POWER TOOL ASSEMBLY, POWER TOOL BASE AND WORKPIECE CLAMP ASSEMBLY THEREFOR

A power tool assembly includes a base having a work surface, which is configured to receive a workpiece. A workpiece clamp assembly is moveably mountable on the work surface. The workpiece clamp assembly has a moveable clamp mount configured to fix the workpiece claim assembly in a plurality of different positions on the work surface, a clamp arm being operatively engageable with the moveable clamp mount and configured to move in a direction towards the fence, and at least one locking pin moveable between a first position and a second with respect to the moveable clamp mount wherein in the first position the at least one locking pin is configured to fix the workpiece clamp assembly to the base and in the second position the at least one locking pin is configured to release the workpiece clamp assembly from the base.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to a power tool assembly, power tool base and workpiece clamp assembly therefor. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a chop saw assembly, a chop saw base and workpiece clamp assembly therefor.

Description of Related Art

Some power tools such as a chop saw are often used to cut a workpiece on a worksite. It is usual to adequately secure the workpiece before operation of the chop saw to ensure safe working.

One known base for a chop saw is shown inFIG.7. The base comprises an adjustable clamp which is mounted to the base via a fixed quick release mechanism. The quick release mechanism engages with a threaded rod. A problem with this arrangement is that the threaded rod must project out from the base when clamping large work pieces. This can be inconvenient for the user when moving round the workpiece and the chop saw base.

It is also known to secure a workpiece using a chop saw having a base comprising a different type of clamp e.g. as shown in EP 2 985 101.

EP 2 985 101 shows the base having a work surface and an adjustable clamp having a frame which is releasably attached to the work surface in a number of different positions. This means that the adjustable clamp can be positioned to accommodate different sized work pieces.

A problem with EP 2 985 101 is that the frame attaches to a plurality of slots in the base via a plurality of elongate hooks. The slots and hooks require careful alignment before the frame is securely attached to the base. Furthermore, the frame is only securely fixed to the base when the clamp is actively clamping the workpiece against a fence. This means that the user may not securely fix the clamp in place or the frame can accidently fall out of the base.

SUMMARY

Examples of the present disclosure aim to address the aforementioned problems.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure there is a power tool assembly comprising: a base having a work surface, the work surface configured to receive a workpiece; a power tool mounted on the base; a fence mounted to the work surface; and a workpiece clamp assembly moveably mountable on the work surface, the workpiece clamp assembly having: a moveable clamp mount configured to fix the workpiece claim assembly in a plurality of different positions on the work surface; a clamp arm, the clamp arm operatively engageable with the moveable clamp mount and configured to move in a direction towards the fence; and at least one locking pin moveable between a first position and a second with respect to the moveable clamp mount wherein in the first position the at least one locking pin is configured to fix the workpiece clamp assembly to the base and in the second position the at least one locking pin is configured to release the workpiece clamp assembly from the base.

Optionally, the moveable clamp mount is slidably engageable with an elongate slot in the base.

Optionally, the moveable clamp mount comprises a body portion and a slot guide wherein the body portion is mounted on the work surface and the slot guide is configured to project through the slot.

Optionally, the slot guide comprises a guide shoulder portion facing an underside surface of the base opposite to the work surface and configured to prevent the slot guide from being removed from the slot.

Optionally, the work surface comprises a plurality of reciprocal holes configured to receive the at least one locking pin when in the first position.

Optionally, the at least one locking pin comprises a first locking pin on a first side of the moveable clamp mount and a second locking pin on a second side of the moveable clamp mount.

Optionally, the first locking pin is mounted on a first side of the clamp arm and the second locking pin is mounted on a second side of the clamp arm.

Optionally, the at least one locking pin is biased to the first position.

Optionally, the at least one locking pin is spring biased to the first position.

Optionally, the at least one locking pin is coupled to a user actuated handle.

Optionally, the at least one locking pin is configured to move in a different direction to the direction of movement of the clamp arm.

Optionally, the at least one locking is configured to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the clamp arm.

Optionally, the clamp arm comprises a threaded portion engageable with a reciprocal threaded bore in the moveable clamp mount.

Optionally, the clamp arm comprises a clamping plate configured to clamp against the workpiece.

Optionally, the clamping plate is pivotally coupled to the clamp arm.

Optionally, the power tool is a chop saw.

Optionally, the power tool is pivotally mounted to the power tool base.

In another aspect of the disclosure, there is a power tool base comprising: at least one mounting element configured to mount a power tool to the power tool base; a work surface configured to receive a workpiece; a fence mounted to the work surface; a workpiece clamp assembly moveably mountable to the work surface, and the workpiece clamp assembly comprises: a moveable clamp mount configured to fix the workpiece claim assembly in a plurality of different positions on the work surface; a clamp arm, the clamp arm operatively engageable with the moveable clamp mount and configured to move in a direction towards the fence; and at least one locking pin moveable between a first position with respect to the moveable clamp mount configured to fix the workpiece clamp assembly to the power tool base and a second position with respect to the moveable clamp mount configured to release the workpiece clamp assembly from the power tool base.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, there is a workpiece clamp assembly for a power tool base moveably mountable on a work surface of the power tool base, the workpiece clamp assembly having: a moveable clamp mount configured to fix the workpiece claim assembly in a plurality of different positions on the work surface; a clamp arm, the clamp arm operatively engageable with the moveable clamp mount and configured to move in a direction towards a fence; and at least one locking pin moveable between a first position and a second with respect to the moveable clamp mount wherein in the first position the at least one locking pin is configured to fix the workpiece clamp assembly to the base and in the second position the at least one locking pin is configured to release the workpiece clamp assembly from the base.

Optionally, the power tool is a chop saw.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1shows a perspective view of a power tool base100. The power tool base100comprises a work surface102for receiving a workpiece600(best shown inFIG.6). The work surface102comprises a flat or substantially flat surface to receive the workpiece600. The flat surface of the work surface102allows the workpiece600to rest stably on the work surface102. The work surface102is a top surface110of the power tool base100.

The power tool base100comprises a power tool mounting104. The power tool mounting104is configured to engage with a power tool (not shown) such that the power tool is coupled to the power tool base100. As shown inFIG.1, the power tool mounting104comprises pivot holes106configured to receive a pivot rod (not shown). The power tool is then pivotally coupled to the power tool base100via the pivot rod and the pivot holes106. This means that the power tool, when mounted to the power tool base100, is configured to pivot with respect to the power tool base100. A dotted arrow A is shown inFIG.1representing an example of the pivotal movement of the power tool about the pivot holes106when pivotally coupled to the power tool base100.

In some examples, the power tool is a chop saw (not shown). In this way, when the chop saw is pivotally mounted to the power tool mounting104, the chop saw is permitted to pivot between a non-cutting position and a cutting position. Whilst the term power tool will be used below, the power tool pivotally mountable to the power tool base100as shown in the Figures is a chop saw.

The power tool and the power tool base100will be referred collectively as a power tool assembly. For the purposes of clarity, the power tool has not been shown in the Figures.

However, in some other examples, other power tools can be mounted to the power tool base100. For example, a plunge saw, a drill, an oscillating tool or any other suitable power tool can be mounted to the power tool base100. In this case, the power tool mounting104can be replaced with another suitable power tool mounting104configured to couple to e.g. the drill. In this case, the power tool can be slidably moveable with respect to the power tool base100rather than pivotally moveable as shown inFIG.1.

The work surface102of the power tool base100comprises a cutting tool slot108for receiving a blade (not shown) of the power tool when the power tool is lowered towards the power tool base100during operation. In this way, the blade e.g. a rotating circular saw blade of a chop saw projects through the cutting tool hole108when the power tool has been lowered. This means that the blade does not engage the power tool base100during operation. The cutting tool hole108is elongate along the length of the power tool base100as shown inFIG.1. The cutting tool hole108extends in a direction parallel with a longitudinal axis B-B of power tool base100. However, in other examples, the cutting tool hole108can be shaped differently to accommodate different types and shapes of cutting tool.

A fence112is mountable to the power tool base100. The fence112is mounted in a mounting slot114. The mounting slot114extends in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis B-B of power tool base100. The longitudinal axis B-B as shown inFIG.1is also colinear with the axis of the mounting slot114. The mounting slot114is also parallel with the cutting tool hole108. The fence112comprises a fence workpiece surface116configured to engage a first workpiece surface602of the workpiece600(best shown inFIG.6).

In some examples, the fence112is moveable in order to accommodate different shapes and sizes of the workpiece600. Alternatively, or additionally, moving the fence112with respect to the power tool base100allows the power tool e.g. the chop saw to make angled cuts in the workpiece600. In some examples, the fence112is moveable along the length of the mounting slot114. Additionally, or alternatively, the fence112is rotatable with respect to the work surface102. This means that the workpiece600can be orientated so that the workpiece600is not perpendicular to the cutting tool hole108.

By way of example, reference is made toFIG.6which shows an exemplary workpiece600with a rectangular cross section clamped in a position such that the workpiece600is perpendicular to the cutting tool hole108. The workpiece600as shown inFIG.6may be, for example, a portion of 2″×4″ (38 mm×89 mm).

The fence112is clamped in position with respect to the work surface102via a clamping bolt118e.g. M10 bolt or alternatively a nut.

The power tool base100optionally comprises rubber feet122mounted at each corner of the power tool base100in order to keep the power tool base100stable during operation of the power tool.

The power tool base100comprises a workpiece clamp assembly120configured to clamp and hold the workpiece600against the fence workpiece surface116of the fence112. The workpiece clamp assembly120will now be discussed in more detail below.

FIG.6shows a side view of the power tool base100according to an example. The workpiece clamp assembly120and the fence112are moveably mounted to the work surface102. As shown inFIG.6, both the workpiece clamp assembly120and the fence112are configured to move along the axis B-B of the mounting slot114. In some examples workpiece clamp assembly120is configured to be moveable with respect to the work surface102towards and away from the fence112as indicated by double ended arrow C.

In some examples fence112is also configured to be moveable with respect to the work surface102towards and away from the workpiece clamp assembly120as indicated by double ended arrow D.

In other examples, the fence112can be fixed in position with respect to the work surface102. In this example, only the workpiece clamp assembly120is moveable with respect to the work surface102. In more preferable examples both the fence112and the workpiece clamp assembly120are both configured to move with respect to the work surface102. This provides increased flexibility for clamping different sized and shaped workpieces600.

The workpiece clamp assembly120will now be described in more detail with respect toFIGS.1,2,3a,3b,4and5.FIG.2shows a perspective view of part of the workpiece clamp assembly120.FIGS.3aand3bshow a cross-sectional front view of part of the power tool base100including the workpiece clamp assembly120with the workpiece clamp assembly120in different modes of operation.FIG.4shows a cross-sectional side view of part of the workpiece clamp assembly120.FIG.5shows a perspective view of the workpiece clamp assembly120.

The workpiece clamp assembly120is configured to move between a plurality of different positions on the work surface102. Each of the plurality of different positions is predetermined by a series of locator holes124,128in the work surface102. A first locator hole124is configured to receive a first locking pin200(as shown inFIG.2) of a first locking mechanism502. The first locator hole124in some examples is mounted on a left side e.g. a left side locator hole124. The first locking pin200will be described in more detail below. The first locking pin200in some examples is mounting on a left side e.g. a left side locking pin124.

For the purposes of clarity, only some of the locator holes124,128are labelled inFIG.1. The locator holes124,128provide a plurality of discrete workpiece clamp assembly120locations on the work surface102. The locator holes124,128are positioned one either side of the mounting slot114e.g. on a left side and a right side of the mounting slot114. In this way, the operator can move the workpiece clamp assembly120stepwise from a peripheral position adjacent to an edge126of the power tool base100to a position adjacent the fence112.

The locator holes124,128as shown inFIG.1andFIGS.3a,3bare open holes and the first locking pin200and the second locking pin202are configured to protrude therethrough. In other examples, the locator holes124,128can be blind holes (not shown) and the first locking pin200and the second locking pin202do not protrude through to the underside of the power tool base100.

The workpiece clamp assembly120is shown in isolation inFIG.5. The workpiece clamp assembly120comprises a moveable clamp mount500. The moveable clamp mount500is configured to fix the workpiece clamp assembly120in a plurality of different securing positions on the work surface102. The moveable clamp mount500comprises a first locking mechanism502and a second locking mechanism504. In some examples, the first locking mechanism502and the second locking mechanism504as respectively mounted on a left side and a right side of the workpiece clamp assembly120e.g. a left side locking mechanism502and a right side locking mechanism504. The first and second locking mechanisms502,504are configured to secure the workpiece clamp assembly120to the work surface102.

The first locking mechanism502comprises a first locking pin200. The first locking pin200is moveable between a first position and a second position with respect to the moveable clamp mount500. In some examples, the first position is an “up” position and the second position is a “down” position. In other examples the first and second positions can be orientated in any direction with respect to each other. When the first locking pin200is in the first position, the first locking pin200is configured to engage with the first locator hole124. Since the first locking pin200projects through the first locator hole124in the work surface102, the first locking pin200fixes the workpiece clamp assembly120to the power tool base100.FIG.3ashows the workpiece clamping assembly120and the first locking pin200in the first position whereby the first locking pin200has been lowered through the first locator hole124.FIG.4also shows the workpiece clamping assembly120in the same fixed arrangement as shown inFIG.3a, however, the cross-sectional view inFIG.4does not show the first locking pin200for the purposes of clarity.

When the first locking pin200is in the second position or “down” position, the first locking pin200is configured to disengage with the first locator hole124. Since the first locking pin200no longer projects through the first locator hole124, the first locking pin200releases the workpiece clamp assembly120from the power tool base100.FIGS.3bshows the first locking pin200in the second position whereby the first locking pin200has been raised above the first locator hole124and free from the work surface102.

In some examples, the first locking pin200is configured to move from the first position to the second position in a direction substantially perpendicular from the longitudinal axis B-B of the power tool base100. As shown inFIG.3athis means that the user lifts the handle204up away from the work surface102as indicated by arrow E.

In some examples, the first locking mechanism502comprises a first biasing element306configured to urge the first locking pin200towards the first position. In some examples, the first biasing element306is a first compression spring306mounted on the first locking pin200. The first compression spring306engages a first pin shoulder portion308at a first end of the first compression spring306. The first compression spring306also engages a first inner mount surface310at a second end of the first compression spring306. When the first locking pin200is moved into the second position as shown inFIG.3b, the first compression spring306compresses and urges the first locking pin200back into the first position. WhilstFIGS.3aand3bshow the first biasing element306is a first compression spring306, any suitable biasing means or mechanisms can be used e.g. a leaf spring, a tension spring, a resilient rubber pad etc.

In some less preferred examples, the first locking mechanism502does not comprise a first biasing element306. Instead, the first locking pin200is biased to the first locking position under the force of gravity alone.

In some examples the workpiece clamp assembly120optionally comprises a single locking mechanism e.g. the first locking mechanism502as shown inFIG.5. In this case, only a first set of locator holes124are provided on one side of the mounting slot114. The first locking pin200as shown inFIGS.2and5is optionally cylindrical and the first locking pin200is configured to engage a circular locator hole124.

However, in some alternative examples, the first locking pin200comprises a different cross-sectional shape e.g. square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, star shaped or any other suitable cross sectional shape. If the cross sectional shape of the first locking pin200is not circular the workpiece clamp assembly120is prevented from rotating with respect to the work surface102.

In more preferred examples and shown inFIGS.1,2,3a,3b,4and5, the workpiece clamp assembly120optionally comprises a second locking mechanism504e.g. as best shown inFIG.5. The second locking mechanism504comprises a second locking pin202which is configured to engage with a second locator hole128. In some examples, the second locking mechanism504and the second locking pin202are mounted on a right side of the mounting slot114, e.g. a right side locking mechanism504, a right side locking pin202. The same way, the second locator hole128is mounted on the right side of the mounting slot114e.g. a right side locator hole128. The second locking mechanism504is configured to function in the same way as described with respect to the first locking mechanism502. By having a first locking pin200and a second locking pin202respectively engaging the first locator hole124and the second locator hole128, the workpiece clamp assembly120is prevented from rotating with respect to the work surface102. Furthermore, the workpiece clamp assembly120is better secured to the work surface102.

Similar to the first locking pin200, the second locking pin202is also biased to the first position. In this way the second locking mechanism504comprises a second biasing element312configured to urge the second locking pin202towards the first position. In some examples, the second biasing element312is a second compression spring312mounted on the second locking pin202. The second compression spring312engages a second pin shoulder portion314at a first end of the second compression spring312. The second compression spring312also engages a second inner mount surface316at a second end of the second compression spring312.

The first locking mechanism502and the second locking mechanism504are configured to be operated in unison. Accordingly, when the first locking pin200is moved from the first position to the second position, so does the second locking pin202move from the first position to the second position.

The first locking pin200and the second locking pin202are connected together by a handle204. The first locking pin200and the second locking pin202project through respective handle holes302,304(as shown inFIG.3a). The first locking pin200and the second locking pin202are secured to the handle204via C clips206,208. The handle204comprises an upwardly projecting U-shape so that a user can grip and pull the handle204away from the power tool base100. In other words, the user pulls the handle204upwardly as shown by arrow G as shown inFIG.2.

The first locking pin200is on a first side516of the moveable clamp mount500and the second locking pin202is mounted on a second side518of the moveable clamp mount500. The first locking pin200is mounted on a first side of a clamp rod assembly506and the second locking pin202is mounted on a second side of the clamp rod assembly506.

The clamp rod assembly506is shown in more detail inFIG.5. The workpiece clamp assembly120comprises the clamp rod assembly506. The clamp rod assembly506is operatively engageable with the moveable clamp mount500. The clamp rod assembly506comprises a threaded rod508which is threaded into a threaded bore210of the moveable clamp mount500. The clamp rod assembly506can comprise a threaded rod508which is threaded along the entirety of its length as shown inFIG.5or alternatively which is threaded along only a portion of its length as shown inFIG.4.

The clamp rod assembly506is moved with respect to the moveable clamp mount500by rotating the threaded rod508in the threaded bore210. In some examples, the user can optionally rotate the threaded rod508by twisting the knob510. Instead, any suitable device or means can be used to rotate the threaded rod508as required.

The clamp rod assembly506comprises a clamping plate512configured to clamp against a second workpiece surface604of the workpiece600. When the threaded rod508rotates with respect to the threaded bore210, the clamping plate512is configured to move in a direction towards or away from the fence112as indicated by doubled ended arrow F inFIG.4. The clamping plate512is pivotally mounted on a pivot rod514and the pivot rod514is fixed to the threaded rod508. This means that the clamping plate512can be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis B-B of the power tool base100e.g. when the fence112has also been angled or the workpiece600comprises an angled surface.

Turning back toFIGS.1and2, the movement of the workpiece clamp assembly120with respect to the work surface102will be discussed in more detail. The moveable clamp mount500comprises a body portion212and a slot guide214.

The body portion212can comprise a lattice structure as shown inFIG.2. Alternatively, the body portion212can comprise a solid structure as shown inFIGS.3aand3b.

When the workpiece clamp assembly120is mounted on the power tool base100, the body portion212is mounted adjacent to the work surface102and the slot guide214is configured to project through the mounting slot114. The slot guide214comprises a guide shoulder portion216projecting laterally under the mounting slot114. The guide shoulder portion216faces an underside surface318of the power tool base100opposite the work surface102.

The guide shoulder portion216laterally projects under the body portion212and defines a first retaining slot320and a second retaining slot322. The first retaining slot320and the second retaining slot322are configured to receive a portion of the power tool base100which adjacent to the mounting slot114. The slot guide214and the guide shoulder portion216are configured to prevent the slot guide214and the workpiece clamp assembly120from being removed from the mounting slot114. In particular, the slot guide214and the guide shoulder portion216are configured to prevent movement in an upwards direction away from the work surface102(e.g. direction E shown inFIG.3a).

This means that the moveable clamp mount500is slidably engageable with the work surface102. That is, when the first and second locking pins200,202are in the second position, the user can slide the workpiece clamp assembly120along the mounting slot114. When the workpiece clamp assembly120is located above new locator holes124,128, the first and second locking pins200,202are urged into the locator holes124,128. This means that the workpiece clamp assembly120is automatically locked in position on the power tool base100. Optionally the first and second locking pins202,204comprise chamfered surfaces324,326to help the first and second locking pins200,202enter and exit the locator holes124,128.

The mounting slot114comprises a larger opening130at one end of the mounting slot114as shown inFIG.1. The opening130is configured to receive the slot guide214into the mounting slot114. In this way, the user inserts the slot guide214into the opening130when assembling the workpiece clamp assembly120and the power tool base100.

As shown inFIG.4, in some examples the pivot rod514optionally comprises a retaining plate400coupled to a portion402of the pivot rod514which projects below the work surface102. Similar to the guide shoulder portion216, the retaining plate400prevents the pivot rod514and the clamping plate512from being lifted upwards away from the power tool base100and out of the mounting slot114. Similarly, the user inserts the retaining plate400into the opening130when assembling the workpiece clamp assembly120and the power tool base100.

In contrast to the known power tool base as shown inFIG.7, advantageously, the first and second locking mechanisms502,504operate independently from the clamp rod assembly506. This means that the workpiece clamp assembly120is easier to release from the power tool base100. In addition, the first and second locking mechanisms502,504are more reliable. Since the workpiece clamp assembly120is not permanently fixed on the power tool base100, the workpiece clamp assembly120can be more compact when compared to the arrangement shown inFIG.7. This means that the workpiece clamp assembly120does not protrude off the edge126of the power tool base100. The user can therefore move around the power tool base100more easily.

In another example, two or more examples are combined. Features of one example can be combined with features of other examples.

Examples of the present disclosure have been discussed with particular reference to the examples illustrated. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the examples described within the scope of the disclosure.