Electrical generator or motor structure – Dynamoelectric – Rotary
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-21
2001-04-17
Enad, Elvin (Department: 2834)
Electrical generator or motor structure
Dynamoelectric
Rotary
C310S047000, C310S07500D, C310S083000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06218746
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention is related generally to portable power tools, and in particular to a battery-powered torque wrench.
There are many tools available for providing a force (torque) that acts to drive a rotary load. Torque is required in a variety of applications such as turning a winch on a sailboat, a jack for lifting a car or truck, a trailer winch, a high torque drill bit, a high torque impact wrench and the like. Conventional heavy duty, high torque power drive tools are energized from a fixed power source, either electrical or mechanical, which limits portability. For example, some power tools use an extension power cable for connection to a remote electrical power outlet. In other power tools, heavy internal combustion engines are utilized. But those tools cannot be easily moved or handled. The connection to a fixed electrical power supply limits the useful range, and an internal combustion engine adds considerable weight and size to the power tool.
Such conventional power tools cannot be used in all applications. For example, in sailboats the sails are raised manually by a mechanical winch. The raising and lowering of the sails can be very tedious and laborious work. However, electrically powered winches are not practical in such applications that require an electrical cable to supply operating power from a compatible source. Motorized winches are much too large, heavy and expensive. Additionally, the size of a powered winch must be minimized for use within the limited deck space available on a sailboat.
In another example, a power tool may be needed when tightening and loosening nuts and bolts on heavy equipment and machinery. Conventional power tools are much too large or must be tethered to electrical power outlets, making them impractical for use in remote locations.
A conventional power tool is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,970 to Trant. According to Trant, a power handle for rotating the capstan of a manual winch includes a housing, a motor, a star stub for engaging and rotating the capstan relative to the housing, and a gear reduction unit for connecting the motor to the star stub. Additionally, the handle is connected by an electrical power cable to an electrical power supply. Trant does not disclose a completely portable power drive device since the Trant power tool must be energized from a remote power source through an electrical power cable.
Some conventional power tools utilize a rechargeable battery, for example cordless drills, screwdrivers and saws. However, those tools lack sufficient power to handle high torque, heavy duty power drive applications. Consequently, there is a continuing interest in providing a battery operated, high torque, portable power tool for use in confined areas or at a remote location where an electrical power supply is not readily available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The portable power tool of the present invention includes a DC electric motor and a speed reduction assembly for providing torque to a rotary load. The speed reduction assembly includes a sleeve coupling for engaging and driving the load. The coupling sleeve is driven by a gearing system for rotating the rotary sleeve coupling and includes a first sleeve coupling portion and a second sleeve coupling portion. In one embodiment, the gearing system includes a first bevel gear meshing with a second bevel gear for rotating the sleeve coupling in a right angle offset power transmission arrangement. The second bevel gear is rigidly attached to the rotary coupling sleeve coupling, which is offset for turning a rotary load at a right angle with respect to the in-line power axis of the DC electric motor. In a second embodiment, the gearing system includes a worm gear and a driven gear rigidly attached to the rotary sleeve coupling.
The output shaft of the speed reduction assembly is coupled in axial alignment with the output shaft of the DC electric motor. Additionally, the output shaft of the drive reducer is coupled in torque transfer engagement with the output shaft of the speed reducer, but extends orthogonally with respect thereto. This offset torque transfer arrangement makes possible the efficient transfer of torque through a rotary coupling that extends substantially at a right angle and laterally to either side of the main drive axis of the electric drive motor. This offset arrangement can be used advantageously for many applications where a conventional in line torque transfer tool (for example as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,970) would require an adapter to perform the same job.
The offset torque transfer arrangement of the present invention includes a first bearing supporting the first sleeve coupling portion of the rotary sleeve coupling and a second bearing supporting the second sleeve coupling portion. In addition, the portable power tool includes a first bearing support member having a first opening that surrounds and supports the first bearing and a second bearing support member having a second opening surrounding and supporting the second bearing.
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Enad Elvin
Griggs Dennis T.
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