CN115946010A

CN115946010A - Adjustable handheld grinding machine

Info

Publication number: CN115946010A
Application number: CN202211211231.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李志强; 王万强; 张惠美; 吴燕婷; 詹益侗; 蔡宗志; 蔡育维
Original assignee: Stanley Works Europe GmbH
Current assignee: Stanley Works Europe GmbH
Priority date: 2021-10-07
Filing date: 2022-09-30
Publication date: 2023-04-11
Also published as: EP4163055A1; EP4163055B1; US20230113086A1

Abstract

An adjustable sander having a body and a flexible base. The flexible base includes a first end and a second end spaced apart from one another. The first end and the second end are each pivotably attached to the body. The flexible base is configured to move relative to the body between a concave configuration, an intermediate configuration, and a convex configuration. The sander includes a removable sanding surface attached to a surface of the flexible base distal from the body. The sander includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively maintain the flexible base in a concave, intermediate, or convex configuration. The locking mechanism includes a shaft and a selector. The shaft member has a head and a shaft including a series of shaft grooves. The selector has an operator surface and a holder. The operator surface is accessible from the exterior of the body. The retainer includes an engagement surface having at least one retainer groove configured to selectively engage at least one of the shaft grooves. The selector is selectively movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

Description

Adjustable handheld grinding machine

Technical Field

The invention relates to a grinding machine. More particularly, the present invention relates to an adjustable sander suitable for use on both flat and curved surfaces.

Background

Sanders (sanders) are well known tools. They are typically used in automotive applications or manufacturing applications where a smooth surface needs to be obtained. Sanding is typically applied to flat substrates. A hand sander having a flat sanding surface can easily sand such flat substrates. However, it is often necessary to grind objects having curved substrates. In this case, a sander with a flat sanding surface may prove to be inadequate or even burdensome.

To solve this problem, it is known to have a sander with a flexible base and sanding surface. The sanding surface of such a sander may conform to the contours of the substrate being sanded. However, such sanders require the operator to apply a constant and uniform pressure so that the flexible sanding surface remains in contact with the curve of the substrate. It is advantageous to employ an adjustable sander in which the operator can select the contour (convex or concave) of the base and the contour position is maintained without further force from the operator.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention solves one or more of the above-identified problems one by providing an adjustable sander having a body and a flexible base. The flexible base includes a first end and a second end spaced apart from one another. The first end and the second end are each pivotably attached to the body. The flexible base is configured to move relative to the body between a concave configuration, an intermediate configuration, and a convex configuration. The adjustable sander also includes a removable sanding surface attached to a surface of the flexible base distal from the body. The adjustable sander further includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively maintain the flexible base in a desired concave, intermediate, or convex configuration. The locking mechanism is characterized in that it comprises a shaft having a head and a shaft comprising a series of shaft grooves. The locking mechanism also includes a selector having an operator surface and a retainer. The operator surface is accessible from the exterior of the body. The retainer includes an engagement surface having at least one retainer groove configured to selectively engage at least one of the shaft grooves. The selector is selectively movable between an engaged position in which the at least one retainer groove is engaged with one of the shaft grooves and a disengaged position in which the at least one retainer groove is disengaged from the shaft groove.

Drawings

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an adjustable sander;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment taken along a first axis;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment taken along a second axis;

FIG. 3A is a detailed view of the inset of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the locking mechanism of the first embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the locking mechanism of the first embodiment with the sleeve and pawl housing removed;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an adjustable sander;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment taken along a first axis;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment taken along a second axis;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the locking mechanism of the second embodiment;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the locking mechanism of the second embodiment with the sleeve removed;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the second embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an adjustable sander;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment taken along a first axis;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment taken along a second axis;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a locking mechanism of the third embodiment;

FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the locking mechanism of the third embodiment with the sleeve removed; and

fig. 15 is an exploded view of the third embodiment.

Detailed Description

Figures 1 to 5 show an adjustable sanding machine 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The adjustable sander 10 includes a body 12 and a flexible base 14. Body 12 may be a single shell or may be a two-piece clam shell design. The flexible base 14 has a first end 16 and a second end 18 spaced apart from one another. The first end 16 and the second end 18 are each pivotably attached to the body 12, and wherein the flexible base 14 is configured to move relative to the body 12 between a concave configuration (concave configuration), a neutral configuration (neutral configuration), and a convex configuration (concave configuration). The adjustable sander 10 further includes a removable sanding surface 20, the sanding surface 20 being attached to a surface of the flexible base 14 remote from the body 12. The adjustable sander 10 further includes a locking mechanism 22, the locking mechanism 22 configured to selectively maintain the flexible base 14 in a desired concave, intermediate, or convex configuration.

The locking mechanism 22 includes a shaft (axial) 24. The shaft member includes a head 26 and a shaft 28, the shaft 28 having a series of shaft recesses (shaft notches) 30. The shaft groove 30 may be positioned on a single side of the shaft 28; positioned on multiple sides of the shaft 28; or may be a helical surface surrounding the circumference of the shaft 28. In an alternative embodiment, the locking mechanism 22 may further include a sleeve 32 positioned about the shaft 28. Also included in the locking mechanism is a selector 34. As shown in fig. 1, the selector 34 may be a thumb slide 78. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the selector 34 may be a winged slide 80. Selector 34 includes an operator surface 36 and a retainer 38. Those skilled in the art will recognize that selector 34 and retainer 38 may be a single integral piece, or may be a plurality of interconnected pieces. The operator surface 36 is accessible from an exterior of the body 12, and the retainer 38 includes an engagement surface 40 having at least one retainer groove 42, the at least one retainer groove 42 configured to selectively engage at least one of the shaft grooves 30. The selector 34 is movable between an engaged position, wherein the at least one retainer groove 42 is engaged with one of the shaft grooves 30, and a disengaged position, wherein the at least one retainer groove 42 is disengaged from the shaft groove 30. In the first embodiment, the retainer 38 is a substantially U-shaped retainer 44. The substantially U-shaped retainer includes two prongs 46 each having an engagement surface 40 with at least one retainer groove 42 on the engagement surface 40. The two prongs 46 of the retainer 38 are spaced apart so that they can receive the shaft 28 therebetween.

In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve 32 of the locking mechanism 22 may further define a window 58. The engagement surface 40 of the retainer 38 may engage the shaft recess 30 through the window 58. The sleeve 32 may also include one or more retainer guides 110. In this first embodiment, retainer guide 110 may be positioned proximate window 58. As best shown in fig. 4A, the retainer guide 110 is configured to receive the tine portions 46 and guide the tine portions 46 to their engaged positions. The retainer 38 is configured to move horizontally between its engaged and disengaged positions. The retainer guide 110 may also prevent vertical axial movement of the retainer 38 when the retainer 38 is moved to its engaged position. Thus, the retainer guide 110 may help secure the selector in its engaged position. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the sleeve 32 may define the second window 62 and may include another set of retainer guides (not shown) positioned on the sleeve 32 opposite the first window 58 and retainer guides 110, respectively.

The locking mechanism may further include a pawl 82 biased by a spring 84. The pawl 82 and spring 84 are configured to prevent unwanted movement of the selector 34. In a preferred embodiment, the pawl 82 and spring 84 are positioned within the body 12. In a preferred embodiment, the pawl 82 and pawl spring 84 may be positioned within a pawl housing 85 within the body 12. A spring 84 biases the pawl 82 toward the keeper 38. The pawl 82 is configured to engage a pawl receiving surface 86 defined by the keeper 38. The pawl 82 is biased by a spring 84 toward a pawl receiving surface 86 as the selector 34 moves between the engaged and disengaged positions. Once engaged with the pawl receiving surface, the spring biased pawl holds the selector 34 in the desired position, thereby preventing unwanted movement. When the operator desires to move the selector 34 to its other position, she must apply sufficient force so that the pawl 82 presses back against the spring 84. When the selector reaches its desired position, the spring 84 biases the pawl 82 into the other pawl receiving surface 86.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism 22 further includes a spring 88 positioned about the shaft 28. The spring 88 is configured to be selectively compressed between the head 26 of the shaft 28 and the sleeve 32. More specifically, the spring 88 may be selectively compressed between the head 26 of the shaft 28 and the wings 33 on the sleeve 32. In operation, the spring 88 may bias the flexible base 14 from the convex configuration toward the intermediate configuration.

Fig. 6 to 10 disclose a second embodiment of an adjustable sanding machine 10. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 22 differs in that the operator surface 36 of the selector 34 is a winged slide 80. Further, in this second embodiment, the holder 38 is a plate 48. The plate 48 defines an opening 50 having a large end 52 and a small end 54. The opening 50 is sized and configured to receive the shaft 28 therethrough. The large end 52 of the opening 50 is much larger than the shaft 28 so that the inner edge 56 of the opening 50 cannot engage the shaft groove 30. Instead, the small end 54 of the opening 50 is only slightly larger than the shaft 28 so that the inner edge 56 of the opening 50 that serves as the retainer groove 42 can engage the shaft groove 30. In the preferred embodiment, the shaft 28 includes two sets of shaft grooves 30. The inner edges 56 of the openings 50 at the small ends 54 are configured to engage the two sets of shaft grooves 30.

Fig. 11 to 15 disclose a third embodiment of the adjustable sanding machine 10. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 22 includes a gear nut 64 secured within the body 12. The gear nut 64 includes an inner surface 66 with a series of nut grooves 68 on the inner surface 66. In this embodiment, the retainer 38 is a gear pin 70. The gear pin 70 includes a first portion 72 having a series of retainer slot portions 44. The gear pin 70 further includes a second portion 74 having a series of locking grooves 76, the series of locking grooves 76 being configured to selectively engage the nut groove 68 such that the nut groove 68 and the locking grooves 76 engage one another when the retainer 38 is in the engaged position. Conversely, when retainer 38 is in the disengaged position, nut groove 68 and locking groove 76 are disengaged from one another.

In any of the foregoing embodiments, one or more of the following features may also be included. For example, one or the other of the shaft groove 30 and the retainer groove 44 may be chamfered 45. Further, both the shaft groove 30 and the retainer groove portion 44 may be chamfered 45. Similarly, in embodiments where the locking mechanism 22 includes a gear nut 64 and a gear pin 70, one or more of the nut groove 68 and the locking groove 76 may be chamfered 45. The chamfer 45 in any of the embodiments described is configured to facilitate sliding engagement between the shaft groove and the retainer groove 44 or between the nut groove 68 and the locking groove 76.

Another feature that may be used in any of the foregoing embodiments is that the body 12 is configured as a two-piece clamshell 90. Such a configuration makes the adjustable sander 10 easy to manufacture.

Yet another feature that may be used in combination with any of the preceding embodiments is the inclusion of first and

second attachment arms

92, 94. The first and second connecting arms are spaced apart from each other. The first and second link arms have one ends 96, 98, respectively, pivotally connected to the flexible base 14 and second ends 100, 102, respectively, pivotally connected to the body 12. The connecting

arms

92, 94 are configured to facilitate greater pivotal movement of the flexible base 14 relative to the main body 12.

Another feature that may be used in conjunction with any of the preceding embodiments is a vacuum pipe coupling 104 having a first end 106 and a second end 108. The first end 106 is configured to engage a vacuum mechanism. The second end 108 is configured to facilitate contact with abrasive particles released from the abrasive surface. In operation, the vacuum tube coupling allows excess dust from the sanding surface to be removed.

It is to be understood that while the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable sander (10), comprising:

a main body (12);

a flexible base (14), the flexible base (14) having a first end (16) and a second end (18) spaced apart from each other, and wherein the first end (16) and the second end (18) are each pivotably attached to the body (12), and wherein the flexible base (14) is configured to move relative to the body (12) between a concave configuration, an intermediate configuration, and a convex configuration;

a removable abrading surface (20), the removable abrading surface (20) being attached to a surface of the flexible base (14) remote from the body (12);

a locking mechanism (22), the locking mechanism (22) configured to selectively retain the flexible base (14) in a desired concave, intermediate, or convex configuration; and is

Characterized in that said locking mechanism (22) comprises:

a shaft (24), the shaft (24) including a head (26) and a shaft (28), and wherein the shaft (28) includes a series of shaft grooves (30);

a sleeve (32), the sleeve (32) configured to be positioned about the shaft (28);

a selector (34), the selector (34) having an operator surface (36) and a retainer (38) coupled to the selector (34), wherein the operator surface (36) is accessible from an exterior of the body (12) and the retainer (38) includes an engagement surface (40), the engagement surface (40) having at least one retainer groove (42), the at least one retainer groove (42) configured to selectively engage at least one of the shaft grooves (30), and wherein the selector (34) is selectively movable between an engaged position in which the at least one retainer groove (42) engages one of the shaft grooves (30) and a disengaged position in which the at least one retainer groove (42) is disengaged from the shaft groove (30).

2. The adjustable sander (10) of claim 1, wherein the retainer (38) is a U-shaped retainer (44) and includes two prongs (46) each having an engagement surface (40), the engagement surface (40) having at least one retainer groove (42) thereon.

3. The adjustable sander (10) of claim 1, wherein the retainer (38) is a plate (48), the plate (48) defining an opening (50) having a large end (52) and a small end (54), and wherein at the large end (52), the opening (50) is much larger than the shaft (28) such that an inner edge (56) of the opening that serves as a retainer groove (42) cannot engage the shaft groove (30), and wherein at the small end (54), the opening (50) is only slightly larger than the shaft (28) such that the inner edge (56) of the opening (50) that serves as a retainer groove (42) can engage the shaft groove (30).

4. The adjustable sander (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the sleeve (32) further defines a window (58), and wherein the engagement surface (40) of the retainer (38) is engageable with the shaft recess (30) through the window (58).

5. The adjustable sander (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the shaft (28) comprises a second series of shaft grooves (60) and the sleeve (32) further defines a second window (62).

6. The adjustable sander (10) of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism (22) further comprises a gear nut (64), the gear nut (64) being fixed within the body (12) and having an inner surface (66), the inner surface (66) comprising a series of nut grooves (68), and the retainer (38) being a gear pin (70), the gear pin (70) having a first portion (72) comprising a series of retainer grooves (44) and a second portion (74) having a series of locking grooves (76), the locking grooves (76) being configured to selectively engage the nut grooves (68) such that the nut grooves (68) and the locking grooves (76) engage each other when the retainer (38) is in the engaged position, and in the disengaged position the nut grooves (68) and the locking grooves (76) disengage each other.

7. The adjustable sander (10) of claim 6, wherein at least one of the nut groove (68) and the locking groove (76) is chamfered (45).

8. The adjustable sander (10) of any preceding claim, wherein the operator surface (36) of the selector (34) is a thumb slide (78).

9. The adjustable sander (10) of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the operator surface (36) of the selector (34) is a winged slide (80).

10. The adjustable sander (10) of any of the preceding claims wherein the locking mechanism (22) further comprises a pawl (82) biased by a spring (84), and wherein the pawl is configured to engage a pawl receiving surface (86) on the selector (34).

11. The adjustable sander (10) of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the shaft recess (30) and holder groove portion (44) is chamfered.

12. The adjustable sander (10) of any preceding claim, further comprising a spring (88) positioned about the shaft (28) and configured to be selectively compressed between the head (26) of the shaft (28) and the sleeve (32).

13. The adjustable sander (10) of any of the preceding claims wherein the main body (12) is comprised of a two-piece clamshell (90).

14. The adjustable sander (10) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a first connecting arm (92) and a second connecting arm (94) spaced apart from each other, and having one end (96, 98) connected to the flexible base (14) and a second end (100, 102) connected to the body (12), respectively, and wherein the first connecting arm (92) and the second connecting arm (94) are configured to facilitate greater pivotal movement of the flexible base (14) relative to the body (12).

15. The adjustable sander (10) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a vacuum pipe coupling (104), the vacuum pipe coupling (104) having one end (106) configured to engage a vacuum mechanism and another end (108) configured to facilitate contact with sanding particles released by the sanding surface (20).