TOOL AT LIMITED TORQUE Russian patent published in 2004 - IPC

FIELD: tools of limited torque used in outer space. SUBSTANCE: proposed tool has body with driven shaft and torque limiting mechanism and working end-piece. Torque limiting mechanism is made in form of combined spherical coupling at fixed levels of torque whose working bush has radial slots on one end face and longitudinal slots on outer cylindrical surface. Engageable with longitudinal slots is ball acted on by spring provided with adjusting screw. Engageable with radial slots are balls located in drive shaft; these balls are acted on by spring provided with adjusting screw through pushers. Tool is also provided with limiting torque change-over mechanism made in form of armature whose transversal slot is engageable with ball locking the working bush; ball is engageable with longitudinal dimple of working bush. Driven shaft is connected with working end-piece by means of bending moment limiting mechanism which is made in form of cardan joint with spherical retainers fitted in forks; springs of retainers are provided with shims and balls are engageable with dimples of cardan joint ball. EFFECT: extended functional capabilities; limiting of bending moment acting on work. 2 cl, 3 dwg