Pneumatic torque limiter

The Nexen TL Series pneumatically engaged, single-position torque limiter uses a ball/detent interface and proximity sensor to immediately disengage the machine shaft when excessive torque or a machine jam occurs, effectively protecting downstream equipment and product from damage and decreasing downtime.

When the overload condition is detected, the sensor instantly sends a signal to the torque limiter’s control valve, exhausting the air and disengaging the unit for a clean disconnect of power to the driven components.

By utilising pneumatic actuation, TL Series units facilitate remote trip-out torque adjustment via an air regulator, allowing operators to optimise overload protection while the machine is in use. Each torque limiter’s interface has five ball/detents arranged in an asymmetrical pattern, assuring each engagement occurs in the same position and affirming machine components are accurately synchronised. The hard-chromed detent interface decreases drive-ring wear when the balls are pressed against the face during jog-to-position engagement, extending operational life as well as ensuring complete disengagement every time, without premature re-engagement.

Semi-open and totally enclosed, nickel-plated TL Series units are available. Semi-open units are sealed to keep contaminants out of the ball/detent area, while enclosed units are designed to protect the ball/detent and spline areas in washdown or other manufacturing environments where liquids are present. A variety of ball/detent sizes are available to provide a range of torque capacities, making the TL Series suitable for a broad application base, including packaging machinery, food processing, bottling, material handling and newspaper presses.