Housing clamp for power tool

Abstract

The present invention relates to a housing clamp for a power tool housing, such as a drill, router, grinder, impact wrench, ratchet wrench, screwdriver or other power tool. The housing clamp includes a circumferential flange and a recess, the flange and the recess extending at a certain angle. When the housing clamp is installed, the housing clamp connects two parts of the power tool housing together. When the housing clamp is tightened to the housing part, the flange loads the housing with uniform pressure around its circumference, thereby providing a clamping load. The housing clamp provides uniform pressure around a large area at the working end of the tool, allowing the tool to be thinner in areas where size is critical.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamp for coupling together parts of a housing for a power tool to form an integral housing. Background Art

[0002] Many tools are powered by electricity via an external power source (e.g., a wall socket) or batteries. Drills and impact wrenches, for example, apply torque to a workpiece to loosen or tighten the workpiece. However, existing tools can be bulky. This size can cause problems when trying to access a workpiece that is located in a narrow or hard-to-reach place.

[0003] For example, current tools have a housing formed of at least two housing parts coupled together by a plurality of screws, including a plurality of screws at the front or working end of the tool. The screws and screw bosses corresponding to the screws (particularly toward the front or working end of the tool) are typically oriented perpendicular to the housing, and since the screws must be positioned outside of the drivetrain, the tool is bulky at the front end of the tool. This bulky size can cause problems when trying to access a workpiece located in a narrow or hard-to-reach place. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention broadly relates to a housing clamp for a power tool housing, such as a drill, router, grinder, impact wrench, ratchet wrench, screwdriver, or other power tool. The housing clamp allows the size of the front end or working end to be reduced by removing the screws and screw bosses near the front end of the tool. The housing clamp includes a circumferential flange and recess, the flange and recess extending at a certain angle. The housing clamp is suitable for connecting at least two parts of the power tool housing together to form an integral housing. When the housing clamp is axially tightened to the housing part, the flange and recess load the housing part with uniform pressure or force around its circumference, thereby providing a clamping force. The housing clamp provides uniform pressure around a large area at the working end of the tool, thereby allowing the tool to be thinner in areas where size is critical. For example, when the screw connecting the housing clamp is tightened, it causes the housing clamp to move axially onto the housing part, wherein the flange and recess apply a lateral force around the circumference of the end of the housing part to clamp the housing parts together. The tighter the screws for the housing clamp are axially tightened onto the tool housing, the greater the lateral force clamping the housing parts together.

[0005] In particular, the present invention broadly includes a housing clamp for a tool housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion forming an integral housing and a motor disposed in the housing. The housing clamp includes an angled flange forming a recess, wherein the recess is adapted to engage respective ends of the first housing portion and the second housing portion to couple the first housing portion and the second housing portion together.

[0006] In another embodiment, the invention broadly includes a tool. The tool includes a housing formed of at least a first housing portion and a second housing portion, and a motor disposed within the housing. The housing clamp has an angled flange forming a recess, and the recess is adapted to engage ends of the first housing portion and the second housing portion to couple the first housing portion and the second housing portion together. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] To facilitate an understanding of the subject matter sought, there are shown in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof and when considered in conjunction with the following description, the subject matter sought, its construction and operation, and its many advantages shall be readily understood and appreciated.

[0008] Figure 1 is a side view of a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the tool.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A first perspective view of a housing clamp of a tool.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A second perspective view of the housing clamp.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the housing clamping member.

[0013] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a housing clamp and a housing of a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 7 is a front view of a housing clamp installed on a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the front portion of the tool housing and housing clamp.

[0016] Fig. 9 A side view of a router mechanism with a drill and chuck mechanism that can replace the tool.

[0017] Fig.10 is a side view of the impact mechanism of the drill and chuck mechanism of the replaceable tool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Although the present invention may take many different forms of embodiments, preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein, but it should be understood that the present disclosure should be regarded as an example of the principles of the present invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the present invention to the embodiments shown herein. As used herein, the term "present invention" is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but is used to discuss exemplary embodiments of the present invention for illustrative purposes only.

[0019] The present invention broadly relates to a housing clamp for a power tool housing, such as a drill, router, grinder, impact wrench, ratchet wrench, screwdriver, or other power tool. The housing clamp includes a circumferential flange and recess, which extend at a certain angle. When the housing clamp is installed, the housing clamp connects at least two parts of the housing of the power tool to form an integral housing. When the housing clamp is fastened to the housing part, the flange loads the housing with uniform pressure around its circumference, thereby providing a reliable clamping load. The housing clamp provides uniform pressure around a large area at the working end of the tool, allowing the tool to be thinner in critical areas of size. Although the housing clamp is smaller in cross-section as a total solution, the clamping load can also be greater than the load provided by the cross plane screw.

[0020] Refer to the attached Figure 1 and 2 The tool 100 includes: a housing 102 having at least a first housing portion 104 and a second housing portion 106, a housing clamp 108 adapted to couple the first housing portion 104 and the second housing portion 106 together, a motor 110 and a switch mechanism 112 disposed in the housing 102, an output nose mechanism 114 coupled to the housing clamp 108 at a working end of the tool 100, an actuatable trigger 116, and a direction selector mechanism 118 having a direction selector (also referred to as an actuator or switch) 120. The housing clamp 108 loads the housing 102 with a uniform force around its circumference, thereby providing a clamping load. The housing clamp 108 provides uniform pressure around a large area at the working end of the tool 100, thereby allowing the tool 100 to be thinner in areas where size is critical.

[0021] In one embodiment, the housing 102 is a clamshell type housing having a first housing portion 104 and a second housing portion 106 that are coupled together via a housing clamp 108 at the front or working end of the housing 102 and one or more fasteners 122 in the handle area of ​​the housing 102. The housing clamp 108 allows the size of the front or working end to be reduced compared to prior designs by removing screws and screw bosses near the front end.

[0022] Reference Figure 3-5 , the housing clamp 108 includes a base 124 that includes a hole 126 adapted to allow a shaft 128 of the motor 110 to extend therethrough, and one or more fastener holes 130. A side wall 132 extends circumferentially outwardly away from the base 124 around the base 124. The side wall 132 may include a threaded portion 134 adapted to be coupled to the output nose mechanism 114. The side wall 132 extends from the base 124 to the end of the housing clamp 108, and an angled flange 136 circumferentially around the side wall 132 and extends in a direction toward the base 124. The flange 136 forms an angled recess 138 between the inner side of the flange 136 and the outer side of the side wall 132. The recess 138 may form an angle α of about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees, more specifically about 20 degrees. The angled recess 138 may also be in the form of a curved or other type of shape.

[0023] Reference Figure 6-8 , the housing clamp 108 is mounted on the tool housing 102 by positioning the base 124 near the front end of the motor 110, wherein the shaft 128 of the motor 110 extends through the hole 126. The fastener holes 130 are aligned with the corresponding axial fastener holes 140 in the front end of the motor 110, and the fasteners 142 are screwed into the fastener holes 130 and 140, respectively, to couple the housing clamp 108 to the tool housing 102. In one embodiment, each of the fasteners 142 is screwed in or tightened by a substantially equal amount (such as an equal amount of torque) to help the housing clamp 108 provide equal force around the circumference of the housing 102.

[0024] Before tightening the fastener 142, the output ends of the first housing portion 104 and the second housing portion 106 are disposed in the recess 138. Figure 8As shown, the ends of the first and second housing portions 104, 106 are also angled and received in the recesses 138. When the fasteners 142 are tightened, the housing clamp 108 moves axially along the axis of the housing 102, and the flanges 136 of the housing clamp 108 apply uniform pressure or force to the first and second housing portions 104, 106 around the circumference. The angled nature of the recesses 138 and flanges 136, as well as the angled ends of the first and second housing portions 104, 106, allow the housing clamp 108 to apply a lateral force or clamping load that clamps the first and second housing portions 104, 106 together when the fasteners 142 are tightened. The angled recesses 138 and the angled ends of the first and second housing portions 104, 106 can also be in the form of curved or other types of shapes that provide a clamping load. The tighter the fasteners 142 are tightened, the deeper the ends of the first and second housing portions 104, 106 are disposed in the recess 138, and the greater the force or clamp load applied by the housing clamp 108 (due to the narrowing of the recess 138). The housing clamp 108 provides uniform pressure around a large area at the working end of the tool 100, thereby allowing the tool 100 to be thinner in areas where size is critical (such as near the output nose mechanism 114 of the tool 100).

[0025] In one embodiment, the housing clamp is made of a metal material, while the first housing portion 104 and the second housing portion 106 are made of a plastic type material. In this example, the housing clamp 108 can be directly coupled to the motor 110 and abut the end of the motor 110. Alternatively, an insulator can be provided between the housing clamp 108 and the motor 110. The insulator can be used to reduce the heat transferred from the motor 110 to the housing clamp 108. In addition, in other embodiments, the housing clamp 108 can be made of materials other than metal, such as a plastic type material or other polymer based materials.

[0026] Although the housing clamp 108 is described as being installed using the fasteners 142, the clamps may be installed by pressing or applying a force to position the housing clamp 108 on the first housing portion 104 and the second housing portion 106 and holding the housing clamp 108 in place via a retaining ring or cross pin. In other embodiments, the axial force (e.g., generated by the fasteners 142) may be generated by a biasing member (such as a spring) that presses or pulls the housing clamp 108 on the first housing portion 104 and the second housing portion 106.

[0027] Reference again Figure 1 and 2When assembled, the housing 102 includes a motor housing portion 144 and a handle housing portion 146 formed by the assembled first housing portion 104 and the second housing portion 106. The motor housing portion 144 and the handle housing portion 146 are disposed at an angle with respect to each other. For example, the longitudinal axis of the motor housing portion 144 and the longitudinal axis of the handle housing portion 146 are disposed at an angle of about 100 degrees to about 120 degrees with respect to each other, and more specifically at about 110 degrees.

[0028] The motor 110 is disposed in a motor housing portion 144 and includes a motor shaft 128 extending from a working end of the motor 110. The switch mechanism 112 is disposed in the handle housing portion 146 and is operably coupled to the motor 110. An actuatable trigger 116 is disposed generally at the intersection of the handle housing portion 146 and the motor housing portion 144 and is operably coupled to the switch mechanism 112. Actuation of the trigger 116 (e.g., depression of the trigger 116) causes the motor 110 to operate and rotate the motor shaft 128 in either a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction in a known manner. The trigger 116 may also be biased such that the trigger 116 may be depressed inwardly relative to the tool 100 to cause the tool 100 to operate, and release of the trigger 116 causes the trigger 116 to move outwardly relative to the tool 100 to stop the operation of the tool 100 via the biasing characteristics of the trigger 116.

[0029] The motor 110 may be a brushless or brushed type motor, or any other suitable motor. The trigger 116 and the switch mechanism 112 may also be variable speed mechanisms. In this regard, actuation or depression of the trigger 116 causes the motor 110 to rotate the motor shaft 128 at a faster speed when the trigger 116 is further depressed. The switch mechanism 112 may also be coupled to a controller 148 (which may include a printed circuit board), the controller 148 including battery contacts coupled to corresponding electrical contacts on a removable battery. In this regard, the handle housing portion 146 may include a battery opening 150, which is suitable for receiving and coupling to a removable battery. Although the tool 100 is described as being powered by a battery, the tool 100 may be powered by other power sources (such as an external wall socket, etc.).

[0030] The output nose mechanism 114 is adapted to be coupled to the housing clamp 108 via the threaded portion 134 at the working end of the tool 100, and may include a chuck 152 adapted to receive a variety of tool bits, including driver bits, drill bits, cutting bits, socket bits, grinding bits, etc. The output nose mechanism 114 may be coupled to the housing clamp 108 and receive and engage the shaft 128 of the motor 110. For example, the output nose mechanism 114 may include a gear or transmission mechanism that is coupled to the shaft 128 of the motor 110 and transmits the rotation of the shaft 128 to the chuck 152. Thus, the rotation of the shaft 128 of the motor 110 causes the chuck 152 to rotate.

[0031] Reference Figure 2 , the direction selector mechanism 118 includes a direction selector 120 and an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism is adapted to be disposed in the motor housing portion 144. The direction selector 120 is adapted to be moved between a first position and a second position (e.g., by a user) to allow the user to select a desired rotational direction of the motor 110. For example, movement of the direction selector 120 to the first position results in selection of a first rotational direction, while movement of the direction selector 120 to the second position results in selection of a second rotational direction.

[0032] Although the tool 100 described above has an output nose mechanism 114 with a drill chuck 152, the tool 100 may have a different type of output nose mechanism. Fig. 9 , the tool 100 may include an output nose mechanism 214 that includes a router-type output 252. In this example, the output nose mechanism 214 may be coupled to the housing clamp 108 and may include a gear mechanism that is coupled to the shaft 128 of the motor 110 and transfers rotation of the shaft 128 to the router-type output 252. Thus, rotation of the shaft 128 of the motor 110 causes rotation of the router-type output 252.

[0033] In another example, referring to Fig.10 , the tool 100 may include an output nose mechanism 314 that includes an impact-type output having a drive protrusion 352. In this example, the output nose mechanism 314 may be coupled to the housing clamp 108 and may include a gear mechanism that is coupled to the shaft 128 of the motor 110 and transfers the rotation of the shaft 128 to the drive protrusion 352. Thus, the rotation of the shaft 128 of the motor 110 causes the rotation of the drive protrusion 352. The impact-type output can deliver a high torque output by storing energy in a rotating mass and then transferring it to the output shaft of the drive protrusion 352 in an impact force. The drive protrusion 352 may be coupled to other devices, such as a socket or other adapter, to apply torque to a workpiece, such as a screw or bolt, in a known manner.

[0034] As discussed herein, the tool 100 is a drill, router, or impact wrench. However, the tool 100 may be any powered or handheld tool, including but not limited to a drill, router, or impact wrench, ratchet wrench, screwdriver, or other power tool, which is powered by electricity via an external power source (such as a wall outlet and / or a generator outlet) or a battery.

[0035] As used herein, the term "coupled" and its functional equivalents are not intended to necessarily be limited to a direct, mechanical connection of two or more components. Rather, the term "coupled" and its functional equivalents are intended to represent any direct or indirect mechanical, electrical, or chemical connection between two or more objects, features, workpieces, and / or environmental materials. In some examples, "coupled" also means that one object is integral with another object. As used herein, the term "a" or "an" may include one or more items unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0036] What has been described in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is provided for illustrative purposes only and not as a limitation. Although particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of the inventor's contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined by the appended claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.

Claims

1. A clamping member for a tool housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the clamping member comprising: base; a side wall extending from the base, and A flange extends circumferentially around the side wall and forms an angled recess between an inner side of the flange and an outer side of the side wall, wherein the recess has an angle less than 90 degrees and is suitable for receiving respective ends of the first shell part and the second shell part to couple the first shell part and the second shell part together.

2. The clamping member according to claim 1, wherein: The flange is adapted to apply a uniform force to the first and second housing portions circumferentially surrounding the clamp.

3. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the base is adapted to receive a fastener to couple the housing clamp to a motor of a tool.

4. The clamp of claim 3 wherein the side wall extends from the base to the flange.

5. The clamping member according to claim 4, wherein: The side wall includes a threaded portion.

6. The clamping member according to claim 1, wherein: The clamping member is made of a metal material, and the first housing portion and the second housing portion are made of a plastic material.

7. The clamping member according to claim 1, wherein: The angle is 15 to 25 degrees.

8. The clamping member according to claim 1, wherein: The angle is about 20 degrees.

9. A tool having a first housing portion and a second housing portion forming a housing, and a motor disposed in the housing, the tool comprising: A housing clamping member, the housing clamping member comprising: base; a side wall extending from the base, and A flange extends circumferentially around the side wall and forms an angled recess between an inner side of the flange and an outer side of the side wall, wherein the recess has an angle less than 90 degrees and is suitable for receiving ends of the first shell part and the second shell part to connect the first shell part and the second shell part together.

10. The tool according to claim 9, wherein: The housing clamp is adapted to apply a uniform force to the first housing portion and the second housing portion circumferentially surrounding the housing clamp.

11. The tool according to claim 9, wherein: The base is adapted to receive a fastener to couple the housing clamp to the motor.

12. The tool of claim 11, further comprising an insulator adapted to be disposed between the base and the motor.

13. The tool according to claim 11, wherein: The sidewall extends from the base to the flange.

14. The tool according to claim 13, wherein: The side wall includes a threaded portion adapted to be coupled to an output mechanism of the tool.

15. The tool according to claim 9, wherein: The housing clamp is made of a metal material, and the first housing portion and the second housing portion are made of a plastic material.

16. The tool of claim 9, wherein: The angle is 15 to 25 degrees.

17. The tool according to claim 9, wherein: The angle is about 20 degrees.

18. A clamping member for a tool housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the clamping member comprising: base; a side wall extending from the base, and A flange extends circumferentially around the side wall and forms an angled recess between an inner side of the flange and an outer side of the side wall, wherein the recess is adapted to receive respective ends of the first and second housing portions to couple the first and second housing portions together.

19. The clamping member according to claim 18, wherein: The flange is adapted to apply a uniform force to the first and second housing portions circumferentially surrounding the clamp.

20. The clamp of claim 18, wherein the base is adapted to receive a fastener to couple the housing clamp to a motor of a tool.

21. The clamp of claim 20 wherein the side wall extends from the base to the flange.

22. The clamping member according to claim 21, wherein: The side wall includes a threaded portion.

23. The clamping member of claim 18, wherein: The clamping member is made of a metal material, and the first housing portion and the second housing portion are made of a plastic material.

24. A tool having a first housing portion and a second housing portion forming a housing, and a motor disposed in the housing, the tool comprising: A housing clamp, comprising: base; a side wall extending from the base, and A flange extends circumferentially around the side wall and forms an angled recess between an inner side of the flange and an outer side of the side wall, wherein the recess is adapted to receive ends of the first and second housing portions to couple the first and second housing portions together.

25. The tool of claim 24, wherein: The housing clamp is adapted to apply a uniform force to the first housing portion and the second housing portion circumferentially surrounding the housing clamp.

26. The tool of claim 24, wherein: The base is adapted to receive a fastener to couple the housing clamp to the motor.

27. The tool of claim 26, further comprising an insulator adapted to be disposed between the base and the motor.

28. The tool of claim 26, wherein: The sidewall extends from the base to the flange.

29. The tool of claim 28, wherein: The side wall includes a threaded portion adapted to be coupled to an output mechanism of the tool.

30. The tool of claim 24, wherein: The housing clamp is made of a metal material, and the first housing portion and the second housing portion are made of a plastic material.

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