Brush for welding tool cleaning device

Abstract

A brush assembly for a device for cleaning a welding tool having a motor can include a base portion, a brush drive ring, and a locking assembly. The base portion can include a cylindrical core member and a cleaning brush. The cleaning brush can be disposed about a perimeter of the core member and can extend radially away from the core member. The locking assembly can include a first locking member, a second locking member, and an annular retention member. The first and second locking members can be configured to engage one another. The annular retention member can define a rest state of the locking assembly in which the first locking member and the second locking member can pinch a shaft of the motor. The annular retention member can also define a transient state of the locking assembly in which the first locking member and the second locking member can be moved from the rest state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Exemplary embodiments relate generally to a welding tool cleaning device, and in particular to a brush assembly configured to clean a tip of a welding tool. BACKGROUND

[0002] Welding tools, sometimes referred to as soldering irons or soldering guns, are commonly used in electronics manufacturing and repair activities along with other crafts and industries involving metalworking. Welding tools are typically used to join metal articles together at a joint by melting filler metal, i.e., solder, into the joint. The solder has a lower melting point than the articles being joined together at the joint, and thus the welding tool needs to apply heat sufficient to melt the solder but insufficient to heat the joined articles to the point of melting.

[0003] While a variety of welding tool designs have been proposed, a basic welding tool design includes at least a tip portion operably connected to a heater. Due to operation of the heater, the tip portion can become hot enough to melt solder that contacts the tip portion. In some cases, the tip portion can be removable / interchangeable such that a number of different geometry, e.g., size and / or shape, tips or drills can be substituted for respective different tasks.

[0004] While welding tools can include a variety of tip geometries, many welding tool tips can still be prone to accumulating excess filler material. Filler material that builds up on the tip of a welding tool can have a negative impact on the precision and performance of the welding tool in use, and thus many welding tools can need to be cleaned before, during, and / or after use.

[0005] From the above limitations, it can be appreciated that improvements in mechanisms for cleaning welding tools can be desirable. For example, improvements in brush assembly designs can enable more efficient overall cleaning operations. SUMMARY

[0006] Some example embodiments can provide an apparatus for cleaning a welding tool. The apparatus can include a housing, a motor encapsulatable within the housing, a brush assembly operably coupled to the motor, and an access window through which the brush assembly is accessible from a location external to the housing. The brush assembly can include a base portion that can include a cylindrical core member and a cleaning brush, a drive interface that can be configured to transmit torque from the motor to the base portion, and a locking assembly that can be disposed at a distal end of the base portion opposite the drive interface. The cleaning brush can be disposed about a periphery of the core member and can extend radially away from the core member. The locking assembly can include a first locking member, a second locking member, and an annular retention member. The first and second locking members can be configured to engage one another. The annular retention member can define a rest state for the locking assembly in which the first locking member and the second locking member can clamp a motor shaft of the motor. The annular retention member can also define a transient state of the locking assembly in which the first locking member and the second locking member can be moved out of the rest state.

[0007] In another example embodiment, a brush assembly for an apparatus having a motor for cleaning a welding tool can be provided. The brush assembly can include a base portion that can include a cylindrical core member and a cleaning brush, a drive interface that can be configured to transmit torque from the motor to the base portion, and a locking assembly that can be disposed at a distal end of the base portion opposite the drive interface. The cleaning brush can be disposed about a periphery of the core member and can extend radially away from the core member. The locking assembly can include a first locking member, a second locking member, and an annular retention member. The first and second locking members can be configured to engage one another. The annular retention member can define a rest state for the locking assembly in which the first locking member and the second locking member can clamp a motor shaft of the motor. The annular retention member can also define a transient state of the locking assembly in which the first locking member and the second locking member can be moved out of the rest state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Having thus described some example embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0009] Figure 1A A perspective view of a welding tool cleaning apparatus is shown in accordance with example embodiments;

[0010] Figure 1B A front view of a welding tool cleaning apparatus is shown in accordance with example embodiments Figure 1A of FIG. 1;

[0011] Figure 2a perspective view of a brush assembly operably coupled to a motor of a welding tool cleaning device according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0012] Figure 3A an exploded side view of a brush assembly of a welding tool cleaning device according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0013] Figure 3B a perspective view of a brush drive ring according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0014] Figure 3C a perspective view of a brush drive ring according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0015] Figure 3D a perspective view of a base portion of a brush assembly according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0016] Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of a brush assembly according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0017] Figure 5A a perspective view of a locking assembly of a brush assembly according to an example embodiment is shown; and

[0018] Figure 5B an exploded perspective view of a locking assembly according to an example embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and depicted herein are to be taken in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive sense. As such, none of the description or drawings should be taken to imply that any single feature or combination of features is necessary or essential to the practice of this disclosure. Furthermore, the description and drawings should not be taken to imply that the example embodiments described and depicted herein are the only examples the disclosure can be practiced in. As such, the example embodiments described and depicted herein should be taken in an illustrative sense only. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling is to be understood to refer to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components operably coupled thereto.

[0020] FIG. 1 includes Figure 1A and 1B a device 10 for cleaning a welding tool according to an example embodiment is shown. Figure 1A a perspective view of the device 10 is shown, Figure 1BA front view of a device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. In some embodiments, the device 10 can include a housing 20, a motor 30 that can be enclosed within the housing 20, a brush assembly 40 that can be operably coupled to the motor 30, and an access window 50 through which the brush assembly 40 can be accessed from a location outside of the housing 20. In this regard, the access window 50 can be configured to have a welding tool (not shown) inserted therethrough in order to access the brush assembly 40 to clean a tip of the welding tool.

[0021] The device 10 can also include a control panel 60 that, in some embodiments, can be used to power on and / or power off the device 10 by controlling current to the motor 30, and in some embodiments, can also allow an operator to control more specific settings such as a rotational speed of the brush 40, a rotational direction of the brush 40, and / or apply a vibrating function to the brush 40 to further assist in cleaning the welding tool. In some cases, the front surface 21 of the housing 20 can be configured to be lifted via the handle 23 in the direction of the arrow 22 and provide access to an interior space within the device 10. Lifting the front surface 21 can allow an operator to more easily access the brush assembly 40 in order to service the device 10. For example, an operator can need to replace the brush assembly 40 in the event that the brush assembly 40 can become worn and not be able to effectively clean the welding tool. In some embodiments, the device 10 can include more than one motor 30 and more than one brush assembly 40. In such cases, the brush assemblies 40 can be configured to operate in a complementary manner to effectively clean the tip of the welding tool.

[0022] Figure 2 A perspective view of a brush assembly 100 that is operably coupled to a motor 200 of a welding tool cleaning device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The brush assembly 100 can include a base portion 110, a brush drive ring 120, and a locking assembly 130. In some embodiments, the brush drive ring 120 can be operably connected to a drive interface 111 of the base portion 110 and a motor shaft 210 (shown in FIG. 2) of the motor 200 in a manner that allows the brush drive ring 120 to rotate about the motor shaft 210 in a first direction 121 and a second direction 122. In some embodiments, the brush drive ring 120 can be configured to rotate in the first direction 121 and the second direction 122 at a rotational speed that is determined by a rotational speed of the motor shaft 210. Figure 3AIn this regard, the motor 200 can generate a torque that the brush drive ring 120 can transmit to the drive interface 111 in order to rotate the base portion 110 accordingly. In some embodiments, the base portion 110 can include a substantially cylindrical core member 112 and a cleaning brush 114. The cleaning brush 114 can be disposed around the entire perimeter of the core member 112 and can extend radially away from the core member 112. The torque applied to the base portion 110 can cause the core member 112 to rotate and can correspondingly move the cleaning brush 114 to more effectively clean the welding tool. In order to more effectively transmit the torque from the motor shaft 210, the brush drive ring 120 can include particular structures integrated therein that can be configured to connect with corresponding structures in the drive interface 111 and the motor 200. In this regard, the brush drive ring 120 can be configured to interlock with both the drive interface 111 and the motor shaft 210 of the base portion 110. Further details of the brush drive ring 120 will be discussed below with reference to later figures. The locking assembly 130 can be disposed at a distal end of the base portion 110 opposite the drive interface 111. The locking assembly 130 can include a first locking member 132, a second locking member 134, and an annular retention member 136. The first and second locking members 132, 134 can be configured to engage one another in an interior region of the core member 112. In some embodiments, the first and second locking members 132, 134 can be configured to interlock with one another. The first and second locking members 132, 134 can also be configured to slide relative to one another in response to a force provided by an operator or a force provided by the annular retention member 136. In some embodiments, the annular retention member 136 can be a resilient ring (e.g., an O-ring) disposed around the perimeter of the core member 112 in an annular retention member groove. Due to its resilient properties, the annular retention member 136 can define a rest state and a transient state of the locking assembly 130.

[0023] In a static state, the first and second locking members (132, 134) can clamp the motor shaft 210, and the annular retaining member 136 can contact the core member 112. In a momentary state, the first and second locking members (132, 134) can be removed from the static state, and the annular retaining member 136 can be stretched away from the core member 112 by the first and second locking members (132, 134). At this point, the annular retaining member 136 can bias the first and second locking members (132, 134) to the static state. In other words, in the absence of a force biasing the first and second locking members (132, 134) apart, the annular retaining member 136 can ensure that the first and second locking members (132, 134) remain in the static state, and thus the base portion 110 remains operatively coupled to the motor shaft 210. In the presence of a force that may bias the first and second locking members (132, 134) apart, the annular retaining member 136 can be stretched, and thus allow the first and second locking members (132, 134) to enter the momentary state. Further details of the locking component 130 will be discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 3A An exploded side view of the brush assembly 100 of a welding tool cleaning apparatus 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 3A As shown, the motor 200 may include a motor shaft 210, a drive pin 220, an engagement groove 230 disposed at the distal end of the motor shaft 210, and a retaining groove 240 adjacent to the drive pin 220. In this respect, first and second locking members (132, 134) may be configured to engage the engagement groove 230 in a stationary state to operatively attach the brush assembly 100 to the motor 200. When the brush assembly 100 is operatively attached to the motor 200, the retaining groove 240 may be configured to operatively engage with a drive ring retainer 300. In some embodiments, the drive ring retainer 300 may be configured to retain the brush drive ring 120 in contact with the drive pin 220 of the motor shaft 210. Thus, even when the base portion 110 has been removed from the motor shaft 210, the brush drive ring 120 may remain in contact with the drive pin 220 of the motor 200. Figure 3A As can be understood, the motor shaft 210 may extend along the longitudinal axis 250 of the brush assembly 100 through the entire length of the base portion 110. The motor 200, drive brush ring 120, drive ring retainer 300, and base portion 110 may all be coaxial about the longitudinal axis 250.

[0025] Figure 3B and 3C A perspective view of a brush drive ring 120 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, while Figure 3D A perspective view of the base portion 110 of a brush assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.Figure 3B As shown, the brush drive ring 120 can be configured to have a central bore 122, which can be coaxial with the longitudinal axis 250 and thus aligned with the motor shaft 210. In some embodiments, the drive pin 220 can be the main mechanism through which torque generated by the motor 200 is transmitted to the brush drive ring 120. Therefore, a drive pin recess 128 can be formed in the brush drive ring 120 near the central bore 122. The drive pin recess 128 can be configured to receive the drive pin 220 when the brush drive ring 120 is operatively coupled to the motor 200. The motor shaft 210 can extend through the central bore 122 of the brush drive ring 120, while the drive pin 220 can be retained in the drive pin recess 128. Thus, when the motor shaft 210 (and therefore the drive pin 220) rotates, the brush drive ring 120 also rotates. In this respect, the drive pin 220 and the drive pin recess 128 can resemble any corresponding shape suitable for transmitting torque (i.e., a shape capable of engaging with each other such that rotation of one causes rotation of the other). In some embodiments, the drive pin 220 may resemble a rod shape, and the drive pin recess 128 may resemble an elongated slot configured to receive a rod shape.

[0026] like Figure 3C As shown, the drive protrusion 124 and the key protrusion 126 may surround the central hole 122. In some embodiments, the drive protrusion 124 and the key protrusion 126 may be a main mechanism through which torque is transmitted from the brush drive ring 120 to the drive interface 111. In this respect, the central hole 122, the drive protrusion 124, and the key protrusion 126 may all be aligned with the drive interface 111 of the core member 112. Therefore, as Figure 3D As shown, the drive interface 111 may include a receiving channel 140 and a keyway 142 disposed on the end of the core member 112 opposite to the locking assembly 130. The receiving channel 140 and the keyway 142 may be configured to engage with the drive protrusion 124 and the key protrusion 126, so that the brush drive ring 120 can easily transmit torque to the drive interface 111 of the base portion 110.

[0027] In some embodiments, the drive protrusion 124 may be generally rectangular, but it should be understood that the drive protrusion 124 may also resemble any other shape suitable for transmitting torque. Additionally, in some embodiments, the key protrusion 126 may be generally triangular, but it should be understood that the key protrusion 126 may also resemble any other shape suitable for transmitting torque. In any case, the receiving channel 140 and the keyway 142 may be configured to engage with the drive protrusion 124 and the key protrusion 126 respectively, such that the motor shaft 210 can be inserted through the brush drive ring 120 and the base portion 110.

[0028] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a brush assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.Figure 4 In this embodiment, the locking assembly 130 operably connects the base portion 110 directly to the motor shaft 210, preventing the brush assembly 100 from slipping off the end of the motor 200 and disengaging from it. In this respect, the locking assembly 130 can clamp the engagement groove 230 of the motor shaft 210 in a stationary state. Therefore, in a stationary state, movement of the motor shaft 210 relative to the base portion 110 is not permitted.

[0029] In some embodiments, the base portion 110 can be removed from the motor 200. In response to a force oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 250 and simultaneously applied to the first and second locking members (132, 134), the locking assembly 130 can enter a momentary state. With the locking assembly 130 in the momentary state, movement of the base portion 110 relative to the motor shaft 210 is permitted, and therefore, the base portion 110 can subsequently be removed from contact with the motor shaft 210. In some cases, after removal of the base portion 110, the brush drive ring 120 can remain operatively coupled to the motor 200.

[0030] With the lead base portion 110 removed from the motor 200, the lead-in base portion 110 can be inserted onto the motor shaft 210. In this regard, the base portion 110 is positioned such that the central passage 118 is aligned with the motor shaft 210, and thus also with the longitudinal axis 250. The core member 112 can then need to be rotated until the receiving passage 140 and the key slot 142 of the drive interface 111 can be aligned with the drive projection 124 and the key projection 126 of the brush drive ring 120. After the receiving passage 140 and the key slot 142 are aligned with the drive projection 124 and the key projection 126, the operator can then apply a force directed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 250 to the core member 112 in order to insert the drive projection 124 and the key projection 126 into the receiving passage 140 and the key slot 142, respectively. In some cases, when the drive projection 124 and the key projection 126 are inserted into the receiving passage 140 and the key slot 142, the first and second locking members 132, 134 can be forced apart by the tip of the motor shaft 210 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 250 because the locking assembly 130 can be in a transient state. In this regard, the tip of the motor shaft 210 can be formed to have a substantially bell-shaped profile such that the act of inserting the motor shaft 210 into the base portion 110 can provide sufficient force to cause the first locking member 132 to slide relative to the second locking member 134. As such, the motor shaft 210 can then move into the first and second locking members 132, 134, after which the annular retention member 136 can bias the locking assembly back into a rest state in which the first and second locking members 132, 134 can clamp the engagement groove 230 of the motor shaft 210. In response to the first and second locking members 132, 134 clamping the engagement groove 230, the base portion 110 can be operably coupled to the motor 200 and can no longer move relative to the motor shaft 210.

[0031] Figure 5A A perspective view of the locking assembly 130 is shown in accordance with an example embodiment, Figure 5B An exploded perspective view of the first and second locking members 132, 134 is shown in accordance with an example embodiment. As Figure 5A and 5BAs shown, each of the first and second locking members 132, 134 can include a push tab 150 that can be configured to receive a force from an operator in the direction of arrows 160 and 160'. In response to receiving the force from the operator, the first locking member 132 and the second locking member 134 can each apply a force to the annular retaining member 136 in the direction of arrows 162 and 164, respectively. In this regard, each of the first and second locking members 132, 134 can include an engagement portion 170 that can include an annular retaining member channel 171 and an engagement notch 172. Thus, the annular retaining member channel 171 can be configured to operably couple with the annular retaining member 136, while the engagement notch 172 can be configured to operably couple with the engagement groove 230 on the motor shaft 210 when the locking assembly 130 is in the at-rest state.

[0032] Further, each of the first and second locking members 132, 134 can include a body portion 180 that operably couples the push tab 150 to the engagement portion 170. In some embodiments, the body portion 180 can include a sliding surface 182. The first locking member 132 can be configured to contact and slide relative to the second locking member 134 at the respective sliding surfaces 182 of each locking member. In this regard, the sliding surfaces 182 of each of the first and second locking members 132, 134 can slide relative to one another when the locking assembly 130 is in the transient state. Thus, the sliding surfaces 182 can be substantially flat surfaces of the body portion 180 such that the sliding relationship of the first locking member 132 with the second locking member 134 is minimally impeded. In an exemplary embodiment, the body portion 180 of the first locking member 132 can be disposed on an opposite side (and thus on the longitudinal axis 250) of the motor shaft 210 from the body portion 180 of the second locking member 134.

[0033] Some example embodiments can provide an apparatus for cleaning a welding tool. The apparatus can include a housing, a motor encapsulatable within the housing, a brush assembly operably coupled to the motor, and an access window through which the brush assembly is accessible from a location external to the housing. The brush assembly can include a base portion that can include a cylindrical core member and a cleaning brush, a drive interface that can be configured to transmit torque from the motor to the base portion, and a locking assembly that can be disposed at a distal end of the base portion opposite the drive interface. The cleaning brush can be disposed about a periphery of the core member and can extend radially away from the core member. The locking assembly can include a first locking member, a second locking member, and an annular retention member. The first and second locking members can be configured to engage one another. The annular retention member can define a rest state for the locking assembly in which the first locking member and the second locking member can pinch a motor shaft of the motor. The annular retention member can also define a transient state for the locking assembly in which the first locking member and the second locking member can be moved out of the rest state.

[0034] The devices of some embodiments can include additional features, modifications, enhancements, etc. to achieve further purposes or to enhance the performance of the devices. The additional features, modifications, enhancements, etc. can be added in any combination with each other. Below is a list of various additional features, modifications, and enhancements, each of which can be added individually or in any combination with each other. For example, the motor shaft can include an engagement groove at the distal end. In example embodiments, the first and second locking members can be engaged with the engagement groove in a resting state to operably couple the brush assembly to the motor. In some cases, the first and second locking members can each include a push tab that can be configured to be pressed by an operator, an engagement portion that can be configured to engage with the annular retaining member and the motor shaft, and a body portion that can operably couple the push tab to the engagement portion. In example embodiments, the body portion of the first locking member can be disposed on an opposite side of the motor shaft from the body portion of the second locking member. In some cases, the engagement portion can include an annular retaining member channel that can be configured to be operably coupled with the annular retaining member. In example embodiments, the engagement portion can also include a retaining notch that can be configured to be operably coupled with the engagement groove on the motor shaft. In some cases, the body portion of each of the first and second locking members can include a sliding surface. In example embodiments, the first and second locking members can be in contact with each other at the respective sliding surfaces of the first and second locking members. In some cases, the sliding surfaces of each of the first and second locking members can slide relative to each other in a transient state. In example embodiments, the locking assembly can enter the transient state in response to the operator pressing the push tabs on each of the first and second locking members. In some cases, the locking assembly can enter the transient state in response to insertion of the tip of the motor shaft, which can force the first and second locking members out of the resting state. In example embodiments, the drive interface of the core member can include a receiving channel and a key slot. In some cases, the drive interface can be operably coupled to a brush drive ring, which can include a drive protrusion and a key protrusion. In example embodiments, the receiving channel and the key slot can be configured to engage with the drive protrusion and the key protrusion. In some cases, the brush drive ring can further include a drive pin recess that can be configured to mate with a drive pin of the motor shaft. In example embodiments, the motor shaft can also include a retaining groove proximate to the drive pin. In some cases, the retaining groove can be configured to be operably coupled to a drive ring retaining clip. In example embodiments, the drive ring retaining clip can be configured to retain the brush drive ring in contact with the drive pin of the motor shaft.

[0035] Some example embodiments can provide a brush assembly for a device having a motor for cleaning a welding tool. The brush assembly can include a base portion that can include a cylindrical core member and a cleaning brush, a drive interface that can be configured to transfer torque from the motor to the base portion, and a locking assembly that can be disposed at a distal end of the base portion opposite the drive interface. The cleaning brush can be disposed about a perimeter of the core member and can extend radially away from the core member. The locking assembly can include a first locking member, a second locking member, and an annular retention member. The first and second locking members can be configured to engage one another. The annular retention member can define a rest state for the locking assembly in which the first locking member and the second locking member can clamp a motor shaft of the motor. The annular retention member can also define a transient state for the locking assembly in which the first locking member and the second locking member can be moved out of the rest state.

[0036] The brush assemblies of some embodiments can include additional features, modifications, additions, and / or the like to achieve further purposes or to enhance the performance of the brush assemblies. The additional features, modifications, additions, and the like can be added in any combination with each other. Below is a list of various additional features, modifications, and additions, each of which can be added individually or in any combination with each other. For example, the motor shaft can include an engagement groove at the distal end. In an example embodiment, the first and second locking members can be engaged with the engagement groove in a resting state to operably couple the brush assembly to the motor. In some cases, the first and second locking members can each include a push tab that can be configured to be pressed by an operator, an engagement portion that can be configured to engage with the annular retaining member and the motor shaft, and a body portion that can operably couple the push tab to the engagement portion. In an example embodiment, the body portion of the first locking member can be disposed on an opposite side of the motor shaft from the body portion of the second locking member. In some cases, the engagement portion can include an annular retaining member channel that can be configured to be operably coupled with the annular retaining member. In an example embodiment, the engagement portion can also include a retaining notch that can be configured to be operably coupled with the engagement groove on the motor shaft. In some cases, the body portion of each of the first and second locking members can include a sliding surface. In an example embodiment, the first and second locking members can be in contact with each other at the respective sliding surfaces of the first and second locking members. In some cases, the sliding surfaces of each of the first and second locking members can slide relative to each other in a transient state. In an example embodiment, the locking assembly can enter the transient state in response to the operator pressing the push tabs on each of the first and second locking members. In some cases, the locking assembly can enter the transient state in response to insertion of the tip of the motor shaft, which can force the first and second locking members out of the resting state. In an example embodiment, the drive interface of the core member can include a receiving channel and a key slot. In some cases, the drive interface can be operably coupled to a brush drive ring, which can include a drive protrusion and a key protrusion. In an example embodiment, the receiving channel and the key slot can be configured to engage with the drive protrusion and the key protrusion. In some cases, the brush drive ring can further include a drive pin recess that can be configured to mate with a drive pin of the motor shaft. In an example embodiment, the motor shaft can also include a retaining groove proximate to the drive pin. In some cases, the retaining groove can be configured to be operably coupled to a drive ring retaining clip. In an example embodiment, the drive ring retaining clip can be configured to retain the brush drive ring in contact with the drive pin of the motor shaft.

[0037] Some example embodiments can provide a locking assembly for a brush assembly of a welding tool cleaning device having a motor. The locking assembly can include a first locking member, a second locking member, and an annular retention member. The first and second locking members can be configured to engage one another. The annular retention member can define a rest state for the locking assembly in which the first and second locking members can clamp a motor shaft of the motor. The annular retention member can also define a transient state for the locking assembly in which the first and second locking members can be moved out of the rest state.

[0038] The locking assembly of some embodiments can include additional features, modifications, additions, and / or the like to achieve further purposes or to enhance the performance of the locking assembly. The additional features, modifications, additions, and the like can be added in any combination with one another. Below is a list of various additional features, modifications, and additions, each of which can be added individually or in any combination with one another. For example, the motor shaft can include an engagement groove at a distal end. In example embodiments, the first and second locking members can engage the engagement groove in the rest state to operably couple the brush assembly to the motor. In some cases, the first and second locking members can each include a push tab that can be configured to be pressed by an operator, an engagement portion that can be configured to engage the annular retention member and the motor shaft, and a body portion that can operably couple the push tab to the engagement portion. In example embodiments, the body portion of the first locking member can be disposed on an opposite side of the motor shaft from the body portion of the second locking member. In some cases, the engagement portion can include an annular retention member channel that can be configured to be operably coupled with the annular retention member. In example embodiments, the engagement portion can also include a retention notch that can be configured to be operably coupled with the engagement groove on the motor shaft. In some cases, the body portion of each of the first and second locking members can include a sliding surface. In example embodiments, the first and second locking members can contact one another at the respective sliding surfaces of the first and second locking members. In some cases, the sliding surfaces of each of the first and second locking members can slide relative to one another in the transient state. In example embodiments, the locking assembly can enter the transient state in response to the operator pressing the push tabs on each of the first and second locking members. In some cases, the locking assembly can enter the transient state in response to insertion of a tip of the motor shaft that can force the first and second locking members out of the rest state.

[0039] Many modifications and other embodiments of the applications set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the present applications pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the applications are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions can be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, elements and / or functions from one embodiment are, in some aspects, combinable with elements and / or functions from other embodiments as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In other aspects, elements and / or functions can be removed from various embodiments, and additional elements and / or functions can be added, without departing from the scope of the appended claims. As described herein, advantages, benefits, and / or potential solutions to problems can be described herein, but are not a requirement for all embodiments. Thus, any of the advantages, benefits, and / or solutions described herein should not be deemed essential or necessary to any embodiment or claim. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A welding tool cleaning device, the device comprising: a housing; a motor enclosed within the housing; a brush assembly operably coupled to the motor; and an access window through which the brush assembly is accessible from an external location of the housing, wherein the brush assembly comprises: a base portion comprising a cylindrical core member and a cleaning brush; a drive interface configured to transmit torque from the motor to the base portion; and a locking assembly disposed at a distal end of the base portion opposite the drive interface, wherein the cleaning brush is disposed about a perimeter of the core member and extends radially away from the core member, wherein the locking assembly comprises a first locking member, a second locking member, and an annular retention member, wherein the first and second locking members are configured to mutually engage and the first and second locking members are configured to slide relative to one another in response to a force provided by an operator or a force provided by the annular retention member, and wherein the annular retention member defines a rest state in which the first and second locking members pinch a motor shaft of the motor and the annular retention member is in contact with the core member and a transient state in which the first and second locking members are displaced from the rest state and the annular retention member is stretched away from the core member by the first and second locking members. the motor shaft comprises an engagement groove at a distal end, and wherein the first and second locking members engage the engagement groove in the rest state to operably couple the brush assembly to the motor.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the first and second locking members each comprise:

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, a push tab configured to be pressed by an operator; an engagement portion configured to engage with the annular retention member and the motor shaft; and a body portion operably coupling the push tab to the engagement portion, wherein the body portion of the first locking member is disposed on an opposite side of the motor shaft from the body portion of the second locking member, wherein the engagement portion comprises an annular retention member channel configured to be operably coupled with the annular retention member, and wherein the engagement portion further comprises a retention notch configured to be operably coupled with the engagement groove on the motor shaft. the body portion of each of the first and second locking members comprises a sliding surface, and 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, wherein the first and second locking members contact one another at the respective sliding surfaces of the first and second locking members. the sliding surfaces of each of the first and second locking members slide relative to one another in the transient state.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein, the sliding surfaces of each of the first and second locking members slide relative to one another in the transient state.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The locking assembly enters the transient state in response to the operator pressing the push tab on each of the first and second locking members.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The locking assembly enters the transient state in response to insertion of a tip of the motor shaft, the insertion forcing the first and second locking members out of the at-rest state.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The drive interface of the core member includes a receiving channel and a keyway, wherein the drive interface is operably coupled to a brush drive ring including a drive projection and a key projection, and wherein the receiving channel and keyway are configured to engage with the drive projection and key projection.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The brush drive ring further includes a drive pin recess configured to engage with a drive pin of the motor shaft.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, The motor shaft further includes a retention groove proximate the drive pin, wherein the retention groove is configured to be operably coupled to a drive ring retention clip, and wherein the drive ring retention clip is configured to retain the brush drive ring in contact with the drive pin of the motor shaft.

11. A brush assembly for a welding tool cleaning device having a motor, the brush assembly comprising: a base portion including a cylindrical core member and a cleaning brush; a drive interface configured to transmit torque from the motor to the base portion; and a locking assembly disposed at a distal end of the base portion opposite the drive interface, wherein the cleaning brush is disposed about a perimeter of the core member and extends radially away from the core member, wherein the locking assembly includes a first locking member, a second locking member, and an annular retention member, wherein the first and second locking members are configured to engage one another and the first and second locking members are configured to slide relative to one another in response to a force provided by an operator or a force provided by the annular retention member, and wherein the annular retention member defines an at-rest state in which the first and second locking members clamp a motor shaft of the motor and the annular retention member is in contact with the core member and a transient state in which the first and second locking members are moved out of the at-rest state and the annular retention member is stretched away from the core member by the first and second locking members. The motor shaft includes an engagement groove at a distal end, and wherein the first and second locking members engage the engagement groove in the at-rest state to operably couple the brush assembly to the motor.

12. The brush assembly of claim 11, wherein, The first and second locking members each include:

13. The brush assembly of claim 12, wherein, a push tab configured to be pressed by an operator; an engagement portion configured to engage with the annular retention member and the motor shaft; and a body portion operably coupling the push tab to the engagement portion, wherein the body portion of the first locking member is disposed on an opposite side of the motor shaft from the body portion of the second locking member, ​ wherein the engagement portion includes an annular retaining member channel configured to operably couple with the annular retaining member, and wherein the engagement portion further includes a retaining notch configured to operably couple with the engagement groove on the motor shaft.

14. The brush assembly of claim 13, wherein, the body portion of each of the first and second locking members includes a sliding surface, and wherein the first and second locking members contact each other at the respective sliding surfaces of the first and second locking members.

15. The brush assembly of claim 14, wherein, the sliding surfaces of each of the first and second locking members slide relative to each other in the transient state.

16. The brush assembly of claim 15, wherein, the locking assembly enters the transient state in response to an operator pressing the push tab on each of the first and second locking members.

17. The brush assembly of claim 15, wherein, the locking assembly enters the transient state in response to insertion of a tip of the motor shaft, the insertion forcing the first and second locking members out of the rest state.

18. The brush assembly of claim 11, wherein, the drive interface of the core member includes a receiving channel and a key slot, wherein the drive interface is operably coupled to a brush drive ring including a drive protrusion and a key protrusion, and wherein the receiving channel and key slot are configured to engage with the drive protrusion and key protrusion.

19. The brush assembly of claim 18, wherein, the brush drive ring further includes a drive pin recess configured to engage with a drive pin of the motor shaft.

20. The brush assembly of claim 19, wherein, the motor shaft further includes a retaining groove proximate the drive pin, wherein the retaining groove is configured to operably couple to a drive ring retaining clip, and wherein the drive ring retaining clip is configured to retain the brush drive ring in contact with the drive pin of the motor shaft.

21. A locking assembly for a brush assembly of a welding tool cleaning device having a motor, the locking assembly comprising: a first locking member, a second locking member, and an annular retaining member, wherein the first and second locking members are configured to engage each other and the first and second locking members are configured to slide relative to each other in response to a force provided by an operator or a force provided by the annular retaining member, and wherein the annular retaining member defines a rest state in which the first and second locking members clamp a motor shaft of the motor and the annular retaining member is in contact with a core member of the brush assembly, and a transient state in which the first and second locking members move out of the rest state and the annular retaining member is stretched away from the core member by the first and second locking members.

22. The lock assembly of claim 21, wherein, the motor shaft includes an engagement groove at a distal end, and wherein the first and second locking members engage the engagement groove in the rest state to operably couple the brush assembly to the motor.

23. The lock assembly of claim 22, wherein, the first and second locking members each include: a push tab configured to be pressed by an operator; an engagement portion configured to engage with the annular retaining member and the motor shaft; and a body portion operably coupling the push tab to the engagement portion, wherein the body portion of the first locking member is disposed on an opposite side of the motor shaft from the body portion of the second locking member, wherein the engagement portion includes an annular retaining member passage configured to operably couple with the annular retaining member, and wherein the engagement portion further includes a retaining notch configured to operably couple with the engagement groove on the motor shaft.

24. The lock assembly of claim 23, wherein, the body portion of each of the first and second locking members includes a sliding surface, and wherein the first and second locking members contact each other at the respective sliding surfaces of the first and second locking members.

25. The lock assembly of claim 24, wherein, the sliding surfaces of each of the first and second locking members slide relative to each other in the transient state.

26. The lock assembly of claim 25, wherein, the locking assembly enters the transient state in response to the operator pressing the push tab on each of the first and second locking members.

27. The lock assembly of claim 25, wherein, the locking assembly enters the transient state in response to insertion of a tip of the motor shaft, the insertion forcing the first and second locking members out of the rest state.

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