WO2025210092A1

WO2025210092A1 - System for retaining and holding the interchangeable blade in the handle of multifunctional tools

Info

Publication number: WO2025210092A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/059009
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter OFENTAVŠEK
Original assignee: Oplast d o o
Current assignee: Oplast d o o
Priority date: 2024-04-05
Filing date: 2025-04-02
Publication date: 2025-10-09
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-05
Also published as: SI26625A

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for retaining and holding an interchangeable blade in the handle of a multifunctional tools, wherein the interchangeable blade (3) is secured against falling out in the axial direction by a combination of a spring element (5) installed in a retaining device (2) in the handle (1) and a hole (4) at the start of the interchangeable blade (3), and in the rotational direction by the hexagonal shape of the blade (3) and the retaining device (2). The system is applicable to a multifunctional interchangeable blade with a functional single-sided or double- sided end (either for screwing or other functional tasks) and to a variable type of a handle with an opening into which the system can be implemented, having a specific additional function to be performed, e.g., ratcheting.

Description

SYSTEM FOR RETAINING AND HOLDING THE INTERCHANGEABLE

BLADE IN THE HANDLE OF MULTIFUNCTIONAL TOOLS

The subject of the invention is a system for retaining and holding an interchangeable blade in the handle of multifunctional tools, wherein the interchangeable blade is secured against falling out in the axial direction by a combination of embedded spring element installed in a retaining device which is inserted in the handle and a hole at the beginning of the interchangeable blade, and in the rotational direction by a hexagonal shape of the blade and the retaining device. Additionally, the system can be used with the multifunctional interchangeable blade with a functional single-sided or double-sided end (either for screwing or other functional tasks) and with a variable type of handle with an opening into which the system may be implemented, which has a specific additional function that it may perform.

Technical problem

The technical problem that the presented invention successfully solves is the implementation of a system for retaining and holding an interchangeable blade in a handle, in terms of a generic retention device in such a way that it is interchangeable between multifunctional screwdrivers, blades, tools, and insulated blades with different screw-driving profiles, in conjunction with various handle shapes used for the transmission of torques during operation. In addition, further embodiments of the system have additional functionality in which the system is implemented in a way that improves its functionality, compatibility, universality, and cost-effectiveness.

The invention is based on the objective of developing an improved fastening and retention system, which is compatible with various multifunctional tools and may be implemented in other functions with additional functionality.

The aim of the invention is to develop a retention system to be easily used with a variety of multifunctional interchangeable tools that are compatible with different types of handles and have a generic function in an economically universal manner. The system can be used with multifunctional interchangeable screw-driving blades, blades, tools and insulated interchangeable screw-driving blades in handles having different shapes and separate functions, resulting in improved functionality, compatibility, and universality.

In accordance with the present invention, a handle with a hexagonal hole is provided, into which a retaining device is inserted, and a spring element is installed therein, which in combination ensures locking against the axial release of the shaft. The retaining device in the direction of rotation allows the transmission of torque from the handle to the inserted blade, which has a defined (screw) profile tip, blade, or other functional tools.

Background Art

Retaining or holding of interchangeable blades with a single-sided tip for the purpose of screwing into the handle are already known and described in the following patent applications: US20200008854A1, US20110000345A1,

US20100294091A1. Each of these embodiments has its own form of blade locking solution, however, there is no additional function in the patent documents mentioned above, and in particular not the function that enables the two-sided blades.

Devices for retaining interchangeable blades with double-sided tips used for screw-driving are known and described in the following patent documents: US6202512B1, US20120085665A1, US20100269263 Al, which use a specific locking mechanism at the center of the blade, however, they are limited by the length of the blade, as they are locked/retained at a specific point (recess) at the center of the blade, meaning they are limited by the length from that point towards the handle.

Devices for retaining interchangeable single-sided blades with a defined screw profile or tip, which are insulated and therefore suitable for live work, i.e., working under electrical voltage (complying with IEC 60900 standard) and have a shaped torque transmission section, are disclosed in the following patent documents: DE202010012971U1, DE102012002849B3, DE102005012729B4. All of the patent documents mentioned above have their unique method of mechanically locking the blades. All of the above-mentioned systems have their method of locking the blades and allow the use of only a particular type of blade (either an interchangeable singlesided, interchangeable double-sided or interchangeable insulated blade). The system according to the present invention, due to its unique shape, construction and structure, enables the use of all of the above blades and blades with different handles. Therefore, the present invention combines all the functionalities of all the aforementioned blades into one system, which may be further upgraded with an additional function (e.g., adjustable torque handle, ratchet handle, etc.).

Interchangeable single-sided blade retention devices that may be used as a conventional screwdriver handle but can also be used as a screwdriver with a ratchet mechanism when rotated 90 degrees, is disclosed in the patent application US20120222524A1.

The system, according to the present invention, enhances existing inventions by using double-sided blades, single-sided blades, or other accessories.

The retention devices for the interchangeable single-sided stems, installed in the handles with a secondary function, such as adjustable torque, are described in the following patent document DE202011110041 Ul.

The present invention provides a solution to the drawbacks of the prior art by implementing a single-sided, double-sided, or even insulated blade.

Summary of Invention

The system for fastening and holding the interchangeable blade in the handle of a multifunctional tools is a combination of a hexagonal retaining device inserted into the handle, wherein the hexagonal retaining device has a spring element installed in a portion of the handle which is engaged in a hole at (one of) the ends of the interchangeable hexagonally shaped blade. The blade is held by a force, allowing the smooth use of the various blade or screw functions and a force that, at a given extraction force (in the axial direction), allows the user to quickly alternate between different blades and profiles. The hole arrangement at the end of the hexagonally shaped interchangeable blade enables to use the system in all the tools described above, i.e., not only with single-sided blades, but also with double-sided blades, and with single-sided blades with a certain insulated blade and different screw-driving profiles, which was not possible with the prior art solutions.

Brief Description of Drawings

The invention will be further explained with reference to the embodiment example and the accompanying figures, as detailed below.

Figure 1, 2 Basic illustration of the assembled interchangeable doublesided blade and handle system for the system according to the invention;

Figure 3, 4 System assembly and handle components according to the invention;

Figure 5, 5a, 6 Longitudinal cross-section of the assembled interchangeable blade system and the handle for the interchangeable blade system in the locked position;

Figure 7 Cross-section of the installed interchangeable system in the retaining device, illustrating the superposition of the hexagonal surfaces, which allow for maximum torque transfer from the retaining device to the blade;

Figure 8, 8a Cross-section of the assembled double-sided interchangeable blade system and the handle for the interchangeable blade system in the locked position;

Figure 9, 10 Cross-section of the handle with an installed retaining device without an installed interchangeable blade;

Figure 11, 12, 13 Hexagonal retaining device with installed spring element;

Figure 14, 15, 16 Handle with the inserted interchangeable double-sided blade in three different lengths;

Figure 17, 18 Handle with an inserted interchangeable single-sided blade with a diameter much larger at the front;

Figure 19 Cross-section of a handle with an inserted interchangeable single-sided blade with a diameter much larger at the front; Figure 20, 21 Handle with an inserted single-sided blade with a blade diameter much larger at the front and with an awl attachment and a magnetic holder for various tips;

Figure 22, 23 Handle with insertable interchangeable (single-sided) insulated blade, suitable for live work;

Figure 24 Handle with an inserted interchangeable single-sided (insulated) blade, suitable for live work in longitudinal section;

Figure 24a Detail of a handle with inserted interchangeable (singlesided) insulated blade, suitable for live work in longitudinal section;

Figure 25, 26 Cross-section of a handle with an inserted interchangeable (single-sided) insulated blade, suitable for live work;

Figure 27 Handle for the interchangeable blade system;

Figure 28, 29, 30 Handle for the system according to the invention and adjustable torque for screwing with a specific force (which can be pre-set);

Figure 31 Handle for the interchangeable blade system and interchangeable blade system with ratchet function in axonomet- ric view;

Figure 32 Handle for the interchangeable blade system and the interchangeable blade system with ratchet function in side view;

Figure 33 Handle for the interchangeable blade system and the interchangeable blade with ratchet function in cross-sectional side view with inserted double-sided interchangeable blades;

Figure 34 Cross-section of the handle for the interchangeable blade system;

Figure 35 Cross-section of the handle for the interchangeable blade system with ratchet function;

Figure 36 Cross-section of the handle for the interchangeable blade system and the interchangeable blade system with ratchet function. Detailed description

Figures 1 and 2 show a basic illustration of the interchangeable blade and handle system with the system according to the invention. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the individual components of the system according to the invention.

The handle 1 is provided with a hexagonal opening 8, into which the retaining device 2 of hexagonal shape with an opening 7 is installed. The retaining device 2 is provided with a hole 6 at the end thereof into which a spring element 5 is installed.

Figures 5, 5a and 6 show a basic cross-sectional view of the assembled system with a double-sided interchangeable hexagonal blade 3, placed in a hexagonal retaining device 2 and a handle 1, whereby the blade 3 is provided with a profile 3a for screwing PH2 (Phillips-cross profile 2) on one side thereof and a profile 3b for screwing PHI (Phillips-cross profile 1) on the opposite side. The blade 3 has two holes 4 at each end, wherein the hole 4, in cooperation with the spring element 5, allows the blade 3 to be held in an axial direction relative to the handle 1. This enables the blade 3 to be fixed in the handle 1 by the spring element 5, said spring element 5 being installed in the retaining device 2 and lying in the hole 4, as shown in Figure 6.

Figures 7, 8 and 8a show a cross-section of the assembled system with a doublesided interchangeable blade. Figure 7 illustrates how the hexagonal blade 3 most efficiently transfers torque or other operations from handle 1 to blade 3, as the largest part of the surface area is overlapped and enables stable handling or screwing.

A cross-section of the handle 1 with the installed retaining device 2 and the spring element 5 is shown in Figures 9 and 10, while Figures 11, 12 and 13 show the retaining device 2 with the installed spring element 5.

Figures 14, 15 and 16 show handle 1 with inserted interchangeable blades 3, 9 and 10 of different lengths with different profile tips 3c 1,2x6 (slotted profile), 9 PH2 (Phillips-cross profile 2) and 10a T25 (Torx profile). Such an implementation is only possible with the system according to the invention, in which hole 4 is formed at the end portion of blade 3. In the case of the prior art solutions described above, which have a mechanical lock holding the blade in the handle, an additional locking operation is required, which is not present in the system according to the invention. The system according to the present invention is automatically activated and locked when blade 3 is inserted into the handle 1. Furthermore, known prior art solutions that have a hole for holding the blade in the middle are limited by the length of the blade, i.e., if the blade were longer, the locking area would not align with the hole on the blade and therefore could not be locked in that area.

The method of producing hexagonal blades is very simple, as only the turning and profiling process is used to process both tips with holes where the system locks in place, without the need for additional operations, such as used for example for a round blade, where an anchor that transmits the moment must be made, but which, due to the smaller contact area, can withstand the lower torque and it could therefore break sooner.

The present invention provides the use of the blades on both sides, enabling twice as many profiles compared to the single-sided version, therefore enabling more efficient work. The blades with a handle are more space-efficient, which offers economic benefits, as it also reduces material usage.

Due to the universality of the system, single-sided blades are used in the same system, which allows to increase the functionality and usability of the system for blades with profiles that, due to their oversized dimensions (e.g., flat blade 1 la with 1.2X8 ferrule in Figure 17, or other special larger ferrules), do not fit into the opening of the retaining device. This enables insertion of various tools into the system, such as awl, chisel, magnetic bit, etc., as shown in Figures 18, 19 and 20. The blade with a magnetic holder 13a (C6,3 or *4") may be used and allows the user to use the holder with holders of various profiles (C6,3 or *4") for shorter and quicker jobs, as is illustrated in Figure 21. Since the system according to the invention may be used with larger profiles or tools, this increases the functionality and universality of the system.

Specially designed and injection-overmoulded insulated blades, that are compliant and 100% tested according to IEC 60900 standard and are suitable for live work, may be used with the system for retaining and holding the interchangeable blade in the handle of the multifunctional tools (Figure 22). The blades are made in the so called “SLIM” version, which means that they are slimmer at the beginning of the insulated part, allowing access to narrow areas that would be impossible to reach with conventional insulated screwdrivers.

A screwdriver with a purpose-built and injection-overmoulded insulated blade is shown in Figures 24, 24a, 25 and 26. The metal part 15 of the blade with the insulating part 14 is designed in such a way that the hexagonally shaped blade transmits the torque to the hexagonally shaped injection-overmoulded part, from which it is then transmitted to the hexagonally shaped locking system and to the handle, by which the user can achieve and exceed standard torques for different profiles.

As the system may be very narrow/compressed, it may also be inserted into other systems that provide the user with an additional function, i.e. it is not only useful for holding single-sided or double-sided blades of screwdrivers and similar tools, but it may be used on handles where the torque may be pre-set, and prevents further screw-driving in the rotational direction when the torque is set and reached, which means that no further torque is generated. Such a handle 17 is shown in Figures 28, 29 and 30, where the knob 19 may be used to set the desired or specified (by the element to be screwed, since in certain elements the fastening torques are precisely defined) torque which holds the blade 7 to the spring element 5 in the retaining device 2.

To easily hold single- or double-sided blades in a system according to the invention, the handle 20 is modified by combining the two systems in one handle, enabling the handle to be used as a screwdriver at one end, and as a ratchet at the opposite end.

The interchangeable blade retention system, made of metal or ZAMAC, and a spring (which saves space and allows the ratchet to work), allows the insertion of a blade that performs the holding function. The system or elements surrounding this metal bushing may be used as a ratchet system as shown in Figures 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36.

The system for fastening and holding the interchangeable blade in the handle of multifunctional tools can, due to universality, be used with a variety of different blades: standard, single- or double-sided insulated blades and those with special tools/profiles. The main advantage of the system is that due to its compactness, it may be integrated into a variety of other handles and devices that have additional functions, such as the adjustable torque handle, the pre-set torque handle or the ratchet handle, and other slimmer or thicker handles.

In this way, one set of interchangeable blades may be used with all the systems mentioned above, otherwise, a separate device or separate handles and blades for each system or task (which is currently available on the market) would be needed. In addition, the reduction in space is achieved by consolidating multiple tools into one, eliminating the need for separate tools for each dimension and handle, each with its own function. A reduction in costs and production time is achieved, as the manufacturing process is very simple, fast, and environmentally friendly.

Due to universality, the system may be used with all the above-mentioned types of blades, i.e., double-sided blades made of hexagonal material, standard singlesided blades made of hexagonal material, and insulated blades suitable for live work.

The handles have a hexagonal opening into which a system is inserted, that is pre-assembled with a spring that expands when the blade is inserted into the system until it locks when it moves on the recess.

Due to the shape of the opening and the hexagonal system, torques can be transmitted in both directions, ensuring that the maximum torque applied by the operator can be transmitted to the handle, from the handle to the system, from the system to the blade, and from the blade to the profile, which is transmitted directly to the screw.

Claims

1. System for retaining and holding the interchangeable blade in the handle of multifunctional tools, characterized in that, the system comprises a combination of a hexagonal retaining device (2) installed into the hexagonal opening (8) of the handle (1) and one of the ends of an interchangeable blade (3) of hexagonal shape, wherein the hexagonal retaining device (2) is provided with a spring element (5) in the part of the handle (1) which is engaged in a hole (4) in one of the ends of the hexagonally shaped interchangeable blade (3).

2. System for retaining and holding an interchangeable blade in the handle of a multifunctional tools, according to claim 1, characterized in that, interchangeable blades (3, 9, 10) of different lengths with different profile tips (3c, 9, 10a) with slotted profile 1,2x6, cross profile 2 PH2, and Torx profile T25, respectively, are inserted into the handle (1).

3. System for retaining and holding an interchangeable blade in the handle of a multifunctional tools, according to claim 1, characterized in that, the custom-made insulated screwdriver with injection-overmoulded blade, which is compliant and 100% tested according to IEC 60900 standard and is suitable for live work, wherein the custom metal part (15) of the interchangeable blade with injection-overmoulded part insulating part (14) is designed in manner to enable the hexagonally-shaped blade to transmit a torque to the hexagonally shaped injection-overmoulded part (14) from which it is then transmitted to the hexagonally shaped locking system and to the handle (1), enabling the user to achieve and exceed standard torques for different profiles.

4. System for retaining and holding an interchangeable blade in the handle of a multifunctional tools, according to claim 1, characterized in that, the system is used on the handle, where the torque can be pre-set, and when the torque has been set and reached, the system prevents further rotary screw-driving, whilst a mechanism is incorporated in the handle (17) in which the desired or specified torque is set by means of a knob (19), which holds the blade (7) with the spring element (5) in the retaining device (2).

5. System for retaining and holding an interchangeable blade in the handle of a multifunctional tools, according to claim 1, characterized in that, the handle (20) combines two systems, wherein the handle is used as a screwdriver at one end and as a ratchet at the other.