Torque wrench protected against the entry of liquids and solids

Abstract

The present finding relates to a torque wrench (1) comprising: - a main body (2) having a tubular conformation and comprising a first end (3) at which is obtained a transverse opening (4) suitable for making the interior of the main body (2) accessible from the outside, and a second end (5), opposite to the first end (3); - a transmission arm (6) for transmitting a tightening torque when the torque wrench (1) is in use, the transmission arm (6) being at least partially contained within the main body (2) and comprising, at one end, a coupling head (7) positioned outside the main body (2) and facing the transverse opening (4), the coupling head (7) having a substantially cylindrical conformation, or prismatic, and comprising a first end (8) configured for the connection of a clamping tool and an opposite second end (9) by means of which the coupling head (7) is associated with the main body (2); - a gasket (10), having a substantially tubular conformation and comprising a first end portion (11) and a second end portion (12), opposed to the first end portion (11), the first end portion (11) and the second end portion (12) being associated, respectively, with the coupling head (7) and the main body (2), so as to obstruct the passage of a liquid and / or of a solid body from the outside of the main body (2) to the inside of the main body (2) through the transverse opening (4) of the main body (2).

Description

[0001] TORQUE WRENCH PROTECTED AGAINST THE ENTRY OF LIQUIDS

[0002] AND SOLIDS

[0003] ***

[0004] The present finding refers to a torque wrench protected against the entry of liquids, such as for example water, oils, etc., and solids, such as for example dust particles, shavings, etc.

[0005] It is known to employ torque wrenches to perform the mechanical tightening of bolts, screws, nuts, bushings, etc., to the correct value of torque and angle. Currently, there are several variants of torque wrench, such as, for example, click-type torque wrenches and electronic torque wrenches. Click-type torque wrenches comprise a click mechanism that, during the tightening action, signals to the user of the wrench when a specific value of tightening torque is reached; such signalling can occur audibly, visually, and / or tactilely. The most modern electronic torque wrenches (or electromechanical if they also comprise a click mechanism) comprise a torque sensor and an angle sensor connected to an electronic control board. The torque and angle sensors allow to detect, respectively, the tightening torque and the tightening angle during the tightening action; the electronic control board allows to acquire the signal from such sensors, to convert it in a value of tightening torque and angle, respectively, and to display it through a display.

[0006] Known-type of torque wrenches can encounter malfunctions or even damage when employed in applications where liquids, such as for example water, oils, etc., and / or solids, such as for example dust particles, shavings, etc., are present. Indeed, any liquids or solids can enter the main body of a torque wrench and interfere with the operation of its components, sometimes damaging them.

[0007] For example, the entry of a liquid inside the main body of an electronic torque wrench can lead to the malfunction of the torque sensor and / or angle sensor of such wrench: the malfunction of such sensors can cause incorrect readings, respectively, of the tightening torque and the tightening angle during the tightening action.

[0008] Moreover, the entry of a liquid inside the main body of a clicktype torque wrench can cause corrosion of the mechanical components of such wrench; for example, a liquid can lead to the corrosion of the parts that compose the click mechanism housed in the main body of the wrench, compromising its functionality.

[0009] The entry of solids inside the main body of a click-type torque wrench can lead to gradual erosion (or wear) of the parts that compose the click mechanism, compromising its functionality: any solids can, for example, position themselves between the parts of the click mechanism, causing the mechanism to jam.

[0010] Liquids and solids can enter the main body of a torque wrench through the transverse opening of such body. Inside the main body of the wrench, a transmission arm is housed, often part of a click mechanism, through which the tightening torque is applied, for example, to a bolt, during the tightening operation. The transverse opening of the main body is the opening through which one end of the transmission arm protrudes from the inside the main body to the outside of such body; at such end, the transmission arm comprises a coupling head for the connection of a clamping tool. The coupling head is positioned outside the main body and faces the transverse opening of such body, aligned with the same along a median longitudinal axis of the main body.

[0011] Torque wrenches are known in which a gasket made of polymeric material is used to obstruct the entry of liquids and solids in the main body through the transverse opening of such body.

[0012] For example, the object of document JP6715710B2, registered to Tohnichi MFG CO LTD, is a torque wrench in which main body (or tubular body) a click mechanism is housed. The click mechanism comprises a coupling head protruding from one end of the main body. The torque wrench includes an elastic tube (or gasket) installed on the wrench itself so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the main body and the outer surface of the coupling head, covering the space between the two components.

[0013] Such known-type torque wrench, while providing numerous advantages, still presents room for improvement.

[0014] During the tightening operation of a joint, the coupling head moves relative to the main body of the wrench (e.g., it slightly rotates relative to the main body). Due to such movement, the entire gasket could translate, for example, towards the main body or towards the coupling head of the torque wrench: after numerous tightening operations, the entire gasket could translate towards the main body or towards the coupling head of the torque wrench, to the point of exposing the space between the two components. When the space between the two components is exposed, the transverse opening of the main body of the torque wrench becomes accessible from the outside: liquids and solids potentially present outside the torque wrench could then enter the main body through the transverse opening of such body, interfering with the operation of the wrench components.

[0015] The gasket of the known-type torque wrench could obstruct the movement of the coupling head relative to the main body during the tightening action, interfering with the measurement of the tightening torque. Indeed, part of the tightening torque applied by the user during the tightening action is dissipated in the elastic deformation of the gasket, which, for example, stretches on one side to allow the rotation of the coupling head relative to the main body: as a result, the measurement of the tightening torque could be inaccurate. The main task of the present finding is to solve the drawbacks of the known-type torque wrench by making a torque wrench protected against the entry of liquids and solids, in which the gasket maintains a certain sealing condition against liquids and solids for a relatively high number of tightening operations.

[0016] In the scope of such task, an object of the present finding is to make a torque wrench protected against the entry of liquids and solids, in which the entire gasket does not translate relative to the body of the wrench during tightening operations with the risk of exposing (after numerous tightening operations) the space between the coupling head and the main body of the wrench.

[0017] Moreover, a further object of the present finding is to make a torque wrench protected against the entry of liquids and solids, in which the gasket has a relatively small impact on the measurement of the tightening torque.

[0018] The task and objects mentioned above are achieved by a torque wrench having the features of the attached claim 1.

[0019] Other advantageous features of the finding are reported in the dependent claims.

[0020] The features and advantages of the present finding will be more apparent from the following exemplary and non-limiting description referred to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

[0021] - Figure 1 is a side view of an advantageous embodiment of a torque wrench according to the finding;

[0022] - Figure 2 is a top plan view of the advantageous embodiment of the torque wrench of Figure 1;

[0023] - Figure 3 is a perspective view of an advantageous embodiment of the main body of a torque wrench according to the finding; - Figure 4 is a perspective view of an advantageous embodiment of the transmission arm of a torque wrench according to the finding;

[0024] - Figure 5 is a perspective view of an advantageous embodiment of the gasket of a torque wrench according to the finding;

[0025] - Figure 6 is a side view of the advantageous embodiment of the gasket of Figure 5;

[0026] - Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional top view of the advantageous embodiment of the gasket of Figure 5, taken along plane VI-VI of Figure 6;

[0027] - Figure 8 is a side view of one of the first advantageous embodiments of a torque wrench according to the finding;

[0028] - Figure 9 is a top plan view of the advantageous embodiment of the torque wrench of Figure 8;

[0029] - Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a detail of the advantageous embodiment of the torque wrench of Figure 8;

[0030] - Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a detail of the advantageous embodiment of the torque wrench of Figure 8, on which a gasket is installed;

[0031] - Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional top view of a detail of the advantageous embodiment of the torque wrench of Figure 8;

[0032] - Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional top view of a detail of the advantageous embodiment of the torque wrench of Figure 8, on which a gasket is installed;

[0033] - Figure 14 is a side view of another of the first advantageous embodiments of a torque wrench according to the finding;

[0034] - Figure 15 is a top plan view of the advantageous embodiment of the torque wrench of Figure 14;

[0035] - Figure 16 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a detail of the advantageous embodiment of the torque wrench of Figure 14; - Figure 17 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a detail of the advantageous embodiment of the torque wrench of Figure 14, on which a gasket is installed;

[0036] - Figure 18 is a longitudinal sectional top view of a detail of the advantageous embodiment of the torque wrench of Figure 14;

[0037] - Figure 19 is a longitudinal sectional top view of a detail of the advantageous embodiment of the torque wrench of Figure 14, on which a gasket is installed;

[0038] - Figure 20 is a longitudinal sectional top view of a detail of one of the second advantageous embodiments of a torque wrench according to the finding;

[0039] - Figure 21 is a longitudinal sectional top view of a detail of the advantageous embodiment of the torque wrench of Figure 20, on which a gasket is installed;

[0040] - Figure 22 is a longitudinal sectional top view of a detail of another of the second advantageous embodiments of a torque wrench according to the finding;

[0041] - Figure 23 is a longitudinal sectional top view of a detail of the advantageous embodiment of the torque wrench of Figure 22, on which a gasket is installed.

[0042] With reference to the attached figures, number 1 collectively indicates a torque wrench made impermeable to liquids and solids according to the finding.

[0043] The torque wrench 1 according to the finding comprises a main body 2 having a tubular conformation and comprising a first end 3, at which is obtained a transverse opening 4 suitable for making the interior of the main body 2 accessible from the outside; an advantageous embodiment of the main body 2 is illustrated, for example, in Figure 3.

[0044] The main body 2 also comprises a second end 5, opposite to the first end 3; the handle 19 of the torque wrench 1 is advantageously positioned near the second end 5 of the main body 2.

[0045] The torque wrench 1 according to the finding comprises a transmission arm 6 for transmitting a tightening torque, for example, to a bolt, during the tightening action; in click-type torque wrenches, for example, the transmission arm 6 can be part of the click mechanism of the wrench. An advantageous embodiment of the transmission arm 6 is illustrated, for example, in Figure 4.

[0046] The transmission arm 6 is at least partially contained within the main body 2 and comprises, at one end, a coupling head 7 positioned outside the main body 2 and facing the transverse opening 4 of the main body 2.

[0047] The coupling head 7 has a substantially cylindrical conformation, or prismatic, and comprises a first end 8 configured for the connection of a clamping tool, not illustrated, and an opposite second end 9 by means of which the coupling head 7 is associated with the main body 2.

[0048] Advantageously, the first end 8 of the coupling head 7 is directed in the direction opposite to the main body 2, and the second end 9 of the coupling head 7 is directed towards the main body 2 of the torque wrench 1.

[0049] Preferably, the torque wrench 1 according to the finding can comprise detection means, not illustrated in the attached figures, configured and associated, directly or indirectly, with the transmission arm 6, so as to detect the achievement of a specific value of a tightening parameter, typically a tightening torque and / or a tightening angle, during the tightening action; the detection means can comprise a torque sensor to detect the tightening torque and / or an angle sensor (e.g., a gyroscope) to detect the tightening angle.

[0050] The torque wrench 1 according to the finding comprises a gasket 10, having a substantially tubular conformation and comprising a first end portion 11 and a second end portion 12, opposite to the first end portion 11; the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 are associated, respectively, with the coupling head 7 and the main body 2, so as to obstruct the passage of liquids and solids potentially present outside the main body 2 towards the inside of the main body 2 through the transverse opening 4 of the main body 2 itself.

[0051] Preferably, the gasket 10 can be installed on the torque wrench 1 in a removable manner, and preferably so as to be possibly replaced without disassembling the torque wrench 1 (i.e., without having to separate one or more parts of the torque wrench 1 from the rest of such wrench 1).

[0052] Advantageously, the gasket 10 can be a single body or a body comprising two or more distinct parts; such parts can advantageously be joined in pairs in a removable manner.

[0053] In advantageous embodiments, not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the gasket 10 can be made by co-molding two or more different materials.

[0054] In some of such advantageous embodiments, the gasket 10 can comprise a multi-layer wall formed by two or more overlapping layers; in such case, the material of one of such layers can be different from the material of at least one of the other layers.

[0055] In advantageous embodiments, the gasket 10 can be a bellows gasket, or a substantially smooth gasket, comprising a thermoplastic elastomeric material and / or a thermosetting elastomeric material.

[0056] Advantageously, if the gasket 10 is a bellows gasket, then it can comprise a central bellows wall 101 positioned between the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 of the gasket 10; the central bellows wall 101 can advantageously comprise one or more folds 102. In some of such advantageous embodiments, the central wall 101 can comprise a single fold 102.

[0057] In other of such advantageous embodiments, not illustrated in the attached figures, the central wall 101 can comprise two or more folds 102, and one of such folds 102 can have a shape different from the others.

[0058] Moreover, in other of such advantageous embodiments, not illustrated in the attached figures, the central wall 101 can comprise two or more folds 102, all having the same shape.

[0059] The bellows conformation of the central wall 101 allows the gasket 10 to expand and contract relatively easily, for example, along a direction substantially parallel to a median longitudinal axis 20 of the gasket 10 itself. When the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, the bellows configuration of its central wall 101 allows it to deform relatively easily, so as to accommodate the possible movement of the coupling head 7 close to the main body 2, or of the coupling head 7 away from the main body 2 during the tightening action. The first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 of the gasket 10 do not move, or move relatively little, relative to the body of the wrench 1, for example, detaching from the outer surface of the coupling head 7 and the main body 2, respectively: the sealing condition against liquids and solids at such surfaces is then maintained.

[0060] By accommodating the possible movement of the coupling head 7 close to the main body 2, or of the coupling head 7 away from the main body 2 during the tightening action of a joint, the gasket 10 interferes relatively little with the measurement of the tightening torque.

[0061] On an outer surface 13 of the coupling head 7, a first annular groove 14 is obtained having an internal surface 15 into which is inserted, in contact therewith, the first end portion 11 of the gasket 10.

[0062] In the first advantageous embodiments of the torque wrench 1 according to the finding, illustrated, for example, in Figures 8 to 19, the section of the first groove 14, obtained by cutting the first groove 14 with a plane parallel to a median longitudinal axis 21 of the coupling head 7 and passing through such median longitudinal axis 21, is preferably substantially rectangular.

[0063] Preferably, the first end portion 11 of the gasket 10 is at least partially counter-shaped to the first groove 14 and exerts a thrust force against the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14.

[0064] Preferably, the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14 comprises a first lateral surface 151 and a second lateral surface 152, both substantially flat, parallel to each other, and substantially perpendicular to the median longitudinal axis 21 of the coupling head 7.

[0065] Preferably, the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14 comprises a substantially cylindrical bottom surface 153, centered on the median longitudinal axis 21 of the coupling head 7.

[0066] Preferably, the outer edge of each of the two lateral surfaces 151 and 152 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14 (i.e., that furthest from the median longitudinal axis 21 of the coupling head 7) is connected to the outer surface 13 of the coupling head 7, and the inner edge of each of the two lateral surfaces 151 and 152 (i.e., that closest to the median longitudinal axis 21 of the coupling head 7) is connected to the bottom surface 153 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14.

[0067] Preferably, the first end portion 11 of the gasket 10 can comprise a substantially annular first edge 22; when the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, the first edge 22 advantageously protrudes towards the coupling head 7, preferably perpendicular to the median longitudinal axis 21 of the coupling head 7 itself, and is inserted into the first groove 14.

[0068] Preferably, the first edge 22 can be at least partially countershaped to the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14: for example, the first edge 22 can be counter-shaped to the first lateral surface 151, and / or the second lateral surface 152, and / or the bottom surface 153 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14.

[0069] Preferably, the thickness s of the gasket 10 at the first edge 22 can be lower than the distance between the first lateral surface 151 and the second lateral surface 152 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14 along a direction substantially parallel to the median longitudinal axis 21 of the coupling head 7; in such case, the first edge 22 can advantageously be in contact with one or the other of the two lateral surfaces 151 and 152, and possibly also with the bottom surface 153 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14, or be in contact only with the bottom surface 153.

[0070] Preferably, the thickness s of the gasket 10 at the first edge 22 can be equal to the distance between the first lateral surface 151 and the second lateral surface 152 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14 along a direction substantially parallel to the median longitudinal axis 21 of the coupling head 7; in such case, the first edge 22 is advantageously in contact with both the first lateral surface 151 and the second lateral surface 152, and possibly also with the bottom surface 153.

[0071] Preferably, the thickness s of the gasket 10 at the first edge 22 can be greater than the distance between the first lateral surface 151 and the second lateral surface 152 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14 along a direction substantially parallel to the median longitudinal axis 21 of the coupling head 7; in such case, the first edge 22 is in contact with the first lateral surface 151 and the second lateral surface 152 in a condition of elastic deformation, and possibly also in contact with the bottom surface 153: the first edge 22 is compressed between the first lateral surface 151 and the second lateral surface 152 along a direction substantially parallel to the median longitudinal axis 21 of the coupling head 7 and, due to spring back, exerts a thrust force against each of the two lateral surfaces 151 and 152.

[0072] Preferably, the first edge 22 can be counter-shaped to the bottom surface 153 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14 to form a first transverse opening 23 of the gasket 10.

[0073] Preferably, when the gasket 10 is undeformed, for example when it is not installed on the torque wrench 1, its first transverse opening 23 can be oversized relative to the bottom surface 153 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14; in such case, when the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, its first edge 22, inserted into the first groove 14 of the coupling head 7, is not in contact with the bottom surface 153 or is only partially in contact therewith.

[0074] Preferably, when the gasket 10 is undeformed, for example when it is not installed on the torque wrench 1, its first transverse opening 23 can be sized as the bottom surface 153 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14; in such case, when the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, its first edge 22, inserted into the first groove 14 of the coupling head 7, is in contact with the bottom surface 153.

[0075] Preferably, when the gasket 10 is undeformed, for example when it is not installed on the torque wrench 1, its first transverse opening 23 can be undersized relative to the bottom surface 153 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14; in such case, when the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, the first edge 22, inserted into the first groove 14, is in contact with the bottom surface 153 in a condition of elastic deformation and, due to spring back, exerts a thrust force against the bottom surface 153 itself.

[0076] In some of such first advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in Figures 8 to 19, the bottom surface 153 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14 has a cylindrical conformation, and the first transverse opening 23 of the gasket 10 has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0077] In such advantageous embodiments, the diameter of the bottom surface 153 is greater than the diameter of the first transverse opening 23.

[0078] In such advantageous embodiments, the diameter of the bottom surface 153 can assume, for example, a value between 1.05 and 1.15 times the diameter of the first transverse opening 23 when the gasket 10 is undeformed.

[0079] In some of such first advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in Figures 8 to 13, the second end portion 12 of the gasket 10 wraps around an outer surface 16 of the main body 2 and exerts a thrust force against that outer surface 16.

[0080] Preferably, the second end portion 12 of the gasket 10 can comprise a substantially annular second edge 24; when the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, the second edge 24 advantageously protrudes towards the main body 2, preferably perpendicular to a median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2 itself, and rests against the outer surface 16 of the main body 2.

[0081] Preferably, the second edge 24 can be at least partially counter-shaped to the outer surface 16 of the main body 2, to form a second transverse opening 26 of the gasket 10.

[0082] Preferably, when the gasket 10 is undeformed, for example, when it is not installed on the torque wrench 1, its second transverse opening 26 can be undersized relative to the outer surface 16 of the main body 2; in such case, when the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, its second edge 24 rests against the outer surface

[0083] 16 of the main body 2 in a condition of elastic deformation and, due to spring back, exerts a thrust force against the outer surface 16 itself.

[0084] In other of such first advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in Figures 14 to 19, the main body 2 comprises a second annular groove 17 having an internal surface 18, into which is inserted, in contact therewith, the second end portion 12 of the gasket 10.

[0085] The section of the second groove 17, obtained by sectioning the second groove 17 itself with a plane parallel to a median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2 and passing through such median longitudinal axis 25, is preferably substantially rectangular.

[0086] Preferably, the second end portion 12 of the gasket 10 is at least partially counter-shaped to the second groove 17 and exerts a thrust force against the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17.

[0087] Preferably, the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17 comprises a first lateral surface 181 and a second lateral surface 182, both substantially flat, parallel to each other, and substantially perpendicular to the median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2.

[0088] Preferably, the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17 comprises a substantially cylindrical or oval bottom surface 183, centered on the median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2.

[0089] Advantageously, the outer edge of each of the two lateral surfaces 181 and 182 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove

[0090] 17 (i.e., that furthest from the median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2) is connected to the outer surface 16 of the main body 2, and the inner edge of each of the two lateral surfaces 181 and 182 (i.e., that closest to the median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2) is connected to the bottom surface 183 of the inner surface

[0091] 18 of the second groove 17. Preferably, the second end portion 12 of the gasket 10 can comprise a substantially annular second edge 24; when the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, the second edge 24 advantageously protrudes towards the main body 2, preferably perpendicular to the median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2 itself, and is inserted into the second groove 17.

[0092] Preferably, the second edge 24 can be at least partially counter-shaped to the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17: for example, the second edge 24 can be counter-shaped to the first lateral surface 181, and / or the second lateral surface 182, and / or the bottom surface 183 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17.

[0093] Preferably, the second edge 24 can be in contact with the first lateral surface 181, the second lateral surface 182, and / or the bottom surface 183 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17.

[0094] Preferably, the thickness s of the gasket 10 at the second edge 24 can be lower than the distance between the first lateral surface 181 and the second lateral surface 182 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17 along a direction substantially parallel to the median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2; in such case, the second edge 24 can advantageously be in contact with one or the other of the two lateral surfaces 181 and 182, and possibly with the bottom surface 183 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17, or be in contact only with the bottom surface 183.

[0095] Preferably, the thickness s of the gasket 10 at the second edge 24 can be equal to the distance between the first lateral surface 181 and the second lateral surface 182 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17 along a direction substantially parallel to the median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2; in such case, the second edge 24 is advantageously in contact with both the first lateral surface 181 and the second lateral surface 182, and possibly also with the bottom surface 183.

[0096] Preferably, the thickness s of the gasket 10 at the second edge 24 can be greater than the distance between the first lateral surface 181 and the second lateral surface 182 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17 along a direction substantially parallel to the median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2; in such case, the second edge 24 is in contact with the first lateral surface 181 and the second lateral surface 182 in a condition of elastic deformation, and possibly also with the bottom surface 183: the first edge 22 is compressed between the first lateral surface 181 and the second lateral surface 182 along a direction substantially parallel to the median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2, and, due to spring back, exerts a thrust force on both lateral surfaces 181 and 182.

[0097] Preferably, the second edge 24 can be counter-shaped to the bottom surface 183 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17, to form a second transverse opening 26 of the gasket 10.

[0098] Preferably, when the gasket 10 is undeformed, for example when it is not installed on the torque wrench 1, its second transverse opening 26 can be oversized relative to the bottom surface 183 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17; in such case, when the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, its second edge 24, inserted into the second groove 17 of the main body 2, is not in contact with the bottom surface 183, or can be only partially in contact with such surface.

[0099] Preferably, when the gasket 10 is undeformed, for example when it is not installed on the torque wrench 1, its second transverse opening 26 can be sized as the bottom surface 183 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17; in such case, when the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, its second edge 24, inserted into the second groove 17 of the main body 2, is in contact with the bottom surface 183.

[0100] Preferably, when the gasket 10 is undeformed, for example when it is not installed on the torque wrench 1, its second transverse opening 26 can be undersized relative to the bottom surface 183 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17; in such case, when the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, the second edge 24, inserted into the second groove 17, is in contact with the bottom surface 183 in a condition of elastic deformation and, due to spring back, exerts a thrust force on the bottom surface 183 itself.

[0101] In second advantageous embodiments of the torque wrench 1 according to the finding, such as for example those illustrated in Figures 20 to 23, an inner surface 15 of the first groove 14 comprises a first lateral surface 151 having a substantially truncated-cone conformation; the first lateral surface 151 is preferably directed towards the second end 9 of the coupling head 7 and preferably converges in the direction of the first end 8 of the coupling head 7.

[0102] Preferably, the first end portion 11 of the gasket 10 is at least partially counter-shaped to the first groove 14 and advantageously exerts a thrust force against the first lateral surface 151 of the first groove 14.

[0103] Preferably, the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14 also comprises a second lateral surface 152 having a substantially truncated-cone conformation; the second lateral surface 152 is preferably directed towards the first end 8 of the coupling head 7 and preferably converges in the direction of such first end 8.

[0104] Preferably, the first lateral surface 151 and the second lateral surface 152 are coaxial (are preferably centered on a median longitudinal axis 21 of the coupling head 7) and preferably have the same opening angle. Preferably, the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14 comprises a substantially truncated-conical bottom surface 153, preferably centered on the median longitudinal axis 21 of the coupling head 7, preferably directed towards the second end 9 of the coupling head 7, and preferably converging in the direction of such second end 9.

[0105] Preferably, the outer edge of each of the two lateral surfaces 151 and 152 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14 (i.e., that furthest from the median longitudinal axis 21 of the coupling head 7) is connected to the outer surface 13 of the coupling head 7, and the inner edge of each of the two lateral surfaces 151 and 152 (i.e., that closest to the median longitudinal axis 21 of the coupling head 7) is connected to the bottom surface 153 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14.

[0106] Preferably, the first end portion 11 of the gasket 10 can comprise a first edge 22 having a substantially truncated-cone conformation; when the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, the first edge 22 is advantageously inserted into the first groove 14.

[0107] Preferably, the first edge 22 can be at least partially countershaped to the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14, to form a first transverse opening 23 of the gasket 10 having a preferably substantially circular cross-section: for example, the first edge 22 can be counter-shaped to the first lateral surface 151, and / or the second lateral surface 152, and / or the bottom surface 153 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14.

[0108] Preferably, the thickness s of the gasket 10 at the first edge 22 can be lower than the minimum distance between the first lateral surface 151 and the second lateral surface 152 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14; in such case, the first edge 22 is advantageously in contact with the first lateral surface 151 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14. When the gasket 10 is undeformed, for example when it is not installed on the torque wrench 1, the points of the first edge 22 are each at a respective first distance from a median longitudinal axis 20 of the gasket 10. Advantageously, when the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, with its first edge 22 inserted into the first groove 14 of the coupling head 7, the first lateral surface 151 keeps one or more points of the first edge 22 at a respective second distance from the median longitudinal axis 20 of the gasket 10, lower than the respective first distance: the first edge 22 is held in a condition of elastic deformation by the first lateral surface 151 and, due to spring back, the first edge 22 exerts a thrust force against such first lateral surface 151.

[0109] Preferably, the thickness s of the gasket 10 at the first edge 22 can be equal to the minimum distance between the first lateral surface 151 and the second lateral surface 152 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14; in such case, the first edge 22 is advantageously in contact with both the first lateral surface 151 and the second lateral surface 152, and possibly also with the bottom surface 153.

[0110] Preferably, the thickness s of the gasket 10 at the first edge 22 can be greater than the minimum distance between the first lateral surface 151 and the second lateral surface 152 of the inner surface 15 of the first groove 14; in such case, the first edge 22 is in contact with the first lateral surface 151 and the second lateral surface 152 in a condition of elastic deformation: the first edge 22 is compressed between the first lateral surface 151 and the second lateral surface 152 and, due to spring back, exerts a thrust force against both lateral surfaces 151 and 152.

[0111] In some of such second advantageous embodiments, such as for example that illustrated in Figures 20 and 21, the second end portion 12 of the gasket 10 wraps around an outer surface 16 of the main body 2 and exerts a thrust force against such outer surface 16.

[0112] Preferably, the second end portion 12 can be counter-shaped to the outer surface 16 of the main body 2, to form a second transverse opening 26 of the gasket 10.

[0113] Preferably, when the gasket 10 is undeformed, for example when it is not installed on the torque wrench 1, its second transverse opening 26 can be undersized relative to the outer surface 16 of the main body 2; in such case, when the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, the second end portion 12 rests against the outer surface 16 of the main body 2 in a condition of elastic deformation and, due to spring back, exerts a thrust force against the outer surface 16 itself.

[0114] In other of such second advantageous embodiments, such as for example that illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, the main body 2 comprises a second annular groove 17 into which is inserted the second end portion 12 of the gasket 10.

[0115] The section of the second groove 17, obtained by cutting the second groove 17 with a plane parallel to a median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2 and passing through such median longitudinal axis 25, is preferably substantially rectangular.

[0116] Preferably, the second end portion 12 of the gasket 10 is at least partially counter-shaped to the second groove 17 and exerts a thrust force against an inner surface 18 of the second groove 17.

[0117] Preferably, the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17 comprises a first lateral surface 181 and a second lateral surface 182, both substantially flat, parallel to each other, and substantially perpendicular to a median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2.

[0118] Preferably, the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17 comprises a substantially cylindrical or oval bottom surface 183, centered on the median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2. Advantageously, the outer edge of each of the two lateral surfaces 181 and 182 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove

[0119] 17 (i.e., that furthest from the median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2) is connected to the outer surface 16 of the main body 2, and the inner edge of each of the two lateral surfaces 181 and 182 (i.e., that closest to the median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2) is connected to the bottom surface 183 of the inner surface

[0120] 18 of the second groove 17.

[0121] Preferably, the second end portion 12 of the gasket 10 can comprise a substantially annular second edge 24; when the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, the second edge 24 advantageously protrudes towards the main body 2, preferably perpendicular to the median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2 itself, and is inserted into the second groove 17.

[0122] Preferably, the second edge 24 can be at least partially counter-shaped to the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17: for example, the second edge 24 can be counter-shaped to the first lateral surface 181, and / or the second lateral surface 182, and / or the bottom surface 183 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17.

[0123] Preferably, the second edge 24 can be in contact with the first lateral surface 181, the second lateral surface 182, and / or the bottom surface 183 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17.

[0124] Preferably, the thickness s of the gasket 10 at the second edge 24 can be lower than the distance between the first lateral surface 181 and the second lateral surface 182 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17 along a direction substantially parallel to the median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2; in such case, the second edge 24 can advantageously be in contact with one or the other of the two lateral surfaces 181 and 182, and possibly with the bottom surface 183 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17, or be in contact only with the bottom surface 183.

[0125] Preferably, the thickness s of the gasket 10 at the second edge 24 can be equal to the distance between the first lateral surface 181 and the second lateral surface 182 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17 along a direction substantially parallel to the median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2; in such case, the second edge 24 is advantageously in contact with both the first lateral surface 181 and the second lateral surface 182.

[0126] Preferably, the thickness s of the gasket 10 at the second edge 24 can be greater than the distance between the first lateral surface 181 and the second lateral surface 182 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17 along a direction substantially parallel to the median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2; in such case, the second edge 24 is in contact with the first lateral surface 181 and the second lateral surface 182 in a condition of elastic deformation: the first edge 22 is compressed between the first lateral surface 181 and the second lateral surface 182 along a direction substantially parallel to the median longitudinal axis 25 of the main body 2 and, due to spring back, exerts a thrust force against both lateral surfaces 181 and 182.

[0127] Preferably, the second edge 24 can be counter-shaped to the bottom surface 183 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17, to form a second transverse opening 26 of the gasket 10.

[0128] Preferably, when the gasket 10 is undeformed, for example when it is not installed on the torque wrench 1, its second transverse opening 26 can be oversized relative to the bottom surface 183 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17; in such case, when the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, its second edge 24, inserted into the second groove 17 of the main body 2, is not in contact with the bottom surface 183. Preferably, when the gasket 10 is undeformed, for example when it is not installed on the torque wrench 1, its second transverse opening 26 can be sized as the bottom surface 183 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17; in such case, when the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, its second edge 24, inserted into the second groove 17 of the main body 2, is in contact with the bottom surface 183.

[0129] Preferably, when the gasket 10 is undeformed, for example when it is not installed on the torque wrench 1, its second transverse opening 26 can be undersized relative to the bottom surface 183 of the inner surface 18 of the second groove 17; in such case, when the gasket 10 is installed on the torque wrench 1, the second edge 24, inserted into the second groove 17, is in contact with the bottom surface 183 in a condition of elastic deformation and, due to spring back, exerts a thrust force on the bottom surface 183 itself.

[0130] It has thus been observed that the torque wrench protected against the entry of liquids and solids according to the finding fulfils the task and objects cited above.

[0131] Referring to the first advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in Figures 8 to 19, inserting the first edge protruding from the first end portion of the gasket in a first groove obtained on the outer surface of the coupling head allows to constrain the position of the gasket itself along the torque wrench: this reduces the risk that the entire gasket translates towards the coupling head or towards the main body, until exposing the space between the two components.

[0132] Still in such first advantageous embodiments, the first edge protruding from the first end portion of the gasket, being inserted into the first groove obtained on the outer surface of the coupling head, is less exposed to contact with liquids and / or solids potentially present outside the wrench; the first edge is therefore less prone to deterioration over time and maintains the seal against liquids and solids at the coupling head for a relatively high number of tightening operations.

[0133] As long as the first edge is inserted into the first groove obtained on the coupling head of the torque wrench, the first end portion of the gasket ensures the seal against liquids and solids at such component. This means that if the first end portion of the gasket accidentally moves away from the coupling head without pulling the first edge out of the first groove, the seal against liquids and solids remains: thus, small deformations of the first end portion of the gasket that could cause it to move slightly away from the coupling head are tolerable.

[0134] The seal against liquids and solids at the coupling head is lost only if the first end portion of the gasket is deformed and moved away from the coupling head to the point of pulling the first edge out of the first groove. In such case, the first groove can advantageously act, at least temporarily, as a container and trap a certain amount of liquids and / or solids, obstructing the movement of the same towards the transverse opening of the main body of the wrench.

[0135] Still referring to such first advantageous embodiments (examples of which are illustrated in Figures 8 to 19), by exerting a thrust force against the inner surface of the first groove made on the coupling head (for example, against the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface, and possibly also against the bottom surface, or only against the bottom surface of such inner surface), the first edge can deform elastically so as to accommodate any geometric irregularities present on such surfaces (e.g., surface roughness, recesses, etc.): portions of the first edge deform elastically so as to become counter-shaped to such geometric irregularities. The result of such deformation is an increase in the contact surface between the first edge and such surfaces, thereby achieving a better seal against liquids and solids.

[0136] Referring to some of such first advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in Figures 8 to 13, by exerting a thrust force against the outer surface of the main body, the second end portion of the gasket can deform elastically so as to accommodate any geometric irregularities present on such surface (e.g., surface roughness, recesses, etc.): portions of the second end portion deform elastically so as to become counter-shaped to such geometric irregularities. The result of such deformation is an increase in the contact surface between the second end portion of the gasket and the outer surface of the main body, thereby achieving a better seal against liquids and solids. The thrust force exerted by the second end portion of the gasket against the outer surface of the main body generates a frictional force between the second end portion of the gasket and the outer surface of the main body; such frictional force obstructs the movement of the second end portion of the gasket relative to the first end of the main body along a direction substantially parallel to the median longitudinal axis of the main body.

[0137] Referring to other of such first advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in Figures 14 to 19, inserting the second edge protruding from the second end portion of the gasket in a second groove obtained on the outer surface of the main body allows to further constrain the position of the gasket along the torque wrench: this further reduces the risk of the entire gasket translating towards the coupling head or towards the main body, exposing the space between the two components. Regarding the fact that the second edge exerts a thrust force against the inner surface of the second groove on the main body, the same applies as for the first edge. Still in such advantageous embodiments, the second edge protruding from the second end portion of the gasket, being inserted into the second groove obtained on the outer surface of the main body, is less exposed to contact with liquids and / or solids potentially present outside the wrench; the second edge is therefore less prone to deterioration over time and maintains the seal against liquids and solids at the main body for a relatively high number of tightening operations.

[0138] As long as the second edge is inserted in the second groove obtained on the main body of the torque wrench, the second end portion of the gasket ensures the seal against liquids and solids at such component. This means that if the second end portion of the gasket accidentally moves away from the main body without pulling the second edge out of the second groove, the seal against liquids and solids remains: thus, small deformations of the second end portion of the gasket that could cause it to move slightly away from the main body are tolerable.

[0139] The seal against liquids and solids at the main body is lost only if the second end portion of the gasket is deformed and moves away from the main body to the point of pulling the second edge out of the second groove. In such case, the second groove can advantageously act, at least temporarily, as a container and trap a certain amount of liquids and / or solids, obstructing the movement of the same towards the transverse opening of the main body of the wrench.

[0140] Still referring to such first advantageous embodiments (some examples of which are illustrated in Figures 8 to 19), the fact that the gasket is a bellows gasket made of elastomeric material causes the gasket itself to accommodate the movements of the coupling head relative to the main body by expanding and contracting with relative ease, for example along a direction substantially parallel to a median longitudinal axis of the gasket itself; by expanding and contracting with relative ease, a bellows gasket interferes relatively little with the measurement of the tightening torque: a relatively small part of the tightening torque applied by the user is dissipated to deform the bellows gasket, so that the measurement of the tightening torque is relatively accurate.

[0141] Referring to the second advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in Figures 20 to 23, inserting the first edge protruding from the first end portion of the gasket in a first truncated-conical groove obtained on the outer surface of the coupling head and converging towards the first end of the flange ensures that when the torque wrench is used in a substantially vertical position, with the coupling head directed upwards, any liquids and / or solids present on the outer surface of the coupling head tend to move by gravity only on the outer surface of the coupling head, and possibly on the outer surface of the gasket, towards the main body; thus, any liquids and / or solids do not move towards the interior of the first groove.

[0142] Referring to some of such second advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in Figures 20 and 21, by exerting a thrust force against the outer surface of the main body, the second end portion of the gasket can deform elastically so as to accommodate any geometric irregularities present on this surface (e.g., surface roughness, recesses, etc.): portions of the second end portion deform elastically so as to become counter-shaped to such geometric irregularities. The result of such deformation is an increase in the contact surface between the second end portion of the gasket and the outer surface of the main body, thereby achieving a better seal against liquids and solids. The thrust force exerted by the second end portion of the gasket against the outer surface of the main body generates a frictional force between the second end portion of the gasket and the outer surface of the main body; such frictional force obstructs the movement of the second end portion of the gasket relative to the first end of the main body along a direction substantially parallel to the median longitudinal axis of the main body.

[0143] Referring to other of such second advantageous embodiments, such as for example those illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, inserting the second edge protruding from the second end portion of the gasket in a second groove obtained on the outer surface of the main body allows to further constrain the position of the gasket itself along the torque wrench: this reduces the risk of the entire gasket translating towards the coupling head or towards the main body, exposing the space between the two components. Regarding the fact that the second edge exerts a thrust force against the inner surface of the second groove on the main body, the same applies as for the first edge of the first advantageous embodiments illustrated in Figures 14 to 19.

[0144] Still in such second advantageous embodiments, the second edge protruding from the second end portion of the gasket, being inserted into the second groove obtained on the outer surface of the main body, is less exposed to contact with liquids and / or solids potentially present outside the wrench; the second edge is therefore less prone to deterioration over time and maintains the seal against liquids and solids at the main body for a relatively high number of tightening operations.

[0145] As long as the second edge is inserted into the second groove obtained on the main body of the torque wrench, the second end portion of the gasket ensures the seal against liquids and solids at such component. This means that if the second end portion of the gasket accidentally moves away from the main body without pulling the second edge out of the second groove, the seal against liquids and solids remains: thus, small deformations of the second end portion of the gasket that could cause it to move slightly away from the main body are tolerable.

[0146] The seal against liquids and solids at the main body is lost only if the second end portion of the gasket is deformed and moves away from the main body to the point of pulling the second edge out of the second groove. In such case, the second groove can advantageously act, at least temporarily, as a container and trap a certain amount of liquids and / or solids, obstructing the movement of the same towards the transverse opening of the main body of the wrench.

[0147] It is finally clear that the torque wrench protected against the entry of liquids and solids according to the finding is susceptible to numerous modifications or variants, all falling within the finding; furthermore, all the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Torque wrench (1) comprising:- a main body (2) having a tubular conformation and comprising a first end (3) at which is obtained a transverse opening (4) suitable for making the interior of said main body (2) accessible from the outside, and a second end (5), opposite to said first end (3);- a transmission arm (6) for transmitting a tightening torque when said torque wrench (1) is in use, said transmission arm (6) being at least partially contained within said main body (2) and comprising at one end a coupling head (7) positioned outside said main body (2) and facing said transverse opening (4), said coupling head (7) having a substantially cylindrical conformation, or prismatic, and comprising a first end (8) configured for the connection of a clamping tool, and an opposite second end (9) by means of which said coupling head (7) is associated with said main body (2);- a gasket (10), having a substantially tubular conformation and comprising a first end portion (11) and a second end portion (12), opposed to said first end portion (11), said first end portion (11) and said second end portion (12) being associated, respectively, with said coupling head (7) and said main body (2) so as to obstruct the passage of a liquid, and / or of a solid body, from the outside of said main body (2) to the inside of said main body (2) through said transverse opening (4) of said main body (2), characterized by the fact that on an external surface (13) of said coupling head (7) a first annular groove (14) is obtained having an internal surface (15) into which it is inserted, in contact therewith, said first end portion (11) of said gasket (10).2) Torque wrench (1), as in claim 1, wherein said gasket (10) is a bellows gasket, or a substantially smooth gasket, comprising a thermoplastic elastomeric material and / or a thermosetting elastomeric material.3) Torque wrench (1), as in claim 1 or 2, wherein said first groove (14) has a substantially rectangular cross-section and said first end portion (11) of said gasket (10) is at least partially countershaped to said first groove (14), said first end portion (11) exerting a thrust force against said inner surface (15) of said first groove (14).4) Torque wrench (1), as in claim 3, wherein said second end portion (12) of said gasket (10) wraps around an outer surface (16) of said main body (2) and exerts a thrust force against said outer surface (16).5) Torque wrench (1), as in claim 3, wherein said main body (2) comprises a second annular groove (17) having an internal surface (18) into which it is inserted, in contact therewith, said second end portion (12) of said gasket (10).6) Torque wrench (1), as in claim 5, wherein said second groove (17) has a substantially rectangular cross-section and said second end portion (12) is at least partially counter-shaped to said second groove (17), said second end portion (12) exerting a thrust force against said inner surface (18) of said second groove (17).7) Torque wrench (1), as in claim 1 or 2, wherein an inner surface (15) of said first groove (14) comprises a first lateral surface (151) having a substantially truncated-cone conformation, said first lateral surface (151) being directed towards said second end (9) of said coupling head (7) and converging in the direction of said first end (8) of said coupling head (7), said first end portion (11) being at least partially counter-shaped to said first groove (14).8) Torque wrench (1), as in claim 7, wherein said second end portion (12) of said gasket (10) wraps around an outer surface (16) of said main body (2) and exerts a thrust force against said outer surface (16).9) Torque wrench (1), as in claim 7, wherein said main body (2) comprises a second annular groove (17) into which is inserted said second end portion (12) of said gasket (10).10) Torque wrench (1), as in claim 9, wherein said second groove (17) has a substantially rectangular cross-section and said second end portion (12) is at least partially counter-shaped to said second groove (17), said second end portion (12) exerting a thrust force against an inner surface (18) of said second groove (17).

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