Tool with torque limitation
The tool addresses the issue of fixed and irreversibly set torque values by using a removable and adjustable adjusting element with a spring mechanism for precise torque control and secure locking, enhancing usability and maintenance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102024100893
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-12
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing tools with torque limiting mechanisms in the low-price segment often have fixed torque values that can be adjusted by vibrations, and adhesive fixing of these values is irreversible when worn out.
A tool with a removable and adjustable adjusting element that can be locked into any position, allowing precise torque setting, featuring a translational and rotational movement, a spring mechanism, and a positive connection with the housing for secure locking.
Enables accurate, adjustable torque settings with improved handling and ease of replacement or adjustment of worn parts, preventing unintended torque changes.
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a tool with a device for setting a torque limit on an output, wherein the device is arranged in a housing and is adjustable by means of an adjusting element by rotating about a rotational axis, wherein the adjusting element can be locked against the housing by axial movement.
[0002] Tools with a torque limiter are known that feature an adjustment element that is movable relative to the housing to set a torque limit value. Especially in the low-price segment, it is common practice to set fixed torque values at the factory. The disadvantage of this is that these torque values can be adjusted due to vibration. To prevent this, such torque limits are often fixed with adhesive, which in turn has the disadvantage that this fixation cannot be reversed, especially if the torque limiter or the associated locking structures are worn.
[0003] The object of the invention is to improve tools with torque limitation.
[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.
[0005] The tool according to the invention is therefore characterized, in a tool of the type described above, in particular by the fact that the adjusting element can be transferred into a locking position by a movement from a free end of the output drive to the device. This can, for example, make it possible to lock the adjusting element in different positions.
[0006] The adjustment element can be rotated by the user to set the desired torque in a non-locking position and then locked by moving toward the device. The adjustment element can be locked in any position, allowing for very precise, fine-tuned torque adjustment.
[0007] In an advantageous embodiment, the adjustment element is designed to be removable. This makes it possible, for example, to decouple the adjustment element from the gear element and housing. Furthermore, the adjustment element can be easily replaced if it becomes worn.
[0008] In an advantageous embodiment, the adjustment element is movable relative to the output. This can, for example, make it possible for the adjustment element to be movable translationally and / or rotatably relative to a longitudinal axis of the output. The translational movement of the adjustment element, directed from a free end of the output toward the device, allows the adjustment element to be moved into a locking position. A rotational movement of the adjustment element allows a user to set a torque value desired via the gear element.
[0009] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the adjustment element drives the gear element. This makes it possible, for example, to set a torque value on the tool by the gear element acting on a spring in the tool and tensioning it. In particular, the gear element has a thread. This makes it possible, for example, for the gear element to be movable in the device and to tension a spring. In particular, it is provided that the gear element has an external thread. This makes it possible for the gear element to engage in a corresponding thread arranged in the housing.
[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, the gear element is flattened on at least one side that runs longitudinally to the axis of rotation of the gear element. This embodiment can also be advantageous with regard to economical production of the gear element, for example, by injection molding.
[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, the adjusting element comprises at least one projection. This makes it possible, for example, for the projection to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle in the gear element and to drive the latter. In particular, the adjusting element comprises two projections. This makes it possible, for example, for the two projections to be inserted into two corresponding openings in the gear element. In this case, the transmission of force to the gear element via the two projections is advantageous compared to force transmission with one projection.
[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, the gear element is coupled to the adjustment element. This can, for example, create a connection between the gear element and the adjustment element, which is necessary to drive the gear element with the adjustment element. In particular, it is provided that a projection is inserted into a corresponding opening. This can, for example, make it possible for the gear element to be driven by the adjustment element by the projection engaging in the corresponding opening and thereby transmitting force.
[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the gear element has an opening for accommodating an output drive. This makes it possible, for example, for the output drive to be inserted through the gear element. This allows for an advantageous, space-saving design of the tool.
[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the gear element has at least one opening for receiving the adjustment element. This makes it possible, for example, for the adjustment element to engage in the opening of the gear element and drive it.
[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the adjusting element can be positively connected to the housing. The positive connection between the adjusting element and the housing can, for example, be used to lock the adjusting element. Because the adjusting element and gear element are coupled in this position, the gear element cannot be moved and thus no change in the torque can be made. In particular, the adjusting element is coupled to the housing via a snap connection. This allows the connection between the housing and the adjusting element to be established or released by pushing and pulling along the axis of rotation of the output.
[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the adjusting element has teeth. This allows, for example, a positive connection to be established between the teeth of the adjusting element and a counter-toothing on the housing, which serves as an anti-twist device between the adjusting element and the housing.
[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the adjustment element has an opening. The opening in the adjustment element allows, for example, the inclusion of an output drive. The output drive can then be inserted through the adjustment element. This enables a space-saving design of the tool.
[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the housing is provided with counter-toothing. This allows, for example, a positive connection between the adjustment element and the housing to be created by the teeth of the adjustment element engaging with the counter-toothing of the housing. This positive connection locks the torque set by the user.
[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the housing is provided with a receptacle for an output drive. This makes it possible, for example, for the output drive to be inserted into the housing and accommodated by it.
[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the tool is provided with a spring. This makes it possible, for example, for the spring to be part of the torque limiting device. To set a torque, the gear element moves in the housing and tensions or compresses the spring. The stress on the spring is proportional to the set torque value.
[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the torque limiter is positioned at a proximal end of the output drive. This can, for example, provide improved torque adjustment options for the user, as it allows for better handling when applying the torque.
[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the torque limiter can be supported on the housing between a proximal end of the output, for example, the aforementioned proximal end, and a distal end of the output. This can, for example, enable improved power transmission to the output.
[0023] In particular, it can be provided that the torque limiter between a proximal end of the output, for example the aforementioned one, and a distal end of the output on the housing is supported via a gear element, for example the aforementioned one. This can, for example, enable improved power transmission to the output.
[0024] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments result from combining the features of one or more claims with one another and / or with one or more features of the exemplary embodiments.
[0025] It shows Fig. 1 an adjustment element in a perspective view, Fig. 2 a gear element in a perspective view, Fig. 3 a tool in a side view, Fig. 4 the tool Fig. 3 in a different side view, Fig. 5 the tool in a lateral sectional view, Fig. 6 the tool in a three-dimensional representation with the housing open, Fig. 7 a tool in a side view and Fig. 8 the tool Fig. 7 in a sectional view.
[0026] The figures show at least parts of a tool 1, designated as a whole by 1. The tool 1 has a device 2 for setting a torque limit on an output 3. The device 2 is arranged in a housing 4 and can be adjusted by means of an adjusting element 5 by rotation about a rotation axis 6. The adjusting element 5 can be locked against the housing 4 by an axial movement 7. The adjusting element 5 can be moved into a locking position by a movement 7 directed from a free end 8 of the abrasion member 3 towards the device 2. The adjusting element 5 is arranged so as to be removable and is movable relative to the output 3. Fig. 1 shows the described adjustment element.
[0027] One in Fig. The gear element 9 shown in Figure 2 is driven by the adjusting element 5, wherein the gear element 9 has an external thread 10. The gear element 9 is flattened on two sides 11 that run longitudinally to the axis of rotation 6 of the gear element 9. The flattened sides 11 serve as a tool engagement surface. So that the adjusting element 5 can drive the gear element 9, the adjusting element 5 is coupled to the gear element 9. Projections 12 on the adjusting element 5 are inserted into openings 13 in the gear element 9. The gear element 9 also has an opening for receiving the output 13, which allows the output 3 to be inserted through the gear element. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the adjusting element 5 also has an opening 15 for receiving the output 3. The gear element has two openings 13 to receive the projections 12 of the adjusting element 5.
[0028] The projections 12 engage in the openings 13 to drive the gear element 9. The adjusting element 5 is positively connected to the housing 4 in the locking position by means of a snap connection 16. For this purpose, the adjusting element 5 has a bead 17 that interacts with a corresponding groove 18 on the housing. The adjusting element 5 has teeth 19 that engage in a counter toothing (not shown) in the housing 4 and interact with it to create an anti-twist device in the locking position. The housing 4 has a receptacle 20 for the output 3. The output 3 is, as shown in Fig.5, is inserted into the housing 4. The tool 1 has a spring 21 for torque limitation. The spring 21 is compressed or relaxed by turning the adjustment element 5 in the non-locking position, which results in a movement of the gear element 9 in the axial direction to the axis of rotation 6. The adjusted spring 21 exerts a force on a locking element 22, which slips when the force of the spring 21 is exceeded. The slipping of the locking element 22 means that the torque applied by the user is not transmitted to the output 3 and, for example, a screw can be tightened with the torque set on the tool 1. The torque limiter acts on a proximal end 23 of the output 3. The torque limiter is also supported between the proximal end 23 of the output 3 and the distal end 24 on the housing 4 via the gear element 9.
[0029] A tool 1 with a device 3 for setting a torque limit on an output 3 is proposed, wherein the device 2 is arranged in a housing 4 and is adjustable by means of an adjusting element 5 by rotation about an axis of rotation 6, wherein the adjusting element 5 can be locked against the housing 4 by an axial movement 7, characterized in that the adjusting element 5 can be transferred into a locking position by a movement 7 directed from a free end 8 of the output 3 to the device 2. List of reference symbols 1 tool 2 Device 3 downforce 4 housings 5 Adjustment element 6 axis of rotation 7 Movement 8 free end 9 Gear element 10 external threads 11 pages 12 lead 13 Opening of the gear element for adjustment element 14 Opening of the gear element for output 15 Opening of the adjustment element for output 16 Snap connection 17 bulge 18 grooves 19 teeth 20 Housing mount for output 21 spring 22 locking element 23 proximal end 24 distal end
Claims
[1] Tool (1) with a device (2) for setting a torque limit on an output (3), wherein the device (2) is arranged in a housing (4) and is adjustable by means of an adjusting element (5) by rotation about a rotational axis (6), wherein the adjusting element (5) is lockable against the housing (4) by axial movement (7), characterized by that the adjusting element (5) can be transferred into a locking position by a movement (7) directed from a free, in particular distal, end (8) of the output (3) to the device (2). [2] Tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the adjusting element (5) is arranged to be removable. [3] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adjusting element (5) is movable relative to the output (3). [4] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the adjusting element (5) drives a gear element (9), in particular wherein the gear element (9) has a thread, in particular an external thread (10). [5] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the gear element (9) is flattened on at least one side (11) which runs longitudinally to the axis of rotation (6) of the gear element (9). [6] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adjusting element (5) has at least one projection (12), in particular two projections (12). [7] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the gear element (9) is coupled to the adjusting element (5), in particular wherein a projection (12) is inserted into a corresponding opening (13). [8] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the gear element (9) has at least one opening (14) for receiving the output (3). [9] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the gear element (9) has at least one opening (13) for receiving the adjusting element (5). [10] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adjusting element (5) can be connected to the housing (4) in a form-fitting manner, in particular via a snap connection (16). [11] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adjusting element (5) has teeth (19). [12] Tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adjusting element (5) has an opening for receiving the output (3). [13] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (4) has a counter toothing. [14] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (4) has a receptacle (20) for an output (3). [15] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the tool (1) has a spring (21). [16] Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the torque limitation acts on a proximal end (23) of the output (3) and / or that the torque limitation is supported on the housing (4) between the or a proximal end (23) of the output and a distal end (24) of the output (3), in particular via the or a gear element (9).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Arrangement for setting a torque
DE102021116676B3
torque tool
DE202021103656U1