assembly

Abstract

An assembly comprising: a plurality of drive members, each drive member of the plurality of drive members comprising: a head portion having a plurality of drive surfaces and configured to be coupled to a tool element, and a spline shaft portion extending from the head portion, wherein the head portion of each drive member of the plurality of drive members has a different nominal size than the head portion of each other drive member of the plurality of drive members.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese utility model patent application No. 202290000809.2, filed on December 7, 2022, entitled "Impact Tool with Multi-piece Anvil Assembly", filed by the same applicant.

[0002] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 286,870, filed on December 7, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to impact tools, and more particularly to anvils used in impact tools. Background Technology

[0004] Impact tools (such as impact actuators and impact wrenches) apply impact rotational force or intermittent torque to a tool element or workpiece (such as a fastener) to tighten or loosen fasteners. Impact tools are typically used where high torque is required, such as tightening relatively large fasteners or loosening or removing stuck fasteners that cannot be removed by other means or are difficult to remove with hand tools (e.g., wheel nuts on axle studs). Utility Model Content

[0005] In one aspect, this application relates to an assembly comprising: a plurality of drive members, each of the plurality of drive members including: a head portion having a plurality of drive surfaces and configured to be coupled to a tool element, and a spline shaft portion extending from the head portion, wherein the head portion of each of the plurality of drive members has a nominal size different from the head portion of each of the other drive members of the plurality of drive members.

[0006] In some respects, each of the plurality of drive members is configured to be interchangeably connected to the anvil member of the power tool for rotation with the anvil member.

[0007] In some respects, each of the plurality of drive components can be locked in the anvil component.

[0008] In some respects, the plurality of drive surfaces of the head portion form a square drive.

[0009] In some respects, each of the plurality of drive components includes a friction ring.

[0010] In some respects, each of the plurality of drive components includes a pin stop.

[0011] In some respects, the spline shaft portion of each of the plurality of drive members may be received within the spline hole of the anvil member.

[0012] In some respects, the head portion of each of the plurality of drive components is configured to be coupled to tool elements of different sizes.

[0013] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will become clear upon consideration of the specific implementation and the accompanying drawings. Any feature(s) described herein with respect to one aspect or embodiment may be combined with any other feature(s) described herein with respect to any other aspect or embodiment, where appropriate and applicable. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an impact tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The impact tool along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line 2-2 in the figure.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the front part of the impact tool, showing the anvil component.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a 3D view of the drive component, which can be inserted into... Figure 3 The anvil component is defined Figure 1 The anvil assembly of the impact tool.

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the front portion of the impact tool shows the drive member in a first position relative to the anvil member.

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the front portion of the impact tool shows the drive member in a second position relative to the anvil member.

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the front part of the impact tool, showing the drive component in the first position.

[0021] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the front part of the impact tool, showing the drive component in the second position.

[0022] Figure 9This is a perspective view of a portion of an impact tool according to another embodiment, showing multiple interchangeable drive components.

[0023] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the impact tool, showing the receiving... Figure 9 Anvil component, one of a plurality of interchangeable drive components.

[0024] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of the impact tool, showing Figure 9 The anvil component and one of several interchangeable drive components.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of an impact tool according to another embodiment, showing the retainer assembly.

[0026] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The impact tool along Figure 12 The cross-sectional view taken from line 13-13 in the figure.

[0027] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A perspective view of the front part of the impact tool, showing the anvil component and retainer assembly.

[0028] Figure 15 yes Figure 12 A perspective view of the retainer assembly's collar.

[0029] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The ring along Figure 15 The cross-sectional view taken from line 16-16 in the figure.

[0030] Figure 17 yes Figure 14 A three-dimensional view of the anvil component of an impact tool.

[0031] Figure 18 This is a 3D view of the drive component, which can be inserted... Figure 17 The anvil component is defined in the anvil assembly.

[0032] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of an impact tool according to another embodiment, showing multiple interchangeable drive components.

[0033] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 The impact tool along Figure 17 The cross-sectional view taken from line 20-20 in the figure.

[0034] Figure 21 yes Figure 19A perspective view of the front portion of an impact tool, showing the anvil assembly, retainer assembly, and components that can be inserted into the anvil assembly. Figure 19 One of several interchangeable drive components.

[0035] Before explaining any embodiment of this disclosure in detail, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited in its application to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the following figures. This disclosure can have other embodiments and can be practiced or performed in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1 A power tool is shown, more specifically an impact tool in the form of an impact wrench 10. The impact wrench 10 includes a housing 14 having a motor housing portion 18, a front housing portion 22 coupled (e.g., via a plurality of fasteners) to the motor housing portion 18, and a handle portion 26 extending downward from the motor housing portion 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle portion 26 and the motor housing portion 18 are defined by mating clamshell-shaped halves. The illustrated housing 14 also includes an end cap 30, opposite the front housing portion 22, coupled to the motor housing portion 18.

[0037] The impact wrench 10 shown has a battery 34, which is detachably connected to a battery socket 38 located at the bottom end of the handle portion 26. An electric motor 42 ( Figure 2 ) is supported within the motor housing portion 18 and is connected to the battery socket 38 via the battery socket 38 when the battery 34 is connected to the battery socket 38. Figure 1 ) receives power. In the illustrated embodiment, motor 42 is a brushless DC (“BLDC”) motor having a stator 46 and a rotor with an output shaft 50, the output shaft being supported by a front rotor bearing 52 and a rear rotor bearing 53 relative to the stator 46 ( Figure 2 The motor 42 rotates about axis 54. In other embodiments, other types of motors may be used. Fan 58 is connected to output shaft 50 after motor 42 to generate airflow for cooling motor 42.

[0038] The impact wrench 10 also includes a switch (e.g., a trigger switch 62) supported by the housing 14; Figure 1 The impact wrench 10 is configured to operate the motor 42, for example, via suitable control circuitry disposed on one or more printed circuit board assemblies (“PCBAs”), which controls the power supply and commands to the motor 42. In other embodiments, the impact wrench 10 may include a power cord for connection to an AC power source. Alternatively, the impact wrench 10 may be configured to operate using a non-electric power source (e.g., a pneumatic or hydraulic power source).

[0039] refer to Figure 2 The impact wrench 10 shown further includes a gear assembly 66 coupled to a motor output shaft 50, and a drive assembly 70 coupled to the output end of the gear assembly 66. The gear assembly 66 is at least partially housed within the front housing portion 22. The gear assembly 66 can be configured in any of a variety of different ways to provide speed reduction between the output shaft 50 and the input end of the drive assembly 70.

[0040] For example, the gear assembly 66 shown includes a pinion 82 formed on the motor output shaft 50, a plurality of planetary gears 86 meshing with the pinion 82, and a ring gear 90 meshing with and rotatably fixed within the front housing portion 22. The planetary gears 86 are mounted on the camshaft 94 of the drive assembly 70, such that the camshaft 94 acts as a planet carrier. Accordingly, rotation of the output shaft 50 causes the planetary gears 86 to rotate, and these planetary gears then travel along the inner circumference of the ring gear 90, thereby rotating the camshaft 94.

[0041] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The camshaft 94 shown includes a first end or front end 95 and a second end or rear end 96 opposite to the first end 95 and facing the motor 42. The second end 96 of the camshaft 94 receives and supports the outer ring of the front rotor bearing 52. The camshaft bearing 100, fitted onto the second end 96 of the camshaft 94, is supported by a rear gearbox cover 104, which is in turn connected to the front housing 22. In the shown embodiment, the camshaft bearing 100 surrounds the front rotor bearing 52.

[0042] The illustrated drive assembly 70 further includes an anvil assembly 98 and a hammer 102, the hammer being supported on and axially slidable relative to the camshaft 94. The anvil assembly 98 extends from the front housing portion 22 and includes a drive member 128 and an anvil member 148. The anvil member 148 includes a central bore 149 extending coaxially with axis 54. See below for reference. Figures 3 to 8 As described in more detail, the body or shaft portion 136 of the drive member 128 is received within the hole 149 to engage the drive member 128 for rotation with the anvil member 148.

[0043] Tool element 99 (e.g., sleeve; Figure 1 The drive assembly 70 can be coupled to the drive member 128 of the anvil assembly 98 for performing work on a workpiece (e.g., a fastener, a drill bit, etc.). The drive assembly 70 is configured to convert the constant rotational force or torque provided by the motor 42 into an impact rotational force or intermittently applied torque to the anvil assembly 98 via the gear assembly 66 when the reaction torque on the anvil assembly 98 (e.g., when a fastener is being machined) exceeds a certain threshold.

[0044] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The drive assembly 70 further includes a spring 106 that directs the hammer 102 toward the front of the impact wrench 10 (i.e., in...). Figure 2 The spring 106 biases the hammer 102 axially toward the anvil assembly 98 along axis 54 (to the right). A thrust bearing 110 and a thrust washer 114 are positioned between the spring 106 and the hammer 102. The thrust bearing 110 and the thrust washer 114 allow the spring 106 and the camshaft 94 to continue rotating relative to the hammer 102 after each impact strike when the lug (not shown) on the hammer 102 engages with the corresponding anvil lug 120 formed on the anvil assembly 148 and the rotation of the hammer 102 stops momentarily. The camshaft 94 further includes cam recesses 124 in which corresponding cam balls (not shown) are received. The cam balls drive engagement with the hammer 102 and movement of the cam balls within the cam recesses 124 allows the hammer 102 to move axially relative to the camshaft 94 as the hammer lug and anvil lug 120 engage and the camshaft 94 continues to rotate.

[0045] refer to Figures 3 to 4 The diagram illustrates the drive member 128 and the anvil member 148 of the anvil assembly 98. The shaft portion 136 of the drive member 128 includes a first end 140 and a second end 144 opposite to the first end. A head portion 132 of the drive member 128 extends from the first end 140 of the body 136. The head portion 132 is configured to engage with the tool element 99. For example, the illustrated head portion 132 includes a square drive interface, preferably having a standard nominal size (e.g., 3 / 8", 1 / 2", 3 / 4", 1", etc.). In other embodiments, the head portion 132 may include other suitable drive interfaces, such as spline interfaces, hexagonal drive interfaces, etc. In some embodiments, the drive member 128 and the anvil member 148 may be made of different materials and / or include different finishes, surface treatments, etc., such that the drive member 128 and the anvil member 148 may include different material properties.

[0046] The shaft portion 136 of the drive member 128 includes a first engagement feature 137 that mates with a second engagement feature 151 within a bore 149 of the anvil member 148 to engage the drive member 128 for rotation with the anvil member 148. In the illustrated embodiment, the first engagement feature 137 and the second engagement feature 151 are mating spline geometries that allow axial movement of the drive member 128 along the bore 149 while maintaining engagement for rotation with the anvil member 148. In other embodiments, the engagement features 137, 151 may have any other geometry suitable for engaging the drive member 128 for rotation with the anvil member 148 while allowing axial movement, such as mating key and keyway geometries, SDS, SDS-Plus, SDS Max, or other similar geometries, or any other non-circular geometry.

[0047] When the anvil member 148 and the drive member 128 are assembled together to form the anvil assembly 98, the shaft portion 136 of the drive member 128 extends along axis 54 inside the tool 10. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the drive member 128 may be in at least two positions relative to the anvil member 148 along axis 54 (e.g., as shown in the figure). Figure 6 and Figure 8 The extended positions shown, and as Figure 5 and Figure 7 The drive member 128 moves between the retracted positions shown. At least one friction ring 152 is fitted onto the body 136 of the drive member 128 to hold the drive member 128 in the selected position. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive member 128 has two friction rings 152 positioned adjacent to a first end 140 and a second end 144 of the shaft portion 136, respectively. The friction ring 152 adjacent to the first end 140 is received within an annular groove or recess 164 adjacent to the front end of the anvil member 148 to lock the drive member 128 in its retracted position. Figure 5 The friction ring 152 adjacent to the second end 144 is received within a second annular groove 168 offset rearward from the first annular groove or recess 164 to lock the drive member 128 in its extended position. Figure 6 ).

[0048] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 When the drive member 128 is in the retracted position, only the head portion 132 of the drive member 128 extends from the front portion 22 of the housing 18, thereby allowing the drive member 128 to extend beyond the front portion 22 of the housing 18 by a first distance. In the extended position, as... Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, the drive member 128 extends from the front portion 22 of the housing 18 by a second distance greater than the first distance. Therefore, the reach of the anvil assembly 98 can be adjusted by moving the drive member between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0049] Return to reference Figure 2 Both the anvil member 148 and the camshaft 94 are hollow along the axis 54 to allow the drive member 128 to retract into the tool 10. Thus, when the drive member 128 is in its retracted position, it extends not only rearward through the anvil member 148 but also into the central bore 172 of the camshaft 94. In the illustrated embodiment, the bore 172 extends the full length of the camshaft 94, which also advantageously reduces the weight of the camshaft 94.

[0050] In operation of the impact wrench 10, the operator presses switch 62 to activate motor 42, which continuously drives gear assembly 66 and camshaft 94 via output shaft 50. As camshaft 94 rotates, cam balls drive hammer 102 to rotate with camshaft 94, and the hammer lug engages anvil lug 120 on anvil member 148 to deliver impact and rotatably drive anvil member 148, and thus drive drive member 128 and tool element 99 coupled to drive member 128. After each impact, hammer 102 moves or slides backward along camshaft 94 away from anvil assembly 98, causing hammer lug to disengage from anvil lug 120. As hammer 102 moves backward, cam balls in corresponding cam recesses 124 in camshaft 94 move backward within cam recesses 124. Spring 106 stores part of the backward energy of hammer 102, thus providing a return mechanism for hammer 102. After the hammer lug disengages from the corresponding anvil lug 120, the hammer 102 continues to rotate and move or slide forward toward the anvil assembly 98 as the spring 106 releases its stored energy, until the driving surface of the hammer lug re-engages with the driven surface of the anvil lug 120 to induce another impact.

[0051] To suit specific tasks, the user can adjust the drive member 128 between the extended and retracted positions. In other words, the anvil assembly 98 can extend to change the reach of the tool 10. Thus, the tool 10 can be used in a wider range of applications without having to be replaced with a different tool or used with different tool elements 99 specifically designed to deliver a greater reach (e.g., sockets, adapters, etc. with extended reach). Instead, the anvil assembly 98 can simply extend or retract to suit the operation at hand.

[0052] refer to Figures 9 to 11 This illustrates another embodiment of the impact tool 310. The impact tool 310 is similar to... Figures 1 to 8The impact tool 10; therefore, similar structures will be identified by similar reference numerals plus "300", and only the differences will be discussed below.

[0053] exist Figures 9 to 11 In some embodiments, the drive member 428 of the anvil assembly 398 may be non-extendable. Instead, the drive member 428 is one of a plurality of interchangeable drive members 476, each with a different length and / or drive geometry. Figure 9 The anvil member 448 is configured to receive one of the plurality of interchangeable drive members 476, and the drive member 428 can then be removed and replaced with another of the interchangeable drive members 476 to suit a particular fastening task.

[0054] refer to Figure 11 The friction ring 452 is fitted onto the body or shaft portion 436 of each of the plurality of interchangeable drive members 476. Thus, each interchangeable drive member 428 can be locked into the anvil member 428 by placing the friction ring 452 into the first annular groove or recess 464 of the anvil member 428.

[0055] The ability to replace multiple interchangeable drive components 476 allows the anvil assembly 398 to be varied in size and form. Depending on the application in which the tool 310 will be used, only the drive component 428 of the anvil assembly 398 needs to be replaced, not the tool 310 itself. For example, each of the multiple interchangeable drive components 476 can have a head with different nominal sizes (e.g., 3 / 8", 1 / 2", 3 / 4", 1", etc.), although the nominal size of each interchangeable drive component 476 is not limited to these measurements. Each of the multiple interchangeable drive components 476 can also have different retaining structures for the tool element 99, such as friction rings, pin stops, and other configurations.

[0056] refer to Figures 12 to 18 This illustrates another embodiment of the impact tool 500. The impact tool 500 is similar to... Figures 1 to 8 The impact tool 10; therefore, similar structures will be identified by similar reference numerals plus "500", and only the differences will be discussed below.

[0057] exist Figures 12 to 18In one embodiment, the impact tool 500 further includes a retainer assembly 680 slidably coupled to the anvil member 648 of the anvil assembly 598 and configured to retain the drive member 628 in a retracted or extended position. The retainer assembly 680 includes a collar 684 positioned along the anvil member 648, a spring 688, and a locking member positioned between the collar 684 and the drive member 628, which in the illustrated embodiment is a locking ball 692. Figure 13 ).

[0058] refer to Figures 15 to 16 The collar 684 includes a first body portion 696, a second body portion 700, and a central hole 704 extending through the first body portion 696 and the second body portion 700. The first body portion 696 of the collar 684 includes an outwardly extending flange 708. The second body portion 700 of the collar 684 is formed as a cylindrical body. The central hole 704 is configured to receive an anvil member 648, such that a gap is formed between the surface of the central hole 704 of the collar 684 and the surface of the anvil member 648. The collar 684 further includes a beveled portion 712 extending inwardly from the central hole 704.

[0059] Refer again Figure 13 Spring 688 is positioned within the gap defined between collar 684 and anvil member 648. Specifically, spring 688 is located between the inclined portion 712 of collar 684 and retaining clamp 716. Retaining clamp 716 is positioned within a groove formed in the front portion of anvil member 648, thereby surrounding a portion of the central bore 704 of collar 684. Spring 688 is configured to bias collar 684 in a direction toward the front housing portion 522 of impact tool 500.

[0060] refer to Figure 18 The drive member 628 includes a first groove 724 and a second groove 728 formed in the shaft portion 636 of the drive member 628. The first groove 724 is positioned near a first end 640 of the shaft portion 636, and the second groove 728 is positioned near a second end 644 of the shaft portion 636, such that the grooves 724 and 728 are spaced apart along the length axial direction of the drive member 628. When the spring 688 biases the collar 684 toward the front housing portion 522, the beveled portion 712 of the collar 684 is configured to push the locking ball 692 into the first groove 724 to hold the drive member 628 in the retracted position, or to push the locking ball into the second groove 728 to hold the drive member 628 in the extended position. The locking ball 692 may extend through an aperture 732 in the anvil member 648. Figure 16 ), so as to position the locking ball 692 in the first groove 724 or the second groove 728.

[0061] The collar 684 is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the collar 684 is biased toward the front housing position 522 of the impact tool 50 in a first direction, such that the beveled portion 712 pushes the locking ball 692 into the first groove 724 of the drive member 628 to lock the drive member 628 in the retracted position. The user can grasp the collar 684 and pull it toward the unlocked position in a second direction opposite to the first direction, overcoming the biasing force of the spring 688. In the unlocked position, the beveled portion 712 of the collar 684 is no longer aligned with the locking ball 692, thereby allowing the locking ball 692 to move radially outward and disengage from the first groove 724. The drive member 628 is then allowed to be adjusted by the user from the retracted position to the extended position. Once the drive member 628 is in the extended position, the locking ball 692 will move radially inward and engage with the second groove 728. The user can then release the collar 684, such that the spring 688 biases the collar 684 back to the first direction and the locked position. Thus, the beveled portion 712 of the collar 684 aligns with the locking ball 692 to lock the drive member 628 in the extended position.

[0062] refer to Figures 19 to 21 This illustrates another embodiment of the impact tool 800. The impact tool 800 is similar to... Figures 1 to 8 Impact tools; therefore, similar structures will be identified by similar reference numerals plus "800", and only the differences will be discussed below.

[0063] exist Figures 19 to 21 In some embodiments, the drive member 928 may be one of a plurality of interchangeable drive members 956, each interchangeable drive member having a different length and / or drive geometry. Figure 19 The anvil member 948 is configured to receive one of the plurality of interchangeable drive members 956, and the drive member 928 can be disassembled and replaced with another of the interchangeable drive members 956 to suit a particular fastening task.

[0064] refer to Figure 19 Holder assembly 960 (e.g.) Figures 12 to 18 The retainer assembly 960 is coupled to the anvil member 948 of the anvil assembly 898 and is configured to lock one of the plurality of interchangeable drive members 956, drive member 928, into the anvil member 948. Thus, the retainer assembly 960 includes a collar 964, a spring 968, and a locking ball 972. Figure 20 ).

[0065] A groove 976 is formed on the body or shaft portion 936 of each of the plurality of interchangeable drive members 956. Figures 20 to 21Therefore, when the spring 968 biases the collar 964 toward the front housing portion 822, each interchangeable drive member 928 can be locked into the anvil member 948 once the locking ball 972 is pushed into the corresponding groove 976 of the drive member 928. Once the user pulls the collar 964 against the biasing force of the spring 968, the interchangeable drive member 928 can then be removed from the anvil member 948. While the collar 964 is still being pulled by the user, another of the interchangeable drive members 956 can be inserted into the anvil member 948, such that the locking ball 968 aligns with the corresponding groove 976 of the other interchangeable drive member 956. After the user releases the collar 964, the spring 968 again biases the collar 964 toward the front housing portion 822 to push the locking ball 692 into the corresponding groove 758 of the other interchangeable drive member 754, thereby locking the other interchangeable drive member 754 within the anvil member 948.

[0066] The ability to replace multiple interchangeable drive components 956 allows the anvil component 948 to be varied in size and form. Depending on the application in which the tool 800 will be used, only the drive component 928 of the anvil component 948 needs to be replaced, not the tool 800 itself. For example, each of the multiple interchangeable drive components 956 can have a head with different nominal sizes (e.g., 3 / 8", 1 / 2", 3 / 4", 1", etc.), although the nominal size of each interchangeable drive component 928 is not limited to these measurements. Each of the multiple interchangeable drive components 956 can also have different retaining structures for the tool element 899, such as friction rings, pin stops, and other configurations.

[0067] The various features and aspects of this disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A component comprising: A plurality of driving components, characterized in that each of the plurality of driving components comprises: The head portion, having multiple drive surfaces and configured to be coupled to a tool element, and The shaft portion extends from the head portion. The head portion of each of the plurality of drive components has a nominal size different from the head portion of each of the other drive components.

2. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of drive components is configured to be interchangeably coupled to the anvil component of the power tool for rotation with the anvil component.

3. The component according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of drive components can be locked in the anvil component.

4. The component according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The multiple drive surfaces of the head portion include square drive interfaces.

5. The component according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of drive components includes a friction ring.

6. The component according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of drive components includes a pin stop.

7. The component according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The shaft portion of each of the plurality of drive components may be received within the bore of the anvil component, the shaft portion including a first engagement feature, the bore of the anvil component including a second engagement feature, the first engagement feature engaging with the second engagement feature within the bore of the anvil component, the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature being a mating spline geometry.

8. The component according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The head portion of each of the plurality of drive components is configured to be coupled to a tool element of a different size.

9. The component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The anvil component includes a recess for locking the drive component.

10. The component according to claim 9, characterized in that, The recess is located inside the housing of the power tool.

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