Overload protection, drive train comprising such an overload protection, device comprising a lifting tool, and method for applying working forces

An overload protector comprising:

• an input element;
• an output element juxtaposed with the input element;
• a clamping plate;
• fastener means for fixing the clamping plate to one of the elements against relative movement and for pressing inner faces of the clamping plate against outer faces of the other element perpendicular to a predetermined direction with a force creating friction between the faces of the clamping plate and the other of the elements;
• a coupling between the clamping plate and the other element and permitting only limited relative movement of the elements through a stroke having a predetermined length in the predetermined direction;
• and
• connector means between the clamping plate and the other element for fixing the clamping plate and the other element together against relative movement until an overload force greater than a predetermined critical limit is exerted shifting either of the elements toward or away from the other element in the predetermined direction whereupon the connector means actuates and releases the elements for relative movement in the direction, whereby until the predetermined critical limit of the overload force is exceeded, the two elements move synchronously with each other and, when the predetermined critical limit is exceeded, the two elements can move relative to each other in the direction only through the stroke.