Torque wrench with improved torque setting adjustment

Abstract

A torque wrench may include a body (100, 400), a force detector (420) operably coupled to the body and configured to detect a bending force applied to the body, and a user interface (410) operably coupled to the body and the force detector. The user interface may be configured to include a setting mode in which a variable characteristic of the torque wrench is adjustable. The user interface may also be configured to adjust the variable characteristic based on the bending force applied to the body and detected by the force detector when in the setting mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments relate to a hand tool, and more particularly, to a torque wrench having an improved torque adjuster. Background Art

[0002] Hand tools are commonly used in all aspects of industry, as well as in consumers' homes and workshops. They are used for a variety of applications, including, for example, fastening fasteners, connecting components, and / or similar applications. For some fastener tightening applications, a highly accurate torque setting is preferred or required. To provide the ability to accurately apply torque, a class of hand tools, commonly referred to as torque wrenches, has been developed. Torque wrenches are calibrated devices that enable an operator to determine when a specific torque has been reached. The means by which the operator is informed that a specific torque has been reached, as well as the means by which the operator selects the torque setting for an adjustable torque wrench, can vary depending on the type of torque wrench.

[0003] For one particular type of torque wrench, a display may be provided to show the torque setting, and the user may utilize one or more buttons to adjust the torque setting up or down. Unfortunately, users report difficulty achieving smooth operation of such devices due to concerns that the buttons may break, wear out, or otherwise not function optimally. Even for other types of adjusters, user feedback demonstrates that the ability to interact with the adjuster can be poor. Therefore, it would be desirable to improve the way the torque setting of an adjustable torque wrench is adjusted. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some example embodiments may enable providing an improved interface for an adjuster of an adjustable torque wrench.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, a torque wrench may be provided. The torque wrench may include a body, a force detector operably coupled to the body and configured to detect a bending force applied to the body, and a user interface operably coupled to the body and the force detector. The user interface may be configured to include a setting mode in which a variable characteristic of the torque wrench is adjustable. The user interface may also be configured to adjust the variable characteristic based on the bending force applied to the body and detected by the force detector when in the setting mode.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, a torque adjuster is provided that is configured to enable torque setting of a torque wrench. The torque adjuster may include a force detector operably coupled to a body of the torque wrench and configured to detect a bending force applied to the body. The torque adjuster may also include a user interface operably coupled to the body and the force detector. The torque setting may be variably adjusted via the user interface based on the bending force applied to the body and detected by the force detector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Having generally described certain exemplary embodiments, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0008] Figure 1 shows a top view of a torque wrench according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0009] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 Different top views of a torque wrench, wherein some portions of the handle of the torque wrench are transparent to expose some internal components for easy viewing;

[0010] Figure 3 by Figure 3A and 3B Definition, showing the being adjusted according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 torque wrenches; and

[0011] Figure 4 A general block diagram of a torque wrench according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, exemplary embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and depicted herein should not be construed as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure satisfies applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals denote like elements throughout. In addition, as used herein, the term "or" should be interpreted as a logical operator whose result is true whenever one or more of its operands is true. As used herein, operably coupled should be understood to involve a direct or indirect connection, in either case, which enables the functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to one another.

[0013] As indicated above, some exemplary embodiments may involve improvements to the design of the torque wrench 100 . Figure 1 -3 shows various views or portions of one such exemplary embodiment. In this regard, Figure 1 A top view of a hand tool (eg, torque wrench 100 ) having improvements associated with an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 2 Shown with Figure 1 Same view as shown, except some internal components of the torque wrench 100 are visible. Figure 3A and 3B FIG3 , which is limited to FIG3 , shows the torque wrench 100 in operation to adjust the torque setting. Figure 1 、2 As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the torque wrench 100 may include a head 110 (which may be a ratchet head in some cases) that may include a direction selector 112 and a drive member (not shown). The direction selector 112 can be used to select which direction of torque can be applied and which direction of torque not to be applied and allow ratcheting. However, it should be understood that the head 110 can have a variety of different forms, including an open, a box, a ratchet, etc. The drive member can engage with a selected socket that actually engages with the fastener being torqued. Various internal components of the head 110 can control the ratchet function and are outside the scope of this disclosure. However, it should also be understood that the exemplary embodiments can be practiced in a context where ratcheting is not desired or allowed.

[0014] The torque wrench 100 may be defined by a body including a head 110 and a lever arm 120. The head 110 may be operably coupled to a first end (or proximal end) of the lever arm 120. The second end (or distal end) of the lever arm 120 may be opposite the first end. The head 110 may be an interchangeable head (i.e., removable from the lever arm 120 and replaceable with another head), or may be fixed to the lever arm 120 (and therefore non-interchangeable). In a fixed configuration, the lever arm 120 and the head 110 (and therefore the entire body) may be considered a single piece. In some cases, a handle assembly or handle portion 125 of the torque wrench 100 may be positioned proximate to the second end. The handle portion 125 may be part of a housing 130 of the lever arm 120. The housing 130 may be rigid and may support a user's grip and application of torque. In some examples, the head 110 may have a substantially flat profile on its front and rear surfaces. At the same time, as the lever arm 120 extends away from the head 110 , the lever arm 120 may maintain a substantially matching width and flat profile of the head 110 to improve accessibility of the head 110 and lever arm 120 into certain locations or adjacent potential obstructions.

[0015] The housing 130 may include a user interface 140 disposed on a portion thereof. In this regard, for example, one of the flat surfaces of the housing 130 (e.g., the front or back) may have the user interface 140 disposed thereon between the first and second ends of the lever arm 120. In some examples, the user interface may include a display screen 142 and one or more operable members. The operable members may include buttons, switches, or other selectors that are operably coupled to the display screen 142 and the torque wrench 100 and generally provide functional control capabilities relative thereto. In the depicted example, the operable members include a power button 144 that can be used to power the display screen 142 (and electronics associated therewith and / or associated with the operation of the torque wrench 100) on and off. The operable members may also include a selector 146, which may include one or more directional buttons (e.g., an up button 147 and a down button 148). However, some embodiments may not include directional buttons or may not include a selector 146 at all.

[0016] The head 110 can be operably coupled to the lever arm 120 in such a manner that torque applied to the lever arm 120 can be transferred to the head 110 (and subsequently to a fastener to which the head 110 is operably coupled, for example, via the socket) or vice versa (i.e., torque applied at the head 110 can be transferred to the lever arm 120). In addition, when a target torque setting (which is adjustable) of the torque wrench 100 is reached, an alert (e.g., a click) can be provided to the user to indicate that the target torque setting has been reached. The internal mechanics of the torque wrench 100 for providing the alert and for measuring torque are outside the scope of the present disclosure and are well known to those skilled in the art. However, in some cases, a gauge 150 can be provided to detect the applied torque and, thus, enable triggering of an alert.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the selector 146 can be used to enter a setting mode in which the target torque setting can be adjusted. For example, the selector 146 can be pressed (or otherwise operated) to enter the setting mode. In some cases, the selector 146 can cycle through a plurality of other modes that are outside the scope of the present invention before arriving at the setting mode. When in the setting mode, the target torque setting 160 can be displayed on the display 142. When in the setting mode, the value defined by the target torque setting 160 can be adjusted (in Figure 1 and 288.5 Nm in the example. Specifically, the torque wrench 100 can be configured to adjust the target torque setting 160 by applying torque to the body of the torque wrench 100. For example, as shown in FIG3 , a user can grasp the head 110 and handle portion 125 of the torque wrench 100 and apply a bending force to the body. The applied bending force can be detected by the gauge 150, and the target torque setting 160 can be adjusted accordingly.

[0018] like Figure 3A As shown, when a bending force is applied in a first direction 170, the target torque setting 160 may increase. Figure 3A In the example shown in FIG4 , the target torque setting 160 has been increased to a value of 90 Nm. In some embodiments, the rate of increase of the target torque setting 160 can be proportional to the magnitude of the bending force detected by the gauge 150. In other words, the target torque setting 160 can cycle through increasing values ​​at a rate determined by the amount of bending force applied in the first direction 170. However, in alternative embodiments, the rate of increase of the target torque setting 160 can also be constant for any bending force applied in the first direction 170, regardless of the magnitude. Some exemplary embodiments can also enable fine adjustment of the target torque setting 160 using the selector 146 (e.g., specifically via the up button 147).

[0019] At the same time, when a bending force is applied in a second direction 172 (ie, a direction opposite to the first direction 170), as shown in FIG. Figure 3B As shown, the target torque setting 160 may be reduced. Figure 3B In the example of , the target torque setting 160 has been reduced to a value of 85 Nm. Similar to operation in the increasing direction, the rate of decrease of the target torque setting 160 can be proportional to the magnitude of the bending force detected by the gauge 150. In other words, the target torque setting 160 can cycle through decreasing values ​​at a rate determined by the amount of bending force applied in the second direction 172. However, in alternative embodiments, the rate of decrease of the target torque setting 160 can also be constant for any bending force applied in the second direction 172, regardless of the magnitude. Some exemplary embodiments can also enable fine adjustment of the target torque setting 160 using the selector 146 (e.g., specifically via the down button 148).

[0020] While some examples may use bending force for coarse adjustment and selector 146 for fine adjustment of target torque setting 160, it should be understood that in some examples, bending force alone (in either or both increasing and decreasing directions) may be used. In an exemplary embodiment, target torque setting 160 may be increased or decreased in increments of 0.1 Nm. However, in alternative embodiments, other increments, larger or smaller, are possible. Furthermore, other strategies for adjustment are possible, rather than a constant rate of change that depends solely on the direction of the bending force or a variable rate of change that depends on both the direction and magnitude of the bending force. In this regard, for example, a time-dependent strategy may be employed. A time-dependent strategy may vary the rate of change based on the amount of time that the bending force is applied to the torque wrench 100. For example, applying force for less than a first predetermined period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) may provide a first increase / decrease rate (e.g., 0.1 Nm every 0.25 seconds). However, applying force for a period longer than the first predetermined period of time, but less than a second predetermined period of time (e.g., 3-6 seconds), may provide a second, higher increase / decrease rate (e.g., 1 Nm every 0.25 seconds). Applying the force for a longer period of time than the second predetermined period of time (eg, a third predetermined period of time) may provide an even greater third rate of increase / decrease (eg, 10 Nm per 0.25 seconds).

[0021] While FIG3 directly relates to changing the target torque setting 160 of the torque wrench 100, it should be understood that the interaction between the gauge 150 and the user interface 140 may also be used to make other adjustments to the adjustable features of the torque wrench 100. Thus, the exemplary embodiments generally relate to using the torque applied to the torque wrench 100 to adjust the variable features of the torque wrench 100. Figure 4 A more general description of this adjustability is given.

[0022] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a torque wrench 400 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4As shown, the body 410 of the torque wrench 400 can be operably coupled to a force detector 420. The force detector 420 can be configured to measure strain applied to the body 410 and, in response to a force (e.g., bending force or strain) applied to the body 410, convert the measured strain into an electrical signal proportional thereto. Thus, for example, the force detector 420 can be a sensor or gauge (e.g., a strain gauge) operably coupled to a load cell that provides an electrical signal (e.g., as a digital output signal). The force detector 420 can, in turn, be operably coupled to processing circuitry 430 (e.g., including at least a processor and / or controller) that controls the operation of a display screen 440. In some examples, the processing circuitry 430 and the display screen 440 can each be part of a user interface configured to enable adjustment of variable features of the torque wrench 400. When used to adjust a target torque setting in the manner described above, the user interface and the force detector 420 can be combined to form a torque adjuster 450. The torque adjuster 450 can be configured so that the target torque setting can be variably adjusted via the user interface based on the bending force applied to the body 410 and detected by the force detector 420. However, as an alternative (or in addition) to the adjustment of the target torque setting, other variable features that can be adjusted may include any of the angle settings or various menu navigation options. Thus, for example, a user can navigate through any optional options that may be provided on the user interface via interaction between the force detector 420, the processing circuit 430, and the display screen 440. When used to adjust the angle setting, the user interface and the force detector 420 can be combined to form an angle adjuster. When used to navigate menu options, the user interface and the force detector 420 can be combined to form a menu selector.

[0023] Force detector 420 may be configured to detect the direction and / or magnitude of the bending force applied to body 410. In some cases, processing circuit 430 may further monitor the time period over which the bending force is applied, or even the pattern or sequence in which the bending force is applied. Such information may be used to define a value for setting a target torque (e.g., Figure 1-3 target torque value 160) variable options, including those described above and others. As an additional example, applying a bending force in the range of 2-6 Nm (e.g., 20-50 in-lbf) can increase the target torque value with a first step length (e.g., 0.1 Nm) and a first rate depending on the time of applying such bending force. As described above, the rate can increase when the time spent in this range increases by more than one or more time thresholds. Applying a bending force in a higher range of 6-10 Nm (e.g., 50-90 in-lbf) can increase the target torque value in a second step length (e.g., 1 Nm). Similarly, the rate can increase when the time spent in the higher range increases by more than one or more time thresholds. Applying a bending force at a higher level greater than 10 Nm (e.g., 90 in-lbf) can increase the target torque value with a third step length (e.g., 10 Nm). In addition, the rate can increase when the time spent in the higher range increases by more than one or more time thresholds. Of course, reversing the direction of force application can cause a corresponding decrease in the target torque value rather than an increase.

[0024] The strategy outlined above can give the user great flexibility in terms of the speed with which adjustments can be made and the accuracy with which such adjustments can be made. Furthermore, applying a bending force to make an adjustment, where such adjustment depends on the direction, magnitude, and / or timing of the application of such bending force, actually provides the user with a very intuitive and comfortable way to make adjustments.

[0025] As from Figure 1-4 As can be appreciated from the examples of the present invention, exemplary embodiments may define hand tools (i.e., torque wrenches) having various unique features. The torque wrench may include a body, a force detector operably coupled to the body and configured to detect a bending force applied to the body, and a user interface operably coupled to the body and the force detector. The user interface may be configured to include a setting mode in which variable features of the torque wrench (e.g., a target torque setting, an angle setting, or menu navigation) are adjustable. The user interface may also be configured to adjust the variable features based on the bending force applied to the body and detected by the force detector when in the setting mode.

[0026] The torque wrench and / or its components may include various modifications, additions, or optional additions, some of which are described herein. These modifications, additions, or optional additions may be included in any combination. For example, the user interface may include a display screen and processing circuitry. The display screen may be configured to display a variable characteristic, and the processing circuitry may be configured to increase the variable characteristic in response to a bending force applied in a first direction and decrease the variable characteristic in response to a bending force applied in a second direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the processing circuitry may be configured to adjust the rate of change of the variable characteristic based on the magnitude of the bending force. In some cases, when the magnitude of the bending force is within a first range, the variable characteristic may be adjusted at a first rate, and when the magnitude of the bending force is within a second range, the variable characteristic may be adjusted at a second rate. The first rate may be lower than the second rate, and the first range may have smaller bending force values ​​than the second range. In an exemplary embodiment, the processing circuitry may be configured to adjust the rate of change of the variable characteristic based on the amount of time the bending force is applied. In some cases, when the bending force is applied for less than a threshold amount of time, the variable characteristic may be adjusted at a first rate, and when the bending force is applied for more than the threshold amount of time, the variable characteristic may be adjusted at a second rate. The first rate may be lower than the second rate. In an exemplary embodiment, the processing circuitry may be configured to adjust the step size of the change of the variable characteristic based on the magnitude of the bending force. In some cases, when the magnitude of the bending force applied is less than a threshold force, the variable characteristic may be adjusted in a first step size, and when the bending force applied is greater than the threshold force, the variable characteristic may be adjusted in a second step size. The first step size may be smaller than the second step size. In an exemplary embodiment, the processing circuitry may be configured to adjust the rate of change of the variable characteristic based on the amount of time the bending force is applied, and the processing circuitry may be configured to adjust the step size of the change of the variable characteristic based on the magnitude of the bending force. In some cases, the body may include a head portion, a lever arm, and a handle portion, the head portion including a drive member configured to be operably coupled to the socket, the lever arm operably coupled to the head portion at a first end, and the handle portion disposed at a second end of the lever arm. The bending force may be applied by bending the head portion relative to the lever arm while holding the head portion with one hand and holding the handle portion with the other hand. In an exemplary embodiment, the force detector may include a strain gauge. In some cases, the user interface may include a selector configured to enable operation of the selector to switch the torque wrench to a setting mode. In an exemplary embodiment, the user interface may include a first button configured to provide an increasing step adjustment to the variable characteristic when in a setting mode, and a second button configured to provide a decreasing step adjustment to the variable characteristic when in a setting mode. In some cases, the first button and the second button may each have a fixed step size for adjusting the variable characteristic, and the user interface may be configured to provide a variable rate or step size adjustment of the variable characteristic based on an applied bending force.

[0027] With the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate the many modifications and other embodiments of the invention described herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those explicitly described above are also expected to be described in some of the appended claims. Where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be understood that these advantages, benefits, and / or solutions may apply to some exemplary embodiments, but not necessarily to all exemplary embodiments. Therefore, any advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be considered to be critical, essential, or necessary for all embodiments or the embodiments claimed herein. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense, and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A torque wrench comprising: main body; a force detector operably coupled to the body and configured to detect a bending force applied to the body; as well as a user interface operably coupled to the body and the force detector, wherein the user interface is configured to include a setting mode in which a variable feature of the torque wrench is adjustable, wherein the variable feature includes a target torque setting, an angle setting, or menu navigation, and Wherein the user interface is further configured to, when in the setting mode, adjust the variable characteristic based on the bending force applied to the body detected by the force detector.

2. The torque wrench of claim 1 , wherein the user interface comprises a display screen and processing circuitry, in, The display screen is configured to display the variable characteristic, and Wherein the processing circuit is configured to increase the variable characteristic in response to a bending force applied in a first direction and to decrease the variable characteristic in response to a bending force applied in a second direction opposite to the first direction. 3 . The torque wrench of claim 2 , wherein the processing circuit is configured to adjust the rate of change of the variable characteristic based on the magnitude of the bending force.

4. The torque wrench of claim 3 , wherein the variable characteristic is adjusted at a first rate when the magnitude of the bending force is in a first range, and the variable characteristic is adjusted at a second rate when the magnitude of the bending force is in a second range, and in, The first rate is lower than the second rate, and the first range has a smaller bending force value than the second range. 5 . The torque wrench of claim 2 , wherein the processing circuit is configured to adjust a rate of change of the variable characteristic based on an amount of time the bending force is applied.

6. The torque wrench of claim 5, wherein the variable characteristic is adjusted at a first rate when the bending force is applied for less than a threshold amount of time, and the variable characteristic is adjusted at a second rate when the bending force is applied for more than the threshold amount of time, and The first rate is lower than the second rate. 7 . The torque wrench of claim 2 , wherein the processing circuit is configured to adjust a step size of the change of the variable characteristic based on a magnitude of the bending force.

8. The torque wrench of claim 7 , wherein the variable characteristic is adjusted in a first step when a magnitude of the bending force is applied that is less than a force threshold amount, and the variable characteristic is adjusted in a second step when a magnitude of the bending force is applied that is greater than the force threshold amount, and The first step length is smaller than the second step length.

9. The torque wrench of claim 2, wherein the processing circuit is configured to adjust the rate of change of the variable characteristic based on an amount of time the bending force is applied, and The processing circuit is configured to adjust a step size of the change of the variable characteristic based on a magnitude of the bending force.

10. The torque wrench of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises: a head including a drive member configured to operably couple to the socket; a lever arm operably coupled to the head at a first end thereof; as well as a handle portion arranged at the second end of the lever arm, wherein the bending force is applied by bending the head relative to the lever arm while holding the head with one hand and the handle portion with the other hand.

11. The torque wrench of claim 1 , wherein the force detector comprises a strain gauge. 12 . The torque wrench of claim 1 , wherein the user interface includes a selector configured to enable switching of the torque wrench to the setting mode via operation of the selector.

13. The torque wrench of claim 12, wherein the user interface comprises a first button configured to provide an incremental step adjustment to the variable characteristic when in the setting mode and a second button configured to provide a incremental step adjustment to the variable characteristic when in the setting mode.

14. The torque wrench of claim 13, wherein the first and second buttons each have a fixed step size for adjusting the variable characteristic, and Wherein the user interface is configured to provide a variable rate or step size adjustment of the variable feature based on the applied bending force.

15. A torque adjuster configured to allow torque setting of a torque wrench, the torque adjuster comprising: a force detector operably coupled to a body of the torque wrench and configured to detect a bending force applied to the body; as well as a user interface operably coupled to the body and the force detector, wherein the torque setting is variably adjustable via the user interface based on the bending force applied to the body and detected by the force detector.

16. The torque regulator of claim 15, wherein the user interface comprises a display screen and processing circuitry, in, The display is configured to display the torque setting, and Wherein the processing circuit is configured to increase the torque setting in response to a bending force applied in a first direction and to decrease the torque setting in response to a bending force applied in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

17. The torque adjuster of claim 16, wherein the processing circuit is configured to adjust the rate of change of the torque setting based on the magnitude of the bending force or based on the amount of time the bending force is applied.

18. The torque adjuster of claim 16, wherein the processing circuit is configured to adjust a step size of a change in the torque setting based on a magnitude of the bending force.

19. The torque adjuster of claim 15, wherein the user interface comprises a selector configured to enable switching of the torque wrench to a setting mode in which the torque setting is adjustable via operation of the selector, and in, The selector defines fixed step sizes for adjusting the target torque setting.

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