Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.

Abstract: A drill/driver is provided that includes a housing, a collar mounted at a front portion of the housing, a side handle mounting area provided forward of the collar, a handle mounted to the side handle mounting area, and a chuck mounted forward of the side handle mounting area. With the side handle mounted in front of the collar, easier access to the adjusting collar and easier reading of the collar settings is achieved.

Abstract: A drill/driver is provided that includes a housing, a collar mounted at a front portion of the housing, a side handle mounting area provided forward of the collar, a handle mounted to the side handle mounting area, and a chuck mounted forward of the side handle mounting area. With the side handle mounted in front of the collar, easier access to the adjusting collar and easier reading of the collar settings is achieved.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a clutch. The adjustment mechanism includes an annular adjustment structure having an adjustment profile with a ramp section, a first adjustment segment, a last adjustment segment and a plurality of intermediate adjustment segments. The first adjustment segment is configured to correspond to a first clutch setting and the last adjustment segment is configured to correspond to a last clutch setting. The ramp section is positioned between the first and last adjustment segments such that the adjustment structure is rotatable between the first and last adjustment segments and between the last and first adjustment segments without engaging any of the intermediate adjustment segments.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.

Abstract: A clutch arrangement for use in a power tool having a multi-speed transmission assembly. The clutch arrangement includes a clutch member and a follower member. The clutch member is coupled to a member of the transmission assembly that is proximate the torsional input of the transmission assembly and which must be in a non-rotating position to permit the transmission assembly to perform a torque multiplication operation. The follower member is biased into engagement with the clutch member to inhibit relative rotation therebetween. As the clutch member and the transmission member are coupled to one another, the transmission assembly is able to perform a torque multiplication operation. When, however, the torsion that is exerted onto the clutch member is sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement between the follower and clutch members, the clutch member, and the transmission member, rotate, thereby inhibiting the capability of the transmission to continue to perform the torque multiplication operation.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a clutch. The adjustment mechanism includes an annular adjustment structure having an adjustment profile with a ramp section, a first adjustment segment, a last adjustment segment and a plurality of intermediate adjustment segments. The first adjustment segment is configured to correspond to a first clutch setting and the last adjustment segment is configured to correspond to a last clutch setting. The ramp section is positioned between the first and last adjustment segments such that the adjustment structure is rotatable between the first and last adjustment segments and between the last and first adjustment segments without engaging any of the intermediate adjustment segments.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.