CN217121957U - Reciprocating saw - Google Patents

Abstract

A reciprocating saw is disclosed, comprising: a motor (30); a first output member (23a) and a second output member (23b) adapted to be connected to the saw blades (22a, 22 b); a first gear (38a) coupled with the first output member (23a) and a second gear (38b) coupled with the second output member (23 b). The first output member (23a) and the second output member (23b) are adapted to move independently of each other, and the first gear (38a) and the second gear (38b) are adapted to rotate when driven by the motor (30). The first gear (38a) and the second gear (38b) are formed with or connected to a first deviating member (44a) and a second deviating member (44b), respectively. The first output member (23a) and the second output member (23b) are movably coupled to the first deviating member (44a) and the second deviating member (44b), respectively, such that the first output member (23a) and the second output member (23b) are adapted to perform a reciprocating movement. There are many improvements to the reciprocating saw such as a simple and effective dual saw tooth drive mechanism and an easy to use saw tooth clamping module.

Description

Reciprocating saw

technical field

The utility model relates to a power tool, in particular to an electric saw with (a plurality of) reciprocating saw blades.

Background technique

A reciprocating saw utilizes motor power to drive its blade(s) in reciprocating motion to saw a workpiece, such as wood. A reciprocating saw typically consists of two saw blades that reciprocate in an unsynchronized manner for better sawing results.

However, existing dual-blade reciprocating saws typically incorporate complex drive mechanisms to achieve simultaneous drive of the two saw blades and simultaneous movement of the saw blades in anti-phase to each other. On the other hand, conventional double-blade reciprocating saws are inconvenient to install or remove the saw blade from the saw body.

Utility model content

In view of the above background, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an alternative reciprocating saw that eliminates or at least alleviates the above technical problems.

The above objects are achieved by combining the features of the main claim; the dependent claims disclose other advantageous embodiments of the invention.

Those skilled in the art will derive other objects of the present invention from the following description. Accordingly, the foregoing statement of objects is not exclusive, and serves only to illustrate some of the many objects of the present invention.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention is a reciprocating saw comprising: a motor; a first output member and a second output member adapted to be connected to a saw blade; a first gear coupled with the first output member ; and a second gear coupled with the second output member. The first and second output members are adapted to move independently of each other, and the first and second gears are adapted to rotate when driven by the motor. The first gear and the second gear are formed with or connected to a first offset member and a second offset member, respectively. The first and second output members are movably coupled to the first and second offset members, respectively, such that the first and second output members are adapted to perform reciprocation.

Preferably, the first gear and the second gear have the same axis of rotation. The first offset member and the second offset member are offset from the axis of rotation.

More preferably, the first gear and the second gear are bevel gears and are adapted to be driven by bevel pinions simultaneously.

Most preferably, the first output member and the second output member each comprise a groove. The first and second offset members are received in grooves of the first and second output members, respectively, and are adapted to extend along a direction perpendicular to the first and second output members Move in the direction of the reciprocating direction.

According to a variant of the preferred embodiment, the first deflection member and the second deflection member are located at different angular positions with respect to the axis of rotation.

According to another variant of the preferred embodiment, the first and second offset members are stubs formed on the circular faces of the first and second gears, respectively.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reciprocating saw comprising: a motor; an output member driven by the motor, the output member adapted to be connected to a saw blade; and a saw blade disposed on the output member Clamp the module. The blade clamping module includes a user actuated lever connected to a locking pin. The locking pin is adapted to fit with the locking hole of the saw blade and lock the saw blade. The user actuated lever is adapted to move between a locked position in which the locking pin locks the saw blade and an unlocked position in which the locking pin is positioned away from the saw blade.

Preferably, the blade clamping module further comprises a clamp body connected to the user actuated lever. The clamp body is formed with a blade receiving slot defined by two inner walls. The clamp body is further formed with a hole in communication with the blade receiving slot from at least one of the inner walls. The locking pin is adapted to move into or out of the slot along the aperture as the user actuated lever moves between the locked position and the unlocked position.

More preferably, the blade receiving slot is substantially "L" shaped.

According to a variant of the preferred embodiment, the blade clamping module further comprises a resilient member connected to the user actuated lever. The user actuated lever is biased to its locked position by the resilient member.

According to another variant of the preferred embodiment, the elastic member is a torsion spring comprising two legs. One of the legs is connected to the clamp body. The other leg is connected to the user actuated lever and the locking pin.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reciprocating saw comprising: a motor; an output member driven by the motor, the output member adapted to be connected to a saw blade; and a saw blade disposed on the output member Clamp the module. The blade clamping module includes a locking button and a locking member. The locking button is adapted to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the locking button places the locking member in a position to lock the saw blade, and in the unlocked position of the locking button the locking button The locking member is freely movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the locking button.

Preferably, the locking button is formed with a ramp adapted to move the locking member to the position when the locking button is moved from its unlocked position to its locked position.

More preferably, the locking member is a ball.

According to a variant of the preferred embodiment, the blade receiving slot has a substantially "L" shape.

According to another variant of the preferred embodiment, the blade clamping module further comprises a resilient member connected to the locking button; the locking button is biased to its locking position by the resilient member.

The utility model has many advantages. First, some embodiments of the present invention are dual-blade reciprocating saws that use two bevel gears to drive two output members simultaneously. The output member is driven to reciprocate in an unsynchronized manner, and this is achieved by two offset members in opposite phase on the two bevel gears. Thus, the reciprocating saw includes a simple and reliable structure for driving the saw blade.

Some other embodiments of the present invention are dual saw blade reciprocating saws with blade clamping modules that are each operable by a user with one hand to install or remove the saw blade from the saw body. The user only needs to align the end of the saw blade with the L-shaped slot on the clamp body, and when the user releases the user actuated lever, the saw blade will be automatically and securely locked. Such a design enables a conventional yet simple blade clamping mechanism to easily attach and detach the blade to and from the reciprocating saw.

Description of drawings

The above and further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, by way of example only, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 shows a perspective view of a double saw blade reciprocating saw according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows the reciprocating saw of Fig. 1 with the half-housing portion removed to expose the motor and other components.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the drive module of the reciprocating saw of FIG. 1 .

4 is a partial view of the transmission module of FIG. 3 with one bevel gear and one output member removed.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the transmission module of FIG. 3 .

Figures 6a to 6h show in a one-to-one manner the positions of the first and second output members when the bevel gear is in four different angular positions.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a saw blade and its corresponding blade clamping module.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a saw blade clamping module of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 9 shows the clamp body of the saw blade clamping module of FIG. 8 in isolation.

Figures 10a to 10d show, in a one-to-one manner, the position of the user actuated lever and the corresponding state of the locking pin in the saw blade clamping module of Figure 7 .

FIGS. 11 a to 11 f show, in a one-to-one manner, the steps of installing the saw blade to the saw blade clamping module and the corresponding state of the locking pins in the saw blade clamping module of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of two saw blades of the reciprocating saw of FIG. 1 .

13 is a cross-sectional view of the saw blade of FIG. 12 including grooves.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the two saw blades of FIG. 12 separated from each other.

Figure 15 shows a portion of a drive module of a reciprocating saw according to another embodiment of the present invention.

16a is a perspective view of a saw blade clamping module according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the saw blade clamping module is in a locked state.

Figure 16b shows a cross-sectional view of the saw blade clamping module of Figure 16a.

Figure 16c is a perspective view of the blade clamping module of Figure 16a in an unlocked state.

Figure 16d shows a cross-sectional view of the saw blade clamping module of Figure 16c.

In the drawings, like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several embodiments described herein.

Detailed ways

In the following claims and the preceding description of the invention, the word "comprising" or variations such as "comprising" or "comprising" is intended to be included in the is used within the meaning within, ie, indicates the presence of the recited features, but does not preclude the presence or addition of additional features in various embodiments of the invention.

As used herein, terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "upward", "downward", "above", "below" and similar terms are for the purpose of describing the normal use orientation of the present invention , and are not intended to limit the invention to any particular direction.

Referring now to Figures 1-2, a first embodiment of the present invention is a reciprocating saw including two saw blades 22. The saw blades 22 are each mounted to the front end of the housing 28 via the saw blade clamping modules 24, respectively. A shield 20 is also mounted to the front end of the housing 28 and extends beyond the blade clamping module 24 to protect the user from the running blade 22 during operation. A removably mountable battery pack 24 is positioned at the rear end of the handle portion 26 . The front end of the handle portion 26 is connected to the rear end of the housing 28 . Here, the front-to-rear direction is defined as being substantially parallel to the moving direction of the saw blade 22 . A switch 32 is also arranged on the handle portion 26 . It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 1 , with respect to the longitudinal direction, the saw blade 22 and handle portion 26 are substantially perpendicular to the housing 28 , while the battery pack is substantially parallel to the housing 28 .

FIG. 2 shows the motor 30 housed in the housing 28 since FIG. 2 has half of the housing 28 removed. The output of the motor 30 is connected to the transmission module 21 . The transmission module is a mechanical module that converts the rotational output of the motor 30 into linear reciprocating movement of the saw blade 22 at a desired frequency and travel distance. The structure of the transmission module 21 will be described in more detail below. It should be noted that, in this example, the axial direction of the motor shaft (not shown) of the motor 30 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the saw blade 22 .

Turning now to Figures 3-5. The transmission module 21 is supported by means of two ball bearings 36 on the housing of the reciprocating saw (not shown in Figures 3 to 4), directly on the gearbox (not shown) of the transmission module 21. The transmission module 21 comprises a pinion bevel gear 40 and two oppositely arranged bevel gears 38a, 38b. The transmission module 21 receives motor drive power at a bevel pinion 40 connected to a motor shaft (not shown). It should be noted that the transmission module 21 shown in FIGS. 3 to 4 has an opposite orientation compared to the transmission module shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . A pinion gear 40 is positioned between the two bevel gears 38a, 38b and has an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the bevel gears 38a, 38b, as best seen in FIG. On the other hand, the two bevel gears 38a, 38b have the same axis of rotation. As shown in FIG. 3 , the output mechanical power of the transmission module 21 is carried by two output members 23a, 23b, which correspond one-to-one with the bevel gears 38a, 38b, respectively. The longitudinal direction of the output members 23a, 23b and their direction of movement are substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pinion bevel gear 40 and the two bevel gears 38a, 38b in total. The output members 23a, 23b are adapted to move independently of each other, but both are movably supported by two bushings 34 located on either side of the bevel gears 38a, 38b such that the two output members 23a, 23b are limited to The movement is only in a linear direction substantially transverse to the line connecting the centers of the bevel gears 38a, 38b. The output members 23a, 23b are adapted to be removably connected to the saw blade 22 (comprising, in particular, two saw blades 22a, 22b), respectively, by a saw blade clamping module 24, as will be described in more detail later.

For clarity, Figure 4 shows only one of the two sets of output members and corresponding bevel gears. The output member shown in Figure 4 is the output member 23b, ie, the left output member of the two output members when viewed rearward from the front of the reciprocating saw along its longitudinal direction. A portion of the output member 23b is formed in an oval shape to define a groove 47b, and the oval portion 46b is connected to the remaining portion of the output member 23b that exhibits an elongated shape. Recess 47b receives stub 44b fixedly connected to the circular face of bevel gear 38b. Stub 44b is offset from the axis of rotation of bevel gear 38b and serves as an offset member for cooperating with groove 47b to convert rotational movement of bevel gear 38b into reciprocating movement of output member 23b, as will be described in more detail subsequently.

Figure 5 shows a set of output members 23b, bevel gears 38b, and two sets of a set of output members 23a, bevel gears 38a. Although FIG. 4 only shows the output member 23b and the bevel gear 38b, it should be noted that the output member 23a and the bevel gear 38a have exactly the same structure and working principle as the output member 23b and the bevel gear 38b, and these two sets of transmission Mechanisms are mirror images of each other. Figure 5 further shows that at the front ends of the output members 23a, 23b, respectively, two saw blade clamping modules 24a and 24b are connected, which will now be discussed in more detail.

Turning now to Figure 7, the blade clamping module 24 includes two blade clamping modules 24a and 24b, each of which is removably attached to the saw blades 22a and 22b, respectively. The two blade clamping modules 24a and 24b can be operated by the user independently of each other, and this means that neither, one, or both of the blades 22a and 22b can be mounted to the reciprocating saw at any time. Figure 7 shows the positions of the saw blade clamping modules 24a, 24b offset from each other along the longitudinal direction of the saw blades 22a and 22b. This is because when the blade clamping modules 24a, 24b are connected to the output members 23a, 23b which are movable relative to each other, the blade clamping modules 24a, 24b also move relative to each other.

8-9 illustrate the components of the blade clamping module 24a. Similar to the case of the transmission mechanism, although only the saw blade clamping module 24a is shown in FIG. 8 , the other saw blade clamping module 24B has the same structure and working principle, so for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated. In the blade clamping module 24a, the clamp body 54 is secured to the output member 23a by well known means such as welding or screws. There is a torsion spring 52 having two short legs 52e (which are respectively fixed to two bosses 54c formed on the clamp body 54 ) and another U-shaped leg fixed to the movable locking pin 48 . In particular, the U-shaped leg comprises two parallel legs 52c and a turning section 52d at the ends of the parallel legs 52c. The two parallel legs 52c engage the locking pin 48 and are restrained by the two wings 48e and 48d so that the U-shaped legs remain connected to the locking pin 48 . Since the legs of the torsion spring 52 are mounted on the clamp body 54 and the locking pin 48, respectively, the locking pin 48 is adapted to move relative to the clamp body 54 and within the hole 54d formed in the clamp body 54, but is generally biased such as The locked position shown in Figure 10a. On the other hand, the steering section 52d of the U-shaped leg engages with the mount 50c of the user actuated lever 50, which is pivotally connected to the clamp body 54 via the boss 54c. In this way, when the user actuated lever 50 is pivoted, the locking pin 48 also moves linearly due to the rigid connection of the U-shaped legs between the locking pin 48 and the user actuated lever 50 . Figure 9 also shows an L-shaped slot 54e formed in the clamp body 54 for use as a blade receiving slot for insertion of an L-shaped tab on the blade therein. The L-shaped slot 54e is defined by two inner walls 54f on the clamp body 54 . The L-shaped slot 54e communicates with the above-mentioned hole 54d at an inner wall 54f. The L-shaped slot 54e and hole 54d are aligned substantially perpendicular to each other.

Turning now to Figures 12-14, in particular the manner in which the two saw blades 22a, 22b overlap is shown. The saw blade 22b (ie, the blade connected to the blade clamping module 24b and in turn to the output member 23b and the bevel gear 38b) has a connection with the saw blade 22a (ie, the blade connected to the blade clamping module 24a and in turn to the output member 23a and the bevel gear 38b) 38a of the saw blade) compared to a different structure. In particular, no depressions are formed on the saw blade 22b, but the saw blade includes a circular protrusion 60d and a rectangular protrusion 60c. Accordingly, saw blade 22a includes an elongated groove 62 that receives circular protrusions 60d and rectangular protrusions 60c of saw blade 22b when blades 22a, 22b are mounted on a reciprocating saw. The saw blades 22a, 22b are further adapted to move relative to each other, as the circular protrusion 60d and the rectangular protrusion 60c are allowed to move within the groove 62 . The edge 62c of the groove 62 is chamfered. On one end of the groove 62 there is an elongated hole 62d through which the circular protrusion 60d can pass so that the saw blades 22a, 22b can be separated from each other, but the circular protrusion 60d cannot emerge from the groove 62 . This is because the rounded protrusion 60d has an umbrella shape so as to be captured by the groove 62 having a chamfered edge 62c. The rectangular protrusion 60c serves as a guide for the movement of the saw blade 22b relative to the saw blade 22a.

Turning now to the operation of the reciprocating saw described above, Figures 6a to 6h show how the two bevel gears 38a, 38b rotate during one cycle of blade movement. Each pair of figures, namely Figures 6a and 6b, Figures 6c and 6d, Figures 6e and 6f, and Figures 6g and 6h show different angular positions of the two bevel gears 38a, 38b 90 degrees apart from each other . 1-4, when the user actuates the switch 32 of the reciprocating saw, the motor 30 begins to rotate, and this causes the bevel pinion 40 to rotate in a single direction. As the two bevel gears 38a, 38b simultaneously mesh with the bevel pinion 40, rotation of the bevel pinion causes the two bevel gears 38a, 38b to rotate simultaneously, but in different directions. For example, if the bevel pinion 40 of FIG. 3 moves in a clockwise direction (as viewed from the top of the transmission module 21 of FIG. 3 ), the bevel gear 38b also rotates clockwise, but the bevel gear 38a rotates counterclockwise direction rotation.

As mentioned above and shown in Figures 6a to 6h, two studs 44b and 44a are connected to the two bevel gears 38b, 38a respectively and are configured to be used in the manufacture of the reciprocating saw There is a difference of 180 degrees in angular position. Therefore, the two output members 23a and 23b always travel in opposite directions at all times. Starting from Figures 6a and 6b, assuming that the position of the stub 44b is at an angular position of 0 degrees, then at the same time the position of the stub 44a is at an angular position of 180 degrees. The saw blades (not shown in Figures 6a to 6h) are now maximally offset from each other because the output members 23a and 23b are offset from each other due to the position of the stubs 44a and 44b.

During rotation of the bevel gears 38a, 38b, their respective studs 44a, 44b also rotate about the same axis of rotation. However, since the stubs 44a, 44b are received in corresponding grooves formed on the output members 23a, 23b (eg, groove 47b on the output member 23b), any movement of the stubs 44a, 44b will not cause The output members 23a, 23b move in a vertical direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the output members 23a, 23b. In contrast, movement of the stubs 44a, 44b will cause the output members 23a, 23b to move in a horizontal direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the output members 23a, 23b.

Next, if the bevel gear 38b rotates in the clockwise direction and the bevel gear 38a rotates in the counterclockwise direction, after 90 degrees of rotation, the bevel gear 38b moves to the position shown in FIG. 6c (90 degrees), and the bevel gear 38a moves to the position shown in FIG. Move to the position shown in Figure 6d (90 degrees). Then, after an additional 90 degrees of rotation, the bevel gear 38b moves to the position shown in Figure 6e (180 degrees) and the bevel gear 38a moves to the position shown in Figure 6f (0 degrees). The rotation continues, so Figure 6g shows bevel gear 38b moved to the 270 degree position, and Figure 6h shows bevel gear 38a moved to position (270 degrees). Finally, after the last 90 degrees of rotation, the two bevel gears 38a, 38b return to their positions shown in Figures 6b and 6a, and this represents the completion of the entire rotation cycle of the bevel gears 38a, 38b. While the motor 30 is kept running, the process described above is repeated for each revolution of the bevel gears 38a, 38b. As can be seen, in each rotation cycle, the two bevel gears 38a, 38b move around different directions of rotation, and in most cases their angular positions are different. Only at certain points in time as shown in Figures 6c and 6d and Figures 6g and 6h, the bevel gears 38a, 38b are in exactly the same angular position. In particular, the positions of the stubs 44a, 44b are the same at their 90 and 270 degree positions and opposite at 0 and 180 degrees. Along with the different directions of rotation of the bevel gears 38a, 38b, this causes the blades 22a and 22b to move in opposite phases. When the bevel gears 38a, 38b are in their 0 degree or 180 degree angular positions, the saw blades 22a, 22b are in their furthest/rearmost positions (opposite each other). When the bevel gears 38a, 38b are in their 90 degree or 270 degree angular positions, the two saw blades 22a, 22b meet at an intermediate position, but with different directions of movement (one forward and the other backward). In this manner, the reciprocating saw is able to continuously output the reciprocating movement of the saw blades 22a, 22b, wherein the two saw blades are always 180 degrees apart. Such operation does not require any intervention by the user, but only requires keeping the motor energized. Due to the structure of the saw blades 22a, 22b described above with respect to FIGS. 12 to 14, the saw blades 22a, 22b are slidably engaged with each other, so that the lateral distance between the saw blades 22a, 22b does not change at any time, which It ensures stable and reliable sawing effect.

Turning now to Figures 10a-10d, Figures 10a and 10c show the locked and unlocked positions of the user actuated lever 50, respectively, and Figures 10b and 10d show the locked and unlocked positions of the locking pin 48, respectively. In Figure 10a, the end of the user actuated lever 50 is shown where the closure 50c is closer to the clamp body 54. This is because in the state shown in Figure 10a, there is no user intervention and the user actuation lever 50 is biased by the torsion spring 52, which is an elastic member. At this point, the locking pin 48 is also in its locking position, and as can be seen in Figure 10b, the trailing end 48c of the locking pin 48 occupies a portion of the L-shaped slot 54e. Although the blade is not shown in Figures 10b and 10d, in the position of Figure 10b the locking pin 48 will lock any blade that has been inserted into the L-shaped slot 54e by fitting with a hole (not shown) in the blade .

If the user operates the user-actuated lever 50 in the position of Figure 10a by overcoming the bias of the torsion spring 52, the user-actuated lever 50 moves to the unlocked position shown in Figure 10c, where the user-actuated lever 50 is The end with the closure 50c is moved further from the clamp body 54. Accordingly, the locking pin 48 also moves away from the clamp body 54 in the hole 54e and, as shown in Figure 10d, the trailing end 48c leaves the L-shaped slot 54e. Although the blade is not shown in Figures 10b and 10d, in the position of Figure 10d, the locking pin 48 will not prevent any blade that has been inserted into the L-shaped slot 54e from being released from the blade clamping module and then removed.

Turning to Figures 11a-11f, there is shown how saw blades 22a and 22b may be mounted to two blade clamping modules 24a and 24b, respectively, of a reciprocating saw. First, the user must move the user actuation lever 50 to its unlocked position, and thus also the locking pins 48 of the two blade clamping modules 24a and 24b, to its unlocked position. This is shown in Figures 11a and 11b, where the trailing end 48c of the locking pin 48 is shown away from the L-shaped slot 54e of the two blade clamping modules 24a and 24b. Next, the two blade clamping modules 24a and 24b are ready to receive a blade. The user then positions the saw blades in the L-shaped slots 54e of the two blade clamping modules 24a and 24b by aligning the L-shaped tabs (not shown) of the saw blades 22a and 22b, respectively, as shown in Figure 11c Show. At this point, however, the user has not released the user actuated lever 50 (still in its unlocked position), so the trailing end 48c of the locking pin 48 has not yet locked the saw blades 22a and 22b as shown in Figure 11d. Finally, after the user releases the user actuated lever 50, the user actuated lever 50 moves to its locked position, as shown in Figure 11e, and the trailing end 48c of the locking pin 48 locks the saw blades 22a and 22b. Therefore, the saw blades 22a and 22b can be moved together with the output members 23a and 23b to perform the sawing operation. In order to remove the saw blades 22a and 22b from the reciprocating saw, the user only needs to reverse the procedure shown in Figs. 11a to 11f above. In any event, the locking pin 48 is adapted to move along the hole 54d into or out of the L-shaped slot 54e as the user actuates the lever 50 to move between its locked and unlocked positions.

Figure 15 shows another embodiment of the present invention, showing an alternative drive module 121 for a reciprocating saw. The difference from the transmission modules shown in Figures 1-4 is that the transmission module 121 no longer contains a mating bevel gear design. Rather, there is only one bevel gear (not shown) in the transmission module 121 , which is driven by a pinion bevel gear (not shown) in a manner similar to that described in FIGS. 1-4 . The bevel gear directly drives the output member 123a, but the bevel gear also transmits its movement to a cam 164 connected to the other output member 123b, where the cam 164 has an opposite cam profile to the bevel gear such that the output member 123b is out of phase with the output member 123a move.

Figures 16a-16d illustrate another embodiment of the present invention showing an alternative saw tooth clamping module for a reciprocating saw. Such a tooth clamping module can be used in a single tooth reciprocating saw or a double tooth reciprocating saw. Unlike the serrated clamping module shown in Figures 8-11f, the serrated clamping module 224 shown in Figures 16a-16d does not contain any user actuated levers. Rather, a lock button 225 is provided as the user actuation part. The locking button 225 is adapted to move between a locked position as shown in Figures 16a and 16b and an unlocked position as shown in Figures 16c and 16d. The locking button 225 has a substantially rod-like formation and includes a first end 225a that protrudes from the clamp body 254 of the serrated clamping module 224 when the locking button 225 is in its unlocked position. As shown in FIGS. 16b and 16d , the second end 225b of the locking button 225 is movably received within a channel (not shown) formed in the clamping body 254 . The second end 225b is connected to a spring 259 (not shown in FIG. 16b ), which in turn is connected to the inner wall of the clamping body 254 . Since the width of the second end 225b is increased compared to that of the first end 225a, a slope 225c is formed on the locking button 225 at the joint portion of the first end 225a and the second end 225b. The ramp 225c is adapted to drive the ball 263, which is also received within the clamping body 254. The ball 263 is adapted to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the locking button 225 . The ball 263 is further adapted to partially enter an L-shaped slot 254e which serves as a blade receiving slot and is formed on the clamp body 254 for insertion of an L-shaped tab on the blade therein.

In operation, in the absence of user intervention, the locking button 225 is normally biased to its locked position by the spring 259, as shown in Figures 16a and 16b. At this point, the second end 225b is positioned against the ball 263, forcing the ball 263 partially into the L-shaped slot 254e. If no blade (not shown) is currently installed in the L-shaped slot 254e, the ball 263 locks the blade that has been inserted into the L-shaped slot 54e by fitting with a hole (not shown) in the blade. If the user wants to remove the blade from the blade clamping module 224, he/she only needs to depress the first end 225a of the lock 225, and the lock button 225 is advanced to its unlocked position, as shown in Figures 16c-16d . In this state, the first end 225a is retracted to the clamp body 254, and the second end 225b is moved against the force of the spring 259 to its travel end. At this point, the ball 263 is no longer blocked by the second 225b, and if the user pulls the installed saw blade out of the L-shaped slot 254e, the ball 263 travels to the position shown in Figure 16d, so the blade can be removed. Afterwards, if the user inserts the saw blade/new saw blade again, he/she only needs to remove the pressing force on the locking button 225 to return it to the locked position shown in Figures 16a and 16b. During this process, the ramp 225c moves the ball 263 laterally relative to the direction of movement of the locking button 225, and this causes the ball 263 to return to the position shown in Figure 16b.

Thus, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been fully described. Although the description refers to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details may be varied to practice the invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein.

While the invention has been shown and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing specification, it is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive nature, it being understood that only exemplary embodiments have been shown and described. , and does not limit the scope of the present invention in any way. It will be appreciated that any feature described herein can be used with any embodiment. The illustrative embodiments are not mutually exclusive, nor are they exclusive of other embodiments not listed herein. Accordingly, the present invention also provides embodiments comprising combinations of one or more of the above-described illustrative embodiments. Modifications and changes may be made to the invention as set forth herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and accordingly, only such limitations as indicated in the appended claims shall apply.

For example, while the reciprocating saw shown in Figures 1-14 has two blade clamping modules designed to mount two saw blades to the reciprocating saw, in other variations, in the reciprocating saw (which is a single-blade saw) It is entirely possible to have only one such saw blade clamping module.

Claims (15)

1. A reciprocating saw, comprising:

a) a motor;

b) a first output member and a second output member adapted to be connected to a saw blade; the first output member and the second output member are further adapted to move independently of each other;

c) a first gear coupled with the first output member and a second gear coupled with the second output member; the first gear and the second gear rotate when driven by the motor, wherein the first gear and the second gear are bevel gears and are adapted to be simultaneously driven by bevel pinions;

wherein the first gear and the second gear are respectively formed with or connected to a first biasing member and a second biasing member; the first and second output members are movably coupled to the first and second biasing members, respectively, such that the first and second output members are adapted to perform reciprocating movements.

2. The reciprocating saw of claim 1, wherein the first gear and the second gear have the same axis of rotation; the first and second biasing members are offset from the axis of rotation.

3. The reciprocating saw as defined in claim 1, wherein said first output member and said second output member each include a recess; the first and second biasing members are received in grooves of the first and second output members, respectively, and are adapted to move in a direction perpendicular to a reciprocating direction of the first and second output members.

4. The reciprocating saw of claim 2, wherein the first biasing member and the second biasing member are located at different angular positions relative to the rotational axis during a portion of a rotational cycle.

5. The reciprocating saw of claim 1, wherein the first and second biasing members are stubs formed on the circular faces of the first and second gears, respectively.

6. A reciprocating saw, comprising:

a) a motor;

b) a first output member and a second output member adapted to be connected to a saw blade; the first output member and the second output member are further adapted to move independently of each other;

c) a first gear coupled with the first output member and a second gear coupled with the second output member; the first gear and the second gear rotate when driven by the motor, wherein the first gear and the second gear are bevel gears and are adapted to be simultaneously driven by bevel pinions;

d) a blade clamping module disposed on the first output member and the second output member;

wherein the blade clamping module includes a user actuated lever connected to a locking pin; the locking pin is adapted to fit with a locking hole of the saw blade and lock the saw blade; the user actuation lever is adapted to move between a locked position, in which the locking pin locks the saw blade, and an unlocked position, in which the locking pin is spaced away from the saw blade.

7. The reciprocating saw of claim 6 wherein the blade clamping module further comprises a clamp body connected to the user actuated lever; the clamp body is formed with a saw blade receiving slot defined by two inner walls; the clamp body further formed with a hole communicating with the blade receiving slot from at least one of the inner walls; the locking pin is adapted to move along the bore into or out of the slot as the user actuated lever moves between the locked and unlocked positions.

8. The reciprocating saw of claim 7, wherein the blade receiving slot is substantially "L" shaped.

9. The reciprocating saw of claim 7 wherein the blade clamping module further comprises a resilient member connected to the user actuated lever; the user actuation lever is biased into its locked position by the resilient member.

10. The reciprocating saw as defined in claim 9, wherein the resilient member is a torsion spring including two legs; one of the legs is connected to the clamp body; the other leg is connected to the user actuation lever and the locking pin.

11. A reciprocating saw, comprising:

a) a motor;

b) a first output member and a second output member adapted to be connected to a saw blade; the first output member and the second output member are further adapted to move independently of each other;

c) a first gear coupled with the first output member and a second gear coupled with the second output member; the first gear and the second gear rotate when driven by the motor, wherein the first gear and the second gear are bevel gears and are adapted to be simultaneously driven by bevel pinions;

c) a blade clamping module disposed on the first output member and the second output member;

wherein the blade clamping module comprises a locking button and a locking member; the locking button is adapted to move between a locked position, in which the locking button places the locking member in a position to lock the saw blade, and an unlocked position, in which the locking member is freely movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the locking button.

12. The reciprocating saw of claim 11 wherein the lock button is formed with a ramp adapted to move the locking member to said position when the lock button is moved from its unlocked position to its locked position.

13. The reciprocating saw of claim 11 wherein the locking member is a ball.

14. The reciprocating saw of claim 11, wherein the blade receiving slot is substantially "L" shaped.

15. The reciprocating saw of claim 11, wherein the blade clamping module further comprises a resilient member connected to the lock button; the locking button is biased to its locking position by the resilient member.

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