Torque limiting mechanism

摘要

A torque limiting device for a compressor (21) comprises a flexible connector (82) encircling and having one end (83) fixed to a driven member (26) and having its other end (84) releasably received in a recess (72) of the drive member (70), the flexible connector (82) being deformed when torque is applied, such that when the torque applied exceeds a predetermined value, the flexible connector (82) is allowed to expand axially, the end (84) leaving the recess (72) (e.g. into a recess (79) of the driven member (26)), uncoupling the device. <IMAGE>