U.S. patent application number 13/852580 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-22 for handheld electrical power tools.
This patent application is currently assigned to MAKITA CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is MAKITA CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Masamichi MIYAZAWA, Tomohiro UKAI.
Application Number | 20130213679 13/852580 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44582435 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130213679 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MIYAZAWA; Masamichi ; et
al. |
August 22, 2013 |
HANDHELD ELECTRICAL POWER TOOLS
Abstract
A handheld electrical power tool may include a plurality of
grasping portions, and at least one manipulating member to actuate
and deactuate a drive source of the electrical power tool. The at
least one manipulating member is positioned to correspond to all of
the grasping portions.
Inventors: |
MIYAZAWA; Masamichi;
(Anjo-shi, JP) ; UKAI; Tomohiro; (Anjo-shi,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MAKITA CORPORATION; |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MAKITA CORPORATION
Anjo-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
44582435 |
Appl. No.: |
13/852580 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13206869 |
Aug 10, 2011 |
|
|
|
13852580 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
173/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25F 5/02 20130101; B25F
5/029 20130101; B23D 51/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
173/46 |
International
Class: |
B25F 5/02 20060101
B25F005/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 25, 2010 |
JP |
2010-188132 |
Aug 31, 2010 |
JP |
2010-193869 |
Claims
1. A handheld electrical power tool, comprising; an electric motor,
a tool body receiving an electric motor therein, and an elastic
cover attached to the tool body, wherein, the elastic cover is
configured to retain an hexagonal wrench that is used to fasten a
screw.
2. The handheld electrical power tool as defined in claim 1,
wherein the elastic cover has a grip portion formed therein.
3. The handheld electrical power tool as defined in claim 1,
wherein the elastic cover has a shank portion insertion bore that
is configured to receive a shank portion of the hexagonal wrench
therein.
4. The handheld electrical power tool as defined in claim 1,
wherein the elastic cover has a first engagement projection and a
second engagement projection that are respectively configured to
engage a shank portion of the hexagonal wrench.
5. The handheld electrical power tool as defined in claim 1,
wherein the elastic cover is configured to retain a short shank
portion and a long shank portion of the hexagonal wrench.
6. The handheld electrical power tool as defined in claim 1,
wherein the elastic cover has a lateral bore and a longitudinal
recess.
7. A handheld electrical power tool, comprising; an electric motor,
and a tool body receiving an electric motor therein, wherein the
tool body comprises a cover made of elastomer that is configured to
retain an hexagonal wrench that is used to fasten a screw.
Description
[0001] This is a Division of Application No. 13/206,869 filed Aug.
10, 2011, which claims the benefit of Japanese Applications Nos.
2010-193869 and 2010-188132 filed Aug. 31, 2010 and Aug. 25, 2010,
respectively. The disclosure of the prior applications is hereby
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to handheld electrical power
tools such as electrical reciprocating saws.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Generally, a relatively small handheld electrical power
tool, e.g., an electrical reciprocating saw, has a tool main body,
an electric motor as a drive source, and a blade member or saw
blade attached to a front end portion of the tool main body, and is
constructed such that the tool main body can be used as a grip. The
electric motor is received in the tool main body. The tool main
body has a manipulating member (switch) that is capable of
actuating or deactuating the electric motor. The manipulating
member is formed in a side wall, so that a user can touch or
manipulate the manipulating member in his/her hand that is holding
the tool main body (the grip).
[0006] Such an electrical reciprocating saw is taught, for example,
by Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Number 2009-101432. In the
electrical reciprocating saw, the manipulating member is positioned
on a substantially central portion of the tool main body in a
longitudinal direction thereof such that the user can relatively
easily manipulate the manipulating member regardless of whether the
user grips the tool main body with one hand or both hands. However,
there is a need in the art for an improved electrical reciprocating
saw (an improved handheld electrical power tool).
[0007] Further, in order to attach the saw blade to the front end
portion of the tool main body or to detach the same therefrom, a
small special-purpose tool (e.g., a hexagonal wrench) must be used.
Therefore, it would be convenient to the user if the
special-purpose tool is available immediately when needed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, a handheld
electrical power tool may include include a plurality of grasping
portions, and at least one manipulating member to actuate and
deactuate a drive source of the electrical power tool, The at least
one manipulating member is positioned to correspond to all of the
grasping portions.
[0009] According to this aspect, a user can easily touch or
manipulate the manipulating members regardless of whether the user
grips the tool main body (the grasping portions) with one hand or
both hands. In particular, the user can easily touch or manipulate
the at least one manipulating member even when the user grips a
forwardmost portion of the tool main body with one hand. Thus, the
handheld electrical power tool may have increased operability.
[0010] Optionally, the grasping portions may include first to third
grasping portions. The at least one manipulating member may include
first and second manipulating members. The first manipulating
member is positioned to correspond to the first and second grasping
portions. The second manipulating member is positioned to
correspond to the third grasping portion. Further, the first and
second manipulating members are respectively arranged and
constructed to turn on and off a single electrical switch to
actuate and deactuate the drive source. Therefore, it is possible
to increase the operability of the handheld electrical power tool
without increasing manufacturing costs thereof.
[0011] Further, the single electrical switch may be a variable
switch that is capable of changing an output voltage thereof
depending upon a moving distance of an actuator button thereof, so
that an output of the drive source can be continuously changed
depending upon a manipulation distance of each of the first and
second manipulating members. Thus, the handheld electrical power
tool may have further increased operability.
[0012] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be readily understood after reading the following
detailed description together with the accompanying drawings and
the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a side view in section of a tool main body of an
electrical reciprocating saw according to a first representative
embodiment of the present invention, in which both of a first
(front) manipulating member and a second (rear) manipulating member
are not actuated or turned on;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged side view in section of the
tool main body of the electrical reciprocating saw, in which the
first manipulating member is turned on whereas the second
manipulating member is not turned on;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged side view in section of the
tool main body of the electrical reciprocating saw, in which the
first manipulating member is not turned on whereas the second
manipulating member is turned on;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged side view of a tool main body
of an electrical reciprocating saw according to a second
representative embodiment of the present invention, in which
construction elements are imaginarily shown and in which a third
manipulating member is turned on;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a simplified side view of a tool main body of an
electrical reciprocating saw according to a third representative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a covering device;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of
FIG. 5;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII
of FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a tool main body of an
electrical reciprocating saw according to a fourth representative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of
FIG. 9;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI of
FIG. 9;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a tool main body of an
electrical reciprocating saw according to a fifth representative
embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a side view of the tool main body of the
electrical reciprocating saw; and
[0026] FIG. 14 is a partially cross-sectional bottom view of the
tool main body of the electrical reciprocating saw.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Next, the representative embodiments of the present
invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0028] First Embodiment
[0029] A first embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
[0030] In this embodiment, a relatively small electrical
reciprocating saw 1 is exemplified as a handheld electrical power
tool. The electrical reciprocating saw 1 includes a tool main body
10 (a main body housing 2) that is angled downwardly rearwardly at
a substantially central portion thereof. Therefore, a front half
and an angled rear half of the tool main body 10 will respectively
be hereinafter referred to as a front main body portion 11 and a
rear main body portion 12. The tool main body 10 has an output rod
13 that is projected forwardly from a front end portion of the
front main body portion 11 thereof. As will be recognized, the
output rod 13 is constructed such that a blade member or saw blade
(not shown) can be attached thereto.
[0031] The electrical reciprocating saw 1 has an electric motor 14
as a drive source that is received in the front main body portion
11 of the tool main body 10. The electric motor 14 is connected to
the output rod 13 via a reciprocating motion conversion mechanism
15, so that rotational motion of the electric motor 14 can be
converted to reciprocating motion of the output rod 13. The
reciprocating motion conversion mechanism 15 has a gear seat 15a, a
bevel gear (not shown) rotatably supported on the gear seat 15a,
and an eccentric roller 15b attached to the bevel gear. The
electric motor 14 has an output gear 14a. The output gear 14a is
meshed with the bevel gear. Conversely, the eccentric roller 15b
engages a slider portion 13a that is formed in a rear portion of
the output rod 13. The output rod 13 is slidably supported by a
bearing 13b, so as to be reciprocated in a longitudinal direction
(in a back and forth direction). Therefore, when the electric motor
14 is actuated, the bevel gear is rotated, so as to revolve the
eccentric roller 15b. Upon revolution of the eccentric roller 15b,
the output rod 13 can be longitudinally reciprocated by
longitudinal components of a force produced by revolution of the
eccentric roller 15b. Because the reciprocating motion conversion
mechanism 15 has a known structure, a detailed description thereof
may be omitted.
[0032] The electric motor 14 is capable of being actuated and
deactuated by on-off motion of an electrical switch 16 that is
disposed in a front portion of the rear main body portion 12 of the
tool main body 10. Further, the electric motor 14 is powered by a
rechargeable battery 17 that is inserted into a rear portion of the
rear main body portion 12.
[0033] As described above, the tool main body 10 of the electrical
reciprocating saw 1 includes the output rod 13, the reciprocating
motion conversion mechanism 15, the electric motor 14, the
electrical switch 16 and the battery 17 that are arranged in series
therealong from before backwardly. The tool main body 10 thus
constructed has a relatively elongated shape. Therefore, a user can
use the electrical reciprocating saw 1 to cut a work-piece (not
shown) such as a woody material while grasping the tool main body
10 with one hand or both hands.
[0034] The tool main body 10 has a first or front grasping portion
01 and a second or central grasping portion G2 that are
respectively formed in the front main body portion 11 of the tool
main body 10. Further, the tool main body 10 has a third or rear
grasping portion G3 that is formed in the rear main body portion 12
of the tool main body 10. In particular, the first grasping portion
G1 is formed in a front half of the front main body portion 11,
i.e., a front portion of the front main body portion 11 including a
central portion of the reciprocating motion conversion mechanism 15
(a central portion of the gear seat 15a). The second grasping
portion G2 is formed in a rear half of the front main body portion
11, i.e., a remaining portion of the front main body portion 11.
The third grasping portion G3 is formed in a front half of the rear
main body portion 12.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, when the user grasps the tool main body
10 with both hands, i.e., a right hand RH and a left hand LH, the
user can respectively grasp the first grasping portion G1 and the
third grasping portion G3 with the left hand LH and the right hand
RH. Conversely, when the user grasps the tool main body 10 with one
hand, i.e., the right hand RH or the left hand LH, the user can
grasp the first grasping portion G1, the second grasping portion G2
or the third grasping portion G3 with the left hand LH or the right
hand RH.
[0036] The electrical reciprocating saw 1 has two (first and
second) manipulating members 20 and 22 that are respectively
capable of actuating or deactuating the electric motor 14, i.e.,
turning on and off the electrical switch 16. The first manipulating
member 20 is attached to the front main body portion 11 of the tool
main body 10 so as to correspond to the first grasping portion GI
and the second grasping portion G2. Conversely, the second
manipulating member 22 is attached to the rear main body portion 12
of the tool main body 10 so as to correspond to the third grasping
portion G3. Thus, the first and second manipulating members 20 and
22 are positioned so as to cover all of the first to third grasping
portions G1 to G3. Therefore, the user can easily touch or
manipulate at least one of the first and second manipulating
members 20 and 22 regardless of whether the user grips the tool
main body 10 with one hand or both hands. Further, the electrical
reciprocating saw 1 has an actuator lever 25 that is vertically
rotatably (tiltably) connected to the main body housing 2 via a
pivot shaft 26. The actuator lever 25 has a contact portion 25a
that is formed in a distal end thereof. The contact portion 25a is
arranged and constructed to contact an actuator button 16a of the
electrical switch 16.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first and second manipulating
members 20 and 22 are respectively positioned along a lower surface
of the tool main body 10, i.e., along a lower surface of the front
main body portion 11 and a lower surface of the rear main body
portion 12. The first manipulating member 20 is formed as an
elongated switch lever such that the user can put his/her four
fingers thereon. Preferably, the first manipulating member 20 has a
length greater than third part of an entire length of the tool main
body 10.
[0038] The first manipulating member 20 is composed of a rear
(first) large lever portion 21 and a front (second) small lever
portion 23. A front end portion of the large lever portion 21 is
rotatably or pivotally connected to a rear end portion of the small
lever portion 23 via a connecting shaft 24. That is, the large
lever portion 21 and the small lever portion 23 are articulated to
each other via the connecting shaft 24 so as to be flexed
thereabout. The large lever portion 21 has a first acting portion
21a and a support portion 21b that are formed in a rear end portion
thereof. The support portion 21b is rotatably supported on the main
body housing 2 such that the large lever portion 21 can be
vertically tilted thereabout. The first acting portion 21a is
positioned below the actuator lever 25, so as to push up or
upwardly rotate the actuator lever 25 when the large lever portion
21 is tilted upwardly.
[0039] The small lever portion 23 has a laterally elongated support
hole 23a that is formed in a front portion thereof. Conversely, the
main body housing 2 has a support shaft 2a that is formed therein.
The support shaft 2a is movably received in the support hole 23a of
the small lever portion 23. Thus, the small lever portion 23 can be
vertically tilted about the support shaft 2a while sliding
longitudinally over a predetermined range.
[0040] Thus, the divided first manipulating member 20 can be
changed between an off-position in which the first manipulating
member 20 is bulged downwardly (FIGS. 1 and 3) and an on-position
in which the first manipulating member 20 is not bulged downwardly
and is substantially flattened (FIG. 2).
[0041] The second manipulating member 22 is formed as a relatively
shortened trigger-type switch lever. The second manipulating member
22 may preferably be shaped such that the user can manipulate the
same by the index finger of his/her hand that is grasping the third
grasping portion G3. The second manipulating member 22 has a second
acting portion 22a and a support portion 22c that are respectively
formed in a front and rear end portions thereof. The support
portion 22c is rotatably supported on a lower portion of the main
body housing 2 such that the second manipulating member 22 can be
vertically tilted thereabout. The second acting portion 22a is
positioned below the actuator lever 25, so as to push up or
upwardly rotate the actuator lever 25 when the second manipulating
member 22 is tilted upwardly. As will be apparent from the
drawings, the second manipulating member 22 may preferably be
positioned behind the first manipulating member 20 so as to be
longitudinally aligned therewith.
[0042] The electrical switch 16 is constructed to be turned on to
actuate the electric motor 14 when the actuator button 16a is
pressed. The actuator button 16a of the electrical switch 16 is
biased in a turn-off direction by a spring (not shown) so as to be
normally projected and turned off. When the actuator button 16a is
pushed against a spring force of the spring, the electrical switch
16 can be turned on. Further, in this embodiment, a variable switch
that is capable of changing an output voltage thereof is used as
the electrical switch 16. That is, the electrical switch 16 is
constructed such that an output voltage thereof can be changed
depending upon a push-in distance or moving distance of the
actuator button 16a when the electrical switch 16 is turned on.
[0043] As previously described, the contact portion 25a of the
actuator lever 25 contacts the actuator button 16a of the
electrical switch 16. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the actuator
lever 25 can be indirectly biased by the spring force of the spring
in a direction in which it can be tilted in a turn-off direction
thereof (downwardly or counterclockwise in FIG. 1). When the
actuator lever 25 is biased in the turn-off direction thereof, the
large lever portion 21 of the first manipulating member 20 and the
second manipulating member 22 can be biased in a direction in which
they can be tilted in a turn-off direction thereof (downwardly).
Further, when the large lever portion 21 is biased, the small lever
portion 23 can also be indirectly biased in a direction in which it
can be tilted in a turn-off direction thereof (downwardly) by the
actuator lever 25.
[0044] When the small lever portion 23 of the first manipulating
member 20 is manipulated by a finger (e.g., the little finger) of
the left hand LH (or the right hand RH) that is grasping the first
grasping portion G1 formed in the front main body portion 11 and is
pressed upwardly against an indirect biasing force caused by the
spring force applied to the actuator button 16a, the actuator lever
25 can be pressed upwardly, i.e., in a turn-on direction thereof,
so that the actuator button 16a can be pushed in. As a result, the
electrical switch 16 can be turned on, so that the electric motor
14 can be actuated. Further, when the second manipulating member 22
is manipulated by a finger (e.g., the index finger) of the right
hand RH (or the left hand LH) that is grasping the third grasping
portion G3 formed in the rear main body portion 12 and is pressed
upwardly against the indirect biasing force caused by the spring
force applied to the actuator button 16a, the actuator lever 25 can
be pressed upwardly, i.e., in the turn-on direction thereof, so
that the actuator button 16a can be pushed in. As a result, the
electrical switch 16 can be turned on, so that the electric motor
14 can be actuated. Thus, when one of the small lever portion 23 of
the first manipulating member 20 and the second manipulating member
22 is manipulated in a turn-on direction thereof, the electrical
switch 16 common to the first and second manipulating members 20
and 22 can be turned on, so that the electric motor 14 can be
actuated.
[0045] As will be appreciated, the push-in distance or moving
distance of the actuator button 16a can be gradually increased as a
manipulation distance or traveling distance of the first
manipulating member 20 (the small lever portion 23) or the second
manipulating member 22 is increased. As described above, because
the electrical switch 16 is the variable switch, the output voltage
of the electrical switch 16 can be gradually increased as the
manipulation distance of the first manipulating member 20 (the
small lever portion 23) or the second manipulating member 22 is
increased, so that a number of rotations of the electric motor 14
can be increased. Thus, the electrical reciprocating saw 1 may have
increased cutting performance as the manipulation distance of the
first manipulating member 20 (the small lever portion 23) or the
second manipulating member 22 is increased.
[0046] The first and second manipulating members 20 and 22
respectively have first and second locking mechanisms. That is, a
first locking lever 31 as the first locking mechanism is attached
to the small lever portion 23 of the first manipulating member 20.
Conversely, a second locking lever 32 as the second locking
mechanism is positioned above the second manipulating member
22.
[0047] The first locking lever 31 is vertically rotatably
(tiltably) connected to the small lever portion 23 via a pivot
shaft 31a, so as to be tilted between a locking position and an
unlocking position. As will be appreciated, the locking position of
the first locking lever 31 corresponds to a raised or vertical
position in which a lower portion thereof is projected downwardly
from the small lever portion 23 and in which an upper portion (an
interfering portion 31b) thereof is projected upwardly from the
small lever portion 23 into the main body housing 2 (FIGS. 1 and
3). Conversely, the unlocking position of the first locking lever
31 corresponds to a laid or horizontal position in which the lower
portion thereof is not projected downwardly from the small lever
portion 23 and in which the upper interfering portion 31b thereof
is not projected upwardly from the small lever portion 23 into the
main body housing 2 (FIG. 2). Further, the first locking lever 31
is normally biased toward the locking position thereof via a
torsion spring 31c.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, when the first locking lever 31
is in the locking position, the interfering portion alb is
projected into the main body housing 2 so as to interfere with a
portion of the main body housing 2 (in particular, a rib 2b that is
formed in the main body housing 2 in order to support the gear seat
15a). As a result, both of the large lever portion 21 and the small
lever portion 23 of the first manipulating member 20 can be
prevented or restricted from being pressed upwardly (i.e.,
manipulated in the turn-on direction thereof), so that the first
manipulating member 20 can be maintained in a locked condition (an
inoperable condition) in which the first manipulating member 20 is
locked in a turn-off position. To the contrary, when the first
locking lever 31 is tilted or rotated clockwise against a spring
force of the torsion spring 31c, the first locking lever 31 can be
changed to the unlocking position in which the interfering portion
31b is not projected into the main body housing 2 (FIG. 2), which
correspond to a locked condition canceling mechanism. As a result,
both of the large lever portion 21 and the small lever portion 23
of the first manipulating member 20 are allowed to be pressed
upwardly, so that the first manipulating member 20 can be changed
to an unlocked condition (an operable condition) in which a turn-on
operation of the first manipulating member 20 is allowed (i.e., in
which the first manipulating member 20 can be moved from the
turn-off position toward a turn-on position).
[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, when the large lever portion 21 or the
small lever portion 23 of the first manipulating member 20 is
pressed upwardly toward in the unlocked condition of the first
manipulating member 20, the actuator lever 25 can be tilted
upwardly about the pivot shaft 26. As a result, the electrical
switch 16 can be turned on, so that the electric motor 14 can be
actuated. As shown in FIG. 1, when both of the large lever portion
21 and the small lever portion 23 of the first manipulating member
20 are released, each of the large lever portion 21 and the small
lever portion 23 can be moved in the turn-off direction by the
indirect biasing force caused by the spring force applied to the
actuator button 16a, so that the first manipulating member 20 can
be returned to the turn-off position. Simultaneously, the first
locking lever 31 can be automatically returned to the locking
position by the spring force of the torsion spring 31c.
[0050] The second locking lever 32 is positioned above the second
manipulating member 22 and is positioned in a rear portion of the
second grasping portion G2. The second locking lever 32 is formed
as an elongated rod and is laterally positioned in the main body
housing 2. The second locking lever 32 is arranged and constructed
to be moved in a lateral direction (in a front-back direction in
the drawings), so as to be positioned in a locking position and an
unlocking position. The second locking lever 32 has an interfering
portion 32a that is positioned roughly in a central portion in a
longitudinal direction thereof. Conversely, an engagement portion
22b corresponding to the interfering portion 32a of the second
locking lever 32 is formed in a front portion of the second
manipulating member 22. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the second
locking lever 32 is in the locking position, the interfering
portion 32a can be positioned above the engagement portion 22b of
the second manipulating member 22. As a result, the second
manipulating member 22 can be prevented or restricted from being
pressed upwardly (i.e., from being manipulated in the turn-on
direction thereof), so as to be maintained in a locked condition
(an inoperable condition) in which a turn-on operation (an upwardly
pressing operation) of the second manipulating member 22 is
restricted.
[0051] When the second locking lever 32 is moved laterally
(rightward or leftward) to be shifted to the unlocking position,
the interfering portion 32a positioned above the engagement portion
22b can be retracted or displaced laterally. As a result, the
second manipulating member 22 is allowed to be pressed upwardly, so
as to be changed to an unlocked condition (an operable condition).
Further, the second locking lever 32 is arranged and constructed to
be maintained in the locking position and the unlocking position by
a retainer mechanism, e.g., a click mechanism. As will be
recognized, when the second locking lever 32 is maintained in the
unlocking position, the second manipulating member 22 can be
maintained in the unlocked condition in which the turn-on operation
of the second manipulating member 22 is not restricted, which
correspond to a locked condition canceling mechanism.
[0052] As described above, in the electrical reciprocating saw 1,
the small lever portion 23 of the first manipulating member 20 is
disposed on the first grasping portion G1, i.e., a forwardmost
portion of the tool main body 10. The large lever portion 21 of the
first manipulating member 20 is disposed on the second grasping
portion G2 positioned behind the first grasping portion G1.
Further, the second manipulating member 22 is disposed on the third
grasping portion G3, i.e., a rearwardmost portion of the tool main
body 10. Therefore, when the user operates the electrical
reciprocating saw 1 while grasping the first grasping portion G1
with one hand, e.g., the left hand LH, the user can manipulate or
press the small lever portion 23 of the first manipulating member
20 by a finger (e.g., the little finger) of the hand that is
grasping the first grasping portion G1 in order to turn on the
electrical switch 16 (to actuate the electric motor 14). As a
result, it is not necessary for the user to use the other hand,
e.g., the right hand RH, in order to turn on the electrical switch
16.
[0053] Further, when the user operates the electrical reciprocating
saw 1 while grasping the second grasping portion G2 with one hand,
e.g., the left hand LH, the user can manipulate or press the large
lever portion 21 of the first manipulating member 20 with the hand
that is grasping the second grasping portion G2 in order to turn on
the electrical switch 16. Similarly, when the user operates the
electrical reciprocating saw 1 while grasping the third grasping
portion G3 with one hand, e.g., the left hand LH, the user can
manipulate or press the second manipulating member 22 with the hand
that is grasping the third grasping portion G3 in order to turn on
the electrical switch 16. Thus, regardless of whether the user
grasps the first grasping portion G1, the second grasping portion
G2 or the third grasping portion G3 with one hand, the user can
manipulate the first manipulating member 20 or the second
manipulating member 22 with the hand that is grasping the first
grasping portion G1, the second grasping portion G2 or the third
grasping portion G3 in order to turn on the electrical switch
16.
[0054] Further, when the user operates the electrical reciprocating
saw 1 while grasping the tool main body 10 with both hands, e.g.,
while grasping the first grasping portion G1 or the second grasping
portion G2 with one hand (e.g., the left hand LH) and grasping the
third grasping portion G3 with the other hand (e.g., the right hand
RH), the user can manipulate the large lever portion 21 or the
small lever portion 23 of the first manipulating member 20 or the
second manipulating member 22 with the corresponding hand in order
to turn on the electrical switch 16.
[0055] Further, the first manipulating member 20 and the second
manipulating member 22 are arranged and constructed to turn on and
off the electrical switch 16 (i.e., a single or common switch) via
the actuator lever 25 when they are manipulated or pulled.
Therefore, it is possible to provide the electrical reciprocating
saw 1 in which the electric motor 14 can be easily actuated at a
plurality of manipulating portions (i.e., the large lever portion
21 and the small lever portion 23 of the first manipulating member
20 and the second manipulating member 22) without increasing
manufacturing costs.
[0056] As described above, the electrical switch 16 is the variable
switch. Therefore, the output voltage of the electrical switch 16
(i.e., the number of rotations of the electric motor 14) can be
continuously changed by changing the manipulation distance of the
first manipulating member 20 or the second manipulating member 22.
As a result, it is possible to continuously change a reciprocating
speed of the output rod 13 (an output of the electric motor 14).
Thus, the electrical reciprocating saw 1 may have increased
operability.
[0057] Further, the first and second manipulating members 20 and 22
respectively have the locking mechanisms. Therefore, the first and
second manipulating members 20 and 22 can be effectively prevented
from being erroneously or incorrectly operated. Further, each of
the first and second manipulating members 20 and 22 has the locked
condition canceling mechanism (function) that is capable of
canceling the locked condition thereof without any complicated
operation. Therefore, each of the second manipulating members 20
and 22 can be quickly changed from the locked condition to the
unlocked condition. Thus, the electrical reciprocating saw 1 may
have increased operability.
[0058] Various changes and modifications may be made to the present
invention without departing from the scope of the previously shown
and described embodiment. For example, in the embodiment, the tool
main body 10 has the first to third grasping portions G1, G2 and
G3. Further, the small lever portion 23 and the large lever portion
21 of the first manipulating member 20 and the second manipulating
member 22 are disposed so as to respectively correspond to the
first to third grasping portions G1, G2 and G3. However, the second
grasping portions G2 and the corresponding large lever portion 21
can be omitted. To the contrary, the tool main body 10 can have
four or more grasping portions and four or more corresponding
manipulating members as necessary.
[0059] Further, the locking mechanisms and the locked condition
canceling mechanism can be omitted, if necessary.
[0060] Further, the first manipulating member 20 and the second
manipulating member 22 are arranged and constructed to turn on the
single switch (the electrical switch 16). However, the first
manipulating member 20 and the second manipulating member 22 can be
arranged and constructed to separately turn on and off two
electrical switches.
[0061] Second Embodiment
[0062] The second detailed representative embodiment will now
described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0063] Because the second embodiment relates to the first
embodiment, only the constructions and elements that are different
from the first embodiment will be explained in detail. Elements
that are the same in the first and second embodiments will be
identified by the same reference numerals and a detailed
description of such elements may be omitted.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the first
manipulating member 20 and the second manipulating member 22 are
replaced with a single third manipulating member 35. The third
manipulating member 35 extends from a rear portion of the first
grasping portion GI to a front portion of the third grasping
portion G3 and has a length greater than third part of the entire
length of a tool main body 10' of an electrical reciprocating saw
1'. The third manipulating member 35 is movably attached to a lower
surface of the main body housing 2. As shown by an outline arrow in
FIG. 4, the third manipulating member 35 is capable of moving in a
moving direction (a push-in direction) of the actuator button
16a.
[0065] The third manipulating member 35 has a finger touch portion
35g that is formed in a front end portion thereof. The finger touch
portion 35g is arranged and constructed to receive the little
finger of the hand that is grasping the first grasping portion G1.
Therefore, the user can manipulate or press the third manipulating
member 35 by the little finger of his/her hand that is grasping the
first grasping portion G1. Thus, the user can operate the
electrical reciprocating saw 1 while grasping the first grasping
portion G1 with one hand. Further, the finger touch portion 35g of
the third manipulating member 35 corresponds to the small lever
portion 23 of the first manipulating member 20 of the first
embodiment.
[0066] The third manipulating member 35 further has finger touch
portions 35a to 35d that are formed therein. The finger touch
portions 35a to 35d are positioned behind the finger touch portion
35g and are arranged and constructed to respectively receive the
index finger, the mid finger, the medicinal finger and the little
finger of the hand that is grasping the second grasping portion G2.
A portion of the third manipulating member 35 having the finger
touch portions 35a to 35d may be referred to as a front
manipulating portion corresponding to the second grasping portion
G2. The front manipulating portion corresponds to the large lever
portion 21 of the first manipulating member 20 of the first
embodiment.
[0067] Further, the third manipulating member 35 has a finger touch
portion 35e that is formed therein. The finger touch portion 35e is
positioned behind the front manipulating portion and is formed to
be continuous therewith. The finger touch portion 35e is arranged
and constructed to receive the index finger of the hand that is
grasping the third grasping portion G3. A portion of the third
manipulating member 35 having the finger touch portion 35e may be
referred to as a rear manipulating portion corresponding to the
third grasping portion G3. The rear manipulating portion
corresponds to the second manipulating member 22 of the first
embodiment.
[0068] The third manipulating member 35 has an actuator portion 35f
that is formed in a rear end portion thereof. The actuator portion
35f is positioned so as to contact the actuator button 16a of the
electrical switch 16. Therefore, when the third manipulating member
35 is obliquely pulled rearwardly and upwardly, the actuator
portion 35f can be displaced in the same direction. As a result,
the actuator button 16a can be pushed in, so that the electrical
switch 16 can be turned on. Similar to the first embodiment,
because the electrical switch 16 is the variable switch, the number
of rotations of the electric motor 14 can be continuously changed
by changing a manipulation distance of the third manipulating
member 35, so that the reciprocating speed of the output rod 13 can
be continuously changed. Thus, the electrical reciprocating saw 1
may have increased operability.
[0069] The actuator button 16a of the electrical switch 16 is
biased in the turn-off direction by the spring. Therefore, the
third manipulating member 35 can be automatically returned to an
off direction thereof when the third manipulating member 35 is
released.
[0070] According to this embodiment, the third manipulating member
35 thus constructed can be manipulated or pulled by the hand (the
left hand LH or the right hand RH) that is grasping the first
grasping portion G1. Therefore, the user can operate the electrical
reciprocating saw 1 while grasping the first grasping portion G1
(the forwardmost portion of the tool main body 10) with one hand.
Thus, the electrical reciprocating saw 1 may have increased
operability and wide variations in use.
[0071] Naturally, the user can operate the electrical reciprocating
saw 1 while grasping the first grasping portion G1 and the third
grasping portion G3 with both hands. Similarly, the user can
operate the electrical reciprocating saw 1 while grasping the
second grasping portion G2 and the third grasping portion G3 with
both hands. Further, the user can operate the electrical
reciprocating saw 1 while grasping the second grasping portion G2
or the third grasping portion G3 with one hand. In each case, the
electrical reciprocating saw 1 may have good operability.
[0072] Third Embodiment
[0073] A third embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8.
[0074] In this embodiment, an electrical reciprocating saw 110 is
exemplified as the handheld electrical power tool. The electrical
reciprocating saw 110 includes a tool main body 120 and an electric
motor (not shown) as a drive source. The electric motor is received
in the tool main body 120. The tool main body 120 has an output rod
132 that is projected forwardly from a front end portion thereof (a
right end portion in FIG. 5). As will be recognized, the output rod
132 is constructed such that a blade member or saw blade B can be
attached thereto. As will be recognized, when the electric motor is
actuated, the output rod 132 can be reciprocated. As a result, the
saw blade B can be reciprocated, so as to cut a work-piece (not
shown) such as a woody material.
[0075] The tool main body 120 has a handle portion 121 that is
formed in a rear end portion thereof (a left end portion in FIG.
5). Conversely, the tool main body 120 has a drive unit 130 that is
capable of reciprocating the output rod 132 (the saw blade B) in a
longitudinal direction (in a back and forth direction). The handle
portion 121 has a grip 122, a manipulating member 123 (a switching
member) that is formed in the grip 122, and a battery portion 124
that is formed in a lower end thereof. The grip 122 is shaped such
that a user can easily grasp the same with his/her hand. The
manipulating member 123 is formed as a trigger-type switch lever.
The manipulating member 123 may preferably be shaped such that the
user can manipulate the same by the index finger of his/her hand
that is grasping the grip 122. The battery portion 124 is shaped to
be connected to a battery pack 115 that contains a rechargeable
battery such as a lithium ion battery.
[0076] The drive unit 130 has a reciprocating motion conversion
mechanism 131. The reciprocating motion conversion mechanism 131 is
linked to an output shaft of the electric motor and the output rod
132. The output rod 132 is slidably supported by a bearing (not
shown), so as to be reciprocated in the longitudinal direction (in
the back and forth direction). Therefore, when the electric motor
is actuated, the output rod 132 can be reciprocated. Because the
drive unit 130 has a known structure, a detailed description
thereof may be omitted.
[0077] The tool main body 120 has a blade attachment device 126
that is attached to a front end portion of the output rod 132 (a
right end portion in FIG. 5). The blade attachment device 126 is
constructed to clamp a rear end portion of the saw blade B. Also,
the blade attachment device 126 has a fixing screw 127 that is
capable of fastening the clamped saw blade B. As will be
hereinafter described, in order to rotate the fixing screw 127 to
fasten the saw blade B, a small special-purpose tool T (which may
be hereinafter referred to as a utility tool) may be used. In this
embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a L-shaped hexagonal wrench
is exemplified as the special-purpose tool T. The special-purpose
tool T (the L-shaped hexagonal wrench) has a short shank portion T1
and a long shank portion T2.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 5, the tool main body 120 has a cutting
assist member or shoe member 128 that is positioned adjacent to the
front end portion of the output rod 132. The shoe member 128 is
slidably attached to the tool main body 120 via a stay 129, so that
a relative position of the shoe member 128 to the tool main body
120 can be changed. As will be recognized, the user can determine
an effective cutting range of the saw blade B by determining the
relative position of the shoe member 128 to the tool main body
120.
[0079] The tool main body 120 has a covering member 140 (an outer
cover) that is attached thereto. The covering member 140 is
positioned to cover a substantial portion of the tool main body 120
in which the reciprocating motion conversion mechanism 131 is
received. The covering member 140 may preferably be shaped such
that the user can hold or grasp the same with his/her hand. The
covering member 140 may function as a protector of the
reciprocating motion conversion mechanism 131.
[0080] The covering member 140 may preferably be made an electrical
and heat insulating material, so as to insulate electricity and
heat from the electric motor and the reciprocating motion
conversion mechanism 131. An example of the insulating material is
an elastic material (rubber), e.g., synthetic rubber, that is
capable of easily forming an undercut article.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 5, the covering member 140 has a grip
portion 141 and a guard portion 142 that are integrally formed. The
grip portion 141 covers the substantial portion of the tool main
body 120 in which the reciprocating motion conversion mechanism 131
is received. The grip portion 141 may preferably be shaped such
that the user can easily and comfortably hold or grasp the same
with his/her hand.
[0082] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the guard portion 142 is formed
in a front end periphery of the grip portion 141. The guard portion
142 is outwardly projected so as to form an annular flange 147. In
particular, the annular flange 147 of the guard portion 142 is
projected in a direction intersecting with a reciprocating
direction (a back and forth direction) of the saw blade B. Further,
in this embodiment, the annular flange 147 has a projection
distance (height) of 6 mm.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 6, the guard portion 142 includes an upper
guard portion 143 corresponding to an upper half thereof and a
lower guard portion 145 corresponding to a lower half thereof.
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the guard portion 142 is gradually
inclined forwardly from the upper guard portion 143 toward the
lower guard portion 145. In other words, the grip portion 141 is
shaped such that a lower portion thereof can be extended forwardly
than an upper portion thereof. Therefore, after the user grasps the
handle portion 121 (the grip 122) with one hand, the user can
easily grasp or hold the grip portion 141 with the other hand. In
particular, when the user uses the electrical reciprocating saw 110
in order to perform a cutting operation, the user generally grasps
the handle portion 121 (the grip 122) with his/her right hand while
holding the grip portion 141 with his/her left hand. That is, the
thumb of the left hand is positioned on the upper portion of the
grip portion 141 while the remaining fingers of the left hand are
positioned on the lower portion of the grip portion 141. At this
time, the thumb of the left hand can contact the annular flange 147
while it is positioned behind the remaining fingers of the left
hand. Thus, the user can easily grasp or hold the grip portion 141
with the other hand (the left hand).
[0084] As shown in FIG. 6, the upper guard portion 143 has an
opening 144, so that the output rod 132 can be projected forwardly
therethrough. The opening 144 is formed in a substantial portion of
the upper guard portion 143 except for the annular flange 147.
Conversely, unlike the upper guard portion 143, the lower guard
portion 145 has a limited opening. In particular, the lower guard
portion 145 has a U-shaped opening 146 passing through the same in
the longitudinal direction, so that the stay 129 of the shoe member
128 can be inserted into the tool main body 120 therethrough. The
opening 146 is formed in a central portion of the lower guard
portion 145. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, an annular peripheral
portion of the upper guard portion 143 and the lower guard portion
145, i.e., the annular flange 147, has a continuous rounded
shape.
[0085] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the lower guard portion 145 of the
guard portion 142 has a utility tool receiving (portion) slot 150
(a utility tool retainer portion) that is formed therein. The
utility tool receiving slot 150 is arranged and constructed to
receive and hold the special-purpose tool T (the utility tool) that
is used to rotate the fixing screw 127 to fasten the saw blade B.
The utility tool receiving slot 150 is shaped to hold the
special-purpose tool T using elasticity of the elastic material
(the synthetic rubber).
[0086] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the utility tool receiving slot
150 is opened in both side surfaces (right and left surfaces) of
the lower guard portion 145 such that the special-purpose tool T
can be inserted into the utility tool receiving slot 150 from both
sides thereof. That is, the utility tool receiving slot 150 has a
left-side utility tool receiving slot 150a that is opened in the
left surface of the lower guard portion 145 and a right-side
utility tool receiving slot 150b that is opened in the right
surface of the lower guard portion 145. The left-side utility tool
receiving slot 150a and the right-side utility tool receiving slot
150b are formed to be symmetrical with each other. Further, the
utility tool receiving slot 150 is shaped such that the
special-purpose tool T can be traveled in the direction
intersecting with the reciprocating direction (the back and forth
direction) of the saw blade B when the special-purpose tool T is
inserted into the utility tool receiving slot 150.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 7, the utility tool receiving slot 150 has
right and left insertion openings 151 that are respectively
vertically formed in right and left surfaces of the annular flange
147 corresponding to the lower guard portion 145. Each of the
insertion openings 151 is shaped to receive the short shank portion
T1 of the special-purpose tool T. In particular, the insertion
openings 151 are formed as receiving grooves 152 that are
respectively extended vertically upwardly from lower ends of the
right and left surface of the annular flange 147. Further, each of
the receiving grooves 152 (the insertion openings 151) has a width
and a length slightly greater than an outer diameter and a length
of the short shank portion TI of the special-purpose tool T, so as
to reliably receive the short shank portion T1 therein. Further,
the utility tool receiving slot 150 has a shank portion insertion
bore 157 that is transversely formed in the lower guard portion
145. The shank portion insertion bore 157 is communicated with
lower ends of the insertion openings 151. Further, the shank
portion insertion bore 157 has an inner diameter and a length
substantially corresponding to an outer diameter and a length of
the long shank portion T2 of the special-purpose tool T, so as to
receive the long shank portion T2 therein. The utility tool
receiving slot 150 thus constructed has a U-shape in cross
section.
[0088] As described above, the utility tool receiving slot 150 has
the left-side utility tool receiving slot 150a and the right-side
utility tool receiving slot I 50b. Therefore, the left-side utility
tool receiving slot 150a has a left insertion opening 151a that is
vertically formed in the left surface of the annular flange 147.
The left insertion opening 151 a is shaped to receive the short
shank portion T1 of the special-purpose tool T. In particular, the
insertion opening 151a is formed as a receiving groove 152a that is
extended vertically upwardly from a lower end of the left surface
of the annular flange 147. Further, the receiving groove 152a (the
left insertion opening 151a) has a width and a length slightly
greater than the outer diameter and the length of the short shank
portion T1 of the special-purpose tool T. Further, the left-side
utility tool receiving slot 150a has a shank portion insertion bore
157a that is transversely formed in the lower guard portion 145.
The shank portion insertion bore 157a is communicated with a lower
end of the left insertion opening 151 a. Further, the shank portion
insertion bore 157a has a diameter and a length substantially
corresponding to the outer diameter and the length of the long
shank portion T2 of the special-purpose tool T, so as to receive
the long shank portion T2 therein.
[0089] Conversely, the right-side utility tool receiving slot 150b
has a right insertion opening 151b that is vertically formed in the
right surface of the annular flange 147. The right insertion
opening 151b is shaped to receive the short shank portion T1 of the
special-purpose tool T. In particular, the right insertion opening
151b is formed as a receiving groove 152b that is extended
vertically upwardly from a lower end of the right surface of the
annular flange 147. Further, the receiving groove 152b (the right
insertion opening 151b) has a width and a length slightly greater
than the outer diameter and the length of the short shank portion
T1 of the special-purpose tool T. Further, the right-side utility
tool receiving slot 150b has a shank portion insertion bore 157b
that is transversely formed in the lower guard portion 145. The
shank portion insertion bore 157b is communicated with a lower end
of the right insertion opening 151b. Further, the shank portion
insertion bore 157b has a diameter and a length substantially
corresponding to the outer diameter and the length of the long
shank portion T2 of the special-purpose tool T, so as to receive
the long shank portion T2 therein. Further, as will be recognized,
the shank portion insertion bore 157b of the right-side utility
tool receiving slot 150b is shared with the shank portion insertion
bore 157a of the left-side utility tool receiving slot 150a.
[0090] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the lower guard portion 145 of
the guard portion 142 has right and left engagement projections 153
that are respectively projected into the receiving grooves 152.
That is, the lower guard portion 145 has a right engagement
projection 153a that is projected into the receiving groove 152a.
Similarly, the lower guard portion 145 has a left engagement
projection 153b that is projected into the receiving groove 152b.
As will be recognized, the right and left engagement projections
153 (153a and 153b) are respectively arranged and constructed to
prevent the special-purpose tool T from being dropped off from the
receiving grooves 152 (152a and 152b). That is, the right and left
engagement projections 153 (153a and 153b) are respectively shaped
to elastically engage the short shank portion T1 of the
special-purpose tool T when the special-purpose tool T is
introduced into the utility tool receiving slot 150 (150a and
150b). Also, the right and left engagement projections 153 (153a
and 153b) can be easily deformed, so that the special-purpose tool
T can be easily removed from the utility tool receiving slot 150
(150a and 150b) by simply pulling the same.
[0091] The inner diameter of the shank portion insertion bore 157
(157a and 157b) may preferably be slightly smaller than the outer
diameter of the long shank portion T2 such that the shank portion
insertion bore 157 (157a and 157b) can elastically hold the long
shank portion T2 when the special-purpose tool T is received in the
utility tool receiving slot 150 (150a and 150b). Further, the
length of the shank portion insertion bore 157 (157a and 157b) may
preferably be slightly longer than the length of the long shank
portion T2 of the special-purpose tool T, so as to reliably receive
the long shank portion T2 therein.
[0092] According to the electrical reciprocating saw 110, the user
can manipulate the manipulating member 123 by the index finger of
his/her hand that is grasping the grip 122. Therefore, the
electrical reciprocating saw 110 may have good operability.
[0093] The special-purpose tool T can be attached to the electrical
reciprocating saw 110 while it is received in the utility tool
receiving slot 150 that is formed as the utility tool retainer
portion. Further, the utility tool receiving slot 150 is formed in
the covering member 140 of the tool main body 120. That is, the
utility tool receiving slot 150 is formed in an existing element of
the tool main body 120 without additionally providing a special
member. Therefore, it is possible to provide the utility tool
receiving slot 150 to the tool main body 120 without increasing the
number of construction elements of the tool main body 120.
[0094] Because the utility tool receiving slot 150 is formed in the
covering member 140 that is made of the elastic material, the
special-purpose tool T can be held using the elasticity of the
elastic material. Therefore, it is possible to hold the
special-purpose tool T in the utility tool receiving slot 150
without providing an additional holding device.
[0095] Further, the utility tool receiving slot 150 is formed in
the guard portion 142 of the covering member 140 by removing a
portion thereof. Therefore, it is possible to form the utility tool
receiving slot 150 in the guard portion 142 without changing a
shape and a size of the guard portion 142 (the covering member
140).
[0096] The utility tool receiving slot 150 has the left-side
utility tool receiving slot 150a and the right-side utility tool
receiving slot 150b. Therefore, the special-purpose tool T can be
inserted into the utility tool receiving slot 150 from both sides
thereof. Thus, the user can conveniently insert the special-purpose
tool T into the utility tool receiving slot 150 regardless of which
hand of the user is a dominant hand.
[0097] Further, the utility tool receiving slot 150 is shaped such
that the special-purpose tool T can be inserted thereinto in the
direction intersecting with the reciprocating direction (the back
and forth direction) of the saw blade B. Therefore, cutting dust of
the electrical reciprocating saw 110 can be effectively avoided
from entering the utility tool receiving slot 150.
[0098] In addition, each of the shank portion insertion bore 157a
of the left-side utility tool receiving slot 150a and the shank
portion insertion bore 157b of the right-side utility tool
receiving slot 150b is formed as a common bore. Therefore, the
utility tool receiving slot 150 (the left-side and right-side
utility tool receiving slots 150a and 150b) can be compactly
formed.
[0099] Fourth Embodiment
[0100] The fourth detailed representative embodiment will now
described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11.
[0101] Because the fourth embodiment relates to the first
embodiment, only the constructions and elements that are different
from the first embodiment will be explained in detail. Elements
that are the same in the first and fourth embodiments will be
identified by the same reference numerals and a detailed
description of such elements may be omitted.
[0102] As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, a tool main body 210
of an electrical reciprocating saw 201 has a blade attachment
device 226 that is attached to the front end portion of the output
rod 13. The blade attachment device 226 is constructed to clamp a
rear end portion of a saw blade B. Also, the blade attachment
device 226 has a fixing screw 227 that is capable of fastening the
clamped saw blade B. As will be hereinafter described, in order to
rotate the fixing screw 227 to fasten the saw blade B, the small
special-purpose tool T (the utility tool) may be used. The
special-purpose tool T (the L-shaped hexagonal wrench) has the
short shank portion T1 and the long shank portion T2.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 9, the tool main body 210 has a cutting
assist member or shoe member 228 that is positioned adjacent to the
front end portion of the output rod 13. The shoe member 228 is
slidably attached to the tool main body 210 via a stay 229, so that
a relative position of the shoe member 228 to the tool main body
210 can be changed.
[0104] The tool main body 210 has a covering member 70 (an outer
cover) that is attached thereto. The covering member 70 is
positioned to cover the first grasping portion G1 and a portion of
the second grasping portion G2. The covering member 70 may
preferably be shaped such that the user can hold or grasp the same
with his/her hand. The covering member 70 may function as a
protector of the reciprocating motion conversion mechanism 15.
[0105] The covering member 70 may preferably be made an electrical
and heat insulating material, so as to insulate electricity and
heat from the electric motor and the reciprocating motion
conversion mechanism 15. An example of the electrical and heat
insulating material is an elastic material, e.g., elastic resin
(elastomer).
[0106] As shown in FIG. 9, the covering member 70 has a (right)
side wall portion 71 and a guard portion 242 that are integrally
formed. The covering member 70 covers the substantial portion of
the first grasping portion G1 and a portion of the second grasping
portion G2. The covering member 70 may preferably be shaped such
that the user can easily and comfortably hold or grasp the same
with his/her hand.
[0107] As shown in FIG. 9, the covering member 70 has a utility
tool receiving portion 77 (a utility tool retainer portion) that is
formed in the side wall portion 71. The utility tool receiving
portion 77 is arranged and constructed to receive and hold the
special-purpose tool T (the utility tool) that is used to rotate
the fixing screw 227 to fasten the saw blade B. The utility tool
receiving portion 77 is shaped to hold the special-purpose tool T
using elasticity of the elastic material (the elastic resin).
[0108] In particular, as shown in FIG. 9, the utility tool
receiving portion 77 has a partially removed vertical slot 75 and a
longitudinal recess 76 that is continuous with the vertical slot
75. The vertical slot 75 is shaped to receive the short shank
portion T1 of the special-purpose tool T. That is, the vertical
slot 75 has an inner diameter and a length corresponding to an
outer diameter and a length of the short shank portion T1 of the
special-purpose tool T. Conversely, the longitudinal recess 76 is
shaped to receive the long shank portion T2 of the special-purpose
tool T. That is, the longitudinal recess 76 has a width and a
length corresponding to an outer diameter and a length of the long
shank portion T2 of the special-purpose tool T.
[0109] Further, the width of the longitudinal recess 76 is slightly
smaller than the outer diameter of the long shank portion T2 of the
special-purpose tool T such that the long shank portion T2 can be
reliably held in the longitudinal recess 76 by an elastic force of
the elastic material (the covering member 70) when the long shank
portion T2 is fitted into the longitudinal recess 76. That is, the
longitudinal recess 76 is shaped to be elastically deformed when
the long shank portion T2 is fitted thereinto.
[0110] In order to attach the special-purpose tool T to the tool
main body 210, the short shank portion T1 can be inserted into the
vertical slot 75 from below. Thereafter, the long shank portion T2
can be inserted or fitted into the longitudinal recess 76 while the
short shank portion T1 is inserted into the vertical slot 75. Thus,
the special-purpose tool T can be attached to the tool main body
210.
[0111] The electrical reciprocating saw 201 thus constructed may
have the substantially same effects as the electrical reciprocating
saw 1 of the first embodiment. That is, the user can easily touch
or manipulate at least one of the first and second manipulating
members 20 and 22 regardless of whether the user grips the tool
main body 210 with one hand or both hands.
[0112] Further, the utility tool receiving portion 77 as the
utility tool retainer portion of the special-purpose tool T is
formed in the covering member 70 of the tool main body 210. That
is, the utility tool receiving portion 77 is formed in an existing
element of the tool main body 210 without additionally providing a
special member. Therefore, it is possible to provide the utility
tool receiving portion 77 to the tool main body 210 without
increasing the number of construction elements of the tool main
body 210.
[0113] Because the utility tool receiving portion 77 is formed in
the covering member 70 that is made of the elastic material, the
special-purpose tool T can be held using the elasticity of the
elastic material. Therefore, it is possible to hold the
special-purpose tool T in the utility tool receiving portion 77
without providing an additional holding device.
[0114] Further, the utility tool receiving portion 77 is formed in
the covering member 70 (the side wall portion 71) by partially
removing a portion thereof. Therefore, it is possible to form the
utility tool receiving portion 77 in the covering member 70 without
changing a shape and a size of the covering member 70.
[0115] Fifth Embodiment
[0116] The fifth detailed representative embodiment will now
described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.
[0117] Because the fourth embodiment relates to the fourth
embodiment, only the constructions and elements that are different
from the fourth embodiment will be explained in detail. Elements
that are the same in the fourth and fifth embodiments will be
identified by the same reference numerals and a detailed
description of such elements may be omitted.
[0118] As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, a tool main body
310 of an electrical reciprocating saw 301 has a covering member 90
(an outer cover) that is attached thereto. Similar to the covering
member 70 of the fourth embodiment, the covering member 90 is
positioned to cover the first grasping portion G1 and a portion of
the second grasping portion G2. The covering member 90 may
preferably be shaped such that the user can hold or grasp the same
with his/her hand. Further, similar to the covering member 70 of
the fourth embodiment, the covering member 90 may preferably be
made an electrical and heat insulating material. An example of the
electrical and heat insulating material is an elastic material,
e.g., elastic resin (elastomer).
[0119] As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the covering member 90 has a
(right) side wall portion 91 and a bottom wall portion 92. The
covering member 90 has a utility tool receiving portion 97 (a
utility tool retainer portion) that is formed in the side wall
portion 91. The utility tool receiving portion 97 is arranged and
constructed to receive and hold the special-purpose tool T. The
utility tool receiving portion 97 is shaped to hold the
special-purpose tool T using elasticity of the elastic material
(the elastic resin).
[0120] In particular, as best shown in FIG. 14, the utility tool
receiving portion 97 has a lateral bore 95 that is formed in the
bottom wall portion 92 so as to be transversely extended
therealong, and a longitudinal recess 96 that is formed in the side
wall portion 91 so as to be continuous with the lateral bore 95.
The lateral bore 95 is shaped to receive the short shank portion T1
of the special-purpose tool T. That is, the lateral bore 95 has an
inner diameter and a length corresponding to the outer diameter and
the length of the short shank portion T1 of the special-purpose
tool T. Conversely, the longitudinal recess 96 is shaped to receive
the long shank portion T2 of the special-purpose tool T. That is,
the longitudinal recess 96 has a width and a length corresponding
to the outer diameter and the length of the long shank portion T2
of the special-purpose tool T.
[0121] Further, the width of the longitudinal recess 96 is slightly
smaller than the outer diameter of the long shank portion T2 of the
special-purpose tool T such that the long shank portion T2 can be
reliably held in the longitudinal recess 96 by an elastic force of
the elastic material (the covering member 90) when the long shank
portion T2 is received in the longitudinal recess 96. That is, the
longitudinal recess 96 is shaped to be elastically deformed when
the long shank portion T2 is fitted thereinto.
[0122] In order to attach the special-purpose tool T to the tool
main body 310, the short shank portion T1 can be simply inserted
into the lateral bore 95 from right to left. Thereafter, the long
shank portion T2 can be inserted or fitted into the longitudinal
recess 96 while the short shank portion T1 is inserted into the
lateral bore 95. Thus, the special-purpose tool T can be attached
to the tool main body 310.
[0123] The electrical reciprocating saw 301 thus constructed may
have the substantially same effects as the electrical reciprocating
saw 201 of the fourth embodiment.
[0124] Various changes and modifications may be made to the present
invention without departing from the scope of the previously shown
and described embodiments. For example, in the embodiments the
small electrical reciprocating saw is exemplified as the handheld
electrical power tool. However, a jig saw or other such electrical
reciprocating tools can be used as the handheld electrical power
tool.
[0125] Further, in the embodiments, the covering member that is
positioned to cover the substantial portion of the tool main body
is exemplified as the outer cover. However, the outer cover is not
limited to such a covering member.
[0126] In the embodiments, the utility tool receiving portion is
formed as a combination of the slot, the groove and the bore.
However, the utility tool receiving portion may have various
shapes. Further, the number and the position of the utility tool
receiving portion can be changed as necessary.
[0127] Further, the utility tool receiving portion is formed to
receive the hexagonal wrench that is exemplified as the
special-purpose tool T. However, the utility tool receiving portion
can be modified to receive various tools other than the hexagonal
wrench.
[0128] Further, the utility tool receiving portion is formed in the
outer cover that is made of the synthetic rubber or the elastic
resin (elastomer). However, the utility tool receiving portion can
be formed in an outer cover that is made of natural rubber or other
such elastic materials.
[0129] Representative examples of the present invention have been
described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. This
detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill
in the art further details for practicing preferred aspects of the
present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention. Only the claims define the scope of the claimed
invention. Therefore, combinations of features and steps disclosed
in the foregoing detail description may not be necessary to
practice the invention in the broadest sense, and are instead
taught merely to particularly describe detailed representative
examples of the invention. Moreover, the various features taught in
this specification may be combined in ways that are not
specifically enumerated in order to obtain additional useful
embodiments of the present invention.
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