torque wrench

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of wrenches, and discloses a torque wrench, comprising: a main body structure, comprising a sleeve matched with the shape of a fastener, the fastener having a first state and a second state, the first state being one of a magnetized state and a demagnetized state, and the second state being the other of the magnetized state and the demagnetized state; a magnetic processing module capable of converting the fastener from the first state to the second state; and a controller arranged on the main body structure and capable of controlling the magnetic processing module to work. After the main body structure applies a predetermined torque to the fastener, the fastener can be tightened. After or at the moment of tightening, the controller can control the magnetic processing module to convert the fastener from the first state to the second state, that is, to mark the fastener as finally tightened, so that the record of final tightening can be more objective and accurate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wrenches, and more specifically to a torque wrench. Background Technology

[0002] High-strength bolt connections are a detachable connection method, widely used in construction, energy, and automotive industrial engineering due to their advantages such as convenient construction, high efficiency, high strength, and low cost. Tightening high-strength bolts should be divided into initial tightening and final tightening to ensure they achieve their intended mechanical properties. For torque-shear type high-strength bolts, the final tightening is marked by the removal of the split head, which allows for good identification and verification of the final tightening effect. However, verification often requires secondary climbing work, posing significant challenges to spot checks. For large hexagonal head high-strength bolts, since there are no original tightening marks, color markings are usually required after initial and final tightening to prevent omissions. These technical limitations lead to inconsistent and inaccurate final tightening gauges; furthermore, for buildings, the necessary climbing work for spot checks remains unavoidable, presenting significant practical obstacles. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a torque wrench to solve the problem that the final tightening mark in the prior art is not objective and accurate enough.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a torque wrench, comprising: a main structure including a sleeve adapted to the shape of a fastener, the fastener having a first state and a second state, the first state being one of a magnetized state and a demagnetized state, and the second state being the other of a magnetized state and a demagnetized state; a magnetic processing module capable of converting the fastener from the first state to the second state; and a controller disposed in the main structure capable of controlling the operation of the magnetic processing module.

[0005] Once the main structure applies a predetermined torque to the fastener, the fastener can be tightened. After tightening or at the moment of tightening, the controller can control the magnetic processing module to change the fastener from the first state to the second state, that is, to mark the fastener with a final tightening mark. Therefore, the final tightening record can be more objective and accurate. At the same time, the number of fasteners in the first or second state can be checked to identify any missed fasteners.

[0006] In one optional implementation, the first state is a magnetized state, the second state is a demagnetized state, and the magnetic processing module is a demagnetizing module.

[0007] In this embodiment, the fasteners are pre-magnetized before being tightened. When the main structure applies a predetermined torque to the fasteners, they are tightened. The controller controls the demagnetization module to demagnetize the fasteners so that they are marked with a final tightening mark. Fasteners that were not tightened can be checked by inspecting the magnetic field strength.

[0008] In one alternative implementation, the demagnetizing module includes an electromagnetic coil that, when energized, can demagnetize the fastener in a magnetized state.

[0009] In this embodiment, when the main structure applies a predetermined torque to the fastener and tightens it, the controller controls the electromagnetic coil to be energized. The energized electromagnetic coil generates an alternating magnetic field, which disturbs the magnetic field structure inside the pre-magnetized fastener, thereby demagnetizing the pre-magnetized fastener.

[0010] In one alternative embodiment, the electromagnetic coil is disposed inside the sleeve and at one end away from its mounting opening.

[0011] In one alternative implementation, the demagnetizing module is provided with a shielding layer.

[0012] In this embodiment, by providing a shielding layer, it can be ensured that the surrounding untightened fasteners are not demagnetized.

[0013] In one optional embodiment, the main structure includes a piezoelectric material disposed on the torque release joint and electrically connected to the controller. When the torque release joint produces a disengagement effect, the piezoelectric material generates an electrical signal and transmits it to the controller. When the controller receives the electrical signal, it controls the demagnetizing module to operate.

[0014] In this embodiment, by incorporating a piezoelectric material, when the main structure applies a predetermined torque (using a torque greater than the spring pressure) to the fastener, the torque release joint experiences a momentary disengagement effect. At the instant of this disengagement, the metal casing of the torque wrench strikes, producing a "click" sound. Subsequently, the piezoelectric material on the torque release joint generates an electrical signal under load. This signal is transmitted to a controller at the tail of the torque wrench. The controller energizes an electromagnetic coil to generate an alternating magnetic field. The pre-magnetized fastener, after being disturbed by this alternating magnetic field, demagnetizes due to the disruption of its internal magnetic field structure. This torque wrench can automatically demagnetize the fastener upon reaching the final tightening torque, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring a more objective and accurate final tightening mark.

[0015] In one alternative implementation, the controller includes a storage module that records data each time the electrical signal is received.

[0016] In this embodiment, by setting up a storage module, the storage module records data once each time it receives the electrical signal. Therefore, the storage module can record the number of final tightening marks applied to the fasteners, which is convenient for counting the workload of workers. At the same time, it can be used as a construction log to compare with the distributed fasteners to be tightened, to check the difference between the number of final tightening marks and the number of distributed fasteners, and to prevent problematic construction.

[0017] In one optional implementation, the controller further includes a wireless transmission module, which is communicatively connected to the storage module and is capable of transmitting the data records of the storage module to the monitoring platform.

[0018] In this embodiment, the wireless transmission module can transmit the data records of the storage module to the monitoring platform, thereby enabling remote monitoring of the construction progress.

[0019] In one alternative embodiment, the controller is located at the end of the main structure away from the sleeve. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a torque wrench according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic of the torque wrench after the outer casing has been removed.

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 1. Main structure; 101. Sleeve; 102. Outer shell; 103. Piezoelectric material; 104. Torque release joint; 2. Electromagnetic coil; 3. Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] The following is combined with Figures 1-3 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] High-strength bolt connections are a detachable connection method, widely used in construction, energy, and automotive industrial engineering due to their advantages such as convenient construction, high efficiency, high strength, and low cost. Tightening high-strength bolts should be divided into initial tightening and final tightening to ensure they achieve their intended mechanical properties. For torque-shear type high-strength bolts, the final tightening is marked by the removal of the split head, which allows for good identification and verification of the final tightening effect. However, verification often requires secondary climbing work, posing significant challenges to spot checks. For large hexagonal head high-strength bolts, since there are no original tightening marks, color markings are usually required after initial and final tightening to prevent omissions. These technical limitations lead to inconsistent and inaccurate final tightening gauges; furthermore, for buildings, the necessary climbing work for spot checks remains unavoidable, presenting significant practical obstacles.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a torque wrench is provided that can solve the technical problem that the final tightening mark in the prior art is not objective and accurate enough.

[0030] In one embodiment, the torque wrench includes a main structure 1, a magnetic processing module, and a controller 3. The main structure 1 includes a sleeve 101 adapted to the shape of a fastener. The fastener has a first state and a second state, the first state being one of a magnetized state and a demagnetized state, and the second state being the other of a magnetized state and a demagnetized state. The magnetic processing module is capable of converting the fastener from the first state to the second state. The controller 3 is disposed in the main structure 1 and is capable of controlling the operation of the magnetic processing module.

[0031] In this embodiment, when the main structure 1 applies a predetermined torque to the fastener, the fastener can be tightened. After tightening or at the moment of tightening, the controller 3 can control the magnetic processing module to change the fastener from a first state to a second state, that is, to mark the fastener with a final tightening mark. Therefore, the final tightening record can be more objective and accurate. At the same time, the number of fasteners in the first or second state can be checked to see if any fasteners were missed.

[0032] It should be noted that the main structure 1 has all the conventional functions of a conventional manual or electric torque wrench, and can apply a predetermined torque to tighten the fastener. The specific structure of the main structure 1 is a common existing structure of torque wrenches in the relevant technology. How the main structure 1 can apply a predetermined torque to tighten the fastener is also well known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this embodiment will not provide a detailed explanation of the main structure 1.

[0033] It should be noted that the fasteners can be bolts or nuts.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve 101 is detachably connected to the main structure 1, thereby allowing for the replacement of sleeves 101 of different sizes to match fasteners of different sizes.

[0035] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, the controller 3 is located at the end of the main structure 1 away from the sleeve 101. In this embodiment, by placing the controller 3 at the end of the main structure 1 away from the sleeve 101, it is convenient to install the controller 3, and on the other hand, it does not require much modification to the interior of the main structure 1.

[0036] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, the first state is a magnetized state, the second state is a demagnetized state, and the magnetic processing module is a demagnetizing module. In this embodiment, the fastener is pre-magnetized before being tightened. After the main structure 1 applies a predetermined torque to the fastener, it is tightened. The controller 3 controls the demagnetizing module to demagnetize the fastener so that the fastener is marked with a final tightening mark. The untightened fasteners can be checked by inspecting the magnetic field strength.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment, the first state is a demagnetization state, the second state is a magnetization state, and the magnetic processing module is a magnetization module. In this embodiment, the fastener is not treated before being tightened. After the main structure 1 applies a predetermined torque to the fastener, it is tightened. The controller 3 controls the magnetic processing module to magnetize the fastener to mark it with a final tightening mark. The number of tightened fasteners can be checked by inspecting the magnetic field strength.

[0038] Typically, magnetizing fasteners takes longer than demagnetizing them, and short magnetization times can result in unstable, weak magnetism. Therefore, operators might only spend a short time magnetizing fasteners after tightening, leaving them either unmagnetized or with only weak, fleeting magnetism, leading to inaccurate final tightening marks. Therefore, using a magnetized state as the first state and a demagnetized state as the second state, with the magnetization module acting as a demagnetization module, can make the final tightening marks more accurate.

[0039] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, the demagnetizing module includes an electromagnetic coil 2, which, when energized, can demagnetize fasteners in a magnetized state. In this embodiment, when the main structure 1 applies a predetermined torque to the fastener and tightens it, the controller 3 controls the energization of the electromagnetic coil 2. The energized electromagnetic coil 2 generates an alternating magnetic field, which disrupts the magnetic field structure inside the pre-magnetized fastener, thereby demagnetizing the pre-magnetized fastener. In an alternative embodiment, the demagnetizing module is a heating module, which demagnetizes the fastener by heating it. In another alternative embodiment, the demagnetizing module is an oscillation module, which demagnetizes the fastener by applying an oscillating force.

[0040] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic coil 2 is disposed inside the sleeve 101 at one end away from its mounting opening. In this embodiment, by disposing of the electromagnetic coil 2 inside the sleeve 101 at one end away from its mounting opening, the electromagnetic coil 2 can be concealed, making it safer to use and easier to energize. Furthermore, the electromagnetic coil 2 is very close to the fastener, allowing for effective demagnetization of the fastener. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the electromagnetic coil 2 can be disposed outside the sleeve 101.

[0041] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, the demagnetizing module is provided with a shielding layer. In this embodiment, by providing a shielding layer, it can be ensured that surrounding untightened fasteners are not demagnetized.

[0042] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the main structure 1 includes a piezoelectric material 103, which is disposed on the torque release joint 104 and electrically connected to the controller 3. When the torque release joint 104 generates a disengagement effect, the piezoelectric material 103 generates an electrical signal and transmits it to the controller 3. Upon receiving the electrical signal, the controller 3 controls the demagnetizing module to operate. In this embodiment, by providing the piezoelectric material 103, when the main structure 1 applies a predetermined torque (using a torque greater than the spring pressure) to the fastener, the torque release joint 104 generates a momentary disengagement effect and strikes the metal casing 102 of the torque wrench at the moment of disengagement, producing a "click" sound. Subsequently, the piezoelectric material 103 disposed on the torque release joint 104 generates an electrical signal after being loaded. The electrical signal is transmitted to the controller 3 at the tail of the torque wrench. The controller 3 controls the electromagnetic coil 2 to be energized to generate an alternating magnetic field. After being interfered with by the alternating magnetic field, the internal magnetic field structure of the pre-magnetized fastener is disrupted, resulting in demagnetization. This torque wrench can automatically demagnetize fasteners when the final tightening torque is reached, without the need for additional manual operation, thus ensuring a more objective and accurate final tightening mark.

[0043] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, the controller 3 includes a storage module that records data each time an electrical signal is received. In this embodiment, by setting up a storage module that records data each time an electrical signal is received, the storage module can record the number of final tightening marks applied to fasteners, facilitating the tracking of worker workload. Simultaneously, it can be used as a construction log for comparison with the distributed fasteners to be tightened, verifying discrepancies between the final tightening count and the distributed count, thus preventing problematic construction.

[0044] It should be noted that the specific structural shape and storage principle of the storage module are existing technologies well known to those skilled in the art, and are not the focus of this embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment will not provide a detailed description.

[0045] Based on the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, the controller 3 further includes a wireless transmission module, which is communicatively connected to the storage module and capable of transmitting data records from the storage module to the monitoring platform. In this embodiment, the wireless transmission module can transmit data records from the storage module to the monitoring platform, thereby enabling remote monitoring of the construction progress.

[0046] It should be noted that the specific structural shape of the wireless transmission module and the wireless transmission principle are existing technologies well known to those skilled in the art, and are not the focus of this embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment will not provide a detailed description.

[0047] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A torque wrench, characterized in that, include: The main structure (1) includes a sleeve (101) adapted to the shape of the fastener, the fastener having a first state and a second state, the first state being one of a magnetized state and a demagnetized state, and the second state being the other of a magnetized state and a demagnetized state. A magnetic processing module is capable of converting the fastener from a first state to a second state. The magnetic processing module is a demagnetizing module. The demagnetizing module includes an electromagnetic coil (2). When the electromagnetic coil (2) is energized, it can demagnetize the fastener in a magnetized state. The controller (3) is located on the main structure (1) and is capable of controlling the operation of the magnetic processing module.

2. The torque wrench according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first state is a magnetized state, and the second state is a demagnetized state.

3. The torque wrench according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electromagnetic coil (2) is located inside the sleeve (101) and away from one end of its mounting opening.

4. The torque wrench according to claim 1, characterized in that, The demagnetizing module is equipped with a shielding layer.

5. The torque wrench according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The main structure (1) includes a piezoelectric material (103), which is disposed on the torque release joint (104) and electrically connected to the controller (3). When the torque release joint (104) generates a disengagement effect, the piezoelectric material (103) generates an electrical signal and transmits it to the controller (3). When the controller (3) receives the electrical signal, it controls the demagnetizing module to work.

6. The torque wrench according to claim 5, characterized in that, The controller (3) includes a storage module, which records data each time it receives the electrical signal.

7. The torque wrench according to claim 6, characterized in that, The controller (3) also includes a wireless transmission module, which is communicatively connected to the storage module and can transmit the data records of the storage module to the monitoring platform.

8. The torque wrench according to claim 5, characterized in that, The controller (3) is located at one end of the main structure (1) away from the sleeve (101).

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