Collet with locking sleeve

Abstract

A chuck (10) for a power driver having a rotatable drive shaft. The chuck can include a sleeve (60) including a sleeve tightening surface (62) that can be configured to engage with a nut tightening surface (502) to tighten a nut (50) when the sleeve is rotated to a tightening position. With the sleeve disposed in a sleeve locking position, a click detent (732) can engage a click stop edge (771) of one of a plurality of click teeth (756) to inhibit rotation of the nut in a first rotational direction to loosen the nut. A locking detent (722) can also engage a locking stop edge (761) of one of a plurality of locking teeth (755) to resist rotation of the sleeve in a second rotational direction due to inertia in the sleeve that would tend to further tighten the nut.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments generally relate to chucks used with power drives including power drills, and more particularly to chucks with overtight protection. Background Technology

[0002] Power drives with rotary spindles are typically operatively coupled to chucks, which are adjustable in size to accommodate various workpieces, such as drill bits or other tools that rotate with the chuck via the power drive's spindle. Conventional chucks typically employ movable jaws operable to adjust the diameter of the openings within the chuck for receiving the workpiece. In many cases, when the power drive is in operating mode (e.g., drilling, driving fasteners, etc.), these jaws are held in position by nuts threaded into the jaws. In some cases, due to inertia from rotation and vibration, the nut can move relative to the chuck body while performing machining operations, such as drilling, driving fasteners, etc. In this regard, considerable inertial forces from the chuck sleeve can be applied to the nut due to the sudden stop of the spindle, which often occurs with the use of electric drive motors. This movement of the nut can cause the jaws to accidentally and undesirably overtighten onto the workpiece, resulting in chuck locking. In this locked state, the chuck may be difficult to operate to release the jaws. Therefore, innovation is needed in the area of ​​preventing accidental and undesirable movement of the nut, so as to control the clamping force acting on the working tool even in the presence of inertial forces and vibrations that affect the nut. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to some exemplary embodiments, an exemplary chuck is provided for a power drive having a rotatable drive spindle. The chuck may include a plurality of jaws, each jaw including a jaw thread. The chuck may further include a body. The body may be configured to rotate with the drive spindle. In this respect, the plurality of jaws may be configured to rotate with the body about a central axis of the chuck. Furthermore, the plurality of jaws may be configured to move relative to the body in an open or closed direction. The chuck may further include a nut. The nut may be operatively engaged with the jaw threads of the jaws such that rotation of the nut relative to the body causes the jaws to move relative to the body in an open or closed direction. The nut may also include a nut tightening surface. The chuck may further include a nut race. The nut race may be operatively engaged with the nut such that the nut race rotates with the nut. Furthermore, the nut race may include a locking pawl and a clicking pawl. The chuck may further include a body race. The body race may be operatively engaged with the body such that the body race rotates with the body. In this respect, the main bearing may include a plurality of clicking teeth having clicking stop edges oriented in a first rotational direction and a plurality of locking teeth having locking stop edges oriented in a second rotational direction. Furthermore, the first rotational direction may be opposite to the second rotational direction. The collet may further include a sleeve. Additionally, the sleeve may include a sleeve tightening surface configured to engage with a nut tightening surface to tighten the nut when the sleeve is rotated to a tightened position. In this respect, the sleeve may be positioned in a sleeve locked position. Furthermore, when the sleeve is in the sleeve locked position, a clicking pawl may engage the clicking stop edge of one of the multiple clicking teeth to inhibit rotation of the nut in the first rotational direction, thereby loosening the nut. Additionally, when the sleeve is in the sleeve locked position, a locking pawl may engage the locking stop edges of the multiple locking teeth to inhibit rotation of the sleeve in the second rotational direction due to rotational inertia within the sleeve, which may tend to further tighten the nut.

[0004] According to some exemplary embodiments, another exemplary chuck is provided for use with a power drive having a rotatable drive shaft. The chuck may include a body and a plurality of jaws. The plurality of jaws may also be configured to move relative to the body in an open or closed direction. The chuck may further include a nut operably coupled to the plurality of jaws such that movement of the nut relative to the body causes movement of the jaws in the open or closed direction. Furthermore, the nut may include a tightening nut surface. The chuck may also include a nut seat operably coupled to the nut such that the nut seat is secured to the nut. Furthermore, the nut seat may include a locking pawl and a click pawl. The chuck may further include a body seat operably coupled to the body. Furthermore, the body seat may include a plurality of teeth. The chuck may also include a sleeve including a sleeve tightening surface configured to engage with the nut tightening surface to tighten the nut when the sleeve is rotated to a tightened position. In this respect, the sleeve may be arranged in a sleeve locked position. Furthermore, the click pawl may engage with a first tooth of the plurality of teeth to inhibit rotation of the nut in a first rotational direction. In addition, the locking pawl can engage with the second tooth of the plurality of teeth to prevent the sleeve from rotating in the second rotation direction due to the rotational inertia in the sleeve. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Having already described some exemplary embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0006] Figure 1 A perspective side view of a chuck according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0007] Figure 2 A front view of a chuck according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, which defines a cross-section AA;

[0008] Figure 3 The chuck according to an exemplary embodiment is shown in a configuration made of... Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view taken at the plane defined by AA, defining cross sections CC and DD according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0009] Figure 4 A three-dimensional front view of the main body of a chuck having a main body seat ring is shown according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0010] Figure 5 An exploded view of the assembly of operating components of a chuck according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0011] Figure 6 A perspective bottom view of the sleeve insert of the chuck according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0012] Figure 7 A perspective side view of a nut with a collet according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0013] Figure 8 A perspective side view of the nut seat of a chuck according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, wherein the clutch is in the jaw actuated position;

[0014] Figure 9A A front view of the main bearing ring of the chuck according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0015] Figure 9B An enlarged perspective side view of the teeth of the main bearing ring of a chuck according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0016] Figure 9C An enlarged front view of the teeth of the main bearing ring of a chuck according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0017] Figure 10A A side view of a nut seat ring assembled with a body seat ring according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, which defines a cross section BB;

[0018] Figure 10B The example shown illustrates the situation in which the following is performed according to an exemplary embodiment: Figure 10A Rear view of the cross-section of the nut seat ring assembled with the main seat ring, taken at the plane defined by BB;

[0019] Figure 11A The example shown illustrates the situation in which the following is performed according to an exemplary embodiment: Figure 3 A front view of the cross-section of the chuck in the sleeve locking position, taken at the plane defined by CC;

[0020] Figure 11B The example shown illustrates the situation in which the following is performed according to an exemplary embodiment: Figure 3 A magnified front view of the click pawl of the collet in the sleeve locking position, taken from the plane defined by CC.

[0021] Figure 11C The example shown illustrates the situation in which the following is performed according to an exemplary embodiment: Figure 3 A magnified front view of the locking pawl of the collet in the sleeve locking position, taken from the plane defined by CC.

[0022] Figure 11D The example shown illustrates the situation in which the following is performed according to an exemplary embodiment: Figure 3 A front view of the cross-section of the sleeve insert and nut of the collet in the sleeve locking position, taken from the plane defined by DD;

[0023] Figure 12A The example shown illustrates the situation in which the following is performed according to an exemplary embodiment: Figure 3 A magnified front view of the click pawl and locking pawl of the chuck in the tightened position, taken from the plane defined by CC.

[0024] Figure 12B The example shown illustrates the situation in which the following is performed according to an exemplary embodiment: Figure 3 A front view of the cross-section of the sleeve insert and nut of the chuck in the tightened position, taken from the plane defined by DD;

[0025] Figure 13A The example shown illustrates the situation in which the following is performed according to an exemplary embodiment: Figure 3 A magnified cross-sectional front view of the click pawl and locking pawl of the collet in the unlocked position, taken from the plane defined by CC; and

[0026] Figure 13B The example shown illustrates the situation in which the following is performed according to an exemplary embodiment: Figure 3 A front view of the cross-section of the sleeve insert and nut of the collet in the sleeve unlocked position, taken from the plane defined by DD. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, exemplary embodiments. In fact, the examples described and depicted herein should not be construed as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided to enable this disclosure to meet applicable legal requirements. The same reference numerals throughout denote the same elements. As used herein, an operative connection should be understood to involve a direct or indirect connection, in either case, that enables functional interconnection of components operatively connected to each other.

[0028] As mentioned above, overtightening of the chuck can be caused by high potential energy stored in the sleeve, for example, as inertia. This inertia can be generated by the rotation of the power drive during a working operation (e.g., drilling, tightening fasteners, etc.), which also causes the sleeve to rotate. Especially when the sleeve is made of a heavy material such as metal (e.g., steel), the inertia of the sleeve can be quite considerable. Moreover, a sudden stop of the power drive can cause the inertia to be converted into a large force exerted by the sleeve on other parts of the chuck. In this regard, since the sleeve is usually connected to a nut that engages with the corresponding thread on the jaws, the force exerted by the sleeve can be transmitted to the nut, which can cause the nut to tighten unintentionally onto the jaws. This tightening results in a locked state, in which it becomes very difficult to loosen the nut subsequently.

[0029] To overcome these challenges, various exemplary embodiments of a collet are provided, which operate during operation to lock the sleeve in a fixed position relative to the nut to prevent the inertia of the sleeve from being transmitted to the nut. According to some exemplary embodiments, a locking pawl operably coupled to the nut may engage locking teeth to hold the nut in a fixed position relative to the body of the collet. Furthermore, the sleeve may be operably coupled to the locking pawl to also hold the sleeve in a fixed position relative to the body of the collet. Thus, for example, when the spindle of the power drive stops, the inertia of the sleeve is therefore not transmitted to the nut because the sleeve and nut are locked engaged, for example, with the body and the spindle. Thus, when the sleeve is in the locked position, the force is absorbed into the body due to the engagement of the sleeve with the body. Furthermore, according to some exemplary embodiments, when the sleeve is in the locked position, a gap may be provided between the sleeve and the nut such that the tightening surface of the sleeve does not engage with the tightening surface of the nut to prevent the sleeve from tightening the nut. According to some exemplary embodiments, the gap may allow even some tolerances and deformations of the components to further prevent force from being transmitted from the sleeve to the nut.

[0030] Thus, according to some exemplary embodiments, the mechanism can be incorporated into the chuck to integrate a sleeve locking feature that operates to lock the sleeve, thereby preventing further tightening when the chuck is in an operating mode (e.g., drilling, driving a tightening element, etc.). However, as further described herein, the mechanism also allows the sleeve to transition to an unlocking mode to allow movement of the sleeve and nut in a tightening direction (e.g., for low drag) or a loosening direction, and to a tightening mode to rotate the sleeve and nut during final tightening (e.g., under higher drag). To this end, according to some exemplary embodiments, the nut seat (which may also be referred to as the inner seat) may include a locking pawl and a clicking pawl that cooperate with the sleeve to switch the sleeve and chuck between a locking mode as the default operating mode, an unlocking mode for loosening the nut at least by rotation of the sleeve, and a tightening mode for tightening the nut by rotation of the sleeve, as described herein.

[0031] in this regard, Figure 1 and 2 An exemplary clamp 10 according to some exemplary embodiments is shown. Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional side view of the chuck 10. Figure 2This is a front view of the chuck 10. Typically, when the chuck 10 and the power drive attached to it are in operation, the chuck 10 can be operated to hold a working tool (not shown) in the jaws 20 of the chuck 10. The chuck 10 can also allow the mounting and dismounting of working tools of different sizes (e.g., diameters) by moving the jaws 20 in the opening or closing direction. Furthermore, the chuck 10 can be operatively coupled to any type of power drive, including, for example, pneumatic or electric tools (e.g., drilling rigs), configured to rotate a drive spindle operatively coupled to the chuck 10 in an opening on the rear side of the chuck 10.

[0032] The collet 10 may define a central axis 11, which, during operation, can rotate about during rotation due to the rotation of the drive spindle of the attached power drive. For orientation purposes, the collet 10 may have a front end 13 and a rear end 14. The collet 10 may also include, among other components, jaws 20, a body 30, a nose 40, and a sleeve 60. As further described herein, the jaws 20 may be configured to move or translate in a closing or opening direction to change the size of the jaw opening between the front ends of the jaws 20. According to some exemplary embodiments, rotation of the sleeve 60 in direction 12 may, via rotation of the nut, translate the jaws 20 in an opening (releasing) direction to expand the jaw opening and receive the working tool. Furthermore, rotation of the sleeve 60 in the opposite direction to direction 12 may, via rotation of the nut in the opposite direction, translate the jaws 20 in a closing (tightening) direction to reduce the jaw opening and clamp onto the working tool.

[0033] To better understand the components and operation of the chuck 10, Figure 3 Provided along Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of the chuck 10 as defined by plane AA. In addition to other components described further herein, the chuck 10 may include jaws 20, a body 30, a nose 40, a nut 50, a sleeve 60, a bearing assembly 70, and a dust cover 80. The body 30 may be the central component of the chuck 10, operably connected to the drive spindle of a power drive via a spindle cavity 32. The body 30 is operable to transmit rotation of the drive spindle to the jaws 20 to drive the working tool held within the jaws 20. The jaws 20 may be operably connected to the body 30 via jaw channels 31 in the body 30, as well as... Figure 4 As shown, the gripper 20 can be arranged at the front end 13 of the chuck 10. Because the gripper 20 is rotationally constrained in the gripper channel 31 of the body 30, the gripper 20 can rotate with the body 30. However, the gripper 20 can be configured to move or translate relative to the body 30 within the gripper channel 31 in response to the movement of the nut 50.

[0034] According to some exemplary embodiments, the nut 50 may include a nut thread 51 configured to engage with a jaw thread 21 on each jaw 20. Due to the helical thread engagement between the jaws 20 and the nut 50, the jaws 20 can move in an open (loosening) or closed (tightening) direction depending on the direction of rotation of the nut 50 relative to the body 30 (clockwise or counterclockwise). The nut 50 can therefore be configured to rotate relative to the jaws 20 and the body 30. To provide smooth and low-friction rotation of the nut 50, the nut 50 may be operatively coupled to a bearing assembly 70. However, the bearing assembly 70 may be configured to perform other features as described below. The nut 50 may also be operatively coupled to a sleeve 60.

[0035] The sleeve 60 serves as a user interface for opening and closing the gripper 20. According to some exemplary embodiments, the sleeve 60 is rotatably coupled to the body 30 via a nose 40 at the front end 13 of the chuck 10. In this respect, according to some exemplary embodiments, the sleeve 60 is operably connected to a nut 50 such that rotation of the sleeve 60, at least in some cases, also rotates the nut 50, thereby moving the gripper 20. Thus, rotation of the sleeve 60 can cause the nut 50 to move the gripper 20, causing the gripper 20 to clamp onto the working tool head or open to allow for the removal or installation of the working tool head.

[0036] Sleeve 60 may consist of an outer sleeve 61 and a sleeve insert 62. The outer sleeve 61 and sleeve insert 62 may be separate components, or these components may be integrated into a single sleeve component. The outer sleeve 61 may form the outer surface of the collet 10. The outer sleeve 61 may include a hollow cylindrical portion in which the interior of the collet 10 may be accommodated. According to some exemplary embodiments, a dust cover 80 may extend, for example, between the cylindrical portion of the outer sleeve 61 and the body 30 at the rear end 14 of the collet 10. In some exemplary embodiments, the cylindrical portion of the outer sleeve 61 may be a portion of the sleeve 60 that is rotated by a user. According to some exemplary embodiments, the outer sleeve 61 may also include a narrow portion and a lip that may be configured to engage with the sleeve insert 62. The sleeve insert 62 may include various features configured to engage with other components of the collet 10. In this respect, the sleeve insert 62 may be configured to be operatively coupled to the nut 50 and nut seat 73 of the bearing assembly 70, as further described below.

[0037] As described above, the collet 10 may include a bearing assembly 70 comprising a body race 71, a bearing 72, and a nut race 73. One function of the bearing assembly 70 is to ensure low-friction rotation of the nut 50 through the operation of the bearing 72, which may be greased. The bearing 72 may be a ball bearing positioned between the body race 71 and the nut race 73. As further described below, the nut race 73 may be operably coupled to the nut 50 such that the nut race 73 and the nut 50 rotate together. Similarly, the body race 71 may be operably coupled to the body 30 such that the body race 71 and the body 30 rotate together. Thus, the bearing 72 can serve as a friction-reducing interface between the component connected to the body 30 and the component connected to the nut 50. However, in addition to contributing to low-friction movement of the nut 50 relative to the body 30, the body race 71 and the nut race 73 also include various features configured to operate with the sleeve 60 to perform a sleeve locking operation, as further described herein.

[0038] Now for reference Figure 4 According to some exemplary embodiments, an engagement between a body seat ring 71 and a body 30 is shown. In this respect, the body 30 and the body seat ring 71 may have complementary engagement features that are directly coupled to allow the body seat ring 71 to rotate together with the body 30. According to some exemplary embodiments, the body seat ring 71 may include one or more tabs 74 that extend into an internal opening of the body seat ring 71. The tabs 74 may be configured to extend into and be received in a recess 33 in the body 30. The recess 33 may be disposed around the periphery of a portion of the body 30 for supporting the body seat ring 71. According to some example embodiments, the tabs 74 may be semi-circular tabs, and the recesses may be complementary semi-circular recesses. The body seat ring 71 may also include inwardly extending teeth 75 disposed on the sidewalls of the body seat ring 71. Although Figure 4 The illustration shows the main body race 71 physically coupled to the body 30 such that the main body race 71 and the body 30 rotate together. However, it is contemplated that exemplary embodiments may include the main body race 71 that allows rotation relative to the body 30. For example, the main body race 71 may be configured to rotate with the nut race 73 when the nut 50 is free to move, and after the nut 50 is tightened, the main body race 71 may be fixed to the body 30 due to friction between the main body race 71 and the body 30.

[0039] Now refer to Figure 5 The assembly of operating components of the chuck 10 is shown. More specifically, the sleeve insert 62, nut 50, nut seat 73, bearing 72, and body seat 71 are shown. These components are shown in positional relation based on how they are assembled within the chuck 10. In this respect, due to some exemplary embodiments, such as those relating to... Figure 4The body race 71, physically connected to the body 30 via tabs 74, can form a base for the operating component. A plurality of bearings 72 can be disposed in bearing wells 76 in the lower inner portion of the body race 71. An annular portion 700 forming the base of the nut race 73 can be disposed on top of the plurality of bearings 72. The lower surface of the nut 50 can be disposed on the top surface of the annular portion 700 of the nut race 73. Furthermore, the nut race 73 may include a nut engaging tab 710 that slides into a complementary tab recess 501 in the nut 50. The nut 50 may also include one or more nut drive blocks 500, and according to some exemplary embodiments, the tab recess 501 may be formed in the outward-facing side of the nut drive block 500.

[0040] The nut drive block 500 of the nut 50 can engage with the internal features of the sleeve insert 62, and the upper internal surface of the sleeve insert 62 can be disposed on the top surface of the nut drive block 500. Also refer to... Figure 7 Nut drive blocks 500 may be spaced apart around the top surface of nut 50. Nut drive blocks 500 may be spaced apart (e.g., spaced at equal intervals) such that nut drive gaps 504 are provided between nut drive blocks 500.

[0041] in this regard, Figure 6 A perspective view of the sleeve insert 62 is shown from a bottom view to illustrate the internal features of the sleeve insert 62. During assembly, a nut drive block 500 may be disposed in a sleeve drive gap 604, which surrounds the periphery of the internal protrusion 605 of the sleeve insert 62. Sleeve drive blocks 601 may also be disposed along the periphery of the internal protrusion 605, such that the sleeve drive gaps 604 are disposed between the sleeve drive blocks 601. According to some exemplary embodiments, the sleeve drive blocks 601 may be spaced at equal distances, such that the center of each sleeve drive block 601 forms the vertex of an equilateral triangle. Thus, the arc lengths of the sleeve drive gaps 604 may also be equal and spaced apart from the centers of the sleeve drive gaps 604 forming the vertices of the equilateral triangles. Each sleeve drive block 601 may have an engagement surface on either side. In this respect, each sleeve drive block 601 may include a sleeve release surface 603 on a first side of the sleeve drive block 601 and a sleeve tightening surface 602 on a second opposite side of the sleeve drive block 601. According to some exemplary embodiments, since the sleeve drive block 601 may be formed on the inner circular wall of the sleeve insert 62, the cross-section of the sleeve drive block 601 may have the shape of an annular portion, the side of which is inclined toward the center of the annulus (i.e., at the rotation center of the chuck 10).

[0042] Furthermore, when assembling the chuck 10, the nut drive block 500 of the nut 50 can engage with and be disposed within the sleeve drive clearance 604 of the sleeve insert 62. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the nut drive block 500 can also be arranged along the top annulus of the nut 50. Nut drive gaps 504 can be provided between the nut drive blocks 500. According to some exemplary embodiments, the nut drive blocks 500 can be spaced at equal distances, such that the center of each nut drive block 500 forms the vertex of an equilateral triangle. Thus, the arc lengths of the nut drive gaps 504 can also be equal and spaced apart, with the center of each nut drive gap 504 forming the vertex of an equilateral triangle. The nut drive block 500 can have an engagement surface on either side of each nut drive block 500. In this respect, each nut drive block 500 can include a nut loosening surface 503 on a first side of the nut drive block 500 and a nut tightening surface 502 on a second opposite side of the nut drive block 500. According to some exemplary embodiments, since the nut drive blocks 500 are formed on a ring, the cross-section of the nut drive block 500 can have the shape of a portion of an annulus, the sides of which are inclined toward the center of the annulus (i.e., at the rotation center of the chuck 10).

[0043] To rotate the nut 50, the user can rotate the outer sleeve 61, which also rotates the sleeve insert 62. As the sleeve insert 62 rotates, the sleeve drive block 601 also rotates within the nut drive clearance 504. Rotation of the sleeve drive block 601 within the nut drive clearance 504 can continue until the sleeve drive block 601 moves into physical contact with the side surface of the nut drive block 500 (e.g., the nut tightening surface 502 for tightening rotation or the nut loosening surface 503 for loosening rotation). Note that, according to some exemplary embodiments, the length (or arc length) of the nut drive clearance 504 may be greater than the length (or arc length) of the sleeve drive block 601, thus a certain amount of rotation in either direction can occur within the nut drive clearance 504 before the sleeve drive block 601 makes physical contact with the nut drive block 500.

[0044] See now Figure 8 The nut seat 73 may include various features physically connected to the nut 50, sleeve insert 62, bearing 72, and main seat 71. These features are operable to perform a sleeve locking function, thereby preventing rotation of the sleeve 60 when the sleeve 60 and collet 10 are in the sleeve locked position. Additionally, the features of the nut seat 73 may engage with other components to allow a tightening function when the sleeve 60 and therefore the collet 10 are in the tightened position. Finally, the features of the nut seat 73 may also engage with other components to allow an unlocking function (free rotation in either direction) when the sleeve 60 and therefore the collet 10 are in the sleeve unlocked position.

[0045] Regarding various features, according to some exemplary embodiments, the nut seat 73 may include nut engagement tabs 710. According to some exemplary embodiments, the nut seat 73 may include three nut engagement tabs 710, wherein each nut engagement tab 710 extends substantially perpendicular to the annular portion 700 disposed at the base of the nut seat 73. The nut engagement tabs 710 may be configured to slide axially into tab grooves 501 of the nut 50. Through this physical engagement of the nut engagement tabs 710 with the tab grooves 501, the nut seat 73 and the nut 50 can rotate together (i.e., the engagement of the nut engagement tabs 710 with the tab grooves 501 prevents the nut 50 from rotating relative to the nut seat 73).

[0046] As described above, the nut race 73 can also physically contact the bearing 72. According to some exemplary embodiments, the bearing 72 can be a plurality of ball bearings, oriented in a circular shape because it is placed in the bearing well 76 of the main race 71. Thus, the bottom surface of the annular portion 700 at the base of the nut race 73 can be flexible or angled to facilitate contact with the bearing 72, thereby allowing the nut race 73 to rotate on the bearing 72.

[0047] Additionally, when assembled in the chuck 10, the features of the nut seat 73 can also be operatively connected to the sleeve insert 62 and the main seat 71. In this regard, according to some exemplary embodiments, the nut seat 73 may include a plurality of click-locking assemblies 701. According to some exemplary embodiments, the nut seat 73 may include three click-locking assemblies 701. According to some exemplary embodiments, the click-locking assembly 701 may include a nut engagement tab 710. Furthermore, the click-locking assembly 701 may include a click shank 730, a click control member 731, and a click pawl 732. The click-locking assembly 701 may also include a locking shank 720, a locking pawl control member 721, and a locking pawl 722.

[0048] The click pawl 732 can be part of a ratchet that, when engaged, allows the nut seat 73 and nut 50 to rotate in the tightening direction but prevents movement in the loosening direction. In this respect, the click pawl 732 can be, for example, a spring-biased angled tooth configured to engage one of a plurality of click teeth 756 on the body seat 71, such as... Figure 9AAs shown. The click pawl control member 731 can be configured to control engagement of the click pawl 732 with the click tooth 756. According to some exemplary embodiments, the click pawl control member 731 may be disposed together with the click pawl 732 at the end of the click shank 730, which may be formed of a flexible material (e.g., metal or plastic). The other end of the click shank 730 may be secured to the nut seat 73 in a manner that allows the click shank 730 to flex between a tooth-engaged position and a tooth-disengaged position. According to some exemplary embodiments, the click shank 730 may be secured to the nut engagement tab 701 and may extend along a partially circular path along the periphery of the ring portion 700 to the unconnected end of the click pawl control member 731 and the click pawl 732. The click pawl control member 731 may include a protrusion (e.g., in a C-shaped bend) extending radially outward from the center of the nut seat 73. This protrusion may have a circular, outward-facing surface to facilitate slidable engagement with a corresponding feature of the sleeve insert 62.

[0049] The locking pawl 722 can be part of a lock that, when engaged, prevents the nut 50 from moving in the tightening direction. Thus, when the locking pawl 722 is engaged, the nut 50 cannot be further tightened onto the pawl 20, and therefore, any inertia from the sleeve 60 cannot be transmitted to the nut 50 when the locking pawl 722 is engaged. In this respect, the locking pawl 722 can be, for example, a spring-biased angled tooth configured to engage one of the plurality of locking teeth 755 of the body race 71, such as... Figure 9A As shown. The locking pawl control member 721 can be configured to control the engagement of the locking pawl 722 with the locking teeth 755. According to some exemplary embodiments, the clicking pawl control member 721 may be disposed together with the locking pawl 722 at the end of the locking shank 720, which may be formed of a flexible material (e.g., metal or plastic). The other end of the locking shank 720 may be secured to the nut seat 73 in a manner that allows the locking shank 720 to flex between a tooth-engaged position and a tooth-disengaged position. According to some exemplary embodiments, the locking shank 720 may be secured to the nut engagement tab 701 and may extend along a partially circular path along the periphery of the ring portion 700 to the unconnected end of the locking pawl control member 721 and the locking pawl 722. The locking pawl control member 721 may include a protrusion (e.g., in a C-shaped bend) extending radially outward from the center of the nut seat 73. This protrusion may have a circular, outward-facing surface to facilitate slidable engagement with a corresponding feature of the sleeve insert 62. The locking foot 720 can extend away from the nut engagement tab 710 in the opposite direction to the click foot 730.

[0050] Because the nut seat 73 may include multiple click-locking components 701, click pawls 732 or locking pawls 722 can respectively engage click teeth 756 or locking teeth 755 at multiple different positions on the body seat 71. Due to the redundancy associated with having multiple click-locking components 701, one or more click pawls 732 can be rotated to a position where at least one of the click pawls 732 engages with the click tooth 756. Thus, the positioning of the click pawls 732 and the positioning of the click teeth 756 ensures that at least one click pawl 732 is always rotatably positioned to potentially engage with the click tooth 756. Similarly, due to the redundancy associated with having multiple click-locking components 701, one or more locking pawls 722 can be rotated to a position where at least one of the locking pawls 722 engages with the locking tooth 755. Thus, the positioning of the locking pawls 722 and the positioning of the locking teeth 756 ensures that at least one locking pawl 722 is always rotatably positioned to potentially engage with the locking tooth 755.

[0051] Return to reference Figure 6 The sleeve insert 62 may also include multiple sets of control member engagement features 610. In this regard, the inner wall of the sleeve insert 62 may include a set of recessed features and gaps that operate to radially move the control members of the nut seat 73, causing the associated pawl to engage or disengage with the corresponding teeth of the body seat 71. In this regard, according to some exemplary embodiments, the chuck 10 may include an equal number of sets of control member engagement features 610 and click-locking components 701. The distance between the control member engagement features of the sleeve insert 62 may correspond to the distance between the control members of the nut seat 73, resulting in different functions due to the relative rotational positioning of the control member engagement features and the control members. Thus, a set of control member engagement features 610 may include a click ramp 611, a click gap 612, a locking ramp 613, a locking surface 614, a locking recess 615, and a tightening locking ramp 616.

[0052] The click ramp 611 can be configured to engage with a corresponding click pawl control member 731 to cause the click shank 730 to flex inward, thereby disengaging the click pawl 732 from the click tooth 756, as further described herein. A click gap 612 adjacent to the click ramp 611 can be an opening or gap in the wall of the sleeve insert 62, wherein the click pawl control member 731 does not engage with the surface of the sleeve insert 62, thereby allowing the click shank 730 to flex outward to a default position when the click pawl 732 is positioned to engage with the click tooth 756.

[0053] The locking bevel 613 may be configured to engage with a corresponding locking pawl control member 721 to cause the locking shank 720 to deflect inward and disengage the locking pawl 722 from the locking teeth 755, as further described herein. The locking surface 614 adjacent to the locking bevel 613 may be an additional region in which the corresponding locking pawl control member 721 is slidably engaged and forced to deflect the locking shank 720 inward to disengage the locking pawl 722 from the locking teeth 755, as further described herein. The locking recess 615 may be a cut or recess in the sleeve insert 62, which may be configured to receive the locking pawl control member 721 at a depth allowing engagement of the locking pawl 722 with the locking teeth 755. The locking recess 615 may be positioned adjacent to the locking surface 614. Furthermore, a tightening locking bevel 616 may be adjacent to the locking recess 615 and may be an edge of the locking recess 615. The locking pawl control member 721 can be configured to slide upward along the tightening locking ramp 616 to disengage the locking pawl 722 from the locking teeth 755, thereby allowing the nut 50 to be further tightened on the jaws 20 while the locking pawl 722 is disengaged. Due to the inclination of the tightening locking ramp 616 and the offset on the locking pawl control member 721, when the user does not apply any turning force to the sleeve 60 after the locking pawl control member 721 is engaged with the tightening locking ramp 616, the sleeve insert 62 can be forced to rotate and the locking pawl control member 721 can automatically slide back into the locking recess 615.

[0054] Now for reference Figure 9A and 9BThe positioning and structure of the teeth of the main seat ring 71 are described according to some exemplary embodiments. In this regard, according to some exemplary embodiments, the main seat ring 71 may include a plurality of clicking teeth 756 and a plurality of locking teeth 755, which may be arranged in a common plane. According to some exemplary embodiments, the clicking teeth 756 and locking teeth 755 may be disposed on the inner wall of the main seat ring 71. The clicking teeth 756 and locking teeth 755 may be organized on the main seat ring 71 in a variety of different ways according to various exemplary embodiments. For example, the clicking teeth 756 and locking teeth 755 may be staggered with each other, such that every other tooth is a clicking tooth 756 and every other tooth is a locking tooth 755. According to some exemplary embodiments, the clicking teeth 756 and locking teeth 755 may be grouped into a group of clicking teeth 758 and a group of locking teeth 757. In this regard, the clicking teeth 756 may form a first continuous series of teeth, and the locking teeth 755 may form a second continuous series of teeth. Therefore, at 753, the tooth can transition from the clicking tooth 756 to the locking tooth 755, and then at 754, it can transition from the locking tooth 755 to the clicking tooth 756. According to some exemplary embodiments, each tooth may be equidistantly spaced around the circumference of the inner wall of the body seat 71. Additionally, according to some exemplary embodiments, the clicking tooth 756 may constitute two-thirds of the tooth 75 (e.g., 48 teeth), and the locking tooth 755 may constitute one-third of the tooth 75 (e.g., 24 teeth). In this configuration, considering the relative spacing of the three clicking-locking components 701 and the clicking pawl 732 and locking pawl 722, at least one locking pawl 722 and at least one clicking pawl 732 can always be in a position engaged with the locking tooth 755 and the clicking pawl 756, provided that the positioning of the engagement feature between the control member of the nut seat 73 and the control member of the sleeve insert 62 allows this.

[0055] Now refer to Figure 9B The structure of the clicking tooth 756 and the locking tooth 755 according to some exemplary embodiments will be described. As described above, the teeth 75 of the main body seat 71 may be provided on the inner surface of the wall 751 of the main body seat 71. In this respect, Figure 9B An enlarged view of the tooth transition 753 is provided, showing examples of the click tooth 756 and the locking tooth 755.

[0056] The clicker 756 may include a click guide ramp 772, a click stop edge 771, and an inter-tooth peak 773. The click guide ramp 772 may be an angled surface that operates to guide the click pawl 732 into the click stop edge 771 (of the next tooth) to form a stop engagement (due to the corresponding engagement surface of the click pawl 732) when pushed in the loosening direction, or to guide the click pawl 732 into the inter-tooth peak 773 so that the ratchet subsequently engages with the adjacent tooth when pushed in the tightening direction. Thus, the click stop edge 771 may be oriented toward the first rotational direction. As described above, the click stop edge 771 may be angled to correspond to the angle of the engagement surface of the click pawl 732 to induce a stop engagement unless the click pawl 732 is pulled inward (i.e., toward the center of rotation) to cause the click pawl 732 to translate out of engagement with the click stop edge 771. Furthermore, note that the locking pawl 722 is oriented so that its engaging surface faces the opposite direction to the click stop edge 771. Thus, when the nut seat 73 rotates in the loosening direction, the locking pawl 722 skips the inter-tooth peak 773 without engaging. Additionally, when the nut seat 73 rotates in the tightening direction, the locking pawl 722 can engage with the click guide ramp 722, but can slide upwards along the click guide ramp 722 to the inter-tooth peak 773, and then skip to the next click tooth 756.

[0057] Similarly, the locking tooth 755 may include a locking guide ramp 762, a locking stop edge 761, and an inter-tooth peak 763. The locking guide ramp 762 may be an angled surface that operates to guide the locking pawl 722 into the click stop edge 761 (of the next tooth) to form a stop engagement (due to the corresponding engagement surface of the locking pawl 722) when pushed in the tightening direction, or to guide the locking pawl 722 upwards to the inter-tooth peak 763 so that it subsequently engages with the adjacent tooth when pushed in the loosening direction. As described above, the locking stop edge 761 may be angled to correspond to the angle of the engagement surface of the locking pawl 722 to induce a stop engagement unless the locking pawl 722 is pulled inward (i.e., toward the center of rotation) to cause the locking pawl 722 to translate out of engagement with the locking stop edge 761. Thus, the locking stop edge 761 may be oriented toward the second rotation direction. Furthermore, note that the click pawl 732 is oriented so that the engaging surface faces the opposite direction to the locking stop edge 761. Thus, when the nut seat 73 rotates in the loosening direction, the click pawl 732 skips the inter-tooth peak 763 without engaging. Conversely, when the nut seat 73 rotates in the tightening direction, the click pawl 732 can engage with the locking guide ramp 762, but can slide upwards along the locking guide ramp 762 to the inter-tooth peak 763 and then skip to the next locking tooth 755.

[0058] Thus, due to this structure, if the clicking pawl 732 engages with the locking tooth 755, it can be seen that the clicking pawl will not stop engaging with any surface of the locking tooth 755. Therefore, when engaged with the locking tooth 755, the clicking pawl 732 can move freely in either direction. Furthermore, if the locking pawl 722 engages with the clicking tooth 756, it can be seen that the locking pawl 722 will not stop engaging with any surface of the clicking tooth 756. Therefore, when engaged with the clicking tooth 756, the locking pawl 722 can move freely in either direction.

[0059] like Figure 9B As shown, the click stop edge 771 and the click guide ramp 772 are asymmetrical. In this respect, the length of the click stop edge 771 is less than the length of the click guide ramp 772. Furthermore, the slope of the click stop edge 771 is greater than the slope of the click guide ramp 772. Similarly, the locking stop edge 761 and the locking guide ramp 762 are asymmetrical. In this respect, the length of the locking stop edge 761 is less than the length of the locking guide ramp 762. Furthermore, the slope of the locking stop edge 761 is greater than the slope of the locking guide ramp 762.

[0060] Now for reference Figure 9C An exemplary embodiment is shown, wherein the structure of the teeth 780 of the body seat 71 is symmetrical or substantially symmetrical (e.g., due to curvature). Thus, each tooth 780 can operate as both a clicking tooth and a locking tooth. In this regard, according to some exemplary embodiments, each tooth 780 may include a clicking stop edge 782 and a locking stop edge 781. Thus, the engagement surface of the clicking pawl 732 may be formed with an angle corresponding to the angle of the clicking stop edge 782, and the engagement surface of the locking pawl 722 may be formed with an angle corresponding to the angle of the locking stop edge 781. Therefore, the clicking stop edge 782 may serve as a locking guide ramp for the locking pawl 722, and the locking stop edge may serve as a clicking guide ramp for the clicking pawl 732. Each tooth 780 may have an inter-tooth peak 783. According to some exemplary embodiments, the lengths of the click stop edge 782 and the locking stop edge 781 may be the same (or substantially the same), and the slopes of the pawl stop edge 782 and the locking stop edge 781 may be the same (or substantially the same). Therefore, in some exemplary embodiments, all teeth of the body race 71 may be constructed in the same or similar manner, and the click pawl 732 or the locking pawl 722 may be configured to engage with any tooth of the body race 71.

[0061] Now refer to Figure 10AA side view of the nut seat 73 assembled with the main seat 71 is provided. As can be seen, the lower part of the nut seat 73 can be located within the peripheral wall of the main seat 71. Thus, the click pawl 732 and the locking pawl 722 can be positioned to engage with the teeth of the main seat 71, while the click pawl control member 731 and the locking pawl control member 721 are disposed above the peripheral wall of the main seat 71 so that the click pawl control member 731 and the locking pawl control member 721 engage with the sleeve insert 62. Additionally, the nut engaging tab 710 also extends above the main seat 71 to engage the nut 50.

[0062] Now refer to Figure 10B , showed Figure 10A The component shown is a cross-section taken along BB. Therefore, Figure 10B The engagement of the click pawl and locking pawl with the teeth of the main body seat 71 is shown. In this regard, each of the three click-locking components 701 is shown and labeled as click-locking component 701a, click-locking component 701B, and click-locking component 701c. Regarding the engagement of the pawl with the teeth of the main body seat 71, it can be seen that the click pawl 732a, biased by the click foot 730a, engages with the click tooth 756, and this engagement prevents rotation in the release direction. Additionally, due to the current rotational position of the nut seat 73 relative to the main body seat 71, the locking pawl 722a is not engaged because it aligns with the click tooth 756. Regarding the click-locking assembly 701b, the click pawl 732b is not engaged due to the current rotational position of the nut seat 73 relative to the main seat 71, because the click pawl 732b is aligned with the locking tooth 755, and the locking pawl 722b is not engaged, because the locking pawl 722b is aligned with the click tooth 756.

[0063] However, in this example of the nut seat 73 being rotated relative to the main seat 71, both pawls of the click-locking assembly 701c engage with their respective teeth. In this respect, the click pawl 732c is engaged under the bias provided by the click shank 730c because it aligns with the click tooth 756, and thus this engagement prevents the nut seat 73 from rotating in the loosening direction. Additionally, the locking pawl 722c is engaged because it aligns with the locking tooth 755, and thus this engagement prevents the nut seat 73 from rotating in the tightening direction (e.g., preventing the inertia of the sleeve 60 from causing a tightening force to be applied to the nut 50 in response to the cessation of rotation).

[0064] As further described below, it can be seen that the click pawl control members 731a, 731b, and 731c extend beyond the outer wall of the main seat ring 71. Thus, it can be seen that if the sleeve insert 62 is characterized by applying an inward force (i.e., towards the center) to the click pawl control members 731a, 731b, or 731c, the click pawl control members 731a, 731b, or 731c transmit the inward force to the corresponding click pawls 732a, 732b, or 732c (e.g., through the corresponding click shank and overcoming the outward bias of the click shank). As a result, due to the corresponding inward movement of the click pawls 732a, 732b, or 732c, the click pawls 732a, 732b, or 732c can be switched to a disengaged position (e.g., from engaged to disengaged). Additionally, it can be seen that the locking pawl control members 721a, 721b, and 721c extend beyond the outer wall of the main seat ring 71. Therefore, it can be seen that if the sleeve insert 62 is characterized by applying an inward force (i.e., towards the center) to the locking pawl control members 721a, 721b, or 721c, then the locking pawl control members 721a, 721b, or 721c will transmit the inward force to the corresponding click pawls 732a, 732b, or 732c (e.g., via the corresponding locking shank and against the outward bias of the locking shank). As a result, due to the corresponding inward movement of the locking pawls 722a, 722b, or 722c, the locking pawls 722a, 722b, or 722c can transition to a disengaged position (e.g., from engaged to disengaged).

[0065] Based on the structure of the exemplary embodiment of the chuck 10 described herein, rotation of the sleeve 60 (e.g., more specifically, the outer sleeve 61) can cause the sleeve 60 and the chuck 10 to operate in one of three different modes. These three modes can be a sleeve locked position, a tightened position, and a sleeve unlocked position. The sleeve locked position can be defined as a position that prevents the sleeve 60 from further tightening the nut 50 in response to a tightening directional force caused by inertia within the sleeve 60. Additionally, according to some exemplary embodiments, in the sleeve locked position, the sleeve 60 can also be prevented from loosening due to, for example, a loosening directional force caused by inertia within the sleeve 60. According to some example embodiments, in order to transition from, for example, the sleeve locked position, to another operating mode, a user can apply a rotational force exceeding a threshold force to induce the transition.

[0066] In this respect, by applying a force greater than a threshold along the tightening direction, the collet 10 and sleeve 60 can be switched to a tightening mode and an associated tightening position. In the tightening position, the nut 50 can be further tightened in response to rotation of the sleeve 50. Furthermore, according to some exemplary embodiments, the nut 50 can be allowed to rotate in a ratcheting manner along the tightening direction, but rotation in the loosening direction is prevented. According to some exemplary embodiments, upon completion of the tightening operation of the collet 10, the collet 10 can automatically return from the tightening position to the sleeve locking position without rotational force, thereby holding the collet 10 in the tightening position. Thus, according to some exemplary embodiments, a biasing feature can be implemented that causes the collet 10 to return from the tightening position to the sleeve locking position when the user stops applying rotational force along the tightening direction.

[0067] Finally, the collet 10 can be switched from the sleeve-locked position to the sleeve-unlocked position. In the sleeve-unlocked position, the sleeve 60 and nut 50 are allowed to move in either the tightening or loosening direction. In other words, the nut 50 can rotate freely in either direction of rotation without restriction. Regarding the loosening direction, the user can apply a loosening force to the outer sleeve 61 to rotate the nut 50 in the loosening direction. According to some exemplary embodiments, when in the sleeve-unlocked position, any amount of torque can be applied in the loosening direction, and the operating mode may not change. However, when in the sleeve-unlocked position, once a threshold torque is applied (e.g., because the nut 50 is sufficiently tightened onto the jaws 20), rotation in the tightening direction can cause a change in the operating mode. Thus, if the threshold torque in the tightening direction is exceeded, the collet 10 can be switched to the sleeve-locked position. Continuous torque in the tightening direction can further switch the collet 10 to a tightening position where any amount of tightening torque can be applied.

[0068] Now will be provided Figures 11A to 13B The description shows the chuck 10 in position for each operating mode. In this respect, Figure 11A-11D Various aspects of the collet 10 in the sleeve-locked position are shown. Figure 12A-12B Various aspects of the chuck 10 in the tightened position are shown. Finally, Figures 13A-13B Various aspects of the chuck 10 in the sleeve unlocked position are shown.

[0069] Reference Figure 11A-11C , Figure 11A It shows along Figure 3 The cross-section of the chuck 10 taken by CC shows the chuck 10 in the sleeve locked position. Figure 11B It comes from Figure 11A A magnified view of the 732 raptor and its surroundings. Figure 11C It comes from Figure 11A A magnified view of the locking pawl 722 and the surrounding environment.

[0070] In this respect, when in the sleeve locked position, to prevent the sleeve 60 (i.e., the outer sleeve 61 and the sleeve insert 62) from rotating in the release direction, at least one click pawl 732 of the click-lock assembly 701 may engage with a click tooth 756. The click pawl 732 may engage with the click tooth 756 (or any tooth for that matter) because the click pawl control member 731 may be disposed within the pawl clearance 612 of the sleeve insert 62. The click clearance 612 allows the click pawl control member 731 to deflect outward by an amount that allows the click pawl 732 to engage with a tooth (e.g., click tooth 756) of the body seat 71.

[0071] In this regard, when in the sleeve-locked position, to prevent the sleeve 60 (i.e., the outer sleeve 61 and the sleeve insert 62) from rotating in the tightening direction, at least one locking pawl 722 of the click-lock assembly 701 can engage with a locking tooth 755. The locking pawl 722 can engage with the locking tooth 755 (or any tooth for that matter) because the locking pawl control member 721 can be disposed within the locking recess 615 of the sleeve insert 62. The depth of the locking recess 615 allows the locking pawl control member 721 to deflect outward by an amount that allows the locking pawl 722 to engage with a tooth of the body seat 71, such as the locking tooth 755.

[0072] Figure 11D It shows along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the collet 10 taken from the DD line, wherein the collet 10 is in the sleeve locked position. Specifically, Figure 11D The arrangement of the nut drive block 500 of the nut 50 and the sleeve drive block 601 of the sleeve insert 62 is shown when the chuck 10 is in the sleeve locked position. In this respect, according to some exemplary embodiments, the nut drive block 500 and the sleeve drive block 601 do not contact each other when the chuck 10 is in the sleeve locked position.

[0073] The positions of the nut 50 and the sleeve insert 62 can correspond to the positions of the click pawl control member 731 and the locking pawl control member 721, such as... Figure 11A-11CAs shown. Thus, the position of the locking recess 615 can be selected to provide a gap 1101 between the nut drive block 500 and the sleeve drive block 601. More specifically, the gap 1101 can be formed between the nut tightening surface 502 of the nut drive block 500 and the sleeve tightening surface 602 of the sleeve drive block 601. According to some example embodiments, the gap 1101 can have an angle 1100 of approximately three degrees. The gap 1101 can be used to further prevent the inertia of the sleeve 60 (i.e., the outer sleeve 61 and the sleeve insert 62) from causing the nut 50 to tighten unintentionally. In this respect, in addition to the locking pawl 722 engaging with the locking teeth 755, the gap 1101 can allow some minimal movement of the sleeve insert 62 (e.g., force-related deformation of components, etc.) without physically engaging with the nut 50.

[0074] Now will describe Figure 12A This diagram shows an enlarged view of the locking pawl 722 and the click pawl 732 in a cross-sectional view of the chuck 10 when in the tightened position. In this respect, it can be assumed that the chuck 10 was previously in the sleeve-locked position. When the outer sleeve 61 rotates more than the torque threshold in the tightening direction 1200, the locking pawl control member 721 can slide out of the locking recess 615 and slide upwards onto the tightening locking ramp 616. In doing so, the locking pawl control member 721 can be pushed inwards, thereby placing the locking pawl 722 in the disengaged position. Additionally, according to some exemplary embodiments, the click pawl control member 731 may still remain in the click gap 612, and therefore the click pawl control member 731 and the click pawl 732 can be allowed to be pushed outwards, such that the click pawl 732 can engage with the click tooth 756. With the locking pawl 722 disengaged and the clicking pawl 732 engaged, further rotation of the outer sleeve 61 in the tightening direction will allow the nut 50 to be tightened, while the clicking pawl 732 allows ratchet movement and prevents rotation in the loosening direction. Furthermore, when no tightening force is applied, it can be seen that, due to the deflection or tilting surface of the tightening locking ramp 616, the locking pawl control member 721 can be pushed back into the locking recess 615 by the bias of the locking shank foot 720, thereby automatically returning the collet 10 to the sleeve locking position.

[0075] Now will describe Figure 12B It shows Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the chuck 10 taken along line DD, wherein the chuck 10 is in the clamped position. Specifically, Figure 12B The arrangement of the nut drive block 500 of the nut 50 and the sleeve drive block 601 of the sleeve insert 62 when the chuck 10 is in the tightened position is shown. In this respect, according to some exemplary embodiments, when the chuck 10 is in the tightened position, the nut drive block 500 and the sleeve drive block 601 are in contact with each other.

[0076] The positions of the nut 50 and the sleeve insert 62 can correspond to the positions of the click pawl control member 731 and the locking pawl control member 721, such as... Figure 12A As shown. Thus, the position of the locking pawl control member 721 on the tightening locking ramp 616 allows the locking pawl 722 to disengage, thereby allowing the tightening of the nut 50, and allowing the sleeve insert 62 to rotate a certain distance to close the gap 1101. Therefore, the sleeve tightening surface 602 of the sleeve drive block 601 can be physically engaged with the nut tightening surface 502 of the nut drive block 500. Due to this physical engagement, further rotation of the outer sleeve 61 can cause the nut 50 to tighten.

[0077] Now will describe Figure 13A This diagram shows an enlarged view of the locking pawl 722 and the clicking pawl 732 in a cross-sectional view of the collet 10 when it is in the sleeve unlocked position. In this respect, it can be assumed that the collet 10 was previously in the sleeve locked position. When the outer sleeve 61 rotates in the release direction 1300 beyond the torque threshold to cause the locking pawl control member 721 to slide out of the locking recess 615, the locking pawl control member 721 can move on the locking surface 614 and onto the locking ramp 613. Similarly, rotation of the sleeve insert 62 can cause the clicking pawl control member 731 to slide onto the clicking ramp 611.

[0078] When the locking pawl control member 721 is positioned on the locking ramp 613, the locking pawl 722 can disengage from the teeth 75 of the main seat ring 71. In this respect, the height of the locking ramp 613 allows an inward force to be applied to the locking pawl control member 721, thereby disengaging the locking pawl 722. Similarly, when the clicking pawl control member 731 is positioned on the clicking ramp 611, the clicking pawl 732 can disengage from the teeth 75 of the main seat ring 71. In this respect, the height of the clicking ramp 611 allows an inward force to be applied to the clicking pawl control member 731, thereby disengaging the clicking pawl 732. With the locking pawl control member 721 and the clicking pawl control member 731 in the disengaged position, the sleeve can be unlocked, and the sleeve 60 can rotate freely in either direction.

[0079] Now will describe Figure 12B It shows Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the collet 10 taken along line DD, wherein the collet 10 is in the sleeve unlocked position. Specifically, Figure 13B The arrangement of the nut drive block 500 of the nut 50 and the sleeve drive block 601 of the sleeve insert 62 is shown when the chuck 10 is in the sleeve unlock position. In this respect, according to some exemplary embodiments, the nut drive block 500 and the sleeve drive block 601 do not contact each other when the chuck 10 is in the sleeve unlock position.

[0080] As described above, in the sleeve unlocked position, the sleeve insert 62 can rotate freely in either direction. However, Figure 13B The chuck 10 is shown in the position where the nut 50 is loosened. The positions of the nut 50 and the sleeve insert 62 correspond to the positions of the click pawl control member 731 and the locking pawl control member 721, as shown. Figure 13A As shown. Thus, the position of the locking pawl control member 721 on the locking ramp 613 and the position of the click pawl control member 731 on the click ramp 611 cause both the locking pawl 722 and the click pawl 732 to disengage (e.g., due to deflection of the click shank 730 and the locking shank 720). This allows the sleeve insert 62 to rotate to a position that allows the sleeve release surface 603 of the sleeve drive block 601 to physically engage with the nut release surface 503 of the nut drive block 500. Furthermore, further rotation in the release direction can loosen the nut 50 and open the chuck 20. Alternatively, the nut 50 can be tightened while the sleeve is in the unlocked position. However, once the tightening rotation requires a threshold amount of torque, the locking pawl control member 721 can slide across the locking surface 614 and into the locking recess 615, where further force can be applied to complete the tightening of the chuck 10 in the tightened position.

[0081] Based on the foregoing description, various exemplary embodiments have been described and will now be described. Further exemplary embodiments are provided with reference to further combinations of the elements, features, and concepts described herein. Thus, a first embodiment may include a chuck. The chuck may include a plurality of jaws, a body, a nut, a nut seat, a body seat, and a sleeve. Each of the plurality of jaws may include jaw threads. The plurality of jaws may also be configured to move relative to the body in an open or closed direction. The body may be configured to rotate with a drive spindle. The nut may be operatively engaged with the jaw threads of the jaws such that rotation of the nut relative to the body causes the jaws to move relative to the body in an open or closed direction. The nut seat may be operatively engaged to the nut such that the nut seat rotates with the nut, and the nut seat may include a locking pawl and a click pawl. The body seat may be operatively connected to the body such that the body seat rotates with the body. The body seat may include a plurality of click teeth having a click stop edge oriented in a first rotational direction and a plurality of locking teeth having a locking stop edge oriented in a second rotational direction. The sleeve may include a sleeve tightening surface configured to engage with a nut tightening surface to tighten the nut when the sleeve is rotated to the tightened position. The sleeve may be positioned in a sleeve lock position.

[0082] The exemplary clamp described above may be modified, enlarged, or may include optional attachments, some of which are described herein. The modifications, additions, or optional additions listed below are some examples of elements that can be added in any desired combination. In this case, other embodiments can be defined by each corresponding combination of modifications, additions, or optional additions based on the first embodiment.

[0083] For example, in the second embodiment, the sleeve can be positioned in the sleeve locking position, and a gap can exist between the sleeve tightening surface and the nut tightening surface. The second embodiment can be appropriately combined with the first embodiment.

[0084] Alternatively, in the third embodiment, the sleeve can be rotated to the sleeve unlock position, and the clicking pawl can disengage from a plurality of clicking teeth to allow the nut to rotate unrestricted via the sleeve in a first rotational direction. The locking pawl can disengage from a plurality of locking teeth to allow the nut to rotate unrestricted via the sleeve in a second rotational direction. The third embodiment can be suitably combined with any or all of the first and second embodiments.

[0085] Alternatively, in the fourth embodiment, the nut seat may include a clicking shank and a locking shank. The clicking shank may be a flexible member including a clicking pawl. The locking shank may be a flexible member including a locking pawl. The fourth embodiment may be suitably combined with any or all of the first to third embodiments.

[0086] In a modified fourth embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, the clicking shank may include a clicking pawl control member. The locking shank may include a locking pawl control member. In some cases, according to the fifth embodiment, the sleeve can be rotated to a sleeve unlocked position. The clicking pawl member may engage with a clicking ramp of the sleeve to flex the clicking shank and disengage the clicking pawl from a plurality of clicking teeth. The locking pawl control member may engage with a locking control ramp of the sleeve to flex the locking shank and disengage the locking pawl from a plurality of locking teeth. The fifth embodiment and its variations may be suitably combined with any or all of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0087] Alternatively or concurrently, in the sixth embodiment, the sleeve can be rotated to a tightened position. The locking pawl can disengage from a plurality of locking teeth. The clicking pawl can engage with one of a plurality of clicking teeth. The sixth embodiment can be suitably combined with any or all of the first to fifth embodiments.

[0088] Alternatively or concurrently, in the seventh embodiment, the locking shank may include a locking pawl control member. In some cases, according to the seventh embodiment, the sleeve may be positioned in a sleeve locking position. The locking pawl control member may be disposed within a locking recess of the sleeve, which allows the locking pawl to engage with one of a plurality of locking teeth. The seventh embodiment may be suitably combined with any or all of the first to sixth embodiments.

[0089] Alternatively or concurrently, in the eighth embodiment, rotation of the sleeve from the sleeve locking position to the tightened position causes the locking pawl control member to shift upward to the edge of the locking recess, thereby disengaging the locking pawl from the plurality of locking teeth by deflecting the locking shank feet. In some cases, according to the eighth embodiment, the sleeve tightening surface may engage the nut tightening surface. The eighth embodiment may be suitably combined with any or all of the first to seventh embodiments.

[0090] Alternatively or concurrently, in the ninth embodiment, the sleeve can be rotated to the tightened position due to mechanical bias in the locking shank. The pawl control member can automatically slide back into the locking recess to engage the locking pawl with one of the plurality of locking teeth, and can return to the sleeve locked position when the user releases the sleeve. The ninth embodiment can be suitably combined with any or all of the first to eighth embodiments.

[0091] Alternatively, in the tenth embodiment, a plurality of clicking teeth and a plurality of locking teeth may be arranged in a common plane passing through the main body seat ring. The tenth embodiment may be suitably combined with any or all of the first to ninth embodiments.

[0092] Alternatively, in the eleventh embodiment, a plurality of clicking teeth and a plurality of locking teeth may be arranged in a common plane passing through the main body seat ring, and the plurality of clicking teeth may be arranged in a continuous series. In some cases, according to the eleventh embodiment, the plurality of locking teeth may be arranged in a continuous series.

[0093] A twelfth exemplary embodiment may include a chuck. The chuck may include a body, a plurality of jaws, a nut, a nut seat, a body seat, and a sleeve. The plurality of jaws may also be configured to move relative to the body in an open or closed direction. The nut may be operatively coupled to the plurality of jaws such that movement of the nut relative to the body causes the jaws to move in an open or closed direction. The nut may include a tightening nut surface. The nut seat may be operatively coupled to the nut such that the nut seat is secured to the nut. The nut seat may include a locking pawl and a clicking pawl. The body seat may be operatively coupled to the body. The body seat may include a plurality of teeth. The sleeve may include a sleeve tightening surface configured to engage with the nut tightening surface and to tighten the nut when the sleeve is rotated to a tightened position. The sleeve may be positioned in a sleeve locked position. The clicking pawl may engage with a first tooth of the plurality of teeth and may inhibit rotation of the nut in a first rotational direction. The locking pawl may engage with a second tooth of the plurality of teeth and may inhibit rotation of the sleeve in a second rotational direction due to rotational inertia within the sleeve.

[0094] The exemplary clamp of the twelfth embodiment described above can be modified, added to, or may include optional additions, some of which are described herein. The modifications, additions, or optional additions listed below are examples of elements that can be added in any desired combination. In this case, other embodiments can be defined by each corresponding combination of modifications, additions, or optional additions based on the twelfth embodiment.

[0095] For example, in the thirteenth embodiment, the sleeve can be positioned in the sleeve locking position, and a gap can exist between the sleeve tightening surface and the nut tightening surface, thus preventing contact between the sleeve tightening surface and the nut tightening surface due to rotational inertia in the sleeve. The twelfth embodiment can be suitably combined with the eleventh embodiment.

[0096] Alternatively or concurrently, in the fourteenth embodiment, the sleeve can be rotated to the sleeve unlock position. The click pawl can disengage from the plurality of teeth and allows the nut to rotate via rotation of the sleeve in a first rotational direction. The locking pawl can disengage from the plurality of teeth and allows the nut to rotate via rotation of the sleeve in a second rotational direction. The fourteenth embodiment can be suitably combined with any one or all of the tenth to twelfth embodiments.

[0097] Alternatively or concurrently, in the fifteenth embodiment, the nut seat may include a click shank and a locking shank. The click shank may be a flexible member that may include a click pawl. The locking shank may be a flexible member that may include a locking pawl. The fifteenth embodiment may suitably be combined with any or all of the twelfth to fourteenth embodiments.

[0098] Alternatively or concurrently, in the sixteenth embodiment, the sleeve can be rotated to a tightened position. The locking pawl can disengage from the plurality of teeth. The click pawl can engage with the third tooth of the plurality of teeth. The sixteenth embodiment can be suitably combined with any or all of the twelfth to fifteenth embodiments.

[0099] Alternatively or concurrently, in the seventeenth embodiment, the locking shank may include a locking pawl control member. In some cases, according to the seventeenth embodiment, the sleeve may be positioned in a sleeve locking position. The locking pawl control member may be disposed within a locking recess of the sleeve, which allows the locking pawl to engage with a second tooth of a plurality of teeth. The seventeenth embodiment may be suitably combined with any one or all of the twelve through sixteenth embodiments.

[0100] Alternatively or concurrently, in the eighteenth embodiment, rotation of the sleeve from the sleeve locking position to the tightened position causes the locking pawl control member to shift upward along the edge of the locking recess, thereby disengaging the locking pawl from the plurality of locking teeth by deflecting the locking shank feet, and causing the sleeve tightening surface to engage the nut tightening surface. The eighteenth embodiment can be suitably combined with any one or all of the twelve through seventeenth embodiments.

[0101] Alternatively, in the nineteenth embodiment, a plurality of teeth may be arranged in a common plane passing through the main bearing ring. The nineteenth embodiment may be suitably combined with any or all of the twelfth or eighteenth embodiments.

[0102] Alternatively, in the twentieth embodiment, each of the plurality of teeth may be substantially symmetrical to the other teeth of the plurality of teeth. The twentieth embodiment may be suitably combined with any or all of the twelfth or nineteenth embodiments.

[0103] Benefiting from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings, those skilled in the art to which these embodiments pertain will conceive of numerous modifications and other embodiments of the chuck set forth herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the chuck is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, while the foregoing description and associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those explicitly described above are also contemplated as being set forth in some of the appended claims. Where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be understood that such advantages, benefits, and / or solutions may be applicable to some exemplary embodiments but not necessarily to all exemplary embodiments. Therefore, any advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be considered critical, essential, or necessary to all embodiments or the embodiments claimed herein. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. A chuck for use with a power drive having a rotatable drive spindle, the chuck comprising: Multiple jaws, each jaw including jaw threads; A body configured to rotate together with the drive spindle, wherein the plurality of grippers are configured to rotate together with the body about the central axis of the chuck, and wherein the plurality of grippers are also configured to move relative to the body in an opening or closing direction; A nut, which is operably threadedly connected to the jaws of the gripper, such that rotation of the nut relative to the body causes the jaws to move relative to the body in an opening or closing direction, the nut further including a nut tightening surface; A nut seat ring operably coupled to the nut such that the nut seat ring rotates together with the nut, the nut seat ring including a locking pawl and a clicking pawl; A main body ring operably coupled to a main body, such that the main body ring rotates together with the main body, the main body ring including a plurality of clicking teeth having a clicking stop edge oriented in a first rotation direction and a plurality of locking teeth having a locking stop edge oriented in a second rotation direction, the first rotation direction being opposite to the second rotation direction; as well as A sleeve, including a sleeve tightening surface configured to engage with a nut tightening surface to tighten the nut when the sleeve is rotated to a tightening position; When the sleeve is in the sleeve locking position, the clicking pawl engages with the clicking stop edge of one of the multiple clicking teeth to suppress the rotation of the nut along the first rotation direction, thereby loosening the nut. The locking pawl engages with the locking stop edge of one of the multiple locking teeth to suppress the rotation of the sleeve along the second rotation direction due to the rotational inertia in the sleeve, which would tend to further tighten the nut.

2. The chuck according to claim 1, wherein, When the sleeve is in the sleeve locking position, there is a gap between the sleeve tightening surface and the nut tightening surface.

3. The chuck according to claim 1, wherein, When the sleeve is rotated to the sleeve unlock position: The click pawl disengages from the plurality of click teeth to allow the nut to rotate unrestricted via the sleeve in the first rotational direction; and The locking pawl disengages from the plurality of locking teeth to allow the nut to rotate unrestricted via the sleeve in the second rotational direction.

4. The chuck according to claim 1, wherein, The nut seat includes a click shank and a locking shank; Wherein, the click handle foot is a flexible component including the click pawl; The locking handle foot is a flexible component that includes the locking pawl.

5. The chuck according to claim 4, wherein, The click handle also includes a click pawl control member, and the locking handle includes a locking pawl control member; and Where the sleeve is rotated to the sleeve unlock position: The click pawl control member engages with the click ramp of the sleeve, causing the click shank to flex and disengage the click pawl from the plurality of click teeth; and The locking pawl control member engages with the locking control ramp of the sleeve to flex the locking shank and disengage the locking pawl from the plurality of locking teeth.

6. The chuck according to claim 1, wherein, When the sleeve is rotated to the tightening position: The locking pawl disengages from the plurality of locking teeth; and The click pawl engages with one of the plurality of click teeth.

7. The chuck according to claim 4, wherein, The locking handle includes a locking pawl control component; as well as Wherein, when the sleeve is in the sleeve locking position, the locking pawl control member is disposed within the locking recess of the sleeve, the locking recess allowing the locking pawl to engage with one of the plurality of locking teeth.

8. The chuck according to claim 7, wherein, The rotation of the sleeve from the sleeve locking position to the tightening position causes the locking pawl control member to move upward along the edge of the locking recess, so as to disengage the locking pawl from the plurality of locking teeth by flexing the locking shank foot, and to cause the sleeve tightening surface to engage the nut tightening surface.

9. The chuck according to claim 8, wherein, Due to the mechanical bias in the locking shank foot when the sleeve is rotated to the tightened position, the locking pawl control member automatically slides back into the locking recess so that the locking pawl engages with one of the plurality of locking teeth, thereby returning to the sleeve locking position when the user releases the sleeve.

10. The chuck according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of clicking teeth and the plurality of locking teeth are arranged in a common plane passing through the main seat ring.

11. The chuck according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of clicking teeth and the plurality of locking teeth are disposed in a common plane passing through the main body seat ring; and The plurality of clicking teeth are arranged in a continuous series, and the plurality of locking teeth are arranged in a continuous series.

12. A chuck, comprising: main body; Multiple grippers are configured to move relative to the body in an opening or closing direction; A nut operably coupled to the plurality of jaws, such that movement of the nut relative to the body causes the jaws to move in the opening or closing direction, the nut further comprising a nut tightening surface; A nut seat ring operably coupled to the nut, such that the nut seat ring is secured to the nut, the nut seat ring including a locking pawl and a clicking pawl; A main bearing ring, operably coupled to the main body, the main bearing ring including a plurality of teeth; and A sleeve, including a sleeve tightening surface configured to engage with a nut tightening surface to tighten the nut when the sleeve is rotated to a tightening position; When the sleeve is in the sleeve locking position, the click pawl engages with the first tooth of the plurality of teeth to suppress the rotation of the nut in a first rotational direction, and the locking pawl engages with the second tooth of the plurality of teeth to suppress the rotation of the sleeve in a second rotational direction due to the rotational inertia of the sleeve.

13. The chuck according to claim 12, wherein, When the sleeve is in the locked position, there is a gap between the sleeve tightening surface and the nut tightening surface to avoid contact between the sleeve tightening surface and the nut tightening surface due to the rotational inertia in the sleeve.

14. The chuck according to claim 12, wherein, When the sleeve is rotated to the sleeve unlock position: The click pawl disengages from the plurality of teeth to allow the nut to rotate via the sleeve in the first rotation direction; as well as The locking pawl disengages from the plurality of teeth to allow the nut to rotate via the sleeve in the second rotational direction.

15. The chuck according to claim 12, wherein, The nut seat includes a click shank and a locking shank; Wherein, the click handle foot is a flexible component including the click pawl; The locking handle foot is a flexible component that includes the locking pawl.

16. The chuck according to claim 12, wherein, When the sleeve is rotated to the tightening position: The locking pawl disengages from the plurality of teeth; and The click-type pawl engages with the third tooth among the plurality of teeth.

17. The chuck according to claim 15, wherein, The locking handle includes a locking pawl control component; as well as Wherein, when the sleeve is in the sleeve locking position, the locking pawl control member is disposed within the locking recess of the sleeve, the locking recess allowing the locking pawl to engage with the second tooth of the plurality of teeth.

18. The chuck according to claim 17, wherein, The rotation of the sleeve from the sleeve locking position to the tightening position causes the locking pawl control member to move upward along the edge of the locking recess, so as to disengage the locking pawl from the plurality of teeth by flexing the locking shank foot, and to cause the sleeve tightening surface to engage the nut tightening surface.

19. The chuck according to claim 12, wherein, The plurality of teeth are arranged in a common plane passing through the main bearing ring.

20. The chuck according to claim 12, wherein, Each of the plurality of teeth is substantially symmetrical to the other teeth in the plurality of teeth.

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