Accessory for reaction arm power tool

Abstract

An attachment for a reaction arm power tool includes a body having a distal end engaging a fixed structure and an attachment end defining a splined connection that engages a splined interface of the power tool; a quick change and removal assembly supported in the body adjacent to the splined connection, selectively securing the accessory to the splined interface; the quick replacement and removal assembly includes a pawl switch rotatably supported in the main body and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the pawl switch having a cam surface; a torsion spring having a first end coupled to the body and a second end coupled to the pawl switch, urging the pawl switch toward the locked position; the pawl switch is fixed in the main body through the fixing pin; a pawl pin is supported in the body in a translation manner, the cam surface translates the pawl pin between a first position in which the pawl pin is in the spline connection when the pawl switch is in the locking position, and a second position in which the pawl pin is disengaged from the spline connection when the pawl switch is in the unlocking position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to reaction arm power tools, and more particularly to accessories for reaction arm power tools. Background Art

[0002] A reaction arm tool is a rotary power tool for driving fasteners such as nuts and bolts, especially in high torque applications. The reaction arm tool includes a reaction arm that is fixed to the tool housing and can engage a fixed structure (e.g., adjacent fasteners in a bolt pattern). When torque is applied to the fastener, the reaction arm transfers the reaction torque to the fixed structure rather than to the user holding the tool. Summary of the Utility Model

[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an accessory for a reaction arm power tool, the reaction arm accessory including: a body having a distal end configured to engage a fixed structure and an attachment end defining a spline connection configured to engage a spline interface of the power tool; and a quick-change removal assembly supported in the body adjacent the spline connection and configured to selectively fix the reaction arm accessory to the spline interface of the tool; the quick-change removal assembly including a detenting switch rotatably supported in the body and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the detenting switch having a cam surface; a torsion spring having a first end coupled to the body and a second end coupled to the detenting switch, the torsion spring configured to urge the detenting switch toward the locked position; a fixed pin configured to fix the detenting switch within the body; and a detent pin translationally supported within the body, wherein the cam surface of the detenting switch is configured to translate the detent pin between a first position and a second position, in the first position, when the detenting switch is in the locked position, the detent pin is within the spline connection, and in the second position, when the detenting switch is in the unlocked position, the detent pin is disengaged from the spline connection.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an extension configured to couple with a spline connection of a reaction arm power tool. The extension includes: a housing having a first end defining a mating spline connection and a second end defining a second spline connection; an output drive mechanism rotatably supported within the housing and configured to engage a drive output of the reaction arm power tool; and a quick-change removal assembly coupled to the first end of the housing to selectively secure the mating spline to the spline connection of the reaction arm power tool. The quick-change removal assembly includes a collar rotatably coupled to the housing, the collar having a plurality of pawl regions and a cam engagement surface defining a raised portion and a recessed portion; a pawl locking ball configured to engage the engagement surface of the collar to selectively move the pawl ball to communicate with the mating spline connection through a hole formed in the housing; and a biasing member positioned between the collar and the housing and configured to selectively engage one of the pawl regions to fix the collar in a locked position or an unlocked position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 FIG. 6 is a side view of a power tool with a reaction arm according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 2 FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a reaction arm attachment showing the quick-change removal assembly in a locked position.

[0007] Figure 3 FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the reaction arm attachment of FIG. 16 showing the quick-change removal assembly removed from the reaction arm attachment. Figure 2 FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the reaction arm attachment of FIG. 22 showing the quick-change removal assembly in an unlocked position.

[0008] Figure 4 FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a portion of the reaction arm attachment of FIG. 22 showing the quick-change removal assembly in an unlocked position. Figure 2 FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the quick-change removal assembly in a locked position.

[0009] Figure 5 FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the quick-change removal assembly in an unlocked position. Figure 2 FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of a reaction arm attachment including a quick-change assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 6 FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the quick-change removal assembly in a locked position. Figure 3 FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the quick-change removal assembly in an unlocked position.

[0011] Figure 7 FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view of a reaction arm attachment including a quick-change assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 8 Is Figure 7 Perspective view of the pawl switch of the quick-change removal component.

[0013] Figure 9 Is Figure 7 Perspective view of the quick-change removal component, showing the quick-change removal component in the locked position.

[0014] Figure 10 Is Figure 7 Perspective view of the quick-change removal component, showing the quick-change removal component in the unlocked position.

[0015] Figure 11 Perspective view of the reaction arm attachment according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 12 Perspective view of the reaction arm attachment according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 13 Perspective view of the reaction arm attachment according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 14 Perspective view of the reaction arm attachment according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 15 Perspective view of the extension of the power tool including the quick-change component according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 16 Is Figure 15 Cross-sectional perspective view of the extension.

[0021] Figure 17 Shows the quick-change component Figure 15 Exploded perspective view of the extension.

[0022] Figure 18 Shows the quick-change component Figure 15 Perspective view of the extension.

[0023] Figure 19 Perspective view of the collar of the quick-change component.

[0024] Figure 20 Is Figure 13 Front view of the extension, showing the quick-change component in the first unlocked position.

[0025] Figure 21 Is Figure 13 Front view of the extension, showing the quick-change component in the locked position.

[0026] Figure 22 Front view of an extension of Figure 13 showing the quick-change assembly in a second unlocked position.

[0027] Figure 23 Exploded perspective view of an attachment interface of a power tool having a quick-change removal assembly and a reaction arm attachment.

[0028] Figure 24 Front view of an attachment interface of Figure 23 showing the quick-change removal assembly.

[0029] Figure 25 Another cross-sectional perspective view of an attachment interface of Figure 23 showing the pawl locking balls of the quick-change removal assembly.

[0030] Figure 26 Rear perspective view of a plate of the quick-change removal assembly.

[0031] Figure 27 Front view of an attachment interface having a reaction arm attachment, showing the quick-change removal assembly in an unlocked position.

[0032] Figure 28 Front view of an attachment interface having a reaction arm attachment, showing the quick-change removal assembly in a locked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Before explaining in detail any embodiments of the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0034] Figure 1 Illustrated is a power tool 10 in the form of a reaction arm tool—a rotary direct drive power tool configured to apply torque to a workpiece (e.g., a fastener) and having a reaction arm 12 that can support the tool against a fixed structure (e.g., an adjacent fastener, wall, fixture, etc.) to withstand reaction torque. Thus, a user operating the power tool 10 does not experience reaction torque in their hands and wrists, allowing for higher torque output, repeatability, and reduced user fatigue.

[0035] The power tool 10 can be substantially similar to the power tool disclosed in International Publication No. PCT / US2023 / 027833 in the name of Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Accordingly, reference is made toFigure 1 , the electric power tool 10 shown includes a housing 14 having a handle portion 18, a motor housing portion 22, and a battery receptacle 30 configured to receive a battery pack. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery receptacle 30 is located at the bottom or lower end of the handle portion 18, opposite the motor housing portion 22. A motor 34 is supported within the motor housing portion 22 and is operatively coupled to a drive assembly (e.g., such as a multi-stage planetary gearing). The motor 34 drives the drive assembly to provide an output torque at an output or drive end 38 of the power tool 10. The drive assembly provides an output torque at the output or drive output end 38 of the power tool 10.

[0036] The tool 10 further includes an attachment interface 42 that is secured to the housing and from which the drive output end 38 extends (e.g., through the attachment interface 42). The attachment interface 42 is non-rotatably coupled to the housing portion 22 and includes a spline interface 44 that engages a corresponding spline connection of a reaction arm attachment, which will be described in detail below. The attachment interface 42 further includes a circumferential recess 46 that is formed in the spline interface 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 46 is spaced from the front end of the attachment interface 44 and is configured to receive a pawl pin, ball, or projection to selectively secure the reaction arm 12 to the tool 10, which will be described in detail below.

[0037] The illustrated drive output end 38 is configured as a square drive output end having a generally square cross-section in a direction transverse to the drive shaft 40. Accordingly, the drive output end 38 is configured to be attached to a corresponding (i.e., square) drive tool bit, such as a socket (not shown). In other embodiments, the drive output end 18 may have any other desired shape.

[0038] Now refer to Figures 2 to 6, shows a reaction arm attachment 112 (e.g., a spline arm) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The reaction arm attachment 112 includes a body 116 having a distal end 120a or tip and an attachment end 120b. The attachment end 120b is configured to be coupled to the attachment interface 42 of the power tool 10 such that the body 116 extends away from the attachment interface 42 to the distal end 120a. The distal end 120a is configured to engage a fixed structure (e.g., adjacent fasteners in a bolt pattern) such that the reaction arm attachment 112 transfers reaction torque to the fixed structure rather than to the user holding the tool. The illustrated reaction arm attachment 112 further includes a spline connection 124 and a quick-change removal assembly 150 configured to engage a spline interface 44 of the attachment interface 42 and selectively fix the reaction arm attachment 112 to the spline interface 44. The quick-change removal assembly 150 is rotatably supported in the body 116 adjacent to the spline connection 124. When the reaction arm attachment 112 is coupled to the tool 10, an insertion axis 130 extends centrally through the spline connection 124 and is parallel to the drive axis 40.

[0039] Now referring to Figure 3 , the reaction arm attachment 112 includes a first hole 154 formed in the body 116 of the attachment 112. The first hole 154 defines a first receiving axis 158 that is parallel to the insertion axis 130 defined by the spline connection 124. A second hole 162 is formed in the body 116 such that the second hole 162 is in communication with the first hole 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the second hole 162 includes a first portion on a first side of the first hole 154 and a second portion on a second side of the first hole 154. In other words, the second hole 162 extends through the first hole 154. The second hole 162 defines a second receiving axis 166 that is orthogonal to the first receiving axis 158. A third hole 170 is defined in the body 116 such that the third hole 170 is in communication with the first hole 154 and the spline connection 124.

[0040] The quick-change removal assembly 150 includes a pawl switch 174 rotatably supported in the body 116, a torsion spring 178 configured to urge the pawl switch 174 toward a locked position, a fixing pin 182 configured to fix the pawl switch 174 in the body 116, and a pawl pin 186 translationally supported in the body 116. The first hole 154 is sized to receive the pawl switch 174 and the torsion spring 178 along a first receiving axis 158. The second hole 162 is sized to receive the fixing pin 182 along a second receiving axis 166, so that the fixing pin 182 is configured to engage the pawl switch 174. The third hole 170 receives the pawl pin 186. The pawl pin 186 is movable between an unlocked position where the pawl pin 186 disengages from the splined connection 124 and a locked position where the pawl pin 186 extends within the splined connection 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the torsion spring 178 includes a first end 180a ( Figure 4 ) coupled to the pawl switch 174 and a second end 180b coupled to the body 116 of the reaction arm attachment 112. The torsion spring 178 urges the pawl switch 174 toward the locked position.

[0041] Now referring to Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the quick-change removal assembly 150 is shown in a locked position ( Figure 2 and Figure 5 ) and an unlocked position ( Figure 4 and Figure 6 ). As shown in detail in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the pawl switch 174 includes a circumferential groove 190, a cam surface 194, and a receiving hole 192 configured to receive the first end 180a of the torsion spring 178. The circumferential groove 190 is sized to receive the fixing pin 182 to limit the movement of the pawl switch 174 along the first receiving axis 158. The cam surface 194 includes a convex portion 196 and a concave portion 198, and the convex portion and the concave portion selectively engage the pawl pin 186 based on the rotational position of the pawl switch 274. The geometry of the cam surface 194 translates the pawl pin 186 within the third hole 170 to selectively move the pawl pin 186 within the splined connection 124 to fix the arm 54 to the attachment interface 42 ( Figure 1 ). In other words, the cam surface 194 of the pawl switch 174 is configured to translate the pawl pin 186 between a first position and a second position. In the first position, when the pawl switch 174 is in the locked position ( Figure 2 and Figure 5 ), the pawl pin 186 is within the splined connection 124. In the second position, when the pawl switch 174 is in the unlocked position ( Figure 4 and Figure 6)When it is (a certain time), the pawl pin 186 disengages from the spline connection portion 124.

[0042] The directions of the holes 154, 162, 170 allow the quick-change removal assembly 150 to be installed on the body 116 of the reaction arm attachment 112 and removed from the body of the reaction arm attachment. To assemble the quick-change removal assembly 50, the pawl pin 186 is inserted into the third hole 170. The torsion spring 178 and the pawl switch 174 are then inserted into the first hole 154 along the first receiving axis 158 such that the circumferential groove 190 is aligned with the second hole 162 and the cam surface 194 is aligned with the pawl pin 186 inserted into the third hole 170. The fixing pin 182 is inserted into the second hole 162 along the second receiving axis 166 such that the fixing pin 182 is received within the circumferential groove 190 to fix the pawl switch 174 within the first hole 154.

[0043] To install the reaction arm attachment 112 onto or remove it from the tool 10, the user rotates the pawl switch 174 counterclockwise about the first receiving axis 158, which releases the pawl pin 186 from the spline connection portion. Specifically, the cam surface 194 is moved, so the pawl pin 186 translates out of the spline connection portion and engages the concave portion 198. Once the reaction arm attachment 112 is installed, the pawl switch 174 rotates clockwise by the force of the torsion spring 178. Specifically, the convex portion 196 engages the pawl pin 186 to displace the pawl pin 186 within the spline connection portion 124 and communicate with the circumferential recess 46 formed in the spline interface 44 of the tool 10, which fixes the reaction arm attachment 112 to the attachment interface 42.

[0044] Figures 7 to 10 A reaction arm attachment 212 (such as a wheel lug arm) having a quick-change removal assembly 250 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The reaction arm attachment 212 is similar to Figures 2 to 6 the reaction arm attachment 112 shown and described above. Thus, similar features are identified with similar reference numerals plus "100", and only the differences between the two will be discussed.

[0045] The reaction arm attachment 212 includes a body 216 having a distal end 220a and an attachment end 220b. The attachment end 220b is configured to be coupled to the attachment interface 42 of the power tool 10 such that the body 216 extends away from the attachment interface 42 in a generally kidney bean shape to the distal end 220a. The illustrated reaction arm attachment 212 further includes a spline connection 224 and a quick-change removal assembly 250 that is configured to engage a spline interface 44 of the attachment interface 42 and selectively secure the reaction arm attachment 212 to the spline interface 44. When the reaction arm attachment 212 is coupled to the tool 10, an insertion axis 230 extends centrally through the spline connection 224 and is parallel to the drive axis 40.

[0046] With reference now Figure 3 , the reaction arm attachment 212 includes a first aperture 254 formed in a side surface of the body 216 of the attachment 212. The first aperture 254 defines a first receiving axis 258 that is parallel to the insertion axis 230 defined by the spline connection 224. A second aperture 262 is formed in the top surface of the body 216 such that the second aperture 262 is in communication with the first aperture 254. The second aperture 262 defines a second receiving axis 266 that is orthogonal to the first receiving axis 258. A third aperture 270 is defined in the body 216 such that the third aperture 270 is in communication with the first aperture 254 and the spline connection 224.

[0047] The quick-change removal assembly 250 includes a pawl switch 274, a torsion spring 278, a fixed pin 282, and a pawl pin 286. The first aperture 254 is sized to receive the pawl switch 274 and the torsion spring 278 along the first receiving axis 258. The second aperture 262 is sized to receive the fixed pin 282 along the second receiving axis 266 such that the fixed pin 282 is configured to engage the pawl switch 274. The third aperture 270 receives the pawl pin 286 and is movable between an unlocked position where the pawl pin 286 does not extend into the spline connection 224 and a locked position where the pawl pin 286 extends into the spline connection 224. In the illustrated embodiment, the torsion spring 278 includes a first end 280a coupled to the pawl switch 274 and a second end 280b coupled to the body 216 of the reaction arm attachment 212. The torsion spring 278 biases the pawl switch 274 toward the locked position.

[0048] With reference now Figure 8, the pawl switch 274 includes a circumferential groove 290, a cam surface 294, and a receiving hole configured to receive the first end 280a of the torsion spring 278. The circumferential groove 290 is sized to receive a fixing pin 282 to limit the movement of the pawl switch 274 along the first receiving axis 258. The cam surface 294 includes a first end 296 and a second end 298 that selectively engage the pawl pin 286 based on the rotational position of the pawl switch 274. The geometry of the cam surface 294 allows the pawl pin 286 to selectively move within the spline connection 224 to fix the arm 54 to the attachment interface 42( Figure 1 ). For example, the first end 296 of the cam surface 294 has a first radius, and the second end 298 of the cam surface 294 has a second radius greater than the first radius. In other words, the second end 298 has a smaller clearance than the first end 296 such that when the pawl switch 274 moves towards the locked position to translate the pawl pin 286 within the spline connection 224, the second end engages the pawl pin 286.

[0049] Now referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the quick-change removal assembly 250 is shown in the locked position( Figure 9 ) and the unlocked position( Figure 10 ). To install or remove the reaction arm attachment 212 from the tool 10, the user rotates the pawl switch 274 counterclockwise about the first receiving axis 258, which releases the pawl pin 286 by moving the cam surface 294 such that the fixing pin 182 engages the first end 296 of the cam surface 294. Once the reaction arm attachment 212 is installed, the pawl switch 274 rotates clockwise by the force of the torsion spring 278. Specifically, the second end 298 of the cam surface 294 engages the pawl pin 286 to displace the pawl pin 286 within the spline connection 224 and communicate with the circumferential recess 46 formed in the spline interface 44 of the tool, which fixes the reaction arm attachment 112 to the attachment interface 42.

[0050] Figures 11 to 14 The reaction arm attachments 312, 412, 512, 612 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. The reaction arm attachments 312, 412, 512, 612 have geometries different from those of the reaction arm attachments 112, 212 disclosed above, but are used in a manner similar to Figures 2 to 10 the reaction arm attachment 112 shown and described above. Therefore, similar features are identified with similar reference numerals plus "100", and only the differences between the attachments will be discussed. It should also be understood that the quick-change removal assemblies 150, 250 can be used with any exemplary reaction arm attachment or other reaction arm attachments.

[0051] For example, the reaction arm attachment 312 is a small spline arm. The reaction arm attachment 412 is a large spline arm. The reaction arm attachment 512 is a deep well arm. The reaction arm attachment 612 is a straight arm. The reaction arm attachments 312, 412, 512, and 612 can be directly coupled to the attachment interface 42 or the extension of the tool 10, which will be described in more detail below.

[0052] Figures 15 to 22 An extension 712 including a housing 716 is shown. The housing has a first end defining a mating spline connection 720 and a second end defining a second spline connection 724. A quick-change removal assembly 728 is coupled to the first end of the housing 716 to selectively secure the mating spline connection 720 to the spline connection 44 of the attachment interface 42 of the tool 10.

[0053] Now referring to Figures 15 to 17 , the extension 712 includes an output drive mechanism 732 ( Figure 16 ), which is rotatably supported within the housing 716 and configured to engage the drive output end 38 of the tool 10. The output drive mechanism 732 includes a sleeve 736 and a second drive output end 740, the sleeve being configured to be coupled to the drive output end 38 of the tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 736 has a generally square cross-sectional shape, and the second drive output end 740 also has a generally square cross-sectional shape. Accordingly, the second drive output end 740 is configured for attachment to a corresponding (i.e., square) drive tool bit, such as a sleeve (not shown). In other embodiments, the second drive output end may have any other desired shape. As Figure 16 and Figure 17 shown, a fixing member 742 (e.g., a retaining ring, a clamp, etc.) is coupled to the housing 716 and configured to fix the drive mechanism 732 within the housing 716.

[0054] Now referring to Figures 17 to 19 , the quick-change removal assembly 728 includes a collar 746 rotatably coupled to the housing 716, a pawl locking ball 750 selectively moved through a hole 754 formed in the housing 716 into communication with the mating spline connection 720, a biasing member 758 located between the collar 746 and the housing 716, and a fixing member 762 (e.g., a retaining ring, a clamp, etc.). The inner surface of the collar 746 includes a plurality of pawl regions 766, 768, 770 ( Figure 19 ), which are configured to selectively receive the biasing member 758 to fix the collar 746 in a locked position or an unlocked position; and a cam engagement surface 774, which is configured to engage the pawl locking ball 750.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 758 is a leaf spring coupled to the housing 716. In other embodiments, alternative biasing members, such as torsion springs, compression springs, etc. The combination of the biasing member 758 and the pawl regions 766, 768, 770 limits the movement of the collar 746 to a predetermined range and provides different locking and unlocking positions for the collar 746. Specifically, the locking and unlocking positions are separated by a predetermined angle. In the illustrated embodiment, the collar 746 has a movement range of 120 degrees, and the predetermined angle between each position is 60 degrees. In other embodiments, the predetermined angle may be less than 60 degrees or greater than 60 degrees. For example, the collar 746 is configured to rotate clockwise from the locking position ( Figure 21 ) to the first unlocking position ( Figure 20 ), or rotate counterclockwise from the locking position to the second unlocking position ( Figure 22 ). The cam engagement surface 774 includes a first raised portion 778 and a second recessed portion 782. In the illustrated embodiment, the first raised portion 778 is formed as a first arc of the cam engagement surface 774, and the second recessed portion 782 is formed as a second arc of the cam engagement surface 774. In other words, the first raised portion 778 of the cam engagement surface 774 corresponds to the locking position of the collar 746, while the second recessed portion 782 corresponds to the unlocking position of the collar 746. The first arc is less than the predetermined angle between the locking and unlocking positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the first arc is less than 60 degrees of the circumference of the collar.

[0056] Now referring to Figures 20 to 22 , the operation of the quick-change removal assembly 728 is shown. For example, Figure 21 shows the collar 746 in the locking position, Figure 20 shows the collar 746 in the first unlocking position, and Figure 22 shows the collar 746 in the second unlocking position ( Figure 22 ). In the locking position, the raised portion 778 of the engagement surface 774 engages the pawl locking ball 750 to translate a portion of the pawl locking ball 750 into the spline connection 720 and communicate with the circumferential recess 46 ( Figure 1 ) formed in the spline interface 44 of the tool 10, which fixes the extension 712 to the attachment interface 42. At the same time, the biasing member 758 engages the first pawl region 766 ( Figure 20 ) to fix the collar 746 in the locking position.

[0057] To remove the extension 712 from the tool 10, the collar 746 can be rotated in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction to move the collar 746 from the locking position ( Figure 21 ) to the first unlocking position ( Figure 20 ) or the second unlocking position ( Figure 22)。When the collar 746 rotates in the clockwise direction towards the first unlocking position, the biasing member 758 compresses and moves out of engagement with the first detent region 766. At the same time, the detent locking ball 750 moves out of engagement with the raised portion 778 of the engagement surface 774 and engages the recessed portion 782, which allows the detent locking ball 750 to translate out of the splined connection 720. Once the collar 746 reaches the first unlocking position, the biasing member 758 engages the second detent region 768( Figure 19 ) to fix the collar 746 in the first unlocking position, which allows the extension 712 to be removed from the tool 10.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, when the collar 746 rotates in the counterclockwise direction from the locked position( Figure 21 ) towards the second unlocking position( Figure 22 )), the biasing member 758 compresses and moves out of engagement with the first detent region 766. At the same time, the detent locking ball 750 moves out of engagement with the raised portion 778 of the engagement surface 774 and engages the recessed portion 782, which allows the detent locking ball 750 to translate out of the splined connection 720. Once the collar reaches the second unlocking position, the biasing member 758 engages the third detent region 770( Figure 19 ) to fix the collar 746 in the second unlocking position, which allows the extension 712 to be removed from the tool 10.

[0059] Figures 23 to 27 Shown is a reaction arm attachment 912 (e.g., a splined arm) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the reaction arm attachment being configured to be coupled to an attachment interface 842 having a quick-change removal assembly 950. The reaction arm attachment 912 is similar to the reaction arm attachment 112 shown above Figures 2 to 6 and the attachment interface 42 shown Figure 1 . Contrary to the reaction arm attachment 112, the quick-change removal assembly 950 is coupled to the attachment interface 842 rather than the reaction arm attachment 912. Accordingly, like features are identified with like reference numerals plus "800", and only the differences between the two will be discussed.

[0060] The reaction arm attachment 912 includes a body 916 having a distal end 920a or tip and an attachment end 920b. The attachment end 920b is configured to be coupled to an attachment interface 842 of a power tool such that the body 916 extends away from the attachment interface 842 to the distal end 920a. The distal end 920a is configured to engage a fixed structure (e.g., adjacent fasteners in a bolt pattern) such that the reaction arm attachment 912 transfers reaction torque to the fixed structure rather than to a user holding the tool. The illustrated reaction arm attachment 912 further includes a spline connection 924 configured to engage a first spline interface 844 of the attachment interface 842. When the reaction arm attachment 912 is coupled to the tool, an insertion axis 930 extends centrally through the spline connection 924 and is parallel to a drive axis 840 of the attachment interface 842.

[0061] The attachment interface 842 includes a housing 843 having a first end 845 coupled to the tool and a second end 847 opposite the first end 845. The first spline interface 844 extends at least partially between the first end 845 and the second end 847. The second end 847 defines a recess 851 configured to receive a quick-change removal assembly 950 configured to selectively secure the reaction arm attachment 912 to the first spline interface 844. The quick-change removal assembly 150 includes a plate 953 rotatably supported on the second end 847 of the attachment interface 844, a fixed structure 957 (e.g., a helical ring) supported on the second end 847 of the attachment interface 844, and one or more biasing members 961 configured to selectively hold the plate 953 in a locked position or an unlocked position. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate 953 and the fixed structure 957 are supported within the recess 851 of the housing 843 at the second end 847. The biasing members 961 include four compression springs circumferentially spaced about the second end 847 of the attachment interface. In other embodiments, the biasing members may include more compression springs (e.g., five, six, etc.) or fewer compression springs (e.g., three, two, one).

[0062] Now referring to Figure 25 and Figure 26 , the plate 953 includes an interface 965 corresponding to the first spline interface 844. The interface is rotatable between an unlocked position ( Figure 27 ) and a locked position ( Figure 28 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the interface 965 defines a second spline interface having the same geometry as the spline interface 844. Specifically, the interface 965 includes a plurality of teeth 969 ( Figure 26 ) separated by valleys 971 ( Figure 26)。In other embodiments, the plate 953 may have an alternative geometry different from the spline interface 844. For example, when the plate 953 is in the unlocked position ( Figure 26 ), the interface 965 may have any geometry that does not engage the spline interface 844.

[0063] The quick-change removal assembly 950 further includes a pawl locking ball 963 ( Figure 25 ), which is urged by a biasing member 961 ( Figure 25 ) to engage recesses 967a, 967b formed in the plate 953. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate 953 includes a first set of circumferentially spaced-apart recesses 967a at positions corresponding to the teeth 969 (e.g., near the teeth 969) around the plate 953 and a second set of circumferentially spaced-apart recesses 967b at positions corresponding to the valleys 971 of the plate 953 (e.g., near the valleys 971) around the plate 953. The pawl locking ball 963 selectively engages one of the recesses 967a, 967b to fix the collar in the unlocked position ( Figure 27 ) or the locked position ( Figure 28 ). For example, when the pawl locking ball 963 engages one of the first set of recesses 967a, the plate 953 is fixed in the unlocked position, and when the pawl locking ball 963 engages one of the second set of recesses 967b, the plate 953 is fixed in the locked position.

[0064] Now referring to Figure 27 and Figure 28 , the movement of the quick-change removal assembly 950 between the locked position and the unlocked position is shown. In the unlocked position, the interface 965 is aligned with the spline interface 844 of the attachment interface 842, so the splined connection 924 of the reaction arm attachment 912 can be axially translated along the drive axis 840 ( Figure 24 ). At the same time, the pawl locking ball 963 ( Figure 25 ) engages one of the first set of recesses 967a to fix the plate 953 in the unlocked position. Once the reaction arm attachment 912 is coupled to the attachment interface 842, the plate 953 rotates towards the locked position ( Figure 26 ), at which position the interface 965 is not aligned with the first spline interface 844. When the plate 953 rotates, the pawl locking ball 963 moves out of engagement with the recess 967a and engages one of the second set of recesses 967b to fix the plate 953 in the locked position. The misalignment of the interface 965 with the first spline interface 844 restricts the axial movement of the reaction arm attachment 912 along the drive axis 840, which fixes the reaction arm attachment 912 to the attachment interface 842. To remove the reaction arm attachment 912 from the attachment interface 842, the plate 953 rotates towards the unlocked position ( Figure 25) In the unlocked position, the interface 965 is aligned with the first spline interface 844. Then, the reaction arm attachment 912 can be translated along the drive axis 840 to remove the reaction arm attachment from the attachment interface 842.

[0065] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more of the independent aspects of the present disclosure as described.

Claims

1. An accessory for a reaction arm power tool, characterized in that, The accessory includes: a body having a distal end configured to engage a fixed structure and an attachment end defining a spline connection portion configured to engage a spline interface of the power tool; and a quick-change removal assembly supported in the body adjacent the spline connection portion and configured to selectively secure the accessory to the spline interface of the tool, the quick-change removal assembly including a pawl switch rotatably supported in the body and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the pawl switch having a cam surface, a torsion spring having a first end coupled to the body and a second end coupled to the pawl switch, the torsion spring configured to urge the pawl switch toward the locked position, a fixing pin configured to fix the pawl switch within the body, and a pawl pin translationally supported within the body, wherein the cam surface of the pawl switch is configured to translate the pawl pin between a first position, in which the pawl pin is within the spline connection portion when the pawl switch is in the locked position, and a second position, in which the pawl pin is disengaged from the spline connection portion when the pawl switch is in the unlocked position.

2. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein when the accessory is coupled to the tool, an insertion axis extends centrally through the spline connection portion and is parallel to a drive axis of the power tool, the body includes a first hole configured to receive the pawl switch and the torsion spring, and the first hole defines a first receiving axis parallel to the insertion axis defined by the spline connection portion.

3. The accessory according to claim 2, wherein the body includes a second hole in communication with the first hole, the second hole defines a second receiving axis orthogonal to the first receiving axis, and the second hole is sized to receive the fixing pin along the second receiving axis such that the fixing pin is configured to engage the pawl switch to limit movement of the pawl switch along the first receiving axis.

4. The accessory according to claim 3, wherein The body includes a third hole in communication with the first hole and the spline connection portion, and wherein the pawl pin is translationally supported within the third hole.

5. The accessory according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pawl switch includes a circumferential groove, and the circumferential groove is aligned with the second hole such that the fixing pin is received within the circumferential groove to fix the pawl switch within the first hole.

6. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the cam surface of the pawl switch includes a convex portion and a concave portion that selectively engage the pawl pin based on a rotational position of the pawl switch, when the pawl switch is in the unlocked position, the pawl pin translates out of the spline connection portion and engages the concave portion, and When the pawl switch is in the locked position, the pawl pin engages the concave portion to translate the pawl pin into the splined connection.

7. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein, The torsion spring includes a first end coupled to the pawl switch and a second end coupled to the body of the attachment.

8. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein the cam surface includes a first end and a second end that selectively engage the pawl pin based on the rotational position of the pawl switch, the first end of the cam surface has a first radius and the second end of the cam surface has a second radius greater than the first radius, and when the pawl switch is moved toward the locked position to translate the pawl pin into the splined connection, the second end engages the pawl pin.

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