EP1584435A2 - Battery powered circular saw - Google Patents
Battery powered circular saw Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1584435A2 EP1584435A2 EP05011180A EP05011180A EP1584435A2 EP 1584435 A2 EP1584435 A2 EP 1584435A2 EP 05011180 A EP05011180 A EP 05011180A EP 05011180 A EP05011180 A EP 05011180A EP 1584435 A2 EP1584435 A2 EP 1584435A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- circular saw
- battery pack
- handle
- rechargeable battery
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B27—WORKING OR PRESERVING WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; NAILING OR STAPLING MACHINES IN GENERAL
- B27B—SAWS FOR WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; COMPONENTS OR ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- B27B9/00—Portable power-driven circular saws for manual operation
- B27B9/02—Arrangements for adjusting the cutting depth or the amount of tilting
Definitions
- the present invention generally pertains to power tools. More particular, the present invention pertains to a battery powered circular saw.
- cordless power tool having a removable battery pack.
- the cordless power tool is a shrub and hedge trimmer powered by a battery pack removably attached to a motor housing.
- battery powered tools are not limited to use where a power cord can reach an electrical outlet.
- battery powered tools do not have cords which may inconvenience tool operation or which may be inadvertently severed during tool use.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,555,849 discloses a portable electric circular saw which operates on a rechargeable battery.
- the disclosed tool includes a rechargeable battery removably insertable into a laterally extending battery chamber.
- United States Patent No. 4,955,849 fails to disclose any mechanism for locking the base relative to the housing at a desired depth of cut.
- corded saws have moved this control to a more convenient location at the left rear side of the saw so that it is between the user and the saw's handle.
- location of the battery restricts access and ability to use this area. It is also desirable to further ergonomically improve battery powered circular saws.
- a battery powered circular saw characterized by: a housing having first and second laterally spaced sidewalls; a motor and gear train disposed in the housing for driving a blade; a handle extending from said housing; a rechargeable battery removably attached to said housing directly below said handle; an adjustable shoe pivotally attached to said housing for controlling a depth of cut; and a locking mechanism for preventing relative movement between said adjustable shoe and said housing, said locking mechanism includes a depth of cut strap disposed adjacent said first sidewall, a lever disposed adjacent said second sidewall and a connector element interconnecting said depth of cut strap and said lever such that rotation of said lever arrests movement of said strap relative to said housing.
- the connector element preferably passes through an opening disposed between the motor/gear box area of the housing and the rechargeable battery.
- the connector element may comprises a threaded through bolt.
- a sleeve is preferably disposed between the connector element and the boss portion and the first and second sidewalls.
- the bolt may include a non-circular portion slidably received within an elongated groove of said depth of cut strap to prevent relative rotation and enable tightening of the bolt in a nut fixed to the lever.
- a battery powered circular saw characterized by: a housing; a motor and gear train disposed in the housing for driving a circular saw blade attached to said housing for rotation about a pivot axis; a handle extending from said housing; said housing disposed substantially perpendicular to said pivot axis and oriented horizontally above said housing; and a rechargeable battery pack; and means for removably attaching the battery pack to said housing to permit sliding movement of said rechargeable battery pack in a direction perpendicular to said pivot axis.
- the means for releasably attaching the pack in the housing preferably comprises (1) a pair of longitudinally extending grooves formed on the housing and (2) a pair of laterally spaced apart guide rails formed on the battery pack for cooperating with said pair of longitudinally extending grooves. Other attachment means may also be used.
- the grooves preferably extend substantially parallel to said handle.
- the saw may further include a shoe attached to said housing.
- the rechargeable battery may be positioned between said handle and said shoe when said rechargeable battery is fully attached to said housing.
- the handle may have a generally inverted V-shape.
- the rechargeable battery pack is preferably laterally centered under said handle when said rechargeable battery pack is fully attached to said housing.
- a trigger may be carried by said handle and be longitudinally and laterally aligned with the center of gravity of the circular saw to provide good ergonomic balance.
- a battery powered circular saw constructed in accordance with the teachings of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally identified with reference numeral 10.
- the circular saw or tool 10 is shown to generally include a housing 56 for accommodating a motor (not shown) and gear train (not shown) for driving a blade 118.
- the tool further includes a rechargeable battery pack 16 removably attached to the housing 12 in a manner which will be discussed in detail below. It will become apparent below that certain aspects of the present invention may be applied to alternative types of battery powered tools.
- One aspect of the present invention is particularly directed to an arrangement for locking the battery powered circular saw 10 at a desired depth of cut.
- Another aspect of the present invention is particularly directed to an arrangement for such a tool which is ergonomically improved.
- the rechargeable battery pack 16 is illustrated to generally include a housing 22, a battery 24 which in the exemplary embodiment illustrated is a 24 volt nickel-cadmium battery, and a battery pack terminal block 26.
- the housing 22 is shown to include first and second clam shell halves 28 and 30 which are joined at a longitudinally extending parting line 32.
- the first and second clam shell halves 28 and 30 of the housing 22 form an upper portion 34 defining a first chamber 36 and a lower portion 38 defining a second chamber 40.
- the first chamber 36 receives the battery pack terminal block 26, while the second chamber 40 receives the battery 24.
- the battery pack housing 22 has an overall length of approximately 11.5 cm, an overall width of approximately 9.5 cm, and an overall height of approximately 9.5 cm.
- the first and second clam shell halves 28 and 30 of the housing 22 are unitarily constructed from a rigid plastic or other suitable material.
- the first and second clam shell halves 28 and 30 are joined by thread-forming fasteners 42.
- the thread-forming fasteners 42 pass through cooperating apertures 44 and screw boss portions 46 integrally formed with the clam shell halves 28 and 30.
- the fasteners 42 form threads in screw boss portions 46.
- the first clam shell half 28 of the housing 22 is formed to include a peripheral groove 50 adapted to receive a mating rib (not specifically shown) peripherally extending about the second clam shell half 30.
- the upper portion 34 of the housing 22 is formed to include a pair of guide rails 52.
- the guide rails 52 which will be described further below, are slidably received into cooperating grooves 54 defined by longitudinally extending rails 55.
- the upper portion 34 of the housing 22 defines a recess 58.
- the recess 58 is adapted to receive a latch pawl 59 (shown in Figure 3) carried by the housing 56 of the tool 10.
- the latch pawl 59 is conventional in construction and operation and is spring biased to a downward position so as to engage the recess 58 upon insertion of the rechargeable battery pack 16.
- the button 61 functions in a conventional manner insofar as the present invention is concerned.
- the mating rails 52 and grooves 54 of the pack 16 and housing 22, respectively, form a means for releasably attaching the battery pack in the housing.
- the mating rails and grooves are the preferred means for attachment but those skilled in the art will recognize that other means can be used for attachment of the pack.
- the housing may contain a cavity for receiving all or a portion of the pack.
- the mating rails and grooves are preferred as they permit precise guidance and alignment of the pack in the housing.
- the battery pack terminal block 26 is illustrated to generally include a main body portion 60 constructed of rigid plastic or other suitable material and a plurality of terminals 62.
- the terminals 62 are generally planar-shaped blade terminals each oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to a floor 64 (shown in Fig. 5) partially defining the upper chamber 36 of the housing 22.
- Each blade terminal 62 includes a first end 66 which downwardly extends from the main body portion 60 and is electrically connected with the battery 24 in a conventional manner.
- the blade terminals 62 further include a second end 62 which forwardly extends. In the preferred embodiment, the second ends 68 of the blade terminals 62 are upwardly spaced from the floor 62.
- the main body 60 of the terminal block 26 is shown captured between the clam shell halves 28 and 30 of the housing 20. This arrangement improves assembly by allowing the terminal block 26 to first be electrically attached to the battery 24 and subsequently captured between the clam shell halves 28 and 30.
- the main body 60 is shown to include a pair of arcuate grooves 70 provided in a bottom side thereof for accommodating the screw boss portions 46 of the housing 20 upon assembly.
- an upper side of the main body 60 includes a recess 72 for accommodating the recess 58 of the housing 20.
- the main body portion 60 is further shown to include a plurality of insulating portions 74 interdisposed between adjacent blade terminal 62 and also positioned outboard of each of the outermost blade terminals 62.
- the battery pack terminal block 26 includes four blade terminals 62. Two of the blade terminals 62 are the positive and negative terminals for the battery 24. A third terminal 62 may be used to monitor temperature of the battery 24 and a fourth terminal may be used for battery identification. The particular functions of the third and fourth blade terminals 62 are beyond the scope of the present invention.
- a terminal block 76 carried by the tool 10 is illustrated to generally include a main body portion 80, a first or negative terminal member 82, and a second or positive terminal members 84.
- the first terminal member 82 includes a negative male terminal 86 and a negative female terminal 88.
- the second terminal member 84 includes a positive male terminal 90 and a positive female terminal 92.
- the female terminals 88 and 92 are adapted to receive the positive and negative blade terminals 62 of the battery pack terminal block 26.
- the male terminals 86 and 90 are adapted to electrically attach the tool 10 to a charger (not shown).
- the male terminals 86 and 90 of the tool terminal block 76 are received within apertures 96 provided in each of the rails 52. It will be understood that the male terminals 86 and 90 serve no electrical function when the battery pack 16 is attached to the tool 10.
- the main body 80 of the tool terminal block 76 includes a plurality of window frames 98 which each define a window or opening 100 for receiving and guiding one of the blade terminals 62.
- the female terminals 88 and 92 of the tool terminal block 76 are disposed within adjacent ones of the window frames 98.
- the window frames 98 each include a pair of longitudinally extending legs 102. Openings 104 are provided between adjacent window frames 98 for receiving the insulating portions 74.
- the ends of each of the legs 102 of the frames 98 are generally triangular in shape so as to define lead-in surfaces for the insulating portions 74 into the openings 104 and also for the terminal blades 62 into their respective opening 100.
- the battery powered circular saw 10 of the present invention is shown to further include a longitudinally extending handle 110.
- the handle 110 includes a generally V-shaped member having a centrally located apex 111.
- a rear leg 112 of the handle 110 serves as a first or rear gripping portion.
- a second gripping portion 114 forwardly extends from a forward leg 115 of the V-shaped member.
- the second gripping portion 114 is generally cylindrical and is transversely aligned.
- the handle 110 carries a trigger 116 for actuating the motor in a conventional manner.
- the trigger 116 is disposed in an opening 117 adapted to receive an index finger of the tool user.
- the handle 110 is oriented horizontally above the tool housing 56 and generally parallel to a rotatable saw blade 118.
- the plane in which the saw blade resides defines a direction of cut.
- the saw blade 118 is partially shielded by a blade guard assembly 120.
- the guard assembly 120 is illustrated to include a fixed or upper portion
- the battery pack 16 When the battery pack 16 is completely installed, as shown in Figures 1A and 1 B, the battery pack 16 is substantially longitudinally positioned under the handle 110. Further, the battery pack 16 is laterally centered under the handle 110 and oriented 90° with respect to a spindle axis of the tool 10. In the preferred embodiment, the center of gravity of the tool 10, including the battery pack 16 is longitudinally and laterally aligned with the trigger 116.
- the handle 110 effectively bridges the weights of the motor and the battery pack 16 such that a fulcrum or balance point is established in close proximity to the trigger 116. As a result, minimal or no moment arms are presented when the tool 10 is operatively grasped by the user, thereby improving ergonomics of the tool 10.
- the rails 55 and the grooves 58 defined thereby are oriented parallel to the handle 110.
- Releasable attachment of the battery pack 16 to the housing 56 is accomplished by first engaging the rails 52 with the grooves 54.
- the battery pack 16 is translated relative to the housing 16 in a direction parallel to the direction of cut.
- Gross alignment of the battery pack terminal block 26 with the tool terminal block 76 is obtained through such sliding engagement of the rails 52 of the battery pack 16 with the grooves 54.
- Fine alignment of the battery pack terminal block 26 and tool terminal block 76 is provided after the guide rails 52 have advanced substantially along the grooves 54.
- the battery powered circular saw 10 is further shown to include an adjustable shoe 122 pivotally attached to a forward portion 123 of the guard assembly 120 for rotation about a pivot axis X.
- the shoe 122 may be adjusted for controlling the depth of cut.
- Figures 1 A and 1 B illustrate the battery powered circular saw 10 with the shoe 122 adjusted to a relatively deep cut.
- Figure 3 illustrates the battery powered circular saw 10 adjusted to a more shallow cut.
- the battery powered circular saw 10 of the present invention is illustrated to include a locking mechanism 126 for selectively locking the adjustable shoe 122 relative to the housing 56 at a desired depth of cut.
- the locking mechanism 126 includes a depth of cut strap 128.
- the depth of cut strap 128 includes a pivoting bracket 129 at its end 130 which is secured to the adjustable shoe 122.
- the depth of cut strap 128 is arcuate in shape and is disposed between a first side 132 of the housing 56 and the guard assembly 120.
- Fixation of the adjustable shoe 122 at a selected depth of cut is controlled by a manual lever 134 disposed adjacent a second side 136 of the housing 56.
- the lever 134 is carried by a through bolt 138 which passes through a boss-type portion 140 defined by the housing 56.
- the through bolt is shown extending through an opening or free space provided between the battery 16 and a motor/gear box area 139 of the tool 10.
- a hollow sleeve 142 is positioned between the boss portion 140 and the through bolt 138 to facilitate relative rotation and to ensure that the first side 132, and the second side 136 of the housing 56, cannot be compressed when tightening the manual lever 134.
- the through bolt 138 has an externally threaded shaft 141 and includes a head 142 carried at a first end 144 of the through bolt 138.
- a non-circular portion 146 of the through bolt 138 is slidably received within an elongated groove 148 of the strap 128 so as to prevent relative rotation.
- the lever 134 is fixedly attached to a nut 150, which in turn is threadably received by a second end 152 of shaft 141.
- Movement of the lever 134 functions to translate the through bolt 138 toward the nut 150, thereby causing the strap 128 to be drawn against the side 132 of the housing 56.
- Movement of the strap 128 relative to the housing 56 is arrested and the adjustable shoe 122 is thereby fixed relative to the housing 56 to establish a desired depth of cut.
- the present invention provides a number of advantages.
- the saw according to the preferred embodiment overcomes the disadvantages of prior constructions, including but not limited to the disadvantages discussed in the background of the invention. More specifically, the present invention to provide a depth of cut locking mechanism for a battery powered circular saw which is easy to access. Further, the present invention provide a battery powered circular saw having a depth of cut locking mechanism including a tightening bolt which passes through the body of the saw forward of the battery, thereby allowing the lever to be conveniently located on the left side of the saw between the user and the saw handle. Finally, the present invention provides a battery powered circular saw which is ergonomically improved by orienting the battery pack under the handle and by locating the trigger switch substantially over the center of gravity of the saw. Other advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Forests & Forestry (AREA)
- Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
- Sawing (AREA)
- Knives (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention generally pertains to power tools. More particular, the present invention pertains to a battery powered circular saw.
- It is now well known to power various tools with rechargeable batteries. For example, commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 3,757,194 discloses a cordless power tool having a removable battery pack. In the embodiment illustrated, the cordless power tool is a shrub and hedge trimmer powered by a battery pack removably attached to a motor housing. Advantageously over corded tools, such battery powered tools are not limited to use where a power cord can reach an electrical outlet. Moreover, such battery powered tools do not have cords which may inconvenience tool operation or which may be inadvertently severed during tool use.
- To a more limited extent, it has been heretofore proposed to power a circular saw with a rechargeable battery. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,555,849 discloses a portable electric circular saw which operates on a rechargeable battery. The disclosed tool includes a rechargeable battery removably insertable into a laterally extending battery chamber. United States Patent No. 4,955,849 fails to disclose any mechanism for locking the base relative to the housing at a desired depth of cut.
- While prior efforts to power a circular saw with a removable battery may have attained limited success, they have all been associated with disadvantages. For example, packaging restrictions are significant due to the size of rechargeable batteries required for powering a circular saw. In this regard, incorporation of commercially desirable features such as a readily accessible locking mechanism for locking an adjustable base or shoe relative to a housing for establishing a desired depth of cut has been curtailed in prior known arrangements. Many circular saws have a depth of cut lever located at the rear of the saw, directly adjacent to the blade guard, between the guard and the handle in the top view. Easy access to this area when releasing or locking the lever can be difficult. Some corded saws have moved this control to a more convenient location at the left rear side of the saw so that it is between the user and the saw's handle. On known cordless circular saws, the location of the battery restricts access and ability to use this area. It is also desirable to further ergonomically improve battery powered circular saws.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery powered circular saw characterized by: a housing having first and second laterally spaced sidewalls; a motor and gear train disposed in the housing for driving a blade; a handle extending from said housing; a rechargeable battery removably attached to said housing directly below said handle; an adjustable shoe pivotally attached to said housing for controlling a depth of cut; and a locking mechanism for preventing relative movement between said adjustable shoe and said housing, said locking mechanism includes a depth of cut strap disposed adjacent said first sidewall, a lever disposed adjacent said second sidewall and a connector element interconnecting said depth of cut strap and said lever such that rotation of said lever arrests movement of said strap relative to said housing.
- The connector element preferably passes through an opening disposed between the motor/gear box area of the housing and the rechargeable battery. The connector element may comprises a threaded through bolt. A sleeve is preferably disposed between the connector element and the boss portion and the first and second sidewalls. The bolt may include a non-circular portion slidably received within an elongated groove of said depth of cut strap to prevent relative rotation and enable tightening of the bolt in a nut fixed to the lever.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery powered circular saw characterized by: a housing; a motor and gear train disposed in the housing for driving a circular saw blade attached to said housing for rotation about a pivot axis; a handle extending from said housing; said housing disposed substantially perpendicular to said pivot axis and oriented horizontally above said housing; and a rechargeable battery pack; and means for removably attaching the battery pack to said housing to permit sliding movement of said rechargeable battery pack in a direction perpendicular to said pivot axis.
- The means for releasably attaching the pack in the housing preferably comprises (1) a pair of longitudinally extending grooves formed on the housing and (2) a pair of laterally spaced apart guide rails formed on the battery pack for cooperating with said pair of longitudinally extending grooves. Other attachment means may also be used. The grooves preferably extend substantially parallel to said handle.
- The saw may further include a shoe attached to said housing. The rechargeable battery may be positioned between said handle and said shoe when said rechargeable battery is fully attached to said housing.
- The handle may have a generally inverted V-shape. The rechargeable battery pack is preferably laterally centered under said handle when said rechargeable battery pack is fully attached to said housing. A trigger may be carried by said handle and be longitudinally and laterally aligned with the center of gravity of the circular saw to provide good ergonomic balance.
- Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates from a reading of the subsequent description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
- Figure 1A is a side view of a battery powered circular saw constructed in accordance with the teachings of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 1B is a front perspective view of the battery powered circular saw of the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the battery powered circular saw of the present invention shown as a rechargeable battery pack is being installed.
- Figure 3 is rear perspective view of a portion of the battery powered circular saw of the present invention shown with an adjustable shoe rotated to an extended position.
- Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken through a depth of cut locking mechanism.
- Figure 5 is an enlarged and exploded perspective view of the rechargeable battery pack of the battery powered circular saw of the present invention.
- Figure 6 is a top view of the rechargeable battery pack.
- Figure 7 is a front view of the rechargeable battery pack.
- Figure 8 is a left side view of the rechargeable battery pack.
- Figure 9 is an enlarged and exploded perspective view of a tool terminal block carried by the battery powered circular saw of the present invention.
- Figure 10 is a perspective view of the battery pack terminal block of the rechargeable battery pack.
- Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the interface between the battery pack and tool.
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- Referring initially to Figures 1-3 of the drawings, a battery powered circular saw constructed in accordance with the teachings of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally identified with
reference numeral 10. The circular saw ortool 10 is shown to generally include ahousing 56 for accommodating a motor (not shown) and gear train (not shown) for driving ablade 118. The tool further includes arechargeable battery pack 16 removably attached to thehousing 12 in a manner which will be discussed in detail below. It will become apparent below that certain aspects of the present invention may be applied to alternative types of battery powered tools. - One aspect of the present invention is particularly directed to an arrangement for locking the battery powered circular saw 10 at a desired depth of cut. Another aspect of the present invention is particularly directed to an arrangement for such a tool which is ergonomically improved. Before addressing these particular features of the present invention, an understanding of certain aspects of the exemplary tool, including the
rechargeable battery pack 16 and the electrical interface between thebattery pack 16 and thetool housing 12 is warranted. - With continued reference to Figures 1-3 and additional reference to Figures 5-8, the
rechargeable battery pack 16 is illustrated to generally include ahousing 22, abattery 24 which in the exemplary embodiment illustrated is a 24 volt nickel-cadmium battery, and a batterypack terminal block 26. Thehousing 22 is shown to include first and secondclam shell halves parting line 32. The first and secondclam shell halves housing 22 form anupper portion 34 defining afirst chamber 36 and alower portion 38 defining asecond chamber 40. Thefirst chamber 36 receives the batterypack terminal block 26, while thesecond chamber 40 receives thebattery 24. In one application, thebattery pack housing 22 has an overall length of approximately 11.5 cm, an overall width of approximately 9.5 cm, and an overall height of approximately 9.5 cm. - In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second
clam shell halves housing 22 are unitarily constructed from a rigid plastic or other suitable material. The first and secondclam shell halves fasteners 42. The thread-formingfasteners 42 pass through cooperatingapertures 44 andscrew boss portions 46 integrally formed with theclam shell halves fasteners 42 form threads inscrew boss portions 46. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the firstclam shell half 28 of thehousing 22 is formed to include aperipheral groove 50 adapted to receive a mating rib (not specifically shown) peripherally extending about the secondclam shell half 30. - To facilitate releasable attachment of the
battery pack 16 to thetool 10, theupper portion 34 of thehousing 22 is formed to include a pair ofguide rails 52. Theguide rails 52, which will be described further below, are slidably received into cooperatinggrooves 54 defined by longitudinally extendingrails 55. To further facilitate removable attachment of thebattery pack 16 to thetool 10, theupper portion 34 of thehousing 22 defines arecess 58. Therecess 58 is adapted to receive a latch pawl 59 (shown in Figure 3) carried by thehousing 56 of thetool 10. Thelatch pawl 59 is conventional in construction and operation and is spring biased to a downward position so as to engage therecess 58 upon insertion of therechargeable battery pack 16. Removal of thebattery pack 16 is thereby prevented until the spring bias of thelatch pawl 59 is overcome through manual operation of abutton 61. Thebutton 61 functions in a conventional manner insofar as the present invention is concerned. The mating rails 52 andgrooves 54 of thepack 16 andhousing 22, respectively, form a means for releasably attaching the battery pack in the housing. The mating rails and grooves are the preferred means for attachment but those skilled in the art will recognize that other means can be used for attachment of the pack. For example the housing may contain a cavity for receiving all or a portion of the pack. The mating rails and grooves are preferred as they permit precise guidance and alignment of the pack in the housing. - The battery
pack terminal block 26 is illustrated to generally include amain body portion 60 constructed of rigid plastic or other suitable material and a plurality ofterminals 62. Theterminals 62 are generally planar-shaped blade terminals each oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to a floor 64 (shown in Fig. 5) partially defining theupper chamber 36 of thehousing 22. Eachblade terminal 62 includes afirst end 66 which downwardly extends from themain body portion 60 and is electrically connected with thebattery 24 in a conventional manner. Theblade terminals 62 further include asecond end 62 which forwardly extends. In the preferred embodiment, the second ends 68 of theblade terminals 62 are upwardly spaced from thefloor 62. - The
main body 60 of theterminal block 26 is shown captured between the clam shell halves 28 and 30 of the housing 20. This arrangement improves assembly by allowing theterminal block 26 to first be electrically attached to thebattery 24 and subsequently captured between the clam shell halves 28 and 30. Themain body 60 is shown to include a pair ofarcuate grooves 70 provided in a bottom side thereof for accommodating thescrew boss portions 46 of the housing 20 upon assembly. Similarly, an upper side of themain body 60 includes arecess 72 for accommodating therecess 58 of the housing 20. Themain body portion 60 is further shown to include a plurality of insulatingportions 74 interdisposed betweenadjacent blade terminal 62 and also positioned outboard of each of theoutermost blade terminals 62. - In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the battery
pack terminal block 26 includes fourblade terminals 62. Two of theblade terminals 62 are the positive and negative terminals for thebattery 24. Athird terminal 62 may be used to monitor temperature of thebattery 24 and a fourth terminal may be used for battery identification. The particular functions of the third andfourth blade terminals 62 are beyond the scope of the present invention. - With particular reference now to Figures 9 and 11, a
terminal block 76 carried by thetool 10 is illustrated to generally include amain body portion 80, a first ornegative terminal member 82, and a second or positiveterminal members 84. Thefirst terminal member 82 includes a negativemale terminal 86 and a negativefemale terminal 88. Similarly, thesecond terminal member 84 includes a positivemale terminal 90 and a positivefemale terminal 92. As will be further discussed below, thefemale terminals negative blade terminals 62 of the batterypack terminal block 26. Themale terminals tool 10 to a charger (not shown). As shown in Figure 11, when thebattery pack 16 is operatively attached to thetool 10, themale terminals tool terminal block 76 are received withinapertures 96 provided in each of therails 52. It will be understood that themale terminals battery pack 16 is attached to thetool 10. - As shown particularly in the cross-sectional view of Figure 11, the
main body 80 of thetool terminal block 76 includes a plurality ofwindow frames 98 which each define a window or opening 100 for receiving and guiding one of theblade terminals 62. Thefemale terminals tool terminal block 76 are disposed within adjacent ones of the window frames 98. The window frames 98 each include a pair of longitudinally extendinglegs 102.Openings 104 are provided betweenadjacent window frames 98 for receiving the insulatingportions 74. The ends of each of thelegs 102 of theframes 98 are generally triangular in shape so as to define lead-in surfaces for the insulatingportions 74 into theopenings 104 and also for theterminal blades 62 into theirrespective opening 100. - The battery powered
circular saw 10 of the present invention is shown to further include alongitudinally extending handle 110. Thehandle 110 includes a generally V-shaped member having a centrally locatedapex 111. Arear leg 112 of thehandle 110 serves as a first or rear gripping portion. A secondgripping portion 114 forwardly extends from aforward leg 115 of the V-shaped member. The secondgripping portion 114 is generally cylindrical and is transversely aligned. Thehandle 110 carries atrigger 116 for actuating the motor in a conventional manner. Thetrigger 116 is disposed in anopening 117 adapted to receive an index finger of the tool user. In the embodiment illustrated, thehandle 110 is oriented horizontally above thetool housing 56 and generally parallel to arotatable saw blade 118. The plane in which the saw blade resides defines a direction of cut. Thesaw blade 118 is partially shielded by ablade guard assembly 120. Theguard assembly 120 is illustrated to include a fixed or upper portion 120a and a movable or lower portion 120b. - When the
battery pack 16 is completely installed, as shown in Figures 1A and 1 B, thebattery pack 16 is substantially longitudinally positioned under thehandle 110. Further, thebattery pack 16 is laterally centered under thehandle 110 and oriented 90° with respect to a spindle axis of thetool 10. In the preferred embodiment, the center of gravity of thetool 10, including thebattery pack 16 is longitudinally and laterally aligned with thetrigger 116. Thehandle 110 effectively bridges the weights of the motor and thebattery pack 16 such that a fulcrum or balance point is established in close proximity to thetrigger 116. As a result, minimal or no moment arms are presented when thetool 10 is operatively grasped by the user, thereby improving ergonomics of thetool 10. - In the embodiment illustrated, the
rails 55 and thegrooves 58 defined thereby are oriented parallel to thehandle 110. Releasable attachment of thebattery pack 16 to thehousing 56 is accomplished by first engaging therails 52 with thegrooves 54. Next, thebattery pack 16 is translated relative to thehousing 16 in a direction parallel to the direction of cut. Gross alignment of the batterypack terminal block 26 with thetool terminal block 76 is obtained through such sliding engagement of therails 52 of thebattery pack 16 with thegrooves 54. Fine alignment of the batterypack terminal block 26 andtool terminal block 76 is provided after the guide rails 52 have advanced substantially along thegrooves 54. - The battery powered
circular saw 10 is further shown to include anadjustable shoe 122 pivotally attached to aforward portion 123 of theguard assembly 120 for rotation about a pivot axis X. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, theshoe 122 may be adjusted for controlling the depth of cut. Figures 1 A and 1 B illustrate the battery poweredcircular saw 10 with theshoe 122 adjusted to a relatively deep cut. Figure 3 illustrates the battery poweredcircular saw 10 adjusted to a more shallow cut. - With continued reference to Figures 2 and 3 and additional reference to Figure 4, the battery powered
circular saw 10 of the present invention is illustrated to include alocking mechanism 126 for selectively locking theadjustable shoe 122 relative to thehousing 56 at a desired depth of cut. Thelocking mechanism 126 includes a depth ofcut strap 128. The depth ofcut strap 128 includes apivoting bracket 129 at itsend 130 which is secured to theadjustable shoe 122. The depth ofcut strap 128 is arcuate in shape and is disposed between afirst side 132 of thehousing 56 and theguard assembly 120. - Fixation of the
adjustable shoe 122 at a selected depth of cut is controlled by amanual lever 134 disposed adjacent asecond side 136 of thehousing 56. Thelever 134 is carried by a throughbolt 138 which passes through a boss-type portion 140 defined by thehousing 56. The through bolt is shown extending through an opening or free space provided between thebattery 16 and a motor/gear box area 139 of thetool 10. - In the preferred embodiment, a
hollow sleeve 142 is positioned between theboss portion 140 and the throughbolt 138 to facilitate relative rotation and to ensure that thefirst side 132, and thesecond side 136 of thehousing 56, cannot be compressed when tightening themanual lever 134. The throughbolt 138 has an externally threadedshaft 141 and includes ahead 142 carried at afirst end 144 of the throughbolt 138. Anon-circular portion 146 of the throughbolt 138 is slidably received within anelongated groove 148 of thestrap 128 so as to prevent relative rotation. Thelever 134 is fixedly attached to anut 150, which in turn is threadably received by asecond end 152 ofshaft 141. - Movement of the
lever 134 functions to translate the throughbolt 138 toward thenut 150, thereby causing thestrap 128 to be drawn against theside 132 of thehousing 56. As a result, movement of thestrap 128 relative to thehousing 56 is arrested and theadjustable shoe 122 is thereby fixed relative to thehousing 56 to establish a desired depth of cut. - The present invention provides a number of advantages. The saw according to the preferred embodiment overcomes the disadvantages of prior constructions, including but not limited to the disadvantages discussed in the background of the invention. More specifically, the present invention to provide a depth of cut locking mechanism for a battery powered circular saw which is easy to access. Further, the present invention provide a battery powered circular saw having a depth of cut locking mechanism including a tightening bolt which passes through the body of the saw forward of the battery, thereby allowing the lever to be conveniently located on the left side of the saw between the user and the saw handle. Finally, the present invention provides a battery powered circular saw which is ergonomically improved by orienting the battery pack under the handle and by locating the trigger switch substantially over the center of gravity of the saw. Other advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
- Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be practiced in accordance with the preferred embodiment and various modifications thereof as are covered by the appended claims.
Claims (8)
- A battery powered circular saw characterised by:a housing (12);a motor and gear train (139) disposed in the housing for driving a circular saw blade (118) attached to said housing for rotation about a pivot axis;a handle (110) extending from said housing, said handle disposed substantially perpendicular to said pivot axis and oriented horizontally above said housing; anda rechargeable battery pack (16); andmeans (52, 54) adapted to removably attach the battery pack to said housing to permit sliding movement of said rechargeable battery pack in a direction perpendicular to said pivot axis.
- The battery powered saw of claim 1 wherein the means adapted to releasably attach the battery pack to said housing comprises:a pair of longitudinally extending grooves (54) formed on the housing anda pair of laterally spaced apart guide rails (52) formed on the battery pack for cooperating with said pair of longitudinally extending grooves.
- The battery powered circular saw of claim 2, wherein said longitudinally extending grooves extend substantially parallel to said handle.
- The battery powered circular saw according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a shoe (122) attached to said housing, said rechargeable battery positioned between said handle and said shoe when said rechargeable battery is fully attached to said housing.
- The battery powered circular saw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said rechargeable battery pack is positioned below said handle when said rechargeable battery pack is fully attached to said housing.
- The battery powered circular saw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said handle has a generally inverted V-shape.
- The battery powered circular saw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein rechargeable battery pack is laterally centered under said handle when said rechargeable battery pack is fully attached to said housing.
- The battery powered circular saw according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a trigger (116) is carried by said handle and is longitudinally and laterally aligned with the centre of gravity of the circular saw.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US133923 | 1998-08-13 | ||
US09/133,923 US6996909B1 (en) | 1998-08-13 | 1998-08-13 | Battery powered circular saw |
EP99306356A EP0979711B1 (en) | 1998-08-13 | 1999-08-11 | Battery powered portable circular saw with depth of cut control |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP99306356A Division EP0979711B1 (en) | 1998-08-13 | 1999-08-11 | Battery powered portable circular saw with depth of cut control |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1584435A2 true EP1584435A2 (en) | 2005-10-12 |
EP1584435A3 EP1584435A3 (en) | 2005-11-09 |
Family
ID=22460929
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP99306356A Expired - Lifetime EP0979711B1 (en) | 1998-08-13 | 1999-08-11 | Battery powered portable circular saw with depth of cut control |
EP05011180A Withdrawn EP1584435A3 (en) | 1998-08-13 | 1999-08-11 | Battery powered circular saw |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP99306356A Expired - Lifetime EP0979711B1 (en) | 1998-08-13 | 1999-08-11 | Battery powered portable circular saw with depth of cut control |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP0979711B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4545848B2 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE315460T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69929404T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2253863T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE10141454A1 (en) * | 2001-08-23 | 2003-03-13 | Hilti Ag | Battery powered circular saw |
DE50309102D1 (en) * | 2002-11-22 | 2008-03-20 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Electric circular saw machine |
US7926187B2 (en) | 2004-02-20 | 2011-04-19 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Band saw |
JP2007260795A (en) * | 2006-03-27 | 2007-10-11 | Makita Corp | Portable band saw |
JP4922031B2 (en) * | 2007-03-19 | 2012-04-25 | 日立工機株式会社 | Portable tools |
KR100912619B1 (en) | 2007-06-29 | 2009-08-17 | 경북대학교 산학협력단 | Cutting Device |
JP6017257B2 (en) | 2011-10-20 | 2016-10-26 | 株式会社マキタ | Cutting machine |
JP5977386B2 (en) * | 2015-02-18 | 2016-08-24 | フスクバルナ アクティエボラーグ | Battery powered power tools |
JP7339822B2 (en) * | 2019-09-12 | 2023-09-06 | 株式会社マキタ | power cutter |
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US3757194A (en) * | 1972-07-03 | 1973-09-04 | Black & Decker Mfg Co | Cordless power tool having removable battery pack |
JPS59140001A (en) * | 1983-01-31 | 1984-08-11 | 松下電工株式会社 | Battery type circular saw |
US4589208A (en) * | 1983-08-13 | 1986-05-20 | Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. | Portable electric circular saw |
JPH0752067A (en) * | 1993-08-13 | 1995-02-28 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Battery type cutting tool |
JPH09164501A (en) * | 1995-12-15 | 1997-06-24 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Electric circular saw |
WO1998025723A1 (en) * | 1996-12-13 | 1998-06-18 | Ryobi North America, Inc. | Portable electrical power tool having a rare earth permanent magnet motor |
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JPS58222802A (en) | 1982-06-21 | 1983-12-24 | 松下電工株式会社 | Electric type circular saw |
JPS618289A (en) * | 1984-06-25 | 1986-01-14 | 松下電工株式会社 | Electric tool |
JPH0716554Y2 (en) | 1988-06-30 | 1995-04-19 | 島野工業株式会社 | Bicycle front derailleur |
JP2545108Y2 (en) * | 1989-12-15 | 1997-08-25 | 松下電工株式会社 | Reciprocating saw |
JPH0767681B2 (en) * | 1991-06-27 | 1995-07-26 | 松下電工株式会社 | Electric circular saw |
JP3273629B2 (en) * | 1992-05-26 | 2002-04-08 | 松下電工株式会社 | Portable rotary cutting tool |
JPH0720217U (en) * | 1993-09-28 | 1995-04-11 | 松下電工株式会社 | Cutting tool |
JP2831296B2 (en) * | 1995-04-14 | 1998-12-02 | リョービ株式会社 | Portable rotating tools |
-
1999
- 1999-08-11 AT AT99306356T patent/ATE315460T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-08-11 EP EP99306356A patent/EP0979711B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-08-11 EP EP05011180A patent/EP1584435A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-08-11 ES ES99306356T patent/ES2253863T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-08-11 DE DE69929404T patent/DE69929404T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-08-13 JP JP22915499A patent/JP4545848B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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US3757194A (en) * | 1972-07-03 | 1973-09-04 | Black & Decker Mfg Co | Cordless power tool having removable battery pack |
JPS59140001A (en) * | 1983-01-31 | 1984-08-11 | 松下電工株式会社 | Battery type circular saw |
US4589208A (en) * | 1983-08-13 | 1986-05-20 | Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. | Portable electric circular saw |
JPH0752067A (en) * | 1993-08-13 | 1995-02-28 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Battery type cutting tool |
JPH09164501A (en) * | 1995-12-15 | 1997-06-24 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Electric circular saw |
WO1998025723A1 (en) * | 1996-12-13 | 1998-06-18 | Ryobi North America, Inc. | Portable electrical power tool having a rare earth permanent magnet motor |
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Title |
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PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1995, no. 05, 30 June 1995 (1995-06-30) -& JP 07 052067 A (MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC WORKS LTD), 28 February 1995 (1995-02-28) * |
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1997, no. 10, 31 October 1997 (1997-10-31) -& JP 09 164501 A (MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC WORKS LTD), 24 June 1997 (1997-06-24) * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP4545848B2 (en) | 2010-09-15 |
DE69929404D1 (en) | 2006-04-06 |
JP2000107929A (en) | 2000-04-18 |
EP0979711B1 (en) | 2006-01-11 |
ATE315460T1 (en) | 2006-02-15 |
EP0979711A2 (en) | 2000-02-16 |
EP0979711A3 (en) | 2003-12-17 |
ES2253863T3 (en) | 2006-06-01 |
DE69929404T2 (en) | 2006-08-31 |
EP1584435A3 (en) | 2005-11-09 |
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