WO1999007512A1

WO1999007512A1 - Chuck mounting system and method

Info

Publication number: WO1999007512A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/008524
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenneth M. Montjoy
Original assignee: Power Tool Holders Incorporated
Priority date: 1997-08-11
Filing date: 1998-04-28
Publication date: 1999-02-18
Also published as: AU7262098A

Abstract

A chuck mounting device (10) and system are used to threadedly mount a chuck mechanism (12) to a drive spindle of a power tool (14). The device (10) has an engagement section (26) with a body section (28) and a plurality of radially extending engagement arms (30) extending from the body section (28). A drive end (34) is mated to the engagement section (26). The engagement section (26) is inserted into a chuck device (12) that incorporates a plurality of tool gripping segments (16) separated by axial slits (22) formed in the front face of the segments (16). The drive end (34) of the device (10) is rotationally driven by any conventional device to cause the chuck (12) to threadedly engage on a drive spindle of a power tool (14).

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

CHUCK MOUNTING SYSTEM AND METHOD

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for mounting a tool holding device or chuck to a drive spindle of a power tool.

Chuck devices are typically mounted to the drive spindles of tools, for example power hand drills, by way of a threaded engagement. Typically, the chuck device has a male or female threaded body member which is received on a complimenting threaded member of the power tool. The chuck devices are typically manufactured separate from the power tool and, at some point in assembly of the power tool, must be mounted to the power tool. This process can be quite time consuming and tedious. Typically, a wrench or other device must be manually engaged with either the drive spindle or chuck device, or both, to sufficiently torque the chuck onto the drive spindle.

U.S. Patent No. 5,193,824 to Salpaka discloses one solution wherein a particular type of chuck having a multi-sided socket formed in the rear end or face of the chuck body. This multi-sided socket is specifically designed to receive a driving tool, such as a "TORX" driving member, which is used to spin or tighten the chuck onto to the drive spindle of the drill or other power tool. The socket must be specifically machined or formed in the chuck body.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved chuck mounting system and apparatus.

And still a further object of the present invention is to provide a chuck mounting system and apparatus that is particularly useful for a chuck having multiple tool gripping segments separated by axial slits.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a chuck mounting system and method that ensures positive and reliable mounting without cumbersome and tedious manual manipulation or procedures. Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In accordance with the objects and purposes of the invention, a chuck mounting device is provided for threadedly mounting a chuck mechanism to a drive spindle of a power tool, for example a hand drill or similar device. The inventive mounting device is particularly useful with chucks that include a plurality of tool holding segments defining a bore for receipt of a tool shank. These segments are separated by axial slits extending from a front face of the chuck towards a back end of the chuck. The mounting device or tool includes an engagement section having a body portion and a plurality of radially extending engagement arms extending from the body. The body and radially extending arms have dimensions so as to fit within the tool shank bore of the chuck with the engagement arms extending radially into the slits defined between the chuck segments. Obviously, the mounting device can be manufactured in various sizes to fit various sized chucks.

The mounting device or tool also includes a drive end which is mated to the engagement section to impart rotational torque thereto. In one embodiment of the invention, the drive end comprises a hexagonal or other multi-sided shape which can be received in a power driver, for example a power socket tool, power drill, or the like. Alternatively, the drive end may comprise a round shank which can be gripped by a chuck device of a power tool. Any conventional manner or mechanism for imparting rotational drive to the device is within the scope and spirit of the invention. Alternatively, the mounting device or tool can be manually rotated. In this embodiment, the drive end can be fitted within a receiving end of a hand wrench or other hand tool. Any number of known manual devices can be utilized in this regard and all such devices are within the scope and spirit of the invention.

To mount a chuck to a drive spindle of a power tool, the mounting device is inserted into the bore of the chuck so that the radially extending arms of the engagement section extend into the slits between the chuck segments. The drive end of the device is then rotated which imparts a rotational force to the chuck through the chuck segments causing the chuck to rotate and threadedly engage on a drive spindle of the power tool. The rotational force can be imparted manually or, preferably, through a power tool which holds the mounting device.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the body section is formed integral with the drive end so that the components form a single machined component. In an alternative embodiment, the body section may be rotationally coupled to the drive end and a torque limiting or clutch mechanism may be incorporated between the two devices to ensure that the chuck is not over- torqued onto the drive spindle of the power tool. A vast number of torque limiting or clutch mechanisms are well known and used in the art and any of these conventional devices may be incorporated in the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the chuck mounting system according to the invention conceptionally illustrating the device being used to mount a chuck to a router with a power drill; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the chuck mounting device according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the device illustrated in Fig. 2; Figure 4 is a front end view of the chuck mounting tool;

Figure 5 is a side view of the chuck mounting tool; Figure 5a is a perspective view of the chuck mounting tool being inserted into a body member of a chuc ;

Figure 6 is a partial cut-away view of an exemplary chuck for which the inventive chuck mounting system and tool are designed; Figure 7 is a front end view of the chuck illustrated in Fig. 6; and

Figure 8 is a component view of the chuck body particularly illustrating the chuck segments in axial slits defined between the segments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. The present application covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Fig. 1 conceptionally illustrates the present invention. A chuck mounting tool or device 10 according to the invention is conceptionally illustrated as being used to mount a chuck or other tool holding device 12 to a power tool 14, such as the router illustrated in the figure. A rotational drive mechanism 44, such as the power hand drill illustrated, is conceptionally illustrated as driving the chuck mounting device 10. Device 10 would be held within the conventional chuck 46 mounted on the drill. It should be understood that Fig. 1 illustrates one of any number of operations and arrangements wherein the present invention is applicable. For example, device 10 according to the invention can be used to mount any applicable tool holding mechanism or chuck to any type of power tool. Also, device 10 could be rotationally driven by any manner of automatic or manual device. For example, chuck mounting device 10 could be rotated by a socket wrench or other type of manual device. Any and all such combinations are within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Device 10 according to the invention is well suited for mounting a particular type of tool holding chuck illustrated in Figs. 6 through 8. One such type of chuck is described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/808,890 filed on February 28, 1997, by the present assignee, Power Tool Holders Incorporated of Wilmington, Delaware. The '890 patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

Figs. 6 through 8 illustrate the type of chuck described in the incorporated '890 application and will be described only generally herein. The chuck 12 has a body member, generally 50, that is mounted to a drive spindle 48 of a power tool, such as the router 14 indicated in Fig. 1. The chuck 12 is conventionally mounted by a threaded engagement wherein body 50 includes a female threaded shank portion 62 which mates with the threaded spindle 48. Alternatively, shank portion 62 could comprise the male threaded section as seen in Fig. 5a. Chuck 12 includes a plurality of tool shank gripping segments 16, as particularly seen in Fig. 8. These segments 16 are defined by axial slits 22 extending from a front face of the chuck rearward. Segments 16 define a bore 18 for receipt of a tool shank 20, such as the router bit illustrated in Fig. 6. Segments 16 include a ramped segment 60 defined on the outer circumference thereof. Balls 56 reside in the ramped section 60. A sleeve member 52 surrounds the body member 50 and is biased axially rearward by means of spring 64. An intermediate sleeve 59 is disposed between balls 56 and sleeve 52. The chuck 12 is illustrated in Fig. 6 in its gripping position wherein segments 16 are collapsed and gripping on tool shank 20. To release the device, an operator pulls sleeve 52 axially forward against the force of spring 64. A metal band 57 is embedded in the rear end of sleeve 52 and includes a recess 55 defined therein. When sleeve 52 is pulled forward, sleeve 55 aligns with a locking ball 53 and allows locking ball 53 to move radially outward and roll over a shoulder 51 defined on body member .50, thus allowing intermediate sleeve member 59 to also be pulled axially forward with sleeve 52. The axial forward movement of intermediate sleeve 59 causes balls 56 to also move axially forward into the increasing ramp section 60. Ramp section 60 defines a greater radial space for balls 56 and allows segments 16 to thus expand radially outward and release upon tool shank 20.

It should be understood that the description above is of only one type of chuck 12 for which the present chuck mounting device and system is applicable. Any chuck device incorporating the equivalent of segments 16 having slits 22 defined therebetween in the front face of the chuck can enjoy the benefits of the present invention, and the use of the present invention with any such chuck is within the scope and spirit of the invention.

The mounting device 10 is illustrated generally in Figs. 2 through 5a. Device 10 includes an engagement section 26 formed with a drive end or section 34. As explained above, drive end 34 is configured to be mated with any type of rotating mechanism or tool, such as the power tool 44 illustrated in Fig. 1. Although not illustrated in the figures, drive end 34 may comprise a simple round shank which can be held by a conventional chuck 46, as illustrated in Fig. 1, a collet, or other device. Alternatively, drive end 34 may comprise a multi-sided shank portion 38 illustrated in the figures defining multiple sides 36. The multi-sided shank portion can fit into any complimenting receiver, such as a conventional socket or hex drive, for imparting rotational force to device 10. Also, although not illustrated in the figures, it should be understood that the drive end 34 may also be formed as an integral component of a drive spindle. This embodiment may prove to be particularly useful in an automated assembly line system. It should be appreciated that the precise manner and device for rotationally driving chuck mounting device 10 is not of critical importance to the invention and any manner of known device can be utilized in this regard. Engagement section 26 of device 10 is formed by a body section 28 that includes a plurality of radially extending engagement arms 30. Arms 30 are sized and have a dimension so as to fit within slits 22 defining segments 16 of the conventional chuck device 12. Engagement arms 30 are defined by concave sections 32 of body section 28. Preferably, the number of engagement arms 30 corresponds to the number of slits 22 in the chuck for which the device 10 is used. However, a lesser amount of arms 30 could also be utilized.

The arrangement of the radially extending arms 30 depicted in the figures is merely one preferred embodiment. Any combination and shape of arms 30 can be utilized. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, body member 28 is formed as an integral component with drive end 34. In other words, the two sections can be formed from a single blank. However, in an alternative embodiment, illustrated conceptionally in Fig. 3, body member 28 is rotationally coupled to drive end 34. In this embodiment, a torque limiting device or clutch mechanism may be operably disposed between body section 28 and drive end 34. In Fig. 3, the torque limiting device is illustrated only diagrammatically as element 40. Such torque limiting or clutch devices are well understood by those skilled in the art and a detailed explanation as to how such a device could be incorporated in the present invention is not necessary for purposes of the present disclosure. For example, one such torque limiting or clutch mechanism is described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/759,592, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. Also, another type of torque limiting device utilizing a spring clip is described in detail in U.S. Patent No.

5,577,872. The mechanism utilized in conventional torque wrenches is also applicable and can be utilized in this regard. Any and all such conventional and well known torque limiting or clutch mechanisms can be utilized to rotationally couple body member 28 to drive end 34.

Preferably, it is desired that body section 28 extend into bore 18 of chuck 12 at least half way so that the rotational torque is not imparted to the axially forward end of segments 16. In this regard, body section 28 has a length so as to extend at least half way into bore 18. The entire length of body section 28 may include the radially extending arms 30 as indicated generally in Figs. 2 and 3, or an elongated shaft portion may be included as a component of body member 28.

In operation of the device, chuck mounting device 10 is inserted into bore 18 of the chuck to be mounted so that arms 30 extend radially into slots 22, as seen conceptionally in Fig. 5a. Once device 10 is inserted into the chuck to be mounted, a rotational drive mechanism, such as power tool 44 illustrated in Fig. 1, is used to rotate device 10 which, in turn, causes chuck 12 to be threaded onto the drive spindle 48 of its respective power tool. As discussed above, the rotational driving of device 10 can be accomplished by any conventional device, including automatic or powered devices as well as manual devices.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, the chuck mounting device may comprise any number or shape of radially extending arms or configuration of its drive end for mating with a powered rotational drive device. It is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS C AIMED IS;

1. A chuck mounting device for threadedly mounting a chuck mechanism to a drive spindle of a power tool wherein the chuck includes a plurality of tool holding segments defining a bore for receipt of a tool shank, the segments separated by axial slits extending from a front face of the chuck towards a back end thereof, said mounting device comprising: an engagement section having a body section and a plurality of radially extending engagement arms extending from said body section, said body section and arms having dimensions so as to fit within the tool shank bore of the chuck with said engagement arms extending radially into the slits defined between the chuck segments; a drive end mated to said engagement section to impart rotational torque thereto; and wherein to mount a chuck to a drive spindle of a power tool, said engagement section is inserted into the tool shank bore in the front face of the chuck with said engagement arms extending radially into the slits in the chuck segments so that upon rotation of said drive end, said engagement section imparts a rotational force to said chuck segments causing the chuck to rotate and threadedly mount on a drive spindle of the power tool.

2. The mounting device as in claim 1, wherein said drive end comprises a shape mateable with a power driving device.

3. The mounting device as in claim 2 , wherein said drive end comprises a longitudinally extending multi- sided shank portion.

4. The mounting device as in claim 1, wherein said drive end is mateable with a manual rotating drive device.

5. The mounting device as in claim 1, wherein said body section comprises concave surfaces between said engagement arms .

6. The mounting device as in claim 1, comprising a number of said engagement arms equal to the number of slits in the chuck segments.

7. The mounting device as in claim 1, wherein said body section has a longitudinal length so as to extend at least halfway into the chuck bore.

8. The mounting device as in claim 1, wherein said body section is formed integral with said drive end.

9. The mounting device as in claim 1, wherein said body section rotatably coupled to said drive end.

10. The mounting device as in claim 9, further comprising a clutch mechanism operably disposed between said body section and said drive end.

11. The mounting device as in claim 1, further comprising a stop defined between said drive end and said body section to limit the amount of axial insertion of said body section into the chuck.

12. A chuck mounting system for threadedly mounting a chuck mechanism to a drive spindle of a power tool wherein the chuck includes a plurality of tool holding segments defining a bore for receipt of a tool shank, the segments separated by axial slits extending from a front face of the chuck towards a back end thereof, said mounting system comprising: a rotational drive mechanism; a mounting tool having a drive end configured with said rotational drive mechanism to be rotationally driven thereby, said mounting tool further comprising an an engagement section having a body portion and a plurality of radially extending engagement arms extending from said body section, said body section and arms having dimensions so as to fit within the tool shank bore of the chuck with said engagement arms extending radially into the slits defined between the chuck segments; and wherein to mount a chuck to a drive spindle of a power tool, said mounting tool is inserted into the tool shank bore in the front face of the chuck with said engagement arms extending radially into the slits in the chuck segments so that upon rotation of said drive end by said rotational drive mechanism, said engagement section imparts a rotational force to said chuck segments causing the chuck to rotate and threadedly mount on a drive spindle of the power tool.

13. The system as in claim 12 , wherein said rotational drive mechanism comprises a power tool.

14. The system as in claim 13, wherein said mounting tool is removably mounted to a drive spindle of said power tool.

15. The system as in claim 13, wherein said drive end of said mounting tool is formed integral with a drive spindle of said power tool.

16. The system as in claim 12, wherein said rotational drive mechanism comprises a hand tool, said mounting tool removably mounted to a drive spindle of said power tool.

17. The system as in claim 12 , wherein said body portion is rotationally coupled to said drive end.

18. The system as in claim 17 , further comprising a clutch mechanism operably disposed between said body portion and said drive end.

19. The system as in claim 12 , wherein said body portion is formed integral with said drive end.

20. A method for mounting a chuck device onto a drive spindle of a power tool wherein the chuck device includes a plurality of tool holding segments defining a bore for receipt of a tool shank, the segments separated by an axial slit extending from a front face of the chuck towards a back end thereof, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a mounting tool into the bore of the chuck, the mounting tool having a body section with a plurality of radially extending engagement arms that extend into the slits between the chuck segments; and rotationally driving the mounting tool so that a rotational tightening force is transmitted from the engagement arms of the mounting tool to the chuck segments causing the chuck to rotate and to threadedly engage on a drive spindle of the power tool.

21. The method as in claim 20, comprising rotationally driving the mounting tool with a power tool.

22. The method as in claim 20, comprising manually rotationally driving the mounting tool.