Connector and processor

Abstract

To improve at least one of electrostatic countermeasures of a processor and convenience of connection between the processor and a dust collection device.SOLUTION: A connector for connecting a processor and a dust collection device includes a through hole for allowing the processor and the dust collection device to communicate with each other, and an outer surface formed of a static electricity diffusion material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and a processing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Sanders have been known as a type of processing machine. For example, an orbital sander, which is a type of sander, moves a pad connected to one end of an output shaft (for example, a motor shaft) in eccentric circular motion (orbital motion). Sanding paper is attached to the pad. Sanding work can be performed by pressing the sanding paper against the workpiece.

[0003] Many types of sanders are equipped with a dust collection nozzle to direct the dust generated during sanding to a dust collector, which is connected to a dust collection device (e.g., a dust collector or dust bag) via a connector and / or hose.

[0004] Dust particles are collected by the dust collection device in a positively or negatively charged state due to friction, which can lead to charges building up from the connector and / or hose to the dust collection device. If a sufficient discharge path is not provided, this accumulated charge can become high-potential static electricity. Therefore, if a user's hands touch or come close to a high-potential area during sanding, the charge can discharge to the user's hands, causing discomfort. For this reason, floor-standing dust collectors that are connected to the dust collection nozzle via a hose have a ground wire to allow static electricity to escape.

[0005] On the other hand, dust collection devices that are not placed on the floor or ground during use cannot be grounded. In light of this issue, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for connecting a sander and a dust bag via a cuff made of conductive resin. With this technique, when dust comes into contact with the cuff on its way from the dust collection nozzle to the dust box, the dust's electric charge is conducted into the sander via an earth plate that contacts the cuff. This reduces the likelihood of unpleasant discharges to the user's hands.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for connecting a dust collection nozzle and a dust bag. Specifically, the connector (attachment part) of the dust bag has flexible claws that engage with a stepped part of the dust collection nozzle. This makes the connection less likely to come undone compared to a configuration in which two tapered cylindrical bodies are simply fitted together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-291170 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-138435 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of suppressing external discharge of static electricity caused by dust. Furthermore, the technology of Patent Document 2 leaves room for improvement in terms of convenience in connecting the dust collection nozzle and the dust collection device. The above-mentioned problems are not limited to sanders, but are common to various processing machines that generate dust during processing operations. For these reasons, it is expected that at least one of the countermeasures for static electricity in processing machines and the convenience in connecting the processing machine and the dust collection device will be improved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present specification discloses a connector for directly or indirectly connecting a processing machine and a dust collection device, which may include a through hole for communicating between the processing machine and the dust collection device and an outer surface formed from a static dissipative material.

[0010] The connector can be used as part of a dust collection device. In this case, the connector can be detachably attached to the dust collection nozzle of a processing machine. Alternatively, the connector can be permanently or detachably attached to a dust conveying means (typically a hose) connected to the dust collection device, and further, can be detachably attached to the dust collection nozzle of the processing machine. According to this connector, the outer surface of the connector is formed from an electrostatic dissipative material. Therefore, compared to a connector formed from a conductive material, when connecting the processing machine and the dust collection device via the connector to perform processing, even if a user approaches the connector with their hand in a state where static electricity is charged at a high potential from the connector to the dust collection device, unpleasant discharge from the connector to the user's hand is less likely to occur. Furthermore, compared to a connector formed from an insulating material, because the outer surface of the connector is formed from an electrostatic dissipative material, static electricity accumulated on the side closer to the dust collection device than the connector can be released to the processing machine via the connector. Therefore, static electricity is less likely to be charged at a high potential between the connector and the dust collection device.

[0011] The present specification further discloses a connector for directly or indirectly connecting a processing machine and a dust collection device, which may include a rubber sleeve made of a conductive material and having an inner circumferential surface with circumferentially extending recesses and / or protrusions formed thereon, and a cover made of an insulating material and disposed outside the rubber sleeve so as to surround the rubber sleeve.

[0012] The connector can be removably attached to the dust collection nozzle of the processing machine by press-fitting it. In this case, the dust collection nozzle may have a convex portion and / or a concave portion that can fit into the concave portion and / or the convex portion of the rubber sleeve. This connector allows the dust collection nozzle of the processing machine and the dust collection device to be easily connected and disconnected via the rubber sleeve. Furthermore, since the cover surrounding the rubber sleeve made of a conductive material is made of an insulating material, unpleasant discharge from the connector to the user's hands does not occur. Moreover, since the rubber sleeve is made of a conductive material, static electricity from the connector (or the dust collection device) can be dissipated to the processing machine.

[0013] This specification further discloses a processing machine. The processing machine may include a dust collection nozzle for discharging dust generated during processing to the outside of the processing machine. The dust collection nozzle may include a first engagement portion for twist locking and a second engagement portion for press-fit engagement.

[0014] According to the above processing machine, a connector having a twist lock structure and a connector having a press-fit engagement structure can be selectively attached to the dust collection nozzle. This increases the number of types of connectors that can be attached to the dust collection nozzle, improving the versatility of the dust collection nozzle. This improves the convenience of connecting the processing machine and the dust collection device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a sander according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the sander taken along line AA in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the sander taken along line BB in FIG. 5. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the sander taken along line CC in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the dust collection nozzle. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the dust collection nozzle. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dust bag according to a first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a sander is used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Representative, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This detailed description is intended simply to provide those skilled in the art with details for implementing preferred embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additionally, additional features and inventions disclosed below may be used separately or in conjunction with other features and inventions to provide further improved devices, methods of making and using the same.

[0017] Furthermore, the combinations of features and steps disclosed in the following detailed description are not essential to practicing the invention in its broadest sense, but are described solely to illustrate specific exemplary embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the various features of the exemplary embodiments described above and below, and those described in the independent and dependent claims, do not necessarily have to be combined in the exact embodiments described herein, or in the exact order listed, to provide additional and useful embodiments of the invention.

[0018] All features described in this specification and / or claims are intended to be disclosed individually and independently of one another as limitations on the original disclosure and claimed particulars, apart from any configuration of the features described in the embodiments and / or claims. Furthermore, all numerical ranges and group or aggregation descriptions are intended to disclose intermediate configurations thereof as limitations on the original disclosure and claimed particulars.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the surface resistivity of the outer surface is 1×10 5 (Ω / sq.) or more, 1×10 13 (Ω / sq.) or less. This configuration reduces the likelihood of unpleasant discharge from the connector to the user's hand. In one or more embodiments, the surface resistivity of the outer surface is 1×10 7 (Ω / sq.) or more, 1×10 12 (Ω / sq.) or less.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the connector may include twist-lock tabs for connecting to a processing machine. The connector can be attached to the dust collection nozzle, for example, so that the twist-lock tabs engage with a flange formed on the outer periphery of the dust collection nozzle. This configuration increases the connection strength between the connector and the dust collection nozzle of the processing machine, making the connector less likely to come loose from the dust collection nozzle.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the connector may include a rubber sleeve having an inner surface with circumferentially extending recesses and / or protrusions. This connector can be attached to the dust collection nozzle, for example, so that the recesses and / or protrusions of the rubber sleeve mate with the protrusions and / or recesses circumferentially extending on the outer circumferential surface of the dust collection nozzle. This configuration allows for easy attachment and detachment of the connector from the dust collection nozzle of the processing machine. Furthermore, the connection strength between the connector and the dust collection nozzle of the processing machine can be increased compared to a mating structure between tapered cylindrical bodies with no recesses or protrusions.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, a processing machine may be provided. The processing machine may include any of the connectors described above and a dust collection nozzle connectable to the connector. The processing machine can achieve the same effects as any of the connectors described above.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the processing machine may include a metal grounding member that is arranged to contact the connector when the connector is attached to the dust collection nozzle. With this configuration, static electricity that has accumulated between the connector and the dust collection device can be efficiently released via the metal grounding member.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the processing machine may include a metal power transmission member and be configured to dissipate static electricity from the connector to the power transmission member. This configuration allows static electricity that has accumulated between the connector and the dust collection device to be efficiently dissipated via the metal power transmission member. Furthermore, because the power transmission member that the processing machine originally includes is used as a path for dissipating static electricity, the need for additional components or specifications for dissipating static electricity is reduced, simplifying the device configuration.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the processing machine may include a gripping portion that is held by a user's hand during processing, and may be configured to dissipate static electricity from the connector to the gripping portion. With this configuration, the connector and the gripping portion (and thus the user holding the gripping portion) are at the same potential throughout the processing operation, making it less likely that a discharge large enough to cause discomfort to the user will occur.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the grip portion may have an outer surface formed at least in part from a conductive resin or static-dissipative material, which allows static electricity to be efficiently dissipated from the connector to the grip portion (and thus to a user holding the grip portion).

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the outer surface of the grip portion may be at least partially formed from a conductive elastomer. This configuration allows static electricity to be efficiently dissipated from the connector to the grip portion (and thus to the user holding the grip portion). Furthermore, the grip portion provides a comfortable fit when held by the user.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the processing machine may include a DC motor located directly below the gripper. This configuration shortens the required insulation distance between the gripper and the motor compared to when an AC motor is used, allowing the gripper and the motor to be located closer together. This allows the processing machine to be more compact. In particular, when the motor shaft is used as a path for dissipating static electricity, the path for dissipating static electricity from the connector to the gripper can also be shortened, simplifying the structure of the processing machine.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the dust collection nozzle may have a generally cylindrical shape. The first engaging portion may include a flange formed on the outer circumferential surface of the dust collection nozzle so as to be engageable with a claw portion of a connector for directly or indirectly connecting the dust collection nozzle to a dust collection device. With this configuration, the dust collection nozzle of the processing machine can be reliably connected to the connector by the engagement between the flange of the dust collection nozzle and the claw portion of the connector.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the flange may have a helical lead surface. With this configuration, an axial force is applied when the flange of the dust collection nozzle and the claw of the connector engage, thereby more firmly connecting the dust collection nozzle of the processing machine and the connector.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the second engagement portion may include a protrusion and / or a recess extending circumferentially on the outer peripheral surface of the dust collection nozzle so as to be able to fit into a recess and / or a protrusion extending circumferentially on the inner peripheral surface of the rubber sleeve of the connector. The protrusion and / or the recess of the second engagement portion may be located between the tip of the dust collection nozzle and the flange. This configuration allows the connector and the dust collection nozzle of the processing machine to be easily attached and detached, and the engagement due to the protrusion and recess can be used to increase the connecting strength.

[0032] Hereinafter, a sander 10 as a first exemplary embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The sander 10 is also called a random orbit sander.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 5, the sander 10 includes an electric motor 60, a motor shaft 61, and a tool accessory 40. One end of the motor shaft 61 is connected to the tool accessory 40 via another member. As will be described in detail later, the sander 10 is configured so that the tool accessory 40 performs a sanding motion when the electric motor 60 (motor shaft 61) rotates.

[0034] In the following description, the direction in which the motor shaft 61 extends is defined as the up-down direction of the sander 10. In the up-down direction, the side where the tool accessory 40 is located is defined as the lower side, and the opposite side is defined as the upper side. In addition, the longitudinal direction of the sander 10, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction, is defined as the front-to-rear direction of the sander 10. In the front-to-rear direction, the side where the tool accessory 40 is located is defined as the front side, and the opposite side is defined as the rear side. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction and the up-to-down direction is defined as the left-to-right direction of the sander 10. In the left-to-right direction, the right side when viewed from the rear side to the front side is defined as the right side of the sander 10, and the opposite side is defined as the left side of the sander 10.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the sander 10 includes a housing 20. The housing 20 includes a front housing portion 21, a connecting portion 22, and a rear housing portion 23. The front housing portion 21 and the rear housing portion 23 are connected in the front-to-rear direction by the connecting portion 22, which has a bifurcated shape that is spaced apart vertically. The top of the front housing portion 21 functions as a first grip portion. The first grip portion is a portion that a user grips when performing sanding work. The bifurcated upper portion of the connecting portion 22 functions as a second grip portion. The second grip portion is a portion that a user grips when carrying the sander 10.

[0036] A power connector jack 53 (shown in detail in FIG. 8) having an electrical connection terminal is disposed on the rear surface of the rear housing portion 23. A power connector plug (not shown) is removably connected to the power connector jack 53. A power cord (not shown) extending from the power connector plug is connected to a battery holster (not shown) to which a battery (not shown) can be attached. The power connector jack 53 receives DC power for the sander 10 from a battery attached to the battery holster. Instead of the power connector jack 53, the sander 10 may be provided with a battery attachment section to which a battery can be attached. Also, instead of the power connector jack 53, a power cord or power cable for supplying commercial AC power may extend from the rear housing portion 23.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5 , a controller 50 is housed in the lower portion of the connecting portion 22 and the rear housing portion 23. The controller 50 is electrically connected to a power connector jack 53 and the electric motor 60 and controls the operation of the electric motor 60 by controlling the power supplied to the electric motor 60. The electric motor 60 is a DC brushless motor, and the controller 50 performs PWM control of the electric motor 60. As shown in FIG. 1 , a switch button 51 is provided on the front portion of the front housing portion 21 for starting and stopping the electric motor 60. As shown in FIG. 5 , a switch unit 52 is disposed behind the switch button 51. The switch unit 52 is electrically connected to the controller 50 and detects the on / off operation of the switch button 51 and inputs an on / off signal to the controller 50. The switch button 51 has a hinge shaft 51a extending in the left-right direction at its upper portion. When the switch button 51 is pushed rearward, it swings rearward around the hinge shaft 51a. The switch button 51 that has swung rearward pushes in the front part (plunger) of the switch unit 52 that is disposed behind it.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5 , the front housing portion 21 accommodates an electric motor 60. In this embodiment, the electric motor 60 is a DC motor. The electric motor 60 is disposed directly below the first gripping portion (i.e., the top of the front housing portion 21). By using a DC motor as the electric motor 60, the insulation distance required between the first gripping portion and the electric motor 60 is shorter than when an AC motor is used, and the first gripping portion and the electric motor 60 can be disposed closer to each other. This allows the sander 10 to be made more compact. However, an AC motor may also be used for the electric motor 60. The motor shaft 61 of the electric motor 60 extends in the vertical direction and is rotatably supported by bearings 62 and 63 fixed to the front housing portion 21. The bearing 62 supports the upper end of the motor shaft 61, and the bearing 63 supports the motor shaft 61 near its center.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 , the switch holder 54 is disposed between the bearing 62 and the bearing 63. The switch holder 54 has a shape that extends in the front-to-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 5 , the front end of the switch holder 54 has a box-like shape that is open at the top and front, and the switch unit 52 is housed therein. The switch holder 54 has a generally U-shape that is open at the top behind the front end (see FIG. 6 ), and extends in the front-to-rear direction to the left of the electric motor 60 so as to avoid the electric motor 60. Lead wires for connecting the switch unit 52 and the controller 50 are housed in grooves formed by this generally U-shape. Housed in the switch holder 54, the lead wires can be prevented from coming into contact with the electric motor 60. Furthermore, by disposing the switch holder 54 between the bearing 62 and the bearing 63, the height (vertical dimension) of the sander 10 can be reduced by the amount of wiring space for the lead wires, compared to the conventional technique in which the lead wires are routed so as to pass above the bearing 62.

[0040] A fan 66 is disposed below the bearing 63. The fan 66 is fixed to the motor shaft 61 so as to surround the motor shaft 61 in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the fan 66 functions as both a motor cooling fan and a dust collection fan. Specifically, the upper portion of the fan 66 functions as the motor cooling fan, and the lower portion of the fan 66 functions as the dust collection fan.

[0041] When the fan 66 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the motor shaft 61, air flows from the outside to the inside of the housing 20 through the intake port 24 (see FIG. 1) formed in the connecting portion 22. This air flows axially (in the direction in which the motor shaft 61 extends) through the electric motor 60, is directed radially outward by the fan 66, and is then discharged to the outside of the housing 20 through the exhaust port 25 (see FIG. 1) formed in the front housing portion 21. This air flow cools the electric motor 60.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 5, the accommodation space 28 for the fan 66 inside the front housing portion 21 communicates with a dust collection passage 29 that extends in the front-to-rear direction in the lower part of the rear housing portion 23. As shown in Fig. 5, the dust collection passage 29 communicates with the dust collection nozzle 30. The dust collection nozzle 30 extends rearward from the lower, rear edge of the rear housing portion 23. A dust collection device is directly or indirectly connected to the dust collection nozzle 30 (details will be described later).

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the tool accessory 40 is located at the bottom of the sander 10 and includes a pad 41. The pad 41 has a circular shape when viewed in the vertical direction. The pad 41 includes a flat surface 42 (see FIG. 2) for attaching sanding paper (not shown). The flat surface 42 is the bottom surface of the pad 41 and extends in the horizontal direction (a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction). As shown in FIG. 2, the pad 41 includes four attachment holes 43 and a plurality of communication holes 44.

[0044] The plurality of communication holes 44 communicate with the storage space 28 via the internal space of the pad 41. Sanding paper (not shown) is attached to the bottom surface of the pad 41. Holes are formed in the sanding paper at positions corresponding to the communication holes 44 of the pad 41.

[0045] When the fan 66 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the motor shaft 61, air containing dust generated during the sanding operation flows into the accommodation space 28 through the holes in the sanding paper and the circulation holes 44. At this time, the air is directed radially outward by the fan 66. The air thus directed enters the dust collection passage 29 and flows into the dust collection device through the dust collection nozzle 30. This air flow allows the dust generated during the sanding operation to be collected in the dust collection device.

[0046] The bearing box 67 is rotatably supported by bearings 64, 65 supported on the shaft portion (a cylindrical portion extending in the vertical direction) of the fan 66. The bearings 64, 65 are eccentric with respect to the motor shaft 61. An indicator plate 26 indicating the amount of eccentricity is disposed at the top of the front housing portion 21 (see FIG. 1). The fan 66 and bearings 64, 65 are sandwiched between a retainer 68 and a bearing 63 located below them. The axial positions of the bearings 63, 64, 65 and the fan 66 (in the vertical direction) are fixed by tightening a screw 69 that penetrates the retainer 68 from below and extends into the interior of the motor shaft 61. The pad 41 and bearing box 67 are connected by a screw 45 that is inserted into a mounting hole 43 from below.

[0047] The sander 10 described above operates as follows. First, when a user operates the switch button 51 to drive the electric motor 60, the motor shaft 61 starts to rotate. The rotation of the motor shaft 61 is transmitted to a bearing box 67 that supports bearings 64 and 65 via bearings 64 and 65 that are eccentric with respect to the motor shaft 61. As a result, the bearing box 67 and the tool accessory 40 connected to the bearing box 67 perform eccentric circular and rotational motions. In this state, sanding begins when the sanding paper attached to the flat surface 42 of the pad 41 is pressed against the workpiece.

[0048] A method for connecting the dust collection nozzle 30 to the dust collection device will be described below. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the dust collection nozzle 30 has a cylindrical shape in this embodiment. The dust collection nozzle 30 also has a tapered shape, with the diameter decreasing toward its tip (rear end). Near the base end of the dust collection nozzle 30, two flanges 31, 31 for twist locking are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the dust collection nozzle 30. Here, "twist lock" refers to any engagement that can be engaged and disengaged by a rotational operation. The two flanges 31, 31 extend circumferentially and are spaced apart from each other circumferentially. Each of the flanges 31, 31 protrudes radially outward, resulting in a groove 34 being formed between the rear surface of the rear housing portion 23 and the flanges 31, 31.

[0049] One circumferential end of each of the flanges 31 is provided with a stopper 35. The stopper 35 extends between the flanges 31 and the rear surface of the rear housing part 23 and closes the groove 34. No stopper 35 is formed at the other circumferential end of each of the flanges 31, leaving the groove 34 open. Each of the flanges 31 is provided with a spiral lead surface 33 (see FIG. 9) that faces the rear surface of the rear housing part 23. The lead surface 33 is formed so that the width of the groove 34 (the distance between the flange 31 and the rear surface of the rear housing part 23) decreases from one circumferential end of the flanges 31 to the other.

[0050] The dust collection nozzle 30 further includes a recess 32 for press-fit engagement between the tip of the dust collection nozzle 30 and the flanges 31, 31. In this embodiment, the recess 32 is adjacent to the flanges 31, 31. The recess 32 is formed in an annular shape along the outer circumferential surface of the dust collection nozzle 30. Here, "press-fit engagement" refers to any engagement relationship that can be engaged and disengaged by inserting and removing the nozzle.

[0051] The dust collection nozzle 30 configured in this manner can be connected to various dust collection devices via connectors. In this connection, a user can selectively connect a twist-lock connector or a press-fit connector. First, an example of a press-fit connector will be described. In the following description, a dust bag 100 according to this embodiment, which is an example of a dust collection device, is connected to the dust collection nozzle 30. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the dust bag 100 includes a bag body 110 and a connector 120. The bag body 110 includes a frame 111 and a bag 112 fixed to the frame 111 so as to encase the frame 111. The bag 112 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The frame 111 has an outer periphery slightly smaller than the bag 112 and has a shape that allows the bag 112 to maintain its shape.

[0052] The connector 120 includes a rubber sleeve 121 and a cover 125. The through hole of the rubber sleeve 121 communicates with the interior of the bag body 110. The rubber sleeve 121 includes a protrusion 123 at its rear end that protrudes radially outward. The protrusion 123 extends annularly along the circumferential direction. The rubber sleeve 121 also includes a recess 124 adjacent to the protrusion 123 on the front side of the protrusion 123. The recess 124 extends annularly along the circumferential direction. The rubber sleeve 121 also includes a protrusion 122 at its front end that protrudes radially inward. The protrusion 122 is formed by forming an annular groove on the inner circumferential surface of the rubber sleeve 121 at its rear side.

[0053] The cover 125 is disposed on the outside of the rubber sleeve 121 so as to surround the rubber sleeve 121. Specifically, the cover 125 includes a sleeve holding portion 126, a connecting portion 129, and two operating members 130. The sleeve holding portion 126 has a cylindrical shape and surrounds the rubber sleeve 121 in the circumferential direction. The sleeve holding portion 126 includes a recessed portion 127 and a protruding portion 128. The recessed portion 127 extends annularly along the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the sleeve holding portion 126. The protruding portion 128 protrudes radially inward forward of the recessed portion 127 and extends annularly along the circumferential direction.

[0054] The rubber sleeve 121 is held by the sleeve holding portion 126 in a state where it is fitted inside the sleeve holding portion 126. At this time, the recessed portion 127 of the rubber sleeve 121 fits into the recessed portion 127 of the sleeve holding portion 126 in a fitted state, and the protruding portion 128 of the sleeve holding portion 126 fits into the recessed portion 124 of the rubber sleeve 121 in a fitted state. This restricts the radial and axial movement of the rubber sleeve 121 relative to the sleeve holding portion 126. Because the rubber sleeve 121 is made of rubber, it can be easily attached to the sleeve holding portion 126 by utilizing the elastic deformation of the rubber sleeve 121. The rubber sleeve 121 is attached to the sleeve holding portion 126 so that its front end is located at a position (rear position) recessed from the front end of the sleeve holding portion 126.

[0055] The connecting portion 129 has a cylindrical shape, and the sleeve holding portion 126 is fitted inside the connecting portion 129. The rear edge of the connecting portion 129 is connected to the frame 111 by a screw 113. Two operating members 130 are attached to the outer surface of the connecting portion 129. The operating members 130 are configured to be manually displaceable between an engagement position, in which their front ends engage with the sleeve holding portion 126, and a disengagement position. When the operating members 130 are in the engagement position, the engagement restricts movement of the sleeve holding portion 126 relative to the connecting portion 129. When the operating members 130 are in the disengagement position, the sleeve holding portion 126 can be moved axially relative to the connecting portion 129, and the sleeve holding portion 126 can be removed from the connecting portion 129.

[0056] The dust bag 100 configured in this manner can be connected to the sander 10 by press-fitting the dust collection nozzle 30 of the sander 10 into the rubber sleeve 121. This allows for easy attachment and detachment of the dust bag 100. Furthermore, when the dust collection nozzle 30 is press-fitted into the rubber sleeve 121, the convex portion 122 of the rubber sleeve 121 fits into the concave portion 32 of the dust collection nozzle 30. This increases the connection strength between the connector 120 and the dust collection nozzle 30 compared to a mating structure between tapered cylindrical bodies without any protrusions or recesses. Furthermore, this type of press-fit connection does not restrict the rotational angle position of the connector 120 relative to the sander 10, allowing the dust bag 100 to be attached to the sander 10 at any desired rotational angle position. This base angle position is typically the position where the height of the dust bag 100 is at its minimum.

[0057] Next, an example of a connector capable of twist locking will be described. In the following description, a connector 200 according to this embodiment is connected to the dust collection nozzle 30. The connector 200 is also referred to as a cuff. As shown in FIG. 10 , the connector 200 has a generally cylindrical shape and a through-hole 201 at its center. The connector 200 includes a large-diameter portion 210, a small-diameter portion 220, and a connecting portion 230 that connects the large-diameter portion 210 and the small-diameter portion 220. The large-diameter portion 210 has a spiral engagement groove 211 on its inner circumferential surface. This engagement groove 211 is used for direct or indirect connection to any dust transfer means (e.g., a hose with a connector). The connector 200 and the dust transfer means can be connected by screwing a dust transfer means having a male thread shape that fits this engagement groove 211 into the large-diameter portion 210.

[0058] The small diameter portion 220 has an outer diameter and an inner diameter smaller than those of the large diameter portion 210. Two claw portions 221 for twist locking are formed on the edge portion of the small diameter portion 220 (the edge portion opposite the connecting portion 230). The two claw portions 221 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Each of the claw portions 221 protrudes radially inward. The connecting portion 230 has an outer diameter and an inner diameter smaller than those of the small diameter portion 220. A plurality of reinforcing ribs 231 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 230.

[0059] The connector 200 configured in this manner can be connected to the sander 10 by inserting the dust collection nozzle 30 into the connector 200 and rotating the connector 200. Specifically, the user first inserts the connector 200 so that the two claws 221 pass through the gap between the two flanges 31 of the dust collection nozzle 30 toward the front. Next, the user rotates the connector 200 so that the flanges 31 pass through the grooves 34 and approach the stopper 35. This rotation operation is continued until the lead surface 33 generates an axial force sufficient to prevent further rotation, or until the claws 221 abut against the stopper 35. This engagement between the flanges 31 and the claws 221 increases the connection force between the connector 200 and the dust collection nozzle 30, making it less likely for the connector 200 to come off the dust collection nozzle 30. In particular, because the flange 31 has the lead surface 33, an axial force is applied to the engagement between the flange 31 and the claw portion 221, thereby more firmly connecting the dust collection nozzle 30 and the connector 200. However, the flange 31 does not have to have the lead surface 33. In other words, the front side surface of the flange 31 may be formed so that the width of the groove 34 is constant in the circumferential direction.

[0060] Such a connector 200 can be used, for example, as shown in FIG. 13. In this example, the small diameter portion 220 is connected to the dust collection nozzle 30 of the sander 10 in the above-described manner, and one end of a hose 250 is connected to the large diameter portion 210 via a sleeve 251 having a male thread shape that fits into the engagement groove 211. The other end of the hose 250 is connected via a sleeve 252 to a dust collector 254, which is an example of a dust collection device. The dust collector 254 is configured so that it can be carried on a person's back. The dust collector 254 is also called a backpack-type dust collector.

[0061] As described above, according to the dust collection nozzle 30, the connector 200 having a twist lock structure and the connector 120 having a press-fit engagement structure can be selectively attached to the dust collection nozzle 30. This increases the number of types of connectors that can be attached to the dust collection nozzle 30, improving the versatility of the dust collection nozzle 30. This improves the convenience of connecting the sander 10 and the dust collection device.

[0062] Countermeasures against static electricity in the sander 10 and the connectors 120, 200 will be described below. First, the case of connecting the connector 120 to the dust collection nozzle 30 will be described. The rubber sleeve 121 of the connector 120 is made of a conductive material. On the other hand, the cover 125 of the connector 120 is made of an insulating material. In this way, by arranging the cover 125 made of an insulating material on the outside of the rubber sleeve 121 so that the rubber sleeve 121 is not exposed, even if the dust bag 100 is charged with static electricity at the connector 120 to a high potential due to dust, unpleasant discharge from the connector 120 to the user's hands will not occur.

[0063] Furthermore, static electricity stored in the dust bag 100 can be released to the sander 10 through the rubber sleeve 121 made of a conductive material. Specifically, the dust collection nozzle 30 is made of an insulating material. This prevents unpleasant discharge from the dust collection nozzle 30 to the user's hands. As shown in FIG. 5, a metal ground wire 70 is disposed within the dust collection passage 29. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, one end of the ground wire 70 has a ring shape and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the dust collection nozzle 30 at the tip of the dust collection nozzle 30 through a slit in the dust collection nozzle 30. Therefore, when the connector 120 is attached to the dust collection nozzle 30, the ground wire 70 comes into contact with the rubber sleeve 121 made of a conductive material. As shown in FIG. 5, the other end of the ground wire 70 comes into contact with the outer ring of the bearing 63.

[0064] The bearing 63, motor shaft 61, fan 66, bearings 64 and 65, bearing box 67, and screw 45 are all made of metal and are electrically connected to one another. This allows static electricity from the dust bag 100 to escape from the rubber sleeve 121 through the ground wire 70, bearing 63, motor shaft 61, fan 66, bearings 64 and 65, and bearing box 67 to the screw 45. The static electricity that escapes to the screw 45 then travels from the head of the screw 45 over the sanding paper attached to the flat surface 42 of the tool accessory 40 and is discharged to the workpiece. This prevents the dust bag 100 from building up a high static potential. This configuration allows static electricity stored in the dust bag 100 to be efficiently dissipated via the metal ground wire 70. Furthermore, the metal power transmission components (motor shaft 61, bearings 64, 65, and bearing box 67) and other components originally provided in the sander 10 are used as paths for dissipating static electricity, reducing the need for additional components and specifications for dissipating static electricity and simplifying the device configuration.

[0065] Next, a case where the connector 200 is connected to the dust collection nozzle 30 will be described. The hose 250 has a two-layer structure (or a double structure) in which the inside is made of a conductive material and the outside is made of an insulating material. The sleeves 251, 252 are made of an insulating material, but may have a two-layer structure in which the inside is made of a conductive material and the outside is made of an insulating material, just like the hose 250. At least the outer surface 202 of the connector 200 is made of an electrostatic dissipative material. An example of the electrostatic dissipative material used in the connector 200 is electrostatic dissipative ABS resin. An electrostatic dissipative material is also called an antistatic material. In this embodiment, the entire connector 200 is made of an electrostatic dissipative material. An electrostatic dissipative material is a material that is difficult to charge and can dissipate static electricity relatively quickly. The electrostatic dissipative material has a surface resistivity of, for example, 1×10 5 (Ω / sq.) or more, 1×10 13 (Ω / sq.) or less.

[0066] According to the connector 200, at least the outer surface 202 is formed from a static-dissipative material. This makes it less likely for the connector to discharge unpleasant electricity to the user's hand, even if the user approaches the connector with a high static charge between the connector 200 and the dust collector 254, compared to when the connector is formed from a conductive material. Furthermore, because at least the outer surface 202 of the connector 200 is formed from a static-dissipative material, static electricity accumulated on the side closer to the dust collector 254 than the connector 200 can be released to the sander 10 via the inner portion of the hose 250 (the portion formed from a conductive member) and the connector 200, compared to when the connector is formed from an insulating material. Therefore, static electricity is less likely to be charged at a high potential between the connector 200 and the dust collector 254. The path for releasing static electricity to the sander 10 via the connector 200 is as described above, from the ground wire 70 in contact with the connector 200 onwards.

[0067] The static dissipative material used in the connector 200 has a resistance of 1×10 7 (Ω / sq.) or more, 1×10 12 (Ω / sq.) or less. This makes it easier for static electricity to be released to the sander 10 via the connector 200 while more reliably suppressing unpleasant discharge.

[0068] The second embodiment will be described below. The device configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Only the differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described below. In the second embodiment, the display plate 26 located at the top of the front housing portion 21 (i.e., the first gripping portion that the user grips during processing) is entirely made of conductive resin or static dissipative material. The display plate 26 may also be made of conductive elastomer. This allows for a good fit when the user grips the first gripping portion.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 4, the display plate 26 has a protrusion 27 that protrudes downward to the vicinity of the outer ring of the bearing 62. The distance between the protrusion 27 and the outer ring of the bearing 62 is a distance (for example, several millimeters) that allows static electricity to be discharged. The protrusion 27 and the outer ring of the bearing 62 may be in contact with each other. The bearing 62 is a metal part.

[0070] In the second embodiment, in addition to the above-described path for dissipating static electricity from the ground wire 70, an additional path is ensured. Specifically, the additional path passes through the ground wire 70, bearing 63, motor shaft 61, bearing 62, and protrusion 27 (in other words, the display plate 26). Because the display plate 26 is a part that the user holds during processing, ensuring this path ensures that the connector 120 or 200 and the display plate 26 (and thus the user holding the first holding portion including the display plate 26) are at the same potential throughout the processing operation. This makes it even less likely that a large discharge that would cause discomfort to the user will occur.

[0071] Instead of the entire display plate 26, only a portion of the display plate 26, including a portion of its outer surface, may be made of conductive resin or static dissipative material. In this case, the portion made of conductive resin or static dissipative material is arranged so that static electricity can be dissipated from the bearing 62 to the outer surface of the display plate 26. Alternatively, a portion made of conductive resin or static dissipative material may be arranged around the periphery of the display plate 26, which is held by the user, so that static electricity can be dissipated from the bearing 62 to the outer surface of the display plate 26. Alternatively, if the sander 10 does not include the display plate 26, part or all of the top of the front housing portion 21 may be made of conductive resin or static dissipative material so that static electricity can be dissipated from the bearing 62 to the outer surface of the top of the front housing portion 21.

[0072] The correspondence between the components of the above embodiment and the components of the present invention is shown below. However, the components of the embodiment are merely examples and do not limit the components of the present invention. The sander 10 is an example of a "processing machine." The connectors 120 and 200 are examples of a "connector." The dust bag 100 and the dust collector 254 are examples of a "dust collection device." The through hole 201 is an example of a "through hole." The outer surface 202 is an example of an "outer surface." The claw portion 221 is an example of a "twist lock claw." The rubber sleeve 121 is an example of a "rubber sleeve." The protrusion 122 is an example of a "protrusion." The dust collection nozzle 30 is an example of a "dust collection nozzle." The earth wire 70 is an example of an "earth member." The motor shaft 61, bearings 62, 63, 64, and 65, and bearing box 67 are examples of a "power transmission member." The top of the front housing portion 21 is an example of a "gripping portion." The electric motor 60 is an example of a "DC motor." The cover 125 is an example of a "cover." The flange 31 is an example of a "first engagement portion" and a "flange." The recess 32 is an example of a "second engagement portion" and a "recess."

[0073] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof. Furthermore, any combination or omission of the elements described in the claims and specification is possible within the scope of solving at least part of the above-described problems or achieving at least part of the effects.

[0074] For example, the rubber sleeve 121 may have a recess instead of the protrusion 122. In this case, the dust collection nozzle 30 may have a protrusion that engages with the recess of the rubber sleeve 121 instead of the recess 32.

[0075] Furthermore, the path for dissipating static electricity from the connector 120 or the connector 200 to the outside through the sander 10 is not limited to the above example, and may be secured using any conductive member.

[0076] Furthermore, the engagement structure between the connector 120 or connector 200 and the dust collection nozzle 30 is not limited to the above example and can be changed to any engagement structure. For example, the engagement structure between the connector 120 and the dust collection nozzle 30 may be changed to a fitting structure between tapered cylindrical bodies with no concave or convex portions, or to an engagement structure using a twist lock. In the latter case, the position of the stopper 35 may be set so that the connector 120 is attached to the dust collection nozzle 30 at an appropriate rotational angle position relative to the dust collection nozzle 30. Alternatively, the engagement structure between the connector 200 and the dust collection nozzle 30 may be changed to a press-fit engagement structure.

[0077] Furthermore, the various engagement structures between the connector 120 or the connector 200 and the dust collection nozzle 30 and the anti-static measures described above may be implemented independently of each other.

[0078] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment is not limited to random orbit sanders, but can also be applied to various other types of sanders, portable circular saws, sliding circular saws, grinders, drills, hammer drills, and other various processing machines that can be connected to dust collection devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 10...Sanda 20...Housing 21...Front housing part 22...Connection part 23...Rear housing section 24...Intake port 25...Exhaust port 26...Display plate 27...Protrusion 28...Containment space 29...Dust collection passage 30...Dust collection nozzle 31...Tsuba section 32...recess 33...Lead surface 34...Groove 35...Stopper 40...Tool accessories 41...Pad 42...Flat surface 43...Mounting hole 44...Flow hole 45...Screw 50...Controller 51...Switch button 51a...hinge axis 52...Switch unit 53...Power connector jack 54...Switch holder 60...electric motor 61...Motor shaft 62, 63, 64, 65...Bearings 66...Fan 67...Bearing box 68...Retainer 69...Screw 70...Ground wire 100...dust bag 110...Bag body 111...frame 112...Bag 113...Screw 120...Connector 121...Rubber sleeve 122...Convex part 123...Protrusion 124...recess 125...Cover 126...Sleeve holding part 127...recess 128...protrusion 129...Connection part 130...Operating member 200...Connector 201...Through hole 202...Outer surface 210...large diameter section 211...Engagement groove 220...Small diameter section 221...claw part 230...Connection part 231...Reinforcing rib 250...hose 251,252...Sleeve 254...Dust collector

Claims

1. A connector for directly or indirectly connecting a processing machine and a dust collection device, a through hole for communicating the processing machine with the dust collecting device; an outer surface formed from a static dissipative material; A connector comprising:

2. 2. The connector of claim 1, The surface resistivity of the outer surface is 1×10 ５ (Ω / sq.) or more, 1×10 １３ (Ω / sq.) or less connector.

3. 3. The connector according to claim 2, The surface resistivity of the outer surface is 1×10 ７ (Ω / sq.) or more, 1×10 １２ (Ω / sq.) or less connector.

4. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A twist lock claw is provided for connecting to the processing machine. connector.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The rubber sleeve has an inner circumferential surface on which recesses and / or protrusions extending in the circumferential direction are formed. connector.

6. A processing machine, The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a dust collection nozzle connectable to the connector; A processing machine equipped with:

7. The processing machine according to claim 6, a metal earth member disposed so as to come into contact with the connector when the connector is attached to the dust collection nozzle; processing machine.

8. The processing machine according to claim 6 or 7, A power transmission member made of metal is provided, configured to dissipate static electricity from the connector to the power transmission member processing machine.

9. The processing machine according to any one of claims 6 to 8, A gripping portion is provided for a user to hold by hand during processing, configured to dissipate static electricity from the connector to the gripping portion processing machine.

10. The processing machine according to claim 9, The gripping portion has an outer surface formed at least in part from a conductive resin or a static dissipative material. processing machine.

11. The processing machine according to claim 10, The outer surface of the gripping portion is formed at least in part from a conductive elastomer. processing machine.

12. The processing machine according to any one of claims 9 to 11, a DC motor disposed directly below the gripping portion processing machine.

13. A connector for directly or indirectly connecting a processing machine and a dust collection device, a rubber sleeve made of a conductive material and having an inner circumferential surface on which recesses and / or protrusions extending in a circumferential direction are formed; a cover formed from an insulating material and disposed outside the rubber sleeve so as to surround the rubber sleeve; A connector comprising:

14. A processing machine, a dust collection nozzle for discharging dust generated during processing to the outside of the processing machine; The dust collection nozzle includes a first engagement portion for twist lock and a second engagement portion for press-fit engagement. processing machine.

15. The processing machine according to claim 14, The dust collection nozzle has a substantially cylindrical shape, The first engaging portion includes a flange portion formed on an outer circumferential surface of the dust collection nozzle so as to be engageable with a claw portion of a connector for directly or indirectly connecting the dust collection nozzle to a dust collection device. processing machine.

16. The processing machine according to claim 15, The flange has a spiral lead surface. processing machine.

17. The processing machine according to claim 15 or 16, the second engaging portion includes a protrusion and / or a recess extending in a circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the dust collection nozzle so as to be able to fit into a recess and / or a protrusion extending in a circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface of the rubber sleeve of the connector, The protrusion and / or recess of the second engagement portion is located between the tip of the dust collection nozzle and the flange portion. processing machine.

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