Rotary tool and implement

Abstract

A rotary tool (1) comprises a carrier (2) extending around a central axis (5) and at least one implement (3), which is releasably coupled to the carrier (2) via a coupling (4). The implement (3) comprises a working end for cooperation with a workpiece and an implement sided coupling part (10) arranged for cooperation with a carrier sided coupling part (9). When cooperating, the coupling parts (9, 10) are operable in a toolless operation between a first state of the coupling (4) in which the coupling parts (9, 10) allow translational and / or rotational movement of the implement (3) and the carrier (2) relative to each other with respect to the central axis (5), and a second state of the coupling (4) in which the coupling (4) restrains both translational and rotational movement of the implement (3) and the carrier (2) relative to each other with respect to the central axis (5).

Description

[0001] Title: Rotary tool and implement

[0002] The invention relates to a rotary tool, comprising a carrier extending around a central axis and at least one implement, such as a hole saw, that is releasably coupled to the carrier via a coupling. The invention also relates to an implement of such a tool.

[0003] Drilhng machines can be equipped with various rotary tools to perform specific tasks on a workpiece. One example of such a rotary tool is a hole saw, for enabling use of the drilling machine to cut holes in a workpiece with diameters that are larger than wat can be achieved with drill bits that are directly inserted in the drilhng machine. Such a hole saw may comprise a central axle to be inserted in the machine, e.g. a centering drill, and a flange-like carrier that radially extends from the central axle. Various types of implements can be attached to the carrier, such as saw blades, milling bits, or grinding teeth.

[0004] In some variants, e.g. for DIY purposes, a single carrier may be provided that can be coupled to multiple sizes and / or types of implement, to reduce the cost of the tool. Such multi-purpose tools, however, are not suitable for professional or heavy use, e.g. in high-speed or high load applications. The implements are generally made of relatively soft, flexible plate material. It is difficult to manipulate the soft steal implement into the right position of the carrier. The working end of the implement may be provided with sharp edges, saw teeth, or other machining elements, which can cut in the hand of the user while trying to lock the implement. Usually, the implement has broad geometric tolerancing and needs to be deformed to allow engagement with the carrier. Hence, only after the implement is coupled to the carrier the geometry of the working end of the tool is defined, often with eccentricities, runout and non-roundness. Since the tool heats up when engaged with the workpiece the implement may be not be safe to touch, thus limiting the ability to reposition or replace the implement on the carrier during use.

[0005] In known multi-purpose tools, the coupling between the implement and the carrier is usually provided by a bayonet type connection. Such a connection tightens when the tool is rotated in the machining direction, e.g. clockwise. However, in use, the inertia of the tool may induce forces on the connection in a direction opposite to the machining direction, e.g. in a counter clockwise direction. This for example occurs when a device driving the tool, such as a drilling machine, is stopped or switched off while the working end of the implement is engaged with a workpiece, thereby creating a torque on the tool in a direction opposite to the machining direction. Such a torque may cause the implement to disengage and jump off the carrier, which can lead to serious injury to the operator and / or damage to the workpiece. Also, a bayonet type coupling may suddenly release when too much force or torque is applied on the tool.

[0006] For all these reasons existing multi-purpose tools, having carriers with interchangeable implements, may not be suitable for professional use.

[0007] In professional variants, the tool may comprise an integral carrier and implement, instead of separate components, to get rid of the coupling. However, this implies that the tool is specific for a single application and diameter, and needs to be replaced in its entirety in case of tool wear, or change of application or diameter. For this reason, having a plurality of professional tools may not be economically viable or durable.

[0008] In some DIY or professional variants, one or more interchangeable implements can be secured to a carrier by a coupling that has additional locking means, such as screws, pins, dowels, or keys, to prevent unintended release of the coupling. However, operating such couplings may require external tools, which can be time consuming and which can lead to faulty connections when the operator incorrectly installs or secures the implement on the carrier. While it may be possible to design separable carriers and implements as such, for use in a (semi)professional environment, it is still a challenge to design a safe coupling that is suitable for high speed and high load applications, and that provides a failproof lock and release system between the carrier and implement(s).

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to improve the coupling between a separable carrier and implement of a rotary tool.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] In summary, the invention provides a rotary tool, comprising a carrier extending around a central axis and at least one implement. The implement is releasably coupled to the carrier via a coupling. The carrier is provided with a carrier sided coupling part. The implement comprises a working end for cooperation with a workpiece and a circumferential portion extending about the central axis that is provided with an implement sided coupling part arranged for cooperation with the carrier sided coupling part. The coupling parts are, when cooperating, operable in a toolless operation between a first state of the coupling in which the coupling parts allow translational and / or rotational movement of the implement and the carrier relative to each other with respect to the central axis, and a second state of the coupling in which the coupling restrains both translational (e.g. axial and radial displacement) and rotational movement (e.g. clockwise and anticlockwise rotation) of the implement and the carrier relative to each other with respect to the central axis.

[0012] Accordingly, by providing a coupling comprising a cooperative carrier sided and implement sided coupling part that, when cooperating, can be operated manually between the first and second state, the coupling can be locked in the first or second position without using further tools, such as a screwdriver or wrench, and without using separate mounting or locking aids, such as keys, pins, or dowels. In other words, the coupling comprises an engagement mechanism, for engaging the implement sided and carrier sided coupling parts, and an additional locking mechanism for locking the engagement mechanism in the first or second state, both of which are manually operable, thus without requiring any external tools or aids, to secure and release the connections. In the second state, the parts are locked together in axial, radial, clockwise and anti-clockwise direction, and inadvertent (e.g. accidental, unintended) decoupling of the implement and carrier is prevented, e.g. during high load or high speed applications of the rotary tool, or when a difference in angular velocity between the implement and carrier is induced. Conversely, in the first state the implement sided and carrier sided coupling parts are free to move with respect to each other, thereby allowing separation of the at least one implement from the carrier.

[0013] In some embodiments, the at least one implement comprises a substantially cylindrical mantle extending downward along the central axis from the circumferential portion to a further circumferential portion that forms the working end. For example, the mantle is a saw blade, and the further circumferential portion is provided with cutting elements such as saw teeth, abrasive grit, or chisel tips for machining a cut in the workpiece. For example, the at least one implement is a hole saw, e.g. comprising a set of concentrically arranged saw blades. Alternatively, the circumferential portion of the cylindrical mantle can provide other types of machining elements for machining the workpiece, such as blades, drills, sanding or polishing members, or lapping members. The cutting or machining elements may extend axially from the cylindrical mantle, substantially parallel to the central axis, e.g. for axially cutting / drilling the workpiece, radially from the cylindrical mantle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis, and / or tangentially to the circumference of the cylindrical mantle.

[0014] Preferably, the implement sided coupling part includes a first implement sided locking provision for translational securing of the mantle to the carrier relative to the central axis, and a second implement sided locking provision for rotational securing of the mantle to the carrier relative to the central axis, and the carrier sided couphng part comprises a first carrier sided locking provision for translational securing (e.g. in an axial and radial direction) of the mantle to the carrier relative to the central axis by engagement with the first implement sided locking provision in at least the second state of the coupling, and a second carrier sided locking provision for rotational securing (e.g. in both clockwise as well as anti-clockwise direction) of the mantle to the carrier relative to the central axis by engagement with the second implement sided locking provision in at least the second state of the coupling. The first and second implement sided locking provision can be coupled to the carrier in a toolless fashion, e.g. manually, without the use of external tools or locking aids. The implement and carrier sided locking provisions can e.g. be formed by edges, ribs, flanges, cut outs or surfaces of the implement and carrier, respectively, or of auxiliary elements provided between the implement and carrier. Corresponding locking provisions on the implement and carrier side may be movable with respect to each other, in order to switch between the first and second state of the coupling. In the second state of the coupling, corresponding implement and carrier sided locking provisions may engage with each other to prevent relative rotations and displacements between the implement and the carrier, so that the implement is secured to the carrier. Conversely, in the first state of the coupling, in which the implement is to be released from the carrier, the corresponding implement and carrier sided locking provisions may be disengaged and cleared from each other, to allow removal of the implement from the carrier. In other words, the implement and carrier sided locking provisions together form, or are part of one or more locking devices, or couplings. When operated from the carrier side, such locking devices can be regarded as part of the carrier. In preferred embodiments, the first and second implement sided locking provisions are integrated and provide similar types of locking means that are toollessly engageable with the first and second carrier sided locking provisions. For example, the first and second implement sided locking provisions are part of the same, e.g. single, implement sided locking device or structure, so that the locking device or structure is arranged for both translationally as well as rotationally securing of the implement to the carrier. Preferably, such a combined locking device, or coupling, is operable by a single (manual) operation, e.g. a movement, that simultaneously secures or releases both the first and second implement sided locking provision with their carrier sided counterpart, e.g. by a single (manual) action. Alternatively, the first and second implement sided locking provisions can be separate, e.g. part of distinct locking devices or structures of the implement, which may respectively be engageable with the first and second carrier sided locking provisions by different types of locking and releasing operations. Such separate locking devices, or coupling, may be operable by distinct toolless operations, e.g. a sequence of movements, for rotationally and translationally locking / releasing the first and second carrier sided provisions with their respective carrier sided counterparts.

[0015] Likewise, the first and second carrier sided locking provisions may be integrated, e.g. forming part of a carrier sided locking device arranged for both translationally and rotationally locking the implement to the carrier, or may be separate from each other, e.g. each part of a distinct carrier sided locking device, wherein each distinct carrier sided locking device is arranged for either rotationally, or translationally locking the implement to the carrier in a toolless fashion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the coupling is (manually) operable between the first and second state by movement of the carrier sided coupling part, in particular the first and / or second carrier sided locking provision, relative to the carrier, preferably by translation and / or rotation, in particular translation and / or rotation relative to the central axis. In other words, a locking device for coupling and decoupling the implement with the carrier is provided on the carrier and operable from the carrier in a toolless fashion, e.g. without external tools such as screwdrivers or wrenches, and without separate locking aids such as keys, dowels, or pins. For example, the carrier sided coupling part comprises a structural profile ( e.g. comprising notches, cut outs, ribs and / or protrusions) that is arranged for engaging with a corresponding structural profile of one or more implement sided coupling parts, and the carrier sided coupling part is movable with respect to the one or more implement sided coupling parts to provide the first (engaged) and second (released) state of the coupling. For example, the carrier sided coupling part comprises a movable element, such as a plate or shaft, that is provided with the structural profile. The movable element may e.g. be slidable, rotatable, or elastically deformable to move the carrier sided coupling part between the first and second state. By providing the thus formed locking device mainly on the carrier, the implement can have a relatively simple, e.g. static, design. The movable carrier sided coupling part thus allows coupling and decoupling one or more implements by translation and / or rotation of the carrier sided coupling part. For example, in case a plurality of implements are coupled to the carrier, e.g. two or more implements of varying diameter arranged in a nested fashion, all implements of the plurality of implements can be decoupled simultaneously by translating and / or rotating the carrier sided coupling part, e.g. in a decoupling direction. Conversely, a plurality of implements can also be simultaneously coupled to the carrier, e.g. by translating and / or rotating the carrier sided coupling part in a coupling direction.

[0017] In contrast, in known rotary tools a plurality of implements can only be coupled / decoupled separately, i.e. one at a time, by separate, subsequent coupling / decoupling actions. Since the implements may be in close arrangement with respect to each other, e.g. in a nested fashion, it can be both time consuming as well as hazardous to couple and decouple each implement separately, since the working ends of the implements need to be handled with care.

[0018] In other embodiments, the coupling is manually operable between the first and second state by movement of the implement sided coupling part, in particular the second implement sided locking provision, relatively to the implement, preferably by translation and / or rotation, in particular translation and / or rotation relative to the central axis. For example, the implement sided coupling part comprises a structural profile that is movable with respect to the implement, e.g. by the structural profile being provided on a slidable, rotatable, or elastically deformable element of the implement sided coupling part. Hence, the locking device is mainly provided on, and operable from the implement. In this way, the carrier can have a relatively simple design.

[0019] Alternatively, or additionally, the coupling is toollessly operable between the first and second state by movement of the implement sided coupling part, in particular the second implement sided locking provision, relative to the carrier sided coupling part, in particular the second carrier sided locking provision, preferably by translation and / or rotation, in particular translation and / or rotation relative to the central axis.

[0020] It may also be beneficial to provide a movable carrier sided coupling part, and a movable implement sided coupling part too. As a result, the locking device can be operated both from the carrier, as well as from the implement. For example, to switch between the first and second state of the coupling, the carrier sided coupling part may be movable along or around a first axis, while the implement sided coupling part is movable along or around a second axis that is different from, e.g. offset or orthogonal to, the first axis to prevent inadvertent engaging or releasing of the coupling. For example, the carrier sided coupling part is radially movable with respect to the central axis, while the implement sided coupling part is axially movable with respect to the central axis. Alternatively, when the carrier sided coupling part and the implement sided coupling part are each movable along or around the same or similar axis, coupling and decoupling can be facilitated.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first and / or second carrier sided locking provision includes a fixed locking pin or bar, an axial or radial slide, e.g. a plate, bar or rod, and / or an axial or radial swing, e.g. a plate, arm, as an integral yet movable part of the rotary tool, to enable toolless operation between the first and second state.

[0022] The first and / or second implement sided locking provision for example includes a contoured part of the an edge of the circumferential portion of the implement that defines a cutout of a mantle surface of the circumferential portion, the cutout having an entrance opening that lies on an imaginary circle line circumscribing an edge of the mantle.

[0023] Said entrance opening for example gives access to a channel that extends axially through the mantle surface and having a main portion that has a first circumferential width, and a first branch portion that extends transversely away from the entrance channel in a first transverse direction to define an undercut section of the mantle, the branch portion having a smaller circumferential width than the main portion. The thus formed branched channel, or cut out, in the implement can be used as the receiving end of a bayonet type coupling. In other words, by branching the channel an undercut is formed that extends over a circumferential width of the channel. Preferably the undercut is relatively small, e.g. extending over less than half of a circumferential width of the total width of the channel, wherein the total width is defined as the width of the main channel portion increased by the width of the branch portion. In conventional bayonet type couplings, the receiving end comprises a relatively large undercut, e.g. extending over more than 60% of the total width, to prevent inadvertent releasing of the coupling by rotation of the implement and the carrier with respect to each other. In the present disclosure, however, the undercut can be relatively small since in the second state of the coupling the coupling restrains both translational and rotational movement of the implement and the carrier relative to each other.

[0024] The main channel may further comprise a second branch portion, opposite the first branch portion, that extends transversely away from the entrance channel in an a second, opposite transverse direction, the second branch portion having a smaller circumferential width than the main portion. In this way, the bayonet type coupling comprises two receiving ends, opposite from each other, so that an axial locking provision can be provided on either side of the channel main portion. For example, in the second state of the coupling, the carrier sided coupling part engagingly extends in both the first branch portion as well as in the second branch portion. Preferably, the circumferential width of the first and second branch portions are equal, to provide a symmetrical channel, and hence, a symmetrical coupling between the implement and carrier.

[0025] In preferred embodiments, the main portion and the branch portion(s) of the channel respectively define an inverted L shaped or T shaped aperture in the mantle surface. Such a shape can provide the receiving end of a bayonet type coupling. Since, in the second state of the coupling, both translational as well as rotational movements of the implement and the carrier with respect to each other are constrained, the arms of the T and the foot of the L can be relatively small in width compared to the circumferential width of the main portion that they extend from. Accordingly, the total circumferential width of the coupling is relatively small in relation to the circumference of the implement. As a result, the same size and shape of couplings can be provided between the implement and the carriers over a broad range of implement diameters, e.g. implement diameters down to 15 millimetre. In some embodiments, circumferentially opposed axially extending edges of the channel form a first implement sided locking provision, and wherein axially opposed circumferentially extending edges of the channel form a second implement sided locking provision.

[0026] The circumferentially opposed axially extending edges of the channel that form the first implement sided locking provision, and the axially opposed circumferentially extending edges that form the second implement sided locking provisions in the second state of the coupling may formlockingly cooperate with respective first and second carrier sided locking provisions. For example, the implement sided locking provision includes a bayonet cutout, and the carrier sided locking provision is movable between a first position corresponding to a first state of the coupling in which it cooperates with the bayonet cutout to form a releasable bayonet connection, and a second position corresponding to a second state of the coupling in which the carrier sided locking provision formlockingly fills the bayonet cutout to secure the bayonet connection against release.

[0027] The carrier sided locking provisions may e.g. include a comb shaped ridge and a comb shaped slide, the ridge and the slide being movable between a first position in which interspaces between teeth of the comb shaped ridge and comb shaped slide match up to form a slit, so that in a first state of the coupling the ridge can enter through the aperture into the main portion of the channel of the implement sided locking provisions, while an undercut section of the mantle passes through the slit, and a second position in which teeth of the comb shaped slide cooperate with axially and circumferentially extending edges of a branch portion of the channel so as to provide a second state of the coupling in which the coupling restrains both translational and rotational movement of the implement and the carrier relative to each other with respect to the central axis. The carrier sided locking provisions can e.g. be movable along a radial direction with respect to the central axis. The teeth of the comb shaped slide may have straight, parallel sides to provide a substantially constant, rectangular cross section to fit into rectangular cutouts. However, the teeth may alternatively have angled sides to provide an increasing rectangular cross section to wedgingly fit into rectangular cutouts. The angled sides can then limit axial and / or relative movement of the implement and the carrier relative to each other while allowing for enough interspace to easily couple the implement and carrier to each other. The angled sides of the teeth of the comb shaped slide may thus cooperate with the cutout in the implement to guide the implement into a secure coupled state with the carrier.

[0028] In some embodiments, the coupling is biased to go from the first state to the second state, preferably by arrangement of an implement sided or carrier sided locking provision under spring load to engage with respectively the corresponding carrier sided or implement sided locking provision, preferably by arrangement of the second implement sided locking provision under spring load to engage the second carrier sided locking provision or the second carrier sided locking provision under spring load to engage the second implement sided locking provision. Accordingly, the implement is securely locked to the carrier in the second state.

[0029] Alternatively, or additionally, the coupling is biased to go from the second state to the first state, preferably by arrangement of a implement sided or carrier sided locking provision under spring load to engage with respectively the corresponding carrier sided or implement sided locking provision, preferably by arrangement of the second implement sided locking provision under spring load to disengage the second carrier sided locking provision or the second carrier sided locking provision under spring load to disengage the second implement sided locking provision.

[0030] The implement sided coupling part or the carrier sided coupling part may comprise an operating tab to manually operate the coupling to go from the first state to the second state and / or from the second state to the first state, preferably against bias to return from respectively the second state to the first state or the first state to the second state. Preferably, the operating tab is provided on the implement sided and / or carrier sided locking provision, in particular on the first and / or second locking provision thereof. Also, the operating tab can be arranged to simultaneously operate the couplings of a plurality of implements arranged on the carrier.

[0031] In some embodiments, the carrier sided coupling part comprises an operating mechanism to automatically operate the coupling to go from the first state to the second state and / or from the second state to the first state, preferably against bias to return from respectively the second state to the first state or the first state to the second state. The operating mechanism preferably includes an actuating rod arranged for acting on the first and / or second carrier sided locking provision. Such an operating mechanism can be arranged to simultaneously operate the couplings of a plurality of implements arranged on the carrier.

[0032] The operating mechanism may be arranged to be operated by displacement of the carrier and implement relative to a support, in particular by axial displacement along the central axis, e.g. axially along a drive shaft arranged for driving the tool.

[0033] In some embodiments, to accommodate a plurality of implements, e.g. a set of hole saws, the carrier comprises a top plate, preferably a cylindrical top plate. Accordingly, the plurality of implements can be coaxially mounted to the top plate.

[0034] The carrier may comprise a shaft, e.g. drill or drive shaft which preferably is rotatably fixedly disposed relative to the top plate of the carrier, the shaft preferably extending along the central axis, preferably arranged for extending beyond the working end of the implement. By the drill or drive shaft, the implement can be centered when engaging the workpiece. The carrier may be axially fixedly held on the shaft, but also axially movably. For example, the shaft may axially extend from a top plate of the carrier, and the carrier may comprise an axial guide for axially guiding the shaft with respect to the carrier.

[0035] In some embodiments, the carrier comprises a journaling hole for journaling a drive or drill shaft, the hole extending coaxially with the central axis of the tool, the journaling hole preferably being centrally arranged in the top plate. For example, the tool includes a drive or drill shaft extending through the journaling hole coaxially along the central axis of the tool, the carrier preferably being rotationally fixedly but axially movably journaled on the shaft via the journaling hole. The journaling hole and the shaft can e.g. be provided with matching hexagonal profiles or other type of splines to prevent rotation of the shaft and the carrier with respect to each other.

[0036] Preferably, the carrier is displaceable along the central axis of the shaft from a first axial position to a second axial position on the drill shaft. The first axial position e.g. allows disengagement of the second locking provision. The second axial position e.g. secures engagement of the second locking provision.

[0037] In some embodiments, the shaft carries an engagement element, in particular a radial protrusion, that at the second axial position engages an operating mechanism of the coupling, in particular an operating rod thereof, to secure the coupling in the second state. For example, when moving into second axial position, the engagement element may bring the coupling into the second state; and when moving away from the second axial position, the engagement element may allow the coupling to go back to the first state.

[0038] Preferably, for ease of use, the coupling is arranged such that in the first operating state, the at least one implement, preferably all implements coupled to the carrier, can be coupled to and uncoupled from the carrier by only relative axial translation of the implement and the carrier.

[0039] The present invention further pertains to an implement for a tool, in particular a tool as described herein. The implement comprises a substantially cylindrical mantle extending about a central axis between a bottom circumferential portion for engaging a work piece that is provided with cutting elements, and a top circumferential portion for connection to a carrier that is provided with a first implement sided locking provision for translational securing of the mantle to the carrier relative to the central axis, and a second implement sided locking provision for rotational securing of the mantle to the carrier relative to the central axis.

[0040] Preferably, the first and second implement sided locking provisions are integrated. For example, the first and / or second implement sided locking provision includes a contoured part of the an edge of the top circumferential portion of the implement that defines a cutout of a mantle surface of the top circumferential portion, the cutout having an entrance opening that lies on an imaginary circle line circumscribing an edge of the mantle.

[0041] The entrance opening may give access to a channel that extends axially through the mantle surface and having a main portion that has a first circumferential width, and a first branch portion that extends transversely away from the entrance channel in a first transverse direction to define an undercut section of the mantle, the branch portion having a smaller circumferential width than the main portion. In this way, a relatively small undercut is formed in the channel. Preferably, the circumferential width of the branch portion is less than half the total circumferential width of the channel, which is defined as the circumferential width of the main portion increased by the circumferential width of the branch portion. For example, the circumferential width of the branch portion is between 10-50% of the total circumferential width, preferably between 15-35%. For example, the total circumferential width of the channel is between 5-15 millimetre. On the lower end of this range, the circumferential width of the branch portion may be between 0.5-2.5 millimetre, preferably between 0.75-1.75 millimetre. Conversely, on the upper end of this range, the circumferential width of the branch portion may be between 1.5-7.5 millimetre, preferably between 2.25-5.25 millimetre.

[0042] The main channel may further comprise a second branch portion, opposite the first branch portion, that extends transversely away from the entrance channel in an second, opposite transverse direction, the second branch portion having a smaller circumferential width than the main portion. Preferably, the circumferential width of first and second branch portions are equal, to provide a symmetrical coupling.

[0043] For example, the main portion and the branch portion(s) of the channel respectively define an inverted L shaped or T shaped aperture in the mantle surface. The arms of the T and the foot of the L preferably are relatively small in width compared to width main portion that they extend from.

[0044] In some embodiments of the implement, circumferentially opposed axially extending edges of the channel form the first implement sided locking provision, and axially opposed circumferentially extending edges of the channel form the second implement sided locking provision. Preferably, the circumferentially opposed axially extending edges of the channel that form the first implement sided locking provision, and the axially opposed circumferentially extending edges that form the second implement sided locking provisions are arranged for form-lockingly cooperating with respective first and second carrier sided locking provisions of the carrier. For example, the implement sided locking provision includes a bayonet cutout, and the carrier sided locking provision is movable between a first position corresponding to a first state of the coupling in which it cooperates with the bayonet cutout to form a releasable bayonet connection, and a second position corresponding to a second state of the coupling in which the carrier sided locking provision form-lockingly fills the bayonet cutout, e.g. in both an axial direction as well as a circumferential direction of the implement, to secure the bayonet connection against release. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The invention will be further elucidated in the figures:

[0046] FIG 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a rotary tool;

[0047] FIG 2 illustrates an embodiment of a coupling of the rotary tool described herein;

[0048] FIGs 3A and 3B illustrate embodiments of implement sided locking provisions of the rotary tool described herein;

[0049] FIG 4 provides another embodiment of a coupling of the rotary tool described herein;

[0050] FIG 5 illustrates a second embodiment of a rotary tool;

[0051] FIG 6 depicts a third embodiment of a rotary tool;

[0052] FIG 7 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a rotary tool;

[0053] FIG 8A-D illustrate the coupling steps of a fifth embodiment of a rotary tool;

[0054] FIG 9 illustrates the fifth embodiment with multiple implements coupled to the carrier, and

[0055] FIG 10A-B provide a perspective view of a detail of an operating tab and comb shaped slide of the fifth embodiment.

[0056] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the absolute and relative sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Embodiments may be described with reference to schematic and / or crosssection illustrations of possibly idealized embodiments and intermediate structures of the invention. In the description and drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Relative terms as well as derivatives thereof should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the system be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless stated otherwise.

[0058] FIG 1 illustrates a rotary tool 1 according to an exemplary first embodiment. The rotary tool comprises a carrier 2 and an implement 3 that is releasably coupled to the carrier 2 via a coupling 4. The carrier 2 comprises a cylindrical top plate and extends around a central axis 5 that may be coaxially aligned with a shaft coupled to a device, such as a drilling machine, for driving the rotary tool 1 around the central axis 5.

[0059] As illustrated, the implement 3 comprises a substantially cylindrical mantle 6 that extends along the central axis 5 from a circumferential portion 7 to a working end formed by a further circumferential portion 8. The working end 8 can e.g. be provided with cutting or machining elements, such as saw teeth, abrasive grit, or chisel tips, for cooperation with a workpiece. For example, the implement 3 is a hole saw which is to be driven around the central axis 5 for sawing holes in the workpiece.

[0060] In general, the coupling 4 between the carrier 2 and implement 3 comprises a carrier sided coupling part 9, and an implement sided coupling part 10 provided at the circumferential portion 8 of the implement 3. The implement sided coupling part 10 is arranged for cooperation with the carrier sided coupling part 9. When cooperating, the coupling parts 9, 10 are operable in a toolless operation between a first state of the coupling and a second state of the coupling. For example, one of the coupling parts 9, 10 comprises an operating tab 11, or knob, to manually switch the coupling between the first and second state, e.g. by pulling, pushing or turning the operating tab or knob 11. In the first state, the coupling parts 9, 10 allow translational and / or rotational movement of the implement 3 and the carrier 2 relative to each other with respect to the central axis 5. In the first state, the implement 3 can thus be coupled to and uncoupled from the carrier, preferably by only relative axial translation of the implement and the carrier. In case of more than one implement, all implements can be coupled to and uncoupled at the same time, thus simultaneously, from the carrier in the first state, e.g. by a single toolless operation. In the second state, the coupling 4 restrains both translational and rotational movement of the implement(s) 3 and the carrier 2 relative to each other with respect to the central axis 5.

[0061] As illustrated in FIG 1, the carrier sided coupling part 9 comprises a first carrier sided locking provision 12 formed by a comb shaped radial slide, and a second carrier sided locking provision 13 formed by a comb shaped ridge. The radial slide 12 is slidable within a guide in the comb shaped ridge 13 along a radial direction perpendicular to the central axis 5. Instead of a comb shaped slide and ridge, the first and / or second carrier sided locking provision 12, 13 may include a fixed locking pin or bar, an axial or radial slide such as a plate, bar or rod, and / or an axial or radial swing element such as a plate or arm.

[0062] The implement 3 is provided with a contoured part of an edge of the circumferential portion 7 that defines an L-shaped cutout with circumferentially opposed axially extending edges that form a first implement sided locking provision 14, and axially opposed circumferentially extending edges that form a second implement sided locking provision 15. As illustrated in FIG 1, the first and second locking provisions of the implement 3 and the carrier 2 together provide a bayonet type connector with a locking mechanism.

[0063] FIG 2 illustrates the coupling in the second state, in which the implement and carrier sided locking provisions are coupled. By moving the comb shaped slide 12 with respect to the comb shaped ridge 13, interspaces between teeth of the comb shaped ridge and comb shaped slide alternatingly align or misalign, to respectively open or close off a slit, thereby releasing or locking the implement sided locking provisions 14, 15 to the carrier sided locking provisions 12, 13. In other words, in the first state, the teeth of the comb shaped slide and ridge match up such that a common interspace is formed between the teeth. Conversely, in the second state, the teeth are shifted with respect to each other, such that the interspaces between teeth of the slide 12 and ridge 13 are closed off, thereby locking the connection.

[0064] In the first state of the coupling 4, the implement 3 can be inserted in a slit between the aligned teeth of the slide 12 and ridge 13, to position the implement sided locking provisions 14, 15 in the coupling 4. In the second state of the coupling 4, the slide 12 is displaced with respect to the ridge 13, such that the teeth of the slide and ridge 12, 13 form-lockingly fill the L-shaped cutout in the implement 3. Accordingly, the implement 3 is both translationally as well as rotatably secured to the carrier 2.

[0065] In general, the coupling 4 is operable between the first and second state by movement of the carrier sided coupling part 9 relative to the carrier 2 by radial translation of the carrier sided locking provisions 11 relative to the central axis 5. The coupling 4 may be biased to go from the first state to the second state, or vice versa, preferably by arrangement of a implement sided or carrier sided locking provision 12, 13, 14, 15 under spring load to engage with respectively the corresponding carrier sided or implement sided locking provision 12, 13, 14, 15. For example, a spring may be mounted between the comb shaped slide and ridge 12, 13, to bias the coupling 4 towards the first or second state.

[0066] FIGs 3A and 3B illustrate two variants of a bayonet connector type cutout 16 in the implement 3 that defines axially and circumferentially opposed edges the first forming the first and second implement sided locking provisions 14, 15. The L-shaped cutout 16 illustrated in FIG 3A has a main portion (leg) 17 and a branch portion (foot) 18 that are is dimensioned such that opposing edges of the L-shaped cutout 16 engage with corresponding edges of the comb shaped slide 12 and ridge 13, to provide a form-locking connection therebetween in the second state. In particular, the width W1 of the foot 18 of the L is relatively small compared to the width W2 of the leg 17. For example, the width W1 of the foot 18 is less than 50% of the total circumferential width WO of the L, while the width W2 of the leg 17 extends over more than 50% of the total circumferential width WO. Preferably, the foot 18 spans over 10-40% of the total width WO while the leg 17 spans over 60-90%.

[0067] Compared to FIG 3A, the variant depicted in FIG 3B comprises a narrowing 19 at the main portion 17 that extends from a corner of the cutout 16, thereby locally reducing the total width W0 of the cutout 16. The edges of the comb shaped slide and / or ridge 12, 13 are adapted accordingly, as illustrated in FIG 4. In particular, by modifying the L-shaped cutout 16 as illustrated in FIG 3B, the corresponding ridge 13 can have a simpler structure than a ridge associated with the FIG 3A cutout 16. For example, see the ridge 13 in FIG 4 in comparison with the ridge 13 in FIG 2.

[0068] FIG 5 illustrates another embodiment of the rotary tool 1, of which the coupling 4 comprises separate locking provisions 12, 13, 14, 15 for securing the implement 3 to the carrier 2. For example, the first implement sided locking provision 14 is provided by a cutout (e.g. L-shaped), while the second implement sided locking provision 15 is provided by a separate, further cutout, e.g. with a rectangular shape. Each separate locking provision is respectively arranged for either translationally or rotatably locking the implement to the carrier, by providing a formfitting connection in an axial direction or in a circumferential direction of the tool. As illustrated, in the second state, a radially slidable comb shaped plate 12 engages with a cutout 16 in the implement to provide a form fitting connection in the axial direction, to axially lock the implement 3 to the carrier 2. To secure the implement in the circumferential direction the backbone of a fixed comb shaped ridge 12 extends into a further cutout 20 in the implement. This increases the load capacity of the tool, in particular in the circumferential direction, since the fixed part of the coupling is more able to withstand high loads than the movable part. FIG 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of the rotary tool 1. In this exemplary embodiment, the carrier sided coupling part 9 comprises an operating mechanism 21 to automatically operate the coupling to go from the first state to the second state, and vice versa. The operating mechanism 21 includes an actuating rod 22, which is radially movable with respect to the central axis 5 and comprises a comb shaped edge that provides the first carrier sided locking provision 13. The comb shaped edge is arranged for simultaneously operating the couplings of a plurality of implements 3 arranged on the carrier 2. The operating mechanism 21 is arranged to be operated by displacement of the carrier 2 and implement 3 relative to a support, in particular by axial displacement along the central axis 5, e.g. along a drive or drill shaft 23 that is coupled to the carrier 2 and mountable in a device such as a drilling machine, for driving the rotary tool 1. By axially moving the carrier 2 and implement 3 along the central axis 5, e.g. between a first and second position on the shaft 23, the operating mechanism 21 operates the coupling 4 toward the first state, in which the implement 3 can be removed from the carrier 2, or towards the second state, in which the implement 3 and carrier 2 are coupled.

[0069] For example, the shaft 23 carries an engagement element 24, such as a radial protrusion, that at the second axial position engages the operating mechanism 21, e.g. the actuating rod 22 thereof, to secure the coupling in the second state. Accordingly, when moving into the second axial position, the engagement element brings the coupling into the second state, and when moving away from the second axial position, the engagement element allows the coupling to go back to the first state.

[0070] Optionally, the actuating rod 22 is biased, e.g. by a spring 25, to bias the coupling 4 towards the second, coupled state.

[0071] FIG 7 illustrates an embodiment of the rotary tool 1 in which the implement sided coupling part 10 and carrier sided coupling part 9 are connectable by a snap-fit connection. For example, the cylindrical wall of the implement 3 is slit to provide a first implement sided locking provision 14 in the form of a spring tab, that is engageable with a first carrier sided locking provision 12 in the form of a hook element having a slanted side for allowing the spring tab to slide over the hook element, e.g. in a clockwise circumferential direction. Preferably, the spring tab is attached to the cylindrical wall of the implement 3 in a cantilevered fashion, to reduce the radial stiffness of the spring tab, which facilitates movement of the spring tab across the slanted side of the hook element. The hook element further comprises a radial side for blocking movement of the spring tab in an opposite, e.g. counter clockwise, rotational direction.

[0072] As illustrated, the implement 3 further comprises a second implement sided locking provision 15 in the form of a cutout, in particular an (inverted) L-shaped cutout, that is engageable with a second carrier sided locking provision 13 in the form of a comb shaped ridge. The second implement and carried sided locking provisions 13, 15 together form a bayonet type connection. The foot of the L-shaped cutout 15 may be tapered such that a leg end of the foot is wider than a toe end, to form-lockingly connect with the second carrier sided locking provision when coupled, e.g. to secure the implement 3 to the carrier 2 in an axial direction as well as a clockwise rotational direction.

[0073] In other words, the embodiment of FIG 7 comprises a separate snap-lock connector and bayonet connector that cooperate to secure the implement 3 to the carrier 2. For example, the bayonet connector can be coupled by rotating the implement 3 with respect to the carrier 2 in a first, e.g. clockwise, direction. The rotation causes the spring tab of the snap-lock connector to slide across the slanted side of the hook element and snap behind the radial side. As a result, the implement 3 is secured in both clockwise as well as counter clockwise rotational direction, and in translational directions too. Figures 8 through 10 show a fifth exemplary embodiment of the rotary tool 1. As best shown in Fig. 9, the tool 1 comprises a carrier 2 that extends around a central axis 5. The tool 1 further comprises at least one implement 3. The implement 3 is releasably coupled to the carrier 2 via a coupling 4. The carrier 2 is provided with a carrier sided coupling part 9, which shall be discussed in detail further below. The implement 3 comprises a working end for cooperation with a workpiece, as well as a circumferential portion 7. The circumferential portion 7 extends about the central axis 5 and is provided with an implement sided coupling part 10 that is arranged for cooperation with the carrier sided coupling part 9. The coupling parts 9,10 are, when cooperating, operable in a toolless operation between a first state of the coupling 4 in which the coupling parts 9,10 allow translational and rotational movement of the implement 3 and the carrier 2 relative to each other with respect to the central axis 5, and a second state of the coupling 4 in which the coupling 4 restrains both translational and rotational movement of the implement 3 and the carrier 2 relative to each other with respect to the central axis 5.

[0074] The at least one implement 3 comprises a substantially cylindrical mantle 6 extending along the central axis 5 from the circumferential portion 7 to a further circumferential portion 8 that forms the working end. The mantle 6 is in this embodiment a saw blade, and the further circumferential portion 8 is in practice provided with cutting elements, such as teeth or chisel tips.

[0075] The implement sided coupling part 10 includes a first implement sided locking provision 14 for translational securing of the mantle 6 to the carrier 2 relative to the central axis 5, and a second implement sided locking provision 15 for rotational securing of the mantle 6 to the carrier 2 relative to the central axis 5. The carrier sided coupling part 9 comprises a first carrier sided locking provision 12 for translational securing of the mantle 6 to the carrier 2 relative to the central axis 5 by engagement with the first implement sided locking provision 14 in the second state of the coupling 4, and a second carrier sided locking provision 13 for rotational securing of the mantle 6 to the carrier 2 relative to the central axis 5 by engagement with the second implement sided locking provision 15 in the second state of the coupling 4. The second state of the coupling 4 is shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 8D.

[0076] As can be best seen in Fig 8 A, the first and second implement sided locking provisions 14,15 each include a contoured part of an edge of the circumferential portion 7 of the implement 3 that defines a cutout 16 of the mantle 6 surface of the circumferential portion 7. The cutouts 16 have an entrance opening that lie on an imaginary circle line circumscribing the edge of the mantle 6. In the first implement sided locking provision 14 the entrance opening gives access to an entrance channel that extends axially through the mantle surface and that has a main portion 17 that extends between axially extending edges with a first circumferential width, and a first branch portion 18 that extends transversely away from the entrance channel between circumferentially extending edges in a first transverse direction up to an axially extending edge to define an undercut section of the mantle 6. The branch portion 18 has a smaller circumferential width than the main portion 17. The main portion 17 and the branch portion 18 of the channel respectively define an inverted L shaped aperture in the mantle surface. In the second implement sided locking provision the entrance opening gives access to an entrance channel that only has a main portion that extends between axially extending edges.

[0077] As can be best seen in Figs. 10A and 10B, the first carrier sided locking provision 12 includes a comb shaped ridge 26. The comb shaped ridge 26 is formed by a set of circular wall parts that form teeth 27 of the comb shaped ridge, with circular grooves between them that form interspaces 28 between the teeth 27 of the comb shaped ridge 26. The first carrier sided locking provision further includes a locking bar 29 that radially extends between the teeth 27 and bridges the interspaces 28. The second carrier sided locking provision 13 comprises a comb shaped slide 30 that includes a sliding bar 31 on which a set of teeth 32 is carried with interspaces 33. The sliding bar 31 is radially slidably mounted in the carrier 2, and can move between a radially outward first position (shown in Fig. 10A), and a radially inward second position (shown in Fig. 10B). The sliding bar 31 and its teeth 32 traverse the circular wall parts of the teeth 27 of the comb shaped ridge 26 via apertures 34. The sliding bar 31 can be pressed towards the second position using operating tab 11, and is biassed under the action of a spring 25 to return to the first position. In the second position of the comb shaped slide 30, interspaces 28 between teeth 27 of the comb shaped ridge and interspaces 33 between the teeth 32 of the comb shaped slide 30 match up to form a slit 35. In the slit 35, the bottom of the circumferential portion 7 of the mantle 6 can be inserted so that it is free to move in circumferential direction about the central axis 5 through the slit 35. In the first position of the comb shaped slide 30, the teeth 32 of the comb shaped slide are staggered relative to the teeth 27 of the comb shaped ridge 26, and form an obstruction that restrains movement of the mantle 6 in circumferential direction about the central axis 5 through the slit 35.

[0078] As shown in Figs. 8A-8D, the coupling 4 is operable between the first and second state by movement of the carrier sided coupling part 9, in particular the second carrier sided locking provision 13, relative to the carrier 2, and by actuation of the comb shaped slide.

[0079] In a first coupling step shown in Fig. 8 A, the comb shaped slide is pressed to the second radial position against its spring bias using operating tab 11. This brings the coupling 4 into its first state. Next, as shown in Fig. 8B, in a first state of the coupling 4, the tool 1 is axially placed onto the carrier 2, so that the circumferential portion 7 of the mantle 6 of the tool 1 enters into the slit 35. While doing so, the locking bar 29 can enter through the aperture into the main portion 17 of the channel of the first implement sided locking provision 14. Upon subsequent rotation of the tool 1 relative to the carrier 2 as shown in Fig. 8C, the locking bar 29 can then enter into the branch portion 18 of the channel of the first implement sided locking provision 14. At the same time, an undercut section of the mantle passes through the slit to get hooked below the bar. This restrains movement of the tool 1 relative to the carrier 2 in both axial directions. The tool is rotated with its mantle 6 through the slit 35 until the locking bar 29 abuts with the axially extending edge of the branch portion 18 of the channel, This restrains movement in one circumferential direction. At the same time, the comb shaped slide 30 of the second implement sided locking provision 13 circumferentially matches up with the further cutout 20 that forms the second implement sided locking provision 15. Finally, as shown in Fig. 8D, the operating tab 11 is released and the comb shaped slide 30 returns to its first radial position. The teeth 32 of the comb shaped slide 30 then enter into the further cutout 20, so that at least one lateral side of the comb shaped slide abuts a corresponding axially extending side of the cutout 20 to restrains movement of the tool 1 in the second circumferential direction relative to the carrier 2. The coupling 4 is now in the second state in which it restrains both translational and rotational movement of the tool 1 and the carrier 2 relative to each other with respect to the central axis 5. The tool 1 can be uncoupled from the carrier by carrying out the steps in reverse.

[0080] In this fifth embodiment, axially opposed circumferentially extending edges of the branch portion 18 of the channel of the cutout 16 may formlockingly cooperate with the locking bar 29 to act as first implement sided locking provision 14. Circumferentially opposed, axially extending edges of the further cutout 20 may formlockingly cooperate with the teeth of the comb shaped slide 32 to act as the second implement sided locking provision 15. Alternatively, one such axially extending edge of the further cutout 20 may formlockingly cooperate with the teeth of the comb shaped slide 32 together with the axially extending edge at the end of the branch portion 18 of the channel of the cutout 16 to act as second implement sided locking provision 15.

[0081] The coupling 4 may be secured in the second state during operation of the tool 1. This way it can be prevented that the implement 3 is removed from the carrier 2 during operation. This can be carried out by axially moving the carrier 2 from a disengaged position in which it is disengaged from the shaft 23 (e.g. as shown in Fig. 8A) to an engaged position in which it is carried on the shaft 23 (e.g. as shown in Fig. 8D) via the journalling hole of the carrier. In the engaged position, the presence of the shaft 23 in the journalling hole of the carrier 2 prevents the comb shaped slide 30 from moving from the first position to the second position, so that actuation of the tab 11 during use of the tool 1 is rendered impossible.

[0082] With respect to the various embodiments discussed above, it is observed that in general, the carrier sided locking provisions may thus include a comb shaped ridge and a comb shaped slide, the ridge and the slide being movable between a first position in which interspaces between teeth of the comb shaped ridge and comb shaped slide match up to open a slit, so that in a first state of the coupling the ridge can enter into implement sided locking provisions, and a second position in which teeth of the comb shaped slide are staggered to close the slit, so that in a second state of the coupling the ridge is prevented from exiting from the implement sided locking provisions.

[0083] The invention applies not only to commercial applications where the rotary tool is applied for machining a workpiece, but also to other technical, agricultural or industrial applications where a rotary tool is used, e.g. in tillage machinery. It will be clear to the skilled person that the invention is not limited to any embodiment herein described and that modifications are possible which may be considered within the scope of the appended claims. Also kinematic inversions are considered inherently disclosed and can be within the scope of the invention. In the claims, any reference signs shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

[0084] The terms 'comprising' and ‘including’ when used in this description or the appended claims should not be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense but rather in an inclusive sense. Thus expression as 'including' or ‘comprising’ as used herein does not exclude the presence of other elements, additional structure or additional acts or steps in addition to those listed. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. Features that are not specifically or explicitly described or claimed may additionally be included in the structure of the invention without departing from its scope.

[0085] Expressions such as: "means for ...” should be read as: "component configured for ..." or "member constructed to ..." and should be construed to include equivalents for the structures disclosed. The use of expressions like: "critical", "preferred", "especially preferred" etc. is not intended to limit the invention. To the extent that structure, material, or acts are considered to be essential they are inexpressively indicated as such. Additions, deletions, and modifications within the purview of the skilled person may generally be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as determined by the claims.

[0086] List of references:

[0087] 1 rotary tool

[0088] 2 carrier

[0089] 3 implement

[0090] 4 coupling

[0091] 5 central axis

[0092] 6 cylindrical mantle

[0093] 7 circumferential portion

[0094] 8 further circumferential portion

[0095] 9 carrier sided coupling part

[0096] 10 implement sided coupling part

[0097] 11 operating tab

[0098] 12 first carrier sided locking provision

[0099] 13 second carrier sided locking provision

[0100] 14 first implement sided locking provision

[0101] 15 second implement sided locking provision

[0102] 16 cutout

[0103] 17 main portion

[0104] 18 branch portion

[0105] 19 narrowing

[0106] 20 further cutout

[0107] 21 actuating mechanism

[0108] 22 actuating rod

[0109] 23 shaft

[0110] 24 engagement element

[0111] 25 spring tab

[0112] 26 comb shaped ridge

[0113] 27 teeth of the comb shaped ridge

[0114] 28 interspaces between the teeth of the comb shaped ridge

[0115] 29 locking bar 30 comb shaped slide

[0116] 31 sliding bar

[0117] 32 teeth of the sliding bar

[0118] 33 interspaces between the teeth of the sliding bar 34 apertures in the circular wall parts of the teeth of the comb shaped ridge

[0119] 35 slit

Claims

Claims1. A rotary tool, comprising a carrier extending around a central axis and at least one implement, the implement being releasably coupled to the carrier via a coupling, the carrier being provided with a carrier sided coupling part, the implement comprising a working end for cooperation with a workpiece and a circumferential portion extending about the central axis that is provided with an implement sided coupling part arranged for cooperation with the carrier sided coupling part, wherein the coupling parts are, when cooperating, operable in a toolless operation between a first state of the coupling in which the coupling parts allow translational and / or rotational movement of the implement and the carrier relative to each other with respect to the central axis, and a second state of the coupling in which the coupling restrains both translational and rotational movement of the implement and the carrier relative to each other with respect to the central axis.

2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one implement comprises a substantially cylindrical mantle extending along the central axis from the circumferential portion to a further circumferential portion that forms the working end.

3. The tool of claim 2, wherein the mantle is a saw blade, and wherein the further circumferential portion is provided with cutting elements.

4. The tool of any of claims 1-3, wherein the implement sided coupling part includes a first implement sided locking provision for translational securing of the mantle to the carrier relative to the central axis, and a second implement sided locking provision for rotational securing of the mantle to the carrier relative to the central axis, and wherein the carrier sided coupling part 9comp rises a first carrier sided locking provisionfor translational securing of the mantle to the carrier relative to the central axis by engagement with the first implement sided locking provision in at least the second state of the coupling, and a second carrier sided locking provision for rotational securing of the mantle to the carrier relative to the central axis by engagement with the second implement sided locking provision in at least the second state of the coupling.

5. The tool of any of claims 1-4, wherein the coupling is operable between the first and second state by movement of the carrier sided coupling part, in particular the first and / or second carrier sided locking provision, relative to the carrier, preferably by translation and / or rotation, in particular translation and / or rotation relative to the central axis.

6. The tool of any of claims claim 1 -5, wherein the coupling is operable between the first and second state by movement of the implement sided coupling part, in particular the second implement sided locking provision, relatively to the implement, preferably by translation and / or rotation, in particular translation and / or rotation relative to the central axis.

7. The tool of any of claims claim 1 -6, wherein the coupling is operable between the first and second state by movement of the implement sided coupling part, in particular the second implement sided locking provision, relative to the carrier sided coupling part, in particular the second carrier sided locking provision, preferably by translation and / or rotation, in particular translation and / or rotation relative to the central axis.

8. The tool of any of claims 1-7, wherein the first and / or second carrier sided locking provision includes a fixed locking pin or bar, an axial or radial slide, e.g. a plate, bar or rod, and / or an axial or radial swing, e.g. a plate, arm.

9. The tool of any of claims 1-8, wherein the first and / or second implement sided locking provision includes a contoured part of an edge of the circumferential portion of the implement that defines a cutout of amantle surface of the circumferential portion, the cutout having an entrance opening that lies on an imaginary circle line circumscribing an edge of the mantle.

10. The tool of claim 9, wherein the entrance opening gives access to a channel that extends axially through the mantle surface and having a main portion that has a first circumferential width, and a first branch portion that extends transversely away from the entrance channel in a first transverse direction to define an undercut section of the mantle, the branch portion having a smaller circumferential width than the main portion.

11. The tool of claim 10, wherein the main channel further comprises a second branch portion, opposite the first branch portion, that extends transversely away from the entrance channel in an a second, opposite transverse direction, the second branch portion having a smaller circumferential width than the main portion.

12. The tool of claim 10 or 11, wherein the main portion and the branch portion(s) of the channel respectively define an inverted L shaped or T shaped aperture in the mantle surface.

13. The tool of any of claims 10 - 12 wherein circumferentially opposed axially extending edges of the channel form a first implement sided locking provision, and wherein axially opposed circumferentially extending edges of the channel form a second implement sided locking provision.

14. The tool of claim 13, wherein the circumferentially opposed axially extending edges of the channel that form the first implement sided locking provision, and the axially opposed circumferentially extending edges that form the second implement sided locking provisions in the second state of the coupling form -lockin gly cooperate with respective first and second carrier sided locking provisions.

15. The tool of claim 14, wherein the carrier sided locking provisions include a comb shaped ridge and a comb shaped slide, the ridge and the slide being movable between a first position in which interspaces betweenteeth of the comb shaped ridge and comb shaped slide match up to form a slit, so that in a first state of the coupling the ridge can enter through the aperture into the main portion of the channel of the implement sided locking provisions, while an undercut section of the mantle passes through the slit, and a second position in which teeth of the comb shaped slide cooperate with axially and circumferentially extending edges of a branch portion of the channel so as to provide a second state of the coupling in which the coupling restrains both translational and rotational movement of the implement and the carrier relative to each other with respect to the central axis.

16. The tool of any of claims 1-15, wherein the coupling is biased to go from the first state to the second state, preferably by arrangement of a implement sided or carrier sided locking provision under spring load to engage with respectively the corresponding carrier sided or implement sided locking provision.

17. The tool of any of claims 1-16, wherein the coupling is biased to go from the second state to the first state, preferably by arrangement of a implement sided or carrier sided locking provision under spring load to engage with respectively the corresponding carrier sided or implement sided locking provision.

18. The tool of any of claims 1-17, wherein the implement sided coupling part or the carrier sided coupling part 9comprises an operating tab to manually operate the coupling to go from the first state to the second state and / or from the second state to the first state, preferably against bias to return from respectively the second state to the first state or the first state to the second state, the operating tab preferably being provided on the implement sided and / or carrier sided locking provision, in particular on the first and / or second locking provision thereof.

19. The tool of any of claims 1-18, wherein the carrier sided coupling part 9comprises an operating mechanism to automatically operate the coupling to go from the first state to the second state and / or from the secondstate to the first state, preferably against bias to return from respectively the second state to the first state or the first state to the second state, the operating mechanism preferably including an actuating rod arranged for acting on the first and / or second carrier sided locking provision.

20. The tool of claim 19, wherein the operating mechanism is arranged to be operated by displacement of the carrier and implement relative to a support, in particular by axial displacement along the central axis.

21. The tool of any of claims 1-20, wherein the carrier comprises a top plate, preferably a cylindrical top plate.

22. The tool of any of claims 1-21, wherein the carrier comprises a shaft, the shaft preferably being rotatably fixedly disposed relative to the top plate of the carrier, the drill shaft preferably extending along the central axis.

23. The tool of any of claims 1-22, wherein the carrier comprises a journaling hole for journaling a shaft, the hole extending coaxially with the central axis of the tool, the journaling hole preferably being centrally arranged in the top plate.

24. The tool of claim 23, wherein the tool includes a shaft extending through the journaling hole coaxially along the central axis of the tool, the carrier preferably being rotationally fixedly but axially movably journaled on the drill shaft via the journaling hole.

25. The tool of claim 23 or 24, wherein the carrier is displaceable along the central axis of the shaft from a first axial position to a second axial position on the shaft.

26. The tool of claim 25 wherein the first axial position allows disengagement of the second locking provision.

27. The tool of claim 25 or 26, wherein the second axial position secures engagement of the second locking provision.

28. The tool of any of claims 24-27, wherein the shaft carries an engagement element, in particular a radial protrusion, that at the second axial position engages the operating mechanism, in particular an operating rod thereof, to secure the coupling in the second state.

29. The tool of any of claims 1-28, wherein when the coupling is arranged such that in the first operating state, the at least one implement, preferably all implements coupled to the carrier, can be coupled to and uncoupled from the carrier by only relative axial translation of the implement and the carrier.

30. An implement for a tool, in particular a tool according to any of the preceding claims, the implement comprising a substantially cylindrical mantle extending about a central axis between a bottom circumferential portion for engaging a work piece that is provided with cutting elements, and a top circumferential portion for connection to a carrier that is provided with a first implement sided locking provision for translational securing of the mantle to a the carrier relative to the central axis, and a second blade implement sided locking provision for rotational securing of the mantle to the carrier relative to the central axis.

31. The implement of claim 30, wherein the first and second implement sided locking provisions are integrated.

32. The implement of claim 31, wherein the first and / or second implement sided locking provision includes a contoured part of an edge of the top circumferential portion of the implement that defines a cutout of a mantle surface of the top circumferential portion, the cutout having an entrance opening that lies on an imaginary circle line circumscribing an edge of the mantle.

33. The implement of claim 32, wherein the entrance opening gives access to a channel that extends axially through the mantle surface and having a main portion that has a first circumferential width, and a first branch portion that extends transversely away from the entrance channel ina first transverse direction to define an undercut section of the mantle, the branch portion having a smaller circumferential width than the main portion.

34. The implement of claim 33, wherein the main channel further comprises a second branch portion, opposite the first branch portion, that extends transversely away from the entrance channel in an second, opposite transverse direction, the second branch portion having a smaller circumferential width than the main portion.

35. The tool implement of claim 33 or 34, wherein the main portion and the branch portion(s) of the channel respectively define an inverted L shaped or T shaped aperture in the mantle surface.

36. The tool implement of any of claims 33 - 35 wherein circumferentially opposed axially extending edges of the channel form a first implement sided locking provision, and wherein axially opposed circumferentially extending edges of the channel form a second implement sided locking provision.

37. The tool of claim 36, wherein the circumferentially opposed axially extending edges of the channel that form the first implement sided locking provision, and the axially opposed circumferentially extending edges that form the second implement sided locking provisions in the second state of the coupling form -lockin gly cooperate with respective first and second carrier sided locking provisions.

Images