Tool system comprising a first tool bit and a second tool bit

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool system, comprising a first tool bit (11, 21, 31) and a second tool bit (12, 22, 32), wherein both tool bits (11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32) each have a first end with a shaft section (110, 120, 210, 220, 310, 320) for transmitting a drive force to the tool bit, and a second end having an output (111, 121, 211, 221, 311, 321) for force-transmitting insertion of the tool bit into a screw-head drive profile. This is intended to make it possible to minimise the space required for storing tool bits, without compromising the usability. The intention is to allow all the necessary tool bits to be available to a user, with minimal weight and space requirements. At the same time, the operability should be simplified and, in particular, the tool bits should be freely changeable. This is achieved according to the invention by the end face of the shaft section (110, 120, 210, 220, 310, 320) of each tool bit being designed as an end-face coupling region (112, 212, 312) for the coupling of the tool bit with a second tool bit of the tool system by means of first and second coupling means respectively incorporated in the end face, wherein the first coupling means (114, 214, 314) of both tool bits is configured for the relative rotational alignment of both tool bits with respect to the central longitudinal axis (B11, B21, B31) of at least one tool bit (11, 21, 31) and wherein the second coupling means (113, 213, 313) is configured for transferring a tensile force oriented parallel to this central longitudinal axis (B11, B21, B31) onto the respective other tool bit (12, 22, 32), and wherein the shaft sections (110, 120, 210, 220, 310, 320) of both tool bits have mutually congruent outer contours, and in a coupling position of both tool bits, in which both first coupling means (114, 214, 314) of both tool bits are in direct mutual engagement with each other, form a common receiving section for introducing the tool system into a chuck of a drive tool.

Description

[0001] Tool system comprising a first tool bit and a second tool bit

[0002] The invention relates to a tool system comprising a first tool bit and a second tool bit, wherein both tool bits each have a first end with a shaft portion for transmitting a drive force to the tool bit and a second end with an output for force-transmitting insertion of the tool bit into a screw head drive profile.

[0003] A large number of tool bits are known from the prior art and are used to transfer a torque generated by a drive to a screw. In most cases these are replaceable screwdriver blades without an operating handle which can be inserted into the corresponding chuck of an operating tool. For this purpose, tool bits have a drive section which can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the chuck of the operating tool and via which the tool bit can be set in a rotational movement around the longitudinal axis of the tool bit by means of motor drive force or manual operation by a person, as well as an output section with a screw engagement profile on the front, which can also be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the head of a screw to be tightened or loosened. In this way, a large number of screws with different screw head drive profiles (e.g.B. slotted, Torx, Allen, external hexagon etc...) and screw head sizes.

[0004] In practice, however, most users only need tool bits for a limited number of screw head drive profiles. Therefore, users of such screwdriving tools often compile a customized selection of tool bits that can be stored in a container and easily carried to the place of use. Carrying such an assortment of tool bits has also proven useful for users of mechanical consumer goods, such as bicycles, so that the required tool bit is always at hand for any repairs.

[0005] For storing a plurality of tool bits, DE 20 2006 002 802 U1 discloses a multi-function tool with an adapter, the first end of which serves to receive and securely lock the tool in a drive unit in a manner that prevents it from twisting, and the second end of which serves to receive and securely lock a sleeve in which two further tool bits are held, wherein a first of these two tool bits is stored inside the sleeve and the second tool bit is held in a position that is suitable for insertion into a screw head drive profile and partially protrudes from the sleeve. However, such a tool consists of many individual parts and is complicated to handle, since changing a tool bit requires many manual steps. This causes major problems, particularly under outdoor conditions (i.e. outside a workshop), especially since these individual parts can easily get lost.In addition, all torque must be transmitted from the input to the output via the sleeve, which requires a correspondingly massive dimensioning of the sleeve. As a result, such a tool is not only difficult to handle, but also very bulky and cumbersome.

[0006] In a similar vein, US 2005 / 0105983 A1 discloses a multi-function tool consisting of a drill and a screw bit. Instead of the sleeve in the aforementioned DE 20 2006 002 802 U1, this one uses a driver that is inseparably connected to both the drill and the screw bit. With this approach, too, all torque must be transmitted from the drive to the output (here: the drill) via the driver. This device is bulky, unwieldy, and limited to a rigid connection and fixed combination of two tools.

[0007] Double-sided tool bits with different screw engagement profiles on the two frontal output sections of the bit are also known from the prior art (e.g. from DE 10 2007 041 574 A1). In this way, a combination tool for two different screw head drive profiles is available, although again only with a fixed combination of two screw engagement profiles. Given the very large variety of different types and sizes of screw head drive profiles, there is a high probability that a user will only require one of the two screw engagement profiles of such a double-sided tool bit for their usual application needs. Thus, carrying such a double-sided tool bit creates unnecessary ballast for the user. This represents a considerable disadvantage, especially for cyclists who attach great importance to minimal pack size and weight of their equipment.The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a tool system comprising a first tool bit and a second tool bit, wherein both tool bits each have a first end with a shaft section for transmitting a drive force to the tool bit and a second end with an output for the force-transmitting introduction of the tool bit into a screw head drive profile, which overcomes the aforementioned problems. In particular, the space required for storing tool bits is to be minimized without this being to the detriment of usability. The aim is to ensure that a user has all the necessary tool bits at their disposal with minimal weight and space requirement. At the same time, operability is to be simplified and, in particular, free changing of the tool bits is to be enabled.

[0008] This object is achieved in that the end face of the shaft section of each tool bit is designed as a front-side coupling area for coupling the tool bit to a second tool bit of the tool system by means of first and second coupling means integrated into the end face, wherein the first coupling means of both tool bits are designed for the relative rotational alignment of both tool bits with respect to the central longitudinal axis of at least one tool bit and wherein the second coupling means are designed to transmit a tensile force directed parallel to this central longitudinal axis to the respective other tool bit, and wherein the shaft sections of both tool bits have mutually congruent outer contours and in a coupling position of both tool bits, in which the two first coupling means of both tool bits are in direct mutual engagement with each other,form a common receiving section for inserting the tool system into a chuck of a drive tool.,

[0009] In the context of this invention, “congruent outer contours” are understood to mean those outer contours of the shank sections of the tool bits that are identical in terms of their dimensions and shape.

[0010] In the coupling position, the frontal coupling area of ​​the first tool bit is mechanically locked to the frontal coupling area of ​​the second tool bit. Such locking can be released again by the user of the tool bit. When the coupling position is brought about, the second coupling means mechanically couple both tool bits in a linear direction of movement parallel to the central longitudinal axis or rotational axis of both tool bits, and the first coupling means mechanically align both tool bits in a rotational direction oriented around the central longitudinal axis of the tool bits as the center of rotation. In this case, the first coupling means (more precisely: their surfaces oriented perpendicular to the direction of rotation) act as drivers of the other tool bit when a rotational movement acts on one of the two tool bits.All tool bits intended for use in such a tool system according to the invention each have identical end-face coupling regions designed according to the invention. In this way, they can be freely coupled with one another in any combination to form a tool system according to the invention. Both bits can be directly coupled to one another; i.e., in the coupled position, they are in direct, face-to-face contact with one another. Since the first and second coupling means are an integral part of each tool bit of the tool system, no additional components, such as sleeves or drivers, are required to couple two tool bits. This reduces the dimensions and weight of a tool formed from two tool bits according to the invention.Since all tool bits of the tool system each have identical coupling means, a free combination of two tool bits of the tool system is possible, allowing tools to be configured with freely selectable screw engagement profiles on both output sides of the tool. In this way, a user can easily create a tool system consisting of one or more combinations of two tool bits in a coupled position to one another, the screw engagement profiles of which exactly match the user's usage requirements, thereby significantly reducing the number of tool bits that need to be stored for later use. This is achieved by the coupling of the tool bits according to the invention, which can be locked or separated with little manual effort by means of the aforementioned first and second coupling means.

[0011] Furthermore, in this way, a tool system in the form of a double-ended tool bit is realized, which—deviating from the prior art—is formed from two individual tool bits that can be coupled to one another by directly and mutually locking their end-face coupling regions such that their shank sections, in the coupled position, form a common receiving section for insertion into a drive tool. Such an inventive design of the tool bits enables a shortening of their longitudinal extent and thus also a shortening of a tool consisting of two mutually coupled tool bits according to the invention.

[0012] The tool system according to the invention thus enables greater flexibility in tool use while simultaneously minimizing the weight and dimensions of the tool, and is particularly geared to the needs of ambitious cyclists. Since both tool bits are simultaneously clamped in the drive tool via their front-face coupled shaft sections in the coupling position, the full torque of the drive does not need to be transmitted to the output via these front-face coupling areas. This enables a shortening of the shaft sections and a miniaturization of the front-face coupling areas of the tool bits located there.Such a tool system according to the invention not only has improved usage properties, but also contributes to reducing resource consumption in the production of tool systems, since it enables consistent restriction to the tool bits actually required by the user.

[0013] According to a first embodiment of the inventive basic concept, the second coupling means of at least one tool bit is designed as a magnetic coupling means. This represents a particularly simple implementation of the inventive basic idea.

[0014] According to a second alternative embodiment, the second coupling means is designed as a mechanical coupling means that ensures a positive connection between the second coupling means of both tool bits. This enables the transmission of higher tensile forces between the two tool bits of a tool system according to the invention.

[0015] This can be achieved, for example, by designing the second coupling means of both tool bits as holes that are aligned with each other in the coupling position and can be coupled together in a rotationally and tensile-resistant manner by means of a cotter pin that can be inserted into the holes. For this purpose, the holes are preferably oriented perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of each tool bit.

[0016] In a particularly preferred manner in this context, however, the second coupling means of both tool bits are each designed as at least one hook protruding from the end-face coupling region of a tool bit and forming an undercut, wherein each hook of the first tool bit is designed to engage positively in the undercut of the second tool bit in the coupling position. The hooks of both tool bits thus alternately engage in the undercuts of the other tool bit. The dimensions of the hooks and undercuts are such that the engagement of each hook in the respective undercut is free of play; i.e. the geometric dimensions of the hooks and undercuts correspond to one another.

[0017] The inventive basic concept further provides that the first coupling means of at least one tool bit is designed as at least one driver protruding from the end-face coupling region of a tool bit, wherein each driver of the first tool bit is designed to positively engage in a recess of the respective second tool bit in the coupling position. Each driver protrudes from the end face of the tool bit in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis and preferably has at least one surface oriented perpendicular to the direction of rotation of a rotational movement oriented around the central longitudinal axis of the tool bit and acts as a driver of the respective other tool bit during a rotational movement acting on one of the two tool bits.

[0018] To this end, the invention preferably provides that the at least one driver forms an arc segment of the end-face coupling region of the tool bit. This arc segment protrudes from the end face of the tool bit in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis. Particularly preferably, these are circular arc segments, each comprising a partial segment of the end face of the coupling region. If the coupling region of a tool bit comprises a plurality of such segments, these segments are distributed over the circumference of the end face of the coupling region, forming identical spacings from one another.

[0019] The present invention is explained in more detail below using three exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Each shows a perspective view:

[0020] Figures 1.1 - 1.3: first embodiment of the tool system according to the invention

[0021] Figures 2.1 - 2.3: second embodiment of the tool system according to the invention Figures 3.1 - 3.3: third embodiment of the tool system according to the invention

[0022] Each tool system according to the invention comprises a first tool bit (11, 21, 31) and a second tool bit (12, 22, 32), wherein both tool bits each have a shank portion (110, 120, 210, 220, 310, 320) for transmitting a drive force to the tool bit and an output (111, 121, 211, 221, 311, 321) for force-transmitting insertion of the tool bit into a screw head profile. The respective drive tools are indicated in the figures only by depicting their holding chucks (10, 20, 30), in which the shank portions (110, 120, 210, 220, 310, 320) of the tool bits are inserted and secured. In the context of this exemplary embodiment, the two outputs of each tool system according to the invention are shown merely as examples as hexagon sockets (or "Allen") of different sizes; many variants are possible here according to the various screw head drive profiles known from the prior art.The ability to freely combine tool bits with a wide variety of outputs represents precisely the positive effect achieved by the invention compared to the previously known state of the art.

[0023] The shank sections (110, 120, 210, 220, 310, 320) of both tool bits each have a front-side coupling region (112, 212, 312) on their respective end faces. The embodiments of the tool system according to the invention shown in this exemplary embodiment differ from one another in the design of this front-side coupling region, with all tool bits (11 and 12, 21 and 22, 31 and 32) belonging to the same embodiment each having a corresponding design of their front-side coupling regions. According to the basic idea of ​​the invention, all tool bits (11 and 12, 21 and 22, 31 and 32) designed according to the same embodiment can be connected to one another at their end-face coupling regions in a coupling position in such a way that both rotational and tensile forces can be transmitted between the two tool bits via the coupling regions.For this purpose, the end-face coupling areas of both tool bits each have first coupling means (for the rotational alignment of both tool bits relative to each other) and second coupling means (for transmitting tensile forces). The embodiments of the tool system according to the invention shown in this exemplary embodiment therefore differ from one another in the specific design of these first and second coupling means. All tool bits designed according to the same embodiment can be freely combined with one another.

[0024] To achieve coupling, both tool bits (11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32) are oriented such that their end-face coupling areas face each other and their central longitudinal axes (B11, B12, B21, B22, B31, B32) are linearly aligned with each other. The central longitudinal axes of the tool bits coincide with their respective rotational axes. Furthermore, in order to bring about the coupling of both tool bits, the coupling region of the second tool bit (12, 22, 32) is brought closer to the coupling region of the first tool bit (11, 21, 31) along a coupling direction (A) oriented parallel to the central longitudinal axis (according to the first or second embodiment (B11, B21)) or perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis (according to the third embodiment (B31)) until the first touch contact of both coupling regions.By means of first coupling means, both tool bits (11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32) can then be rotated and aligned relative to one another about their respective central longitudinal axes (B11, B12, B21, B22, B31, B32) in such a way that the first coupling means of the two tool bits do not mutually block one another as they approach one another further in the coupling direction. In addition, the contours and dimensions of the first coupling means are identical for both tool bits (11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32). In order to ensure a play-free transmission of rotary movements or even torques about the central longitudinal orTo ensure that the rotational axes (B11, B12, B21, B22, B31, B32) of both tool bits (11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32) are aligned, these axes are designed such that the contours and dimensions of the spaces between the first coupling means (114, 214, 314) of the first tool bit (11, 21, 31) correspond to the contours and dimensions of the first coupling means of the second tool bit (12, 22, 32) (and vice versa). In the coupling position, the first and second coupling means of both tool bits are in mutual engagement, and the coupling areas of both tool bits are thus mechanically locked against one another. In the coupling position, both rotational and tensile forces can be transmitted between the two tool bits via the coupling regions or their first and second coupling means (114, 214, 314; 113, 213, 313).

[0025] According to a first embodiment shown in Figures 1.1 to 1.3, the second coupling means (113) of each tool bit are designed as an internal magnet (1131) arranged concentrically to the central longitudinal axis (B11) of the tool bit (11), and the first coupling means (114) are designed as two circular arc segments (1141, 1142) that encompass this magnet (1131) and protrude from the respective end region of the shaft sections, each with an arc length of 90°. The arc length of the two likewise arc-shaped spaces between these two circular arc segments (1141, 1142) corresponds to the arc length of the two circular arc segments (1141, 1142), so that no play occurs during a rotational movement about the rotational or central longitudinal axes (B11, B12) of both tool bits (11, 12) in the coupled position. Both tool bits (11, 12) have identically designed end-face coupling areas, ie identically designed first and second coupling means.The coupling direction (A) is parallel to the central longitudinal axes (B11, B12) of both tool bits.

[0026] Figures 2.1 to 2.3 show a second embodiment. Analogous to the first embodiment, the first coupling means (214) are designed as two circular arc segments (2141, 2142), the dimensions of which, however, are greater in the direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis (B21) of the tool bit (21) than in the first embodiment (i.e. the two circular arc segments (2141, 2142) have larger dimensions in the direction of the central longitudinal axis). In this way, on the one hand, the installation space for a sufficiently large split pin (2131) is ensured, and on the other hand, a larger surface for transmitting rotary movements between the two tool bits is achieved.The second coupling means are designed as mutually aligned bores which are oriented perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the tool bit and which, in the coupling position, can be coupled to one another in a rotationally and tensile-resistant manner by means of a cotter pin (2131) which can be inserted into the bores. The cotter pin (2131) can be magnetized to prevent it from falling out of the bore (2132). The magnetization of the cotter pin (2131) is preferably diametrically designed; i.e. the magnetic axis, at whose ends the magnetic poles are located, runs through the diameter of the cotter pin. In this way, the cotter pin (2131) can be pressed out with only little force to release the coupling position, which significantly improves the operability and usage properties of the tool system according to the invention. The bores (2132) are positioned in the circumferential direction on each tool bit in such a way that they only half contact the first coupling means or coupling elements which, in the coupling position, are in contact with one another.Circular arc segments (2141, 2142) of both tool bits penetrate each other. This ensures an identical geometric design of the coupling areas of both tool bits. The coupling direction (A) is parallel to the central longitudinal axes (B21, B22) of both tool bits.

[0027] Figures 3.1 to 3.3 show a third embodiment in which the second coupling means is designed as a hook (3132) protruding from the end-face coupling area of ​​the tool bit and forming an undercut (3131). The contour and dimensions of the hook (3132) and undercut (3131) correspond to one another such that each hook of a first tool bit, in the coupling position, engages positively and without play in the undercut of the respective second tool bit. In addition, a diametrically magnetized magnet (315) protruding into the undercut (3131) is provided, which, when both tool bits are in the coupling position, interacts with the identical magnet of the respective other tool bit and thus prevents the hook of the respective other tool bit from becoming detached from the undercut (3131). The first coupling means (314) is designed as a semicircular arc segment.In contrast to the previously shown first and second embodiments, in this third embodiment the coupling direction (A) is not oriented parallel to the central longitudinal axes (B31, B32) of both tool bits, but perpendicular to them, so that when both tool bits approach each other the hook of the first tool bit penetrates into the undercut of the second tool bit (and vice versa).

[0028] List of reference symbols

[0029] 10, 20, 30 intake feed

[0030] II , 21 , 31 first tool bit

[0031] 12, 22, 32 second tool bit

[0032] 110, 210, 310 Holder section of the first tool bit

[0033] 120, 220, 320 receiving section of the second tool bit

[0034] III , 211 , 311 Output of the first tool bit

[0035] 121 , 221 , 321 Output of the second tool bit

[0036] 112, 212, 312 frontal coupling area of ​​the first tool bit

[0037] 113, 213, 313 second coupling means of the first tool bit

[0038] 1131 Magnet

[0039] 2131 split pin

[0040] 2132 Half-bore

[0041] 3131 undercut

[0042] 3132 hooks

[0043] 114, 214, 314 first coupling means of the first tool bit

[0044] 1141 , 1142 Circular arc segment (first embodiment)

[0045] 2141 , 2142 circular arc segment (second embodiment)

[0046] 315 Magnet

[0047] A Coupling direction B11 , B21 , B31 Central longitudinal axis of the first tool bit

[0048] B12, B22, B32 Central longitudinal axis of the second tool bit

Claims

Patent claims ) Tool system, comprising a first tool bit (11, 21, 31) and a second tool bit (12, 22, 32), wherein both tool bits (11, 12, 21, 22, 31, 32) each have a first end with a shaft section (110, 120, 210, 220, 310, 320) for transmitting a driving force to the tool bit and a second end with an output (111, 121, 211, 221, 311, 321) for force-transmitting insertion of the tool bit into a screw head drive profile, characterized in that the end face of the shaft section (110, 120, 210, 220, 310, 320) of each tool bit is designed as a front-side Coupling region (112, 212, 312) for coupling the tool bit with a second tool bit of the tool system by means of first and second coupling means integrated into the front side, wherein the first coupling means (114, 214,314) of both tool bits for the relative rotational alignment of both tool bits with respect to the central longitudinal axis (B11, B21, B31) of at least one tool bit (11, 21, 31), and wherein the second coupling means (113, 213, 313) are designed to transmit a tensile force directed parallel to this central longitudinal axis (B11, B21, B31) to the respective other tool bit (12, 22, 32), and wherein the shaft sections (110, 120, 210, 220, 310, 320) of both tool bits have mutually congruent outer contours, and in a coupling position of both tool bits, in which the two first coupling means (114, 214, 314) of both tool bits are in direct mutual engagement with each other are, form a common receiving section for inserting the tool system into a chuck of a drive tool. ) Tool system according to claim 1, characterized inthat the second coupling means (113) of at least one tool bit (11) is designed as a magnetic coupling means (1131). ) Tool system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second, Coupling means (213, 313) is designed as a mechanical coupling means which effects a positive connection of the second coupling means of both tool bits. 4) Tool system according to claim 3, characterized in that the second coupling means (213) of both tool bits are designed as bores (2132) which are aligned with one another in the coupling position and which can be coupled to one another in a rotationally and tensile-resistant manner in the coupling position by means of a split pin (2131) which can be inserted into the bores (2132). 5) Tool system according to claim 3, characterized in that the second coupling means (313) of both tool bits are designed as at least one hook (3132) protruding from the end-face coupling region (312) of a tool bit and forming an undercut (3131), wherein each hook of the first tool bit is designed to engage positively in the undercut of the respective second tool bit in the coupling position. 6) Tool system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first coupling means (114, 214, 314) of at least one tool bit (11, 21, 31) is designed as at least one driver protruding from the end-face coupling region (112, 212, 312) of a tool bit (11, 21, 31), wherein each driver of the first tool bit is designed to engage positively in a recess of the respective second tool bit in the coupling position. 7) Tool system according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one driver forms an arc segment (1141, 1142, 2141, 2142) of the end-side coupling region (112, 212) of the tool bit (11, 21).

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