Modular Router With Motor Clamp

• US 20100206434A1
• Filed: 02/13/2009
• Published: 08/19/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 02/13/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Credo Technology Corporation (Robert Bosch GmbH), Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Credo Technology Corporation (Robert Bosch GmbH), Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Pozgay, David, Gonzalez, Arturo, Higashi, Erick
• Granted Patent: US 8,066,041 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 144/136.950
• CPC Class Codes: B27C 5/10 Portable hand-operated wood-milling machines; Routers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49963 Threaded fastener
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 409/306608 End mill [e.g., router, etc.]

Abstract

A routing machine comprises a base unit including an inner surface and a motor unit. The motor unit is releasably positioned in the base unit. The motor unit includes an outer surface engaging the inner surface of the base unit and a clamp mechanism moveable between a clamping position and a release position. The clamp mechanism is configured to apply a clamping force to the outer surface of the motor unit when in the clamping position. A moveable clamp adjustment member is positioned on the base unit. Movement of the clamp adjustment member, when the clamp mechanism is in the clamping position, adjusts the clamping force applied to the outer surface of the motor unit by the clamp mechanism.

Claims

1. A routing machine comprising:

a base unit including an inner surface;

a motor unit releasably positioned in the base unit, the motor unit including an outer surface engaging the inner surface of the base unit;

a clamp mechanism moveable between a clamping position and a release position, the clamp mechanism configured to apply a clamping force to the outer surface of the motor unit when in the clamping position; and

a moveable clamp adjustment member positioned on the base unit, wherein movement of the clamp adjustment member when the clamp mechanism is in the clamping position adjusts the clamping force applied to the outer surface of the motor unit by the clamp mechanism.

2. The routing machine of claim 1 wherein the clamp mechanism comprises a plurality of clamp members interconnected as a four-bar linkage.

3. The routing machine of claim 2 wherein the clamp members are configured to pivot about a plurality of pivot members and wherein the clamp adjustment mechanism is configured to move one of the pivot members in order to change the clamping force applied by the clamp mechanism.

4. The routing machine of claim 1 wherein the inner surface of the base unit applies the clamping force to the outer surface of the motor unit when the clamp mechanism is in the clamping position.

5. The routing machine of claim 4 wherein the inner surface of the base unit includes a flap portion, wherein the clamp mechanism causes the flap portion to apply the clamping force to the outer surface of the motor unit.

6. The routing machine of claim 1 wherein access to the adjustment member is blocked when the clamp mechanism is in the release position.

7. The routing machine of claim 1 wherein the adjustment member comprises a screw.

8. The routing machine of claim 7 wherein rotation of the screw shifts the position of a pivot axle in a channel of the base unit.

9. The routing machine of claim 7 wherein the screw is positioned in a lateral channel in the base unit and wherein the screw threadedly engages a nut positioned at the bottom of an axial channel in the base unit.

10. The routing machine of claim 9 wherein the screw and nut are comprised of steel and the inner surface of the base unit is comprised of aluminum.

11. The routing machine of claim 1 wherein the motor unit includes an electric motor and a rotatable drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft includes a coupling device configured to receive a router bit.

12. A method of manufacturing a routing machine comprising:

opening a clamp on a base unit;

inserting a motor unit into the base unit;

closing the clamp on the base unit; and

moving a clamp adjustment member on the base unit in order to change a clamping force provided by the clamp.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the clamp adjustment member comprises a screw.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein moving the clamp adjustment member comprises tightening the screw to a predetermined torque value.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein the clamp comprises a plurality of clamp members interconnected as a four-bar linkage arrangement with a plurality of pivots.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the movement of the clamp adjustment member results in movement of one of the pivots of the four-bar linkage arrangement.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the one of the pivots is an axle member configured to move within an axial shaft.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein closing the clamp on the base unit results in movement of the four-bar linkage arrangement to a position that is beyond an over-center position.

19. A routing machine comprising:

a base unit including a substantially work engagement surface;

a motor unit configured to be releasably connected to the base unit, the motor unit including an electric motor having an output shaft configured to receive a router bit;

a clamp mechanism moveable between a clamping position and a release position, the clamp mechanism comprising a plurality of clamp members interconnected as a four-bar linkage arrangement, the clamp mechanism configured to apply a clamping force to the motor unit and secure the motor unit in the base unit when the clamp mechanism is in the clamping position.

20. The routing machine of claim 19 further comprising a clamp adjustment member positioned on the base unit, wherein the clamp adjustment member is moveable when the clamp mechanism is in the clamping position such that movement of the clamp adjustment member results in a change in the clamping force applied to the motor unit by the clamp mechanism.