Having Torque Responsive Clutch Patents (Class 173/178)
  • Publication number: 20120061116
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool has a tool body, a motor housed in the tool body and a grip part designed to be held by a user, and performs a predetermined operation on a workpiece by a tool bit rotationally driven by the motor. The power tool includes a clutch that transmits torque and interrupts torque transmission between the motor and the tool bit, a non-contact torque sensor that detects torque acting on the tool bit in non-contact with a rotation axis rotating together with the tool bit, and a clutch control system that controls coupling and decoupling of the clutch according to a torque value detected by the non-contact torque sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yonosuke Aoki
  • Patent number: 8122971
    Abstract: An impact rotary tool is provided that is switchable between an impact mode where the tool delivers an impacting torque on an output tool and a drill mode where the driver delivers a smooth output on an output tool. The impact rotary tool includes an impact mechanism and a hammer block that in the impact mode is movable parallel to the axis of the driver shaft and delivers reciprocating blows to rotate an anvil and in the drill mode substantially constantly engages the anvil. The impact mechanism includes a stopper that does not contact the hammer block in the impact mode and engages the hammer block in the drill mode to maintain the substantially constant contact between the hammer block and the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Techtronic Power Tools Technology Limited
    Inventors: Jason P. Whitmire, Weldon H. Clark, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8104546
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand tool machine with a torque limiter (2) enabling a user to set a maximum torque which is transmitted by a motor drive (4) to a tool carrier (6). According to the invention, the hand tool machine comprises an overload clutch which interrupts a power flux between the motor drive (4) and the tool carrier (6) when the transmitted torque exceeds the overload torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Bruno Aeberhard
  • Patent number: 8087474
    Abstract: A hammer drill having a clutch pin and a clutch mechanism is provided. By switching the clutch mechanism, a selection can be made between a hammer drill mode and a hammer mode. The clutch pin is configured to be slidable to a sliding position where the clutch pin runs through the reduction shaft so as to be capable of protruding beyond the reduction shaft, and at the sliding position, the clutch pin engages with an engagement hole provided on the tool holder side so that a rotation of the tool holder can be locked, whereby in the hammer mode, a selection can be further made between a neutral state where the clutch pin does not engage with the engagement hole and a rotation locked state where the clutch pin engages with the engagement hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Yasutoshi Shinma, Keiji Nakashima, Hajime Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8083006
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool, in particular an electrical hand-held power tool (1), includes a drive motor (4), a tool shaft (14), and a first overload clutch (19) for limiting the maximum torque that acts on the tool shaft (14). Preferably, the hand-held power tool also includes a second overload clutch (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Simm, Aldo Di Nicolantonio
  • Patent number: 8074731
    Abstract: An impact tool (100) includes a spindle (11), a motor (1), a rotational impact system (10), a current detecting unit (32), and a current control unit (31). The spindle extends in an axial direction thereof. The motor provides the spindle with a rotational power in accordance with a motor current flowing therethrough. The rotational power rotates the spindle about the axis at an rpm value. The rotational impact system provides the spindle with an impact force in the axial direction, thereby transmitting both the rotational power and the impact force to an end bit. The current detecting unit detects a current value of the motor current. The current control unit reduces the current value if the current value detected by the current detecting unit exceeds a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Iwata, Shinji Watanabe, Nobuhiro Takano
  • Patent number: 8066082
    Abstract: An air driver device having a simple construction, being of a compact size, and having excellent durability. The air driver device is designed to shut off a supply of compressed air to an air motor, by means of a tightening torque control mechanism and a shut-off valve mechanism, in a case where the tightening torque reaches the set torque value. The air device is designed to tighten screw members at a prescribed tightening force, wherein the tightening torque control mechanism is composed of (i) a clutch unit, (ii) a driving piston on the back face of which is formed one clutch plate, so that clutch plates of the clutch unit may move by making rotational differential motions in a case where the tightening torque reaches the set torque value, (iii) a cylinder for storing this driving piston, (iv) a check valve for operating the shut-off valve mechanism, in linkage with the driving piston through an oil charged in the cylinder, and (v) a torque control member for regulating the set torque value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Uryu Seisaku Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Tatsuno
  • Patent number: 8051920
    Abstract: An impact drill includes a housing having an accommodation chamber and a through hole extending from the accommodation chamber to the outside space, a driving mechanism mounted in the accommodation chamber and having a transmission shaft positioned in the through hole for providing an output torque and producing an impact force intermittently upon a resistance, the transmission shaft having a polygonal front segment extending out of the accommodation chamber, and a chuck unit, which has a drill chuck that has a connection barrel defining a polygonal coupling hole that is press-fitted onto the polygonal front segment of the transmission shaft and a first bearing mounted on the connection barrel and received in the through hole to secure the drill chuck to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Mobiletron Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kim Y.C. Tsai, Cheng-I Teng, Jeng-Da Tsai
  • Patent number: 8038044
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for use with a surgical instrument includes a rotatable drive member, a crank operatively coupled to the drive member; a clutch operatively coupled to the crank, wherein rotational motion of the drive member causes oscillating movement of the clutch; and a gear rotatably coupled to the clutch, wherein the oscillating movement of the clutch causes rotation of the gear. The drive mechanism may further include a gear configured to engage a linear member. The crank may include a pin extending distally therefrom. The clutch may include a slot dimensioned and configured to receive a pin of the crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healtcare Group LP
    Inventor: Frank J Viola
  • Publication number: 20110232930
    Abstract: A power tool with a motor, a housing, a transmission, an output spindle, a front bearing and a rear bearing. The motor has an output shaft. The transmission is disposed in the housing and receives a rotary input from the output shaft. The transmission includes an input planetary stage, which has an input planet carrier, and an output planetary stage. The output spindle is driven by the transmission and has a first end, which extends at least partly through the input planetary stage, and a second end opposite the first end. The front bearing is disposed between the output spindle and the housing to support the second end of the output spindle for rotation about the spindle axis. The rear bearing indirectly supports the first end of the output spindle in the housing for rotation about the spindle axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Qiang Zhang, David C. Tomayko, Sankarshan Murthy, James T. Rill
  • Patent number: 8006776
    Abstract: A pneumatic device control apparatus and method comprising a ported valve slidably fitted over a feed tube of the pneumatic device, and using a compliant biasing device to constrain motion of the valve to provide asymmetric timing for extended pressurization of a power chamber and reduced pressurization of a return chamber of the pneumatic device. The pneumatic device can be a pneumatic hammer drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Yarom Polsky
  • Patent number: 8002098
    Abstract: A torque responsive release clutch intended for a power nutrunner and comprises a driving clutch half (11) and a driven clutch half (10) coupled to each other for torque transfer by means of axially directed teeth (16, 17), wherein one of the clutch halves is axially movable between an engagement position and a release position against the action of a bias spring (13). Each one of the teeth (16) of one of the clutch halves (10) has a substantially prismatic shape and extends axially from a base portion (19) to a top portion (20) and comprises two surfaces (22, 23) which form between them a ridge (25). The base portion (19) of the tooth (16) has a radial extent from an inner diameter (d1 to an outer diameter (d2), and the ridge (25) extends from the inner diameter (d1 at the base portion (19) to the outer diameter (d2) at the top portion (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventor: Erik Roland Rahm
  • Patent number: 7987922
    Abstract: While a load torque applied to a tool shaft is lower than a predetermined value, a moving member is maintained at a first position, and a sun gear is rotated integrally with an internal gear. When the load torque applied to the tool shaft reaches or exceeds the predetermined value, the moving member is moved to a second position, to thereby prohibit relative rotation of the internal gear and a gear case. A latch member is engaged in a catching portion of the moving member when the moving member is moved to the second position, to thereby prevent the moving member from moving back to the first position. In this manner, repetitive switching between speed reduction ratios can be prevented even when the load torque applied to the tool shaft fluctuates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Manabu Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 7980324
    Abstract: A power tool including a motor, an output member and a transmission disposed between the motor and the output member. The transmission includes a ring gear with opposite axial end faces. The power tool also includes a clutch for limiting an output of the transmission. The clutch includes an annular clutch face disposed about the ring gear. At least a portion of a side of the ring gear is configured such that an included angle between the annular clutch face and the at least a portion of the side of the ring gear is about ninety five degrees to about one hundred fifty degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Clark A. Bixler, Beverly T. Roberts, Jeffrey P. Grant
  • Publication number: 20110132630
    Abstract: A screw fastening device having a compact clutch that is directly connected to an output side of a DC motor. The output of the DC motor can be suppressed so that the DC motor and the clutch can be made compact. Accordingly, the device main body is more compact and lighter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuji Kawamura, Hideki Sakai, Hideki Mayama, Hideshi Takekuma
  • Publication number: 20110073341
    Abstract: A power tool for tightening screw joints includes a rotation motor and a device for initiating a braking torque to the motor when, in operation, a predetermined tightening condition has been reached. A release coupling includes a first coupling part which is supported by a support shaft being rotationally connected to the motor and a second coupling part which is rotationally connected to an output shaft. The first coupling part is displaceable from a first position to a second position or positions where it is out of engagement with the second coupling part and torque transmission to the output shaft is interrupted. Applying a braking torque to the motor causes the first coupling part to be displaced from the first position to the second position or positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Karl Johan Lars Elsmark
  • Patent number: 7900713
    Abstract: A main shaft locking mechanism includes a fixing ring, a main shaft and detents. The main shaft includes an equilateral portion that has an equilateral cross section. A number of the corners of the equilateral portion is equal to that of the detents. The detent has an exterior side and an interior side opposite to the exterior side. The interior side includes two corner protrusions protruded out from two ends thereof and a concave portion defined between the two corner protrusions. The corners of the main shaft are received in the concave portions of the detents. When the main shaft is manually driven to rotate, the corners of the main shaft drive the detents to deviate. Therefore, the exterior sides of the detents interfere against the fixing ring. Then the detents prevent the main shaft from further rotating, thus locking up the main shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Top Gearbox Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Kuang Chen
  • Patent number: 7900714
    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. 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 is biased into engagement with the clutch member to inhibit relative rotation therebetween to permit the transmission assembly 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Gerald Rescigno, Qiang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20110048752
    Abstract: A driving section generates rotational driving force and has an output shaft (31) that outputs the rotational driving force. An end-bit mounting section (5) holds an end bit (10) and is rotatable about a rotational axis. A friction clutch is provided between the end-bit mounting section and the driving section. The friction clutch includes a drive member (241) and a follow member (244). The drive member rotates together with the driving section and has a drive-side contact surface. The follow member rotates together with the end-bit mounting section and has a follow-side contact surface contactable with the drive-side contact surface. The friction clutch is movable between a transmission position where frictional force is produced between the drive-side contact surface and the follow-side contact surface so that the output shaft and the end-bit mounting section can rotate together, and a cutoff position where the output shaft and the end-bit mounting section are non-rotatable together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Shinichiro Sato
  • Patent number: 7896097
    Abstract: An electric power tool includes a planetary gear reduction mechanism, a switch mechanism, an impact mechanism, a hammer mechanism, a torque fixing mechanism, and a torque adjusting mechanism. The switch mechanism includes a driving member, a first driven member, and a second driven member. A switching member is provided on the electric power tool and connected to the driving member to move it, and the driving member may drive the first driven member and the second driven member respectively to start or shut the impact mechanism and the hammer mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Mobiletron Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Cheng-I Teng
  • Publication number: 20110017484
    Abstract: The invention is based on a hand-held power tool, in particular a cordless power tool, having a torque-limiting device that is provided for setting a maximum torque that a motor output is able to transmit to a tool-driving element. A spring mechanism equipped with at least one first disk spring is provided such that the at least one disk spring acts on at least two detent mechanisms arranged in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Heiko ROEHM
  • Patent number: 7861797
    Abstract: An at least partially rotating and axially percussive hand-held machine tool (4) has an impact mechanism (5) with a guide tube (6) in which a percussion piston (7) is driven in an axially percussive manner by a pneumatic spring (8) and with a slip clutch (10) which is driven in rotation, encloses the guide tube (6), is provided axially with cams (9), and has a driving sleeve (11) and driven sleeve (12) which are biased axially relative to one another under pressure by a spring (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Hartmann, Manfred Ludwig
  • Patent number: 7828074
    Abstract: A hammer drill includes a motor; a spindle rotatingly driven by the motor and holding an output bit; a motion conversion member for converting rotational movement of the motor to reciprocating movement; a striker reciprocatingly driven by the motion conversion member for applying an axial striking force to the output bit; a striking-motion-releasing mechanism for releasing the striking force applying action exercised by the striker; and a tightening-torque adjusting clutch for interrupting the transfer of the rotational force to the output bit by increasing a load torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsubakimoto, Koichi Hashimoto, Hisashi Oda, Hidekazu Yuasa, Kunihiko Tatsu
  • Patent number: 7806200
    Abstract: A power tool includes an output member (8) projecting from the tool housing (4), a drive (6) located in the housing for rotating the output member (8), and a slip clutch (22) for transmitting torque from the drive (6) to the output member (8) and including a plurality of clutch elements (24) retained against rotation relative to the housing (4), a plurality of separate spring elements (28) for adjustable preloading the clutch elements (24) against the counter-clutch elements (51) of the control element (18) for retaining the control element (18) against rotation upon application of the torque thereto until threshold of the torque is reached, and a common support element for supporting the spring elements and movable relative to the housing (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: David Spielmann, Othmar Gerschwiler, Armin Breitenmoser, Remo Breitenmoser, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7762349
    Abstract: A multi-speed drill includes a housing with a motor including an output member. A constant mesh parallel axis transmission can be disposed in the housing and can include a high speed and low speed gears. A clutch member can be associated with the low speed gear. A conical spring can bias the low speed gear and the clutch member together for torque transfer up to a predetermined torque level. Above the predetermined level, cam surfaces between the low speed gear and the clutch member move them apart, thereby limiting torque transfer to the output spindle. In the high speed mode the torque transfer between the input pinion and the output spindle bypasses the clutch member. The maximum torque level capable of being generated at the output spindle in the high speed mode can be less than the predetermined torque level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Trautner, David E. Scheerer, James D. Schroeder, Dennis A. Bush
  • Patent number: 7753248
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for use with a surgical instrument includes a rotatable drive member, a crank operatively coupled to the drive member; a clutch operatively coupled to the crank, wherein rotational motion of the drive member causes oscillating movement of the clutch; and a gear rotatably coupled to the clutch, wherein the oscillating movement of the clutch causes rotation of the gear. The drive mechanism may further include a gear configured to engage a linear member. The crank may include a pin extending distally therefrom. The clutch may include a slot dimensioned and configured to receive a pin of the crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Frank J. Viola
  • Publication number: 20100163264
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held tool (1), in particular an electric handheld tool, comprising a drive motor (4), a tool shaft (14) and a first overload clutch (19) for limiting the maximum torque acting on the tool shaft (14). According to the invention, it is provided that at least a second overload clutch (20) is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Simm, Aldo Di Nicolantonio
  • Patent number: 7712546
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an effective technique for avoiding the influence of reaction during tightening operation in the rotary fastening tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Manabu Tokunaga
  • Publication number: 20100102104
    Abstract: A fastener driving tool includes a housing, a motor, a plunger, a spring, a drum, and one of a cable and a sheet member. The motor is provided in the housing. The plunger is provided in the housing for impacting a fastener in a fastener driving direction. The spring urges the plunger in the fastener driving direction. The drum is rotatably supported in the housing and is rotationally driven by the motor. The one of a cable and a sheet member is capable of being wound over the drum and has one end fixed to the drum and another end acting on the spring for transmitting a driving force of the motor to the spring. The spring is configured to accumulate a resilient energy therein for impacting the fastener by the plunger. The resilient energy of the spring is accumulated by forcible resilient deformation thereof as a result of winding of the one of the cable and the sheet member over the drum rotationally driven by the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Hideyuki Tanimoto, Toshihito Sakaba, Hiroyuki Oda, Yoshihiro Nakano
  • Patent number: 7694750
    Abstract: A hammer drill includes a motor; a spindle rotatingly driven by the motor and holding an output bit; a motion conversion member for converting rotational movement of the motor to reciprocating movement; a striker reciprocatingly driven by the motion conversion member for applying an axial striking force to the output bit; a striking-motion-releasing mechanism for releasing the striking force applying action exercised by the striker; and a tightening-torque adjusting clutch for interrupting the transfer of the rotational force to the output bit by increasing a load torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsubakimoto, Koichi Hashimoto, Hisashi Oda, Hidekazu Yuasa, Kunihiko Tatsu
  • Patent number: 7673702
    Abstract: An impact mechanism includes a shaft, a hammer and an anvil coupled to the hammer. The shaft has a first helical groove and the hammer has a second helical groove. A ball is received in the first and second helical grooves to rotationally couple the hammer to the shaft and permit axial travel of the hammer relative to the shaft. An axial stop inhibits axial travel of the hammer along a first travel path and permits axial travel of the hammer along a second travel path. The axial stop includes first and second stop members, the first and second stop members having a first relative position to inhibit axial travel of the hammer and a second relative position to permit axial travel of the hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Joshua Odell Johnson, Ryan Scott Amend, Warren Andrew Seith
  • Patent number: 7665392
    Abstract: Tightening tools is provided with a pair of clutch members disposed between a motor and a tool bit. The pair of clutch members is provided with a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion. The first engaging portion is constructed so as to disengage the pair of clutch members when the torque applied to the tool bit is equal to or above a first predetermined value. The second engaging portion does not engage the pair of clutch members while the first engaging portion engages the pair of clutch members and the second engaging portion engages the pair of clutch members after the first engaging portion disengages the pair of clutch members. The second engaging portion is constructed so as to disengage the pair of clutch members when the torque applied to the tool bit is equal to or above a second predetermined value. The second predetermined value may be different from the first predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Manabu Tokunaga, Tomohiro Hachisuka
  • Patent number: 7658239
    Abstract: A power tool including a drive assembly including a first clutch assembly having an engaged configuration, in which the first clutch assembly transfers a drive force from a motor shaft to a spindle, and a disengaged configuration, in which the first clutch assembly prevents the transfer of the drive force. The first clutch assembly can be movable toward the disengaged configuration when a torque exerted on the spindle exceeds a torque limit. The drive assembly can also include a second clutch assembly having an engaged configuration, in which the second clutch assembly transmits the drive force from the motor shaft to the spindle, and a disengaged configuration, in which the second clutch assembly prevents the transmission of the drive force. The second clutch assembly can be movable toward the engaged configuration when the tool element engages a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Klemm, Curtis J. Ladish
  • Patent number: 7658238
    Abstract: An impact drill for boring a workpiece includes a main frame, a motor housed in the main frame, a spindle movably supported by the main frame and rotatable by the motor and movable in its axial direction, a first ratchet positioned fixedly with respect to the spindle, a second ratchet positioned with respect to the first ratchet, a spring biasing the second ratchet toward the first ratchet. The spring has at least one of a spring constant and a biasing force which prevents the second ratchet and the spindle from abutting against the main frame at least one of when a force ranging from 15 to 25 kg is applied to the main frame for boring the workpiece and when the spindle is moved to a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jyunichi Toukairin, Kenji Kataoka, Kazuhide Ohzeki, Takuma Saito, Shinki Ohtsu, Shigeru Ishikawa, Hideki Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20100024611
    Abstract: A pneumatic driver for driving a fastener including an air inlet connectable to an air supply and a pneumatically driven motor driveable by air supply about a tool axis. The driver further including a bit holder, a torque control, and a push rod in mechanical communication with the torque control such that the pin is axially positionable between an off position, a drive position and a torque blocked position. The rod moving to the drive position in response to axial pressure being applied to the bit holder and driver further including an inlet air chamber and a signal pressure chamber fluidly connecting the air inlet and the motor. The driver further including a port between the inlet and signal chambers and a second port between the pressure chamber and the motor and the rod extending through the pressure chamber into the inlet chamber and including a first seal for selectively sealing the first port and a second seal for selectively sealing the second port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Michael M. Starick, Phillip L. Klingler
  • Patent number: 7644783
    Abstract: A power tool transmission is described in which an overload clutch mechanism is arranged to provide a relatively compact power tool. A torque adjustment dial is arranged between the visible portions of the motor housing and the gearbox, and the dial is coupled to a compression spring such that rotation of the dial cause the spring to be compressed or decompressed, thereby adjusting the torque at which the clutch overloads and ratchets. The compression spring is arranged at least partially between the motor and gearbox or gear train, in a space which conventional power tools do not utilized for this purpose. Thus, the dimensions of the power tool's transmission can be reduced with respect to conventional power tools. Furthermore, the space on the gearbox immediately behind a chuck can be used for another purpose other than accommodating the adjustment collar, as is the case with conventional power tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Ana-Maria Roberts, David Proudlock
  • Publication number: 20090321102
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand tool (1), particularly electric hand tool, having a drive (5), a tool shaft (3), a first overload clutch (14) and a transmission (6), which comprises a first and at least one second gear wheel unit (7, 8), said gear wheel units being operable alternatively to transmit torque. According to the invention, at least one second overload clutch (18) is provided and is permanently and exclusively operatively connected to the first gear wheel unit (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Aldo Di Nicolantonio
  • Publication number: 20090294145
    Abstract: A screw driver capable of avoiding co-rotation of an end bit and a motor in case of sharp shooting the end bit with a groove in a head of a screw. A co-rotation preventing mechanism is engageable with an end bit mounting portion when the end bit mounting portion is at a frontward position to prevent the end bit mounting portion from being rotated in the forward direction and to allow the end bit mounting portion to rotate in the reverse direction. The preventing mechanism is disengageable from the end bit mounting portion when the end bit mounting portion is at the rearward position to allow the end bit mounting portion to rotate in both forward and reverse directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Shinichirou SATOU, Hideki YAMADA, Tsukasa SUZUURA
  • Publication number: 20090242226
    Abstract: While a load torque applied to a tool shaft is lower than a predetermined value, a moving member is maintained at a first position, and a sun gear is rotated integrally with an internal gear. When the load torque applied to the tool shaft reaches or exceeds the predetermined value, the moving member is moved to a second position, to thereby prohibit relative rotation of the internal gear and a gear case. A latch member is engaged in a catching portion of the moving member when the moving member is moved to the second position, to thereby prevent the moving member from moving back to the first position. In this manner, repetitive switching between speed reduction ratios can be prevented even when the load torque applied to the tool shaft fluctuates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Manabu Tokunaga
  • Publication number: 20090241744
    Abstract: A tightening tool for tightening a fastener is disclosed which comprises a motor and a main shaft that engages with the fastener. A clutch is disposed between the motor and the main shaft so that the clutch rotates the main shaft by transmitting torque from the motor to the main shaft when a load acting on the main shaft is less than a predetermined value. The clutch shuts off torque transmission from the motor to the main shaft when the load acting on the main shaft reaches or exceeds the predetermined value. When in use, the current flowing to the motor and rotation angle of the main shaft of the motor are detected. The detected current and rotation angle are used to determine whether the tightening torque of the fastener is normal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: YUTAKA MATSUNAGA
  • Patent number: 7591326
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an effective technique for improving the durability of a torque limiter utilized in a power tool. The object is achieved by a representative power tool comprising a tool bit, a driving mechanism and a torque limiter. The torque limiter includes first and second rotating members, a ball, a pressing member and an elastic member. The second rotating member includes a power transmitting region with a groove continuously formed from a deepest groove part to a shallowest groove part to allow torque transmission and a power transmission interrupted region with a groove shallower than the shallowest groove part of the power transmitting region to interrupts the torque transmission. According to this construction, when the ball is in the power transmitting region, the pressing member contacts the first rotating member and is held in a position in which the biasing force of the elastic member is prevented from acting upon the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki Ikuta
  • Publication number: 20090229845
    Abstract: A hammer drill includes a motor; a spindle rotatingly driven by the motor and holding an output bit; a motion conversion member for converting rotational movement of the motor to reciprocating movement; a striker reciprocatingly driven by the motion conversion member for applying an axial striking force to the output bit; a striking-motion-releasing mechanism for releasing the striking force applying action exercised by the striker; and a tightening-torque adjusting clutch for interrupting the transfer of the rotational force to the output bit by increasing a load torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsubakimoto, Koichi Hashimoto, Hisashi Oda, Hidekazu Yuasa, Kunihiko Tatsu
  • Patent number: 7588094
    Abstract: A power hand tool includes a housing; an electric motor mounted in the housing for provide a rotary motion; a transmission gear set is mounted in the housing and connected with the electric motor; a torsion control device having a first rotary knob, which can adjust the maximum torsion output of the transmission gear set while being turned, and a plurality of first dents formed on an internal periphery thereof; an impact device having a second rotary knob, which can switch on or off an impact motion generated on the transmission gear set while being rotated, and a plurality of second dents formed on an internal periphery thereof; and a locating device having a holder fixed to the torsion control device and a locating member mounted to the holder, the locating member having two resilient portions, each of which has a convexity engaged with the associated first dents or second dents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Mobiletron Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung-Tsung Lin
  • Patent number: 7565935
    Abstract: The tap driver is configured to be hand-held. It has a tap-holding chuck and a motor to drive the chuck. An external switch rocks forward to rotate the motor in the tapping direction and backward to withdraw the tap. A control circuit causes forward motion of the tap for a predetermined time for the tap to make about one forward turn for tapping. At the end of that time, the motor reverses and rotates the tap outward a fractional turn to break the chips made during tapping. The timer then turns the circuit to drive the motor in the forward direction for another tapping. This action repeats until tapping is complete and the switch is rocked back to reverse the motor to withdraw the tap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7556103
    Abstract: A fastening tool with a clutch for shutting off transmission of torque, capable of self-diagnosing fastening torque of a screw or the like at low cost without using expensive elements such as a torque sensor, etc. A fastening tool (10) has a motor (13), a main shaft (20) engaging with a screw or the like, and a clutch (14) interposed between the motor (13) and the main shaft (20). The clutch (14) transmits torque from the motor (13) to the main shaft (20) when a load acting on the main shaft (20) is less than a predetermined value, and shuts off torque transmission from the motor (13) to the main shaft (20) when a load acting on the main shaft (20) is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. The fastening tool (10) further has a control unit (60) for controlling the motor (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Matsunaga
  • Publication number: 20090126961
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an effective technique for preventing loss of a screw fastening depth regulating member removed from a machine body in a screw fastening machine. A representative screw fastening machine includes a machine body, a motor, an input shaft, an output shaft, a first clutch element, a second clutch element, a biasing member for first and second clutch elements, a screw fastening depth regulating member. The machine body has a holding part formed in an area other than the tip end region of the machine body to removably hold the screw fastening depth regulating member. The holding part is provided such that the screw fastening depth regulating member can be attached to and removed from the holding part by utilizing elastic deformation of the holding part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masamichi Miyazawa, Yuta Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7506694
    Abstract: A hand held motor driven electrically powered tool, in particular a rotary hammer, comprising a spindle (40) for rotatingly driving a tool or bit (68), a spindle rotary drive train (14, 5, 10) for rotatingly driving the spindle (40) and an arrangement for detecting blocking events (16, 17). Blocking events occur when the tool or bit of the tool become rotationally fixed in the material being bored in which case the rotary drive on the spindle from the motor causes the tool housing to rotate in a user's grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Stirm, Norbert Hahn, Martin Lauterwald, Achim Jung, Stefan D. Gensmann, Robert Alan Usselman, Robert Bradus
  • Publication number: 20090025951
    Abstract: A device has a torque-limiting unit of a power drill, wherein torque-limiting unit is intended to limit a screwdriving moment in a screwdriving function; and a power drill is provided with the new torque-limiting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Karl FRAUHAMMER, Gerhard MEIXNER, Heinz SCHNERRING
  • Patent number: 7469753
    Abstract: A power tool including a drive assembly including a first clutch assembly having an engaged configuration, in which the first clutch assembly transfers a drive force from a motor shaft to a spindle, and a disengaged configuration, in which the first clutch assembly prevents the transfer of the drive force. The first clutch assembly can be movable toward the disengaged configuration when a torque exerted on the spindle exceeds a torque limit. The drive assembly can also include a second clutch assembly having an engaged configuration, in which the second clutch assembly transmits the drive force from the motor shaft to the spindle, and a disengaged configuration, in which the second clutch assembly prevents the transmission of the drive force. The second clutch assembly can be movable toward the engaged configuration when the tool element engages a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Klemm, Curtis J. Ladish
  • Publication number: 20080296036
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch (2) for a hand-operated electrical tool, in particular for a hand-held electrical device with a rotating tool, such as a drill or hammer drill, where the clutch (2) disengages automatically when a defined disengagement torque is exceeded. The invention further relates to a hand-operated electrical tool, in particular a hand-held electrical device with a rotating tool, which has this type of clutch (2). The clutch (2) is switchable between two clutch conditions, which have a different level of disengagement torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Simm, Cornelis Van Der Schans