Power tool with accessory attachment mount and accessory therefor
By designing attachment mountings, including electrical connectors, guides and reversible latch mechanisms, the problem of inconvenience of mechanical and electrical connections when attaching tool accessories is solved, and flexible connection between power tools and tool accessories is achieved and adapted to the needs of different users.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411485224.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-10-18
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-25
AI Technical Summary
When attaching tool accessories, existing power tools have problems such as inconvenient mechanical and electrical connections, and it is difficult to meet the needs of different users, such as left-handed and right-handed users.
An attachment mounting is designed, including electrical connectors, guide rails and a reversible latch mechanism, allowing the tool attachment to slide on the power tool assembly, and the flexible fixation of the tool attachment is achieved through the reversible latch mechanism to meet the usage needs of different users.
It realizes universal mechanical and electrical connection between power tools and tool accessories, improves user selectivity and convenience, adapts to the use needs of different users, and reduces operator fatigue.
Smart Images
Figure CN119871306A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 592,363, filed on October 23, 2023, entitled “POWER TOOLWITH ACCESSORY ATTACHMENT MOUNT AND ACCESSORY THEREFOR,” under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art
[0003] A power tool is a tool that is driven 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 items.
[0005] Figure 1 is an isometric view showing a power tool assembly and a tool accessory for the power tool assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the power tool assembly includes: a longitudinally extending housing for supporting and retaining a drive mechanism and a tool working element; an electrical connection portion, located at the housing and for receiving electrical energy for the power tool assembly; and an attachment mount, located on the housing and for releasably attaching the tool accessory to the power tool assembly; wherein the attachment mount protrudes outward from the housing and includes: an electrical connection for receiving a mating electrical connector of the tool accessory; a guide rail extending along a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the housing, the guide rail being configured to slide in contact with the guide rail of the tool accessory when the tool accessory is connected to the attachment mount; and a latch mechanism for releasably securing the tool accessory to the attachment mount; and wherein the tool accessory includes an electrical connector, a tool accessory rail and a receiver for receiving the latch mechanism of the attachment mount.
[0006] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded isometric view of the power tool assembly and tool accessories shown in FIG.
[0007] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partially exploded perspective view of a power tool assembly and tool accessories shown in FIG.
[0008] Figure 4is an isometric view of an attachment mount located on a housing of a power tool assembly and used to releasably attach a tool accessory to the power tool assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the attachment mount protrudes outward from the housing and includes: an electrical connector for receiving a mating electrical connector of the tool accessory; a guide rail extending along a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the housing, the guide rail being configured to slide in contact with the guide rail of the tool accessory when the tool accessory is connected to the attachment mount; and a latch mechanism for releasably securing the tool accessory to the attachment mount, wherein the latch mechanism is reversible relative to the electrical connector.
[0009] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A side elevation view of the attachment mount shown in FIG.
[0010] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A top plan view of the attachment mount shown in FIG.
[0011] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A front elevation view of the attachment mount shown in FIG.
[0012] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional isometric view of the attachment mount shown in FIG.
[0013] Fig. 9 is an isometric view showing a tool accessory for releasably attaching to a power tool assembly, such as Figure 1 A tool accessory for releasably attaching to a power tool assembly is shown in the figure, wherein the tool accessory includes: an electrical connector for cooperating with an electrical connector of an attachment mounting member of the power tool assembly; a guide rail configured to slide in contact with the guide rail of the attachment mounting member; and a receiver for receiving a latch mechanism of the attachment mounting member.
[0014] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 An end elevation view of the tool attachment shown in FIG.
[0015] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 A bottom plan view of the tool attachment shown in FIG.
[0016] Fig.12is an isometric view showing a power tool assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the power tool assembly comprising: a longitudinally extending housing for supporting and retaining a drive mechanism and a tool working element; an electrical connection portion, located at the housing and for receiving electrical energy for the power tool assembly; and an attachment mount, located on the housing and for releasably attaching a tool accessory to the power tool assembly; wherein the attachment mount protrudes outwardly from the housing and comprises: an electrical connection portion, for receiving a mating electrical connector of the tool accessory; a guide rail, extending along a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the housing, the guide rail being configured to slide in contact with the guide rail of the tool accessory when the tool accessory is connected to the attachment mount; and a latch mechanism, for releasably securing the tool accessory to the attachment mount.
[0017] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 A top plan view of a power tool assembly is shown in FIG.
[0018] Fig.14 yes Fig.12 A front elevation view of a power tool assembly is shown in FIG.
[0019] Fig.15 yes Fig.12 A rear elevation view of the power tool assembly shown in FIG.
[0020] Fig.16 yes Fig.12 A right side elevation view of the power tool assembly shown in FIG.
[0021] Fig.17 yes Fig.12 A left side elevation view of the power tool assembly shown in FIG.
[0022] Fig.18 is an isometric view showing a power tool assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the power tool assembly comprising: a longitudinally extending housing for supporting and retaining a drive mechanism and a tool working element; an electrical connection portion, located at the housing and for receiving electrical energy for the power tool assembly; and an attachment mount, located on the housing and for releasably attaching a tool accessory to the power tool assembly; wherein the attachment mount protrudes outwardly from the housing and comprises: an electrical connection portion, for receiving a mating electrical connector of the tool accessory; a guide rail, extending along a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the housing, the guide rail being configured to slide in contact with the guide rail of the tool accessory when the tool accessory is connected to the attachment mount; and a latch mechanism, for releasably securing the tool accessory to the attachment mount; and wherein the latch mechanism is reversible.
[0023] Fig.19 yes Fig. 20 Another isometric view of the power tool assembly shown in .
[0024] Fig. 20 yes Fig. 20 A top plan view of the power tool assembly shown in FIG.
[0025] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 A front elevation view of a power tool assembly is shown in FIG.
[0026] Fig. 22 yes Fig. 20 A rear elevation view of the power tool assembly shown in FIG.
[0027] Fig.23 yes Fig. 20 A right side elevation view of the power tool assembly shown in FIG.
[0028] Fig.24 yes Fig. 20 A left side elevation view of the power tool assembly shown in FIG.
[0029] Fig.25 is a diagram showing a power tool assembly (such as Figures 1 to 24 A block diagram of the power tool assembly shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Overall reference Figures 1 to 25 , describes a power tool assembly 100 having an attachment mount 102 for releasably attaching a tool accessory 104 to the power tool assembly 100. The attachment mount 102 of the power tool assembly 100 allows for a universal mechanical and electrical connection between the power tool and the accessory, thereby allowing a user to selectively attach various tool accessories 104 (such as a detachable barcode scanner 106, a camera 108, a light (e.g., a spotlight 110), a radio transmitter 112, etc.) to the power tool assembly 100, which can optionally transmit power and / or unidirectional or bidirectional data between the tool accessory 104 and the power tool assembly 100.
[0031] The attachment mount 102 of the power tool assembly 100 includes a low-profile rail 114 near the housing 116 of the power tool, allowing the tool accessory 104 to be mounted to the power tool assembly 100 by sliding and securing the accessory to the rail 114 of the attachment mount 102. The attachment mount 102 can be reversible to allow the tool accessory 104 to slide forward or backward to attach to the power tool assembly 100, or, in other examples, to allow the tool accessory 104 to slide laterally (i.e., left or right) to accommodate left-handed and right-handed users. This further provides ergonomic advantages, where the tool accessory 104 can be switched between a left or right direction on an angle tool (such as a nut runner), allowing for improved ease of use and reduced operator fatigue.
[0032] In some examples, the attachment mount 102 uses a removable latch mechanism 118 (e.g., a clip) to provide an alternative mounting configuration, wherein the clip is designed to allow tool-free or tool-required removal of the tool accessory 104. In examples where the user does not wish to attach the tool accessory 104 to the power tool assembly 100, the attachment mount 102 is modular to receive a blank plate.
[0033] In an embodiment, the power tool assembly 100 includes: a drive mechanism 120 (e.g., an electric motor 122, an air motor 124) for providing power to a tool working element 126 (e.g., a bit 128, a socket 130); a longitudinally extending housing 116 for supporting and holding the drive mechanism 120 and the tool working element 126; an electrical connection 132 located at the housing 116 for receiving electrical energy for the power tool assembly 100; and an attachment mount 102 located on the housing 116 for releasably attaching a tool accessory 104 to the power tool assembly 100. The power tool assembly 100 may be, but is not limited to, a screwdriver (e.g., an electric precision screwdriver tool), a torque wrench (e.g., an electric angle wrench tool), an angle grinder, a sander, a drill, etc. The electrical connection 132 may be, but is not limited to, a battery connection 138, an AC (alternating current) power connection 140, or a DC (direct current) connection 142.
[0034] In an embodiment, the tool accessory 104 may be, but is not limited to, a barcode scanner 106 , a camera 108 , a spotlight 110 (ie, a directional light), an omnidirectional light, or a radio transmitter 112 .
[0035] In some embodiments, the attachment mount 102 protrudes outwardly from the housing 116 and has a low profile (e.g., occupies an area of space that minimizes the extension of the attachment mount 102 from the housing 116). In an embodiment, the attachment mount 102 includes a plurality of electrical connectors 144 for receiving mating electrical connectors 146 of the tool accessory 104 when the tool accessory 104 is connected to the attachment mount 102.
[0036] In an embodiment, the plurality of electrical connectors 144 of the attachment mount 102 are configured to transmit one or more of the following: electrical power is transmitted from the electrical connection at the housing 116 to the tool accessory 104; data is transmitted from the power tool assembly 100 to the tool accessory 104; or data is transmitted from the tool accessory 104 to the power tool assembly 100. For example, in some embodiments, the tool accessory 104 can be used to scan a barcode or a quick response (QR) code representing one or more settings of the power tool assembly 100. Information representing the (multiple) settings from the tool accessory 104 can be transmitted to the power tool assembly 100 and used to set or update the tool settings. For example, in the case where the power tool assembly 100 is configured as a torque wrench, the settings obtained through communication between the power tool assembly 100 and the tool accessory 104 can be used to set one or more operating parameters at the power tool assembly 100, such as torque, revolutions per minute (RPM), etc.
[0037] In another example, a tool accessory 104 configured as a camera 108 is used to capture a video of an operation performed using the tool. For example, a camera 108 facing the front end of the tool captures an image of the tool in operation. In some embodiments, the video can be machine-processed by the tool accessory 104, the power tool assembly 100, and / or a remote entity (e.g., a machine), where the image captured by the camera 108 can be sent. For example, the video captured by the camera 108 can be used by the tool accessory 104, the power tool assembly 100, and / or a remote entity to verify and / or track the operation performed using the power tool. In other instances, the video captured by the camera 108 can be used by the tool accessory 104, the power tool assembly 100, and / or a remote entity to locate the power tool assembly 100. The video can also be transmitted (e.g., by the tool accessory 104 and / or the power tool assembly 100) to a third party that monitors these operations, and the third party can provide instructions / guidance to the tool operator when performing the operation.
[0038] In an embodiment, the attachment mount 102 includes one or more guide rails 114 extending along a plane 148 that is generally parallel to the longitudinal extension of the housing 116. In this embodiment, the guide rail(s) 114 are configured to slide in contact with one or more guide rails 150 of the tool accessory 104 when the tool accessory 104 is connected to the attachment mount 102 to restrict movement of the tool accessory 104 in directions other than a sliding direction 152 of the tool accessory 104 on the attachment mount 102.
[0039] In an embodiment, the attachment mount 102 includes a latch mechanism 154 for releasably securing the tool accessory 104 to the attachment mount 102 and limiting the movement of the tool accessory 104 to a sliding direction 152 of the tool accessory 104 on the attachment mount 102. In some embodiments, the latch mechanism 154 is a component that is detachable from the attachment mount 102 on the housing 116. Figures 4 to 7 and Figures 18 to 24 , the latch mechanism 154 can be a clip that includes one or more pins 156 that are received by corresponding recesses 158 in the housing 116. In further embodiments, the housing 116 can have multiple sets of recesses 158 that provide various positions to receive the clip and its associated pins 156. As described, the tool accessory 104 is interchangeable with other tool accessories 104, such as a successively attached barcode scanner 106, camera 108, etc.
[0040] In an embodiment, the plurality of electrical connectors 144 of the attachment mount 102 are configured to receive electrical connectors 146 of the tool accessory 104 that extend in a plane 148 that is generally parallel to the longitudinal extension of the housing 116 .
[0041] In some embodiments, for example, for a forward-facing tool accessory 104, such as a camera 108, the sliding direction 152 of the tool accessory 104 on the attachment mount 102 is generally parallel to the longitudinal extension of the housing 116. In some embodiments, for example, for a side-facing tool accessory 104, such as a barcode scanner 106, the sliding direction 152 of the tool accessory 104 on the attachment mount 102 is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the housing 116. In some embodiments, for example, by using a removable latch mechanism 118, such as the reversible clip described above, the sliding direction 152 of the tool accessory 104 on the attachment mount 102 is reversible. Thus, the latch mechanism 154 for the tool accessory 104 on the attachment mount 102 can be reversible relative to the plurality of electrical connectors 144.
[0042] In the example where the tool accessory 104 is a barcode scanner 106, the user of the power tool assembly 100 is expected to place the barcode scanner 106 at an appropriate distance from the barcode in order to properly scan the barcode. Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 12 to 17 ), the forward-facing tool attachment 104 can place the barcode scanner 106 at an appropriate distance when the user holds it. However, for angled tools (e.g., Figures 4 to 7 and Figures 18 to 24), the tool length required to allow the user to react to the torque generated by the tool may place the tool accessory 104 far enough from the end of the power tool assembly 100, thereby preventing the user from bringing the tool to the appropriate distance when the tool accessory 104 is facing the end of the tool. Therefore, in this example, the attachment mount 102 can be oriented so that the tool accessory 104 faces in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the tool, that is, in a sideways manner.
[0043] In an embodiment, the tool attachment 104 includes a plurality of electrical connectors 146 for mating with electrical connectors 144 of the attachment mount 102 when the tool attachment 104 is connected to the attachment mount 102. In some embodiments, the plurality of electrical connectors 146 of the tool attachment 104 are spring-biased pins (e.g., pogo pins) that mate with corresponding electrical connectors 144 (e.g., contact pads on a printed circuit board (PCB)) of the attachment mount 102. In this example, the electrical connectors 144 of the attachment mount 102 may be located in recesses or holes (i.e., blind holes) that receive the spring-biased pins and guide the pins into contact with the contact pads. In an embodiment, the multiple electrical connectors 146 of the tool accessory 104 are configured to transmit one or more of the following: transmitting electrical power from the electrical connection portion at the housing 116 to the tool accessory 104; transmitting data from the tool accessory 104 to the power tool assembly 100; or transmitting data from the power tool assembly 100 to the tool accessory 104.
[0044] In an embodiment, the tool attachment 104 includes one or more guide rails 150 configured to be in sliding contact with one or more guide rails 114 of the attachment mount 102, which extend along a plane 148 that is generally parallel to the longitudinal extension of the housing 116. In an embodiment, for example, as previously described, the guide rails 114 and 150 are configured to limit movement of the tool attachment 104 in directions other than a sliding direction 152 of the tool attachment 104 on the attachment mount 102.
[0045] In an embodiment, the tool attachment 104 includes a receiver 160 (e.g., a notch, recess, hole, protrusion or tooth, detent, etc.) for receiving a latch mechanism 154 of the attachment mount 102, thereby releasably securing the tool attachment 104 to the attachment mount 102 and limiting the movement of the tool attachment 104 in the sliding direction 152 of the tool attachment 104 on the attachment mount 102, such as described above. In some embodiments, the latch mechanism 154 includes a biasing lever 162 having a ramp 164 that is inclined to snap into position in a corresponding receiving recess receiver 160 of the tool attachment 104. For example, the clip can be an injection molded plastic clip having a cantilever lever 162 having an inclined ramp 164, wherein the cantilever is biased to extend parallel relative to the sliding direction 152 of the tool attachment 104 on the attachment mount 102. The sliding action causes the cantilever beam to deflect and then return to its neutral position when captured by the receiver 160 of the tool accessory 104. In an embodiment, the clip may be made of a tough nylon material, such as non-glass-filled nylon, high-impact modified nylon, etc. In some embodiments, releasing the tool accessory 104 from the attachment mount 102 may require an auxiliary tool, such as a screwdriver blade.
[0046] 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 assembly, comprising: a drive mechanism for providing power to the tool's working elements; a longitudinally extending housing for supporting and retaining the drive mechanism and the tool working element; an electrical connection portion, located at the housing and used to receive electrical energy for the power tool assembly; a tool accessory including a plurality of electrical connectors and at least one tool accessory rail; an attachment mount located on the housing and used to releasably attach the tool accessory to the power tool assembly, the attachment mount protruding outwardly from the housing and comprising: a plurality of electrical connectors for mating with a plurality of electrical connectors of the tool accessory when the tool accessory is connected to the attachment mount, the plurality of electrical connectors for at least one of: transmitting electrical power from the electrical connection at the housing to the tool accessory; transmitting data to the tool accessory; or receiving data from the tool accessory, at least one attachment mount rail extending along a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal extension of the housing, the attachment mount rail being configured to slideably contact the tool accessory rail of the tool accessory when the tool accessory is connected to the attachment mount to restrict movement of the tool accessory in directions other than a sliding direction of the tool accessory on the attachment mount, and A latch mechanism for releasably securing the tool accessory to the attachment mount and restricting movement of the tool accessory to a sliding direction of the tool accessory on the attachment mount, wherein the tool accessory is interchangeable with other tool accessories.
2. The power tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: The plurality of electrical connections are configured to receive an electrical connector of the tool accessory, the electrical connector extending in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal extension of the housing.
3. The power tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: A sliding direction of the tool attachment on the attachment mount is substantially parallel to a longitudinal extension of the housing.
4. The power tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: The sliding direction of the tool attachment on the attachment mount is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the housing.
5. The power tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: The sliding direction of the tool attachment on the attachment mount is reversible.
6. The power tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: A latching mechanism securing the tool accessory to the attachment mount is reversible relative to the plurality of electrical connectors.
7. The power tool assembly of claim 1, wherein: The tool accessory is at least one of a barcode scanner, a camera, or a spotlight.
8. A power tool assembly comprising: a drive mechanism for providing power to the tool's working elements; a longitudinally extending housing for supporting and retaining the drive mechanism and the tool working element; an electrical connection portion, located at the housing and used to receive electrical energy for the power tool assembly; and an attachment mount located on the housing and used to releasably attach a tool accessory to the power tool assembly, the attachment mount protruding outwardly from the housing and comprising: a plurality of electrical connectors for receiving a mating electrical connector of the tool accessory when the tool accessory is connected to the attachment mount, the plurality of electrical connectors for at least one of: transmitting electrical power from the electrical connection at the housing to the tool accessory; transmitting data to the tool accessory; or receiving data from the tool accessory, at least one first guide rail extending along a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal extension of the housing, the first guide rail being configured to slide in contact with at least a second guide rail of the tool accessory when the tool accessory is connected to the attachment mount to restrict movement of the tool accessory in directions other than a sliding direction of the tool accessory on the attachment mount, and A latch mechanism for releasably securing the tool accessory to the attachment mount and restricting movement of the tool accessory to a sliding direction of the tool accessory on the attachment mount, wherein the tool accessory is interchangeable with other tool accessories.
9. The power tool assembly of claim 8, wherein: The plurality of electrical connections are configured to receive an electrical connector of the tool accessory, the electrical connector extending in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal extension of the housing.
10. The power tool assembly of claim 8, wherein: A sliding direction of the tool attachment on the attachment mount is substantially parallel to a longitudinal extension of the housing.
11. The power tool assembly of claim 8, wherein: The sliding direction of the tool attachment on the attachment mount is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the housing.
12. The power tool assembly of claim 8, wherein: The sliding direction of the tool attachment on the attachment mount is reversible.
13. The power tool assembly of claim 8, wherein: A latching mechanism securing the tool accessory to the attachment mount is reversible relative to the plurality of electrical connectors.
14. The power tool assembly of claim 8, wherein: The tool accessory is at least one of a barcode scanner, a camera, or a spotlight.
15. A tool accessory for releasably attaching to a power tool assembly, the power tool assembly comprising a longitudinally extending housing, an electrical connection located at the housing and for receiving electrical power for the power tool assembly, and an attachment mount located on the housing and for releasably securing the tool accessory to the power tool assembly, the tool accessory comprising: a plurality of electrical connectors for mating with the electrical connector of the attachment mount when the tool accessory is connected to the attachment mount, the plurality of electrical connectors for at least one of: transmitting electrical power from the electrical connection at the housing to the tool accessory; transmitting data to the tool accessory; or receiving data from the tool accessory; at least one tool accessory rail configured to be in sliding contact with at least one attachment mount rail of the attachment mount, the attachment mount rail extending along a plane generally parallel to a longitudinal extension of the housing, the tool accessory rail configured to restrict movement of the tool accessory in a direction other than a sliding direction of the tool accessory on the attachment mount; and A receiver for receiving a latch mechanism of the attachment mount to releasably secure the tool accessory to the attachment mount and restrict movement of the tool accessory to a sliding direction of the tool accessory on the attachment mount, wherein the tool accessory is interchangeable with other tool accessories.
16. The tool attachment of claim 15, wherein: The plurality of electrical connectors extend in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal extension of the housing.
17. The tool attachment of claim 15, wherein: A sliding direction of the tool attachment on the attachment mount is substantially parallel to a longitudinal extension of the housing.
18. The tool attachment of claim 15, wherein: The sliding direction of the tool attachment on the attachment mount is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the housing.
19. The tool attachment of claim 15, wherein: A latching mechanism securing the tool accessory to the attachment mount is reversible relative to the plurality of electrical connectors.
20. The tool attachment of claim 15, wherein: The tool accessory is at least one of a barcode scanner, a camera, or a spotlight.