| 摘要 |
A device for leveling an object with over-torque protection. In one embodiment, the leveling device includes a housing including a worm gear, a driven gear, and an elevation shaft. The worm gear operably engages the driven gear, which in turn operably engages the elevation shaft. When the worm gear is rotated in opposite directions, concomitant rotations of the driven gear cause the elevation shaft to move axially up or down to provide leveling motions to an object to which the device is attached. In one embodiment, a torque-limiting mechanism includes a slip drive or clutch including (1) a drive member axially and rotatably disposed in the worm gear and having a first cam surface, (2) a driven member fixedly coupled to the worm gear and having a second cam surface complementary configured with the first cam surface, and (3) a biasing member urging the first cam surface into engagement with the second cam surface. The drive member is rotated by a manual or power tool to operate the leveling device. If the input torque required to raise or lower the object exceeds a predetermined limit, the slip clutch automatically actuates to prevent the worm gear from rotating to protect the leveling device.
|
