US 6,269,888 B1 · Reciprocating and rotary power tool

Abstract

An apparatus is provided that allows a working element to undergo either rotary or reciprocation motion in a transmission system that is very compact in terms of the amount of space it requires to convert the rotary output of the motor into either rotary or reciprocating output of an output shaft operably connected to the working element. The transmission includes input and output members between which a clutch and cam mechanism are disposed for providing a rotary/reciprocating transmission system with a compact design. When the clutch is disengaged, the cam mechanism is operable to provide the output member and thus the output shaft connected thereto with reciprocating motion. Preferably, the output member is cylindrical with the input member, clutch and cam mechanism all disposed therein to provide the rotary/reciprocating tool with a so-called “barrel cam” transmission that is small to provide significant space saving in the tool housing.

Claims23

Dependent claims

An apparatus having a working element capable of rotating or reciprocating, the apparatus comprising:

an elongate housing having a first longitudinal axis extending therethrough;
a reversible motor in the housing having forward and reverse states;
an input member driven in either one of forward or reverse directions of rotation by the motor;
an output member for providing the working element with either a rotary motion or a reciprocating motion;
a clutch between the input and output members having an engaged condition with the input member rotating in one of the forward and reverse directions and a disengaged condition with the input member rotating in the other of the forward and reverse directions;
and
a cam mechanism between the input and output members for causing the output member to reciprocate and provide the working element with reciprocating motion with the clutch in the disengaged condition.

4 more elements

A power tool having a working element adapted to be held in a collet of the tool for rotary and reciprocating motion thereof, the power tool comprising:

a reversible motor for providing rotary output in one rotary direction and in a rotary direction opposite to the one direction;
a housing having a forward end portion to which the collet is mounted and a rearward end portion containing the motor of the tool;
an output shaft to which the collet is attached and mounted in the housing along a first axis thereof;
a transmission system in the housing for converting the rotary output of the motor into either one of rotary or reciprocating motion of the output shaft and attached collet and working element, the transmission system including rotary cooperating portions aligned with the output shaft for driving the shaft for rotation or reciprocation, the cooperating portions having an engaged state which causes the output shaft to rotate and a disengaged state which causes the output shaft to reciprocate;
a control actuator having a control lever portion exterior of the housing for being shifted by an operator and an actuator portion in the housing which changes the direction of rotation of the motor;
and
a stop mechanism of the actuator portion and one of the rotary cooperating portions operable to provide the cooperating portions with relative rotary movement therebetween for reciprocating the output shaft.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Reciprocating and rotary power tool

Life of this patent

Reciprocating and rotary power tool

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23