Torque tool

Abstract

The present invention discloses a bidirectional torque tool (10) comprising: a waterproof housing (12); a spindle (14); an anti-rotation plate (16); a rotary assembly (18); and a hydraulic drive assembly (20). The spindle (14) is made up of a hexagonal end and a cylindrical end (32) with horizontal splines and can be driven either by the hydraulic drive assembly (20) or directly by means of its hexagonal end (30). The rotary assembly (18) comprises: a toothed wheel (50); and a splined sleeve (52) coupled to the toothed wheel (50), for receiving the cylindrical end (32) of the spindle (14). Furthermore, the hydraulic drive assembly (20) comprises: a main cylinder (60); an auxiliary cylinder (62); and a spring (64). The main cylinder (60) is responsible for applying the force required to rotate the toothed wheel (50) and the auxiliary cylinder (62) is responsible for lifting the tip of the main cylinder (60) in order to initiate a new torqueing cycle, being actuated by a programmable logic controller (PLC).

Description

[0001] TORQUE TOOL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydraulic torque wrench capable of generating torque in both directions of rotation, eliminating the need to reposition the tool to change the direction of movement. The invention combines hydraulic and mechanical mechanisms to provide refined control over the rotation and torque applied to bolts, rods, nuts, and other fasteners, especially for operation in a subsea environment, and is operable by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Currently, maintenance and installation procedures in subsea environments use a unidirectional torque wrench. This approach can be complex due to the limitations of this type of tool and inherent environmental challenges. Unidirectional torque wrenches typically require physical repositioning to change the direction of torque, which can be challenging and time-consuming in underwater environments.

[0003] To reverse the torque direction, the unidirectional torque wrench must be removed and repositioned manually or with the help of an ROV. This is time-consuming and can be difficult to perform due to the complexity of underwater operations.

[0004] Thus, the bidirectional hydraulic torque tool of the present invention solves these problems by allowing torque to be applied in both directions without the need to reposition the tool. This is possible due to the combination of hydraulic and mechanical mechanisms that offer refined control over the direction of rotational movement, providing greater efficiency, precision, and versatility in various industrial applications, especially in subsea environments and remote operations. STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Some prior art documents reveal technologies that fall within the same objective as the present invention, in which, however, unresolved deficiencies still persist.

[0006] Document PT97723A describes a torque application device, stating that it provides both torsional and loosening forces using only one set of cylinders and without turning the torque wrench. To achieve this, it utilizes a novel means of rotating the cylinders' direction of force application. Each cylinder is pivotable so that its piston can rest on two different legs of the four-legged ratchet mechanism, for example, a first and a second leg associated with each cylinder. A rotating ring, driven by the drive gear, engages the cylinders, which are pivotally mounted on the front and rear members of the frame. By rotating the drive gear, the cylinders can be rotated ninety degrees to rest on the second leg associated with the four-legged ratchet mechanism located ninety degrees away from the first leg, thus transmitting force, and therefore torque, in the opposite direction.

[0007] Document US6553873BB describes a wrench assembly including a drive head and a connected socket for engaging a bolt or nut. When the drive head rotates, the socket and any engaged threaded element will also rotate. A hydraulic motor and cylinder are also included. The motor and hydraulic cylinder drive the drive head and socket to rotate independently of each other. Typically, the hydraulic motor will rotate the drive head faster than the cylinder, but with lower torques. Thus, the hydraulic motor will rotate the threaded element until it is snug, and then the hydraulic cylinder will tighten the threaded element to the desired torque. Alternatively, the hydraulic cylinder can release the threaded element once it is tight. The hydraulic motor will then rotate the loosened threaded element out.Finally, the switch assembly includes a hydraulic fluid distribution system, including one or more valves that regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid through the switch assembly.

[0008] Although the listed prior art documents disclose tightening mechanisms for fasteners, none of them come close to the present invention, as they fail to describe a tool capable of performing a bidirectional operation without the need for repositioning the tool, overcoming the limitation of conventional torque wrenches that operate unidirectionally. This enables resident applications, eliminating complexity and time-consuming operations, especially in subsea environments or in situations requiring precise and agile maintenance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention discloses a bidirectional torque tool comprising: a waterproof housing; a spindle; an anti-rotation plate; a rotating assembly; and a hydraulic drive assembly.

[0010] The waterproof housing has a main base with a hole and a cylindrical structure that has two holes to receive the anti-rotation plate.

[0011] It's worth noting that the cylindrical structure has a hole in its central region to accommodate the spindle. The spindle, in turn, consists of a hexagonal end and a cylindrical end with horizontal grooves, and can be actuated by the hydraulic drive assembly or directly through its hexagonal end.

[0012] Additionally, the anti-rotation plate can be positioned in two ways: to block spindle rotation when the tool is configured for hydraulic drive; and to release spindle rotation when the tool is configured for direct drive.

[0013] The rotating assembly comprises a gear wheel and a splined sleeve that is coupled to the gear wheel to receive the cylindrical end of the spindle. Furthermore, the hydraulic drive assembly comprises a main cylinder, a slave cylinder, and a spring. The main cylinder is responsible for applying the force necessary to rotate the gear wheel, and the slave cylinder is responsible for raising the tip of the main cylinder to initiate a new torque application cycle, and is actuated by a programmable logic controller (PLC). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] To assist in identifying the main features of the present invention, the figure to which references are made is presented, as follows:

[0015] Figure 1 illustrates the internal and external components of the bidirectional torque tool of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 illustrates the waterproof housing that protects the tool's internal components.

[0017] Figure 3 illustrates the spindle of the bidirectional torque tool of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 illustrates the anti-rotation plate (16).

[0019] Figure 5 illustrates the rotating assembly of the bidirectional torque tool of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 illustrates the hydraulic drive assembly of the bidirectional torque tool of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 shows an example of the operation of the hydraulic drive assembly of the present invention in both directions.

[0022] Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the hydraulic assembly actuation by means of a PLC. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Figure 1 of the present application illustrates a representation of the internal and external components of the bidirectional torque tool (10) of the present invention. This tool aims to generate torque through the rotation of a gear wheel, which can be rotated in both directions through the controlled action of two hydraulic cylinders or directly through the hexagonal end of the spindle.

[0024] In this sense, the bidirectional torque tool (10) comprises the following structures: waterproof housing (12); spindle (14); anti-rotation plate (16); rotating assembly (18); and hydraulic drive assembly (20).

[0025] The waterproof housing (12) can be seen in more detail in figure 2. The waterproof housing (12) is a structure that houses and protects the internal components of the bidirectional torque tool (10), ensuring its integrity in underwater environments.

[0026] The waterproof housing (12) is equipped with a main base (22) and a cylindrical structure (24). The main base (22) has a hole (22A), where it is used to insert a screw that would be an eccentric, which would keep the cylinder raised, leaving the gear wheel unlocked. In turn, the cylindrical structure (24) has two holes (24A, 24B) to receive the anti-rotation plate (16) and a hole (26) in its central region to receive the spindle (14).

[0027] The spindle (14), in turn, plays a crucial role in transmitting the movement to apply torque to the fasteners. As can be seen in figure 3, the spindle is formed by a hexagonal end (30) and a cylindrical end (32) with horizontal splines. The spindle (14) can be driven by the hydraulic drive assembly (20) or directly through its hexagonal end (30), according to the operating mode defined by the anti-rotation plate (16).

[0028] The bidirectional torque wrench (10) can operate in two modes: hydraulic drive and direct drive. When the torque wrench is configured for hydraulic drive, the anti-rotation plate (16) is positioned to block the spindle (14) from rotating. This means that during hydraulic drive, the plate prevents rotation of the spindle (14), allowing only axial movement. This lock is crucial to ensure that the spindle moves only in the desired direction, without rotating, during hydraulic drive.

[0029] When it is necessary to switch to direct spindle drive via its hexagonal end (30), the anti-rotation plate (16) is reconfigured or repositioned, as can be seen in more detail in Figure 4. This allows the plate to release the spindle rotation lock, allowing it to rotate freely in response to the new drive mode. The plate prevents screw rotation but allows axial movement. In hydraulic mode, the gear wheel rotates, but the screw does not rotate due to the anti-rotation plate. Therefore, the screw moves axially forward or backward due to the rotation of the gear wheel with its internal thread. The screw functions as a spindle and the gear wheel as a nut.

[0030] Figure 5 illustrates the rotating assembly (18) which, in turn, is composed of a gear wheel (50) and a grooved sleeve (52). The gear wheel (50) is responsible for transmitting the movement of the hydraulic drive assembly (20) to the spindle (14), which is coupled to the grooved sleeve (52) by means of its cylindrical end (32).

[0031] The hydraulic drive assembly (20) is responsible for generating the movement necessary to apply torque to the fastening elements, and is shown in more detail in figure 6.

[0032] In this sense, the aforementioned hydraulic drive assembly (20) is composed of components that work together to control the rotation of the spindle (14), these being: main cylinder (60); auxiliary cylinder (62); and spring (64).

[0033] The main cylinder (60) is responsible for applying the force needed to rotate the gear wheel (50), transmitting the movement to the spindle. It acts by pulling or pushing the teeth of the gear wheel (50), initiating and maintaining rotation as needed to apply torque to the fasteners. The controlled movement of this cylinder allows for bidirectional operation of the torque wrench, allowing torque to be applied in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0034] In turn, the auxiliary cylinder (62) has the function of raising the tip of the main cylinder (60), allowing it to move to find the next tooth on the gear wheel, ensuring a continuous rotation movement.

[0035] A spring (64) is incorporated to ensure proper return of the cylinders to their initial position after torque application. This is essential to prepare the tool for the next torque application cycle, keeping the tool ready for further tightening or loosening.

[0036] The hydraulic drive assembly (20) is controlled by an automated system. In an exemplary embodiment, a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) coordinates movement in the cylinders.

[0037] When actuated, the master cylinder (60) initiates movement, pulling or pushing the sprocket teeth to apply the required torque. The slave cylinder (62) works in sync with the master cylinder (60), raising the tip of the master cylinder (60) to allow smooth, continuous travel during sprocket rotation.

[0038] After the torque application cycle is completed, the spring (64) helps restore the cylinders to their initial position, preparing the system to start the next cycle and repeat the procedure according to the rotation direction demanded by the PLC.

[0039] Figure 7 shows an example of how the hydraulic drive assembly (20) operates, both clockwise and counterclockwise, starting from a rest position.

[0040] In the counterclockwise direction, the assembly follows these steps: contraction of the main cylinder; contraction of the auxiliary cylinder and extension of the main cylinder; and release of the auxiliary cylinder and return of the assembly by the action of a spring. In this case, the hydraulic drive assembly (20) pulls the teeth of the sprocket with each torque application cycle.

[0041] For clockwise operation, the following steps are followed: contraction of the auxiliary cylinder and contraction of the main cylinder; release of the auxiliary cylinder and return of the assembly by the action of a spring; and extension of the main cylinder. In this case, the hydraulic drive assembly (20) pushes the sprocket teeth with each torque application cycle.

[0042] The arrangement between the PLC and the master and slave cylinders is further detailed in Figure 8. In this circuit, the PLC is connected to two directional valves, each connected to one of the cylinders (master and slave) and to the hydraulic power source. The PLC receives and processes control instructions. It determines when and how the cylinders should be actuated to apply torque to the fasteners. Each directional valve controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to a specific cylinder (master and slave cylinder). The directional valves are switched by the PLC to direct the flow of hydraulic fluid according to the programmed instructions.

[0043] When the PLC receives a signal to apply torque in a specific direction, it sends commands to the corresponding directional valves. The directional valve connected to the master cylinder is actuated by the PLC, allowing hydraulic fluid to be directed to the master cylinder. Simultaneously, the other directional valve connected to the slave cylinder is adjusted to coordinate the necessary auxiliary movement to ensure smooth operation of the master cylinder.

[0044] With hydraulic pressure directed to the correct cylinders, movement begins. The master cylinder applies the necessary torque, while the slave cylinder assists in the process by raising the master cylinder tip to allow continuous, efficient movement.

[0045] Once torque is applied as needed, the PLC adjusts the directional valves to stop the flow of hydraulic fluid to the cylinders, ceasing movement and preparing the system for the next operating cycle.

[0046] This PLC-controlled hydraulic circuit, through directional valves, enables precise and coordinated actuation of the cylinders to apply torque in both directions according to programmed instructions, allowing efficient and controlled operation of the bidirectional hydraulic torque wrench.

[0047] By enabling precise and independent control of each cylinder via the PLC, bidirectional operation becomes feasible without the need to reposition the tool, overcoming the limitations of conventional torque wrenches that operate unidirectionally. This enables resident applications, eliminating complexity and time-consuming operations, especially in subsea environments or in situations requiring precise and agile maintenance. This solution promotes a more versatile and efficient application, facilitating the execution of tightening and loosening fasteners in both directions, without the need for interruptions to reposition the tool.

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. A bidirectional torque tool (10) comprising: a waterproof housing (12); a spindle (14); an anti-rotation plate (16); a rotating assembly (18); and a hydraulic drive assembly (20).

2. A bidirectional torque tool (10) according to claim 1, wherein the waterproof housing (12) comprises: a main base (22) with a hole (22A); and a cylindrical structure (24) having two holes (24A, 24B) for receiving the anti-rotation plate (16), wherein the cylindrical structure (24) has a hole (26) in its central region for receiving the spindle (14).

3. Bidirectional torque tool (10), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the spindle (14) is formed by a hexagonal end (30) and a cylindrical end (32) with horizontal grooves. 4.Bidirectional torque tool (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the spindle (14) can be driven by the hydraulic drive assembly (20) or directly by means of its hexagonal end (30).

5. Bidirectional torque tool (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the anti-rotation plate (16) is positioned so as to block the rotation of the spindle (14) when the tool is configured for hydraulic drive. 2 / 3 6. Bidirectional torque tool (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the anti-rotation plate (16) is positioned so as to release rotation of the spindle (14) when the tool is configured for direct drive.

7. Bidirectional torque tool (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotating assembly (18) comprises: a sprocket (50); and a splined sleeve (52), wherein the splined sleeve (52) is coupled to the sprocket (50) to receive the cylindrical end (32) of the spindle (14).

8. Bidirectional torque tool (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hydraulic drive assembly (20) comprises: a main cylinder (60); an auxiliary cylinder (62); and a spring (64). 9.Bidirectional torque tool (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the main cylinder (60) is responsible for applying the force necessary to rotate the gear wheel (50).

10. Bidirectional torque tool (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary cylinder (62) is responsible for raising the tip of the main cylinder (60) to start a new torque application cycle.

11. Bidirectional torque tool (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the main cylinder (60) and the auxiliary cylinder (62) are. 3 / 3 driven by a programmable logic controller.

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