Torque-limiting mechanism
US7650821B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jan 26, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 4, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25B23/1427
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A torque-limiting mechanism is provided for use in a variety of torque-applying tools. The mechanism includes a handle defining a housing in which are disposed a slip gear and a fixed gear. The fixed gear is attached to the housing while the slip gear is attached to drive body extending outwardly from the housing and engageable with an item to be turned utilizing the tool. The slip gear and the fixed gear are connected by teeth disposed on each gear and by ball bearings disposed within recesses located on each gear that are pressed into the recesses by a force exerted on the gears by a number of spring members disposed between an enclosed end of the housing and the fixed gear. The amount of force exerted by the springs on the gears can be varied as necessary, thereby allowing the amount of torque required to enable the slip gear to move with respect to the fixed gear to be set where desired. The use of the ball bearings as the engagement members between the fixed gear and the slip gear provides a smooth transition between positions when the slip gear rotates with respect to the fixed gear, and greatly reduces the amount of friction forces acting on the torque-limiting mechanism, su…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.