JP7530604B2 - Torque Nut for Manual Tightening - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a manual torque nut that is screwed into a specified fastening object by manual tightening and has a torque limiter function.

Nuts that have a male thread on the outer periphery and are screwed onto a specified fastening object are widely used in various technical fields, and are also used to attach devices installed around water, for example. An example of a device installed around water is an operating device for remotely operating a plug cover installed in correspondence with the drain of a tank (such as a washbasin or bathtub).

An operating device is known that includes a reciprocating operating part (such as an operating lever or operating button), a tubular member that guides the movement of the operating part, and a transmission member (such as a wire) that transmits the driving force caused by the displacement of the operating part to the drain plug lid, and that moves the operating part to move the drain plug lid up and down to switch the open/close state of the drain outlet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this operating device, the tubular member corresponds to the fastening object. The tubular member has a flange and a male thread on its outer periphery. A nut is screwed onto the tubular member (male thread), and the flange and nut are placed in a state where the specified installation object (such as the counter part of a washbasin or the flange part of a bathtub) is sandwiched between the tubular member and the drain plug, whereby the tubular member is attached to the installation object.

In addition, to prevent excessive rotational torque during screwing, a torque nut with a torque limiter function may be used as the nut. A known torque nut includes a nut body with multiple body-side projections (receiving claws) formed in an annular shape on the outer periphery, and an outer ring (cover member) arranged on the outer periphery of the nut body and with multiple ring-side projections (push claws) formed on the inner periphery that can engage with the body-side projections, and is configured so that when the rotational torque of the nut body exceeds a predetermined value (maximum allowable torque), the engagement of the ring-side projections with the body-side projections is released (see, for example, Patent Document 2, etc.).

JP 2017-226975 A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-242729

When installing the above-mentioned operating device, the nut may be screwed onto the object to be fastened (a cylindrical member) by hand tightening without using tools, in order to prevent excessive rotational torque from being applied and to save work space. In this case, the rotational torque of the nut is relatively small compared to when tools are used. Therefore, when using a torque nut as the nut, it is necessary to use a torque nut with a relatively small maximum allowable torque (rotational torque at the time of disengagement) so that the engagement of the ring-side protrusion with the body-side protrusion is released at a stage when the rotational torque is relatively small. Therefore, it is possible to set the maximum allowable torque of the torque nut to a relatively small value by adjusting the angle and protrusion amount of the body-side protrusion and the ring-side protrusion.

However, some shape error occurs when manufacturing torque nuts (nut body and outer ring). As a result, the angles and protrusion amounts of the body-side protrusions and ring-side protrusions will differ slightly for each torque nut manufactured, resulting in some differences in the set maximum allowable torque. The absolute value of this difference is unlikely to be large, but if the set target maximum allowable torque is relatively small, there is a risk that the actual maximum allowable torque will vary relatively widely when this set target maximum allowable torque is used as the standard. Therefore, there is a risk that the mounting condition of the nut relative to the fastening object after hand tightening will vary depending on the torque nut used.

This situation can occur not only with torque nuts used in devices installed around water, such as the operating device described above, but also with all torque nuts that are screwed into the object to be fastened by hand.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a manually tightened torque nut that is screwed into an object to be fastened by hand tightening, and that allows the maximum allowable torque to be set more accurately to a relatively small value.

Below, each means suitable for achieving the above objective will be explained item by item. In addition, the specific effects of the corresponding means will be noted as necessary.

Means 1. A nut body having an inner cylindrical portion with a body-side protrusion formed on the outer periphery thereof, which is to be screwed into a predetermined fastening object;
an outer ring having an outer cylindrical portion with a ring-side protrusion formed on an inner periphery thereof, the inner cylindrical portion being inserted into the outer cylindrical portion;
By rotating the outer ring in a state in which the ring-side protrusion is engaged with the body-side protrusion, the nut body can be screwed onto the object to be fastened,
When the nut body is screwed onto the fastening object, if a rotational torque of the nut body relative to the fastening object exceeds a predetermined value, the ring side protrusion passes over the body side protrusion, and the engagement of the ring side protrusion with the body side protrusion is released, and
A hand-tightened torque nut in which the nut body is screwed onto the object to be fastened by hand,
A separation restricting means for restricting separation of the nut body and the outer ring is provided,
The body-side protrusions are provided in a pair at positions with a central axis of the inner cylinder portion therebetween,
At least a pair of the ring-side projections are provided so as to be simultaneously engaged with a pair of the main body-side projections,
the outer cylinder portion has a non-forming portion facing portion that faces a portion of an outer circumferential portion of the inner cylinder portion that is located between the pair of body-side protrusions when the ring-side protrusions are engaged with the body-side protrusions,
a non-formed portion opposing portion configured to be elastically deformable radially inwardly of the outer cylindrical portion without being hindered by the body-side protrusion when the ring-side protrusion overcomes the body-side protrusion.

According to the above-mentioned means 1, when the nut body is screwed onto the object to be fastened, if the rotational torque of the nut body relative to the object to be fastened exceeds a predetermined value (maximum allowable torque), the ring side protrusion overcomes the body side protrusion, disengaging the ring side protrusion from the body side protrusion, and no rotational torque is transmitted to the nut body. In other words, the hand-tightened torque nut of the above-mentioned means 1 has a torque limiter function. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent excessive rotational torque from being applied to the nut body when screwed onto the object to be fastened.

In addition, according to the above-mentioned means 1, only a pair of the body-side protrusions are provided at positions between the central axis of the inner cylinder, and the non-forming portion facing portion of the outer cylinder [a portion of the outer periphery of the inner cylinder that faces a portion located between a pair of body-side protrusions (i.e., a range in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder where the body-side protrusions are not formed)] can easily elastically deform radially inward of the outer cylinder without being hindered by the body-side protrusions when the ring-side protrusions overcome the body-side protrusions. Therefore, as a result, when the ring-side protrusion overcomes the body-side protrusion, the outer cylinder is easily elastically deformed into an elliptical shape, and the portion of the outer cylinder where the ring-side protrusions are formed can easily elastically deform radially outward of the outer cylinder. This allows the ring-side protrusions to easily overcome the body-side protrusions, so that a relatively small value can be set as the predetermined value (maximum allowable torque). As a result, the torque limiter function can be more reliably exerted when the nut body is screwed onto the object to be fastened by hand tightening (usually when the rotational torque of the nut body is relatively small).

Furthermore, even if some shape error occurs during the manufacturing of the torque nut (nut body and outer ring), the likelihood of elastic deformation occurring in the outer tubular portion remains almost unchanged. Therefore, the specified value (maximum allowable torque) can be set more precisely (with less variation). This makes it possible to more reliably prevent variation in the mounting state of the nut body relative to the object being fastened depending on the torque nut used.

In addition, the separation prevention means can prevent the nut body and the outer ring from separating (the nut body coming off the outer ring). This makes it easier to manage (storage, etc.) the torque nut and to tighten it manually.

Means 2. The nut body has a flange-shaped bearing surface portion that is formed to protrude from one end of the inner cylindrical portion and has an end surface that constitutes a bearing surface,
The outer ring is
a cylindrical cover portion that is disposed on an outer periphery of the seat portion in a state in which an end surface of the seat portion is exposed;
a connecting portion that connects one end of the outer cylinder portion and an end of the cover portion,
the outer tubular portion has a slit pair including two slits each of which is provided at a position with the ring-side protrusion therebetween and opens at one end of the outer tubular portion,
The hand-tightened torque nut described in means 1 is characterized in that a window portion is formed through the connecting portion, communicating the two slits that constitute the slit pair.

According to the above-mentioned means 2, by providing a slit pair and a window portion, the portion of the outer cylinder where the ring-side protrusion is formed can be more easily elastically deformed radially outward of the outer cylinder. Therefore, it is easily possible to set the predetermined value (maximum allowable torque) to a smaller value. This makes it possible to more reliably exert the torque limiter function when the nut body is screwed onto the object to be fastened by hand tightening.

In addition, providing a cover portion can more reliably prevent damage to the seat portion.

Means 3. The hand-tightened torque nut described in means 2 is characterized in that the separation restriction means protrudes inward from the end of the cover portion opposite the connecting portion, and includes a retaining portion that engages the seat portion to prevent the nut body from coming off the outer ring.

According to the above-mentioned means 3, the separation restriction means can be realized with a simple structure, and it is possible to suppress increases in manufacturing costs, etc.

The anti-slip portion is provided on the end of the cover portion opposite the connecting portion. Therefore, it is easy to check from the outside whether the anti-slip portion is properly engaged with the seat portion. This more reliably prevents manual tightening work from being performed when the relative positional relationship between the nut body and the outer ring is inappropriate (when the two are not properly assembled), improving the convenience of the work.

Means 4. The nut body has a grip portion that can be gripped by an operator when screwing the nut body into the object to be fastened,
The grip portion is formed by a plurality of protrusions that are formed on the outer periphery of the outer tubular portion and are spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the outer tubular portion,
The hand-tightened torque nut described in means 2 or 3 is characterized in that the protrusion is formed on the outer periphery of the outer tubular portion at a portion that is shifted in the circumferential direction of the outer tubular portion from the respective positions at which the window portion and the slit pair are formed.

If the tightening operation is performed by simply holding the outer tube, depending on the handle position (hand holding position), the inward force applied by the operator's hand may hinder the elastic deformation of the part of the outer tube where the ring side protrusion is formed, causing the specified value (maximum allowable torque) to fluctuate.

In this regard, according to the above-mentioned means 4, the handle portion is composed of multiple protrusions, and each protrusion is formed on the outer periphery of the outer tube portion at a portion that is shifted in the circumferential direction of the outer tube portion from the position where the window portion and the slit pair are formed. In other words, each protrusion is provided at a position where even if an inward force is applied, the force is unlikely to be transmitted to the portion of the outer tube portion where the ring side protrusion is formed. This makes it possible to prevent the elastic deformation of the portion of the outer tube portion where the ring side protrusion is formed from being hindered by the force applied by the operator's hand when performing manual tightening work using the handle portion. As a result, the effect of the above-mentioned means 2 can be more reliably exerted while improving workability by providing the handle portion.

In addition, when tightening by hand, the worker does not need to pay special attention to where he holds the torque nut; simply by using the handle, the above-mentioned effect (prevention of inhibition of elastic deformation) is achieved. This makes the work more convenient.

Means 5. A hand-tightened torque nut according to any one of means 1 to 4, characterized in that at least two pairs of the ring-side projections that can be simultaneously engaged with a pair of the body-side projections are provided at different positions along the circumferential direction of the outer tubular portion.

If the ring side protrusion goes over the body side protrusion, there is a risk that the ring side protrusion and the body side protrusion will become slightly deformed (in other words, the ring side protrusion and the body side protrusion will become slightly worn). Therefore, if an attempt is made to screw the nut body again using the same body side protrusion and ring side protrusion after the ring side protrusion has once gone over the body side protrusion, the engagement of the ring side protrusion with the body side protrusion will be insufficient, and as a result, there is a risk that the nut body will not be able to be screwed with the appropriate rotational torque.

In this regard, according to the above-mentioned means 5, at least two pairs of ring side protrusions that can simultaneously engage with a pair of body side protrusions are provided at different positions along the circumferential direction of the outer cylinder. Therefore, even if one pair of ring side protrusions overcomes the body side protrusions, the nut body can be screwed onto the object to be fastened while the other pair of ring side protrusions (where no overtaking has occurred) is engaged with the body side protrusions. This makes it possible to more reliably screw the nut body with an appropriate rotational torque even if the ring side protrusions overcome the body side protrusions.

Means 6. The ring-side protrusions of each set are provided at different positions along the axial direction of the outer cylindrical portion,
The hand-tightened torque nut described in means 5 is characterized in that the main body side protrusion forms a protrusion extending in the axial direction of the inner cylindrical portion and is configured to be engageable with each of the ring side protrusions of each set.

According to the above-mentioned means 6, the ring-side protrusions of each set are provided at different positions along the axial direction of the outer cylinder. For example, when two sets of ring-side protrusions are provided, one set of ring-side protrusions is provided at one axial end of the outer cylinder, and the other set of ring-side protrusions is provided at the other axial end of the outer cylinder. In addition, the main body-side protrusions form a protrusion extending in the axial direction of the inner cylinder, and are configured to be able to engage with each of the ring-side protrusions of each set. Therefore, the portion of the main body-side protrusion with which the ring-side protrusion engages differs for each set of ring-side protrusions. For example, when two sets of ring-side protrusions are provided, the portion of the main body-side protrusion with which one set of ring-side protrusions engages and the portion with which the other set of ring-side protrusions engages are different.

By configuring the ring side protrusions and the body side protrusions as described above, even if one set of ring side protrusions climbs over the body side protrusions, the nut body can be screwed onto the fastening object with the other set of ring side protrusions (where no climbing has occurred) engaged with the parts of the body side protrusions that are not affected by the climbing. In other words, the nut body can be screwed by engaging the parts that are not affected by the climbing. As a result, when the nut body is again screwed onto the fastening object after the ring side protrusions climb over the body side protrusions, the predetermined value (maximum allowable torque) can be made almost the same as before the climbing occurred. As a result, even if the ring side protrusions climb over the body side protrusions, it is possible to more reliably screw the nut body with an appropriate rotational torque.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the operating device. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hand-tightened torque nut. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the nut body as viewed from the inner cylindrical portion side. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the nut body as viewed from the seat side. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hand-tightened torque nut showing the engagement state of a ring-side protrusion with a body-side protrusion. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a nut body for illustrating the configuration of a ring-side protrusion in another embodiment.

One embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the manual torque nut 3 in this embodiment constitutes part of the operating device 1 that is attached to the washbasin 100. Note that FIG. 1 shows the manual torque nut 3 in a simplified form. Below, we will first briefly explain the washbasin 100 and the operating device 1, and then we will explain the manual torque nut 3 in more detail.

The washbasin 100 comprises a bowl-shaped portion (not shown) that forms a storage space for water, etc., and a counter portion 101 that protrudes outward in a generally horizontal direction from the top of the bowl-shaped portion. The counter portion 101 is formed with a mounting hole 102 that penetrates in the thickness direction of the plate. The mounting hole 102 is used to install the operating device 1. The bowl-shaped portion is also provided with a drain port (not shown) for draining water, etc.

The operating device 1 is attached to the counter portion 101 while being inserted through the mounting hole 102, and includes a cylindrical member 2, a manual torque nut 3, an operating portion 4, a transmission member 5, and a blocking member 6. In this embodiment, the cylindrical member 2 corresponds to the "fastening object."

The tubular member 2 is a component that constitutes the base of the operating device 1. The tubular member 2 is formed from a specific resin or the like, and is tubular with a through hole in the center. The tubular member 2 has a cylindrical main body 21 with a male thread 21a formed on the outer periphery, and a flange 22 that protrudes outward from one end of the main body 21. In addition, a locking groove 21b for attaching the blocking member 6 is formed in an annular shape on the outer periphery of the other end of the main body 21.

The hand-tightened torque nut 3 is a part for fixing the tubular member 2 to the counter portion 101. The hand-tightened torque nut 3 is screwed onto the male thread portion 21a on the outer periphery of the tubular member 2, and is installed with the counter portion 101 sandwiched between the flange portion 22. This fixes the tubular member 2 to the counter portion 101. The detailed configuration of the hand-tightened torque nut 3 will be described later.

When the tubular member 2 is fixed to the counter portion 101, it is preferable to interpose an annular seal member made of an elastically deformable material (e.g., rubber) between the flange portion 22 and the counter portion 101. By providing this seal member, it is possible to prevent water from entering the back side of the counter portion 101 through the mounting hole 102.

The operating unit 4 is the part that is operated when opening and closing the drain outlet. The operating unit 4 includes an operating shaft 41 that is inserted into the inner circumference of the cylindrical member 2, and an operating knob 42 that is attached to one end of the operating shaft 41.

The operating shaft 41 is rod-shaped (cylindrical in this embodiment) and can move back and forth along the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member 2. The other end of the operating shaft 41 is provided with a recessed recess 41a for connecting the transmission member 5. In order to prevent water that has entered the cylindrical member 2 from leaking into the transmission member 5, it is preferable to provide an annular seal member made of an elastically deformable material between the outer circumferential surface of the operating shaft 41 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member 2 to provide a watertight seal between the operating shaft 41 and the cylindrical member 2.

The transmission member 5 is, for example, a wire, and is used to transmit the driving force caused by the displacement of the operating unit 4 to a plug cap (not shown) provided in correspondence with the drain outlet. A specific terminal connection part 5a is fixed to the end of the transmission member 5, and the terminal connection part 5a is disposed in the recess 41a, so that the transmission member 5 and the operating unit 4 (operating shaft 41) are connected in series.

The transmission member 5 is disposed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical tube member 7 and is capable of reciprocating movement within the tube member 7. As a result, the transmission member 5 reciprocates within the tube member 7 in response to a push-pull operation on the operation unit 4 (knob portion 42). As the transmission member 5 reciprocates, the plug lid moves up and down, and as a result, the open/closed state of the drain outlet can be switched.

The blocking member 6 is a part that holds the end of the tube member 7 while preventing the operating part 4 from coming out of the other end of the cylindrical member 2. The blocking member 6 is generally cylindrical, and holds the end of the tube member 7 on its inner circumference. The end of the blocking member 6 is formed with a claw portion 6a that protrudes inward. The claw portion 6a is placed in the locking groove portion 21b and is locked to the cylindrical member 2, so that the blocking member 6 is attached to the cylindrical member 2 while blocking the opening on the other end side.

Next, the detailed configuration of the manual torque nut 3 will be described. The manual torque nut 3 is screwed onto the object to be fastened (the cylindrical member 2 in this embodiment) by manual tightening without using tools. As shown in FIG. 2, the manual torque nut 3 includes a nut body 31 and an outer ring 32.

The nut body 31 is a part that is screwed into the tubular member 2 and performs the original function of a nut (i.e., is screwed onto an object to be fastened). As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the nut body 31 has an inner tubular portion 311 and a seat portion 312.

The inner cylinder 311 is cylindrical, and a female thread 311a that can be screwed into the male thread 21a is formed on the inner circumference. On the other hand, a main body side protrusion 313 is formed on the outer circumference of the inner cylinder 311.

Only a pair of body-side protrusions 313 are provided at positions with the central axis CL of the inner cylinder 311 between them (sandwiching the central axis CL). Each body-side protrusion 313 extends along the axial direction (the direction of the central axis CL) of the inner cylinder 311, forming a continuous protrusion from the end of the inner cylinder 311 (the end opposite the seating surface 312) to the seating surface 312. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of each body-side protrusion 313 is provided with a removal-engagement surface 313a and a screw-engagement surface 313b.

The removal-engaged surface 313a is a surface formed in a plan view (when viewed along the central axis CL) that is approximately parallel to the radial direction of the inner cylindrical portion 311 (the direction in which an imaginary straight line extends from the central axis CL toward the main body-side protrusion 313). The removal-engaged surface 313a engages the ring-side protrusion 323, which will be described later, when the hand-tightened torque nut 3 is removed from the cylindrical member 2.

On the other hand, the engaged surface 313b when screwed is a gentle slope that rises gradually with a relatively gentle inclination angle relative to the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube portion 311 (a tangent line passing through the outer circumferential surface) when viewed in a plan view. In other words, the inclination angle of the engaged surface 313b when screwed relative to the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube portion 311 is smaller than the inclination angle of the engaged surface 313a when detached relative to the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube portion 311. When the hand-tightened torque nut 3 is screwed into the tubular member 2, the ring-side protrusion 323 described below is engaged with the engaged surface 313b when screwing.

The seat portion 312 is a flange-shaped portion that protrudes from one end of the inner cylinder portion 311, and its end face constitutes the seat surface of the nut body 31. In this embodiment, when the operating device 1 is installed, the end face of the seat portion 312 comes into surface contact with the counter portion 101.

The seat portion 312 has a small diameter portion 312a that is continuous with the outer edge of the end face (seat surface), and a large diameter portion 312b that is larger in diameter than the small diameter portion 312a. A step portion 312c is formed on the outer periphery of the seat portion 312 based on the diameter difference between the small diameter portion 312a and the large diameter portion 312b.

The outer ring 32 is disposed on the outer periphery of the nut body 31 and is a part that an operator holds when attaching or detaching the hand-tightened torque nut 3 to the cylindrical member 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the outer ring 32 includes an outer cylinder portion 321, a connecting portion 322, a cover portion 325, and a handle portion 326.

The outer cylinder 321 is a cylindrical portion into which the inner cylinder 311 is inserted. A ring-side protrusion 323 is formed on the inner circumference of one end of the outer cylinder 321.

At least one pair of ring side protrusions 323 are provided so as to be simultaneously engaged with the pair of body side protrusions 313. In this embodiment, two pairs of ring side protrusions 323 that can be simultaneously engaged with the pair of body side protrusions 313 are provided at different positions along the circumferential direction of the outer tube portion 321.

In addition, the outer tube portion 321 has two slits 324a that are provided in a position along the circumferential direction of the outer tube portion 321 with the ring side protrusions 323 between them, and each slit 324a opens at one end of the outer tube portion 321. These two slits 324a form a slit pair 324. In this embodiment, a total of four ring side protrusions 323 are provided, and a total of four slit pairs 324 are provided to correspond to these ring side protrusions 323.

Furthermore, the outer tube portion 321 has a non-formed portion facing portion 321a that faces a portion of the outer periphery of the inner tube portion 311 that is located between a pair of body-side protrusions 313 when the ring-side protrusions 323 are engaged with the body-side protrusions 313 (see FIG. 6). The non-formed portion facing portion 321a is a portion that occupies a certain range along the circumferential direction of the outer tube portion 321, and faces a range of the outer periphery of the inner tube portion 311 where the body-side protrusions 313 are not formed along the circumferential direction of the inner tube portion 311.

The connecting portion 322 is a portion that connects one end of the outer tube portion 321 and an end of the cover portion 325. A window portion 322a that connects the two slits 324a that make up the slit pair 324 is formed through the connecting portion 322 and corresponds to each slit pair 324. As a result, the connecting portion 322 connects the portion of the outer tube portion 321 that is located between each slit pair 324 and does not have the ring side protrusion 323 to the cover portion 325.

The cover part 325 is a cylindrical part that is arranged on the outer periphery of the seat part 312 and has the function of protecting the seat part 312. A retaining part 325a that protrudes inward is formed on the inner periphery of the end part of the cover part 325 that is located opposite the connecting part 322.

The anti-slip portions 325a are provided at intervals (four evenly spaced portions in this embodiment) along the circumferential direction of the cover portion 325. Each anti-slip portion 325a is engaged with the seat portion 312 (step portion 312c) and prevents the nut body 31 from slipping out from one end opening of the outer ring 32. In this embodiment, the seat portion 312, the anti-slip portions 325a arranged to sandwich the seat portion 312, and the outer tube portion 321 constitute a separation restriction means 33 (see FIG. 2) that restricts separation of the nut body 31 and the outer ring 32.

When the retaining portion 325a is engaged with the seat portion 312 (step portion 312c), the end face (seat) of the seat portion 312 is exposed outside the cover portion 325. In other words, when the hand-tightened torque nut 3 is viewed from the side, the end face of the seat portion 312 is visible without being hidden by the cover portion 325. This ensures that the surface contact of the end face of the seat portion 312 with the counter portion 101 is not hindered by the presence of the cover portion 325.

The handle portion 326 is intended to facilitate the screwing of the nut body 31 to the tubular member 2 by hand tightening, and is intended to be gripped by an operator when screwing the nut body 31 to the tubular member 2. The handle portion 326 is composed of a plurality of (four in this embodiment) flat projections 326a protruding from the outer periphery of the outer tube portion 321. Each projection 326a protrudes from a portion of the outer periphery of the outer tube portion 321 that is offset from the positions of the window portion 322a and the slit pairs 324 in the circumferential direction of the outer tube portion 321 (i.e., a portion between each slit pair 324 where the ring side projection 323 is not formed).

When the operating device 1 is installed, the hand-tightened torque nut 3 configured as described above is screwed onto the tubular member 2 as follows. The operating section 4 is inserted into the tubular member 2 in advance, prior to the step of screwing the hand-tightened torque nut 3 onto the tubular member 2. On the other hand, the transmission member 5, the blocking member 6, etc. are installed after the hand-tightened torque nut 3 is screwed onto the tubular member 2 and the tubular member 2 is attached to the counter section 101.

First, the cylindrical member 2 is inserted through the mounting hole 102, and the hand-tightened torque nut 3 is placed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical member 2 through the other end of the cylindrical member 2. Then, the outer ring 32 is rotated in a predetermined direction with the female thread portion 311a of the nut body 31 in contact with the male thread portion 21a of the cylindrical member 2. The outer ring 32 is rotated manually by an operator holding the handle portion 326. When the outer ring 32 is rotated, the ring side protrusion 323 engages with the body side protrusion 313 (engaged surface 313b when screwed), and the nut body 31 rotates together with the outer ring 32, and the nut body 31 is screwed onto the cylindrical member 2. Then, as the screwing of the nut body 31 onto the cylindrical member 2 progresses, the seat portion 312 comes into contact with the counter portion 101, and the counter portion 101 is sandwiched between the flange portion 22 and the nut body 31.

If the outer ring 32 is then further rotated, the rotational torque of the nut body 31 relative to the tubular member 2 will eventually exceed a predetermined value (maximum allowable torque). When this state is reached, the ring side protrusions 323 climb over the body side protrusions 313, disengaging the pair of ring side protrusions 323 from the pair of body side protrusions 313, and the outer ring 32 will be in a state of freewheeling relative to the nut body 31. This freewheeling state can be said to be a state in which the nut body 31 is screwed onto the tubular member 2 with a predetermined torque value. Therefore, by achieving this freewheeling state, screwing of the nut body 31 (manual tightening torque nut 3) onto the tubular member 2 is completed.

When the ring side protrusion 323 passes over the body side protrusion 313, the non-forming portion opposing portion 321a elastically deforms radially inward of the outer tube portion 321 without being hindered by the body side protrusion 313. Therefore, radially outward elastic deformation occurs relatively easily at the portion of the outer tube portion 321 where the ring side protrusion 323 is formed, and thus it becomes relatively easy for the ring side protrusion 323 to pass over the body side protrusion 313.

The nut body 31 (manual torque nut 3) can be removed from the tubular member 2 by rotating the outer ring 32 in the opposite direction to that of the mounting. By rotating in this manner, the ring side protrusion 323 can be engaged with the body side protrusion 313 (removal engaged surface 313a), and the nut body 31 can be rotated in the opposite direction to that of the mounting. Since the removal engaged surface 313a rises more steeply than the screwed non-engagement surface 313b, when the ring side protrusion 323 is engaged with the removal engaged surface 313a, even if the rotation torque of the nut body 31 relative to the tubular member 2 exceeds a certain value (maximum allowable torque), the ring side protrusion 323 does not overcome the body side protrusion 313, and the engagement of the ring side protrusion 323 with the body side protrusion 313 is maintained. Therefore, the nut body 31 (manual torque nut 3) can be more reliably removed from the tubular member 2.

As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, when the nut body 31 is screwed onto the tubular member 2, if the rotational torque of the nut body 31 relative to the tubular member 2 exceeds a predetermined value (maximum allowable torque), the ring side protrusion 323 overcomes the body side protrusion 313, disengaging the ring side protrusion 323 from the body side protrusion 313, and no rotational torque is transmitted to the nut body 31. In other words, the hand-tightened torque nut 3 has a torque limiter function. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent excessive rotational torque from being applied to the nut body 31 when screwing onto the tubular member 2.

In addition, the body-side protrusions 313 are provided in pairs at positions with the central axis CL of the inner cylinder 311 between them, and the non-forming portion facing portion 321a of the outer cylinder 321 can easily elastically deform radially inward of the outer cylinder 321 without being hindered by the body-side protrusion 313 when the ring-side protrusion 323 passes over the body-side protrusion 313. As a result, when the ring-side protrusion 323 passes over the body-side protrusion 313, the outer cylinder 321 is easily elastically deformed into an elliptical shape, and the portion of the outer cylinder 321 where the ring-side protrusion 323 is formed can easily elastically deform radially outward of the outer cylinder 321. As a result, the ring-side protrusion 323 can easily pass over the body-side protrusion 313, so that a relatively small value can be set as the predetermined value (maximum allowable torque). As a result, when the nut body 31 is screwed into the cylindrical member 2 by hand tightening (usually when the rotational torque of the nut body 31 is relatively small), the torque limiter function can be more reliably exerted.

Furthermore, even if some shape error occurs during the manufacturing of the hand-tightening torque nut 3 (nut body 31 and outer ring 32), the susceptibility of elastic deformation in the outer tubular portion 321 remains almost unchanged. Therefore, the specified value (maximum allowable torque) can be set more precisely (with less variation). This makes it possible to more reliably prevent variation in the mounting state of the nut body 31 relative to the tubular member 2 depending on the hand-tightening torque nut 3 used.

In addition, the separation prevention means 33 can prevent the nut body 31 and the outer ring 32 from separating (the nut body 31 from the outer ring 32). This makes it easier to manage (storage, etc.) the manual tightening torque nut 3 and to tighten it manually.

The anti-slip portion 325a constituting the separation restriction means 33 is provided at the end of the cover portion 325 opposite the connecting portion 322. Therefore, it is possible to easily check from the outside whether the anti-slip portion 325a is properly engaged with the seat portion 312. This more reliably prevents manual tightening work from being performed with the relative positional relationship between the nut body 31 and the outer ring 32 in an inappropriate state, improving the convenience of the work.

In addition, providing the cover portion 325 can more reliably prevent damage to the seat portion 312.

In addition, by providing the slit pair 324 and the window portion 322a, the portion of the outer tube portion 321 where the ring side protrusion 323 is formed can be more easily elastically deformed radially outward of the outer tube portion 321. Therefore, it is easily possible to set the predetermined value (maximum allowable torque) to a smaller value. This makes it possible to more reliably exert the torque limiter function when the nut body 31 is screwed into the tubular member 2 by hand tightening.

Furthermore, the handle portion 326 is composed of a plurality of protrusions 326a, and each protrusion 326a is formed on the outer periphery of the outer tube portion 321 at a position that is shifted in the circumferential direction of the outer tube portion 321 from the positions where the window portion 322a and the slit pair 324 are formed. In other words, each protrusion 326a is provided at a position where, even if an inward force is applied, the force is not easily transmitted to the portion of the outer tube portion 321 where the ring side protrusion 323 is formed. This makes it possible to prevent the elastic deformation of the portion of the outer tube portion 321 where the ring side protrusion 323 is formed from being hindered by the force applied by the operator's hand when performing manual tightening work using the handle portion 326. As a result, the torque limiter function can be more reliably exerted while improving workability by providing the handle portion 326.

In addition, when performing manual tightening work, the worker does not need to pay special attention to the position where the manual tightening torque nut 3 is held; simply by using the handle portion 326, the above-mentioned effect (prevention of inhibition of elastic deformation) is achieved. This makes the work more convenient.

In addition, two pairs of ring side protrusions 323 that can simultaneously engage with a pair of body side protrusions 313 are provided at different positions along the circumferential direction of the outer tube portion 321. Therefore, even if one pair of ring side protrusions 323 rides over the body side protrusions 313, the nut body 31 can be screwed onto the tubular member 2 with the other pair of ring side protrusions 323 (that have not been overcome) engaged with the body side protrusions 313. This makes it possible to more reliably screw the nut body 31 with an appropriate rotational torque even if the ring side protrusions 323 ride over the body side protrusions 313.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be implemented as follows. Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are also possible.

(a) In the above embodiment, each set of ring side protrusions 323 is provided on one end side of the outer tube portion 321, and the formation positions of each ring side protrusion 323 along the axial direction of the outer tube portion 321 are the same. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 7, each set of ring side protrusions 323 may be provided at different positions along the axial direction of the outer tube portion 321. The body side protrusion 313 forming a rib may be configured to be able to engage with each of the ring side protrusions 323 located at different positions along the axial direction of the outer tube portion 321.

In this configuration, the portion of the body-side protrusion 313 with which the ring-side protrusion 323 engages differs for each set of ring-side protrusions 323. Therefore, even if one set of ring-side protrusions 323 rides over the body-side protrusions 313, the nut body 31 can be screwed in a state in which the other set of ring-side protrusions 323 (where no overtaking has occurred) is engaged with the portion of the body-side protrusion 313 that is not affected by the overtaking. In other words, the nut body 31 can be screwed by engaging the portions that are not affected by the overtaking. As a result, when the nut body 31 is screwed again to the cylindrical member 2 after the ring-side protrusion 323 rides over the body-side protrusion 313, the predetermined value (maximum allowable torque) can be made almost the same as before the overtaking occurred. As a result, even if the ring-side protrusion 323 rides over the body-side protrusion 313, the nut body 31 can be screwed with an appropriate rotational torque more reliably.

In addition, when configured as described above, it is preferable to form a slit pair 327 consisting of two slits 327a with a ring-side protrusion 323 located on the inner circumference of the other end of the outer tube portion 321 between them in the outer tube portion 321, and to configure each slit 327a to open at the other end of the outer tube portion 321. It is also preferable to make the length of each slit 324a communicating with the window portion 322a the same as the length of each slit 327a opening at the other end of the outer tube portion 321. By configuring in this way, the ease with which the ring-side protrusion 323 overcomes the main body-side protrusion 313 is almost the same when the ring-side protrusion 323 provided on one end side of the outer tube portion 321 is engaged with the main body-side protrusion 313 and when the ring-side protrusion 323 provided on the other end side of the outer tube portion 321 is engaged with the main body-side protrusion 313. Therefore, regardless of which ring-side protrusion 323 is engaged with the body-side protrusion 313, the nut body 31 can be screwed into the cylindrical member 2 with an appropriate rotational torque.

(b) In the above embodiment, two pairs of ring side protrusions 323 that can simultaneously engage with the pair of body side protrusions 313 are provided, but one pair or three or more pairs of the ring side protrusions 323 may be provided.

When three or more sets of ring side projections 323 are provided, each set of ring side projections 323 may be provided at a different axial position of the outer tube portion 321. In this case, as in (a) above, even if the ring side projections 323 climb over the body side projections 313, it is possible to more reliably screw the nut body 31 with an appropriate rotational torque.

(c) In the above embodiment, the body-side protrusion 313 forms a continuous protrusion from the end of the inner tube portion 311 to the seat portion 312, but the body-side protrusion does not necessarily have to be a protrusion. Therefore, for example, the body-side protrusion may be configured by a protrusion having a length approximately equal to the length of the ring-side protrusion 323 (in other words, the thickness of the ring-side protrusion 323 along the central axis CL).

(d) The attachment target of the operating device 1 is not limited to the washbasin 100. Therefore, for example, the operating device 1 may be attached to a tank body other than a washbasin, such as a flange portion of a bathtub or a kitchen counter, or to something located near the tank body. The operating device 1 may also be attached to a back guard of a washbasin vanity or an apron placed on the side of a bathtub. Note that, because back guards and aprons are generally plate-shaped extending vertically, the tubular member of the operating device is attached to the back guard or apron in a state of extending horizontally.

(e) In the above embodiment, the manually tightened torque nut 3 is applied to the operating device 1, but the application of the manually tightened torque nut 3 is not limited to operating devices. Therefore, the manually tightened torque nut 3 may be applied to other devices used around water (for example, a water faucet device with a water outlet, a drain plug device installed in correspondence with a drain outlet, etc.). Of course, the manually tightened torque nut 3 may also be applied to various devices and equipment used in areas other than around water.

1...operating device, 2...cylindrical member (object to be fastened), 3...torque nut for hand tightening, 31...nut body, 32...outer nut, 33...separation restriction means, 311...inner cylinder portion, 312...seat portion, 313...body side protrusion, 321...outer cylinder portion, 321a...non-forming portion facing portion, 322...connecting portion, 322a...window portion, 323...ring side protrusion, 324...slit pair, 324a...slit, 325...cover portion, 325a...anti-pullout portion, 326...grip portion, 326a...protrusion.

Claims (6)

A nut body having an inner cylindrical portion with a body-side protrusion formed on an outer periphery thereof, the nut body being screwed onto a predetermined object to be fastened;
an outer ring having an outer cylindrical portion with a ring-side protrusion formed on an inner periphery thereof, the inner cylindrical portion being inserted into the outer cylindrical portion;
By rotating the outer ring in a state in which the ring-side protrusion is engaged with the body-side protrusion, the nut body can be screwed onto the object to be fastened,
When the nut body is screwed onto the fastening object, if a rotational torque of the nut body relative to the fastening object exceeds a predetermined value, the ring side protrusion passes over the body side protrusion, and the engagement of the ring side protrusion with the body side protrusion is released, and
A hand-tightened torque nut in which the nut body is screwed onto the object to be fastened by hand,
A separation restricting means for restricting separation of the nut body and the outer ring is provided,
The body-side protrusions are provided in a pair at positions with a central axis of the inner cylinder portion therebetween,
At least a pair of the ring-side projections are provided so as to be simultaneously engaged with a pair of the main body-side projections,
the outer cylinder portion has a non-forming portion facing portion that faces a portion of an outer circumferential portion of the inner cylinder portion that is located between the pair of body-side protrusions when the ring-side protrusions are engaged with the body-side protrusions,
a non-formed portion opposing portion configured to be elastically deformable radially inwardly of the outer cylindrical portion without being hindered by the body-side protrusion when the ring-side protrusion overcomes the body-side protrusion. The nut body has a flange-shaped seat portion that is formed to protrude from one end of the inner cylindrical portion and has an end surface that constitutes a seat surface,
The outer ring is
a cylindrical cover portion that is disposed on an outer periphery of the seat portion in a state in which an end surface of the seat portion is exposed;
a connecting portion that connects one end of the outer cylinder portion and an end of the cover portion,
the outer tubular portion has a slit pair including two slits each of which is provided at a position with the ring-side protrusion therebetween and opens at one end of the outer tubular portion,
2. The hand-tightened torque nut according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion has a window portion formed therethrough that communicates with the two slits that constitute the slit pair. The torque nut for hand tightening according to claim 2, characterized in that the separation restriction means is provided with a stopper portion that protrudes inward from the end of the cover portion opposite the connecting portion and that prevents the nut body from coming off the outer ring by engaging the seat portion. A grip portion that can be gripped by an operator when screwing the nut body onto the object to be fastened,
The grip portion is formed by a plurality of protrusions that are formed on the outer periphery of the outer tubular portion and are spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the outer tubular portion,
4. The hand-tightened torque nut according to claim 2, wherein the protrusion is formed on an outer periphery of the outer tubular portion at a portion that is shifted in the circumferential direction of the outer tubular portion from respective positions at which the window portion and the slit pair are formed. A torque nut for hand tightening according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least two pairs of the ring-side projections that can be simultaneously engaged with a pair of the body-side projections are provided at different positions along the circumferential direction of the outer cylinder. The ring-side protrusions of each set are provided at different positions along the axial direction of the outer tubular portion,
6. The hand-tightened torque nut according to claim 5, wherein the body-side projection is a protrusion extending in the axial direction of the inner cylindrical portion and configured to be engageable with each of the ring-side projections of each set.

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