Power tool and adapter assembly for power tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a power tool and an adapter assembly for the power tool. The present specification relates to a power tool (1) comprising a housing (10), the housing (10) comprising a connection structure (11) capable of connecting a tool accessory and comprising a first thread (12) and an adapter assembly (20) for connecting the power tool and the accessory, the adapter assembly (20) comprising an intermediate member (21) comprising an engagement structure (22) for engaging the accessory and a cap nut (24), a cap nut (24) for locking the intermediate member to the tool housing, the cap nut (24) comprising a second thread (25) for mating with the first thread, where the connection structure further comprises a groove (13), where the intermediate member further comprises at least one tab (23) adapted to be received in the groove, where the groove extends transversely to the first thread, where the tab (23) extends transversely to the first thread. The groove forms a longitudinally extending gap in the thread.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to power tools, and more particularly to a housing of a power tool including a connection structure for attaching a tool accessory. Background Art

[0002] Power tools such as tightening tools for tightening threaded fasteners are known to be used in various fields. Generally, some or most components of such tools are made of metal (such as steel). For tools used in industrial applications, a commonly metal - made component is the housing.

[0003] Such materials are known for being strong and durable, but for example, in order to reduce the weight of the tool, attempts have been made to provide lighter housings (such as housings made of various plastics or polymers, etc.) for industrial power tools.

[0004] However, problems arising from using lighter materials include that such housings tend to have lower strength and poorer durability. For parts of the housing that are subject to high stress levels, including for example connection structures for attaching tool accessories (such as extensions, gear units, and claw - type accessories) to the tool, the lower strength and / or durability can be particularly severe.

[0005] Known solutions for improving durability include fastening such tool accessories to the tool housing using additional fastening means (such as additional screws screwed into the housing via the accessory), or in the case where the accessory has a threaded connection structure, filling the joint with glue.

[0006] However, problems with such known solutions include making them non - detachable or at least very difficult to disassemble, and / or causing permanent damage to the housing near the connection structure.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for improvement in the field of power tool housings and a need for solutions for attaching tool accessories. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved solution for a power tool housing and connection structure for attaching a power tool accessory to a power tool. In particular, it is desirable to provide a power tool that can reconnect or disassemble the connection while reducing the risk of damage. To better solve one or more of these problems, a power tool, an adapter assembly, and a kit assembly as defined in the independent claims are provided. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power tool, the power tool comprising a housing that at least partially houses an electric motor and an output shaft drivingly connected to the electric motor, the output shaft extending in a first axial direction, the housing comprising a connection structure that is adapted to connect a tool attachment drivable by the output shaft to the power tool, the connection structure being provided at a front end portion of the housing and comprising a first thread, the power tool further comprising an adapter assembly. The adapter assembly is adapted to be detachably attached to the connection structure for connecting the power tool and the tool attachment, the adapter assembly comprising an intermediate member and a cap nut, the intermediate member comprising a engagement structure for engaging the tool attachment, the engagement structure being provided on an outer side of the intermediate member; the cap nut is for locking the intermediate member to the tool housing, the cap nut comprising a second thread for cooperating with the first thread provided at the front end portion of the housing, wherein the connection structure further comprises a groove extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to the axial direction A-A, wherein the intermediate member further comprises at least one tab adapted to be received in the groove, and wherein the groove extends across the first thread such that the groove forms a longitudinally extending gap in the thread.

[0010] According to the first aspect, the power tool provides a creative solution to the above problems by the design of combining the connection structure provided on the housing with a mating adapter assembly. More specifically, by providing a connection structure with an axially extending groove on the tool housing and an adapter assembly with an axially extending tab, the reaction torque can be effectively transmitted to the housing without applying excessive stress to the thread of the connection structure. Therefore, there are fewer restrictions on the design of the thread and the housing, for example, allowing the use of lighter materials without affecting the durability and strength of the connection structure. The creative design of the power tool housing and the adapter assembly according to independent claim 1 cleverly provides the ability to easily and firmly mount the attachment to the power tool in a manner of repeated disassembly and reassembly.

[0011] In some embodiments, the at least one tab may be described as extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to the direction A-A. The at least one tab may be described as being adapted to be received in the groove to transmit torque.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first thread and / or the at least one groove are formed on the housing. The first thread and / or the at least one groove may be formed on an outer surface of the housing.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the intermediate member includes a cylindrical portion, wherein the at least one tab extends inside the cylindrical outer portion such that a gap is formed between the cylindrical portion and at least a part of the at least one tab.

[0014] In one embodiment, the tab includes a first axially extending portion and a second radially extending portion, and the radially extending portion connects the axially extending portion to a cylindrical portion of the intermediate member.

[0015] According to one embodiment, in use, the cap nut is adapted to be disposed in the space. Thus, a favorably compact design can be achieved.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the connection structure is arranged to at least partially surround a front opening provided at a front end portion of the housing, and the output shaft extends through the front opening.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the connection structure includes two grooves or three grooves. According to one embodiment, the connection structure includes four grooves. In some embodiments, the grooves may be equally spaced circumferentially along the connection structure.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the number of tabs of the intermediate member is equal to the number of grooves of the connection structure.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the housing is a molded or cast housing including a first half and a second half, and wherein the at least one groove is arranged to extend in a direction perpendicular to the pulling direction (also referred to as the tool direction) of the first half and the second half. This can facilitate achieving clearly defined grooves, such as grooves having a desired shape.

[0020] For example, the first half and the second half may be defined by a cross-section in a vertical plane parallel to a central axis defined by the output axis, and the at least one groove may be located at the intersection between the two halves or at a position in the middle of each half.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the housing is an injection-molded plastic housing. In such an embodiment, the first thread and / or the at least one groove may be formed in the housing material (and / or the outer surface of the housing) during the injection molding of the plastic housing.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the axial extension of the groove is longer than the axial extension of the first thread.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first thread is an external thread and the second thread is an internal thread.

[0024] According to one embodiment, in use, the cap nut and the intermediate member are adapted to be coaxially arranged.

[0025] According to one embodiment, in use, the cap nut and the intermediate member are adapted to be arranged with at least partial axial overlap.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the engagement structure provided on the intermediate member is a thread. However, within the scope of the present invention, other solutions can be contemplated, such as bayonet engagement.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the housing is made of plastic. Plastic shall be understood to mean any plastic, polymer or similar material. In such an embodiment, the first thread can be a plastic thread. In other embodiments, the housing can be made of a composite material (such as fiber-reinforced plastic, cast iron or (die-cast) aluminum).

[0028] According to one embodiment, the intermediate member and / or the cap nut are made of metal (such as aluminum, steel or steel alloy).

[0029] According to one embodiment, the power tool is a hand-held power tool, such as a pneumatically or electrically driven tool, and possibly also a battery-driven tool. Examples include tightening tools (such as screwdrivers of any of the above types). According to one embodiment, the power tool is a hand-held pistol-shaped tool.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the tool attachment is a crow foot tool attachment. A crow foot tool attachment is also known as a gear type front attachment. Due to the high reaction forces generated at the attachment point on the tool (such as due to offset), the present invention may be particularly useful when using a crow foot attachment. Other examples of tool attachments include extensions and front gear units.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adapter assembly for use with a power tool, the power tool including a housing that at least partially houses a motor and an output shaft drivingly connected to the motor, the output shaft extending along a first axial direction A-A, the housing including a connection structure that is capable of connecting a tool attachment adapted to be driven by the output shaft to the power tool, the connection structure including a first thread, wherein the adapter assembly is adapted to be detachably attached to the connection structure for connecting the power tool and the tool attachment, the adapter including an intermediate member and a cap nut, the intermediate member including an engagement structure provided on its outer side for engaging the tool attachment, the cap nut for locking the intermediate member to the tool housing, the cap nut including a second thread for mating with the first thread provided at the front end portion of the housing, wherein the connection structure further includes a groove extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to the direction A-A, and wherein the intermediate member further includes at least one tab adapted to be received in the groove.

[0032] In some embodiments, the adapter assembly can be an adapter assembly for use with a power tool, the power tool including a connection structure disposed at a front end portion of a housing.

[0033] In other embodiments, the adapter is equally suitable for use with a connection structure disposed at any other location of the tool (such as at the back / rear end portion of the tool or the upper portion of the tool).

[0034] In some embodiments, the adapter assembly can be an adapter assembly for fixing a tool, i.e., providing a fixed assembly solution, or in other embodiments for providing a connection for tool suspension.

[0035] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit including an adapter assembly and a tool attachment (such as a tool attachment adapter or a claw tool attachment). In some embodiments, the kit can further include additional tool attachments, such as an additional adapter adapted to be disposed between the adapter assembly and another (first) tool attachment. Examples of such additional adapters include an adapter for connecting a claw tool attachment to the adapter assembly (which adapter assembly is in turn adapted to be connected to a tool housing).

[0036] By referring to the foregoing discussion of the first aspect of the present invention, the objects, advantages, and features that can be contemplated within the corresponding scopes of the second and third aspects of the present invention can be readily understood.

[0037] Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will be able to realize that different features of the present invention can be combined to obtain embodiments other than those described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The present invention will be described in the following illustrative and non - limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary power tool and a power tool attachment according to an embodiment,

[0040] Figure 2a is an exploded perspective view of a front end portion of an exemplary power tool according to an embodiment,

[0041] Figure 2b is a cross - sectional perspective view of a front end portion of an exemplary power tool according to an embodiment,

[0042] Figure 2cIs a perspective view of a front end portion of an exemplary power tool according to one embodiment, and

[0043] Figure 3 Is a perspective view of an exemplary component of an adapter assembly according to one embodiment.

[0044] All the drawings are schematic, not necessarily drawn to scale, and generally show only the components necessary to illustrate the invention, where other components may be omitted or only mentioned. Detailed Description

[0045] Figure 1 Illustrates in perspective a power tool 1 according to one embodiment. For example, the tool may be a handheld electric pistol-shaped power tool for tightening threaded fasteners.

[0046] The tool 1 includes a housing 10. A tool attachment 100 (e.g., an adapter attachment 100 as shown in Figure 1 ) may be attached to the power tool 1 at the front end portion 10a of the housing 10. The tool attachment 100 is attached to the tool 1 through an adapter assembly 20 ( Figure 1 not visible in the figure), which will be explained below. A second tool attachment 100' (e.g., a crow foot attachment 100' or a gear-type front attachment 100') may be attached to the adapter attachment 100. However, such a crow foot attachment 100' may also be directly attached to the adapter assembly 20.

[0047] Figure 2a And Figure 2b Illustrates an example of the front end portion 10a of the housing 10 of the power tool 1 in an exploded view, Figure 2c Illustrates an example of the front end portion 10a of the housing 10 of the power tool 1 in an assembled state.

[0048] The housing 10 is adapted to at least partially accommodate a motor and an output shaft (not shown), and the output shaft extends along a first axial direction A-A. For example, the housing 10 may be an injection-molded plastic housing 10.

[0049] The housing 10 includes a connection structure 11, which can connect a tool attachment adapted to be driven by the output shaft to the power tool 1. The connection structure 11 is provided at the front end portion 10a of the housing 10 and includes a first thread 12.

[0050] For example, the thread 12 may be an external thread and extend around a front opening 14 provided at the front end portion 10a of the housing 10, and the output shaft will extend through the front opening 14. For example, the thread 12 may be a plastic thread 12 formed on the injection-molded plastic housing 10.

[0051] The connecting structure 11 further includes a plurality of grooves 13 (e.g., four grooves), each groove extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to the direction A-A and formed in the injection-molded plastic housing 10. The grooves 13 may further extend in a manner that traverses the first thread 12, such that the grooves 13 may form longitudinally extending intervals in the thread 12.

[0052] The four grooves 13 are equidistantly distributed along the circumference of the connecting structure 11 and are formed in the housing 10 (i.e., in the plastic material of the housing 10). For example, as Figure 2a can be seen, the axial extension of the groove may be slightly longer than the axial extension of the first thread.

[0053] The power tool further includes an adapter assembly 20, which is adapted to be detachably attached to the connecting structure 11 for connecting the power tool and a tool attachment (e.g., a claw tool attachment) ( Figures 2a - 2c not shown in the figure).

[0054] The adapter assembly 20 includes an intermediate member 21 and a cap nut 24 for locking the intermediate member 21 to the tool housing 10. For this purpose, the cap nut 24 includes a second thread 25 for mating with the first thread 12 provided at the front end portion 10a of the housing 10. The intermediate member 21 and the cap nut 24 may be made of a metallic material (e.g., aluminum or a suitable steel alloy).

[0055] An engaging structure 22 for engaging the tool attachment is provided on the outer side of the intermediate member 21. For example, the engaging structure 22 may be a thread, which is adapted to engage a corresponding thread of the tool attachment. The intermediate member 21 further includes a plurality of tabs 23 (e.g., four tabs 23) adapted to be received in a respective one of the grooves 13 to transmit torque.

[0056] Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of the intermediate member 21 shown in detail in the figure includes a cylindrical portion 30. The tabs 23 may be described as extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to the direction A-A. More specifically, each tab 23 may include a respective first axially extending portion 23a and a respective second radially extending portion 23b, the radially extending portion 23b connecting the axially extending portion 23a to the cylindrical portion 30 of the intermediate member 21.

[0057] The tabs 23 may further extend inside the cylindrical portion 30 at the inner side 30a, such that a space 31 is formed between the cylindrical portion 30 and the axially extending portion 23a of the tabs 23.

[0058] As Figure 2c shown in the figure, an assembled adapter and tool 1 are shown. In use, the cap nut 24 may be adapted to be disposed in the space 31. Also in Figure 2cAs shown, in use, the cap nut 24 and the intermediate member 21 can be further adapted to be arranged coaxially and have at least partial axial overlap.

[0059] Although the invention has been shown and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such showings and descriptions are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications, variations, and changes can be conceived within the scope defined by the appended claims. Additionally, when practicing the claimed invention, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments after studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The fact that certain technical means are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these technical means cannot be used advantageously. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A power tool (1) comprising a housing (10) at least partially accommodating a motor and an output shaft (2) drivingly connected to the motor, the output shaft extending in an axial direction (AA), The housing comprises a connection structure (11) capable of connecting a tool accessory (100) adapted to be driven by the output shaft to the power tool, the connection structure being arranged at a front end portion (10a) of the housing and comprising a first thread (12). The power tool further comprises an adapter assembly (20) adapted to be detachably attached to the connection structure (11) for connecting the power tool and the tool accessory, the adapter assembly comprising: an intermediate member (21), the intermediate member (21) comprising an engagement structure (22) for engaging the tool attachment, the engagement structure being arranged on the outer side of the intermediate member; as well as a cap nut (24) for locking the intermediate member to the tool housing, the cap nut comprising a second thread (25) for cooperating with the first thread provided at the front end portion of the housing, wherein the connection structure further comprises a groove (13) extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to the axial direction AA, wherein the intermediate member further comprises at least one protrusion (23) adapted to be accommodated in the groove, and wherein the groove extends in a manner transverse to the first thread so that the groove forms a longitudinally extending gap in the thread.

2. The power tool according to claim 1, wherein: The intermediate member comprises a cylindrical portion, and wherein the at least one tab extends inside the cylindrical portion such that a space (31) is formed between the cylindrical portion and at least a portion of the at least one tab.

3. The power tool according to claim 2, wherein: In use, the cap nut is adapted to be disposed in the spacing.

4. A power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The connection structure is arranged to extend at least partially around a front opening (14) provided at a front end of the housing, and the output shaft extends through the front opening.

5. A power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The connecting structure includes two grooves.

6. A power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The connection structure comprises four grooves which are equidistantly distributed along the circumference.

7. A power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The number of the protrusions of the intermediate member is equal to the number of the grooves of the connecting structure.

8. A power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The housing is a molded or cast housing comprising a first half and a second half, and wherein the at least one groove is arranged to extend in a direction perpendicular to a pulling direction of the first half and the second half.

9. The power tool according to claim 8, wherein: The housing is an injection-molded plastic housing.

10. A power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The axial extension of the groove is longer than the axial extension of the first thread.

11. A power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first threads are external threads and the second threads are internal threads.

12. A power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In use, the cap nut and the intermediate member are adapted to be coaxially arranged.

13. A power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In use, the cap nut and the intermediate member are adapted to be arranged with at least partial axial overlap.

14. A power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The engagement structure provided on the intermediate member is a thread.

15. A power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The housing is made of plastic.

16. A power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The intermediate member and / or the cap nut are made of metal, such as steel.

17. A power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first thread and / or the at least one groove are formed in the housing.

18. A power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The power tool is a hand-held pistol-shaped tool.

19. A power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The tool attachment is a claw-shaped tool attachment.

20. An adapter assembly (20) for use with a power tool, the power tool comprising a housing (10), the housing at least partially accommodating a motor and an output shaft (2) drivingly connected to the motor, the output shaft extending in an axial direction AA, the housing comprising a connecting structure (11) capable of connecting a tool accessory adapted to be driven by the output shaft to the power tool, the connecting structure being arranged at a front end portion (10a) of the housing and comprising a first thread (12), in, The adapter assembly (20) is adapted to be detachably attached to the connection structure for connecting the power tool and the tool accessory, and the adapter comprises: an intermediate member (21) comprising an engagement structure (22) disposed on an outer side thereof for engaging the tool attachment; and a cap nut (24) for locking the intermediate member to the tool housing, the cap nut comprising a second thread (25) for cooperating with the first thread provided at the front end portion of the housing, Wherein, the connection structure further comprises a groove (13) extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to the axial direction AA, wherein the intermediate member further comprises at least one tab (23) adapted to be received in the groove.

21. A kit comprising an adapter assembly according to claim 20 and a tool attachment, such as a claw tool attachment.

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