Drilling machine / driver multifunctional tool

Abstract

The invention discloses a drilling machine / driver multifunctional tool. A hand-held electric multifunction tool integrates a rotary drive, a capacitive wall bone probe, and a level detection device into a single tool housing. The tool housing includes a head portion accommodating the motor, a handle portion protruding from a rear end of the head portion, and a guard portion. The guard portion is generally U-shaped and is coupled to a forward facing edge of the handle portion. A wall bone detector is integrated into the base of the guide portion, while a level detection device is integrated into the leg of the guard portion.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] When performing repair or improvement projects around home or in the workplace, multiple tools may be required to complete the project. For example, to perform a wall-mounted project, the person performing the project will need to have several individual tools and / or combine several individual tools together. These tools include rotary drives, stud detectors, and level detectors. A rotary drive is a handheld rotary tool with an adjustable chuck that can accommodate various sizes of drill bits and drive bits. A stud detector is another handheld device and can be used in wooden or "stick-built" buildings to locate frame studs located behind walls (usually drywall walls). A level detector is a device used to establish a horizontal or vertical plane.

[0002] When using a standard wall rib detector, the user will press the detector against the wall and move it back and forth to try to locate each side of the wall rib behind the wall. Once the wall rib is located, the user will need to change tools. After using the wall rib detector, the user can use a rotary actuator to drive the fastener through the installed object and into the wall. After using the rotary actuator, the user can use a level to check the final orientation of the installed object or device relative to the horizontal plane. Some users may not have all the necessary tools, or may find it cumbersome to keep switching between several different tools while working on a project.

[0003] Ideally, a single tool should provide the functionality of multiple tools to simplify the execution of frequently performed projects and reduce the need for tool storage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In some respects, a handheld power multi-tool can integrate several tools often used to accomplish common projects into a single device. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the multi-tool is a handheld power rotary actuator that also incorporates a capacitive wall-mounting detector and a leveling device. Such a multi-tool would be useful for hanging photos or shelves on the walls of a room. In use, the user would need a single multi-tool to identify the locations on the wall corresponding to the wall joists, drill holes in the wall and joists for receiving fasteners, and level objects mounted via the fasteners.

[0005] Beyond the convenience of multiple tool functions within a single power tool, the multi-tool described herein uniquely combines a wall-mounted detector and a drill / drive. In one example, the wall-mounted detector is permanently integrated into the tool housing by means of a U-shaped "knuckle guard," referred to herein as the "guard" located in front of the user's hand. The guard is part of the tool housing, providing a natural extension of the typical pistol-grip grip and ideally suited for receiving the wall-mounted detector, while offering ease of handling and positioning it during use. Furthermore, by placing the wall-mounted detector within the protective portion of the tool housing, the capacitive wall-mounted detector is physically separated from the other electrical components of the multi-tool. This physical separation isolates the electrical components of the wall-mounted detector from other electronic devices or dense objects that might interfere with its detection sensitivity.

[0006] In another example, a large area of ​​the protective member can be used for indicators and / or other human-machine interface devices, such as displays, interfaces, or other indicator schemes. For example, in some embodiments, a series of LED indicators may be provided on two lateral sides of the protective member. By providing interface devices on each of the opposite sides of the tool housing, the indicators can be seen by both right-handed and left-handed users and / or in cases where the tool is used in an unusual orientation.

[0007] In another example, the multi-tool includes a protruding proximity switch located on the front of the detector surface of the wall bone detector. The proximity switch detects when the detector surface is pressed against the wall. When the detector surface is detected to be pressed against the wall, a controller within the multi-tool automatically activates the wall bone detection device.

[0008] In another example, the bone detector is powered by the main battery of the multi-tool.

[0009] In yet another example, other tools may be stored in the tool housing for easy access. For instance, the outer surface of the housing may include recesses that receive and removably hold drill bits, drive bits, leveling devices, wrenches, or other frequently used accessories.

[0010] In some aspects, a handheld power tool includes a tool housing. The tool housing includes a head portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the tool and a handle portion projecting from the rear end of the head portion. The handle portion has a proximal end adjacent to the head portion and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end. The tool housing also includes a U-shaped guard portion projecting from the head portion. The guard portion has a first leg extending from the proximal end of the handle portion toward the front of the tool, a second leg extending from the distal end of the handle portion toward the front of the tool, and a base spaced apart from the handle portion and extending from the first leg to the second leg. The handheld power tool includes a motor disposed in the head portion and a chuck disposed on the front of the head portion. The chuck is mechanically connected to the output shaft of the motor. The handheld power tool includes an actuator that projects from the tool housing into the space between the handle portion and the guard portion and is configured to actuate a switch when the user depresses the actuator. Additionally, the handheld power tool includes a wall detector integrated into the guard portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the base has a planar detection surface facing away from the hand grip portion, and the sensor of the wall bone detector faces the detection surface and is configured to detect capacitance along a direction perpendicular to the detection surface.

[0012] In some embodiments, the base includes a first lateral side surface extending along one side edge of the planar detection surface, and a second lateral side surface extending along the other side edge of the planar detection surface. The first and second lateral side surfaces are located on opposite sides of the planar detection surface. Additionally, at least one of the first and second lateral side surfaces includes an indicator that provides an indication of whether the sensor has detected a change in capacitance. In other embodiments, each of the first and second lateral side surfaces includes an indicator that provides an indication of whether the sensor has detected a change in capacitance.

[0013] In some embodiments, the base includes a proximity switch disposed on the detection surface and configured to move between two configurations: a first switch configuration in which the wall-bone detector is not activated; and a second switch configuration in which the wall-bone detector is activated. The proximity switch is in the first switch configuration when the detection surface is spaced apart from the surface to be detected, and in the second switch configuration when the detection surface is adjacent to the surface to be detected.

[0014] In some embodiments, the bone detector is activated by a proximity switch.

[0015] In some embodiments, the bone detector is an electronic bone detector and includes a capacitance detector, a bone detector printed circuit board assembly, and logic electronics supported on the bone detector printed circuit board assembly and electrically connected to the capacitance detector.

[0016] In some embodiments, the handheld power tool includes a power supply that is detachably mounted to the tool housing and electrically connected to the motor via a switch.

[0017] In some embodiments, the bone detector is powered by a power supply.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second leg includes an internal cavity intersecting with the outer surface of the second leg, and the power tool includes a level detection device configured to be removably stored in the cavity and held in the cavity by a retainer.

[0019] In some embodiments, the level detection device includes a level detector housing and a level detector disposed within the level detector housing. The level detector is configured to detect the level of a reference surface of the level detector housing. Additionally, the level detection device includes a laser disposed within the level detector housing. The laser is configured to emit a visible light beam in a predetermined direction relative to the reference surface.

[0020] In some embodiments, the level detection device is powered by a level detection device battery.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first leg includes a work light configured to project visible light toward an area in front of the chuck.

[0022] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the protective portion includes a recess configured to receive and retain an accessory for a power tool therein.

[0023] In some embodiments, the accessory is one of the drill bit and the rotary drive.

[0024] By utilizing the unused area in front of the tool handle, the bone detector can be positioned such that its use is in a natural position relative to the pistol grip of the drill / drive. This position also isolates the sensitive detector from the tool and provides optimal visibility to the indicator. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a handheld electric multi-tool.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Rear perspective view of a handheld electric multi-tool, shown with the battery pack removed.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a handheld electric multi-tool.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the horizontal detection device.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the horizontal detection device. Detailed Implementation

[0030] refer to Figure 1-3 The handheld power multi-tool 1 includes a handheld rotary power tool, such as a rotary drive 20, which integrates a wall detector 50 and a level detection device 80 within the tool housing 2 of the rotary drive 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall detector 50 and the level detection device 80 are positioned in a previously unused area of ​​the tool 1 in front of the power tool handle, which is the natural location for using the wall detector 50. This location also isolates the wall detector electronics 52, 53 from those in the rotary drive 20 and provides a location for placing a tool status indicator 58 that is easily visible to the user. The handheld power multi-tool 1 is described in detail below.

[0031] The rotary drive 20 may be a drill / drive including a transmission system 24 disposed within the tool housing 2. The tool housing 2 includes: a front end portion 3, which corresponds to the end of the rotary drive furthest from the user when the rotary drive 20 is in use; and a rear end portion 4, opposite to the front end portion 3. The tool housing 2 includes a head portion 5, a handle portion 6, and a protective portion 9. In some embodiments, the tool housing 2 is an assembly of two clamshell housing portions that, when assembled, provide internal space within each of the head portion 5, the handle portion 6, and the protective portion 9.

[0032] The head portion 5 of the tool housing 2, which houses the transmission system, is generally cylindrical and extends along the longitudinal direction of the rotary actuator 20. (The remaining text appears to be a fragment and requires further context for accurate translation.) Figure 1 The orientation of tool 1 illustrated herein refers to directions such as, but not limited to, top, bottom, upper, lower, above, below, overlying, lying down, and underside. It should be understood that these terms are relative terms, and tool 1 can be used and stored in any orientation. However, the terms "front" and "back" are clearly defined with respect to their corresponding reference numerals 3 and 4, and terms such as forward and backward are used with reference to the front and back directions.

[0033] The handle portion 6 protrudes from the head portion 5 at the rear end 4 of the tool housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the head portion 5 and the handle portion 6 are arranged in a "pistol grip" configuration. The handle portion 6 is generally cylindrical and has a proximal end 7 adjacent to the head portion 5 and a distal end 8 opposite to and spaced apart from the proximal end 7.

[0034] The protective portion 9 is a generally U-shaped structure protruding from the head portion 5 and the handle portion 6. The protective portion includes a first leg 10, a second leg 11, and a base 12 that connects the end of the first leg 10 to the end of the second leg 11 to form a U-shape. Specifically, the first leg 10 extends from the proximal end 7 of the handle portion 6 toward the front end 3 of the rotary actuator 20. The first leg 10 includes a bend 17, and a portion of the first leg 10 adjoins the lower side of the head portion 5. The second leg 11 extends from the distal end 8 of the handle portion 6 toward the front end 3 of the rotary actuator 20. The base 12 extends from the first leg 10 to the second leg 11 to be spaced apart from the handle portion 6. In this configuration, both the handle portion 6 and the protective portion 9 hang down from the lower side of the head portion 5, and the protective portion 9 is positioned in front of the handle portion 6. In this position, the protective part 9 can sometimes be referred to as a "knuckle protector" because the protective part 9 covers the user's knuckles when the user holds the grip part 6.

[0035] Unlike the cylindrical handle portion 6, the first leg 10, the second leg 11, and the base 12 of the protective portion 9 each have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The base 12 has a rear surface 14 facing the handle portion 6 and a flat detection surface 13 facing away from the handle portion 6. The base 12 also includes a first lateral side surface 15 and a second lateral side surface 16 extending between the detection surface 13 and the rear surface 14. The internal space 12(1) of the base is defined between the detection surface 13, the rear surface 14, and the first lateral side surface 15 and the second lateral side surface 16.

[0036] The transmission system 24 is housed within the internal space of the head portion 5. The transmission system 24 includes an electric motor 25, a gear set 32, a clutch 28, a spindle 30, and a quick-release chuck 31. The motor 25 has an output shaft 26 that drives the gear set 32. The output shaft 26 is supported within the head portion 5 by bearings 27. The gear set 32 ​​transmits the rotational output of the motor 25 to the clutch 28 and allows for variable speed and torque control. The clutch 28 mechanically connects the spindle 30 to the chuck 31 and allows the user to adjust the output torque. The spindle 30 is driven by the clutch 28 and drives the chuck 31. The chuck 31 may include gripping attachments (e.g., drill bits or drive bits, not shown) and transmits the output of the spindle 30 to the jaws of the attachments.

[0037] Motor 25 is powered by a power supply. In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply is a removable and rechargeable battery pack 39, but is not limited to this type of power source. Battery pack 39 is received in a recess 19 open through the distal end 8 of the handle portion and includes an electrical connector (not shown) allowing electrical connection of battery pack 29 to a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 33, which includes a controller 34 and auxiliary electronics for controlling the rotary drive 20 during operation. When positioned in recess 19, battery pack 39 is electrically connected to the motor via drive switch 23.

[0038] The rotary actuator 20 includes an actuator, such as a trigger 22 protruding from the tool housing 2 into the space between the handle portion 6 and the protective portion 9. Specifically, the trigger 22 protrudes from the proximal end 7 of the handle portion 6 and is configured to actuate a drive switch 23 when the user presses the trigger 22. The drive switch 23 is disposed in the handle portion 6 and allows the user to selectively electrically connect the motor 25 and the battery pack 39.

[0039] The rotary drive 20 includes a work light 18 configured to direct visible light toward the front of the tool 1 for the purpose of illuminating the workpiece or project work area. The work light 18 may be an LED 18(1) or other known light source mounted in the protective portion 9. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the work light 18 is disposed adjacent to a transparent window 18(2) provided in the forward-facing surface of the first leg 10 of the protective portion. The work light 18 is powered by a battery pack 39 via a PCBA 33 and is automatically turned on when the trigger 22 is activated.

[0040] The multi-function tool 1 includes a wall rib detector 50 integrated into the rotary actuator 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall rib detector 50 is a capacitive wall rib detector, but is not limited to this type. A capacitive wall rib detector uses changes in capacitance caused by differences in material density to determine the location of a wall rib within a wall structure. The wall rib detector 50 relies on one or more sensors 51 that detect changes in the dielectric constant of the wall structure. The dielectric constant changes when a wall rib is applied to a sensor 51. For example, when a sensor 51 on the inner side of the wall rib detector 50 applies the wall structure at a location without a wall rib, it detects one dielectric constant, but when the wall rib detector 50 applies the wall structure at a location with a wall rib, the sensor 51 detects a different dielectric constant. For example, a lower dielectric constant may indicate the presence of a wall rib in the wall structure.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the wall-mounted detector 50 is disposed within the interior space 12(1) of the base 12 of the protective portion. Specifically, the capacitance detection sensor 51 of the wall-mounted detector rests beneath and faces the detection surface 13 without intervening in the structure. The sensor is configured to detect capacitance along a direction in front of and perpendicular to the detection surface 13. The sensor 51 may be supported on a wall-mounted detector PCBA 52. The wall-mounted detector PCBA 52 is powered by a power supply 39 and also supports logic electronics that process the output of the capacitance detector and transmit it to a human-machine interface (HMI) provided on one or both lateral sides of the guide portion 9. In the illustrated embodiment, both the left and right lateral surfaces 15, 16 of the guide portion 9 include the HMI.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the HMI on a given side of the guide portion 9 includes a group of several LED-illuminated indicators 58 that provide indication of whether the wall bone detector has detected a wall bone. For example, the group may include three separate indicators 58 that respectively indicate the presence of a wall bone, an indication that the wall bone detector 50 is ready to move relative to the wall structure, and a paused state of the device. Although the HMI is described herein as a group of LED-illuminated indicators, the HMI is not limited to this type of user interface or the indicators illustrated.

[0043] The wall detector 50 is actuated by a proximity switch actuator 54 disposed on the detection surface 13. The proximity switch actuator 54 controls the operation of the proximity switch 55 and is movable between two configurations: an advancing configuration, in which the proximity switch actuator 54 protrudes outward from the detection surface and the proximity switch 55 is off; and a retracted configuration, in which the proximity switch actuator 54 is flush with or recessed relative to the detection surface 13 and the proximity switch 55 is on. The proximity switch actuator 54 is biased to the advancing configuration by a resilient member (not shown).

[0044] A proximity switch 55 is disposed in the internal space 12(1) of the base 12 of the protective section, adjacent to the wall slab detector PCBA 52. The proximity switch 55 is configured to switch between two configurations: a first switching configuration in which the wall slab detector is not activated; and a second switching configuration in which the wall slab detector is activated. When the detection surface 13 is spaced apart from the wall surface to be detected, the proximity switch actuator 54 is in an advancing configuration relative to the detection surface 13, and the proximity switch 55 is in the first switching configuration, whereby the wall slab detector is not activated. When the detection surface 13 is adjacent to the wall surface, the wall structure presses the proximity switch actuator 54 down to a retracted configuration, and the proximity switch is in the second switching configuration, whereby the wall slab detector 50 is activated.

[0045] A thin felt pad 35 may be provided on the outer side of the detection surface 13. The felt pad 35 facilitates the smooth movement of the wall rib detector 50 across the wall and protects the finish (or "coating") of the wall surface during use of the wall rib detector 50.

[0046] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The power tool 1 includes a level detection device 80, which is configured to be removably stored in a guide portion 9 of the tool housing 2. Specifically, the level detection device 80 is received within a cavity 11(1) provided within the internal space of the second leg 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the level detection device 80 is held in the cavity 11(1) by a spring-loaded retainer 36. The cavity 11(1) intersects the outer surface of the second leg 11 adjacent to the base 12, thereby opening the cavity 11(1) towards the forward direction of the tool 1.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal detection device 80 includes two small cylindrical glass tubes 90, 91 supported within a detector housing 81 so as to be visible via a first surface 84 of the detector housing 81. For example, the first surface 84 may include openings 84(1) through which the tubes 90, 91 can be observed. Each glass tube is slightly curved and contains alcohol or a similar liquid and bubbles. The tubes 90, 91 are sealed and include markings indicating when a bubble is centered within them. The first surface 84 is located on opposite sides of the detector housing relative to a planar surface serving as a reference surface 82. Specifically, the two tubes 90, 91 are fixed parallel to the reference surface 82. The centerline of the first tube 90 is arranged perpendicular to the centerline of the second tube 91. Adjustment of the reference surface 82 to the horizontal (or vertical) plane is indicated by the movement of a bubble relative to a reference marking provided on the corresponding first tube 90 or second tube 91.

[0048] In addition to tubes 90 and 91, the horizontal detection device 80 also includes a laser 92 that emits visible light. The laser 92 is disposed within the detector housing 81 and arranged parallel to the second tube 91. When powered, the laser 92 emits a visible light beam through an opening 93 in the lateral side 83 of the detector housing 81. The laser 92 is arranged to emit the visible light beam in a direction parallel to the reference surface 82, thereby allowing the beam to be used as a visible reference during operation.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the internal battery 89 supplies power to the laser 92 when the power switch 95 is actuated. The internal battery 89 may be rechargeable and may be recharged via a battery charging port 88 provided in the detector housing 81.

[0050] Refer again Figure 1 and Figure 2The tool housing 2 may include a structure configured to receive and retain an attachment 42 of the power tool 1. For example, the attachment 42 may be a drill bit or a rotary drive. The retaining structure may include an elongated, shallow recess 40 shaped and sized to receive the attachment 42 in a press-fit or snap-fit ​​configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 40 is provided in the outer surface of the protective portion 9. More specifically, the recess 40 is formed in the outer surface of the lateral side of the second leg 11 of the protective member. In some embodiments, more than one recess 40 may be provided. For example, multiple recesses 40 may be arranged side-by-side. In another example, one or more recesses 40 may be provided on each of the opposing lateral sides of the protective member 9.

[0051] Although the wall-bone detector described herein is an electronic wall-bone detector, wall-bone detectors are not limited to this type. For example, in some embodiments, the wall-bone detector may alternatively be a magnetic, radar-based device or other known detector.

[0052] Although a bubble detector is described in this paper, the level detector is not limited to a bubble detector, and other types of level detectors can be used in place of a bubble detector. For example, various sensors can be used for point detection on solids, including vibration, diaphragm, radar, capacitance, optical, and ultrasonic sensors.

[0053] Exemplary embodiments of the tool have been described above in some detail. It should be understood that only structures deemed necessary for illustrating the tool have been described herein. Other conventional structures, as well as the structures of appendages and auxiliary components of the tool, are assumed to be known and understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, while operational examples of the tool have been described above, the tool is not limited to the operational examples described above, but various design changes may be implemented without departing from the apparatus set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A hand-held power tool comprising: a tool housing comprising: a head portion elongated in a front-rear direction of the tool, a hand grip portion protruding from a rear end of the head portion, the hand grip portion having a proximal end contiguous with the head portion and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end, and a U-shaped guard portion protruding from the head portion, the guard portion having a first leg extending from the proximal end of the hand grip portion toward a front of the tool, a second leg extending from the distal end of the hand grip portion toward the front of the tool, and a base spaced apart from the hand grip portion and extending from the first leg to the second leg; a motor disposed in the head portion; a chuck disposed on a front of the head portion and mechanically connected to an output shaft of the motor; an actuator protruding from the tool housing into a space between the hand grip portion and the guard portion and configured to actuate a switch when a user depresses the actuator; and a wall bone detector integrated into the guard portion.

2. The hand-held power tool of claim 1, wherein, the base has a planar detection surface facing away from the hand grip portion, and a sensor of the wall bone detector faces the detection surface and is configured to detect a change in capacitance in a direction perpendicular to the detection surface.

3. The hand-held power tool of claim 2, wherein: the base includes a first lateral side surface extending along one side edge of the planar detection surface, and a second lateral side surface extending along another side edge of the planar detection surface, the first and second lateral side surfaces are on opposite sides of the planar detection surface, at least one of the first and second lateral side surfaces includes an indicator that provides an indication of whether the sensor detects a change in capacitance.

4. The hand-held power tool of claim 2, wherein: the base includes a first lateral side surface extending along one side edge of the planar detection surface, and a second lateral side surface extending along another side edge of the planar detection surface, the first and second lateral side surfaces are on opposite sides of the planar detection surface, each of the first and second lateral side surfaces includes an indicator that provides an indication of whether the sensor detects a change in capacitance.

5. The hand-held power tool of claim 2, wherein, the base includes a proximity switch disposed on the detection surface and configured to move between a first switch configuration in which the wall bone detector is not activated, and a second switch configuration in which the wall bone detector is activated, and wherein the proximity switch is in the first switch configuration when the detection surface is spaced apart from a surface to be detected, and the proximity switch is in the second switch configuration when the detection surface abuts the surface to be detected.

6. The hand-held power tool of claim 1, wherein, the wall bone detector is activated by the proximity switch.

7. The hand-held power tool of claim 1, wherein, the wall bone detector is an electronic wall bone detector, and includes: a capacitance detector, a wall bone detector printed circuit board assembly, and a proximity switch. a logic electronic device supported on the wall bone probe printed circuit board assembly and electrically connected to the capacitance detector.

8. The hand-held power tool of claim 1, comprising a power supply detachably mounted to the tool housing and electrically connected to the motor via the switch.

9. The hand-held power tool of claim 8, wherein, The wall bone probe is powered using the power supply.

10. The hand-held power tool of claim 1, wherein, The second leg comprises an internal cavity intersecting an outer surface of the second leg, and The power tool comprises a level detection device configured to be removably stored in the cavity and held in the cavity by a holder.

11. The hand-held power tool of claim 10, wherein, The level detection device comprises: a level detector housing, a level detector disposed in the level detector housing, the level detector configured to detect a level of a reference surface of the level detector housing, and a laser disposed in the level detector housing, the laser configured to emit a beam of visible light in a predetermined direction relative to the reference surface.

12. The hand-held power tool of claim 10, wherein, The level detection device is powered by a level detection device battery.

13. The hand-held power tool of claim 1, wherein, The first leg comprises a work light configured to project visible light toward an area forward of the chuck.

14. The hand-held power tool of claim 1, wherein, An outer surface of the guard portion comprises a recess configured to receive and hold an accessory of the power tool therein.

15. The hand-held power tool of claim 14, wherein, The accessory is one of a drill bit and a rotary driver.

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