Tool housing and motor exhaust management

Abstract

A motorized hand tool, such as a cordless ratchet wrench, has a motor and a housing surrounding or housing the motor. The motor includes one or more exhaust ports that exhaust the exhaust gas out of the motor. The housing includes one or more exhaust ports and inwardly projecting protrusions or guides extending around the exhaust ports. An inwardly projecting projection / guide extends in a direction toward the motor exhaust port and / or is at least partially disposed in the motor exhaust port to direct exhaust gas out of the housing and prevent exhaust gas recirculation near the motor and electronic components of the tool.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on September 1, 2021, with application number 202111021026.0 and title "Tool Housing and Motor Exhaust Management". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a tool housing for limiting the recirculation of motor exhaust gases. Background Technology

[0003] Powered hand tools, such as motorized ratchet wrenches and actuators, are commonly used in industrial and domestic applications, including automotive, for installing and removing threaded fasteners, and for applying torque and / or angular displacement to workpieces such as threaded fasteners. Powered hand tools, such as cordless powered ratchet wrenches and actuators, typically include an electric motor, other electronic components, and a battery housed in a clamshell-type housing. The clamshell housing typically comprises two or more housing sections fastened together by fasteners such as screws or rivets.

[0004] Cooling the motor and other electronic components is important, but challenging. To cool the motor, it draws in outside air, which is then heated during operation. This heated air is then exhausted as exhaust gas. Existing solutions for handling exhaust gas involve incorporating slots in the housing of the tool near the motor to allow the exhaust gas to escape.

[0005] However, inaccurate or ineffective exhaust gas venting from the tool housing can cause the exhaust gas to recirculate within the tool housing near the motor and other electronic components, adding heat rather than removing it. Other components within the tool housing can also generate heat, causing the air inside the housing to become saturated and unable to absorb heat. Therefore, allowing recirculated exhaust gas to recirculate within the housing is problematic. For example, improper or ineffective exhaust gas treatment can cause the motor and / or other components to overheat and malfunction, rendering the tool inoperable. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention broadly relates to motorized hand tools, such as cordless ratchet wrenches, having a motor and a housing that surrounds or houses the motor and other components. The motor includes one or more exhaust ports that expel exhaust gases from the motor. Cooling of the motor and electronic components (e.g., controllers or printed circuit boards) in a cordless ratchet wrench is important because numerous motor stoppages typically occur during normal use. To limit the recirculation of exhaust gases within the housing near the tool's motor and electronic components, the housing includes one or more exhaust ports and inwardly projecting protrusions or guides extending around the periphery of the exhaust ports. The inwardly projecting protrusions or guides extend in a direction toward the motor exhaust ports and / or are at least partially disposed in or extend into the motor exhaust ports to effectively guide exhaust gases away from the housing and limit their recirculation within the tool's motor and electronic components.

[0007] In one embodiment, the invention broadly relates to a housing for a tool, wherein the housing is adapted to house a motor having one or more motor exhaust ports. The housing includes a first outlet disposed within the housing and a first guide extending around the first outlet. An end of the first guide is adapted to be positioned near the first motor exhaust port and to guide exhaust gases from the motor to the outside of the housing.

[0008] In another embodiment, the invention broadly relates to a tool housing adapted to house a motor having a first motor exhaust port, a second motor exhaust port, and a motor inlet. The tool housing includes a first clamshell housing portion and a second clamshell housing portion joined together to cooperatively form the tool housing. The first clamshell housing portion includes a first outlet disposed within the first clamshell housing portion and a first guide portion extending peripherally around the first outlet, wherein an end of the first guide portion is adapted to be disposed near the first motor exhaust port and to guide exhaust gas away from the motor and out of the tool housing. Similarly, the second clamshell housing portion includes a second outlet disposed within the second clamshell housing portion and a second guide portion extending peripherally around the second outlet, wherein an end of the second guide portion is adapted to be disposed near the second motor exhaust port and to guide exhaust gas away from the motor and out of the tool housing. Attached Figure Description

[0009] For the purpose of making the subject matter to be protected readily understandable, embodiments thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings. By viewing the drawings and considering them in conjunction with the following description, the subject matter to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a tool housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a motor-included... Figure 1 The first exploded perspective view of the tool casing.

[0012] Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a motor-included... Figure 1 The second exploded perspective view of the tool shell.

[0013] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A side view of the first housing portion of the tool housing.

[0014] Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A side view of the second housing portion of the tool housing.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a side perspective view of a motor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a partially cut-off view taken along the longitudinal axis of a motor according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the motor is disposed in a first housing portion.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the motor according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the motor is disposed in the first and second housing portions. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Although the invention is readily available in many different forms of embodiments, with preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein, it should be understood that this disclosure is intended to be exemplary of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the illustrated embodiments. As used herein, the term "invention" is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but rather is used for discussing exemplary embodiments of the invention for illustrative purposes only.

[0019] This invention broadly relates to motorized hand tools, such as, for example, cordless ratchet wrenches, having a motor and a housing that surrounds or houses the motor. The motor includes one or more vents that allow exhaust gases to escape from and away from the motor. Cooling of the motor and electronic components (e.g., controllers or printed circuit boards) in a cordless ratchet wrench is important because numerous motor stoppages typically occur during normal use. To limit the recirculation of exhaust gases near the motor and electronic components within the housing, the housing includes one or more vents and inwardly projecting protrusions or guides extending around the periphery of the vents. The inwardly projecting protrusions or guides extend toward the motor vents and / or are at least partially disposed in or extend into the motor vents to effectively guide exhaust gases away from the motor and out of the housing, and to further limit the recirculation of exhaust gases near the motor and electronic components.

[0020] Reference Figure 1-5 The diagram illustrates a tool housing 102 for a tool, such as a cordless ratchet tool. The tool housing 102 may include a first housing portion 104 and a second housing portion 106, which are joined together in a clamshell manner to cooperatively form the tool housing 102. The tool housing 102 includes a first end 108 and a second end 110. The first end 108 is adapted to be coupled to a torque-applying head, such as a ratchet head; and the second end 110 is adapted to receive a power source, such as a battery. The tool housing 102 may enclose or house an electric motor 112 (as described in more detail below) and one or more other electronic components, such as a switching mechanism, a controller, and other components for configuring, setting, and operating the tool. The tool housing 102 may also include textured grips to improve the user's grip on the tool during twisting operations.

[0021] The first housing portion 104 includes one or more first air inlets 114 and one or more first air outlets 116. As shown, the first air inlets 114 are generally located in the middle portion of the first housing portion 104 between the first end 108 and the second end 110. However, the first air inlets 114 may be located in other positions, provided that during assembly, the first air inlets 114 are located near the motor air inlets of the motor 112, as described in more detail below. Similarly, the first air outlets 116 are located near the first end 108, but may be located in other positions, provided that during assembly, the first air outlets 116 are substantially aligned with the motor air outlets of the motor 112, as described in more detail below.

[0022] Reference Figure 2The first housing portion 104 also includes inwardly projecting first guide portions 118 respectively disposed around the periphery of the first air outlet 116. Each first guide portion 118 extends inwardly from the first inner surface 120 of the first housing portion 104 into the housing 102. The size and shape of each first guide portion 118 are configured to be at least partially embedded in or at least partially disposed in the corresponding motor exhaust outlet to provide an effective discharge or exhaust pipe function for guiding exhaust gases away from the motor 112 and out of the tool housing 102.

[0023] In a similar manner, refer again Figure 1-5 The second housing portion 106 includes one or more second air inlets 122 and one or more second air outlets 124. As shown, the second air inlets 122 are generally located in the middle portion of the second housing portion 106 between the first end 108 and the second end 110. However, the second air inlets 122 may be located in other positions, provided that during assembly, the second air inlets 122 are located near the motor air inlet of the motor 112, as described in more detail below. Similarly, the second air outlets 124 are located near the first end 108, but may be located in other positions, provided that during assembly, the second air outlets 124 are substantially aligned with the motor exhaust outlet of the motor 112, as described in more detail below.

[0024] Reference Figure 3 The second housing portion 106 also includes inwardly projecting second guide portions 126 respectively disposed around the periphery of the second air outlet 124. Each second guide portion 126 extends inwardly from the second inner surface 128 of the second housing portion 106 into the housing 102. The size and shape of each second guide portion 126 are configured to be at least partially embedded in or at least partially disposed in the corresponding motor exhaust outlet to provide an effective discharge or exhaust pipe function for guiding exhaust gas away from the motor 112 and out of the tool housing 102.

[0025] Reference Figure 2 , 3 6. Motor 112 can be a brushless or brushed motor, or any other suitable motor. In one embodiment, motor 112 includes a motor housing or motor enclosure 130, one or more motor inlets 132, one or more first motor outlets or exhaust ports 134, and one or more second motor outlets 136. As shown, motor inlets 132 are located on end caps 138 of motor 112. However, motor inlets 132 can be located in other operable locations, such as within the motor housing 130 near end caps 138.

[0026] The first motor outlet 134 and the second motor outlet 136 are disposed in and through the motor housing 130 near the front end 140 of the motor 112 opposite to the end cap 138. The first motor outlet 134 is also disposed on a first side of the motor 112, and the second motor outlet 136 is disposed on a second side of the motor 112. However, the first motor outlet 134 and the second motor outlet 136 may be disposed in other operable positions. In one embodiment, the first motor outlet 134 and the second motor outlet 136 are diametrically opposed. As shown, there are also two first motor outlets 134 and two second motor outlets 136, but there may be more or fewer than two.

[0027] Reference Figure 2 , 3 7 and 8, the motor 112 is disposed within the housing 102. A first air inlet 114 of the first housing portion 104 and a second air inlet 122 of the second housing portion 106 are disposed near the motor inlet 132. This allows the motor 112 to draw air from outside the housing 102 via the motor inlet 132 during operation to cool the motor. First guide portions 118, each disposed around the periphery of a first air outlet 116, extend toward the first motor outlet 134 and are disposed near the first motor outlet 134. In one embodiment, the first guide portions 118 extend at least partially into the first motor outlet 134. Similarly, second guide portions 126, each disposed around the periphery of a second air outlet 124, extend toward the second motor outlet 136 and are disposed near the second motor outlet 136. In one embodiment, the second guide portions 126 extend at least partially into the second motor outlet 136. Therefore, during operation, the motor 112 discharges exhaust gas to the first and second motor outlets 134, 136, and the first and second guides 118, 126 provide an effective discharge or exhaust pipe function to guide the exhaust gas away from the motor 112 and out of the tool housing 102 via the first and second air outlets 116, 124.

[0028] The first and second guides 118 and 126 also restrict the accidental flow or recirculation of exhaust gas within the motor 112 and housing 102. The first and second guides 118 and 126 effectively guide exhaust gas away from the tool housing 102 and also restrict the recirculation of exhaust gas within the housing 102 and the undesirable heating of the tool's motor 112 and electronic components.

[0029] The tool housing 102 can accommodate and connect to other components for operating the tool. For example, the tool may also include a ratchet head coupled to the tool housing 102 at a first end 108, a motor 112, and a trigger that can be activated by a user to operate the tool. For example, a user can press the trigger inward to draw power from a power source and cause the motor to provide torque to the ratchet head in the desired direction of rotation. Any suitable trigger and switching mechanism can be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the trigger may also be biased such that it can be pressed inward relative to the tool to operate the tool, and releasing the trigger causes it to move outward relative to the tool to stop the tool's operation by the biasing nature of the trigger. The trigger and switching mechanism may also be of a variable speed type. In this case, activating or pressing the trigger causes the motor to operate at a faster speed the deeper the trigger is pressed.

[0030] For example, an example ratchet head includes a drive section or drive lug and a selector knob. The drive section is adapted to apply torque to a workpiece (e.g., a fastener) via a connector, drill bit, or slot coupled to the drive section. The drive section is, for example, a two-way ratchet square or hexagonal drive section. The drive section can be a "male" connector designed to engage a female pair by inserting or mating. However, the drive section can alternatively be a "female" connector designed to engage a male pair. The drive section can also be configured to directly engage a workpiece without needing to be coupled to a connector, drill bit, or slot. The rotation direction of the drive section can be selected by rotating the selector knob to be a first rotation direction or a second rotation direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0031] Motor 112 is adapted to operably engage a ratchet head and provide torque to the tool and, consequently, to the drive unit. A power source may be associated with the tool to provide electrical or other forms of power, such as, for example, electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic, to drive motor 112. In one embodiment, the power source may be housed in a second end 110 of tool housing 102, or in any other part of the tool / tool ​​housing 102. The power source may also be an external component not housed by the tool, but operably associated with the tool, for example, via a wired or wireless means. In one embodiment, the power source is a battery adapted to be disposed in an end of tool housing 102 and electrically connected to a corresponding terminal of the tool.

[0032] Motor 112 and switching mechanism are typically housed within tool housing 102, and the switching mechanism is operatively coupled to motor 112. An actuable trigger is also operatively coupled to the switching mechanism such that actuation of the trigger (e.g., pressing the trigger) causes motor 112 to rotate in a known manner in either a first or second rotational direction (clockwise or counterclockwise). The switching mechanism may also be operatively coupled to a controller (which may include a printed circuit board) including terminals or battery contacts coupled to corresponding electrical contacts on a removable battery.

[0033] As discussed herein, tool housing 102 is part of a ratchet wrench. However, tool housing 102 can be incorporated into any electrically driven or handheld tool, including but not limited to drills, grooving machines, or impact wrenches, ratchet wrenches, screwdrivers, or other driven tools that may be electrically powered via an external power source (such as a wall socket and / or generator outlet) or a battery.

[0034] As used herein, the term “connection” and its functionally equivalent terms are not intended to be limited to the direct, mechanical joining of two or more parts. Rather, the term “connection” and its functionally equivalent terms are intended to indicate any direct or indirect mechanical, electrical, or chemical connection between two or more objects, features, workpieces, and / or environmental matters. In some examples, “connection” is also intended to indicate that one object is integrated with another. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms “a” or “an” as used herein may include one or more items.

[0035] The matters set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings are provided by way of illustration only and not as limiting. Although specific embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the broader aspects of the inventors' contributions. The actual scope of protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when considered in light of the prior art and in its proper viewpoint.

Claims

1. A housing for a tool and adapted to house a motor having a first motor exhaust port, the housing comprising: A first outlet is disposed in the housing and has a first outlet periphery adapted to be aligned with the exhaust port of the first motor in a radial direction relative to the motor; and A first guide portion is disposed around the periphery of the first outlet and extends inwardly from the first inner surface of the housing, wherein the end of the first guide portion is adapted to be at least partially disposed in the first motor exhaust port and to guide exhaust gas from the motor to the outside of the housing.

2. The housing according to claim 1, further comprising a first housing portion, wherein the first outlet is disposed in the first housing portion.

3. The outer casing according to claim 2, wherein, It also includes a second housing portion, which is coupled to the first housing portion to cooperatively form the housing.

4. The housing according to claim 3, wherein, It also includes a second outlet, which is disposed in the second housing portion and has a second outlet periphery.

5. The housing according to claim 4, wherein, It also includes a second guide portion disposed around the periphery of the second outlet, wherein the end of the second guide portion is adapted to be disposed near the exhaust port of the second motor and to guide the exhaust gas from the motor to the outside of the housing.

6. The housing according to claim 5, wherein, The second guide portion protrudes inward from the second inner surface of the second housing portion, and the end of the second guide portion is adapted to be at least partially disposed in the second motor exhaust port.

7. The housing according to claim 2, wherein, It also includes a first inlet disposed in the first housing portion and adapted to allow air from outside the housing to be drawn into the housing by the motor.

8. The housing according to claim 5, wherein, It also includes a second inlet disposed in the second housing portion and adapted to allow air from outside the housing to be drawn into the housing by the motor.

9. A tool housing adapted to house a motor having a first motor exhaust port, a second motor exhaust port, and a motor inlet, the tool housing comprising: The first clam shell outer shell portion includes: A first outlet having a first outlet periphery adapted to be aligned with the exhaust port of the first motor in a radial direction relative to the motor; and A first guide portion, disposed around the periphery of the first outlet and extending inwardly from a first inner surface of the first clamshell outer shell portion, wherein an end of the first guide portion is adapted to be at least partially disposed in the first motor exhaust port and to guide exhaust gas from the motor to the outside of the tool housing; and The second clam shell outer shell portion includes: A second outlet having a periphery adapted to be aligned with the exhaust port of the second motor in a radial direction relative to the motor; and A second guide portion is disposed around the periphery of the second outlet and extends inwardly from the second inner surface of the second clamshell outer shell portion, wherein the end of the second guide portion is adapted to be at least partially disposed in the second motor exhaust port and to guide exhaust gas from the motor to the outside of the tool housing.

10. The tool housing according to claim 9, wherein, The first clam shell outer shell portion further includes a first inlet disposed in the first clam shell outer shell portion and adapted to allow air from outside the tool housing to be drawn into the tool housing.

11. The tool housing according to claim 10, wherein, The second clam shell outer shell portion further includes a second inlet disposed in the second clam shell outer shell portion and adapted to allow air from outside the tool housing to be drawn into the tool housing.

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