초록 ▼

Methods and apparatus are provided for a torque driver including a displaceable gear to limit torque transfer to a fastener at a precisely controlled torque limit. A biasing assembly biases a first gear into engagement with a second gear for torque transfer between the first and second gear. The bia

Methods and apparatus are provided for a torque driver including a displaceable gear to limit torque transfer to a fastener at a precisely controlled torque limit. A biasing assembly biases a first gear into engagement with a second gear for torque transfer between the first and second gear. The biasing assembly includes a pressurized cylinder controlled at a constant pressure that corresponds to a torque limit. A calibrated gage and valve is used to set the desired torque limit. One or more coiled output linkages connect the first gear with the fastener adaptor which may be a socket for a nut. A gear tooth profile provides a separation force that overcomes the bias to limit torque at the desired torque limit. Multiple fasteners may be rotated simultaneously to a desired torque limit if additional output spur gears are provided. The torque limit is adjustable and may be different for fasteners within the same fastener configuration.

대표청구항 ▼

A driver for applying torque to a fastener, comprising: a driver housing; a first gear carried by said driver housing for relative rotation with respect thereto, said first gear having first gear teeth mounted around a circumferential portion thereof, a second gear displaceable with respect to said

A driver for applying torque to a fastener, comprising: a driver housing; a first gear carried by said driver housing for relative rotation with respect thereto, said first gear having first gear teeth mounted around a circumferential portion thereof, a second gear displaceable with respect to said first gear in a direction having a lateral component with respect to said first gear between an engaged and a disengaged position, said second gear having second gear teeth mounted around a circumferential portion thereof, said second gear teeth and said first gear teeth meshing in said engaged position, at least one of said first and second gear teeth defining an angled tooth profile to produce a separating force in response to torque transfer between said first and second gears for moving said second gear in a direction having a lateral component with respect to said first gear to said disengaged position to thereby limit torque transferred between said first and second gears and to said fastener; a pressurized-chamber assembly to bias said second gear toward said engaged position, said pressurized-chamber assembly including a chamber for pressurization; and a pressure fluid supply to maintain a pressure within said chamber to thereby produce a substantially constant bias on said second gear, opposing said separating force, during the period in which said second gear is displaced with respect to said first gear from said engaged to said disengaged position.