Shearing device with adjustable spacing

Abstract

The invention relates to a shearing device (2) comprising at least one movable blade (10B) movable relative to another member (10A) to provide, in use, a cutting mechanism. At least one of the movable blade and the other member is movable via the motor. The input portion is configured to allow selection of a maximum interval between the movable blade (10B) and the other member (10A), where the input portion is configured to allow continuous selection of a maximum interval (34) such that the maximum interval between the movable blade and the other member can be continuously varied accordingly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a shearing device having an adjustable blade spacing. Background Technology

[0002] Pruning shears, or shaping shears, are typically used to cut small branches from plants. Standard pruning shears have blades and handles arranged in an X-shape. The user closes the handles to shut the blades and provide the cutting action.

[0003] A prior art shearing device is shown in US2012 / 0246942. The blades 5 and 6 of the shearing device are electrically driven via a motor. A switch 9 allows for changing the maximum spacing or interval between the blades. For example, in position A, the motor is deactivated, thus preventing the jaws from opening. In position B, the jaws can open to provide a large stroke angle for thick branches. In position C, the jaws can open to provide a medium stroke angle for thin branches.

[0004] The inventors have found that the system has only two distinct openable positions, thus limiting the number of configurations. The blades also only open to their maximum interval when the trigger is pressed, making it difficult for the user to determine if the spacing selection is appropriate.

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome or improve one or more of the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a tool apparatus is provided, the tool apparatus comprising: at least one movable member movable relative to another member, at least one of the movable member and the other member being movable via a motor; and an input portion configured to allow selection of a maximum interval between the movable member and the other member.

[0007] The tool assembly may include a shearing device. The movable component may include a blade. The movable component and the other component may include a cutting mechanism.

[0008] The input section can be configured to allow continuous selection of the maximum interval (e.g., so that the maximum interval between the blade and the other component can change accordingly).

[0009] The spacing of the cutting mechanism can be controlled electronically. The movement of the motor can be controlled via an electronic controller. The controller can be configured to move the blades according to the maximum spacing provided by the input.

[0010] The controller can be configured to move the movable blade to the maximum interval in response to selection of the maximum interval via the input. The input and the movable blade can move in coordination. The input and the movable blade can move in coordination to provide visual feedback to the user. The movement of the input and the movable blade can be synchronized.

[0011] The controller can be configured to use the drive speed of the motor to determine whether the maximum extension has been reached.

[0012] The shearing device may include a sensor for determining the position of the motor or movable blade. The controller may be configured to use the sensor to determine whether the maximum extension has been reached.

[0013] When the input section is in the first position, the shearing device can be configured to refuse power to the motor. The first position can provide an off or de-energized position.

[0014] The controller can be configured to close the blade / cutting mechanism when the input unit moves to the first position.

[0015] The shearing device may include a manually operated actuator configured to control the motor to move the blade. The actuator may be spaced apart from / separated from the input section.

[0016] The input section can be separated from the blade by a greater distance than the actuator.

[0017] The actuator can be configured to control both the opening and closing of the cutting mechanism. The input section can be located on the actuator or provided by the actuator.

[0018] The other component may include a blade or an anvil. The input section may include a movable component. The input section may be continuously movable. The input section may include a slider. The maximum interval may include an angular interval. The cutting device may be handheld. The cutting device may be battery powered.

[0019] The cutting device may include a handle portion. The cutting device may include a head portion. The head portion may be wider than the handle portion and / or protrude outward from the handle portion. The head portion may surround the blade and / or a portion of its actuation mechanism.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of operating a shearing device is provided, the shearing device comprising at least one movable blade movable relative to another component to provide a cutting mechanism in use, at least one of the movable blade and the other component being movable via a motor; and selecting a maximum interval between the movable blade and the other component.

[0021] The method can provide continuous selection of the maximum interval (e.g., so that the maximum interval between the movable blade and the other component can be continuously varied accordingly).

[0022] The method may include moving the movable blade to the maximum interval in response to selecting the maximum interval via an input. The input and the movable blade may move in coordination.

[0023] Features of any aspect of the invention may be combined with features of any other practicable aspect of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view of the shearing device is shown, with the blade in the closed position;

[0026] Figure 2 A perspective view of the shearing device is shown, with the blade in the open position;

[0027] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the shearing device is shown, with the blade in the closed position;

[0028] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the shearing device is shown, with the blade in the open position;

[0029] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the electronic system of the shearing device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] exist Figures 1 to 4 The image shows a pruning shearing device 2, also known as pruning shears or handheld pruning shears. The pruning device 2 is configured to be held by a user's hand (i.e., it is handheld). The pruning device 2 is portable. The pruning device 2 includes a handle portion 4. The handle portion 4 is configured to be held by a user. The handle portion 4 includes a generally elongated shaft. The handle portion 4 may include a circular or oval cross-section. The handle portion 4 may include one or more gripping surfaces (e.g., rubberized portions), and / or the handle portion 4 may be shaped to fit the hand and / or fingers.

[0031] The head portion 6 is located at the end of the handle portion. The head portion 6 is configured to house the actuating mechanism 8 for the cutting mechanism. The head portion 6 includes a housing or shell. The head portion 6 has a circular / oval cross-section (i.e., similar to the handle portion 4). The head portion 6 protrudes outward from the handle portion 4 (i.e., to provide a spherical or flanged arrangement). This helps to position the cutting device 2 in the user's hand.

[0032] The cutting mechanism includes blade 10. Blade 10 is arranged in a conventional manner and includes a conventional form. The blade is provided in a "bypass" arrangement. In this embodiment, a first blade 10A is fixed relative to the head / handle. A second blade 10B is movable relative to the first blade 10A and the head / handle, thereby providing the cutting mechanism. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first blade 10A is movable and the second blade 10B is fixed, or both blades 10A and 10B are movable.

[0033] In some embodiments, only a single blade 10 is provided, and the blade engages with an anvil or mandrel. In some embodiments, the blade 10 may include a straight cutting edge (i.e., to provide a parrot-beak arrangement).

[0034] The movable blade 10B is driven by an electric motor (not shown). A power source 12 supplies power to the motor. In this embodiment, the power source includes a battery. The battery may include lithium-ion or nickel-based battery technology. In various embodiments, the power source may be wired (e.g., from a power transmission line). The movable blade 10B includes a gear portion 14 configured to engage with gears on the motor to achieve movement of the movable blade. The gear may include a bevel gear.

[0035] A manual actuator 18 is provided. The manual actuator 18 is configured to allow the user to direct the blade toward the closed position (in... Figure 1 and Figure 3 (in) and / or open position (in) Figure 2 and Figure 4 The actuator 18 includes an armature or trigger 20. An engagement portion 22 is configured to engage an actuation sensor 24. A trigger signal is activated when the engagement portion 22 disengages from or engages the sensor 24. The actuator 18 is pivotally mounted to the shearing device 2 via a pivot 26. The pivot 26 is disposed within the head portion 6 such that the trigger 20 protrudes from the head portion. Therefore, when the trigger 20 is pressed or released, the engagement portion 22 correspondingly disengages from or engages the sensor 24. A spring 28 biases the actuator 18 into the engaged position.

[0036] In this embodiment, the sensor includes a contact sensor 24. Therefore, when the engaging portion 22 disengages from the sensor 24, the sensor 24 sends a signal to the controller 30 (see...). Figure 5Furthermore, the controller 30 provides a signal to the motor controller 32 (or directly to the motor) to achieve the movement of the blade 10B. It will be appreciated that the sensor may include any suitable form, such as a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, or a pressure sensor.

[0037] In this embodiment, a single actuator 18 is used to provide both opening and closing of blades 10A and 10B. The opening and closing of blades 10A and 10B are provided by a specific actuation pattern of actuator 18. Typically, this is provided by using a first actuation to open blades 10A and 10B and then using a separate subsequent actuation to close blades 10A and 10B. Therefore, the user can obtain alternating blade positions by repeatedly pressing actuator 18. This process can be repeated for each cutting procedure. This provides a simple configuration and, for example, prevents the user from accidentally closing the blades when intending to open them.

[0038] In some embodiments, actuator 18 may initiate a closing stroke; however, shearing device 2 is configured to automatically return to the open position (i.e., a single press of trigger 20 is required for both the closing and opening strokes). In other embodiments, corresponding actuators 18 are configured for both opening and closing movements. In some embodiments, a single actuator 18 may be provided; however, a second actuator / switch may be used to select whether actuator 18 provides opening or closing of blades 10A, 10B.

[0039] In the open position, blades 10A and 10B are separated by a gap 34. In this embodiment, the gap 34 provides an angular gap because blades 10A and 10B are pivotally connected. In embodiments where the blades can move linearly relative to each other, the gap may include a linear spacing. The maximum gap is defined as the gap 34 when blades 10A and 10B are maximally separated from each other. Therefore, the maximum gap defines the maximum distance (angular spacing or other spacing) between blades 10A and 10B. The maximum gap may define the stroke length or sweep length.

[0040] The maximum spacing is adjustable by the user. Therefore, the sweep angle or stroke length of one or more movable blades is adjustable. This allows the user to adjust the effective spacing of blades 10A, 10B in the open position. This can allow for faster operation of the shearing device (i.e., by shortening the travel time in the open / close cycle) and / or may help increase the safety of the shearing device (e.g., reducing the likelihood of fingers or other body parts being inserted between blades 10A, 10B).

[0041] Input 36 is configured to allow variation of the maximum interval. The input includes a switch or the like. In this embodiment, switch 36 includes a slider. Therefore, slider 36 can be slidable to change the maximum interval. Input 36 is continuously or infinitely movable (i.e., between a near-infinite number of positions). Therefore, the maximum interval is correspondingly continuously variable. This provides more flexible configuration because any maximum interval can be used.

[0042] The sensor arrangement is configured to detect the position of the input unit 36. The sensor may include any suitable position sensor. For example, a potentiometer may be used. Therefore, the input unit 36 ​​includes a manual sensor.

[0043] Input section 36 is disposed on handle portion 4. Input section 36 is located on the side opposite to actuator 18. Input section 36 is spaced apart from head portion 6 and / or actuator 18. Therefore, input section 36 is further away from blade 10 than actuator 18. This allows the user to operate the trigger with one hand while operating the input section with the other. This allows the user greater control over the cutting device. Markings may be provided adjacent to input section 36 to indicate the corresponding maximum interval.

[0044] In other embodiments, the input 36 is located on the same side as the actuator 18. For example, the input 36 may be axially spaced from the actuator 18 or may be located on / inside the trigger 20. This allows one-handed operation to open / close and change the blade pitch. In some embodiments, the actuator 18 can be used to adjust the maximum pitch. For example, a switch can be provided that allows selection between a maximum pitch mode and an open / closed mode. The user can move the switch and use the trigger to adjust the maximum pitch or provide open / closed accordingly.

[0045] It will be appreciated that the input 36 may include any suitable shape, such as a rotatable adjustment dial, a lever, or a pressable button. In some embodiments, one input may be provided to increase the maximum pitch, and a second input may be used to decrease the maximum pitch. In some embodiments, the maximum pitch may be electronically / digitally variable. For example, a user may input a specific pitch or increase the pitch by any scale. It will be appreciated that some quantified maximum pitch may be provided (e.g., due to limited sensor or motor sensitivity), however, typically at least 20 or at least 50 increments are provided so that the maximum pitch is effectively continuous in practical use.

[0046] In the first position (e.g., Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the input unit 36 ​​is configured to provide an "off" or non-powered state. In this embodiment, when in the off position, power is refused to the motor. Therefore, the blade becomes immobile.

[0047] In some embodiments, the input 36 engages the switch 38, which simply disconnects the power supply 12 from the controller 30 and / or the motor. In other embodiments, the controller 30 prevents power from being supplied to the motor (but may still receive power). This arrangement helps ensure that power is not cut off before the blades are fully closed.

[0048] In some embodiments, blades 10A and 10B can move to the maximum pitch in coordination with or synchronous with the movement of the input section 36 (e.g., in real time without the actuation trigger 18). Therefore, one or more movable blades move in coordination with the movement of the input section 36. This allows the user to observe the maximum pitch before use. If blades 10A and 10B are in the open position when the input section 36 moves to the closed position, blades 10A and 10B are closed accordingly. Thus, blades 10A and 10B close in a controlled manner.

[0049] In other embodiments, the maximum pitch is determined by the controller 30, and the blades 10A and 10B move toward the maximum pitch only after the actuation trigger 18. This arrangement requires the user to perform two separate actions, thus providing improved safety.

[0050] In this embodiment, the maximum interval between blades 10A and 10B is controlled electronically. The controller 30 receives a signal from the input unit 36 ​​indicating the maximum interval between blades 10A and 10B. During the opening of blades 10A and 10B, the controller 30 provides a signal to the motor / motor controller 32 to cause blades 10A and 10B to move only to the extent of the maximum interval. This can be determined using various methods. For example, if the motor operates at a given linear speed / angular velocity, the maximum interval is simply a function of time. For a 30-degree interval, the motor is activated for X seconds, while for a 60-degree interval, the motor is activated for 2X seconds.

[0051] In some embodiments, a sensor 40 is provided to determine the position of the blade and / or the motor. The controller 30 can then determine whether the maximum interval has been reached and drive the motor accordingly. Thus, the operation of the motor is determined via a feedback mechanism.

[0052] The maximum interval is usually less than or equal to 90 degrees, preferably less than or equal to 70 degrees, and more preferably less than or equal to 60 degrees.

[0053] Invention Operation

[0054] The user holds the shearing device 2, with the first hand on the trigger 20. The second hand can grip the handle portion 4 near the battery 12. The thumb of the second hand can adjust the input portion 36. The user slides the slider 36, and the movable blade 10B moves in coordination with the slider. The user can adjust the slider 36 until the desired interval is achieved. Then, the user presses the trigger 20 to initiate a closed loop. Depending on the configuration, the blades 10A and 10B can then open automatically or with a second press of the trigger 20.

[0055] Once the user has finished, slider 36 moves toward the off position. Blades 10A and 10B close with this movement until they are fully closed. To use the shearing device again, the user slides slider 36 back to the desired position and repeats the process.

[0056] The current arrangement allows for continuous (i.e., stepless) variation of the maximum interval, thus enabling flexible and adjustable configurations. The shearing device allows the user to select and visually determine the appropriate spacing before using it. The shearing device is typically operated using a two-handed configuration, thereby enhancing safety.

Claims

1. A shearing device (2), the shearing device comprising: At least one movable blade (10B) is movable relative to another component (10A) to provide a cutting mechanism in use, and at least one of the movable blade (10B) and the other component (10A) is movable via a motor; and An input unit (36) is configured to allow selection of the maximum interval (34) between the movable blade (10B) and the other component (10A), wherein the input unit (36) is configured to allow continuous selection of the maximum interval (34) so ​​that the maximum interval (34) between the movable blade (10B) and the other component (10A) can change accordingly and continuously.

2. The shearing device according to claim 1, wherein, The movement of the motor is controlled by an electronic controller (30), which is configured to move the movable blade (10B) according to the maximum interval (34) provided by the input.

3. The shearing device according to claim 2, wherein, The electronic controller (30) is configured to move the movable blade (10B) to the maximum interval (34) selected via the input (36) in response to the maximum interval (34), such that the input (36) and the movable blade (10B) operate in coordination.

4. The shearing device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The electronic controller (30) is configured to use the drive speed of the motor to determine whether the maximum interval (34) has been reached.

5. The shearing device according to any one of claims 2-4, the shearing device comprising a sensor (24) for determining the position of a motor or movable blade (10B), and the electronic controller (30) being configured to use the sensor (24) to determine whether a maximum interval (34) has been reached.

6. The shearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the input unit (36) is in the first position, the shearing device (2) is configured to refuse to supply power to the motor.

7. The shearing device according to claim 6, wherein, The electronic controller (30) is configured to close the cutting mechanism when the input section (36) moves to the first position.

8. The shearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, the shearing device comprising a manually operated actuator (18) configured to control a motor to achieve movement of a movable blade (10B), the actuator (18) being spaced apart from the input section (36).

9. The shearing device according to claim 8, wherein, The input section (36) is further apart from the actuator and the movable blade (10B).

10. The shearing device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The actuator (18) is configured to control the opening and closing of the cutting mechanism.

11. The shearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The other component (10A) includes a blade or anvil.

12. The shearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The input section (36) includes a slider.

13. The shearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The maximum interval (34) includes the angular interval.

14. The shearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cutting device is handheld and powered by a battery (12).

15. A shearing device (2), the shearing device comprising: At least one movable blade (10B) is movable relative to another component (10A) to provide a cutting mechanism in use, and at least one of the movable blade (10B) and the other component (10A) is movable via a motor; Input section (36), the input section being configured to allow selection of the maximum interval (34) between the movable blade (10B) and another component (10A); and A controller (30) is configured to control the movement of the cutting mechanism, and wherein the controller (30) is configured to move the movable blade (10B) to the maximum interval (34) in response to the maximum interval (34) selected via the input (36), such that the input and the movable blade act in concert.

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