What is the purpose of a torque limiter?

A torque limiter (also known as overload clutch, safety coupling, or safety clutch) is a mechanical device that connects the prime mover and the working machine for overload protection.When the transmitted torque exceeds the preset value, it limits torque transmission by slipping or disengaging, thus protecting the equipment.It is widely used in automation, conveying, packaging, and various other industries.

· Equipment Protection: Prevents costly damage such as motor burnout, gear breakage, and shaft failure caused by overload, jamming, or foreign object intrusion.

· Personnel Safety: Acts as a safety barrier in robots and automated production lines to avoid accidental injuries due to mechanical failure.

· Production Stability: Reduces unplanned downtime, ensures continuous operation, and greatly improves equipment utilization and overall production efficiency.

· Improved Accuracy: In precision test platforms, it ensures tests are performed within the set torque range, guaranteeing accurate and reliable data.

Types of Torque Limiters

· Friction Type Torque Limiter

· Ball Detent Type Torque Limiter

Working Principle of Friction Type Torque Limiter

A friction torque limiter uses a lock nut to generate spring force acting on friction discs.A sprocket or similar rotary component is clamped between two friction discs.The friction between the discs and the sprocket created by the spring force transmits torque.

When the equipment is overloaded, relative slipping occurs between the sprocket and friction discs, while a certain slipping torque is still maintained (torque is still transmitted but can no longer drive the driven side).At this point, the driving side idles and the driven side stops.The torque limiter automatically resets once the overload is removed.

Working Principle of Ball Detent Type Torque Limiter

The critical torque is controlled by precision springs, achieving highly accurate torque settings.For the same model, different slipping torque values can be set by replacing built-in springs.It is designed for shaft-to-transmission installation and can be equipped with a coupling for easy shaft-to-shaft connection as requested.

When overload occurs, the driven side stops first while the driving side idles.At the moment of overload, the ball detent torque limiter produces an axial displacement.With a proximity switch installed to detect this displacement, a signal can be sent for alarm or motor shutdown, achieving full automation.

After the overload is eliminated, the limiter resets at a unique position per revolution (or multiple positions upon request).

For more questions about torque limiters, welcome to consult Kudosworld anytime!