JP2022530234A - Kit with screwdriver bit and tightening tool and such bit - Google Patents

Abstract

The present specification includes a first end portion (10) comprising a first engagement structure (11) adapted to engage the fastener head and a second end portion (20) on the opposite side. A screwdriver bit (1) comprising a body comprising an intermediate portion (30) connecting the first end portion and the second end portion, the second end portion engaging the tip of the tool. A second engaging structure (21) fitted to fit is included, the second engaging structure being formed by at least one protruding structure (21a, 21b, 21c) extending in axial AA. , Regarding screw driver bit (1). The present specification also relates to a kit comprising such a screwdriver bit and a tightening tool including a set screw (110) that locks the bit in the tightening tool.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention generally relates to a bit for a power tool for tightening a screw, and more particularly to a screwdriver bit for such a tool having a structure for engaging the tip of the tool.

It is well known that power tools for tightening are used in various industries. So-called bits (ie, screwdriver bits) are typically used to provide engagement between a tool and a tightening element such as a screw. For example, interchangeable bits can be used.

These bits are subject to varying degrees of wear and are constant to provide proper engagement to the screw and to prevent damage to the screw as would be the case if an overwhelmed bit was used. Must be replaced at intervals. Due to the fact that the process can be time consuming and, in some applications, such replacements may be required frequently and, in some cases, at each tightening in critical fittings. Thus, this process can have a significant impact on total assembly time in some industries. Given the high demand for efficiency and time savings for all stations along the assembly line, such delays can be a major problem for overall assembly efficiency. In addition, unnecessary complexity can be introduced into the assembly process, depending on the steps required to perform the bit exchange.

It is known in the art that a tool operator, for example, vibrating a tool to push a bit into place or handling it in some other suitable way, for quick and easy bit replacement. ing. However, not only is it less effective in actually achieving the goal of correctly placing the bit in the tool, but in many cases handling complex and sophisticated tools in this way is not only to the tool and / or the bit. Increased risk of damage.

For this reason, there is a need for improvement in the field of screwdriver bits.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a bit for a power tool that facilitates bit replacement and proper placement after such replacement. In particular, it would be desirable to provide such a bit that allows for quick and convenient exchanges while reducing the complexity of the workstation. Bits and kits as defined in the independent claims are provided to better address one or more of these issues. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a screwdriver bit is provided, wherein the bit comprises a first engaging structure adapted to engage a fastener head (such as a screw head). It comprises a body having a terminal portion of one, a second terminal portion on the opposite side, and an intermediate portion connecting the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion, the second terminal portion being the tip of a tool. Includes a second engaging structure adapted to engage, the second engaging structure is formed by at least one protruding structure extending in the axial direction AA.

According to the first aspect, the screwdriver bit can be described as a rear or upper end in use and is therefore arranged at the bit end which is normally accessible when the bit is arranged in the screwdriver. Provided is a solution of the invention to the above-mentioned problems by a design incorporating an engaging structure or an upper surface coupling means. This is due to the fact that the usual design of a screwdriver, for example an electrical device for a pneumatically powered screwdriver, is a design that includes a so-called set screw (or stop screw) to hold the bit in place on the tool. In such tools, a through hole is provided at the front end of the tool where the bit can be "dropped" or placed, after which a set screw is inserted into the hole and into the wall of the through hole (eg, by a thread). Engagement, thereby locking the bit in place when the set screw engages the thread and abuts on the rear end of the screw, thereby preventing axial movement of the bit with respect to the tool. In addition, such set screws typically include a structure adapted to engage the tip of a screwdriver or similar at the rear (or top) so that the set screw is rotationally secured to the tool. You will be able to do it. Therefore, the operator performing the bit exchange usually needs to have a suitable screwdriver in the immediate vicinity.

Bits according to the invention take advantage of this pre-existing screwdriver by providing a structure at the second end that can be adapted to engage the screwdriver. Thus, the operator conveniently mounts the bit in place by engaging this engagement structure with the same screwdriver, thereby pushing the bit into place and / or rotating the bit as desired. It can be rotated to a position and then after this work the set screw is tightened again using the same screwdriver.

More specifically, the design of the second engagement structure of the bit allows, for example, the operator to more conveniently utilize the same screwdriver for both tasks, the top or rear end of the set screw. Can be designed to correspond to the design of the engagement structure.

For this reason, the design of the present invention of the bit according to Independent Claim 1 skillfully solves the problem of excessive time spent exchanging the bit, and at the same time utilizes a screwdriver already required to tighten the set screw. , Reduce the complexity of replacement work and the complexity of the workstation as a whole.

Therefore, according to one embodiment, the second engagement structure is adapted to engage the tip of a screwdriver.

The reference tool in which the bit of the present invention can be placed can be a tightening tool such as a screwdriver, for example a pneumatic, electric screwdriver, and in some cases a power screwdriver such as a battery-powered tool. More specifically, a screwdriver bit can be suitable for use with a power screwdriver that includes a set screw to hold the bit as described above, where one embodiment is a claw foot tool. That is, a tool with a claw foot extension is included.

The second engaging structure is formed by at least one protruding structure that extends axially and, more particularly, extends from or with respect to the rear. For example, at least one protruding structure can extend axially from a substantially flat rear surface at the rear. Such a surface can be a surface perpendicular to the axial direction. Throughout the specification, unless otherwise indicated, axial direction is generally understood to be the direction along the body of the screwdriver bit, i.e., along between the first and second end portions of the screwdriver bit. Should be. Those skilled in the art will, of course, understand that such a structure can be similarly well described as a concave structure, i.e. a recess for engaging the tip of the tool depending on the reference plane.

According to one embodiment, the at least one protruding structure at least partially surrounds a recess adapted to receive the tip of the tool. For example, a recess defined by a peripheral protruding structure can be provided on the upper surface of the bit forming the engagement structure described above, and the fitting projection can be engaged so that torque can be transmitted. It can be provided by the tool tip. According to one embodiment, the at least one protruding structure forms a hole adapted to receive the tip of the tool. In one embodiment, such a hole can have a hexagonal cross section. In other embodiments, such holes can have a double hexadecagonal cross section. However, any other shape is also conceivable within the scope of the present invention.

According to one embodiment, the second engaging structure is formed by, ie, includes at least two protrusions extending axially and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. For example, two or more tongues or pins, or the like, can be arranged in any suitable pattern at the second end of the bit so as to extend axially. In some embodiments, such a structure can be achieved by a slotted structure. For example, the second engaging structure can include a hollow axially extending structure, i.e., a protruding structure surrounding the recess, through which a radial slot can be introduced, thereby 2 or 3 or more. Section is generated. Such a design can be advantageous in terms of ease of manufacture and in that less material is required for the bit.

According to one embodiment, the at least two protrusions form an axially extending cast rated protrusion structure, the structure described above comprising slots arranged spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In the context of the present specification, a cast rate is a structure including a substantially rounded, that is, a cylindrical, axially projecting structure, that is, what can be called a base structure. It should be understood that one or more radial slots or notches are introduced into the to form at least two axial protrusions. Thus, castrated in this sense means similar to the serrated upper part of the battlement of a castle, that is, the interstitial battlement of a medieval castle. According to one embodiment, the castrated overhang structure includes slots that are equidistant from each other in the circumferential direction.

According to one embodiment, the second engagement structure is adapted to engage a tool tip having a hexagonal cross section. For example, the second engagement structure can be a hole with a hexagonal cross section or slot, or with a cast-rated structure, adapted to engage the hexagonal tip. Such a design is advantageous in that the hexagon, also known as Allen, is a normal screwdriver type that is readily available to workers, for example on assembly lines. Moreover, this cross section is also the usual choice for the engagement structure on the rear end of the set screw described above, and is therefore also the shape of the screwdriver used to tighten this screw. In one embodiment, the at least one protrusion has a double hexadecagonal shape, i.e., a double hexadecagonal cross section.

According to one embodiment, the second engagement structure is adapted to engage the tip of a tool of the type selected from the group including Torx®, squares and triangles. In other embodiments, the second engaging structure engages the tip of any other conventional type of tool, such as a slot, cruciform (also known as Phillips) or square (also known as Robertson). Can be adapted to fit. In one embodiment, the middle portion of the bit comprises a hexagonal cross section.

According to one embodiment, the overall length of the screwdriver bit is in the range of 10-50 mm, and in some embodiments 15-25 mm. According to one embodiment, the length of the second engaging structure bit is in the range of 2-5 mm.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a screw driver bit according to any one of the above-described embodiments, a tightening tool, and a tightening tool including a set screw for locking the bit in the tightening tool. A kit is provided with the set screw to engage the thread that locks the bit by engaging the corresponding thread in the through hole at the front end of the tightening tool to engage the tip of the first type of tool. The second engaging structure of the screw driver bit, including the rear surface including the engaging means adapted to, and adapted to engage the tip of the tool, engages the tip of the first type of tool. It is adapted as. Therefore, in such a kit, the engaging means on the rear surface of the set screw and the engaging means on the second end portion of the bit are made to match, i.e., to engage tool tips of the same size and shape. And its advantages are described above. It should be understood that the rear surface is the surface at the opposite end of the set screw end facing and possibly abutting the screwdriver bit.

According to one embodiment of the second aspect, the rear surface of the lock screw comprising the engaging means adapted to engage the tip of the tool of the first type engages the tip of a screwdriver of the first type. The second engagement structure of the screwdriver bit, which is adapted to engage the tip of the tool, is adapted to engage the tip of the screwdriver of the first type. .. As described above, a hexagonal or Allen screwdriver is a possible choice of screwdriver type.

According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the front portion of the tool is a claw foot extension portion.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a screw driver bit according to any of the above embodiments and a clawfoot extension for a power tool including a set screw for locking the bit in the clawfoot extension. A kit is provided that includes a set screw that engages the thread that locks the bit by engaging the corresponding thread in the through hole at the front end of the claw foot and is fitted to engage the tip of the first type of tool. The second engaging structure of the screw driver bit adapted to engage the tip of the tool, including the rear surface including the engaged engaging means, is adapted to engage the tip of the first type of tool. Has been done.

The objectives, advantages and features of each kit that may be considered within the scope of the second and third aspects of the invention are readily understood by the discussion described above with reference to the first aspect of the invention.

Further objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when considering the following detailed disclosure, drawings and accompanying claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various features of the invention can be combined to produce embodiments other than those described below.

The present invention will be described in the following exemplary, non-limiting, detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is a perspective view of an exemplary screwdriver bit according to one embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the screw driver bit which is exemplary by one Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary screwdriver bit according to an embodiment shown with a set screw arranged at the front of an exemplary power tool.

All figures are schematic views, not necessarily to scale, and generally show only the parts necessary to clarify the invention, other parts may be omitted or simply presented.

An exemplary screwdriver bit 1 is shown in FIG. 1, where the bit is a first engagement adapted to engage a fastener head, such as a screw head having a square cross section in an exemplary embodiment. It comprises a body having a first end portion 10 including structure 11, a second end portion 20 on the opposite side, and an intermediate portion 30 connecting the first end portion 10 and the second end portion 20. For this reason, the first end portion 10 is the portion of the bit (ie, the distal portion) that faces outward from the tool when placed in the tool, whereas the second end portion 20 is. The portion of the bit (ie, the proximal portion) that faces outward from the tool when placed on the tool.

The second end portion 20 includes a second engagement structure 21 adapted to engage the tip of the tool, more specifically to engage the tip of a screwdriver in an exemplary embodiment. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the second engaging structure is arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, in the axial direction AA defined between the first and second end portions 10, 20. Includes or is formed by three extending overhanging structures 21a-c. These protruding structures 21a-c can be described as at least partially surrounding the recessed portion 22 capable of receiving the tip of the screwdriver.

More specifically, the three protrusions 21a-c in the exemplary embodiment are cast, including slots 23a-c extending axially AA and evenly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction of bit 1. It can be described as a rated protrusion structure 21a-c.

The shape of the protrusion 21a-c is such that the hexagonal cross section, i.e., the tip of a screwdriver with a hexagon or Allen key, can be replaced by the protrusion. Thus, the cross section of each protrusion 21a-c, as can be seen from FIG. 2, has two slopes, the outer bow portion 24 (ie, corresponding to or following the circumference of the second end portion 20 of bit 1). Includes portions 25ab and a linear inner portion 26. This allows all other edges of the hexagonal screwdriver tip to abut and engage the linear portion 26 (when used by the screwdriver to properly position the bit).

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the overall length of the screwdriver bit is about 20 mm from the first end portion 10 to the second end portion 20, whereas the axial length of the protruding structure 21a is about 2 mm. Is.

For a protruding structure 21a with a continuous non-slotted design, instead, a hole adapted to receive the tip of the tool (in this case a hexagonal or Allen type screwdriver) is at the top or back of the bit. Can be placed at the end.

In FIG. 3, the screwdriver bit 1 is shown located at the front 200 of the tightening tool, and the tool includes a set screw 110 (or lock screw) for locking the bit 1 to the tool. In an exemplary embodiment, the bit and thus the set screw are located on the so-called clawfoot 200, i.e., the front portion 200 of the tool is the clawfoot extension portion 200.

The claw foot 200 at the front end 210 engages the thread 111 on the set screw 110 to lock the set screw 110 and thus the screw driver bit 1 positioned below the set screw 110 of the tool during use. Includes a through hole 211 with a thread 211a. In the illustrated embodiment, the set screw 110 on the rear surface 112 has a hexagonal cross section to allow tightening of the set screw 110 and is therefore adapted to engage an Allen or hexagonal screwdriver. Includes engaging means 112a in the form of a recess or hole 112a.

The screwdriver bit of FIG. 3 comprises the same second engaging structure 21a-c as in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, i.e., three protrusions arranged radially apart from each other and extending axially. It has a structure 21a-c and is thus adapted to engage a hexagonal or Allen screwdriver tip. More specifically, the engagement structure is adapted to allow the top or rear end 112 of the set screw 110 to engage a hexagonal or Allen type screwdriver of the same size as the hexagonal hole 112a. ..

When the operator needs to replace the bit while the tool is operating, the operator uses a hexagonal screwdriver to remove the set screw 110 from the through hole 211 of the clawfoot extension 200 (if necessary). Remove the used bit 1 (by engaging the cast-rated structure 21a-c at the rear end 20 of the bit 1), insert a new bit 1 into the hole and use the same hexagonal screwdriver to make the protruding structure 21a. -C can be engaged to conveniently position bit 1 in the correct position (including rotation of bit 1 and axial translation on the bit). Finally, the set screw 110 can be tightened again using the same hexagonal screwdriver. Therefore, the operator can perform a complete task quickly and efficiently with only one tool, which is a standard screwdriver and can cause bit and / or tool damage. Does not require any unwanted harsh handling of the tool.

Although the present invention has been exemplified and described in detail in the drawings and the above description, such illustrations and explanations are illustrative or exemplary and should not be considered limiting, and the invention has been disclosed. It is not limited to the embodiment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications, variants and alternatives are envisioned to the extent defined in the appended claims. In addition, modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be understood and achieved by those skilled in the art in carrying out the inventions described in the claims, forming a study of the scope of the drawings, disclosures and attachments. be able to. In the claims, the term "provide" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the singular noun does not exclude the plural. The mere fact that certain means are described in different dependent claims does not indicate that the combination of these means cannot be used in an advantageous manner. Any reference code in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims (13)

A first end portion (10), including a first engagement structure (11) adapted to engage the fastener head, and
With the second end portion (20) on the opposite side,
An intermediate portion (30) connecting the first end portion and the second end portion,
A screwdriver bit (1) with a main body
The second end portion comprises a second engagement structure (21) adapted to engage the tip of the tool, wherein the second engagement structure extends at least one axially AA. Formed by two protruding structures (21a, 21b, 21c),
A screwdriver bit that features that. The at least one protruding structure at least partially surrounds a recess (22) adapted to receive the tip of the tool.
The screwdriver bit according to claim 1. The at least one protruding structure forms a hole adapted to receive the tip of the tool.
The screwdriver bit according to claim 2. The second engaging structure comprises at least two protrusions (21a, 21b) extending axially and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.
The screwdriver bit according to claim 1 or 2. The at least two protrusions form an axially extending cast-rated protrusion structure, the structure comprising slots (23a, 23b) arranged circumferentially spaced apart from each other.
The screwdriver bit according to claim 4. The castrated overhang structure includes slots that are equidistant from each other in the circumferential direction.
The screwdriver bit according to claim 5. The second engagement structure is adapted to engage a tool tip having a hexagonal cross section.
The screwdriver bit according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The second engagement structure is adapted to engage the tips of tools of the type selected from the group including Torx®, squares and triangles.
The screwdriver bit according to any one of claims 2 to 6. The total length of the screwdriver bit is in the range of 18 to 50 mm.
The screwdriver bit according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The second engagement structure is adapted to engage the tip of the screwdriver.
The screwdriver bit according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The screwdriver bit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and
A tightening tool that includes a set screw (110) for locking the bit in the tightening tool.
Equipped with
The set screw engages the corresponding thread (211a) in the through hole (211) at the front end (210) of the tightening tool to lock the bit, and the first type of thread (111). The first of the screw driver bit (1) adapted to engage the tip of the tool, including a rear surface (112) including an engaging means (112a) adapted to engage the tip of the tool. The engagement structure (21) of 2 is adapted to engage the first type of tool tip.
A kit (100) characterized by that. The tool comprises an engaging means in which the rear surface of the set screw is adapted to engage the tip of the first type tool adapted to engage the tip of a first type screwdriver. The second engaging structure of the screwdriver bit adapted to engage the tip of the screwdriver bit is adapted to engage the tip of the first type of screwdriver.
The kit according to claim 11. The front end (210) of the power tool is a claw foot extension.
The kit according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the kit is characterized in that.

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