Gun grip type electric air pump tool

Abstract

A pistol grip tool includes an air pump driven by an electric motor, and a trigger operably coupled to the motor to operate the motor. The tool may also include a reservoir removably coupled to the air pump and adapted to receive a removable power source, such as a battery pack. The tool may be used to test and diagnose systems or components within a vehicle or other machine.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a power air pump tool having a pistol grip style that can be used to generate pressure or vacuum. BACKGROUND

[0002] Tools such as vacuum pump type tools are commonly used to diagnose or service vehicles such as automobiles. Many vehicles require servicing and diagnosis to ensure proper operation of the vehicle. For example, brake systems or other fluid systems can require bleeding, fuel pumps can require testing, and other vacuum systems of the vehicle can require testing. To diagnose various vacuum systems within a vehicle, a vacuum or pressure is generated within the system to observe how the system or components within the system behave. For certain diagnoses, multiple cycles of vacuum establishment are required to fully generate a diagnostic report. Typically, the vacuum pump type tools used during these diagnostic tests are hand pumps. However, the use of hand pumps can be time consuming and cause fatigue, which limits the number of vehicles that can be tested and / or inspected within a given time period. SUMMARY

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a pistol grip tool that includes an air pump driven by an electric motor and a trigger operably coupled to the motor to operate the motor. The tool can also include a reservoir that is selectively and removably coupled to first and second pump connections of the air pump one at a time and is adapted to receive a removable power source such as a battery pack. The tool can be used to test and diagnose systems or components within a vehicle or other machine. For example, the tool can be used to diagnose a manifold or waste gate valve of an automobile and / or an exhaust fluid system of an automobile. The reservoir of the tool limits contamination of the motor and / or air pump by collecting fluid. The tool also reduces hand fatigue and increases the number of vehicles or other machines that can be tested and / or inspected within a given time period.

[0004] In one embodiment, the present invention broadly includes a tool comprising: a pistol grip housing adapted to receive a removable power source; a motor disposed in the housing; a trigger operably coupled to the motor and adapted to control operation of the motor; an air pump operably coupled to the motor; and a reservoir removably coupled to the air pump.

[0005] In another embodiment, the present invention broadly includes a tool comprising a housing comprising a trigger in electrical communication with a motor, wherein the housing is adapted to receive a removable power source. A gas pump is adapted to be driven by the motor and is removably coupled to the motor and comprises a pump connection. The tool further comprises a reservoir having a chamber and a first connector and a second connector, wherein the first connector is coupled to the pump connection and the second connector is adapted to be coupled to a fluid system to cooperatively form a pressure- sealed environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawings an embodiment thereof and thereis described in words, therefrom, certain illustrative embodiments of the subject matter, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter, its construction and operation and many of its advantages will be readily understood and appreciated.

[0007] Figure 1 is a side view of an exemplary pistol-grip electric air pump tool having components connected via a tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 is a top view of the exemplary tool of Figure 1

[0009] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the exemplary tool of Figure 1

[0010] Figure 4 is a side view of an exemplary pistol-grip electric air pump tool having components connected via a tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 5 is a side view of an exemplary pistol-grip electric air pump tool comprising one or more valves according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] While the present invention can be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein embodiments of the present invention including the preferred embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the present invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the present invention to any one or more of the embodiments illustrated. As used herein, the term “present invention” is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but is used for explanatory purposes only to discuss exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] ​​The present invention relates broadly to a pistol-grip tool that includes an air pump driven by an electric motor and a trigger operably coupled to the motor to operate the motor. The tool can also include a reservoir selectively and removably coupled to first and second pump couplings of the air pump one at a time and adapted to receive a removable power source, such as a battery pack. The tool can be used, for example, to test and diagnose systems or components within a vehicle or other machine. For example, the tool can be used to diagnose a manifold or waste gate valve of an automobile and / or the exhaust fluid system of an automobile. The reservoir of the tool limits contamination of the motor and / or air pump by collecting fluid. The tool also reduces hand fatigue and increases the number of vehicles or other machines that can be tested and / or inspected within a set period of time.

[0014] In use, the tool 100 can be coupled to a fluid system and form a pressure- enclosed environment capable of receiving a fluid, such as air / gas or liquid, to form a pressure condition (i.e., a localized increase in fluid pressure) or lack of fluid to form a vacuum condition. The fluid system can be any component of a machine containing a hollow body and can contain gas, fluid, solid debris, or combinations thereof, where the fluid system can be isolated from an outside / external environment when the fluid system is releasably coupled to the tool. The machine can be, without limitation, an automobile, an airplane, a lawn mower, an engine, an HVAC, a refrigerator, etc. Without limitation, examples of fluid systems include a manifold, a brake system, etc.

[0015] When the tool is used to create a pressure condition in the fluid system, the air pump pumps air into the fluid system and locally increases the pressure within the fluid system. When the tool is used to create a vacuum condition in the fluid system, the air pump extracts air from the fluid system along with any locally contained material content (e.g., gas, fluid, debris, or combinations thereof). As examples, the tool can be used to diagnose problems related to an intake manifold or a waste gate valve, as well as to evacuate automobile fluid (e.g., brake fluid) from a brake system.

[0016] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The tool 100 includes a housing 102 (also referred to as a tool housing), a motor 104 disposed in the housing 102, an air pump 106 coupled to the housing 102 at a front or working end of the tool 100 and operably coupled to the motor 104, a reservoir 110 operably coupled to the air pump 106, and a trigger 108 electrically coupled to the motor 104 and adapted to operate the motor 104 and thereby the air pump 106.

[0017] The housing 102 is shown as a pistol grip housing. In one embodiment, the housing 102 is a clamshell housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion that are mirror images of each other and coupled together via fasteners to cooperatively form the housing 102. In another embodiment, the housing 102 (including the first and second housing portions) can be a single integral piece or a single piece part. When the housing is a pistol grip housing, the housing 102 can include a motor housing portion 112 and a handle housing portion 114. The handle housing portion 114 can extend from the motor housing portion 112 to a power receptacle end 116 that is adapted to receive and couple to a power source (e.g., a removable battery pack 118) for providing power to the tool 100. In one embodiment, the motor housing portion 112 and the handle housing portion 114 can be arranged at an angle relative to each other to form a pistol grip tool. For example, in one embodiment, a longitudinal axis of the motor housing portion 112 and a longitudinal axis of the handle housing portion 114 can be arranged at an angle of about 100 degrees to about 120 degrees relative to each other, and preferably at an angle of about 110 degrees.

[0018] To operably couple to the removable battery pack 118, the tool 100 can include a power receiving terminal 122 that is accessible within the power receptacle end 116 and is adapted to electrically couple to a corresponding power terminal of the removable battery pack 118 when the removable battery pack 118 is arranged or received in the power receptacle end 116 of the tool 100. The power receptacle end 116 can be adapted to receive the removable battery pack 118 and hold the removable battery pack 118 in place (such as via a latching mechanism as known in the art) until the removable battery pack 118 is selectively released from the power receptacle end 116. In other embodiments, the power receptacle end 116 can include a power adapter (such as a male or female end of a power cord) to allow the tool 100 to be connected to an external electrical outlet.

[0019] The motor 104 is arranged in and supported in the motor housing portion 112 and is operably coupled to the trigger 108 via control electronics and / or a switch mechanism. The motor 104 can be a brushless DC (BLDC) or a brushed type motor, or any other suitable motor (e.g., a pneumatic or hydraulic operated or AC operated motor). The motor 104 can be operably coupled to the air pump 106. Thus, actuation of the trigger 108 by a user (such as depressing the trigger 108) causes the motor 104 to operate and operate the air pump 106.

[0020] The tool 100 can also include additional components. For example, and without limitation, the tool 100 can include electronic components, such as control electronics and a switching mechanism operably coupled to and adapted to control the motor 104. For example, the control electronics can include a printed circuit board (PCB) including one or more switching elements disposed thereon. The switching elements can be field-effect transistors (FETs), such as metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). In an embodiment, the switching elements can include three high-side switching elements H1, H2, and H3, and three low-side switching elements L1, L2, and L3, each of which is operable in either a first or on state and a second or off state. The switching elements are controlled by the PCB to selectively apply power from a power source (e.g., a battery pack) to the motor 104 to achieve a desired commutation. By selectively activating particular high-side and low-side switching elements, the motor 104 is operated by the control electronics sending a current signal through coils located on a stationary portion of the motor 104, referred to as a stator. When current flows through the coils, the coils cause a magnetic force to be applied to a rotating portion of the motor 104, referred to as a rotor. The rotor contains a permanent magnet that interacts with the magnetic force generated by the windings of the stator. By selectively activating successive combinations of high-side and low-side switching elements in a particular sequence, the stator generates a rotating magnetic field that interacts with the rotor to cause it to rotate by sending a particular sequence of current signals through the windings of the stator.

[0021] The switching mechanism, such as the switching mechanism 120, can be disposed in the motor housing portion 112 or the handle housing portion 114 and operably coupled to a power source, such as a battery, the trigger 108, and the motor 104 via the control electronics. In an embodiment, the trigger 108 is disposed substantially at the intersection of the handle housing portion 114 and the motor housing portion 112 and is operably coupled to the switching mechanism 120. Actuation of the trigger 108, such as depression of the trigger 108, causes the motor 104 to operate. In an embodiment, the trigger 108 can also be biased such that the trigger 108 can be depressed inwardly relative to the tool 100 to cause the tool 100 to operate, and release of the trigger 108 causes the trigger 108 to move outwardly relative to the tool 100 to stop operation of the tool 100 via the biased nature of the trigger 108.

[0022] The trigger 108 and the switch mechanism 120 can also be variable speed mechanisms. In this regard, actuation or depression of the trigger 108 can cause the motor 104 to operate at a faster speed as the trigger 108 is further depressed. In this manner, the trigger 108 and the switch mechanism 120 can be used to control the output intensity of the air pump 106 in either the vacuum configuration state or the pressure configuration state.

[0023] The air pump 106 is adapted to be powered by the motor 104 and is removably coupled to the motor 104 and includes a first pump connection 124 and a second pump connection 126. The air pump 106 can be physically coupled to the motor 104 or separate from the motor 104. In some embodiments, the air pump 106 is operably coupled to the reservoir 110 and is in fluid communication with the reservoir 110. For example, each of the first pump connection 124 and the second pump connection 126 can be removably coupled to the reservoir 110 one at a time directly, via a tube (e.g., via the tube 128 shown), via a switching and / or exhaust valve (e.g., the valve 130 shown), or via the tube 128 and the valve 130, or any combination thereof. Figure 4 The tube 128 shown can include one or more tubes, the valve 130 shown can include one or more valves, and the reservoir 110 can include one or more reservoirs. Figure 5 The tube 128 shown can include one or more tubes, the valve 130 shown can include one or more valves, and the reservoir 110 can include one or more reservoirs.

[0024] One of the first pump connection 124 and the second pump connection 126 can be adapted to output air (i.e., pump air out), and the other of the first pump connection 124 and the second pump connection 126 can be adapted to draw in air. The tool 100 can also selectively switch between which of the first pump connection 124 and the second pump connection 126 is operably coupled to the reservoir 110. For example, in the vacuum configuration state, the first pump connection 124 or the second pump connection 126 that is adapted to draw in air can be operably coupled to the reservoir 110. Similarly, in the pressure configuration state, the first pump connection 124 or the second pump connection 126 that is adapted to output air can be operably coupled to the reservoir 110.

[0025] The reservoir 110 can be adapted to be coupled to the air pump 106 and a fluid system to cooperatively form a pressure-enclosed environment. The reservoir 110 can be removably coupled to the air pump 106 and includes a chamber 132, a first reservoir connector 134, and a second reservoir connector 136. For example, the first reservoir connector 134 can be removably coupled to the air pump 106 directly, or via a tube (such as the tube 128 shown), or via a switching and / or exhaust valve (such as the valve 130 shown), or via the tube 128 and the valve 130, or any combination thereof. Figure 4 The tube 128 shown can include one or more tubes, the valve 130 shown can include one or more valves, and the reservoir 110 can include one or more reservoirs. Figure 5The first pump connection 124 or the second pump connection 126 of the air pump 106 via the tube 128 and the valve 130, or any combination thereof. In an example, the first pump connection 124 is adapted to draw in air, and the second pump connection 126 is adapted to output air. Thus, in this example, when the tool 100 is used in the vacuum configuration state, the first reservoir connector 134 is removably coupled to the first pump connection 124. When the tool 100 is to be switched to be used in the pressure configuration state, the first reservoir connector 134 is removed from the first pump connection 124 and is removably coupled to the second pump connection 126.

[0026] The second connector 136 can be adapted to be coupled to the fluid system directly, or via a tube (such as the tube 138) shown, or via a switching and / or venting valve (such as the valve 140) shown, or via the tube 138 and the valve 140, or any combination thereof, to cooperatively form the pressure- enclosed environment. When the reservoir 110 is operably connected to the air pump 106 via the tube 128, the reservoir 110 can be movable independently of the air pump 106. Similarly, when the reservoir 110 is operably connected to the fluid system via the tube 138, the tool 100 and the reservoir 110 can be movable independently of the fluid system. Figure 4 The second connector 136 can be adapted to be coupled to the fluid system directly, or via a tube (such as the tube 138) shown, or via a switching and / or venting valve (such as the valve 140) shown, or via the tube 138 and the valve 140, or any combination thereof, to cooperatively form the pressure- enclosed environment. When the reservoir 110 is operably connected to the air pump 106 via the tube 128, the reservoir 110 can be movable independently of the air pump 106. Similarly, when the reservoir 110 is operably connected to the fluid system via the tube 138, the tool 100 and the reservoir 110 can be movable independently of the fluid system. Figure 5 The second connector 136 can be adapted to be coupled to the fluid system directly, or via a tube (such as the tube 138) shown, or via a switching and / or venting valve (such as the valve 140) shown, or via the tube 138 and the valve 140, or any combination thereof, to cooperatively form the pressure- enclosed environment. When the reservoir 110 is operably connected to the air pump 106 via the tube 128, the reservoir 110 can be movable independently of the air pump 106. Similarly, when the reservoir 110 is operably connected to the fluid system via the tube 138, the tool 100 and the reservoir 110 can be movable independently of the fluid system.

[0027] As shown, the reservoir 110 is coupled in series with the air pump 106, and is adapted to be coupled to the fluid system to cooperatively form the pressure- enclosed environment. The chamber 132 of the reservoir 110 can be a hollow body space for collecting material from the fluid system, and can be located below the first connector 134 and the second connector 136. In this manner, when the tool 100 is operated in the vacuum state and material (e.g., fluid, gas, debris, or a combination thereof) is collected from the fluid system, the material is collected in the chamber 132 and does not flow into the air pump 106. This reduces the risk of the air pump 106 being contaminated during use. In some embodiments, at least one filter can be coupled to the first connector 134 or the second connector 136 to further reduce the risk of the air pump 106 being contaminated during use. The chamber 132 can be formed of an inert material, and can be removable to allow any material collected in the chamber 132 to be emptied and properly disposed of.

[0028] Referring to Figure 5In this manner, the first valve 130 can include a selector type switch or lever that is movable between the vacuum configuration state and the pressure configuration state. For example, with the example described above where the first pump connection 124 is adapted to draw in air and the second pump connection 126 is adapted to output air, the selector type switch or lever can be moved to operably couple the first pump connection 124 to the reservoir 110 when in the vacuum configuration state, and can be moved to operably couple the second pump connection 126 to the reservoir 110 when in the pressure configuration state.

[0029] The first valve 130 can be coupled to the reservoir 110 by a fitting or other known connection means. The first valve 130 can be disposed between the reservoir 110 and the air pump 106. In some embodiments, the reservoir 110 is disposed between the first valve 130 and the air pump 106. The first valve 130 can be coupled to the reservoir 110 directly or via a tube. Similarly, the first valve 130 can be coupled to the air pump 106 directly or via a tube.

[0030] The tool 100 can further include a second valve 140 that can function as an exhaust type valve and include one or more valve inputs and one or more valve outputs. The second valve 140 can be adapted to change the pressure created by the air pump 106 without disconnecting the tool 100 from the fluid system and the generated pressure sealed environment. The second valve 140 can be coupled to the reservoir 110 by a fitting or other known connection means. The second valve 140 can be disposed between the reservoir 110 and the fluid system. In some embodiments, the second valve 140 is disposed between the reservoir 110 and the air pump 106. The second valve 140 can be coupled to the reservoir 110 and / or the air pump 106 directly or via a tube.

[0031] In the present disclosure, two or more components, such as the air pump 106, the reservoir 110, and the valves 130, 140, can be coupled together using one or more tubes. The tube(s) can be rigid or flexible, and can be made of metal, polymer, or any combination thereof.

[0032] As used herein, the term "connection" and its functional equivalents are not intended to be necessarily limited to a direct mechanical connection of two or more components. Rather, the term "connection" and its functional equivalents are intended to represent any direct or indirect mechanical, electrical, magnetic, or other type of connection between two or more objects, features, workpieces, and / or environmental substances. In some examples, "connection" is also intended to mean that one object is integral with another. As used herein, the terms "a" or "an" may include one or more items unless otherwise specified.

[0033] The content set forth in the foregoing description and figures is provided by way of illustration only and is not intended to be limiting. While specific embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the broader aspects of the inventors' contributions. The actual scope of protection sought is intended to be defined in the claims when viewed from its proper perspective in light of prior art.

Claims

1. A tool comprising: Pistol grip housing, adapted to receive a removable power source; The motor is arranged in the housing; A trigger, operably coupled to the motor and adapted to control the operation of the motor; An air pump, which is operatively connected to the motor; as well as A storage device that is removably connected to the air pump.

2. The tool according to claim 1, wherein, The air pump includes a pump connector.

3. The tool according to claim 2, wherein, The pump connector is in fluid communication with the reservoir.

4. The tool according to claim 1, wherein, The storage device is adapted to be connected to a fluid system.

5. The tool according to claim 4, wherein, When the storage device is connected to the fluid system, the tool and the fluid system work together to form a pressure-sealed environment.

6. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a tube adapted to fluidly connect the air pump to the reservoir.

7. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a tube connected to the reservoir and adapted for releasable connection to a fluid system.

8. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a switching valve adapted to selectively control the air pump between a vacuum state and a pressure state.

9. The tool according to claim 8, wherein, The switching valve is connected to the storage unit via a fitting.

10. The tool according to claim 8, wherein, The switching valve is located between the storage tank and the air pump.

11. The tool according to claim 8, wherein, The storage device is arranged between the switching valve and the air pump.

12. The tool according to claim 8, wherein, The switching valve is connected to the storage device via a pipe.

13. The tool according to claim 10, wherein, The switching valve is connected to the air pump via a pipe.

14. The tool of claim 1, further comprising an exhaust valve.

15. The tool according to claim 14, wherein, The exhaust valve is located between the storage tank and the air pump.

16. The tool according to claim 14, wherein, The storage device is arranged between the exhaust valve and the air pump.

17. The tool according to claim 1, wherein, The storage device includes a chamber for collecting materials.

18. The tool according to claim 17, wherein, The reservoir includes a first connector and a second connector, the first connector being adapted to be connected to the air pump and the second connector being adapted to be connected to a fluid system to collaboratively form a pressure-sealed environment.

19. The tool according to claim 18, wherein, The first connector is connected to a tube, and the tube is connected to the pump connector of the air pump.

20. The tool according to claim 18, wherein, The second connector is coupled to a tube, and the tube is adapted to be coupled to the fluid system.

21. The tool according to claim 1, wherein, The storage device is connected in series with the air pump and fluid system to collaboratively create a pressure-sealed environment.

22. A tool comprising: A housing including a trigger electrically connected to a motor, the housing being adapted to receive a removable power supply; An air pump, adapted to be driven by and removably coupled to the motor, and including a pump connector; and A storage device having a chamber and a first connector and a second connector; The first connector is coupled to the pump connector, and the second connector is adapted to be coupled to the fluid system to collaboratively form a pressure-sealed environment.

23. The tool of claim 22, further comprising a switching valve adapted to selectively control the output of the air pump to either a vacuum configuration state or a pressure configuration state.

24. The tool of claim 22, further comprising an exhaust valve adapted to change the pressure generated by the air pump without disconnecting the tool from the fluid system and maintaining the pressure-sealed environment.

Images