CN216085128U

CN216085128U - Power tool and power tool kit with safety linkage

Info

Publication number: CN216085128U
Application number: CN201990001246.7U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 张艳军; 李永民; 蔡俊生; 刘富
Original assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
Current assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
Priority date: 2019-01-15
Filing date: 2019-01-15
Publication date: 2022-03-18
Anticipated expiration: 2029-01-15
Also published as: EP3912204A1; EP3912204A4; WO2020147002A1

Abstract

The utility model relates to an electric tool with a safety connecting rod mechanism. The electric tool includes: a battery receptacle defining a battery receiving space, the battery receptacle arranged to be removably coupled with a battery pack; an actuator movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively operate a drive arrangement of the power tool for driving a tool element; and a linkage operably connected with the actuator, wherein the linkage comprises a first linkage member movable substantially linearly along a movement axis between a first position preventing the battery pack from being coupled with the battery receptacle and a second position allowing the battery pack to be coupled with the battery receptacle. By using a mechanical linkage, the present invention provides a more reliable and less expensive mechanism to ensure user safety and prevent injury due to any electronic mechanism failure, such as a PCB board failure.

Description

Power tool and power tool kit with safety linkage

Technical Field

The present invention relates to power tools, and in particular, but not exclusively, to power tools and power tool kits with safety linkages.

Background

Power tools, particularly cordless power tools using direct current, typically require connection to a battery pack to supply power to the power tool. In the event that the user needs to remove the battery pack for storage or when the battery pack is running out of power during operation, the switch of the power tool is in the open position and the user may inadvertently forget to turn off the switch. When the user inserts the battery pack into the power tool while the switch is still in the open position, the power tool will be powered on almost immediately and may cause injury to the user because the user is not ready.

One existing way to prevent this potential hazard is to add a PCB control system to the power tool so that the power tool will not operate if the user inserts the battery pack into the power tool while the switch is in the open position. The user must return the switch to the off position and then insert the battery pack again. However, PCB control systems still sometimes fail and such control systems are expensive, thus increasing the cost of the power tool.

It is therefore desirable to prevent the above-mentioned risks by means of a more reliable and less expensive mechanism to ensure the safety of the user.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In view of the above background, it is an object to address the above needs, overcome or substantially ameliorate the above disadvantages, or more generally to provide a power tool with a safety linkage.

The above object is achieved by combining the features of the main claims; the dependent claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the utility model.

Other objects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the objects is not exhaustive and is provided for the purpose of illustrating only some of the many objects of the utility model.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention is a power tool including a battery receptacle defining a battery receiving space, the battery receptacle being arranged to be removably coupled with a battery pack; an actuator movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively operate a drive arrangement of the power tool for driving a tool element; and a linkage operably connected with the actuator, wherein the linkage comprises a first linkage member movable substantially linearly along a movement axis between a first position preventing the battery pack from being coupled with the battery receptacle and a second position allowing the battery pack to be coupled with the battery receptacle.

Preferably, the first link member moves to the first position when the actuator is actuated to an open position and the first link member moves to the second position when the actuator is actuated to a closed position.

More preferably, in the first position the first link member extends at least partially into the battery receiving space, and wherein in the second position the first link member does not extend into the battery receiving space.

Preferably, the battery receptacle is arranged to receive the battery pack along an axis different from the axis of movement.

More preferably, the battery receptacle is arranged to slidingly receive the battery pack.

In a preferred embodiment, the first link member comprises: a rod elongated along the axis of movement; a stopper; and a spring disposed between the rod and the stop, wherein the spring is covered by a bushing.

Preferably, when the actuator is actuated from the closed position to the open position when the battery pack is coupled to the battery receptacle, the spring is compressed under the resistance of the battery pack such that the first link member does not extend into the battery receiving space, wherein, when the battery pack is removed, the spring recoils such that at least a portion of the stopper extends into the battery receiving space.

More preferably, the linkage mechanism further comprises a second link member operatively connected with the actuator, and a connecting member operatively connected with the first link member and the second link member to facilitate movement of the first link member in response to movement of the second link member.

Preferably, the first link member is elongate substantially along the movement axis and the second link member is elongate substantially parallel to but offset from the movement axis.

More preferably, the first link member moves in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the second link member when the actuator is actuated.

According to a variant of the preferred embodiment, the connecting member is slidable along a sliding axis different from the movement axis.

Preferably, the connecting member is only slidable along the sliding axis.

In one embodiment, the connecting member includes a first ramp surface and a second ramp surface; the first link member includes a corresponding first ramp surface for sliding engagement with the first ramp surface; and the second link member includes a corresponding second ramp surface for sliding engagement with the second ramp surface.

More preferably, the first ramp surface is a planar surface extending in a first plane and the second ramp surface is a planar surface extending in a second plane, wherein the first plane is non-parallel to the second plane.

Preferably, neither the first plane nor the second plane is parallel to the movement axis.

According to another variant of the preferred embodiment, the connecting member is rotatable relative to the first link member or the second link member.

Preferably, the connecting member is rotatable about an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement.

In another embodiment, the connecting member comprises a rotatable pinion with teeth, wherein the first link member comprises a first rack for engaging with the teeth of the pinion, and the second link member comprises a second rack for engaging with the teeth of the pinion.

Preferably, the first link member and the second link member extend substantially parallel to each other.

In another embodiment, the connecting member comprises a plate pivotable about a pivot axis, the plate having a first opening and a second opening arranged on opposite sides of the plate, wherein the first link member is arranged to be coupled with the first opening by a first fastener and the second link member is arranged to be coupled with the second opening by a second fastener.

Preferably, the first fastener is movable within the first opening and the second fastener is movable within the second opening.

In addition, the power tool further includes a switch for controlling activation of the drive device, wherein the actuator is operable by a user to selectively open and close the switch when the battery receptacle is coupled with the battery pack.

In a particular embodiment, the power tool is a cordless power tool using only direct current.

More specifically, the power tool is a grinder, such as an angle grinder.

In another aspect, the present invention is a power tool kit including a power tool and a rechargeable battery pack arranged to be removably coupled with a battery receptacle of the power tool.

Other aspects of the utility model will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Thus, the present invention provides a number of different configurations for a mechanical line lock system. By using a mechanical linkage connected to the open/close actuator, the present invention provides a more absolute and cheaper mechanism to ensure the safety of the user and to prevent injuries due to any electronic mechanism failure, such as a PCB board failure.

Drawings

The above and further features of the utility model will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a power tool having a linkage mechanism with a first link member in a second position, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B shows a close-up view of the first link member of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional view of the portion of the power tool with the first link member in a first position;

FIG. 2B shows a close-up view of the first link member of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first link member of FIG. 1A when coupled with a battery pack;

FIG. 3B shows a close-up cross-sectional view of the first link member in a first position;

FIG. 3C shows a close-up cross-sectional view of the first link member in a second position;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a connecting member of the power tool of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the portion of the power tool with the first link member in the second position, the power tool having an alternative link member in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the portion of the power tool with the first link member in a first position and the power tool having the link member of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first link member of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the portion of the power tool with the first link member in the second position, the power tool having an alternative link member in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the portion of the power tool with the first link member in a first position and the power tool having the link member of FIG. 8; and

fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the first link member of fig. 8.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a power tool 100. Preferably, the power tool 100 is a cordless power tool using only direct current, and although not all are shown in the drawings, in the present embodiment, the power tool 100 is a grinder. The power tool 100 includes a linkage mechanism 102, and in this illustrated embodiment, only the portion of the power tool 100 with the linkage mechanism 102 is shown. The power tool 100 includes a battery receptacle 120 defining a battery receiving space. The battery receptacle 120 is arranged to be removably coupled with a battery pack (not shown) in the battery receiving space to receive electrical energy. The battery pack is preferably a rechargeable battery pack. The power tool 100 further includes an actuator 104 movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively operate a drive (not shown) of the power tool 100 for driving a tool element (not shown). In this exemplary embodiment, the actuator 104 is a slidable actuator between open/closed positions. The linkage 102 is operatively connected with the actuator 104, wherein the linkage 102 includes a first linkage member 106 that is substantially linearly movable along the movement axis a between a first position that prevents coupling of the battery pack with the battery receptacle 120 and a second position that allows coupling of the battery pack with the battery receptacle 120. Preferably, the power tool 100 includes an opening 124 for the first link member 106 to extend into the battery receiving space.

In fig. 1A, the first link member 106 is in the second position. Fig. 1B shows a close-up view of the first link member 106 in this second position, in which the first link member 106 does not extend into the battery receiving space, such that the battery receptacle 120 can be coupled with a battery pack.

The battery receptacle 120 is arranged to receive a battery pack along an axis different from the axis of movement a. In particular, the battery receptacle 120 is arranged to slidingly receive the battery pack along an axis B forming an acute angle with the movement axis a.

Fig. 2A shows a cross-sectional view of this portion of the power tool 100 with the first link member 106 in a first position. When the actuator 104 is actuated to the closed position, the first link member 106 moves to the second position (as shown in fig. 1A and 1B), and when the actuator 104 of the power tool 100 is actuated to the open position, the first link member 106 moves to the first position. As shown in fig. 2B, when the first link member 106 is in the first position, the first link member 106 partially extends into the battery receiving space through the opening 124, thus preventing the battery pack from being coupled with the battery receptacle 120.

The linkage 102 further includes a second link member 116 operatively connected with the actuator 104, and a connecting member 126 operatively connected with the first link member 106 and the second link member 116 to facilitate movement of the first link member 106 in response to movement of the second link member 116 (due to actuation of the actuator 104 by a user in both directions).

Preferably, the first link member 106 is elongated substantially along the movement axis a, and the second link member 116 is elongated substantially parallel to but offset from the movement axis a. In the present embodiment, when the actuator 104 is actuated, the direction of movement of the first link member 106 is opposite to the direction of movement of the second link member 116. For illustration purposes, when the user slides the actuator 104 to the left to the open position, the second link member 116 connected with the actuator 104 also moves to the left, and in response to the leftward movement of the second link member 116, the first link member 106 moves to the right to extend into the battery receiving space. The power tool 100 further includes a switch 118 for controlling activation of a drive device (not shown), wherein the actuator 104 is operable by a user to selectively open and close the switch 118 when the battery receptacle 120 is coupled with the battery pack.

Reference is now made to fig. 3A to 3C. Fig. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of the power tool 100 coupled with the battery pack 122, and fig. 3B and 3C show cross-sectional views of the first link member 106. In the present embodiment, the first link member 106 includes a rod 114 elongated along the movement axis a, a stopper 108, and a spring 112 arranged between the rod 114 and the stopper 108. The spring 112 is covered by the bushing 110. Fig. 3B shows the spring 112 in a relaxed state, in which the bushing 110 completely covers the portion between the rod 114 and the stop 108 connected by the spring 112, and fig. 3C shows the spring 112 in a compressed state.

In this embodiment, the user preferably actuates the actuator 104 to the open position by sliding it in a leftward direction. When the actuator 104 is actuated from the closed position to the open position when the battery pack 122 is coupled to the battery receptacle 120, the spring 112 is compressed under the resistance of the battery pack 122 such that the first linkage member 106 does not extend into the battery receiving space, wherein when the battery pack 122 is removed, the spring 112 springs back such that at least a portion of the stopper 108 extends into the battery receiving space, as shown in fig. 2A and 2B.

The connecting member 126 in fig. 1A to 3C is slidable along a sliding axis C different from the moving axis a. In particular, the connecting member 126 is slidable only along the sliding axis C, and in the present embodiment, the sliding axis C is perpendicular to the movement axis a.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the connecting member 126 of the power tool 100 in fig. 1A to 3C. The connecting member 126 has a generally triangular shape and includes a first ramp surface 126a and a second ramp surface 126 b. The first link member 106 includes a corresponding ramp surface 106a for sliding engagement with the first ramp surface 126a of the connecting member 126, and the second link member 116 also includes a corresponding ramp surface 116a for sliding engagement with the second ramp surface 126 b.

As illustrated in fig. 4, the first and

second ramp surfaces

126a, 126b of the connecting member 126 are planar surfaces extending in first and second planes, wherein the first and second planes are non-parallel to each other and neither is parallel to the movement axis a. In one example, the first plane and the second plane form an acute angle such that the connecting member 126 has a triangular cross-section. In fig. 3A, when the second link member 116 moves to the left, the corresponding ramp surface 116a moves the connecting member 126 downward, which in turn moves the first link member 106 to the right along the movement axis a.

In fig. 5-10, the

power tools

200, 300 are generally similar to the power tool 100 of fig. 1A-3C (like parts bear like reference numerals), and only the primary differences are described herein. In the

power tools

200, 300, their respective connecting members may rotate relative to the

first link member

206, 306 or the

second link member

216, 316. The connecting members 226, 336 are each rotatable about a rotation axis D substantially perpendicular to the movement axis a.

Referring now to fig. 5 to 7, a connecting member of a power tool 200 in a second embodiment is shown. The connecting member is a toothed, rotatable pinion 226, and the first link member 206 and the second link member 216 include a first rack 206a and a second rack 216a, respectively, for engaging with the teeth of the pinion 226. In the present embodiment, the first link member 206 and the second link member 216 extend substantially parallel to each other.

Fig. 6 shows the first link member 206 in a first position. When the actuator 204, and thus the second linkage member 216, is actuated in a left direction, the movement causes the pinion 226 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Since the teeth of the pinion 226 are engaged with the first link member 206 and the second link member 216, the rotation of the pinion 226 in turn causes the first link member 206 to move in a right direction and extend into the battery receiving space. Fig. 7 is similar to fig. 3A, except that the connecting member is a rotatable pinion 226 instead of the slidable member 126.

Fig. 8 to 10 show a connecting member of a power tool 300 in a third embodiment. The connecting member includes a plate 326 pivotable about a pivot axis, the plate 326 having a first opening 326a and a second opening 326b disposed on opposite sides of the plate 326. First link member 306 is arranged to couple with first opening 326a via first fastener 336a, and second link member 316 is arranged to couple with second opening 326b via second fastener 336 b. The first fastener 336a is movable within the first opening 326a and the second fastener 336b is movable within the second opening 326 b.

Fig. 9 shows the first link member 306 in a first position. When the actuator 304, and thus the second linkage member 316, is actuated in a leftward direction, the movement causes the plate 326 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Since the second link member 316 is fastened to one end of the plate 326 and the first link member 306 is fastened to the other end of the plate 326, the rotation of the plate 326 moves the first link member 306 in the right direction and extends into the battery receiving space. Fig. 10 is similar to fig. 7, except that the connecting member is a pivotable plate 326 rather than a rotatable pinion 226.

While the utility model has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and do not limit the scope of the utility model in any way. It is to be understood that any feature described herein may be used with any embodiment. The illustrative embodiments are not mutually exclusive or exclude other embodiments not enumerated herein. Accordingly, the present invention also provides embodiments that include combinations of one or more of the above illustrative embodiments. Modifications and variations may be made to the present invention as set forth herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the utility model, and, accordingly, only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated by the appended claims.

Although not shown in the drawings, in other embodiments, the

power tool

100, 200, 300 may be another type of tool or device that includes a battery receptacle for coupling with a battery, and a mechanical linkage for preventing coupling when the switch is open. Similarly, the actuator 104 may be a rotatable actuator that is rotatable between open/closed positions to linearly move the second link member 116. According to the embodiments shown above, the axis B along which the battery pack is mounted to the battery receptacle 120 forms an angle with the movement axis a, but in other embodiments, the axis B may be perpendicular to the movement axis a, or form an oblique angle with the movement axis a.

The connecting member 126 may have other cross-sectional profiles, such as trapezoidal or circular, with the first and

second link members

106, 116 having corresponding surfaces that engage the connecting member 116. Similarly, the sliding axis C along which the link member 226 moves may be oblique to the movement axis a that allows translational movement of the actuator 104 to the first link member 106.

According to the embodiments shown above, the connecting members 226, 336 are rotatable members having pinions with teeth, or pivotable plates. In other embodiments, the connecting member may be another rotatable member that is rotatable at an angle to the movement axis a. The

first link member

106, 206, 306 includes the rod, stop, and spring covered by the bushing described above, but in other embodiments, the

first link member

106, 206, 306 may be a single rod linearly movable to and from a first position and a second position, wherein the battery pack 122 has a corresponding opening for receiving the rod when a user actuates the rod to the first position when the battery pack 122 is coupled with the battery receptacle 120.

As used herein, terms such as "forward", "rearward", "front", "rear", "highest", "lowest", "left", "right", and the like are for the purpose of describing the normal use orientation of the utility model and are not intended to limit the utility model to any particular orientation.

Unless otherwise indicated, any reference to prior art contained herein is not an admission that the information is common general knowledge.

Claims

1. An electric power tool, characterized by comprising:

a battery receptacle defining a battery receiving space, the battery receptacle arranged to be removably coupled with a battery pack;

an actuator movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively operate a drive arrangement of the power tool for driving a tool element; and

a linkage operably connected with the actuator, wherein the linkage comprises a first linkage member linearly movable along a movement axis between a first position preventing the battery pack from being coupled with the battery receptacle and a second position allowing the battery pack to be coupled with the battery receptacle.

2. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the first link member moves to the first position when the actuator is actuated to the open position and the first link member moves to the second position when the actuator is actuated to the closed position.

3. The power tool of claim 1 or 2, wherein in the first position the first link member extends at least partially into the battery receiving space, and wherein in the second position the first link member does not extend into the battery receiving space.

4. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the battery receptacle is arranged to receive the battery pack along an axis different from the axis of movement.

5. The power tool of claim 4, wherein the battery receptacle is arranged to slidingly receive the battery pack.

6. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the first link member comprises:

a rod elongated along the axis of movement;

a stopper;

a bushing connecting the rod and the stopper; and

a spring disposed inside the bushing and between the rod and the stop.

7. The power tool of claim 6, wherein when the actuator is actuated from the closed position to the open position when the battery pack is coupled to the battery receptacle, the spring is compressed under the resistance of the battery pack such that the first link member does not extend into the battery receiving space, wherein when the battery pack is removed, the spring recoils such that at least a portion of the stop extends into the battery receiving space.

8. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the linkage mechanism further comprises:

a second linkage member operatively connected to the actuator; and

a connecting member operatively connected with the first link member and the second link member to facilitate movement of the first link member in response to movement of the second link member.

9. The power tool of claim 8, wherein the first link member is elongated along the axis of movement.

10. The power tool of claim 8 or 9, wherein the second link member is elongate parallel to the axis of movement but offset from the axis of movement.

11. The power tool of claim 8, wherein the first link member moves in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the second link member when the actuator is actuated.

12. The power tool of claim 11, wherein the coupling member is slidable along a sliding axis different from the axis of movement.

13. The power tool of claim 12, wherein the coupling member is slidable only along the sliding axis.

14. The power tool according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that:

the connecting member includes a first ramp surface and a second ramp surface;

the first link member includes a corresponding first ramp surface for sliding engagement with the first ramp surface; and is

The second link member includes a corresponding second ramp surface for sliding engagement with the second ramp surface.

15. The power tool of claim 14, wherein the first ramp surface is a planar surface extending in a first plane and the second ramp surface is a planar surface extending in a second plane, and wherein the first plane is non-parallel to the second plane.

16. The power tool of claim 15, wherein neither the first plane nor the second plane is parallel to the axis of movement.

17. The power tool of claim 11, wherein the connecting member is rotatable relative to the first link member or the second link member.

18. The power tool of claim 17, wherein the coupling member is rotatable about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the axis of movement.

19. The power tool of claim 17 or 18, wherein:

the connecting member includes a rotatable pinion gear with teeth;

the first link member includes a first rack for engaging with teeth of the pinion gear; and is

The second link member includes a second rack for engaging with the teeth of the pinion gear.

20. The power tool of claim 19, wherein the first link member and the second link member extend parallel to each other.

21. The power tool of claim 17 or 18, wherein:

the connecting member comprises a plate pivotable about a pivot axis, the plate comprising a first opening and a second opening arranged on opposite sides of the plate;

the first link member is arranged to be coupled with the first opening by a first fastener; and is

The second link member is arranged to be coupled with the second opening by a second fastener.

22. The power tool of claim 21, wherein the first fastener is movable within the first opening and the second fastener is movable within the second opening.

23. The power tool of claim 1, further comprising:

a switch for controlling the activation of the driving device;

wherein the actuator is operable by a user to selectively open and close the switch when the battery receptacle is coupled with the battery pack.

24. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the power tool is a cordless power tool using only direct current.

25. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the power tool is a grinder.

26. A power tool kit, comprising:

the power tool of any one of claims 1 to 24; and

a rechargeable battery pack arranged to be removably coupled with the battery receptacle of the power tool.