Patent Application
20230202022
The present invention relates to power tools, and more specifically to impact tools.
Impact tools or wrenches typically include a hammer that impacts an anvil to provide a striking rotational force, or intermittent applications of torque, to a workpiece (e.g., a fastener) to either tighten or loosen the fastener. High torque impact wrenches are capable of delivering very large amounts of torque to fasteners. As such, high torque impact wrenches are typically used to loosen or remove large and/or stuck fasteners (e.g., an automobile lug nut on an axle stud) that are otherwise not removable or very difficult to remove using hand tools, drills, or smaller, lighter-duty impact drivers.
The present invention provides, in one aspect, an impact tool including a housing extending along a longitudinal axis. The housing includes a motor housing portion, a first handle extending from the motor housing portion, and a front housing coupled to the motor housing portion opposite the first handle. The impact tool also includes a motor supported within the motor housing portion, an anvil extending from the front housing, and an impact mechanism supported within the front housing. The impact mechanism is driven by the motor to deliver incremental rotational impacts to the anvil. The impact tool also includes a battery receptacle configured to receive a removable battery pack, a trigger switch actuatable to energize the motor, and an auxiliary handle assembly. The auxiliary handle assembly includes a mount coupled to the housing, an auxiliary handle coupled to the mount and spaced from the first handle, and an adjustment mechanism. Loosening the adjustment mechanism permits rotation of the auxiliary handle assembly about the longitudinal axis relative to the housing, and tightening the adjustment mechanism secures the auxiliary handle assembly in a selected rotational position.
In some embodiments, the mount includes a band clamp surrounding the front housing.
In some embodiments, the band clamp includes a ring portion having a plurality of detents configured to engage a plurality of recesses on the front housing.
In some embodiments, the band clamp includes a first tab and a second tab spaced from the first tab, and tightening the adjustment mechanism decreases a spacing between the first and second tabs to reduce a diameter of the ring portion.
In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism includes an actuator, a first clamp member biased into engagement with the first tab, and a second clamp member biased into engagement with the second tab.
In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism includes a rod extending along a second axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and the rod extends through the first clamp member, the first tab, the second clamp member, and the second tab.
In some embodiments, the rod includes a threaded portion and a head opposite the threaded portion, the adjustment mechanism includes a seat opposite the actuator, the threaded portion is threadably coupled to the actuator, and the head is fixed to the seat.
In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism includes a first biasing member extending between the actuator and the first clamp member and a second biasing member extending between the head and the second clamp member.
In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism includes a third biasing member extending between the first tab and the second tab.
In some embodiments, the plurality of detents is engageable with the plurality of recesses to provide tactile feedback when the mount is rotated about the longitudinal axis relative to the housing.
In some embodiments, loosening the adjustment mechanism permits rotation of the auxiliary handle relative to the mount about a second axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.
The present invention provides, in another aspect, an impact tool including a housing extending along a longitudinal axis. The housing includes a motor housing portion and a front housing coupled to the motor housing portion. The impact tool also includes a motor supported within the motor housing portion, an anvil extending from the front housing, and an impact mechanism supported within the front housing. The impact mechanism is driven by the motor to deliver incremental rotational impacts to the anvil. The impact tool also includes a battery receptacle configured to receive a removable battery pack, a trigger switch actuatable to energize the motor, a first handle extending from the motor housing portion, and a second handle coupled to the front housing.
In some embodiments, the second handle substantially surrounds the front housing.
In some embodiments, the trigger switch is located on the second handle.
In some embodiments, the trigger switch includes a rocker switch.
In some embodiments, the trigger switch is located on the first handle.
In some embodiments, at least one of the first handle or the second handle is adjustable.
In some embodiments, the second handle is slidable along the housing in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.
In some embodiments, the second handle is pivotable about a handle axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.
In some embodiments, the second handle is rotatable about the longitudinal axis.
In some embodiments, the impact tool includes stand coupled to the second handle.
In some embodiments, the first handle includes a first grip portion and a second grip portion, the trigger switch is a first trigger switch located on the first grip portion, the impact tool further includes a second trigger switch located on the second grip portion, and the second trigger switch is actuatable to electrically connect the battery pack to the motor to energize the motor.
In some embodiments, the first handle includes a first grip portion extending along a first grip axis, and the first grip axis is inclined at an angled between 35 degrees and 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.
In some embodiments, at least one of the first handle or the second handle is rotatable relative to the housing about the longitudinal axis, and at least one of the first handle or the second handle is pivotable relative to the housing about a handle axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.
The present disclosure provides, in another aspect, an impact tool including a housing extending along a longitudinal axis. The housing includes a motor housing portion and a front housing coupled to the motor housing portion. The impact tool also includes a motor supported within the motor housing portion, an anvil extending from the front housing, an impact mechanism supported within the front housing, the impact mechanism driven by the motor to deliver incremental rotational impacts to the anvil, a battery receptacle configured to receive a removable battery pack, a trigger switch actuatable to energize the motor, a first handle extending from the motor housing portion, and an auxiliary handle assembly. The auxiliary handle assembly includes a mount, an auxiliary handle coupled to the mount and spaced from the first handle, and an adjustment mechanism. At least one of the first handle or the auxiliary handle is rotatable relative to the housing about the longitudinal axis, and at least one of the first handle or the auxiliary handle is pivotable relative to the housing about a handle axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.
In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism includes an actuator rotatable about the handle axis in a loosening direction and a tightening direction.
In some embodiments, rotation of the actuator in the loosening direction permits the auxiliary handle assembly to be rotated relative to the housing about the longitudinal axis between a plurality of rotational positions, and the auxiliary handle assembly is securable in one of the plurality of rotational positions by rotating the actuator in the tightening direction.
In some embodiments, rotation of the actuator in the loosening direction permits the auxiliary handle to be pivoted relative to the mount about the handle axis between a plurality of rotational positions, and the auxiliary handle is securable in one of the plurality of rotational positions by rotating the actuator in the tightening direction.
In some embodiments, the mount includes a band clamp surrounding the front housing, and the band clamp includes a ring portion having a plurality of detents configured to engage a plurality of recesses on the front housing.
In some embodiments, the band clamp includes first and second tabs extending from the ring portion, and the adjustment mechanism includes a threaded rod extending through the first and second tabs.
Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The impact wrench 10 may be powered by a battery pack (not shown) removably coupled to a battery receptacle 38 located at a bottom end of the handle portion 26. The battery pack may include a plurality of rechargeable battery cells electrically connected to provide a desired output (e.g., nominal voltage, current capacity, etc.) of the battery pack. Each battery cell may have a nominal voltage between about 3 Volts (V) and about 5 V. The battery pack may have a nominal capacity of at least 5 Amp-hours (Ah) (e.g., with two strings of five series-connected battery cells (a “5S2P” pack)). In some embodiments, the battery pack may have a nominal capacity of at least 9 Ah (e.g., with three strings of five series-connected battery cells (a “5S3P pack”). The illustrated battery pack may have a nominal output voltage of at least 18 V. The cells may have a Lithium-based chemistry (e.g., Lithium, Lithium-ion, etc.) or any other suitable chemistry.
Referring to
The impact wrench 10 includes a trigger switch 62 provided on the first handle 26 to selectively electrically connect the motor 42 and the battery pack 34 and thereby provide DC power to the motor 42. In other embodiments, the impact wrench 10 may include a power cord for electrically connecting the switch 62 and the motor 42 to a source of AC power. As a further alternative, the impact wrench 10 may be configured to operate using a different power source (e.g., a pneumatic power source, etc.). The battery pack 34 is the preferred means for powering the impact wrench 10, however, because a cordless impact wrench advantageously requires less maintenance (e.g., no oiling of air lines or compressor motor) and can be used in locations where compressed air or other power sources are unavailable.
With reference to
With continued reference to
The output shaft 50 is rotatably supported by a first or forward bearing 98 and a second or rear bearing 102. The helical gears 82, 86, 90 of the gear assembly 66 advantageously provide higher torque capacity and quieter operation than spur gears, for example, but the helical engagement between the pinion 82 and the planet gears 86 produces an axial thrust load on the output shaft 50. Accordingly, the impact wrench 10 includes a front bearing retainer 106 that secures the front bearing 98 both axially (i.e. against forces transmitted along the axis 54) and radially (i.e. against forces transmitted in a radial direction of the output shaft 50). In the illustrated embodiment, the front bearing 98 is seated within a recess in the flange portion 76 of the gear case 74.
The drive assembly 70 of the impact wrench 10 will now be described with reference to
The drive assembly 70 further includes a spring 208 biasing the hammer 204 toward the front of the impact wrench 10 (i.e., in the left direction of
The impact wrench 10 is capable of applying a large fastening torque to a fastener. As defined herein, the term “fastening torque” means torque applied to a fastener in a direction increasing tension (i.e. in a tightening direction). In particular, the drive assembly 70 of the impact wrench 10 converts the continuous torque input from the motor 42 to deliver consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece producing at least 1,700 ft-lbs of fastening torque without exceeding 100 Amps (A) of current drawn by the motor 42. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 70 delivers consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece, producing at least 1,700 ft-lbs of fastening torque without exceeding 80 A of current drawn by the motor 42.
In some embodiments, the drive assembly 70 delivers consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece, producing at least 1,800 ft-lbs of fastening torque without exceeding 100 A of current drawn by the motor 42. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 70 delivers consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece, producing at least 1,800 ft-lbs of fastening torque without exceeding 80 A of current drawn by the motor 42.
In some embodiments, the drive assembly 70 delivers consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece, producing at least 1,900 ft-lbs of fastening torque without exceeding 100 A of current drawn by the motor 42. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 70 delivers consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece, producing at least 1,900 ft-lbs of fastening torque without exceeding 80 A of current drawn by the motor 42.
In some embodiments, the drive assembly 70 delivers consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece, producing at least 2,000 ft-lbs of fastening torque without exceeding 100 A of current drawn by the motor 42. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 70 delivers consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece, producing at least 2,000 ft-lbs of fastening torque without exceeding 80 A of current drawn by the motor 42. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 70 delivers consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece, producing at least 3,500 ft-lbs of fastening torque.
Referring to
Referring to
With reference to
The band clamp 258 includes first and second tabs 278a, 278b extending from a ring portion 278c. The tabs 278a, 278b are spaced from each other, and the ring portion 278c is flexible such that the diameter of the ring portion 278c can be varied by changing the spacing between the tabs 278a, 278b. The ring portion 278c in the illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of detents 279 circumferentially spaced about the inner periphery of the ring portion 278c. In the illustrated embodiment, the gear case 74 includes a plurality of recesses 289 circumferentially spaced about the outer periphery of the gear case 74 (
In some embodiments, the detents 279 may be formed by indenting the outer side of the ring portion 278c. The tabs 278a, 278b, the ring portion 278c, and the detents 279 may be integrally formed together from a single piece of sheet material, such as steel, via a stamping and bending process. In other embodiments, the gear case 74 may include the detents 279, and the inner periphery of the ring portion 278c may include the recesses 289.
With continued reference to
In operation of the impact wrench 10, an operator grasps the first handle 26 with one hand and the second handle 250 with the other. The operator depresses the trigger switch 62 to activate the motor 42, which continuously drives the gear assembly 66 and the camshaft 94 via the output shaft 50. As the camshaft 94 rotates, the cam balls 228 drive the hammer 204 to co-rotate with the camshaft 94, and the hammer lugs engage, respectively, driven surfaces of the anvil lugs 220 to provide an impact and to rotatably drive the anvil 200 and the tool element. After each impact, the hammer 204 moves or slides rearward along the camshaft 94, away from the anvil 200, so that the hammer lugs disengage the anvil lugs 220.
As the hammer 204 moves rearward, the cam balls situated in the respective cam grooves 224 in the camshaft 94 move rearward in the cam grooves 224. The spring 208 stores some of the rearward energy of the hammer 204 to provide a return mechanism for the hammer 204. After the hammer lugs 218 disengage the respective anvil lugs 220, the hammer 204 continues to rotate and moves or slides forwardly, toward the anvil 200, as the spring 208 releases its stored energy, until the drive surfaces of the hammer lugs re-engage the driven surfaces of the anvil lugs 220 to cause another impact.
The auxiliary handle assembly 250 advantageously gives the operator improved control when operating the impact wrench 10 by allowing the operator to stabilize and support the front housing portion 22, and to hold the impact wrench 10 in a manner where the operator can better absorb axial vibration created by the reciprocating hammer 204. Because the auxiliary handle assembly 250 is adjustable, the operator can position the auxiliary handle 256 in a variety of different orientations for improved comfort, ergonomics, and to increase the usability of the impact wrench 10 in tight spaces.
For example, rotation of the actuator 266 about the axis 274 in a loosening direction (i.e. loosening the adjustment mechanism 262) permits adjustment of the second handle 250 between a plurality of positions relative to the housing 14. In particular, loosening the adjustment mechanism 262 increases the spacing between the actuator 266 and the seat 276, which decreases the compressive load on the first and second springs 290a, 290b. The tabs 278a, 278b may then move apart (e.g., under the influence of the third spring 292), which loosens the band clamp 258 to permit rotation of the auxiliary handle assembly 250 relative to the housing 14 about the longitudinal axis 16. In some embodiments, the detents 279 may remain at least partially engaged with the recesses 289 to retain the auxiliary handle assembly 250 in their current position until an operator exerts sufficient force on the auxiliary handle 256.
With the adjustment mechanism 262 loosened, the operator may rotate the auxiliary handle assembly 250 about the longitudinal axis 16 to a desired rotational position. As the operator rotates the auxiliary handle assembly 250, the detents 279 may at least partially engage the recesses 289 to provide the operator with tactile feedback at each of the plurality of predetermined rotational positions. Once the auxiliary handle assembly 250 reaches a desired position, the operator may tighten the adjustment mechanism 262 by rotating the actuator 266 about the axis 274 in a tightening direction (i.e. tightening the adjustment mechanism 262).
Tightening the adjustment mechanism 262 decreases the spacing between the actuator 266 and the seat 276, which increases the compressive load on the first and second springs 290a, 290b. The springs 290a, 290b overcome the third spring 292 and press the tabs 278a, 278b toward each other. The ring portion 279 is thus tightened around the gear case 74, and the detents 279 are held in the recesses 289. The detents 279 and the recesses 289 advantageously provide a positive locking connection that may better resist torque between the handle 250 and the housing 14 than a friction connection alone, for example.
In some embodiments, the auxiliary handle 256 may also be rotatable about the axis 274 relative to the mount 254. In such embodiments, loosening the adjustment mechanism 262 may also permit rotation of the auxiliary handle 256 relative to the mount 254. Alternatively, a separate adjustment mechanism for adjusting the orientation of the auxiliary handle 256 relative to the mount 254 may be provided.
With continued reference to
The illustrated handle portion 1268 includes rounded faces. In other embodiments, the faces may be differently shaped (e.g., flat, ridged, etc.).
Turning now to
As illustrated in
The auxiliary handle assembly 1250 is adjusted by rotating the cam lever 1264 about the rod axis 1272 and by rotating the cam lever 1264 about a pin axis 1280. Rotating the cam lever 1264 about the rod axis 1272 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) causes the rod 1270 to extend further into the pin 1279 and, thereby, the cam lever 1264. As the rod 1270 extends further into the cam lever 1264, the adjustment mechanism 1262 is compressed, such that the seat 1276 is moved along the rod axis 1272 toward the push plate 1274. As the adjustment mechanism 1262 is compressed, the first and second clutch members 1288a, 1288b engage the respective first and second clamp members 1285a, 1285b. Further rotation of the cam lever 1264 about the rod axis 1272 causes the first and second clamp members 1285a, 1285b to be compressed together, such that the first and second tabs 1278a, 1278b are brought together and the ring portion 1278c tightens around the housing 14.
In the illustrated embodiment, the cam lever 1264 is configured to be rotated about the rod axis 1272, while a surface of the base portion 1266 with a minimum radius (i.e., distance from the pin 1279 to the surface) is in contact with the push plate 1274 (
The auxiliary handle assembly 1250 may be loosened by rotating the cam lever 1264 about the pin axis 1280, such that the surface of the base portion 1266 with the minimum radius is in contact with the push plate 1274. The cam lever 1264 may then be rotated about the rod axis 1272 in a second direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) opposite the first direction to cause the rod 1270 to withdraw from the pin 1279 and, thereby, the cam lever 1264. When the auxiliary handle assembly 1250 is loose, the auxiliary handle 1256 may be rotated about the longitudinal axis 16 and pivoted about the rod axis 1272.
With continued reference to
Turning now to
The auxiliary handle assembly 2250 is adjusted by rotating the knob 2264 about the rod axis 2272 and by moving the knob 2264 along the rod axis 2272. To secure the knob 2264 in a locked position, the knob 2264 is first screwed on to the first threaded section 2274b of the rod 2270 until the threaded nut 2273 reaches the smooth section 2275. The knob 2264 is then pushed along the rod axis 2272, such that the end section 2267 is received within the aperture 2271. Finally, the knob 2264 is secured by rotating the knob 2264 about the rod axis 2272, such that the fins 2269 contact side faces of the protrusions 2255. As the knob 2264 is pushed along the smooth section 2275 and locked into place, the knob 2264 contacts the first clutch member 2288a, which compresses the adjustment mechanism 2262. When the knob 2264 is secured in the locked position, the band clamp 2258 is coupled to the housing 14.
The knob 2264 may be loosened and removed from the adjustment mechanism 2262 by first rotating the knob 2264, such that the fins 2269 are not in contact with the protrusions. Then, the threaded nut 2273 reaches the smooth section 2275 of the rod 2270, and the knob 2264 may be slid along the rod axis 2272 through the aperture 2271. Finally, the knob 2264 may be screwed off of the first threaded section 2274a of the rod 2270. The location of the rod 2270 may also be adjusted by rotating the rod 2270 relative to the threaded nut 2277, such that the rod 2270 moves relative to the mount 2254. The location of the rod 2270 adjusts the location of the threaded sections 2274a, 2274b and the smooth section 2275, which adjusts how the knob 2264 secures to the mount 2254. When the auxiliary handle assembly 2250 is loose, the auxiliary handle 2256 may be rotated about the longitudinal axis 16 and pivoted about the rod axis 2272.
With continued reference to
With specific reference to
The auxiliary handle assembly 3250 is adjusted by rotating the knob 3264 relative to the shaft axis 3272. The shaft 3267 of the knob 3264 is at least partially received within the central bore 3257 of the auxiliary handle 3256, such that the ball bearing 3270 is received in the cam groove 3269 and the slot 3280. The knob 3264 is in an unsecured position when the ball bearing 3270 is received in the travel section 3290 of the cam groove 3269, and the knob 3264 is in a secured position when the ball bearing 3270 is in the locking section 3294 of the cam groove 3269. As such, to secure the knob 3264, the knob 3264 is rotated in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) such that the ball bearing 3270 moves along the travel section 3290 toward the locking section 3294. As the knob 3264 is rotated in the first direction, the shaft 3267 abuts the first clutch member 3288a, which compresses the adjustment mechanism 3262 against the bias of the biasing member 3292. Once the ball bearing 3270 is received in the locking section 3294, the knob 3264 may not be rotated further, and the band clamp 3258 is coupled to the housing 14.
To then loosen the knob 3264, the knob 3264 must be pushed along the shaft axis 3272 against the bias of the biasing member 3292 and rotated in a second direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) to move the ball bearing 3270 into the travel section 3290. The knob 3264 may then be further rotated in the second direction to further loosen the knob 3264. When the auxiliary handle assembly 3250 is loose, the auxiliary handle 3256 may be rotated about the longitudinal axis 16 and pivoted about the shaft axis 3272.
The impact wrench 10A includes a housing 14A with a motor housing portion 18A, a front housing portion 22A, and a handle portion 26A or first handle 26A extending from the motor housing portion 18A opposite the front housing portion 22A. The impact wrench 10A defines an overall length L of about 22.6 inches and an overall height H of about 9.6 inches. A grip portion 27A of the first handle 26A defines a handle axis 37A, which is obliquely oriented relative to the longitudinal axis 16A. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle axis 37A is inclined at an angle A1 of about 35 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 16A.
With continued reference to
The second handle 250A is fixed to the motor housing portion 18A and is shaped as a loop handle or bail handle, such that the second handle 250A surrounds a substantial portion of the circumference of the motor housing portion. The second handle 250A includes curved gripping portions 251, 252 and a flat portion 253 centered between the curved gripping portions 251, 252 and extending laterally across the underside of the impact wrench 10A. As such, the flat portion 253 and the foot 35A together form a stand that can support the impact wrench 10A when the impact wrench is placed on the ground, for example.
Referring to
The impact wrench 10B defines an overall length L1 of about 22.6 inches and an overall height H1 of about 10.5 inches. The first handle 26B includes a first grip portion 27B and a second grip portion 29B extending at an oblique angle from the first grip portion 27B. A first trigger switch 62B is located on the first grip portion 27B, and a second trigger switch 63B is located on the second grip portion 29B. The first handle 26B thus provides two different grip placements, both of which permit operation of the impact wrench 10B. For example, an operator may grasp the first grip portion 27B and actuate the first trigger switch 62B when operating the impact wrench 10 at chest level or overhead. The operator may alternatively grasp the second grip portion 29B and actuate the second trigger switch 63B when operating the impact wrench 10 below chest level. The first handle 26B is thus configured to provide improved ergonomics in a variety of different operating orientations.
The impact wrench 10C includes a compact housing 14C with a shorter overall length L2 than the length L of the impact wrench 10A. As such, the first handle 26C is positioned closer to a center of gravity CG of the impact wrench 10C. This enhances the balance of the impact wrench 10C when the operator grasps the grip portion 27C of the first handle 26C. The grip portion 27C defines a handle axis 37C, which is obliquely oriented relative to the longitudinal axis 16C. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle axis 37C is inclined at an angle A2 between 35 degrees and 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 16C.
The impact wrench 10D includes a compact housing 14D with a shorter overall length L3 and a shorter overall height H3 than the length L and height H of the impact wrench 10A, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the length L3 is about 20.8 inches, and the height H3 is about 9.1 inches. The battery receptacle 38D of the impact wrench 10D is located on the back side of the first handle 26D, such that the battery pack 34D is insertable and removable from the battery receptacle 38D in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16D. This arrangement places the center of mass of the battery pack 34D generally in line with the longitudinal axis 16D, improving the balance of the impact wrench 10D.
The first handle 26E of the impact wrench 10E is generally U-shaped and is pivotally coupled to the motor housing portion 18E. The first handle 26E is adjustable between a variety of different orientations (
The second handle 250E of the impact wrench 10E is configured as a bail handle with ends coupled to the underside of the front housing portion 22E, proximate the gear case 74E. Referring to
The trigger switch 62F of the impact wrench 10F is located on the pivotably adjustable first handle 26F, rather than on the second handle 250F (
With reference to
The motor housing portion 18G of the impact wrench 10G includes a rotatable rear cap 49G that is selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis 16G (
The impact wrench 10H includes a support stand 280H coupled to the second handle 250H. In some embodiments, the support stand 280H may be removable from the second handle 250H to provide a more compact overall size when the support stand 280H is not needed. The support stand includes a pair of legs 281H that are slidably received within downwardly-extending legs 282H of the second handle 250H. Thus, the support stand 280H can telescope in and out of the second handle 250H. The support stand 280H further includes a base 283H coupled to the legs 281H for supporting the impact wrench 10H on a surface (e.g., the ground, a table, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, a spring 284H is coupled between the support stand legs 281H and the legs 282 of the second handle 250H (
The first handle 261 of the impact wrench 101 has a grip portion 271 that extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 161 (
The impact wrench 10J does not include a second handle. Instead, an elastomeric boot 28J is provided on the underside of the front housing portion 22J. In some embodiments, the elastomeric boot 28J may be overmolded on the front housing portion 22J. In other embodiments, the elastomeric boot 28J may be removable from the front housing portion 22J. The elastomeric boot 28J provides a comfortable location for an operator to support the front of the impact wrench 10J, and may provide protection from drops, etc.
The impact wrench 10K include a compact housing 14K and a single bail handle 250K that substantially surrounds the housing 14K. The handle 250K may be coupled to the front housing portion 22K, the gear case 74K, or the motor housing portion 18K (e.g., via fasteners), but is preferably positioned to overlap the center of gravity CG of the impact wrench in a direction along the longitudinal axis 16K (
The illustrated handle 250K includes curved gripping portions 251K, 252K and a flat portion 253K centered between the curved gripping portions 251K, 252K and extending laterally over the top of the impact wrench 10E (
The first handle 26L of the impact wrench 10L extends upwardly from the top side of the motor housing portion 18L and includes a grip portion 27L oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16L (
The first handle 26L is positioned relative to the center of gravity CG of the impact wrench 10L such that the weight the impact wrench 10L forward of the handle 26L tends to pivot the front end downward, in the direction of arrow A, and the rear end upward, in the direction of arrow B (
In some embodiments, the impact wrench 10L may further include an adjustable second handle 250L to provide additional control and stability for the front of the impact wrench 10L (
The second handle 250M of the impact wrench 10M is shaped as a curved bail handle and is coupled to the gear case 74M. The first handle 26M extends from a rear end of the housing 14M to the center of the second handle 250M. The first handle 26M and the second handle 250M of the impact wrench 10M thus are interconnected to form a combined handle structure, offering a variety of different gripping points and, in some embodiments, providing additional structural support to the housing 14M. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger switch 62M is configured as a rocker switch and is positioned centrally on the second handle 250M adjacent the intersection between the second handle 250M and the first handle 26M (
The stand 300 may be particularly advantageous when used to tighten or loosen fasteners 350 arranged in a circular pattern on a workpiece 354, such as lug nuts on a wheel, nuts and bolts arranged about a circular flange, and the like. In operation, the stand 300 is positioned adjacent the workpiece 354 with the center of the drum 308 aligned concentrically with the center of the fastener pattern. The anvil guide 312 is then adjusted to a position corresponding with the radial position of each fastener 350. The anvil 200 of the impact wrench 10 is inserted through the guide bore 316 to tighten or loosen a particular fastener 350. When completed, the drum 308 is rotated until the guide bore 316 aligns with the next fastener 350, and the process is repeated. The stand 300 may support at least a portion of the weight of the impact wrench 10 to reduce operator fatigue, and the stand 300 facilitates quick and accurate fastening operations when working with circular fastener patterns.
Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.
Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/703,970, filed Dec. 5, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,597,061, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/777,501, filed Dec. 10, 2018, the entire content of each is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62777501 | Dec 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16703970 | Dec 2019 | US |
| Child | 18179114 | US |
