Magnetic tool connector

Abstract

Featuring a magnetic tool connector: a main body (10) having a first end (102) and a second end (101) and having a driven end at the first end (102) and a working end at the second end (101) respectively, wherein the working end defines a first and a second chamber (11, 12), wherein the first chamber (11) is designed to receive an object (P) to be driven, wherein the first chamber has a first opening (111) at an end edge of the working end, wherein the second chamber (12) has a second opening (121) at an end edge of the first chamber (11), and wherein the end edge of the first chamber (11) defines a bearing surface (112) for positioning the object (P) within the first chamber (11), and a magnetic assembly (20) slidably connected to the main body (10) and comprising a magnet (21) designed to magnetically attract the object (P), wherein the magnetic assembly (20) is movable between a first position in which the magnet (21) is located outside the second chamber (12) and a second position in which the magnet (21) is located inside the second chamber (12) and is protected from impacting and being damaged by the object (P), and wherein the magnet (21) has an engagement side (211) designed to bear against the object (P) and magnetically attract it, wherein the engagement side (211) is flush with the bearing surface (112) when the magnetic assembly (20) is in the second position, wherein the main body (10) has a connecting structure and the housing (22) is slidably connected to the connecting structure, the connecting structure extending within the second chamber (12), and the connecting structure has a first shoulder (122), a guide projection (13) and a second shoulder (14), wherein the first and second shoulders (122, 14) extend at opposite ends of the guide projection (13), wherein the housing (22) has a flange (223) at one end which engages in the guide projection (13) and is movably held between the first shoulder (122) and restricted between the second shoulder (122, 14).

Description

Background of the invention 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool connecting device or a tool connecting part (short: a tool connecting part) and in particular to a tool connecting part designed to connect a tool by magnetic attraction. 2. Description of the technology used

[0002] TW 396182 B shows a magnetic tool connector. The magnetic tool connector includes a body having a driven end at one end connectable to a driving tool and a working end connectable to a driven object at another end. The working end includes a magnet assembly configured to magnetically attract the driven object. The working end defines a hole. The magnet assembly has one end threadedly engaged with the hole. The magnet assembly includes a housing and a magnet disposed within the housing. The magnet is disposed outside the hole.

[0003] US 2 624 223 A describes a magnetic tool for driving fasteners, including a shaft part that can be rotated.

[0004] TW M369 224 U describes a connecting post of a screwdriver head tool.

[0005] US 5 916 340 A describes a plug tip of a magnetic socket wrench consisting of a male plug tip for insertion into the female end of a socket.

[0006] US 8 172 236 B2 describes a bit mounting device comprising a holder which can be mounted on a spindle of the power tool or can be part of the spindle.

[0007] When the driven object is driven, the magnet is influenced by the driven object. The magnet is also subjected to vibration disturbance. Therefore, the magnet is easily damaged.

[0008] The present invention therefore aims to prevent or at least reduce the problems that occur in the prior art. Explanation of the invention

[0009] The invention is solved by the features of the independent claim.

[0010] According to the present invention, a magnetic tool connector comprises a main body having a first end and a second end, and including a driven end at the first end and a working end at the second end, respectively. The working end defines first and second chambers. The first chamber is configured to receive an object to be driven. The first chamber has a first opening at an end edge of the working end. The second chamber has a second opening at an end edge of the first space (e.g., chamber). The end edge of the first space defines an abutment surface for positioning the object within the first chamber. A magnet assembly is slidably connected to the main body and includes a magnet configured to magnetically attract the object.The magnet assembly is movable between a first position, in which the magnet is disposed outside the second chamber, and a second position, in which the magnet is disposed inside the second chamber, and is protected from being influenced and damaged by the object. The magnet has an engagement side configured to abut against and magnetically attract the object, wherein the engagement side is flush with the abutment surface when the magnet assembly is in the second position.

[0011] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a magnetic tool connector in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the magnetic tool connector of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic tool connector of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the magnetic tool connector of the present invention receiving a driven object. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a driving tool that drives the driven object by means of the magnetic tool connecting part of the present invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0012] The Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 show a magnetic tool connector of the present invention. A main body 10 has a first end 101 or 102 and a second end 102 or 101, and includes a driven end at the first end 101 or 102 and a working end at the second end 102 or 101, respectively. The working end defines first and second chambers 11 and 12. The first chamber 11 is configured to receive an object P to be driven. The first chamber has a first opening 111 at an end edge of the working end. The second chamber 12 has a second opening 121 at an end edge of the first space 11 (e.g., chamber). The end edge of the first space 11 defines an abutment surface 112 for positioning the object P within the first chamber 11. The first chamber 11 has a polygonal (e.g., polygonal) cross-section. The second chamber 12 has a circular (e.g. circular) cross-section.A distance between two opposite sides of the first chamber 11 is greater than a diameter of the second chamber 12. The first chamber 11 has a hexagonal (e.g., hexagonal) cross-section. The housing 22 has a circular (e.g., circular) cross-section.

[0013] A magnet assembly 20 is slidably connected to the main body 10. The magnet assembly 20 includes a magnet 21 configured to magnetically attract the object P and a housing 22 that supports the magnet 21. The main body 10 includes a connecting structure, and the housing 22 is slidably connected to the connecting structure. The connecting structure extends within the second chamber 12. The connecting structure includes a first shoulder 122, a guide projection 13, and a second shoulder 14. The first and second shoulders 122 and 14 extend at opposite ends of the guide projection 13. The first and second shoulders 122 and 14 extend radially outward from the guide projection 13. The second shoulder 14 is disposed in a hole 222 defined by the housing 22. The second shoulder 14 is inserted into the housing 22 through the hole 222 .The magnet 21 is disposed in the hole 222. The housing 22 has a flange 223 at one end that engages (e.g., engages) the guide projection 13 and is movably supported or restricted between the first and second shoulders 122 and 14. The flange 223 extends annularly and has a lug or snap-in projection (or collar or protrusion for short) projecting radially inward.

[0014] The main body 10 has a first structure in a shape of a shaft and a second structure in a shape of a sleeve (e.g., a socket). The shaft has the guide projection 13 and the first and second shoulders 122 and 14 at a first end thereof, and the driven end at a second end thereof. The second structure defines the first and second chambers 11 and 12 and has a first open end defined by the first opening 111. The second structure has a second open end opposite the first open end and communicating with the second chamber 12. The guide projection 13 and the first and second shoulders 122 and 14 are inserted into the second chamber 12 through the second open end. The shaft and the sleeve are not free to move relative to each other. The shaft and the sleeve are in close (e.g., fixed) engagement with each other.

[0015] The magnet assembly 20 is movable between a first position in which the magnet 21 is disposed outside the second chamber 12, and a second position in which the magnet 21 is disposed within the second chamber 12 and is protected from being influenced and damaged by the object P. The magnet 21 has an engagement side 211 (e.g., a coupling side) configured to abut (e.g., border) and magnetically attract the object P. The engagement side 211 is flush with the abutment surface 112 when the magnet assembly 20 is in the second position. The engagement side 211 of the magnet 21 is not flush with the abutment surface 112 when the magnet assembly 20 is in the first position. The engagement side 211 of the magnet 21 and the abutment surface 112 are aligned with an axis A when the magnet assembly 20 is in the second position.In addition, the tab of the flange 223 has an upper edge 221 that selectively abuts the first shoulder 122 and a lower edge 225 that selectively abuts the second shoulder 14. When the magnet assembly 20 is in the first or second position, the upper edge 221 and the first shoulder 122 are non-adjacent to each other, and the lower edge 225 and the second shoulder 14 are adjacent to each other. When the magnet assembly 20 is in the second position, the upper edge 221 and the first shoulder 122 are adjacent to each other, and the lower edge 225 and the second shoulder 14 are non-adjacent to each other. Additionally, the upper edge 221 defines the upper surface of the housing 22.

[0016] The flange 223 has a first beveled (e.g., chamfered) surface extending between the upper and lower edges 221 and 225. The second shoulder 14 has a second beveled (e.g., chamfered) surface. The housing 22 has at least one groove 224 extending through the inner and outer boundary surfaces thereof. The at least one groove 224 extends radially from (away from) the hole 222. The first beveled surface faces inward. The second beveled surface faces outward. The at least one groove 224 allows deflection (e.g., spring-back) of the flange 223. The first and second beveled surfaces and the at least one groove 224 allow engagement (e.g., engagement) of the housing 22 with the guide projection 13.

[0017] Fig. 4 shows that the object P to be driven is arranged in the first space 11 and the magnet assembly 20 is in the first position. Fig. 5 shows that a driving tool M can engage the driven end to drive the magnetic tool connector. When the object P is driven into another object, the object P rests on the abutment surface 112, and the magnet assembly 20 is moved to the second position.

[0018] Taking the foregoing into account, the magnet 21 is disposed within the second chamber 12 when the magnet assembly 20 is in the second position, the engagement side 211 of the magnet 21 and the abutment surface 112 are flush with each other and aligned with the axis A, and the abutment surface 112 prevents the object P from influencing the magnet 21. Therefore, the magnet 21 is not affected and damaged by the object P.

Claims

[1] A magnetic tool connector comprising: a main body (10) having a first end (102) and a second end (101) and a driven end at the first end (102) and a working end at the second end (101), respectively, the working end defining first and second chambers (11, 12), the first chamber (11) being configured to receive an object (P) to be driven, the first chamber having a first opening (111) at an end edge of the working end, the second chamber (12) having a second opening (121) at an end edge of the first chamber (11), and the end edge of the first chamber (11) defining an abutment surface (112) for positioning the object (P) within the first chamber (11), and a magnet assembly (20) slidably connected to the main body (10) and having a magnet (21) configured to magnetically attract the object (P), wherein the magnet assembly (20) is movable between a first position in which the magnet (21) is disposed outside the second chamber (12) and a second position in which the magnet (21) is disposed within the second chamber (12) and is prevented from striking and being damaged by the object (P), and wherein the magnet (21) has an engagement side (211) configured to abut against and magnetically attract the object (P), wherein the engagement side (211) is flush with the abutment surface (112) when the magnet assembly (20) is in the second position, wherein the main body (10) has a connecting structure and the housing (22) is slidably connected to the connecting structure, the connecting structure extending within the second chamber (12), and the connecting structure comprises a first shoulder (122), a guide projection (13) and a second shoulder (14), the first and second shoulders (122, 14) extending at opposite ends of the guide projection (13), the housing (22) having a flange (223) at one end which engages the guide projection (13) and is movably held between the first shoulder (122) and the second shoulder (122, 14). [2] Magnetic tool connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the magnet assembly (20) comprises a housing (22) and the magnet (21) is mounted and / or supported by the housing (22), the housing (22) being slidably connected to the main body (10). [3] A magnetic tool connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flange (223) extends annularly and has a tab projecting radially inward, and wherein the tab has an upper edge (221) selectively abutting the first shoulder (122) and a lower edge (225) selectively abutting the second shoulder (14), wherein when the magnet assembly (20) is in the first position, the upper edge (221) and the first shoulder (122) are not abutting each other and the lower edge (225) and the second shoulder (14) are abutting each other, and wherein when the magnet assembly (20) is in the second position, the upper edge (221) and the first shoulder (122) are abutting each other and the lower edge (225) and the second shoulder (14) are not abutting each other. [4] A magnetic tool connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flange (223) has a first beveled surface extending between the upper and lower edges (221, 225), the second shoulder (14) has a second beveled surface, and the housing (22) has at least one groove (224) extending through the inner and outer perimeter surfaces thereof. [5] A magnetic tool connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second shoulder (14) is disposed in a hole (222) defined by the housing (22), and wherein the magnet (21) is disposed in the hole (222). [6] A magnetic tool connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first chamber (11) has a polygonal cross-section, the second chamber (12) has a circular cross-section, and a distance between two opposite sides of the first chamber (11) is greater than a diameter of the second chamber (12). [7] A magnetic tool connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (10) comprises a first structure in the form of a shaft and a second structure in the form of a sleeve, the shaft having the guide projection (13) and the first and second shoulders (122, 14) at a first end thereof and the driven end at a second end thereof, the second structure defining the first and second chambers (11, 12) and having a first open end defined by the first opening (111). [8] A magnetic tool connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second structure has a second open end opposite to the first open end and communicating with the second chamber (12).

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