Torque adapter for applying torque to a screw head

Abstract

Torque adapter (2, 102) for applying torque to a screw head, with: - a first force application stage (6, 106) with a tool attachment contour (8, 108) which is designed for coupling with a torque-transmitting tool, - a second force application stage (10, 110) which has an adapter head (12a-c, 112) for transmitting a torque to a screw head, - a torque limiting device (14, 114) arranged between the first force application stage (6, 106) and the second force application stage (10, 110), which is configured to transmit a torque between the first force application stage (6, 106) and the second force application stage (10, 110) until a first limit torque is reached and prevents torque transmission between the force application stages (6, 10, 106, 110) when the first limit torque is exceeded, characterized in that the torque limiting device (14, 114) is a first torque limiting device (14, 114) and the torque adapter (2, 102) has a second torque limiting device (16, 116) which is configured to transmit a torque to the screw head via the second force application stage (10, 110) until a second limit torque is reached,and prevents torque transmission to the screw head when the second limit torque is exceeded, where the second limit torque is greater than the first limit torque.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a torque adapter for applying a torque to a screw head, wherein the torque adapter has a first force application stage with a tool attachment contour which is configured for coupling with a torque-transmitting tool, a second force application stage which has an adapter head for transmitting a torque to a screw head, and a torque limiting device arranged between the first force application stage and the second force application stage, which is configured for transmitting a torque between the first force application stage and the second force application stage until a first limit torque is reached and prevents torque transmission between the force application stages when the first limit torque is exceeded.

[0002] Such torque adapters, in which a torque limiting device is provided between a first force application stage and a second force application stage, are known from the prior art. For example, DE 41 01 959 C2 describes an adapter for achieving a predetermined torque when tightening a screw or the like. In particular, it is proposed that plug-in elements connecting force application stages are rounded or sheared off by exceeding a predetermined torque.

[0003] Torque adapters are used when assembling or fastening various components or parts. They have also proven useful for mounting a sealing device that seals a pipe passing through an opening in a wall section against the opening.

[0004] Such torque adapters are typically designed for single use and, upon reaching a limit torque, disconnect the frictional connection between the first and second force application stages by means of the torque limiting device. This occurs in such a way that, after exceeding the limit torque, the first force application stage is separated from the second force application stage, for example by shearing.

[0005] Although these torque adapters have proven effective for applying a specific limit torque to sealing inserts, a disadvantage has been that the second force application stage typically remains on the screw head and therefore cannot be used, or can only be used with difficulty, to remove the sealing insert. Furthermore, the limit torque can only be applied once.

[0006] For the installation of sealing inserts, it has proven advantageous to apply the torque to the clamping screws of the sealing insert in two stages. This ensures uniform and two-stage clamping of the sealing insert, reducing the torque difference between individual screws compared to a solution where only a single tightening operation is performed with a single limiting torque.

[0007] However, such a multi-stage screw connection with two different torques cannot be satisfactorily carried out using torque adapters known from the prior art.

[0008] Against this background, the invention was based on the objective of further developing a torque adapter of the type mentioned above in such a way as to eliminate the disadvantages found in the prior art as far as possible. In particular, a torque adapter was to be provided that enables a two-stage torque transmission and releases the screw or nut after assembly.

[0009] According to the invention, the problem is solved in a torque adapter of the type mentioned at the outset by the fact that the torque limiting device is a first torque limiting device and the torque adapter has a second torque limiting device which is configured to transmit a torque to the screw head by means of the second force application stage until a second limit torque is reached, and prevents torque transmission to the screw head when the second limit torque is exceeded, wherein the second limit torque is greater than the first limit torque.

[0010] The invention utilizes the fact that by providing a second torque limiting device, tightening of the screw connection with defined torques in two stages is made possible. The first force application stage is separated from the second force application stage by means of the first torque limiting device when a first limit torque is reached. From the second force application stage, a torque is transmitted to the screw head by means of the second torque limiting device until a second limit torque is reached, and torque transmission from the second force application stage to the screw head is prevented if the second limit torque is exceeded.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the second force application stage, in particular the adapter head of the second force application stage, is further configured to break into at least two parts and release the screw head when the second limit torque is exceeded. This allows further assembly or disassembly of the screw head without leaving any residue of the torque adapter on the screw head.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the adapter head has a predetermined breaking point designed to separate the adapter head into at least two parts when the second limit torque is exceeded. By forming a corresponding predetermined breaking point in the area of ​​the adapter head, it can be ensured that the adapter head is reliably separated into at least two parts when the second limit torque is exceeded. According to one embodiment, the predetermined breaking point runs essentially along the longitudinal axis of the torque adapter. This positively influences the separation behavior of the adapter head.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the second force application stage has a base body connected to the adapter head, with the predetermined breaking point located between the adapter head and the base body. According to one embodiment, exactly one predetermined breaking point is provided. According to an alternative embodiment, two predetermined breaking points are provided. According to a further alternative embodiment, three or more predetermined breaking points are provided. In the case that at least two predetermined breaking points are provided, it is preferred that they are spaced uniformly apart from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the second force application stage comprises a base body connected to the adapter head, with the predetermined breaking point located between the adapter head and the base body. Preferably, the predetermined breaking point is designed as a groove that extends substantially along the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the groove extends at least partially into both the area of ​​the adapter head and the area of ​​the base body. Preferably, both the base body and the adapter head are substantially tubular, with the groove extending completely through an outer wall of the base body and the adapter head. In this way, a groove-like opening is created through the adapter head or the base body by means of the predetermined breaking point. By selectively choosing the groove length or width of the predetermined breaking point, the second limiting torque can be defined as desired.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the first torque limiting device has a shear zone that connects the first force application stage with the second force application stage. The shear zone is configured to shear off when the first limit torque is exceeded, thus separating the first force application stage from the second force application stage. According to one embodiment, the shear zone is designed as a step. The step preferably has an annular cross-section, which is arranged, in particular, coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the torque adapter. The first limit torque can be adjusted, for example, by varying the width of the step. A particularly wide step tends to result in a higher first limit torque. A narrower step typically results in a lower first limit torque.Preferably, the first force application stage is axially spaced from the second force application stage, with the shoulder being arranged between the force application stages. This ensures that the shearing of the shoulder is not influenced or hindered by contact between the force application stages.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the tool contact contour of the first force application stage is designed as an external hexagonal contour. This allows the force application stage to be coupled to a correspondingly designed torque-transmitting tool. According to another embodiment, the tool contact contour has a radial shoulder that limits the insertion depth of the torque-transmitting tool, particularly axially in the direction of the adapter head. According to yet another embodiment, the tool contact contour is a first tool contact contour, wherein the second force application stage has a second tool contact contour, which is particularly designed as an external hexagonal contour.In this way, it is achieved that even after the shearing of the first force application stage, coupling with a torque-transmitting tool can take place via the second force application stage and its tool attachment contour, so that torque transmission by a torque-transmitting tool coupled with the second force application stage to the screw head is possible until the second limit torque is reached.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first tool contact contour has the same external geometry as the second tool contact contour. In particular, both tool contact contours have the same screw head diameters. This allows a single torque-transmitting tool to be used to apply torque to the individual force application stages of the torque adapter.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the adapter head has one of the following: a hex socket screw receptacle, a TORX shoulder, a hex socket bit receptacle, a Phillips shoulder, or a slotted shoulder. Particularly when using a hex socket screw receptacle, it has proven especially advantageous for the corresponding adapter head to break into at least two pieces when the second torque limit is exceeded, thereby releasing the screw head. However, even when using a TORX shoulder, a Phillips shoulder, or a slotted shoulder, it can be beneficial to equip these with a corresponding second torque limiting device that shears off or breaks after a second torque limit is exceeded.

[0019] The shearing or breaking occurs in such a way that the corresponding sections can be removed from the screw head without leaving any residue. Alternatively, the adapter head can be designed as an internal hexagon bit holder, which is configured to accept a bit. In this case, the internal hexagon bit holder would break into at least two pieces when the second limit torque is exceeded, thereby releasing a held bit.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the first torque limiting device has a predetermined breaking point which shears off when a first limit torque is exceeded. According to another embodiment, the second torque limiting device has a predetermined breaking point which shears off when a second limit torque is exceeded. Preferably, the first and / or the second torque limiting device has a material rib formed on the first force application stage or on the second force application stage, wherein the other of the first force application stage or the second force application stage has a contact rib which is in contact with the material rib for torque transmission and shears off the material rib when the limit torque is exceeded.

[0021] Preferably, several material webs are provided, spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction of the torque adapter and arranged at the respective force application stage, with each material web being associated with a contact web of the respective force application stage. According to one embodiment, the at least one material web has a first region with a material thickness of the first in the circumferential direction, wherein the first region forms the predetermined breaking point of the first torque limiting device, and a second region with a material thickness of the second in the circumferential direction, wherein the second region forms the predetermined breaking point of the second torque limiting device. Preferably, the first region is spaced apart from the second region in the direction of the longitudinal axis.The contact bridge is preferably dimensioned such that it initially makes contact with the first torque-transmitting region and, after the first region shears off, with the second region. After the second region shears off, preferably no further torque transmission takes place between the first and second force-application stages. The first material thickness is preferably less than the second material thickness.

[0022] Preferably, a centering sleeve is provided adjacent to the contact ridge on each force application stage, and a guide recess is provided on the other force application stage, which is designed to receive the centering sleeve. In this way, centering of the force application stages relative to each other can be ensured.

[0023] The invention has been described above with reference to a torque adapter. In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of a torque adapter. The invention solves the aforementioned problem with regard to use by employing a torque adapter according to one of the preceding embodiments for applying a first limit torque and a second limit torque to a screw head, in particular to a screw head of a clamping assembly, especially a clampable sealing insert.

[0024] The use of such a torque adapter in conjunction with a screw head of a clamping assembly, in particular a clampable sealing insert, is especially advantageous because, for uniform clamping of the sealing inserts, it is preferable to apply the desired limiting torque in two stages. For this purpose, several screw heads of the clamping assembly are tightened with a first limiting torque and then with a higher second limiting torque. This ensures that the clamping assembly is clamped particularly uniformly in the circumferential direction. The torque adapter according to the invention ensures that, after the two defined tightening cycles, the adapter is separated from the screw head to allow further assembly or disassembly with the screw head remaining attached to the sealing insert.

[0025] The application takes advantage of the same benefits and preferred embodiments as the torque adapter according to the invention, and vice versa. In this regard, reference is made to the above statements, and their content is hereby incorporated.

[0026] In another aspect, a method for clamping a clamping set, in particular a clampable sealing insert, is described, comprising the steps of: providing a torque adapter, in particular a torque adapter according to one of the preceding embodiments, placing the torque adapter on a screw head, transmitting a first limit torque to the screw head by means of the torque adapter, transmitting a second limit torque to the screw head or a further screw head by means of the torque adapter, wherein the second limit torque is greater than the first limit torque.

[0027] The method also utilizes the same advantages and preferred embodiments as the torque adapter according to the invention, the use according to the invention, and vice versa. In this regard, reference is made to the above statements, and their content is hereby incorporated.

[0028] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures. These figures show: Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a torque adapter according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 2 the embodiment of the torque adapter according to the invention Fig. 1 in another perspective view; Fig. 3 the embodiment of the torque adapter according to the invention Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with separate force attack levels; Fig. 4 an alternative embodiment of a torque adapter according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b another alternative embodiment of a torque adapter according to the invention in perspective views; Fig. 6 another embodiment of a torque adapter according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 7 a first assembly of the torque adapter according to the invention Fig. 6 in a perspective view; and Fig. 8 a second assembly of the torque adapter according to the invention Fig. 6 in a perspective view.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a torque adapter 2. The torque adapter 2 serves to apply two torques in two stages to a screw head (not shown in the figures). The torque adapter 2 has a first force application stage 6 and a second force application stage 10. A first torque limiting device 14 is arranged between the first force application stage 6 and the second force application stage 10. The first torque limiting device 14 serves to transmit a torque between the first force application stage 6 and the second force application stage 10 until a first limit torque is reached.

[0030] If the first limit torque is exceeded, the first torque limiting device 14 is designed to prevent torque transmission between the force application stages 6, 10 when the first limit torque is exceeded.

[0031] The first force application stage 6 has a tool contact contour 8. The tool contact contour 8 is designed for coupling with a torque-transmitting tool. The second force application stage 10 has an adapter head 12a for transmitting torque to a screw head.

[0032] The torque adapter 2 also has a second torque limiting device 16. This device is configured to transmit torque to the screw head via the second force application stage 10. The second torque limiting device 16 is configured to transmit torque up to a second limit torque and to prevent torque transmission to the screw head when the second limit torque is exceeded. The second limit torque is greater than the first limit torque.

[0033] The second force application stage 10, in particular the adapter head 12a of the second force application stage 10, is designed to break into at least two parts and release a screw head when the second limit torque is exceeded. For this purpose, the adapter head 12a has a predetermined breaking point 20. The predetermined breaking point 20 can, for example, be designed as a groove extending along the longitudinal axis L and passing completely through the wall of the adapter head 12a. The predetermined breaking point 20 is designed to separate the adapter head 12a into at least two parts when the second limit torque is exceeded. The second force application stage 10 has a base body 24 connected to the adapter head 12a. The predetermined breaking point 20 extends both in the area of ​​the adapter head 12a and in the area of ​​the base body 24.

[0034] The first torque limiting device 14 has a shear zone 26 which is located in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the shear zone 26 connecting the first force application stage 6 with the second force application stage 10. The shear zone 26 is designed to shear off when the first limit torque is exceeded, separating the first force application stage 6 from the second force application stage 10. The shear zone 26 is formed as a shoulder 28 with an annular cross-section. This annular cross-section is arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis L of the torque adapter 2. The width of the shoulder 28 is variable, thus allowing for a variation of the limit torque at which the shear zone 26 shears off.

[0035] The tool contact contour 8 of the first force application stage 6 is designed as an external hexagonal contour. This allows for particularly simple coupling with a correspondingly designed torque-transmitting tool (not shown). The tool contact contour 8 has a radial shoulder 32. The radial shoulder 32 limits the insertion depth of the torque-transmitting tool, particularly in the direction of the adapter head 12a. The tool contact contour 8 is a first tool contact contour 8, while the second force application stage 10 has a second tool contact contour 34. The second tool contact contour 34 is designed as an external hexagonal contour. In the illustrated embodiment, the first tool contact contour 8 and the second tool contact contour 34 have the same external geometry, so that they can be actuated with the same torque-transmitting tool.The adapter head 12a has an internal hexagon screw receptacle or is designed as such.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows the torque adapter 2 in another perspective view. Fig. Figure 2 shows that the adapter head 12a is designed as a socket head cap screw receptacle. Furthermore, the figure shows that both the first force application stage 6 and the second force application stage 10 have a substantially elongated and internally hollow structure. The socket head cap screw receptacle has an axial limit that comes into contact with the corresponding screw head.

[0037] Fig. Figure 3 shows the first force application stage 6 separated from the second force application stage 10. The first torque limiting device 14 has the shear zone 26, which previously connected the first force application stage 6 to the second force application stage 10 and is now located in the Fig. The condition shown in Figure 3 was sheared off after exceeding the first limit torque. This separates the first force application stage 6 from the second force application stage 10. The formation of the shear zone 26 as a step 28 is shown in Figure 3. Fig. 3 only hinted at.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 shows an alternative training example of a torque adapter 2. The torque adapter 2, like the one in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, a first force application stage 6 with a tool attachment contour 8 is provided for coupling with a torque-transmitting tool and a second force application stage 10, which has an adapter head 12b for transmitting a torque to a screw head.

[0039] The basic structure of the torque adapter 2 according to Fig. 4 corresponds to that of the Fig. 1-3, the adapter head 12b, however, is designed as a TORX shoulder. The adapter head 12b is designed to transmit a torque to a correspondingly designed TORX screw head. The torque adapter 2 has a first torque limiting device 14 arranged between the first force application stage 6 and the second force application stage 10, which is designed to transmit a torque between the first force application stage 6 and the second force application stage 10 until a first limit torque is reached and prevents torque transmission between the force application stages 6 and 10 if the first limit torque is exceeded.

[0040] The torque adapter 2 also has a second torque limiting device 16, which is designed to transmit a torque to the TORX screw head via the second force application stage 10 until a second limit torque is reached, and prevents torque transmission to the screw head when the second limit torque is exceeded, wherein the second limit torque is greater than the first limit torque.

[0041] Even in the case of the one in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in section 4, the adapter head 12b is designed to break into at least two parts when the second limit torque is exceeded. Preferably, the adapter head 12b has a feature for this purpose that is Fig. 4. The first torque limiting device 14 has a shear zone 26, not shown in detail in the figure, which is analogous to the embodiment of the Fig. 1-3 is designed and configured to shear off upon exceeding the first limit torque, separating the first force application stage 6 from the second force application stage 10. The tool contact contour 8 of the first force application stage 6 is designed as an external hexagonal contour 30. The tool contact contour 8 has a radial shoulder 32, which limits the engagement depth of the torque-transmitting tool. Furthermore, the second force application stage 10 has a second tool contact contour 34, which is also designed as an external hexagonal contour 36 and has the same external geometry as the first tool contact contour 8.

[0042] The Fig. 5a and Fig. Figure 5b shows another alternative training example of a torque adapter 2. The torque adapter 2, as in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, a first force application stage 6 with a tool attachment contour 8 is provided for coupling with a torque-transmitting tool and a second force application stage 10, which has an adapter head 12c for transmitting a torque to a screw head.

[0043] The basic structure of the torque adapter 2 according to the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b corresponds to that of the Fig. 1-3, however, the adapter head 12c is designed as an internal hexagon bit holder. The adapter head 12c is designed to transmit torque to a held bit.

[0044] The torque adapter 2 has a first torque limiting device 14 arranged between the first force application stage 6 and the second force application stage 10, which is designed to transmit a torque between the first force application stage 6 and the second force application stage 10 until a first limit torque is reached and prevents torque transmission between the force application stages 6, 10 if the first limit torque is exceeded.

[0045] The torque adapter 2 also has a second torque limiting device 16, which is designed to transmit a torque to the screw head via the second force application stage 10 until a second limit torque is reached, and prevents torque transmission to the bit when the second limit torque is exceeded, wherein the second limit torque is greater than the first limit torque.

[0046] Even in the one in the Fig. 5a and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5b, the adapter head 12c is configured to break into at least two parts when the second limit torque is exceeded. This occurs, in particular, by releasing the recorded bit. Preferably, the adapter head 12c has a feature for this purpose that is located in the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, not shown in detail, predetermined breaking point.

[0047] The first torque limiting device 14 has a shear zone 26, not shown in detail in the figure, which is analogous to the embodiment of the Fig. 1-3 is designed and configured to shear off upon exceeding the first limit torque, separating the first force application stage 6 from the second force application stage 10. The tool contact contour 8 of the first force application stage 6 is designed as an external hexagonal contour 30. The tool contact contour 8 has a radial shoulder 32, which limits the engagement depth of the torque-transmitting tool. Furthermore, the second force application stage 10 has a second tool contact contour 34, which is also designed as an external hexagonal contour 36 and has the same external geometry as the first tool contact contour 8.

[0048] The Fig. Figures 6-8 show an alternative embodiment of a torque adapter 102 for applying torque to a screw head, which is not shown in detail in the figures. The torque adapter 102 has a first force application stage 106 and a second force application stage 110. A first torque limiting device 114 and a second torque limiting device 116 are arranged between the first force application stage 106 and the second force application stage 110. The first torque limiting device 114 is configured to transmit torque between the first force application stage 106 and the second force application stage 110 until a first limit torque is reached and prevents torque transmission between the force application stages 106 and 110 if the first limit torque is exceeded.

[0049] The second torque limiting device 116 is designed to transmit a torque to the screw head via the second force application stage 110 until a second limit torque is reached and prevents torque transmission to the screw head when the second limit torque is exceeded.

[0050] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in 6-8, the second torque limiting device 116 is also arranged between the first force application stage 106 and the second force application stage 110.

[0051] The first torque limiting device 114 has a predetermined breaking point 138 which shears off when the first limit torque is exceeded. Furthermore, the second torque limiting device 116 has a predetermined breaking point 140 which shears off when the second limit torque is exceeded.

[0052] The first torque limiting device 114 and the second torque limiting device 116 each have a material web 142. This web is arranged on the second force application stage 110. A contact web 144 is provided on the first force application stage 106. This contact web 144 is in contact with the material web 142 for torque transmission and shears off the material web 142 in certain areas when the respective limit torque is exceeded. Several material webs 142 are provided, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction U of the torque adapter 102 on the second force application stage 110. Each material web 142 is associated with a contact web 144.

[0053] The material webs, as particularly in Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a first region 146 with a material thickness d1 in the circumferential direction U. The first region 146 forms the predetermined breaking point 138 of the first torque limiting device 114. Furthermore, a second region 148 with a material thickness d2 in the circumferential direction U is provided. The second region 148 forms the predetermined breaking point 140 of the second torque limiting device 116.

[0054] The first area 146 is spaced apart from the second area 148 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. The width of the contact ridge 144 in the circumferential direction is selected such that the contact ridge 144 initially comes into contact exclusively with the predetermined breaking point 138 of the first torque limiting device 114. This is achieved in particular by the fact that the first section 146 of the material web 142 is in contact with the first force application stage 106 on its upper side. After the shearing of the first section 146, the force application stages 106, 110 can be moved axially towards each other until the second section 148 of the material web comes into contact with the first force application stage 106. In this state, the contact web 144 is in contact with the second section 148 of the material web, so that a corresponding torque can be transmitted until the second section 148 of the material web finally shears off upon reaching the second limit torque.Subsequently, no further torque transmission is possible between the first force attack stage 106 and the second force attack stage 110.

[0055] Adjacent to the contact ridge 144, a centering sleeve 150 is arranged on the first force application stage 106. A guide recess 152 is formed on the second force application stage 110, which is designed to receive the centering sleeve 150. The second force application stage 110 has a second tool engagement contour 109, which is designed as an external hexagonal contour.

[0056] Fig.Figure 8 shows the first force application stage 106. The first force application stage 106 has a tool contact contour 108, which is designed as an external hexagonal contour. Adjacent to the tool contact contour 108, contact ridges 144 extend axially and are uniformly spaced from one another in the circumferential direction U. In the illustrated embodiment, 8 contact ridges 144 are provided. The contact ridges 144 are arranged on a circular section. Radially inside the contact ridges 144 is the centering sleeve 150, which is in contact with the contact ridges 144 and is arranged coaxially to a longitudinal axis L of the torque adapter 102. The centering sleeve 150 has a greater axial extent than the contact ridges 144. The width of the contact ridges 144 is less than the distance between adjacent contact ridges 144. Reference symbol list 2 torque adapters 6 first power attack stage 8 first tool approach contour 10 second power attack stage 12a Adapter head with internal hexagon screw mount 12b Adapter head with TORX shoulder 12c adapter head with internal hexagon bit holder 14 first torque limiting device 16 second torque limiting device 20 Adapter head break point 24 basic shapes 26 Shear range Paragraph 28 30 External hexagon contour 32 radial shoulder 34 second tool approach contour 36 External hexagon contour 102 torque adapters 106 first power attack level 108 first tool approach contour 109 second tool approach contour 110 second power attack stage 112 Adapter head 114 first torque limiting device 116 second torque limiting device 138 Breakaway point of the first torque limiting device 140 Breakaway point of the second torque limiting device 142 Material bridge 144 Contact bridge 146 first section of the material bridge 148 second area of ​​the material bridge 150 centering sleeve 152 Guide recess d1 First material thickness d2 Second material thickness L Longitudinal axis of the torque adapter U circumferential direction QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 41 01 959 C2

[0002]

Claims

[1] Torque adapter (2, 102) for applying torque to a screw head, comprising: - a first force application stage (6, 106) with a tool attachment contour (8, 108) which is designed for coupling with a torque-transmitting tool, - a second force application stage (10, 110) which has an adapter head (12a-c, 112) for transmitting a torque to a screw head, - a torque limiting device (14, 114) arranged between the first force application stage (6, 106) and the second force application stage (10, 110), which is designed to transmit a torque between the first force application stage (6, 106) and the second force application stage (10, 110) until a first limit torque is reached and prevents torque transmission between the force application stages (6, 10, 106, 110) when the first limit torque is exceeded, characterized by, that the torque limiting device (14, 114) is a first torque limiting device (14, 114) and the torque adapter (2, 102) has a second torque limiting device (16, 116) which is configured to transmit a torque to the screw head by means of the second force application stage (10, 110) until a second limit torque is reached, and prevents torque transmission to the screw head when the second limit torque is exceeded, wherein the second limit torque is greater than the first limit torque. [2] Torque adapter (2) according to claim 1, wherein the second force application stage (10), in particular the adapter head (12a-c, 112), is configured to break into at least two parts and release the screw head when the second limit torque is exceeded. [3] Torque adapter (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter head (12a-c) has a predetermined breaking point (20) which is designed to separate the adapter head (12a-c) into at least two parts when the second limit torque is exceeded, in particular wherein the predetermined breaking point (20) runs essentially along the longitudinal axis (L) of the torque adapter (2). [4] Torque adapter (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second force application stage (10) has a base body (24) connected to the adapter head (12a-c), and wherein the predetermined breaking point (20) runs between the adapter head (12a-c) and the base body (24). [5] Torque adapter (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first torque limiting device (14) has a shear zone (26) connecting the first force application stage (6) with the second force application stage (10), wherein the shear zone (26) is configured to shear off when the first limit torque is exceeded and to separate the first force application stage (6) from the second force application stage (10). [6] Torque adapter (2) according to claim 5, wherein the shearing area (26) is formed as a shoulder (28), in particular wherein the paragraph (28) has an annular cross-section which is in particular arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis (L) of the torque adapter. [7] Torque adapter (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool attachment contour (8) is a first tool attachment contour (8) and wherein the second force application stage (10) has a second tool attachment contour (34), which is in particular designed as an external hexagon contour (36). [8] Torque adapter (2) according to claim 7, wherein the first tool attachment contour (8) and the second tool attachment contour (34) have the same outer geometry, and / or wherein the adapter head (12a-c) has one of the following: - Hex socket screw receptacle, - TORX heel, - Hex socket bit holder, - Cross heel, - Slit heel. [9] Torque adapter (102) according to claim 1, wherein the first torque limiting device (114) has a predetermined breaking point (138) which shears off when the first limit torque is exceeded and / or wherein the second torque limiting device (116) has a predetermined breaking point (140) which shears off when the second limit torque is exceeded. [10] Torque adapter (102) according to claim 9, wherein the first and / or the second torque limiting device (114, 116) have a material web (142) which is formed on the first force application stage (106) or the second force application stage (110) and wherein the other of the first force application stage (106) or the second force application stage (110) has a contact web (144) which is in contact with the material web (142) for torque transmission and shears off the material web (142) when the respective limit torque is exceeded. [11] Torque adapter (102) according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein several material webs (142) are provided which are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction (U) of the torque adapter (102) at the respective force application stage (106, 110) and wherein each material web (142) is assigned a contact web (144) of the respective other force application stage (106, 110). [12] Torque adapter (102) according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the at least one material web (142) has a first region (146) with a first material thickness (d1) in the circumferential direction (U), wherein the first region (146) forms the predetermined breaking point (138) of the first torque limiting device (114) and has a second region (148) with a second material thickness (d2) in the circumferential direction (U), wherein the second region (148) forms the predetermined breaking point (140) of the second torque limiting device (116), in particular wherein the first area (146) and the second area (148) are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L). [13] Torque adapter (102) according to claim 12, wherein the contact bridge (144) is dimensioned such that it first comes into contact with the first area (146) for torque transmission and, after shearing off the first area (146), with the second area (148). [14] Use of a torque adapter (2, 102) according to one of the preceding claims for applying a first limit torque and a second limit torque to a screw head, in particular to a screw head of a clamping set, in particular a clampable sealing insert.

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