Fasteners that indicate the amount of loosening

Abstract

A fastener for indicating the amount of loosening is provided, the fastener comprising: a tightening member, which is configured to be combined with a mating screw to tighten a fastened member; and a loosening indicating device, the loosening indicating device comprising: a detection unit, the detection unit is suitable for being installed on the tightening member to detect the amount of loosening of the tightening member, and output data information about the amount of loosening of the tightening member; a control unit, the control unit is configured to receive the data information output by the detection unit and process the data information; and a display unit, the display unit is configured to display information indicating the amount of loosening of the tightening member according to the processed data information. The fastener can display the amount of loosening of the fastener in real time, which is more intuitive, and has a light and sound alarm indicating function, which can timely remind excessive loosening in a critical state or a dangerous state, and play a good safety precaution role.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a fastener indicating the amount of loosening, and in particular to a fastener capable of performing real-time detection and intuitive indication of the loosening of a tightening member. Background Art

[0002] Fasteners such as nuts and bolts are widely used in working machinery, for example, as connectors for track plates and chassis parts in engineering vehicles. Due to the harsh working conditions of working machinery, there are large vibrations and large loads during use, especially the generation of lateral loads, which makes the nuts or bolt heads in fasteners loosen over time.

[0003] At present, the main method for identifying the looseness of bolt heads and nuts of conventional fasteners is to manually hit them with a hammer to judge whether they are loose based on personal experience. This method is not very stable and has great safety hazards. Summary of the invention

[0004] Therefore, in order to overcome one or more aspects of the above technical problems, the present invention provides a fastener that indicates the amount of loosening. The fastener can display the amount of loosening of the fastener in real time, which is more intuitive, and has a light and sound alarm indication function, which can timely remind the excessive loosening amount in a critical state or dangerous state, and play a good safety precaution role.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fastener indicating a backlash amount, the fastener comprising: a tightening member configured to be combined with a mating screw to tighten a fastened member; and

[0006] A loosening and retreating indicating device, the loosening and retreating indicating device comprising:

[0007] A detection unit, the detection unit is suitable for being installed on the tightening member to detect the looseness of the tightening member and output data information about the looseness of the tightening member;

[0008] A control unit, the control unit being configured to receive the data information output by the detection unit and process the data information;

[0009] A display unit is configured to display information indicating a loosening amount of the fastener based on the processed data information.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein: the control unit and the display unit are arranged in a terminal device, the release indication device further comprises: a wireless transmission unit, and the wireless transmission unit is suitable for transmitting the data information output by the detection unit to the control unit.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device is a handheld smart device or a computer.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the detected looseness amount of the tightening member is the rotation angle of the tightening member.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the control unit compares the detected loosening amount of the fastener with a predetermined limit value of the loosening amount, determines whether the loosening of the fastener is in a normal state, a critical state or an alarm state based on the comparison result, and outputs corresponding control instructions and data according to different states.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the control unit determines whether the loosening of the fastener is in a normal state, a critical state or an alarm state according to the difference between the detected loosening amount of the fastener and a predetermined limit value of the loosening amount, wherein the normal state is a state when the difference is greater than the predetermined difference; the critical state is a state when the difference is less than the predetermined difference;

[0015] The alarm state is a state when the difference is equal to or less than 0.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the loosening indication device further comprises a user setting unit arranged in the terminal device, wherein the user setting unit receives a predetermined limit value of the loosening amount input by the user and sends the predetermined limit value to the control unit.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display unit includes a light indication unit configured to indicate a normal state, a critical state or an alarm state of the loosening of the fastener.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display unit displays the looseness of the fastener based on the processed data information.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the release indication device further comprises:

[0020] The sound warning unit is configured to emit a corresponding warning sound to warn that the amount of loosening of the fastener is in a critical state or an alarm state.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fastener comprises:

[0022] A tightening member, the loosening indicating device is mounted on the tightening member, the tightening member is combined with the mating screw, and a first engaging surface is formed on a first end surface of the tightening member; and

[0023] An annular member, the annular member is coaxially arranged with the tightening member, a first side of the annular member is formed with a first recessed portion, and a bottom of the first recessed portion forms a second bonding surface;

[0024] The first combining surface is accommodated in the first recessed portion, and the first combining surface is combined with the second combining surface, so that when the tightening member is loosened, further loosening of the tightening member is hindered.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the tightening member includes: a main body; and a first protrusion, the first protrusion extends from one end of the main body, and the first bonding surface is formed on an end surface of the first protrusion.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first combining surface is provided with at least one first combining portion, the second combining surface is provided with at least one second combining portion matching with the first combining portion, the first combining portion includes a first oblique combining surface and a second blocking surface extending in a circumferential direction, the second combining portion includes a first oblique combining surface and a second blocking surface extending in a circumferential direction, wherein the first oblique combining surface of the first combining portion is configured to match and contact with the first oblique combining surface of the second combining portion, and the second blocking surface of the first combining portion is configured to match and contact with the second blocking surface of the second combining portion, so as to realize the combination of the tightening member and the annular member.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first oblique coupling surface of the first coupling portion and the first oblique coupling surface of the second coupling portion both form helical surfaces with the same lead angle to cooperate with each other, the helical lead angle of the helical surface is greater than the thread lead angle of the screw, and the spiral rise direction of the helical surface on the second coupling portion of the annular member is opposite to the tightening direction of the screw.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there are two first combining parts and two matching second combining parts.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the tightening member is a nut, and the nut is threadably matched with the mating screw.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the nut further includes an annular second protrusion, the second protrusion extending from the first protrusion at an inner side of the first coupling surface to be accommodated in the annular member.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the end of the second protrusion forms a flange protruding outward, and the flange cooperates with the second side of the ring member to allow the nut to rotate relative to the ring member but cannot be separated from the ring member.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the flange is formed by a stamping process after the second protrusion passes through the ring member from the first side of the ring member to the second side.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the tightening member is a bolt head, and the bolt head is integrally connected with the mating screw and rotates together.

[0034] According to the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the fastener indicating the amount of loosening can display the amount of loosening of the fastener in real time, which is more intuitive, and has light and sound alarm indication functions, which can promptly remind the excessive loosening amount in a critical or dangerous state, and play a good safety precaution role. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram showing a nut fastener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a loosening indication device is mounted on the nut fastener;

[0037] Figure 2 A block diagram showing a release indication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 A flowchart showing a method for indicating the loosening of a fastener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing that the loosened state of a nut in a nut fastener is a normal state;

[0040] Figure 5 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing that the loosened state of the nut in the nut fastener is a critical state; and

[0041] Figure 6 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing that the loose state of a nut in a nut fastener is an alarm state.

[0042] Figure 7 is a perspective schematic diagram showing a nut fastener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 An exploded schematic diagram of a nut fastener is shown;

[0044] Fig. 9It is shown Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the nut fastener shown;

[0045] Fig.10 It is shown Figure 7 A top view of the nut fastener shown;

[0046] Fig.11 It is shown Figure 7 A perspective schematic diagram of a nut of the nut fastener shown;

[0047] Fig.12 It is shown Fig.11 A partial cross-sectional view of the nut shown;

[0048] Fig.13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a nut according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Fig.14 It is shown Figure 7 A perspective schematic diagram of a ring member of a nut fastener shown;

[0050] Fig.15 It is shown Fig.14 Another perspective schematic diagram of the ring member of the nut fastener shown;

[0051] Fig.16 It is shown Fig.15 A partial cross-sectional view of the ring member shown;

[0052] Fig.17 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention Fig.15 A top view of the ring member shown;

[0053] Fig.18 is a top view showing a ring member according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Fig.19 It is shown Fig.11 The geometric principle diagram of the helix angle of the first joint surface of the nut shown;

[0055] Fig. 20 is a geometric principle diagram showing the helix angle of the external thread of the screw rod matched with the nut of the embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Fig.21 is a perspective schematic diagram showing a wrench device for tightening or loosening the nut fastener;

[0057] Fig. 22 It is shown Fig.21 A cross-sectional view of the wrench assembly shown;

[0058] Fig.23is a cross-sectional view of a wrench device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0059] Fig.24 is a schematic diagram showing the working principle of the nut fastener of the embodiment of the present invention when it is applied to an engineering vehicle;

[0060] Fig.25 is an exploded schematic diagram showing a fastener according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0061] Fig.26 It shows the use of Fig.25 The schematic diagram of the working principle of the fastener when fastening the fastened object is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] The technical solution of the present invention is further specifically described below by examples and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0063] In addition, in the detailed description below, for ease of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it is apparent that one or more embodiments may be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, known structures and devices are embodied in a schematic manner to simplify the accompanying drawings.

[0064] According to an overall technical concept of the present invention, there is provided a fastener indicating the amount of loosening, the fastener comprising: a tightening member, configured to be combined with a mating screw to tighten a fastened member; and a loosening indicating device, the loosening indicating device comprising: a detection unit, the detection unit being suitable for being installed on the tightening member to detect the amount of loosening of the tightening member and outputting data information about the amount of loosening of the tightening member; a control unit, the control unit being configured to receive the data information output by the detection unit and process the data information; and a display unit, the display unit being configured to display information indicating the amount of loosening of the tightening member according to the processed data information.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tightening member has an outer surface in the shape of a regular quadrangular prism, a regular hexagonal prism or a plum blossom. Figure 1-24 As shown, the tightening member is a nut 1, and the nut is connected to the screw rod 100 ( Fig.24 ) thread fit. The nut 1 can be a square nut, a hexagonal nut or a plum nut. Figure 25-26As shown, the tightening member is a bolt head 200, and the bolt head 200 is integrally connected with the screw rod 201 and rotates together. In this way, the bolt head 200 and the screw rod 201 constitute a bolt. The bolt head 200 can be a square bolt head, a hexagonal bolt head or a plum bolt head.

[0066] Refer to the following Figure 1-6 , the fastener of the embodiment of the present invention is described by taking a nut as an example of a fastening member.

[0067] Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram of a nut fastener 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the body of the nut fastener includes a nut 1 and a ring 2. According to an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, a ratchet 22 is formed on the surface of the ring member on one side close to the fastened element, and the ratchet 22 is configured so that the friction between the ring member 2 and the fastened element is greater than the friction between the nut 1 and the ring member 2, so that the ring member 2 remains stationary relative to the fastened element when the nut 1 is loosened relative to the screw rod. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments, other types of ring members may also be used. The nut may also remain stationary relative to the ring member and loosen relative to the fastened element together with the ring member. Figure 4-6 According to an exemplary embodiment, the nut 1 is rotated relative to the ring 2 by Figure 4 As shown in 40°, Figure 5 80° as shown, and Figure 6 120° shown.

[0068] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the nut fastener includes a loosening indication device 4 of the fastener, and the loosening indication device 4 includes: a detection unit 401, wherein the detection unit 401 is suitable for being installed on the fastener to detect the loosening amount of the fastener and output data information about the loosening amount of the fastener; a control unit 402, wherein the control unit 402 is configured to receive the data information output by the detection unit 401, analyze the data information, and output control instructions and data; and a display unit 403, wherein the display unit 403 receives the control instructions and data sent from the control unit 402, thereby displaying information indicating the loosening amount of the fastener.

[0069] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 As shown, the detection unit 401 is configured to be embedded in the fastener.

[0070] Those skilled in the art can understand that, according to an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 402 and the display unit 403 can be arranged in a terminal device, which can be a handheld smart device or a computer. In this case, the release indication device 4 further includes a wireless transmission unit 404, which is suitable for transmitting the data information output by the detection unit to the control unit 402 located in the terminal device. Those skilled in the art can understand that the wireless transmission unit is only an exemplary way of transmitting data information, and other transmission methods such as cables or Bluetooth technology can also be used.

[0071] The detection unit 401 may include detection elements such as an angle sensor, a displacement sensor, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the detected looseness of the fastener is the rotation angle of the fastener. Figure 4-6 When the angles are shown, the detection unit 401 including, for example, an angle sensor correspondingly detects different values ​​of the loose angle as the loose amount.

[0072] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 403 displays the amount of loosening of the fastener according to the control instruction and data sent by the control unit, for example, displaying that the loosening angle of the fastener is 40°.

[0073] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 402 compares the detected loosening amount of the fastener with a predetermined limit value of the loosening amount, determines whether the loosening of the fastener is in a normal state, a critical state or an alarm state based on the comparison result, and outputs corresponding control instructions and data according to different states.

[0074] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the control unit compares the detected looseness of the fastener with the predetermined limit value of the looseness, obtains the difference between the predetermined limit value of the looseness and the detected looseness of the fastener, and judges whether the looseness of the fastener is in a normal state, a critical state or an alarm state according to the difference; wherein the normal state is a state when the difference is greater than the predetermined difference; the critical state is a state when the difference is less than the predetermined difference; and the alarm state is a state when the difference is equal to or less than 0. In the critical state, the fastener can still be used normally, but attention should be paid. In the alarm state, it means that the detected looseness of the fastener exceeds the predetermined limit value, and corresponding processing is required.

[0075] Those skilled in the art will understand that the fasteners have different predetermined limits depending on the objects they are used for and the working conditions they face. Therefore, different predetermined limits for fasteners can be set for different working conditions. For example, for working conditions with large vibrations and where the connection accuracy is not too high, a larger predetermined limit value such as the loosening angle can be set. For working conditions that require high connection and fastening accuracy, a smaller predetermined limit value is set so that the fastener can more sensitively reflect the impact of vibration on the fastener, which helps determine whether the fastener needs to be tightened or replaced. The predetermined limit value can be set in the control unit when the fastener is manufactured, or it can be pre-set and stored in the control unit by the user when installing the fastener according to the needs of the specific working conditions and the performance that the fastener can achieve.

[0076] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the loosening indication device 4 further includes a user setting unit 406 arranged in the terminal device, wherein the user setting unit 406 receives a predetermined limit value of the loosening amount input by the user, and sends the predetermined limit value to the control unit 402, and the control unit 402 receives and saves the predetermined limit value for judging the loosening state of the fastener.

[0077] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 403 includes a light indication unit 4031, and the display unit indicates the normal state, critical state or alarm state of the loosening of the fastener through the light indication unit according to the different control instructions and data output by the control unit 402. For example, the light indication unit 4031 may include a red light, a yellow light and a green light. The light indication unit may be set to a green light by default, indicating that the loosening of the fastener is in a normal state. When the control unit determines that the loosening of the fastener is in a critical state or an alarm state, the corresponding control instruction is output to the light indication unit 4031 to turn on the yellow light (corresponding to the critical state) or the red light (corresponding to the alarm state).

[0078] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the loosening indication device 4 may further include a sound warning unit 405, which receives a control instruction from the control unit 402 and emits a corresponding warning sound to warn that the loosening amount of the fastener is in a critical state or an alarm state. The warning sound may be a warning sound that can be imagined by those skilled in the art, such as an artificial voice or a whistle, as long as the critical warning sound and the alarm sound are distinguished.

[0079] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for indicating the loosening of a fastener is provided, comprising the following steps: a detection unit 401 detects the loosening amount of the fastener and outputs data information about the loosening amount of the fastener; a control unit 402 receives the data information output by the detection unit 401, analyzes the data information, and outputs control instructions and data; and the display unit 403 receives the control instructions and data sent from the control unit 402, thereby displaying information indicating the loosening amount of the fastener.

[0080] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method for indicating the loosening of a fastener further includes the following steps: the wireless transmission unit 404 transmits the data information output by the detection unit 401 to the control unit 402 disposed in the terminal device.

[0081] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 402 compares the detected loosening amount of the fastener with a predetermined limit value of the loosening amount, determines whether the loosening of the fastener is in a normal state, a critical state or an alarm state based on the comparison result, and outputs corresponding control instructions and data according to different states.

[0082] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the control unit compares the detected loosening amount of the fastener with a predetermined limit value of the loosening amount, obtains a difference between the predetermined limit value of the loosening amount and the detected loosening amount of the fastener, and determines whether the loosening of the fastener is in a normal state, a critical state or an alarm state based on the difference; wherein the normal state is a state when the difference is greater than a predetermined difference; the critical state is a state when the difference is less than a predetermined difference; and the alarm state is a state when the difference is equal to or less than 0.

[0083] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 403 indicates the normal state, critical state or alarm state of the loosening of the fastener through a light indication unit according to different control instructions and data output by the control unit 402.

[0084] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sound warning unit 405 receives a control instruction from the control unit 402 and emits a corresponding warning sound to warn that the amount of loosening of the fastener is in a critical state or an alarm state.

[0085] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 403 displays the looseness of the fastener according to the control instructions and data sent by the control unit 402.

[0086] According to an exemplary embodiment, the following will be combined with the attached Figure 1-6 The operation process of the fastener indicating the amount of backlash of the present invention is described as follows:

[0087] First, the fastener is installed and the looseness indicating device is turned on. For the embodiment of the looseness indicating device having a user setting unit, the user sets a predetermined limit value of the looseness amount.

[0088] Afterwards, if Figure 3 As shown, in step S101, the detection unit 401 detects the looseness of the fastener and outputs data information about the looseness of the fastener; in step S102, the control unit 402 receives the data information from the detection unit and analyzes the data information, and in step S103, the control unit compares the looseness of the fastener with the predetermined limit value of the looseness, obtains the difference between the predetermined limit value of the looseness and the detected fastener, and judges whether the looseness of the fastener is in a normal state, a critical state or an alarm state based on the difference, and then outputs corresponding control instructions and data according to different states. When the difference is greater than the predetermined difference, it indicates that the looseness of the fastener is still far from the predetermined limit value, and it is judged to be in a normal state. At this time, step S104 is entered to issue a control instruction to the display unit to set the light display unit of the display unit to a green light state; when the difference is less than the predetermined difference, it indicates that the looseness of the fastener is close to the predetermined limit value within a certain range, and it is a critical state. At this time, step S105 is entered, and the control unit 402 issues a control instruction and data to the display unit and / or the sound warning unit, and the yellow light is on or a critical state warning sound is emitted, or the yellow light is on and a critical state warning sound is emitted at the same time, so as to alert the monitor of the terminal device or the operator of the machine where the fastener is located. When the difference is ≤0, it indicates that the looseness of the fastener is equal to or greater than the predetermined limit value, and the looseness of the fastener exceeds the allowable limit value, and corresponding processing is required. At this time, step S106 is entered, and the control unit 402 sends a control instruction and data to the display unit and / or the sound warning unit, so that the red light is on or the alarm state warning sound is emitted, or the red light is on and the alarm state warning sound is emitted at the same time, to warn the monitor of the terminal device or the operator of the machine where the fastener is located. According to an exemplary embodiment, during the looseness indication process, the value of the looseness of the fastener detected is displayed on the display screen of the display unit.

[0089] According to the fastener indicating the amount of looseness and the method for indicating the amount of looseness of the fastener described in the various embodiments of the present invention, a detection unit is set on the fastener to detect the amount of looseness of the fastener in real time, and the amount of looseness is displayed by a display unit and a warning sound is emitted by a sound warning device to remind the user. The device and method can display the amount of looseness of the fastener in real time, which is more intuitive and can timely remind the user of excessive looseness in a critical state or an alarm state, playing a good safety precaution role. The installation of the fastener of the present invention does not require the addition of tools, is simple to operate and has a wide range of applications. It can be applied to any place where fasteners are connected, especially in places with severe vibration or dynamic loads.

[0090] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the nut fastener may be a nut fastener of various structures, or a common fastener such as a bolt, and the detection unit of the looseness indication device of the present invention is installed on the nut of the nut fastener or on the bolt head of the bolt.

[0091] The specific structure of a nut fastener according to an application example 1 of the present invention is shown below. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the description of this structure is merely exemplary and not restrictive.

[0092] (Application Example 1)

[0093] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the nut fastener in the present invention may be a nut fastener as follows: Figure 7-13 The nut fastener shown in the figure comprises: a nut 1 and a ring 2, the loosening indicator 4 is installed on the nut, the nut 1 is formed with a through hole 101 extending along the axis 01, and the inner wall of the through hole 101 is provided with an internal thread to cooperate with the screw 100 (see Fig.24 ) is coupled to the external thread on the nut, and a first coupling surface is formed on the first end surface of the nut. The ring member 2 is coaxially arranged with the through hole, and the first side ( Figure 7 A first recessed portion 21 is formed on the upper side of the nut 1, and the bottom of the first recessed portion forms a second bonding surface; wherein the first bonding surface is accommodated in the first recessed portion, and the first bonding surface is combined with the second bonding surface, so that when the nut 1 is loosened, the further loosening of the nut 1 is hindered.

[0094] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that by accommodating the first mating surface of the nut 1 in the first recessed portion 21 of the annular member, a more stable positioning of the nut is achieved, and the first mating surface of the nut and the second mating surface of the annular member are hidden within the annular member, thereby reducing the possibility of foreign matter entering between the mating surfaces under harsh working conditions and affecting the performance of the fastener, making the nut fastener more stable and reliable.

[0095] According to an exemplary embodiment, the nut fastener of the present invention can be applied to working machinery, for example, as a connector for track plates and chassis parts in engineering vehicles. Due to the harsh operating conditions of working machinery, there are large vibrations and large loads during use, especially the occurrence of lateral loads, which causes the nut in the nut fastener to loosen over time. By using the nut fastener of the embodiment of the present invention, through the cooperation of the nut and the annular member used as an annular member, when the nut begins to loosen, the thread locking force is tightened, the nut is inhibited from further loosening, and the nut fastener is more stably and reliably fastened to the screw rod 100.

[0096] The nut in the nut fastener can be of various shapes, such as a hexagonal nut or a square nut. Figure 7-12 The nuts shown in the illustrated embodiment are hexagonal nuts.

[0097] according to Figure 7 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 , the nut 1 includes a prismatic main body 11 and a cylindrical first protrusion 12 , wherein the first protrusion 12 extends from one end of the main body 11 , and the first engaging surface is formed on an end surface of the first protrusion 12 .

[0098] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 , 9 As shown in , 11 and 14, the first combining surface is provided with at least one first combining portion, the second combining surface is provided with at least one second combining portion matched with the first combining portion, the first combining portion includes a first oblique combining surface 121 and a second blocking surface 122 extending in the circumferential direction, the second combining portion includes a first oblique combining surface 211 and a second blocking surface 212 extending in the circumferential direction, wherein the first oblique combining surface 121 of the first combining portion is configured to be matched and contacted with the first oblique combining surface 211 of the second combining portion, and the second blocking surface 122 of the first combining portion is configured to be matched and contacted with the second blocking surface 212 of the second combining portion, so as to realize the combination of the nut and the annular member.

[0099] Fig.19 It is shown Fig.11 The geometric principle diagram of the helix angle of the first bonding surface of the nut is shown. Fig. 20 1 is a geometric principle diagram showing the helix angle of the external thread of the screw matched with the nut of the embodiment of the present invention. The first oblique joint surface 121 of the first joint surface and the first oblique joint surface 211 of the second joint surface both form helical surfaces with the same helix angle to match each other. Fig.19 middle, Fig.19The right side of the diagram shows the relationship between the unfolded dimensions of the helical surface. φ is the helical pitch angle of the first oblique joint surfaces 121 and 211. Ph is the climbing height of the helical surface, and D is the median diameter of the helical surface. Fig. 20 In the figure, α is the lead angle of the external thread of the screw 100 matched with the nut of the embodiment of the present invention, d is the major diameter of the thread of the screw, d1 is the minor diameter of the thread of the screw, and d2 is the pitch diameter of the thread of the screw. Since the nut 1 is matched with the screw, the lead angle of the internal thread of the nut 1 is also α.

[0100] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 , 11 As shown, the first oblique joint surface 121 of the first joint part and the first oblique joint surface 211 of the second joint part both form helical surfaces with the same lead angle to cooperate with each other. The helical lead angle φ of the helical surface is greater than the thread lead angle α of the internal thread, and the helical rise direction of the helical surface on the second joint part of the annular member is opposite to the tightening direction of the internal thread. In this way, when the annular member 2 is stationary relative to the screw rod 100 and the nut 1 rotates relative to the screw rod 100 by a predetermined angle, the outer side of the nut 1 is relative to the annular member 2 in the axial direction ( Figure 7 The climbing height in the upward direction) is greater than the inner side of the nut relative to the thread of the screw in the axial direction ( Figure 7 Since the screw is stationary relative to the ring, the nut 1 stretches the screw, that is, the nut further presses the ring, so that the ring further presses the fastener. Therefore, the ring has the function of preventing loosening of the ring.

[0101] Those skilled in the art can also understand that, corresponding to different helix lead angles, the thread lead angle of the internal thread of the nut connector will also be adjusted accordingly.

[0102] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first combining portion and the matching second combining portion are both one or more, and the number of the first combining portions is equal to the number of the second combining portions.

[0103] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there are two first combining parts and two matching second combining parts.

[0104] exist Figure 7-12In the embodiment shown in 15, there are two first joints and two second joints that match. The first joints and the second joints are respectively distributed along the circumferential direction of the first joint surface and the second joint surface. For multiple joints, such as six joints, since the helical surface of each joint is relatively short, the angle at which the nut can rotate when it is loosened is relatively small. When the rotation angle exceeds, for example, 60°, the first oblique joint surface of the first joint is separated from the first oblique joint surface of the corresponding second joint and is combined with the first oblique joint surface of the next second joint in the loosening direction. At this time, the climbing height of the nut relative to the ring member falls, and the climbing height of the outer side of the nut is no longer greater than the loosening height of the inner side of the nut relative to the thread of the screw in the axial direction, so the nut fastener no longer has the function of hindering the further loosening of the nut. For the embodiment of two joints, since the helical surface of each joint is relatively long, the maximum allowable nut loosening angle is relatively large, so it can be ensured that the function of hindering the further loosening of the nut can be achieved within a relatively large nut loosening stroke. Moreover, the structure of the two joints can reduce the processing complexity and the corresponding processing cost compared with the multiple joints.

[0105] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in order to make the second blocking surfaces 122, 212 abut against each other when the nut is installed and combined with the ring member to achieve mutual positioning of the nut and the ring member, and prevent the nut from rotating relative to the ring member in the same direction as the tightening direction of the internal thread, the second blocking surfaces 122, 212 have the same angle with the horizontal plane and are both set to be obtuse angles or right angles. Figure 8 , 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the included angle between the second blocking surfaces 122 , 212 and the horizontal plane is a right angle.

[0106] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 , 9 As shown, the nut further includes an annular second protrusion 13, which extends from the first protrusion 12 on the inner side of the first coupling surface, and the outer diameter of the second protrusion 13 is smaller than the inner diameter of the ring member 2 so that the second protrusion is accommodated in the ring member.

[0107] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the nut 1 and the ring 2 are configured such that they cannot be completely separated.

[0108] exist Fig.13In the exemplary embodiment shown, the end of the second protrusion forms an outwardly protruding flange 131, and the flange 131 cooperates with the second side of the ring member to allow the nut to rotate relative to the ring member but cannot be separated from the ring member. Thus, the nut is prevented from axially separating from the ring member, but the relative rotation of the nut 1 and the ring member 2 is not hindered.

[0109] In one embodiment, if Fig.13 As shown, the end of the second protrusion 13 forms a flange 131 protruding outward, and the flange 131 cooperates with the second side of the ring member 2. The outer diameter of the flange 131 is greater than the inner diameter of the inner hole of the ring member 2, so that the nut 1 can be allowed to rotate relative to the ring member 1 but cannot be separated from the ring member 2. For example, the flange 131 is formed by stamping outward after the second protrusion 131 passes through the ring member 2 from the first side of the ring member to the second side.

[0110] By setting the height of the gap between the flange 131 and the second side of the ring member 2 in the axial direction to be smaller than the height of the first and second blocking surfaces in the axial direction, the nut 1 can only rotate within a predetermined angle range relative to the ring member 2. Specifically, in the nut fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the first oblique coupling surface 121 of the first coupling portion is configured to cooperate and contact with the first oblique coupling surface 211 of the second coupling portion, the second blocking surface 122 of the first coupling surface is configured to cooperate and contact with the second blocking surface 212 of the second coupling portion. In this way, when the nut 1 rotates relative to the ring member 2 from the blocking surface, the nut 1 will gradually rise relative to the ring member 2, but due to the limitation of the flange 131 and the ring member 2, the nut 1 can only rotate within a predetermined angle range relative to the ring member 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum angle range of the nut relative to the ring member is 30-70 degrees, preferably 40-70 degrees.

[0111] According to an exemplary embodiment, the flange 131 is formed by a stamping process after the second protrusion passes through the ring from the first side of the ring to the second side.

[0112] According to an exemplary embodiment, the nut 1 and the ring member 2 may also be separate parts, which are only temporarily used together during use.

[0113] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Fig.15 As shown, a ratchet 22 is formed on the surface of the ring 2 on the side close to the fastened element, and the ratchet 22 is configured so that the friction between the ring 2 and the fastened element is greater than the friction between the nut and the ring 2, so that the ring 2 remains stationary relative to the fastened element when the nut 1 is loosened relative to the screw.

[0114] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the ratchet 22 is configured as follows: Fig.15 As shown, the radial ratchet teeth are arranged on the surface of the ring member on the side close to the fastened element. The number of the radial ratchet teeth is greater than the number of the first joint part and the second joint part that matches. The closely arranged radial ratchet teeth generate a large friction force between the ring member 2 and the fastened element. The friction force is greater than the friction force between the nut 1 and the ring member 2, so that the ring member 2 remains stationary relative to the fastened element when the nut is loosened.

[0115] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the annular member is formed with a plum flower edge for the wrench device 3 to be inserted into and used. Thus, the nut and the annular member are locked or loosened at the same time, which facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the nut fastener.

[0116] like Fig.16 , 21 As shown in Figure 22, according to an exemplary embodiment, the wrench device 3 includes: a cylindrical main body; a first wrench portion 31, used to be combined with the ring member 2, the first wrench portion 31 is formed on the inner side of the first end of the main body combined with the ring member, and is formed into a plum blossom shape that matches the plum blossom edge of the ring member; and a second wrench portion 32, used to be combined with the nut, the second wrench portion 32 extends inward from the first wrench portion 31 along the axis of the main body, and is formed into a shape that matches the outer side of the nut 1. The wrench device also includes a connecting portion 33 formed on the main body, the connecting portion 33 is used to connect with an external wrench tool to screw the wrench device 3, the ring member 2 and the nut 1, and the connecting portion 33 extends from the second end of the main body opposite to the first end to the second wrench portion 32. In an alternative embodiment, a handle can be integrally provided on the main body to drive the wrench device. When the wrench device 3 is used to tighten or remove the nut fastener, the second blocking surface 212 of the ring 2 is brought into contact with the first blocking surface 122 of the nut, so that the nut 1 is relatively positioned with the ring 2. The first wrench portion 31 is coupled to the plum blossom edge of the outer peripheral surface of the ring, and the first wrench portion 32 is coupled to the outer surface of the main body of the nut, and an external wrench tool is inserted into the connecting portion 33, so that the nut fastener is tightened or removed by the wrench tool.

[0117] like Fig.18 , 23As shown, in an alternative embodiment, a plurality of drive holes 202 are provided on the first side of the ring member 2. Further, an annular guide groove 201 communicating with the drive hole 202 is formed on the ring member 2. Accordingly, the present invention also provides a wrench device 6. The wrench device 6 comprises: a cylindrical main body 61; a wrench portion 62 formed inside the main body 61, used to be combined with the nut and formed into a shape matching the outer side surface of the nut 1; and a plurality of drive rods 63 extending from the end surface of the main body, the drive rods 63 being configured to match the drive hole 202 of the ring member so that the wrench device 6 drives the ring member 2 and the nut 1 to rotate together. When the wrench device 6 is used to tighten or disassemble the nut fastener, the second blocking surface 212 of the ring member 2 is abutted against the first blocking surface 122 of the nut, so that the nut 1 and the ring member 2 are relatively positioned. The driving rod 63 of the wrench device 6 is inserted into the driving hole 202 of the ring member 2 along the arc-shaped guide groove 2015, and the wrench part 61 is combined with the outer surface of the main body of the nut, so that the nut fastener is tightened or removed by the wrench device.

[0118] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Fig.21 , 22 As shown, the second wrench portion is formed as a hexagonal wrench portion.

[0119] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Fig.21 As shown, the connecting portion is formed in a quadrangular shape.

[0120] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the number of sides of the plum blossom edge of the ring is more than 3 times the number of sides of the nut.

[0121] When the nut fastener 1 is installed, the second blocking surface 212 of the ring 2 abuts against the first blocking surface 122 of the nut, so that the nut 1 and the ring 2 are positioned relative to each other. Fig.13 In the case of the nut of the embodiment, the nut can rotate relative to the ring member within a predetermined range but the two cannot be completely separated.

[0122] The operation process of the application example 1 will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0123] like Fig.24As shown, when the nut fastener of the embodiment of the present invention is applied to an engineering vehicle for fastening a fastened component such as a wheel hub 5, the nut 1 and the ring 2 are aligned, that is, the second blocking surface 212 of the first joint portion is matched with the second blocking surface 122 of the second joint portion to prevent the nut from rotating relative to the ring in the same direction as the tightening direction of the nut internal thread. The nut fastener 1 is tightened as a whole onto the fastened component in the same direction as the tightening direction of the nut internal thread by using the wrench device 3, and a pre-tightening force is applied to clamp and tighten the fastened component.

[0124] The loosening indicating device 4 is turned on. For an embodiment of the loosening indicating device having a user setting unit, a predetermined limit value of the loosening amount is set by the user.

[0125] As time goes by, the nut 1 will become loose. Since the friction between the ring 2 and the fastened element is greater than the friction between the nut and the ring, when the nut 1 initially moves relative to the ring 2, the ring 2 remains stationary relative to the screw. This initial movement is performed along the first oblique joint surface 121 of the first joint part and the first oblique joint surface 211 of the second joint part that are in contact with each other. Fig.14 and 19 As shown, since the first oblique joint surface 121 and the first oblique joint surface 211 are formed into a helical surface, the helix angle of the helical surface is greater than the thread lead angle of the internal thread. When the nut is loosened, when the nut is loosened and rotated at a certain angle, since the first protrusion and the main body of the nut move along the first oblique joint surfaces 121 and 211 in the direction of the helix angle, the climbing height of the outer side of the nut is greater than the height of the inner thread of the nut withdrawing from the outer thread of the matching screw 100, thereby forming a stretching for the matching screw. Therefore, a greater locking force is formed at the matching connection between the internal thread and the external thread, and the locking force inhibits the further loosening of the nut 1. And the matching screw generates an opposite pulling force towards the ring 2 on the nut 1, so that the nut 1 presses downward against the ring 2, and the ring 2 further presses the fastener, so the friction between the ring 2 and the fastened element is greater, inhibiting the movement of the nut fastener. In this way, the looser the nut is, the greater the stretching of the screw caused by the difference between the helix angle and the thread lead angle, and thus the greater the locking force, making the nut less likely to loosen.

[0126] In this process, the detection unit 401 detects the amount of loosening of the fastener and outputs data information about the amount of loosening of the fastener; the control unit 402 receives the data information from the detection unit and analyzes the data information. The control unit compares the amount of loosening of the fastener with the predetermined limit value of the loosening amount, obtains the difference between the predetermined limit value of the loosening amount and the detected fastener, and judges whether the loosening of the fastener is in a normal state, a critical state or an alarm state according to the difference. And the display unit and the sound warning unit are controlled according to the judged state to warn the monitor of the terminal device or the operator of the machine where the fastener is located. When the vibration or load is too large and the angle of the nut loosening reaches the alarm state, the tension of the bolt exceeds the allowable safety limit, and corresponding processing needs to be made.

[0127] By installing a loosening indicator device on the nut fastener of this structure, since the structure of the nut fastener itself can inhibit loosening, multiple protections are provided for preventing the fastener from loosening, thereby achieving more stable safety performance.

[0128] (Application Example 2)

[0129] Fig.25 is an exploded schematic diagram showing a fastener according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Fig.26 It shows the use of Fig.25 The schematic diagram of the working principle of the fastener when fastening the fastened object is shown. Fig.25 and 26 The fastener 20 shown is Figure 7-18 The fastener 10 shown differs in that Fig.25 and 26 In the fastener 20 shown, the tightening member is a bolt head 200 which is integrally connected to a screw rod 201 and rotates together with the screw rod 201 .

[0130] See also Fig.25 and 26 The fastener 20 includes a bolt and a ring 2, wherein the bolt includes a bolt head 200 and a screw rod 201 having a threaded portion 2011 that are integrally connected and rotated together. The first end surface ( Fig.25 The first bonding surface is formed on the lower surface of the annular member. The annular member 2 is coaxially arranged with the bolt head, and the screw rod 201 passes through the through hole of the annular member. The first side ( Fig.25 A first recessed portion 21 is formed on the upper side of the bolt head 200, and a second bonding surface is formed at the bottom of the first recessed portion; wherein the first bonding surface is accommodated in the first recessed portion 21, and the first bonding surface is combined with the second bonding surface, so that when the bolt head 200 is loosened, the further loosening of the bolt head 200 is hindered.

[0131] Regarding the structure and combination method of the first combination surface of the bolt head and the second combination surface in the first recessed portion 21 of the ring member, as well as the structure of the ring member, the structure and combination method of the wrench tool Figure 7-18 The structure and combination method of the fasteners shown in are the same and will not be repeated here.

[0132] like Fig.26 As shown, using Fig.25 When the fastener 20 shown installs the fastener 203 on the fixed frame 202 with bolt holes, first, the ring member 2 is put on the screw rod 202, and a part of the bolt head is installed in the first recessed portion 21 of the ring member 2, so that the first bonding surface is combined with the second bonding surface; then, the screw rod 201 passes through the fastener 203 and is aligned with the threaded hole on the fixed frame 202; finally, the wrench device 3 is put on the bolt head 200 of the fastener and the ring member 2 as a whole, and the wrench device 3 is rotated to apply a pre-tightening force to fasten the fastener 204 to the fixed frame 202.

[0133] Similarly, by installing the loosening indicator device on the bolt fastener of this structure, since the structure of the bolt fastener itself can inhibit loosening, multiple protections are provided for preventing the fastener from loosening, thereby achieving more stable safety performance.

[0134] Those skilled in the art can understand that the embodiments described above are exemplary and can be improved by those skilled in the art. The structures described in various embodiments can be freely combined without causing conflicts in structure or principle.

[0135] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the accompanying drawings are intended to exemplify the preferred implementations of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0136] Although some embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0137] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In addition, any element reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fastener for indicating the amount of looseness, the fastener comprising: A tightening member configured to be combined with a mating screw to tighten a fastened member; as well as A loosening and retreating indicating device, the loosening and retreating indicating device comprising: A detection unit, the detection unit is suitable for being installed on the tightening member to detect the looseness of the tightening member and output data information about the looseness of the tightening member; A control unit, the control unit being configured to receive the data information output by the detection unit and process the data information; a display unit configured to display information indicating the amount of loosening of the tightening member according to the processed data information; A first bonding surface is formed on the first end surface of the tightening member; and An annular member, the annular member is coaxially arranged with the tightening member, a first side of the annular member is formed with a first recessed portion, and a bottom of the first recessed portion forms a second bonding surface; Wherein, the first combining surface is provided with at least one first combining portion, the second combining surface is provided with at least one second combining portion matched with the first combining portion, the first oblique combining surface of the first combining portion and the first oblique combining surface of the second combining portion both form helical surfaces with the same lead angle to match each other, the first oblique combining surface of the first combining surface and the first oblique combining surface of the second combining surface have helical surfaces with the same lead angle, the helical lead angle of the helical surfaces is greater than the thread lead angle of the matching screw, and the helical rise direction of the helical surface on the second combining surface of the annular member is opposite to the tightening direction of the matching screw, The first combination surface is accommodated in the first recessed portion, and the first combination surface is combined with the second combination surface, so that when the tightening member is loosened, the tightening member is prevented from further loosening. Wherein, the tightening member comprises: the main body; and a first protrusion, the first protrusion extending from one end of the main body, the first bonding surface being formed on an end surface of the first protrusion, The helix angle of the helical surface is greater than the thread lead angle of the internal thread of the tightening member, the helix rise direction of the helical surface on the second coupling portion of the annular member is opposite to the tightening direction of the internal thread, the second blocking surface of the first coupling portion is in mating contact with the second blocking surface of the second coupling portion, the second blocking surfaces have the same angle with the horizontal plane, and are both set to be an obtuse angle or a right angle, and ratchet teeth are formed on the surface of the annular member on the side close to the fastened element, and the ratchet teeth are configured so that the friction force between the annular member and the fastened element is greater than the friction force between the tightening member and the annular member, so that the annular member remains stationary relative to the fastened element when the tightening member is loosened relative to the mating screw.

2. The fastener indicating the amount of looseness according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit and the display unit are arranged in a terminal device, The release indication device further comprises: A wireless transmission unit, wherein the wireless transmission unit is adapted to transmit the data information output by the detection unit to the control unit.

3. The fastener indicating the amount of looseness according to claim 2, wherein: The terminal device is a handheld smart device or a computer.

4. The fastener indicating the amount of loosening according to claim 1, wherein the detected amount of loosening of the fastener is the rotation angle of the fastener.

5. The fastener indicating the amount of looseness according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit compares the detected looseness of the fastener with a predetermined limit value of the looseness, determines whether the looseness of the fastener is in a normal state, a critical state or an alarm state based on the comparison result, and outputs corresponding control instructions and data based on different states.

6. The fastener indicating the amount of looseness according to claim 5, wherein: The control unit determines whether the loosening of the fastener is in a normal state, a critical state or an alarm state according to the difference between the detected loosening amount of the fastener and a predetermined limit value of the loosening amount, Wherein, the normal state is a state when the difference is greater than a predetermined difference; The critical state is a state when the difference is less than a predetermined difference; The alarm state is a state when the difference is equal to or less than 0.

7. The fastener indicating the amount of looseness according to claim 5, wherein: The release indication device further comprises a user setting unit arranged in the terminal device, wherein the user setting unit receives a predetermined limit value of the release amount input by the user and sends the predetermined limit value to the control unit.

8. The fastener indicating the amount of looseness as claimed in claim 5, wherein: The display unit comprises a light indication unit configured to indicate a normal state, a critical state or an alarm state of the loosening of the tightening member. 9 . The fastener indicating the amount of loosening according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit displays the amount of loosening of the fastener according to the processed data information.

10. The fastener for indicating the amount of loosening according to claim 5, wherein the loosening indicating device further comprises: The sound warning unit is configured to emit a corresponding warning sound to warn that the amount of loosening of the tightening member is in a critical state or an alarm state.

11. The fastener indicating the amount of looseness according to claim 1, wherein: There are two first combining parts and two matching second combining parts.

12. The fastener for indicating the amount of loosening according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The tightening member is a nut, and the nut is threadably matched with the matching screw.

13. The fastener indicating the amount of looseness as claimed in claim 12, wherein: The nut further includes an annular second protrusion extending from the first protrusion at an inner side of the first engaging surface to be accommodated in the annular member.

14. The fastener indicating the amount of backlash according to claim 13, wherein: An end of the second protrusion forms an outwardly protruding flange, which cooperates with the second side of the ring to allow the nut to rotate relative to the ring but cannot be separated from the ring.

15. The fastener indicating the amount of backlash according to claim 14, wherein: The flange is formed by a stamping process after the second protrusion passes through the ring from the first side of the ring to the second side of the ring.

16. The fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The tightening member is a bolt head, and the bolt head is integrally connected with the matching screw and rotates together.

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