Torque application device

Abstract

An apparatus for applying torque to a subject includes a base defining an interior chamber. The apparatus includes a plurality of pins supported by the base and disposed in the interior chamber, the plurality of pins being movable relative to the base between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The apparatus includes a trigger actuatable to move at least one of the plurality of pins to the disengaged position.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Dampers are typically used in conjunction with a car's suspension system or other suspension systems to control the movement of a vehicle's wheels relative to the vehicle's body. To control movement, the damper assembly is usually positioned between the sprung (body) mass and the unsprung (suspension / drivetrain) mass of the vehicle. Damper components can be threaded together; for example, components can be threaded together. Attached Figure Description

[0002] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a vehicle with multiple damper assemblies.

[0003] Figure 2 It is a cross-section of a component of a damper assembly, which includes a rod and a valve assembly.

[0004] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of a valve assembly located within a device used to apply torque.

[0005] Figure 4 It is set in Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the valve assembly within the equipment.

[0006] Figure 5 It is set in Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the valve assembly within the equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0007] An apparatus for applying torque to the body of a damper assembly includes a base defining an inner chamber. The apparatus includes a plurality of pins supported by the base and disposed within the inner chamber. The plurality of pins are movable relative to the base between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The apparatus includes a trigger actuated to move at least one of the pins to a disengaged position.

[0008] To apply torque to the body using the device, an assembly is formed, wherein the body is disposed within a chamber of the base. In the engaged position, a pin is disposed in a plurality of openings. In the disengaged position, the pin is outside the openings. Movement of the pin between the engaged and disengaged positions allows the device to easily engage with the body to apply torque to the body, and, for example, to easily disengage from the body after torque is applied, to separate the device from the body.

[0009] refer to Figure 1 And similar numbers in several views represent similar elements, the figure shows a vehicle 20 with multiple damper assemblies 22. The vehicle 20 can be any suitable type of ground vehicle, such as a passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a sedan, coupe, truck, SUV, crossover, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc.

[0010] Damper assemblies 22 are typically used in conjunction with a vehicle suspension system or other suspension systems to control the movement of the wheels of vehicle 20 relative to the body of vehicle 20. To control movement, damper assemblies 22 are typically positioned between the sprung (body) mass and the unsprung (suspension / drivetrain) mass of vehicle 20. Each damper assembly 22 may be coupled to a coil spring. Each damper assembly 22 is capable of moving from a compression position to an extension position and vice versa. The distance between the ends of the damper assemblies 22 (i.e., the distance from one end to the other) is less in the compression position than in the extension position. Coil springs, etc., can push the damper assemblies 22 toward the extension position. For example, forces applied to the wheels of vehicle 20 due to bumps, potholes, etc., can push the damper assemblies 22 toward the compression position.

[0011] Each damper assembly 22 controls the movement of its respective wheel by restricting the flow of fluid into, out of, and / or between the chambers of the damper assembly 22 (e.g., between the compression chamber and the springback chamber, between the reservoir chamber and the compression chamber and / or the springback chamber, etc.). For example, fluid movement is caused by moving a piston within the pressure tube of the damper assembly 22 as it moves toward a compression position or an extension position.

[0012] Each damper assembly 22 may include one or more valve assemblies that control fluid flow, for example, through one or more passages connecting a spring chamber, a compression chamber, and / or a reservoir chamber. The valve assemblies may include springs, relief discs, flow-limiting discs, etc. For example, and referring to… Figure 2 The figure shows a rod-end valve assembly 24. The rod-end valve assembly 24 is attached to the end of a hollow piston rod 26, for example, thereby controlling the flow of fluid into and out of the piston rod 26.

[0013] The rod-end valve assembly 24 includes a housing body 28 and an end body 30. The housing body 28 and end body 30 enclose a valve element 32, which regulates fluid flow, for example, in response to changes in fluid pressure or flow direction. The valve element 32, disposed in the housing body 28, may include, for example, a spring, a valve disc, a check valve disc, or other suitable structures for regulating fluid flow. The housing body 28 may generally be cylindrical. The housing body 28 may be threaded (e.g., via a first pair of engaging threads) into the end body 30. The end body 30 may be threaded (e.g., via a second pair of engaging threads) into the piston rod 26.

[0014] The housing body 28 defines a plurality of openings 34. The openings 34 may be located between axially spaced ends of the housing body 28. The openings 34 may be circumferentially spaced from each other around the housing body 28, for example, they may be equally spaced. The openings 34 may extend radially through the housing body 28, for example, from the interior of the housing body 28 to the exterior. The terms axial, circumferential, and radial as used herein are relative to axis A1, for example, as... Figures 2 to 5 As shown.

[0015] refer to Figures 3 to 5 The diagram illustrates a device 36 for applying torque to the housing body 28, for example, thereby engaging (i.e., tightening) and / or disengaging (i.e., loosening) the housing body 28 with the end body 30 and / or the end body 30 with the piston rod 26 in a threaded manner. For example, the device 36 applies torque to the housing body 28 by applying force to the opening 34. The torque applied by the device 36 can be provided by, for example, a machine, a person with a wrench or other tools, etc.

[0016] Device 36 includes a base 38. The outer profile of base 38 may generally be truncated conical. Base 38 may have a top end 40 and a bottom end 42 that is wider than the top end 40. Top end 40 may be configured to engage with a torque-applying tool (such as a wrench, screwdriver, etc.). For example, top end 40 may define a recess 44 or a protrusion of a particular shape (e.g., square, hexagonal, etc.). In other words, base 38 may include a structure for engaging socket wrenches, hex wrenches, square screwdrivers, etc.

[0017] The base 38 defines an inner chamber 46. For example, the base 38 may circumferentially surround the inner chamber 46. The base 38 may extend axially along the entire inner chamber 46. The inner chamber 46 may open at its bottom end 42, for example, thereby allowing the housing body 28 to be placed into or removed from the inner chamber 46. The inner chamber 46 is generally cylindrical, for example, its diameter and / or length are both greater than the diameter and / or length of the housing body 28.

[0018] The base 38 may define one or more channels 48. Each channel 48 may extend from the inner chamber 46 to the outer surface of the base 38. For example, the channel 48 may extend radially outward from the inner chamber 46 and completely through the base 38. The channel 48 may be located between the top end 40 and the bottom end 42 of the base 38. The channels 48 may be circumferentially spaced from each other around the base 38, for example, they may be equally spaced.

[0019] Device 36 includes a plurality of pins 50 supported by a base 38. The pins 50 selectively engage the housing body 28, for example, to apply torque to the housing body. The pins 50 are disposed within an inner chamber 46 and are movable relative to the base 38 between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The engaged position may be radially inward of the disengaged position. In the engaged position, the pins 50 restrict rotation of the base 38 relative to the housing body 28. For example, the pins 50 in the engaged position may be located in a plurality of openings 34 in the housing body 28. The pins 50 in the engaged position may extend from the outside of the housing body 28 into the openings 34. The pins 50 in the engaged position may transmit torque to the housing body 28 through a normal force between the pins 50 and the sides of the openings 34. The pins 50 in the disengaged position allow rotation of the base 38 relative to the housing body 28. The pins 50 in the disengaged position may be outside the openings 34, for example, radially outwardly spaced from the housing body 28.

[0020] Device 36 may include one or more cams 52. Cams 52 provide movement of pin 50 between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Pin 50 and cam 52 may be integral. Integral means a single, homogeneous piece of material without seams, joints, fasteners, or adhesives holding it together; that is, formed simultaneously as a single continuous unit (e.g., by machining, molding, forging, casting, etc., from a single sheet of blank). In contrast, non-integral components are formed separately and subsequently assembled (e.g., by threaded engagement, welding, etc.). Each cam in cam 52 may extend (e.g., circumferentially) between a first end 54 and a second end 56. Each pin in pin 50 may be secured to a corresponding cam in cam 52, for example, to either the first end 54 or the second end 56. Each cam in cam 52 may be supported by a base 38 and pivotable relative to the base. For example, a pivot pin 58 may connect cam 52 to base 38. Pivot pin 58 may be provided with a hole. Cam 52 may pivot about pivot pin 58. Device 36 may include any other suitable configuration to allow cam 52 to pivot relative to base 38. Each pivot pin in the pivot pins 58 may be located between a first end 54 and a second end 56 of the respective cam 52. Pivoting cam 52 about the pivot pins 58 may move the first end 54 of such cam 52 radially inward and the second end 56 of such cam 52 radially outward, and vice versa when cam 52 pivots in the opposite direction. Each pivot pin 58 may provide rotation about a respective second axis parallel to axis A1.

[0021] One or more cams 52a may be positioned relative to the base 38 to move a pin 50 attached thereto toward an engaged position when the base 38 rotates along a first direction D1, and to move the pin 50 attached thereto toward a disengaged position when the base 38 rotates along a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1. For example, the first direction D1 may be clockwise, and the pin 50 may be fixed to a cam 52a in a clockwise direction to the pivot pin 58. A normal force between such a pin 50 and the housing body 28 may drive the cam 52a to pivot clockwise and push the pin 50 toward the housing body 28 when rotating along the first direction D1. A normal force between such a pin 50 and the housing body 28 may drive the cam 52a to pivot counterclockwise and push the pin 50 away from the housing body 28 to a disengaged position when rotating along the second direction D2 (e.g., counterclockwise). For example, the distal end of pin 50 may include an angled surface (not shown), such as a chamfer or bevel, for example, on the side of pin 50 closest to the corresponding pivot pin 58. The normal force between the angled surface and the housing body 28 may push pin 50 away from opening 34 to reach a disengaged position.

[0022] One or more other cams 52b may be positioned relative to the base 38 to move a pin 50 attached thereto toward an engaged position as the base 38 rotates in a second direction D2, and to move a second pin 50 toward a disengaged position as the base 38 rotates in a first direction D1. For example, the pin 50 may be fixed to a cam 52b in a counterclockwise direction of the pivot pin 58. A normal force between such a pin 50 and the housing body 28 may drive the cam 52b to pivot counterclockwise and push the pin 50 toward the housing body 28 as it rotates in the second direction D2. A normal force between such a pin 50 and the housing body 28 may drive the cam 52b to pivot clockwise and push the pin 50 away from the housing body 28 to a disengaged position as it rotates in the first direction (e.g., clockwise).

[0023] Although shown as cam 52 being oriented in multiple directions, device 36 may include only cam 52 positioned in one direction relative to base 38, for example, such that when device 36 rotates in one direction without rotating in the opposite direction, cam 52 and pin 50 transmit torque to housing body 28.

[0024] The device 36 may include any other suitable structure for moving the pin 50 between an engaged position and a disengaged position, for example, as a complement to or alternative to the cam 52 and the pivot pin 58.

[0025] Device 36 includes one or more triggers 60 actuated to move one or more pins 50 to a disengaged position. For example, one or more pins 50 can be moved from an engaged position to a disengaged position by applying force to the trigger 60. Applying force to the trigger 60 causes a cam 52 to pivot about a pivot pin 58. The trigger 60 may be operatively coupled to the cam 52 to pivot the cam 52 when the trigger 60 is actuated. For example, each cam in the cam 52 may have a corresponding trigger of the trigger 60 fixed thereto (e.g., by fasteners, threaded engagement, welding, etc.). The triggers 60 may be disposed in channels 48 of the base 38, for example, one trigger 60 in each channel 48. The triggers 60 may extend radially outward from the cam 52 through the channel 48. The triggers 60 may extend away from the inner chamber 46 beyond the outer surface of the base 38.

[0026] Device 36 may include one or more springs 62 that push one or more pins 50 toward an engaged position. Springs 62 may comprise an elastically deformable material, such as spring steel 62. For example, spring 62 may be a helical compression spring 62. Spring 62 may include any suitable structure providing an elastically responsive force. Spring 62 may be supported by base 38. Spring 62 may be compressed between cam 52 and base 38, for example, between a first end 54 or a second end 56 and base 38. Spring 62 may be located at the same end as pin 50. For example, both pin 50 and spring 62 may be located at the first end 54 or the second end 56 of cam 52. Spring 62 may radially inwardly push the corresponding first end 54 or second end 56 of cam 52 and the pin 50 attached thereto.

[0027] Device 36 may include one or more locating screws 64, for example, locating screws that control the amount of compression of spring 62. The locating screws 64 may be supported by and threadedly engaged with a base 38. Rotating the locating screws 64 in the tightening direction increases the compression of spring 62. For example, rotating the locating screws 64 in the tightening direction moves the locating screws 64 radially inward. For example, the tightening direction may be clockwise. Rotating the locating screws 64 in the loosening direction decreases the compression of spring 62. For example, rotating the locating screws 64 in the loosening direction moves the locating screws 64 radially outward. The loosening direction may be opposite to the tightening direction, for example, counterclockwise. The locating screws 64 may be supported by the base 38 at the cam 52 (e.g., at the first end 54 and / or the second end 56). For example, the locating screws 64 may be located at the same end of the cam 52 as the spring 62. The locating screws 64 may be circumferentially spaced from each other, for example, around the outer periphery of the inner chamber 46. The locating screws 64 may be adjacent to spring 62. Moving the locating screw 64 radially inward or radially outward changes the amount of space compressed between the spring 62 and the locating screw 64. The channel 48 may be located between the locating screws 64, for example, such that the trigger 60 is circumferentially located between a corresponding pair of locating screws 64, which are located at a first end 54 and a second end 56 of a corresponding cam in the cam 52. This configuration allows the cam 52 to be assembled facing one direction or the opposite direction, for example, such that when cam 52a faces one direction, one of the locating screws 64 can be used with the spring 62, and when cam 52b faces the opposite direction, the other locating screw in the pair of locating screws 64 can be used with the spring 62.

[0028] To apply torque with device 36, trigger 60 can be actuated to move pin 50 to a disengaged position, and housing body 28 can be inserted into inner chamber 46. Housing body 28, disposed in inner chamber 46, can be positioned relative to device 36 such that pin 50 is aligned with and engaged with opening 34. Torque can be applied to device 36 via tip 40 and transmitted to housing body 28 via engagement of pin 50 with opening 34.

[0029] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements. Furthermore, some or all of these elements may be changed. Regarding the media, processes, systems, methods, etc., described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc., have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes may be practiced with the steps performed in an order other than that described herein. It should be further understood that certain steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or certain steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the description of the processes herein is provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claimed invention.

[0030] This disclosure has been described by way of example, and it should be understood that the terminology used is intended to describe rather than limit the nature of the words. Many modifications and variations of this disclosure are possible in accordance with the foregoing teachings, and this disclosure may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described.

Claims

1. An apparatus for applying torque to a body, the apparatus comprising: a base defining an interior chamber; a plurality of pins supported by the base and disposed in the interior chamber, the plurality of pins movable relative to the base between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and a trigger actuatable to move at least one of the plurality of pins to the disengaged position, the apparatus further comprising a cam supported by the base and pivotable relative to the base, at least one of the plurality of pins being fixed to the cam, the cam positioned relative to the base to move at least one of the plurality of pins toward the engaged position when the base is rotated in a first direction and to move at least one of the plurality of pins toward the disengaged position when the base is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The pin in the engaged position restricts rotation of the base relative to the body and the pin in the disengaged position allows rotation of the base relative to the body.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising a spring supported by the base and urging at least one of the plurality of pins toward the engaged position.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The base defines a passage extending from the interior chamber to an outer surface of the base, the trigger disposed in the passage.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising a second cam supported by the base and pivotable relative to the base, a second pin of the plurality of pins being fixed to the second cam.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The second cam is positioned relative to the base to move the second pin toward the engaged position when the base is rotated in the second direction and to move the second pin toward the disengaged position when the base is rotated in the first direction.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The trigger is operatively coupled to the cam to pivot the cam when the trigger is actuated.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising a spring compressed between the cam and the base.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, the apparatus further comprising a set screw supported by the base at the cam, rotation of the set screw in a tightening direction increasing compression of the spring and rotation of the set screw in a loosening direction decreasing compression of the spring.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, the apparatus further comprising a second set screw supported by the base at the cam, the second set screw being spaced apart circumferentially from the set screw.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The cam includes a first end, a second end, and a pivot axis therebetween, the set screw at the first end and the second set screw at the second end.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The base defines a passage extending from the interior chamber to an outer surface of the base, the passage between the set screw and the second set screw, and the trigger disposed in the passage.

13. An assembly, the assembly comprising: a base defining an interior chamber, a body defining a plurality of openings, the body disposed in the interior chamber; a plurality of pins supported by the base and disposed in the inner chamber, the plurality of pins movable relative to the base between an engaged position in the plurality of openings and a disengaged position out of the openings; and a trigger actuatable to move at least one of the plurality of pins to the disengaged position; the assembly further comprising a cam supported by the base and pivotable relative to the base, at least one of the plurality of pins being fixed to the cam, the cam positioned relative to the base to move at least one of the plurality of pins toward the engaged position when the base is rotated in a first direction and to move at least one of the plurality of pins toward the disengaged position when the base is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction.

14. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising a valve element disposed in the body.

15. The assembly of claim 14, further comprising a hollow stem connected to the body.

16. The assembly of claim 13, wherein, the trigger operatively coupled to the cam to cause the cam to pivot when the trigger is actuated.

17. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising a spring compressed between the cam and the base.

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