Trigger and clutch arrangement for power tools

Details Trigger and clutch arrangement for power tools Trigger and clutch arrangement for power tools

2000-01-13

2001-06-12

Smith, Scott A. (Department: 3721)

Tool driving or impacting

Automatic control of power operated means

Drive means responsive to torque or speed condition

C173S170000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06244358

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to power tools, and more particularly, to drive train couplers.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the past, power tools have included trigger activated clutches to couple the motor shaft to the tool output shaft. These tools normally required a first trigger to engage the clutch and a second trigger to energize the motor and had very complicated clutching mechanisms.
These complicated clutch mechanisms were thus costly to make and complicated for an operator to use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a general object of the invention to provide an improved trigger-operated power tool clutch arrangement, while affording structural and operating advantages.
An important feature of the invention is the provision of a trigger-operated power tool clutch which is of relatively simple and economical construction.
A further feature of the invention is the provision of a clutch of the type set forth which is not easily damaged in use.
Another feature of the invention is the provision of a clutch of the type set forth which includes a trigger which operates the motor as well as the clutch.
In connection with the foregoing feature, another feature of the invention is provision of a trigger of the type set forth which prevents premature energization of the tool motor.
Certain ones of these or other features may be attained by providing a power tool which includes a motor assembly having a rotatable motor shaft mechanism, and a motor control coupled to the motor assembly and operable between a normal off condition de-energizing the motor and an on condition energizing the motor. The tool includes a rotatable tool shaft mechanism, and a clutch shiftable between a normal disengaged condition decoupling the motor shaft mechanism from the tool shaft mechanism and an engaged condition coupling the motor shaft mechanism to the tool shaft mechanism. A trigger member is engageable with both the motor control and the clutch and is moveable between a first position, wherein the motor control is in its off condition and the clutch is in its disengaged condition, and a second position holding the motor control in its on condition and the clutch in its engaged condition for driving the tool shaft mechanism.
The invention consists of certain novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the spirit, or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.


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