EP1201374B1 - Portable guide device for precision drilling - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable electric drill cradle (1) and support stops (6,7,13) can slide in either direction along a linear guide (2). The relative distance between the cradle and the support stops can be varied before or during drilling, so as to define a movable part and fixed part. The jig has means for locking and unlocking the movable part. The support stops include a centering system. The movable part can include the cradle or the stops. Precision, centering, guiding and positioning jig for a portable electric drill (0). The jig includes a linear guide preferable containing a rule (2) as well as a drill cradle (1) and support stops for the object to be machined in the machining axis (13) and object support stops in a plane perpendicular to the machining axis (6,7). The two stops are preferably fixed with respect to each other. The locking and unlocking system includes a trigger (4) and a locking mechanism having a reset spring. The sliding movement of the movable part is completely locked when the trigger (4) is pressed.

Description

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a new positioning and precision guiding device, compared to a part to be drilled, for a drill or portable electric drill. This device allows in particular on-site drilling of metal parts of a certain thickness.

State of the art

The field of application considered is that of drilling of metal parts such as for example profiles, having a certain thickness. We will consider particular where it is appropriate to perforate such parts on site or on site, by means of drills having a diameter greater than 10 mm.

The use of column drills, designed usually for workshop work, is inadequate in this case because of their weight and the impossibility of move the pieces to be drilled.

In the case of the use of a drill portable on site, the skilled person usually experiences difficulties of centering or conservation of the axis of drilling. The precision of the work can therefore be feel strongly. In some cases, it is desirable also to fix the piece to drill relative to the tool with adequate means. On the other hand, he is often necessary to penetrate the metal material to be drilled to a depth of a few millimeters, before remove the drill. This operation is necessary on the one hand to check the correct centering of the drill (priming) and on the other hand to evacuate the formed chips. This operation, easy and precise in the case of use of a column drill, becomes particularly delicate with a portable drill.

The state of the art closest to the The present invention is constituted by US-A-5,885 036. This document describes the combination of a drill portable device with a device comprising functions of maintenance, guidance and advancement. This device is based essentially on the principles of a clamp sold under the name QUICK-GRIP®. The drill is attached to a movable jaw that slides on a guide towards a fixed jaw. The progress is obtained by squeezing the trigger of the movable jaw. When the trigger is released, the system hangs. The backward movement is only possible by pressing a release lever, separate from the trigger. In this device, the fixed jaw acting as a stop can be attached at either end of the stem acting as a guide.

This device generates several types of problems. First, it has an advance-lock mechanism, not allowing easy return back. A number of squeezes on the trigger is needed to adjust the drill to the height of the workpiece, especially since the stop is fixed and not adjustable. Then, like when you start drilling, the jaw is blocked, there is a risk of bending the device and a risk of breakage of the drill during the initiation, which involves a danger to the user. The fact that the forest can not come back easily is more embarrassing for chip removal. In fact, it is a system hybrid not suitable because comprising a device marketed whose primary function is the tightening and not the guidance. Finally, in the drilling process using this device, the penetration force is provided by a operator who always has one hand, or both, from same side compared to the device. So we always have the risk of having a bending moment harmful to safety or at least the quality of the guidance.

US-A-4,072,440 proposes a device auxiliary guidance to a portable drill to ensure the orthogonality of the drill axis with respect to a flat or non-planar drilling surface, for example cylindrical or spherical. The guidance system includes a cradle which attaches to the portable drill by means of a collar of Tightening. Two parallel guides with return springs slide in the cradle and are attached to a stop that is positioned against the part to be welded. The stop is equipped with feet for example made of rubber which facilitate the positioning. Stop-type means make it possible to adjust the compression of the springs, limit the stroke of the drill at a range of positions and therefore limit also its depth of penetration. The springs of reminder tend to print to the drill a movement distance from the part to be drilled, when the operator stop exerting a forward force. This device has also as a disadvantage that the operator can not use only one hand and that the possibilities adjustment are limited. In addition, the strength for counteracting the return springs can be important and adds to the force required to drill into a material hard.

Document DE-A-36 42 061 proposes a device drilling rig, similar to a column drill, usable on site. With one hand, the operator operates the drill and the other brings it closer and the object to to drill, by exerting a reduced force, by means of a lever mechanism.

DE-A-31 20 247 discloses a precision guide and drill installation for a portable power drill with a moving carriage on a rail and secured to the cradle of the drill, a stop axial adjustable at one end of the rail to support the object to be pierced, a device for blocking and unblocking the other end of the rail including a solid handle rail to which an articulated arm is connected, as well as a mechanism connected on the one hand to the truck and on the other hand articulated arm, to transform the pivoting movement of the articulated arm in a translation of the carriage towards the object to be pierced.

DE-A-40 14 210 discloses a similar guide and drill rig where the locking and unlocking device comprises an arm lever reducing the effort to be provided by the operator and further comprises an axially adjustable stop perpendicular to the axis of drilling.

Goals of the invention

The present invention aims to provide a new positioning device and precision guidance for portable drill, not having the disadvantages of the state of the art.

In particular, the invention aims to provide to the user a simple, ergonomic and good device walk.

A complementary aim of the invention is to provide a solution that reduces or eliminates the danger of breakage of the drill or blockage of the drill, during its use.

A complementary aim of the invention is to to provide a solution that allows at any time keep fixed the part to be drilled.

Summary of the invention

• le berceau de foreuse et les butées sont disposés et peuvent coulisser, dans un sens ou dans le sens opposé, sur les moyens de guidage linéaire ;
• la distance relative entre le berceau de foreuse et les butées de support varie, avant ou en cours de forage, définissant ainsi une pièce dite mobile et une pièce dite fixe ;
• le dispositif comporte des moyens de blocage et déblocage de ladite pièce mobile ;
• les butées de support comportent des moyens de centrage.

The present invention relates to a device for positioning, precision guiding and centering for a drill or portable drill motor, preferably electric, comprising linear guide means, preferably a ruler, and a cradle of a drill, an abutment for supporting the object to be drilled in the drilling axis and an abutment for supporting said object in a plane perpendicular to the drilling axis, the two stops being preferably fixed relative to one another characterized in that

• the auger cradle and the stops are arranged and can slide, in one direction or in the opposite direction, on the linear guide means;
• the relative distance between the auger cradle and the support stops varies, before or during drilling, thus defining a so-called moving part and a so-called fixed part;
• the device comprises means for locking and unlocking said moving part;
• the support stops comprise centering means.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the moving part includes the cradle of drilling machine.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the moving part comprises the stops of support.

Preferably, said locking means and unlocking include a trigger and a mechanism for blocking comprising at least one return spring, the sliding movement of the moving part being completely blocked when the trigger is pressed. Of more, according to the invention, the trigger is removable and fits on the moving part.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism further comprises minus a wafer having a shape orifice rectangular allowing it to slide on said linear guide means, the section of which is slightly greater than that of said linear guide means, held in contact with one end of said trigger and kept in place essentially perpendicular to the linear guide means, in the absence of pressure on the trigger, thanks to the spring of recall.

Advantageously, blocking the part mobile, when the trigger is fully pressed or not, result of the contact of said wafer, at least by the small sides of the rectangle constituting said orifice, with said linear guide means.

Preferably, the support abutment of said object in a plane perpendicular to the drill axis is adjustable.

Still according to the invention, the cradle of attachment of the drill allows a fixation of it with a degree of freedom in rotation around the axis of drilling.

Preferably, the plane formed by the axis of drilling and the auger handle is distinct from, in perpendicular to the plane formed by the axis of drilling and the linear guide means.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 shows an elevational view of a first embodiment (Figure 1.A) and a second embodiment (Fig. 1.B) of the invention.

FIG. 2 represents a perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 represents a perspective view of the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 represents an exploded view of the first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the second embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

Figures 1.A and 1.B show the device of the invention, the purpose of which is to enable the centering of a drill or portable drill, preferably electric, compared to an object to be drilled. This object can be for example a stainless steel metal profile in which a number of holes, for example several hundred a day, intended for fixing said profile, at regular intervals. This device is therefore designed primarily for the professional and not for the handyman.

The device is presented in two forms preferred embodiments, described below. In each form of execution, the principle consists, after centering of the object, to slide, relative to each other, on a ruler, a drill tied to a cradle and a stop supporting the object to be drilled.

The drill used with the device according to the invention is conventionally a portable drill, to manual and motor drive, preferably electric, having a body, provided with a handle on which the control members, and a rotary mandrel on which is fixed a drill.

The two preferred embodiments are distinguish one from the other by the fact that, either drill is fixed and the stop moving (Figure 2) or that the stop is fixed and the mobile drill (figure 3).

The device according to the invention is designed to drill effortlessly and safely, with drill bits diameter of at least up to 14 mm, thanks to a system trigger lock. In the device, the trigger is associated with a handle, lying either on the stop of support, either on the cradle of the drill. This trigger is removable and adapts indifferently to one or the other type of sleeve. In FIG. 1, all the parts which may appear on the same rule, in both embodiments of the invention, and in particular both types of stop. This shows the character particularly compact and simple of the invention. In particular, one and the same trigger is enough to use the invention in its two forms of execution preferred.

In the absence of pressure on the trigger by the operator, the moving part (cradle or stop) is free to move by sliding on the ruler. In addition, sliding movement is possible both forward and back. When pulling the trigger, the mechanism controlled by the trigger ensures the blocking of the workpiece mobile on the ruler. It should be noted that the blockage is ensured as soon as you pull the trigger. It is not at all necessary to squeeze the trigger fully. In the device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the simple act of squeezing the trigger provides a rapprochement of the moving part and the fixed part, which corresponds in this case to a relative race of drill from 0 to 20 mm maximum. This maximum value corresponds to the trigger position fully pressed. Of Moreover, the relative position of the stop and the cradle of Drill can also be adjusted at any time.

• compacité, rigidité, légèreté et facilité d'utilisation ;
• ajustement aisé et rapide de la position de la foreuse et des butées ;
• déplacement aisé de la pièce mobile en avant et en arrière ;
• guidage précis et forage sans effort ;
• enlèvement aisé des copeaux ;
• position ergonomique et sécurité de l'utilisateur ;
• prix modéré.

The present invention is characterized by the following advantages on the state of the art:

• compactness, rigidity, lightness and ease of use;
• quick and easy adjustment of the position of the drill and stops;
• easy movement of the moving part forward and back;
• precise guidance and effortless drilling;
• easy removal of chips;
• ergonomic position and safety of the user;
• moderate price.

Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 4, the device consists of a cradle of a drill or hoof 1, which can slide on a ruler 2. This one has holes oblong 20 spaced regularly. Cradle 1 is attached to one end of the ruler 2 using a stop-lock screw 10, introduced into any one of the holes oblong 20 of rule 2. The drill is maintained in the cradle 1 by means of a quick-locking screw 9, by example lever or butterfly. The cradle, and therefore the drill, can also be equipped with a depth stop 14.

A support abutment 13 of the part to be drilled, by example a profile, is disposed on the ruler 2, so to be able to slide freely. The race of this stop 13 is of course limited to the corresponding end of the rule 2 by a stop screw 10, playing itself the role of stop, and located in the oblong hole of the ruler located on closer to said end. The stop 13 can be perforated and have a hollow cylindrical portion which the axis of revolution preferably coincides with the axis of the drill, once it is fixed in its cradle 1. This provision allows on the one hand to center the abutment 13 on the object to be drilled and secondly to provide a clearance for the forest, when it eventually crossed the room. The stop 13 can also be equipped with end caps interchangeable. The contact surface with the part to to drill these tips can be flat or present a notch in "V" or "U", for example for the drilling of flat, round or square (or rectangular) sections respectively.

The stop 13 is provided with a handle 4 making trigger office (removable) and arranged at a sleeve 50 forming part of the abutment 13. This presents a lug 51 on which is inserted the trigger 4 at level of a hole 40 and defining the axis of rotation of the trigger 4 around the handle 50.

A second stop to position the part to be drilled along an axis perpendicular to the axis defined by rule 2 is placed between the stop 13 and the drill, possibly against the stop 13. This second stop consists of a piece 6 having a rectangular opening allowing it to slide along of the axis 2. To this piece 6 is secured a rod 7, which slides in the room 6 perpendicular to the rule 2. The length of 7 protruding from the part 6 is variable. After adjustment according to the part to be drilled, the rod 7 can be fixed by means of a locking screw 10 located on the side of the workpiece 6. The stopper 6,7 can slide along Rule 2, possibly through means (not represented) making it integral with the sliding movement of the support stop 13.

In the absence of pressure by the operator, on the trigger 4, the stop 13 slides freely on the rule 2, thanks to the release of a mechanism. This one involves two plates 12 each having an opening rectangular corresponding to the section of the rule, but slightly larger than this, as well as a spring of reminder 8, with helical strands and section rectangular. Spring 8 makes it possible to maintain pads 12 in place during the sliding movement and so prevents jamming (see Figure 1.A). The fact of squeeze the trigger allows, while counteracting the force of spring 8, to position the plates 12 in oblique. To do this, the pads 12 exceed by relation to the rule, from the side where they come into contact with the trigger. These then also enter into contact with rule 2, mainly by small sides of their rectangular opening, which has the effect to block the stop 13 on the ruler 2. Note again that the blocking of the stop 13 is obtained as soon as you start to squeeze the trigger. It is not necessary that the trigger is pressed thoroughly.

In this preferred embodiment, the operator holds the drill with one hand clean and with the other hand, slide together constituted by the stops 13, possibly 6, 7 and the piece to be drilled, keeping the trigger 4 released. The drill is fixed in this configuration and is additionally fixed in its cradle, following an inclination chosen by the operator, and preferably such as the handle of the drill is not in the plane formed by Rule 2 and the 5. The degree of freedom in rotation of the drill makes the device of the invention suitable both for right-handed only for left-handed. Initially, the drill is fixed according to the thickness of the piece to be drilled, by selecting the proper oblong hole 20 to insert the corresponding screw 10.

When the drill comes in contact with the object to pierce, the operator can overcome the resistance of the material by squeezing the trigger (leverage effect). Thus the operator benefits from a multiplier effect of applied force due to the lever constituted by the trigger. Yes the thickness to be pierced is important, the operator can squeeze / depress the trigger several times. He can very easily go back to check the centering of the drill or remove chips.

The device of the invention corresponding to this form of execution ensures the operator a better balance of work in his absence or in relation to other devices of the state of the art (better ergonomics). Relative movement of the piece and the tool corresponds to the natural attitude of the operator.

According to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the device consists of a cradle of a drill or hoof 1, equipped with a sleeve 5 and slidable on a ruler 2. This is provided with oblong holes 20 regularly spaced. The cradle 1 is free to slide on the ruler 2. A screw stop-lock 10, inserted in the oblong hole 20 located at one end of Rule 2, serves as a safety stop at Drill Cradle 1. The drill is maintained in the cradle 1 by means of a quick-locking screw 9, by example lever or butterfly. The cradle, and therefore the drill, can also be equipped with a depth stop 14.

The cradle of drill 1 is provided with a handle 4 acting as trigger (removable), arranged and maintained at the height of the handle 5 thanks to clips 11 introduced on the one hand respectively in the holes 40 and 41 of the trigger 4, and respectively in the hole 42 of the cradle 1 and in any of the oblong holes 20 of rule 2. The holes 41,42, aligned, define the axis of rotation of the trigger 4.

A support abutment 3 of the part to be drilled, by example a profile, is arranged on the ruler 2, around the other end of Rule 2, and there is held fixed by means of a locking screw 10. The stop 3 may have a hollow cylindrical portion whose axis of revolution coincides preferably with the axis of the drill, once it is fixed in its cradle 1. This provision allows on the one hand to center the stop 3 on the object to be drilled and secondly to provide a clearance for the forest, when it eventually crossed the room.

The particular embodiment of the stop of support 3 shown in FIG. 1.B or 5 is given in FIG. example and is not limited to the scope of the invention. Many other forms of execution of this stop 3 can be envisaged. For example, the hollow cylindrical centering part can be replaced by (or covered with a mouthpiece containing) a dish perpendicular to rule 2 and / or having a notch in the form of "V" or "U" (not shown). This form is particularly advantageous for fixing sheet metal body. Similarly, the flat face of the stop is perpendicular to Rule 2 and opposite to the drill, that is to say outward-facing device, may be not oblique as in the figure 1.B, but perpendicular to rule 2 (not shown). This embodiment allows positioning perfectly perpendicular to the drill compared to a external object to drill.

A second stop to position the part to be drilled along an axis perpendicular to the axis defined by rule 2 is placed between the stop 3 and the drill, and preferably against the stop 3. This second stop consists of a piece 6 having a rectangular opening allowing it to slide along of axis 2, and slightly larger than the section of said rule. To this piece 6 is secured a rod 7, which slides in the room 6, perpendicular to the rule 2. The length of 7 that protrudes from the room 6 is therefore variable. After adjustment according to the piece to to drill, the rod 7 can be fixed by means of a locking screw 10 on the side of the room. kept fixed in relation to rule 2 by means of a screw blocking 10.

In the absence of pressure by the operator on the trigger 4, it is held in position completely depressed by the return spring 8, with helical strands and of rectangular section. In this configuration, it There are no pads (see Figure 1.B). The cradle 1 can travel up to 20 mm in the direction of the stop 3, corresponding to the two extreme positions of the trigger, respectively released and pressed fully. The squeezing the trigger can counteract the effect of the return spring and to block any movement of the cradle 1 along the ruler 2. Note that the presence of the clips 11 in the hole 40 and the corresponding oblong hole limits the course of the drill. The relative position of cradle 1 and stop 3 can of course be adjusted depending on the particular oblong hole we insert the 11. Again, the operator has an effect multiplicative force applied to the lever constituted by the trigger.

In this preferred embodiment, the operator holds the drill with one hand clean and with the other hand, the handle 5 of the cradle 1, and than his trigger. In the absence of pressure on the trigger, it slides the solidarity unit constituted by the drill and its cradle (before inserting the clips 11 into the hole 40). The pressure on the trigger allows simultaneously block the drill and its cradle and apply the piercing force. The drill is mobile in this configuration, following an inclination chosen by the operator, and preferably such as the handle of the drill is not in the plane formed by Rule 2 and the 5. The degree of freedom in rotation of the drill makes the device of the invention suitable both for right-handed only for left-handed. Initially, the stops 3,6,7 are set according to the thickness of the piece to drill, selecting the appropriate oblong hole for insert the corresponding screws 10.

In both of the preferred embodiments, the trigger 4 and the auger cradle 1 may have holes for lightening the device. An anchor, located for example on the cradle 1, can be provided for fixing a harness type support.

Claims (7)

1. Device for the positioning, precision guidance and centring of a portable, motor-driven drill or boring machine (100), preferably electric, comprising:

   a linear guidance means, preferably a rule (2),

   a drill stand (1),

   a support stop for the object to be drilled on the drilling axis (3, 13) and preferably, a support stop for said object in a plane that is perpendicular to the drilling axis (6, 7), the drill stand (1) and the stops (3, 13, 6, 7) comprising a centring means and able to slide on the linear guidance means (2) in such a way that the relative distance between the drill stand (1) and at least one support stop (3, 13, 6, 7) varies, before or during the drilling, always with one of the parts (1, 3, 13) being mobile and the other being fixed, characterised in that the device comprises a means with a trigger (4) that is used both for blocking and for releasing the mobile part, in such a way that the mobile part can slide forwards or backwards after being released, said trigger being detachable and shaped so as to fit both the drill stand (1) and the support stop in the drilling axis (13).
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterised in that, in the event that the mobile part is the support stop (13), the blocking and release means comprises at least one return spring (8) and a plate (12) that co-operate, by contact at one end, with the trigger (4) that is pivotably mounted on said stop (13), said plate (12):

   comprises a rectangular-shaped orifice allowing the plate to slide along said linear guidance means (2), whose cross-section is slightly larger than that of said linear guidance means (2),

   can be maintained essentially perpendicular to the linear guidance means (2), in the absence of pressure on the trigger (4), thanks to the return spring (8), and

   can be obliquely maintained in contact with said linear guidance means (2), at least by the short sides of the rectangle constituting said orifice, when the trigger (4) is pressed right down or not, blocking the sliding motion of the mobile part.
3. Device according to Claim 1, characterised in that in the event that the mobile part is the drill stand (1), the stand (1) comprises a handle (5) and the trigger (4) is pivotably mounted around two axes defined by the pins (11) and the holes in the trigger (40, 41) associated with an oblong hole (20) in the linear guidance means (2) and a hole (42) in the stand (1) respectively, a return spring (8) ensuring the release in the absence of pressure on the trigger (4).
4. Device according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the two stops (3, 13, 6, 7) are fixed relative to each other.
5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support stop of said object in a plane perpendicular to the drilling axis (6, 7) is adjustable.
6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drill attachment stand (1) allows said drill (100) to be fixed with a degree of freedom in rotation around the drilling axis.
7. Device according to Claim 5, characterised in that the plane formed by the drilling axis and the drill handle is different from, in particular perpendicular to, the plane formed by the drilling axis and the linear guidance means.

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