Tool release mechanism with spring-receiving guided element

摘要

Coupling mechanisms for engaging and releasing a tool attachment such as a socket from a drive element include an engaging element and an actuating element. The actuating element can include a collar or other manually-accessible part, and various features allow for a relatively small outside diameter for the collar or other part. These features include configuring the actuating element to contact the engaging element within the drive element, placing the biasing elements within the drive element, and forming guides for parts of the actuating element within the drive element. A guided element is coupled between the engaging element and a biasing element and is arranged to partially overlap the biasing element.

主权项

1. A tool for detachably engaging a tool attachment, said tool comprising:
a drive element for transmitting torque to the tool attachment, said drive element having a longitudinal axis; and a mechanism for altering engagement forces between the tool attachment and the drive element, said mechanism comprising:
an actuating element moveably carried by the drive element and movable with respect to the drive element by a user;an engaging element to engage the tool attachment, wherein the engaging element is moveably carried within a bore provided in the drive element and that is oriented at an obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis and wherein the actuating element is coupled to the engaging element at a region positioned at least partly within a channel formed in the drive element;a biasing element biasing the engaging element toward engagement with the tool attachment wherein the biasing element is disposed entirely on one side of the longitudinal axis and wherein a biasing force at the biasing element is oriented at an angle to a path of a portion of the engaging element that receives the biasing force; and,a guided element coupled between the engaging element and the biasing element, said guided element being movable relative to the engaging element and also coupled to the actuating element such that user-initiated movement of the actuating element in a selected direction causes the guided element at least in part to overcome the biasing force of the biasing element;said guided element partially overlapping the biasing element along the longitudinal axis.