Tool with torque limit

The tool with an adjustable and removable adjusting element and a spring-based torque limiter addresses the issue of fixed torque values and wear, providing precise and durable torque adjustment with improved handling and power transmission.

WO2025149205A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-07-17WIHA WERKZEUGE
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2024/082164
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-01-12
Filing Date
2024-11-13
Publication Date
2025-07-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing torque-limiting tools in the low-price segment often have fixed torque values that can be adjusted by vibrations, and adhesive fixing is irreversible when the torque limiter or locking structures wear out.

Method used

A tool with an adjustable adjusting element that can be locked in any position, allowing precise torque adjustment, and is removable and replaceable, featuring a gear element with a thread and projections for precise torque setting, and a spring for limiting torque.

Benefits of technology

Enables precise, fine-tuned torque adjustment with improved handling and power transmission, and allows for easy replacement of worn parts, preventing unintended torque changes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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    Figure EP2024082164_17072025_PF_FP_ABST
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Abstract

The invention relates to a tool (1) having a device (3) for setting a torque limit on an output drive (3), wherein the device (2) is arranged in a housing (4) and can be set using a setting element (5) by turning about an axis of rotation (6), wherein the setting element (5) can be secured against the housing (4) by axial movement (7), characterised in that the setting element (5) can be transferred into a securing position by a movement (7) directed from a free end (8) of the output drive (3) to the device (2).
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Description

[0001] Tool with torque limitation

[0002] 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 can be adjusted by rotating an adjusting element about an axis of rotation, wherein the adjusting element can be locked against the housing by axial movement.

[0003] Tools with a torque limiter are known which have an adjusting element which is movable relative to the housing in order to set a torque limiter value. Particularly 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 vibrations. To prevent this, such torque limits are often fixed with adhesive, which in turn has the disadvantage that this fixing cannot be reversed, particularly if the torque limiter or the associated locking structures are worn.

[0004] The object of the invention is to improve tools with torque limitation.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

[0006] The tool according to the invention is therefore characterized in a tool of the type described at the outset in particular in that the adjusting element can be moved into a locking position by a movement from a free end of the output to the device. This can, for example, make it possible to lock the adjusting element in different positions. The adjusting element can be turned by a user in a non-locking position to set a desired torque and can then be locked in place by moving it towards the device. The adjusting element can be locked in any position, which enables the torque to be adjusted very precisely and in small steps.

[0007] In an advantageous embodiment, the adjusting element is designed to be removable. This makes it possible, for example, to decouple the adjusting element from the gear element and housing. Furthermore, the adjusting element can be easily replaced if it becomes worn.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment, the adjusting element is movable relative to the output. This can, for example, make it possible for the adjusting element to be movable translationally and / or rotatably relative to a longitudinal axis of the output. The adjusting element can be moved into a locking position by the translational movement of the adjusting element from a free end of the output towards the device. By rotating the adjusting element, a torque value desired by a user can be set via the gear element.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the adjusting 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 that is 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, it is provided that the adjusting element has at least one projection. This can, for example, make it possible for the projection to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle in the gear element and to drive the latter. In particular, it is provided that the adjusting element has two projections. This can, for example, make it possible for the two projections to be inserted into two corresponding openings in the gear element. In this case, the force transmission to the gear element via the two projections is advantageous compared to force transmission with one projection.

[0012] In one advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the gear element is coupled to the adjusting element. This can, for example, create a connection between the gear element and the adjusting element, which is necessary to drive the gear element with the adjusting element. In particular, it is provided that a projection is inserted into a corresponding opening. This can, for example, achieve that the gear element is driven by the adjusting element in that the projection engages in the corresponding opening and can thereby transmit force. In one advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the gear element has an opening for receiving an output. This can, for example, achieve that the output can be pushed through the gear element. This allows an advantageous, space-saving design of the tool.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the gear element has at least one opening for receiving the adjusting element. This makes it possible, for example, for the adjusting element to engage in the opening of the gear element and drive it.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the adjusting element can be connected to the housing in a form-fitting manner. The form-fitting 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 therefore the torque cannot be changed. In particular, it is provided that 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the adjusting element has an opening. The opening in the adjusting element allows, for example, the inclusion of an output drive. The output drive can thus be inserted through the adjusting element. This enables a space-saving design of the tool.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the housing is provided with a mating toothing. This allows, for example, a positive connection between the adjusting element and the housing to be created by the teeth of the adjusting element engaging with the mating toothing of the housing. This positive connection locks the torque set by the user.

[0018] 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 received by it.

[0019] 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 within the housing and tensions or compresses the spring. The stress on the spring is proportional to the set torque value.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the torque limiter is arranged at a proximal end of the output. This can, for example, provide improved torque adjustment options for the user, as better handling for applying the torque is possible. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the torque limiter is supported on the housing between a proximal end of the output, for example the aforementioned one, and a distal end of the output. This can, for example, enable improved power transmission to the output.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] It shows

[0024] Figure 1 shows an adjustment element in a perspective view,

[0025] Figure 2 shows a gear element in a perspective view,

[0026] Figure 3 a tool in a side view,

[0027] Figure 4 shows the tool from Figure 3 in another side view,

[0028] Figure 5 shows the tool in a lateral sectional view, Figure 6 shows the tool in a three-dimensional view with the housing opened,

[0029] Figure 7 a tool in a side view and

[0030] Figure 8 shows the tool from Figure 7 in a sectional view.

[0031] 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 an axis of rotation 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. Figure 1 shows the adjusting element described.

[0032] A gear element 9 shown in Figure 2 is driven by the adjusting element 5, the gear element 9 having an external thread 10. The gear element 9 is flattened on two sides 11 which 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 pushed through the gear element. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the adjusting element 5 also has an opening 15 for receiving the output 3. To accommodate the projections 12 of the adjusting element 5, the gear element has two openings 13.

[0033] The projections 12 engage in the openings 13 in order 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 which interacts with a corresponding groove 18 on the housing. The adjusting element 5 has teeth 19 which engage in a mating toothing (not shown) in the housing 4 and interact with this 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 inserted into the housing 4, as can be clearly seen in Figure 5. The tool 1 has a spring 21 for limiting the torque. The spring 21 is compressed or relaxed by rotating the adjusting 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] List of reference symbols Tool Device Output Housing Adjustment element Rotation axis Movement Free end Gear element External thread Side Projection Opening of the gear element for adjustment element Opening of the gear element for output Opening of the adjustment element for output Snap connection Bead Groove Teeth Receptacle of the housing for output Spring Latching element Proximal end Distal end

Claims

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 can be adjusted by means of an adjusting element (5) by rotating 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, in particular distal, end (8) of the output (3) to the device (2).

2. Tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting element (5) is arranged to be removable.

3. Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting element (5) is movable relative to the output (3).

4. Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 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 in 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 in 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 in 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 in that 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 in that the gear element (9) has at least one opening (13) for receiving the adjustment element (5).

10. Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in 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 in that the adjusting element (5) has teeth (19).

12. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting element (5) has an opening for receiving the output (3).

13. Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (4) has a counter-toothing.

14. Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (4) has a receptacle (20) for an output (3).

15. Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tool (1) has a spring (21).

16. Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the torque limiter acts on a proximal end (23) of the output (3) and / or that the torque limiter is supported between the or a proximal end (23) of the output and a distal end (24) of the output (3) on the housing (4), in particular via the or a gear element (9).

Citation Information

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