is the area rotationally defined by the longitudinal line L when the user drives the wrench toward a counterclockwise direction; the clockwise area A 2  is the area rotationally defined by the longitudinal line L when the user drives the wrench toward a clockwise direction. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the support portion  32  and the main body  30  are integrally formed. The support portion  32  extends along the longitudinal line L, and the extension length of the support portion  32  is equal to or larger than the length of the wrenching portion  31  positioned along the longitudinal line L. Also, the wrenching portion  31  of the main body  30  further comprises a first side  31   a  and a second side  31   b  disposed in opposite to the first side  31   a , wherein the first side  31   a  and the second side  31   b  are disposed on two lateral sides of the longitudinal line L. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first side  31   a  is positioned in the counterclockwise area A 1 , and the second side  31   b  is positioned in the clockwise area A 2 . The support portion  32  is provided with a biased recess  321  disposed in parallel to the longitudinal line L, while the central axis of the biased recess  321  is positioned in the counterclockwise area A 1 . The support portion  32  further comprises an enlarged groove  322  connected with the biased recess  321 , wherein the enlarged groove  322  is disposed on one side of the biased recess  321  away from the wrenching portion  31 . 
     The torque rod  40  is formed in a straight shape and provided with a first end  41  and a second end  42 , and the first end  41  of the torque rod  40  is connected with the support portion  32 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the first end  41  of the torque rod  40  is received in the biased recess  321  of the support portion  32 , and the enlarged groove  322  allows the torque rod  40  to resiliently bend from the counterclockwise area A 1  toward the clockwise area A 2 . The second end  42  is disposed on one end of the torque rod  40  away from the rotation axis X of the wrenching portion  31 . A biasing section  43  is formed between the first end  41  and the second end  42  of the torque rod  40 . The biasing section  43  defines a central axis C positioned in the counterclockwise area A 1  of the torque indication wrench  100 , wherein the central axis C of the biasing section  43  does not overlap the longitudinal line L of the main body  30  and is arranged in parallel to the longitudinal line L. 
     When the user wrenches the second end  42  of the torque rod  40 , the biasing section  43  of the torque rod  40  resiliently bends from the counterclockwise area A 1  toward the clockwise area A 2 . In a non-operation status, the torque rod  40  is positioned in the range between the first side  31   a  and the second side  31   b  of the wrenching portion  31 . In other words, the torque rod  40  does not move surpass the first side  31   a  and the second side  31   b  of the wrenching portion  31 . Therefore, the torque indication wrench  100  of the present invention is generally formed in a pen shape, thus saving the space consumption and facilitating the convenience of storage and portability. 
     The indication device  50  is disposed between the main body  30  and the torque rod  40 , such that when the user wrenches the second end  42  of the torque rod  40 , the biasing section  43  of the torque rod  40  resiliently bends from the counterclockwise area A 1  toward the clockwise area A 2  of the main body  30 , whereby the user is able to read the indicated torque value. 
     The main body  30  further comprises a hollow case  60  extending along the longitudinal line L, with one end of the hollow case  60  covering the support portion  32 . The indication device  50  is disposed on the case  60  and connected with the biasing section  43  of the torque rod  40  for providing a torque indication. Furthermore, a distal end of the case  60  away from the wrenching portion  31  is provided with a block member  61 . The block member  61  comprises a guide opening  62 , such that the second end  42  of the torque rod  40  passes through and projects from the guide opening  62 . Further referring to  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 , where  FIG. 7  omits the indication device  50  and displays the relative positions of the torque rod  40  and the block member  61 , when the torque rod  40  is wrenched in clockwise, the guide opening  62  provides a movable space for the torque rod  40 ; when the torque rod  40  is wrenched in counterclockwise, the torque rod  40  is efficiently blocked. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the indication device  50  includes a toothed block  51 , a rotary disc  52 , a gear  53 , and a mask  54 . The toothed block  51  is disposed on the torque rod  40  and adjacent to the second end  42 , with a toothed side arranged in an arc shape and facing the support portion  32 . The rotary disc  52  is rotationally disposed on the case  60  and provided with scales displaying the torque value. The gear  53  is disposed on a bottom face of the rotary disc  52  and extends into the case  60  for being engaged with the toothed block  51 , wherein a length of the toothed side of the toothed block  51  is larger than 2 times the radius of the gear  53 . The mask  54  is mounted around the distal end of the case  60  and the rotary disc  52 , with an expose portion  56  and an indicator correspondingly exposing and displaying the scales on the rotary disc  52 . When the torque rod  40  is wrenched, the toothed block  51  drives the gear  53  to rotate, such that the rotary disc  52  rotates against the case  60 , whereby the torque value imposed through the wrenching portion  31  upon an object is displayed at a corresponding scale. Also, the user is able to read the indicated scales through the expose portion  56 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a positioning member  70  is further included and disposed between the support portion  32  and the torque rod  40 . Also, the positioning member  70  is allowed to be a screw member or a pin passing through the case  60  and the support portion  32  for resisting against the first end  41  of the torque rod  40 , such that the torque rod  40  is stabilized and prevented from displacing. 
     In addition, the second end  42  of the torque rod  40  is further provided with a handle  44 , wherein the central portion of the handle  44  is in a concave shape, such that the user is able to impose a concentrated force which is subsequently sent to the wrenching portion  31 . As a result, the torque value is accurately indicated by the indication device  50 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9  schematically illustrating the operation status of an embodiment of the present invention, the wrenching portion  31  is applied onto an object such as a screw member, and the user imposes a force through the second end  42  of the torque rod  40  and wrenches the torque rod  40  with the rotation axis X as the rotation center, whereby the biasing section  43  of the torque rod  40  resiliently bends from the counterclockwise area A 1  of the main body  30  toward the clockwise area A 2 , so as to send the imposed force to the object and drive the object to rotate. If the imposed force is strengthened during the operation, the second end  42  of the torque rod  40  moves across the longitudinal line L. Upon the torque rod  40  resiliently bending, the toothed block  51  triggers the gear  53  to rotate, and subsequently drives the rotary disc  52  of the indication device  50  to correspondingly rotate. Therefore, the user is able to read the torque value imposed upon the object from the expose portion  56  of the mask  54 , thereby controlling the fastening torque imposed upon the object. 
     In the embodiment, due to the length of the toothed side of the toothed block  51  larger than 2 times the radius of the gear  53 , the intervals between the scale marks are amplified, thus favorable for the user to read. For example, when the torque rod  40  is wrenched by 10 degrees against the longitudinal line L, the gear  53  is allowed to rotate for three fourths round (270 degrees), so as to amplify the torque scale by 27 times. Therefore, the scales on the rotary disc  52  is divided into smaller sub-scales for displaying the torque value with greater accuracy, which is favorable for the user to read the current torque value. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  illustrating another embodiment of the present invention, the components in  FIG. 10  similar or identical to the components in previous drawings are marked with identical numeric, and the detail descriptions of such components are hereby omitted. The difference of the present embodiment lies in that the handle  44  is provided with an ergonomic shape, wherein two concave areas  441  are disposed on one side of the handle  44  which is identical to the side of the indication device  50  provided with the expose portion  56 . The concave areas  441  are positioned in the counterclockwise area A 1  for bearing the middle finger and the forefinger of the user. Further, the other side of the handle  44  in opposite to the expose portion  56  is further provided with a resisted area  442  which extends toward the main body  30  for bearing the thumb of the user. During the wrenching operation, the resisted area  442  prevents a counter force generated by the user touching and imposing force upon the mask  54  of the indication device  50  and subsequently affect the accuracy of the torque value indicated by the indication device  50 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the rotary disc  52  of the indication device  50  includes an inner disc  521 , an outer disc  522 , and a resistance member  523  between the inner disc  521  and the outer disc  522 . The resistance member  523  is allowed to be an O-ring or a C-clamp. During the wrenching operation, through the resistance provided by the resistance member  523 , the outer disc  522  and the inner disc  521  rotates together along the rotation of the gear  53 . When a calibration is needed, the user rotates the outer disc  522  against the inner disc  521 , such that the scale on the outer disc  522  is adjusted to return to zero against the indicator on the mask  54 . 
     To sum up, the present invention allows the user to read the indicated torque value directly. Also, by the torque rod  40  disposed in bias against the main body  30 , the torque rod  40  is wrenched from the counterclockwise area A 1  of the main body  30  toward the clockwise area A 2  during operation. Therefore, the general shape of the torque indication wrench  100  remains in a pen shape, thus saving the space consumption and facilitating the convenience of storage and portability. 
     Furthermore, due to the small sized of the torque indication wrench  100 , the outward-projecting structure of the conventional torque wrenches is omitted. Therefore, accidental touching against the surrounding environment is prevented, thereby facilitating the convenience of usage. 
     Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims.