Tool drive assembly and clamp

Abstract

A self-coupling split-shaft drive assembly for a tool provides for assembly by a user and start-up without concern over the proper or improper orientation of the two shafts. The drive assembly includes components to secure the two shafts for start-up and use independently of whether an orientation condition exists for their rotational coupling to one another. A shaft coupling mechanism then accomplishes the coupling where an improper condition exists after the securing, in response to the initiation of the rotation of the driver shaft by the motor. The coupling mechanism employs a driver shaft which, with a shaft socket, for receiving the driven shaft, slides back and forth, against a spring and then under the recoil force of the spring, in providing for the securing under an improper orientation condition and the subsequent coupling upon start-up. A split clamp, which is used on a driver shaft tube and driven shaft tube is particularly adapted for rapid, easily accomplished and, at the same time, extremely sturdy clamping of elongated members such as the shaft tubes. The clamp employs a pair of clamp member which are formed, with respect to the elongated members, to a designed clamp face separation of less than or equal to about 3.4 percent and greater than or equal to about 0.5 percent of the diameter for the elongated members, among other significant features. Manually tightened and loosened connectors for one end of the clamp members and tool-operated tightening and loosening at the other end signifcantly contribute to the indicated goals.