Operating parameter display device for power tools

Abstract

A power tool comprises a housing, a motor, a gearbox housing, a reaction arm, and an interface assembly. The housing comprises a front end and a rear end. The interface assembly is located inside the housing at the rear end. The interface assembly includes an interface housing that is at least partially located within the housing. The interface housing includes a lens opening and an ellipsoidal lens. The interface assembly also includes an overmolding that surrounds the interface housing and is partially located within the housing.

Description

Cross-reference to related registrations

[0001] This application claims priority over preliminary US patent application No. 63 / 704,353, filed on October 7, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Area

[0002] The present disclosure relates to power tools, more precisely a display assembly for displaying one or more operating parameters of a power tool. background

[0003] Reaction arm tools are a type of rotary power tool used to drive fasteners such as nuts and bolts, particularly in high-torque applications. Reaction arm tools comprise a reaction arm fixed to the tool body that can engage with a fixed structure (for example, an adjacent fastener in a bolt pattern). When torque is applied to a fastener, the reaction arm transfers the reaction torque to the fixed structure, rather than to a user holding the tool. Overview

[0004] Power tools, such as reaction arm tools, can include various operating modes or settings that can be entered or selected by an operator via a user interface. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a reaction arm tool with a user interface that allows the operator to set a target torque to be applied to a fastener. In some embodiments, the operator can also receive information about the operation of the tool via the user interface, for example, an indication of whether the fastener has been tightened to the target torque. In some embodiments, the user interface can also display telemetry data (for example, motor torque, motor speed, motor temperature, and battery charge level) numerically or graphically.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a power tool comprising: a housing with a first shell half section and a second shell half section, the housing comprising a front end and a rear end; a motor arranged within the housing and configured to rotate a motor shaft about a central axis; a gear housing arranged within the housing in line with the motor, the gear housing being configured to transmit torque from the motor shaft to an output drive located at the front end of the housing; a reaction arm coupled to the housing, the reaction arm being configured to engage with a fixed feature to limit the rotation of the housing about the central axis; and an interface assembly arranged within the housing at the rear end.wherein the interface assembly comprises: an interface housing that is partially arranged between the first shell half section and the second shell half section, the interface housing comprising: an upper section arranged within the housing, the upper section comprising a lens opening, and a lower section arranged outside the housing, the lower section comprising a plurality of actuating element openings; an interface circuit board coupled to the interface housing, the interface circuit board comprising: a display plate arranged in line with the lens opening of the interface housing, and a plurality of switches arranged in line with the plurality of actuating element openings in the interface housing; a lens arranged within the lens opening; and an overmolding.which surrounds the interface housing and is partially arranged within the housing, the overmolding comprising: a plurality of actuating elements extending through the plurality of actuating element openings, the actuating elements being arranged to transmit an axial force from outside the housing to the plurality of switches.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described here relate to a power tool comprising: a housing with a front end and a rear end; an interface assembly arranged inside the housing at the rear end, the interface assembly comprising: an interface housing arranged at least partially within the housing, the interface housing comprising a lens opening and a lens arranged inside the lens opening, the housing at least partially surrounding the interface assembly.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a power tool comprising: a housing with a first shell half section and a second shell half section, the housing comprising a front end and a rear end; a motor arranged within the housing and configured to rotate a motor shaft about a central axis; a gear housing arranged within the housing in line with the motor, the gear housing being configured to transmit torque from the motor shaft to an output drive positioned at the front end of the housing; a reaction arm coupled to the housing, the reaction arm being configured to engage with a fixed feature to limit the rotation of the housing about the central axis;and an interface assembly arranged within the housing at the rear end, the interface assembly comprising: an interface housing partially arranged between the first shell half section and the second shell half section, the interface housing comprising: a lens opening and an interface circuit board coupled to the interface housing, a lens arranged within the lens opening, the lens being configured as an ellipsoid. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a power tool with a reaction arm according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the power tool made of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a user interface assembly of the power tool. Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the user interface assembly made of Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 5 is an exploded view of the user interface assembly. Fig. 3 in the rear view. Fig. Figure 6 is an exploded view of the user interface assembly. Fig. 3 in the front view. Fig. Figure 7 is a partial exploded view of the power tool made of Fig. 1 in the rear view, which shows the user interface assembly made of Fig. 3 shows. Detailed description

[0008] Before the embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it should be noted that the application of the disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of assuming other embodiments and being practiced or implemented in various ways.

[0009] Fig. Figures 1 and 2 show a power tool 10 configured to apply torque to a workpiece (for example, a fastener). The power tool 10 shown is configured as a reaction arm tool and comprises a reaction arm 12, a housing 14, a gear housing 22, a drive train 26, and a user interface assembly 100. The power tool 10 defines a front end 32A, which faces the workpiece (not shown) during operation, and a rear end 32B, which is opposite the front end 32A.

[0010] With continued reference to Fig. In sections 1 to 2, the reaction arm 12 is coupled to the gearbox housing 22 and configured to rotate relative to the housing 14 until the reaction arm 12 clamps onto a fixed structure (for example, an adjacent fastener, a wall, a clamp, etc.). When the reaction arm 12 clamps onto the fixed structure, the reaction torque generated by the drive train 26 is canceled out, and an operator does not need to counteract the reaction torque. Thus, the operator using the power tool 10 does not feel the reaction torque in their hands and wrists, enabling higher torque outputs, repeatability, and reduced operator fatigue.

[0011] With further reference to Fig. In Figures 1 to 2, the housing 14 consists of a first shell half section 34A and a second shell half section 34B, wherein both the first and the second shell half sections 34A, 34B are coupled to each other by means of a plurality of fastening elements (not shown). The housing 14 is further divided into a motor housing section 38 and a handle section 42. The motor housing section 38 is configured to accommodate a motor 46, a section of the gearbox housing 22, and a section of the user interface assembly 100. The motor 46, which in the illustrated embodiment is a brushless DC motor, is configured to rotate a motor shaft 66 about a central axis A1.

[0012] The handle section 42 is designed to be gripped by the operator to position the power tool 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle section 42 is a D-shaped handle. In other embodiments, the handle section 42 can be a pistol grip. The handle section 42 comprises a battery holder 50, a trigger 54, and a forward / reverse switch 58. The battery holder 50 is designed to mechanically and electrically connect a battery 62 to the power tool 10. The trigger 54 and the forward / reverse switch 58 are both designed to set the operating speed and direction of rotation of the motor 46.

[0013] With further reference to Fig. In embodiments 1 to 2, the gearbox housing 22 is partially arranged within the housing 14 and projects beyond it. In other embodiments, the gearbox housing 22 can be coupled only to the outside of the housing 14 or be completely enclosed within the housing 14. The gearbox housing 22 shown comprises a front gearbox housing 24A and a rear gearbox housing 24B. The front gearbox housing 24A extends beyond the housing 14 and includes a plurality of external gear teeth (not shown) configured to receive torque and transmit it to the reaction arm 12. The rear gearbox housing 24B is arranged within the housing 14 and coupled to the front gearbox housing 24A via a coupling assembly 70.

[0014] With further reference to Fig. In 1 to 2, the drive train 26 is arranged within the gearbox housing 22 and configured to receive torque from the motor shaft 66 of the motor 46. The drive train 26 comprises a first planetary gear assembly 72, a second planetary gear assembly 74, and an output drive 78. The first planetary gear assembly 72 comprises a plurality of planetary gear stages (for example, two gear stages), wherein a first stage engages with a pinion that is fixed to the motor shaft 66 or, in some embodiments, is integrally formed with it. An output of the last stage of the first planetary gear assembly 72 provides a torque drive (for example, as a sun gear) to a first planetary gear stage of a plurality of planetary gear stages (for example, four gear stages) of the second planetary gear assembly 74.In the illustrated embodiment, the interior of the front gear housing 24A comprises gears, such that the front gear housing 24A defines a common ring gear for each of the plurality of gear stages of the second planetary gear assembly 74.

[0015] The output drive 78 defines a final stage carrier of the second planetary gear assembly 74 and extends from the front gear housing 24A, such that the output drive 78 is configured to accommodate a tool attachment 82 ( Fig. 1) The tool attachment 82 engages a fastener and applies a torque generated by the motor 46 and the drive train 26 to tighten or loosen the fastener. In the illustrated embodiment, the output drive 78 comprises a square drive (for example, a 1-inch square drive, a 3 / 4-inch square drive, or the like). In other embodiments, the output drive 78 may be a splined shaft, a hexagonal shaft, a D-shaft, a double-D-shaft, or the like. In further embodiments, the drive output 78 may comprise a chuck or a bit holder.

[0016] With reference to Fig. 2 The front gearbox housing 24A is fixed against rotation relative to the rear gearbox housing 24B by the clutch assembly 70. The clutch assembly 70 may, for example, comprise clutch balls, pins, or the like, which are preloaded in engagement with one or more ramped cam surfaces, friction discs, or another suitable arrangement that allows torque transmission through the clutch assembly 70 up to a threshold slip torque of the clutch assembly 70. Once the threshold slip torque is reached, the clutch assembly 70 slips, allowing the front gearbox housing 24A to rotate relative to the rear gearbox housing 24B. Since the front gearbox housing 24A is also the ring gear of the second planetary gear assembly 74, the rotation of the front gearbox housing 24A effectively prevents torque transmission to the output drive 78.This means that a torque exceeding the threshold slip torque causes the front gearbox housing 24A to rotate instead of rotating the output drive 78. In this way, the tool 10 can be mechanically prevented from outputting a torque above a predetermined torque limit (i.e., the threshold slip torque of the clutch assembly 70) if the user does not engage the reaction arm 12 against a fixed support during use. When the reaction arm 12 is engaged against a fixed support, it absorbs the reaction torque and locks the front gearbox housing 24A in its rotation.

[0017] Fig. Figures 3 to 6 show the user interface assembly 100, which is located at the rear end 32B of the housing 14. More precisely, the user interface assembly 100 is located between the first shell half section 34A and the second shell half section 34B of the housing 14 and includes sections that are visible from the outside of the power tool 10. In other embodiments, the user interface assembly 100 is coupled to an outside surface of the housing 14 by means of fasteners or can be located on a right side, a left side, a top, or a bottom surface of the housing 14. The user interface assembly 100 is configured to display operating properties, change operating parameters, and switch between different operating modes of the power tool 10. The user interface assembly 100 comprises a display housing 104, a user interface circuit board 108, and an overmolding 112.

[0018] With reference to Fig. Figures 3 to 7 show that the display housing 104 is configured to accommodate the user interface circuit board 108. The display housing 104 comprises an upper section 106A and a lower section 106B. The upper section 106A includes a lens opening 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the lens opening 116 is a circular opening configured to accommodate a lens 128. In other embodiments, the lens opening 116 can be square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or polygonal. In the illustrated embodiment, the lens 128 is configured as an ellipsoid. In other embodiments, the lens 128 can be configured as a circle, square, or any other desired shape. The upper section 106A of the display housing 14 is arranged between the first shell half section 34A and the second shell half section 34B.In the illustrated embodiment, the lower section 106B of the display housing 104 extends downwards and is not enclosed between the shell half sections 34A, 34B. In other embodiments, however, the shell half sections 34A, 34B can also extend along the sides of the lower section 106B.

[0019] The bottom section 106B of the display housing 104 comprises a plurality of actuating element openings 120 and an alignment opening 121. The actuating element openings 120 are arranged in a "+" configuration and are configured to accommodate a plurality of actuating elements 156. The alignment opening 121 is located on the sagittal plane of the display housing 104 and is configured to accommodate a set of alignment projections 36 formed on the first shell half section 34A and on the second shell half section 34B. When the set of alignment projections 36 is accommodated in the alignment opening 121, the movement of the display housing 104 within the housing 14 is limited. In other embodiments, the lens opening 116, the plurality of actuating element openings 120, and the alignment opening 121 may be located on different sections of the display housing 104.

[0020] With continued reference to Fig. Figures 3 to 6 show the user interface circuit board 108 coupled to the display housing 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface circuit board 108 is coupled to the display housing 104 using a plurality of fasteners (not shown) that are received in a plurality of threaded openings 140. The user interface circuit board 108 comprises a display plate 144, a support plate 148, and a plurality of switches 152.

[0021] The display panel 144 is arranged between the user interface circuit board 108 and the lens 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the display panel 144 is an LCD display device configured to show a graphical user interface (GUI) to the operator. In other embodiments, the display panel 144 can be an OLED panel or an E-Ink panel. The GUI comprises a variety of user interface elements (for example, buttons, text boxes, images, toggle switches, drop-down menus, progress bars) arranged on user interface screens.In an exemplary embodiment, the user interface displayed on the display plate 144 can include a display element representing one or more of the following: motor speed, motor temperature, radial displacement of the output drive 78, battery voltage, battery capacity percentage, real-time output torque, real-time output speed, and / or target torque. The display element can be text, numbers, or a graphic element.

[0022] The lens 128 is designed to protect the display plate 144 from scratches or cracks. The lens 128 is shaped to fit into the lens opening 116 of the display housing 104. Additionally, the lens 128 includes a lip 132 extending along its circumference to limit the distance by which the lens 128 extends through the lens opening 116. In the illustrated embodiment, a seal 130 is arranged over the lip 132 and between the lens 128 and the display housing 104 to seal the display housing 104 against the ingress of dirt. The lens 128 is made of a clear material, such as acrylic, polycarbonate, glass, or sapphire.

[0023] The support plate 148 is arranged between the display plate 144 and the user interface circuit board 108. The support plate 148 is designed to protect the display plate 144 from damage by damping excessive vibrations caused by the operation of the power tool 10, by drops, or by impacts. In the illustrated embodiment, the support plate 148 is made of foam. In other embodiments, the support plate 148 can be made of an elastomeric, non-conductive material.

[0024] The plurality of switches 152 is arranged on the user interface circuit board 108 next to the display plate 144 and aligned with the plurality of actuation element openings 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of switches 152 comprises four switches 152 arranged below the display plate 144. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the four switches 152 are arranged in a "+" pattern. In other embodiments, the user interface circuit board 108 may comprise more or fewer than four switches 152. In further embodiments, a plurality of switches 152 may be arranged along a straight line, in a square configuration, or in a circular configuration.

[0025] The plurality of switches 152 is configured to navigate the GUI displayed on the display panel 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of switches 152 comprises a set of navigation switches 152A, a confirmation switch 152B, and a back switch 152C. The set of navigation switches 152A is configured to move from a first user interface element to a second user interface element or to set a parameter value. The confirmation switch 152B is configured to select a specific user interface element or to move from a currently displayed user interface screen to a new user interface screen. The back switch 152C is configured to return from the new user interface screen to the previously displayed user interface screen.By combining switches 152A-152C, the user can change which operating properties are displayed, modify operating parameters, and switch between different operating modes. In other embodiments, the plurality of switches 152 can be replaced by, or combined with, one or more of the following elements: a scroll wheel, a trackball, or a capacitive touch surface.

[0026] With continued reference to Fig. In figures 3 to 6, the overmolding 112 surrounds the lower section 106B of the display housing 104 and is at least partially located between the housing 14 and the display housing 104. In the illustrated embodiment, a section of the overmolding 112 surrounding the lower section 106B is exposed to the outside of the power tool 10. In other embodiments, different sections of the overmolding 112 may be surrounded by the housing 14 or exposed to the outside of the power tool 10. The overmolding 112 consists of a deformable elastomeric material and is designed to absorb excess vibrations that occur during operation of the power tool 10, due to drops, or due to impacts. In some embodiments, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the shell-half housing sections 34A, 34B can additionally comprise respective overmoldings 35A, 35B, which surround the rear sections of the shell-half housing sections 34A, 34B, which in turn surround the upper section 106A of the display housing 104. These overmoldings 35A, 35B preferably also consist of an elastomeric material to protect the display housing 104 from drops or impacts.

[0027] With renewed reference to Fig.5 to 6, the overmolding 112 comprises a plurality of actuators 156 arranged in the plurality of actuator openings 120 of the display housing 104. Each actuator 156 corresponds to one of the switches 152A-C and is configured to press and activate the corresponding switch 152A-C. In use, the operator applies an axial force to one or more of the actuators 156, and the actuator 156 deforms in the direction of the corresponding switch 152. When the actuator 156 contacts the switch 152, a signal is sent to change the GUI displayed on the display panel 144. Additionally, each actuator 156 includes an embossed symbol formed on an outward-facing surface, representing the function of the corresponding switch 152A-C.In other embodiments, the symbol may be embossed, printed, or applied as a sticker to the outward-facing surface.

[0028] To assemble the user interface assembly 100, the overmolding 112 is injection molded over an outer surface of the display housing 104. During the injection molding process, the plurality of actuators 156 are formed and extend into the plurality of actuator openings 120. Next, the seal 130 is first arranged around the lens 128, and then the lens 128 is inserted into the lens opening 116 of the display housing 104. The user interface circuit board 108 is then coupled to the display housing 104 via a plurality of fasteners that are mounted in a plurality of threaded openings 140.

[0029] The user interface assembly 100 is now assembled and can be inserted into the housing 14 of the power tool 10. To insert the user interface assembly 100 into the housing 14, the set of alignment protrusions 36 of the first shell half section 34A or the second shell half section 34B must be aligned and inserted into the alignment opening 121 of the display housing 104. Then, the remaining alignment protrusion 36 of the remaining shell half section is also inserted into the alignment opening 121. Finally, a variety of fasteners can be attached to couple the first shell half section 34A and the second shell half section 34B together and seal the housing 14.

[0030] Although the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, there are variations and modifications within the scope and concept of one or more independent aspects of the described disclosure.

[0031] Various features of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 704,353

[0001]

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