Flaring tool

Abstract

A flaring tool includes a motor, a main shaft, a cone, a clutch mechanism, a detecting device, and a control device. The main shaft is operably coupled to the motor and configured to move forward along a first axis while rotating about the first axis when the motor is rotated in a forward direction. The cone is eccentrically mounted on a forward end portion of the main shaft so as to be rotatable about a second axis different from the first axis. The clutch mechanism is configured to be actuated in response to blocking forward movement of the main shaft due to abutment of the cone against an end portion of the pipe. The detecting device is configured to detect actuation of the clutch mechanism.The control device is configured to control the rotation of the motor based on a detection result from the detection device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flaring tool (expansion tool). STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A known electric flaring tool is configured to form a flare (a portion expanded into a cone shape) at an end portion of a pipe (conduit). A general flaring tool includes a main shaft (spindle) that moves along a drive axis while rotating around the drive axis, and a cone (taper) eccentrically supported at a front end portion of the main shaft so as to be rotatable around an axis different from the drive axis.

[0003] To accurately form the flare, preferably, the cone moves forward while rotating to gradually press and expand the end portion of the pipe, and then simply continues to rotate while pressing the end portion of the pipe. For example, an electric flaring tool disclosed in JP 2023-081043 A includes a coupling flange that is actuated in response to the start of the flare formation, causing the main shaft to rotate while blocking (hindering) the forward movement of the main shaft. The coupling flange moves rearward with respect to the main shaft and rotates together with the main shaft while being urged by a compression spring. In this way, the cone continues to rotate while pressing the end portion of the pipe without moving forward. SHORT SUMMARY

[0004] In the flaring tool described above, the rotation of a motor, and thus the rotation of the main shaft, is stopped when a forward-reverse switch is manually operated by a user. Thus, the termination time of the state in which the cone simply rotates while pressing the end portion of the pipe depends on the time at which the user operates the forward-reverse switch. This results in variations in the finishing (accuracy) of the formed flare.

[0005] A non-limiting object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique for improving the consistency (quality, stability) of a finishing (finish, refinement, final surface) of a flanging formed by a flanging tool.

[0006] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a flanging tool according to claim 1 or claim 3.

[0007] One non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure provides a flanging tool comprising a motor, a main shaft (spindle), a cone (cone), a clutch mechanism, a detection device, and a control device. The motor is rotatable in a forward direction and a reverse direction. The main shaft is operably coupled (connected) to the motor. The main shaft is configured to move forward along a first axis defining a front-to-back direction of the flanging tool while rotating about the first axis when the motor is rotated in the forward direction. The cone is eccentrically supported at a front end portion of the main shaft so as to be rotatable about a second axis different from the first axis. Here, the second axis may be parallel to the first axis or inclined relative to the first axis.The cone is configured to form a flare (conical expansion) at an end portion of a pipe. The clutch mechanism is configured to be actuated (activated, released) in response to forward movement of the main shaft being blocked (hindered) due to the cone abutting the end portion of the pipe. The detection device is configured to detect actuation (activation, release) of the clutch mechanism. The control device is configured to control rotation of the motor based on a detection result of the detection device.

[0008] According to the hemming tool of the present aspect, the control device can control the rotation of the motor based on whether the clutch mechanism has been activated (operated) or not. It is thus possible to stabilize the finish (accuracy) of a formed hemming (ie, to produce smooth (uniform) hemmings), compared to a case where the timing for starting and stopping the rotation of the motor depends on a manual operation by a user.

[0009] The type of clutch mechanism and the type of detection device that detects the actuation (activation, release) of the clutch mechanism according to the present aspect are not particularly limited. For example, a friction clutch mechanism or a meshing clutch mechanism (e.g., a driver / adhesion clutch) can be used as the clutch mechanism. As a detection device, for example, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, or a mechanical switch can be used. The control device can be configured by, for example, at least one processor or processing circuit and at least one memory. The function of the control device can be achieved by executing a program stored in a non-volatile storage device.

[0010] Another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure also provides a flaring tool comprising a motor, a main shaft, a cone, a sensing device, and a control device. The motor is rotatable in a forward direction and a reverse direction. The main shaft is operably coupled to the motor. The main shaft is configured to move forward along a first axis defining a front-to-back direction of the flaring tool while rotating about the first axis when the motor is rotated in the forward direction. The cone is eccentrically supported on a front end portion of the main shaft so as to be rotatable about a second axis different from the first axis. Here, the second axis may be parallel to the first axis or inclined relative to the first axis. The cone is configured to form a flare in an end portion of a tube.The detection device is configured to detect the formation of the flare by the cone. The control device is configured to control rotation of the motor. The control device controls the rotation of the motor such that the main shaft rotates by a specific rotation amount (rotation size, rotation amount, rotation angle) at substantially the same position in the front-to-back direction and then stops rotating in response to the detection device detecting the formation of the flare.

[0011] In the flanging tool according to the present aspect, the rotation control of the main shaft is achieved by the rotation control of the motor by the control device. It is thus possible to stabilize the finish (accuracy) of the formed flanging (i.e., to produce uniform flangings), compared with a case where the timings for starting and stopping the rotation of the motor depend on a manual operation by the user. When the formation of a flanging is detected by the cone, the main shaft rotates by the specific rotation amount (i.e., a specific rotation angle) at substantially the same position in the front-to-back direction and then stops rotating. During this period, it is possible for the cone to form a flanging close to a perfect circle and improve the finish of the flanging.

[0012] It should be noted that in the present aspect, the detecting device may employ any method for detecting the formation of the flare by the cone. When the flare is formed by the cone, the forward movement of the main shaft is blocked. Thus, for example, the detecting device may detect the operation of any component corresponding to this phenomenon or detect any physical quantity corresponding to this phenomenon. For example, the flare tool may include a clutch mechanism that is actuated in response to the blocking of the forward movement of the main shaft, and the detecting device may detect the operation of the clutch. Alternatively, the detecting device may detect a current value of the motor or a load acting on the main shaft. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing an overall configuration of a flanging tool according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is an enlarged partial view of Fig. 1 and is a cross-sectional view of a flanging device and a detecting device when a main shaft is in an initial position. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the main shaft and a cone. Fig. 4 is an enlarged partial view of Fig. 2 and is an explanatory view of a bearing structure of the cone. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VV shown in Fig. 4 is shown. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a second sleeve of a fixed sleeve and a movable flange. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the crimping device and the detecting device when the main shaft is in a forward movement blocking position and a clutch mechanism is in a coupled state. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the crimping device and the detecting device when the main shaft is in the forward movement blocking position and the clutch is in a disengaged state. Fig. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the flaring device when the main shaft is in a forwardmost position. Fig. 10 is an explanatory view of an example of an operation range. Fig. 11 is an explanatory view of another example of an operation area. Fig. 12 is a flowchart of a motor drive process. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an overall configuration of a flanging tool according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0013] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the control device may be configured to stop rotation of the motor after the motor has rotated a specific rotation amount (rotation amount, rotation angle) in a forward direction in response to detection of actuation (release) of the clutch mechanism by the detection device.

[0014] According to this embodiment, while the motor rotates by the specific rotation amount (i.e., a specific rotation angle), the main shaft continues to rotate while its forward movement is blocked (obstructed), that is, while the main shaft is substantially at the same position in the front-to-back direction, and the main shaft stops rotating when the rotation of the motor is stopped. During the period in which the motor rotates by the specific rotation amount, a cone can form a bead that is close to a perfect circle, and the finish of the bead can be improved.

[0015] In addition to or alternatively to the embodiment described above, the specific rotation amount may be changeable. According to this embodiment, if a desired hemming finish is not achieved using an initial specific rotation amount, the specific rotation amount can be changed, and the desired hemming finish can be achieved.

[0016] In addition to or alternatively to the embodiments described above, the flanging tool may further include an operating portion configured to be manually operated (manipulated) by a user. The control device may be configured to change the specific rotation amount in response to manual operation of the operating portion. According to this embodiment, the user can change the specific rotation amount by manually operating the operating portion, thus improving the ease of use.

[0017] In addition to or alternatively to the embodiments described above, the control device may be configured to move the main shaft backward by rotating the motor in the reverse direction after the motor is stopped. According to this embodiment, since the main shaft is moved backward and the cone is separated from an end portion of a pipe, operating convenience is improved without requiring manual operation by the user.

[0018] In addition to or alternatively to the embodiments described above, the motor may be a brushless motor. According to the present embodiment, since the motor is a brushless motor whose rotational position is constantly monitored, the control device can easily control the rotation amount (angle) of the motor.

[0019] In addition or alternatively to the embodiments described above, the clutch mechanism may include a movable clutch member configured to move in response to the blocking of forward movement of the main shaft. The sensing device may be a Hall sensor configured to detect a magnet attached to the movable clutch member. According to this embodiment, a general-purpose Hall sensor, which can respond to a slight movement of the magnet, can reliably detect the movement of the movable clutch member, i.e., can reliably detect the actuation (activation, disengagement) of the clutch mechanism.

[0020] In addition or alternatively to the embodiments described above, the magnet can be attached to a non-rotating portion of the movable coupling component. According to this embodiment, the Hall sensor can reliably detect the magnet regardless of the rotation of the movable coupling component.

[0021] Hereinafter, representative and non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First embodiment

[0022] Hereinafter, a flanging tool (expansion tool) 1A according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 12. The flaring tool 1A is an electric tool used for accurately (precisely) connecting metal pipes (generally copper pipes) for refrigerant to expand an end portion of the pipe into a conical shape.

[0023] First, an overall configuration of the flaring tool 1A is described.

[0024] As in Fig. 1, the outer shape of the flaring tool 1A is formed by a tool housing 11 and a handle portion 15.

[0025] The tool housing 11 extends along a drive axis DX of a crimping device 3A. The tool housing 11 houses an electric motor 21, a speed reduction mechanism 23 operatively coupled (connected) to the motor 21, the crimping device 3A operatively coupled (connected) to the speed reduction mechanism 23, and a detecting device 81. An opening 111 is formed at one end of the tool housing 11. A clamp attachment portion 41, which is a tip end portion of the crimping device 3A, protrudes to the outside through the opening 111. Although not shown in detail herein because it is a known technology, a clamp device of a pipe can be attached to the clamp attachment portion 41.

[0026] The handle portion 15 protrudes from the tool housing 11 in a direction intersecting the drive axis DX (specifically, a direction perpendicular thereto) in a cantilever manner. The handle portion 15 includes a grip portion 150 configured to be gripped by a user. The grip portion 150 extends in a direction intersecting the drive axis DX and includes a pusher 151 configured to be pushed by the user. A switch 153 and a controller 20 are housed inside the handle portion 15. The switch 153 is normally OFF and is configured to be turned ON in response to pushing the pusher 151. The controller 20 is a control device configured to control operations of the hemming tool 1A.

[0027] A battery attachment portion 17 and an operation portion 25 are provided at an end portion closer to a free end of the handle portion 15. The crimping tool 1A is powered by power supplied from a battery (battery pack) 19 removably mounted on the battery attachment portion 17. Note that the crimping tool 1A may be configured to be powered by power supplied from an external AC power source via an electric cable (power cord). The operation portion 25 is an input device for inputting information through manual operation by the user.

[0028] The clamping device that clamps the pipe is first attached to the clamp mounting portion 41 of the flaring device 3A. When the user presses the trigger 151, the switch 153 is turned ON, and the motor 21 is driven. The flaring device 3A is driven via the speed reduction mechanism 23 by driving the motor 21, and a flare (a portion expanded in a conical shape) is formed in the end portion of the pipe. Note that the process for forming the flare is sometimes referred to as a flaring process hereinafter.

[0029] The detailed configuration of the crimping tool 1A will be described below. Note that, for convenience, the extending direction of the drive axis DX is defined as a front-to-back direction of the crimping tool 1A. In the front-to-back direction, the side on which the tip end portion (the terminal attachment portion 41) of the crimping device 3A is located is defined as a front side (front side), and the opposite side is defined as a back side (rear side). A direction perpendicular to the drive axis DX and corresponding to a longitudinal axis of the handle portion 150 is defined as an up-to-down direction of the crimping tool 1A. In the up-to-down direction, the side on which the free end of the handle portion 15 is located is defined as a lower side, and the opposite side is defined as an upper side.A direction perpendicular to the front-back direction and the up-down direction is defined as a left-right direction of the flanging tool 1A.

[0030] The configuration of the tool housing 11 and components (structures) arranged inside the tool housing 11 will be described below.

[0031] As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the tool case 11 is integrally formed with the handle portion 15. Specifically, two halves (a left-side shell and a right-side shell), each of which includes portions constituting the tool case 11 and portions constituting the handle portion 15, are coupled and fixed to each other in the left-right direction, thus constituting the integrated case. However, the tool case 11 and the handle portion 15 may be formed separately and coupled and fixed to each other.

[0032] A light-emitting portion 18 is mounted on the front wall portion of the tool body 11. The light-emitting portion 18 is configured to irradiate (illuminate) an area at the front of the clamp attachment portion 41 (i.e., an area where the end portion of the pipe is located). The light-emitting portion 18 includes an LED light, for example. The light-emitting portion 18 is electrically connected to the controller 20 and is turned on and off by the controller 20 in response to the on and off switching of the switch 153.

[0033] The motor 21 is housed at a lower portion of a front half of the tool housing 11. A rotation axis of an output shaft (not shown in the drawings) of the motor 21 extends parallel to the drive axis DX below the drive axis DX. The motor 21 according to the present embodiment is a brushless motor. The motor 21 is electrically connected to the controller 20 and controlled by the controller 20.

[0034] The speed reduction mechanism 23 is housed in a rear half of the lower portion of the tool housing 11 at the rear of the motor 21. The speed reduction mechanism 23 is operatively coupled to the output shaft (not shown in the drawings) of the motor 21 and to a main shaft 5 of the crimping device 3A, which will be described later. The speed reduction mechanism 23 is configured to reduce a rotational speed of the output shaft of the motor 21 and transmit the rotation to the crimping device 3A. Although not shown in detail, the speed reduction mechanism 23 according to the present embodiment is a gear speed reduction mechanism including a plurality of gears. An output gear 233 of the speed reduction mechanism 23 is operatively coupled to the crimping device 3A.

[0035] The flaring device 3A is described below.

[0036] As in Fig. 1, the crimping device 3A is arranged above the motor 21 inside the tool housing 11. The crimping device 3A includes a housing 40, a transmission shaft 43, the main shaft 5, a cone 55, and a clutch mechanism 7. The transmission shaft 43, the main shaft 5, the cone 55, and the clutch mechanism 7 are housed in the housing 40. Note that the crimping device 3A according to the present embodiment is configured as a single assembly in which these components are coupled to each other.

[0037] Overall, the housing 40 has a long stepped tubular shape. Note that the housing 40 according to the present embodiment is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy (hereinafter referred to simply as "made of aluminum") with weight minimization (weight reduction) in mind.

[0038] The housing 40 is arranged to extend in the front-to-back direction along the drive axis DX. Although not shown in detail, the housing 40 is arranged inside the tool case 11 and is properly held in position by the tool case 11. It is noted that when the tool case 11 is formed of the two halves divided into the left and right, as in the present embodiment, the housing 40 (the crimping device 3A as the assembly) can be held by being sandwiched between the left and right halves. It is also noted that the tool case 11 is an outer casing of the crimping tool 1A, and the housing 40 is an inner casing of the crimping tool 1A or a drive mechanism casing.

[0039] The front end portion of the housing 40 protrudes forward from the tool housing 11 through the opening 111 of the tool housing 11. The front end portion of the housing 40 is configured as the clamp attachment portion 41. Note that it is sufficient that the clamp attachment portion 41 is configured to removably hold a known desired clamp device (not shown in the drawings) of a pipe. Therefore, a holding structure for holding the clamp device is not particularly limited, and any known structure can be applied.

[0040] The transmission shaft 43 is operatively coupled (connected) to the output gear 233 of the speed reduction mechanism 23. The transmission shaft 43 is configured to transmit the rotation of the output gear 233 to the main shaft 5. Specifically, the transmission shaft 43 is supported by two ball bearings 431 and 432 disposed inside the rear end portion of the housing 40 so as to be rotatable about the drive axis DX. Although not shown in detail, the rear end portion of the transmission shaft 43 is coupled to the output gear 233 so as to be coaxial with the output gear 233. The transmission shaft 43 rotates integrally with the output gear 233 according to the driving of the motor 21.

[0041] The main shaft 5 is described below.

[0042] As in Fig. 2, the main shaft 5 is an elongated member defining the drive axis DX and is also referred to as a spindle. The main shaft 5 extends in the front-to-back direction inside the housing 40. As described in detail later, the main shaft 5 can move in the front-to-back direction along the drive axis DX while rotating about the drive axis DX. A front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5 rotatably supports the cone 55 for forming the crimp. A portion of the cone 55 projects forward from an opening 401 in the front end of the housing 40 (the terminal attachment portion 41) according to the forward movement of the main shaft 5. A support hole 502 is formed in the front end portion 501. The support hole 502 receives a portion of the cone 55 such that the cone 55 can rotate. It is noted that a support structure of the cone 55 will be described in detail later.

[0043] The main shaft 5 is coupled to the transmission shaft 43 such that the main shaft 5 rotates integrally with the transmission shaft 43 and can move in the front-to-back direction relative to the transmission shaft 43. Specifically, a rear half of the main shaft 5 is formed as a hollow shaft (shaft) and has a coupling hole 507 having a polygonal shape (e.g., a hexagonal shape) in a cross section thereof. A front half of the transmission shaft 43 has a shape corresponding to (matching) the coupling hole 507 and is inserted into the coupling hole 507. Due to this configuration, the main shaft 5 can rotate integrally with the transmission shaft 43 and can also slide in the front-to-back direction relative to the transmission shaft 43.

[0044] Note that the coupling structure of the main shaft 5 and the transmission shaft 43 is not limited to this example. For example, the main shaft 5 and the transmission shaft 43 may be coupled to each other through engagement between a keyway and a key or a spline connection, so that the main shaft 5 can rotate integrally with the transmission shaft 43 and can move in the front-to-back direction relative to the transmission shaft 43.

[0045] The rear half of the main shaft 5 is formed as an externally threaded portion (male screw portion) 508. As described in detail later, the externally threaded portion 508 can be screwed together with an internally threaded portion (female screw portion) 737 of a movable flange 73 of the clutch mechanism 7. The externally threaded portion 508 and the internally threaded portion 737 configure a feed screw mechanism (feed screw mechanism) 50 that moves the main shaft 5 in the front-to-back direction.

[0046] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, in the present embodiment, the main shaft 5 is configured by a plurality of members coupled (connected) to each other. Specifically, the main shaft 5 includes a first member 51 and a second member 52 coupled to a rear end portion of the first member 51 and extending rearward. Note that the main shaft 5 (the first member 51 and the second member 52) according to the present embodiment is made of iron or an iron alloy (hereinafter simply referred to as "made of iron") to ensure sufficient strength.

[0047] Overall, the first component 51 is a stepped solid cylindrical component. A front half of the first component 51 is a large-diameter portion 511 and forms the front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5. A rear half of the first component 51 is a small-diameter portion 516, which has a smaller diameter than the front half and extends rearward from a central portion of a rear end surface of the front half.

[0048] Overall, the second member 52 is a stepped hollow cylindrical member. A front half of the second member 52 is formed as a large-diameter portion 521. Of the second member 52, a portion extending rearward from the large-diameter portion 521 is formed as a small-diameter portion 526 having a smaller diameter than the large-diameter portion 521. The large-diameter portion 521 is press-fitted onto an outer periphery of the small-diameter portion 526 of the first member 51. In this way, the second member is integrated with the first member 51. The outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 521 is smaller than the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 511 of the first member 51. A flange portion 522 is provided at a rear end of the large-diameter portion 521.The small diameter portion 526 is a portion having the coupling hole 507 described above and may also be referred to as a hollow shaft portion.

[0049] A sliding sleeve 58 is arranged around the large-diameter portion 521 of the second member 52. The sliding sleeve 58 is a hollow cylindrical member. The sliding sleeve 58 according to the present embodiment is made of iron in the same way as the main shaft 5.

[0050] The sliding sleeve 58 is fitted around the large-diameter portion 521 of the second member 52. Specifically, when the hemming device 3A is assembled, after the sliding sleeve 58 is fitted around the large-diameter portion 521 of the second member 52, the small-diameter portion 516 of the first member 51 is fixed to the large-diameter portion 521 of the second member 52. In this way, an inner peripheral portion of the sliding sleeve 58 is fitted and held in place in the front-to-back direction between the rear end of the above-described first member 51 and a front end surface of the flange portion 522. According to this type of engagement structure, the sliding sleeve 58 is immovable in the front-to-back direction relative to the main shaft 5 and movable in the front-to-back direction integrally with the main shaft 5.

[0051] As in Fig. 2, the sliding sleeve 58 is disposed inside a fixed sleeve 71 (specifically, a first sleeve 711), as described later. The outer diameter of the sliding sleeve 58 is larger than the outer diameter of the front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5 and is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the fixed sleeve 71.

[0052] In a radial direction (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the drive axis DX) of the main shaft 5, a sealing member 61 is disposed between the second member 52 (of the main shaft 5) and the sliding sleeve 58. The sealing member 61 blocks (closes, seals) a gap between the second member 52 and the sliding sleeve 58. Specifically, the sealing member 61 is an annular elastic (resilient) member and is mounted on an annular groove formed in an outer peripheral surface of the second member 52. Similarly, a sealing member 62 is disposed between the sliding sleeve 58 and the fixed sleeve 71 and blocks a gap between the sliding sleeve 58 and the fixed sleeve 71. The sealing member 62 is also an annular elastic member and is mounted on an annular groove formed in the outer peripheral surface of the sliding sleeve 58.

[0053] Both of the sealing members 61 and 62 prevent foreign matter (e.g., metal debris or dust) from entering a space 405 formed at the rear of (behind) the sealing members 61 and 62 in the front-to-back direction when the foreign matter has entered an interior of the housing 40 through the opening 401 at the front end of the housing 40. As described in detail later, the feed screw mechanism 50 (the externally threaded portion 508 and the internally threaded portion 737), which moves the main shaft 5 in the front-to-back direction, and the clutch mechanism 7 are arranged in the space 405 defined at the rear of the sealing members 61 and 62. The sealing members 61 and 62 can prevent foreign matter from entering the space 405 and thus can reduce a probability of malfunction of the feed screw mechanism 50 and the clutch mechanism 7.To lubricate these mechanisms, a lubricant is provided in the space 405. The sealing members 61 and 62 can prevent the lubricant from leaking out of the space 405 to the front.

[0054] In the present embodiment, a rubber O-ring is used as the sealing member 61 and the sealing member 62. The pressure (contact pressure) of the sealing member 62 is set to be larger than the pressure (contact pressure) of the sealing member 61. Thus, the frictional force of the sealing member 62 is larger than a frictional force of the sealing member 61. Specifically, the pressures (contact pressures) of the sealing member 61 and the sealing member 62 are set to allow rotation of the second member 52 (the main shaft 5) relative to the sliding sleeve 58 and restrict rotation of the sliding sleeve 58 relative to the fixed sleeve 71. On the other hand, the sealing member 62 allows the sliding sleeve 58, which is engaged with the main shaft 5, to move integrally with the main shaft 5 in the front-to-back direction relative to the fixed sleeve 71.

[0055] The cone 55 and the bearing structure of the cone 55 are described below.

[0056] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the cone 55 is a single metal member and includes a conical-shaped tapered portion 551 and a solid cylindrical shaft portion 553. The shaft portion 553 extends rearward coaxially with the tapered portion 551 from a central portion of a circular rear end surface of the tapered portion 551. A ball retaining hole 555 is formed in a rear end of the shaft portion 553. A bottom portion of the ball retaining hole 555 is defined by a conical surface 556 having an apex (vertex, cone tip) on the axis of the cone 55. The diameter of the bottom portion of the ball retaining hole 555 thus becomes smaller toward the front. An annular groove 558 is formed on an outer peripheral surface of a portion of the shaft portion 553 that is front of the ball retaining hole 555.

[0057] The cone 55 is supported by the front end portion 501 so as to be rotatable about an axis different from the axis of the main shaft 5 (i.e., different from the drive axis DX). In other words, the cone 55 is supported eccentrically with respect to the main shaft 5. More specifically, a support hole 502 is formed in the front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5. The support hole 502 extends along the axis AX and is configured to receive the shaft portion 553 of the cone 55. In the present embodiment, the axis AX is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the drive axis DX. However, in another embodiment, the axis AX may be parallel to the drive axis DX.

[0058] The support hole 502 is a stepped hole with a bottom open at a front end surface of the front end portion 501. The support hole 502 has a large-diameter portion on the open side, a small-diameter portion on the bottom side, and a bottom portion. Each of the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion of the support hole 502 has a substantially constant diameter. On the other hand, the diameter of the bottom portion of the support hole 502 becomes smaller toward the rear, and the bottom portion is defined by a conical surface 504 having an apex (cone tip, vertex) on the AX axis.

[0059] A ball bearing 561 is fitted into the large-diameter portion of the support hole 502. The ball bearing 561 is a radial bearing configured to support a radial load. The ball bearing 561 includes balls (rolling elements) interposed between an inner ring and an outer ring, and a retainer that holds the balls. A front half of the shaft portion 553 is fitted into the ball bearing 561 and supported so as to be rotatable about the axis AX. Note that, in the present embodiment, the cone 55 is arranged such that its tip is normally positioned on the drive axis DX, but the tip of the cone 55 may be offset from (not on) the drive axis DX.It is also noted that by positioning the tip of the cone 55 on the drive axis DX as in the present embodiment, it is possible to form a flare in an end portion of a thinner tube, as compared with when the tip of the cone 55 is offset from the drive axis DX.

[0060] Of the shaft portion 553, a portion extending further toward the rear than the ball bearing 561 is disposed inside the small-diameter portion of the support hole 502. The tapered surface 556 of the ball holding hole 555 of the shaft portion 553 and the tapered surface 504 of the support hole 502 face each other in the extending direction of the axis AX. A ball 563 is rollably disposed between the tapered surface 556 and the tapered surface 504. The ball 563 according to the present embodiment is made of iron (steel).

[0061] The ball 563 is in contact with the conical surface 556 of the rear end portion 554 of the cone 55 and with the conical surface 504 of the front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5. Specifically, the ball 563 is in line contact with the conical surface 556 of the cone 55 along a circumference of a circle (circular track) centered on the axis AX (specifically, a circle defined by the conical surface 556 on a plane perpendicular to the axis AX). The ball 563 is also in line contact with the conical surface 504 of the front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5 along a circumference of a circle centered on the axis AX (specifically, a circle defined by the conical surface 504 on a plane perpendicular to the axis AX).According to this type of configuration, the ball 563 can serve as a thrust bearing (thrust bearing) that receives an axial load (thrust load) and can also serve as a radial bearing that receives a radial load.

[0062] According to this type of bearing structure, while the cone 55 rotates around the axis AX and is pressed against the end portion of the pipe, the rear end portion 554 of the cone 55 receives the axial load via the ball 563. Thus, the axial load acting on the ball bearing 561 arranged around the shaft portion 553 can be reduced, and the rotational support of the cone 55 can be stabilized.

[0063] The ball 563 is disposed between the conical surfaces 504 and 556, which are opposite to each other in the extending direction of the axis AX (i.e., in the axial direction of the cone 55), and has line contact with each of the conical surfaces 504 and 556, as described above. Thus, the cone 55 can stably receive the axial load while the axis of the cone 55 is accurately aligned with respect to the axis AX. In the ball 563, areas in line contact with the conical surfaces 504 and 556, respectively, change as the ball 563 rolls, and thus, it is possible to prevent local wear of the ball 563.

[0064] Furthermore, only one ball bearing 561 is arranged around the shaft portion 553. On the other hand, the ball 563 can bear not only the axial load but also the radial load. Thus, compared to a structure in which two of the ball bearings 561 are arranged around the cone 55, a stable, rational support is achieved in which the radial load is received at two locations while an overall axial length of the cone 55 is shortened. By adopting the ball bearing 561, which is a radial bearing, it is possible to shorten the overall length of the cone 55 compared to a structure in which a pin bearing is arranged around the cone 55.

[0065] As in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5, the cone 55 is held at a predetermined position by a holding pin 565, which engages the cone 55 with the main shaft 5 so that the cone 55 does not fall off from the front end portion 501. Specifically, in the extending direction of the axis AX of the front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5, a pin hole 512 is formed in a portion between the ball bearing 561 and the ball 563. The pin hole 512 penetrates the front end portion 501 at a position corresponding to the annular groove 558 of the shaft portion 553 of the cone 55. In the present embodiment, the pin hole 512 extends in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis DX. The pin hole 512 communicates with the inside of the support hole 502 (the small diameter portion).

[0066] The retaining pin 565 is inserted into the pin hole 512 and engages with the annular groove 558 of the shaft portion 553 inside the bearing hole 502. Note that the annular groove 558 is configured so that it does not block (hinder) the rotation of the cone 55 when the retaining pin 565 is engaged with the annular groove 558.

[0067] An annular groove 513 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5. In the axial direction of the cone 55 (the extending direction of the axis AX), the annular groove 513 is located at a position corresponding to the openings of the pin hole 512. An annular elastic member 566 is mounted on the annular groove 513. The elastic member 566 prevents the retaining pin 565 from coming out of the pin hole 512 by covering the openings of the pin hole 512 from the outside. The elastic member 566 may be an O-ring made of rubber (rubber), for example.

[0068] The above-described configuration achieves a structure for preventing the cone 55 from falling out, which is easily mounted on the cone 55 of the main shaft 5. The retaining pin 565 can be easily removed from the cone 55 and the main shaft 5, and thus, even when it is necessary to replace the cone 55 due to wear, a replacement operation is easy.

[0069] The clutch mechanism 7 is described below.

[0070] As in Fig. 2, the clutch mechanism 7 includes the fixed sleeve 71, the movable flange 73 movable relative to the fixed sleeve 71, and a compression spring (pressure spring) 78 configured to press the movable flange 73.

[0071] The fixed sleeve 71 is fitted into the front half of the housing 40 and is held in a state in which its movement with respect to the housing 40 is restricted. Note that the fixed sleeve 71 according to the present embodiment is a single hollow cylindrical body formed by coupling the first sleeve 711 and a second sleeve 715 to each other in the front-to-back direction.

[0072] The first sleeve 711 is a portion of the fixed sleeve 71 that serves as a receiving part of the main shaft 5 and the sliding sleeve 58 inside the housing 40. The first sleeve 711 occupies a major part of the fixed sleeve 71. Note that the first sleeve 711 according to the present embodiment is made of aluminum, in the same manner as the housing 40.

[0073] The outer diameter of the first sleeve 711 is substantially constant and is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the housing 40. A flange portion 712, which protrudes radially inward from the first sleeve 711, is provided at a front end portion of the first sleeve 711. The inner diameter of the remaining portion of the first sleeve 711, other than the flange portion 712, is substantially constant.

[0074] In the radial direction of the main shaft 5, three sealing members 63 are arranged between the first sleeve 711 and the housing 40. The sealing members 63 block (close, seal) a gap between the first sleeve 711 and the housing 40. Specifically, the sealing members 63 are each annular elastic members and are respectively mounted on three annular grooves formed in the outer peripheral surface of the first sleeve 711. In the present embodiment, rubber O-rings having the same configuration as each other are used as the three sealing members 63. A pressure (contact pressure) of each of the sealing members 63 is set such that the first sleeve 711 is held substantially immovable with respect to the housing 40.It is noted that “substantially immovable” covers a case in which slight displacement is possible due to the elastic deformation of the sealing members 63.

[0075] Similarly to the above-described sealing members 61 and 62, when the foreign matter has entered the interior of the housing 40 through the opening 401 at the front end of the housing 40, the sealing members 63 prevent the foreign matter from entering the rear side of the sealing members 63. The above-described space 405 is located at the rear side of the first sleeve 711, and the feed screw mechanism 50 and the clutch mechanism 7 are also arranged at the rear side of the first sleeve 711. Similar to the sealing members 61 and 62, the sealing members 63 can prevent foreign matter from entering the space 405 and can also prevent lubricant from leaking to the front side of the sealing members 63.

[0076] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 6, the second sleeve 715 is a cylindrical shape that is shorter than the first sleeve 711 and has substantially the same inner diameter and outer diameter as the first sleeve 711. The second sleeve 715 is coupled to the rear end of the first sleeve 711 such that it is not rotatable relative to the first sleeve 711. Specifically, a plurality of rectangular-shaped projections (not shown in the drawings) are provided at the rear end of the first sleeve 711. A plurality of rectangular-shaped recesses 714 that fit with these projections are formed at the front end of the second sleeve 715. The first sleeve 711 and the second sleeve 715 are integrated and cannot rotate relative to each other as a result of the engagement between the projections and the recesses 716.

[0077] The second sleeve 715 has a cam surface 717 configured to move the movable flange 73 in the front-to-back direction. The cam surface 717 is provided at a rear end of the second sleeve 715 (i.e., the rear end of the fixed sleeve 71) and extends along the entire circumference of the second sleeve 715. The cam surface 717 has recesses and projections arranged alternately in a circumferential direction of the second sleeve 715.

[0078] Note that since the cam surface 717 receives a high load, the second sleeve 715 is made of iron to ensure sufficient strength. Thus, the second sleeve 715 is formed as a separate (discrete, independent) component from the first sleeve 711, which is made of aluminum to achieve weight reduction, and is coupled to the first sleeve 711. However, in another embodiment, the fixed sleeve 71 may be formed entirely as a single component (non-separable component) using the same material.

[0079] The movable flange 73 is a flanged hollow cylindrical member (flange sleeve). The movable flange 73 is made of iron. The movable flange 73 is arranged around the rear half (the small-diameter portion 526, which is the hollow shaft portion) of the main shaft 5 at the rear of the fixed sleeve 71. The movable flange 73 has a large-diameter portion 731 (flange portion) and a small-diameter portion 736. Coupling pins 734 are fixed to the large-diameter portion 731. The small-diameter portion 736 has a smaller outer diameter than the large-diameter portion 731 and extends rearwardly from the large-diameter portion 731.

[0080] The large-diameter portion 731 has an inner diameter larger than that of the rear half of the main shaft 5 and an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the fixed sleeve 71 (the second sleeve 715). The coupling pins 734 are fixed to the large-diameter portion 731 and extend radially. The number of coupling pins 734 is the same as the number of recesses of the cam surface 717. The coupling pins 734 are made of iron. A part of each of the coupling pins 734 protrudes radially outward from the large-diameter portion 731 and is normally held in contact with the cam surface 717 of the second sleeve 715. A front end portion of the large-diameter portion 731 is disposed inside the second sleeve 715.

[0081] A front half of the small-diameter portion 736 is configured as the internally threaded portion 737 (female screw portion) that can be threadably engaged with the externally threaded portion 508 of the rear end portion of the main shaft 5. As described above, the externally threaded portion 508 and the internally threaded portion 737 constitute the feed screw mechanism 50 configured to move the main shaft 5 relative to the housing 40 in the front-to-back direction.

[0082] As in Fig. 2, a booster spring 44 is interposed between a rear end of the main shaft 5 and a washer disposed at the front of the ball bearing 431 inside the rear end portion of the housing 40. The booster spring 44 according to the present embodiment is a compression coil spring and is disposed around the transmission shaft 43. The booster spring 44 urges (biases) the main shaft 5 forward with respect to the housing 40. When the main shaft 5 moves rearward and the male thread portion 508 is unlocked from the female thread portion 737, the booster spring 44 holds the male thread portion 508 at a position where the male thread portion 508 can engage with the female thread portion 737. The biasing force (pressing force) of the booster spring 44 is set to be significantly weaker than that of the compression spring 78, which will be described later.

[0083] The compression spring 78 is configured to urge (bias) the movable flange 73 forward relative to the fixed sleeve 71, and thus relative to the housing 40. Specifically, the compression spring 78 according to the present embodiment is a compression coil spring and is disposed around the small-diameter portion 736 of the movable flange 73. A thrust needle bearing 791 is disposed between the large-diameter portion 731 of the movable flange 73 and the compression spring 78. The thrust needle bearing 791 is formed by two washers 793 and 794 and needle pins sandwiched between the two washers 793 and 794. The front end of the compression spring 78 is in contact with the rear washer 794, and the rear end of the compression spring 78 is in contact with a shoulder portion of the housing 40. It is noted that the rear washer 794 has an outer diameter larger than that of the front washer 793.

[0084] According to this configuration, normally, the compression spring 78 pushes the movable flange 73 forward and presses the coupling pins 734 against the second sleeve 715, and the coupling pins 734 are thus held in the recesses of the cam surface 717. In this way, the movable flange 73 is integrated with the fixed sleeve 71, so that it is substantially non-rotatable with respect to the fixed sleeve 71. Hereinafter, the position of the movable flange 73 at this time relative to the fixed sleeve 71 in the front-rear direction is referred to as a coupled (connected) position, and the state of the clutch mechanism 7 at this time is referred to as a coupled (connected) state.It is noted that in another embodiment, instead of the coupling pins 734, the movable flange 73 may be provided integrally with the projections on the front end surface of the large diameter portion 731 so that these projections can directly engage with the recesses of the cam surface 717.

[0085] Operations of the crimping device 3A when the motor 21 is driven will be described below.

[0086] As in Fig. 2, in an initial state of the flaring device 3A, the external thread portion 508 of the rear end portion of the main shaft 5 is arranged at a position where the external thread portion 508 can come into threaded engagement with the internal thread portion 737 of the movable flange 73 (hereinafter referred to as an initial position). The clutch mechanism 7 is in the coupled state. When the motor 21 (see Fig. 1) is rotated in the forward direction in this state, the transmission shaft 43 and the main shaft 5 rotate integrally with each other, and the main shaft 5 moves forward while the external thread portion 508 and the internal thread portion 737 are screwed together.

[0087] As the main shaft 5 moves forward, the sliding sleeve 58 arranged around the main shaft 5 (the second member 52) slides forward integrally with the main shaft 5 with respect to the first sleeve 711 of the fixed sleeve 71. The main shaft 5 slidably rotates inside the sliding sleeve 58. As described above, the first sleeve 711 according to the present embodiment is made of aluminum, while the sliding sleeve 58 is made of iron. Thus, the sliding sleeve 58 according to the present embodiment can prevent wear of the first sleeve 711, compared with a configuration in which the sliding sleeve 58 rotates with respect to the first sleeve 711.

[0088] When the pipe is clamped by the clamping device (not shown in the drawings) attached to the clamp mounting portion 41, the cone 55 abuts (comes into contact with) the end portion of the pipe before the main shaft 5 reaches a forwardmost position in its movable range. The cone 55 expands the end portion of the pipe into a conical shape by orbiting (rotating) around the drive axis DX while rotating (free-rotating) around the axis AX as a result of the main shaft 5 rotating while moving forward. When the cone 55 moves forward to a certain extent while expanding the end portion of the pipe into the conical shape and forming the flare, the forward movement of the cone 55 and thus the forward movement of the main shaft 5 is blocked (hindered) by the pipe before the main shaft 5 reaches the forwardmost position. Fig. 7 shows a position of the main shaft 5 at this time (hereinafter referred to as a forward movement blocking position).

[0089] When the main shaft 5 rotates in the forward movement blocking position, due to the action of the externally threaded portion 508 and the internally threaded portion 737 (of the feed screw mechanism 50), the movable flange 73 moves backward while rotating with respect to the fixed sleeve 71. In this way, as shown in Fig. 8, the clutch pins 734 separate from the cam surface 717. Hereinafter, the position of the movable flange 73 at this time relative to the fixed sleeve 71 in the front-to-back direction is referred to as a disengaged position, and the state of the clutch mechanism 7 at this time is referred to as a disengaged state. The transition of the clutch mechanism 7 from the engaged state to the disengaged state (the movement of the movable flange 73 from the engaged position to the disengaged position) is also referred to as an actuation (activation, release) of the clutch mechanism 7. It is noted that at a time when the main shaft 5 can no longer move forward, the shape of the flare is already formed. Therefore, it can be said that the clutch mechanism 7 is actuated (activated, released) in response to the formation of the flare.

[0090] The compression spring 78 is compressed according to the backward movement of the movable flange 73, and the urging force of the compression spring 78 increases. The external thread portion 508 and the internal thread portion 737 are configured so that a frictional force between the external thread portion 508 and the internal thread portion 737 exceeds the urging force of the compression spring 78 at this time. Thus, when the movable flange 73 reaches the disengaged position, the movable flange 73 stops moving and starts rotating integrally with the main shaft 5, which is in the forward movement blocking position. The urging force of the compression spring 78 acts on the main shaft 5 via the movable flange 73. The cone 55, which is supported by the front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5, receives the urging force and rotates around the axis AX while orbiting around the rotation axis DX while pressing the bead at substantially the same position in the front-to-back direction.In the following, this process of cone 55 is also referred to as a finishing process.

[0091] On the other hand, when the motor 21 rotates in the forward direction, if the tube is not present at the front of the cone 55, the main shaft 5 can move further forward than if the tube is present. In this case, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the flange portion 712 of the fixed sleeve 71 abuts (comes into contact with) the front end surface of the sliding sleeve 58 and prevents (blocks) the main shaft 5 from moving further forward. In this way, the sliding sleeve 58 and the flange portion 712 function as a stopper that defines the frontmost position of the main shaft 5.

[0092] After the flare is formed on the pipe by the cone 55 as described above, when the motor 21 is stopped and then rotated in the reverse direction, due to the action of the biasing force of the compression spring 78 and the action of the male thread portion 508 and the female thread portion 737, the movable flange 73 moves forward from the uncoupled position to the coupled position while rotating with respect to the fixed sleeve 71. In other words, the clutch mechanism 7 returns to the coupled state. The main shaft 5 moves backward while rotating until the male thread portion 508 is unlocked from the female thread portion 737 and is restored to the initial position shown in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0093] The flanging tool 1A according to the present embodiment detects the operation of the clutch mechanism 7 and uses the detection for the drive control of the motor 21. The detection device 81 that detects the operation of the clutch mechanism 7 will be described below.

[0094] As in Fig. 1, the detection device 81 is arranged inside the tool housing 11. Specifically, the detection device 81 according to the present embodiment is a Hall sensor comprising a Hall element. As shown in Fig. 7, the detection device 81 is mounted on a circuit board 82 which is supported by the tool housing 11 below the flanging device 3A (not shown in Fig. 7). When a magnet 85 is within a predetermined detection range, the detection device 81 detects the magnet 85 and turns ON. The detection device 81 is configured to output a signal indicating ON or OFF as a result of detecting the magnet 85.

[0095] The magnet 85 is arranged to move integrally with the movable flange 73. Specifically, the magnet 85 is attached to a movable member 86 supported at a lower portion of the housing 40 so as to be movable in the front-to-back direction relative to the housing 40. The movable member 86 includes an arm 861 disposed below the housing 40 and a projection 863 projecting toward the inside of the housing 40 through an opening formed in the lower portion of the housing 40. The magnet 85 is fixed to the arm 861. The projection 863 is disposed directly behind the washer 794 disposed between the large-diameter portion 731 of the movable flange 73 and the compression spring 78. The movable member 86 is biased forward by a biasing spring 87 which is arranged between the housing 40 and the movable member 86.Thus, due to the biasing force of the biasing spring 87, the projection 863 is always kept in contact with the rear end surface of the washer 794.

[0096] According to this configuration, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, when the movable flange 73 is in the coupled position, the movable member 86 and the magnet 85 are at a forwardmost position within a movable range. The detecting device 81 detects the magnet 85 when the magnet 85 is in the forwardmost position.

[0097] On the other hand, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, when the clutch mechanism 7 is actuated (activated, released) and the movable flange 73 moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the projection 863 is pressed by the washer 794, and the movable member 86 moves rearward against the biasing force of the biasing spring 87. As a result, the magnet 85 moves out of the detection range of the detecting device 81. Thus, when the movable flange 73 is in the disengaged position, the detecting device 81 cannot detect the magnet 85. In other words, the detecting device 81 switches from ON to OFF in response to the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7.It is noted that a moving distance of the movable flange 73 from the coupled position to the uncoupled position is extremely small, but since the Hall sensor is applied as the detecting device 81, the detecting device 81 can reliably detect the operation of the clutch mechanism 7.

[0098] The washer 794 is a component that moves integrally with the movable flange 73 in the front-to-back direction with respect to the housing 40, but does not rotate integrally with the movable flange 73. Thus, by coupling the washer 794 and the movable member 86 so that they move integrally with each other in the front-to-back direction, the movable member 86 can be moved while being isolated from rotation of the movable flange 73. In this way, the movement of the movable member 86 can be stabilized, and the detection accuracy of the magnet 85 by the detection device 81 can be improved.

[0099] Components (structures) provided on / in the handle portion 15 of the tool housing 11 are described below.

[0100] As in Fig. 1, the switch 153 and the controller 20 are arranged inside the handle portion 15. The operating portion 25 is provided at a lower end portion of the handle portion 15.

[0101] The controller 20 is electrically connected to the motor 21, the switch 153, the operating portion 25, and the detection device 81 inside the tool housing 11. In the present embodiment, the controller 20 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, and the like. However, in another embodiment, the controller 20 may be configured by another type of at least one processor or processing circuit (an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and at least one memory, for example).

[0102] Since it is a known technology, a configuration is not shown, but a three-phase inverter and Hall sensors are electrically connected to the controller 20. By switching six semiconductor switching elements of the three-phase inverter, the controller 20 supplies pulsed currents (pulses) to the motor 21 that conform to a predetermined duty ratio. The controller 20 controls the rotation speed of the motor 21 by controlling the power supply to the motor 21 via the three-phase inverter based on a signal indicative of a rotational position (rotation angle) of the motor 21 (specifically, a rotor) input from the Hall sensor. The controller 20 also controls the driving of the motor 21 based on signals output from the switch 153, the operating section 25, and the detecting device 81.

[0103] The operation section 25 according to the present embodiment is an input device to which the user can input information regarding a stop timing of driving the motor 21 after the clutch mechanism 7 is operated (hereinafter simply referred to as stop timing information). The present embodiment uses, as the stop timing information, information identifying an amount / angle (hereinafter referred to as a target rotation amount) by which the motor 21 should rotate during a period of time after the clutch mechanism 7 is operated until the driving of the motor 21 is stopped. In the present embodiment, the controller 20 uses pulse width modulation (PWM) control for the drive control of the motor 21, and the target rotation amount is identified by a number of pulses used to drive the motor 21.Thus, the target rotation amount can also be a target pulse number.

[0104] The actuating area 25 can be designed, for example, as in Fig. 10. In this example, the operation section 25 includes a mode switch button 251, an increase button 253, a decrease button 254, and a display section 257. Note that the mode switch button 251, the increase button 253, and the decrease button 254 are push buttons. The display section 257 includes two seven-segment displays capable of displaying numeric digits.

[0105] The mode switch button 251 is configured to be manually operated to select a mode. Generally, clamp devices attachable to the clamp mounting portion 41 correspond to a plurality of types of pipes having different diameters. Mode numbers, each indicating the type of pipe, are stored in the ROM 202 of the controller 20 in association with an initial value of the target pulse number for each of the pipes. The controller 20 sequentially selects the stored mode number each time the mode switch button 251 is pressed and identifies the corresponding target pulse number. The controller 20 also displays the identified target pulse number on the seven-segment display of the display portion 257. Note that the display portion 257 may also display the mode number indicating the type of the selected pipe.

[0106] The increase button 253 and the decrease button 254 are configured to be manually operated to change the target pulse number. The increase button 253 can be operated to increase the target pulse number from a currently set value. The decrease button 254 can be operated to decrease the target pulse number from a currently set value. The controller 20 increases or decreases the currently set target pulse number by a predetermined number each time the increase button 253 or the decrease button 254 is pressed. Note that the predetermined number can be set as desired, but to enable the rotation amount to be changed flexibly, the pulse number can be changed by one pulse each time.

[0107] The controller 20 displays a numeric value indicating the target pulse number after modification on the seven-segment displays of the display area 257. Thus, the user can change the target pulse number to a desired value by manually operating the increase button 253 or the decrease button 254 while checking the display area 257.

[0108] The operating area 25 can be as in Fig. 11, alternatively to the example shown in Fig. 10. In this example, the operating portion 25 includes a change button 252 and a display portion 258. The change button 252 is a push button. The display portion 258 includes a plurality of indicator lights.

[0109] The change button 252 is configured to be manually operated to change the target pulse number of the motor 21 from a currently set value. On the display section 258, one of the indicator lamps corresponding to the set target pulse number is illuminated. In the initial state, the target pulse number is set to the initial value, and the center indicator lamp on the display section 258 is illuminated. The controller 20 increases the currently set pulse number by a predetermined number each time the change button 252 is pressed, and when the pulse number after the change reaches a predetermined upper limit, the pulse number returns to a lower limit. One of the indicator lamps is also illuminated according to this change.

[0110] It is noted that the configuration of the operating area 25 is not limited to the examples in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 and may also be appropriately modified. For example, the operation portion 25 may be configured to include at least one of a dial, a slide lever, or a touch screen instead of the push button.

[0111] The drive control of the motor 21 by the controller 20 (specifically, the CPU 201) during the flanging process is described below. A motor drive process performed in Fig. 12, is started in response to the pusher 151 being pressed and the switch 153 thus being turned ON. The CPU 201 of the controller 20 performs the motor drive process by reading and executing a program stored, for example, in the ROM 202.

[0112] First, before starting the flaring operation using the flaring tool 1A, the user attaches to the flaring tool 1A the clamping device that clamps the pipe of a desired diameter and sets the target rotation amount by manually operating the operating portion 25.

[0113] If the flaring tool 1A is provided with the actuating area 25 which is Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the user selects an appropriate mode (the type of pipe) by manually operating the mode switching button 251. The CPU 201 of the controller 20 reads the corresponding relationship stored in the ROM 202 and stores in the RAM 203 the initial value of the target pulse number corresponding to the selected mode. Subsequently, when the user presses the increase button 253 or the decrease button 254, the target pulse number stored in the RAM 203 is changed according to the pressing operation.

[0114] If the flaring tool 1A is provided with the actuating area 25 which is Fig. As shown in Fig. 11, the CPU 201 stores in the RAM 203 the initial value of the target pulse number set in advance and stored in the ROM 202. Subsequently, when the user presses the change button 252, the target pulse number stored in the RAM 203 is changed according to the pressing operation.

[0115] Subsequently, when the user presses the push button 151 and the switch 153 is thus turned ON, the CPU 201 starts the motor driving process, which is Fig. 12. The CPU 201 identifies the target pulse number stored in the RAM 203 (S101) and starts driving the motor 21 (S103). Specifically, the CPU 201 calculates an appropriate duty ratio and supplies the pulse corresponding to the calculated duty ratio to the motor 21. At this time, the motor 21 is rotationally driven in the forward direction. When the motor 21 is rotated in the forward direction, the main shaft 5 and the cone 55 move forward while rotating, as described above, and form the flare by expanding the tubular end portion of the tube into the conical shape.

[0116] While the motor 21 is rotated in the forward direction, the CPU 201 monitors signals periodically output from the detection device 81 and determines whether or not the detection device 81 has been turned OFF, that is, whether or not the clutch mechanism 7 has been actuated (S105). While determining that the clutch mechanism 7 is in the engaged state (NO in S105), the CPU 201 continues to drive the motor 21 (S103).

[0117] If it is determined that the clutch mechanism 7 has been actuated (YES in S105), the CPU 201 counts the number of pulses supplied to the motor 21 after the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7 (S107). The CPU 201 determines whether or not the supplied number of pulses has reached the target pulse number stored in the RAM 203 (S109). If the supplied number of pulses has not reached the target pulse number (NO in S109), the CPU 201 returns to counting the number of pulses (S107). In other words, the CPU 201 continues driving the motor 21 until the supplied number of pulses reaches the target pulse number. While the driving of the motor 21 continues after the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7, the cone 55 performs the finishing process.

[0118] When the supplied number of pulses reaches the target pulse number (YES in S109), the CPU 201 stops driving the motor 21 by stopping the pulse supply to the motor 21 (S113). The CPU 201 starts driving the motor 21 in the reverse direction (S115). The main shaft 5 starts moving backward.

[0119] While the main shaft 5 has not yet returned to the initial position (NO in S117), the CPU 201 continues driving the motor 21 (S115). When the main shaft 5 has returned to the initial position (YES in S117), the CPU 201 stops driving the motor 21 (S119) and terminates the motor driving process. In other words, the CPU 201 stops driving the motor 21 in the reverse direction when the main shaft 5 has returned to the initial position, even if the switch 153 has not been turned OFF (even if the pressing of the trigger 151 has not been released). Note that, for example, in S117, the CPU 201 may determine whether the main shaft 5 has returned to the initial position based on a detection result of a detection device (not shown in the drawings) that can detect that the main shaft 5 is in the initial position.Similarly to the sensing device 81 described above, which detects the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7, this sensing device may be a magnetic or optical sensor, for example. Alternatively, the sensing device may be a mechanical switch.

[0120] Note that when the switch 153 is turned OFF while the motor 21 is being driven in the forward direction, the controller 20 stops driving the motor 21 and continues driving the motor 21 in the reverse direction, returning the main shaft 5 to the initial position. Similarly, when the switch 153 is turned OFF while the motor 21 is being driven in the reverse direction, the controller 20 continues driving the motor 21 and returns the main shaft 5 to the initial position.

[0121] As described above, in the hemming tool 1A according to the present embodiment, in response to the operation of the clutch mechanism 7, the controller 20 causes the motor 21 to rotate by the target rotation amount and then stop the rotation. According to this type of control, compared with a case where the stop timing of the rotation of the motor 21 depends on a manual operation of the user, the finishing (accuracy) of the formed hem can be stabilized (uniformly formed). After the operation of the clutch mechanism 7, that is, after the hem is formed by the cone 55, the cone 55 can perform the finishing process in substantially the same position in the front-to-back direction to form the hem having a cross section almost equal to a perfect circle, and thus the finishing of the hem can be improved.

[0122] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the user can change the set target rotation amount, as appropriate, by manually operating the operation section 25. Thus, the user can check a bead formed, for example, by performing a trial beading operation. If the user determines that the finishing operation was insufficient or excessive, the user can change the target rotation amount. In this way, the finishing of the bead can be further improved.

[0123] After the controller 20 rotates the motor 21 by the target rotation amount and then stops the rotation, the controller 20 automatically moves the main shaft 5 backward (without manual operation by the user) and returns the main shaft 5 to the initial position. In this way, the operating convenience of the flaring tool 1A can be improved. Second embodiment

[0124] A flanging tool 1B according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Fig. 13. The flaring tool 1A (see Fig. 1) According to the first embodiment, an electric tool is used exclusively for the flanging operation, and the flanging device 3A is incorporated into the tool body 11 along with the motor 21 and the like. In contrast, the flanging tool 1B according to the second embodiment comprises an existing (known) driver bit 9 and a flanging device 3B removably attached to the driver bit 9. In other words, the flanging device 3B is an accessory attachable to the driver bit 9.

[0125] The driver 9 is a known electric tool (rotary tool) configured to rotationally drive a tool accessory (not shown in the drawings; e.g., a screw bit) attached to a drill chuck 94 to rotate about the rotation axis DX. The driver 9 includes a tool housing 90 extending along the drive axis DX and a handle portion 95 extending from the tool housing 90 in a direction intersecting the drive axis DX.

[0126] A motor 91 and a spindle 93 operably coupled to the motor 91 via a speed reduction mechanism 92 are housed in the tool housing 90. The drill chuck 94 is coupled to the spindle 93 so as to rotate integrally with the spindle 93.

[0127] The handle portion 95 includes a grip portion 950. A pusher 951 configured to be pushed by the user and a forward-reverse switching lever 952 that moves in response to the user's pushing operation and switches the rotation direction of the motor 91 between the forward direction and the reverse direction are disposed on the grip portion 950. A switch 953 that operates in response to manual operation of the pusher 951 and the forward-reverse switching lever 952 and a controller 955 that controls the driving of the motor 91 are housed inside the handle portion 95. While the pusher 951 is pushed and the switch 953 is turned ON, the controller 955 drives the motor 91. A rechargeable battery (battery pack) 19 is removably attached to a lower end portion of the handle 95.

[0128] The crimping device 3B differs from the crimping device 3A according to the first embodiment in that the crimping device 3B does not include the movable member 86 and the magnet 85. The remaining configuration of the crimping device 3B is substantially the same as that of the crimping device 3A according to the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment are assigned to configurations that are substantially the same, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0129] The hemming device 3B according to the present embodiment is configured such that the main shaft 5 is operatively coupled to the spindle 93 of the screw drill 9 and rotated according to the rotational drive of the spindle 93. Specifically, a coupling hole 435 is formed in a rear end portion of the transmission shaft 43 of the hemming device 3B. The coupling hole 435 is configured to be coupled to another component so that it can transmit rotation thereof, and extends along the axis of the transmission shaft 43 and the main shaft 5.

[0130] The transmission shaft 43 is operatively coupled to the drill chuck 94 of the driver 9 via a coupling shaft 98. One axial end portion of the coupling shaft 98 is engageable with the coupling hole 435 of the transmission shaft 43. The other axial end portion of the coupling shaft 98 is engageable with a tool accessory insertion hole 941 formed in the drill chuck 94 of the driver 9. Note that the coupling hole 435, the insertion hole 941, and the two axial end portions of the coupling shaft 98 may have a polygonal shape of a cross section thereof, similar to the coupling hole 507 and the front half of the transmission shaft 43 according to the first embodiment. For example, the coupling shaft 98 may be integrally and rotatably coupled to the drill chuck 94 and the transmission shaft 43 by engagement between a keyway and a key or a spline connection.

[0131] The rotation of the spindle 93 of the screw drill 9 is transmitted to the transmission shaft 43 via the drill chuck 94 and the coupling shaft 98. Thus, when the motor 91 of the screw drill 9 is rotated in the forward direction, as described in the first embodiment, the main shaft 5 of the flaring device 3B moves forward, and the cone 55 forms the flaring in the end portion of the pipe. When the motor 91 of the screw drill 9 is rotated in the reverse direction, the main shaft 5 moves backward and returns to the initial position.

[0132] As described above, the flaring device 3B according to the present embodiment is configured to be selectively attached to the driver bit 9 as the accessory capable of performing the flaring operation. Thus, the user can attach the flaring device 3B to the driver bit 9 only when necessary, and can use the attached flaring device 3B as a flaring tool 1B. It is thus possible to increase the number of operations that can be performed with the driver bit 9, thereby improving the ease of use.

[0133] It should be noted that the flaring device 3B can be selectively attached to and used not only with the screw drill 9, but also with another rotary tool (e.g., a drilling tool, a tightening tool) via a suitable coupling shaft. The flaring device 3B can be selectively attached to and used not with the power tool, but with a manual tool provided with a coupling shaft that can be manually rotated, thus configuring a manual flaring device (flaring tool) integrated with the manual tool.

[0134] A correspondence relationship between each of the structural elements (features) of the above-described embodiments and each of the structural elements (features) of the present disclosure or the present invention is indicated below. However, each of the structural elements of the embodiment is merely an example and does not limit each of the structural elements of the present disclosure or the present invention.

[0135] The hemming tool 1A according to the first embodiment is an example of a "hemming tool." The motor 21, the main shaft 5, the cone 55, and the clutch mechanism 7 are examples of a "motor," a "main shaft," a "cone," and a "clutch mechanism," respectively. The drive axis DX is an example of a "first axis." The axis AX is an example of a "second axis." The detection device 81 is an example of a "detection device configured to detect an operation of a clutch mechanism" and a "detection device configured to detect the formation of a hemming by a cone." The controller 20 (specifically, the CPU 201) is an example of a "control device." The operation section 25 is an example of an "operation section." The movable flange 73 with the coupling pins 734 is an example of a "movable coupling member."

[0136] It should be noted that the flanging tool according to the present disclosure is not limited to the flanging tool 1A according to the embodiment described above. For example, modifications outlined below in a non-limiting manner are possible. At least one of these modifications may be applied in combination with at least one of the flanging tool 1A according to the embodiment and the features disclosed in the claims.

[0137] For example, instead of the clutch mechanism 7 described above, any type of clutch mechanism may be used that is actuated in response to the blocking of the forward movement of the main shaft 5 (in response to the formation of the flanging shape). For example, a drive / adhesion clutch or a friction clutch may be used.

[0138] The detection device 81 that detects the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7 (the formation of the crimp) is not limited to the Hall sensor, and any other type of known detection device can be used. For example, a mechanical microswitch, an optical sensor, another type of magnetic sensor, or the like can be used.

[0139] In the first embodiment, the target pulse number is detected (used) in determining whether the motor 21 has rotated by the target rotation amount after the clutch mechanism 7 is operated. Instead of this example, the controller 20 may determine whether or not the motor 21 has rotated by the target rotation amount based on signals from the Hall sensors that detect, for example, the rotational position of the motor 21. Specifically, it is sufficient for the controller 20 to identify the rotational position of the motor 21 at a time when the clutch mechanism 7 is operated, and subsequently determine whether the motor 21 has reached the rotational position corresponding to the target rotation amount based on the signals from the Hall sensors.

[0140] Alternatively, instead of operating the clutch mechanism 7, the controller 20 may control the timing for stopping the rotation of the motor 21 based on any physical quantity corresponding to (correlated with) the formation of the crimp (i.e., stopping the forward movement of the main shaft). For example, instead of the detection device 81, a current sensor that detects the current value of the motor 21 or a load sensor that detects a load acting on the main shaft 5 may be employed. In these modified examples, the controller 20 may rotate the motor 21 by the target rotation amount after the detected current value or load exceeds a predetermined threshold, and then stop the rotation.

[0141] The crimping tool 1A may include a communication device that can communicate with an external device (e.g., a personal computer or a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet)). In this modified example, the user can input information regarding the target rotation amount of the motor 21 using the external device, not only via the operation section 25 of the crimping tool 1A. The CPU 201 of the crimping tool 1A can execute the drive control of the motor 21 after detecting the operation of the clutch mechanism 7 based on the information transmitted from the external device. Note that in this modified example, the operation section 25 of the crimping tool 1A may be omitted.

[0142] Considering the gist of the present invention and the above-described embodiments, the following aspects A1 to A5 are formed. At least one of aspects A1 to A5 can be applied in combination with at least one of the features of the above-described embodiments and modified examples thereof, or with at least one of the features disclosed in each of the claims herein. [Aspect A1]

[0143] The specific rotation amount is set as a target pulse number, which is a number of pulses supplied to the motor to drive the motor, and the control device is configured to stop the rotation of the motor when, after the operation of the clutch mechanism is detected (or after the formation of the flanging is detected), a current number of pulses supplied to the motor reaches the target pulse number. [Aspect A2]

[0144] The flaring tool also has a notification area configured to provide the user with information regarding the specific spin amount.

[0145] Each of the display areas 257 and 258 is an example of the “notification area” of the present aspect. [Aspect A3]

[0146] The flaring tool also has a housing that houses the main shaft and the clutch mechanism, in which the clutch mechanism a movable coupling member movable in a front-to-back direction between a first position in which the movable coupling member is not movable relative to the housing and a second position rearward of the first position, and a compression spring configured to urge (bias) the movable member forward relative to the housing, the movable clutch member is configured to move from the first position to the second position in response to a blockage of forward movement of the main shaft and to rotate integrally with the main shaft relative to the housing, and the detection device is configured to detect a movement of the movable clutch member from the first position to the second position as the actuation of the clutch mechanism. [Aspect A4]

[0147] The main shaft has an external thread area, the movable coupling member comprises a movable flange (i) disposed around the main shaft, and (ii) an internally threaded portion configured to threadably engage the externally threaded portion, and the movable flange is configured to move, while rotating, from the first position to the second position due to the action of the external thread portion and the internal thread portion in response to a blockage of the forward movement of the main shaft. [Aspect A5]

[0148] The clutch mechanism comprises a fixed clutch member disposed around the main shaft at the front of the movable clutch member such that it is substantially immovable relative to the housing, the fixed coupling component has a cam surface, and the movable clutch member is configured to (i) engage the cam surface due to an urging force (biasing force) of the compression spring so as to be non-rotatable relative to the fixed clutch member when the movable clutch member is in the first position, and (ii) separate (be spaced apart) from the cam surface when the movable clutch member moves to the second position while rotating.

[0149] The fixed sleeve 71 (the second sleeve 715) is an example of the “fixed coupling member” of the present aspect.

[0150] Furthermore, in view of a further non-limiting object of providing an improvement in a support structure of a cone in a hemming device, the present disclosure provides the following aspects B1 to B11. Each of the following aspects B1 to B11 may be applied individually, or two or more of them may be applied in combination with each other. Alternatively, at least one of the following aspects B1 to B11 may be applied in combination with at least one of the embodiments, the modified embodiments / examples, the aspects described above, and the features disclosed in each of the claims. [Aspect B1]

[0151] Flanging device, with a main shaft configured to move along a first axis defining a front-to-back direction of the flanging device while rotating about the first axis, a cone which (i) is eccentrically mounted on a front end portion of the main shaft such that it is rotatable about a second axis which is different from the first axis, and (ii) is configured to form a flare in an end portion of a tube, and a single (only one) radial bearing fitted around the cone, wherein the cone is configured to support at least one axial load at a rear end portion of the cone.

[0152] In the flaring device according to the present aspect, the rear end portion of the cone can absorb the axial load applied when the cone is pressed against the end portion of the pipe and forms the flare. Therefore, the axial load acting on the radial bearing around the circumference of the cone is suppressed, and rotational support of the cone can be stabilized. Furthermore, there is only one radial bearing around the circumference of the cone that absorbs a radial load. Thus, the overall length of the cone can be shortened compared to a configuration employing two radial bearings. [Aspect B2]

[0153] The flaring device according to aspect B1, wherein the cone is configured to receive the axial load over a contact area that is in line contact with the main shaft along a circumference of a circle centered on the second axis.

[0154] According to the present aspect, the cone can stably support the axial load through the contact area. Note that the contact area may be a portion of the cone (specifically, the rear end portion of the cone) or may be a separate (discrete) component in contact with the rear end portion of the cone. [Aspect B3]

[0155] Flanging device according to aspect B2, in which the front end portion of the main shaft has a bearing hole extending along the second axis, the radial bearing is fitted into the bearing hole, a bottom portion of the bearing hole is defined by a first conical surface which (i) has a tip on the second axis, and (ii) has a diameter which becomes smaller in the direction away from the front end of the cone, and the contact area is configured to have line contact with the first conical surface.

[0156] According to the present aspect, the contact portion can support not only the axial load but also the radial load from the first tapered surface. Thus, since the radial load can be distributed between the radial bearing and the contact portion, the rotary support of the cone can be further stabilized. A bottom portion of a hole formed by drilling is generally a tapered hole defined by a tapered surface. Thus, the tapered surface formed by drilling the hole in the main shaft can be used as the first tapered surface to achieve a conical bearing structure that can handle both axial load and radial load. [Aspect B4]

[0157] A flanging device according to aspect B3, wherein the contact area is a ball arranged between the cone and the first conical surface for receiving the axial load.

[0158] According to the present aspect, the portions of the ball that have line contact with the first conical surface change according to the rolling of the ball. Therefore, local wear of the ball can be prevented. Thus, it is possible to achieve the conical bearing structure that has excellent durability. [Aspect B5]

[0159] Flanging device according to aspect B4, in which the ball is arranged between the first conical surface and a second conical surface, the second conical surface has (i) a tip on the second axis and (ii) a diameter which becomes smaller towards the front end of the cone, and the second conical surface defines a hole formed in the rear end of the cone.

[0160] According to the present aspect, it is possible to stably support the axial load while accurately aligning the axis of the cone with the second axis. Since the cone has the second conical surface, a simple and rational cone bearing structure can be achieved without increasing the number of components. [Aspect B6]

[0161] Flanging device according to aspect B4 or B5, further comprising a retainer configured to engage the cone and the main shaft to restrict (prevent) the cone from being removed from the bearing hole, wherein the retainer engages with an annular groove formed on an outer periphery of the cone between the radial bearing and the ball.

[0162] According to the present aspect, a rational arrangement of the support of the cone can be achieved. [Aspect B7]

[0163] Flanging device according to aspect B6, in which the holder is a pin.

[0164] According to the present aspect, the bracket having a simple and rational structure can be achieved. [Aspect B8]

[0165] Flanging device according to aspect B7, further comprising an elastic (spring) component mounted around the front end portion of the main shaft, in which the pin is inserted into a through hole formed in the front end portion of the main shaft, and the elastic component covers the through hole from the outside.

[0166] According to the present aspect, a retaining structure of the bracket (pin) that is easily mounted to the cone and the main shaft can be achieved. Since the pin is also easily removed from the cone and the main shaft, replacement of the cone can be facilitated. [Aspect B9]

[0167] Flanging device according to one of aspects B1 to B8, in which the radial bearing is a ball bearing.

[0168] According to the present aspect, the overall length of the cone can be shortened compared with a configuration in which a needle bearing is applied. [Aspect B10]

[0169] A flanging device according to any one of aspects B1 to B9, wherein the flanging device is configured as an accessory that is selectively attachable to a power tool that is configured to rotatably drive a final output shaft.

[0170] According to the present aspect, only when necessary, a user can attach the flaring device to the power tool (e.g., a drilling tool, a tightening tool) configured to rotatably drive the final output shaft and use them together. Thus, it is possible to increase the work operations that can be performed with the power tool and improve the ease of use. [Aspect B11]

[0171] Electric flaring tool, with a tool housing, the flanging device according to one of the aspects B1 to B9, which is accommodated in the tool housing, and a motor (i) housed in the tool housing, (ii) operably coupled to the main shaft of the flaring device, and (iii) configured to rotate the main shaft.

[0172] According to the present aspect, the electric flaring tool having excellent usability is achieved in which the main shaft is driven by the motor.

[0173] A correspondence relationship between each of the structural elements (features) of the above-described embodiments and each of the structural elements (features) of the present disclosure or aspects B1 to B11 is indicated below. However, each of the structural elements of the embodiments is merely an example and does not limit each of the structural elements of the present disclosure or aspects B1 to B11.

[0174] Each of the hemming device 3A according to the first embodiment and the hemming device 3B according to the second embodiment is an example of a "hemming device." The main shaft 5, the cone 55, and the ball bearing 561 are an example of a "main shaft," a "cone," and a radial bearing, respectively. The drive axis DX is an example of a "first axis." The axis AX is an example of a "second axis." The ball 563 is an example of a "contact portion." The bearing hole 502 is an example of a "bearing hole." The tapered surface 504 of the main shaft 5 is an example of a "first tapered surface." The tapered surface 556 of the cone 55 is an example of a "second tapered surface." The retaining pin 565 is an example of a "retainer." The annular groove 558 is an example of an "annular groove." The pin hole 512 is an example of a "through hole." The elastic component 566 is an example of an “elastic component”.The screw drill 9 is an example of an "electric tool." The spindle 93 is an example of a "final output shaft." The flanging tool 1A is an example of a "flanging tool." The tool housing 11 is an example of a "tool housing." The motor 21 is an example of a "motor."

[0175] It is noted that the crimping device according to aspects B1 to B11 is not limited to the crimping devices 3A and 3B according to the above-described embodiments. For example, modifications presented below in a non-limiting manner are possible. At least one of these modifications can be applied in combination with at least one of the embodiments, modified embodiments / examples, the aspects described above, and the features disclosed in each of the claims.

[0176] For example, various changes may be added to the support structure of the cone 55 as long as the axial load can be absorbed by the rear end portion of the cone 55. For example, the ball 563 may be omitted, and the rear end portion of the cone 55 may be directly in contact with a surface defining the support hole 502. For example, the rear end portion of the shaft portion 553 of the cone 55 may be formed into a solid cylindrical shape, and an outer peripheral edge of the annular rear end surface of the cone 55 may be in line contact with the conical surface 504 of the support hole 502. Alternatively, the rear end portion of the shaft portion 553 of the cone 55 may be formed into a hemispherical shape, and its spherical surface may be in line contact with the conical surface 504 of the support hole 502.

[0177] In the retaining structure of the cone 55, a solid elastic member may be fitted into the pin hole 512 instead of the annular elastic member 566. A ball may be used instead of the retaining pin 565.

[0178] With a still further non-limiting objective of providing an improvement in a countermeasure against the entry of foreign matter into a crimping device, the present disclosure provides the following aspects C1 to C15. Each of the following aspects C1 to C15 may be applied individually, or two or more of them may be applied in combination with each other. Alternatively, at least one of the following aspects C1 to C15 may be applied in combination with at least one of the embodiments, the modified embodiments / examples, the aspects described above, and the features disclosed in each of the claims herein. [Aspect C1]

[0179] Flanging device, with a main shaft configured to move along a first axis defining a front-to-back direction of the flanging device while rotating about the first axis, a cone which (i) is eccentrically mounted on a front end portion of the main shaft such that it is rotatable about a second axis which is different from the first axis, and (ii) is configured to form a flare in an end portion of a pipe, a housing that houses the main shaft, and at least one seal configured to block (close, seal) a gap between the housing and the main shaft.

[0180] According to the present aspect, the at least one seal prevents foreign matter such as metal debris, dust, or the like from entering the interior of the housing through the gap between the housing and the main shaft, and can thus reduce a possibility of failure occurring in the operation of the main shaft. [Aspect C2]

[0181] Flanging device according to aspect C1, further comprising a feed screw mechanism (i) disposed within the housing and (ii) configured to move the main shaft in the front-to-back direction, wherein an opening communicating the inside of the housing with the outside is formed in a front end of the housing, and the feed screw mechanism is arranged behind the at least one seal within the housing.

[0182] According to the present aspect, the at least one seal prevents foreign matter from entering the space at the back of the at least one seal and can thus reduce a possibility of an operational error of the feed screw mechanism. [Aspect C3]

[0183] Flanging device according to aspect C1 or C2, further comprising a sleeve arranged between the main shaft and the housing in a radial direction of the main shaft, in which which has at least one seal, an external seal arranged radially outside the sleeve, and has an internal seal arranged radially inside the sleeve.

[0184] According to the present aspect, by adopting the sleeve, it is possible to facilitate assembly and increase the degree of freedom in functional specifications and material selection of each of the structural elements. Furthermore, the inside seal and the outside seal can block the entry of foreign matter from the outside and inside in the radial direction of the sleeve, respectively. [Aspect C4]

[0185] Flanging device according to aspect C3, in which the sleeve is substantially immovable in the front-to-back direction relative to the housing, and the main shaft is movable in the front-to-back direction and rotatable about the first axis relative to the sleeve.

[0186] According to the present aspect, each of the outside seal and the inside seal can prevent the foreign matter from entering the outside in the radial direction of the sleeve which is substantially fixed to the housing and between the sleeve and the main shaft. [Aspect C5]

[0187] Flanging device according to aspect C4, further comprising a clutch mechanism configured to be actuated in response to a blockage of forward movement of the main shaft due to the abutment of the cone (coming into contact) with the end portion of the tube, in which the clutch mechanism a first clutch member that is substantially non-rotatable about the first axis with respect to the housing, and a second coupling member configured to move in the front-to-back direction between a first position in which the second coupling member is coupled to the first coupling member and a second position in which the second coupling member is spaced apart from the first coupling member, and the sleeve is configured as the first coupling component.

[0188] According to the present aspect, the sleeve is effectively used as the first clutch component, which is a part of the first clutch component, and thus it is possible to reduce the number of components of the clutch mechanism. The at least one seal can reduce the possibility of foreign matter adhering to the clutch mechanism. [Aspect C6]

[0189] Flanging device according to aspect C3, in which the sleeve is integrally movable with the main shaft in the front-to-back direction relative to the housing, and the main shaft is rotatable about the first axis relative to the sleeve.

[0190] According to the present aspect, the sleeve can be used as a bearing that rotatably supports the main shaft while moving integrally with the main shaft in the front-to-back direction. [Aspect C7]

[0191] Flanging device according to aspect C6, in which the sleeve is substantially non-rotatable about the first axis relative to the housing, and the sleeve is configured as a stop that restricts the forward movement of the main shaft when the main shaft moves forward without the tube being located at the front of the cone.

[0192] According to the present aspect, while the sleeve moves integrally with the main shaft in the front-to-back direction with respect to the housing, the sleeve does not rotate, and thus it can be effectively utilized as the stopper. [Aspect C8]

[0193] Flanging device according to aspect C6, in which the pressure (contact pressure) of the outer seal, which is arranged radially outside the sleeve, is greater than a pressure (contact pressure) of the inner seal, which is arranged radially inside the sleeve.

[0194] According to the present aspect, the outside seal and the inside seal can not only be used as a countermeasure for the entry of foreign matter, but can also be effectively used for holding the main shaft so that it is rotatable relative to the sleeve while holding the sleeve in the substantially non-rotatable state with respect to the housing. [Aspect C9]

[0195] Flanging device according to aspect C1, further comprising an outside sleeve which (i) is arranged between the housing and the main shaft in a radial direction of the main shaft, and (ii) is substantially immovable in the front-to-back direction relative to the housing, and an inside sleeve which is (i) arranged between the outside sleeve and the main shaft in the radial direction, and (ii) integrally movable with the main shaft in the front-to-back direction relative to the outside sleeve, wherein which has at least one seal an outside seal arranged between the housing and the outside sleeve in the radial direction, an inside seal arranged between the main shaft and the inside sleeve in the radial direction, and an intermediate seal arranged between the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve in the radial direction.

[0196] According to the present aspect, by using the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve, it is possible to simplify assembly and increase the degree of freedom in functional specifications and material selection of each of the structural elements. The outer seal, the inner seal, and the intermediate seal can prevent the entry of foreign matter between the housing, the outer sleeve, the inner sleeve, and the main shaft, thus reducing the possibility of a failure occurring during the operation of the main shaft. [Aspect C10]

[0197] A flanging device according to any one of aspects C1 to C9, wherein the flanging device is configured as an accessory that is selectively attachable to a power tool that is configured to rotatably drive a final output shaft.

[0198] According to the present aspect, a user can attach the crimping device to the power tool (e.g., a drilling tool, a tightening tool) configured to rotatably drive the final output shaft only when necessary, and use them together. Thus, it is possible to increase the number of operations that can be performed with the power tool, thus improving the ease of use. [Aspect C11]

[0199] Electric flaring tool, with a tool housing, the flanging device according to one of the aspects C1 to C9, which is accommodated in the tool housing, and a motor (i) housed in the tool housing, (ii) operably coupled to the main shaft of the flaring device, and (iii) configured to rotate the main shaft.

[0200] According to the present aspect, the electric flaring tool having excellent usability is achieved in which the main shaft is driven by the motor. [Aspect C12]

[0201] A lubricant is arranged in a space located behind the at least one seal within the housing. [Aspect C13]

[0202] The inside sleeve is held so as to be substantially non-rotatable relative to the outside sleeve, and the main shaft is rotatable relative to the inside sleeve. [Aspect C14]

[0203] A pressure (contact pressure) of the outer seal is greater than a pressure (contact pressure) of the intermediate seal, and the pressure (contact pressure) of the intermediate seal is greater than the pressure (contact pressure) of the inside seal. [Aspect C15]

[0204] The outer sleeve and the inner sleeve are made of materials with different strengths.

[0205] A correspondence relationship between each of the structural elements (features) of the above-described embodiments and each of the structural elements (features) of the present disclosure or aspects C1 to C15 is indicated below. However, each of the structural features of the embodiments is merely an example and does not limit the structural elements of the present disclosure or aspects C1 to C15.

[0206] Each of the crimping devices 3A according to the first embodiment and the crimping device 3B according to the second embodiment is an example of a "crimping device." The main shaft 5, the cone 55, and the housing 40 are examples of a "main shaft," a "cone," and a "housing," respectively. The drive axis DX is an example of a "first axis." The axis AX is an example of a "second axis." Each of the sealing members 61, 62, and 63 is an example of a "seal."

[0207] The fixed sleeve 71 (the first sleeve 711) is an example of a "sleeve." In this example, the sealing member 63 is an example of an "outside seal." Each of the sealing members 61 and 62 is an example of an "inside seal." The sliding sleeve 58 is an example of another "sleeve." In this example, each of the sealing members 62 and 63 is an example of an "outside seal." The sealing member 61 is an example of an "inside seal." The clutch mechanism 7 is an example of a "clutch mechanism." The fixed sleeve 71 is an example of a "first clutch member." The movable flange 73 with the clutch pins 734 is an example of a "second clutch member."

[0208] The fixed sleeve 71 (the first sleeve 711) is an example of an "outside sleeve," and the sliding sleeve 58 is an example of an "inside sleeve." The sealing member 63 is an example of an "outside seal," the sealing member 61 is an example of an "inside seal," and the sealing member 62 is an example of an "intermediate seal."

[0209] The screw drill 9 is an example of an "electric tool." The spindle 93 is an example of a "final output shaft." The flanging tool 1A is an example of a "flanging tool." The tool housing 11 is an example of a "tool housing." The motor 21 is an example of a "motor."

[0210] It is noted that the crimping device according to aspects C1 to C15 is not limited to the crimping devices 3A and 3B according to the embodiments described above. For example, modifications presented below are possible in a non-limiting manner. At least one of these modifications can be applied in combination with at least one of the embodiments, modified examples, aspects, and features disclosed in each of the claims.

[0211] In the above-described embodiments, the two sleeves (the fixed sleeve 71 and the sliding sleeve 58) are arranged between the housing 40 and the main shaft 5 in the radial direction of the main shaft 5. However, one of these two sleeves may be omitted.

[0212] Specifically, as described above, the housing 40 and the first sleeve 711 of the fixed sleeve 71 are both made of aluminum. In the above-described embodiments, the first sleeve 711 is used to facilitate the assembly of the clutch mechanism 7, etc., within the housing 40. However, in another embodiment, the first sleeve 711 may be omitted (integrated with the housing 40), and the sliding sleeve 58 may be arranged to be slidable in the front-back direction along an inner peripheral surface of the housing 40.

[0213] Furthermore, both of the sliding sleeve 58 and the main shaft 5 are made of iron. In the above-described embodiments, since the sliding sleeve 58 is rotatable with respect to the main shaft 5, the sliding sleeve 58 is a separate (discrete) component from the main shaft 5. However, in another embodiment, the sliding sleeve 58 may be omitted (may be integrated with the main shaft 5), and the main shaft 5 may be arranged to be slidable in the front-rear direction along an inner peripheral surface of the first sleeve 711. In this modified example, it is sufficient that the pressure (contact pressure) of the sealing member 62 enables the rotation of the main shaft 5 with respect to the first sleeve 711.

[0214] The number, positions and / or material of the sealing components 61, 62 and 63 may be changed if appropriate.

[0215] It is explicitly emphasized that all features disclosed in the description and / or the claims are to be considered separate and independent of each other for the purpose of the original disclosure as well as for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention, regardless of the feature combinations in the embodiments and / or the claims. It is explicitly stated that all range specifications or specifications of groups of units disclose every possible intermediate value or subgroup of units for the purpose of the original disclosure as well as for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention, in particular also as a limit of a range specification.

[0216] 1A, 1B: Crimping tool, 11: Tool body, 111: Opening, 15: Handle portion, 150: Grip portion, 151: Pusher, 153: Switch, 17: Battery attachment portion, 18: Light emitting portion, 19: Battery, 20: Controller, 201: CPU, 202: ROM, 203: RAM, 21: Motor, 23: Speed reduction mechanism, 233: Output gear, 25: Operation portion, 251: Mode switching button, 252: Change button; 253: Increase knob, 254: Decrease knob, 257: Indication area, 258: Indication area, 3A, 3B: Flaring device, 40: Housing, 401: Opening, 405: Space, 41: Terminal fixing area, 43: Transmission shaft, 431: Ball bearing, 432: Ball bearing, 435: Coupling hole, 44: Auxiliary spring, 5: Main shaft, 50: Feed screw mechanism, 501: Front end area, 502: Bearing hole, 504: Tapered surface, 507: Coupling hole, 508: External thread area, 51: First component, 511: Large diameter area, 512: Pin hole, 513: Annular groove, 516: Small diameter area, 52: Second component, 521: Large diameter area,522: flange portion, 526: small diameter portion, 55: cone, 551: tapered portion, 553: shaft portion, 554: rear end portion, 555: ball retaining hole, 556: tapered surface, 558: annular groove, 561: ball bearing, 563: ball, 565: retaining pin, 566: elastic member, 58: sliding sleeve, 61: sealing member, 62: sealing member, 63: sealing member, 7: clutch mechanism, 71: fixed sleeve, 711: first sleeve, 712: flange portion, 715: second sleeve, 716: recess portion, 717: cam surface, 73: movable flange, 731: large diameter portion, 734: clutch pin, 736: small diameter portion, 737: Internal thread portion, 78: Compression spring, 791: Thrust needle bearing, 793: Washer, 794: Washer, 81: Detection device, 82: Circuit board, 85: Magnet, 86: Movable member, 861: Arm, 863: Projection, 87: Preload spring, 9: Drill driver, 90: Tool body, 91: Motor, 92: Speed reduction mechanism, 93: Spindle, 94: Drill chuck, 941: Insertion hole, 95: Handle,950: Grip area, 951: Push button, 952: Forward-reverse shift lever, 953: Switch, 955: Control, 98: Clutch shaft, AX: Axle, DX: Drive axle, QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2023 - 081 043 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Flaring tool, with a motor that can rotate in a forward direction and a reverse direction, a main shaft (i) operably coupled to the motor, and (ii) configured to move along a first axis defining a front-to-back direction of the flanging tool while rotating about the first axis when the motor is rotated in the forward direction, a cone which (i) is eccentrically mounted on a front end portion of the main shaft such that it is rotatable about a second axis which is different from the first axis, and (ii) is configured to form a flare in an end portion of a pipe, a clutch mechanism configured to be actuated in response to forward movement of the main shaft being blocked due to the abutment of the cone against the end portion of the tube, a detection device configured to detect an actuation of the clutch mechanism, and a control device configured to control rotation of the motor based on a detection result of the detection device. [2] The flaring tool according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to stop the rotation of the motor after the motor has been rotated by a specific rotation amount in the forward direction in response to the operation of the clutch mechanism detected by the detecting device. [3] Flaring tool, with a motor rotatable in a forward direction and a reverse direction, a main shaft (i) operably coupled to the motor, and (ii) configured to move along a first axis defining a front-to-back direction of the flanging tool while rotating about the first axis when the motor is rotated in the forward direction, a cone which (i) is eccentrically mounted on a front end portion of the main shaft such that it is rotatable about a second axis which is different from the first axis, and (ii) is configured to form a flare in an end portion of a pipe, a detection device configured to detect the formation of the beading by the cone, and a control device configured to control the rotation of the motor, in which the control device, in response to the formation of the curl detected by the detecting device, controls the rotation of the motor such that the main shaft rotates by a specific rotation amount at substantially the same position in the front-to-back direction and stops the rotation thereafter. [4] A flanging tool according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the specific amount of rotation is changeable. [5] Flanging tool according to claim 4, further comprising an actuation area configured to be manually actuated by a user, in which the control device is configured to change the specific rotation amount in response to a manual operation performed on an operation portion by the user. [6] A flanging tool according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the control device is configured to move the main shaft backward by rotating the motor in the reverse direction after stopping the motor. [7] A flaring tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the motor is a brushless motor. [8] A flanging tool according to claim 1 or any one of claims 3 to 7 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 1, in which the clutch mechanism comprises a movable clutch member configured to move in response to the blocking of the forward movement of the main shaft, and the detection device is a Hall sensor configured to detect a magnet attached to the movable coupling member. [9] A flaring tool according to claim 8, wherein the magnet is attached to a non-rotating portion of the coupling component.

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