EP2007553B1 - Self-opening tool - Google Patents

Abstract

The tool has tool halves (2, 3) that cross over each other at a joint (4), where one of the halves forms a jaw (5) and a handle (6) on corresponding sides of the joint. The handle has a spring (8) made of elastically deformable rubber or plastic material. The spring comes into contact with the handle depending on inclination of the handle and generation of appropriate restoring force in an operating position of the spring. The handle is accommodated in a handle case, and the spring is supported on the handle in a for-fit manner to maintain the operating position or non-operating position.

Description

The invention firstly relates to a hand tool with two tool halves crossing in a joint, in particular in the form of pliers, scissors or the like, wherein a tool half forms a jaw on one side of the joint and a handle on the other side of the joint, wherein a handle is further formed a spring element is assigned consisting of an elastically deformable rubber or plastic material having an opening which is penetrated by the handle and can be selectively brought by rotation from a non-operative position in at least one operative position, in which operative position the spring element in response to a spread the handles and generating corresponding restoring force comes into contact with the opposite handle.

A generic hand tool in the form of pliers, for example, from the German utility model 75 08 863 known. The opening of the spring element has a circular cross-section. Due to the circular opening, the individual positions of the spring element are not precisely defined. An unwanted displacement of the spring element may be the result. The spring element is made of an elastic material and is held solely by the resulting holding force of the elastic material on the handle of the pliers.

The invention has for its object to further develop a hand tool described above advantageous use.

This object is achieved initially and essentially in a hand tool with the features of claim 1, wherein it is based on the fact that the handle is received in a handle cover and that compliance with an operative position or Extrawirkstellung the spring element is supported by positive locking.

Such a ausgestaltetes hand tool is advantageous in use for the user as is held by a positive fit, the spring element in the respective position and can be reliably fixed to the tool half by a handle cover which is usually captive on the corresponding portion of the mold half , For example, by a hinge-side edge of the handle cover is used to fix the spring element on the mold half. In addition, the benefits associated with such a handle cover anyway (insulation, handle contour etc.) can also be used in combination with a spring element as described here. Due to the positive locking unwanted twisting of the spring element during use of the hand tool is usually no problem. Furthermore, the spring element can also be designed so that it can be arranged in a form-fitting manner in different operative positions relative to the opposite handle, which leads accordingly to different spring characteristics or different opening angles between the jaws with a relaxed spring. The positive connection can be given both between the spring element and the handle, as well as between the spring element and the handle cover. This also in the form of a catch. For example, a latching in the region of the opening of the spring element or a latch in cooperation with a flat side of the spring element and the handle cover. It can be provided a plurality of Verrastungsstellungen, preferably associated with different operative positions of the spring.

Furthermore, features are described which preferably have in combination with the features of claim 1 meaning.

Thus, it is provided that the handle cover passes through the opening of the spring element. The spring element thus sits on the handle cover. The positive connection results here between the spring element and the handle cover. The fact that the handle cover penetrates the spring element, the usual insulation protection of the handle cover can be obtained. The complete coverage by insulating plastic of the corresponding section of the mold half is guaranteed.

Further preferred is - seen over the respective length - to achieve the positive fit of the handle or the handle cover in cross-section out of round and shaped the opening of the spring element in cross section the portion of the handle or the handle cover. The non-circular cross-section is in particular a polygon, for example a cross-section oriented in a square. The corners can be rounded to suit the material. Notwithstanding this, the cross section may also be one which is oriented on a pentagon, hexagon, octagon or the like. It can also be an oval cross-section. The cross-section is preferably chosen so that the different operative positions or extra-active position are taken and held stable, but still one of manual adjustment is readily possible.

Preferably, the spring element is arranged on the hinge side of a support shoulder formed on the handle shell. Even with penetrated by the handle shell spring element this is prevented from sliding. The spring element is trapped between the support shoulder and the joint. Furthermore, the support shoulder is preferably adapted to the plan of the spring element in the non-action position. In the Nichtwirkstellung corresponds to the combined with the spring element handle cover so the usual handle cover, the joint-side thickening, which prevent slipping of the hand toward the joint should, thickened is formed. In that regard, then the grips of the two tool halves are also designed differently.

The handle cover, which passes through the spring element, preferably forms hinge side of the spring element - suitably: also, that is, in addition to the support shoulder already described - a shoulder. As a result, the spring element can not, which could be disturbing, be pushed beyond the shoulder to the joint. A defined distance of the spring element to the joint can be maintained. The spring element - optionally secured by the shoulder - is suitably arranged at a distance from the outer contour of the joint. The distance may correspond to 1 to 4 times, preferably 1 to 2 times the thickness of the spring element in the axial direction of the tool half or the handle cover. The dimension preferably corresponds to 1½ times the thickness dimension of the spring element. In principle, it is also possible to displaceably arrange the spring element between the shoulder and the support shoulder in the axial direction of the handle cover. In order to achieve this also a further variation of the impact positions. However, an axially immovable arrangement is preferred.

Preferably, the shoulder has a smaller floor plan than the support shoulder. This according to their function, primarily to ensure only the axial securing of the spring element. In addition, as an exposed loading surface of the spring element (wide side, joint side) can be achieved, which can also be used to actuate the spring element. The smaller floor plan of the shoulder is also advantageous in the sense that the spring element for mounting - with elastic expansion - can be performed over the shoulder (and then possibly only the so combined handle cover can be pushed onto the mold half).

The spring element is preferably geometrically designed in further detail so that due to the geometry results in a specific or over the circumference and individual working positions assigned different spring characteristic. It is thus preferable to provide at least one recess in the spring element. This recess - preferably formed as a passage recess - is located in the effective range of the spring element. Due to the design of the recesses in detail, the spring action of the spring element can be set as desired. The recess, which preferably extends in the thickness direction of the spring element, can also pass into the already existing opening. It can be a large recess or it can also be formed many small recesses in the spring element. The recesses can enforce the spring element only partially.

The spring element is preferably made of a rubber material or a thermoplastic elastomer. It offers a polyurethane or polypropylene elastomer (PPEPDM). The Shore A hardness is preferably selected in the range of 50 to 80, more preferably 60 to 70.

The spring element can also be made in combination of two or more materials, which then suitably have different hardnesses. For example, it is advantageous to form regions of the spring element, which are acted upon by hand for adjustment in the various operative positions, with a harder material, the actual spring areas in contrast, from a softer material. But also the said combinations of materials can be used to adjust the spring characteristic.

To support the handling low, it may be provided to form recessed grips on the spring element. These can then consist in the sense of the above explanation of a harder material, if about the spring element is produced in total in two-component injection molding. Last but not least, a colourfulness can be set by the different materials.

Preferably, the opening dimension of the opening of the spring element in the effective direction of the spring element is greater than the thickness of the spring element in the axial extension of the mold half or the handle cover. The opening dimension preferably corresponds to 1.2 to 4 times the said thickness dimension of the spring element, more preferably 1.2 to 2 times and more preferably 1.5 times.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a hand tool with two in a joint intersecting tool halves, in particular in the form of pliers, scissors or the like, wherein a tool half on one side of the joint forms a jaw and on the other side of the joint a handle which of a Gripping sleeve is surrounded, further being associated with a handle shell inside a spring element which can be brought by displacement in the longitudinal extension direction of the handle cover, in the direction of the joint, from a Außerwirkstellung in which the spring element is back-backed by the handle in at least one operative position in which Active position, the spring element in response to a spread of the handles and generating a corresponding restoring force comes into contact with the opposite handle.

Such a hand tool in the form of a pair of pliers is for example from the DE 10 2004 024 385 A1 known. In this pliers, the spring element is formed of a metallic lamella, which is guided between the handle and the handle cover. The lamella has a predetermined curvature, which curvature in the non-operative position under elastic deformation, and thus constantly applied bias, is greatly reduced. By moving the blade in its operative position, the blade takes its predetermined curvature below Increasing relaxation initially again, whereby a freikragendes end of the blade comes at a significant distance from the handle or the handle cover. When using the pliers, this free end is moved to the handle, with appropriate elastic deformation and build up a restoring force.

Based on the above-described prior art, the object of the invention is to provide an advantageous hand tool with a spring element, which is to be brought by displacement in the longitudinal direction of the tool half in operative position or non-operative position.

This object is achieved first and foremost in the subject matter of claim 9, wherein it is pointed out that the spring element is also back-supported in the active position by the handle or the handle cover. An elastic deformation of the spring element during the displacement is no longer necessary. The spring element need not be biased to be held in the Nichtwirkstellung. The displacement is not influenced by forces that are based on an elastic bias of the spring element. Overall, a simple and advantageous structure is possible.

Preferably, in this embodiment, the spring element consists of an elastically deformable rubber or plastic material. Reference is made to the relevant statements above.

The spring element itself has an active portion and a carriage portion. The carriage section is preferably provided with laterally formed longitudinal grooves, in which guide rails of the handle cover engage. By means of the carriage section and the handle cover, specifically the said guide rails of the handle cover, the spring element in the longitudinal direction of the handle cover or the tool half out. The spring element is positively connected to the handle cover.

The carriage section preferably has a width that corresponds to more than half the width of the tool half or the handle in this area. Preferably about 4/10 to 9/10 of said width.

The spring element further preferably forms a finger rest section in the region of the carriage section. This is the inward, the other tool half facing exposed back area of the carriage. By preferably front - seen in the direction of the joint - bale-like effective portion of the spring element, whereby the spring element in the region of the effective portion is substantially thicker than in the region of the finger rest portion, so an actuating surface is created by means of which about the thumb a simple displacement of Spring element is enabled. Due to the larger working section, a system for the thumb is also created at the same time. It is also possible to provide a bead at the rear, at which the thumb mentioned by way of example can also come to a form-fit installation when the spring element moves back. Due to the width of the spring element of the thumb touches usually not the handle shell inside, so that from this point of view, no impairment of the shift is given.

More preferably, this spring element also has one or more openings in the active section. The active section rising above the carriage section can be designed by means of the opening in such a way that a slipper-like design results. This opening may also be formed as a passage opening.

Furthermore, it is also preferred in relation to this embodiment that the handle cover also results in the area of the spring element a complete enclosure of the handle.

Next, this spring element of several materials, possibly different hardnesses exist. In particular, it can also be produced in a two-component injection process. In this case, it is recommended to manufacture in particular the region of the sliding interaction with the handle cover of a harder material, however, the active section of a softer material. Optionally, the finger rest portion forming free back of the carriage portion may be formed of a softer material, so as to allow a more favorable handling.

Fig. 1

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Handwerkzeuges in Form einer Kombizange, dargestellt in der Vorderansicht mit dem Federelement in der Außerwirkstellung, wobei das Handwerkzeug sich in einer Geschlossenstellung befindet;

Fig. 2

einen Schnitt gemäß der Linie II - II aus Fig.1;

Fig. 3

einen Schnitt entsprechend der Fig. 2, jedoch befindet sich hier das Federelement in der Wirkstellung;

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht entsprechend Fig. 1, jedoch befindet sich hier das Federelement in der Wirkstellung und liegt an der gegenüberliegenden Griffhülle an, so dass das Handwerkzeug sich in einer Offenstellung befindet;

Fig. 5

eine Ansicht entsprechend Fig. 4, jedoch ist hier das Handwerkzeug entgegen der Rückstellkraft des Federelements geschlossen worden;

Fig. 6 -Fig. 8

perspektivische Ansichten weiterer möglicher Ausgestaltungen des Federelements;

Fig. 9

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Handwerkzeuges in Form eines Seitenschneiders, wobei das Federelement in der Außerwirkstellung sich befindet und das Handwerkzeug geschlossen ist;

Fig. 10

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie X-X aus Fig. 9;

Fig. 11

eine Ansicht entsprechend Fig. 9, jedoch ist hier das Federelement in die Wirkstellung verlagert worden, wodurch das Handwerkzeug eine Offenstellung eingenommen hat und

Fig. 12

eine Ansicht entsprechend Fig. 11, jedoch wurde hier das Handwerkzeug entgegen der Rückstellkraft des Federelements geschlossen.

In the following, the invention will be explained further with reference to the attached drawing, which, however, represents only exemplary embodiments. Hereby shows:

Fig. 1

a first embodiment of a hand tool in the form of a combination pliers, shown in front view with the spring element in the non-operative position, wherein the hand tool is in a closed position;

Fig. 2

a section along the line II - II off Fig.1 ;

Fig. 3

a cut according to the Fig. 2 , but here is the spring element in the operative position;

Fig. 4

a view accordingly Fig. 1 However, here is the spring element in the operative position and is located on the opposite Handle shell, so that the hand tool is in an open position;

Fig. 5

a view accordingly Fig. 4 , but here the hand tool has been closed against the restoring force of the spring element;

Fig. 6 -Fig. 8th

perspective views of further possible embodiments of the spring element;

Fig. 9

a further embodiment of a hand tool in the form of a side cutter, wherein the spring element is in the Nichtwirkstellung and the hand tool is closed;

Fig. 10

a section along the line XX Fig. 9 ;

Fig. 11

a view accordingly Fig. 9 However, here the spring element has been shifted to the operative position, whereby the hand tool has taken an open position and

Fig. 12

a view accordingly Fig. 11 , but here the hand tool was closed against the restoring force of the spring element.

Shown and described is with reference to the FIGS. 1 to 5 a first embodiment of a hand tool 1 in the form of a combination pliers. The hand tool 1 is formed by two tool halves 2, 3, which are connected to each other by means of a joint 4. Each mold half 2, 3 each forms a jaw 5 and a handle 6. The two handles 6 are each received in a handle cover 7. The handle cover 7 forms a support shoulder 11 on the hinge side. On the hinge side of the support shoulder 11 is in one of the two handle covers 7 a spring element 8 is arranged. The spring element 8 is made of an elastic rubber or plastic material. Furthermore, the spring element 8 forms an opening 9 with a cross-section which is oriented on a square cross-section. This opening 9 is penetrated by a portion 10 of the handle cover 7, which has a shape adapted to the shape of the opening 9 cross-section. The length of the portion 10 is the strength, that is the thickness, adapted to the spring element 8. The strength of the spring element 8 corresponds to 0.5 to 2 times, preferably about 1.5 times the thickness of the handle 6 in the region of the spring element eighth

How in particular the non-operative position reproducing FIG. 2 can be seen, the floor plan of the spring element 8 in this position almost adapted to the shape of the support shoulder 11.

The spring element 8 further comprises a plurality of recesses 12 in an effective region 13, which are separated from one another by means of webs. The shoulder 14 has a smaller floor plan than the support shoulder 11. The floor plan of the shoulder 14 is dimensioned so that the spring element 8 can be mounted by elastic expansion of the opening 9 via the shoulder 14 on the section 10. Thus, the shoulder 14 engages over only a small surface area of the spring element 8 for securing the axial position.

In the in FIG. 3 shown (first) active position is the spring element 8 with respect to the representation in the FIGS. 1 and 2 swiveled through 180 °. The effective range 13 of the spring element 8 is now exactly opposite to the projection of the support shoulder 11 projecting beyond the remaining handle. How to get out FIG. 4 results, the effective range 13 is now arranged in the area between the handles 6. The opposite handle cover 7 comes, starting from a maximum opening of the pliers, at a Aperture angle α of about 24 ° in contact with the effective range 13. Further compression of the tool halves 2, 3 is then carried out against the elastic restoring force of the spring element 8. After relief, the tool halves 2, 3 come automatically in the FIG. 4 shown position.

Next there is also the possibility of the spring element 8, starting from the non-action position according to FIG. 1 respectively. FIG. 2 only to pivot by 90 °. Then there is an effective range 13 ', as he also for example in the Figures 2 and 6 to 8 is basically indicated. Obviously results in a different opening angle between the tool halves, from which - on further Zusanmendrücken - the restoring force of the spring element 8 acts.

The different effective regions 13 'and 13 are created here by a different width (distance from the opening border to the outer edge) of the spring element 8. In principle, however, it is also possible to achieve different effective ranges in that, although the same dimensions are given, so basically sets the same provision for released pliers halves, due to different characteristics, such as different recesses 12, 15 in the spring element 8, however, itself gives a different spring characteristic.

In the FIG. 6 a further embodiment of the spring element 8 is shown. Here, the spring element 8 only has a large recess 15. The webs between the individual recesses 12 of the spring element 8 in the FIG. 2 are, as it were, removed. Thus, a large recess 15 has been created. By the number and shape of the recesses 12,15, the spring force of the spring element 8 can be adjusted.

In the FIG. 7 another embodiment of a spring element 8 is shown. This embodiment has no recesses, however, recessed grips 16 are incorporated in the broad sides of the effective regions 13 '. The recessed grips 16 result in a certain positive engagement for a finger actuation of the spring element 6 with respect to pivoting. The recesses as previously explained, can also in the embodiments of the FIGS. 7 and 8 be provided.

Furthermore, the spring element 8 also consist of different materials or plastics. In particular, it may be produced by two-component injection molding. In the embodiment of FIG. 8 For example, the effective regions 13 'with the recessed grips 16 are made of a harder material than the effective region 13, but the region immediately around the opening 9 is made of a softer material than the regions of the recessed grips 16.

In relation to the FIGS. 9 to 12 Another embodiment of a hand tool 1 is described. In the hand tool 1 in the FIGS. 9 to 12 it is a side cutter. Previously used reference numerals are also used here for the same elements.

In this embodiment, the spring element 8 is arranged on the handle inner side 17 of the handle cover 7. The spring element 8 has an elongated carriage section 18, which is guided in a longitudinal groove 19 of the handle cover 7. Again, the spring element 8 is made of an elastic rubber or plastic material. The carriage section 18 forms laterally extending grooves 20, in which protrude from the handle cover 7 formed guide rails 21. The guide rails 21 extend from the edge of the longitudinal groove 19 into the grooves 20 of the carriage section 18. Thus, the spring element 8 is positively held, but longitudinally displaceable in the handle cover 7.

Due to the comparatively soft material, from which in any case preferably the carriage section 18, a simple assembly is made possible by clipping. The longitudinal groove 19 extends approximately from the half of the handle cover 7 until shortly before the end of the handle cover 7 in the direction of the joint 4. Thus, the spring element 8 can be moved in the direction of the joint 4. How out FIG. 10 As can be seen, the longitudinal groove 19 is incorporated so far into the handle cover 7, that the handle 6 is completely enclosed in the longitudinal groove 19 of the handle cover 7.

On the hinge side, the spring element 8 forms an active section 22 on the carriage section 18. The active section 22 is penetrated by an opening 23. The axis of the opening 23 extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal extension of the longitudinal groove 19. In this case, the vertex of the acute angle in the direction of the joint 4. In the direction of the grip ends of the handles 6 behind the active portion 22 of the carriage portion 18 forms a finger support portion 24. The finger rest section 24 is adapted to the width of the spring element 8.

Now, starting from the FIG. 9 the spring element 8 is displaced in the direction of the joint 4 within the longitudinal groove 19 to the end, so is the spring element 8 in the operative position, which in the FIG. 11 is shown. In this position, the active portion 22 is located on the opposite handle inner side 17 of the handle cover 7 at. As a result, the two handles 6 and the jaws 5 are spaced from each other. The hand tool 1 is held in the open position. By closing the hand tool 1, the elastic active portion 22 of the spring element 8 is elastically deformed. After no force is exerted on the two handles 6 of the hand tool 1, the restoring force, which emanates from the elastic active portion 22 of the spring element 8, the hand tool 1 is moved back to the open position, which in FIG. 11 is shown. Also in this embodiment is achieved through the opening 23 that the spring element 8, in the case of the effective portion 22, can be deformed easily. Also, the opening angle α of the jaws 5 can also be changed here. This can be adjusted continuously by the position of the spring element 8 to the joint 4. The closer the spring element 8 is positioned to the joint 4, the larger the opening angle α becomes.

Claims (15)

1. Hand tool (1) having two tool halves (2, 3) which cross over at a joint (4), in particular a hand tool in the form of pliers, scissors or the like, it being the case that a tool half (2, 3) forms a jaw (5) on one side of the joint (4) and forms a handle (6) on the other side of the joint (4), and also that a spring element (8) is associated with one handle (6), the spring element consisting of an elastic deformable rubber or plastics material and having an opening (9) through which the handle (6) passes, and it being the case that the spring element can be moved optionally, by rotation, out of an inactive position into at least one active position, in which active position the spring element (8), in dependence on the extent to which the handles (6) spread apart and on a corresponding restoring force being generated, comes into contact with the handle (6) located opposite, characterized in that the handle (6) is accommodated in a handle enclosure (7), and in that a positive fit assists in an active position or inactive position of the spring element (8) being maintained, the handle enclosure (7) passing through the opening (9) in the spring element (8).
2. Hand tool according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one portion (10) of the handle (6) or of the handle enclosure (7) is of non-round configuration in cross-section and/or the opening (9) in the spring element (8) is cross-sectionally adapted in shape to the portion (10) of the handle (6) or of the handle enclosure (7).
3. Hand tool according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (8) is disposed on the joint side of a supporting shoulder (11) formed on the handle enclosure (7), the supporting shoulder (11) being adapted in shape to the outline of the spring element (8) in the inactive position.
4. Hand tool according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a shoulder (14) of the handle enclosure (7) is provided on the joint side of the spring element (8), the shoulder (14) having a smaller outline than the supporting shoulder (11),
5. Hand tool according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one cavity (12) is provided in the spring element (8), the spring element (8) consisting of rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer.
6. Hand tool according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (8) consists of a number of materials of different degrees of hardness, the spring element (8) consisting externally of a relatively hard material and internally of a relatively soft material.
7. Hand tool according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (8) has grip hollows (16) and/or the spring element (8) is produced by two-component injection moulding.
8. Hand tool according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extent of the opening (9) in the spring element (8) as seen in the direction of action of the spring element (8) is greater than the thickness of the spring element (8) along the axial extent of the handle (6) and/or the spring element (8) is spaced apart from an outer contour of the joint (4).
9. Hand tool (1) having two tool halves (2, 3) which cross over at a joint (4), in particular a hand tool in the form of pliers, scissors or the like, it being the case that a tool half (2, 3) forms a jaw (5) on one side of the joint (4) and forms a handle (6), enclosed by a handle enclosure (7), on the other side of the joint (4), and also that a spring element (8) is associated with an inner side (17) of one handle enclosure, which spring element, by displacement towards the joint (4) in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the handle enclosure (7), can be moved from an inactive position, in which the spring element (8) is supported by the back of the handle (6), into at least one active position, in which active position the spring element (8), in dependence on the extent to which the handles (6) spread apart and on a corresponding restoring force being generated, comes into contact with the handle (6) located opposite, characterized in that, even in the active position, the spring element (8) is supported in the active region by the back of the handle (6) or of the handle enclosure (7).
10. Hand tool according to Claim 9, characterized in that the spring element (8) has a slide portion (18).
11. Hand tool according to Claim 10, characterized in that the spring element (8) consists of an elastic deformable rubber or plastics material and/or has an active portion (22) having an opening (23), the slide portion (18) having a width which corresponds to the thickness of the joint (4) and/or the slide portion (18) forming a finger-supporting portion (24).
12. Hand tool according to Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the spring element (8) is not subjected to any deformation in the inactive position.
13. Hand tool according to Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the opening (23) is in the form of a through-opening, the handle enclosure (7), in the region of the spring element (8), fully enclosing the handle (6).
14. Hand tool according to Claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the spring element (8) consists of a number of materials of different degrees of hardness and is produced by two-component injection moulding.
15. Hand tool according to Claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the active portion (22) consists of a softer material than the slide portion (18).

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