CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

62/783,673, filed December 21, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/802,858, filed February 8, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/875,656, filed July 18, 2019, the entire content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to power tools, and more specifically to impact tools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Impact tools or wrenches are typically include a hammer that impacts an anvil to provide a striking rotational force, or intermittent applications of torque, to a workpiece (e.g., a fastener) to either tighten or loosen the fastener. High torque impact wrenches are capable of delivering very large amounts of torque to fasteners. As such, high torque impact wrenches are typically used to loosen or remove large and/or stuck fasteners (e.g., an automobile lug nut on an axle stud) that are otherwise not removable or very difficult to remove using hand tools, drills, or smaller, lighter-duty impact drivers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention provides, in one aspect, an impact tool including a housing extending along a longitudinal axis, the housing including a motor housing portion and a front housing coupled to the motor housing portion, a motor supported within the motor housing portion, and a drive assembly supported within the housing. The drive assembly includes a camshaft driven by the motor for rotation about an axis, an anvil extending from the front housing, and a hammer configured to reciprocate along a travel portion of the camshaft between a rearmost position and a forwardmost position to deliver rotational impacts to the anvil in response to rotation of the camshaft. An axial distance between the forwardmost position and the rearmost position of the hammer is at least 20.75 millimeters, and the travel portion of the camshaft has a diameter of at least 25 millimeters. [0005] The present invention provides, in another aspect, an impact tool including a housing extending along a longitudinal axis, the housing including a motor housing portion and a front housing coupled to the motor housing portion, a motor supported within the motor housing portion, and a drive assembly supported within the housing and configured to convert continuous torque from the motor to consecutive rotational impacts upon a workpiece capable of developing at least 1,700 ft-lbs of fastening torque. The drive assembly includes a camshaft driven by the motor for rotation about an axis, an anvil extending from the front housing, and a hammer configured to reciprocate along a travel portion of the camshaft between a rearmost position and a forwardmost position to deliver rotational impacts to the anvil in response to rotation of the camshaft. The camshaft has a mass between 0.5 kilograms and 1.0 kilograms, and the travel portion of the camshaft has a diameter of at least 25 millimeters.

[0006] The present invention provides, in another aspect, an impact tool including a housing extending along a longitudinal axis, the housing including a motor housing portion and a front housing coupled to the motor housing portion, a motor supported within the motor housing portion, and a gear assembly supported within the housing. The gear assembly includes a ring gear, a plurality of planet gears driven by the motor and meshed with the ring gear, and a carrier coupled to the plurality of planet gears. The impact tool also includes an impact mechanism supported within the housing. The impact mechanism includes a camshaft coupled for co rotation with the carrier about an axis, an anvil extending from the front housing, and a hammer configured to reciprocate along a travel portion of the camshaft between a rearmost position and a forwardmost position to deliver rotational impacts to the anvil in response to rotation of the camshaft. The camshaft and the carrier are formed as separate parts.

[0007] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] FIG. l is a perspective view of an impact wrench according to one embodiment. [0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the impact wrench of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 is another cross-sectional view of the impact wrench of FIG. 1. [0011] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a camshaft according to a first embodiment and usable with the drive assembly of FIG. 3.

[0012] FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating geometry of a cam groove of the camshaft of FIG. 4A.

[0013] FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating total axial hammer travel provided by the camshaft of FIG. 4 A.

[0014] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a camshaft according to a second embodiment and usable with the drive assembly of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a geometry of a cam groove of the camshaft of FIG. 5A.

[0016] FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating total axial hammer travel provided by the camshaft of FIG. 5 A.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a camshaft according to another embodiment and usable with the drive assembly of FIG. 3.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a camshaft according to another embodiment and usable with the drive assembly of FIG. 3.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the camshaft of FIG. 7.

[0020] FIGS. 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of the camshaft of FIG. 7, illustrating different widths of a slot in the camshaft.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a camshaft according to another embodiment and usable with the drive assembly of FIG. 3.

[0022] FIGS. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views of the camshaft of FIG. 11, illustrating different pitches of a helical groove in the camshaft. [0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a camshaft according to another embodiment and usable with the drive assembly of FIG. 3.

[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a camshaft according to another embodiment and usable with the drive assembly of FIG. 3.

[0025] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the camshaft of FIG. 15.

[0026] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a camshaft according to another embodiment and usable with the drive assembly of FIG. 3.

[0027] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a camshaft according to another embodiment and usable with the drive assembly of FIG. 3.

[0028] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a camshaft according to another embodiment and usable with the drive assembly of FIG. 3.

[0029] FIG. 20 is a side view of a camshaft according to another embodiment and usable with the drive assembly of FIG. 3.

[0030] FIG. 21 is another side view of the camshaft of FIG. 20.

[0031] FIG. 22 is a side view of a camshaft according to another embodiment and usable with the drive assembly of FIG. 3.

[0032] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a drive assembly for an impact tool according to another embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 23.

[0034] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the drive assembly of FIG. 23.

[0035] FIG. 26 is another exploded perspective view of the drive assembly of FIG. 23.

[0036] FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view illustrating a camshaft and a carrier of the drive assembly of FIG. 23. [0037] FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the camshaft and carrier of FIG. 27.

[0038] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a drive assembly for an impact tool according to another embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 30 is another cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 29.

[0040] FIG. 31 is an exploded view illustrating a portion of a drive assembly for an impact tool according to another embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 32 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a drive assembly for an impact tool according to another embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 33 is an exploded view illustrating a portion of a drive assembly for an impact tool according to another embodiment.

[0043] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a power tool in the form of an impact tool or impact wrench 10.

The impact wrench 10 includes a housing 14 extending along a longitudinal axis 16. The housing 14 includes a motor housing portion 18, a front housing portion 22 coupled to the motor housing portion 18, and a generally D-shaped handle portion forming a first handle 26 disposed rearward of the motor housing portion 18. The handle portion 26 has a grip 27 that can be grasped by a user operating the impact wrench 10. The grip 27 is spaced from the motor housing portion 18 such that an aperture 28 is defined between the grip 27 and the motor housing portion 18. [0045] The impact wrench 10 may be powered by a battery pack (not shown) removably coupled to a battery receptacle 38 located at a bottom end of the handle portion 26. The battery pack may include a plurality of rechargeable battery cells electrically connected to provide a desired output (e.g., nominal voltage, current capacity, etc.) of the battery pack. Each battery cell may have a nominal voltage between about 3 Volts (V) and about 5 V. The battery pack may have a nominal capacity of at least 5 Amp-hours (Ah) (e.g., with two strings of five series- connected battery cells (a“5S2P” pack)). In some embodiments, the battery pack may have a nominal capacity of at least 9 Ah (e.g., with three strings of five series-connected battery cells (a “5S3P pack”). The illustrated battery pack may have a nominal output voltage of at least 18 V. The cells may have a Lithium-based chemistry (e.g., Lithium, Lithium-ion, etc.) or any other suitable chemistry.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, an electric motor 42, supported within the motor housing portion 18, receives power from the battery pack when the battery pack is coupled to the battery receptacle 38. The motor 42 is preferably a brushless direct current (“BLDC”) motor with an output shaft 50 that is rotatable about an axis 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the axis 54 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 16 of the housing 14, such that the impact wrench 10 has an in line configuration. A fan 58 is coupled to the output shaft 50 (e.g., via a splined connection) in front of the motor 42. The fan 58 is configured to draw cooling air in through inlet openings 60 (FIG. 1) in the handle portion 26, which, in the illustrated embodiment, are positioned along a front periphery of the aperture 28. The fan 58 conveys the cooling air through the motor housing portion 18 and past the motor 42 in a forward direction parallel to the axes 16, 54. The cooling air is then redirected radially outward by the fan 58 through exhaust openings 61 (FIG. 1) in the motor housing portion 18.

[0047] The impact wrench 10 includes a trigger switch 62 provided on the first handle 26 to selectively electrically connect the motor 42 and the battery pack 34 and thereby provide DC power to the motor 42. In other embodiments, the impact wrench 10 may include a power cord for electrically connecting the switch 62 and the motor 42 to a source of AC power. As a further alternative, the impact wrench 10 may be configured to operate using a different power source (e.g., a pneumatic power source, etc.). The battery pack 34 is the preferred means for powering the impact wrench 10, however, because a cordless impact wrench advantageously requires less maintenance (e.g., no oiling of air lines or compressor motor) and can be used in locations where compressed air or other power sources are unavailable.

[0048] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the impact wrench 10 further includes a gear assembly 66 coupled to the motor output shaft 50 and an impact mechanism 70 coupled to an output of the gear assembly 66 (FIG. 2). The gear assembly 66 and the impact mechanism 70 form a drive assembly 72 of the impact wrench 10.

[0049] The gear assembly 66 is at least partially housed within a gear case 74 fixed to the housing 14. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the gear case 74 includes a flange portion 76 positioned between the front housing portion 22 and the motor housing portion 18 and fixed to the front housing portion 22 and the motor housing portion 18 by a plurality of fasteners 78 (FIG. 3). The fasteners 78 extend in a forward direction in the illustrated embodiment (that is, the heads 80 of the fasteners 78 face rearward), but the fasteners 78 may be arranged differently in other embodiments. The gear case 74 is preferably made of a high-strength material, such as steel or aluminum, in order to resist high torque loads delivered by the motor 42 through the gear assembly 66. In some embodiments, the gear case 74 and the front housing portion 22 may collectively define a front housing of the impact wrench 10.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 2, the gear assembly 66 may be configured in any of a number of different ways to provide a speed reduction between the output shaft 50 and an input of the impact mechanism 70. The illustrated gear assembly 66 includes a helical pinion 82 formed on the motor output shaft 50, a plurality of helical planet gears 86 meshed with the helical pinion 82, and a helical ring gear 90 meshed with the planet gears 86 and rotationally fixed to the gear case 74. The planet gears 86 are mounted on a camshaft 94 of the impact mechanism 70 such that the camshaft 94 acts as a planet carrier. Accordingly, rotation of the output shaft 50 rotates the planet gears 86, which then advance along the inner circumference of the ring gear 90 and thereby rotate the camshaft 94. The gear assembly 66 may provide a gear ratio from the output shaft 50 to the camshaft 94 between 10: 1 and 14: 1, for example.

[0051] The output shaft 50 is rotatably supported by a first or forward bearing 98 and a second or rear bearing 102. The helical gears 82, 86, 90 of the gear assembly 66 advantageously provide higher torque capacity and quieter operation than spur gears, for example, but the helical engagement between the pinion 82 and the planet gears 86 produces an axial thrust load on the output shaft 50. Accordingly, the impact wrench 10 includes a front bearing retainer 106 that secures the front bearing 98 both axially (i.e. against forces transmitted along the axis 54) and radially (i.e. against forces transmitted in a radial direction of the output shaft 50). In the illustrated embodiment, the front bearing 98 is seated within a recess in the flange portion 76 of the gear case 74.

[0052] The impact mechanism 70 of the impact wrench 10 will now be described with reference to FIG. 2. The illustrated impact mechanism 70 includes an anvil 200 extending from the front housing portion 22. A tool element (e.g., a socket; not shown) can be coupled to the anvil 200 for performing work on a workpiece (e.g., a fastener). In the illustrated embodiment, the anvil 200 includes a 1-inch square drive end 202. The impact mechanism 70 is configured to convert the continuous rotational force or torque provided by the motor 42 and gear assembly 66 to a striking rotational force or intermittent applications of torque to the anvil 200 when the reaction torque on the anvil 200 (e.g., due to engagement between the tool element and a fastener being worked upon) exceeds a certain threshold. In the illustrated embodiment of the impact wrench 10, the impact mechanism 70 includes the camshaft 94, a hammer 204 supported on and axially slidable relative to the camshaft 94, and the anvil 200.

[0053] The impact mechanism 70 further includes a spring 208 biasing the hammer 204 toward the front of the impact wrench 10 (i.e., in the left direction of FIG. 2). In other words, the spring 208 biases the hammer 204 in an axial direction toward the anvil 200, along the longitudinal axis 16. A thrust bearing 209 (e.g., including a washer and a plurality of ball bearings) is positioned between the spring 208 and the hammer 204 to allow the spring 208 and the camshaft 94 to continue to rotate relative to the hammer 204 after each impact strike when lugs (not shown) on the hammer 204 engage with corresponding lugs (not shown) on the anvil 200 and rotation of the hammer 204 momentarily stops. The camshaft 94 further includes cam grooves 224 in which corresponding cam balls (not shown) are received. The cam balls are in driving engagement with the hammer 204 and movement of the cam balls within the cam grooves 224 allows for relative axial movement of the hammer 204 along the camshaft 94 when the hammer lugs and the anvil lugs are engaged and the camshaft 94 continues to rotate. [0054] The impact wrench 10 is capable of applying a large fastening torque to a fastener.

As defined herein, the term“fastening torque” means torque applied to a fastener in a direction increasing tension (i.e. in a tightening direction). In particular, the drive assembly 72 of the impact wrench 10 converts the continuous torque input from the motor 42 (via the gear assembly 66 and the impact mechanism 70) to deliver consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece producing at least 1,700 ft-lbs of fastening torque without exceeding 100 Amps (A) of current drawn by the motor 42. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 72 delivers consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece, producing at least 1,700 ft-lbs of fastening torque without exceeding 80 A of current drawn by the motor 42.

[0055] In some embodiments, the drive assembly 72 delivers consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece, producing at least 1,800 ft-lbs of fastening torque without exceeding 100 A of current drawn by the motor 42. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 72 delivers consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece, producing at least 1,800 ft-lbs of fastening torque without exceeding 80 A of current drawn by the motor 42.

[0056] In some embodiments, the drive assembly 72 delivers consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece, producing at least 1,900 ft-lbs of fastening torque without exceeding 100 A of current drawn by the motor 42. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 72 delivers consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece, producing at least 1,900 ft-lbs of fastening torque without exceeding 80 A of current drawn by the motor 42.

[0057] In some embodiments, the drive assembly 72 delivers consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece, producing at least 2,000 ft-lbs of fastening torque without exceeding 100 A of current drawn by the motor 42. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 72 delivers consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece, producing at least 2,000 ft-lbs of fastening torque without exceeding 80 A of current drawn by the motor 42. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 72 delivers consecutive rotational impacts on a workpiece, producing at least 3,500 ft- lbs of fastening torque.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 1, the impact wrench 10 includes a hook ring 240 coupled to the housing 14. In some embodiments, the hook ring 240 may be fastened directly to the gear case 74 and/or flange portion 76. The hook ring 240 may provide an attachment point for a harness, lanyard, or the like. The illustrated impact wrench 10 further includes an auxiliary handle assembly or second handle assembly 250 coupled to the housing 14.

[0059] The illustrated auxiliary handle assembly 250 includes a mount 254, an auxiliary handle 256 coupled to the mount 254, and an adjustment mechanism 262 for adjusting a position of the auxiliary handle 256 relative to the housing 14. The illustrated mount 254 includes a band clamp 258 that surrounds the front housing portion 22. The illustrated auxiliary handle 256 is a generally U-shaped handle with a central grip portion. In some embodiments, the central grip portion may be covered by an elastomeric overmold.

[0060] The adjustment mechanism 262 includes an actuator 266 that is coupled to a threaded rod 270 (FIG. 2). Rotation of the actuator 266 about an axis 274 in a loosening direction permits adjustment of the auxiliary handle assembly 250. In particular, the auxiliary handle 256 may be rotatable relative to the mount 254 about the axis 274, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16 of the housing 14. In some embodiments, loosening the adjustment mechanism 262 may also loosen the band clamp 258 to permit rotation of the auxiliary handle assembly 250 about the longitudinal axis 16. Rotation of the actuator 266 about the axis 274 in a tightening direction clamps the auxiliary handle assembly 250 and/or the auxiliary handle 256 in a desired orientation.

[0061] In operation of the impact wrench 10, an operator grasps the first handle 26 with one hand and the second handle 250 with the other. The operator depresses the trigger switch 62 to activate the motor 42, which continuously drives the gear assembly 66 and the camshaft 94 via the output shaft 50. As the camshaft 94 rotates, the cam balls 228 drive the hammer 204 to co rotate with the camshaft 94, and the hammer lugs engage, respectively, driven surfaces of the anvil lugs 220 to provide an impact and to rotatably drive the anvil 200 and the tool element. After each impact, the hammer 204 moves or slides rearward along the camshaft 94, away from the anvil 200, so that the hammer lugs disengage the anvil lugs 220. As the hammer 204 moves rearward, the cam balls situated in the respective cam grooves 224 in the camshaft 94 move rearward in the cam grooves 224. The spring 208 stores some of the rearward energy of the hammer 204 to provide a return mechanism for the hammer 204. After the hammer lugs 218 disengage the respective anvil lugs 220, the hammer 204 continues to rotate and moves or slides forwardly, toward the anvil 200, as the spring 208 releases its stored energy, until the drive surfaces of the hammer lugs re-engage the driven surfaces of the anvil lugs 220 to cause another impact.

[0062] The auxiliary handle assembly 250 advantageously gives the operator improved control when operating the impact wrench 10 by allowing the operator to stabilize and support the front housing portion 22, and to hold the impact wrench 10 in a manner where the operator can better absorb axial vibration created by the reciprocating hammer 204. Because the auxiliary handle assembly 250 is adjustable, the operator can position the auxiliary handle 256 in a variety of different orientations for improved comfort, ergonomics, and to increase the usability of the impact wrench 10 in tight spaces.

[0063] FIG. 4A illustrates a camshaft 94A according to a first embodiment, usable with the impact mechanism 70 of FIG. 2. The camshaft 94A defines a longitudinal axis 300A and includes a travel portion 304 A in which the cam grooves 224 A are formed. In the illustrated embodiment, the travel portion 304A has a diameter D1 of about 24 millimeters (mm).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 4B, the cam grooves 224A are sized to accommodate one or more cam balls 226A having a radius rl of about 3.95 mm. The cam grooves 224A each define a cam angle 01 of about 31.2 degrees (relative to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis 300A). The grooves 224A define an axial distance hi that the balls 226A can travel along the grooves 224A. The distance hi is a function of the diameter D1 of the travel portion 304A, the radius rl of the cam ball 226 A, and the cam angle Q1 of the grooves 224 A.

[0065] With reference to FIG. 4C, the hammer 204 includes grooves 227A that are likewise sized to accommodate the cam balls 226A. Like the grooves 224A in the camshaft 94A, the grooves 227A define an axial distance hi' that the balls 226A can travel along the grooves 227A. The sum of the distance hi and the distance hi' defines a total axial travel HI of the hammer 204.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the total axial travel HI is about 16 mm. That is, the hammer 204 is axially movable a distance of about 16 mm along the travel portion 304A during operation of the impact wrench 10. In some embodiments, the impact mechanism 70 including the camshaft 94 A may provide between 18 and 30 joules of energy to the anvil 200 per impact.

[0067] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to configure the drive assembly 72 of the impact wrench 10 for higher torque output. This may be accomplished by increasing the mass of the hammer 204 and/or increasing the rotational speed of the hammer 204 to provide increased kinetic energy at the point of impact. This increased energy must be stored in the spring 208 of the impact mechanism 70. The maximum potential energy (PE) stored in the spring 208 is defined by Equation 1, where“K” is the spring constant,“xfree” is the unloaded length of the spring 208,“xpreioad” is the assembled length of the spring 208 within the drive assembly 72, and “H” is the total hammer axial travel:

Equation

[0068] The spring constant K of the spring 208 cannot be increased greatly without impeding the periodic impacting operation of the hammer 204. Accordingly, to increase the energy stored by the spring 208, the total hammer axial travel H must be increased.

[0069] There are a variety of changes that could be made to the camshaft 94A to increase the hammer travel HI. For example, the radius rl of the cam balls 226A could be decreased.

However, the inventors found that decreasing the radius rl of the cam balls 226A increases stresses in the cam balls 226A and increases contact stresses on the cam grooves 224A.

Alternatively, the cam angle 01 could be increased. However, the inventors found that increasing total hammer axial travel HI by increasing the cam angle 01 would result in higher axial acceleration of the hammer 204, which increases vibration and wear on the drive assembly 72 as well as current drawn by the motor 42. Accordingly, the inventors discovered that a preferred method for increasing total hammer axial travel HI includes increasing the diameter D1 of the travel portion 304 A.

[0070] FIG. 5A illustrates a camshaft 94B according to a second embodiment, usable with the impact mechanism 70 of FIG. 2. The camshaft 94B is configured to provide the impact wrench 10 with a higher torque capacity than the camshaft 94 A, for example, while maintaining durability and minimizing current draw on the motor 42. In some embodiments, the impact mechanism 70 including the camshaft 94B may provide between 40 and 73 joules of energy to the anvil 200 per impact.

[0071] The camshaft 94B defines a longitudinal axis 300B and includes a travel portion 304B in which the cam grooves 224B are formed. The travel portion 304B may have a diameter D2 of at least 30 mm in some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the travel portion 304B has a diameter D2 of about 33 mm. In other embodiments, the travel portion 304B has a diameter D2 between 20 millimeters and 40 millimeters. In other embodiments, the travel portion 304B has a diameter D2 between 25 millimeters and 40 millimeters. In other

embodiments, the travel portion 304B has a diameter D1 between 30 millimeters and 40 millimeters.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 5B, the cam grooves 224B are sized to accommodate one or more cam balls 226B having a radius r2 of about 4.76 mm. The cam grooves 224B each define a cam angle 02 of about 31.2 degrees (i.e. the same as the cam angle 01). The grooves 224B define an axial distance h2 the balls 226B can travel along the grooves 224B. The distance h2 is a function of the diameter D2 of the travel portion 304B, the radius r2 of the cam balls 226B, and the cam angle 02 of the grooves 224B.

[0073] With reference to FIG. 5C, the hammer 204 includes grooves 227B that are likewise sized to accommodate the cam balls 226B. Like the grooves 224B in the camshaft 94B, the grooves 227B define an axial distance h2' that the balls 226B can travel along the grooves 227B. The sum of the distance h2 and the distance h2' defines a total axial travel H2 of the hammer 204.

[0074] The larger diameter D2 of the travel portion 304B increases the total hammer axial travel H2 compared to the total hammer axial travel HI. In some embodiments, the total hammer axial travel H2 is at least 20.75 mm. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5C, the total hammer axial travel H2 is about 22 mm. That is, the hammer 204 is axially movable a distance of about 22 mm along the travel portion 304B during operation of the impact wrench 10.

[0075] The greater hammer axial travel distance H2 provided by the camshaft 94B allows for more energy to be stored in the spring 208 compared to the camshaft 94A; however, the larger diameter D2 of the travel portion 304B may increase the mass of the camshaft 94B. Various embodiments are described herein for reducing the mass of the camshaft 94B, while maintaining the relatively large travel portion diameter D2 and corresponding hammer travel distance H2. However, the embodiments described herein are equally applicable to camshafts of other impact tools. In addition, the features and elements of the embodiments described herein may be combined in various ways to further reduce the mass of the camshaft 94B, to an extent limited by part strength requirements. For example, the mass of the camshaft 94B may be between 0.5 kg and 1.0 kg in some embodiments.

[0076] With reference to FIG. 6, a camshaft 94C includes a first blind bore 312C opening at the rear end of the camshaft 94C (i.e. the end closer to the motor 42) and a second blind bore 316C opening at the front end of the camshaft 94C. Removing material from the camshaft 94C by forming the bores 312C, 316C advantageously reduces the mass of the camshaft 94C. In the illustrated embodiment, the camshaft 94C has a mass between 0.6 kg and 0.8 kg. The first blind bore 312C also accommodates the helical pinion 82 (FIG. 2A) and communicates with the planet gears 86.

[0077] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a camshaft 94D includes a slot 320D extending through the travel portion 304D of the camshaft 94D in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 300D. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 320D is elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 300D and extends entirely through the camshaft 94D. In other embodiments, the slot 320D may be a blind slot, and the slot 320D may be one of a plurality of slots 320D. Removing material from the camshaft 94D by forming the slot 320D advantageously reduces the mass of the camshaft 94D. With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, a width Al, A2 of the slot 320D may be varied to provide a desired mass and part strength. During operation, the hammer 204 can translate over the slot 320D without affecting movement or support of the hammer 204.

[0078] With reference to FIG. 11, a camshaft 94E includes a helical groove 324E formed in the outer surface of the travel portion 304E. The helical groove 324E defines a pitch P such that the hammer 204 can translate over the groove 324E without affecting movement or support of the hammer 204. Removing material from the camshaft 94E by forming the groove 324E advantageously reduces the mass of the camshaft 94E. With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the pitch P of the helical groove 324E may be varied to provide a desired mass and part strength.

For example, a helical groove 324E with a greater pitch P (FIG. 12) will remove less material than a helical groove 324E with a lesser pitch P (FIG. 13).

[0079] With reference to FIG. 14, a camshaft 94F includes a plurality of slots 320F extending into the travel portion 304F of the camshaft 94F in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 300F. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the slots 320F is elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 300F and is a blind slot that does not extend entirely through the camshaft 94F. The plurality of slots 320F may include a first slot 332F and a second slot 334F. The first slot 332F is aligned with an apex 321F of the cam groove 224F. As such the first slot 332F can be longer than the second slot 334F without interfering with the cam groove 224F or the support or movement of the hammer 204. Removing material from the camshaft 94F by forming the slots 320F advantageously reduces the mass of the camshaft 94F. In the illustrated embodiment, the camshaft 94F has a mass between 0.6 kg and 0.7 kg.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a camshaft 94G includes a recessed portion 340G (FIG. 16) having a diameter D3 that is less than the diameter D2 of the remainder of the travel portion 304G. A lightweight sleeve 344G surrounds the recessed portion 340G. The sleeve 344G is made of a material that is less dense than the remainder of the camshaft 94G. For example, in some embodiments, the sleeve 344G may be made of a polymer material overmolded on the recessed portion 340G. In such embodiments, the sleeve 344G may be integrally formed around the camshaft 94G. After overmolding, the exterior surface of the sleeve 344G may optionally be machined to provide an outer diameter within a specified tolerance range.

[0081] In other embodiments, the sleeve 344G may be assembled over the recessed portion 340G in other ways. For example, with reference to FIG. 16, the sleeve 344G may include two cooperating clamshell halves, which may be adhered or fused together (e.g., by ultrasonic welding). In other embodiments, the sleeve 344G may be made of any other lightweight but rigid material, such as aluminum, magnesium, or titanium. Removing material from the camshaft 94G and replacing it with the lightweight sleeve 344G advantageously reduces the mass of the camshaft 94G. In the illustrated embodiment, the camshaft 94G has a mass between 0.5 kg and 0.6 kg. [0082] The sleeve 344G has an outer diameter that is equal to the diameter D2 of the travel portion 304G. As such, when the sleeve 344G is assembled over the recessed portion 340G, the travel portion 304G extends along the sleeve 344G with a constant diameter D2 (FIG. 15). The recessed portion 340G therefore does not interfere with support or movement of the hammer 204.

[0083] With reference to FIG. 17, a camshaft 94H includes a through bore 312H that extends through the entire length of the camshaft 94H along the longitudinal axis 300A. Removing material from the camshaft 94H by forming the bore 312H advantageously reduces the mass of the camshaft 94H. The bore 312H also accommodates the helical pinion 82 (FIG. 2A) and communicates with the planet gears 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the camshaft 94H has a mass between 0.6 kg and 0.7 kg.

[0084] The illustrated camshaft 94H further includes an insert 348G partially received within the bore 312H such that the insert 348G extends from the bore 312H. The insert 348G is configured to be received within the anvil 200 as a piloting feature to rotationally support the front end of the camshaft 94H. In some embodiments, the insert 348G is press-fit within the bore 312H. The insert 348G may alternatively be welded in place, or fixed within the bore 312H by any other suitable means.

[0085] In some embodiments, the insert 348G may be made of a different material than the camshaft 94H and/or the anvil 200 (e.g., a less dense material such as aluminum, magnesium, or a composite or polymeric material), as the insert 348G may be subjected to less stress and/or wear than other components of the camshaft 94H or the anvil 200. In some embodiments, the insert 348G may be provided as a part of the anvil 200. That is, the camshaft 94H may be configured to receive a portion of the anvil 200 into the bore 312H in place of the insert 348G.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 18, a camshaft 941 according to another embodiment includes a first bore 3121 extending from the rear end of the camshaft 941 (i.e. the end closer to the motor 42) and a second bore 3161 extending from the front end of the camshaft 941. The first bore 3121 and the second bore 3161 are coaxial with the longitudinal axis 3001 of the camshaft 941. The first bore 3121 intersects the second bore 3161 such that the bores 3121, 3161 collectively extend the entire length of the camshaft 941. In the illustrated embodiment, the second bore 3161 includes a countersink 3171 at the front end of the camshaft 941.

[0087] The camshaft 941 includes a bearing seat 3181 adjacent the rear end of the camshaft 941 that receives a bearing to rotationally support the rear end of the camshaft 941. The bearing seat 3181 defines an outer diameter D4. The first bore 3121 defines an inner diameter D5, and the second bore 3161 defines an inner diameter D6. The inner diameter D5 of the first bore 3121 is greater than the inner diameter D6 of the second bore 3161. The difference between the outer diameter D4 of the bearing seat 3181 and the inner diameter D5 of the first bore 3121 defines a wall thickness of the bearing seat 3181. The inner diameter D5 is limited by the minimum wall thickness of the bearing seat 3181 that is required for structural integrity.

[0088] Removing material from the camshaft 941 by forming the bores 3121, 3161 advantageously reduces the mass of the camshaft 941. In the illustrated embodiment, the camshaft 941 has a mass of about 0.70 kg. The first bore 3121 also accommodates the helical pinion 82 (FIG. 2A) and communicates with the planet gears 86.

[0089] FIG. 19 illustrates a camshaft 94J that is similar to the camshaft 941, except that the first bore 312J has a larger inner diameter D5, further reducing the mass of the camshaft 94J compared to the camshaft 941 of FIG. 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the camshaft 94 J has a mass of about 0.67 kg. The outer diameter D4 of the bearing seat 318J is also larger to maintain the requisite minimum wall thickness of the bearing seat 318J.

[0090] FIGS. 20-21 illustrate a camshaft 94K according to another embodiment. The camshaft 94K includes a recessed portion 340K having a diameter D3 that is less than the diameter D2 of the remainder of the travel portion 304K. The recessed portion 340K has a non linear end profile 34 IK that generally follows the contour of the cam grooves 224K. This allows for the length of the recessed portion 340K to be maximized, advantageously reducing the mass of the camshaft 94K. In the illustrated embodiment, the camshaft 94K has a mass of about 0.55 kg. In some embodiments, the camshaft 94K may further include a sleeve of lightweight material (not shown) surrounding the recessed portion 40K, such as the sleeve 344G described above with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. [0091] FIG. 22 illustrates a camshaft 94L according to another embodiment. The camshaft 94L is similar to the camshaft 94K, except the recessed portion 340L has a generally linear end profile or edge 341L. As such, the recessed portion 340L may be formed via a single turning operation, such that the camshaft 94L may be less costly to machine. In the illustrated embodiment, the camshaft 94L has a mass of about 0.56 kg.

[0092] Any of the features, properties, dimensions, and the like of any of the camshafts 94B- 94L described and illustrated herein may alternatively be incorporated into any of the other camshafts 94B-94L.

[0093] FIGS. 23-28 illustrate a drive assembly 472 according to another embodiment, which may be incorporated into the impact wrench 10 of FIG. 1 or into other impact tools (e.g., impact drivers or impact wrenches). The drive assembly 472 is similar in some aspects to the drive assembly 72 described above with reference to FIG. 2A, and features and elements of the drive assembly 472 corresponding with features and elements of the drive assembly 72 are given corresponding reference numbers plus‘400.’

[0094] With reference to FIGS. 24-26, the drive assembly 472 includes a gear assembly 466 and an impact mechanism 470 coupled to an output of the gear assembly 466. The illustrated gear assembly 466 includes a gear case 474, a plurality of planet gears 486 accommodated within the gear case 474, and a ring gear 490 meshed with the planet gears 486. In the illustrated embodiment, the planet gears 486 are spur gears, but in some embodiments, the planet gears 486 may be helical gears. Spur gears may be advantageous in some embodiments to reduce cost and to eliminate axial thrust loads that are created by helical gears.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, the ring gear 490 is integrally formed as a single piece with the gear case 474. In some embodiments, the ring gear 490 and the gear case 474 may be made from plastic or metal and integrally formed together using a molding process. In other embodiments, the ring gear 490 may be formed separately and rotationally fixed to the gear case 474. In such embodiments, the ring gear 490 and the gear case 474 may be made from different materials. For example, the ring gear 490 may be made of metal (e.g., powdered metal formed into the ring gear 490 via a compaction and sintering process or any other suitable process), and the gear case 474 may be made of plastic. In some embodiments, the gear case 474 may be molded around the ring gear 490 (e.g., using an insert molding process). In other embodiments, the ring gear 490 and the gear case 474 may be coupled together in other ways (e.g., press fitting, etc.).

[0096] The impact mechanism 470 of the drive assembly 472 includes a camshaft 494, a planet carrier 495, an anvil (not shown), a hammer 604, and a spring 608. With reference to FIGS. 27-28, the camshaft 494 includes a front end 494a and a rear end 494b opposite the front end 494a. A plurality of involute lugs 496 extends radially outward adjacent the rear end 494b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the camshaft 494 includes three lugs 496 equally spaced at 120 degree intervals. In other embodiments, the camshaft 494 may include two lugs 496 or any other number of lugs 496. The planet carrier 495 includes a corresponding plurality of recesses 497 formed in a rear face of the carrier 495.

[0097] The recesses 497 receive the lugs 496 to couple the planet carrier 495 and the camshaft 494 together for co-rotation. The planet gears 486 are mounted to the planet carrier 495. Accordingly, when the planet gears 486 rotate, they advance along the inner circumference of the ring gear 490 and rotate the planet carrier 495, which in turn rotates the camshaft 494. Because the planet carrier 495 is formed separately from the camshaft 494, the camshaft 494 advantageously requires fewer machining steps and less material removal to manufacture compared to camshafts having an integrated planet carrier.

[0098] With reference to FIG. 24, the impact mechanism 470 is configured to convert a continuous rotational force or torque provided by the gear assembly 466 to a striking rotational force or intermittent applications of torque to the anvil when the reaction torque on the anvil (e.g., due to engagement between a tool element coupled to the anvil and a fastener being worked upon) exceeds a certain threshold. The hammer 604 is supported on and axially slidable relative to the camshaft 494 and the anvil.

[0099] The spring 608 extends between the planet carrier 495 and the hammer 604 to bias the hammer 604 forward (i.e. to the right in FIG. 24). In addition, the spring 608 biases the planet carrier 495 rearward to maintain the recesses 497 in engagement with the lugs 496 (FIG. 27). A washer 501 and a plurality of rolling elements 503 are positioned between the spring 608 and the hammer 604 to allow the spring 608 and the camshaft 494 to continue to rotate relative to the hammer 604 after each impact strike when lugs 505 on the hammer 604 engage with corresponding lugs on the anvil and transfer kinetic energy from the hammer 604 to the anvil. The camshaft 494 further includes cam grooves 624 in which corresponding cam balls 626 are received (FIGS. 25-26). The cam balls 626 are in driving engagement with the hammer 604 and movement of the cam balls 626 within the cam grooves 624 allows for relative axial movement of the hammer 604 along the camshaft 494 when the hammer lugs 505 and the anvil lugs are engaged and the camshaft 494 continues to rotate.

[00100] With reference to FIG. 24, the illustrated planet carrier 495 is at least partially received within the gear case 474 and defines a front wall of the gear case 474. The planet carrier 495 has an annular wall 507 that is engageable with an annular shoulder 509 in the gear case 474. The spring 608 bears against the front side of the planet carrier 495 and biases the rear facing axial side of the wall 507 into engagement with the shoulder 509. The planet carrier 495 may thus transmit the axial loads directly to the gear case 474. The radial side of the annular wall 507 engages an interior surface of the gear case 474 with a sliding fit. As such, the planet carrier 495 is rotatable relative to the gear case 474 while radially supporting the rear end 494b of the camshaft 494. Because the planet carrier 495 both axially and radially supports the camshaft 494, no additional bearing is required. This reduces the cost of the drive assembly 472. In addition, because the planet carrier 495 forms the front wall of the gear case 474, the size and weight of the gear case 474 is reduced.

[00101] The planet gears 486 are accommodated in the gear case 474 between the planet carrier 495 and a rear wall 513 of the gear case 474. In the illustrated embodiment, a gap exists between the axial faces of the planet gears 486 and the planet carrier 495 and the rear wall 513, respectively. Therefore, the planet gears 486 are not subjected to compressive forces in the axial direction, and drag on the planet gears 486 is minimized.

[00102] FIGS. 29-30 illustrate a drive assembly 672 according to another embodiment, which may be incorporated into the impact wrench 10 of FIG. 1 or into other impact tools (e.g., impact drivers or impact wrenches). The drive assembly 672 is similar in some aspects to the drive assembly 472 described above with reference to FIG. 24-28, and features and elements of the drive assembly 672 corresponding with features and elements of the drive assembly 472 are given corresponding reference numbers plus‘200.’

[00103] In the illustrated embodiment, the ring gear 690 formed separately from the gear case 674 and rotationally fixed to the gear case 674 (e.g., by a plurality teeth or projections, press fitting, or the like). The camshaft 694 is coupled for co-rotation with the planet carrier 695 via lugs 696 (FIG. 30). The outer circumference of the planet carrier 695 is rotatably supported by a bushing 717, and the bushing 717 is fixed within the gear case 674 adjacent a front side of the ring gear 690.

[00104] FIG. 31 illustrates a drive assembly 800 according to another embodiment, which may be incorporated into the impact wrench 10 of FIG. 1 or into other impact tools (e.g., impact drivers or impact wrenches).

[00105] The drive assembly 800 includes a three-part assembly, with a camshaft 804, a front carrier portion 808, and a rear carrier portion 812. Camshaft 804 includes a plurality of projections or splines 816 that engage with a corresponding plurality of projections or splines 820 in the front carrier portion 808 to couple the camshaft 804 and the front carrier portion 808 together for co-rotation. The rear carrier portion 812 includes a plurality of forwardly-extending projections or teeth 824. The front carrier portion 808 includes corresponding rearwardly- extending projections or teeth 828 that are received between respective teeth 824 of the rear carrier portion 812 to couple the rear carrier portion 812 for co-rotation with the front carrier portion 808. In other embodiments, the front carrier portion 808 and the rear carrier portion 812 may be coupled together in other ways (e.g., via other types of interengaging features).

[00106] Because the front carrier portion 808 and the rear carrier portion 812 are formed as separate components, assembly of the planet gears (not shown) between the carrier portions 808, 812 may be accomplished in a simplified manner. In addition, either or both the front carrier portion 808 and the rear carrier portion 812 may be made from different materials than the camshaft 804, allowing for additional weight and/or cost savings.

[00107] FIG. 32 illustrates a drive assembly 900 according to another embodiment, which may be incorporated into the impact wrench 10 of FIG. 1 or into other impact tools (e.g., impact drivers or impact wrenches). The drive assembly 900 is similar to the drive assembly 800 described above with reference to FIG. 31, and features and elements of the drive assembly 900 corresponding with features and elements of the drive assembly 800 are given like reference numbers plus‘100.’

[00108] The front carrier portion 908 in the illustrated embodiment is coupled to the camshaft 904 via a plurality of projections or lugs 917 on the camshaft 904 (e.g., similar to the lugs 496 described above) that are received in corresponding recesses 919 in the front carrier portion 908.

[00109] FIG. 33 illustrates a drive assembly 1000 according to another embodiment, which may be incorporated into the impact wrench 10 of FIG. 1 or into other impact tools (e.g., impact drivers or impact wrenches). The drive assembly 1000 is similar to the drive assembly 800 described above with reference to FIG. 31, and features and elements of the drive assembly 1000 corresponding with features and elements of the drive assembly 800 are given like reference numbers plus‘200.’

[00110] The front carrier portion 1008 in the illustrated embodiment is integrally formed as a part of the camshaft 1004. In addition, the teeth 1024, 1028 are formed as spline segments spaced about the periphery of the rear carrier portion 1012 and the front carrier portion 1008. In the illustrated embodiment, the teeth 1024 on the rear carrier portion 1012 are oriented radially outwardly, and the teeth 1028 on the front carrier portion 1008 are oriented radially inwardly. In other embodiments, this arrangement may be reversed.

[00111] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.

[00112] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.