Handheld electric tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a handheld electric tool. The handheld electric tool comprises a main body part; a handle part (10) rotatably connected to the main body part; the trigger (12) is arranged on the handle part and is provided with an initial position and a triggering position; the adjusting button (50) is arranged on the handle part, has an original position and an adjusting position and comprises a button body (52) with a first joint part (44) and a second joint part (46) which are integrally formed; in the original position, the first joint part is disengaged from the trigger to allow the trigger to be actuated to the triggering position, and the second joint part is jointed with the main body part to prevent the main body part from rotating relative to the handle part; in the adjustment position, the first engagement portion engages the trigger to prevent the trigger from being actuated to the trigger position and the second engagement portion is disengaged from the main body portion to allow the main body portion and the handle portion to rotate relative to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a handheld electric tool, in particular to a handheld electric tool comprising a handle portion and a main body portion which are rotatable relative to each other. Background Art

[0002] At present, handheld power tools such as angle grinders and polishers generally include a handle and a main body. In order to adapt to different application scenarios or different functions, the handle and the main body need to be able to rotate relative to each other. The power tool includes a trigger for controlling the power switch of the motor, and an adjustment button for controlling (locking and unlocking) the rotation between the handle and the main body.

[0003] However, when the tool of the power tool is performing a processing operation on a workpiece, or at least when the motor of the power tool is in an activated state, if the operator accidentally actuates the adjustment button and unlocks the circumferential lock between the handle portion and the main body portion, thereby allowing the two to rotate freely relative to each other, the huge rotational inertia of the rotating parts in the main body portion and the tool may cause the handle portion and the main body portion to lose control and damage the tool or workpiece, or even injure the operator.

[0004] In addition, if the operator accidentally activates the trigger when the handle and the main body of the power tool are in the process of adjusting relative rotation, the sudden turning on of the power switch and the sudden activation of the motor will cause the rotating parts and the cutter in the main body to suddenly change from a static state to a high-speed operation, which will produce vibration shock. The operator may lose control of the power tool, causing the rotating parts to rotate at high speed and possibly lose control and injure people, which poses a serious safety hazard. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present application is to ensure that the trigger and the adjustment button of the power tool are not both actuated by the operator at any time in a dangerous situation.

[0006] In a first aspect of the present application, a handheld power tool is provided, comprising: a main body portion accommodating a motor; a handle portion accommodating a power switch for the motor, which is connected to the main body portion so as to be rotatable relative to each other around a longitudinal direction; a trigger arranged on the handle portion, which has an initial position in which the power switch is in an off state and a trigger position in which the power switch is in an on state and can move between the two in a trigger direction; and an adjustment button arranged on the handle portion, wherein the adjustment button has an original position and an adjustment position, and comprises a button body having an integrally formed first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, wherein, in the original position, the first engaging portion disengages from the trigger to allow the trigger to be actuated to the trigger position and the second engaging portion engages with the main body portion to prevent the main body portion and the handle portion from rotating relative to each other; in the adjustment position, the first engaging portion engages with the trigger to prevent the trigger from being actuated to the trigger position and the second engaging portion disengages from the main body portion to allow the main body portion and the handle portion to rotate relative to each other.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion: both extend directly from the button body; or at least one is provided by a portion of the button body; or extend from a single arm extending from the button body.

[0008] In one embodiment, the button body is mounted to the shell of the handle portion to translate between the original position and the adjustment position relative to the shell of the handle portion, and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion extend from a first arm and a second arm extending from the button body transversely to the adjustment direction, respectively.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first engagement portion is in the form of a foot extending from the free end of the second arm toward the trigger, and the second engagement portion is in the form of a foot extending outwardly from the free end of the first arm along the adjustment direction.

[0010] In one embodiment, when the adjustment button is moved from the original position to the adjustment position, the first engaging portion moves from a position not aligned with the trigger in the trigger direction to a position aligned with and abutting against the trigger in the trigger direction.

[0011] In one embodiment, the main body portion includes an annular connecting portion, which includes a peripheral feature arranged on its outer peripheral surface and configured to be connected to the handle portion, and a recess extending from its inner peripheral surface into the annular connecting portion and configured to engage and disengage with the second engaging portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the body portion and the handle portion are directly rotatably attached.

[0013] In one embodiment, the main body portion and the handle portion are rotatably attached via an intermediate module therebetween, the intermediate module being fixed to the handle portion and rotatably attached to the main body portion, and the second engaging portion engages and disengages with the annular connecting portion through the intermediate module.

[0014] In one embodiment, the intermediate module includes: a first annular element configured to be rotatably attached to the peripheral feature of the annular connecting portion of the main body portion, a second annular element configured to be fixedly connected to the shell of the handle portion or formed integrally therewith, and a third annular element arranged between the first annular element and the second annular element, the third annular element being made of a material that is more elastic than the first annular element and the second annular element.

[0015] In one embodiment, the body portion and the handle portion are rotatably attached via an intermediate module therebetween, the intermediate module being fixed to the body portion and rotatably attached to the handle portion, and the intermediate module providing the annular connection portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, the intermediate module includes a first annular element configured to be fixedly connected to a shell of the main body portion or formed integrally therewith, a second annular element configured to be rotatably attached to the shell of the handle portion, and a third annular element arranged between the first annular element and the second annular element, the third annular element being made of a material that is more elastic than the first annular element and the second annular element, and the second annular element includes the annular connecting portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the recess includes a first recess and a second recess arranged spaced apart in a circumferential direction around the longitudinal direction, and the adjustment button has a first circumferential limit position where the second engaging portion is received in the first recess and a second circumferential limit position where the second engaging portion is received in the second recess.

[0018] In one embodiment, the recess further includes a third recess located between the first recess and the second recess in a circumferential direction and configured to receive the second engagement portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the annular connecting portion includes: for each of the first recess and the second recess, a stop feature is arranged on a side of the recess away from the other recess in the circumferential direction, and the stop feature is configured to prevent the main body portion and the handle portion from further rotating relative to each other when engaging with a matching stop feature arranged on the handle portion or the adjustment button.

[0020] In one embodiment, the stop feature is an extended protrusion extending inwardly on a side of the recess away from the other recesses in the circumferential direction.

[0021] In one embodiment, the mating stop feature is: the second engagement portion of the adjustment button itself; or a protrusion extending from the second engagement portion or from the second arm; or a protrusion extending from the housing of the handle portion.

[0022] In one embodiment, the adjustment button includes an anti-seizure portion configured to prevent the second engagement portion from deflecting within the corresponding recess when the second engagement portion thereof is received in the corresponding recess.

[0023] In one embodiment, the anti-stuck portion is configured to extend outward from the recess in the adjustment direction and protrude into a groove formed on one of: the shell of the handle portion; and the first annular element of the intermediate module when the intermediate module is fixedly connected to the handle portion when the second engaging portion is received in the corresponding recess.

[0024] In one embodiment, in the longitudinal direction, the anti-seizure portion is spaced apart from an end surface of the annular connecting portion that faces the handle portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0025] In one embodiment, the anti-seizure portion extends from the second engaging portion or extends from the second arm.

[0026] In one embodiment, the handheld power tool is an angle grinder or a polisher.

[0027] The handheld power tool according to the present application includes a main body and a handle portion that can rotate relative to each other. The main body and the handle portion are directly connected or can be connected through an intermediate module, such as a buffer assembly, and the buffer assembly can be fixed to one of the main body and the handle portion and rotatably engaged to the other. A trigger for controlling the power switch of the motor and an adjustment button for controlling the relative rotation between the main body and the handle portion are both provided on the handle portion. The adjustment button includes a button body suitable for being operated by an operator and first and second integrally formed engagement portions, the first and second engagement portions being configured to engage with the trigger and an annular connection portion provided by the main body or an intermediate module fixed to the main body, and at any time only one of the first and second engagement portions engages with a corresponding one of the trigger and the annular connection portion, thereby avoiding a dangerous situation in which the adjustment button and the trigger are actuated at the same time. Among them, the joint between the second engaging portion and the annular connecting portion is a new type of protrusion and recess, and the second engaging portion is also provided with an anti-stuck portion which, when it is received in the recess, protrudes into a groove formed on a shell of the handle portion (or formed on the intermediate module when the intermediate module is fixed to the handle portion), so as to prevent the second engaging portion from deflecting or getting stuck in the recess, thereby making it easier and more labor-saving for the operator to operate the adjustment button. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a handheld power tool according to the principles of the present application.

[0029] Figure 2 is from Figure 1 Schematic diagram after removing the first half shell of the handle part of the handheld power tool.

[0030] Figure 3 The diagram schematically shows a second annular element connected to the handle portion, a second half shell of the handle portion, and a spring supporting an adjustment button of a buffer assembly of a handheld power tool.

[0031] Figure 4 It is a partial enlarged view, illustrating that the adjustment button of the power tool is in the original position where the power tool can perform the intended operation.

[0032] Figure 5 It is a partial enlarged view, illustrating that the adjustment button of the power tool is in an adjustment position where the trigger cannot be triggered.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a parts drawing of the second annular element of the buffer assembly.

[0034] Figure 7 This is the parts diagram of the adjustment button.

[0035] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of the anti-stuck portion on the second engaging portion of the adjustment button. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The handheld power tool of the present application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, the same reference numerals represent parts or components with the same or similar structures or functions. Although the present application describes the principle of the present application by taking an angle grinder as an example, the present application can also be applied to any handheld power tool including a handle portion and a main body portion that rotate relative to each other, such as a polisher.

[0037] A handheld power tool (such as the angle grinder shown in the figure) generally includes a main body, a handle and a tool connected to the main body from opposite ends of the main body in the longitudinal direction. The main body and the handle of the power tool can rotate relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, or in other words, the operator can rotate the main body and the tool attached thereto relative to the handle with one hand while holding the handle with the other hand, so as to change the working posture of the tool to adapt to the application scenario of the power tool or change the purpose of the power tool.

[0038] The rotatable connection between the main body and the handle of the handheld power tool can be achieved via a buffer assembly. Figure 1-3 A portion of an angle grinder as an example of a handheld electric tool is illustrated, specifically, the figure shows that the handle portion 10 and the buffer assembly 20 are connected together. In the longitudinal direction L as shown in the figure, the buffer assembly 20 is located in front of the handle portion 10. Although not shown in the figure, it can be imagined that the main body portion is attached to the buffer assembly 20 from the front of the buffer assembly 20. The buffer assembly 20 is fixedly connected to the main body portion and is attached to the handle portion 10 in a relatively rotatable manner, so that the buffer assembly 20 can be rotated as a whole with the main body portion (not shown) relative to the handle portion 10 by a predetermined angle. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the buffer assembly 20 and the main body portion are configured to be able to rotate 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise around the longitudinal direction L relative to the handle portion 10.

[0039] The handle portion 10 and the main body portion can both be made of molded polymer material, and are both composed of two half shells opposite to each other relative to a vertical plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the vertical direction V. In the accompanying drawings, the half shell of the handle portion 10 closer to the reader is called the first half shell 10a, and the opposite half shell is called the second half shell 10b ( Figure 2 and 3 ). Please refer to the accompanying drawings for the directional terms used in this article. The longitudinal direction L and the vertical direction V are perpendicular to each other and are perpendicular to the transverse direction T. "Front" and "rear" are opposite directions in the longitudinal direction L, "up" and "down" are opposite directions in the vertical direction V, and in the transverse direction T, "inward" refers to the direction from the outside of the shell to the inside of the shell, and "outward" refers to the direction from the inside of the shell to the outside of the shell. Figure 1 When viewed along the transverse direction T, the handle portion 10 may be D-shaped and have an opening 15 suitable for an operator's hand to pass through in the transverse direction.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the buffer assembly 20 may include a first annular element 22 configured to be fixed to a housing (not shown) of the main body, which may be made of the same material as the housing of the main body or formed integrally with the housing of the main body. The buffer assembly 20 may also include a second annular element 24 ( Figure 2 , 3 and 6), which can be made of the same material as the shell of the handle portion 10. The buffer assembly 20 can also include a third ring element 26 disposed between the first ring element 22 and the second ring element 24, which can be made of a material that is softer and more elastic than the material forming the first ring element 22 and the second ring element 24, for example, the third ring element 26 is made of TPE material, and is used to at least partially absorb the vibration generated when the power tool is operated before it is transmitted to the hand of the operator holding the handle portion 10. Figure 6The second annular element 24 includes four or other number of protrusions 32 protruding inward from its inner circumference, and each protrusion 32 is formed with a hole 34. Accordingly, the first annular element 22 and the third annular element 26 both include holes corresponding to the holes 34 in the longitudinal direction L, and the fastener 35 (see Figure 8 ) through the corresponding holes on the first, second and third annular elements 22, 24 and 26 to connect the three together to form a whole. The second annular element 24 includes one, preferably multiple annular grooves 28 formed on the outer circumference, and the housing of the handle portion 10 includes an annular rib 18 suitable for being received in the annular groove 28 (see Figure 2 ) to achieve rotatable engagement between the two around the longitudinal direction L. The buffer assembly 20 (specifically the second annular element 24 thereof) and the handle portion 10 may also include a stop feature configured to engage with each other, which is used to act as a limit stop when the buffer assembly 20 (and the main body) is rotated to a preset angle relative to the handle portion 10. This feature will be described in detail later.

[0041] The main body of the handheld power tool includes a motor (not shown) for providing power for performing its intended function (e.g., grinding, milling workpieces), and the motor is accommodated in a housing of the main body. A trigger 12 for an operator to operate and a power switch 14 configured to be actuated by the trigger 12 and used to control the activation of the motor are mounted on the handle 10 of the handheld power tool (see Figure 2 The operator actuates the trigger 12 to turn on the power switch 14 to energize or activate the motor in the main body, so that the power tool can perform its intended function.

[0042] The trigger 12 is slidably supported by the housing of the handle portion 10. Specifically, the trigger 12 extends downward from the housing in the vertical direction V from the inside of the handle portion 10 through the relative openings formed on the first and second half shells 10a and 10b, respectively, and protrudes into the opening 15 of the handle portion 10 to be suitable for the finger operation of the hand holding the handle portion 10 with the palm facing down. The power switch 14 is accommodated in the internal space defined by the first and second half shells 10a and 10b of the handle portion 10, and may include a circuit board fixed to the housing of the handle portion 10 and electrical components arranged on the circuit board. The trigger 12 has an initial or default position in which the power switch 14 is disconnected so that the motor cannot be activated and a trigger position in which the power switch 14 is turned on to activate the motor, and is suitable for being operated by an operator to switch between the initial position and the trigger position along the trigger direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger direction may be, but not necessarily, a forward orientation in the longitudinal direction L.

[0043] like Figure 2As shown, the trigger 12 may be in the shape of an elongated strip extending generally in the longitudinal direction L and having a thickness in the transverse direction. The trigger 12 may have an outer surface or operating surface 12a that is ergonomically designed to facilitate operation by the fingers of the operator. The trigger 12 includes an elongated hole 36, and a pin 38 is fixed to the housing of the handle portion 10 and passes through the elongated hole 36 on the trigger 12, so that when the trigger 12 is operated or triggered by the hand of the operator in the trigger direction (or pushed forward toward the main body in the longitudinal direction L), the trigger 12 pivots relative to the pin 38 in the elongated hole 36 while moving toward the main body, and moves from the initial position to the triggered position.

[0044] The handle portion 10 of the power tool also includes an adjustment button 50 for controlling the relative rotation between the buffer assembly 20 (and the main body) and the handle portion 10, wherein the control includes circumferentially locking the circumferential positions of the buffer assembly 20 and the handle portion 10 after the buffer assembly 20 and the handle portion 10 rotate relative to each other, and unlocking or releasing the lock to allow relative rotation between the two. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment button 50 is located in front of the trigger switch 42 in the longitudinal direction L, and is substantially located within the vertical extension range of the opening 15 of the D-shaped handle portion 10 in the vertical direction V. The distance between the adjustment button 50 and the trigger 12 is preferably set to facilitate the operator's hand passing through the opening 15 to reach and operate both the adjustment button 50 and the trigger 12.

[0045] The adjustment button 50 is also supported by the housing of the handle portion 10. For example, the adjustment button 50 passes through a button opening 17 ( Figure 1 ) is slidably supported by the first half shell 10a of the handle portion 10, so that when operated, for example, pressed, by an operator, it can translate along the adjustment direction between the original position and the adjustment position after moving or sliding toward the inner space of the handle portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment direction can be, but is not necessarily, the transverse direction T, the adjustment button 50 switches or moves inwardly from the original position to the adjustment position in the adjustment direction, and the adjustment button 50 returns to the original position outwardly from the adjustment position in the adjustment direction.

[0046] The original position of the adjustment button 50 is as follows Figure 2 and 4 As shown, the adjustment button 50 engages the second annular element 24 of the buffer assembly 20 to circumferentially lock it and the handle portion 10 (the first half shell 10a) relative to each other, but does not engage the trigger 12, so that the buffer assembly 20 and the main body cannot rotate relative to the handle portion 10, but the trigger 12 can be actuated to the trigger position, at which time the operator can actuate the trigger 12 to start the power switch 14 and activate the motor, and the power tool can perform its intended function. The adjustment position of the adjustment button 50 is shown in FIG. Figure 5As shown, the adjustment button 50 is disengaged from the second annular element 24 of the buffer assembly 20 and at the same time engages with the trigger 12 and prevents the trigger 12 from being actuated, so that the buffer assembly 20 and the main body can rotate relative to the handle portion 10 around the longitudinal direction L (in the circumferential direction), but the trigger 12 cannot be actuated to the trigger position at this time. At this time, the operator cannot start the power switch 14 by actuating the trigger 12, cannot activate the motor, and the power tool cannot perform its intended function.

[0047] Specific reference Figure 4 , 5 and 7, the adjustment button 50 includes a substantially box-shaped button body 52 and a first arm 54 and a second arm 56 extending from the button body 52.

[0048] The button body 52 extends from the outside of the first half shell 10a of the handle portion 10 to the inside of the handle portion 10, and has an outer surface 51 located outside the first half shell 10a and suitable for being pressed by the operator's hand and an inner surface 53 located inside the first half shell 10a and facing inward. Figure 3 ) is arranged in the handle portion 10 against the inner surface 53 of the adjustment button 50. When the adjustment button 50 is in the original position or not pressed by the operator, the spring 55 keeps it in this position. When the operator actuates the adjustment button 50, it needs to overcome the elastic force of the spring 55.

[0049] The first arm 54 and the second arm 56 extend from the button body 52 and respectively include a first engaging portion 44 and a second engaging portion 46 configured to engage the trigger 12 and the second annular element 24 of the buffer assembly 20, and are configured so that at any time only one of the first engaging portion 44 and the second engaging portion 46 is engaged with the corresponding engaging member (one of the trigger 12 and the second annular element 24).

[0050] The first arm 54 of the adjustment button 50 extends from the button body 52 transversely (e.g., perpendicularly or obliquely) to the adjustment direction of the adjustment button 50, and the first engaging portion 44 is in the form of a foot extending from the free end of the first arm 54 transversely (e.g., in a plane perpendicular to the adjustment direction) to the trigger 12. When the adjustment button 50 is in the original position, the first engaging portion 44 extending from the first arm 54 is not aligned with the trigger 12 in the trigger direction of the trigger 12, or the two are offset from each other in the transverse direction T, so that the trigger 12 can be shifted or actuated to the trigger position; when the adjustment button 50 moves from the original position to the adjustment position, the first engaging portion 44 extending from the first arm 54 moves inwardly along the adjustment direction to align with and abut against the trigger 12 in the trigger direction of the trigger 12, thereby blocking the trigger 12 from being shifted to the trigger position of turning on the power switch 14.

[0051] Those skilled in the art should understand that the engagement and function of the first engagement portion 44 of the adjustment button 50 and the trigger 12 are not limited to the structure of switching between misalignment and alignment in the figure, and any structure that can achieve the same function can be used. For example, it can also be set to a structure that moves in and out of the recess and the protrusion, like the engagement structure of the second engagement portion 46 and the buffer assembly 20 described below.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the second arm 56 of the adjustment button 50 extends from the button body 52 transversely to the adjustment direction of the adjustment button 50, and the second engagement portion 46 is in the form of a foot extending outward (i.e., toward the outside of the housing of the handle portion 10) transversely to the second arm 56 (e.g., in a plane parallel to the adjustment direction) from the free end of the second arm 56. The second annular element 24 of the buffer assembly 20 is formed with a recess 58 suitable for receiving the second engagement portion 46. The recess 58 extends from the inner circumferential surface of the second annular element 24 into the second annular element 24, terminates in the wall thickness of the second annular element 24, or optionally extends through the entire wall thickness of the second annular element 24 as shown in the figure. The recess 58 (e.g., size, shape, circumferential position, etc.) is designed to receive the second engagement portion 46 of the second arm 56 when the adjustment button 50 is in the original position and the second engagement portion 46 of the second arm 56 moves out of the recess 58 when the adjustment button 50 is pressed to actuate to the adjustment position. In the illustrated embodiment, the second annular element 24 includes three notches 58a, 58b and 28c spaced apart from each other by a preset angle, for example, 90 degrees, in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal direction L, so that the buffer assembly 20 and the handle portion 10 can be locked relative to each other in three different circumferential positions by placing the second engagement portion 46 of the second arm 56 of the adjustment button 50 in different notches 58. Of course, a power tool including only two notches is also within the scope of application of the present application.

[0053] refer to Figure 4 , the adjustment button 50 is in the original position where the buffer assembly 20 and the handle portion 10 cannot rotate relative to each other, and at this time, the adjustment button 50 is received in any one of the three notches 58, for example, the middle notch 58a. The notches 58b and 28c on both sides are respectively spaced apart from the middle notch 58a by a preset angle, for example, 90 degrees, corresponding to the two circumferential limit positions of the buffer assembly 20 (and the main body) relative to the handle portion 10.

[0054] from Figure 4Starting from the original position of the handle 10, the operator presses the outer surface 51 of the adjustment button 50, and the adjustment button 50 moves inward (toward the inside of the handle 10) along the adjustment direction (transverse direction T), and the second engagement portion 46 of the second arm 56 moves out of the notch 58, so that the buffer assembly 20 (and the main body not shown) can rotate relative to the handle 10. At the same time, the first engagement portion 44 of the first arm 54 moves to align with the trigger 12 in its triggering direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction L), so that the trigger 12 cannot be triggered. At this time, the buffer assembly 20 (and the main body) is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the handle 10 by the above preset angle until the second engagement portion 46 of the second arm 56 is aligned with the notch 58b or 58c. Releasing the adjustment button 50 can circumferentially lock the buffer assembly 20 and the handle 10 at the corresponding circumferential limit positions.

[0055] refer to Figure 6 Each of the three recesses 58 has a bottom surface 57a facing the button body 52 in the longitudinal direction, and circumferential side surfaces 57b and 57c opposite to each other in the circumferential direction. Figure 7 As shown, the second engaging portion 46 has a longitudinal outer surface 46 a facing the button body 52 in the longitudinal direction, and circumferential side surfaces (only one of which 46 b is shown in the figure) opposite in the circumferential direction.

[0056] For each notch 58b or 58c corresponding to the circumferential limit position, a stop feature is provided on one side of the notch away from the other two notches in the circumferential direction, for engaging with the second engagement portion 46 of the adjustment button 50 when the buffer assembly 20 and the handle portion 10 rotate relative to each other until the notch is aligned with the second engagement portion 46 of the adjustment button 50, thereby preventing the two from further rotating relative to each other. As an example, the stop feature is an extended protrusion 59 whose side surface 57c of the corresponding notch 58b or 58c extends beyond the inner circumferential surface of the second annular element 24, and is configured to confirm that the buffer assembly 20 and the handle portion 10 have been rotated to the position and the second engagement portion 46 has been aligned with the corresponding notch when engaging with the second engagement portion 46 of the adjustment button 50, and at this time, releasing the adjustment button 50 can lock the circumferential positions of the two.

[0057] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the stop feature provided by the second annular element 24 need not necessarily be in the form of the extended protrusion 59 of the side surface 57c shown in the figure, but rather any feature that can achieve the same function may be used as long as the stop feature is located on the side of the corresponding recess away from the other two recesses. In a power tool having two recesses, the stop feature is located on the side of the corresponding recess away from the other recess.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, since the adjustment button 50 remains fixed relative to the housing of the handle portion 10, a matching stop feature corresponding to or engaged with the stop feature can be provided by the adjustment button 50. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the matching stop feature does not necessarily have to be one of the two side surfaces of the second engagement portion 46 for engaging the recess, and does not even have to be provided by the second engagement portion 46 of the adjustment button 50 itself, and may also be, for example, other positions or surfaces on the second arm 56 or a portion extending from the adjustment button 50 and used solely for this function.

[0059] It is also conceivable that this mating stop feature can also be provided by the housing of the handle portion 10, and the housing of the handle portion 10 or a portion thereof extending therefrom prevents the handle portion 10 and the second ring element 24 from further rotating relative to each other when engaging with the stop feature provided on the second ring element 24 of the buffer assembly 20. In the case where this mating stop feature is provided by the housing of the handle portion 10, the buffer assembly 20, the housing of the handle portion 10 and the adjustment button 50 should be designed in a coordinated manner so that when the buffer assembly 20 and the handle portion 10 are circumferentially rotated relative to each other until the stop feature and the mating stop feature engage with each other, the corresponding recess is exactly aligned with the second engagement portion 46 of the adjustment button 50, so as to ensure that if the adjustment button 50 is released at this time, the second engagement portion 46 just enters the corresponding recess.

[0060] For the first engaging portion 44 and the second engaging portion 46 that are selectively engaged with the trigger 12 and the second annular element 24, they are not limited to the structures shown in the figure. The first engaging portion 44 and the second engaging portion 46 can be extended from the first arm 54 and the second arm 56 that extend from the button body 52 transversely to the adjustment direction, respectively, as shown in the figure, however, the direction, shape and size of the first arm 54 and the second arm 56 extending from the button body 52, the relative relationship between the two, the distance from the inner surface 53 of the button body 52, etc. can be changed as needed, as long as the function can be provided. In the case where the above functions can be achieved, the first engaging portion 44 and the second engaging portion 46 can both extend directly from the button body 52, or one or both of them can be provided by a part of the button body 52. ​​For example, the first engaging portion 44 can be a part of the button body 52, for example, it can be provided by the side surface adjacent to the inner surface 53 and facing the trigger 12. Alternatively, the first engaging portion 44 and the second engaging portion 46 can extend from a single cantilever extending from the button body 52 to different directions. The way in which the first engaging portion 44 of the first arm 54 engages with the trigger 12 and implements its function is not limited to switching between alignment and misalignment as shown in the figure; the way in which the second engaging portion 46 of the second arm 56 engages with the second annular element 24 and implements its function is not limited to the structure in which the recess and the convex foot are engaged as shown in the figure, and any mechanical structure that can realize the same function that can be conceived by technicians in this field can be used.

[0061] return Figure 4 In the original position of the adjustment button 50, the second engaging portion 46 is entirely received in the recess 58, for example, its longitudinal outer surface 46a, circumferential side surfaces 46b and 46c are all in the recess 58 (58a), and the longitudinal outer surface 46a of the second engaging portion 46 can optionally be aligned with the end surface 24a of the second annular element 24. Figure 4 ) is flush. Due to the need for the second engaging portion 46 to move in and out of the recess 58, there is a gap between the two side surfaces 46b and 46c of the second engaging portion 46 and the side surfaces 57b and 57c of the recess 58; due to the button body 52 of the adjustment button 50 moving in and out of the button opening 17 ( Figure 1 ) needs, there is a gap between the side surface of the button body 52 and the surface of the handle portion 10 defining the button opening 17. This makes it possible for the adjustment button 50 to be in the original position ( Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, when the second engagement portion 46 in the handle portion 10 is located in the recess 58a, or the second engagement portion 46 is located in the recess 58b or 58c, the buffer assembly 20 and the handle portion 10 should be locked relative to each other in the circumferential direction. However, in practice, the buffer assembly 20 may have a slight rotation relative to the handle portion 10 (called "over-rotation"), resulting in the second engagement portion 46 being tilted or deflected in the recess 58, and the side surfaces 46b and 46c are no longer parallel to the side surfaces 57b and 57c of the recess 58, so that the second engagement portion 46 is stuck or jammed in the recess 58. Accordingly, the second arm 56 is also tilted, and the button body 52 is also rotated (around the adjustment direction) in the button opening 17 of the handle portion 10, so that the button body 52 is stuck or jammed in the button opening 17. The operator needs to use a large force to press the adjustment button 50 from the original position to the adjustment position in the adjustment direction.

[0062] To overcome this, refer to Figure 8 The second engaging portion 46 includes an anti-seizing portion 60, which extends outwardly beyond the radial outer peripheral surface of the second annular element 24 in the adjustment direction of the adjusting button 50, so that when the second engaging portion 46 of the adjusting button 50 is received in the recess 58, the anti-seizing portion 60 protrudes into a groove 70 formed on the housing of the handle portion 10. The gap between the anti-seizing portion 60 and the side surface of the recess 70 in the circumferential direction can be designed and controlled to be much smaller than the gap between the second engaging portion 46 and the side surface of the recess 58, so that the engagement between the anti-seizing portion 60 and the side surface of the recess 70 in the circumferential direction prevents the second engaging portion 46 from deflecting and being stuck in the recess 58.

[0063] The anti-seize portion 60 is spaced apart from the end surface 24a of the second annular element 24 in the longitudinal direction L, so that the anti-seize portion 60 does not prevent the second annular element 24 and the housing of the handle portion 10 from rotating relative to each other when the second engagement portion 46 is moved out of the recess 58. This effectively prevents the occurrence of seizure. As shown, the anti-seize portion 60 can extend from the second engagement portion 46, but it is also conceivable that the second engagement portion 46 can also extend from the first arm 54.

[0064] The present application has been described in detail above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The electric tool of the present application does not need to add additional parts. By reasonably designing the structure of the adjustment button 50 of the electric tool, it includes two engaging parts 44 and 46 that engage with the trigger 12 and the buffer assembly 20 respectively to achieve the following two functions: the rotation function between the buffer assembly 20 (and the main body) and the handle part 10 of the electric tool; and only one of the two options can be selected between allowing the main body and the handle to rotate relative to each other and allowing the trigger to be triggered to start the operation of the motor and the electric tool. This structure avoids the dangerous situation of the relative rotation between the main body and the handle and the trigger being triggered without adding parts. While avoiding the above-mentioned dangerous situation, the present application arranges the adjustment button and the trigger into a structure that can be easily touched and operated by one hand of the operator, which facilitates the operation of the operator and improves the user experience.

[0065] The adjustment button 50 also includes an anti-stuck portion. When the second engagement portion of the adjustment button is in the notch of the buffer assembly, and thus the housings of the buffer assembly and the handle portion are circumferentially fixed relative to each other, the anti-stuck portion of the adjustment button 50 is further engaged with the housing of the handle portion 10, effectively preventing the buffer assembly and the handle portion from rotating relative to each other, and preventing the second engagement portion from getting stuck in the notch. This makes it easier and more labor-saving for the operator to operate the adjustment button 50.

[0066] The above description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings for an embodiment in which the main body and the handle portion are attached together via the buffer assembly 20. The second annular element 24 of the buffer assembly 20 as described above can be understood to include or provide an annular connecting portion, which provides an outer peripheral feature (specifically an annular groove 28) on the outer peripheral surface for rotatably connecting with the handle portion, and a recess 58 is formed on the inner peripheral surface, extending from the inner peripheral surface into the above-mentioned annular connecting portion and configured to engage and disengage with the second engaging portion 46 of the adjustment button 50.

[0067] However, the present application is not limited to the illustrated power tool structure.

[0068] In some embodiments, instead of using a buffer assembly 20 having a buffer function and including three annular elements to rotatably connect the main body and the handle of the power tool, any roughly annular intermediate module can be used for this function, as long as the intermediate module has the above-mentioned peripheral features on the outer circumference and the above-mentioned recess features on the inner circumference. The intermediate module can include any number of constituent parts, such as roughly annular elements, such as one, two, three or more, which may or may not include annular elements of elastic material. The intermediate module can be detachable or have any possible configuration when including an annular connecting portion.

[0069] In some embodiments, unlike the intermediate module being fixed to the main body and being rotatably connected to the handle portion, the intermediate module may also be configured to be fixed to the handle portion and rotatably connected to the main body. In this case, the annular connection portion is provided directly by the main body, and the second engagement portion 46 of the adjustment button 50 extends through the intermediate module and engages and disengages with the notch feature 58 on the annular connection portion of the main body. In the case where the intermediate module is the illustrated buffer assembly 20, the first annular element 22 of the buffer assembly 20 includes an annular rib (similar to the illustrated accumulation 18) that engages with the peripheral feature (annular groove) of the annular connection portion of the main body, and the second annular element 24 of the buffer assembly 20 is fixed to the housing of the handle portion 10 or formed integrally to allow the buffer assembly 20 and the handle portion 10 to rotate relative to the main body as a whole. Further, in this case, a groove 70 for engaging with the anti-stuck portion 60 on the second engagement portion 46 of the adjustment button 50 can be formed on the first annular element 22 of the buffer assembly 20 that is fixed relative to the housing of the handle portion 10.

[0070] It is also possible that the main body and the handle 10 of the power tool can be directly connected in rotation, and the power tool does not include an intermediate module between the two. In this case, the above-mentioned annular connecting portion can be a part of the housing of the main body. Regardless of whether the main body and the handle of the power tool are directly connected or connected in rotation via an intermediate module, the present application can provide the above-mentioned technical advantages and effects.

[0071] Although described above with reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the present application is not limited to the specific details of the embodiment. These descriptions are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, various modifications, adaptive changes and combinations can be made to the various features of the described embodiments without departing from the scope of protection defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A handheld electric tool comprising: A main body accommodating the motor; a handle portion (10) accommodating a power switch (14) for the motor, the handle portion and the main body portion being connected so as to be rotatable relative to each other about a longitudinal direction (L); A trigger (12) disposed on the handle portion (10), having an initial position for placing the power switch (14) in an off state and a trigger position for placing the power switch (14) in an on state, and capable of moving along a trigger direction between the initial position and the trigger position; and An adjustment button (50) is arranged on the handle portion (10), wherein the adjustment button has an original position and an adjustment position, and includes a button body (52) having a first engaging portion (44) and a second engaging portion (46) formed integrally therewith, wherein, in the original position, the first engaging portion (44) is disengaged from the trigger (12) to allow the trigger (12) to be actuated to the trigger position and the second engaging portion (46) is engaged with the main body portion to prevent the main body portion and the handle portion (10) from rotating relative to each other; in the adjustment position, the first engaging portion (44) is engaged with the trigger (12) to prevent the trigger (12) from being actuated to the trigger position and the second engaging portion (46) is disengaged from the main body portion to allow the main body portion and the handle portion (10) to rotate relative to each other.

2. The handheld power tool according to claim 1, wherein: The first engaging portion (44) and the second engaging portion (46) are both directly extended from the button body (52); or at least one is provided by a part of the button body (52); or extends from a single arm extending from the button body (52).

3. The handheld power tool according to claim 1, wherein: The button body (52) is mounted to the shell of the handle portion (10) to translate between the original position and the adjustment position relative to the shell of the handle portion (10), and the first engaging portion (44) and the second engaging portion (46) extend from a first arm (54) and a second arm (56) respectively extending from the button body (52) transversely to the adjustment direction.

4. The handheld power tool according to claim 3, wherein: The first engaging portion (44) is in the form of a foot extending from the free end of the second arm (56) toward the trigger (12), and the second engaging portion (46) is in the form of a foot extending outwardly from the free end of the first arm (54) along the adjustment direction.

5. The handheld power tool according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: When the adjustment button (50) is moved from the original position to the adjustment position, the first engaging portion (44) moves from a position not aligned with the trigger (12) in the trigger direction to a position aligned with and abutting against the trigger (12) in the trigger direction.

6. The handheld power tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The main body portion includes an annular connecting portion, which includes an outer peripheral feature arranged on its outer peripheral surface and configured to be connected to the handle portion (10), and a recess extending from its inner peripheral surface into the annular connecting portion and configured to engage and disengage with the second engaging portion (46).

7. The handheld power tool according to claim 6, wherein: The body portion and the handle portion are directly rotatably attached.

8. The handheld power tool according to claim 6, wherein: The main body and the handle are rotatably attached via an intermediate module therebetween, the intermediate module being fixed to the handle and rotatably attached to the main body, and the second engaging portion (46) passing through the intermediate module engages with and disengages from the annular connecting portion.

9. The handheld power tool according to claim 8, wherein: The intermediate module includes: a first annular element configured to be rotatably attached to the peripheral feature of the annular connecting portion of the main body portion, a second annular element configured to be fixedly connected to the shell of the handle portion or formed integrally therewith, and a third annular element arranged between the first annular element and the second annular element, the third annular element being made of a material that is more elastic than the first annular element and the second annular element.

10. The handheld power tool according to claim 6, wherein: The body portion and the handle portion are rotatably attached via an intermediate module therebetween, the intermediate module being fixed to the body portion and rotatably attached with the handle portion, and the intermediate module providing the annular connection portion.

11. The handheld power tool according to claim 10, wherein: The intermediate module includes a first annular element (22) configured to be fixedly connected to a shell of the main body or formed integrally therewith, a second annular element (24) configured to be rotatably attached to a shell of the handle portion (10), and a third annular element (26) arranged between the first annular element (22) and the second annular element (24), wherein the third annular element (26) is made of a material that is more elastic than the first annular element (22) and the second annular element (24), and the second annular element (24) includes the annular connecting portion.

12. The handheld power tool according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein: The recess includes a first recess and a second recess spaced apart in a circumferential direction around a longitudinal direction (L), and the adjustment button (50) has a first circumferential limit position in which the second engaging portion (46) is received in the first recess and a second circumferential limit position in which the second engaging portion (46) is received in the second recess.

13. The handheld power tool according to claim 12, wherein: The recess further includes a third recess located between the first recess and the second recess in a circumferential direction and configured to receive the second engagement portion (46).

14. The handheld power tool according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The annular connecting portion includes: for each of the first notch and the second notch, a stop feature is arranged on a side of the notch away from the other notch in the circumferential direction, and the stop feature is configured to prevent the main body and the handle portion from further rotating relative to each other when engaging with a matching stop feature arranged on the handle portion (10) or the adjustment button (50).

15. The handheld power tool according to claim 14, wherein: The stop feature is an extended protrusion extending inwardly on a side of the recess away from the other recesses in the circumferential direction.

16. The handheld power tool according to claim 14, wherein: The mating stop features are: The second engaging portion (46) of the adjustment button (50) itself; or a protrusion extending from the second engaging portion (46) or from the second arm (56); or A protrusion extends from the housing of the handle portion (10).

17. The handheld power tool according to any one of claims 6 to 16, wherein: The adjustment button (50) includes an anti-seizure portion (60) configured to prevent the second engagement portion (46) from deflecting within the corresponding recess when the second engagement portion (46) thereof is received in the corresponding recess.

18. The handheld power tool according to claim 17, wherein: The anti-seizure portion (60) is configured to extend outwardly from the recess in an adjustment direction and into a groove (70) formed on one of: a housing of the handle portion (10) when the second engagement portion (46) is received in the corresponding recess; and a first annular element of the intermediate module when the intermediate module is fixedly connected to the handle portion.

19. The handheld power tool according to claim 18, wherein: In the longitudinal direction (L), the anti-seizure portion (60) is spaced apart from an end surface of the annular connecting portion that faces the handle portion (10) in the longitudinal direction (L).

20. The handheld power tool according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein: The anti-seizure portion (60) extends from the second engaging portion (46) or from the second arm (56).

21. The handheld power tool according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein: The handheld electric tool is an angle grinder or a polisher.

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