Driving tool

Abstract

In a gas spring type driving tool in which an electric motor is used as a driving source to return a striking piston to a top dead center, and in which the gas pressure of a pressure accumulation chamber is increased to move the striking piston downward to drive a driven member, it takes time to fill the pressure accumulation chamber with compressed gas and to open the pressure accumulation chamber to the atmosphere in the prior art, and the removal operation of a driven member is troublesome. A countermeasure against clogging is required to improve the operability. The driving tool of the present application has a pressure accumulation chamber (20) provided with a filling valve (22), a pressure reducing valve (23), and an opening valve (24). The pressure accumulation chamber (20) can be rapidly filled with compressed gas by connecting the filling valve (22) to an external device (2). The pressure accumulation chamber (20) is maintained at a set pressure by the pressure reducing valve (23). The pressure accumulation chamber (20) can be rapidly opened to the atmosphere by the opening valve (24). Thus, the removal operation of the driven member in the driving head (18) can be performed rapidly.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a driving tool for driving a nail, a staple, or the like into wood or the like. BACKGROUND

[0002] Such a driving tool provides a so-called gas spring type driving tool. In the gas spring type driving tool, a striking piston is moved downward by the expansion pressure of compressed gas filled in a pressure accumulation chamber to strike a driven piece. Patent Literature 1 (Japanese Patent No. 6519651) discloses a driving tool having a filling valve for filling compressed gas into the pressure accumulation chamber and a relief valve (safety valve) for discharging gas above a certain pressure. Patent Literature 2 (Japanese Patent No. 6481751) discloses a driving tool having an outside air suction valve for introducing outside air into the pressure accumulation chamber by the action inside a tool body. Patent Literature 2 discloses that, in addition to the outside air suction valve and the relief valve, an open valve is provided, by which an operator can discharge the compressed gas of the pressure accumulation chamber at an arbitrary time. SUMMARY

[0003] For example, when a nail jamming occurs, the compressed gas of the pressure accumulation chamber is released by the open valve, and the nail removal work can be easily performed. It is desirable to quickly fill the compressed gas into the pressure accumulation chamber after the compressed gas of the pressure accumulation chamber is released to implement the anti-jamming countermeasure. Thereby, the driving work can be quickly restarted. However, in the outside air suction valve of the prior art, since the outside air is sucked by the action inside the tool body, it takes time to fill to a sufficient air pressure. Improvement is required on this point.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present application, a driving tool has a striking piston that moves downward, for example, in a cylinder to strike a driven piece. The striking piston is moved upward to a top dead center by a driving mechanism that has an electric motor as a drive source. The striking piston is moved upward by the driving mechanism, and a thrust of compressed gas, which is a power source for moving the striking piston downward for driving, can be obtained. Compressed gas is accumulated in a pressure accumulation chamber. The compressed gas is filled into the pressure accumulation chamber via a filling valve. The compressed gas is discharged by a relief valve, and thereby the pressure accumulation chamber is maintained at a set pressure. The pressure accumulation chamber is opened to the atmosphere via an open valve.

[0005] Therefore, by opening the pressure accumulation chamber to the atmosphere by the open valve, the anti-jamming countermeasure or the like can be quickly and easily performed. After the pressure accumulation chamber is opened, the compressed gas is quickly filled into the pressure accumulation chamber from the outside via the filling valve, not based on the action inside the tool body as in the prior art. Thereby, the driving tool can be quickly restarted to continue the driving work. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the driving tool according to the first embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pressure accumulation chamber according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the filling valve.

[0009] Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the filling valve. This figure shows a state in which an external device for injecting compressed gas is connected.

[0010] Figure 5 is a plan view of the tool body portion as viewed in the direction of arrow V in Figure 1

[0011] Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pressure reduction valve according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the driving tool according to the second embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 is a plan view of the pressure accumulation chamber according to the second embodiment.

[0014] Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the opening valve according to the second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 10 is a transverse sectional view of the opening valve according to the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the driving tool according to the third embodiment.

[0017] Figure 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a state in which an adapter is attached to the filling valve.

[0018] Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the adapter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] According to one or more embodiments, for example, the filling valve has a connection port that is connected to an external device to allow injection of compressed gas supplied from the external device. Therefore, compared with the case in which the internal operation of the tool body is relied on in the prior art, the gas filling operation of the pressure accumulation chamber can be performed quickly. Accordingly, the driving operation can be restarted more quickly.

[0020] ​According to one or more embodiments, for example, a tool housing that houses the cylinder and the pressure accumulation chamber is provided. A recess for the valve is formed in the tool housing to prevent the filling valve from protruding from the outer profile of the tool housing. Thus, it is possible to prevent other components from interfering with the filling valve to prevent damage thereto in advance.

[0021] According to one or more embodiments, for example, the pressure reducing valve has a function of the opening valve. Thus, the pressure reducing valve and the opening valve are integrated, the degree of freedom of arrangement is increased, and compactness is achieved.

[0022] According to one or more embodiments, for example, the pressure reducing valve has a plunger that seals the pressure accumulation chamber and a movable member that is displaced by external operation. An elastic member is located between the movable member and the plunger. The load of the elastic member with respect to the plunger can be adjusted by displacement of the movable member.

[0023] Thus, when the movable member is displaced by external operation, the load of the elastic member is adjusted. The pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber is adjusted by adjusting the load. The pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber is set to be high when the load of the plunger is increased. The pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber is set to be low when the load of the plunger is decreased. By displacement of the movable member, the load of the elastic member is sufficiently decreased, and the plunger is fully opened to open the pressure accumulation chamber to the atmosphere.

[0024] According to one or more embodiments, for example, a tool engagement portion for a tool for moving the movable member between the normal position and the work position is provided in the movable member. Thus, the movable member can be rapidly and accurately displaced using the tool.

[0025] According to one or more embodiments, for example, a tool housing that houses the cylinder and the pressure accumulation chamber is provided. A second recess for the valve is formed in the tool housing to prevent the pressure reducing valve and the opening valve from protruding from the outer profile of the tool housing. Thus, it is possible to prevent other components from interfering with the pressure reducing valve and the opening valve to prevent damage thereto in advance.

[0026] According to one or more embodiments, for example, the filling valve, the pressure reducing valve, and the opening valve are arranged independently of each other. Thus, the operability of each valve is ensured. In addition, the degree of freedom of arrangement of each valve is increased.

[0027] According to one or more embodiments, for example, at least one of the filling valve, the pressure reducing valve, and the opening valve has a plunger that moves along a plunger axis between a closed position and an open position. The plunger is arranged such that the plunger axis intersects the direction of movement of the striking piston. Thus, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the at least one valve is increased.

[0028] According to one or more embodiments, for example, the fill valve, the pressure reducing valve, and the open valve are disposed at a position higher than the cylinder. Thus, the structure around the cylinder is simplified. Accordingly, the impact tool is simplified.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present application, an impact tool system includes, for example, an impact tool having a pressure accumulation chamber, and an adapter used when filling compressed gas into the pressure accumulation chamber of the impact tool. The impact tool has a striking piston that moves downward in a cylinder communicating with the pressure accumulation chamber to strike an impact piece. The striking piston is moved upward to a top dead center by a drive mechanism having an electric motor as a drive source. The striking piston is moved upward by the drive mechanism to obtain a thrust of compressed gas, which is a power source for moving the striking piston downward for striking. The compressed gas is accumulated in the pressure accumulation chamber. A fill valve is provided in the pressure accumulation chamber. Compressed gas is filled into the pressure accumulation chamber via the fill valve. An open and close valve is provided in the pressure accumulation chamber. The pressure accumulation chamber is opened to the atmosphere by the open and close valve. The adapter has a first connection port detachably connected to the fill valve of the impact tool, and a second connection port detachably connected to an external compressed gas supply device. A pressure reducing valve is provided in the adapter.

[0030] Thus, the pressure accumulation chamber is opened to the atmosphere by the open valve, and the countermeasure against clogging and the like can be performed quickly and easily. After the pressure accumulation chamber is opened, the compressed gas is quickly filled into the pressure accumulation chamber from the external compressed gas supply device via the fill valve, rather than based on the internal operation of the tool body as in the prior art. Accordingly, the impact tool can be quickly restarted to continue the striking operation.

[0031] The external compressed gas supply device is connected to the fill valve by the adapter. The excess supply of compressed gas is discharged to the atmosphere by the pressure reducing valve provided in the adapter. Accordingly, the pressure accumulation chamber is maintained at a set pressure. The adapter is detached from the fill valve at a stage where the filling of compressed gas into the pressure accumulation chamber is completed. Thus, the impact tool is used in a state where the pressure reducing valve is detached together with the adapter. Accordingly, the protection of the pressure reducing valve is achieved by avoiding the impact at the time of striking and the like. In this way, the pressure reducing valve is attached to the pressure accumulation chamber only when necessary (at the time of filling of compressed gas), and is detached from the pressure accumulation chamber at the time of striking operation and the like. Accordingly, the durability of the pressure reducing valve is improved. The supply interface of a compressor, a gas tank, and the like can be applied to the compressed gas supply device.

[0032] According to one or more embodiments, for example, the second connection port has an open and close valve for connecting the compressed gas supply device. The connection modes of the open and close valve and the fill valve are different from each other. Accordingly, the compressed gas supply device cannot be connected to the fill valve. Thus, by using the adapter, the filling operation of filling compressed gas into the pressure accumulation chamber can be performed. Accordingly, the filling operation is performed in a state where the excess supply of compressed gas is reliably avoided by the pressure reducing valve.

[0033] Example

[0034] Next, according to Figures 1-13 The embodiments of the present invention are described below. Figure 1 The first embodiment shows the driving tool 1. The driving tool 1 has a tool body 10, a handle 5 for the user to hold, and a nail box 9 capable of holding multiple driving parts.

[0035] A cylinder 12 is installed inside the tool housing 11 of the tool body 10. A striking piston 13 is installed inside the cylinder 12 in a manner that allows it to move up and down reciprocally. A driver 14 for striking the insert n is installed at the center of the lower surface of the striking piston 13.

[0036] A pressure accumulator 20 is provided at the upper part of the tool body 10. The impact piston 13 moves downward by the pressure (thrust) of the compressed gas that serves as a power source stored in the pressure accumulator 20. The impact piston 13 moves downward within the cylinder 12 and strikes the insertion part n through the inserter 14.

[0037] The impact piston 13 and the infeeder 14 return to top dead center via a drive mechanism driven by an electric motor 17. Figure 1 (The shown is the insertion waiting position). The impact piston 13 returns to the top dead center via the drive mechanism, thereby increasing the air pressure in the accumulator 20. This provides a thrust that moves the impact piston 13 downwards for insertion. A rack 14a is formed along the length of the inserter 14. A pinion 16 meshes with the rack 14a. The pinion 16 is mounted on the output shaft of the electric motor 17. Through the meshing of the pinion 16 and the rack 14a, the rotational output of the electric motor 17 moves the inserter 14 and the impact piston 13 upwards. The inserter 14 and the impact piston 13 return to the top dead center against the air pressure in the accumulator 20. The electric motor 17 is a compact and high-power brushless motor. The electric motor 17 and the meshing of the pinion 16 and the rack 14a constitute the drive mechanism.

[0038] A vibration damper 19 is installed on the lower dead center side inside the tool body 10. The vibration damper 19 restricts the downward movement of the impact piston 13. A driver 14 is inserted through the inner circumference of the vibration damper 19. The top end of the driver 14 enters the driving passage of the driver head 18 located at the lower part of the tool body 10. The top end of the nail cartridge 9 is attached to the driver head 18. In conjunction with the driving action, driver parts n are supplied one by one from the nail cartridge 9 into the driving passage.

[0039] The handle 5 is configured to protrude laterally from the side of the tool body 10. A trigger-type switch lever 6 is provided on the lower surface of the base of the handle 5. When the user pulls the switch lever 6 with the fingertip of the hand holding the handle 5, the electric motor 17 is activated.

[0040] A battery pack 7 as a power source is attached to the top end side of the handle portion 5. The battery pack 7 is detachable, and is charged by a charger prepared separately, whereby it can be used repeatedly. The electric motor 17 is activated by the electric power of the battery pack 7. A controller 8 is attached to the inside of the handle portion 5. The controller 8 houses a control board including mainly a control circuit for performing the operation control of the electric motor 17 and a power supply circuit.

[0041] A pressure accumulation chamber 20 is partitioned in the inside of the upper housing 21 constituting the upper portion of the tool housing 11. An elastic rubber layer 21a for absorbing impact is attached to the outer surface of the upper housing 21. The compressed gas of the pressure accumulation chamber 20 acts on the upper surface of the striking piston 13. The pressure accumulation chamber 20 is provided with a filling valve 22, a pressure reducing valve 23, and an opening valve 24.

[0042] An external device 2 for injecting compressed gas is connected to the filling valve 22. The compressed gas of the external device 2 connected to the filling valve 22 is filled (supplemented) to the pressure accumulation chamber 20 via the connection port 22f of the filling valve 22. The excessive compressed gas is automatically discharged by the pressure reducing valve 23, and the air pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber 20 is maintained at a set pressure. By operating the opening valve 24 by the user, the pressure accumulation chamber 20 is forcibly opened to the atmosphere.

[0043] A valve recess 25 for housing the filling valve 22 is formed in the upper housing 21. As shown in Figure 5 , the valve recess 25 is a semi-elliptical shape in plan view. By being disposed in the valve recess 25, the filling valve 22 does not protrude from the outer profile of the upper housing 21. Thereby, other articles are prevented from interfering with the filling valve 22, thereby preventing damage and the like.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2-4 , the filling valve 22 has a cylindrical valve frame 22a. One plunger 22b is supported on the inner peripheral side of the valve frame 22a so as to be displaceable in the axial direction (plunger axis J). A compression spring 22c is interposed between the valve frame 22a and the plunger 22b. The top end side of the plunger 22b enters the pressure accumulation chamber 20 from the valve frame 22a. The plunger 22b is urged by the compression spring 22c in the direction in which it exits from the pressure accumulation chamber 20 toward the top end side (the upper side in the drawing).

[0045] A flange portion 22d is provided integrally on the top end of the plunger 22b. The plunger 22b is prevented from coming off by the flange portion 22d. A sealing member 22e is attached to the upper surface of the flange portion 22d. As shown in Figure 3 , the sealing member 22e is pressed against the connection port 22f provided on the lower surface of the valve frame 22a by the load of the compression spring 22c. By pressing the sealing member 22e against the connection port 22f, the connection port 22f is hermetically plugged. This position corresponds to the closed position of the plunger 22b. In the closed position, the compressed gas in the pressure accumulation chamber 20 is prevented from leaking.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, when the external device 2 is installed on the filling valve 22, the plunger 22b is pressed downward against the compression spring 22c by the pressing shaft 2a of the external device 2. This opens the connection port 22f. This position corresponds to the open position of the plunger 22b. With the plunger 22b open, compressed gas is injected from the external device 2 into the accumulator chamber 20. When the external device 2 is removed, the plunger 22b returns to the closed position. The external device 2 can be, for example, a tire pump. Alternatively, a gas canister containing a certain amount of compressed gas can be used.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the functions of the pressure reducing valve 23 and the opening valve 24 are integrated into one. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the pressure reducing valve 23 and the opening valve 24 use a combined pressure reducing / opening valve. Figure 5 As shown, the pressure reducing valve 23 is positioned approximately in the center of the upper housing 21 and above the striking piston 13. (As indicated...) Figure 1 As shown, the pressure reducing valve 23 is positioned at a position where its plunger axis J is approximately aligned with that of the injector 14.

[0048] like Figure 2 , 6 As shown, the pressure reducing valve 23 has a cylindrical valve frame 23a. In this embodiment, a portion of the upper housing 21 is used as the valve frame 23a. The valve frame 23a is configured to protrude into the accumulator chamber 20 but not extend beyond the outer contour of the upper housing 21. A cylindrical movable member 23b is provided on the inner circumferential side of the valve frame 23a. An external thread 23c is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the movable member 23b. The external thread 23c engages with an internal thread 23d formed on the inner circumferential surface of the valve frame 23a. Therefore, the movable member 23b can be displaced along its axial direction (vertical direction as shown in the figure) by rotating about its axis.

[0049] The movable member 23b is held in the valve frame 23a in a manner movable along the axial direction by engaging (holding) the external threaded portion 23c and the internal threaded portion 23d. A plunger 23e is held on the inner circumference of the movable member 23b in a manner movable along the axial direction. The axes of the valve frame 23a, the movable member 23b, and the plunger 23e are aligned. Hereinafter, each axis will be referred to as the plunger axis J. The plunger 23e is held in a manner movable along the plunger axis J. The plunger 23e is held in a manner movable between the closed position of the closed accumulator chamber 20 and the open position of the open accumulator chamber 20.

[0050] The movable member 23b described above is held so as to be movable along the plunger axis J between a normal position and an operation position. A compression spring 23f is interposed between the movable member 23b and the plunger 23e. The tip end portion of the plunger 23e is inserted in the vent hole 23g of the valve frame 23a. The plunger 23e is inserted in the vent hole 23g and is supported so as to be displaceable in the direction of the plunger axis J. The plunger 23e is urged by the compression spring 23f toward the closed position (downward in the figure). The plunger 23e is held in the closed position below by the urging force of the compression spring 23f. The plunger 23e is displaced toward the open position above against the urging force of the compression spring 23f.

[0051] A seal ring 23h is interposed between the tip end portion of the plunger 23e and the vent hole 23g. The vent hole 23g is hermetically sealed by the seal ring 23h. A slit 23i for venting is provided at the tip end portion of the plunger 23e. The slit 23i extends in a certain range along the plunger axis J. The slit 23i is disposed at two positions facing each other around the plunger axis J.

[0052] The plunger 23e is displaced in the direction of the plunger axis J so that the gas pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber 20 and the urging force of the compression spring 23f are balanced. In a state where the gas pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber 20 applied to the plunger 23e is smaller than the urging force of the compression spring 23f, the plunger 23e is held in the closed position below. In a state where the plunger 23e is held in the closed position below, the base end portion of the plunger 23e, i.e., the portion where the slit 23i is not present, is located on the inner peripheral side of the seal ring 23h. In this state, the vent hole 23g is hermetically sealed. Accordingly, the pressure accumulation chamber 20 is hermetically sealed with respect to the outside, and the pressure accumulation chamber 20 is held at a certain pressure (below the set pressure).

[0053] When the gas pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber 20 applied to the plunger 23e is greater than the urging force of the compression spring 23f, the plunger 23e is displaced toward the open position above against the urging force of the compression spring 23f. When the plunger 23e is displaced toward the open position above, the slit 23i is located on the inner peripheral side of the seal ring 23h. In this state, the hermeticity of the vent hole 23g is released.

[0054] An open hole 23j that communicates the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side is provided at the upper portion of the movable member 23b. Therefore, when the plunger 23e is displaced toward the open position above and the hermeticity of the vent hole 23g is released, the pressure accumulation chamber 20 is opened to the outside (atmosphere side) via the vent hole 23g, the inner peripheral side of the valve frame 23a, the inner peripheral side of the movable member 23b, and the open hole 23j. Accordingly, the compressed gas of the pressure accumulation chamber 20 is discharged to the outside. When the gas pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber 20 falls to the set pressure, the plunger 23e returns to the closed position by the urging force of the compression spring 23f, whereby the pressure accumulation chamber 20 is hermetically sealed.

[0055] The load of the compression spring 23f corresponding to the set pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber 20 is changed by moving the movable member 23b. When the movable member 23b is displaced downward, the load of the compression spring 23f becomes large. When the movable member 23b is displaced upward, the load of the compression spring 23f becomes small. Therefore, when the movable member 23b is displaced downward, the set pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber 20 becomes high. Accordingly, the air pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber 20 can be increased.

[0056] When the movable member 23b is displaced upward, the set pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber 20 becomes low. Accordingly, the plunger 23e is easily displaced to the open position side by the lower air pressure. When the movable member 23b is sufficiently displaced upward, the state where the load of the compression spring 23f does not act on the plunger 23e is reached. In this state, the state where the compressed gas of the pressure accumulation chamber 20 is completely discharged to the atmosphere via the air vent hole 23g, the inner peripheral side of the valve frame 23a, the inner peripheral side of the movable member 23b, and the open hole 23j is reached.

[0057] By opening the pressure accumulation chamber 20 to the atmosphere, the air pressure acting on the striking piston 13 can be eliminated. Accordingly, the removal work of the nail stuck in the tacker head 18 can be performed quickly and easily. The position of the movable member 23b on the upward side required to open the pressure accumulation chamber 20 to the atmosphere corresponds to the work position. The position of the movable member 23b on the downward side required to make the air pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber 20 an appropriate set pressure corresponds to the normal position.

[0058] Thus, the pressure reducing valve 23 has a function of holding the movable member 23b at the normal position to hold the pressure accumulation chamber 20 at the set pressure. In addition to this, the pressure reducing valve 23 has a function as an open valve 24 that opens the pressure accumulation chamber 20 to the atmosphere by displacement of the movable member 23b to the work position.

[0059] A tool engagement portion 23k for engaging a tool 26 for work is provided on the upper portion of the movable member 23b. In the present embodiment, the tool 26 can use a hexagonal wrench (internal hexagonal wrench). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the tool engagement portion 23k is provided with a hexagonal hole. The tool engagement portion 23k penetrates from the upper surface of the movable member 23b to the inner peripheral side. As shown in FIG. 6, the tool 26 is engaged with the tool engagement portion 23k, and the movable member 23b is displaced upward and downward by rotating the tool 26. Accordingly, the movable member 23b can be quickly and accurately displaced between the normal position and the work position. Figure 6

[0060] ​According to the driving tool 1 of the first embodiment described above, the pressure accumulation chamber 20 has the filling valve 22, the pressure reducing valve 23, and the opening valve 24. The pressure accumulation chamber 20 is opened to the atmosphere through the opening valve 24, and the anti-clogging countermeasure and the like can be performed quickly and easily. After the pressure accumulation chamber 20 is opened, the compressed gas is quickly filled from the external device 2 to the pressure accumulation chamber 20 through the connection port 22f of the filling valve 22. Accordingly, compared with a structure in which the filling is performed by the internal operation of the tool body as in the related art, the driving tool 1 can be quickly restarted to continue the driving work.

[0061] The filling valve 22 is arranged in the valve recess 25 provided in the upper housing 21 of the pressure accumulation chamber 20. Accordingly, the filling valve 22 is prevented from protruding from the external profile of the tool housing 11 or the upper housing 21. Therefore, other components can be prevented from interfering with the filling valve 22 to prevent damage thereto in advance.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the opening valve 24 is integrated with the pressure reducing valve 23, and a single valve has both functions. Accordingly, the arrangement freedom of the pressure reducing valve 23 and the opening valve 24 is improved, and the compactness of the tool body portion 10 is achieved.

[0063] In the pressure reducing valve 23, the plunger 23e is moved to the open position against the load of the compression spring 23f to discharge the compressed gas of the pressure accumulation chamber 20. Accordingly, the pressure accumulation chamber 20 is maintained at the set pressure. The set pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber 20 can be adjusted by changing the load of the compression spring 23f. The load of the compression spring 23f can be changed by displacing the movable member 23b.

[0064] By locating the movable member 23b at the normal position, the load of the compression spring 23f can be applied to the plunger 23e. The range in which the load of the compression spring 23f is applied to the plunger 23e corresponds to the normal position of the movable member 23b. The set pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber 20 can be adjusted by changing the normal position of the movable member 23b.

[0065] When the movable member 23b is moved to the work position, the state in which the load of the compression spring 23f is not applied to the plunger 23e is changed. Accordingly, the pressure accumulation chamber 20 is opened to the atmosphere to discharge the compressed gas. The pressure accumulation chamber 20 is opened to the atmosphere, and thus the state in which the gas pressure of the compressed gas is not applied to the striking piston 13 is achieved. Accordingly, the anti-clogging countermeasure of the driving bit portion 18 can be performed quickly and easily. The tool 26 can be engaged to the tool engagement portion 23k to perform the moving operation of the movable member 23b between the normal position and the work position quickly and accurately.

[0066] The pressure reducing valve 23 and the opening valve 24 are assembled to a valve frame 23a provided to the upper case 21. The valve frame 23a is provided in a state of projecting to the pressure accumulation chamber 20 side. Accordingly, the pressure reducing valve 23 and the opening valve 24 are arranged in a state of not projecting from the outer profile of the upper case 21. Therefore, the valve frame 23a is formed as a 2nd valve recess. Therefore, other components are prevented from interfering with the pressure reducing valve 23 and the opening valve 24, thereby preventing damage thereto.

[0067] In the 1st embodiment, the filling valve 22, the pressure reducing valve 23, and the opening valve 24 are all arranged at a position higher than the cylinder 12. Therefore, the surrounding structure of the cylinder 12 is simplified. Accordingly, the compactness of the driving tool 1 is achieved.

[0068] Further, in the example driving tool 1, the pressure in the pressure accumulation chamber 20 is increased by the driving mechanism having the electric motor 17 to move the striker piston 13 upward to the top dead center. In this way, the pressure required for the striking operation is ensured by the upward movement of the striker piston 13. Therefore, a special mechanism for increasing the pressure in the pressure accumulation chamber 20 is not required to be provided additionally.

[0069] Various modifications can be added to the above-described 1st embodiment. For example, instead of using a hexagonal wrench as the tool 26, a screwdriver can be used to displace the movable member 23b. In this case, instead of a hexagonal hole as the tool engagement portion 23k, a slot portion in a straight line or a cross shape can be used.

[0070] Further, instead of the tool engagement portion 23k, a knob portion or a lever portion can be provided, and the movable member can be operated to be moved without using a tool 26 such as a hexagonal wrench, but the illustration is omitted.

[0071] A driving tool 30 according to a 2nd embodiment is shown in Figure 7 In the 2nd embodiment, the filling valve 32, the pressure reducing valve 33, and the opening valve 34 of the pressure accumulation chamber 31 are different from those of the 1st embodiment. Components and structures not changed are omitted from the description using the same symbols.

[0072] The filling valve 32, the pressure reducing valve 33, and the opening valve 34 are arranged in an upper case 35 constituting the upper portion of the tool case 11. As in the 1st embodiment, an elastic rubber layer 35a for absorbing impact is also provided to the outer surface of the upper case 35.

[0073] The filling valve 32 has the same structure as the filling valve 22 according to the 1st embodiment. However, the direction of arrangement is different from that of the 1st embodiment. In the 2nd embodiment, the filling valve 32 is arranged with its plunger axis J in a transverse direction intersecting (orthogonal to) the reciprocating movement direction of the striker piston 13. Therefore, the plunger 32a of the filling valve 32 is displaced in a direction orthogonal to the driving direction.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 6, the filling valve 32 is arranged in a valve recess 35b provided in the upper housing 35. Therefore, the filling valve 32 is arranged in a state not protruding from the outer profile of the upper housing 35. Accordingly, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to avoid other components interfering with the filling valve 32 to prevent damage thereto. It is possible to connect the filling valve 32 to the external device 2 and rapidly fill the compressed gas into the pressure accumulation chamber 31. Figure 7 、 8 As shown in FIG. 6, the filling valve 32 is arranged in a valve recess 35b provided in the upper housing 35. Therefore, the filling valve 32 is arranged in a state not protruding from the outer profile of the upper housing 35. Accordingly, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to avoid other components interfering with the filling valve 32 to prevent damage thereto. It is possible to connect the filling valve 32 to the external device 2 and rapidly fill the compressed gas into the pressure accumulation chamber 31.

[0075] In the second embodiment, the pressure reducing valve 33 and the opening valve 34 are arranged separately from each other. This point is different from the first embodiment in which the pressure reducing valve 23 and the opening valve 24 are integrated as a pressure reducing / opening dual-purpose valve. The pressure reducing valve 33 is arranged in the substantially center of the upper housing 35. The pressure reducing valve 33 is arranged in a longitudinal direction whose plunger axis line J is parallel to the striking direction, as in the first embodiment.

[0076] The pressure reducing valve 33 has substantially the same structure as the pressure reducing valve 23 involved in the first embodiment. The pressure reducing valve 33 has a valve frame 23a, a movable member 23b, and a plunger 23e. The plunger 23e is urged to the closed position side by a compression spring 23f interposed therebetween. The movable member 23b is threadedly engaged with the inner peripheral side of the valve frame 23a.

[0077] The set pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber 31 is adjusted by changing the load of the compression spring 23f by changing the screwed-in position of the movable member 23b. When the gas pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber 31 becomes greater than the load of the compression spring 23f, the plunger 23e is displaced to the open position side against the compression spring 23f. Accordingly, the compressed gas is discharged through the open hole 23j of the movable member 23b, whereby the pressure accumulation chamber 31 is maintained at the set pressure.

[0078] In the pressure reducing valve 33 involved in the second embodiment, the tool engagement portion 23k operated when opened to the atmosphere in the first embodiment is omitted. Therefore, the pressure reducing valve 33 of the second embodiment is always covered with the elastic rubber layer 35a in a state not protruding from the outer profile of the upper housing 35. The pressure reducing valve 33 involved in the second embodiment is not operated when opening the pressure accumulation chamber 31 to the atmosphere. The movable member 23b of the pressure reducing valve 33 involved in the second embodiment is subjected to the rotational operation only at the time of maintenance or the like for changing the set pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber 31.

[0079] In the second embodiment, the opening valve 34 is used to open the pressure accumulation chamber 31 to the atmosphere. The opening valve 34 is arranged in a second valve recess 35c provided in the side portion of the upper housing 35. The opening valve 34 has a head portion 34a having a hexagonal hole 34c and a threaded shaft portion 34b. A sealing member 34d is attached to the lower surface of the head portion 34a.

[0080] The threaded shaft portion 34b of the opening valve 34 is screwed with the threaded hole 35d provided in the longitudinal wall portion 35f of the second valve recess 35c. A hexagonal wrench (not shown) is engaged with the hexagonal hole 34c of the head portion 34a to rotate the opening valve 34. The opening valve 34 is displaced in the axial direction thereof (corresponding to the plunger axis J) by the screwing position of the threaded shaft portion 34b relative to the threaded hole 35d being changed by the rotational operation.

[0081] The opening groove 35e is provided in the axial direction of the threaded hole 35d. The opening groove 35e penetrates the upper housing 35 in the wall thickness direction from the pressure chamber 31 side to the longitudinal wall portion 35f. When the opening valve 34 is rotated toward the normal position side, the threaded shaft portion 34b is screwed deeper relative to the threaded hole 35d, and the opening groove 35e is closed by the sealing member 34d. Accordingly, the pressure chamber 31 is hermetically sealed. Figure 9 In this case, the opening valve 34 is moved to the left, and the threaded shaft portion 34b is screwed deeper relative to the threaded hole 35d. When the opening valve 34 is rotated toward the normal position, the opening groove 35e is hermetically closed by the sealing member 34d. Accordingly, the pressure chamber 31 is hermetically sealed.

[0082] When the opening valve 34 is rotated toward the operation position side, as shown in FIG. 6, the opening valve 34 is moved to the right, and the threaded shaft portion 34b is screwed shallower relative to the threaded hole 35d. Accordingly, the sealing member 34d is separated from the opening groove 35e, and the pressure chamber 31 is opened to the atmosphere. By the pressure chamber 31 being opened to the atmosphere, the removal operation of the nail driven into the head portion 18 of the driver can be performed quickly. Figure 9 When the opening valve 34 is rotated toward the operation position side, as shown in FIG. 6, the opening valve 34 is moved to the right, and the threaded shaft portion 34b is screwed shallower relative to the threaded hole 35d. Accordingly, the sealing member 34d is separated from the opening groove 35e, and the pressure chamber 31 is opened to the atmosphere. By the pressure chamber 31 being opened to the atmosphere, the removal operation of the nail driven into the head portion 18 of the driver can be performed quickly.

[0083] As described above, the driver 30 according to the second embodiment also has the filling valve 32, the pressure reducing valve 33, and the opening valve 34 in the pressure chamber 31. The filling operation of the pressure chamber 31 with compressed gas can be performed quickly by the filling valve 32 being connected to the external device 2. The pressure chamber 31 can be maintained at a set pressure by the pressure reducing valve 33. The removal operation of the nail can be performed quickly and easily by the pressure chamber 31 being opened to the atmosphere by the opening valve 34.

[0084] In the second embodiment, the filling valve 32, the pressure reducing valve 33, and the opening valve 34 are independently arranged. Therefore, the operability of each valve 32, 33, 34 is ensured. In addition, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of each valve 32, 33, 34 is improved.

[0085] According to the second embodiment, the filling valve 32 and the opening valve 34 are arranged laterally. Accordingly, the plunger axis J of the filling valve 32 and the opening valve 34 intersects the direction of movement of the striking piston 13. In this way, in the second embodiment, the degree of freedom in the arrangement direction (the direction of the plunger axis J) of the filling valve 32, the pressure reducing valve 33, and the opening valve 34 is improved.

[0086] According to the second embodiment, the filling valve 32, the pressure reducing valve 33, and the opening valve 34 are also each disposed at a position higher than the cylinder 12. Therefore, the surrounding structure of the cylinder 12 is simplified, thereby achieving the downsizing of the driving tool 30.

[0087] In addition, in the second embodiment, the filling valve 32, the pressure reducing valve 33, and the opening valve 34 are disposed in a state of not protruding from the outer profile of the upper housing 35. Thereby, it is possible to prevent damage to the valves 32, 33, 34 in advance by avoiding interference with other articles and the like.

[0088] Also, as in the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the pressure in the pressure accumulation chamber 20 is increased by moving the striking piston 13 upward to the upper dead center by the driving mechanism having the electric motor 17. In this way, the pressure required for the striking operation is ensured by the upward movement of the striking piston 13. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a special mechanism for increasing the pressure in the pressure accumulation chamber 20.

[0089] The first and second embodiments described above can be further modified. For example, the pressure reducing valves 23, 33 are configured so that the upper housings 21, 35 are formed in a recessed shape to be used as valve frames 23a. Alternatively, the pressure reducing valves 23, 33 can be configured to be assembled using dedicated valve frames 22a as in the filling valves 22, 32.

[0090] In addition, as for the driving mechanism for moving the striking piston 13 upward to the upper dead center, instead of the rack-and-pinion type, a press roller type or a roll-up type can be employed.

[0091] Also, although the driving tool 1 in which nails are exemplified as the driving pieces n is described, the valve structure of the example can also be applied to a nailer in which U-shaped nails are used as the driving pieces.

[0092] In Figures 11-13 a third embodiment is shown. In the third embodiment, a driving tool system S in which a compressor 50 is used to fill compressed gas into a driving tool 40 is exemplified. The driving tool 40 is supplied with compressed gas as a power source by the driving tool system S. As the driving tool 40, a gas spring type driving tool in which driving pieces n are driven one by one is exemplified, as in the first and second embodiments. As in the first and second embodiments, the driving tool 40 has a tool main body portion 10 in which a striking mechanism and a driving mechanism are housed, a handle portion 5, a nail magazine 9, and a driving head portion 18. Other than this, the same reference numerals are used for the same components and structures as in the first and second embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0093] An upper case 21 is hermetically coupled to the upper portion of the tool case 11. The inner side of the upper case 21 and above the striking piston 13 is a pressure accumulation chamber 41. A filling valve 42 and an opening valve 43 are provided in the pressure accumulation chamber 41. As in the first and second embodiments, the filling valve 42 has a cylindrical valve frame 42a and a plunger 42b supported in the valve frame 42a in a displaceable manner. The plunger 42b is urged to the closed side by a compression spring 42c. The opening and closing valve 43 has the same structure as the opening and closing valve 34 of the second embodiment. By loosening the opening valve 43, the pressure accumulation chamber 41 is opened to the atmosphere. Accordingly, the removal work of the nails in the striking head 18 can be performed quickly.

[0094] The pressure accumulation chamber 41 is filled with compressed gas by installing an adapter 50 to the filling valve 42. The adapter 50 has an upper and lower long substantially cylindrical shape with the inner peripheral side as an air passage 50a. The lower portion of the adapter 50 has a first connection port 51 specific to the connection method of the filling valve 42. The upper portion of the adapter 50 has a second connection port 52 which is highly versatile in that the connection method thereof is specified by the specifications or the like. An opening pin 51a is provided in the first connection port 51. When the first connection port 51 is disposed to the filling valve 42 by holding the adapter 50, the plunger 42b is pressed downward against the compression spring 42c by the opening pin 51a. Accordingly, the filling valve 42 is opened, and the air passage 50a of the adapter 50 is communicated with the pressure accumulation chamber 41.

[0095] The second connection port 52 has an opening and closing valve 54 installed in a non-detachable manner. The opening and closing valve 54 has a cylindrical frame 54a and one plunger 54b supported in the frame 54a. The plunger 54b is urged to the closed side by a compression spring 54c. A nozzle 61 of an external compressed gas supply device 60 is connected to the second connection port 52. An opening pin 62 is provided in the inner peripheral side of the nozzle 61. When the nozzle 61 is connected to the second connection port 52, the plunger 54b is pressed downward against the compression spring 54c by the opening pin 62. Accordingly, the second connection port 52 is opened, and the compressed gas flows from the compressed gas supply device 60 into the air passage 50a.

[0096] A pressure reducing valve 53 is provided in the adapter 50. The pressure reducing valve 53 is provided midway in the air passage 50a. The pressure reducing valve 53 has a structure in which one plunger 53b is supported in a valve frame 53a. The plunger 53b is urged to the closed side by a compression spring 53c. The pressure reducing valve 53 has a similar structure to the pressure reducing valve 33 of the second embodiment. When the air pressure in the air passage 50a rises above a certain value, the plunger 53b is displaced to the open side against the compression spring 53c by the air pressure. When the plunger 53b is displaced to the open side, the air passage 50a is opened to the atmosphere via an opening hole 53d provided in the valve frame 53a. Accordingly, the air pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber 41 is maintained at a set pressure.

[0097] According to the driving tool system S of the third embodiment, the adapter 50 is used when filling the compressed gas into the pressure accumulation chamber 41. The supply of excess compressed gas is avoided by the pressure reducing valve 53 provided in the adapter 50, whereby the gas pressure of the pressure accumulation chamber 41 is maintained at the set pressure. The adapter 50 is detached from the filling valve 42 at the stage when the filling of the compressed gas into the pressure accumulation chamber 41 is completed, or at the stage when the filling is not performed. Therefore, the pressure reducing valve 53 is also detached together with the adapter 50. Therefore, the pressure reducing valve 53 is protected from the vibration or impact due to the driving of the gas driving device (driving tool 40). In this way, according to the driving tool system S of the example, the pressure reducing valve 53 is attached to the driving tool 40 only when necessary (when the gas filling is performed), and is detached when the driving tool 40 is driven, whereby the durability of the pressure reducing valve 53 is improved.

[0098] In the third embodiment, the second connection port 52 of the adapter 50 has a general connection method prescribed by the standard or the like, and the first connection port 51 has a connection method specific to the driving tool system S. Therefore, the opening and closing valve 54 of the adapter 50 uses a valve which does not have interchangeability with the filling valve 42 (for example, the opening size for connection is different). Therefore, the compressed gas supply device 60 cannot be directly connected to the filling valve 42, and the filling work of filling the compressed gas into the pressure accumulation chamber 41 necessarily requires the use of the adapter 50.

[0099] According to the driving tool 40 and the driving tool system S of the third embodiment described above, the filling work of filling the compressed gas into the pressure accumulation chamber 41 can be quickly performed using the adapter 50 having the pressure reducing valve 53. In addition, the pressure accumulation chamber 41 is maintained at the set pressure by the pressure reducing valve 53. By opening the valve 43, the pressure accumulation chamber 41 can be opened to the atmosphere to quickly and simply perform the removal work of the nail.

[0100] Further, according to the third embodiment, the opening and closing valve 54 of the second connection port 52 does not have interchangeability with the filling valve 42 due to the difference in the connection method such as the opening size. Therefore, the external compressed gas supply device 60 cannot be directly connected to the filling valve 42. Accordingly, in the filling work of filling the compressed gas into the pressure accumulation chamber 41, the adapter 50 having the pressure reducing valve 53 is required to be used. Accordingly, the filling work is performed only in the state where the supply of excess compressed gas is avoided by the pressure reducing valve 53. Therefore, the supply of excess compressed gas into the pressure accumulation chamber is avoided.

[0101] Further, according to the third embodiment, the opening and closing valve 54 of the second connection port 52 does not have interchangeability with the filling valve 42 due to the difference in the connection method such as the opening size. Therefore, the external compressed gas supply device 60 cannot be directly connected to the filling valve 42. Accordingly, in the filling work of filling the compressed gas into the pressure accumulation chamber 41, the adapter 50 having the pressure reducing valve 53 is required to be used. Accordingly, the filling work is performed only in the state where the supply of excess compressed gas is avoided by the pressure reducing valve 53. Therefore, the supply of excess compressed gas into the pressure accumulation chamber is avoided.

[0102] The driving tool 1 in the embodiment is an example of the driving tool according to the aspect of the present application. The striking piston 13 in the embodiment is an example of the striking piston according to the aspect of the present application. The electric motor 17 in the embodiment is an example of the electric motor according to the aspect of the present application. The pressure accumulation chamber 20 in the embodiment is an example of the pressure accumulation chamber according to the aspect of the present application. The filling valve 22, 32 in the embodiment is an example of the filling valve according to the aspect of the present application. The pressure reducing valve 23, 33 in the embodiment is an example of the pressure reducing valve according to the aspect of the present application. The opening valve 24, 34 in the embodiment is an example of the opening valve according to the aspect of the present application.

[0103] The external device 2 in the embodiment is an example of the external device according to the aspect of the present application. The connection port 22f in the embodiment is an example of the connection port according to the aspect of the present application. The cylinder 12 in the embodiment is an example of the cylinder according to the aspect of the present application. The tool housing 11 in the embodiment is an example of the tool housing according to the aspect of the present application. The valve recess 25, 35b in the embodiment is an example of the valve recess according to the aspect of the present application.

[0104] The plunger 23e in the embodiment is an example of the plunger according to the aspect of the present application. The movable member 23b in the embodiment is an example of the movable member according to the aspect of the present application. The compression spring 23f in the embodiment is an example of the elastic member according to the aspect of the present application. The tool engaging portion 23k in the embodiment is an example of the tool engaging portion according to the aspect of the present application. The second valve recess 35c in the embodiment is an example of the second valve recess according to the aspect of the present application. The plunger 32a in the embodiment is an example of the plunger according to the aspect of the present application.

[0105] The driving tool system S in the embodiment is an example of the driving tool system according to the aspect of the present application. The driving tool 40 in the embodiment is an example of the driving tool according to the aspect of the present application. The adapter 50 in the embodiment is an example of the adapter according to the aspect of the present application. The pressure reducing valve 53 in the embodiment is an example of the pressure reducing valve according to the aspect of the present application. The first connection port 51 in the embodiment is an example of the first connection port according to the aspect of the present application. The second connection port 52 in the embodiment is an example of the second connection port according to the aspect of the present application. The external compressed gas supply device 60 in the embodiment is an example of the compressed gas supply device according to the aspect of the present application.

Claims

1. A driving tool characterized by comprising: having: a striking piston which moves downward in a cylinder to strike a driven member; a drive mechanism which moves the striking piston upward to a top dead center using an electric motor as a drive source to obtain a compressed gas thrust which is a power source for moving the striking piston downward for driving; a pressure accumulation chamber which accumulates the compressed gas; a filling valve for filling the pressure accumulation chamber with compressed gas; a pressure reducing valve which discharges the compressed gas of the pressure accumulation chamber to maintain the pressure accumulation chamber at a set pressure; and an opening valve which opens the pressure accumulation chamber to the atmosphere, the pressure reducing valve simultaneously functions as the opening valve, the pressure reducing valve is configured to have a plunger which seals the pressure accumulation chamber, a movable member which is displaced by external operation, and a resilient member which is located between the movable member and the plunger, and the pressure reducing valve is able to adjust the load of the resilient member with respect to the plunger by displacement of the movable member.

2. The driving tool according to claim 1, wherein the filling valve has a connection port which is connected to an external device and allows injection of compressed gas supplied from the external device.

3. The driving tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a tool housing which houses the cylinder and the pressure accumulation chamber is provided, a valve recess for avoiding protrusion of the filling valve from the external profile of the tool housing is formed in the tool housing.

4. The driving tool according to claim 1, wherein a tool engagement portion for engagement of a tool for moving the movable member between a normal position and an operating position is provided in the movable member.

5. The driving tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a tool housing which houses the cylinder and the pressure accumulation chamber is provided, a second valve recess for avoiding protrusion of the pressure reducing valve and the opening valve from the external profile of the tool housing is formed in the tool housing.

6. A driving tool characterized by comprising: having: a striking piston which moves downward in a cylinder to strike a driven member; a drive mechanism which moves the striking piston upward to a top dead center using an electric motor as a drive source to obtain a compressed gas thrust which is a power source for moving the striking piston downward for driving; a pressure accumulation chamber which accumulates the compressed gas; a filling valve for filling the pressure accumulation chamber with compressed gas; a pressure reducing valve which discharges the compressed gas of the pressure accumulation chamber to maintain the pressure accumulation chamber at a set pressure; and an opening valve which opens the pressure accumulation chamber to the atmosphere, the filling valve, the pressure reducing valve, and the opening valve are independently arranged from each other, at least one of the filling valve, the pressure reducing valve, and the opening valve has a plunger which moves along a plunger axis between a closed position and an open position, and the plunger is arranged so that the plunger axis intersects with the moving direction of the striking piston.

7. The driving tool according to claim 1 or 6, wherein the filling valve, the pressure reducing valve, and the opening valve are all arranged at a position higher than the cylinder.

Images