Universal joint with coupling mechanism for detachably engaging tool attachments
Abstract
The present invention relates to a universal joint including first and second parts interconnected by a coupling element and a coupling mechanism for detachably engaging tool holding parts such as sockets. The coupling mechanisms described include an engaging element and an actuating element. The engagement element can include a pin and the pin can be oriented obliquely or longitudinally in the propeller stud of the universal joint. The actuator member can include a collar and a central portion that crosses the central longitudinal axis of the propeller stud. The central portion can be moved along the longitudinal axis to the coupling element and the actuating element can be configured to extend into an opening formed by the coupling element and the second part of the universal joint.

Term
Projected expiry 10 May 2027.
- Priority
- Filed
- Granted
- Today
- Projected expiry
46 claims: 15 independent, 31 dependent
- 1CLAIMS REIVINDICAÇÕES 1. Universal joint for use with a torque transmission tool, said universal joint comprising a first part, a second part comprising a propeller stud and at least one coupling element coupled between the first and second parts, said at least one coupling element configured to transmit the torque between the first and second parts, the improvement comprising:1. Junta universal para uso com uma ferramenta de transmissão de torque, a dita junta universal compreendendo uma primeira parte, uma segunda parte compreendendo um prisioneiro propulsor e pelo menos um elemento acoplador acoplado entre as primeira e segunda partes, o dito pelo menos um elemento acoplador configurado para transmitir o torque entre a primeira e segunda partes, o aperfeiçoamento compreendendo: a guide in the second part oriented at an oblique angle with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the propelling stud;uma guia na segunda parte orientada em um ângulo oblíquo com respeito a um eixo longitudinal central do prisioneiro propulsor;an engaging element movably mounted on the guide to extend outside the propelling stud and engage a tool clamp when in the engaged position and release the tool clamp when in the release position;um elemento de engate movelmente montado na guia para estender-se fora do prisioneiro propulsor e engatar uma peça de fixação de ferramenta quando na posição de engate e liberar a peça de fixação da ferramenta, quando na posição de liberação;an actuator element coupled with the engaging element such that the longitudinal movement of the actuating element with respect to the second part results in the movement of the engaging element;um elemento atuador acoplado com o elemento de engate de tal modo que o movimento longitudinal do elemento atuador com respeito à segunda parte resulta no movimento do elemento de engata;o dito elemento atuador cruzando o eixo longitudinal central. said actuating element crossing the central longitudinal axis.
- 2Universal joint for use with a torque transmission tool, said universal joint comprising a first part, a second part comprising a propeller stud and at least one coupling element coupled between first and second parts, said at least one coupling element configured for transmit the torque between the first and second parts, the improvement comprising:2. Junta universal para uso com uma ferramenta de transmissão de torque, a dita junta universal compreendendo uma primeira parte, uma segunda parte compreendendo um prisioneiro propulsor e pelo menos um elemento acoplador acoplado entre primeira e segunda partes, o dito pelo menos um elemento acoplador configurado para transmitir o torque entre a primeira e segunda partes, o aperfeiçoamento compreendendo: a guide in the second part oriented at an oblique angle with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the propelling stud;uma guia na segunda parte orientada em um ângulo oblíquo com respeito a um eixo longitudinal central do prisioneiro propulsor;a latching element movably mounted on the guide to extend outside the propelling stud and engage a tool clamp when in a latching position and release the tool clamp when in a release position;um elemento de engate movelmente montado na guia para estender-se fora do prisioneiro propulsor e engatar uma peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de engate e liberar a peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de liberação;an actuator element coupled with the engagement element such that the movement of the actuator element with respect to the second part results in movement of the engagement element;um elemento atuador acoplado com o elemento de engate de tal modo que o movimento do elemento atuador com respeito à segunda parte resulta no movimento do elemento de engate;a dita segunda parte compreendendo pelo menos duas protrusões de suporte de carga configuradas para participar da transmissão de torque entre o elemento acoplador e a segunda parte, pelo menos uma parte do dito elemento atuador estendendo-se entre as protrusões de suporte de carga para pelo menos algumas posições do elemento atuador. said second part comprising at least two load-bearing protrusions configured to participate in torque transmission between the coupling element and the second part, at least a part of said actuating element extending between the load-bearing protrusions for at least some positions of the actuator element.
- 3Universal joint for use with a torque transmission tool, said universal joint comprising a first part, a second part comprising a propeller stud and at least one coupling element coupled between the first and second parts, said at least one coupling element configured to transmit the torque between the first and second parts, the improvement comprising:3. Junta universal para uso com uma ferramenta de transmissão de torque, a dita junta universal compreendendo uma primeira parte, uma segunda parte compreendendo um prisioneiro propulsor e pelo menos um elemento acoplador acoplado entre as primeira e segunda partes, o dito pelo menos um elemento acoplador configurado para transmitir o torque entre a primeira e segunda partes, o aperfeiçoamento compreendendo: a guide in the second part oriented at an oblique angle with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the propelling stud;uma guia na segunda parte orientada em um ângulo oblíquo com respeito a um eixo longitudinal central do prisioneiro propulsor;a latching element movably mounted on the guide to extend outside the propelling stud and engage a tool clamp when in a latching position and release the tool clamp when in a release position;um elemento de engate movelmente montado na guia para estender-se fora do prisioneiro propulsor e engatar um peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de engate e liberar a peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de liberação;an actuator element coupled with an engaging element such that the movement of the actuator element with respect to the second part results in movement of the engaging element;um elemento atuador acoplado com um elemento de engate de tal modo que o movimento do elemento atuador com respeito à segunda parte resulta em movimento do elemento de engate;o dito elemento acoplador e a dita segunda parte cooperando para formar uma abertura, pelo menos uma parte do dito elemento atuador estendendo-se para a abertura para pelo menos algumas posições do elemento atuador. said coupling element and said second part cooperating to form an opening, at least a part of said actuating element extending into the opening to at least some positions of the actuating element.
- 16Universal joint for use with a torque transmitting tool, said universal joint comprising a first part, a second part comprising a propelling stud and at least one coupling element coupled between the first and second parts, said at least one coupling element configured for transmit torque between first and second parts, the improvement comprising:16. Junta universal para uso com uma ferramenta transmissora de torque, a dita junta universal compreendendo uma primeira parte, uma segunda parte compreendendo um prisioneiro propulsor e pelo menos um elemento acoplador acoplado entre as primeira e segunda partes, o dito pelo menos um elemento acoplador configurado para transmitir torque entre primeira e segunda partes, o aperfeiçoamento compreendendo: a guide in the second part;uma guia na segunda parte;a latching element movably mounted on the guide to extend outside the propelling stud and engage a tool clamp when in a latching position and release the tool clamp when in a release position;um elemento de engate movelmente montado na guia para estender-se fora do prisioneiro propulsor e engatar uma peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de engate e liberar a peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de liberação;an actuator element coupled with the engagement element such that the longitudinal movement of the actuator with respect to the second part results in movement of the engagement element;um elemento atuador acoplado com o elemento de engate de tal modo que o movimento longitudinal do elemento atuador com respeito à segunda parte resulta em movimento do elemento de engate;o dito elemento atuador compreendendo uma porção periférica e uma porção central, a dita porção periférica posicionada distante do prisioneiro propulsor e orientada pelo menos em parte em um ângulo oblíquo com respeito a um eixo longitudinal central do prisioneiro propulsor;said actuating element comprising a peripheral portion and a central portion, said peripheral portion positioned distant from the propelling stud and oriented at least in part at an oblique angle with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the propelling stud;o dito elemento atuador cruzando o eixo longitudinal central. said actuating element crossing the central longitudinal axis.
- 17Universal joint for use with a torque transmission tool, said universal joint comprising a first part, a second part comprising a propelling stud and at least one coupling element coupled between said first and second parts, said at least one element coupler configured to transmit the torque between the first and second parts, the improvement comprising:17. Junta universal para uso com uma ferramenta de transmissão de torque, a dita junta universal compreendendo uma primeira parte, uma segunda parte compreendendo um prisioneiro propulsor e, pelo menos um elemento acoplador acoplado entre as ditas primeira e segunda partes, o dito pelo menos um elemento acoplador configurado para transmitir o torque entre as primeira e segunda partes, o aperfeiçoamento compreendendo: a guide in the second part;uma guia na segunda parte;a latching element movably mounted on the guide to extend out of the propelling stud and engage a tool clamp when in a latching position and release the tool clamp when in a release position;um elemento de engate movelmente montado na guia para es5 tender-se fora do prisioneiro propulsor e engatar uma peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de engate e liberar a peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de liberação;an actuator element coupled with the engagement element such that the movement of the actuator element with respect to the second part results in movement of the engagement element;um elemento atuador acoplado com o elemento de engate de tal modo que o movimento do elemento atuador com respeito à segunda parte resulta em movimento do elemento de engate;o dito elemento atuador compreendendo uma porção periférica e uma porção central, a dita porção periférica posicionada distante do prisioneiro propulsor e orientada pelo menos em parte em um ângulo oblíquo com respeito a um eixo longitudinal central do prisioneiro propulsor;said actuating element comprising a peripheral portion and a central portion, said peripheral portion positioned distant from the propelling stud and oriented at least in part at an oblique angle with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the propelling stud;a dita segunda parte compreendendo pelo menos duas protrusões de suporte de carga configuradas para participar da transmissão de torque entre o elemento acoplador e a segunda parte, pelo menos a parte do dito elemento atuador estendendo-se entre as protrusões de suporte de carga para pelo menos algumas posições do elemento atuador. said second part comprising at least two load-bearing protrusions configured to participate in torque transmission between the coupling element and the second part, at least the part of said actuating element extending between the load-bearing protrusions for at least some positions of the actuator element.
- 18Universal joint for use with a torque transmission tool, said universal joint comprising a first part, a second part comprising a propelling stud and at least one coupling element coupled between said first and second parts, said at least one coupling element configured to transmit the torque between the first and second parts, the improvement comprising:18. Junta universal para uso com uma ferramenta de transmisssão de torque, a dita junta universal compreendendo uma primeira parte, uma segunda parte compreendendo um prisioneiro propulsor e pelo menos um elemento acoplador acoplado entre as ditas primeira e segunda partes, o dito pelo menos um elemento acoplador configurado para transmitir o torque entre a primeira e segunda partes, o aperfeiçoamento compreendendo: a guide in the second part;uma guia na segunda parte;a latching element movably mounted on the guide to extend outside the propelling stud and engage a tool clamp when in a latching position and release the tool clamp when in a release position;um elemento de engate movelmente montado na guia para estender-se fora do prisioneiro propulsor e engatar uma peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de engate e liberar a peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de liberação;an actuator element coupled with the engagement element such that the movement of the actuator element with respect to the second part results in movement of the engagement element;um elemento atuador acoplado com o elemento de engate de tal modo que o movimento do elemento atuador com respeito à segunda parte resulta em movimento do elemento de engate;o dito elemento atuador compreendendo uma porção periférica e uma porção central, a dita porção periférica posicionada distante do prisioneiro propulsor e orientada pelo menos em parte em um ângulo oblíquo com respeito a um eixo longitudinal central do prisioneiro propulsor;said actuating element comprising a peripheral portion and a central portion, said peripheral portion positioned distant from the propelling stud and oriented at least in part at an oblique angle with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the propelling stud;o dito elemento acoplador e a dita segunda parte cooperando para formar uma abertura, pelo menos parte do dito elemento atuador βει tendendo-se para a abertura para pelo menos algumas posições do elemen*’ 5 to atuador. said coupling element and said second part cooperating to form an opening, at least part of said actuating element βει tending towards the opening for at least some positions of the actuator element.
- 31Universal joint for use with a torque transmission tool, said universal joint comprising a first part, a second part comprising a propeller stud and at least one coupling element coupled between the first and second parts, said at least one coupling element configured to transmit torque between first and second parts, the improvement comprising:31. Junta universal para uso com uma ferramenta de transmissão de torque, a dita junta universal compreendendo uma primeira parte, uma segunda parte compreendendo um prisioneiro propulsor e pelo menos um elemento acoplador acoplado entre a primeira e segunda partes, o dito pelo menos um elemento acoplador configurado para transmitir torque entre primeira e segunda partes, o aperfeiçoamento compreendendo: a guide in the second part, said guide comprising an internal passage in the propelling stud oriented at an angle of less than 80 degrees with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the propelling stud;uma guia na segunda parte, a dita guia compreendendo uma passagem interna no prisioneiro propulsor orientada em um ângulo de menos que 80 graus com respeito ao eixo longitudinal central do prisioneiro propulsor;a latching element movably mounted on the guide to extend outside the propelling stud and latch a tool clamp when in a clutch position and release the tool clamp when in a release position;and an actuator element comprising a collar extending around the second part;um elemento de engate movelmente montado na guia para estender-se fora do prisioneiro propulsor e engatar uma peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de engate e liberar a peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de liberação;e um elemento atuador compreendendo um colar estendendo-se em torno da segunda parte;o dito elemento atuador acoplado com um elemento de engate de tal modo que o movimento do elemento atuador com respeito à segunda parte resulta em movimento do elemento de engate;said actuating element coupled with an engaging element such that the movement of the actuating element with respect to the second part results in movement of the engaging element;o dito elemento atuador móvel com respeito a segunda parte através de um curso tendo uma extensão longitudinal D1 e a dita segunda parte configurada de tal modo que na aproximação mais íntima, o mais próximo do elemento atuador e do elemento de engate aproxima-se do elemento acoplador para dentro da distância longitudinal D2,em que D2 é menos que cinco vezes D1. said movable actuating element with respect to the second part through a stroke having a longitudinal extension D1 and said second part configured in such a way that in the closest approach, the closest to the actuating element and the engaging element approaches the element coupler within the longitudinal distance D2, where D2 is less than five times D1.
- 32Universal joint for use with a torque transmission tool, said universal joint comprising a first part, a second part comprising a propeller stud and at least one coupling element coupled between the first and second parts, said at least one coupling element configured to transmit the torque between the first and second parts, the improvement comprising:32. Junta universal para uso com uma ferramenta de transmissão de torque, a dita junta universal compreendendo uma primeira parte, uma segunda parte compreendendo um prisioneiro propulsor e pelo menos um elemento acoplador acoplado entre as primeira e segunda partes, o dito pelo menos um elemento acoplador configurado para transmitir o torque entre as primeira e segunda partes, o aperfeiçoamento compreendendo: a guide in the second part, said guide comprising an internal passage in the driving propeller oriented at an angle of less than 80 degrees with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the driving propeller;uma guia na segunda parte, a dita guia compreendendo uma passagem interna no prisioneiro propulsor orientado em um ângulo de menos que 80 graus com respeito a um eixo longitudinal central do prisioneiro propulsor;a hitch element movably mounted on the guide to extend outside the propelling stud and engage a tool clamp when in a clutch position and release the tool clamp when in a release position, said clutch element defining a center of mass;and an actuator element comprising a collar that extends around the second part;um elemento de engate movelmente montado na guia para estender-se fora do prisioneiro propulsor e engatar uma peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de engate e liberar a peça de fixação de ferramentas quando em uma posição de liberação, o dito elemento de engate definindo um centro de massa;e um elemento atuador compreendendo um colar que se estende em torno da segunda parte;o dito elemento atuador acoplado com o elemento de engate de tal modo que o movimento do elemento atuador com respeito à segunda parte resulta em movimento do elemento de engate;said actuating element coupled with the engaging element such that the movement of the actuating element with respect to the second part results in movement of the engaging element;o dito elemento atuador móvel com respeito à segunda parte através de um curso tendo uma extensão longitudinal D1, a dita segunda parte compreendendo uma parede cruzando o eixo longitudinal central mais distante do prisioneiro propulsor, o dito centro de massa espaçado da parede por uma distância longitudinal D3 quando o elemento de engate está em uma posição de descanso, em que D3 é menos que oito vezes D1. said movable actuating element with respect to the second part through a stroke having a longitudinal extension D1, said second part comprising a wall crossing the central longitudinal axis furthest from the propelling stud, said center of mass spaced from the wall by a longitudinal distance D3 when the engagement element is in a resting position, where D3 is less than eight times D1.
- 33Universal joint for use with a torque transmission tool, said universal joint comprising a first part, a second part comprising a propelling stud, and at least one coupling element coupled between the first and second parts, said at least one element coupler configured to transmit the torque between the first and second parts, the improvement comprising:33. Junta universal para uso com uma ferramenta de transmissão de torque, a dita junta universal compreendendo uma primeira parte, uma segunda parte compreendendo um prisioneiro propulsor,e, pelo menos um elemento acoplador acoplado entre as primeira e segunda partes, o dito pelo menos um elemento acoplador configurado para transmitir o torque entre as primeira e segunda partes, o aperfeiçoamento compreendendo: a guide in the second part, said guide comprising an internal passage in the driving propeller oriented at an angle of less than 80 degrees with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the driving propeller;uma guia na segunda parte, a dita guia compreendendo uma passagem interna no prisioneiro propulsor orientado em um ângulo de menos que 80 graus com respeito a um eixo longitudinal central do prisioneiro propulsor;a latching element movably mounted on the guide to extend outside the propelling stud and latch a tool clamp when in a clutch position and release the tool clamp when in a release position;and an actuator element comprising a collar that extends around the second part;um elemento de engate movelmente montado na guia para estender-se fora do prisioneiro propulsor e engatar uma peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de engate e liberar a peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de liberação;e um elemento atuador compreendendo um colar que se estende em torno da segunda parte;o dito elemento atuador acoplado com o elemento de engate de tal modo que o movimento do elemento atuador com respeito à segunda parte resulta no movimento do elemento de engate;said actuating element coupled with the engaging element such that the movement of the actuating element with respect to the second part results in the movement of the engaging element;a dita segunda parte compreendendo pelo menos duas protrusões de suporte de carga configuradas para participar da transmissão do torque entre o elemento acoplador e a segunda parte, pelo menos a parte do dito elemento atuador estendendo-se entre as protrusões de suporte de carga para pelo menos algumas posições do elemento atuador. said second part comprising at least two load-bearing protrusions configured to participate in the transmission of torque between the coupling element and the second part, at least the part of said actuating element extending between the load-bearing protrusions for at least some positions of the actuator element.
- 34Universal joint for use with a torque transmission tool, said universal joint comprising a first part, a second part comprising a propelling stud and at least one coupling element coupled between the first and second parts, said at least one coupling element configured to transmit the torque between the first and second parts, the improvement comprising:34. Junta universal para uso com uma ferramenta de transmissão de torque, a dita junta universal compreendendo uma primeira parte, uma segunda parte compreendendo um prisioneiro propulsor e, pelo menos um elemento acoplador acoplado entre as primeira e segunda partes, o dito pelo menos um elemento acoplador configurado para transmitir o torque entre as primeira e segunda partes, o aperfeiçoamento compreendendo: a guide in the second part, said guide comprising an internal passage in the driving propeller oriented at an angle of less than 80 degrees with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the driving propeller;uma guia na segunda parte, a dita guia compreendendo uma passagem interna no prisioneiro propulsor orientado em um ângulo de menos que 80 graus com respeito a um eixo longitudinal central do prisioneiro propulsor;a latching element movably mounted on the guide to extend out of the propelling stud and engage a tool clamp when in a latching position and to release the tool clamp when in a release position;and an actuator element comprising a collar that extends around the second part;um elemento de engate movelmente montado na guia para es’ 5 tender-se fora do prisioneiro propulsor e engatar uma peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de engate e para liberar a peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de liberação;e um elemento atuador compreendendo um colar que se estende em torno da segunda parte;10 said actuating element coupled with the engaging element such that the movement of the actuating element with respect to the second part results in the movement of the engaging element;10 o dito elemento atuador acoplado com o elemento de engate de tal modo que o movimento do elemento atuador com respeito à segunda parte resulta no movimento do elemento de engate;o dito elemento acoplador e a dita segunda parte cooperando para formar uma abertura, pelo menos parte do dito elemento atuador βει 5 tendendo-se para a abertura para pelo menos algumas posições do elemento atuador. said coupling element and said second part cooperating to form an opening, at least part of said actuating element βει 5 tending towards the opening for at least some positions of the actuating element.
- 37Universal joint for use with a torque transmission tool, said universal joint comprising a first part, a second part comprising a propelling stud and at least one coupling element coupled between the first and second parts, said at least one coupling element configured to transmit torque between the first and second parts, the improvement comprising:37. Junta universal para uso com uma ferramenta de transmissão de torque, a dita junta universal compreendendo uma primeira parte, 25 uma segunda parte compreendendo um prisioneiro propulsor e pelo menos um elemento acoplador acoplado entre as primeira e segunda partes, o dito pelo menos um elemento acoplador configurado para transmitir torque entre as primeira e segunda partes, o aperfeiçoamento compreendendo: a guide in the second part;uma guia na segunda parte;30 a latching element movably mounted on the guide to extend outside the propelling stud and engage a tool clamp when in a latching position and release the tool clamp when in a release position;30 um elemento de engate movelmente montado na guia para estender-se fora do prisioneiro propulsor e engatar uma peça de fixação de ferramentas quando em uma posição de engate e liberar a peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de liberação;an actuator element accessible from a periphery of the second element and crossing a central longitudinal axis of the second part, said actuator element comprising a collar extending around the second part of the part;um elemento atuador acessível de um periferia do segundo elemento e cruzando um eixo longitudinal central da segunda parte, o dito elemento atuador compreendendo um colar estendendo-se em torno da segun 5 da parte;o dito elemento atuador acoplado com o elemento de engate de tal modo que o movimento longitudinal do elemento atuador com respeito à segunda parte resulta em movimento do elemento de engate;e um elemento propelente operativo para impelir o elemento atua10 dor para uma posição de descanso independentemente de qualquer reação contra o elemento acoplador;said actuating element coupled with the engaging element such that the longitudinal movement of the actuating element with respect to the second part results in movement of the engaging element;and a propellant element operative to propel the actuating element to a rest position regardless of any reaction against the coupling element;o dito elemento atuador móvel com respeito à uma segunda parte através de um curso tendo uma exensão longitudinal D1, e a dita segunda parte configurada de tal modo que na aproximação mais íntima, o mais pró15 ximo do elemento atuador e do elemento de engate aproxima-se do elemento acoplador para dentro de uma distância longitudinal D2, em que D2 é menos que cinco vezes D1. said movable actuating element with respect to a second part through a stroke having a longitudinal extension D1, and said second part configured in such a way that in the closest approximation, the closest to the actuator element and the coupling element approximate from the coupling element to a longitudinal distance D2, where D2 is less than five times D1.
- 38Universal joint for use with a torque transmission tool, said universal joint comprising a first part, 20 a second part comprising a propelling stud and at least one coupling element configured to transmit the torque between the first and second parts, the improvement comprising :38. Junta universal para uso com uma ferramenta de transmissão de torque, a dita junta universal compreendendo uma primeira parte, 20 uma segunda parte compreendendo um prisioneiro propulsor e pelo menos um elemento acoplador configurado para transmitir o torque entre as primeira e segunda partes, o aperfeiçoamento compreendendo: a guinea in the second part;uma guina na segunda parte;a latching element movably mounted on the guide to extend out of the propelling stud and engage a tool clamp when in a latching position and release the tool clamp when in a release position, said locking element coupling comprising a center of mass;um elemento de engate movelmente montado na guia para es25 tender-se fora do prisioneiro propulsor e engatar uma peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de engate e liberar a peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de liberação, o dito elemento de engate compreendendo um centro de massa;an actuator element accessible from a periphery of the second element and crossing a central longitudinal axis of the second part, said actuator element comprising a collar extending around the second part;um elemento atuador acessível de uma periferia do segundo e30 lemento e cruzando um eixo longitudinal central da segunda parte, o dito elemento atuador compreendendo um colar estendendo-se em torno da segunda parte;o dito elemento atuador acoplado com o elemento de engate de tal modo que o movimento longitudinal do elemento atuador com respeito à segunda parte resulta em movimento do elemento de engate;e um elemento propelente operativo para impelir o elemento atua' 5 dor para uma posição de descanso independentemente de qualquer reação contra o elemento acoplador;said actuating element coupled with the engaging element such that the longitudinal movement of the actuating element with respect to the second part results in movement of the engaging element;and a propellant element operative to propel the actuating element to a rest position regardless of any reaction against the coupling element;o dito elemento atuador móvel com respeito à segunda parte através de um curso tendo uma extensão longitudinal D1, a dita segunda parte compreendendo uma parede que cruza o eixo longitudinal central mais 10 distante do prisioneiro propulsor, o dito centro de massa espaçado da parede por uma distância D3 quando o elemento de engate está em uma posição de descanso, em que D3 é menos que oito vezes D1. said movable actuating element with respect to the second part through a stroke having a longitudinal extension D1, said second part comprising a wall that crosses the central longitudinal axis further away from the propelling stud, said center of mass spaced from the wall by a distance D3 when the engagement element is in a resting position, where D3 is less than eight times D1.
- 39Universal joint for use with a torque transmission tool, said universal joint comprising a first part, a second part comprising a propelling stud and at least one coupling element coupled between first and second parts, said at least one coupling element configured to transmit the torque between the first and second parts, the improvement comprising:39. Junta universal para uso com uma ferramenta de transmissão de torque, a dita junta universal compreendendo uma primeira parte, 15 uma segunda parte compreendendo um prisioneiro propulsor e pelo menos um elemento acoplador acoplado entre primeira e segunda partes, o dito pelo menos um elemento acoplador configurado para transmitir o torque entre a primeira e a segunda partes, o aperfeiçoamento compreendendo: a guide in the second part;uma guia na segunda parte;20 a latching element movably mounted on the guide to extend outside the propelling stud and engage a tool clamp when in a latching position and release the tool clamp when in a release position;20 um elemento de engate movelmente montado na guia para estender-se fora do prisioneiro propulsor e engatar uma peça de fixação da ferramenta quando em uma posição de engate e liberar a peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de liberação;an actuator element accessible from a periphery of the second element and crossing a central longitudinal axis of the second part, said actuator element comprising a collar extending around the second part;um elemento atuador acessível de uma periferia do segundo e25 lemento e cruzando um eixo longitudinal central da segunda parte, o dito elemento atuador compreendendo um colar que se estende em torno da segunda parte;o dito elemento atuador acoplado com um elemento de engate de tal modo que o movimento do elemento atuador com respeito à segunda 30 parte resulta em movimento do elemento de engate;e um elemento propelente operativo para impelir o elemento atuador para uma posição de descanso independentemente de qualquer reação contra o elemento acoplador;said actuating element coupled with an engaging element such that the movement of the actuating element with respect to the second part results in movement of the engaging element;and a propellant element operative to propel the actuator element to a rest position regardless of any reaction against the coupling element;a dita segunda parte compreendendo pelo menos duas protrusões de suporte de carga configuradas para participar da transmissão de torque entre o elemento acoplador e a segunda parte, pelo menos parte do - 5 dito elemento atuador estendendo-se entre as protrusões de suporte de carga para pelo menos algumas posições do elemento atuador. said second part comprising at least two load-bearing protrusions configured to participate in the transmission of torque between the coupling element and the second part, at least part of said actuating element extending between the load-bearing protrusions for at least least some actuator element positions.
- 40Universal joint for use with a torque transmission tool, said universal joint comprising a first part, a second part comprising a propeller stud, and at least one coupling element coupled between the first and second parts, said at least one coupling element configured to transmit the torque between the first and second parts, the improvement comprising:40. Junta universal para uso com uma ferramenta de transmissão de torque, a dita junta universal compreendendo uma primeira parte, uma segunda parte compreendendo um prisioneiro propulsor, e, pelo menos 10 um elemento acoplador acoplado entre as primeira e segunda partes, o dito pelo menos um elemento acoplador configurado para transmitir o torque entre as primeira e segunda partes, o aperfeiçoamento compreendendo: a guide in the second part;uma guia na segunda parte;a latching element movably mounted on the guide for βει 5 tends out of the propeller stud and latches a tool clamp when in a clutch position and releases the tool clamp when in a release position;um elemento de engate movelmente montado na guia para βει 5 tender-se fora do prisioneiro propulsor e engatar uma peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de engate e liberar a peça de fixação de ferramenta quando em uma posição de liberação;an actuator element accessible from a periphery of the second element and crossing the central longitudinal axis of the second part, said actuator element comprising a collar extending around the second part;um elemento atuador acessível de uma periferia do segundo elemento e cruzando o eixo longitudinal central da segunda parte, o dito ele20 mento atuador compreendendo um colar que se estende em torno da segunda parte;o dito elemento atuador acoplado com um elemento de engate de tal modo que o movimento do elemento atuador com respeito à segunda parte resulta em movimento de elemento de engate;e said actuating element coupled with an engaging element such that the movement of the actuating element with respect to the second part results in movement of the engaging element;and 25 a propellant element operative to propel the actuator element to a rest position regardless of any reaction against the coupler element;25 um elemento propelente operativo para impelir o elemento atuador para uma posição de descanso independentemente de qualquer reação contra o elemento acoplador;o dito elemento acoplador e a dita segunda parte cooperando para formar uma abertura, pelo menos parte do dito elemento atuador es30 tendendo-se para a abertura para pelo menos algumas posições do elemento atuador. said coupling element and said second part cooperating to form an opening, at least part of said actuating element tending towards the opening for at least some positions of the actuating element.
Independent claims15
59 paragraphs, as filed
(54) Title: UNIVERSAL JOINT WITH COUPLING MECHANISM FOR HIGHLY TO HIT TOOL FIXING PARTS (30) Unionist Priority: 06/02/2006 us 60 / 810,239 (73) Holder (s): Joda Enterprises, Inc.
(72) Inventor (s): C. Robert Moon, John B. Davidson (74) Attorney (s): Dannemann, Siemsen, Bigler & Ipanema Moreira (86) International request: pct us20070H344de
10/05/2007 (87) International Publication: wo 2007 / 142779de
12/13/2007 (57) Summary: universal joint with COUPLING mechanism FOR DETACHABLELY ENGAGING TOOL FIXING PARTS. The present invention relates to a universal joint including first and second parts interconnected by a coupling element and a coupling mechanism for detachably engaging tool holding parts such as sockets. The coupling mechanisms described include an engaging element and an actuating element. The engagement element can include a pin and the pin can be oriented obliquely or longitudinally in the propeller stud of the universal joint. The actuator member can include a collar and a central portion that crosses the central longitudinal axis of the propeller stud. The central portion can be moved along the longitudinal axis to the coupling element and the actuating element can be configured to extend into an opening formed by the coupling element and the second part of the universal joint.
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Invention Patent Descriptive Report for UNIVERSAL JOINT WITH COUPLING MECHANISM FOR DETACHABLELY ENGAGING TOOL FIXING PARTS.
Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to mechanisms for changing the engagement forces between the universal joint and a tool clamp.
Background
Universal joints have in the past been provided with mechanisms for detachably engaging tool clamping parts. US Patents 5,660.49I (Roberts and others) and 5,433,548 (Roberts, and others), assigned to the assignee of the present invention, report on various versions of such mechanisms. Other mechanisms for universal joints are described in US Patents 4,614,457 (Sammon, see column 3, line 32) and 5,291,809 (Fox, III), as well as in US Patent Application Publication 0229752/2005 A1 (Nickipuck).
In addition, many mechanisms have been described to remarkably engage the tool clamping parts with an extension bar and the extension bars are on occasion connected to universal joints. See, for example, the mechanisms described in US Patents 4,848.I96 (Roberts, et al), 5,214,986 (Roberts et al), 5,233,892 (Roberts, et al), 5,501,125 (Roberts, et al), and 5,644,958 (Roberts, et al.), all assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Other such mechanisms are described in US Patents 4,781,085 (Fox, III) and 4,768,405 (Nickipuck). Summary of the Invention
By way of introduction, the attached drawings show two different mechanisms for changing the engagement forces between the propelling stud of a universal joint and a tool clamp. Both of these mechanisms include an actuator element and an engagement element, where the actuator element extends through the universal joint next to the universal joint coupling element. In one case, the engagement element includes an obliquely oriented pin and in the other case, the en2 gate element includes a longitudinally oriented pin. Both mechanisms are longitudinally compact and extend only a short distance beyond the outside diameter of the propelling element.
The scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, which should not be limited to any degree of the descriptions within this summary or the preceding background discussion. Brief Description of Drawings
Figures 1 and 2 are longitudinal sectional views of a universal joint that includes a first preferred embodiment of the mechanism for changing the engaging forces; figure I shows the mechanism in a engaged position and figure 2 shows the mechanism in a release position.
Figures 3 and 4 are longitudinal sectional views of a universal joint that includes a second preferred embodiment of a mechanism for changing the engaging forces; figure 3 shows the mechanism in a engaged position and figure 4 shows the mechanism in a release position.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
Figure 1 shows a universal joint 10 that includes first and second parts 12, 14 interconnected by a coupling element 16. The coupling element 16 is pivotally connected to the first part 12 by a first pin I8 and to the second part 14 by a second pin 20 In this example, the first part 12 includes a pair of spaced arms 22 and the second part 14 includes a pair of spaced arms 24 (only one which is shown in figure 1). The arms 22, 24 function as load-bearing protrusions that receive the coupling pins I8, 20, respectively, and transmit torque between the coupling element 16 and the first and second parts 12, 14, respectively. The first part defines a socket 26 and the second part defines a propellant stud 28. Socket 26 may have a different size or configuration than illustrated and socket 26 is not required in all embodiments. If desired, the first part 12 can be provided with another structure to receive the torque such as a crank similar to the crank of a platinum bar, for example, or an extension bar shaft, T-bar or other tool or part tool.
The socket 26 is configured to couple the first part of any torque transmission tool such as a wrench or an extension bar, for example. The drive stud 28 is configured for insertion into any appropriate tool clamp and typically defines an oval cross section. For example, the propelling stud 28 may have a square, hexagonal or other non-circular shape in cross section. The second part 14 will often define a circular cross section between the propelling stud 28 and the arms 24, although this is not required. The driving stud 28 defines a central longitudinal axis 30 and the second part I4 cooperates with the coupling element 16 to define an opening 32 that passes through the universal joint 10 between the coupling element 16 and the second part 14.
The first part 12 is free to pivot through a limited arc with respect to the coupling element 16 around the first pin 18, and the second part 14 is free to pivot through a limited arc with respect to the coupling element 16 around the second pin 20. These movements allow the universal joint 10 to rotate with the first part 12 positioned at an angle bent with respect to the second part. The arms 24 transmit the torque between the coupling element 16 and the propelling stud 28. The characteristics of the universal joint 10 described above are conventional and these characteristics can be configured as described in greater detail in US Patent 5,433,548 (Roberts et al.). For example, Figure 1 of U.S. Patent 5,433,548 is a perspective view showing a possible relationship of the two spaced arms of the second part with the coupling element.
Universal joint 10 includes a mechanism for changing the engagement forces between universal joint 10 and a tool clamp as described below. When used throughout this specification and in the following claims, the term tool clamp refers to any clamping piece configured to be engaged by propelling stud 28, including but not limited to sockets, extension bars, certain ratchets and the like.
In the embodiment of figures 1 and 2, the second part 14 includes a guide 40 which is oriented along a direction of the guide 42 which extends at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis 30. Preferably, the oblique angle between the axis 30 and the direction of the guide 42 is greater than 10 degrees. In this example, the guide includes an internal passage 44 in the propelling stud 28 and an internal shoulder 48. The internal passage 44 is oriented at an oblique angle to the axis 30 and in general, this oblique angle can be less than 80 degrees. As used here and in the following claims, an internal passage in the propelling stud is one that is surrounded by the propelling stud for at least part of its length. Thus, an internal passage in the propelling stud is distinguished from a groove on the surface of the propelling stud.
The illustrated mechanism further includes an engaging element 50 movably disposed on the guide 40. The engaging element 50 of this example includes a pin having a lower end 52 and an upper end 54. The illustrated engagement element 50 includes a retainer 56 such as a split washer received in a groove at the upper end 54. As shown, the bottom surface of the retainer 56 functions as a support surface 58 for the engaging element 50, as described below. Alternatively, the head of the engagement element can be configured and / or enlarged to provide a support surface without an additional element such as the illustrated retainer 56. The engagement element 50 defines an external shoulder 59 between the lower and upper ends 52, 54.
As used throughout this specification and the following claims, the term latching element refers to one or a plurality of coupled components, at least one of which is configured to releasably engage a tool clamp. Thus, this term encompasses both single-piece and multi-piece coupling elements (including, for example, the multi-piece coupling elements shown in figures 4-6 of US Patent Application, serial number 796.382 / 1985, Power of Attorney 742/294 deposited on May 1, 2006 and assigned to the assignee of this invention). This related Patent Application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, except that in the event of any inconsistency between this specification and this related Patent Application, this specification describes.
The primary function of the engagement element 50 is to retain a tool clamp on the drive stud 28 during normal use. The lower end 52 of the engaging element 50 is configured to engage a tool clamp when the engaging element 50 is in an engaging position and to release the tool clamp when the engaging element 50 is in a position release. As used throughout this specification and following claims, the term engagement position does not mean locking the tool clamp in place against all conceivable forces tending to dislodge the tool clamp.
Although illustrated as a cylindrically symmetrical pin in figures I and 2, the engaging element 50 can take various shapes. If desired, the engaging element 5- can be provided with a non-rounded cross section to some or all of its length and the passage 44 can define a complementary shape such that a preferred rotational orientation of the engaging element 50 in the passage 44 is automatically obtained . That is, the engaging element 50 does not need to be rotatable in the passage 44. The end of the lower end 52 of the coupling element 50 can be formed in any suitable shape and, for example, can be rounded as shown in U.S. Patent no.<sup>and</sup> 5,911,800, assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
The illustrated mechanism further includes an actuator element 60 which will be described in connection with figure 2 for clarity of the illustration. The actuator element 60 in this preferred embodiment includes a central portion 62 that extends close to or actually through the axis 30 and a peripheral portion 64 that remains spaced from the axis 30. The peripheral portion 64 includes a pair of opposing inclined arms 70, 72 and a necklace 66. Collar 66 fits closely around the second part 14 and collar 66 slides longitudinally along a path that is essentially parallel to axis 30. In this example, collar 66 defines a groove that extends completely around an inner circumference of the collar and the outer ends of the inclined arms 72, 74 are received within the groove. This arrangement allows collar 66 to rotate freely with respect to the inclined arms 70, 72 and the second part. Alternatively, collar 66 may be attached to the inclined arms 70, 72 or the collar may engage the inclined arms 70, 72 with a different geometry. For example, the collar may define a protrusion (shelf) to engage the inclined arms 70.72 and the retaining ring in the second part 14 may limit the course of the collar in one direction.
For any collar design, the inclined arms 70, 72 are angled at an oblique angle with respect to the axis 30 and they serve to move the central portion 62 relative to the collar 66 along the axis 30 such that the central portion 62 is further away from the propelling stud 28 in relation to the center of the collar ring (measured along axis 30) than it would be if arms 70, 72 extend transversely to axis 30. In figure 2, reference number 76 indicates a first plane transverse to axis 30 that passes through the center of mass of collar 66 when actuator element 60 is in the elevated position shown in figure 2. Reference number 78 indicates a second plane transversal to the axis 30 that passes through the center of the mass of the central portion 62 when the actuator element 60 is in the elevated position of figure 2. Because of the displacement provided by the inclined arms 70, 72, the second plane 78 and the propelling stud 28 are positioned on the opposite sides of the first plane 76.
The inclined arm 70 defines an elongated slot 74 which receives the upper end 54 of the engaging element 50. The upper surface of the inclined arm 70 adjacent to the slot 74 functions with a support surface 68 which in this example engages the support surface 58 of the retainer 56. Also, in this example, the support surface 68 is substantially oriented transversely to the direction of the guide 42, although this is not required. In many cases, it will be preferable to orient the support surface
68, so that it is not parallel to axis 30 or the direction of guide 42.
As shown in figures 1 and 2, collar 66 extends around the outer circumferential periphery of the second part 14. It should be understood that alternative structures can similarly be employed, including but not limited to those that extend only partially around a circumference and those that have a short longitudinal extent.
The universal joints of the present invention preferably include at least one propellant element that provides automatic engagement with a tool clamp once the propelling stud 28 has been inserted into the tool clamp. In some embodiments, such an automatic engagement may operate after the exposed end of the engagement element 50 is driven into a release position by a tool clamp when the drive stud 28 is inserted into a tool clamp. An automatic engagement can also be useful after the actuator element 60 has been used to move the engagement element 50 to a release position. In alternative embodiments where the engagement must be manually initiated by a movement of the operator of an actuator element, no propelling element can be required. In an alternative, a detent can be used to retain the actuator element in one or more positions, such as the engagement position and the release position.
The embodiment of figures 1 and 2 includes a propelling element 90 which remains on the shoulders 48 and 59 to propel the engaging element 50 and the actuating element 60 in the engaging position shown in figure I. The propelling element 90 defines a center of mass which resides in the second part 14. In this case, the propelling element 90 impels the engaging element 50 by reacting against the second part 14. In this way, the propelling element 90 provides desired propelling forces without engagement with the coupling element 16 and independent of any reaction against the coupling element 16.
Many versions of this invention provide a hidden propellant element (1) that is protected from external influences such as a foreign object or material that might otherwise obstruct operation of the mechanism, and, (2) that is unlikely to result in fragments of the escaping propellant element of the universal joint IO in the event that the propelling element should break into pieces in use. In this example, the propelling element 90 is a compression-type spiral spring that surrounds the engaging element 50 and is positioned within the guide 40, although many other types of propelling elements can be used to perform the propelling functions described above. In alternate embodiments, the propellant element can be implemented in other forms, placed in other positions, impels the engaging element and the actuating element in other directions, and / or be integrated with or coupled directly with other components.
Figures 1 and 2 show the mechanism illustrated in two separate positions. The position of figure 1 is the normal resting position, where the propelling element 90 retains the engaging element 50 and the actuating element 60 in the engaging position.
As shown in figure 2, when external forces are applied to move the collar 66 in a direction away from the propelling stud 28, the collar 66 moves the engagement member 50 obliquely upward in the view of figures 1 and 2. This causes the lower end 52 of the engaging element 50 to move out of its engaging position (i.e., any position where the end of the lower end 52 protrudes out of the drive stud 28 to sufficiently engage the workpiece and fixture. tool and also for passage 44.
When the external forces are removed and the collar 28 is allowed to move away from the position of figure 2, the propelling force of the propelling element 90 moves the engaging element 50 to the position of figure I.
When the propeller stud 28 is simply driven into a tool clamp, the tool clamp can push the engagement member 50 onto the propeller stud 28, compressing the propeller member 90 in the process.
In this example, the contact region between the engagement element 50 and the actuator element 60 remains within the periphery of the second part 14 and the collar 66 can be provided with an unusually small outside diameter for a given propeller drive size 28, even though the engaging element 50 slides obliquely in the second part 14.
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The basic structure of the universal joint, identified by reference numbers within the range of 10-32 in the description of figures 1 and 2, is identical in the two embodiments and will not be described again. In this embodiment, the second part 14 includes a guide 100 which includes an internal passage 102 in the propelling stud 28 and an internal shoulder 104. The guide 100 and the internal passage 102 in this example are oriented parallel to the central longitudinal axis 30.
An engaging element 110 is positioned on the guide 100 and this engaging element includes a ball 112, a ramp 114 and an axis 116. The ramp 114 and the axis 116 move as a unit and can be formed in one location if desired . Ball 112 moves along ramp 114 when ramp 114 moves longitudinally on guide 100. The upper end 118 of the shaft 116 defines a groove that receives a retainer 120, such as a slotted washer, for example, and the lower side of retainer 120 forms a support surface 122. As discussed above, it is also possible to configure and / or widen the head of the upper end 118 to provide the support surface without the need for an additional part. The ramp 114 defines a shoulder 124 about the axis 116.
Turning to Figure 4 for clarity of the illustration, an actuator element I30 includes a central portion 132 and a peripheral portion I34 and the peripheral portion 134 includes a collar 136 and a pair of inclined arms
142, 144. The actuator element 130 is similar to the actuator element 60 described above, except that there is no gap in the inclined arms 142, 144 and there is an opening 144 in the central portion 132. The upper end 118 of the shaft 116 passes through this opening 144 The central portion 132 forms a support surface 138 around opening 144 and this support surface
138 engages the support surface 122 of the retainer 120 or other support surface of the engaging element.
As above, the inclined arms 142, 144 deviate from the central portion 132 to the coupling element 16 and away from the propelling stud 28, and a foreground 146 transverse to the axis 30 and passing through the center of mass of the collar 136 is positioned between a second plane 148 transverse to the axis 30 passing through the center of mass of the central portion 132 and the propelling stud 28.
A propellant element 180 is positioned around axis 116 within the guide 100 to be supported on shoulders 104, 124. Propellant element 180 defines a center of mass that is within the second part 14. In this case, propellant element 180 impels the coupling element 110 for the reaction against the second part 14. In this way, the propelling element 180 provides the desired propelling forces without engagement with the coupling element 16 and independent of any reaction against the coupling element 16.
Figure 3 shows the mechanism illustrated in the resting position, in which the propelling force of the propelling element 180 retains the engaging element 110 in a position for engaging the tool clamp. In this position, the ball 112 extends externally from the propelling stud 28 to engage a recess or hole in the socket of a tool holding part (not shown).
When an operator wishes to release a tool clamp, collar 136 is moved away from propeller stud 28, compressing propellant 180 from it and moving the ramp upwards as seen in figures 3 and 4, such that sphere 112 it is free to move to the propeller drive 28. This way, a tool clamp is released.
The embodiments illustrated in both figures include actuator elements 60, 130 that are configured and positioned to minimize the total extent of the second part 14. The actuators 60, 130 are accessible from the periphery of the second part 14 and they include a central portion 62, 132 that crosses the central longitudinal axis 30. At least a portion of the actuator elements 60, 130 extends into the opening 32 defined by the coupling element 16 and the second part 14, to at least some positions of the actuator element 60, 130. Similarly, at least some portion of the actuator elements 60 , 130 extends between the load-bearing projecting elements 24 of the second part 14 to at least some positions of the actuating elements 60, 130.
Otherwise described, the engagement element 50, 110 and / or the actuator element 60, 130 can be moved to a position that is close to the coupler element 16. With reference to figures 2 and 4, the actuator element 60, 130 it moves through a course that has a longitudinal extension D1. In the closest approach, the one closest to the coupling element 50, 110 and the actuating element 60, 130 brings the coupling element 16 within a longitudinal distance D2. (in the case of contact between the closest coupling element 50, 110 and actuator element 60, I30 and coupling element 16, D2 equal to zero). D2 is preferably less than five times D1, more preferably less than twice D1 and more preferably less than D1.
As another measure of the longitudinal compactness of the illustrated drawings, the center of mass of the engaging element is positioned close to the wall of the second part furthest from the propelling stud when the engaging element is in the resting position. With reference to figures 1 and 3, the center of mass 92, I82 of the coupling element 50, 110 is separated by a longitudinal distance D3 from the wall 94, I84 of the second part 12 furthest from the driving stud 28 which crosses the axis 30, respectively. D3 is preferably less than eight times D1 (figures 2 and 4, respectively), more preferably less than five times D1, and, more preferably less than three times D1.
Throughout this description and in the appended claims, the following definitions should be understood:
The term element includes both single-part and multipart components. Thus, an element can be formed of two or more separate components that cooperate to perform the function of the element.
As used here, the movement of an element to a position (for example, coupling or release) or to a particular component (for example, to or away from the propelling stud) includes all forms of longitudinal movements, forward movements, movements rotational, and their combinations.
The term relative motion as applied to translation between two parts refers to any movement whereby the center of mass of one part moves in relation to the center of mass of another part.
As used herein, the term propelling element refers to any device that provides a propelling force. Representative propellant elements include, but are not limited to, springs (for example, elastomeric or metal springs, torsion springs, coil springs, leaf springs, tension springs, compression springs, extension springs, spiral springs, volute spring, flat springs and the like), detectors (for example, spring loaded detent balls, cones, wedges, cylinders and the like), pneumatic devices, hydraulic devices and the like and combinations thereof.
The tools described above are characterized to varying degrees by some or all of the following characteristics: simple construction, a small number of easily manufactured parts; easy access to an operator using the tool in a narrow and / or restricted workspace; grooved, durable and reliable construction; an ability to accommodate multiple tool clamping parts, including those with various recess sizes and configurations designed to receive a holder; self-adjusting for wear; substantially eliminating any requirement for accurate alignment; easily debugged; presenting a minimum of irregular surfaces; extending externally from the tool by a small amount; and having a short longitudinal extension.
The mechanisms illustrated in the drawings include actuator elements that have a maximum cross-sectional dimension that is only slightly larger than that of the second part on which they are mounted. Such an actuator element has several advantages. Since the actuator element has a small outside diameter, the resulting tool is compact and easily used in tight spaces. Also, the actuator element is less likely to be accidentally moved to the release position during use, since a smaller cross section is present than many tool clamping parts.
Of course, it should be understood that a wide range of changes and modifications can be made in the preferred embodiments described above. For example, the actuator element may employ only one inclined arm more than the illustrated opposite inclined pair of arms. Also, for convenience, various positions of the engaging elements and actuating elements have been described. It will naturally be understood that the term position is intended to cover a range of positions, when it is appropriate for tool clamping parts that have recesses and holes of varying shapes and dimensions.
It is intended, therefore, that the above detailed description is considered to be illustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that the scope of this invention is defined by the following claims including all equivalents.
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7 priority claims, no other members on record
Priority claims7
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60810239 | United States of America | – | |
| 81023906 | United States of America | P | |
| 2007011344 | United States of America | W | |
| 2007011344 | – | – | – |
| 60810239 | – | – | – |
| US20060810239P | – | – | – |
| WO2007US11344 | – | – | – |
3 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
Point at a mark for the eventEvents
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Dismissal: dismissal of application maintainedB11T | B11T | |
| Dismissal acc. art. 34 of ipl - requirements for examination incompleteB11E | B11E | |
| Formal requirements before examinationB06T | B06T |
Numbers
- Publication
- PI0712499
- Publication, DOCDB
- PI0712499
- Publication, EPODOC
- BRPI0712499
- Application
- 12499
- Application, DOCDB
- PI0712499
- Application, EPODOC
- BR2007PI12499
Titles2
- Portuguese
- junta universal com mecanismo de acoplamento para destacavelmente engatar peças de fixação de ferramenta
- English
- UNIVERSAL JOINT WITH COUPLING MECHANISM FOR DETACHABALLY ENGAGING TOOL FIXING PARTS
Classification
- CPC, 3
- B25B23/0028
- B25B23/0014
- B25B23/0035