Portable cutter

Abstract

To provide a portable cutter preventing heat of a cutting torch fitted to an arm from influencing a linkage member of the arm arranged in a casing even when being a portable cutter for performing cutting work in the vicinity of a cutter body.SOLUTION: A portable cutter includes: an arm allowing a cutting torch to be fixed to the tip; an arm drive shaft disposed in one end of the arm; driving means for rotating the arm drive shaft; and a casing for storing the driving means. Furthermore, a supply air fan for taking outside air into the casing is provided, and an exterior plate of the casing is formed with a cooling ventilation passage for passing outside air by the supply air fan at least in a portion of the exterior plate facing the cutting torch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable cutting machine that is movable and positioned on or near a workpiece to be cut to cut the workpiece. [Background technology]

[0002] Large cutting devices generally have a structure in which a torch is mounted on a stand that moves above a surface plate, and the cutting torch is freely moved horizontally in a plane to cut the workpiece on the surface plate.

[0003] On the other hand, portable cutting machines have also been developed that are placed on or near a workpiece and cut the workpiece by moving the cutting torch itself over the workpiece using a moving means possessed by the cutting device. The following documents exist regarding portable devices: [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 63-002567 [Patent Document 2] JP 2012-218144 A

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a portable welding robot (100) that has a welding torch (8) attached to an arm (6) that is movable in at least two directions, the X-axis and the Z-axis, and processes a workpiece using the welding torch (8). If a cutting torch is attached instead of the welding torch (8), it functions as a portable cutting machine.

[0006] In addition, although Patent Document 2 does not disclose a cutting machine, it discloses a structure in which a first arm (12) and a second arm (14) are combined together, so that the arm tips move along horizontal surfaces on a first stage (18) and a second stage (20). If cutting torches are attached to these arms (12) and (14), it functions as a cutting machine. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Unlike large cutting machines in which the frame drive mechanism and torch control mechanism are installed away from the cutting torch, in portable cutting machines, the cutting of the workpiece is performed within the range of movement of the arm with the cutting torch attached to the tip, so the arm drive mechanism, which is located inside the casing of the cutting machine body, is susceptible to heat from the cutting torch.

[0008] Furthermore, the motor, which serves as the drive device located inside the cutting device body, and the control board that controls it have a problem that when the casing is exposed to heat from the cutting torch and the temperature inside the casing becomes high, the heat places a high load on the operation of the drive means such as the motor and the control board, which ultimately hinders the precise movement of the arm and deteriorates the processing accuracy.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cutting machine in which the heat of a cutting torch attached to an arm does not affect the interlocking member of the arm located within the casing of the cutting machine body, even in the case of a portable cutting machine in which cutting work is performed in the vicinity of the cutting machine body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention, which solves the above problems, provides a portable cutting machine having an arm to which a cutting torch can be attached at its tip, an arm drive shaft provided at one end of the arm, a drive means for rotating the arm drive shaft, and a casing for housing the drive means, and further comprising an air intake fan for taking in outside air into the casing, and an outer panel of the casing is characterized in that, at least in a portion of the outer panel facing the cutting torch, a cooling air passage is formed through which outside air passes by the air intake fan. Effect of the Invention

[0011] In the portable cutting machine according to the present invention, when the interlocking member for rotating the arm is housed in the casing, the cooling air passage formed in the casing cools the heat from the cutting torch that is transmitted to the surface of the casing, preventing a rise in temperature inside the casing, thereby preventing adverse effects on the driving means disposed inside the casing and maintaining the processing accuracy of the portable cutting machine. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration concept of a portable cutting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the portable cutting machine according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the portable cutting machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing the portable cutting machine of the embodiment with a casing top plate removed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an internal structure of the portable cutting machine according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the portable cutting machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The portable cutting machine is a device that has a cutting torch attached to the tip of an arm, is placed near or on a workpiece, which is a plate-shaped material to be cut, and can cut the workpiece by freely moving the tip of the arm.

[0014] [Explanation of the overall configuration of the cutting device] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cutting machine A of this embodiment has an arm 2 and is composed of a casing 1 that houses stepping motors 3A, 3B as driving members and driving belts 4A1, 4B1 as interlocking members (see Figures 4 and 5), and a base 6 on which the casing 1 is placed.

[0015] The casing 1 is a box made of iron, stainless steel or the like, and its sides are made up of a straight left cover 11, a curved front cover 12, and a straight right cover 13. These covers 11, 12, and 13 are sandwiched from above by a ceiling plate 14 and from below by a bottom plate 15, and the rear surface is closed by a rear cover 16, isolating the internal space of the casing 1 from the outside. In particular, the front cover 12, which faces the cutting torch 100 during cutting work, has a curved surface so that it is not exposed to heat over a wide area.

[0016] An intake fan 5 for introducing outside air from the outside into the inside of the casing 1 is attached to a rear cover 16 on the back of the casing 1 , and the intake fan 5 , which will be described later, is attached so as to protrude from the rear cover 16 .

[0017] , The bottom surface of the casing 1 is placed on a metal plate 61 of the base 6 that is larger than the casing 1 in the left-right direction, and two handles 62, 62 are fixed to the left and right sides of the casing 1. A user can move the cutting machine A by lifting it using these handles 62, 62.

[0018] [Explanation of the link structure with multiple arms] The arm 2 has a first arm member 21, a second arm member 22, and a third arm member 23. The first arm member 21 has a rotation base 21b of its arm body 21a connected to a rotation shaft 4A3 of a first driving drum 4A2 (described later) disposed inside the casing 1, and the second arm member 22 has a rotation base 21b of the arm body 21a connected rotatably to a horn 22d similarly attached to the rotation shaft 4B3 of the second driving drum 4B2 (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0019] The tip 21c of the arm body 21a of the first arm member 21 is rotatably connected to the base 23 of the arm body 23a of the third arm member 23, and the tip 22c of the arm body 22a of the second arm member 22 is rotatably connected to the midway portion of the arm body 23a of the third arm member 23.

[0020] The arm body 21a of the first arm member 21 and the arm body 22a of the second arm member 22 are disposed approximately parallel to each other and form a link structure together with the arm body 23a of the third arm member 23. The tip 23c of the third arm member 23 serves as a bracket that connects to the connector 101 of the cutting torch 100, and this link function allows the cutting torch 100 to be freely moved.

[0021] In other words, the first arm member 21 rotates due to the first drive drum 4A2, and the second arm member 22 rotates due to the second drive drum 4B2 which rotates independently of the first arm member 21, and by combining the rotation angles of the two, the cutting torch 100 attached to the tip 23c of the third arm member 23 can be moved freely on a flat surface.

[0022] The cutting torch 100 can be selected from a variety of cutting torches, such as a gas torch or a plasma torch, and can alternatively be used with a marking device attached to mark the workpiece with characters or figures.

[0023] [Explanation of the casing internal structure] As shown in Fig. 3, an opening 18 leading to a cooling air passage F (see Figs. 4 and 5) described below is formed on the left side of rear cover 16 of casing 1, and intake fan 5 is attached so as to cover this opening 18. Intake fan 5 is attached at an angle so as to send air from opening 18 to the inner surface of left cover 12, and opening 5a serving as an intake fin is located at the front.

[0024] An opening 19 is formed on the right side of the rear cover 16 as an exhaust port Fout of the cooling air passage F. Furthermore, a connection portion 20 such as a power port and a data connector for the cutting machine A is arranged on the right side of the rear cover 16, and power supply and control can be performed by connecting an external device to these as appropriate.

[0025] The internal structure of the cutting device A will be described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Stepping motors 3A and 3B capable of precisely controlling the rotation angle are installed in parallel in the left-right direction of the casing 1 inside the casing 1, and a driving drum 4 consisting of driving disks 4A2 and 4B2 stacked one on top of the other is disposed in front of them.

[0026] One end and the other end of synthetic resin drive belts 4A1, 4B2 are stretched across rotary shafts 3A2, 3B2 protruding from the upper ends of bodies 3A1, 3B1 of stepping motors 3A, 3B and the peripheral sides of drive disks 4A2, 4B2, respectively.

[0027] [Explanation of interlocking parts] Here, gear teeth are formed on the circumferential side of the rotating shafts 3A2, 3B2 of the stepping motors 3A, 3B, and similarly gear teeth are formed on the circumferential side of the driving disks 4A2, 4B2. The driving belts 4A1, 4B1 are timing belts with racks formed on their back surfaces that mesh with these gear teeth, and by the meshing of both, the rotation angle of the rotating shafts 3A2, 3B2 can be accurately transmitted to the driving disks 4A2, 4B2.

[0028] The drive disks 4A2, 4B2 have concentric arm drive shafts 4A3, 4B3, which are respectively connected to the pivot base 21b of the first arm member 21 and the horn 22d of the second arm member 22 described above, and can accurately transmit the rotation angles of the stepping motors 3A, 3B to the first arm member 21 and the second arm member 22.

[0029] As described above, the rotation angles of the stepping motors 3A, 3B, which are controlled by a control device not shown, rotate the first arm member 21 and the second arm member 22 via the drive belts 4A1, 4B1, and the cutting torch 100 attached to the tip of the third arm member 23, which forms a link structure formed by the two, is moved in a free trajectory, so that the desired shape can be cut out from the workpiece.

[0030] In this embodiment, the interlocking member of the present invention is composed of the drive belts 4A1 and 4B1 and the drive discs 4A2 and 4B2.

[0031] Furthermore, a control device 17 that controls the stepping motors 3A, 3B is attached to the inner surface of the rear cover 16, at a position opposite to the connection part 20. Based on data input from the outside via the connection part 20, the control device 17 moves the arm 2 to perform cutting work using the cutting torch 100.

[0032] [Explanation of cooling ventilation path] Next, we will explain the cooling air passage F formed inside the casing 1. The left cover 11, front cover 12, and right cover 13 constituting the sides of the casing 1 are respectively composed of exterior plates 11a, 12a, and 13a and interior plates 11b, 12b, and 13b attached in parallel to the inside of the exterior plates 11a, 12a, and 13a at a distance from each other.

[0033] That is, a straight first air passage F1 is formed in the left cover 11, a curved second air passage F2 is formed in the front cover 12, and a straight third air passage F3 is formed in the right cover 13, and their ends are connected to each other to form a cooling air passage F that circles the right side, front, and left side of the casing 1. One end of the first air passage F1 communicates with an opening 18 that is open toward the intake fan 5 side.

[0034] Meanwhile, in relation to the bottom plate 15 of the casing 1, the interior plates 11b, 12b, and 13b are erected on this bottom plate 15, whereas the exterior plates 11a, 12a, and 13a are installed on the plate 61 of the base 6 so as to go around the periphery of the bottom plate 15. That is, the edge of the bottom plate 15 constitutes the bottom surface of the ventilation passage F, where a plurality of ventilation holes 19a are provided at predetermined intervals, and further, an exhaust hole 19b larger than the intermittent hole 19a is opened at the terminal end of the third ventilation passage F3.

[0035] Since the rear cover 16 is erected on the bottom plate 15, the space under the bottom plate 15, which is in a raised floor state within the casing 1, is open only below the rear cover 16, where an opening 19 is formed. The air in the air passage F that flows below the bottom plate 15 through the above-mentioned multiple air vents 19a and exhaust holes 19b is exhausted to the outside of the casing 1 through this opening 19.

[0036] Since the portable cutting machine A of this embodiment has the above-mentioned structure of the cooling air passage F, by driving the air supply fan 5, the air outside the portable cutting machine A taken in through the opening 5a serving as the air supply port Fin is sent in sequence to the first air passage F1, the second air passage F2, and the third air passage F3 through the air supply space F0 and the opening 18 in the air supply fan 5. This air then cools the rear side of the exterior plates 11a, 12a, and 13a of the casing 1, and is sent to the underfloor space of the bottom plate 15 through the air vents 19a and exhaust holes 19b opened in the floor surface, and finally is exhausted again to the outside of the device through the opening 19 serving as the exhaust port Fout.

[0037] Here, when the torch 100 at the tip of the arm 2 is ignited to perform cutting work, the radiant heat heats the side of the casing 1, particularly the exterior plate 12a of the front cover 12, but the air passing through the second air passage F2 on the back side of the casing 1 removes the heat and it is discharged together with the air from the exhaust port Fout.

[0038] Therefore, even if the casing 1 receives radiant heat from the cutting torch 100, the air flowing through the cooling air passage F cools the casing 1 directly from the back side, preventing temperature accumulation inside the casing 1.

[0039] In particular, since the front cover 12 is curved so as to protrude forward, the first air passage F1 of the left cover 11 and the second air passage F2 of the front cover 12 are connected at an obtuse angle, which facilitates air circulation and increases the amount of air. In addition, the curved shape of the front cover 12 allows the drive discs 4A2, 4B2 to be stored inside without wasting space, realizing a more compact cutting device A.

[0040] As described above, the drive belts 4A1, 4B1 that rotate the drive arm 2 must transmit an accurate amount of drive between the rotating shafts 3A2, 3B2 of the stepping motors 3A, 3B and the drive disks 4A2, 4B2. For this reason, if the rotating shafts 3A2, 3B2 or the drive disks 4A2, 4B2 are deformed due to heat, or the drive belts 4A1, 4B1 are stretched, the operation becomes unstable, which in turn affects the machining accuracy of the workpiece by the cutting torch 100.

[0041] In addition, the control device 17 installed inside the casing 1 is also susceptible to the effects of heat, and as the temperature inside the casing 1 rises, its operation becomes unstable, which similarly affects the machining accuracy of the workpiece by the cutting torch 100.

[0042] Therefore, according to the cutting device A of this embodiment, the cooling air passage F efficiently dissipates heat from the cutting torch 100 to the outside of the casing 1, preventing the temperature inside the casing 1 from rising, and the cutting accuracy of the cutting device A can be maintained even with continuous use.

[0043] In this embodiment, the interlocking members of the present invention are configured by drive belts 4A1, 4B1 and drive disks 4A2, 4B2, but various structures can be selected, such as an interlocking mechanism using gears and rollers, or a link mechanism using rods and horns.

[0044] In this embodiment, each of the covers 11, 12, and 13 is formed of an exterior plate and an interior plate, but for example, only the front cover 12 may be formed of an exterior plate and an interior plate, and the ventilation path F may be formed only in this portion. In this case, the air that has passed through the ventilation path F2 of the front cover 12 may be exhausted from an exhaust port separately provided in the rear cover 16 through the periphery of the drive belts 4A1 and 4B1.

[0045] In addition, in order to cool only the rear surface of front cover 12, a dedicated air passage such as a tube may be provided from air supply fan 5 to send air to air passage F on the rear surface of front cover 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] A Portable cutting device F, F1, F2, F3 (cooling) vents 1 Casing 11 Left cover 11a exterior plate 11b interior board 12 Front cover 12a exterior plate 13 Right cover 13a Exterior plate 13b Interior plate 17 Control device 16 Rear cover 19 Exhaust port (Fout) 2 Arm (link structure) 21 First arm member 22 Second arm member 23 Third arm member 3A, 3B Stepping motor (driving member, part of driving means) 3A1, 3B1 Drive unit body (part of drive means) 3A2, 3B2 Rotating shaft (part of driving means) 4 Drive drum (interlocking member, part of the drive means) 4A1, 4B1 Drive belt (interlocking member, part of drive means) 4A2, 4B2 Driving disk (interlocking member, part of driving means) 4A3, 4B3 Arm drive shaft (interlocking member, part of drive means) 5. Intake fan 5a Air supply port (Fin) 6 Base 61 Plate 62 Handle 100 cutting torch

Claims

1. An arm to which a cutting torch can be attached; an arm drive shaft provided at one end of the arm; A driving means for rotating the arm driving shaft; A portable cutting machine having a casing that houses the driving means, Further, the device has an air intake fan that takes in outside air into the casing, a cooling air passage for passing outside air by the air supply fan is formed in at least a portion of the exterior plate of the casing facing the cutting torch.

2. 2. The portable cutting machine of claim 1, An interior plate is attached inside the casing in parallel with the exterior plate, The portable cutting machine, wherein the cooling air passage is formed between the exterior plate and the interior plate.

3. 3. The portable cutting machine according to claim 1 or 2, The portable cutting machine according to claim 1, wherein the driving means comprises a driving member that generates power, and an interlocking member that transmits the power of the driving member to the arm.

4. 4. The portable cutting machine of claim 3, The arm is a link structure having a first arm member and a second arm member, The drive member includes a first drive member and a second drive member, The portable cutting machine, characterized in that the interlocking member includes a first interlocking member that interlocks the first arm member and the first driving member, and a second interlocking member that interlocks the second arm member and the second driving member.

5. 4. The portable cutting machine of claim 3, The portable cutting machine, wherein the interlocking member comprises a drive belt having one end wound around the drive member, and a drive disk around which the other end of the drive belt is wound and which is connected to an arm drive shaft.

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