Patent attributes
In an automatic torque-switching apparatus (1), a fixed member (12) of a reduction device (8) is attached to an apparatus housing (2) via a one-way clutch (9) so as to not rotate in the direction of torque acting on the fixed member from the load side. A rotational input member (13) of the reduction device (8) and the fixed member (12) of the reduction device are linked via a torque limiter (10) so as to rotate integrally only when the torque acting on the fixed member (12) is less than or equal to a prescribed value. The speed reducing operation is not performed while the torque is less than or equal to the prescribed value, and the rotation of a motor (3) is output directly. When the torque exceeds the prescribed value, the reducing operation is performed, and a switch is automatically made to a rotational output having reduced speed and a large torque. An automatic torque-switching apparatus can be realized that has a small-sized, compact structure capable of reversibly switching from a state in which high-speed rotation is output directly to a state in which high-torque, low-speed rotation is output via a reduction device in accordance with the required torque.
