WO2020129081A1

WO2020129081A1 - Dust collection attachment for a drilling machine and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2020129081A1
Application number: PCT/IN2019/050880
Authority: WO
Inventors: Siddarth Gupta
Original assignee: Siddarth Gupta
Priority date: 2018-12-21
Filing date: 2019-12-04
Publication date: 2020-06-25

Abstract

The dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) offers a simple arrangement for removable attachment to a drilling machine; and working in conjunction with the drilling operation of the machine. The dust collector assembly comprises a dust collector housing (1) enclosing a propeller (4) therein. The propeller is mounted rigidly on a shaft end of a clutch (3) that is mounted on the dust collector housing using a ball bearing (2). There is further provided a gasket (6) attached to a wall facing side (W) of the dust collector housing; a dust collection chamber (C) for receiving and collecting dust and debris generated from drilling operation; and a removable cap (7) for disposing off the collected dust and debris from the dust collection chamber (C).

Description

Dust Collection Attachment for a Drilling Machine and Method Thereof

TECHNICAL FIELD:

[1] The present subject matter relates to a dust collector assembly for attachment to a drilling machine; and more specifically, to said dust collector assembly and a method for operation of the same in collecting the dust and debris generated at the source of drilling operation, thereby avoiding the dust and debris from scattering into the air and falling onto the ground.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

[2] A power-driven drilling machine is an indispensable tool for both professionals and regular household consumers alike. The process of drilling a hole is quite simple and quick with the use of a drilling machine. However, the dust and debris that is generated during the process of drilling the hole is quite significant and needs cleaning after the drilling operation is completed. The smaller dust particles that are scattered in the air during the process of drilling cannot be removed from the air with simple methods.

[3] The dust extraction methods available in the market either use externally created vacuum (from a power-driven vacuum cleaner), are battery driven or are simply not efficient enough to eliminate dust completely from scattering into the surrounding air. Therefore, there is an exigency in the art relating power tool equipments for a simple, easy to use and operate; and yet cost-effective arrangement for dealing with the problems associated with the post-drilling operation(s) of a drilling machine or any other corresponding tooling equipment performing similar operation, in the form of generation of hazardous dust particles and debris such that the technological specifications and benefits of the tooling device; and the productivity and efficiency of the entire operation can be enhanced and augmented, as desired.

[4] The present subject matter as employed herein in the context of the subject application aims to describe a method for the collection of dust at the source during the drilling operation itself, and thus helps avoid the dust and debris generated during the process from scattering into the air and falling on the ground respectively. Furthermore, the present subject matter describes a mechanical device, in the form of a simple arrangement that can be attached to the drilling machine to achieve a solution to the problem of dust and debris generated during drilling. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[5] It forms an object of the present subject matter to provide a solution to an intrinsic problem of generation of dust and debris during the drilling operation.

[6] It forms another object of the present subject matter to provide a dust collector assembly for attachment to a drilling machine.

[7] It forms another object of the present subject matter to describe a method illustrating the working of the dust collector assembly with the drilling machine.

[8] It forms yet another object of the present subject matter to obviate the cost and quality related issues in the drilling operation by making use of readily available rotary motion of the drilling machine and force applied by the user during operation to achieve completely dust free drilling.

[9] In one embodiment, the present subject matter describes a dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) for attachment to a drilling machine. The dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) includes a dust collector housing (1); with the dust collector housing (1) enclosing a propeller (4) mounted rigidly on a shaft end of a clutch (3). The shaft end of the clutch (3) is mounted on the dust collector housing (1) using a ball bearing (2). The dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) further includes a gasket (6) attached to a wall facing side (W) of the dust collector housing (1); a dust collection chamber (C) for receiving and collecting dust and debris generated from drilling operation; and a removable cap (7) for disposing off the collected dust and debris from the dust collection chamber (C). The dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) as employed herein in the present subject matter also makes use of a freely placed spring (5) including plastic molded ends such that the spring (5) is collinearly aligned with the clutch (3) of the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) and a chuck of the drilling machine.

[10] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the spring (5) is aligned with the clutch (3) of the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) towards the front end facing the wall.

[11] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the spring (5) is aligned with the chuck of the drilling machine towards the rear end facing the drilling machine. [12] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the spring (5) is selected such that the length of a drill bit extruding from the chuck of the drilling machine is longer than the length of the spring (5) in uncompressed state, and shorter than the distance from the wall facing side (W) of the dust collector housing (1) to a drilling machine facing side (D) of the spring (5).

[13] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the maximum diameter of the drill bit is smaller than the inside bore diameter of the clutch (3) of the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) and the inside coil diameter of the spring (5) is larger than the maximum diameter of the drill bit.

[14] In second embodiment, the present subject matter describes a method for the working of a dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) with a drilling machine. According to the method as described, a drill bit is attached to a chuck of the drilling machine and inserted inside a spring (5). The spring (5) is flexibly placed and collinearly aligned with a clutch (3) of the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) towards the front end facing the wall, and with the chuck of the drilling machine towards the rear end facing the drilling machine. The method further includes the steps of holding the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) against the wall such that a gasket (6) of the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) is attached to a wall facing side (W) of a dust collector housing (1); aligning the drilling machine along with the attached drill bit and the freely placed spring (5) over the drill bit with the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) such that the drilling end of the drill bit is axially aligned with and inserted through an inside bore of the clutch (3) of the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7). The arrangement of the type as mentioned above results into a flexible connection between the clutch (3) and the spring (5), and the corresponding matching of conical surfaces of the clutch (3) with conical surfaces of the spring (5). The method further illustrates that any forward motion of the drilling machine to the point where the drill bit touches wall surface to be drilled results in compression of the spring (5); and the generation of the compressive force resulting in an axial force transmitted from the chuck of the drilling machine to the spring (5), and an equal amount of axial force transmitted from the spring (5) to the clutch (3) of the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7). Furthermore, according to the method, the axial compressive forces and the resultant friction forces between the clutch (3) of the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) and the spring (5) and between the chuck of the drilling machine and the spring (5) results in rotational motion of a propeller (4) enclosed in the dust collector housing (1) and rigidly mounted on a shaft end of the clutch (3) of the dust collector assembly (1,

3, 4, 6, 7).

[15] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the axial forces ensure a leak proof seal between a drilled hole at the wall surface and surrounding air such that a gasket (6) of the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) avoids dust particles and debris from the drilling operation to escape into the surrounding air.

[16] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the rotational motion of the propeller (4) creates a vacuum, thereby sucking in air from the side of the clutch (3) through a small gap present between an outer surface of the drill bit and an inner surface of the bore of the clutch (3). The suction of air results into a radially outward movement of the dust particles and debris along with sucked in air towards an inner periphery of the dust collector housing (1) of the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7).

[17] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the dust collector housing (1) includes an opening that allows the sucked in air along with the dust particles and debris to move inside a dust collection chamber (C) of the dust collector housing (1) of the dust collector assembly (1, 3,

4, 6, 7).

[18] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the collected dust and debris from the drilling operation is disposed off by opening a removable cap (7) of the dust collection chamber (C).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:

[19] For the purposes of illustration, there are shown in the drawings certain embodiments of the present subject matter. It should be understood, however, that the subject matter is not limited to the precise arrangements, dimensions, and mechanisms represented. Further, like numerals indicate like elements throughout the drawings.

[20] FIG. 1 represents a dust collector assembly in the assembled state; in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [21] FIG. 2 represents a broken view of the dust collector assembly; in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[22] FIG. 3 represents an exploded view of the dust collector assembly; in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

[23] The present subject matter may have a variety of modifications and may be embodied in a variety of forms, and specific embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the embodiments of the present subject matter are not intended to be limited to the specific forms, but include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present subject matter.

[24] Referring Figs. 1 and 2, the present subject matter illustrates a dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) for removable attachment to a drilling machine. The dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) consists of a dust collector housing (1). The dust collector housing (1) encloses a propeller (4) that is mounted rigidly on the shaft end of a clutch (3) such that the propeller (4) rotates with the clutch (3). The shaft end of the clutch (3) is mounted on the dust collector housing (1) with the help of a ball bearing (2), as shown in Fig. 2. The dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) further includes a gasket (6) that is attached to a wall facing side (W) of the dust collector housing (1), as shown in Fig. 1. According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, there is also provided a freely placed spring (5) with plastic molded ends that match with the conical depression on the clutch (3) of the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7). The present subject matter employing the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) of the type as illustrated hereinabove ensures that the spring (5) is not rigidly connected with the clutch (3) such that different sized springs can be used with different sized drill bits to achieve dust free operation for drilling different sized holes using the same dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) as described herein in the context of the present subject matter.

[25] It is in accordance to the abovementioned embodiment of the present subject matter that a drill bit is attached to a chuck of the drilling machine in usual manner as known to a person skilled in the art. The spring (5) is chosen such that the length of the drill bit that extrudes out from the chuck of the drilling machine is longer than the length of the spring (5) in uncompressed state but shorter than the distance from the wall facing surface of the gasket (6) to the drilling machine facing (represented as (D) in Fig. 1) plastic molded end of the spring (5). It is further according to the embodiment of the present subject matter that the maximum diameter of the drill bit is smaller than an inside bore diameter of the clutch (3) and an inside coil diameter of the spring (5) is larger than the maximum diameter of the drill bit.

[26] Referring Fig. 3, the embodiment of the present subject matter illustrates a method for the working and operation of the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) in conjunction with the drilling machine. According to the method, the drill bit that is attached to the chuck of the drilling machine is first inserted inside the coil spring (5). The dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) is held with one hand against the wall surface where the hole is to be drilled such that the gasket (6) faces towards the wall. The drilling machine along with the attached drill bit and the freely placed spring (5) over the drill bit is then aligned with the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) with the other hand such that the drilling end of the drill bit is axially aligned with the bore of the clutch (3). The drilling machine along with the attached drill bit and the spring (5) is then axially moved towards the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) such that the drill bit is inserted through the inside bore of the clutch (3). Owing to the arrangement as illustrated hereinabove, the wall facing plastic molded end of the spring (5) comes in contact with the clutch (3).

[27] The method of the working of the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) as described above further illustrates that any further movement of the drilling machine towards the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) ensures that the conical surfaces of the clutch (3) and wall facing plastic molded end of the spring (5) push against each other. As the drill machine is pushed further so that the drill bit just touches the surface of the wall where a hole is to be drilled, the spring (5) is compressed. The compression of the spring (5) results in an axial force that is transmitted from the chuck of the drilling machine to the spring (5). This force is further transmitted to the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) and it is therefore, pushed against the wall surface. The friction between the wall surface and the gasket (6) is enough to hold the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) in place and hence, the hand is not needed anymore to hold the dust collector assembly ( 1 , 3, 4, 6, 7) against the wall. The compression of the spring (5) also forces the conical surface of wall facing plastic molded end of the spring (5) towards the conical depression of the clutch (3). [28] It is further in accordance to an embodiment of the present subject matter, owing to the generation of compressive axial forces as mentioned above, the drilling machine, at this point, can be held with both ends and the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) is ready to work along with the drilling operation performed by the drilling machine. The drilling machine is now powered on such that the drill bit and the chuck rotate in a clockwise direction as viewed from the drilling machine end (D) towards the wall surface end (W). Since the drilling machine facing plastic molded end of the spring (5) sits on the chuck and this end is pushed towards the chuck, the friction between the chuck and this plastic molded end of the spring (5) ensures that the spring also rotates with the chuck. Due to the friction force between the conical surfaces of the clutch (3) and the wall facing plastic molded end of the spring (5), the clutch (3) would also rotate with the spring (5). This ensures the rotation of the propeller (4) due to the rotation of the chuck of the drilling machine. As the drilling machine is pushed further towards the wall to cut a deeper hole while the drilling machine is powered on, the axial compressive force of the spring (5) increases as it is compressed further. Therefore, the friction forces between the clutch (3) and wall facing plastic molded end of the spring (5) and between the chuck and the drilling machine facing plastic molded end of the spring (5) also increase. This ensures an even stronger mechanical connection and hence a more efficient transmission of the rotational motion to the propeller (4). The increased axial forces also ensure a leak proof seal between the drilled hole and the surrounding air so that the dust particles cannot escape into the surrounding air due to the gasket (6).

[29] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the rotational motion of the propeller (4) creates a vacuum at the center of the propeller (4) and hence, air is sucked in from the side of clutch (3) through the small gap between the outer surface of the drill bit and the inner surface of the bore of the clutch (3). Due to the centrifugal force, the dust particles and debris along with the moving air are pushed radially outwards towards an inner periphery of the dust collector housing (1). The dust collector housing (1) has an opening from where this air along with the dust and debris is pushed inside a dust collection chamber (C) of the dust collector housing (1). In this manner, as long as the drill bit is rotating i.e., the drilling machine is powered on, the dust and debris never leave the dust collector housing (1) and are collected in the dust collection chamber (C). [30] Referring to the abovementioned construction and arrangement of the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) vis-a-vis the drilling machine; and the corresponding method of the operation of the two in synchronization, the present subject matter illustrates that as a hole of the desired depth is achieved, the drilling machine is pulled back away from the surface of the wall but the drilling machine is not powered off. This helps ensure that any dust that comes out of the hole along with the drill bit is also captured by the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7). During the drawing back of the drilling machine, the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) is again held with one hand since the compressive force from the spring (5) reduces and hence, the friction between the wall surface and the gasket (6) also reduces.

[31] It is further to an embodiment of the present subject matter that the dust and debris generated during the drilling operation and collected in the dust collection chamber (C) can be disposed off by opening the removable cap (7) provided thereto.

[32] This is in accordance to the present subject matter that the dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) of the type described hereinabove and forming object of the present application achieves a completely dust free drilling operation without the need of an externally produced vacuum by using the rotational motion of the drill chuck and the axial force that is applied by the user to drill a hole in a normal operation.

[33] These and other advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing specification. Accordingly, it is to be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the subject matter. It is to be understood that the present subject matter is not limited to the particular embodiments of the invention described hereinabove, but is intended to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the subject matter.

[34] Below is the table highlighting various components along with their corresponding reference numerals and quantity, in numbers, as used in the embodiments of the present subject matter described hereinabove:

Claims

We claim:

1. A dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) for attachment to a drilling machine comprising:

a dust collector housing (1); said dust collector housing (1) enclosing a propeller (4) mounted rigidly on a shaft end of a clutch (3);

said shaft end of said clutch (3) is mounted on said dust collector housing (1) using a ball bearing (2);

a gasket (6) attached to a wall facing side (W) of said dust collector housing

( i);

a dust collection chamber (C) for receiving and collecting dust and debris generated from drilling operation;

a removable cap (7) for disposing off the collected dust and debris from said dust collection chamber (C); and

a freely placed spring (5) comprising plastic molded ends; wherein said spring (5) is collinearly aligned with said clutch (3) of said dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) and a chuck of said drilling machine.

2. The dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said spring (5) is aligned with said clutch (3) of said dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) towards the front end facing the wall. 3. The dust collector assembly (1,

3, 4, 6, 7) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said spring (5) is aligned with said chuck of said drilling machine towards the rear end facing said drilling machine.

4. The dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said spring (5) is selected such that the length of a drill bit extruding from said chuck of said drilling machine is longer than the length of said spring (5) in uncompressed state, and shorter than the distance from said wall facing side (W) of said dust collector housing (1) to a drilling machine facing side (D) of said spring (5).

5. The dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) as claimed in claims 1 and 4, wherein maximum diameter of said drill bit is smaller than the inside bore diameter of said clutch (3) of said dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) and the inside coil diameter of said spring (5) is larger than the maximum diameter of said drill bit.

6. A method for the working of a dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) with a drilling machine comprising the steps:

attaching a drill bit to a chuck of said drilling machine and inserting said drill bit inside a spring (5); said spring (5) being flexibly placed and collinearly aligned with a clutch (3) of said dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) towards the front end facing the wall, and with said chuck of said drilling machine towards the rear end facing said drilling machine; holding said dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) against the wall, wherein a gasket (6) of said dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) is attached to a wall facing side (W) of a dust collector housing (1);

aligning said drilling machine along with said attached drill bit and said freely placed spring (5) over said drill bit with said dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7), wherein the drilling end of said drill bit is axially aligned with and inserted through the inside bore of said clutch (3) of said dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7); said arrangement resulting into a flexible connection between said clutch (3) and said spring (5) and the corresponding matching of conical surfaces of said clutch (3) with conical surfaces of said spring (5);

further motion of said drilling machine to the point where said drill bit touches wall surface to be drilled results in compression of said spring (5); said compressive force resulting in an axial force transmitted from said chuck of said drilling machine to said spring (5), and an equal amount of axial force transmitted from said spring (5) to said clutch (3) of said dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7);

said axial compressive forces and the resultant friction forces between said clutch (3) of said dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) and said spring (5) and between said chuck of said drilling machine and said spring (5) results in rotational motion of a propeller (4) enclosed in said dust collector housing ( 1 ) and rigidly mounted on a shaft end of said clutch (3) of said dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7).

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said axial forces ensure a leak proof seal between a drilled hole at said wall surface and surrounding air, thereby said gasket (6) of said dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7) avoiding dust particles and debris from the drilling operation to escape into the surrounding air.

8. The method as claimed in claims 6 and 7, wherein said rotational motion of said propeller (4) creates a vacuum, thereby sucking in air from the side of said clutch (3) through a small gap present between an outer surface of said drill bit and an inner surface of said bore of said clutch (3); and resulting into a radially outward movement of said dust particles and debris along with sucked in air towards an inner periphery of said dust collector housing (1) of said dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7).

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said dust collector housing (1) comprises an opening; allowing the sucked in air along with said dust particles and debris to move inside a dust collection chamber (C) of said dust collector housing (1) of said dust collector assembly (1, 3, 4, 6, 7).

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the collected dust and debris from the drilling operation is disposed off by opening a removable cap (7) of said dust collection chamber (C).