Torque tool and torque tool analyzer

• US 4,759,225 A
• Filed: 06/01/1987
• Issued: 07/26/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ryeson Corp. (Snap-On Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Ryeson Corporation (Snap-On Incorporated)
• Inventors: Blattner, Raymond J., Reynertson, John L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Noland, Tom
• Application Number:
  US07/056,519
• Time in Patent Office: 421 Days
• Field of Search: 73/1 C, 73/862.21, 73/862.22, 73/862.08, 81/479
• US Class Current: 73/862.21
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 21/00 Portable power-driven screw or nut setting or loosening tools; details or components, e.g. casings, bodies, of portable power-driven tools not particularly related to the operation performed B25F5/00; for mounting or dismounting wheels B60B29/006; Attachments for drilling apparatus serving the same purpose machines B23P19/06
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/14 Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers couplings for transmitting rotation or clutches F16D; devices for measuring torque per se G01L
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/147 specially adapted for electrically operated wrenches or screwdrivers
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 25/003 for measuring torque

Abstract

A combination torque tool and torque tool analyzer that includes a housing and a portable tool that can be mounted on the housing. The housing has a control panel with indicator lights and control buttons on an upper surface thereof and contains inside it a torque transducer and torque level alarm circuitry. The portable tool can be used as a torque tool, such as a screwdriver, or a torque tool analyzer.

Claims

1. A combination torque tool and torque tool analyzer device comprising:

(a) a portable tool member capable of functioning selectively and alternatively as a torque tool and torque tool analyzer, including;

(i) a body having, at one end thereof, an axially projecting shaft adapted to engage one of a plurality of different adapter fittings, and having, at the other end thereof, means for connecting said tool body to a stabilizing means;

(ii) transducer means in said body for converting mechanical energy in the form of torque to electrical energy in the form of analog signals;

(b) signal conductor means for extending said analog signals from said tool transducer;

(c) a digital readout device;

(d) a control unit including;

(i) a stationary housing member having means for cradling and stabilizing said tool member when it is being used as an analyzer;

(ii) a control and display panel;

(e) signal processing means including;

(i) an analog-to-digital converter connected to said signal conductor means, for converting said extended analog signals to digital signals;

(ii) a digital processer connected between said analog-to-digital converter and said digital readout device for converting said digital signals to operational instructions for said digital readout device.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the function of said tool member can be converted from a screwdriver to a wrench by changing an adapter on the end of said tool member shaft.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the function of said tool member can be changed from a tool to a tool analyzer by attaching said tool member to said housing cradling and stabilizing means.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein said housing stabilizing means includes a stationary stud projecting from said housing and receivable within a complementry opening in said other end of said tool member body;

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein signal conductor means comprising an electric cable connected between said tool member and said analog-to-digital converter.

6. A device according to claim 1, wherein said digital read out device includes a plurality of light emitting diodes.

7. A device according to claim 1, wherein said digital readout device is a liquid crystal display.

8. A device according to claim 1, wherein said digital readout device is in the control panel on said housing.

9. A device according to claim 1, wherein said housing member includes mounting means for securing it to a stationary platform.

10. A device according to claim 1, wherein said control unit includes an alarm and means for adjusting said alarm to be actuated when a predetermined torque level is reached.

11. A device according to claim 1, wherein said signal processing means is located within said housing member.

12. A device according to claim 1, wherein said tool member include a reversing clutch.

13. A combination torque tool and torque tool analyzer device comprising:

(a) a portable tool member capable of functioning selectively and alternatively as a torque screwdriver, torque wrench, and torque tool analyzer, including;

(i) a body having, at one end thereof, an axially projecting shaft adapted to engage one of a plurality of different adapter fittings, and having, at the other end thereof, an opening;

(ii) transducer means in said body for converting mechanical energy in the form of torque to electrical energy in the form of analog signals;

(b) a cable for extending said analog signals from said tool transducer;

(c) a digital readout device;

(d) a control unit including;

(i) a stationary housing member having a bracket for cradling said member and a stud receivable in said opening of said tool member for stabilizing said tool member when it is being used as an analyzer;

(ii) a control and display panel;

(e) signal processing means located within said housing member and including;

(i) an analog-to-digital converter connected to said cable, for converting said extended analog signals to digital signals;

(ii) a digital processor connected between said analog-to-digital converter and said digital read out device for converting said digital signals to operational instructions for said digital read out device.

14. A combination torque tool and torque tool analyzer device comprising:

(a) a portable tool member capable of functioning selectively and alternatively as a torque screwdriver, torque wrench, and torque tool analyzer, including;

(i) a body having, at one end thereof, an axially projecting shaft adapted to engage one of a plurality of different adapter fittings;

(ii) transducer means in said body for converting mechanical energy in the form of torque to electrical energy in the form of analog signals;

(b) means for extending said analog signals from said tool transducer;

(c) a digital readout device;

(d) a control unit including;

(i) a stationary housing member having means for holding said member when it is being used as an analyzer;

(ii) a control and display panel;

(e) signal processing including;

(i) an analog-to-digital converter connected to said signal extending means, for converting said extended analog signals to digital signals;

(ii) a digital processer connected between said analog-to-digital converter and said digital readout device for converting said digital signals to operational instructions for said digital readout device.