Flexible head joint for cordless ratchet tools

Abstract

A flexible head joint for a tool, such as a motorized ratchet tool, is disclosed. The flexible joint also allows the tool's output mechanism, such as a ratchet head, to be positioned at an angle relative to the tool's housing, which houses the motor. For example, a first shaft can be pivotally coupled to a first connector, which can have a tongue. A second shaft can be pivotally coupled to a second connector, which can have a groove adapted to receive the tongue. This provides two pivot points with parallel axes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flexible head joint for a handheld tool, and more particularly to a flexible joint for a cordless ratchet tool. Background Art

[0002] Power hand tools (e.g., motorized ratchets and actuators) are commonly used in automotive, industrial, and household applications to install and remove threaded fasteners and to apply torque and / or angular displacement to a workpiece (e.g., a threaded fastener). Power hand tools (e.g., cordless power ratchets and actuators) typically include an electric motor and other components (e.g., a switch, a light emitting diode (LED), and a battery) housed in a clamshell housing. The clamshell housing typically includes two or more housing portions fastened together by fasteners (e.g., screws or rivets).

[0003] Power hand tools, such as motorized ratchet wrenches and actuators, include a ratcheting head driven by an electric motor. However, because the motor must be housed in a housing, the head is typically fixed in position relative to the tool body. The fixed nature of the head can make it difficult to reach fasteners and other workpieces that are located in tight or otherwise difficult-to-reach locations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention broadly relates to a flexible head joint for a tool (e.g., a motorized ratchet tool). The flexible joint also allows the output mechanism of the tool (e.g., a ratchet head) to be arranged at an angle relative to the tool's housing, which houses the motor and other components. The flexible head joint connects a first shaft and a second shaft of the tool together. The first shaft is pivotally connected to a first connector, which may have a tongue. The second shaft is pivotally connected to a second connector, which may have a grooved portion suitable for receiving the tongue. This provides two pivot points with parallel axes. The first shaft can also rotate during operation of the tool to provide rotational force to the tool's output mechanism. The second shaft also rotates during operation of the tool and receives rotational force via an electric or pneumatic motor arranged in the tool housing. Thus, the motor rotates the second shaft, which rotates the first shaft via the flexible joint.

[0005] In one embodiment, the present invention broadly relates to a tool. The tool includes a tool housing adapted to house a motor. A first head housing portion is coupled to the tool housing. A second head housing portion is pivotally coupled to the first head housing portion. A first shaft is disposed in the first head housing portion and is operably coupled to the motor. A second shaft is disposed in the second housing portion. A first connector is pivotally coupled to the first shaft, and a second connector is coupled to the first connector and pivotally coupled to the second shaft.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present invention broadly relates to a head joint for a tool. The head joint includes a first head housing portion and a second head housing portion pivotally coupled to the first head housing portion. A first shaft is disposed in the first head housing portion, and a second shaft is disposed in the second housing portion. A first connector is pivotally coupled to the first shaft, and a second connector is coupled to the first connector and pivotally coupled to the second shaft. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] To facilitate an understanding of the subject matter for which protection is sought, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof and from an examination of the embodiments thereof when considered in conjunction with the following description, the subject matter for which protection is sought, its construction and operation, and its numerous advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

[0008] Figure 1 is a partially exploded, disassembled perspective side view of an exemplary tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 is a first perspective view of a ratchet head according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 A second perspective view of the ratchet head of the tool.

[0011] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 A first perspective exploded disassembled view of the ratchet head of the tool.

[0012] Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 Second perspective exploded view of the ratchet head of the tool.

[0013] Figure 6 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 Perspective view of the ratchet head with flexible joint and shaft.

[0014] Figure 7 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 Perspective view of the flexible joint of the ratchet head.

[0015] Figure 8 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 7 Side view of the flexible joint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Although the present invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein, it should be understood that the present invention should be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the illustrated embodiments. As used herein, the term "present invention" is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but is merely a term used to discuss exemplary embodiments of the present invention for the purpose of explanation.

[0017] The present invention broadly relates to a flexible head joint for a tool (e.g., a motorized ratchet tool). The flexible joint allows the output mechanism of the tool (e.g., a ratchet head) to be arranged at an angle relative to the tool's housing, which houses the motor and other components. The flexible head joint connects a first shaft and a second shaft of the tool together. The first shaft is pivotally connected to a first connector, which may have a tongue. The second shaft is pivotally connected to a second connector, which may have a groove-shaped portion suitable for receiving the tongue. This provides two pivot points with parallel axes. The first shaft can rotate during operation of the tool to provide rotational force to the tool's output mechanism. The second shaft also rotates during operation of the tool and receives rotational force via an electric or pneumatic motor arranged in the tool housing. Thus, the motor rotates the second shaft, which rotates the first shaft via the flexible joint.

[0018] refer to Figure 1 , a tool 100 (e.g., a cordless ratchet tool) includes a main tool housing 102 and a ratchet head assembly 104 including a flexible joint 106. The tool housing 102 may include a first housing portion and a second housing portion that are coupled together in a clamshell manner and securely coupled to the ratchet head assembly 104. For example, the tool housing 102 may enclose or house an electric or pneumatic motor, a switch assembly, a display having buttons for configuring and setting the tool, one or more status indicators (e.g., light-emitting diodes), and other components for operating the tool. The tool housing 102 may also include a textured or knurled grip to improve the user's grip on the tool 100 during use.

[0019] In one embodiment, the tool 100 includes a trigger 108 that can be actuated by a user to operate the tool 100. For example, the user can depress the trigger 108 inward to selectively draw power from the power source and cause the motor to provide torque to the ratchet head assembly 104 in a desired rotational direction. Any suitable trigger 108 or switch may be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the trigger 108 may also be biased so that the trigger 108 can be depressed inward relative to the tool 100 to operate the tool 100, and releasing the trigger 108 causes the trigger 108 to move outward relative to the tool 100 to stop operation of the tool 100 due to the biased nature of the trigger 108. The trigger 108 and switch mechanism may also be a variable speed mechanism. In this regard, the further the trigger 108 is depressed, the faster the motor operates upon actuation or depression of the trigger 108.

[0020] The ratchet head assembly 104 includes a first ratchet housing portion 110 and a second ratchet housing portion 112 that are pivotally coupled together. The first ratchet housing portion 110 may include a coupling portion 114 adapted to couple to the tool housing 102. The second ratchet housing 112 may include a gear 116 disposed therein that is adapted to engage a workpiece (e.g., a nut, bolt, or other fastener), and / or the second ratchet housing portion 112 may be adapted to receive and operably engage a drive portion 118, such as one comprising a drive boss 120. The drive portion 118 is adapted to apply torque to the workpiece (e.g., a fastener) via an adapter, a drill bit, or a socket coupled to the drive boss 120 (e.g., a bidirectional ratchet square or hexagonal drive). As illustrated, the drive boss 120 is a "male" connector designed to fit onto or matingly engage a female counterpart. However, the drive portion 118 may alternatively include a "female" connector designed to matingly engage a male counterpart. The drive portion 118 may also be configured to engage the workpiece directly without being coupled to an adapter, drill bit, or socket. The direction of rotation of the drive portion 118 and / or the gear 116 may be selected to be a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) by rotating a selector switch.

[0021] The motor 114 can be disposed in the tool housing 102 and adapted to operably engage the ratchet head assembly 104 and provide torque to the tool 100, which in turn provides torque to the drive portion 118 and / or the gear 116. The motor can be a brushless or brushed motor, or any other suitable motor. A power source (not shown) can be associated with the tool 100 to provide electronic or other forms of power (e.g., electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic) to the tool 100 to operate the motor. In one embodiment, the power source 120 can be housed in the end of the tool housing 102 opposite the ratchet head assembly 104, in the middle portion of the tool 100, or in any other portion of the tool 100 / tool housing 102. The power source can also be an external component that is not housed by the tool 100 but is operably coupled to the tool 100, for example, by wired or wireless means. In one embodiment, the power source is a removable and rechargeable battery that is adapted to be disposed in the end of the tool housing 102 and electrically coupled to corresponding terminals of the tool 100.

[0022] refer to Figures 2 to 5 , the first ratchet housing portion 110 includes a first arm 122, and the second ratchet housing portion 112 includes a second arm 124. The first arm 122 and the second arm 124 are adapted to be pivotally coupled to each other, for example, via a fastener 126. The fastener 126 may be a pin, a rivet, a threaded fastener, or other fastener that provides a pivotable connection between the first arm 122 and the second arm 124. This pivotable coupling allows the first ratchet housing portion 110 and the second ratchet housing portion 112 to pivot relative to each other.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the pivotable coupling allows the first ratchet housing portion 110 and the second ratchet housing portion 112 to pivot about a first axis extending through the fastener 126, which is generally perpendicular to a second axis extending through the drive portion 118 or the longitudinal axis of the tool housing 102. This also allows the second ratchet housing portion 112 to pivot relative to the tool housing 102.

[0024] refer to Figures 2 to 5 , a first shaft 128 is disposed in the first ratchet housing portion 110, and a second shaft 130 is disposed in the second ratchet housing portion 112. The first shaft 128 includes opposing first and second ends. The first end includes gear teeth 132 adapted to be operably coupled to a motor shaft of a motor disposed in the tool housing 102. The second end includes a through hole 134 adapted to receive a first pin 136.

[0025] Similarly, the second shaft 130 includes opposing first and second ends. The first end 138 is adapted to be operatively coupled to the gear 116. The second end includes a through hole 140 adapted to receive a second pin 142.

[0026] The first shaft 128 and the second shaft 130 may also be pivotally coupled to the first connector 144 and the second connector 146 to form the joint 106. For example, the first shaft 128 may be pivotally coupled to the first connector 144 via the first pin 136, and the second shaft 130 may be pivotally coupled to the second connector 146 via the second pin 142. Figures 4 to 8 , the first connector 144 includes a recess 148 that forms an arm 150 having a through hole 152 adapted to receive the first pin 136. The first shaft 128 can be disposed in the recess 148 (between the arms 150) with the through hole 134 aligned with the through hole 152 of the first connector 144, and the first pin 136 can be disposed in the through holes 134 and 152 to pivotally couple the first shaft 128 to the first connector 144.

[0027] The second connector 146 includes a recess 154 forming arms 156 having through-holes 158 adapted to receive the second pin 146. The second shaft 130 can be disposed in the recess 154 (between the arms 156) with the through-hole 140 generally axially aligned with the through-hole 158 of the second connector 146, and the second pin 142 can be disposed in the through-holes 140 and 158 to pivotally couple the second shaft 130 to the second connector 146.

[0028] The first connector 144 may also include a recess, groove, or slot 160 at the end opposite the arm 150. The second connector 146 may include a corresponding protrusion (or tongue) 162 at the end opposite the arm 156. The protrusion 162 is adapted to matingly engage and / or be disposed in the slot 160. This allows torque to be transferred from the motor to the first shaft 128 to rotate the first shaft 128, which in turn rotates the first connector 144. The first connector 144 rotates the second connector 146 via the mating engagement between the first connector 144 and the second connector 146. The second connector 146 also rotates the second shaft 130, which causes the gear 116 and / or the drive portion 118 to provide an output torque.

[0029] As illustrated, the first pin 136 and the second pin 142 provide first and second pivot axes about parallel axes. This allows the first and second shafts 128, 130 to pivot about the respective first and second parallel pivot axes. The pivotable coupling between the first ratchet housing portion 110 and the second ratchet housing portion 112 is also substantially parallel relative to the axis formed by the first and second pins 136, 142 to allow pivotable movement between the first ratchet housing portion 110 and the second ratchet housing portion 112.

[0030] Although the first connector 144 is described as including the slot 160 and the second connector 146 is described as including the protrusion (or tongue) 162, the first connector 144 may include the protrusion 162 and the second connector 146 may include the slot 160. Similarly, the first shaft 128 may include a recess and an arm to couple to the first connector, and the second shaft 130 may include a recess and an arm to couple to the second connector.

[0031] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 , a bearing 164 (e.g., a roller bearing) may be arranged around the second shaft 130 to provide for rotation of the second shaft 130 relative to the second ratchet housing portion 112. In one embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, bearing 164 has a tapered shape that is suitable for assisting bending loads on second shaft 130. Bearing 164 can have a first cross-sectional width or diameter proximate second connector 146 and a second cross-sectional width or diameter that is greater than the first cross-sectional width or diameter distal from second connector 146. Although not shown, a second bearing similar to bearing 164 can be similarly arranged about first shaft 128.

[0032] As discussed herein, the tool 100 is a ratchet wrench. However, the tool 100 may be any type of handheld tool, including but not limited to an electric or motorized tool (e.g., a drill, router, or impact wrench, a ratchet wrench, a screwdriver, or other power tool) that is powered via an external power source (e.g., a wall outlet and / or a generator outlet) or a battery.

[0033] As used herein, the term "coupled" and its functional equivalents are not intended to necessarily be limited to a direct mechanical coupling of two or more components. Rather, the term "coupled" and its functional equivalents are intended to refer to any direct or indirect mechanical, electrical, or chemical connection between two or more objects, features, workpieces, and / or environmental substances. In some examples, "coupled" is also intended to refer to the integration of one object with another object. As used herein, the terms "a" or "an" may include one or more items unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0034] The matters set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings are provided by way of illustration only and not by way of 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 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 head joint for a tool having a motor, the head joint comprising: a first head housing portion; a second head housing portion pivotally coupled to the first head housing portion; a first shaft disposed in the first head housing portion and adapted to be operably coupled to the motor; a second shaft disposed in the second head housing portion; a first connector pivotably coupled to the first shaft; as well as A second connector is matingly engaged with the first connector and is pivotally coupled to the second shaft.

2. The head joint according to claim 1, characterized in that The first head housing portion includes a first arm and the second head housing portion includes a second arm, and the first arm and the second arm are pivotally coupled together.

3. The head joint according to claim 2, characterized in that Each of the first arm and the second arm includes a through hole.

4. The head joint according to claim 3, characterized in that Also included is a fastener disposed in the through hole in each of the first arm and the second arm.

5. The head joint according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is a first pivot pin coupling the first connector to the first shaft.

6. The head joint according to claim 5, characterized in that Also included is a second pivot pin coupling the second connector to the second shaft.

7. The head joint according to claim 6, characterized in that The first pivot pin and the second pivot pin are generally parallel.

8. The head joint according to claim 1, wherein: The first connector includes a slot, and the second connector includes a protrusion disposed in the slot.

9. The head joint according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is a bearing having a tapered shape disposed about the second shaft.

10. A tool comprising: a tool housing adapted to house the motor; a first head housing portion coupled to the tool housing; a second head housing portion pivotally coupled to the first head housing portion; a first shaft disposed in the first head housing portion and operably coupled to the motor; a second shaft disposed in the second head housing portion; a first connector pivotably coupled to the first shaft; as well as A second connector is matingly engaged with the first connector and is pivotally coupled to the second shaft.

11. The tool according to claim 10, characterized in that The first head housing portion includes a first arm extending away from the tool housing, and the second head housing portion includes a second arm, and the first and second arms are pivotally coupled together.

12. The tool according to claim 11, characterized in that Each of the first arm and the second arm includes a through hole.

13. The tool according to claim 12, characterized in that Also included is a fastener disposed in the through hole in each of the first arm and the second arm.

14. The tool according to claim 10, wherein: Also included is a first pivot pin coupling the first connector to the first shaft.

15. The tool according to claim 14, characterized in that Also included is a second pivot pin coupling the second connector to the second shaft.

16. The tool according to claim 15, characterized in that The first pivot pin and the second pivot pin are generally parallel.

17. The tool according to claim 10, wherein The first connector includes a slot, and the second connector includes a protrusion disposed in the slot.

18. The tool according to claim 10, wherein Also included is a ratchet drive operably disposed in the second head housing and operably coupled to the second shaft.

19. The tool according to claim 10, wherein Also included is a bearing disposed around the second shaft.

20. The tool according to claim 19, wherein The bearing has a tapered shape.

21. A head joint for a tool having a drive mechanism adapted to apply torque to a workpiece, the head joint comprising: a first head housing portion; a second head housing portion pivotally coupled to the first head housing portion and adapted to operably receive the drive mechanism; a first shaft disposed in the first head housing portion; a second shaft disposed in the second head housing portion and adapted to be operably coupled to the drive mechanism; a first connector pivotally coupled to the first shaft at a first pivot; as well as A second connector is matingly engaged with the first connector and pivotally coupled to the second shaft at a second pivot axis.

22. The head joint according to claim 21, characterized in that The first head housing portion includes a first arm and the second head housing portion includes a second arm, and the first arm and the second arm are pivotally coupled together.

23. The head joint according to claim 22, characterized in that Each of the first arm and the second arm includes a through hole.

24. The head joint according to claim 23, wherein Also included is a fastener disposed in the through hole in each of the first arm and the second arm.

25. The head joint according to claim 21, characterized in that The first pivot shaft includes a first pivot pin coupling the first connector to the first shaft.

26. The head joint according to claim 25, characterized in that The second pivot shaft includes a second pivot pin coupling the second connector to the second shaft.

27. The head joint according to claim 26, characterized in that The first pivot pin and the second pivot pin are generally parallel.

28. The head joint according to claim 21, wherein The first connector includes a slot, and the second connector includes a protrusion disposed in the slot.

29. The head joint according to claim 21, wherein Also included is a bearing having a tapered shape disposed about the second shaft.

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