Screwdriving tool equipped with a torque limiting device

Abstract

An apparatus comprising at least two torque transmission bodies (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) that can be switched to different operating positions in a torque transmission path between an input part (1) and an output part (2) using a switching member, wherein torque limiting devices (4, 4'; 5, 5'; 24, 24') are assigned to the torque transmission bodies (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4), whereby only torque below another limiting torque is transmitted at different operating positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for transmitting torque from an input part to an output part. The torque applied to the input part and transmitted to the first torque transmission body is transmitted to the output part by the first torque limiting device only when the torque is below the first limiting torque in the first operating position. And the torque applied to the input part and transmitted to the second torque transmission body is transmitted to the output part by the second torque limiting device only when the torque is below the second limiting torque in the second operating position.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a device by which torque below two different limiting torques can be transmitted from an input part to an output part. A pressure spring is supported on two torque transmission bodies located in a cavity of the input part, which are integrally rotatably fixed but axially displaceable. Each interacts with a torque transmission body connected to the output part in a state of being integrally rotatably fixed using a torque limiting device. Those torque limiting devices are different from each other so that torque exceeding the other limiting torque is not transmitted from the input part to the output part.

[0003] Devices provided with torque limiting devices acting in a similar manner are known from Patent Document 2 or Patent Document 1.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a pre-calibrated torque screwdriver provided with a plurality of torque transmission bodies arranged axially side by side and each capable of directly providing an operating connection for transmitting torque to an output part so as to be able to transmit different limiting torques to a screw connection.

[0005] Patent Document 4 discloses a free-rotating meshing device provided with two outer rings of free-rotating gears, which are arranged axially side by side and each is provided with a roller. The shaft can selectively provide an operating connection of the two free-rotating outer rings by axial displacement. The shaft can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0006] Patent Document 5 discloses a screwdriver having a torque limiting device including three gear rims arranged overlapping each other, wherein the central gear rim has teeth protruding upwardly to the upper gear rim and teeth protruding downwardly to the lower gear rim.

[0007] Patent Document 6 discloses gear rims biased by a single pressure spring, two of which are meshed with each other. This design does not allow adjustment of two different torques. This is because the two outer gear rims are fixed to the handle in a way that they can rotate integrally and the two inner gear rims are fixed to the shaft in a way that they can rotate integrally.

[0008] The first described device actually enables selectively tightening a screw connection with two different torques. However, for this purpose, the screwdriver bit has to be inserted into different polygonal openings respectively.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0009]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Patent Document 7

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] The present invention is based in particular on the object of advantageously enhancing the utility of the device known from Patent Document 4. The present invention is further based on the object of improving a device in which different limiting torques are transmitted from an input part to an output part so that two or more different limiting torques can be selectively transmitted.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] These objects are achieved by the invention as defined in the claims. The dependent claims not only advantageously improve the invention defined in claim 1, but are also independent solution means.

[0012] Basically, it is proposed that torque is selectively transmitted from an input part to an output part by different torque limiting devices. An individual limiting torque is assigned to each torque limiting device. During torque transmission, one torque transmission body interacts with another torque transmission body, and each torque transmission body forms part of a torque limiting device. The torque transmission body can interact with a driver. The first torque transmission body may be able to interact with the second torque transmission body by means of a torque limiting device. The second torque transmission body can interact with the driver. The torque transmission body is preferably designed and arranged such that the torque acting on the first torque transmission body is transmitted to the second torque transmission body by the first torque limiting device. The torque acting on the second torque transmission body is transmitted to the driver by the second torque limiting device. The second torque limiting device is enabled to transmit a larger limiting torque than the first torque limiting device. The driver may be connected to the output part in a manner that is fixedly rotatable integrally. The torque transmission body may further be selectively connected to the input part in a manner that is fixedly rotatable integrally. However, it is also possible to connect the driver to the input part in a manner that is fixedly rotatable integrally. In this case, the torque transmission body may be selectively connected to the output part in a manner that is fixedly rotatable integrally. In the present invention, a switching member is provided and it can be selectively fixed in a rotationally integral relationship with one of the torque transmission members to the input part or the output part depending on any of the above-described arrangements. The switching member may be an axially displaceable slide. The switching member may be arranged in a cavity where the torque transmission member is also arranged. In a preferred embodiment, at least two torque transmission members are arranged axially side by side. The torque transmission members are preferably biased by a common spring member. In this connection, the first torque transmission member directly biased by the spring member can transmit the first minimum limiting torque to the second torque transmission member. The second torque transmission member is connected to another torque transmission member by a torque limiting device, and this torque limiting device has a larger limiting torque. The second torque transmission member may be connected to a third torque transmission member by a torque limiting device, and this torque limiting device again has a larger limiting torque. As a result, a plurality of torque transmission members can be arranged axially side by side, and the last torque transmission member is connected to the driver by a torque limiting device having the largest limiting torque. One of the torque transmission members can also be connected, for example, to the input part in a way that is rotationally integrally fixed by axially displacing the switching member. Thereby, the limiting torque transmissible to the output part in the whole device corresponds respectively to the minimum limiting torque in the chain of the torque limiting devices arranged in the torque transmission path. In a preferred embodiment, the torque limiting device is formed by a torque transmission flank. The torque transmission flank may have a flank height measured axially. The torque transmission flank may also have an inclination angle measured circumferentially. The flank height and / or the inclination angle, together with the preload of the spring, define the maximum limiting torque transmitted by the adjacent torque transmission flanks. Therefore, the calibration of the limiting torque is realized by the preload of the spring. When torque acts on this type of torque limiting device, the oblique contact of the torque transmission flange causes an axial force that leads to an axial displacement of the torque transmission body biased by the spring force when the preload of the spring that enables calibration of the device is exceeded. The limiting torque is preferably reached when the torque transmission flanges, which are preferably realized in the form of teeth, no longer mesh. Thereby, the two torque transmission bodies can rotate relative to each other. As a result, the torque transmission device is preferably formed by meshing that engages axially with each other. A plurality of torque transmission bodies arranged side by side in the axial direction are preferably connected to each other only axially by their meshing. They are axially biased by the restoring force of the spring member. The torque transmission bodies can be arranged side by side in the axial direction and can produce a chain of transmissions that starts from the minimum torque at the first switching position and enables the transmission of greater torque at other switching positions. The number of torque transmission bodies placed in the chain of transmissions decreases as the switching position progresses. In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of torque transmission bodies do not necessarily interact directly with each other. However, each torque transmission body interacts directly with the direct output part, and one of the plurality of torque transmission bodies is selectively connected to the input part so as to be integrally rotatable. In this case, a common spring that biases the torque transmission bodies axially may be provided such that the torque transmission flanges that mesh with each other interact axially. The torque transmission body may include a connecting protrusion that extends radially outward and engages with the connecting recess of the switching member. The switching member may preferably have the shape of a sleeve provided with an inner wall that forms the connecting recess. The connecting recess may be located between the two connecting protrusions. The connection that transmits torque between the switching member and the torque transmission body is similar to a spline connection. The switching member can be displaced axially relative to the handle that forms the input part. The handle consists of one or more parts, forms a cavity, and can displace a switching member within the cavity. The switching member may have a switching cam that projects radially outward to constrain the switching member to the input part in a torque transmission manner. Torque can be transmitted to the switching cam. However, the switching member may be designed differently and may have protrusions that engage, for example, teeth formed on the inner wall of the cavity. A connecting recess may be provided, and the switching cam of the switching member can engage the connecting recess at its different positions. These recesses may start from longitudinal slots arranged on the wall of the handle that forms the boundary of the cavity in the circumferential direction. The switching cam may protrude slightly beyond the outer surface of the handle so that it can be moved from the latching recess, for example, against the resistance of the latching, and then axially displaced in the longitudinal slot, whereby the switching cam can move to another latching recess. The latching recess can be realized in a comb shape. The device can selectively transmit torque counterclockwise as well as clockwise. Therefore, the teeth forming the torque limiting device may have symmetrical teeth. However, the teeth of the torque limiting device may have teeth that are asymmetrically shaped such that different torques, for example, a larger torque can be transmitted counterclockwise than clockwise. The handle may be composed of a plurality of handle components. The first handle component may form a bearing hole for the bearing part of the output part. The shaft of the output part may extend through the entire handle. The free end of the shaft may be supported within the bearing hole on the end face of the second handle component, and the two handle components may be firmly connected to each other axially and rotationally by a connecting member. The output part may include a shaft-shaped shaft with a round cross-section. The torque transmission body may be rotatably supported on this shaft. Each torque transmission body may be able to transmit torque to the torque transmission body located directly adjacent to it in the direction of the driver. However, it may also be possible that an output component connected to the shaft in a way that is integrally rotatably fixed is provided between the torque transmission bodies. In that case, the torque transmission bodies form a torque limiting device including the above output component. These transmission bodies may be assigned to the shaft in a way that is integrally rotatably fixed but axially displaceable.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The device shown in the figure is a torque screwdriver in the form of an elongated screwdriver with an output part 2 having a polygonal opening 25. A magnet 26 is attached thereto and it is possible to insert a screwdriver bit 27. The output part 2 is attached to an input part 1 formed by an elongated handle extending coaxially with the output part 2. The handle is composed of two axially connected handle parts 30, 38. In the connected state, the two handle parts surround a cavity in which a multi-stage torque transmission gear is located.

[0015] The housing part 30 forms a bearing hole 31 where the bearing part 29 of the output part 2 is supported. The bearing part 29 is connected in a way that it is integrally and rotatably fixed to a driver 21 having a diameter larger than that of the bearing part 29. The end face of the driver 21 is supported on the end face of the cavity 37 via a washer 28. A cylindrical shaft 20 follows behind the driver 21, and its end face is located within a bearing recess 42 of another housing part 38.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the shaft 20 extends through cavities 7 of a total of four torque transmission bodies 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4. The first torque transmission body 3.1 is directly biased by a helical pressure spring 17 via another washer 18, and the above-mentioned helical pressure spring is supported on the other end face of the cavity via another washer 18. The spring member 17 is tensioned by the application of an axial force during the assembly of the two handle parts 30, 38. The rear handle part 38 is pushed into the front handle part 30 during the assembly of the two handle parts. The ridge part 39 fits into the longitudinal slots 34 and closes these longitudinal slots. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting openings 36, 40 are aligned with each other, and three parts of the two housings move to an overlapping position so that the connecting pin 21 can reliably restrain the two handle parts 30, 38 with respect to each other.

[0017] Alternatively, the preload of the spring member 17 may be realized using a contact member fixed to the end of the shaft 20, and the contact member is screwed onto the male thread of the shaft 20 in the form of a nut, for example.

[0018] The slot 34 is continuous in the form of a longitudinal slot 33 extending in the axial direction, and a plurality of recesses 32.1, 32.2, 32.3, 32.4, and 32.5 that are axially spaced from each other project from the longitudinal slot in the circumferential direction and form latching recesses. The latching notches 35 are located opposite the latching recesses 32.1 to 32.5 in the circumferential direction.

[0019] The switching member 11 formed by the sleeve has a cavity 37 and a cavity surrounded by the inner wall 14. The switching member 11 has an outer wall 15 extending on the cylindrical surface, and the switching member 11 abuts against the inner wall of the cavity 37 in a displaceable manner by its outer wall 15. The cams 16 project from the outer wall 15 with a uniform angular distribution. Preferably, three cams 16 can engage with the longitudinal slot 33 and selectively latch onto one of the latching recesses 32.1 to 32.5 during the process of axial displacement and subsequent circumferential displacement. The latching recesses are provided with latching protrusions in the region of their openings for this purpose. Therefore, it is necessary to overcome the latching force to move the latching cam 16 into or out of one of the latching recesses.

[0020] Additional torque transmitters 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4 are located between the driver 21 and the first torque transmitter 3.1. When torque is applied to the handles 30, 38, the torque transmitters are interconnected using a torque limiting device such that the torque applied to the first torque transmitter 3.1 by the switching member 11 at the switching positions shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is transmitted to the driver 21.

[0021] In the switching position shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the switching member is connected to the torque transmission body 3.1 in such a way that it is integrally rotatably fixed. This is achieved by the engagement of a connecting projection 6 protruding radially from the torque transmission body 3.1 with a connecting recess 12 arranged between two connecting projections 13 of the switching member 11. When the torque applied to the first torque transmission body 3.1 exceeds the first limiting torque, the torque transmission connection between the first torque transmission body 3.1 and the second torque transmission body 3.2 is lost, thereby eliminating the integrally rotatably fixed connection between these two torque transmission bodies 3.1 and 3.2.

[0022] The torque limiting device that interconnects the two torque transmission bodies 3.1 and 3.2 is formed by a toothing 23. The teeth of the toothing 23 form obliquely extending tooth flanks, and these tooth flanks form torque transmission flanks 4, 4', 5, 5'. The height of the teeth and the inclination angle of the tooth flanks of the mating teeth of the toothing 23 define the limiting torque. During the application and increase of torque, the oblique tooth flanks of the toothing 23 can slide relative to each other until they reach the position shown in FIG. 6, whereupon the engagement of the teeth of the toothing 23 is released. During the accompanying axial displacement of the torque transmission body 3.1, the connecting projection 6 slides along the connecting projection 13 having a sufficient axial length.

[0023] The torque acting on the output unit 2 can no longer increase once it reaches the position shown in Fig. 6. The input unit 1 rotates with respect to the output unit 2. The torque limiting device between the first torque transmission body 3.1 and the second torque transmission body 3.2 located directly adjacent to it has a limiting torque of 2 Nm. The torque limiting device between the second torque transmission body and the third torque transmission body has a larger limiting torque of 3 Nm. As a result, the torque limiting device between the second torque transmission body 3.2 and the third torque transmission body 3.3 enables the transmission of a larger limiting torque than the torque limiting device between the first torque transmission body 3.1 and the second torque transmission body 3.2. The third torque transmission body 3.3 is adjacent to the fourth torque transmission body 3.4 by another torque limiting device. This torque limiting device enables the transmission of a further increased limiting torque of 4 Nm. The fourth torque transmission body 3.4 is adjacent to the driver 21 by another torque limiting device that enables the transmission of a further increased limiting torque of 5 Nm. As a result, the torque limiting device between the spring member 17 and the driver 21 will have a limiting torque that increases step by step.

[0024] When torque is applied in the clockwise direction, the switching cam 16 is displaced to the latching recess 32.1. When torque is applied in the counterclockwise direction, the switching cam 16 is displaced to the notch 35 located opposite the latching recess 32.1. However, another latching recess may be provided instead of the notch 35. Further, the latching recess may be designed at an angle so that the switching cam cannot move from the latching recess when the direction of rotation changes. The switching cam 16 may be connected to the handle in the shape of a plug base.

[0025] When the switching cam 16 is disengaged from the latching recess 32.1, it can be moved to different axial positions within the longitudinal slot 33, for example, the positions shown in Figs. 7 and 8. In this case, the connecting protrusion 6 of the third torque transmission body 3.3 is located in the connecting recess 12 so that the third torque transmission body 3.3 is basically connected to the input unit 2 in a way that it can rotate integrally. The torque limiting device between the third torque transmission member 3.3 and the first torque transmission member 3.2 does not function at all at this switching position, similar to the torque limiting device between the second torque transmission member 3.2 and the first torque transmission member 3.1. In this case, the torque is transmitted only by the torque limiting devices between the third torque transmission member 3.3 and the fourth torque transmission member 3.4, and between the fourth torque transmission member 3.4 and the driver 21.

[0026] Furthermore, an axial displacement of the switching member 11 is enabled to reach the switching position shown in FIG. 9. The limiting torque is defined only by the torque limiting device between the fourth torque transmission member 3.4 and the driver 21.

[0027] A further axial displacement of the switching member 11 is enabled to reach the switching position shown in FIG. 10. In this case, the connecting projection 21 protruding axially from the driver 21 engages with the connecting recess 12. The input part 1 is connected to the output part 2 without a torque limiting device at this switching position.

[0028] A single helical pressure spring 17, particularly a preloaded helical pressure spring, is considered to be advantageous in that it enables the device to be in different defined switching states and can transmit the defined maximum torques respectively.

[0029] Furthermore, it is considered to be advantageous that the magnitude of the defined limiting torque can be adjusted only by the combination of the inclination angle or the axial height of the torque transmission flanks 4, 4', 5, 5' and the preload of the spring member. FIGS. 12 and 13 show an example of the fourth torque transmission member 3.4. The input-side torque transmission flanks 4, 4' of this fourth torque transmission member have the maximum axial length in FIG. 12. The output-side torque transmission flanks 5, 5' have a slightly shorter axial length. FIG. 13 shows the first torque transmission member 3.4 provided with torque transmission flanks 4, 4' having the shortest axial length only on the output side.

[0030] It is proposed that each meshing tooth part 23 forming the torque transmission flanks 4, 4', 5, 5', 24, 24' is realized in the same way so as to ensure a backlash-free and seamless meshing.

[0031] The above-described technical advantages can also be realized in another exemplary embodiment, in which case one of the plurality of torque transmitters is selectively brought into the operating position using the switching member 11. In such an exemplary embodiment, each torque transmitter may basically have a torque limiting device with an output part 2, in the same way as is known from the prior art. In contrast to the prior art, in this case, all the torque limiting devices should be biased by the same spring. For this purpose, for example, drivers can be respectively arranged between two adjacent torque transmitters, and this driver is non-rotatably connected to the torque transmitter to which the torque transmitter is rotatably attached, and it would be possible to form an axially acting torque transmission flank. This can be realized by the fact that these additional drivers, which are axially connected to the output part 2 and can interact with the torque transmitter individually, are axially displaceable relative to the output part. For example, the driver may be a different disc-shaped body arranged between two torque transmitters and forming a torque transmission flank on at least one side surface.

[0032] In a non-illustrated modification of the present invention, it is proposed that the shaft 20 has the above-described male thread at least at its free end, where a nut can be screwed onto the male thread, and thus tension can be applied to the spring 17, as described in, for example, Patent Document 7. However, it would also be possible to provide other non-positive or positive connections to fix the end of the spring member 17 facing away from the torque transmitter so that the end of the spring member 17 is supported by the shaft 20 rather than by the housing.

[0033] Furthermore, it would also be possible for the switching member 11 to be provided on the outside of the inner housing sleeve. In this case, the housing sleeve may be designed in the same way as the handle part 30 shown in the figure. The housing sleeve may be provided with longitudinal slots 34 through which the connecting projections 13 of the switching member 11 can project. A plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart longitudinal slots 34 may be provided in the circumferential direction, and the connecting projections 13 that interact with the connecting projections 6 of the torque transmission body 3 project through the respective longitudinal slots.

[0034] In order that the switching member 11 does not move circumferentially within the handle 30 when the direction of rotation is reversed, the connecting projection 13 or the switching cam 16 can also be guided within one or more longitudinal slots.

[0035] A latching member may be provided to restrain the switching member 11 at different axial positions, and this latching member can be released, for example, by actuating a push button in order to displace the switching member 11 axially.

[0036] In another exemplary embodiment not shown, an outer handle sleeve may be further provided, and the outer handle sleeve is pushed out above the switching member 11 or the handle part that houses the switching member 11, so that the switching member 11 can be arranged in an operating position within the outer sleeve-shaped handle part in a dust-proof manner in the operating position. Furthermore, an indicator for displaying the currently adjusted torque may be provided. For this purpose, the handle sleeve may be provided with a window through which the slide or the switching member 11 can be seen. And a reference number indicating the magnitude of the adjusted torque is attached to the visible area of the slide or the switching member 11.

[0037] The foregoing description serves to clarify all the inventions included in this application, and each independently improves the prior art by at least the following combinations of features. At this time, combinations of two, a plurality, or all of these features may be combined with each other.

[0038] An apparatus characterized by a switching member by which first and second torque transmission members 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 can be selectively set to one of the operating positions.

[0039] An apparatus, characterized in that at least two torque transmission members arranged axially with respect to the axis of rotation of the apparatus are biased by a common spring member 17.

[0040] The torque limiting devices are formed by torque transmission flanks 4, 4', 5, 5', 24, 24' of the torque transmission members 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 stacked directly on top of each other, and the torque transmission flanks 4, 4', 5, 5', 24, 24' of the torque transmission members 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 are different from each other in such a way that the limiting torques of the torque limiting devices 4, 4', 5, 5', 24, 24' increase stepwise, which is realized in particular by the torque transmission flanks of the different torque limiting devices 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 being different with respect to the inclination angle of the torque transmission flanks 4, 4', 5, 5', 24, 24' and / or with respect to the axial height of the torque transmission flanks 4, 4', 5, 5', 24, 24'. An apparatus characterized thereby.

[0041] A plurality of torque transmission members 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 forming the torque transmission flanks 4, 4', 5, 5', 24, 24' are arranged axially in the cavity 37 of the input part 1, they are connected only by mutual meshing and axially biased by the restoring force of the spring member 17, and one of the torque transmission members 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 can be selectively connected to the input part 1 in such a way that it is integrally rotatably fixed by the switching member 11, and / or the first torque transmission member 3.1 is directly biased by the spring member 17 and the torque transmission flanks 4, 4' of the last torque transmission member 3.4 interact with the torque transmission flanks 24, 24' of the driver 21 firmly connected to the output part 2. An apparatus characterized thereby.

[0042] The torque transmitters 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 are provided with connecting protrusions 6 that face radially outward and engage with the connecting recesses 21 of the switching member 11 realized in the form of a sleeve in particular, and the switching member 11 is arranged in the cavity 37 of the input part 1 in a displaceable manner and can be fixed in at least two different axial positions, characterized by the device.

[0043] The driver 21, which is connected to the output part 2 in a manner that can be integrally and rotatably fixed and is connected to the torque transmitters 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 by the torque limiting devices 4, 4’, 24, 24’, is provided with a connecting protrusion 22 that engages with the connecting recess 12 of the switching member 11 in one of the switching positions, characterized by the device.

[0044] In different switching positions of the switching member 11, torque is transmitted from the input part 1 to the output part 2 in the clockwise as well as the counterclockwise direction, and the limiting torque transmitted can be different from each other or the same in the counterclockwise direction and the clockwise direction, characterized by the device.

[0045] The switching member 11 has at least one radially protruding switching cam 16, which can engage with the latching recesses 32.1, 32.2, 32.3, 32.4, 32.5 arranged in a comb-like manner in particular in different switching positions of the switching member 11, characterized by the device.

[0046] The output part 2 is provided with a driver 21 and a shaft 20, which are connected to the output part in a manner that can be integrally and rotatably fixed. The driver 21 is supported on the end face of the cavity 37 of the handles 30, 38 formed by the input part 1, and the shaft 20 extends through the helical pressure spring 17 and is supported on the other end face of the cavity 37. A plurality of torque transmitters 3.1 to 3.4 are rotatably attached to the shaft between the driver 21 and the spring 17, and each is connected by an adjacent torque transmitter 3.1 to 3.4 or the driver 21 and the torque limiting devices 4, 4’, 5, 5’, 24, 24’, characterized by the device.

[0047] All the features disclosed are essential for the present invention (for themselves and in combination with each other). The disclosure of the present application includes the entire content of the disclosure of the related / attached priority documents (copies and previous applications), which is also for the purpose of incorporating the features of these documents into the claims of the present application. The dependent claims, in particular for the purpose of filing a divisional application based on these claims, characterize a further independent inventive development of the prior art even without the features of the cited claims. The invention specified in each claim can additionally have one or more functions specified in the foregoing description, in particular those provided with reference signs and / or specified in the description of the signs. The present invention also relates, in particular, to embodiments in which the individual ones of the features described in the foregoing description are not implemented as long as they are clearly unnecessary for their respective purposes of use or can be replaced by other means having the same technical effect.

Description of the Signs

[0048] 1 Input section 2 Output section 3.1 Torque transmission body 3.2 Torque transmission body 3.3 Torque transmission body 3.4 Torque transmission body 4 Torque transmission flange 4’ Torque transmission flange 5 Torque transmission flange 5’ Torque transmission flange 6 Connecting protrusion 7 Cavity 8 Tooth portion 9 Tooth portion 10 Peripheral surface 11 Switching member 12 Connecting recess 13 Connecting protrusion 14 Inner wall 15 Outer wall 16 Switching cam 17 Spring member 18 Washer 19 Washer 20 Shaft 21 Driver 22 Connecting protrusion 23-tooth part 24 Torque transmission flange 24’ Torque transmission flange 25 Insertion port 26 Magnet 27 Screwdriver bit 28 Washer 29 Bearing part 30 Gripping part 31 Bearing hole 32.1 Latching recess 32.2 Latching recess 32.3 Latching recess 32.4 Latching recess 32.5 Latching recess 33 Vertical slot 34 Vertical slot 35 Score mark 36 Mounting opening 37 Cavity 38 Gripping part 39 Ridge part 40 Mounting opening 41 Connection pin 42 Bearing recess Shaft A

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising at least two torque transmission bodies (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) that can be switched by a switching member (11) to different operating positions in a torque transmission path between an input part (1) and an output part (2), wherein torque limiting devices (4, 4'; 5, 5'; 24, 24') are assigned to the torque transmission bodies (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4), whereby only torque below different limiting torques is transmitted in said different operating positions.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two torque transmission bodies (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) arranged axially with respect to the rotation axis of the apparatus are biased by a common spring member (17).

3. The torque limiting devices are formed by torque transmission flanks (4, 4'; 5, 5'; 24, 24'), and the torque transmission flanks (4, 4'; 5, 5'; 24, 24') of the torque transmission bodies (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) stacked directly on each other are different from each other such that the limiting torque of the torque limiting devices (4, 4'; 5, 5'; 24, 24') increases stepwise in the direction of the output part (2) starting from the torque transmission body (3.1) that is axially farthest from the output part (2). The apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the torque transmission flanks of different torque limiting devices (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) are different with respect to the inclination angle of the torque transmission flanks (4, 4', 5, 5', 24, 24') and / or with respect to the axial height of the torque transmission flanks (4, 4', 5, 5', 24, 24').

5. A plurality of torque transmission bodies (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) forming the torque transmission flanges (4, 4', 5, 5', 24, 24') are arranged axially side by side in the cavity (37) of the input portion (1), whereby they are connected to each other only by the mutual engagement of the torque transmission flanges, and are axially biased by the restoring force of the spring member (17). The apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that one of the torque transmission bodies (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) is selectively connected to the input portion (1) in such a way that it is integrally rotatably fixed by the switching member (11).

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first torque transmission body (3.1) is directly biased by the spring member (17), and the torque transmission flanges (4, 4') of the last torque transmission body (3.4) interact with the torque transmission flanges (24, 24') of a driver (21) firmly connected to the output portion (2).

7. The torque transmission bodies (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) are provided with connecting protrusions (6) that engage with connecting recesses (21) of the switching member (11) directed radially outward and realized in the form of a sleeve in particular. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the switching member (11) is displaceably arranged in the cavity (37) of the input portion (1) and can be fixed in at least two different axial positions.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a driver (21) connected to the output portion (2) in such a way that it is integrally rotatably fixed and connected to the torque transmission bodies (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) by a torque limiting device (4, 4', 24, 24') is provided with a connecting protrusion (22) that engages with a connecting recess (12) of the switching member (11) at the switching position of the switching member (11).

9. The torque is transmitted from the input part (1) to the output part (2) in the counterclockwise direction as well as in the clockwise direction at different switching positions of the switching member (11), characterized in that the device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The limiting torque transmitted in the counterclockwise direction and the clockwise direction is different from each other or the same, characterized in that the device according to claim 9.

11. The switching member (11) comprises at least one radially projecting switching cam (16) engageable with latching recesses (32.1, 32.2, 32.3, 32.4, 32.5) arranged in a comb shape at different switching positions of the switching member (11), characterized in that the device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The output part (2) comprises a driver (21) connected to the output part in a way that it can be integrally and rotatably fixed, and a shaft (20), The driver (21) is supported on the end face of the cavity (37) of the handle (30, 38) formed by the input part (1), and The shaft (20) extends through the helical pressure spring (17) and is supported on the end face on the opposite side of the cavity (37), and A plurality of torque transmission bodies (3.1 to 3.4) are rotatably mounted on the shaft (20) between the driver (21) and the spring (17), and each is connected to an adjacent torque transmission body (3.1 to 3.4) or the driver by a torque limiting device (4, 4', 5, 5', 24, 24'), characterized in that the device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The torque applied to the input part (1) is transmitted to the output part (2) only when the torque is below a first limiting torque in a first operating position, and the torque applied to the input part (1) is transmitted to the output part (2) only when the torque is below a second limiting torque greater than the first limiting torque in a second operating position, In the first operating position, the torque is transmitted by the first torque transmission body (3.3) and the second torque transmission body (3.4), and in the second operating position, the torque is transmitted only by the second torque transmission body (3.4). The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that.

14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that only one torque transmission body (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) is connected to the input part (1) in such a way that it is integrally rotatably fixed in each of different operating positions.

15. A device or method characterized by one or more of the features characterized by any one of claims 1 to 14.

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