Compressed air storage device

Abstract

A compressed air storage device comprises a flexible, elongated tubular configuration in which the tubing has an internal volume designed to store sufficient compressed air to power a handheld pneumatic tool. The compressed air storage device has a variable diameter along its length and an internal space extending between and communicating with couplings located at opposite ends of the device.

Description

background

[0001] Air compressors are commonly used to power a wide variety of pneumatic or air-driven tools. Some of the power tools that can be operated with an air compressor include nail guns, impact wrenches, pneumatic ratchet screwdrivers, jackhammers, drills, grinders and sanders, aerosol cans, staplers, and so on. These are just a few examples of power tools that can be operated with an air compressor. The advantage of pneumatic tools is that they often provide high power and durability while being relatively lightweight and easy to handle. However, air compressors can have a tank for pressurizing air and storing the pressurized air (e.g., compressed air). Such compressors typically use metal storage tanks, which are large, bulky, and heavy. This makes them difficult to move and store. Brief description

[0002] In some aspects, a compressed air storage device features a flexible, elongated, tubular configuration in which the tubing is designed to store compressed air and has an internal volume sufficient to power a handheld pneumatic tool. The tubing has a variable diameter along its length. This flexible, tubular compressed air storage device replaces a conventional rigid compressed air storage tank in an air compressor system, which also includes an air compressor. The tubular storage device has an internal space that extends between and is connected to couplings located at opposite ends of the device.

[0003] In some embodiments, the tubular compressed air storage device comprises a large-diameter section at a point corresponding to a first hose end connected to an air compressor, and a relatively smaller-diameter section at a point corresponding to a second hose end connected to a power tool. Although the larger-diameter section allows for the storage of a greater volume of compressed air, it is also less flexible than the smaller-diameter section. Placing the smaller-diameter section adjacent to the power tool connection provides greater flexibility and freedom of movement for the power tool.

[0004] In some embodiments, the flexible, tubular compressed air storage device has several large-diameter sections spaced apart by intermediate sections. The large-diameter sections have a much larger diameter than the intermediate sections. The large-diameter sections provide increased compressed air storage capacity, and the intermediate sections provide increased flexibility. Because the intermediate sections are distributed along the length of the air storage device, the entire length of the device exhibits flexibility.

[0005] Some conventional compressed air storage tanks 601, 602 have simple curved three-dimensional shapes. Some exemplary conventional shapes are shown in Fig. 7A-C and 8A-C are shown together with a schematic diagram illustrating the forces exerted on the tanks by the compressed air stored therein. Fig. Figures 7A-C show a compressed air storage tank 601 with a shape sometimes referred to as a "hot dog", e.g. an elongated cylinder with a large diameter and rounded ends. Fig. Figures 8A-C show a 602 compressed air storage tank with a shape sometimes described as a "pancake," such as a flattened sphere. Because a handheld pneumatic power tool can require eight liters or more of compressed air to operate, such conventional storage tanks are relatively large. The forces on the internal surface of these tanks are equal to the compressed air pressure multiplied by the area of ​​the internal surface. Typical storage tank pressures for air compressors range from 80 to 120 pounds per square inch (psi), while some industrial applications may require higher pressures of up to 200 psi or more. Because the tanks are large to accommodate the required storage volume, the internal forces are also high. For this reason, some conventional compressed air storage tanks are made of metal and feature welded seams.Unfortunately, such tanks are rigid and heavy, ranging from 20 pounds (9 kilograms) to over 100 pounds (45 kilograms), and their size and weight can make them difficult to move from place to place.

[0006] In contrast, the tubular compressed air storage device has a relatively small diameter, for example, in the range of 0.25 inches to 1.0 inch in an intermediate range and in the range of 1.0 inch to 10 inches in a large-diameter range. This results in relatively low internal pressures compared to some conventional storage tanks. In the tubular compressed air storage device, the necessary volume is achieved by increasing the length of the device. Because the internal pressures are relatively low, the tubular compressed air storage device can be made of flexible and relatively lighter materials than those used to manufacture a conventional rigid metal storage tank.

[0007] In some aspects, an air compressor system comprises an air compressor with an air outlet, and a compressed air storage device with a flexible hose of multiple diameters that is in operational contact with the air outlet and is designed to store compressed air.

[0008] In some embodiments, the hose comprises a first end with a first coupling and a second end opposite the first end, the second end having a second coupling. The hose has a center point located midway between the first end and the second end. The hose comprises a section with a first diameter, the section with the first diameter being located at a position between the first end and the center point, and a section with a second diameter, the section with the second diameter being located at a position between the center point and the second end. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter, and the first coupling is connected to the air outlet.

[0009] In some embodiments, the hose includes an intermediate section between the section with the first diameter and the section with the second diameter, and the intermediate section has a diameter that is smaller than the second diameter.

[0010] In some embodiments, the intermediate section has greater flexibility than the section with the first diameter and the section with the second diameter.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second coupling is designed for connection to a power tool.

[0012] In some embodiments, the air compressor system includes a handheld pneumatic power tool, with the second coupling being designed for connection to the power tool.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first diameter is at least five times larger than the second diameter.

[0014] In some embodiments, the hose has an internal volume designed to store sufficient compressed air to power a handheld pneumatic tool.

[0015] In some embodiments, the air compressor system includes a section with a third diameter. The section with the third diameter is located between the section with the first diameter and the section with the second diameter, and the third diameter is smaller than the first diameter.

[0016] In some embodiments, the hose comprises a first intermediate section between the section with the first diameter and the section with the third diameter, and a second intermediate section between the section with the third diameter and the section with the second diameter. The first intermediate section and the second intermediate section have a diameter that is smaller than the second diameter.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first intermediate section and the second intermediate section each exhibit greater flexibility than the section with the first diameter, the section with the second diameter, and the section with the third diameter.

[0018] In some embodiments, the hose has several sections with a first diameter, which are spaced apart from each other by intermediate sections, wherein the sections with the first diameter have a first diameter and the intermediate sections have a second diameter, and wherein the first diameter is at least twice the second diameter.

[0019] In some aspects, a compressed air storage device is designed for connection to an air outlet of an air compressor. The compressed air storage device has a tubular body with a first end and a second end opposite the first. The tubular body has a diameter and a length, the length being equal to the distance between the first and second ends when the tubular body is parallel to a line. The length is at least fifty times the diameter. The tubular body has a first diameter at a point between the first end and a midpoint of the tubular body. Additionally, the tubular body has a second diameter at a point between the midpoint and the second end.

[0020] In some embodiments, the compressed air storage device includes a second coupling located at the second end of the hose, wherein the second coupling is designed for connection to a pneumatic power tool.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first diameter is at least five times larger than the second diameter.

[0022] In some embodiments, the hose comprises a first end with a first coupling and a second end opposite the first end, the second end having a second coupling. The hose has a center point located midway between the first end and the second end. The hose has a section with a first diameter, which is located between the first end and the center point. The hose has a section with a second diameter, which is located between the center point and the second end. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter, and the first coupling is connected to the air outlet.

[0023] In some embodiments, the hose includes an intermediate section between the section with the first diameter and the section with the second diameter, and the intermediate section has a diameter that is smaller than the second diameter.

[0024] In some embodiments, the intermediate section has greater flexibility than the section with the first diameter and the section with the second diameter.

[0025] In some embodiments, the compressed air storage device has a section with a third diameter. The section with the third diameter is located between the section with the first diameter and the section with the second diameter, and the third diameter is smaller than the first diameter.

[0026] In some embodiments, the hose comprises a first intermediate section between the section with the first diameter and the section with the third diameter, and a second intermediate section between the section with the third diameter and the section with the second diameter. The first intermediate section and the second intermediate section have a diameter that is smaller than the second diameter.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first intermediate section and the second intermediate section each exhibit greater flexibility than the section with the first diameter, the section with the second diameter, and the section with the third diameter. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a system for supplying compressed air to a handheld power tool, comprising an air compressor, a compressed air storage device, and a pneumatic power tool. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the system of Fig. 1, in which a single line represents an electrical connection and a double line represents a fluid connection. Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the hose of the compressed air storage device, as shown along line 3-3 of Fig. 1 seen, where arrows are used to represent lines of force on an inner surface of the hose. Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the system of Fig. Figure 1 shows the compressed air storage device in an alternative orientation. Fig. Figure 4B is a graphical representation of the air pressure in the air storage device over time for two different configurations of the air storage device. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the compressed air storage device. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective front view of another alternative embodiment of the compressed air storage device. Fig. Figure 7A is a perspective view of a conventional air compressor with a "hot dog"-shaped conventional compressed air storage tank. Fig. 7B is a schematic representation of the general shape of the tank of Fig. 7A and Fig. 7C is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 7B as seen along line 7C-7C, where arrows are used to represent lines of force on an inner surface of the tank. Fig. Figure 8A is a perspective view of a conventional air compressor with a "pancake"-shaped conventional compressed air storage tank. Fig. 8B is a schematic representation of the general shape of the tank of Fig. 8A and Fig. 8C is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 8B as seen along line 8C-8C, where arrows are used to represent lines of force on an inner surface of the tank. Detailed description

[0028] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 comprises a power tool system 15, a pneumatically driven power tool 100, an air compressor 1, and a compressed air storage device 60. The power tool 100 can be a hand tool such as a nail gun, impact wrench, pneumatic ratchet wrench, jackhammer, pneumatic drill, pneumatic grinder, pneumatic sander, aerosol can, stapler, or any other air-powered power tool. The power tool 100 is directly connected to the air compressor 1 via the compressed air storage device 60. In the exemplary embodiment, the compressed air storage device 60 is an elongated flexible hose 61 designed to store air compressed to pressures of 50 to 300 pounds per square inch (PSI) or more and to provide a reservoir for a continuous supply of compressed air to the power tool 100 during tool operation.The air compressor 1 has a compressor housing 20 with fluid couplings that allow a fluid-tight connection with the air storage device 60. The hose 61 has a variable diameter along its length and is sufficiently flexible to allow bending and / or coiling, and it is sufficiently light to be easily moved and manipulated by a user of the power tool 100. The air compressor 1 and the compressed air storage device 60 will now be described in detail.

[0029] The air compressor 1 can be a positive displacement compressor, such as that provided by a reciprocating pump, but it is not limited to this type of pump. The air compressor 1 comprises a compressor housing 20, which encloses and / or supports the other components of the air compressor 1, including a compressor pump 2, a motor 5, a controller 10, a human-machine interface (HMI) 11, a battery 12, a pressure control device 13, and other auxiliary components necessary for the operation of the air compressor 1.

[0030] In this embodiment, the compressor pump 2 is a reciprocating piston pump, but it could also be another type of positive displacement pump. The compressor pump 2 uses one or more reciprocating pistons (not shown) to compress air. The compressor pump 2 has an air inlet 3 and an air outlet 4.

[0031] The air inlet 3 is connected to a compressor air inlet valve 6 via a first fluid line 7. The air outlet valve 6 is supported on the compressor housing 20. When the air inlet valve 6 is in an open position, air in the vicinity of the air compressor 1 (e.g., air at atmospheric pressure) is permitted to enter the first fluid line 7. When the air inlet valve 6 is in a closed position, air in the vicinity of the air compressor 1 is prevented from entering the first fluid line 7. An air filter 14 can be provided at a location between the air inlet valve 6 and the pump air inlet 3 in the first fluid line 7.

[0032] The air outlet 4 is connected via a second fluid line 9 to a compressor air outlet valve 8. The air outlet valve 8 is supported on the compressor housing 20 and has an integrated fluid coupling. When the air outlet valve 8 is in an open position, air compressed by the compressor pump 2 is allowed to escape from the compressor housing 20. When the compressed air storage device 60 is connected to the fluid coupling of the air outlet valve, air compressed by the compressor pump 2 is allowed to enter the compressed air storage device 60. When the air outlet valve 8 is in a closed position, compressed air is prevented from escaping the compressor housing 20.

[0033] The pressure control device 13 is designed to monitor the outlet pressure of the air compressor 1. In this embodiment, the pressure control device 13 can be a pressure switch that monitors the pressure of the fluid discharged by the compressor pump 2 and sends a signal to the control unit indicating the detected pressure. The pressure switch can, for example, detect the pressure of the second fluid line 9 at a point between the compressor pump 2 and the compressor outlet valve 8.

[0034] Motor 5 is an electric motor. In some embodiments, motor 5 can be an induction motor, but it is not limited to this type of motor. An output shaft (not shown) of motor 5 is connected to the compressor pump 2, and motor 5 drives the pump 2 to compress air.

[0035] In this embodiment, a battery 12 is contained within the compressor housing 20 and supplies power to the control unit 10, which in turn powers the motor 5. The battery 12 can be a rechargeable battery that is charged via a detachable wired connection to mains power. In some embodiments, the air compressor 1 may not contain a battery 12 and may receive power via a direct wired connection to mains power. In still other embodiments, the air compressor 1 may contain the battery 12 and be powered either by the battery 12 or by a direct connection to mains power.

[0036] The controller 10 is communicatively connected to the HMI 11, the battery 12, and the pressure control device 13 and is designed to control the motor 5 based on these inputs. As used here, the term "communicatively coupled" can refer to a direct wired connection via, for example, electrically conductive signal lines or shared communication buses, or alternatively, to a wireless connection. Thus, the controller 10 can receive information from these devices and selectively activate and operate the various operating components.

[0037] In some embodiments, the controller 10 includes one or more memory devices 10a and one or more processors 10b. The processors 10b can be any combination of general-purpose or specialized processors, CPUs, or the like, capable of executing programming instructions or control code associated with the operation of the air compressor 1. The memory devices (i.e., the memory) 10a can represent random-access memory, such as DRAM, or read-only memory, such as ROM or FLASH. In some embodiments, the processor 10b executes programming instructions stored in the memory 10a. The memory 10a can be a separate component from the processor 10b or it can be integrated into the processor 10b.Alternatively, the controller 10 can be designed without the use of a processor 10b, for example by using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying on software.

[0038] In some embodiments, the controller 10 includes a network interface, allowing it to be connected to and communicate with one or more networks (not shown). The controller 10 may also include one or more transmit, receive, or transmit-receive components for sending and / or receiving communications with other devices that are communicatively coupled to the air compressor 1. Additionally or alternatively, the transmit, receive, or transmit-receive components may be located outside the controller 10. Generally, the controller 10 may be located at any suitable point within the compressor housing 20.

[0039] The various functions performed by the controller 10 can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is composed of computer-readable program code and implemented in a computer-readable medium. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, associated data, or a portion thereof, adapted for implementation in suitable computer-readable program code. The phrase "computer-readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code.The term "computer-readable medium" includes any type of medium that can be accessed by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of storage. "Non-volatile" computer-readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that carry transient electrical or other signals. Non-volatile computer-readable medium includes media in which data can be permanently stored and media in which data can be stored and subsequently overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable storage device.

[0040] The compressor housing 20 has an internal cavity that accommodates and supports the compressor pump 2, the motor 5, the air filter 14, the pressure control device 13, the HMI 11, the control 10, the air inlet and outlet valves 6, 8 and any auxiliary components required for the operation of the compressor.

[0041] The HMI 11 is mounted on an outer surface of the compressor housing 20 and may include switches or other input devices and / or a display. The HMI 11 is designed to allow the user to operate the air compressor 1 and to receive information about the air compressor's performance. In some embodiments, the display may be color, non-color (e.g., grayscale), or a combination of both. The display may be implemented as any type of display, including a liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diodes (LD), organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), or any other alternative configuration known to those skilled in the art. The display may provide touchscreen functionality, and a pressure level selector switch may be integrated into the HMI 11.

[0042] In this embodiment, the air outlet valve 8 terminates in a hose coupling 28, which projects from the compressor housing 20 at a location adjacent to the HMI, but is not limited to this location. The hose coupling 28 is designed to provide a fluid-tight mechanical connection with a first coupling 64 of the air storage device 60. Additionally, in some embodiments, the hose coupling 28 can have 360-degree, bidirectional rotation capabilities, allowing the air storage device 60 to rotate relative to the compressor housing.

[0043] Also with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. In section 4, the air storage device 60 is an elongated hose 61 with a first device end 62, which is detachably connected to the hose coupling 28 of the air outlet valve 8 via a first device coupling 64. The hose 61 has a second device end 63, which is opposite the first device end 62. The second device end 63 has a second device coupling 65. Additionally, the hose 61 has a center point 80, which is located midway between the first device end 62 and the second device end 63.

[0044] The first element coupling 64 is designed for a fluid-tight, detachable connection to the hose coupling 28 of the air compressor 1, for example, using a quick-connect fitting suitable for high-pressure applications. Similarly, the second element coupling 65 is designed for a fluid-tight, detachable connection to the tool coupling 102, for example, using a quick-connect fitting suitable for high-pressure applications. Alternatively, other types of fittings, such as threaded or barbed fittings, may be used if necessary.

[0045] The hose 61 is elongated. In particular, the hose diameter d is much smaller than a (not shown) length of the hose 61, where the length of the hose corresponds to a distance between the first and second hose ends 62, 63. The hose length is at least 10 times the diameter d of the hose 61. In some embodiments, the hose length is more than 50 times the diameter d of the hose 61.

[0046] The size and storage capacity of the hose 61 can depend on factors such as the output capacity of the air compressor 1, the required air pressure, and the air requirements of the specific application (for example, the pressure required by the power tool 100). In some embodiments, the air storage device 60 has sufficient capacity to handle the required tool operating pressure (including firing) and to provide sufficient storage capacity to meet the requirements of the compressed air system. Increasing the hose's internal volume by providing a longer hose 61 is one way to achieve increased storage capacity. Another way to increase the hose's internal volume is to provide the hose with sections of increased diameter. For this reason, the hose 61 has a variable diameter along its length.

[0047] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the hose 61 of the air storage device 60 has a section 81 with a first diameter, which has a first diameter d1, and a section 82 with a second diameter, which has a second diameter d2. The section 81 with the first diameter is located between the first device end 62 and the center point 80. In some embodiments, the section 81 with the first diameter includes the first device end 62 and terminates before the center point 80. The section 82 with the second diameter extends from the section 81 with the first diameter to the second device end 63 and includes the second device end 63. The first diameter d1 is larger than the second diameter d2.In some embodiments, the second diameter d2 is in a range of 0.25 inches to 1.00 inches, and the first diameter is at least five times the second diameter d2. Due to its larger volume, section 81 with the first diameter is less flexible than section 82 with the second diameter. For example, section 81 with the first diameter can bend to a radius of 50 inches or more (e.g., it has relatively low flexibility), whereas section 82 with the second diameter can bend to a radius in a range of two inches to ten inches (e.g., it has relatively high flexibility).In this embodiment, the section of the air storage device 60 that is closest to the power tool 100 has the greatest flexibility, which facilitates the mobility of the power tool 100 and provides easy manipulation and / or positioning of the power tool 100 during use.

[0048] Although in the air storage device 60, which in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, where the first device coupling 64 is connected to the hose coupling 28 of the air compressor 1 and the second device coupling 65 is connected to the tool coupling 102, the air storage device 60 is not limited to this configuration. As shown, for example, in Fig. As can be seen in 4A, the air storage device 60 can be used in the opposite orientation. Fig. 4A, the first device coupling 64 is connected to the tool coupling 102, and the second device coupling 65 is connected to the hose coupling 28 of the air compressor 1. In this orientation, section 81 with the first diameter is located close to the power tool 100. Advantageously, this orientation improves tool performance because the compressed air reservoir within section 81 with the first diameter is located close to the power tool 100, thereby reducing pressure losses due to fluid flow through the interior of hose 61.

[0049] Referring to Fig. Figure 4B shows a graph of the air pressure in the air storage device 60 over time during the operation of a power tool, such as a nail gun, and the effect of the position of the first-diameter section 81 along the length of the tubular body 81. Both the solid and dashed lines represent the air pressure in the air storage device with a variable-diameter hose. The solid line represents the pressure over time in an air storage device 60 configured such that the first-diameter section 81 is positioned close to the compressor 1, for example, as shown in Figure 4B. Fig. Figure 2 shows the pressure over time in an air storage device 60, which is configured such that the larger section 81 with the first diameter is positioned close to the power tool 100, for example as shown in Fig. Figure 4A shows that in both configurations, a pressure spike occurs when air flows into the power tool and the tool is fired. If the first-diameter section 81 is located close to the compressor 1 and further away from the power tool 100, it takes longer to fill the power tool 100 with air and therefore longer until firing. This is because the air from the first-diameter section 81 must flow through the air storage device 60 and then through the second-diameter section 82, where it encounters resistance. This resistance results in a pressure drop and thus a reduced maximum amplitude and a lower firing rate, because the pressure drop increases the time required to fill the tool firing chamber and activate the power tool 100.The opposite is true if the larger section 81 with the first diameter is located close to the power tool 100 and further away from the compressor 1. In this case, the compressed air is transferred quickly, resulting in a higher pressure because there is less pressure drop between section 81 with the first diameter and the power tool 100.

[0050] Referring to Fig. 5 resembles an alternative embodiment of the air storage device 160 of the air storage device 60 of Fig. 1-3, and common reference numbers are used to refer to common elements. The in Fig. The air storage device 160 shown in Figure 4 differs from the previous embodiments in that the air storage device 160 has a plurality of sections 81 with a first diameter. The relatively large sections 81 with a first diameter are spaced apart from one another and connected in series by intermediate sections 82 with a second diameter. In addition, the first and second device ends 62, 63, together with the corresponding first and second couplings 64, 65, are each contained in a section 82 with a second diameter. In a non-limiting example, in an air storage device in which the distance between the first and second device ends 62, 63 is 25 feet (7.62 m), the length of the sections 82 with a second diameter (e.g., the distance between adjacent sections 81 with a first diameter) can be in a range of 3 inches (75 mm) to 7 inches (178 mm).Since the second diameter sections are relatively flexible, this configuration provides increased storage volume while maintaining flexibility along the length of the hose 61.

[0051] Referring to Fig. 6 Another alternative embodiment of the air storage device 260 resembles the air storage device 160 of Fig. 5 and common reference symbols are used to refer to common elements. The in Fig. The air storage device 260 shown in Figure 6 differs from the previous embodiments in that the air storage device 260 has at least one section 81 with a first diameter, at least one section 83 with a third diameter having a third diameter d3, and at least one section 84 with a fourth diameter having a fourth diameter d4. The third diameter d3 is smaller than the first diameter d1 and larger than the fourth diameter d4. The third and fourth diameters d3 and d4 are larger than the second diameter d2. In this embodiment, the relatively large sections 81, 83, and 84 with first, third, and fourth diameters are spaced apart from one another and connected in series by intermediate sections 82 with second diameters.As in the previous embodiment, the first and second device ends 62, 63, together with the corresponding first and second couplings 64, 65, are each contained in a second-diameter section 82. Since the second-diameter sections are relatively flexible, this configuration provides increased storage volume while maintaining flexibility along the length of the hose 61, but it can be lighter than the one in [reference missing]. Fig. 5 Air storage device 160 shown. Furthermore, the sections 83, 84 with third and fourth diameters can be more flexible than the section 81 with first diameter, making the air storage device 260 more flexible than the one shown in Figure 5. Fig. The air storage device shown in section 5 can be 160.

[0052] The 61mm hose has an internal volume sufficient to power a pneumatic power tool, which may require a storage capacity of eight liters or more to sustain high-airflow applications. However, most pneumatic tools operate at lower capacities. Nail guns, for example, can operate with a capacity of one liter or less, depending on the specific tool, the compressor used, and the required charging time. Providing the 61mm hose with varying diameters allows for the use of a tubular air storage device while maintaining a compact air storage configuration.

[0053] Referring to Fig.3. The hose 61 is constructed using several layers of material to ensure durability, flexibility, and resistance to high-pressure air. In the exemplary embodiment, the hose 61 has an inner hose 66, at least one reinforcing layer 68, and an outer hose 69. The innermost layer of the hose 61 is the inner hose 66, which is responsible for transporting the compressed air. The inner hose 66 is made of synthetic rubber or a similar material that can withstand high-pressure air and resist degradation by oil or moisture. The reinforcing layer(s) 68 surround the inner hose 66 and provide strength and stability to the hose 61. In the exemplary embodiment, there are four reinforcing layers 68. Each reinforcing layer can consist of braided or spiral metal fibers or synthetic fibers, such as polyester or nylon.The reinforcing layers 68 help the hose 61 withstand the internal pressure caused by compressed air and prevent expansion or bursting of the hose 61. The outermost layer of the hose 61 is the outer hose 69 or cover, which protects the inner layers 66 and 68 from external damage, abrasion, and exposure to the elements. The outer hose 69 can be made of synthetic rubber or a mixture of rubber and other materials. The outer hose 69 is designed to withstand oil, chemicals, UV radiation, and general wear. The construction of the hose 61 can vary depending on the specific application and desired flexibility.

[0054] The first and second couplings 64, 65 of the compressed air storage device are connectors or fittings that allow easy attachment to the compressor and other pneumatic tools or equipment. The fittings of the first and second device couplings 64, 65 are made of brass, steel, or other durable materials and are typically threaded or equipped with quick-release coupling mechanisms for secure and leak-free connections.

[0055] In some embodiments, the hose 61 is a single, monolithic structure extending from the first device end 62 to the second device end 63. In other embodiments, the hose 61 can be an arrangement of individual sections connected in series by pressure fittings. For example, a fluid connection can be achieved using a pressure fitting between a flexible intermediate section (e.g., a second-diameter section 81) and a relatively larger section (e.g., a first-diameter section 82). In some embodiments, the relatively larger section can be made of the same material as the intermediate section and may exhibit some limited flexibility depending on the stored pressure. In other embodiments, the relatively larger section can be made of a different material. For example, the relatively larger section can be a rigid metal canister.In this example, the relatively larger section exhibits minimal flexibility, and all the flexibility of the air storage device is achieved by the intermediate section(s). This allows the user to assemble hose 61 in a variety of configurations, enabling the user to adjust the storage capacity, flexibility, and length.

[0056] Although each of the embodiments shows alternating sections with larger and smaller diameters, the air storage device 60, 160, 260 is not limited to this configuration. In particular, any section can be connected to any other section, regardless of diameter.

[0057] In the power tool system 15, the power tool 100 is directly connected to the air compressor 1 via the compressed air storage device 60, 160, 260. That is, the first device coupling 64 is directly connected to the coupling of the air outlet valve 8 of the air compressor 1, without any intervening structures or devices. Additionally, the second device coupling 65 is directly connected to the tool coupling 102 of the power tool 100, without any intervening structures or devices. Furthermore, the compressed air storage device 60 stores compressed air to power the power tool 100 during use.

[0058] Selective embodiments of the compressed air supply system, including the air compressor and the compressed air storage device, are described in detail above. It is understood that only structures deemed necessary for explaining the compressed air supply system have been described here. It is assumed that other conventional structures and those of auxiliary and accessory components of the compressed air supply system are known and understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, although a working example of the compressed air supply system has been described above, the system is not limited to this working example; rather, various modifications to the design can be made without deviating from the system and / or its components as set forth in the claims.

Claims

An air compressor system comprising:an air compressor having an air outlet, anda compressed air storage device having a flexible multi-diameter hose in operative communication with the air outlet and configured to store compressed air. The air compressor system of claim 1, wherein the hose has a first end with a first coupling, a second end opposite the first end, the second end having a second coupling, a center point located midway between the first end and the second end, a first diameter portion having a first diameter, the first diameter portion being located at a location between the first end and the center point, a second diameter portion having a second diameter, the second diameter portion being located at a location between the center point and the second end, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter, and the first coupling is connected to the air outlet. The air compressor system of claim 2, wherein the hose has an intermediate portion between the first diameter portion and the second diameter portion, and the intermediate portion has a diameter smaller than the second diameter. The air compressor of claim 3, wherein the intermediate portion has greater flexibility than the first diameter portion and the second diameter portion. The air compressor system of claim 2, wherein the second coupling is configured for connection to a power tool. The air compressor system of claim 2, comprising a hand-held pneumatic power tool, wherein the second coupling is configured to connect to the power tool. The air compressor system of claim 2, wherein the first diameter is at least five times larger than the second diameter. The air compressor system of claim 2, wherein the hose has an internal volume configured to store sufficient compressed air to drive a hand-held pneumatic tool. The air compressor system of claim 2, comprising a third diameter portion having a third diameter, the third diameter portion being disposed at a location between the first diameter portion and the second diameter portion, and the third diameter being smaller than the first diameter. The air compressor system of claim 9, wherein the hose has a first intermediate portion between the first diameter portion and the third diameter portion and a second intermediate portion between the third diameter portion and the second diameter portion, and the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion have a diameter smaller than the second diameter. The air compressor system of claim 10, wherein the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion each have greater flexibility than the first diameter portion, the second diameter portion, and the third diameter portion. The air compressor system of claim 1, wherein the hose includes a plurality of first diameter sections spaced apart by intermediate sections, the first diameter sections having a first diameter and the intermediate sections having a second diameter, and the first diameter being at least twice the second diameter. A compressed air storage device configured for connection to an air outlet of an air compressor, the compressed air storage device comprising: a tubular body having a first hose end and a second hose end opposite the first end, the tubular body having a diameter and a length, the length being equal to the distance between the first hose end and the second hose end when the tubular body is arranged parallel to a line, the length being at least fifty times the diameter, the tubular body having a first diameter at a location between the first hose end and a center point of the tubular body, the tubular body having a second diameter at a location between the center point and the second hose end. Compressed air storage device according to claim 1, wherein the compressed air storage device has a second coupling arranged at the second hose end, and the second coupling is designed for connection to a pneumatic tool. Compressed air storage device according to claim 1, wherein the first diameter is at least five times larger than the second diameter. The compressed air storage device of claim 13, wherein the hose has a first end with a first coupling, a second end opposite the first end, the second end having a second coupling, a center point located midway between the first end and the second end, a first diameter portion having a first diameter, the first diameter portion being located at a location between the first end and the center point, a second diameter portion having a second diameter, the second diameter portion being located at a location between the center point and the second end, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter, and the first coupling is connected to the air outlet. The compressed air storage device of claim 16, wherein the hose has an intermediate portion between the first diameter portion and the second diameter portion, and the intermediate portion has a diameter smaller than the second diameter. The compressed air storage device of claim 17, wherein the intermediate portion has greater flexibility than the first diameter portion and the second diameter portion. The compressed air storage device of claim 16, comprising a third diameter portion having a third diameter, wherein the third diameter portion is disposed at a location between the first diameter portion and the second diameter portion, and wherein the third diameter is smaller than the first diameter. The compressed air storage device of claim 19, wherein the hose has a first intermediate portion between the first diameter portion and the third diameter portion and a second intermediate portion between the third diameter portion and the second diameter portion, and the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion have a diameter that is smaller than the second diameter. The compressed air storage device of claim 20, wherein the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion each have greater flexibility than the first diameter portion, the second diameter portion, and the third diameter portion.

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