Power tool attachment part cover and kit

Abstract

The utility model relates to a power tool attachment part cover and suite, the power tool attachment part cover (2) is adapted to at least partially cover a power tool attachment part (1), the power tool attachment part (1) comprises a long shell (3), the long shell (3) comprises an upper shell part (3a) and a lower shell part (3b), the cover is made of a flexible elastic material and comprises a first cover part and a second cover part, and the first cover part and the second cover part are adapted to at least partially cover the upper half part and the lower half part of the elongated shell respectively in use; the first cover portion and the second cover portion are connected to each other at a first end (2a) of the cover by a flexible portion (23), where the first portion and the second portion are separated by a slit (24) extending from a second end (2b) of the cover towards the flexible portion, thereby allowing the power tool attachment component to be inserted through the slit. The kit includes a power tool attachment component and a cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model generally relates to a power tool attachment component cover. Background Art

[0002] Power tool attachment components are often used in confined spaces where it is not possible to use ordinary power tools to access the bolts or nuts of the joints to be tightened. Power tool attachment components may also be referred to as claws, front attachments, or offset attachments, and include a plurality of gears that transfer rotational motion from an input gear to an output gear. The gears are generally arranged in a row, tooth to tooth, within an elongated housing.

[0003] Since power tool attachment components are often used in confined spaces, one problem that arises is that the attachment components contact and scratch various components during the assembly process.

[0004] Therefore, attempts have been made to provide various types of solutions for power tool attachment parts to prevent scratching. Examples of such solutions include different types of coatings applied to the attachment parts. However, such solutions also have the disadvantage that they usually have to be applied during initial production and therefore have low flexibility and little or no possibility for retrofitting. Furthermore, even if applied during initial production, these solutions can add considerable complexity to the manufacturing process, thereby increasing lead times.

[0005] Other examples include providing various types of covers for power tool attachment components that are designed to prevent surface contact and thus scratching. However, the handling and placement of such covers on the tool is often complicated and increases the complexity of operation and the workplace.

[0006] Furthermore, it has proven difficult to provide a cover that both fits properly and is easy to handle and arrange on the tool given the shape of the power tool attachment components including the output interface etc. Therefore, there is a need for improvement in the field of covers for power tool attachment components. Utility Model Content

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved power tool attachment component cover that can effectively prevent scratches. In particular, it is desirable to provide such a cover that can be easily and securely assembled to the power tool attachment component. In order to better solve one or more of the problems, a cover and a kit as defined in the independent claims are provided. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the utility model, there is provided a power tool attachment component cover adapted to at least partially cover a power tool attachment component, the power tool attachment component comprising an elongated shell, an input gear, an output gear and a first intermediate gear, the elongated shell comprising an upper shell component and a lower shell component interconnected with the upper shell component; the input gear is configured to be connected to the output shaft of a power wrench, the input gear is arranged at a first end of the shell; the output gear has an output interface, the output gear is arranged at a second end of the shell; the first intermediate gear is arranged in the shell and configured to transfer torque from the input gear to the output gear, the cover is made of a flexible elastic material and comprises a first cover part and a second cover part, the first cover part is adapted to at least partially cover the lower half of the elongated shell when in use; the second cover part is adapted to at least partially cover the upper half of the elongated shell when in use, wherein the first part and the second part are interconnected by a flexible part at the first end of the cover, and wherein the first part and the second part are separated by a slit extending from the second end of the cover toward the flexible part, thereby allowing the power tool attachment component to be inserted into the cover through the slit.

[0009] According to a first aspect, a power tool attachment component cover provides a creative solution to the above-mentioned problem. It is designed to be made of a flexible elastic material and includes a first cover part and a second cover part. The first cover part and the second cover part are at least partially separated by a slit and connected to each other by a flexible part, which facilitates the arrangement of the cover on the power tool attachment component because the attachment component can be easily inserted through the slit (also referred to as a gap or opening).

[0010] In some embodiments, the slit or gap may extend from the second end of the cover to the flexible portion. In such embodiments, the slit or gap may extend from the second end on both sides of the cover (and therefore, when in use, on both sides of the elongated housing) to the flexible portion such that the first cover portion and the second cover portion may be completely separated except at the flexible portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the slit or gap may extend from a first side of the connecting portion to a second side of the connecting portion, i.e., along the entire length of the elongated housing, and therefore along the entire length of the cover (except for the portion left to form the connecting portion) when in use. This may also refer to along the circumference of the housing, and therefore also the circumference of the cover, the circumference being a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the output shaft. In some embodiments, the slit may be further described as providing a gap that partially separates the first and second cover portions, so that the cover (i.e., the first cover portion and the second cover portion) can be split (while remaining connected at the flexible portion) to facilitate insertion of the power tool attachment component.

[0012] In some embodiments, a portion of the slit is formed by other openings arranged along the circumference (e.g., an opening arranged to allow inspection of an article number of a power tool attachment component or the like). Thus, the slit and / or other openings may together form a gap separating the cover parts. In any case, the arrangement of the slit (and possible other openings) provides an opening along the circumference of the cover separating the first and second cover parts, so that the cover parts can be opened in a manner that facilitates insertion of a power tool attachment component.

[0013] Furthermore, since the flexible cover portion can be opened in a jaw-like manner, which can also be described as the cover portion pivoting relative to the flexible portion, it further facilitates the insertion of the power tool attachment component when a socket (especially a longer socket) is used in conjunction with a power tool attachment component, otherwise the longer socket tends to make the arrangement of the cover difficult.

[0014] Therefore, the creative design of the cover according to the above-mentioned method cleverly provides a secure attachment of the cover to the power tool accessory and a convenient arrangement of the cover on the tool attachment component, regardless of the shape and size of the power tool attachment component itself, the output interface and / or the type of socket used (if any).

[0015] The power tool attachment component may be an attachment component adapted for use with any power tool, such as a handheld power tool, such as a pneumatic tool or an electric tool (possibly a battery-powered tool). Examples include tightening tools, such as any of the above-mentioned types of screwdrivers.

[0016] The outer design formed by the first cover part and the second cover part, i.e. the shape of the cover, can be appropriately adapted to the shape of the power tool attachment part on which the cover is adapted to be arranged. For example, the shape of the first part and the second part can even be described in some embodiments as a shape that is congruent with the surface of the power tool attachment part to be covered, but in other embodiments, a more general shape may be sufficient.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first and second portions of the housing form first and second halves of the housing, the first and second halves being defined by a cross-section in a plane parallel to the longitudinal centerline.

[0018] In one embodiment, the slit extends along at least 50% of the entire length of the cover, for example, at least 70% of the entire length of the cover. Thus, a large opening can be achieved, thereby facilitating easy insertion of power tool attachment components. In one embodiment, the slit extends along the length of the cover all the way to the flexible portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the flexible portion is integrally formed with the first cover portion and / or the second cover portion.Thereby, manufacturing advantages and a uniform cover design may be achieved.

[0020] In one embodiment, the flexible portion forms a hinge. In one embodiment, the slit extends from the second end of the cover to the hinge. In such an embodiment, the slit or gap may extend from the second end on both sides of the cover (and therefore, in use, on both sides of the elongate housing) to the hinge so that the first and second cover parts can be completely separated except at the hinge.

[0021] In one embodiment, the flexible portion is a living hinge. A living hinge or integral hinge is understood to be a connecting portion of the cover that is thin and flexible enough to allow movement between the first and second cover portions. The living hinge may be cut or thinned to facilitate bending. In such an embodiment, the living hinge may be made of the same material as the first and second portions.

[0022] In one embodiment, the flexible portion is adapted to be arranged at the second end of the elongated housing when in use. Thus, the flexible or connecting portion is positioned at the output or front end of the power tool attachment component and thus provides complete protection to prevent the front of the power tool attachment component from scratching any surface, and both parts can be fastened to the back or input end of the elongated housing. In such an embodiment, the slit can extend along (and partially around) the first end (thereby the input end or interface) of the elongated housing.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cover is adapted to extend from said first end of the elongated housing to said second end of the elongated housing in use.Thus, in order to effectively prevent scratches, the entire length of the housing may be covered.

[0024] In some embodiments, the cover further comprises an integral locking device for attaching the cover to the elongated housing of the power tool attachment component. In one embodiment, the first part and the second part may each comprise a respective locking device adapted to interlock when the cover parts have been arranged on the elongated housing.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first cover portion and / or the second portion comprises an engagement structure adapted to cooperate with a corresponding mating structure arranged at the second end of the power tool attachment component in order to retain / attach the cover to the power tool attachment component.

[0026] In one embodiment, the engagement structure is an inner surface of the first cover portion and / or the second portion that conforms to a mating surface provided at the second end of the power tool attachment component.

[0027] In one embodiment, the cover is adapted to cover at least 50% of the surface area of ​​the elongated housing, such as at least 75% of the surface area of ​​the elongated housing. For example, in some embodiments, the cover can be adapted to cover more or less the entire power tool accessory, except for the input / output portion where the attachment member engages the power tool and the connector. In other embodiments, portions of the elongated housing can be exposed to facilitate access to, for example, a grease nipple, etc., and to view an item number, etc.

[0028] In one embodiment, the cover is made of a material selected from polyurethane (PUR), thermoplastic polyurethane TPU, silicone rubber and natural rubber. Silicone rubber is durable, highly elastic, soft and gentle to the surface. PUR also has the above-mentioned desired properties and has high wear resistance and chemical resistance. As a subclass of PUR, TPU provides similar advantages and enhanced performance.

[0029] Suitable manufacturing methods may include additive manufacturing (3D printing), injection molding, vacuum casting and blow molding.

[0030] In one embodiment, the power tool attachment component is a claw.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a kit is provided, the kit comprising a power tool attachment component and a power tool attachment component cover according to any of the foregoing embodiments. In some embodiments, the kit may further include a sleeve that can be attached to the output interface of the power tool attachment component. The purposes, advantages and features of the kit that can be thought of within the scope of the second aspect of the present invention are easily understood by reference to the foregoing discussion of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0032] Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that different features of the present invention may be combined to create embodiments other than those described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The present invention will be described in the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary power tool attachment component.

[0035] Figure 2a is a perspective view of an exemplary power tool attachment component and a power tool attachment cover according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2bis a perspective view of an exemplary power tool attachment component and a power tool attachment cover according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2c is a perspective view of an exemplary power tool attachment cover according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary power tool attachment component and a power tool attachment cover according to one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary power tool attachment component and a power tool attachment cover according to one embodiment.

[0040] All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally show only the parts which are necessary for elucidating the invention, wherein other parts may be omitted or merely mentioned. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Figure 1 The exploded view in shows an exemplary power tool attachment component 1, in the case shown a so-called closed-end attachment component 1, comprising an elongated housing 3, the elongated housing 3 comprising an upper housing component 3a and a lower housing component 3b interconnected with the upper housing component. An input gear 9 configured to be connected to the output shaft of the power wrench is arranged at the first end 1a of the housing 3, and an output gear 11 having an output interface 11a (for example, a sleeve can be arranged) is arranged at the second end 1b of the housing 3. In the embodiment shown, two intermediate gears 13a, 13b are arranged in the housing 3 and are configured to transfer torque from the input gear 9 to the output gear 11. An adapter 50 is arranged to attach the attachment component to a power tool (not shown). Such power tool attachment components, which are generally referred to as claws, and their operation themselves are known in the art and will not be described in any further detail.

[0042] Figure 2a and Figure 2b A power tool attachment component is shown, on which a power tool attachment component cover 2 has been arranged to cover the elongated shell 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 2 is designed to extend from a first end 1a of the elongated shell 3 to a second end 1b of the elongated shell 3 and cover most of the shell.

[0043] The cover 2 is made of a flexible elastic material (such as TPU), and includes a first cover portion 21 and a second cover portion 22. Figure 2a and Figure 2bAs shown, the first cover part 21 covers the lower half 3b of the elongated housing 3, and the second cover part 22 covers the upper half 3a of the elongated housing 3. The second part 22 is provided with a first opening 31 and a second opening 32, the first opening 31 is used to allow the adapter 50 to extend out of the cover, and the second opening 32 is used to allow access to the output interface 11a. The first part 21 is provided with two similar openings 33 and 34, and an additional elongated opening 35, and the elongated opening 35 is used to allow the article number of the power tool attachment component to be checked.

[0044] The first part 21 and the second part 22 are connected to each other at the first end 2a of the cover 2 by a flexible part 23 forming a hinge portion, and the first part 21 and the second part 22 are further separated by a slit 24 extending from the second end 2b of the cover to the flexible part 23. In the embodiment shown, the slit 24 reaches an opening 35 provided on the side of the elongated housing, so it can be said that the opening 35 forms a part of the slit 24 or gap provided along the circumference of the cover 2, thereby allowing the power tool attachment component to be easily inserted.

[0045] In the embodiment shown, the flexible portion 23 is integrally formed with the first cover portion 21 and the second cover portion 22 and the flexible portion 23 is therefore also made of TPU. Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown, the connection portion 23 is arranged at the second end 1 b of the elongated housing and is therefore adjacent to the output interface 11 a .

[0046] Figure 2c Only the cover 2 including the first and second parts 21, 22 and the flexible part 23 is shown without the power tool attachment components. Figure 2c As shown, the cover 2 in this embodiment further includes an integral locking device 40 for attaching the cover 2 to the elongated housing 3 of the power tool attachment component. More specifically, the first part 21 and the second part 22 each include a corresponding locking device 41, 42. The locking device or engagement structure 41, 42 is formed in the inner surface of the first cover part 21 and the second cover part 22, respectively, and is adapted to cooperate with a corresponding mating structure arranged at the second end of the power tool attachment component - in this case, a mating surface consistent with the inner surface provided at the second end of the power tool attachment component (not shown) - so as to retain / attach the cover 2 to the power tool attachment component.

[0047] Figure 3 1 shows a power tool attachment component on which a power tool attachment component cover 2 according to another embodiment has been arranged to partially cover the elongated housing 3. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the cover 2 is designed to cover only some edges and parts of the housing 3. Figure 3As shown, various openings and cutouts are provided on both sides and on the top and bottom of the housing to enable, for example, access to the connectors and viewing of the item number.

[0048] In addition, Figure 2a and Figure 2b Similar to the embodiment shown, the cover 2 is made of a flexible elastic material (e.g., TPU) and includes a first cover portion 21 partially covering the lower half 3b of the elongated shell and a second cover portion 22 partially covering the upper half 3a of the elongated shell 3. The first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are connected to each other at the first end 2a of the cover 2 by a flexible portion 23, which in this embodiment forms a hinge portion integrally formed with the first and second portions 21, 22, and the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are further separated by a slit 24 extending from the second end 2b of the cover toward the flexible portion 23, and in the embodiment shown, the slit 24 reaches an opening provided on the side of the elongated shell 3. Therefore, the slit 24 and the opening together form a gap separating the cover portions 21, 22.

[0049] Figure 4 A so-called open-ended power tool attachment component 1 is shown, on which a power tool attachment component cover 2 has been arranged to cover an elongated housing 3 .

[0050] and Figure 2a and Figure 2b The embodiment shown is similar, Figure 4 The cover 2 is designed to extend from a first end 1a of the elongated shell 3 to a second end 1b of the elongated shell 3, to cover most of the shell 3, and includes a first cover portion 21 for covering a lower half 3b of the elongated shell and a second cover portion 22 for covering an upper half 3a of the elongated shell 3.

[0051] The first cover part 21 and the second cover part 22 are connected to each other at the first end 2a of the cover 2 by two flexible parts 23a and 23b adjacent to the output end, and the first cover part 21 and the second cover part 22 are further separated by a slit 24, which extends from the second end 2b of the cover to the flexible parts 23a, 23b via an opening 35 arranged on the side of the elongated shell 3.

[0052] Although the utility model has been shown and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such showing and description should be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive; the utility model is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. It is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications, changes and variations can be imagined within the scope defined by the appended claims. In addition, when practicing the claimed utility model, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments after studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "one" or "an" does not exclude multiple. The fact that certain measures are recorded in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any figure mark in the claim should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claim.

Claims

1. A power tool attachment component cover (2), characterized in that: It is adapted to at least partially cover the power tool attachment component (1), The power tool attachment component comprises: - an elongated housing (3), comprising an upper housing part (3a) and a lower housing part (3b) connected to the upper housing part, - an input gear (9) configured to be connected to an output shaft of the power wrench, said input gear (9) being arranged at a first end (1a) of the housing (3), - an output gear (11) having an output interface (11a), said output gear (11) being arranged at the second end (1b) of the housing (3), and - a first intermediate gear (13a) arranged in the housing (3) and configured to transmit torque from the input gear (9) to the output gear (11), The cover is made of a flexible elastic material and comprises: - a first cover portion (21) adapted to at least partially cover the lower housing part of the elongated housing in use, and - a second cover portion (22) adapted to at least partially cover the upper housing part of the elongated housing when in use, The first cover part and the second cover part are connected to each other at the first end of the cover by a flexible part (23), and the first cover part and the second cover part are separated by a slit (24) extending from the second end of the cover toward the flexible part, thereby allowing a power tool attachment component to be inserted through the slit.

2. The power tool attachment component cover according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slit extends along at least 50% of the entire length of the cover.

3. The power tool attachment component cover according to claim 2, characterized in that: The slit extends along at least 70% of the entire length of the cover.

4. The power tool attachment component cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The slit extends along the length of the cover all the way to the flexible portion.

5. The power tool attachment component cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The flexible portion is integrally formed with the first cover portion and / or the second cover portion.

6. The power tool attachment component cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The flexible portion (23) forms a hinge.

7. The power tool attachment component cover according to claim 6, characterized in that: The flexible portion is a living hinge.

8. The power tool attachment component cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The flexible portion is adapted to be arranged at the second end of the elongate housing in use.

9. The power tool attachment component cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The shroud is adapted to extend, in use, from the first end of the elongate housing (3) to the second end of the elongate housing (3).

10. The power tool attachment component cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first cover portion and / or the second cover portion comprises an engagement structure adapted to cooperate with a corresponding mating structure arranged at the second end of the power tool attachment component.

11. The power tool attachment component cover according to claim 10, characterized in that: The engagement structure is an inner surface of the first cover portion and / or the second cover portion that conforms to a mating surface provided at the second end of the power tool attachment component.

12. The power tool attachment component cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The cover is adapted to cover at least 50% of the surface area of ​​the elongated housing.

13. The power tool attachment component cover according to claim 12, characterized in that: The cover is adapted to cover at least 75% of the surface area of ​​the elongated housing.

14. The power tool attachment component cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The cover is made of a material selected from polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane and silicone rubber.

15. The power tool attachment component cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The power tool attachment component is a claw.

16. A kit, characterized in that It comprises a power tool attachment component and a power tool attachment component cover according to any one of the preceding claims, the power tool attachment component comprising: - an elongated housing (3), comprising an upper housing part (3a) and a lower housing part (3b) connected to the upper housing part, - an input gear (9) configured to be connected to an output shaft of the power wrench, said input gear (9) being arranged at a first end of the housing (3), - an output gear (11) having an output interface (11a), the output gear (11) being arranged at the second end of the housing (3), and A first intermediate gear (13a) arranged in the housing (3) and configured to transmit the torque of the input gear (9) to the output gear (11).

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