WO2014159025A1

WO2014159025A1 - Quick-change tension cable assembly for oscillating tool

Info

Publication number: WO2014159025A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/021544
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eli SHARE
Original assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date: 2013-03-14
Filing date: 2014-03-07
Publication date: 2014-10-02

Abstract

A cable assembly for attaching an accessory tool to a power tool in one embodiment includes a cable extending through a channel formed in a rotatable tool holder of the power tool. A clamp device is coupled to a first end of the cable and an adjusting device is coupled to a second end of the cable. The adjusting device includes a base portion fixed relative to a housing of the power tool and an adjustable portion coupled to the second end of the cable and movable relative to the base portion. The adjusting device is configured to move the clamp device between a clamped position such that the accessory tool is secured between the tool holder and the clamp device and a released position such that the clamp device is spaced from the tool holder and the accessory tool is removable from the tool holder.

Description

QUICK-CHANGE TENSION CABLE ASSEMBLY

FOR OSCILLATING TOOL

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/781,783, filed March 14, 2013, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to oscillating power tools and, more particularly, devices and methods for changing accessory tools used with oscillating power tools.

Background

[0002] Oscillating power tools are lightweight, handheld tools configured to oscillate various accessory tools and attachments, such as cutting blades, sanding discs, grinding tools, and many others. Accessory tools enable an oscillating power tool to be used to perform a wide variety of tasks from cutting woods and metals to polishing and grinding stone and masonry. Each accessory tool, however, typically is configured to perform only certain types of tasks on certain types of materials.

[0003] For example, cutting accessory tools for an oscillating tool typically have a mounting portion that secures the accessory tool to an oscillating drive of the oscillating tool and a blade portion that extends generally forwardly from the mounting portion. The leading edge of the blade portion typically serves as the cutting edge for the accessory tool and is often serrated to form cutting teeth. The dimensions and geometry of the blade portion and the cutting teeth are varied from accessory tool to accessory tool for cutting different kinds of materials and/or making different kinds of cuts.

[0004] The mounting portion of an oscillating tool is typically configured for quick interchangeability between different accessory tools because of the specialized nature of each accessory tool. Existing oscillating tools, however, use complex mechanisms to transfer torque from the oscillating tool to the accessory tool. For example, a spring is often used to provide a strong friction fit between the mounting portion and the accessory tool. However, the spring tensioning device in such oscillating tools must be decoupled from the oscillating shaft due to the oscillating rotation of the accessory tool. This need to decouple the tensioning device causes the tensioning mechanisms to be complex and expensive. Furthermore, the user of such a tensioning device must overcome the force of the spring to change the accessory tool. Therefore, attachment mechanisms that enable rapid exchange of different accessory tools are desirable.

Summary

[0005] A cable assembly for attaching an accessory tool to a power tool, the power tool including a housing component, an actuator located in the housing component and configured to rotate about an axis, and a tool holder coupled to the actuator, the tool holder engaging the accessory tool to rotate the accessory tool with the actuator, the cable assembly includes a cable connected at a first end to the housing component, and a clamp device connected to the cable at a second end opposite the first end, the cable tensioned between the first end and the second end such that the clamp device secures the accessory tool against the tool holder in a clamped position.

[0006] An oscillating power tool includes a housing, a motor located in the housing, the motor including a drive shaft configured to rotate about a first axis, an oscillating drive member operatively coupled to the drive shaft and configured to convert the rotation of the drive shaft to a reversing angular displacement about a second axis, a tool holder coupled to the drive member and configured to move in response to movement of the drive member, and a tension cable assembly for attaching an accessory tool to the tool holder, the tension cable assembly includes a cable connected at a first end to the housing, and a clamp device connected to the cable at a second end opposite the first end, the cable tensioned between the first end and the second end such that the clamp device secures the accessory tool against the tool holder in a clamped position.

[0007] A method for exchanging accessory tools on a power tool, the power tool including a housing, a motor located in the housing and including a drive shaft configured to rotate about an axis, and a tool holder coupled to the drive shaft and configured to move in response to movement of the drive shaft, the method includes slacking a cable extending through a channel in the tool holder to move a clamp device away from the tool holder, the cable being coupled to the clamp device at a first end and coupled to a tension device at a second end, the tension device operable to move the cable relative to tool holder in a slacking direction and tensioning direction, removing a first accessory tool from the tool holder after the clamp device is moved away from the tool holder, mounting a second accessory tool on the tool holder, and tensioning the cable with the tension device to move the clamp device towards the tool holder so as to secure the second accessory tool between the clamping device and the tool holder.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] FIG. 1 is a side -perspective view of an oscillating tool including a tension cable assembly for quickly changing accessory tools for use with the oscillating tool;

[0009] FIG. 2 is an enlarged bottom-perspective view of the oscillating tool and tension cable assembly of FIG. 1 showing an accessory tool assembled to the oscillating tool;

[0010] FIG. 3 is an enlarged bottom-perspective view of the oscillating tool and tension cable assembly of FIG. 1 showing the accessory tool disassembled from the oscillating tool;

[0011] FIG. 4 is an enlarged top-perspective view of the oscillating tool and tension cable assembly of FIG. 1 showing an adjusting portion of the tension cable assembly in one embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a side-perspective view of the oscillating tool and tension cable assembly of FIG. 1 showing the adjusting portion in another embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a prior art oscillating tool including an accessory tool; and

[0014] FIG. 7 is a partial view of the prior art oscillating tool and accessory tool of FIG. 6 showing the nose portion of the oscillating tool. Detailed Description

[0015] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written specification. It is understood that no limitation to the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. It is further understood that the disclosure includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0016] FIGS. 6 and 7 depict a prior art oscillating power tool 10 having elements pertinent to the present disclosure. The oscillating tool 10 is configured to drive at least one accessory tool 12 to operate on a variety of materials including, but not limited to, wood, laminate, steel, aluminum, copper, vinyl, carpet, caulk, adhesive, stone, cement, and grout. The oscillating tool 10 includes a generally cylindrically shaped housing 22 constructed of a rigid material such as plastic, metal, or composite materials such as a fiber reinforced polymer. The housing 22 includes a nose portion 24 and a handle portion 26. The handle portion 26 encloses a motor (not shown). In one embodiment, the motor comprises an electric motor configured to receive power from a rechargeable battery 28 connected at the base of the handle portion 26. In other embodiments, electric power for the motor may be received from an AC outlet via a power cord (not shown). As an alternative to electric power, the oscillating power tool 10 may be pneumatically or hydraulically powered. Power to the motor is controlled by a power switch 30 provided on the handle portion 26 of the housing 22. [0017] Referring to FIG. 7, the oscillating tool 10 defines a longitudinal axis L.

An oscillating drive member (not shown) extends generally perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis L. The motor is configured to oscillate the drive member about an axis M at high frequencies, e.g., 5,000 to 25,000 oscillations per minute, with a small oscillating angle, typically in a range of between 0.5° and 7°. The drive member supports an accessory tool holder 36 exterior to the housing 24. The tool holder 36 is configured to releasably secure various accessory tools to the drive member, such as the accessory tool 12. As the tool holder 36 is oscillated by the drive member, the accessory tool 12 is driven to oscillate about the axis M.

[0018] To enable a secure connection between the tool holder 36 of the oscillating tool 10 and accessory tools for use with the oscillating tool, the tool holder 36 and associated accessory tools are provided with complementary drive structures 38, 40 (FIG. 3) that mate to secure the accessory tool 12 to the tool holder 36. In the embodiments described herein, the tool holder 36 includes a tool drive structure 38 that comprises a plurality of protrusions 42 arranged in a circular pattern about a central bore 44.

[0019] Accessory tools for use with the power tool 10, such as the accessory tool

12, include an accessory drive structure 40 (FIG. 3) that is configured to mate or interlock with the tool drive structure 38 of the tool holder 36. As depicted in FIG. 3, the accessory drive structure 40 of the accessory tool 12 includes a plurality of openings or recesses 46 and a central opening 48 that are sized, shaped, and positioned complementary to the protrusions 42 and central bore 44, respectively, of the tool drive structure 38. The protruding features 42 of the tool drive structure 38 are received in the corresponding openings and/or recesses 46 defined in the accessory drive structure 40 when the accessory tool 12 is placed onto the tool holder 36.

[0020] The accessory tool 12 comprises a generally planar body including a mounting portion 52 and a blade portion 56. The planar body is formed by stamping and bending one or more metal plates made of hard metal materials, such as carbon and alloy steel or stainless steel. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, the accessory tool 12 has a two-piece configuration in which the mounting portion 52 is formed from a first plate and the blade portion 56 is provided as a second plate that is secured to the first plate. Alternatively, the accessory tool 12 may be provided with a one-piece construction in which the mounting portion 52 and blade portion 56 are integrally formed by stamping and bending a single metal plate.

[0021] A clamping member 50 (FIG. 7), such as a clamping screw, is used to press the accessory drive structure 40 of the accessory tool 12 into interlocking engagement with the tool drive structure 38 to secure the accessory tool 12 to the tool holder 36. The interlocked drive structures 38, 40 enable the oscillating movement of the tool holder 36 to be imparted to the accessory tool 12. As depicted in FIG. 3, a mounting portion 52 of the accessory tool 12 defines a slot 49 that extends from a central opening 48 through the outer periphery of the mounting portion 52. The slot 49 enables the mounting portion 52 to be installed and removed from the tool holder 36 without having to completely remove the clamping screw 50.

[0022] The mounting portion 52 has a generally flat, disc-like shape that defines the central opening 48, the slot 49, and surrounding openings 46 of the accessory drive structure 40. The mounting portion 40 is secured to the tool holder 36 with the mounting portion 52 and blade portion 56 arranged substantially perpendicular to the axis M of the drive member as depicted in FIG. 7. The mounting portion 52 thus oscillates substantially in a first plane, or oscillation plane, that is perpendicular to the axis M of the drive member.

[0023] The mounting portion includes an interface portion 54 that is interposed between the blade portion 56 and the mounting portion 52. The interface portion 54 extends generally forwardly and downwardly from the mounting portion 52 to the blade portion in order to offset the blade portion 56 from the mounting portion 52 and provide clearance for the tool holder 36 and clamping screw 50 (FIG. 7) during use. The interface portion 54 includes a first angled, or bent, portion 58 located between the mounting portion 52 and the interface portion 54, and a second angled, or bent, portion 60 that is located proximate the blade portion 56. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, the interface portion 54 includes a blade mounting portion 55 to which the blade portion 56 of the accessory tool 12 is secured. In embodiments in which the blade portion 56 and mounting portion 52 are integrally formed from a single metal plate, the interface portion 54 transitions into the blade portion 56 at the second bent portion 60.

[0024] As depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first bent portion 58 includes gussets 62 for strengthening the bends against further bending. In one embodiment, the gussets comprise ribs formed by pressing the bends from the outside to form protrusions in the inside corners of the first bend 58 (FIG. 7). In alternative embodiments, gussets can be provided in the second bent portion 60 of the interface portion 54 in addition to or as an alternative to the gussets 62 in the first bent portion 58. [0025] The blade portion 56 of the accessory tool 12 comprises a planar beam that extends from the interface portion 54 in the forward direction F generally parallel to the oscillation plane defined by the mounting portion 52. The blade portion 56 includes a first lateral edge portion 64, a second lateral edge portion 66, and a leading edge portion 68. The first lateral edge portion 64 and the second lateral edge portion 66 are arranged generally parallel to each other on opposing sides of the blade portion 56. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3, the leading edge portion 68 is serrated to form a plurality of cutting teeth 70.

[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, the prior art oscillating tool 10 is modified to include a tension cable assembly 100 configured to enable rapid exchange of accessory tools 12 for use with the modified oscillating tool 20. In the embodiment shown, the tension cable assembly 100 includes a flexible cable 102 that extends from above a top surface 104 of the nose portion 24' to below a bottom surface 106 of the attached accessory tool 12. A bore (not shown) formed in the nose portion 24' of the housing 22 enables the cable 102 to pass through the housing 22. Additional clearances or bores formed by one or more of the nose portion 24' and various drive components, such as the oscillating drive member (not shown), enable the cable 102 to pass through the housing and exit the nose portion 24' through the bore 44.

[0027] The tension cable assembly 100 further includes a tension device 108 configured to adjust a position of a clamp device 110 between a tensioned position (FIG. 2) and a slacked position (FIG. 3). In the embodiment shown, the tension device 108 and the clamp device 110 are secured to respective ends of the cable 102 and are positioned generally at the top and bottom surfaces 104, 106, respectively. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, which show the respective tensioned and slacked positions of the clamp device 110, the clamp device 110 includes a clamp portion 112 that is configured to engage the mounting portion 52 of the accessory tool 12 to secure the accessory tool 12 against the tool holder 36. The clamp device 110 also includes a cap 114 secured to the end of the cable 102. The cap 114 is configured to be drawn against the clamp portion 112 or move with the clamp portion 112 to secure the accessory tool 12 against the tool holder 36.

[0028] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the clamp portion 112 is a washer having a bore (not shown) through which the cable 102 passes and having an outer diameter sized to avoid interference with the tool drive structures 38, 40. In some embodiments in which the protrusions 42 extend beyond the bottom surface 106 of the accessory tool 12, the outer diameter of the clamp portion 112 is sized to avoid overlap with the drive structures 38, 40. The clamp portion 112 in other embodiments overlaps the drive structures 38, 40 and includes a slot or similar clearance feature to avoid interference with the drive structures 38, 40 when clamped against the accessory tool 12 and tool holder 36. In some embodiments in which the protrusions do not extend beyond the bottom surface 106 of the accessory tool 12, the outer diameter of the clamp portion 112 can overlap the drive structures 38, 40.

[0029] As best shown in FIG. 4, the tension device 108 includes a base portion

116 and an adjustable portion 118 that interacts with the base portion 116. The base portion 116 is configured to provide a fixed position relative to the modified oscillating tool 20 and the adjustable portion 118 is configured to move a position of the cable 102 relative to the base portion 116. The movement of the cable 102 relative to the base portion 116 adjusts the position of the clamp device 110 between the tensioned position in which the clamp portion 112 secures the accessory tool 12 against the tool holder 36 (FIG. 2) and the slacked position in which the clamp portion 112 is spaced from the accessory tool 12 (FIG. 3). In the embodiment shown, the base portion 116 is a nut 116a adjacent to a washer 116b that rests on the top surface 104 of the nose portion 24' and the adjustable portion 118 is a screw configured for threaded engagement with the nut 116a. Although the end of the cable 102 is shown affixed to the screw, the end of the cable in other embodiments can be affixed to a component moveable with the screw. The base portion 116 in some embodiments can be affixed to the nose portion 24', embedded within the nose portion 24', or formed as an integral feature of the nose portion 24'.

[0030] The cable 102 of the present disclosure allows for a flexible connection of the clamp device 110 to the oscillating motion of the accessory tool. Because of the cable's inherent torsional flexibility, there is no need to decouple the cable from the tool holder. In addition, the flexible cable allows for the modified oscillating tool 20 to oscillate further than 3.5° while maintaining tension. The cable is also flexible enough to be routed in tight spaces within the housing, thus accessory tool size and shape are flexible. The nature of the material that forms the cable 102 is such that the cable 102 substantially maintains its mechanical properties over the life of the oscillating tool. In some embodiments, a plurality of steel strands are braided or twisted to form the cable 102. The cable 102 in some embodiments is formed from strands of stainless steel.

[0031] To exchange accessory tools 12 for use with the modified oscillating tool 20, the tension cable assembly 100 is operated to adjust the position of the clamp device 110 between its tensioned and slacked positions. Starting with the modified oscillating tool 20 having an accessory tool installed and the clamp device 110 at its tensioned position (FIG. 2), the adjustment portion 118 of the tension device 108 is operated to move the cable 102 relative to the base portion 116 to provide clearance between the clamp device 110 and the accessory tool. In the embodiment shown, the clearance between the clamp device 110 and the accessory tool is provided by rotating the screw 118 clockwise to space the clamp device 110 from the accessory tool. The screw 118 is rotated until the clamp device 110 reaches its slacked position (FIG. 3), at which point the accessory tool to be exchanged can be removed from the modified oscillating tool 20. It is noted that the slacked position provides enough exposed length of the cable 102 that the accessory tool can be readily removed from the drive structures 38.

[0032] To install a new accessory tool, the new accessory tool is positioned onto the tool drive structures 38 of the tool holder 36 and the tension cable assembly 100 is operated to return the clamp device 110 to its tensioned position. In particular, the screw 118 is rotated counterclockwise to move the cable 102 relative to the base portion 116 to draw the clamp device 110 into engagement with the new accessory tool, thereby securing the new accessory tool to the modified oscillating tool 20 once the clamp device 110 returns to its tensioned position.

[0033] Although the embodiment of the tension cable assembly 100 depicted in

FIGS. 1-4 shows the tension device 108 as a screw-nut interface, other embodiments are possible. For example, in some embodiments, a winding mechanism can be used to adjust the position of the clamp device to secure the accessory tool to the oscillating tool. This embodiment provides the tension device with a smaller profile and envelope to be packaged on or within the housing of the oscillating tool. The winding mechanism also enables the use of a tension setting indicator dial to measure the amount of tension generated in the cable. Use of tension setting indicator dial provides the oscillating tool with adaptability to different accessory tool blade thicknesses and compensation for wire fatigue or stretching over the life of the tool.

[0034] In yet further embodiments, the tension device 108 can be embodied as one or more of a cam lever, a ratchet switch, a push lever, a "fishing" reel configuration, or a sliding lever. In any of these embodiments, pulleys can be used to provide mechanical advantage while generating the required tension in the cable.

[0035] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the modified oscillating tool 20 with the tension device 108 configured as a cam lever 120. In the embodiment shown, the cam lever 120 includes a lever portion 122 configured to be reversibly rotated in the direction of arrow 123 and a cam surface 124 rotatable with the lever portion 122. The cable 102 has an end cap 126 fixed to the cable end with the end cap 126 seated in a depression or the like formed in the cam lever 120. The cam lever 120 is configured such that rotation of the cam lever 120 in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 5) rotates the end cap 126 with the cam lever 120 and draws the cable 102 into contact with the cam surface 124. As the cam lever 120 is rotated further in the clockwise direction, the cable 102 contacts more of the cam surface 124 and begins to wrap around the cam surface 124, thereby drawing more cable 102 from the housing and moving the clamp device 110 relative to the tool holder 36.

[0036] The cam lever 120 is rotated clockwise until the clamp device 110 is moved to the tensioned position to secure the accessory tool 12 between the clamp device 110 and the tool holder 36. In some embodiments, the cam lever 120 is fixed in position via friction between the cam lever 120 and the housing once the cable 102 is tensioned and the clamp device 110 is in the tensioned position. To release tension from the cable so as to move the clamp device 110 away from the tool holder 36, the cam lever 120 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 5). The rotation of the cam lever 120 in the counterclockwise direction unwraps the cable 102 from the cam surface 124 and allows movement of the cable relative to the tool holder 36.

[0037] In further embodiments, the cable tension can be adjusted inline similar to the method implemented to generate different sounds on a guitar string. For example, by pushing on a taught cable at various locations, different levels of tension can be generated in the cable to secure the accessory tool. These embodiments can be useful in such applications as wire cutting, gripping, or punching holes.

[0038] In yet further embodiments, the tension cable assembly can include an elastic cable configured to generate sufficient tension to secure an accessory tool at a first length, but that can be stretched to a second length, longer than the first length, to permit removal of the accessory tool from the oscillating tool. In these embodiments, an auxiliary lever can be used to stretch the cable from its first length to its second length.

[0039] Although FIGS. 1-4 show the tension cable assembly 100 implemented to secure an accessory tool to an oscillating tool, other uses are envisioned. For example, cable tensioning can be used to attach accessories or blades to other rotary tools, such as mini-saws, rotary hand held tools, articulating tools, and scissor style cutters.

[0040] The present disclosure contemplates a tension cable assembly for rapidly exchanging accessory tools for use with an oscillating tool. The tension cable assembly includes a flexible cable extending through a housing of the oscillating tool. A tension device and a clamp device are secured to respective ends of the cable. The tension device adjusts a position of the clamp device between a tensioned position in which the accessory tool is secured to the oscillating tool and a slacked position in which the accessory tool can be removed from the oscillating tool.

[0041] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that only the preferred embodiments have been presented and that all changes, modifications and further applications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.

Claims

What is claimed is:

Claim 1. A cable assembly for attaching an accessory tool to a power tool, the power tool including a housing component, an actuator located in the housing component and configured to rotate about an axis, and a tool holder coupled to the actuator, the tool holder engaging the accessory tool to rotate the accessory tool with the actuator, the cable assembly comprising:

a cable connected at a first end to the housing component; and

a clamp device connected to the cable at a second end opposite the first end, the cable tensioned between the first end and the second end such that the clamp device secures the accessory tool against the tool holder in a clamped position.

Claim 2. The cable assembly of claim 1, further comprising an adjusting device coupled to the cable at the first end, the adjusting device configured to move the clamp device relative to the tool holder between the clamped position and a released position such that the clamp device is spaced from the tool holder and the accessory tool is removable from the tool holder.

Claim 3. The cable assembly of claim 2, wherein the adjusting device includes a base portion fixed relative to the housing component and an adjustable portion coupled to the first end of the cable and movable relative to the base portion.

Claim 4. The cable assembly of claim 3, wherein the adjustable portion has a threaded portion configured to engage a corresponding threaded portion in the base portion, and wherein rotation of the adjustable portion moves the cable relative to the base portion.

Claim 5. The cable assembly of claim 3, wherein the base portion is integrally formed in the housing component.

Claim 6. The cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the clamp device includes a clamp portion configured to engage a mounting portion of the accessory tool to secure the mounting portion between the tool holder and the clamp portion when the clamp device is in the clamped position.

Claim 7. The cable assembly of claim 6, wherein:

the tool holder includes a tool drive structure arranged about a periphery of the tool holder,

the accessory tool includes an accessory drive structure arranged about an opening formed in the mounting portion, the accessory drive structure being configured to interlock with the tool drive structure, and

the clamp portion has a mounting surface configured with a clearance from the tool drive and accessory drive structures when the clamp device is in the clamped position.

Claim 8. The cable assembly of claim 3, wherein the adjustable portion is configured as one or more of a cam lever, a ratchet switch, a push lever, a sliding lever, and a pulley.

Claim 9. The cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the cable is flexible along its length, the cable assembly further comprising an installation device configured to stretch the cable from a first length corresponding to the clamped position to a second length corresponding to a released position such that the clamp device is spaced from the tool holder and the accessory tool is removable from the tool holder.

Claim 10. The cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the cable torsionally flexes with a rotation of the clamp device and the tool holder about the axis.

Claim 11. The cable assembly of claim 10, wherein the rotation of the clamp device and the tool holder is greater than 7°.

Claim 12. An oscillating power tool, comprising:

a housing;

a motor located in the housing, the motor including a drive shaft configured to rotate about a first axis;

an oscillating drive member operatively coupled to the drive shaft and configured to convert the rotation of the drive shaft to a reversing angular displacement about a second axis; a tool holder coupled to the drive member and configured to move in response to movement of the drive member; and

a tension cable assembly for attaching an accessory tool to the tool holder, the tension cable assembly comprising:

a cable connected at a first end to the housing; and

Claim 13. The oscillating power tool of claim 12, the tension cable assembly further comprising an adjusting device coupled to the cable at the first end, the adjusting device configured to move the clamp device relative to the tool holder between the clamped position and a released position such that the clamp device is spaced from the tool holder and the accessory tool is removable from the tool holder.

Claim 14. The oscillating power tool of claim 12, wherein the clamp device includes a clamp portion configured to engage a mounting portion of the accessory tool to secure the mounting portion between the tool holder and the clamp portion when the clamp device is in the clamped position.

Claim 15. The oscillating power tool of claim 14, wherein:

Claim 16. The oscillating power tool of claim 15, wherein:

the tool drive structure is configured as a plurality of protrusions;

the accessory drive structure includes a plurality of openings positioned complimentary to the protrusions of the tool drive structure; and

the clamp portion has an outer perimeter spaced inwardly from a boundary of the protrusions and the openings projected onto a plane parallel with the mounting surface of the clamp portion.

Claim 17. The oscillating power tool of claim 15, wherein the opening in the accessory tool includes a slot portion enabling the mounting portion to be installed and removed from the tool holder without detaching the cable from the tension cable assembly.

Claim 18. A method for exchanging accessory tools on a power tool, the power tool including a housing, a motor located in the housing and including a drive shaft configured to rotate about an axis, and a tool holder coupled to the drive shaft and configured to move in response to movement of the drive shaft, the method comprising: slacking a cable to move a clamp device away from the tool holder, the cable being coupled to the clamp device at a first end and coupled to a tension device at a second end, the tension device operable to move the cable relative to tool holder in a slacking direction and a tensioning direction;

removing a first accessory tool from the tool holder after the clamp device is moved away from the tool holder;

mounting a second accessory tool on the tool holder; and

tensioning the cable with the tension device to move the clamp device towards the tool holder so as to secure the second accessory tool between the clamp device and the tool holder.

Claim 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the tension device includes a base portion fixed relative to the housing of the power tool and an adjustable portion coupled to the second end of the cable and movable relative to the base portion.

Claim 20. The method of claim 18, wherein:

the tool holder includes a tool drive structure configured as plurality of protrusions about a periphery of the tool holder, the first and second accessory tools each have a mounting portion including an accessory drive structure configured as a plurality of openings positioned complimentary to the protrusions of the tool drive structure, and

the mounting of the second accessory tool on the tool holder includes:

aligning the plurality of openings in the second accessory tool with the plurality of protrusions on the tool holder to interlock the protrusions and the openings, and

holding the second accessory tool adjacent to the tool holder until the cable is substantially tensioned and the second accessory tool is secured between the tool holder and the clamp device.