CN108511228B

CN108511228B - Trigger assembly

Info

Publication number: CN108511228B
Application number: CN201710112471.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 王健余
Original assignee: Defeng Electric Industry Co ltd; Defond Electech Co Ltd
Current assignee: Defeng Electric Industry Co ltd; Defond Electech Co Ltd
Priority date: 2017-02-28
Filing date: 2017-02-28
Publication date: 2020-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 2037-02-28
Also published as: CN108511228A

Abstract

The invention relates to a trigger assembly, in particular for a power tool, comprising: a housing; a trigger supported by the housing for movement relative to the housing between an off position and an on position; and a locking mechanism having a body including a movable locking member for locking the trigger in the on position, the locking member being movable between a locking position locking the trigger in the on position and an unlocking position releasing the trigger from the on position; wherein the locking member is arranged to move to the locked position upon activation or movement by a user and to return to the unlocked position upon subsequent activation or movement by a user.

Description

Trigger assembly

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a trigger assembly and, more particularly, to a trigger assembly capable of providing a lock on feature to various power tools.

Background

Most electrical articles such as power tools include a trigger switch having a lock function. Such a lockout function is typically triggered by depressing a locking mechanism when a trigger is depressed to activate the power tool, and the lockout function is subsequently released by the operator depressing the trigger again.

While various power tools having trigger assemblies exist on the market, these trigger assemblies have several disadvantages. The ergonomics, occupational safety and health of power tools are some of the problems experienced by operators. For example, the operator may accidentally touch the trigger, such that the locking of the trigger may be released and thereby unintentionally deactivate the power tool. The operation may be interrupted from time to time throughout the operation.

Furthermore, the operator must twist his hand and hold this gesture for a few seconds to depress the trigger to deactivate the power tool. Therefore, the operator may not be able to hold the power tool tightly and comfortably. A person may accidentally drop the tool or, even if the power tool can be held tightly, the operator may still experience muscle pain when performing certain operations.

In turn, one or more of these drawbacks may affect the operator of the power tool to effectively perform its routine.

For example, an operator typically grasps the handle and depresses the trigger with his index finger for trigger activation and depresses the locking mechanism with his thumb for the locking function. After the operation is completed, the operator must depress the trigger with the index finger, rather than release the lock of the trigger with the thumb. The release of the trigger is limited to depression with the index finger of the operator. However, the operator may accidentally touch the trigger, so that the locking of the trigger may be released and thereby unintentionally deactivate the power tool. The operation may be interrupted from time to time throughout the operation.

Furthermore, since the lock function must be released by depressing the trigger by the operator, the operator must twist his hand and maintain this posture for several seconds. Therefore, the operator may not be able to hold the power tool tightly and comfortably. A person may not be able to hold the power tool tightly, may drop the power tool, and thus the operation may become very dangerous. Even if the user can hold the power tool tightly, the operator may still suffer muscle pain when performing several operations. Such a configuration and thus operation of the trigger is undesirable in light of the user's experience and increased concerns over occupational safety and health.

Disclosure of Invention

Certain embodiments of the present invention may be advantageous by minimizing at least some of the problems listed above with reference to the use of power tools. The inclusion of the trigger assembly may improve the power tool, provide a better ergonomic design for activation and deactivation of the lockout function, and enhance the operator experience in terms of functionality of the power tool, occupational safety and health of the operator.

According to a first broad form of the present invention, a trigger assembly for a power tool includes: a housing; a trigger supported by the housing for movement relative to the housing between an off position and an on position; and a locking mechanism having a body including a movable locking member for locking the trigger in the on position, the locking member being movable between a locking position locking the trigger in the on position and an unlocking position releasing the trigger from the on position; wherein the locking member is arranged to move to the locked position upon activation or movement by a user and to return to the unlocked position upon subsequent activation or movement by a user.

Preferably, the trigger may comprise a retainer for engagement by the locking member in the locking position, and the locking member is arranged to move beyond the locking position on said subsequent activation or movement, thereby moving and disengaging the retainer from the locking member to allow the locking member to return to the unlocked position.

Alternatively, the trigger assembly may further comprise a self-releasable retaining means for temporarily retaining the retainer in a transitional position disengaged from the locking member so that the locking member has time to return to the unlocked position, the retaining means then being self-released to allow the trigger to return to the off position.

Advantageously, the self-releasable retaining means may comprise a spring-loaded ball catch.

Alternatively, the locking mechanism may comprise a cam for moving the retainer when the locking member is moved beyond the locking position on said subsequent activation or movement to allow disengagement of the locking member from the retainer such that the locking member may be returned to the unlocked position.

Optionally, the trigger may include a portion for moving the retainer to allow the locking member to disengage from the retainer when the trigger is depressed so that the locking member may return to the unlocked position.

Preferably, the trigger assembly may comprise a catch and release arrangement arranged to catch a portion of the body of the locking mechanism on said activation or movement of the locking member to lock the locking member in the locked position and release said portion of the body of the locking mechanism on subsequent activation or movement to allow the locking member to return to the unlocked position.

Alternatively, the catch and release means may comprise a cam movable transversely to the direction of movement of the locking member.

Advantageously, the locking member is movable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the trigger.

Alternatively, the locking mechanism may comprise a knob for depression by a user in said second direction to move the locking member.

Optionally, the locking mechanism may comprise a knob for sliding by a user in an opposite direction perpendicular to said second direction to move the locking member.

Preferably, the locking member may be associated with a V-shaped recess having a pair of inclined surfaces acting as a follower, an inner portion of said knob acting as a cam against said V-shaped recess so that said locking member can be moved by sliding the knob in opposite directions.

Drawings

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a power tool implemented with a trigger assembly according to one of six embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the stand alone trigger assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating the trigger and locking mechanism;

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the trigger assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the trigger assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the trigger assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the trigger assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of the trigger assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the trigger in the off position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of the trigger assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism in the locked position;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention with the trigger in the off position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism in the locked position;

FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the trigger is in a locked position and the user's finger has been released from the locking mechanism;

FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention with the trigger in a locked position and the locking mechanism beyond the locked position;

FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein the trigger is in the ON position and the locking mechanism has been released to the unlocked position;

FIG. 15 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the off position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 16 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the off position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 17 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 18 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 19 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism beyond the locked position;

FIG. 20 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention with the trigger in the locked position and a user's finger released from the locking mechanism;

FIG. 21 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism beyond the locked position;

FIG. 22 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism being released to the unlocked position;

FIG. 23 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism released to the unlocked position;

FIG. 24 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention with the trigger in the off position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 25 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the off position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 26 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 27 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism in the locked position;

FIG. 28 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism in the locked position;

FIG. 29 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention with the trigger in the locked position and a user's finger released from the locking mechanism;

FIG. 30 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention with the trigger in a locked position and the locking mechanism beyond the locked position;

FIG. 31 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention with the trigger in a locked position and the locking mechanism beyond the locked position;

FIG. 32 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism released to the unlocked position;

FIG. 33 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the off position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 34 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention with the trigger in the off position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 35 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 36 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 37 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 38 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism beyond the locked position;

FIG. 39 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism beyond the locked position;

FIG. 40 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention with the trigger in the locked position and a user's finger released from the locking mechanism;

FIG. 41 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism beyond the locked position;

FIG. 42 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism beyond the locked position;

FIG. 43 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism being released to the unlocked position;

FIG. 44 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism being released to the unlocked position;

FIG. 45 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism released to the unlocked position;

FIG. 46 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention with the trigger in the off position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 47 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention with the trigger in the off position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 48 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 49 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism in the locked position;

FIG. 50 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention with the trigger in the locked position and a user's finger released from the locking mechanism;

FIG. 51 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention with the trigger past a locked position;

FIG. 52 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism released to the unlocked position;

FIG. 53 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the off position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 54 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the off position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 55 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 56 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism in the locked position;

FIG. 57 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism in the locked position;

FIG. 58 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention with the trigger in the locked position and a user's finger released from the locking mechanism;

FIG. 59 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the invention with the trigger past a locked position;

FIG. 60 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the invention with the trigger in the ON position and the locking mechanism released to the unlocked position;

FIG. 61 shows a schematic view of a trigger assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention with the trigger in the off position and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position.

The drawings herein are for illustration purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1, an embodiment of a power tool 1 for drilling is shown. In this example, the electric power tool includes: a main body 10, a front handle 20, a rear handle 30, an operating member 40 such as a drilling tool, and a battery 50 arranged to drive the operating member 40. The body 10 may further comprise a trigger assembly 60, the trigger assembly 60 being arranged to activate and deactivate the operating member 40 so that the power tool 1 may be used for drilling operations.

Referring to fig. 2-6, a detailed embodiment of the trigger assembly 60 is shown, the trigger assembly 60 including a housing 62, a pull trigger 64, and a locking mechanism 66. Alternatively, the trigger assembly 60 may be implemented as any one of the first to sixth embodiments.

Referring to fig. 7-15, a first embodiment of a trigger assembly 100 for the power tool 1 is shown, comprising: a housing 110; a trigger 120 supported by the housing 110 for movement relative to the housing 110 between an off position and an on position; and a locking mechanism 130, the locking mechanism 130 having a body 133, the body 133 including a movable locking member 134 for locking the trigger 120 in the on position, the locking member 134 being movable between a locked position locking the trigger 120 in the on position and an unlocked position releasing the trigger 120 from the on position; wherein the locking member 134 is arranged to move to the locked position when activated or moved by a user and to return to the unlocked position when subsequently activated or moved by a user.

In this embodiment, the trigger 120 may comprise a retainer 122 for engagement by the locking member 134 in the locked position, and the locking member 134 is arranged to move beyond the locked position on said subsequent activation or movement, thereby moving and disengaging the retainer 122 from the locking member 134 to allow the locking member 134 to return to the unlocked position.

Preferably, the trigger assembly 100 further includes a self-releasable retention device 124, the self-releasable retention device 124 for temporarily retaining the retainer 122 in the transitional position disengaged from the locking member 134 such that the locking member 134 has sufficient time to return to the unlocked position, and then the retention device 124 self-releases to allow the trigger 120 to return to the off position. Advantageously, the self-releasable retention device 124 may include a spring-loaded ball detent 126 to facilitate self-release of the retention device 124.

In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 130 further comprises a cam 136, the cam 136 being for moving the retainer 122 when the locking member 134 is moved beyond the locking position upon said subsequent activation or movement to allow the locking member 134 to disengage from the retainer 122 such that the locking member 134 may return to the unlocked position.

In one example operation, the trigger 120 initially rests in the open position, as shown in fig. 9. To actuate the power tool 1, the trigger 120 is depressed by the user's index finger against the spring 121 to reach the on position, and the holder 122 is then moved by the trigger 120 towards the housing 110, as shown in fig. 10. Then, the lock mechanism 130 is depressed by the thumb of the user against the spring 131, thereby moving the lock member 134 from the unlock position to the lock position by the holder 122, so that the lock member 134 is locked by the holder 122, as shown in fig. 11. The locking member 134 blocks the trigger 120 from returning to the off position, as shown in fig. 12, so that the user can now release his finger from the trigger 120 and locking mechanism 130.

When the user completes his drilling operation and wants to deactivate the power tool 1, the locking mechanism 130 is depressed again by the user, so that the locking member 134 moves beyond the locking position and the cam 136 moves the holder 122 further towards the housing 110, as shown in fig. 13. The retainer 122 is temporarily held in the transitional position by the spring-loaded ball catch 126 of the self-releasable retaining device 124, such that the locking member 134 is no longer locked by the retainer 122 and is thus released from the locked position back to the unlocked position by the force stored in the compressed spring 131, as shown in fig. 14. The trigger 120 is no longer blocked by the locking member 134 and may return to the off position due to the force stored in the compressed spring 121, as shown in fig. 15.

Referring to fig. 16-24, a second embodiment of a trigger assembly 200 of the power tool 1 is shown, comprising: a housing 210; a trigger 200, the trigger 200 supported by the housing 210 for movement relative to the housing 210 between an off position and an on position; and a locking mechanism 230, the locking mechanism 230 having a body 233, the body 233 including a movable locking member 234 for locking the trigger 220 in the on position, the locking member 234 being movable between a locked position locking the trigger 220 in the on position and an unlocked position releasing the trigger from the on position; wherein the locking member 234 is arranged to move to a locked position when activated or moved by a user and to return to an unlocked position when subsequently activated or moved by a user.

In this embodiment, the trigger assembly 220 comprises a catch and release arrangement 236, the catch and release arrangement 236 being arranged to catch a portion of the body 233 of the locking mechanism 230 on said enabling or movement of the locking member 234 to lock the locking member 234 in the locked position and to release said portion of the body 233 of the locking mechanism 230 on subsequent activation or movement to allow the locking member 234 to return to the unlocked position.

Preferably, the catch and release 236 includes a cam 238 that is movable transverse to the direction of movement of the locking member 234.

In one example operation, the trigger 220 initially rests in the open position, as shown in fig. 16. To actuate the power tool 1, the trigger 220 is depressed by the index finger of the user against the spring 221 to reach the on position, as shown in fig. 17. The locking mechanism 230 is then depressed by the user's thumb against the spring 231, thereby moving the catch and release 236 slightly outward from the housing 210, as shown in FIG. 18, and in turn moving the locking member 234 beyond the cam 238 toward the innermost portion of the catch and release 236, as shown in FIG. 19. The catch and release 236 is then moved slightly towards the housing 210 and the locking member 234 is then blocked by the cam 238 in the locked position, as shown in figure 20, so that the user can now release his finger from the trigger 220 and locking mechanism 230.

When the user has completed his drilling operation and wishes to deactivate the power tool 1, the locking mechanism 230 is depressed again by the user, causing the catch and release means 236 to move slightly towards the housing 210, as shown in fig. 21. The locking member 234 is no longer blocked by the cam 238 and is thus released from the locked position back to the unlocked position due to the force stored in the compressed spring 231, as shown in fig. 22-23. The trigger 220 is no longer blocked by the locking member 234 and may return to the off position due to the force stored in the compressed spring 221, as shown in fig. 24.

Referring to fig. 25-33, a third embodiment of a trigger assembly 300 for the power tool 1 is shown, comprising: a housing 310; a trigger 320 supported by the housing 310 for movement relative to the housing 310 between an off position and an on position; and a locking mechanism 330, the locking mechanism 330 having a body 333, the body 333 including a movable locking member 334 for locking the trigger 320 in the on position, the locking member 334 being movable between a locked position locking the trigger 320 in the on position and an unlocked position releasing the trigger 320 from the on position; wherein the locking member 334 is arranged to move to a locked position when activated or moved by a user and to return to an unlocked position when subsequently activated or moved by a user.

In this embodiment, the locking member 334 is movable in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the trigger 320. Advantageously, the locking mechanism 330 comprises a knob (knob)340, the knob 340 being adapted to be depressed by a user in said second direction or to be slid by a user in the opposite direction perpendicular to said second direction to move the locking member 334.

The locking member 334 is associated with a V-shaped recess 352 having a pair of

inclined surfaces

353 and 354 acting as a follower 350, an inner portion of the knob 340 acting as a cam 342 on the V-shaped recess 352 to enable the locking member 334 to be moved by depression or sliding of the knob 340 in the opposite direction.

In this embodiment, the trigger 320 may comprise a retainer 322 for engagement by the locking member 334 in the locked position, and the locking member 334 is arranged to move beyond the locked position on said subsequent activation or movement, thereby moving and disengaging the retainer 322 from the locking member 334 to allow the locking member 334 to return to the unlocked position.

Preferably, the trigger assembly 300 further includes a self-releasable retention device 324, the self-releasable retention device 324 for temporarily retaining the retainer 322 in a transitional position disengaged from the locking member 334 such that the locking member 134 has sufficient time to return to the unlocked position, and then the retention device 324 self-releases to allow the trigger 320 to return to the off position. Advantageously, the self-releasable retention device 324 may include a spring-loaded ball detent 326 to facilitate self-release of the retention device 324.

In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 330 further includes a cam 336 for moving the retainer 322 when the locking member 334 moves beyond the locked position upon said subsequent activation or movement to allow the locking member 334 to disengage from the retainer 322 such that the locking member 334 can return to the unlocked position.

In one example operation, the trigger 320 initially rests in the open position, as shown in fig. 25. To actuate the power tool 1, the trigger 320 is depressed by the user's index finger against the spring 321 to reach the on position, and the holder 322 is then moved by the trigger 320 towards the housing 310, as shown in fig. 26. The knob 340 of the locking mechanism 330 is depressed, or slid by the user in one of the opposite directions, i.e., downward (as shown in fig. 27) or upward (as shown in fig. 28), against the

springs

345 and 346, such that the cam 342, which is an interior portion of the knob 340, acts on the pair of

inclined surfaces

353 and 354 of the V-shaped recess 352 of the follower 350. Then, the locking mechanism 330 is moved by the follower 350 against the spring 331, thereby moving the locking member 334 from the unlocked position to the locked position by the holder 322, so that the locking member 334 is locked by the holder 322, as shown in fig. 27-28. The lock member 334 blocks the trigger 320 from returning to the off position, as shown in fig. 29, so that the user can now release his finger from the trigger 320 and the knob 340.

When the user completes his drilling operation and wishes to deactivate the power tool 1, the knob 340 is depressed or slid again by the user such that the locking member 334 moves beyond the locking position and the cam 336 then moves the retainer 322 further toward the housing 310, as shown in fig. 30-31. The retainer 322 is temporarily held in the transitional position by the spring-loaded ball catch 326 of the self-releasable retaining device 324, so that the locking member 334 is no longer locked by the retainer 322 and is thus released from the locked position back to the unlocked position as a result of the force stored in the compressed spring 331, as shown in fig. 32. The trigger 320 is no longer blocked by the locking member 334 and may return to the off position due to the force stored in the compressed spring 321, as shown in fig. 33.

Referring to fig. 34-46, a fourth embodiment of a trigger assembly 400 for the power tool 1 is shown, comprising: a housing 410; a trigger 420 supported by the housing 410 for movement relative to the housing 410 between an off position and an on position; and a locking mechanism 430, the locking mechanism 430 having a body 433, the body 433 including a movable locking member 434 for locking the trigger 420 in the on position, the locking member 434 being movable between a locked position locking the trigger 120 in the on position and an unlocked position releasing the trigger from the on position; wherein the locking member 434 is arranged to move to a locked position upon activation or movement by a user and to return to an unlocked position upon subsequent activation or movement by a user.

In this embodiment, the locking member 434 is movable in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the trigger 420. Advantageously, the locking mechanism 430 includes a knob 440, the knob 440 being adapted to be depressed by a user in a second direction or slid by a user in an opposite direction perpendicular to the second direction to move the locking member 434.

The locking member 434 is associated with a V-shaped recess 452 having a pair of

inclined surfaces

453 and 454 that act as a follower 450, and an inner portion of the knob 440 acts as a cam 442 on the V-shaped recess 452 to enable the locking member 434 to be moved by depression or sliding of the knob 440 in the opposite direction.

In this embodiment, the trigger assembly 420 may comprise a catch and release device 436, the catch and release device 436 being arranged to catch a portion of the body 433 of the locking mechanism 430 on said activation or movement of the locking member 434 to lock the locking member 434 in the locked position and to release said portion of the body 433 of the locking mechanism 430 on subsequent activation or movement to allow the locking member 434 to return to the unlocked position.

Preferably, the catch and release 436 comprises a cam 238 that is movable transverse to the direction of movement of the locking member 434.

In one example operation, the trigger 420 initially rests in the open position, as shown in fig. 34. To actuate the power tool 1, the trigger 420 is depressed by the user's index finger against the spring 421 to reach the on position, as shown in fig. 35, the knob 440 of the locking mechanism 430 is depressed, or slid by the user in one of the opposite directions, i.e., downward (as shown in fig. 36) or upward (as shown in fig. 37), against the

springs

445 and 446, such that the cam 442, which is an internal portion of the knob 440, acts on the pair of

inclined surfaces

453 and 454 of the V-shaped recess 452 of the follower 450. The locking mechanism 430 is then moved by the follower 450 against the

springs

431, 432, thereby moving the catch and release 436 slightly outward from the housing 410, as shown in fig. 36-37, and further moving the locking member 434 beyond the cam 438 toward the innermost portion of the catch and release 436, as shown in fig. 38-39. The catch and release 436 is then moved slightly towards the housing 410 and the locking member 434 is in turn blocked by the cam 438 in the locked position, as shown in fig. 40, so that the user can now release his finger from the trigger 420 and locking mechanism 430.

When the user is finished with his drilling operation and wants to deactivate the power tool 1, the knob 440 is depressed or slid again by the user so that the catch and release 436 is moved slightly towards the housing 410, as shown in fig. 41-42. The locking member 434 is no longer blocked by the cam 438 and is thus released from the locked position back to the unlocked position by the force stored in the

compressed springs

431 and 432, as shown in fig. 43-45. The trigger 420 is no longer blocked by the locking member 434 and may return to the off position due to the force stored in the compressed spring 421, as shown in fig. 46.

Referring to fig. 47-53, a fifth embodiment of a trigger assembly 500 for the power tool 1 is shown, comprising: a housing 510; a trigger 520 supported by the housing 510 for movement relative to the housing 510 between an off position and an on position; and a locking mechanism 530, the locking mechanism 530 having a body 533, the body 533 including a movable locking member 534 for locking the trigger 520 in the on position, the locking member 534 being movable between a locked position locking the trigger 520 in the on position and an unlocked position releasing the trigger from the on position; wherein the locking member 534 is arranged to move to a locked position when enabled or moved by a user and to return to an unlocked position when subsequently enabled or moved by a user.

In this embodiment, the trigger 520 comprises a retainer 522 for engagement by the locking member 534 in the locked position, and the locking member 534 is arranged to move beyond the locked position on said subsequent activation or movement, thereby moving and disengaging the retainer 522 from the locking member 534 to allow the locking member 334 to return to the unlocked position.

Preferably, the trigger assembly 500 further includes a self-releasable retention device 524, the self-releasable retention device 524 being used to temporarily retain the retainer 522 in a transitional position disengaged from the locking member 534 so that the locking member 534 has sufficient time to return to the unlocked position, and then the retention device 524 is self-released to allow the trigger 520 to return to the off position. Advantageously, the self-releasable retention device 524 may include a spring-loaded ball detent 526 to facilitate self-release of the retention device 524.

In this embodiment, the trigger 520 also includes a portion for moving the retainer 522 when the trigger 520 is depressed to allow the locking member 534 to disengage from the retainer 522 so that the locking member 534 can return to the unlocked position.

In one example operation, the trigger 520 initially rests in the open position, as shown in fig. 47. To actuate the power tool 1, the trigger 520 is depressed by the user's index finger against the spring 521 to reach the on position, and the retainer 522 is then moved by the trigger 520 towards the housing 510, as shown in fig. 48. Then, the lock mechanism 530 is depressed by the thumb of the user against the spring 531, thereby moving the lock member 534 from the unlock position to the lock position by the holder 522, so that the lock member 534 is locked by the holder 522, as shown in fig. 49. The trigger 520 is blocked from returning to the off position by the locking member 534, as shown in fig. 50, so that the user can now release his finger from the trigger 520 and the locking mechanism 530.

When the user completes his drilling operation and wants to deactivate the power tool 1, the trigger 520 is depressed again by the user, so that a portion of the trigger 520 moves the holder 522 further towards the housing 510, as shown in fig. 51. The retainer 522 is temporarily held in the transitional position by the spring-loaded ball detent 526 of the self-releasable retaining device 524 such that the locking member 534 is no longer locked by the retainer 522 and is thus released from the locked position back to the unlocked position due to the force stored in the compressed spring 531, as shown in fig. 52. The trigger 520 is no longer blocked by the locking member 534 and can return to the off position due to the force stored in the compressed spring 521, as shown in fig. 53.

Referring to fig. 54-61, a sixth embodiment of a trigger assembly 600 for the power tool 1 is shown, comprising: a housing 610; a trigger 620 supported by the housing 610 for movement relative to the housing 610 between an off position and an on position; and a locking mechanism 630, the locking mechanism 630 having a body 633, the body 633 including a movable locking member 634 for locking the trigger 620 in the on position, the locking member 634 being movable between a locked position locking the trigger 620 in the on position and an unlocked position releasing the trigger from the on position; wherein the locking member 634 is arranged to move to a locked position when activated or moved by a user, and to return to an unlocked position when subsequently activated or moved by a user.

In this embodiment, the locking member 634 is movable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the trigger 620. Advantageously, locking mechanism 630 includes a knob 640 for depression by a user in a second direction or sliding by a user in an opposite direction perpendicular to the second direction to move locking member 634.

The locking member 634 is associated with a V-shaped recess 652 having a pair of ramped

surfaces

653 and 654 which act as a follower 650, and an inner portion of the knob 640 acts as a cam 642 on the V-shaped recess 652 so that the locking member 634 can in turn be moved by depression or sliding of the knob 640 in the opposite direction.

In this embodiment, the trigger 620 may comprise a retainer 622 for engagement by the locking member 634 in a locked position, and the locking member 634 is arranged to move beyond the locked position on said subsequent activation or movement, thereby moving and disengaging the retainer 622 from the locking member 634 to allow the locking member 634 to return to an unlocked position.

Preferably, the trigger assembly 600 further includes a self-releasable retention device 624 for temporarily retaining the retainer 622 in a transitional position disengaged from the locking member 634 such that the locking member 634 has sufficient time to return to the unlocked position, and then the retention device 624 self-releases to allow the trigger 520 to return to the off position. Advantageously, the self-releasable retention device 624 may include a spring-loaded ball detent 626 to facilitate self-release of the retention device 624.

In this embodiment, the trigger 620 also includes a portion for moving the retainer 622 when the trigger 620 is depressed to allow the locking member 634 to disengage from the retainer 622 so that the locking member 634 can return to the unlocked position.

In one example operation, the trigger 620 initially rests in the open position, as shown in fig. 54. To actuate the power tool 1, the trigger 620 is depressed by the user's index finger against the spring 621 to reach the on position, and the holder 622 is then moved by the trigger 620 towards the housing 610, as shown in fig. 55. The knob 640 of the locking mechanism 630 is depressed or slid by the user in one of the opposite directions, i.e., downward (as shown in fig. 56) or upward (as shown in fig. 57), against the

springs

645 and 646 such that the cam 642, which is an internal portion of the knob 640, acts on the pair of

inclined surfaces

653 and 654 of the V-shaped recess 652 of the follower 650. Locking mechanism 630 is then moved by follower 650 against spring 631, thereby moving locking member 634 from the unlocked position to the locked position by retainer 622, such that locking member 634 is locked by retainer 622, as shown in fig. 56-57. The locking member 634 blocks the trigger 620 from returning to the off position, as shown in fig. 58, so that the user can now release his finger from the trigger 620 and the knob 640.

When the user completes his drilling operation and wants to deactivate the power tool 1, the trigger 620 is depressed again by the user, so that a portion of the trigger 620 moves the holder 622 further towards the housing 610, as shown in fig. 59. The retainer 622 is temporarily held in the transitional position by the spring-loaded ball catch 626 of the self-releasable retaining device 624 such that the locking member 634 is no longer locked by the retainer 622 and is thus released from the locked position back to the unlocked position by the force stored in the compressed spring 631, as shown in fig. 60. The trigger 620 is no longer blocked by the locking member 634 and may return to the off position due to the force stored in the compressed spring 621, as shown in fig. 61.

It should be appreciated that while the trigger assemblies shown in fig. 2-61 are arranged to provide a lockout function, it should be appreciated that the trigger assemblies may be modified to implement a lockout function in the same manner, or to provide both a lockout function and a lockout function.

It should also be understood that the trigger assembly is not limited to power tools such as power drills, and thus the present invention may also be applied to any other electrical device that is driven by low or high current.

It should also be understood that the trigger assembly is not limited to power tools for drilling, and thus the present invention may also be applied to any other power tools used in many fields of use, and configured as other various power-driven auxiliary tools and accessories, such as cutting blades, sanding discs, grinding tools, dressing tools, and the like, for performing various tasks such as screwing, impact drilling, sawing, cutting, grinding, polishing, dressing, and the like.

It is to be understood that the foregoing shows and describes only examples of the invention which may be carried out and that modifications and/or changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention.

It is also to be understood that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

Claims

1. A trigger assembly for a power tool, comprising:

a housing;

a trigger supported by the housing for movement relative to the housing between an off position and an on position; and

a locking mechanism having a body including a movable locking member for locking the trigger in the on position, the locking member being movable between a locked position locking the trigger in the on position and an unlocked position releasing the trigger from the on position; the locking member is further arranged to move to the locked position when activated or moved by a user, and to return to the unlocked position when subsequently activated or moved by a user;

a retainer for engagement by the locking member in the locking position and arranged to move beyond the locking position on said subsequent activation or movement, thereby moving and disengaging the retainer away from the locking member to allow the locking member to return to the unlocked position; and

self-releasable retaining means for temporarily retaining the retainer in a transitional position disengaged from the locking member so that the locking member has time to return to the unlocked position, the retaining means then being self-released to allow the trigger to return to the off position.

2. The trigger assembly of claim 1, wherein the self-releasable retention device comprises a spring-loaded ball catch.

3. A trigger assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the locking mechanism includes a cam for moving the retainer when the locking member moves beyond the locking position on the subsequent activation or movement to allow disengagement of the locking member from the retainer so that the locking member can return to the unlocked position.

4. A trigger assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the trigger includes a portion for moving the retainer when the trigger is depressed to allow the locking member to disengage from the retainer so that the locking member can return to the unlocked position.

5. A trigger assembly according to claim 1 including a catch and release arrangement arranged to catch a portion of the body of the locking mechanism on said activation or movement of the locking member to lock the locking member in the locked position and to release the portion of the body of the locking mechanism on subsequent activation or movement to allow the locking member to return to the unlocked position.

6. A trigger assembly according to claim 5 wherein the catch and release means comprises a cam movable transversely of the direction of movement of the locking member.

7. A trigger assembly according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the locking member is movable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the trigger.

8. The trigger assembly of claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a knob for depression by a user in the second direction to move the locking member.

9. The trigger assembly of claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism includes a knob for sliding by a user in an opposite direction perpendicular to the second direction to move the locking member.

10. The trigger assembly of claim 9, wherein the locking member is associated with a V-shaped recess having a pair of inclined surfaces that act as a follower, an inner portion of the knob acting as a cam against the V-shaped recess to enable the locking member to be moved by sliding the knob in opposite directions.