This disclosure relates to a handheld oscillating power tool and attachments for the oscillating power tool.

BACKGROUND ART

Oscillating power tools are handheld tools that oscillate various accessory tool attachments, such as cutting blades and chisels. Tool attachments adapted to be mounted to the oscillating power tool enable an oscillating power tool to be used to perform a variety of jobs, such as trimming wood under doors and sanding surfaces.

Each attachment tool may be configured to perform a different task. Thus, the mounting portion of an oscillating tool may be configured for interchangeability between different tool attachments to enable the user to perform such different tasks. Existing oscillating tools, however, use complex attachment mechanisms to releasably mount tool attachments to the oscillating tool. The complexity of the attachment mechanisms can result in the exchange of tool attachments by the user being slow and unreliable.

The above references to the background art do not constitute an admission that the art forms part of the common general knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art. The above references are also not intended to limit the application of the power tool and attachments as disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a handheld oscillating power tool. The handheld oscillating power tool may comprise a drive shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The handheld oscillating power tool may also comprise a removable clamping member for releasably clamping an accessory at a clamping member first end. The clamping member may have a projecting shaft arranged to receive the accessory and being insertable into the drive shaft. The projecting shaft may have a locking formation formed at a clamping member second end. The handheld oscillating power tool may also comprise an actuator configured to be actuated to enable a user to remove the clamping member from the drive shaft. The handheld oscillating power tool may also comprise a locking assembly for locking the clamping member in the drive shaft. The locking assembly may comprise an actuator shaft movable within the drive shaft. Movement of the actuator shaft can be caused by actuation of the actuator and can be along the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft between a locking position and a releasing position. The locking assembly may also comprise a radially displaceable locking member configured to be radially displaced relative to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft by the locking formation of the clamping member upon movement of the actuator shaft from the locking position towards the releasing position.

The locking assembly can provide for fast and reliable accessory exchange. In this regard, the clamping member may be simply detached from the tool, an existing accessory removed therefrom, a new accessory mounted to the clamping member, and the clamping member simply reattached to the tool.

In some forms, the locking formation of the clamping member may comprise a head that is configured to be received within the actuator shaft and to act on so as to radially displace the locking member, upon movement of the actuator shaft from the locking position towards the releasing position.

In some forms, the drive shaft may comprise a release arrangement formed within an internal wall of the drive shaft. The release arrangement may be configured to receive the locking member upon movement of the actuator shaft from the locking position towards the releasing position. For example, the release arrangement may take the form of a radial recess formed in the internal wall of the drive shaft.

In some forms, the locking formation of the clamping member may further comprise a first bearing surface disposed adjacent to the head and towards the clamping member first end. The first bearing surface may be configured to cause the locking member to be displaced radially upon movement of the actuator shaft from the locking position towards the releasing position. The first bearing surface may also be configured to receive the locking member as it returns from its radial displacement, upon movement of the actuator shaft from the releasing position towards the locking position.

In some forms, the drive shaft may comprise a second bearing surface formed in the internal wall of the drive shaft and disposed at the radial recess of the drive shaft. The second radial bearing surface may be configured to radially displace to effect said return of the locking member upon movement of the actuator shaft from the releasing position towards the locking position. When the locking member is radially displaced to effect said return, the locking member may be clamped between the internal wall of the drive shaft and the first bearing surface of the clamping member.

In some forms, the actuator shaft may comprise a projecting portion having an actuation end configured to engage with the actuator, and an enlarged head at an opposing end of the actuator shaft. The enlarged head of the actuator shaft may have a cavity formed therein for receiving the clamping member second end therein.

In some forms, the enlarged head of the actuator shaft may further comprise an aperture formed between the cavity and an external surface of the enlarged head of the actuator shaft. The locking member may be seated within the aperture, such that the locking member is able to move with the actuator shaft when the actuator shaft is moved between the locking and releasing positions.

In some forms, the aperture may be one of a pair of apertures disposed on opposite sides of the enlarged head of the actuator shaft. The locking member may be one of a pair of locking members disposed on opposite sides of the locking formation of the clamping member. Each locking member may be seated in a respective aperture and may be able to be displaced radially therein.

In some forms, the pair of locking members may be caused to be radially displaced in opposing directions and within the corresponding apertures, upon movement of the actuator shaft between the releasing and locking positions.

In some forms, the actuator shaft may be able to axially translate along the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft and within the shaft upon actuation of the actuator, translation of the actuator shaft being towards a nose of the tool when translated from the locking position to the releasing position, and away from the nose of the tool when translated from the releasing position to the locking position.

In some forms, the drive shaft may further comprise an internal shoulder configured to engage the enlarged head of the actuator shaft to thereby restrict axial translation of the actuator shaft away from the nose of the tool, when translated from the releasing position to the locking position. In some forms, the tool may further comprise a biasing member operative to bias the actuator shaft towards the locking position. The biasing member may be able to return the actuator shaft to the locking position.

In some forms, the biasing member may be in the form of a compression spring. For example, the compression spring may be arranged within the drive shaft and may be able to be disposed about the projecting shaft of the clamping member. The spring may be adapted to compress between the enlarged head of the actuator shaft and a body disposed at an end of the drive shaft. The spring may compress upon axial translation of the actuator shaft from the releasing position towards the locking position.

In some forms, an end of the actuator may be mounted to be eccentric about a pivot pin. The actuator may comprise a lever having an end surface which, due to the eccentric mounting of the actuator, may be caused to engage the actuation end of the actuator shaft when the lever is pivoted about the pin.

In some forms, the drive shaft may be driven by a drive fork that is in turn driven by a motor disposed within a housing of the tool. The drive fork may be coupled to the drive shaft and may be configured to impart an oscillating rotational motion to the drive shaft.

In some forms, the drive shaft may comprise a mounting portion configured to receive the removable clamping member. The mounting portion may comprise a collar disposed about a neck of the mounting portion and a boss adapted to receive an accessory. The boss can protrude from the collar and may be shaped such that it is complimentary in shape to an aperture of the accessory to inhibit relative rotation between the accessory and the mounting portion. In some forms, the mounting portion may be formed separately from the drive shaft. In some forms, the neck of the mounting portion may be locked within an aperture of the drive shaft such that an aperture of the mounting shaft is aligned with the drive shaft aperture.

In some forms, the boss may be tapered such that a first relatively wide portion of the boss is disposed adjacent the collar and a second relatively narrow portion of the boss is disposed away from the collar. This taper can enhance the securement (clamping) of the accessory to the mounting portion. Also disclosed herein is an adjustable depth guide attachment for a handheld oscillating power tool. The adjustable depth guide attachment may comprise a collar adapted to receive a nose portion of the power tool to thereby mount the depth guide attachment to the power tool. The adjustable depth guide attachment may also comprise an elongate member extending at an angle to a drive shaft of the power tool in use. The member may be slidably mounted with respect to the collar. The adjustable depth guide attachment may further comprise a depth guide portion connected to a distal end of the member. The adjustable depth guide attachment may additionally comprise a locking member configured to inhibit slidable movement of the member relative to the collar, which can thereby allow a user to position the depth guide portion in a desired position.

In some forms the elongate member may extend at an angle to the power tool drive shaft that ranges between about 45 and 90°.

In some forms, the locking member may be in the form of a spring loaded push button that is pivotally mounted relative to the collar. In some forms, the push button may comprise notches formed thereon that are adapted to engage complimentarily shaped indents formed in the elongate member. Such engagement may be able to inhibit slidable movement of the elongate member with respect to the collar. In some forms, the adjustable depth guide attachment may further comprise an actuator to enable the collar to be opened and restricted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows a side view of the oscillating power tool.

Fig. 2 shows a cross section through the power tool shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view through the nose and locking assembly of the power tool of Fig. 1;

Figs. 4a-b show cross-sectional views through the drive shaft and locking assembly of the tool of Fig. 1 in the releasing position; Figs. 5a-b show cross-sectional views through the drive shaft and locking assembly of the tool of Fig. 1 in the locked position;

Fig. 6 shows the tool of Fig. 1 with an adjustable depth guide attached;

Fig. 7 shows the adjustable depth guide attachment of Fig. 6; Figs. 8a-h show side views of numerous accessory tools that are able to be attached to the power tool of Fig. 1;

Figs. 9a-b show side and cross-sectional views of the hammer of Fig. 8c mounted to the power tool of Fig. 1;

Figs. lOa-b show side and cross-sectional views of the hole saw of Fig. 8f mounted to the power tool of Fig. 1 ; and

Figs, lla-b show a bottom isometric view (a) and a side view (b) of an embodiment of a drive shaft mounting portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

Disclosed herein is a handheld oscillating power tool. Fig. 1 shows a side view of the oscillating power tool 1. The power tool 1 includes a housing 2 that is able to be gripped in one hand by a user. The power tool drives an oscillating tool accessory, shown in Figs. 1 & 2 in the form of chisel 4. The tool accessory is detachably coupled in relation to a nose 6 of the tool 1 by a removable clamping member 5 (see e.g. Figs. 2 & 3). The removable clamping member 5 enables a user to exchange the tool accessory with another tool accessory

(described below). In the embodiment as shown, the tool also includes a power cord 8; however, in other embodiments the power tool may be powered using an alternate power source, such as a battery.

Fig. 2 shows a cross section through the power tool of Fig. 1. It will be seen that the power tool 1 includes drive shaft 3 that is driven by a drive fork 10. The drive fork 10 is in turn driven by a motor 12 disposed within the housing 2 of the tool 1. The drive fork 10 is coupled to the drive shaft 3 and is configured to impart an oscillating rotational motion to the drive shaft 3. The drive shaft 3 defines a longitudinal axis A about which the tool accessory (e.g. chisel 4) oscillates.

The removable clamping member 5 cooperates with a body in the form of a collar 53 (described below) to releasably clamp the tool accessory (e.g. chisel 4) at a clamping member first end (i.e. head) 7 and in relation to the nose 6. As best shown in Figs. 2 & 3, the clamping member 5 has a projecting shaft 9 that projects from the head 7 and is arranged to receive the accessory tool (e.g. chisel 4) thereon. The projecting shaft 9 of the clamping member 5 is insertable into the drive shaft 3. In addition, the projecting shaft 9 has a locking formation 11 formed at a clamping member second end 13.

The tool 1 further comprises an actuator, shown in the form of a lever 15, configured to be actuated to enable a user to remove the clamping member 5 from the drive shaft 3. In the detailed embodiment, the actuator is a lever, however, the actuator may take another form, such as a push button, quick-release coupling, etc. The tool 1 also includes a locking assembly 17 for locking the clamping member 5 in the drive shaft 3. The locking assembly will now be described with specific reference to Figs. 3 to 5.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view through the nose 6 and locking assembly 17 of the tool 1. The locking assembly 17 includes an actuator shaft in the form of an actuation shaft 19 that is movable within the drive shaft 3. Movement of the actuation shaft 19 is caused by actuation of the lever 15 and is along the longitudinal axis A of the drive shaft 3, between a locking position and a releasing position. The locking position and releasing position, along with the operation of the locking assembly, are explained in more detail with reference to Figs. 4 and 5.

Fig. 4a shows a cross section through the drive shaft 3, showing the locking assembly 17 in the releasing position. Fig. 4b shows an enlarged (detail) view of the inter-relationship between the actuation shaft 19, drive shaft 3, and clamping member 5 in the releasing position.

Fig. 5a shows a cross section through the drive shaft 3, showing the locking assembly 17 in the locked position. Fig. 5b shows an enlarged (detail) view of the inter-relationship between the actuation shaft 19, drive shaft 3, and clamping member 5 in the locked position.

More particularly, the locking assembly 17 further comprises a radially displaceable locking member in the form of at least one ball 21. In the detailed embodiment, the locking assembly includes two balls 21 on either side of the actuation shaft 19, however, a multiple number of balls can be used as appropriate. The balls 21 are configured to be radially displaced relative to the longitudinal axis A of the drive shaft 3 by action of the locking formation 1 1 of clamping member 5, upon movement of the actuator shaft 19 from the locking position towards the releasing position.

As shown in Figs. 4b and 5b, the locking formation 1 1 of the clamping member comprises a head 23 configured to be received within the actuation shaft 19 and to act on, so as to radially displace, the balls 21 upon movement of the actuation shaft 19 from the locking position towards the releasing position.

Further, the drive shaft 3 comprises a release arrangement, in the form of a recess 25, that is formed in the internal wall 27 of the drive shaft. The recess 25 is configured to receive the balls 21 upon movement of the actuator shaft 19 from the locking position towards the releasing position. In one form, the recess can be formed radially about (i.e. peripherally around) the internal wall 27 of the drive shaft 3. In other forms, the recess 25 can be split into a plurality of discrete recesses that each receives a respective ball upon movement of the actuation shaft 19 from the locked position to the releasing position. In another form, the release arrangement can be a resilient, deformable or elastic member, that is able to deform or depress upon contact of the balls 21, so as to allow the balls to radially displace upon movement of the actuation shaft 19 from the locked position to the releasing position.

The locking formation 11 of the clamping member 5 further comprises a first bearing surface 31 disposed adjacent to the head 23 and towards the clamping member first end 7. The first bearing surface 31 is configured to cause the balls 21 to be displaced radially upon movement of the actuator shaft 19 from the locking position towards the releasing position.

The first bearing surface 31 is also configured to receive the balls 21 as they return from their radial displacement, upon movement of the actuation shaft 19 from the releasing position towards the locking position. In the detailed embodiment, the first bearing surface 31 is in the form of a curved surface, the radius of which approximately corresponds to the radius of the balls 21. This allows for the balls 21 and bearing surface 31 to form a snug fit in the locked position. In other forms, the bearing surface 31 may take an alternate shape (e.g. angled planar, etc).

The drive shaft 3 comprises a second bearing surface 47 formed in the internal wall 27 of the drive shaft 3 and disposed at the radial recess 25 of the drive shaft 3. The second radial bearing surface 47 is configured to radially displace, so as to effect the return of, the balls 21 upon movement of the actuator shaft 19 from the releasing position towards the locking position. When this occurs the locking member 21 becomes clamped between the internal wall 27 of the drive shaft 3 and the first bearing surface 31 of the clamping member 5.

The actuation shaft 19 comprises a projecting portion 33 having an actuation end 35 configured to engage with the lever 15, and an enlarged head 37 at an opposing end 39 of the actuation shaft 19. The enlarged head 37 of the actuator shaft 19 has a cavity 40 formed therein for receiving therein the clamping member second end 13 having the locking formation 1 1 formed thereon.

The enlarged head 37 of the actuator shaft 19 further comprises a pair of apertures, in the form of channels or passages 41, the channels formed between the cavity 40 and an external surface 43 of the enlarged head 37 of the actuator shaft 19. The balls 21 are seated within and retained captive by the channels 41, such that the balls are able to move with the actuator shaft 19 when the actuation shaft 19 is moved between the locking and releasing positions. In the detailed embodiment, two channels are formed in the enlarged head 37 of the actuation shaft 19. However, in alternate embodiments, the enlarged head 37 may comprise more or less channels to correspond with more or less balls when employed.

The actuation shaft 19 is able to axially translate along the longitudinal axis A of the drive shaft 3 and within the shaft 3 upon actuation of the lever 15. Translation of the actuation shaft 19 is towards the nose 6 of the tool 1 when translating the tool from the locking position to the releasing position, and away from the nose 6 when translating from the releasing position to the locking position. The drive shaft 3 further comprises an internal shoulder 49 configured to engage the enlarged head 37 of the actuator shaft 19 to thereby restrict axial translation of the actuator shaft away from the nose 6 when the tool is translated from the releasing position to the locking position.

The tool further comprises a biasing member, in the form of a helical compression spring 51, operative to bias the actuating shaft 19 towards the locking position. While a compression spring 51 is shown in the detailed embodiment, other elastic members that are able to provide the biasing force can be substituted for the compression spring. The compression spring 51 is arranged within the drive shaft 3 and is disposed about the projecting shaft 9 of the clamping member 5. The spring 51 is adapted to compress between the enlarged head 37 of the actuator shaft 19 and the collar 53, when the collar 53 is disposed at the end of the drive shaft 3 as shown. More particularly, the spring 51 compresses upon axial translation of the actuation shaft 19 from the releasing position towards the locking position, with the spring 51 bearing against the collar 53.

At the same time, a boss 54 (see Figs. 3 & 4a) located at the opposite side of the collar 53 provides as a clamping formation for each clamped accessory tool. In the detailed form, the boss 54 has an external shape (e.g. polygon) that is complimentary to the shape of the aperture (see apertures 121) of each accessory tool. The shape is selected so as to inhibit each accessory tool from rotating relative to the clamping member 5 during tool operation. In alternate embodiments, the collar 53 can be formed as a shoulder portion of the drive shaft.

Returning to Fig. 3, an end 16 of the lever 15 is eccentrically mounted about a pivot pin 58. The lever has an end surface 57 which, due to the eccentric mounting, is caused to come into engagement with the actuation end 35 of the actuator shaft 19 when the lever 15 is pivoted about the pin 58. This engagement causes the axial translation of the actuation shaft 19 between the releasing and locking positions.

Fig. 6 shows the tool 1 with an adjustable depth guide attachment 61. The depth guide, or depth gauge 61, allows a user to quickly and accurately set a required cut depth. The depth guide 61 will be described in further detail with reference to Fig. 7.

The depth guide 61 itself includes a collar 63 that is adapted to receive and locate at the nose portion 6 of the power tool 1, thereby mounting the depth guide attachment 61 to the power tool 1. Slots can be provided at the inside surface of the collar 63 such that, when mounted to the nose portion 6, the slots can interact with corresponding formations at the nose portion to prevent rotation of the depth guide 61 under force. The depth guide 61 also includes an elongate member, in the form of a slide bar 65. The slide bar 65 can extend at an angle to an elongate axis of the drive shaft 3 that ranges somewhere between about 45° and about 90°. The slide bar 65 is slidably mounted with respect to the collar 63. In the detailed form, the slide bar 65 is mounted directly to the collar.

The depth guide 61 also includes a depth guide portion 67 that is connected to a distal end 69 of the slide bar 65. A locking member, in the form of a pivotally connected spring biased button 71, is configured to inhibit slidable movement of the slide bar 65 relative to the collar 63, by inter-engaging with teeth or indents 75 on the slide bar, to allow a user to position the depth guide portion 69 in a desired position.

In the detailed form, the depth guide also includes a latch 73 that opens and closes the collar 63. In the open position, the depth guide is able to be positioned over the nose portion 6 of the tool. Further, in this open position, the depth guide is able to be removed and then relocated (i.e. rotated relative to the nose 6 of the tool) to a new position (i.e. whereupon the collar is closed again). In the closed position, the depth guide is effectively locked to the nose portion 6 to ensure that the depth guide does not rotate with respect to the nose portion 6 or detach from the tool 1 in use.

The indents 75 formed on the slide bar 65 inter-engage with complimentarily notches of the spring biased button 71. When the indents and notches are so inter-engaged, this prevents the slide bar from moving with respect to the collar 63. To reposition the depth guide portion 67, the user presses down on the pivotally connected spring biased button 71, which in turn lifts the notches of inter-engagement with the indents 75. While marinating pressing at the push button 71, the user can reposition the depth guide portion 67 with their other hand. Releasing the pressure from button 71 returns the notches into inter-engagement with the indents on the slide bar, so as to lock the position of the slide bar 65 with respect to the collar 63.

In the detailed embodiments, the radially displaceable locking member is a pair of metal ball bearings. In alternate embodiments, the radially displaceable locking member may have an alternative shape, such as a wedge or chock, etc, and may be formed from an alternative material (e.g. plastic).

As shown in Figs. 8a-h, numerous accessory tools are available for interchange with the power tool, including flat chisels 101, 103, a hammer 105, a scallop chisel 107, an angled chisel 109, a hole saw 1 1 1, a drill bit 113 (i.e. attached to a clamping member), and a flexible cutting bit (saw) 1 15.

Figs. 9a and 9b show a side view and a cross-sectional view of the hammer 105 mounted to the tool 1. As shown in Fig. 9b, the mounting portion 1 17 of the hammer accessory 105 is clamped between the collar 53 and the clamping member head 7. As mentioned above, the boss 54 of collar 53 is complimentary in shape to the aperture 121 that extends through the mounting portion 117 of e.g. the hammer, to inhibit rotation of the hammer relative to the drive shaft 3 in use. In the detailed embodiment, the mounting aperture 121 of the accessory tools includes serrations about its periphery, and the boss 54 is polygonal in shape. This allows for the accessory to be mounted at multiple rotational angles with respect to the drive shaft 3.

Figs. 10a and 10b show a side view and a cross-sectional view of the hole saw 1 1 1 mounted to the tool 1.

Thus, interchange of tool accessories is rendered easy, safe and rapid by the ease of detachment and re -attachment of the clamping member 5.

An alternative embodiment to the collar 53 takes the form of a mounting portion 150 and is shown in Figs. 1 la and 1 lb. Fig. 1 la shows a bottom isometric view of the mounting portion 150 and Fig. 1 lb shows a side view of the mounting portion 150. Similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, a collar 153 radially projects about the neck 151 of the mounting portion 150. The neck 151 of the mounting portion 150 is profiled such that it is able to be received within the drive shaft of the handheld oscillating power tool (similar to Fig. 3) to thereby lock the mounting portion within the drive shaft to prevent relative movement. The mounting portion 150 includes an aperture 159 that is configured to receive the removable clamp member (again, similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3). A boss 154 is located adjacent the collar 153. The boss 154 protrudes from within a recess 160 defined at the underside of collar 153. The boss 154 forms a clamping formation for each clamped accessory tool. In the detailed form, the boss 154 has a cross-sectional shape (e.g. polygon) that is complimentary to the cross-sectional shape of the aperture of each accessory tool. Similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the shape of the boss 154 is selected so as to inhibit each accessory tool from rotating relative to the clamping member during tool operation. However, unlike the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the boss 154 has a tapered hexagonal profile. The boss 154 tapers in profile such that the cross sectional width (shown as 155) of a first relatively wide portion 157 of the boss 154 is greater than the cross section width (shown as 156) of a relatively narrow second portion 158 of the boss 154. The first portion 157 of the boss is disposed towards (e.g. at) the collar 153 while the second portion of the boss is disposed away from the collar 153 (e.g. towards the head of the removable clamp member that is received by the aperture 159 of the mounting portion 150). As will be evident to the skilled addressee, the boss 154 may be in the form of any tapered shape that is complimentary to the aperture of the accessory tool arranged to fit over and thereby sit on the boss 154. The tapered form of the boss 154 provides an increasingly tight fit between the accessory tool and the mounting portion 150 of the oscillating power tool when the removable clamp member is engaged (i.e. received and locked within the drive shaft). When the lever (see Fig. 3 - lever 15) is engaged (i.e. locked - see Fig. 5a), the removable clamp member drives the accessory tool further down the taper of the boss 154 (i.e. towards the relatively wide first portion 155), which reduces and may eliminate any clearance (i.e. gap) there may have been between the aperture of the accessory tool and the boss 154 of the mounting portion 150. The accessory tool thus mounts interferingly on the boss 154, and thus there is no "play" or "slop" between the accessory tool and the boss 154. Another benefit of this is that a lower clamping force can be required to eliminate any relative movement during oscillation. Other methods rely fully on the clamping force to eliminate this relative movement in use.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding summary except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising" is used in the sense of "including", that is, the features as above may be associated with further features in various embodiments.

Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure.