Power tool and removable user interface guard

Abstract

The power tool includes a housing having a working end and a side (e.g., a back side) separate from the working end, and a user interface supported by the housing and located on the side of the housing. The power tool may also include one or more protrusions defined by the housing, proximate the user interface and extending away from the housing, for protecting the user interface from impacts on a side of the housing. A removable user interface protection device for a power tool includes: a body formed of an impact resistant material for protecting a user interface of the power tool from impact at a side of the power tool; and a retention feature on the body, the retention feature configured to mate with a corresponding feature on the power tool housing to removably secure the body to a side of the housing over the user interface.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e), this application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 589,106, filed on October 10, 2023, entitled “POWER TOOLWITH REMOVABLE USER INTERFACE GUARD,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] A power tool is a tool actuated by a power source other than human power. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the drawings may indicate similar or identical components.

[0005] Figure 1 is an isometric view showing an impact tool with a user interface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another isometric view of the impact tool is shown.

[0007] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top plan view of the impact tool is shown.

[0008] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A bottom plan view of the impact tool is shown.

[0009] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A rear elevation view of the impact tool is shown.

[0010] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A right side elevation view of the impact tool is shown.

[0011] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A left side elevation view of the impact tool is shown.

[0012] Figure 8 is an isometric view showing an impact tool having a user interface and a removable guard for the user interface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 Another isometric view of the impact tool is shown.

[0014] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 A top plan view of the impact tool is shown.

[0015] Fig.11 yes Figure 8 A bottom plan view of the impact tool is shown.

[0016] Fig.12 yes Figure 8 A rear elevation view of the impact tool is shown.

[0017] Fig.13 yes Figure 8 A right side elevation view of the impact tool is shown.

[0018] Fig.14 yes Figure 8 A left side elevation view of the impact tool is shown.

[0019] Fig.15 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a power tool (such as Figures 1 to 14 Isometric view of a removable guard for a user interface of a power tool (shown in FIG. 1 ).

[0020] Fig.16 yes Fig.17 Another isometric view of the removable guard is shown.

[0021] Fig.17 yes Fig.17 A top plan view of the removable guard is shown.

[0022] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 Bottom plan view of the removable guard shown.

[0023] Fig.19 yes Fig.17 Front elevation view of the removable guard shown.

[0024] Fig. 20 yes Fig.17 Rear elevation view of the removable guard shown.

[0025] Fig.21 yes Fig.17 Right side elevation view of the removable guard shown.

[0026] Fig. 22 yes Fig.17 Left side elevation view of the removable guard shown.

[0027] Fig.23 is an isometric view showing another impact tool with a user interface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig.24 yes Fig.23 Another isometric view of the impact tool is shown.

[0029] Fig.25 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a power tool (such as Fig.23 and Fig.24 Isometric view of another removable guard device for the user interface of the power tool shown in FIG.

[0030] Fig.26 yes Fig.25 Another isometric view of the removable guard is shown.

[0031] Fig. 27 is a rear elevation view showing an impact tool having a user interface and a removable guard for the user interface according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] See overall Figures 1 to 27 , describes a power tool 100 having a user interface 102 and a removable user interface guard 104. As described above, the removable user interface guard 104 can protect the user input and display / feedback components on the power tool 100 from damage and / or accidental operation. The removable user interface guard 104 can be securely attached to the power tool 100, easily removed from the power tool 100, and economically replaced. Power tools are often used in environments with tight spaces. Therefore, such tools often hit or scratch objects occupying the space. User interface components such as electronic displays may be damaged due to such contact. In addition, user input control devices such as keyboard buttons may be actuated due to such contact, resulting in unintentional changes to the operation and / or settings of the tool. The systems, devices and techniques described herein can provide physical protection for these components to prevent these undesirable results.

[0033] The removable user interface guard 104 is a strong and durable guard that is attached to the power tool 100 and covers the user interface 102 and user input controls (e.g., buttons 106). The removable user interface guard 104 receives impacts and scratches that would otherwise be transmitted to the user interface 102 and user input components. In some embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 can be transparent to maintain visibility of a display screen 108 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen or another type of screen) that shows the operator important feedback about the power tool 100, such as cycle status.

[0034] In some embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 is a transparent cover. The removable user interface guard 104 may include a protruding feature 110 that may engage with a recessed portion 112 in a housing 114 of the power tool 100 for secure attachment. In some embodiments, each side of the removable user interface guard 104 includes a plurality (e.g., two, more than two) of protruding features 110 that may engage with a plurality of corresponding recessed portions 112 in each side 122 of the housing 114 (e.g., Figures 1 to 22 In some embodiments, each side of the removable user interface guard 104 includes a single protruding feature 110 that engages with a corresponding recessed portion 112 in each side 122 of the housing 114 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figures 23 to 26 100 and the recessed portion 112 are provided as examples and are not meant to limit the present invention. Other attachment features may also be used to attach the removable user interface guard 104 to the housing 114, such as a protruding feature on the housing and a recessed portion on the guard. In addition, such features may be mechanically actuated, such as spring biased, etc.

[0035] The removable user interface guard 104 can cover the display screen 108 to provide additional protection, and can cover the buttons 106 of the user interface 102 to protect them and / or prevent them from being actuated when not desired. In the case where the operator does not need to actuate these control devices, the cover can be preferred to protect these components and / or prevent the operator from touching them. When it is necessary to touch the button 106, the removable user interface guard 104 can be removed and easily replaced if it is damaged. In some embodiments, there is a gap between the removable user interface guard 104 and the parts covered by the removable user interface guard 104, for example, to allow deformation that may occur when the power tool 100 falls or is impacted. In some embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 can be made of a sturdy, transparent or translucent material (e.g., transparent polycarbonate), which can provide durability to withstand abuse, the ability to deform when the part can be snapped onto the tool and removed from it, and / or low cost.

[0036] In some embodiments, the power tool 100 is a pistol grip power tool, such as an impact tool having a pistol grip 116. However, the power tool 100 having a pistol grip 116 is provided as an example and is not meant to limit the present invention. In other embodiments, the power tool 100 may be another type of power tool, including but not necessarily limited to: an inline tool, a right angle tool, etc.

[0037] As described above, the user interface 102 may be positioned on the back side 118 of the power tool 100. For example, the user interface 102 may be positioned opposite the working end 120 of the power tool 100, for example, facing the operator of the power tool 100 when the operator grasps and uses the tool. This arrangement allows the operator to have good visibility of the information displayed on the display screen 108, such as visual feedback. In one example, such feedback may include icons of different colors, thereby providing an indication of whether the actuator (e.g., a trigger) of the power tool 100 has been actuated long enough to complete an operation on the workpiece (e.g., a red icon indicating an early release of the trigger before the operation is completed). However, the power tool 100 having the user interface 102 positioned on the back side 118 of the power tool 100 is provided as an example and is not meant to limit the present invention. In other embodiments, the user interface 102 may be positioned at one or more other locations, including but not necessarily limited to: a side 122 of the power tool 100, a top 124 of the power tool 100, a bottom 126 of the power tool 100, a foot 128 of the power tool 100, etc.

[0038] In some embodiments, having the user interface and user input controls located on the back side 118 of the power tool 100 allows the display screen 108 to be easily visible to the operator during use (e.g., for cycle status monitoring). In addition, the controls are easily accessible for programming on the tool. However, the back side 118 of the power tool can be susceptible to damage and / or accidental actuation. The removable user interface guard 104 provides secondary protection through removable and replaceable components. This provides users and buyers of power tools with more confidence that their investment is well protected.

[0039] For example, positioning the user interface 102 on the back side 118 of the power tool 100 can provide an operator with enhanced convenience and / or accessibility. However, in some cases, the back side 118 of the power tool 100 is subject to rough handling. For example, an operator may use the back side 118 of the power tool 100 as an impact tool to hammer or hit a workpiece. In many cases, an impact tool or another expensive power tool 100 is owned and / or maintained by a company that employs an operator who may not pay attention to protecting the back side 118 of the power tool 100 and the user interface 102 (and / or other sides where the user interface 102 may be located).

[0040] In some embodiments, the display screen 108 of the user interface 102 is covered by a transparent or at least translucent display screen cover 130 extending over the display screen 108, wherein the display screen 108 and the display screen cover 130 are supported by the housing 114 of the power tool 100. In some embodiments, the display screen cover 130 is made of a tough, impact-resistant material, such as a polycarbonate material. However, the display screen cover 130 made of a polycarbonate material is provided as an example and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other embodiments, the display screen cover 130 can be made of one or more other toughness and / or impact-resistant materials. As described above, the display screen cover 130 provides a first layer of protection for the display screen 108.

[0041] In embodiments, the user interface 102 also includes one or more selection buttons 106 and / or other actuation features for interacting with the power tool 100. In some embodiments, the power tool 100 includes four (4) selection buttons 106, with each set of two (2) buttons 106 positioned on opposite sides of the display screen 130. As described above, the selection buttons 106 can be used to set one or more desired operating parameters of the power tool 100 via the user interface 102. The selection of operating parameters can be displayed via the display screen 108. Such operating parameters can include, but are not necessarily limited to: torque, revolutions per minute (RPM), etc.

[0042] In some cases, the owner or manager of the power tool 100 may set one or more operating parameters for the power tool 100 before assigning the power tool 100 to an operator. For example, the owner or manager may use the user interface 102 to set the operating torque of the power tool 100 as required for a particular job before assigning the power tool 100 to an operator. As previously described, the owner or manager may wish to protect the user interface 102 (including the display cover 130 and the selection buttons 106) from rough or accidental manipulation, from idle manipulation, from fiddling, etc. The owner or manager may also wish to prevent contact with the user interface 102 (including the display cover 130 and the selection buttons 106), which may change the desired settings of the power tool 100. Thus, the power tool 100 may provide a second layer of protection.

[0043] In some embodiments, the second layer of protection can include one or more protrusions (e.g., ridges 132) that can be defined by the housing 114 of the power tool 100 and positioned proximate to the display cover 130 (e.g., directly above and / or below the display cover 130). The ridges 132 can protect the display cover 130 and / or the selection buttons 106 from the impact of the back side 118 of the power tool 100 with a surface, for example, by deflecting the user interface 102 away from the surface when the back side 118 impacts the surface. It should be noted that the second layer of protection can provide actual protection for the power tool 100 when used by an operator, as well as perceived protection for the owner or manager of the power tool 100.

[0044] As described above, the second layer of protection can also be achieved by a removable user interface guard 104 that can be attached to the housing 114 of the power tool 100 and positioned over (e.g., covering) the user interface 102. In some embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 can wrap around the power tool 100 to cover or partially cover one or more sides 122 of the power tool. For example, the removable user interface guard 104 can cover the user interface 102 on the back side 118 of the power tool 100, and can also wrap around two sides 122 of the power tool 100 that are adjacent to the back side 118. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the removable user interface guard 104 can be an inexpensive, easily replaceable component, which can increase the real and / or perceived protection provided to the power tool 100 by the second layer of protection.

[0045] In some embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 is made of a tough, impact-resistant material, such as a polycarbonate material. However, the removable user interface guard 104 made of a polycarbonate material is provided only as an example and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 may be made of one or more other tough and / or impact-resistant materials, including but not necessarily limited to: acrylic materials, metal materials, composite materials, etc. From the perspective of the owner or manager of the power tool 100, the removable user interface guard 104 can be considered as "safety glasses" for the power tool. In some embodiments, when purchasing the power tool 100, the power tool 100 may include multiple (e.g., two, more than two) removable user interface guards 104, which can be easily interchanged and replaced in the event of damage.

[0046] In some embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 can be transparent or at least translucent. In other embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 can be opaque. In some embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 can act as a lens. For example, the removable user interface guard 104 can cause light from the display screen 108 to be transmitted directly through the material of the removable user interface guard 104 without providing magnification. In other embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 can act as a magnifier that can increase the apparent size of the display screen 108 when viewed through the removable user interface guard 104. In addition, in some embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 can include one or more coatings and / or surface treatments, such as glare reduction features, reflection reduction features, privacy filtering features, color filtering features, etc.

[0047] In some embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 can be quickly and easily removed from the power tool 100. For example, the removable user interface guard 104 can slide between ridges 132 near the user interface 102 (e.g., via a dovetail connection). In other embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 cannot be easily removed from the power tool 100. In an example, the removable user interface guard 104 can include one or more protruding features 110 on each side of the removable user interface guard 104, which can mate with matching recesses 112 on the sides 122 of the housing 114. In some embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 can be sufficiently rigid, and / or the fit between the removable user interface guard 104 and the housing 114 can be sufficiently tight to prevent the removable user interface guard 104 from being easily removed from the housing 114, for example, by an operator's leisure activities (such as fiddling with the removable user interface guard 104 by attaching and detaching the removable user interface guard 104 to the housing 114). In this example, a screwdriver or other auxiliary tool may be used to pry the removable user interface guard 104 off the housing 114 .

[0048] In some embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 can be connected to the housing of the power tool via a hinge or other attachment mechanism, wherein the removable user interface guard 104 can be moved in an articulated manner to the outside and away from the power tool 100, but can also be removed from the power tool 100, for example, by pulling the removable user interface guard 104 from the housing 114 at the hinge connection, which can be, for example, a friction fit. In some embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 can include one or more elastic attachment features (e.g., an elastomeric overmold on a polycarbonate lens) that can be compliant to absorb impact (such as a drop to the back side 118 of the power tool 100), and / or can also provide a seal to prevent material (e.g., moisture, debris, etc.) from penetrating through the removable user interface guard 104 to the user interface 102.

[0049] In some embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 can be semi-permanently attached to the power tool 100 (e.g., secured with an auxiliary tool and cannot be removed without an auxiliary tool (such as a screwdriver). For example, the removable user interface guard 104 can be connected to the housing 114 by one or more fasteners (e.g., screws), which can be inserted through the removable user interface guard 104 and connected to the side 122 of the housing 114 (e.g., via (multiple) threaded connections with the housing 114).

[0050] As described above, a portion of the removable user interface guard 104 can be offset from the display cover 130 and / or the selection button 106. If the removable user interface guard 104 deforms (e.g., bends inwardly) when impacted against the back side 118 of the power tool 100, the offset can be used to prevent the removable user interface guard 104 from contacting the user interface 102. In some embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 can be offset from the selection button 106 by a sufficient distance for an operator to reach behind the removable user interface guard 104 to contact the selection button 106. In some embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 can include one or more compliant features, such as a flexible, co-mode button, which can be used to press the selection button 106 by pressing the removable user interface guard 104 at the button 106.

[0051] refer to Fig. 27In some embodiments, the removable user interface guard 104 may include an access port 134 (such as an aperture or another type of access point) for accessing the button 106 (or buttons) through the removable user interface guard 104. The access port 134 may be used to provide access to a button 106 (or buttons) that may be frequently accessed during operation of the power tool 100 and that would otherwise require frequent attachment and detachment of the removable user interface guard 104. For example, the access port 134 may be used to facilitate access to a button for changing between operational presets stored in the power tool 100 (e.g., changing the operating mode of the tool).

[0052] As described above, the protrusions / ridges 132 defined by the housing 114 of the power tool 100 and located near the display cover 130 can be shaped (e.g., in conjunction with the removable user interface guard 104) to create an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the power tool 100. For example, the removable user interface guard 104 can be positioned between the ridges 132 to complete the curved profile at the back side 118 of the power tool 100.

[0053] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or process operations, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A power tool comprising: a housing having a working end and a side surface separated from the working end; a user interface, the user interface being supported by the housing and located on the side of the housing, the user interface comprising a display screen and a plurality of buttons; a protrusion defined by the housing, proximate the user interface and extending away from the housing for protecting the user interface from impacts on the side of the housing; as well as Removable user interface guard, including: a body configured to be fixed to the side of the housing over the user interface and formed of an impact-resistant material for protecting the user interface of the power tool from impact at the side of the power tool, and A retention feature on the body is configured to mate with a corresponding feature on the housing of the power tool to removably secure the body to the side of the housing over the user interface.

2. The power tool according to claim 1, wherein: The side surface separated from the working end is a back side opposite to the working end. 3 . The power tool according to claim 1 , further comprising a second protrusion adjacent to the user interface, the second protrusion being opposite to the first protrusion and configured to protect the user interface from impact on the side surface of the housing.

4. The power tool according to claim 1, wherein: The retaining feature on the body of the removable user interface guard includes at least one protruding feature and the corresponding feature on the housing of the power tool includes at least one recessed portion.

5. The power tool according to claim 1, wherein: The body of the removable user interface guard includes at least one access port defined through the body to provide access to at least one of the plurality of buttons.

6. The power tool according to claim 1, wherein: The removable user interface guard and the protrusion defined by the housing complete an arcuate profile on the side of the housing.

7. A power tool comprising: a housing having a working end and a side surface separated from the working end; a user interface supported by the housing and located on the side of the housing; as well as A protrusion is defined by the housing, adjacent to the user interface and extending away from the housing, for protecting the user interface from impact on the side of the housing.

8. The power tool according to claim 7, wherein: The user interface includes a display screen and a plurality of buttons.

9. The power tool according to claim 7, wherein: The side surface separated from the working end is a back side opposite to the working end. 10 . The power tool according to claim 7 , further comprising a second protrusion adjacent to the user interface, the second protrusion being opposite to the first protrusion and configured to protect the user interface from impact on the side surface of the housing.

11. The power tool of claim 7, further comprising a removable user interface guard configured to be secured to the side of the housing over the user interface.

12. The power tool according to claim 11, wherein: The removable user interface protection device comprises: a body formed of an impact-resistant material for protecting the user interface of the power tool from impact at the side of the power tool; and A retention feature on the body is configured to mate with a corresponding feature on the housing of the power tool to removably secure the body to the side of the housing over the user interface.

13. The power tool according to claim 12, wherein: The retaining feature on the body of the removable user interface guard includes at least one protruding feature and the corresponding feature on the housing of the power tool includes at least one recessed portion.

14. The power tool according to claim 12, wherein: The body of the removable user interface guard includes at least one access port defined through the body to provide access to at least one of the plurality of buttons.

15. The power tool according to claim 11, wherein: The removable user interface guard and the protrusion defined by the housing complete an arcuate profile on the side of the housing.

16. A removable user interface guard for a power tool, the power tool having a housing and a user interface, the housing having a side separated from a working end, the user interface supported by the housing and located on the side of the housing, the removable user interface guard comprising: a body configured to be fixed to the side of the housing over the user interface and formed of an impact-resistant material for protecting the user interface of the power tool from impact on the side of the power tool, and A retention feature on the body is configured to mate with a corresponding feature on the housing of the power tool to removably secure the body to the side of the housing over the user interface.

17. The removable user interface protection device of claim 16, wherein: The retaining feature on the body of the removable user interface guard includes at least one protruding feature and the corresponding feature on the housing of the power tool includes at least one recessed portion.

18. The removable user interface protection device of claim 16, wherein: The body of the removable user interface guard includes at least one access port defined through the body to provide access to the user interface.

19. The removable user interface protection device of claim 16, wherein: The removable user interface guard has a curved profile.

20. The removable user interface protection device of claim 16, wherein: The removable user interface guard is configured to at least partially surround an additional side of the power tool proximate the user interface.

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