AU2013100855A4 - Power tool including an assembly for clamping an accessory thereto - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed a handheld power tool configured to hold an accessory so as to be operable by a user of the tool to drive the accessory, the power tool comprising: a motor; a housing in which the motor is contained; a spindle assembly which is mounted within the housing and comprises a spindle drivable by the motor; and a clamp assembly arranged at a lower end of the spindle, the clamp assembly comprising opposed first and second clamping members between which a central portion of the spindle assembly extends, said portion being able to be received in an open-ended aperture in the accessory, the first clamping member being moveable, in a direction parallel to the spindle axis, from a first position which is such that the clamp assumes a closed condition whereby, when said central portion is so received, the accessory is clamped by the clamping members so as to be fixedly coupled to the spindle, to a second position which is such that the clamp assumes an open condition permitting the accessory to be moved in a direction transverse to the axis such that the central portion is passed through the open end of the aperture and the accessory is thus removed from the power tool; and an actuator operable by the user to effect the movement of the first clamping member from the first position to the second position.

Description

POWER TOOL INCLUDING AN ASSEMBLY FOR CLAMPING AN ACCESSORY THERETO [0001] The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/329,480, filed April 29, 2010, is incorporated herein by reference. [0002] The present disclosure relates to power tools, including in particular oscillating power tools, and more specifically to a clamp arrangement for releasably securing an accessory to an oscillating power tool. [0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. [0004] Power hand tools are provided in many examples for performing a wide range of tasks. For example, some power hand tools can include an output member that is driven by a motor and that couples with an accessory to perform a working operation onto a work piece. For example, some hand tools can provide various configurations for attaching cutting accessories, grinding accessories, sanding accessories and the like. Some power hand tools are configured as oscillating tools that are operable to transmit an oscillating motion onto the accessory. [0005] During the course of performing a working operation, a user may want to exchange one accessory for another accessory. For example, a user may want to exchange one grinding accessory with another grinding accessory or one sanding platen with another sanding platen. Alternatively, a user may wish to replace a cutting accessory with another cutting accessory. It is also contemplated that a user may want to replace a given accessory dedicated to one task (such as sanding) with another accessory dedicated 1 toward another task (such as cutting for example). In any event, many power hand tools require the use of a secondary tool to swap out accessories. For example, many power hand tools require the use of a hand screw driver that can be used to retract a fastener that may lock the accessory to the output member of the power hand tool. In other examples, a wrench or other hand tool may be required to remove or unlock a given accessory from the power hand tool and subsequently lock another accessory back to the power hand tool. [0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handheld power tool configured to hold an accessory so as to be operable by a user of the tool to drive the accessory, the power tool comprising: a motor; a housing in which the motor is contained; a spindle assembly which is mounted within the housing and comprises a spindle drivable by the motor; and a clamp assembly arranged at a lower end of the spindle, the clamp assembly comprising opposed first and second clamping members between which a central portion of the spindle assembly extends, said portion being able to be received in an open-ended aperture in the accessory, the first clamping member being moveable, in a direction parallel to the spindle axis, from a first position which is such that the clamp assumes a closed condition whereby, when said central portion is so received, the accessory is clamped by the clamping members so as to be fixedly coupled to the spindle, to a second position which is such that the clamp assumes an open condition permitting the accessory to be 2 moved in a direction transverse to the axis such that the central portion is passed through the open end of the aperture and the accessory is thus removed from the power tool; and an actuator operable by the user to effect the movement of the first clamping member from the first position to the second position. [0006A] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said central portion is defined by the spindle. [0007] Preferably, the spindle axis is substantially upright. Preferably, the housing includes a forwardly projecting end section in which the spindle extends and which is configured to receive thereagainst the palm of a hand of the user holding the tool such that the index finger of the hand is located at an underside of said end section rearward of and adjacent the clamp assembly. [0008] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool is configured such that the spindle oscillates about said axis when driven by the motor, whereby the accessory likewise oscillates about said axis. The actuator may be configured such that when operated by the user it pivots about an axle which is perpendicular to the axis. Preferably, the axis is located intermediate the pivot axle and a portion of the actuator which is arranged to be engaged by the user such that operation of the actuator is effected. Preferably, the tool includes a biasing member biasing the first clamping member toward the first position. [0009] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the clamp assembly includes a member configured with protrusions receivable by voids formed in the 3 accessory whereby to locate rotationally the accessory to the clamp assembly. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the member configured with the protrusions is one of the clamping members, that clamping member comprises a clamp body, and said protrusions project from the clamp body towards the other clamping member whereby to locate the accessory to said one of the clamping members. Preferably said one of the clamping members is said second clamping member; preferably, that clamping member is immovable translationally. Preferably, the protrusions are arranged at spaced apart positions on a circular locus. Preferably, the protrusions are arranged to be receivable by differing ones of said voids, such that the accessory can be clamped by the clamp in different rotational orientations about said axis. Said other clamping member may be configured so as to receive distal ends of the protrusions therein when the first clamping member is in said first position; for example, it may be configured with a single recess, such as a groove, or respective blind bores into which the distal ends are received. The clamp body can include an annular flange that nests in a pocket formed on the actuator. [0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the first clamping member is uppermost of the first and second clamping members. The second clamping member may include a section arranged to cooperate with the first clamping member to clamp the accessory and, distinct from that section, an auxiliary attachment section to which a secondary accessory is attachable to be drivable by the power tool. The auxiliary attachment section can be defined by a clamp body of the second clamping member and protrusions projecting from the clamp 4 body to be receivable by voids formed in the second accessory whereby to locate the secondary accessory to the auxiliary attachment section. Preferably, those protrusions are arranged at spaced apart positions on a circular locus. Preferably, said section arranged to cooperate with the first clamping member and said auxiliary attachment section face away from each other. In one embodiment of the invention, a biasing member extends to the actuator from a body of the tool which includes the housing, so as to bias the engageable portion of the actuator away from the tool body. [001 OA] Preferably, the spindle extends through an uppermost one of the clamping members and the other clamping member is fixed to the lower end of the spindle. [0010B] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handheld powered apparatus, comprising: said power tool; and said accessory, wherein said central portion extends through the open-ended aperture in the accessory and the clamp assumes said closed condition whereby it clamps the accessory to couple it fixedly to the spindle. [0010C] The accessory may comprise, for example, either of: a sanding platen, which preferably comprises a platen body and a mounting collar to which the body is attached, the mounting collar defining the open-ended aperture and preferably also defining the voids which receive said 5 protrusions which project from the clamp body of the second clamping member, the sanding platen; and a cutting member having a working portion an attachment portion which defines the open-ended aperture and preferably also the voids which receive said protrusions which project from the clamp body of the second clamping member. [0010D] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multipurpose power tool system, comprising: said power tool; and differing said accessories selectable to be held by the power tool. [0010E] Preferably, the accessories comprise said sanding platen and said cutting member. [0011] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. [0012] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. [0013] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a clamp arrangement constructed in accordance to one example of the present teachings and shown operatively associated with an exemplary power hand tool for releasably securing a first or a second accessory; 6 [0014] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a clamp assembly of the clamp arrangement shown in Fig. 1 and shown with the clamp assembly in the closed position retaining the first accessory; [0015] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the clamp assembly of Fig. 2; [0016] Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the clamp assembly of Fig. 2 and shown with the clamp assembly in the closed position and a lever of the clamp assembly in a first position; [0017] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp assembly of Fig. 4 and shown with the clamp assembly in the open position resulting from the lever being rotated about a pivot axle into a second position wherein the first accessory is subsequently lifted out of engagement with the first clamp member; [0018] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp assembly of Fig. 5 shown with the clamp assembly in the open position and the lever in the second position and illustrating the first accessory being removed from the clamp assembly; [0019] Figs. 7-9 are perspective views of the clamp assembly that generally correspond to the sequence illustrated in Figs. 4-6 for removing the first accessory from the clamp assembly; [0020] Figs. 10-12 are perspective views of the clamp assembly that illustrate an exemplary sequence of orienting the first accessory in a different rotational position relative to the clamp assembly; 7 [0021] Figs. 13-15 are cross-sectional views of the clamp assembly taken through a spindle of the power hand tool and shown with the first accessory rotated at different positions around an axis of the spindle; [0022] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the clamp arrangement of the present teachings and shown with the clamp assembly secured to the second accessory; [0023] Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the clamp assembly and second accessory illustrated in Fig. 16; [0024] Fig. 18 is a sectional view of the clamp assembly of Fig. 16 and shown with the clamp assembly in the open position resulting from movement of the lever around the pivot axle to the second position for receipt of a mounting collar of the second accessory; [0025] Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp assembly of Fig. 18 and shown with the mounting collar of the second accessory positioned generally between first and second clamp members of the clamp assembly while the lever is maintained in the second position; [0026] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp assembly of Fig. 19 and illustrating the clamp assembly in the closed position as a result of the lever being released and returned to the first position causing the first and second clamp members to clamp the mounting collar; [0027] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of an exemplary third accessory; 8 [0028] Fig. 22 is a partial cross-section of the clamp assembly and shown with the third accessory secured to an auxiliary mounting surface of the second clamp member; [0029] Figs. 23-25 illustrate an exemplary assembly sequence of a fourth accessory having a throat that defines a relatively narrower opening as compared to the first accessory wherein the throat is slidably directed through channels provided on the spindle; [0030] Fig. 26 is an exploded partial plan view of the fourth accessory and shown adjacent to the second clamp member and illustrated with the spindle in cross-section taken through the channels; [0031] Fig. 27 is a partial plan view of a fifth accessory having circular mounting passages according to additional features; [0032] Fig. 28 is a partial plan view of the fifth accessory shown in Fig. 27 and illustrated interfacing with the second clamp member; [0033] Fig. 29 is a side view of a clamp arrangement constructed in accordance to another example of the present teachings and shown operatively associated with an exemplary hand tool; [0034] Fig. 30 is a sectional view of the clamp assembly of Fig. 29 and shown with the clamp assembly in a closed position and a lever of the clamp assembly in a first position; [0035] Fig. 31 is a perspective view of the second clamp member of the clamp assembly of Fig. 30; 9 [0036] Fig. 32 is a plan view of an accessory constructed in accordance to one example of the present teachings; [0037] Fig. 33 is a side view of the accessory of Fig. 32 shown placed on the second clamp member and shown with the first clamp member removed for illustrative purposes; and [0038] Fig. 34 is a side view of the clamp assembly shown during removal of the accessory where the lever is moved from the first position (phantom) to a second position (solid line) and the first clamp member is raised away from engagement with the accessory. [0039] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. [0040] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. [0041] With initial reference to Fig. 1, a clamp arrangement constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure is shown and generally identified at reference numeral 10. The clamp arrangement 10 is shown operatively associated with a power tool 12 for selectively and alternatively retaining various accessories, such as a first accessory 14a or a second accessory 14b. The exemplary power tool includes a tool body 18 including a housing 20 that contains a motor 22 that drives an output member 24. The output member 24 is coupled to a spindle 26. The exemplary power tool 12 is configured for providing an oscillating motion onto the spindle 26. It will be appreciated that while the clamp arrangement 10 is disclosed herein as part of 10 an oscillating power hand tool, the clamp arrangement 10 may be also configured for use with other power tools that releasably secure an accessory. [0042] The clamp arrangement 10 further includes a clamp assembly 30 that operatively cooperates with an actuator such as a lever 32. The clamp assembly 30 includes a first clamp member 36 and a second clamp member 38. The lever 32 includes a lever arm 40 that includes a user engagement portion 42 and a block 44. The lever 32 includes a pivot portion 46 having a pivot axle 48. [0043] With continued reference to Fig. 1, the second accessory 14b will be briefly described. The second accessory 14b includes a sanding platen 50 having a platen body 52 and a mounting collar 54. In the example shown, the mounting collar 54 can be coupled to the body 52 by way of a series of fasteners 56. The body 52 is configured to support an abrasive sheet, such as sand paper and the like as is known in the art. The mounting collar 54 includes an upper plate portion 60 having a plurality of mounting features 62. In the example shown, the mounting features 62 are generally in the form of passages formed through the mounting collar 54. The mounting collar 54 includes an open-ended aperture or throat 66 configured to accept the spindle 26 in an assembled position as will be described herein. [0044] With additional reference now to Figs. 2 and 3, the clamp assembly 30 will be described in greater detail. The second clamp member 38 includes a second clamp body 70 generally in the form of a ring having a central opening 72. The second clamp member 38 includes a plurality of mounting 11 features 76 formed on a clamping surface 74 of the body 70. In the example shown, the mounting features 76 are in the form of male protrusions 78. In the particular example shown, eight protrusions each having a tapered shape or form are provided. However, other configurations are contemplated. The second clamp body 70 additionally includes an auxiliary attachment section 80 having a plurality of auxiliary mounting features 82 (Fig. 2). Again, the plurality of auxiliary mounting features 82 are shown in the form of male protrusions and may include a similar eight protrusion configuration as provided on the surface 74. The auxiliary mounting features 82 can each have a diameter of 2.4mm. Other configurations are contemplated. [0045] With reference now to Figs. 3 and 4, the first clamp member 36 includes a first clamp member body 84 having an annular flange 86 and a plurality of mounting features 88 (Fig. 4) on a clamping surface 87 of the body 84. In the example shown, the plurality of mounting features 88 are in the form of recesses that cooperatively receive the corresponding plurality of mounting features 76 of the second clamp member 38. The mounting features 88 can have any configuration, such as blind bores, or circular grooves being suitable to accept the male protrusions of the mounting features 76. The annular flange 86 extend radially on an end of an outer hub 90 of the first clamp member body 84. The annular flange 86 has a lever-opposing surface 91. The first clamp member body 84 can further include an inner hub 92 that defines a first clamp member opening 94. The first clamp member opening 94 is configured to receive the 12 spindle 26. An annular channel 96 is formed between the outer hub 90 and the inner hub 92. The annular channel 96 has a terminal surface 98. [0046] The lever 32 includes a lever body 100 having the user engagement portion 42 formed generally on a first end and the pivot portion 46 formed on an opposite end. According to one example, the pivot portion 46 includes a pair of lobes 102 that each define an axle passage 104. The lever body 100 further includes a pocket 108 having a flange opposing surface 110 for generally receiving two steel balls and the annular flange 86 of the first clamp member 36. The block 44 includes a pair of transverse posts 116 and a blind bore 118. The axle passages 104 provided in the lobes 102 is configured to receive the pivot axle 48. [0047] The clamp arrangement 10 additionally includes a first biasing member 120 and a second biasing member 122. The first biasing member 120 is at least partially received by the annular channel 96 provided on the first clamp member body 84. The second biasing member 122 is at least partially received into the blind bore 118 of the block 44. The first biasing member 120 is generally supported on an upper end by a washer 126 that is correspondingly supported by a bearing 130 journalled around the spindle 26. The spindle 26 can additionally include a pair of flats 132 and channels 134 formed on a distal end. The flats 132 generally correspond to the profile of the opening 72 formed in the second clamp member 38. The flats 132 cooperate with the profile of the opening 72 to key the second clamp member 38 to the spindle 26 and inhibit rotation of the second clamp member 38 around a spindle axis 140. In the 13 example provided, the output member 24 is generally in the form of a drive fork that can impart rotational motion onto the spindle 26 around the spindle axis 140. Other configurations are contemplated. A support bearing 142 is arranged on one end of the spindle 26 for cooperatively mounting within the housing 20. [0048] Returning to Fig. 3, the first accessory 14a is in the form of a cutting member having a working portion 146 and an attachment portion 148. The attachment portion 148 includes a plurality of mounting features 150 in the form of passages formed through the first accessory 14a. The attachment portion 148 further includes an open-ended aperture or throat 152 for selectively receiving a portion of the spindle 26 in an assembled position as will be described herein. [0049] With specific reference now to Figs. 4-6, an exemplary sequence of removing the first accessory 14a from the clamp assembly 30 will be described according to one example of the present teachings. With initial reference to Fig. 4, the clamp assembly 30 is shown in a closed position wherein the biasing member 120 is supported on a first end by the washer 126 and provides a downward biasing force onto the first clamp member 36 at the annular channel 96. It is important to recognize that in the particular example shown, the second clamp member 38 is fixed to the spindle 26. As shown, the male protrusions of the mounting features 76 selectively locate into the recesses of the mounting features 88 formed on the first clamp member 36. The first accessory 14a therefore is clamped between the clamping surface 74 and the clamping surface 87 while the male protrusions of the mounting features 76 locate through 14 passages of the mounting features 150 formed on the first accessory 14a. Those skilled in the art will recognize that while some of the mounting features are described and shown as male protrusions and some of the mounting features are described and shown as recesses, the locations may be swapped. Moreover, other interlocking geometries may be used. As viewed in Fig. 4, the lever 32 is shown and generally described herein as the first position. [0050] With specific reference now to Fig. 5, the lever 32 is shown rotated around a pivot axle axis 160 of the pivot axle 48 to a second position. In the second position, the clamp assembly 30 is generally in the open position where the first clamp member 36 is displaced or offset relative to the second clamp member 38. In order to move the lever 32 from the first position (Fig. 4) to the second position (Fig. 5), a user can urge the user engagement portion 42 (such as by pulling the user engagement portion 42 with an index finger) in a direction generally upwardly as viewed in Fig. 5 and toward the housing 20. In order to rotate the lever 32 around the pivot axle 48, a user must overcome the biasing forces of the respective first and second biasing members 120 and 122. During rotation of the lever 32 around the pivot axle 48, the flange opposing surface 110 in the pocket 108 of the lever body 100 (Fig. 3) generally transmits an upward force (in a direction against the biasing force of the first biasing member 120) onto the lever opposing surface 91. In this regard, the lever 32 can generally lift the first clamp member 36 at the annular flange 86 to move the clamping surface 87 away from the clamping surface 74. It will be appreciated that other mechanical configurations other than a lever that pivots about a pivot 15 axle may be used. For example, a camming configuration or slidable actuation member may be additionally or alternatively employed. [0051] With the clamp assembly 30 in the open position, the first and second clamp members 36 and 38, respectively, provide enough clearance, such that a user can remove the first accessory 14a away from the clamp assembly 30. In one example, it may be necessary to initially lift the first accessory 14a away from the male protrusions of the mounting features 76 before pulling the first accessory 14a away from the clamp assembly 30 (Fig. 6). [0052] The clamp arrangement 10 of the present disclosure can provide a significant mechanical advantage that can provide a particularly robust clamping action onto an accessory in a tight package requiring relatively small space. In this regard, by mounting the pivot axle 48 on an opposite end of the user engagement portion 42 a user be offered a significant moment arm that can act against the respective biasing forces of the first and second biasing members 120 and 122 while still offering a significant clamping force. According to other advantages, the location of the user engagement portion 42 provides an ergonomically pleasing configuration adjacent to the housing 20 where a user's palm would be generally positioned. In this regard, an index finger can easily negotiate onto the user engagement portion 42 without having to significantly reposition a user's palm. Moreover, the user engagement portion 42 is located between the housing 20 and the first accessory 14a, such that a user can easily pull up on the user engagement portion 42 in a direction toward the housing with one hand while removing/installing any given accessory with the other hand. 16 [0053] With specific reference now to Figs. 7-9, perspective views of the clamp assembly 30 are shown wherein Fig. 7 generally corresponds to the sectional view of Fig. 4 of the clamp assembly 30 in the closed position and the lever 32 in the first position. Fig. 8 generally corresponds to the sectional view of Fig. 5 where the clamp assembly 30 is in the open position and the lever 32 is in the second position. Fig. 9 generally corresponds to the sectional view of Fig. 6 where the clamp assembly 30 is in the open position and the lever 32 is in the second position while the first accessory 14a is removed from the clamp assembly 30. [0054] With reference now to Figs. 10-12, the clamp assembly 30 can be used to selectively clamp a given accessory, such as the first accessory 14a through a variety of rotational orientations around the spindle axis 140. As identified above, the second clamp member 38 includes eight mounting features 76 however other configurations may be incorporated. The first accessory 14a includes nine mounting features or passages 150. The first accessory 14a can be arranged in a plurality of different rotational orientations, such that the male protrusions 78 can be aligned for passing through the passages 150 by rotating the first accessory 14a into the orientation desired. As can be appreciated, it may be advantageous to orient the first accessory 14a differently for a particular task. Once the passages 150 are aligned for receipt of the male protrusions 78 on the second clamp member 38 the attachment portion 148 of first accessory is dropped onto the clamping surface 74. 17 [0055] In the exemplary sequence shown in Figs. 10-12, a user can initially pull up the lever 32 at the user engagement portion 42 causing the annular flange 86 of the first clamp member 36 to be lifted as previously described. With the first clamp member 36 displaced from the second clamp member 38, the first accessory 14a can be oriented into the desired radial position and aligned with the corresponding male protrusions 78. The user can then release the user engagement portion 42 allowing the first biasing member 120 (and the second biasing member 122) to urge the first clamp member 36 in a direction toward the second clamp member 38 until the respective clamping surfaces 87 and 74, respectively, engage and clamp the attachment portion 148 of the first accessory 14a (Fig. 12). [0056] Turning now to Figs. 13-15, various examples are shown with the first accessory 14a mounted around the second clamp member 38. In the examples shown, the male protrusions of the mounting features 76 are arranged to allow the first accessory 14a to be indexed at about thirty degree increments around the clamping surface 74. When describing the male protrusions of the mounting features 76 in the context of a clock, mounting features are absent at the two, four, eight and ten o'clock positions. Other examples are contemplated. [0057] With reference now to Figs. 16-20, the clamp assembly 30 will be described clamping the second accessory 14b according to one example of the present teachings. As described above, the clamp assembly 30 is normally biased into the closed position. As illustrated in Fig. 18, the lever 32 is shown rotated around the pivot axle axis 160 of the pivot axle 48 to the second position. 18 In the second position, the clamp assembly 30 is generally in the open position where the first clamp member 36 is displaced relative to the second clamp member 38. With the clamp assembly 30 in the open position, the first and second clamp members 36 and 38, respectively provide enough clearance to accept the mounting collar 54 of the second accessory 14b. [0058] While a user maintains an upward force on the user engagement portion 42 of the lever 32, the second accessory 14b is directed toward the clamp assembly 30, such that the spindle 26 is generally located through the throat 66 (Fig. 19). Once the desired mounting features 62 of the mounting collar 54 are aligned with the desired mounting features 76 of the second clamp member 38, the user can release the user engagement portion 42 of the lever 32 allowing the respective first and second biasing members 120 and 122 to return the lever 32 to the first position (Fig. 20). In the first position, the clamp assembly 30 is in the closed position, such that the clamping surface 87 of the first clamp member 36 as well as the clamping surface 74 of the second clamp member 38 cooperatively clamp the mounting collar 54 of the second accessory 14b. [0059] Turning now to Figs. 21 and 22, a third accessory 14c and a method of attaching the third accessory 14c to the auxiliary attachment section 80 of the second clamp member 38 will be described. The third accessory 14c includes a body 170 having a generally iron-shaped. A plurality of mounting features 176 can be formed around an upper surface 178 of the body 172 of the third accessory 14c. In the example shown, the plurality of mounting features 19 176 are in the form of recesses having a profile that generally mates with the plurality of mounting features 82 of the section 80. A mounting aperture 180 is formed through the body 172 of the third accessory 14c for accepting a fastener 182 (Fig. 22). The fastener 182 can threadably mate with a threaded bore 186 defined at a distal end of the spindle 26. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that movement of the lever 32 will not affect the attachment of the third accessory 14c as the third accessory 14c only interfaces with the second clamp member 38 that is rigidly fixed to the spindle 26. [0060] Turning now to Figs. 23-26, a fourth accessory 14d will be described cooperating with the spindle 26 and the second clamp member 38. The channels 134 formed in the spindle 26 provide clearance for accepting other accessories, such as accessories that may define a throat 152 having a smaller entrance. In this regard, the reduced geometry throat of an accessory may be initially negotiated through the channel 134 prior to rotating the accessory into the desired orientation relative to the spindle 26 and subsequently clamping the accessory to the clamp assembly 30. [0061] The fourth accessory 14d can have an open-ended aperture or throat 190 formed on an attachment portion 192. The throat 190 can generally span a distance 194. As compared to the throat 152 on the first accessory 14a, the throat 190 provides a reduced distance 194. The channels 134 provided on the spindle 26 are offset a distance 196 that is generally less than the distance 194, such that the throat 190 can be advanced through the channels 134 until clearing the channels 134 at an opposite end of the spindle 26 (see Fig. 24). 20 Once the throat 190 has cleared the channels 134, a user can rotate the fourth accessory 14d to a desired orientation around the second clamping surface 74 of the second clamp member 38. Once the desired orientation has been attained, the attachment portion 192 of the fourth accessory 14d can be dropped onto the second clamping surface 74 while the male protrusions of the mounting features 76 locate through respective passages 198 formed through the attachment portion 192 on the fourth accessory 14d (Fig. 25). Fig. 26 illustrates a plan view that represents the relative distances 194 of the throat 190 and 196 of the channels 134. [0062] With reference now to Figs. 27 and 28, a fifth accessory 14e is shown that has an attachment portion 200 having a plurality of mounting formations 202 formed therethrough. The mounting formations 202 are in the form of circular apertures. The circular apertures can have a tapered shape. Other dimensions are contemplated that may still have a diameter (or opening in general) that is large enough to accept the diameter of the respective mounting features 76 on the second clamp member 38. [0063] With reference now to Figs. 29-34, a clamp arrangement constructed in accordance to another example of the present disclosure is shown and generally identified at reference numeral 210. The clamp arrangement 210 is shown operatively associated with a power tool 212 for selectively and alternatively retaining various accessories such as a sixth accessory 14f. The exemplary power tool 212 includes a tool body 218 including a housing 220 that contains a motor 222 that drives an output member 224. The output member 21 224 is coupled to a spindle 226. The exemplary power tool 212 is configured for providing an oscillating motion onto the spindle 226. As with the clamp arrangement 10 described above, the clamp arrangement 210, while described herein as part of an oscillating hand tool, can also be used with other power tools that releasably secure an accessory. [0064] The clamp arrangement 210 can further include a clamp assembly 230 (Fig. 30) that operatively cooperates with a lever 232. The clamp assembly 230 includes a first clamp member 236 and a second clamp member 238. The lever 232 can include a lever arm 240 that includes a user engagement portion 242. The lever 232 can further include a pivot portion 246 having a pivot axle 248. [0065] With specific reference now to Figs. 30 and 31, the second clamp member 238 will be further described. The second clamp member 238 includes a second clamp body 250 generally in the form of a ring having a central opening 252. The second member 238 comprises a clamp body 250 a plurality of mounting features 256 formed on a surface 254 of the clamp body 250. In one example, the clamp body 250 and the plurality of mounting features 256 are formed as a unitary, monolithic part, such as by precision cast steel. [0066] As will become appreciated by the following discussion, the second clamp member 238 is configured such that the surface 254 does not actually engage the sixth accessory 14f. In the example shown, the plurality of mounting features 256 are in the form of male conical protrusions 258. In the particular example shown, eight protrusions or male conical protrusions 258 are 22 configured to each have a tapered body portion 260 that generally tapers from the second clamping surface 254 toward a tip 262. The tip 262 comprises a spherical geometry. The male conical protrusions 258 each have a height 264 measured from the surface 254 to a terminal end 266 of the tip 262. The male conical protrusions 258 further define an angle 270 measured from a longitudinal axis 272 to an outer surface 276 of the tapered body portion 260. [0067] The male conical protrusions 258 are configured to engage apertures of the sixth accessory 14f at a position intermediate the terminal end 266 of the tip 262 and the surface 254. Explained differently, the sixth accessory 14f can be clamped with the lever 232 in a first position and the clamp assembly 230 closed (Fig. 30), such that the sixth accessory 14f is offset a distance 280 from the surface 254. According to one example, the height 264 can be substantially about 4mm and the angle 270 can be substantially about between 200 and 300 and more specifically 250. A diameter of the male conical protrusions 258 measured at the second clamping surface 254 can be substantially about 3mm. The surface finish of the male conical protrusions 258 can be sufficiently hard so as not to deform from interaction with the sixth accessory 14f. In one example, the male conical protrusions are at least 10 points (Rockwell hardness testing) harder than the sixth accessory 14f. Other heights and angles are contemplated. [0068] With specific reference now to Fig. 30, the first clamp member 236 includes a first clamp member body 284 having an annular flange 286, having a clamping surface 287, and a plurality of mounting features 288 that are 23 in the form of recesses that cooperatively receive the corresponding plurality of mounting features 256 of the second clamp member 238. The mounting features 288 can have any configuration, such as blind bores having diameters suitable to accept at least portions of the male conical protrusions 258 of the mounting features 256. The annular flange 286 generally extends radially from an outer hub 290 of the first clamp member body 284. The annular flange 286 has a lever opposing surface 291. The first clamp member body 284 includes an inner hub 292 that defines a first clamp member opening 294. The first clamp member opening 294 is configured to receive the spindle 226. An annular channel 296 is formed between the outer hub 290 and the inner hub 292. The annular channel 296 has a terminal surface 298. [0069] The lever 232 generally includes a lever body 300 having the user engagement portion 242 formed generally on a first end and the pivot portion 246 formed on an opposite end. According to one example, the pivot portion 246 includes a pair of lobes 302 that each define an axle passage similar to the axle passage 104 described above with respect to Fig. 3. The lever body 300 further includes a pocket 308 having a flange opposing surface 310. A retainer plate 312 is formed on the lever body 100. The retainer plate 312 is configured to rest on the annular flange 286 when the lever 232 is released. The pivot axle 248 is configured to pass through the respective axle passages of the lobes 302 and a corresponding axle passage 316 formed through an arm 318 extending from the housing 220. 24 [0070] The clamp arrangement 210 additionally includes a biasing member 320 and a washer 326. The biasing member 320 is at least partially received by the annular channel 296 provided on the first clamp member body 284. The biasing member 320 is generally supported on an upper end by a washer 326 that is correspondingly supported by a flange on the spindle 226. A distal end of the spindle 226 is configured to attain a press fit relationship (through the central opening 252) with the second clamp body 250. [0071] With particular reference now to Fig. 32, the sixth accessory 14f will be described. The sixth accessory 14f is in the form of a cutting member having a working portion 346 and an attachment portion 348. The attachment portion 348 includes a plurality of mounting features 350 in the form of passages formed through the sixth accessory 14f. The attachment portion 348 further includes an open-ended aperture or throat 352 for selectively receiving a portion of the spindle 226 in an assembled position as will be described herein. According to one example of the present teachings, the mounting features 350 are circular and have a diameter 358 of substantially about 2.8mm. The throat 352 defines an angle 360 of about 600. Other dimensions are contemplated. It will be appreciated however that the diameter 358 is selected to have a geometry such that it will engage the tapered body portion 260 of the male conical protrusions 258 at a location intermediate the terminal end 266 of the tip 262 and the surface 254. More particularly, the diameter 358 has a geometry that will ensure the attachment portion 348 does not bottom out or rest on top of the surface 254. In other words, the offset 280 (Fig. 30) must be greater than zero. 25 [0072] The mounting features 256 are arranged to allow the sixth accessory 14f to be indexed at about 300 increments around the second clamping surface 254. Like the mounting features 76 described above, the mounting features 256 are absent at the two, four, eight and ten o'clock positions. It is further appreciated that the clamp assembly 230 can be used to clamp other accessories, such as described herein. Other configurations are contemplated. [0073] With specific reference now to Figs. 30 and 34, an exemplary sequence of removing the sixth accessory 14f from the clamp assembly 230 will be described according to one example of the present teachings. With initial reference to Fig. 30, the clamp assembly 230 is shown in a closed position wherein the biasing member 320 is supported on a first end by the washer 326 and provides a downward biasing force onto the first clamp member 236 at the annular channel 296. It is important to recognize that in the particular example shown, the second clamp member 238 is fixed relative to the spindle 226. As shown, the male conical protrusions 258 selectively locate into the recesses of the mounting features 288 formed on the first clamp member 236. The sixth accessory 14f therefore is clamped between the clamping surface 287 and the outer surfaces 276 of the respective male conical protrusions 258. Again, the sixth accessory 14f is clamped at a location offset from the second clamping surface 254 of the second clamp member 238. As viewed in Fig. 30, the lever 232 is shown and generally described herein as the first position. Because the sixth accessory 14f is specifically engaged at the mounting features 350, the 26 sixth accessory 14f can be securely fixed against the clamping surface 287 with minimal or no relative movement between the sixth accessory 14f and the clamp assembly 230. [0074] Turning now specifically to reference Fig. 34, the lever 232 is shown rotated from the first position (phantom line) around the pivot axle axis 249 to a second position (solid line). In the second position, the clamp assembly 230 is generally in the open position where the first clamp member 236 is displaced or offset relative to the second clamp member 238. In order to move the lever 232 from the first position (phantom line, Fig. 34) to the second position (solid line, Fig. 34), a user can urge the user engagement portion 242 (such as by pulling the user engagement portion 242 with an index finger) in a direction generally upwardly as viewed in Fig. 34 and toward the housing 220. In order to rotate the lever 232 around the pivot axle 248, a user must overcome the biasing force of the biasing member 320 (Fig. 30). During rotation of the lever 232 around the pivot axle 248, the flange opposing surface 310 and the pocket 308 of the lever body 300 generally transmits an upward force (in a direction against the biasing force of the biasing member 320) onto the lever opposing surface 291. In this regard, the lever 232 lifts the first clamp member 236 at the annular flange 286 to move the surface 287 away from the second clamp member 238. [0075] With the clamp assembly 230 in the open position, the first and second clamp members 236 and 238, respectively, provide enough clearance, such that a user can remove the sixth accessory 14f away from the clamp assembly 230. In one example, it may be necessary to initially lift the sixth 27 accessory 14f away from the male conical protrusions 258 before pulling the sixth accessory 14f away from the clamp assembly 230. [0076] The pivot axle 248 can be located a distance 370 measured perpendicularly from a point 372 on a longitudinal centerline of the spindle 226. In one example, the distance 370 is long enough to give the user a mechanical advantage to comfortably overcome the bias of the biasing member 320 when moving the lever 232 to the second position (clamp assembly 230 open). A distance 374 measured between the point 372 and a plane defined by the clamping surface 287 can be less than the distance 370. [0077] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. [0078] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. 28 [0079] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. 29

Claims (45)

1. A handheld power tool configured to hold an accessory so as to be operable by a user of the tool to drive the accessory, the power tool comprising: a motor; a housing in which the motor is contained; a spindle assembly which is mounted within the housing and comprises a spindle drivable by the motor; and a clamp assembly arranged at a lower end of the spindle, the clamp assembly comprising opposed first and second clamping members between which a central portion of the spindle assembly extends, said portion being able to be received in an open-ended aperture in the accessory, the first clamping member being moveable, in a direction parallel to the spindle axis, from a first position which is such that the clamp assumes a closed condition whereby, when said central portion is so received, the accessory is clamped by the clamping members so as to be fixedly coupled to the spindle, to a second position which is such that the clamp assumes an open condition permitting the accessory to be moved in a direction transverse to the axis such that the central portion is passed through the open end of the aperture and the accessory is thus removed from the power tool; and an actuator operable by the user to effect the movement of the first clamping member from the first position to the second position. 30

2. A handheld power tool according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a forwardly projecting end section in which the spindle extends and which is configured to receive thereagainst the palm of a hand of the user holding the tool such that the index finger of the hand is located at an underside of said end section rearward of the clamp assembly and adjacent thereto.

3. A handheld power tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spindle axis is substantially upright.

4. A handheld power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, being configured such that the spindle oscillates about said axis when driven by the motor, whereby the accessory likewise oscillates about said axis.

5. A handheld power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamp assembly includes a member configured with protrusions receivable by voids formed in the accessory whereby to locate rotationally the accessory to the clamp assembly.

6. A handheld power tool according to claim 5, wherein the member configured with the protrusions is one of the clamping members, that clamping member comprises a clamp body, and said protrusions project from the clamp body towards the other clamping member. 31

7. A handheld power tool according to claim 6, wherein said one of the clamping members is said second clamping member.

8. A handheld power tool according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said one of the clamping members is immovable translationally in a direction parallel the spindle axis.

9. A handheld power tool according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the protrusions are arranged at spaced apart positions on a circular locus.

10. A handheld power tool according to claim 9, wherein the protrusions are arranged to be receivable by differing ones of said voids, such that the accessory can be clamped by the clamp in different rotational orientations about said axis.

11. A handheld power tool according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein said other clamping member is configured so as to receive distal ends of the protrusions therein when the first clamping member is in said first position.

12. A handheld power tool according to claim 11, wherein said other clamping member is configured with a single recess arranged to receive the distal ends when the first clamping member is in said first position. 32

13. A handheld power tool according to claim 12, wherein the single recess comprises a groove.

14. A handheld power tool according to claim 11, comprising respective blind bores arranged to receive the distal ends when the first clamping member is in said first position.

15. A handheld power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spindle extends through an upper one of the clamping members and the lower clamping member is fixed to the lower end of the spindle.

16. A handheld power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first clamp member includes an annular flange that nests in a pocket formed on the actuator.

17. A handheld power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is configured such that when operated by the user it pivots about an axle which is perpendicular to the axis.

18. A handheld power tool according to claim 17, wherein said axis is located intermediate said axle and a portion of the actuator which is arranged to be engaged by the user such that operation of the actuator is effected. 33

19. A handheld power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, including a biasing member biasing the first clamping member toward the first position.

20. A handheld power tool according to claim 19 as appended to claim 18 wherein said biasing member extends to the actuator from a body of the tool which includes the housing, so as to bias the engageable portion of the actuator away from the tool body.

21. A handheld power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first clamping member is an uppermost one of the first and second clamping members.

22. A handheld power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second clamping member includes a section arranged to cooperate with the first clamping member to clamp the accessory and, distinct from that section, an auxiliary attachment section to which a secondary accessory is attachable to be drivable by the power tool.

23. A handheld power tool according to claim 22, wherein the auxiliary attachment section is defined by a clamp body of the second clamping member and protrusions projecting from the clamp body to be receivable by voids formed 34 in the second accessory whereby to locate the secondary accessory to the auxiliary attachment section.

24. A handheld power tool according to claim 23, wherein the auxiliary attachment section protrusions are arranged at spaced apart positions on a circular locus.

25. A handheld power tool according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein said section arranged to cooperate with the first clamping member and said auxiliary attachment section face away from each other.

26. A handheld power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said central portion is defined by the spindle.

27. A handheld powered apparatus, comprising: a power tool according to any one of the preceding claims; and said accessory, wherein said central portion extends through the open-ended aperture in the accessory and the clamp assumes said closed condition whereby it clamps the accessory to couple it fixedly to the spindle. 35

28. A powered apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the accessory comprises a sanding platen.

29. A powered apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the sanding platen comprises a platen body and a mounting portion to which the body is attached, the mounting portion defining the open-ended aperture.

30. A powered apparatus according claim 29, wherein the power tool accords with any one of claims 5 to 14 and the mounting collar defines said voids.

31. A powered apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the accessory comprises a cutting member.

32. A powered apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the cutting member has a working portion and an attachment portion which defines the open-ended aperture.

33. A powered apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the working portion is arranged at a lower level than the attachment portion.

34. A powered apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the attachment portion and working portion are generally plate-like and parallel and the cutting member further comprises an intermediate portion extending downwardly and 36 radially outwardly to interconnect a distal end of the attachment portion and a proximal end of the working portion.

35. A powered apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the power tool accords with any one of claims 5 to 14 and the attachment portion defines said voids.

36. A multipurpose power tool system, comprising: a handheld power tool according to any one of claims 1 to 26; and differing said accessories selectable to be held by the power tool.

37. A system according to claim 36, wherein the accessories include a sanding platen.

38. A system according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the accessories include a cutting member.

39. A system according to claim 38, wherein the cutting member has a working portion and an attachment portion which defines the open-ended aperture. 37

40. A system according to claim 39, wherein the cutting member is configured such that the working portion is arranged at a lower level than the attachment portion.

41. A system according to claim 40, wherein the attachment portion and working portion are generally plate-like and parallel and the cutting member further comprises an intermediate portion extending downwardly and radially outwardly to interconnect a distal end of the attachment portion and a proximal end of the working portion.

42. A system according to any one of claims 38 to 41, wherein the power tool accords with any one of claims 5 to 14 and the attachment portion defines the voids which receive said protrusions which project from the clamp body of the second clamping member.

43. A handheld power tool substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

44. A handheld powered apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

45. A multipurpose power tool system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 38