Drilling or screwing device incorporating an ergonomic tool body

Abstract

Title: Drilling or screwing device incorporating an ergonomic tool body The invention relates to a drilling or screwing device (100), incorporating a tool body (200) comprising, abutted along a main extension axis (A): - a first portion (210); - a second portion (220), and - a third portion (230) interposed between the first portion (210) and the second portion (220), characterized in that the third portion (230) has an overall radial size less than the overall radial size of the first portion (210) and the overall radial size of the second portion (220), so that the third portion (230) forms a one-handed gripping member for the tool body (200) by a user. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Drilling or screwing device incorporating an ergonomic tool body Field of invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of portable electric tools.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a drilling or screwing device incorporating an ergonomic tool body. State of the art

[0003] Portable electric drilling or screwing devices are commonly used in various fields, such as the aeronautical industry. In this field, there is still a large amount of drilling carried out using hand drills for reasons of space or tooling costs. This can represent up to 70% of the drilling carried out per production site.

[0004] Portable electrical devices are commonly used on aircraft structures to carry out various operations, including the following operations: - straight or offset drilling with or without lubrication; - drilling enlargement; - milling; - counter-drilling; - boring; - deburring; - pinning; - screwing, and - of counterbore.

[0005] However, these operations are often carried out in restricted (cramped) working environments and in difficult conditions exposing operators to dust in particular.

[0006] Thus, the interventions are sometimes located in places that are difficult to access, which is uncomfortable for the operator. Certain operations require efforts that constitute fatigue for the operator, possibly leading to the appearance of musculoskeletal disorders.

[0007] The operator is thus required to orient the portable electric device in various and varied directions, depending on the location of the operation to be carried out. This also penalizes productivity.

[0008] The competitive evolution of the industrial sector, particularly aeronautics, requires new production rate requirements and productivity improvements.

[0009] The need to increase the production rate leads to a reduction in the time dedicated to each operation. The manual drilling operation, for example, is a complex operation which depends greatly on the skills of the operator and which can lead to numerous problems of non-compliance with the expected quality (non-qualities).

[0010] Consequently, aircraft manufacturers now require means to assist the operation and make it more reliable in order to reduce non-qualities and thus increase productivity.

[0011] This involves in particular an improvement in the ergonomics of portable electric devices for the operator.

[0012] Indeed, two main types of portable electric devices coexist, namely pistol-type devices and straight-type devices.

[0013] Pistol-type devices generally comprise a handle on one side of which an electric battery is located and on the other side of which are located the motor, the reduction and the tool holder which is coupled to the reduction.

[0014] The straight type devices have a tubular shell in which the motor and, at least partially, the tool holder are placed. Like the pistol type devices, the battery can be attached to one end of the shell. Alternatively, the battery can be integrated at least partially into the shell.

[0015] These two types of devices have a common drawback, namely their improvable ergonomics.

[0016] Indeed, pistol-type devices have a significant bulk due to the pistol grip having a radial extension relative to the body of the tool. Such bulk may require, for the operator, larger and possibly more numerous handling movements compared to straight-type devices. This thus causes additional fatigue for the operator.

[0017] On the other hand, straight-type devices, depending on whether their handle is located at the end of the tool opposite the output shaft or around the motor, have the respective disadvantages of poor mass balance with respect to the operator's hand or a handle diameter that is too large, both situations being detrimental to the ergonomics of the tool. This causes additional fatigue for the operator. Objectives of the invention

[0018] The invention aims in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0019] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a drilling device or screwing devices which are easy to use and handle and cause less fatigue compared to prior art devices.

[0020] The invention also aims to provide such a device which is compact and whose mass distribution is improved compared to the prior art.

[0021] The invention further aims to provide such a device benefiting from a reduced environmental impact compared to the prior art. Statement of the invention

[0022] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which has as its subject a drilling or screwing device, integrating a tool body comprising, abutted along a main extension axis: - a first portion defining a first housing in which motor means are received; - a second portion defining a second housing in which a reducer is received, and - a third portion interposed between the first portion and the second portion, the third portion defining a third housing in which is received a transmission shaft intended to connect the motor means to the reducer, the tool body also comprising an actuating member for the motor means, characterized in that the third portion has an overall radial size less than the overall radial size of the first portion and the overall radial size of the second portion, so that the third portion forms a one-handed gripping member for the tool body by a user, and in that the actuating member projects radially outside the third portion.

[0023] The presence of the third portion makes it possible to make the device more easily handled by a user, i.e. an operator in the industrial context.

[0024] Indeed, because the third part has an overall radial size that is smaller than the overall radial size of the first portion and the overall radial size of the second portion, it can form a one-handed gripping member for the operator of the tool body, which facilitates handling of the device since the user does not have to use his second hand. The operator can thus use his second hand to stabilize his position in the case of a drilling device, for example, or to hold a screw to be screwed in the case of a screwing device, for example.

[0025] By "overall radial size" is meant the size taken in any plane transverse to the main axis of extension, that is to say for a section perpendicular to the main axis of extension. According to another approach, the radial size can be defined as being the internal area of ​​a section transverse to the main axis of extension of the device.

[0026] Furthermore, the position of the third portion allows for better distribution of the masses of the device.

[0027] The motor on the one hand, and the reducer associated with the tool holder on the other hand, which each represent a significant proportion of the mass of the device, can thus each be positioned on either side of the third portion, which allows at least partial balancing of the tool body.

[0028] Indeed, in the known solutions of the prior art, the motor and the reducer are housed on the same side of the portion forming the handle. Therefore, handling is made difficult because all the weight, or almost all of it, is located on a single side, which causes an imbalance and can require significant effort from the operator to keep the device in a balanced position.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the second portion integrates first means for securing a tool holder, said first securing means being positioned at a free end of the second portion, and the first portion integrates second means for securing a battery, said second securing means being positioned at a free end of the first portion.

[0030] The tool body can thus be modulated according to the need.

[0031] It is possible to change the tool, and its tool holder, thanks to the first securing means and to replace the battery when the latter is discharged or for a battery of greater capacity.

[0032] In other words, it is possible to adapt the drilling or screwing device according to the need.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment, the motor means comprise an output shaft offset relative to the transmission shaft, the tool also comprising a transmission coupling the output shaft and the transmission shaft, said output shaft being offset in a direction and a direction of extension of the projection formed by the actuating member.

[0034] The offset of the output shaft relative to the transmission shaft allows space to be freed up under the wrist to facilitate manipulation of the device and reduce fatigue.

[0035] Indeed, the operator is not hindered by the presence of the motor when handling the tool. The output shaft, and therefore the motor, being offset in a direction and a sense of extension of the projection formed by the actuating member, the operator can maintain a natural position of his wrist, which limits fatigue and the appearance of musculoskeletal disorders.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment, the transmission comprises a train of parallel gears.

[0037] The use of a parallel gear train makes the transmission simple to implement, reliable, robust and inexpensive. Figures

[0038] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings described below.

[0039] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic perspective representation from below of a drilling or screwing device, according to the invention.

[0040] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective representation from below of a tool body of the drilling or screwing device, according to the invention.

[0041] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation in longitudinal section along the section plane III-III of [Fig.2], of the tool body of the drilling or screwing device, according to the invention.

[0042] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation in longitudinal section along the section plane IV-IV of [Fig.3], of the tool body of the drilling or screwing device, according to the invention.

[0043] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation illustrating a re space requirement presentation of cross sections of the tool body at different points, according to various cutting planes of [Fig.4]. Detailed description of the invention

[0044] [Fig.l] illustrates a drilling or screwing device 100, according to the invention.

[0045] The device 100 comprises a tool body 200 to which a tool holder 300 and a battery 400 are secured.

[0046] The device 100 is thus advantageously of the portable electric type and allows drilling or screwing operations to be carried out.

[0047] For this purpose, the battery 400 is removable, as will be described later, so as to be replaced to offer significant autonomy of the device 100 to an operator.

[0048] Furthermore, the tool holder 300 is adapted to receive different tools depending on the operation that the operator must carry out.

[0049] The tool body 200 is hereinafter described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0050] The tool body 200 comprises a shell which can, at least partially, be overmolded with a flexible plastic material making it possible to improve gripping comfort for an operator.

[0051] The tool body 200 comprises: - a first portion 210; - a second portion 220, and - a third portion 230 interposed between the first portion 210 and the second portion 220.

[0052] The first portion 210, the second portion 220 and the third portion 230 are joined along a main extension axis A.

[0053] The first portion 210 and the second portion 220 are each connected to the third portion 230 by joining portions 240. The joining portions 240, particularly visible in [Fig.4], are in the form of fillets.

[0054] With reference to [Fig.3], the first portion 210 defines a first housing in which motor means 211 are received.

[0055] The motor means 211 preferably comprise an electric motor.

[0056] The second portion 220 defines a second housing in which a reducer 221 described in more detail later.

[0057] Finally, the third portion 230 defines a third housing in which is received a transmission shaft 231 intended to connect the motor means 211 to the reducer 221.

[0058] With reference to [Fig. 3], the third portion 230 has an overall radial size less than the overall radial size of the first portion 210 and the overall radial size of the second portion 220.

[0059] By "overall radial size" is meant the size taken in any plane transverse to the main axis of extension, that is to say for a section perpendicular to the main axis of extension. According to another approach, the radial size can be defined as being the internal area of ​​a section transverse to the main axis of extension of the device.

[0060] With reference to [Fig.5], the overall dimensions can also be explained as follows.

[0061] For each of the first portion 210, the second portion 220 and the third portion 230, a transverse section C, i.e. perpendicular to the main axis of extension A of the tool body 200, is defined. Thus, for the first portion 210 there corresponds a first section C210, for the second portion 220 there corresponds a second section C220 and for the third portion 230 there corresponds a third section C230. Concerning the third portion 230, two sections C230-1 and C230-2 are illustrated in [Fig.5]. The section planes of the first section C210, the second section C220 and the third section C230 (C230-1 and C230-2) are illustrated in [Fig.4]

[0062] In the definition of the third section C230, as specified later, it is noted that the overall size only takes into account the part of the tool body 200.

[0063] For each of the first portion 210, the second portion 220 and the third portion 230, the section C has an internal area.

[0064] For the tool body 200 according to the invention, the comparison of the internal area of ​​the first section C210 of the first portion 210 with the second section C220 of the second portion 220 and the third section C230 of the third portion 230, reveals a smaller value for Internal Make of the third section C230.

[0065] It is thus justified that the third portion 230 has an overall radial size less than the overall radial size of the first portion 210 and the overall radial size of the second portion 220.

[0066] This allows the third portion 230 to form a one-handed gripping member for the tool body 200 by a user, i.e. an operator.

[0067] To ensure their activation, the tool body 200 also comprises an actuating member 250, tool control means and motor means 211.

[0068] This actuating member 250, which will be described in more detail later, is in the form of a trigger.

[0069] As illustrated by Figures 1 to 3, the actuating member 250 projects radially outside the third portion 230. The middle finger, ring finger, little finger and thumb of the operator's hand alone participate in gripping the handle and are therefore not opposite the actuating means 250 and consequently the actuating means 250 are not taken into account in measuring the area of ​​the section C230.

[0070] More specifically, the actuating member 250 projects jointly from the third portion 230 and from the joining portion 240 joining the third portion 230 to the second portion 220.

[0071] The trigger is mounted to move in translation in a barrel extending mainly from the third portion 230, and can adopt at least: - a rest position in which the engine is stopped; - a fully actuated position in which the motor is driven at a first predetermined rotation frequency, and - an intermediate position, located between the rest and fully actuation positions, in which the motor is driven at a second predetermined rotation frequency.

[0072] In order to determine the positions of the trigger, the device 100 further comprises means for determining the position of the trigger.

[0073] These determination means comprise at least one sensor, housed in the third portion 230, and a magnetic element secured to the trigger.

[0074] The sensor is advantageously of the Hall effect type and thus makes it possible to measure a distance to the magnetic element carried by the trigger.

[0075] As illustrated by figures 1 to 4, the second portion 220 integrates first securing means 222 of a tool holder 300.

[0076] The first securing means 222 are positioned at a free end of the second portion 220, opposite the junction portion 240 between the second portion 220 and the third portion 230.

[0077] Tool holders 300 of different shapes can alternatively be secured to the tool body 200 by means of the first securing means 222.

[0078] It may for example be a tool holder 300 of the straight type, a tool holder 300 of the 90° angle head type (as illustrated by [Fig.l]), a tool holder 300 of the axis return type (for which the tool is parallel and offset relative to the transmission shaft 231), or a tool holder of the angle head type at more than 90° (axis of rotation of the tool forming an angle of more than 90° with the transmission shaft 231) or other.

[0079] The first fixing means 222 allow a direct coupling with the motor means 211, via the transmission shaft 231, or an indirect coupling with the motor means 211 to allow a variation in the rotation speed between the motor means 211 and a tool carried by the tool holder 300. Reference may be made in particular to the patent document published under the number FR3112501, in the name of the applicant, to find a detailed description of the first fixing means 222.

[0080] The first securing means 222 also have reversible fixing means 223 of the tool holder 300 on the tool body 200.

[0081] These reversible fixing means 223 comprise a quick locking / unlocking clamping collar which aims to allow the tool holder 300 to be quickly fixed or removed from the tool body 200.

[0082] Such a clamp is for example described in the patent document published under number FR3112501, in the name of the applicant.

[0083] To mount or dismount a tool holder 300 on the tool body 200, the clamping collar is opened in order to allow relative movement between the tool holder 300 and the tool body 200.

[0084] When the tool holder 300 is placed in position on the tool body 200, an operation of locking the tool holder 300 on the tool body 200 is carried out by closing the clamping collar 3 by acting on a locking lever of the collar.

[0085] The first securing means 222 also comprise means for detecting a tool holder 300.

[0086] These detection means are in the form of an electronic sensor intended to detect the presence of a label carried by the tool holder 300.

[0087] As an example, the identification technology used to enable the detection of the tool holder 300 is RFID technology (for Radio Frequency Identification in English).

[0088] The first portion 210 incorporates, for its part, second means of solida- 212 conversion of a 400 battery.

[0089] The second securing means 212 are positioned at a free end of the first portion 210, opposite the joining portion 240 between the third portion 230 and the first portion 210.

[0090] With reference to [Fig.3], the motor means 211 comprise an output shaft 213 offset relative to the transmission shaft 231.

[0091] To enable the transmission of movement between the motor means 211 and the transmission shaft 231, the tool body 100 also comprises a transmission 214 coupling the output shaft 213 and the transmission shaft 231.

[0092] As illustrated by [Fig. 3], the output shaft 213 is offset in a direction and a sense of extension identical to that of the projection formed by the actuating member 250.

[0093] The transmission 214 comprises a parallel gear train.

[0094] The parallel gear train forming the transmission 214 preferably comprises a driving member 215 secured to the output shaft 213 and a driven member 216 secured to the transmission shaft 231.

[0095] As illustrated by [Fig.3], the driving member 215 takes the form of a first toothed wheel and the driven member 216 takes the form of a second toothed wheel meshing with the first toothed wheel.

[0096] The gear ratio between the first toothed wheel and the second toothed wheel is preferably equal to 1. In other words, the rotational speed of the output shaft 213 and the rotational speed of the transmission shaft 231 are identical. Alternatively, the rotational speed of the output shaft 213 and the rotational speed of the transmission shaft 231 could be different, the gear ratio then being different from 1.

[0097] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the tool body 100 also houses means for controlling the motor means 211 and the device 100 in general.

[0098] These control means, known as such, make it possible to control the speed of the engine for example.

[0099] The control means comprise in particular a first electronic card 500 intended to process control information, and a second electronic card 550 intended to process power information.

[0100] The first electronic card 500 notably allows the transmission of information between the actuating member 250 and the power card 550. Furthermore, the first electronic card allows the control of communication devices such as a screen 600 or indicator lights 650 allowing the display of usage information in real time for the operator.

[0101] According to the embodiment illustrated by figures 1 to 3, the screen 600 and the indicators luminous 650 are carried by the first portion 210 of the tool body 200.

[0102] Alternatively, the screen 600 and the indicator lights 650 may be carried by the second portion 220 of the tool body 200.

[0103] Furthermore, the first electronic card 500 is connected to a fan 217 making it possible to supply fresh air to the motor means 211 to ensure their cooling, or at the very least to limit their heating.

[0104] For this purpose, the tool body 200 has openings 218 allowing an exchange of air between the interior and the exterior of the first portion 210 of the tool body 200.

[0105] Finally, as illustrated by [Fig.4], the first electronic card 500 has a curved shape.

[0106] More specifically, such an electronic card is designed for gun-type drilling or screwing devices.

[0107] The offset of the motor means 211, and more precisely, the offset between the output shaft 213 and the transmission shaft 231 makes it possible to free up a space above the motor means 211 which facilitates the integration of an electronic card already existing and common with other types of devices. Conversely, in the prior art, the electronic cards of the straight type devices are generally specifically dedicated. In other words, the control cards of the straight type devices of the prior art cannot share a control card with a gun type device.

[0108] This then results in a financial gain since the production of a single electronic card reference is necessary for gun-type devices and straight-type devices, and an environmental gain for the same reasons.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (100) for drilling or screwing, integrating a tool body (200) comprising, abutted along a main extension axis (A): - a first portion (210) defining a first housing in which motor means (211) are received;- a second portion (220) defining a second housing in which a reducer (221) is received, and - a third portion (230) interposed between the first portion (210) and the second portion (220), the third portion (230) defining a third housing in which a transmission shaft (231) is received intended to connect the motor means (211) to the reducer (221), the tool body (200) also comprising an actuating member (250) for the motor means (211), characterized in that the third portion (230) has an overall radial size less than the overall radial size of the first portion (210) and the overall radial size of the second portion (220), so that the third portion (230) forms a one-handed gripping member for the tool body (200) by a user, and in that the actuating member (250) projects radially outside the third portion (230).;

2. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that: - the second portion (220) integrates first securing means (222) of a tool holder (300), said first securing means (222) being positioned at a free end of the second portion (220), and - the first portion (210) integrates second securing means (212) of a battery (400), said second securing means (212) being positioned at a free end of the first portion (210).

3. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the motor means (211) comprise an output shaft (213) offset relative to the transmission shaft (231), the device (100) also comprising a transmission (214) coupling the output shaft (213) and the transmission shaft (231), said output shaft (213) being offset in a direction and a direction of extension of the projection formed by the actuating member (250).

4. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the transmission (214) comprises a train of parallel gears.

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