Random track sanding machine

Abstract

A random track sander includes a housing including a motor housing portion and a handle portion extending from the motor housing portion; the motor is arranged in the motor shell part; a random track mechanism driven by the motor and having an output shaft; a backing pad, the backing pad being removably engaged with the output shaft; and a spindle locking assembly adjacent to the backing pad, where the spindle locking assembly includes a support ring and a wrench rotatably disposed on the support ring between a stowed position in which the wrench is disengaged from a nut on the output shaft and a deployed position in which the wrench is disengaged from the nut on the output shaft. The wrench engages the nut to lock rotation of the output shaft.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 464,395 filed on May 5, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The utility model relates to a random orbital sanding machine. Background Art

[0004] Random orbital sanders are used to smooth workpieces including wood, metal, etc. Improvements to these tools are always sought in the industry. Utility Model Content

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention provides a random orbital sander, the random orbital sander comprising: a housing including a motor housing portion and a handle portion extending from the motor housing portion; a motor disposed within the motor housing portion; a random orbit mechanism driven by the motor and having an output shaft; a backing pad removably engaged with the output shaft; and a spindle locking assembly adjacent to the backing pad, wherein the spindle locking assembly comprises a support ring and a wrench rotatably disposed on the support ring between a stowed position and a deployed position, in which the wrench is disengaged from a nut on the output shaft, and in which the wrench is engaged with the nut to lock the rotation of the output shaft.

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention provides a random orbital sander, comprising: a housing including a motor housing portion and a handle portion extending from the motor housing portion; a motor disposed within the motor housing portion; a random orbital mechanism driven by the motor and having an output shaft; a backing pad removably engaged with the output shaft; a fan configured to rotate with the motor; and a fan shroud formed around the fan, wherein the fan shroud includes a variable radius R measured from a center of the fan, wherein the variable radius R varies from a first end of the fan shroud to a second end of the fan shroud.

[0007] In another aspect, the present invention provides a random orbital sander comprising: a housing including a motor housing portion and a handle portion extending from the motor housing portion; a motor disposed within the motor housing portion; a random orbital mechanism driven by the motor and having an attachment nut; a spindle threadably engaged with the attachment nut; and a backing pad removably engaged with the spindle.

[0008] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a random orbital sander, the random orbital sander comprising: a housing including a motor housing portion and a handle portion extending from the motor housing portion; a motor disposed within the motor housing portion; a random orbit mechanism driven by the motor and having an output shaft; a backing pad removably engaged with the output shaft; a dust outlet; one or more universal vacuum attachment brackets adjacent to the dust outlet; a first vacuum attachment mountable on the one or more universal vacuum attachment brackets; and a second vacuum attachment mountable on the one or more universal vacuum attachment brackets, the second vacuum attachment being different from the first vacuum attachment.

[0009] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a random orbital sander, comprising: a housing having a motor housing portion and a handle portion extending from the motor housing portion, wherein the housing comprises a first housing shell, the first housing shell being coupled to a second housing shell along a first joint; a motor disposed in the motor housing portion; a random orbit mechanism driven by the motor and having an output shaft; a backing pad removably engaged with the output shaft; and a battery socket disposed in the housing, the battery socket comprising a first socket shell, the first socket shell being attached to the second socket shell along a second joint, wherein the second joint forms a certain angle relative to the first joint.

[0010] In one aspect, the present invention provides a random orbital sander, the random orbital sander comprising: a housing including a motor housing portion and a handle portion extending from the motor housing portion; a motor disposed within the motor housing portion; a random orbit mechanism driven by the motor and having an output shaft; a backing pad removably engaged with the output shaft; a mode switch located on the housing; a paddle switch located on the housing near the mode switch; and an electronic control unit communicating with the mode switch and the paddle switch to obtain control from the mode switch and the paddle switch. The mode switch and the paddle switch receive inputs, and the electronic control unit also communicates with the motor to control the operation of the motor in response to the inputs of the mode switch and the paddle switch, wherein the electronic control unit is operable to control the motor to be in a standard operating mode in response to the mode switch being pressed and released, in which standard operating mode the motor can be operated at a variable speed through the paddle switch, and wherein the electronic control unit is operable to control the motor to be in a locked operating mode in response to the mode switch being pressed and held for a predetermined time, in which locked operating mode the motor can be continuously operated at a fixed speed.

[0011] Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent by considering the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a stereoscopic view of a random orbital sander according to an embodiment of the utility model.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of a random orbital sander.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Side view of a random orbital sander.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Top view of a random orbital sander.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Side view of a random orbital sander with a portion of the housing removed.

[0017] Figure 6 is Figure 5 The frame 6 of Figure 1 Detailed view of a random orbital sander showing a section of a switch housing.

[0018] Figure 7 is used for Figure 1 Detailed view of a paddle switch for a random orbital sander showing a section through a portion of the switch housing.

[0019] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Rear perspective view of a random orbital sander.

[0020] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 3 The line 9-9 is intercepted Figure 1 Cross-section of a random orbital sander.

[0021] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 A side view of a random orbital sander with a portion of the housing and battery socket removed.

[0022] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the battery socket of a random orbital sander.

[0023] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A top view of the battery socket.

[0024] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 End view of the battery socket.

[0025] Fig.14 It is along Figure 3 The line 14-14 is intercepted Figure 1 Cross-section of a random orbital sander.

[0026] Fig.15 When in the stowed position Figure 1 A perspective view of the spindle locking assembly of a random orbital sander.

[0027] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 Exploded perspective view of the spindle locking assembly.

[0028] Fig.17 yes Fig.15 Side view of the spindle locking assembly.

[0029] Fig.18 When in the stowed position Fig.15 Top view of the spindle lock assembly.

[0030] Fig.19 When in the extended position Fig.15 Top view of the spindle lock assembly.

[0031] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a spindle locking assembly in a stowed position.

[0032] Fig.21 When in the extended position Fig. 20 A perspective view of the spindle locking assembly.

[0033] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a spindle locking assembly in a stowed position.

[0034] Fig.23 When in the locked position, Figure 1 A perspective view of the backing pad of a random orbital sander.

[0035] Fig.24 yes Fig.19 Cross-sectional view of the backing pad.

[0036] Fig.25 When in the released position Fig.19 A three-dimensional view of the backing pad.

[0037] Fig.26 yes Fig.19 A three-dimensional view of the support column of the backing pad.

[0038] Fig. 27is a rear plan view of another random orbital sander.

[0039] Fig.28 yes Fig. 27 A top plan view of a random orbital sander.

[0040] Fig.29 yes Fig. 27 A top plan view of a random orbital sander.

[0041] Fig.30 yes Fig. 27 A plan view of the vacuum attachment for a random orbital sander.

[0042] Fig.31 It is a stereogram of yet another random orbital sander.

[0043] Before explaining any embodiment of the utility model in detail, it should be understood that the application of the utility model is not limited to the details of the component construction and arrangement set forth in the following description or shown in the following drawings. The utility model can have other embodiments and can be practiced or executed in a variety of different ways. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be regarded as limiting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] refer to Figures 1 to 10 , a random orbital sander 100 is shown. The random orbital sander 100 includes a housing 102 having a first housing shell 104 joined to a second housing shell 106 along a seam 108. Further, the housing 102 includes a motor housing portion 110 extending along a motor axis 112. A handle portion 114 extends from the motor housing portion 110 along a handle axis 116. In a particular aspect, the handle axis 116 is perpendicular to the motor axis 112. Further, the handle axis 116 is co-linear with a longitudinal axis of the random orbital sander 100. The random orbital sander 100 further includes a battery receptacle 118 located within the handle portion 114. The battery receptacle 118 is sandwiched or otherwise retained between the first housing shell 104 and the second housing shell 106. The battery receptacle 118 is sized and shaped to receive a removable battery pack therein.

[0045] Figure 2 The housing 102 is shown to include a side overhang extension 117, and Figure 3Housing 102 is shown to include a front overhang 119. Overhangs 117, 119 include specific geometries that provide an ergonomic grip and improve the user experience of random orbital sander 100. Specifically, side overhang 117 has a depth Ds and front overhang 119 has a depth Df. In certain aspects, Ds is less than Df. For example, Ds is less than or equal to 0.600 Df, such as less than or equal to 0.575 Df, less than or equal to 0.550 Df, less than or equal to 0.525 Df, or less than or equal to 0.500 Df. In another aspect, Ds is greater than or equal to 0.350 Df, such as greater than or equal to 0.375 Df, greater than or equal to 0.400 Df, greater than or equal to 0.425 Df, or greater than or equal to 0.450 Df. In another aspect, Ds is equal to 0.455 Df. It should be understood that Ds can be within a range between and including any values ​​between the maximum and minimum values ​​of Ds described herein.

[0046] In another aspect, Ds is less than or equal to 7.00 mm, such as less than or equal to 6.75 mm, less than or equal to 6.50 mm, less than or equal to 6.25 mm, less than or equal to 6.00 mm, less than or equal to 5.75 mm, less than or equal to 5.50 mm, or less than or equal to 5.25 mm. Ds is greater than or equal to 4.00 mm, such as greater than or equal to 4.25 mm, greater than or equal to 4.50 mm, or greater than or equal to 4.75 mm. In another aspect, Ds is equal to 5.00 mm. It should be understood that Ds can be within a range between and including any of the maximum and minimum values ​​of Ds described herein.

[0047] In yet another aspect, Df is less than or equal to 13.00 mm, such as less than or equal to 12.75 mm, less than or equal to 12.50 mm, less than or equal to 12.25 mm, less than or equal to 12.00 mm, less than or equal to 11.75 mm, less than or equal to 11.50 mm, or less than or equal to 11.25 mm. Df is greater than or equal to 10.00 mm, such as greater than or equal to 10.25 mm, greater than or equal to 10.50 mm, or greater than or equal to 10.75 mm. In another aspect, Df is equal to 11.00 mm. It should be understood that Df can be within a range between and including any of the maximum and minimum values ​​of Df described herein.

[0048] Figure 3As further shown, the housing 102 includes an acupressure recess 121 formed in the second housing shell 106. The acupressure recess 121 extends from the top of the housing 102 in a generally downward and forward direction. The acupressure recess 121 forms a recess angle Ap relative to the motor axis 112. In certain aspects, the recess angle Ap is greater than or equal to 34.00 degrees. For example, the recess angle Ap is greater than or equal to 34.25 degrees, such as greater than or equal to 34.50 degrees, greater than or equal to 34.75 degrees, greater than or equal to 35.00 degrees, greater than or equal to 35.25 degrees, greater than or equal to 35.50 degrees, greater than or equal to 35.75 degrees, or greater than or equal to 36.00 degrees. On the other hand, the recess angle Ap is less than or equal to 38.00 degrees, such as less than or equal to 38.75 degrees, less than or equal to 38.50 degrees, less than or equal to 38.25 degrees, less than or equal to 38.00 degrees, less than or equal to 37.25 degrees, less than or equal to 37.00 degrees, less than or equal to 36.75 degrees, or less than or equal to 36.50 degrees. On the other hand, the recess angle Ap is equal to 36.25 degrees. It should be understood that the recess angle Ap can be in the range between any value of the minimum and maximum values ​​of Ap described herein and include any value of the minimum and maximum values. Further, it should be understood that the first shell shell 104 includes a finger pressure recess 121 substantially the same as the finger pressure recess 121 formed in the second shell shell 106. Moreover, it should be understood that the finger pressure recess in the first shell shell 104 is aligned with the finger pressure recess 121 in the second shell shell 106. Thus, the random orbital sander 100 is ergonomically comfortable for both left-handed and right-handed users.

[0049] Figure 4 The motor housing portion 110 is shown to include a total width Wm measured at the widest portion of the motor housing portion 110 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 123. In addition, the handle portion 114 includes a total handle width Wh measured at the widest portion of the handle portion 114 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 123. In a particular aspect, Wh is less than Wm. For example, Wh is less than or equal to 0.950Wm, such as less than or equal to 0.925Wm, or less than or equal to 0.900Wm. On the other hand, Wh is greater than or equal to 0.750Wm, such as greater than or equal to 0.775Wm, greater than or equal to 0.800Wm, greater than or equal to 0.825Wm, or greater than or equal to 0.850Wm. In another particular aspect, Wh is equal to 0.875Wm. Wh can be in a range between and including any of the maximum and minimum values ​​of Wh described herein.

[0050] like Figure 5As shown, the motor housing portion 110 includes a motor 120 disposed therein. For example, the motor 120 is a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor that receives power from a battery pack engaged with the battery receptacle 118. The motor 120 includes a motor shaft 122 that rotates on a first bearing 124 and a second bearing 126. The motor shaft 122 drives a random track mechanism 130 that includes an output shaft 132. A backing pad 134 is removably attached to the output shaft 132 of the random track mechanism 130. Specifically, the backing pad 134 is threadedly engaged with an attachment nut 280 that is pressed into a bearing within the counterweight 150 as described below. Figure 3 Further shown is a fan 136 disposed on the motor shaft 122 above the second bearing 126. The fan 136 rotates with the motor shaft 122 to direct airflow through the housing 102 to cool the motor 120 and the built-in electronic control unit 137 of the random orbital sander 100 during operation. An inlet duct 139 is formed in each housing shell 104, 106 to allow air to enter the random orbital sander 100. In addition, an outlet duct is formed in each housing shell 104, 106 to provide an outlet duct for the airflow generated by the fan 136. An inner housing wall 142 separates the exhaust duct 138 from the internal components of the random orbital sander 100 (e.g., controller, etc.).

[0051] Each exhaust pipe 138 terminates at an exhaust outlet 140 perpendicular to the exhaust pipe 138. Each exhaust outlet 140 has an opening area A greater than or equal to 180 mm 2 , for example greater than or equal to 185mm 2 , greater than or equal to 190mm 2 , greater than or equal to 195mm 2 , greater than or equal to 200mm 2 , greater than or equal to 205mm 2 , greater than or equal to 210mm 2 , greater than or equal to 215mm 2 , or greater than or equal to 220mm 2 On the other hand, the opening area A of each exhaust outlet 140 is less than or equal to 250 mm 2 , for example less than or equal to 245mm 2 , less than or equal to 240mm 2 , less than or equal to 235mm 2 , less than or equal to 230mm 2 , or less than or equal to 225mm 2 It should be understood that the size of the opening area A can be within a range between and including various minimum and maximum values ​​of the opening area A.

[0052] Figure 5As further shown, the random orbital sander 100 includes a vacuum passage 144 along the bottom of the housing 102. The vacuum passage 144 terminates in an enlarged connector 146 that is sized and shaped to connect to a vacuum hose of a remote vacuum source (e.g., a shop vacuum cleaner). As shown, a first counterweight 148 and a second counterweight 150 are disposed about the random orbital mechanism 130 to provide a counterweight to the backing pad 134 that is offset from the motor shaft 122. The random orbital sander 100 further includes a spindle locking assembly 152 located between the counterweights 148, 150 and the backing pad 134.

[0053] like Figure 5 As further shown, the electronic control unit 137 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 154 located above the motor 120 within the housing 102. The PCB 154 extends from the motor housing portion 110 into the handle portion 114. The PCB 154 is substantially perpendicular to the motor axis 112 and substantially parallel to the handle axis 116. The PCB 154 is connected to the motor 120. A mode switch 156 is connected to the PCB 154. In some embodiments, the mode switch 156 is a push-button momentary switch mounted on a separate PCB. The random orbital sander 100 further includes a paddle switch 158, wherein the paddle 159 is adjacent to the PCB 154. The switches 156, 158 control the operation of the motor 120 between two operating modes of the random orbital sander 100.

[0054] In the first operating mode, when the mode switch 156 is pressed and released, the random orbital sander 100 is placed in the standard operating mode. In the standard operating mode, the random orbital sander 100 is started, and the motor 120 is controlled by the movement of the paddle 159 on the paddle switch 158, so that when the paddle 159 is pressed, the motor 120 rotates at a variable speed corresponding to the depth to which the paddle 159 is pressed. In the standard operating mode, the speed control switch 160 (e.g., a potentiometer switch) is turned to set the maximum operating speed, and fully pressing the paddle 159 causes the random orbital sander 100 to operate at the maximum speed set by the speed control switch 160.

[0055] In the second operation mode, when the random orbital sander 100 is started (or in the standard operation mode), when the mode switch 156 is pressed and held for a predetermined time (e.g., five seconds), the random orbital sander 100 enters a locked operation mode in which the motor 120 is powered on and rotated without input from the paddle switch 158. In the locked operation mode, the speed control switch 160 is turned to control the speed at which the motor 120 rotates. When the mode switch 156 is pressed again, the locked operation mode is exited. In other words, the random orbital sander 100 returns to the standard operation mode. The mode switch 156 is surrounded by an LED indicator 162 that emits a first color (e.g., green) when the random orbital sander 100 is in the standard operation mode. The LED indicator 162 emits a second color (e.g., blue) when the random orbital sander 100 is in the locked operation mode. When the random orbital sander 100 is turned off, the LED indicator 162 does not emit any color (i.e., it is turned off).

[0056] Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a paddle switch 158 is mounted adjacent to the PCB 154 and includes a support 164 in which a conical spring 166 is mounted. A foam stopper 167 is disposed between the support 164 and the PCB 154 to prevent ingress onto the PCB 154. An actuation post 168 is mounted within the spring 166 and includes a magnet 170 disposed therein (e.g., at the end of the actuation post 168 closest to the PCB 154). The PCB 154 includes a Hall effect sensor 172 aligned with the magnet 170. A paddle 159 is rotatably disposed within the housing 102 adjacent to the paddle switch 158. When the paddle 159 is depressed, the actuation post 168 moves toward the base of the support 164 and compresses the spring 166. Further, the magnet 170 moves toward the Hall effect sensor 172. As the distance between the magnet 170 and the Hall effect sensor 172 changes, the signal output by the Hall effect sensor 172 also changes. This signal is used to control the speed of the motor 120. For example, when the magnet 170 gets closer to the Hall effect sensor 172, the speed of the motor 120 increases to a maximum speed. Conversely, when the magnet 170 moves away from the Hall effect sensor 172, the speed of the motor 120 decreases to zero speed.

[0057] In certain aspects, the distance that magnet 170 moves is between a maximum distance Dmax from Hall effect sensor 172 and a minimum distance Dmin from Hall effect sensor 172. In particular, Dmax is greater than or equal to 5.0 mm, such as greater than or equal to 5.5 mm, greater than or equal to 6.0 mm, greater than or equal to 6.5 mm, greater than or equal to 7.0 mm, or greater than or equal to 7.5 mm. Further, Dmax is less than or equal to 10.0 mm, such as less than or equal to 9.5 mm, less than or equal to 9.0 mm, less than or equal to 8.5 mm, or less than or equal to 8.0 mm. It should be understood that Dmax can be within a range between and including any of the minimum and maximum values ​​of Dmax disclosed herein. On the other hand, Dmin is less than or equal to 5.0 mm, such as less than or equal to 4.5 mm, less than or equal to 4.0 mm, less than or equal to 3.5 mm, or less than or equal to 3.0 mm. Dmin is greater than or equal to 1.0 mm, such as greater than or equal to 1.5 mm, greater than or equal to 2.0 mm, or greater than or equal to 2.5 mm. Further, it should be understood that Dmin can be within a range between any value of the maximum and minimum values ​​of Dmin disclosed herein and include any value of the maximum and minimum values.

[0058] like Figure 5 1 , the actuation post 168 includes an actuation axis 174, and the paddle 159 includes a pivot axis 176. The pivot axis 176 is perpendicular to the actuation axis 174 and is offset from the actuation axis 174 by an offset distance Do. In addition, the paddle 159 has a length Lp measured from the pivot axis 176 to the free end of the paddle 159. The paddle 159 also has a stroke height Ht measured from the top of the housing 102 to the free end of the paddle 159 at the free end of the paddle 159. In certain aspects, Do is less than Lp. Further, Ht is less than Do. For example, Do is less than or equal to 0.450 Lp, such as less than or equal to 0.425 Lp, less than or equal to 0.400 Lp, less than or equal to 0.375 Lp, or less than or equal to 0.350 Lp. On the other hand, Do is greater than or equal to 0.250 Lp, such as greater than or equal to 0.275 Lp, or greater than or equal to 0.300 Lp. On the other hand, Do is equal to 0.325 Lp. It should be understood that Do can be within a range between any value of the maximum and minimum values ​​of Do described herein and include any value of the maximum and minimum values.

[0059] In another aspect, Do is less than or equal to 23.00 mm, such as less than or equal to 22.75 mm, less than or equal to 22.50 mm, less than or equal to 22.25 mm, less than or equal to 22.00 mm, less than or equal to 21.75 mm, less than or equal to 21.50 mm, or less than or equal to 21.25 mm. Do is greater than or equal to 20.00 mm, such as greater than or equal to 20.25 mm, greater than or equal to 20.50 mm, or greater than or equal to 20.75 mm. In another aspect, Do is equal to 21.00 mm. It should be understood that Do can be within a range between and including any of the maximum and minimum values ​​of Do described herein.

[0060] On the other hand, Lp is less than or equal to 67.00 mm, such as less than or equal to 66.75 mm, less than or equal to 66.50 mm, less than or equal to 66.25 mm, less than or equal to 66.00 mm, less than or equal to 65.75 mm, less than or equal to 65.50 mm, or less than or equal to 65.25 mm. Lp is greater than or equal to 64.00 mm, such as greater than or equal to 64.25 mm, greater than or equal to 64.50 mm, or greater than or equal to 64.75 mm. On the other hand, Lp is equal to 65.00 mm. It should be understood that Lp can be within a range between and including any of the maximum and minimum values ​​of Lp described herein.

[0061] In yet another aspect, Ht is less than or equal to 0.850Do, such as less than or equal to 0.825Do, less than or equal to 0.800Do, less than or equal to 0.775Do, less than or equal to 0.750Do, or less than or equal to 0.725Do. In another aspect, Ht is greater than or equal to 0.650Do, such as greater than or equal to 0.675Do, or greater than or equal to 0.700Do. In another aspect, Do is equal to 0.714Do. It should be understood that Ht can be within a range between and including any of the maximum and minimum values ​​of Ht described herein.

[0062] Figure 7 Paddle 159 is shown to include two extension arms 177, 178, allowing paddle 159 to be installed after housing shells 104, 106 are secured to each other. Extension arms 177, 178 include wedges 179 that can engage housing shells 104, 106 to secure paddle 159 in place on top of housing 102.

[0063] Figure 8The battery receptacle 118 is shown rotated 90 degrees relative to the housing 102. In other words, the seam 151 where the shells of the battery receptacle 118 are joined is rotated 90 degrees relative to the seam 108 ( Figure 1 ) is rotated 90 degrees. The random orbital sander 100 further includes a pair of elongated battery terminals 153 in the battery receptacle 118 for engaging with complementary features on the removable battery. Further, the random orbital sander 100 includes a spring clip that removes the lock of the removable battery when the battery is in use.

[0064] like Fig. 9 , when the first housing shell 104 is coupled to the second housing shell 106, a fan shroud 180 is formed around the fan 136. The fan shroud 180 extends at least partially around the fan 136 at a shroud angle A of at least 260 degrees. For example, the shroud angle A is greater than or equal to 265 degrees, such as greater than or equal to 270 degrees, greater than or equal to 275 degrees, greater than or equal to 280 degrees, or greater than or equal to 285 degrees. On the other hand, the shroud angle A is less than or equal to 315 degrees, such as less than or equal to 310 degrees, less than or equal to 305 degrees, less than or equal to 300 degrees, less than or equal to 295 degrees, or less than or equal to 290 degrees. It should be understood that the shroud angle A can be within a range between and including any of the minimum and maximum values ​​of the shroud angle A disclosed herein.

[0065] The fan shroud 180 includes a variable radius R measured from a center 182 of the fan 136. The variable radius R increases continuously from a first end 184 of the fan shroud 180 to a second end 186 of the fan shroud 180 along the rotational direction of the fan 136. Thus, the radius R1 at the first end 184 is less than the radius R2 at the second end 186. For example, R1 is less than or equal to 0.975R2, such as less than or equal to 0.950R2, less than or equal to 0.925R2, less than or equal to 0.900R2, or less than or equal to 0.875R2. On the other hand, R1 is greater than or equal to 0.700R2, such as greater than or equal to 0.725R2, greater than or equal to 0.750R2, greater than or equal to 0.775R2, greater than or equal to 0.800R2, greater than or equal to 0.825R2, or greater than or equal to 0.850R2. It should be understood that R1 can be within a range between and including any value between the maximum and minimum values ​​for R1 disclosed herein.

[0066] like Fig. 9As further shown in FIG. 1 , an air duct 190 is formed around the fan 136 between an outer periphery 192 of the fan 136 and an inner wall 194 of the fan shroud 180. The air duct 190 is in fluid communication with the exhaust pipe 138. As shown, the air duct 190 has a variable width W along the length of the air duct 190. Specifically, the width W of the air duct 190 increases continuously from the first end 184 of the fan shroud 180 to the second end 186 of the fan shroud 180 along the rotation direction of the fan 136. Therefore, the width W1 at the first end 184 is less than the width W2 at the second end 186. For example, W1 is less than or equal to 0.300W2, such as less than or equal to 0.275W2, less than or equal to 0.250W2, less than or equal to 0.225W2, or less than or equal to 0.200W2. On the other hand, W1 is greater than or equal to 0.025W2, such as greater than or equal to 0.050W2, greater than or equal to 0.075W2, greater than or equal to 0.100W2, greater than or equal to 0.125W2, greater than or equal to 0.150W2, or greater than or equal to 0.175W2. It should be understood that W1 can be within a range between and including any value of the maximum and minimum values ​​of W1 disclosed herein.

[0067] Reference now Figures 11 to 13 , details regarding the battery receptacle 118 are shown. The battery receptacle 118 includes a first receptacle housing 200 coupled to a second receptacle housing 202 to form a generally tubular structure sized and shaped to receive a rod of a battery pack. The battery receptacle 118 defines a proximal end 204 and a distal end 206. A first channel 210 extends around the outer periphery of the battery receptacle 118 at a location near the midpoint of the battery receptacle 118. A second channel 212 extends around the outer periphery 118 of the battery receptacle near the distal end 206 of the battery receptacle 118. A first vibration damping element 220 is disposed in the first channel 210. A second vibration damping element 222 is disposed in the second channel 212. Further, a third vibration damping element 224 is disposed at the proximal end 204 of the battery receptacle 118 and follows the contour of the proximal end 204. When the battery receptacle 118 is mounted between the first housing shell 104 and the second housing shell 106, the vibration damping elements 220, 222, 224 prevent direct contact between the outer surface of the battery receptacle 118 and the inner surface of the handle portion 114. Thus, during operation of the random orbital sander 100, the vibration damping elements 220, 222, 224 isolate the battery receptacle 118 and the battery pack disposed therein from vibrations caused by operation of the random orbital sander 100. As a result, vibrations transmitted to the battery receptacle 118 are significantly reduced, thereby increasing the life of the engaged battery pack. Fig.10It should be understood that the interior of the housing shell 104, 106 may include a vibration damping element 240 affixed thereto or otherwise molded thereto. Fig.10 Although the first housing shell 104 is depicted in FIG. 2 , the second housing shell 106 may include a similar vibration damping element 240 .

[0068] Figures 14 to 19 Details about the spindle locking assembly 152 are shown. As shown, the spindle locking assembly 152 includes a support ring 250 having a wrench holder 251 fixed thereto. The wrench holder 251 is formed with a split 252. Thus, the wrench holder 251 includes a free end 254 and a fixed end 256. The wrench holder 251 further has a necked portion 258 located near the free end 254, allowing the free end 254 to bend upward and downward relative to the fixed end 256. The spindle locking assembly 152 further includes a pivot 260, on which a wrench 262 is rotatably disposed. The wrench 262 includes a proximal end 264 and a distal end 266. The proximal end 264 of the wrench 262 includes a handle 268, and the distal end of the wrench 262 includes a wrench head 270. The spindle lock assembly 152 further includes a spring 272 that biases the wrench 262 toward the center of the wrench holder 251 when the free end 254 of the wrench holder 251 is biased in a downward direction.

[0069] During operation, in order to lock the output shaft 132 of the random orbital mechanism 130, the free end 254 of the wrench frame 251 is pushed in a downward direction relative to the spindle locking assembly 152, and the spring 272 biases the wrench 262 slightly outward, allowing the handle 268 of the wrench 262 to be retracted and pulled radially outward relative to the wrench frame 251. This movement causes the wrench 262 to rotate about the pivot 260 to the deployed position or locked position, so that the wrench head 270 moves toward the center of the random orbital sander 100 and engages with the attachment nut 280 ( Fig.14 ) connection. Fig.18 and Fig.19 As shown, the jaws 282 defining the wrench head 270 are rounded to facilitate sliding the wrench 262 on the attachment nut 280 when the jaws 282 are not fully aligned with the parallel planes of the attachment nut 280. In the stowed position of the wrench 262, as shown in FIG. Fig.17As shown, the free end 254 of the wrench stand 251 can bias the handle 268 of the wrench 262 in an upward direction, which causes the wrench 262 to (slightly) tilt, so that the wrench head 270 tilts in a downward direction and the wrench head 270 safely stops away from the nearest counterweight 150. In the stowed position, the wrench stand 251 interfaces with the inclined surface 290 formed on the wrench 262, wherein the free end 254 of the wrench stand 251 contacts the wrench 262 to allow the wrench 262 to not move when in the stowed position. This substantially minimizes vibration of the spindle lock assembly 152 (specifically, the wrench 262) during use of the random orbital sander 100. The free end 254 of the wrench frame 251 further includes a locking ball 292 that fits into a locking hole formed on the lower surface of the support ring 250 adjacent to the free end 254 of the wrench frame 251 when the spindle locking assembly 152 is in the retracted position.

[0070] Fig. 20 and Fig.21 Another embodiment of a spindle locking assembly 300 is shown in which a wrench head 302 includes a protrusion 304 that extends through a first slot 306 formed in a support ring 308. When a locking button 312 is depressed, a user can push the protrusion 304 to pivot the wrench 310 so that a handle 314 of the wrench 310 extends through a second slot 316 formed in the support ring 308, thereby making the handle 314 accessible to the user to pull and turn the wrench head 302 into engagement with the attachment nut 280.

[0071] In another embodiment of the spindle locking assembly 350, as Fig. 22 As shown, the support ring 352 includes a slide lock 354 to prevent the handle 356 from prematurely extending through the slot in the support ring 352. To release the wrench 358, the slide lock 354 moves away from the handle 356 to allow the wrench 358 to rotate within the support ring 352.

[0072] Reference now Figure 23 to Figure 27 , shows an embodiment of a backing pad 450 that can additionally be attached to an output shaft of a random orbital tool. For example, the backing pad 450 can be attached to the output shaft 132 of the random orbital mechanism 130. In another aspect, the backing pad 450 can be attached to the output shaft of a random orbital polisher.

[0073] As shown, the backing pad 450 includes a body 452 formed with a central slot 454 extending through the center of the body 452 along the entire diameter of the body 452. An attachment slide 456 is slidably disposed in the slot 454. The attachment slide 456 includes an opening 457 having a central necked portion 458, and a first enlarged portion 460 and a second enlarged portion 462 on either side. Each end 464, 466 of the attachment slide 456 is slightly enlarged to provide a larger area for the user to press when the attachment slide 456 slides in the slot 454. As shown, the backing pad 450 includes a spindle 470 having: a generally cylindrical spindle body 471 including a threaded portion 472 located near a first end of the spindle body 471, a stopper 474 located near the midpoint of the spindle body 471, and a nut 476 located at a second end of the spindle body 471 opposite to the first end of the spindle body 471. The stopper 474 is a generally cylindrical disc extending radially outward from the spindle body 471. Further, the stopper 474 is configured to abut against the attachment slide 456 of the backing pad 450 when the backing pad 450 is set on the spindle 470. The backing pad 450 also includes springs 480a, 480b, which hold the attachment slide 456 in place. Fig.23 , and can be compressed in response to the movement of the attachment slide 456 from the locked position. Specifically, the first spring 480a biases the attachment slide 456 to the locked position in a first direction. The second spring 480b, which is opposite to the first spring 480a, biases the attachment slide 456 to the locked position in a second direction opposite to the first direction. When the attachment slide 456 moves to the first unlocked position (in Fig.25 4, the first spring 480a is compressed. When the attachment slide 456 moves to a second unlocked position opposite to the first unlocked position, the second spring 480b is compressed.

[0074] To engage the body 452 of the backing pad 450 with the spindle 470, the attachment slide 456 is moved along the slot 454 in either direction to the first unlocked position or the second unlocked position to align the enlarged portions 460, 462 of the attachment slide 456 with the center of the body 452. The nut 476 is placed into the enlarged portions 460, 462 until the stop tabs 474 engage with the surface of the attachment slide 456. The attachment slide 456 is then released, allowing the first spring 480a or the second spring 480b to rebound and return the slide 456 to the locked position so that the necked portion 458 of the opening 457 is aligned with the center of the spindle 470. To remove the body 452 of the backing pad 450, the process is reversed. The threaded portion 472 of the spindle 470 is configured to engage with threads formed on the output shaft 132 of the random track mechanism 130. Thus, the main shaft 470 remains engaged with the output shaft 132 while the main body 452 of the backing pad 450 is removed from the main shaft 470 and the output shaft 132. Thus, as described herein, the attachment slide 456 is movable from an unlocked position, in which one of the enlarged portions 460, 462 is aligned with the center of the main body 452, and a locked position, in which the necked portion 458 is aligned with the center of the main body 452. In the locked position, the necked portion 458 is captured between the retaining piece 474 and the nut 476 of the main shaft 470.

[0075] Fig. 27 One embodiment of a random orbital sander 500 is shown that includes a first universal vacuum attachment bracket and a second universal vacuum attachment bracket 502, 504 adjacent to or to the side of a dust outlet 506 formed on a housing 508 of the random orbital sander 500. As shown, the first universal vacuum attachment bracket and the second universal vacuum attachment bracket 502, 504 are located on opposite sides of the dust outlet 506. The attachment brackets 502, 504 allow the first vacuum attachment 510 to be moved in a left direction ( Fig.28 ) is mounted above or aligned with the dust outlet 506, or allows the second vacuum attachment 512 to be moved in a rightward direction ( Fig.29 ) is mounted above or aligned with the dust outlet 506. It should be understood that the second vacuum attachment 512 is a mirror image of the first vacuum attachment 510. Further, as Fig.30 As shown, the second vacuum attachment 512 includes a vacuum port 520, and first and second attachment tabs 522, 524 on both sides. The vacuum port 520 is assembled above the dust outlet 506, and the first and second attachment tabs 522, 524 abut against the attachment brackets 502, 504, and the threaded fasteners are installed through them. It should be understood that the configuration of the first vacuum attachment 510 is similar to the second vacuum attachment 512, with a similar vacuum port and attachment tabs on both sides.

[0076] Fig.31 One embodiment of a random orbital sander 600 is shown in which a plurality of lights 602 are disposed on a motor housing 604 to illuminate a workpiece surrounding a backing pad 606 .

[0077] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the present invention described. Many of the features disclosed herein can be used in conjunction with a random orbital tool (such as a random orbital sander, a random orbital polisher, or a similar random orbital device).

[0078] Various features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A random orbital sander, characterized in that: This random orbital sander includes: a housing including a motor housing portion and a handle portion extending from the motor housing portion; a motor disposed within the motor housing portion; a random track mechanism driven by the motor and having an output shaft; a backing pad removably engaged with the output shaft; and A spindle locking assembly adjacent to the backing pad, wherein the spindle locking assembly includes a support ring and a wrench, the wrench being rotatably disposed on the support ring between a stowed position and an extended position, wherein the wrench is disengaged from a nut on the output shaft in the stowed position, and wherein the wrench is engaged with the nut to lock the rotation of the output shaft in the extended position.

2. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that The support ring is a snap ring having a fixed end and a free end, wherein the free end is movable between a first position in which the free end retains the wrench in the stowed position and a second position in which the free end allows the wrench to move to the deployed position.

3. The random orbital sander of claim 1, wherein: The wrench includes a protrusion extending through the support ring, wherein the protrusion is accessible from the exterior of the support ring to be depressed to release the wrench from the stowed position.

4. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that The random orbital sander further includes a slide lock on the support ring for preventing the wrench from rotating when the tab is depressed.

5. The random orbital sander of claim 2, wherein: The random orbital sander further includes a spring for biasing the handle of the wrench in an outward direction relative to the support ring when the free end of the support ring is moved to the second position.

6. The random orbital sander of claim 1, wherein: The backing pad includes: main body; a groove formed in the body, and An attachment slide is disposed within the slot and is movable between a locked position in which the body is engaged with the output shaft and an unlocked position in which the body is removable from the output shaft.

7. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that The backing pad includes a first spring for biasing the attachment slide in a first direction to a locked position.

8. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that The backing pad includes a second spring for biasing the attachment slide to the locked position in a second direction opposite the first direction.

9. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that When the attachment slide moves to the first unlocked position, the first spring is compressed.

10. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that The second spring is compressed when the attachment slide moves to a second unlocked position opposite to the first unlocked position.

11. The random orbital sander of claim 1, wherein: The random orbital sander further comprises: a fan configured to rotate with the motor; and A fan shroud is formed around the fan, wherein the fan shroud includes a variable radius R measured from a center of the fan, wherein the variable radius R varies from a first end of the fan shroud to a second end of the fan shroud.

12. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 11, characterised in that The variable radius R increases continuously from the first end to the second end along the rotation direction of the fan.

13. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 12, characterised in that The radius R1 at the first end of the fan shroud is smaller than the radius R2 at the second end of the fan shroud.

14. The random orbital sander of claim 13, wherein: The radius R1 is less than or equal to 0.975 R2.

15. The random orbital sander of claim 14, wherein: The radius R1 is greater than or equal to 0.700 R2.

16. The random orbital sander of claim 11, wherein: The random orbital sander further includes an air duct formed around the fan between an outer periphery of the fan and an inner wall of the fan shroud.

17. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 16, characterised in that The duct has a width W that varies continuously along the length of the duct.

18. The random orbital sander of claim 1, wherein: The random orbital sander further includes a battery receptacle disposed within the handle portion.

19. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 18, characterised in that The battery receptacle includes a first receptacle housing coupled to a second receptacle housing to form a generally tubular structure sized and shaped to receive a rod of a battery pack.

20. The random orbital sander of claim 19, wherein: The battery receptacle includes a first channel surrounding an outer periphery of the battery receptacle, a second channel surrounding an outer periphery of the battery receptacle, a first vibration dampening element disposed in the first channel, and a second vibration dampening element disposed in the second channel.

21. A random orbital sander, characterized in that: This random orbital sander includes: a housing including a motor housing portion and a handle portion extending from the motor housing portion; a motor disposed within the motor housing portion; a random track mechanism driven by the motor and having an output shaft; a backing pad removably engaged with the output shaft; a fan configured to rotate with the motor; and A fan shroud is formed around the fan, wherein the fan shroud includes a variable radius R measured from a center of the fan, wherein the variable radius R varies from a first end of the fan shroud to a second end of the fan shroud.

22. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 21, characterised in that The variable radius R increases continuously from the first end to the second end along the rotation direction of the fan.

23. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 22, characterised in that The radius R1 at the first end of the fan shroud is smaller than the radius R2 at the second end of the fan shroud.

24. The random orbital sander of claim 23, wherein: The radius R1 is less than or equal to 0.975 R2.

25. The random orbital sander of claim 24, wherein: The radius R1 is greater than or equal to 0.700 R2.

26. The random orbital sander of claim 21, wherein: The random orbital sander further includes an air duct formed around the fan between an outer periphery of the fan and an inner wall of the fan shroud.

27. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 26, characterised in that The duct has a width W that varies continuously along the length of the duct.

28. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 27, characterised in that The width W of the air duct increases continuously from the first end to the second end along the rotation direction of the fan.

29. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 28, characterised in that The width W1 of the air duct at the first end is smaller than the width W2 of the air duct at the second end.

30. The random orbital sander of claim 29, wherein: Width W1 is less than or equal to 0.300 W2.

31. The random orbital sander of claim 30, wherein: Width W1 is greater than or equal to 0.025 W2.

32. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 31, characterised in that The random orbital sander further includes a battery receptacle disposed within the handle portion.

33. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 32, characterised in that The battery receptacle includes a first receptacle housing coupled to a second receptacle housing to form a generally tubular structure sized and shaped to receive a rod of a battery pack.

34. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 33, characterised in that The battery receptacle includes a first channel around an outer periphery of the battery receptacle and a second channel around an outer periphery of the battery receptacle.

35. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 34, characterised in that The random orbital sander further includes a first vibration dampening element disposed in the first channel.

36. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 35, characterised in that The random orbital sander further includes a second vibration dampening element disposed in the second channel.

37. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 36, characterised in that The first vibration damping element and the second vibration damping element prevent direct contact between an outer surface of the battery receptacle and an inner surface of the handle portion.

38. A random orbital sander, characterized in that: This random orbital sander includes: a housing including a motor housing portion and a handle portion extending from the motor housing portion; a motor disposed within the motor housing portion; a random track mechanism driven by the motor and having an attachment nut; a spindle threadably engaged with the attachment nut; and A backing pad is removably engaged with the spindle.

39. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 38, characterised in that The spindle includes a body including a threaded portion located near a first end of the body and a retaining tab located near a midpoint of the body, wherein the retaining tab is configured to engage the backing pad.

40. The random orbital sander of claim 39, wherein: The spindle further includes a nut located at the second end of the body.

41. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 40, characterised in that The stop plate is a generally cylindrical disc extending radially outwardly from the main body of the spindle.

42. The random orbital sander of claim 39, wherein: The main body of the spindle is generally cylindrical.

43. The random orbital sander of claim 39, wherein: The backing pad includes a body formed with a central groove extending along the center of the body.

44. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 43, characterised in that The backing pad further includes an attachment slide slidably disposed within the slot.

45. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 44, characterised in that The attachment slide forms an opening having a central necked portion and at least one enlarged portion on either side, wherein the attachment slide is movable from an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the necked portion is aligned with the center of the body in the unlocked position and the locked position.

46. ​​A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 45, characterised in that In the locked position, the necked portion is captured between the retaining plate and the nut of the spindle.

47. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 46, characterised in that The backing pad includes a first spring for biasing the attachment slide in a first direction to the locked position.

48. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 47, characterised in that The backing pad includes a second spring for biasing the attachment slide to the locked position in a second direction opposite the first direction.

49. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 48, characterised in that When the attachment slide moves to the first unlocked position, the first spring is compressed.

50. The random orbital sander of claim 49, wherein: The second spring is compressed when the attachment slide moves to a second unlocked position opposite to the first unlocked position.

51. A random orbital sander, characterized in that: This random orbital sander includes: a housing including a motor housing portion and a handle portion extending from the motor housing portion; a motor disposed within the motor housing portion; a random track mechanism driven by the motor and having an output shaft; a backing pad removably engaged with the output shaft; Dust outlet; one or more universal vacuum attachment brackets adjacent the dust outlet; a first vacuum attachment mountable on the one or more universal vacuum attachment brackets; and A second vacuum attachment is mountable on one or more universal vacuum attachment brackets, the second vacuum attachment being different from the first vacuum attachment.

52. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 51, characterised in that The first vacuum attachment is installed in a leftward direction, and the second vacuum attachment is installed in a rightward direction.

53. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 52, characterized in that The second vacuum attachment is a mirror image of the first vacuum attachment.

54. The random orbital sander of claim 51, wherein: The one or more universal vacuum attachment brackets include a first universal vacuum attachment bracket and a second universal vacuum attachment bracket.

55. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 54, characterised in that The first universal vacuum attachment bracket and the second universal vacuum attachment bracket are located on opposite sides of the dust outlet.

56. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 55, characterized in that The first vacuum attachment includes a vacuum port, flanked by a first attachment tab and a second attachment tab.

57. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 56, characterised in that When the first vacuum attachment is engaged with the random orbital sander, the vacuum port of the first vacuum attachment is aligned with the dust outlet, the first attachment tab abuts the first universal vacuum attachment bracket, and the second attachment tab abuts the second universal vacuum attachment bracket.

58. The random orbital sander of claim 55, wherein: The second vacuum attachment includes a vacuum port, flanked by a first attachment tab and a second attachment tab.

59. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 58, characterised in that When the second vacuum attachment is engaged with the random orbital sander, the vacuum port of the second vacuum attachment is aligned with the dust outlet, the first attachment tab abuts the first universal vacuum attachment bracket, and the second attachment tab abuts the second universal vacuum attachment bracket.

60. A random orbital sander, characterized in that: This random orbital sander includes: a housing having a motor housing portion and a handle portion extending from the motor housing portion, wherein the housing includes a first housing shell coupled to a second housing shell along a first seam; a motor disposed within the motor housing portion; a random track mechanism driven by the motor and having an output shaft; a backing pad removably engaged with the output shaft; and A battery socket is disposed within the housing, the battery socket comprising a first socket shell attached to a second socket shell along a second seam, wherein the second seam forms a certain angle with respect to the first seam.

61. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 60, characterized in that The second seam is rotated ninety degrees relative to the first seam.

62. The random orbital sander of claim 60, wherein: The first socket housing is coupled to the second socket housing to form a generally tubular structure.

63. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 62, characterized in that The generally tubular structure is sized and shaped to receive a rod of a battery pack.

64. The random orbital sander of claim 60, wherein: The battery receptacle defines a proximal end and a distal end, a first channel extends around an outer periphery of the battery receptacle at a location near a midpoint of the battery receptacle, and a first vibration dampening element is disposed in the first channel.

65. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 64, characterized in that A second channel extends around an outer periphery of the battery receptacle proximate a distal end of the battery receptacle, and a second vibration dampening element is disposed in the second channel.

66. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 65, characterized in that A third vibration damping element is disposed at the proximal end of the battery receptacle.

67. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 66, characterized in that The third damping element follows the contour of the proximal end.

68. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 66, characterized in that When the battery receptacle is installed in the handle portion of the housing, the first vibration damping element, the second vibration damping element, and the third vibration damping element prevent direct contact between an outer surface of the battery receptacle and an inner surface of the handle portion.

69. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 68, characterised in that The first, second and third vibration damping elements isolate the battery receptacle from vibrations induced during operation of the random orbital sander.

70. A random orbital sander, characterized in that: This random orbital sander includes: a housing including a motor housing portion and a handle portion extending from the motor housing portion; a motor disposed within the motor housing portion; a random track mechanism driven by the motor and having an output shaft; a backing pad removably engaged with the output shaft; a mode switch, the mode switch being located on the housing; a paddle switch located on the housing proximate the mode switch; and an electronic control unit in communication with the mode switch and the paddle switch to receive inputs therefrom, and in communication with the motor to control operation of the motor in response to the inputs from the mode switch and the paddle switch; wherein the electronic control unit is operable to control the motor to be in a standard operating mode in response to the mode switch being pressed and released, in which standard operating mode the motor can operate at a variable speed through the paddle switch, and wherein the electronic control unit is operable to control the motor to be in a locked operating mode in response to the mode switch being pressed and held for a predetermined time, in which locked operating mode the motor can operate continuously at a fixed speed.

71. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 70, characterized in that When the mode switch is pressed and released, the locked operation mode is exited.

72. The random orbital sander of claim 70, wherein: The random orbital sander further includes a visual indicator that provides a first indication associated with the standard operating mode and a second indication associated with the locked operating mode.

73. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 72, characterized in that The visual indicator is a light emitting diode that emits a first color to indicate the standard operating mode and a second color to indicate the locked operating mode.

74. The random orbital sander of claim 70, wherein: The paddle switch includes: Pedestal; a spring mounted on the base; an actuating post mounted on one end of the spring; a magnet disposed at an end of the actuation post adjacent the base; and A magnet sensor is disposed adjacent the base to detect the magnet, wherein in the standard operating mode, the variable speed of the motor is proportional to the distance between the magnet and the magnet sensor.

75. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 74, characterized in that As the distance between the magnet and the magnet sensor decreases, the rotational speed of the motor increases.

76. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 75, characterized in that As the distance between the magnet and the magnet sensor increases, the rotation speed of the motor decreases.

77. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 76, characterized in that The moving distance of the magnet is between a maximum distance Dmax from the magnetic sensor and a minimum distance Dmin from the magnetic sensor.

78. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 77, characterized in that Dmax is greater than or equal to 5.0 mm.

79. A random orbital sander as claimed in claim 78, characterized in that Dmax is less than or equal to 10.0 mm.

80. The random orbital sander of claim 78, wherein: Dmin is less than or equal to 5.0 mm.

81. The random orbital sander of claim 80, wherein: Dmin is greater than or equal to 1.0 mm.

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