Safety coupling

Abstract

A safety coupling having a first drive/output element that is coupled with a second drive/output element via two disengageable coupling elements in the form of two-armed levers that are pivotably disposed on the second drive/output element. First lever arms of these levers are counterstops that in an engaged state of the coupling are disposed in the path of movement of stops that are disposed on the first drive/output element. Second lever arms are supported against a support plate that is shiftable against the force of a compression spring. When an unacceptably high torque occurs, the levers, as a result of forces acting upon the first lever arms, are first pivoted against the compression spring and shift the support plate. After a prescribed pivot angle has been exceeded, the second lever arms, under the effect of the compression spring, pivot further into an end position in which the first lever arms are disposed completely beyond the path of movement of the stops; the coupling is disengaged. Reengagement is effected by shifting the support plate by rotating a nut when the drive/output elements are stopped until the levers can be manually returned to the engaged position.