Air compressor

Abstract

To suppress noise caused by rattling of a handle due to vibration, in an air compressor including a tiltable handle.SOLUTION: The portable air compressor 10 includes a handle 20 vertically rotatable around a horizontal rotary shaft, and an elastic member 40 for suppressing the rotation of the handle 20, and the elastic member 40 applies elasticity in a direction different from a gravity direction D1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a portable air compressor. [Background technology]

[0002] Portable air compressors generally come equipped with a handle for carrying. The handle often protrudes upward to make it easier to lift the air compressor. Because such protruding handles can get in the way when storing the compressor, some air compressors feature handles that can be folded down when not in use. These folding handles can rotate up and down around a horizontal pivot and can be folded down when storing the compressor.

[0003] However, air compressors vibrate when in operation, and this vibration can cause the folding handle to rattle, resulting in noise.

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses a structure in which a roughly cylindrical vibration-damping rubber is interposed between the handle's pivot shaft (connecting bolt) and the pivot shaft's support member (angle), thereby preventing vibrations from being transmitted to the handle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6467891 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, it is unclear whether the vibration-isolating rubber will actually suppress the movement of the handle. Therefore, even if the vibration-isolating rubber can prevent the transmission of vibrations, it may not be possible to prevent the handle from moving. If the handle were to move due to vibrations, noise would be generated when the handle hits the main body when tilted.

[0007] Although the movement of the handle can be suppressed when the anti-vibration rubber is press-fitted, its effectiveness is expected to gradually decrease. That is, with the structure described in Patent Document 1, when the air compressor is lifted using the handle, the weight of the air compressor is supported by the anti-vibration rubber. Therefore, if the air compressor is repeatedly carried, the weight of the air compressor will crush and gradually deform the anti-vibration rubber, and it is thought that the effectiveness of suppressing the movement of the handle will decrease.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to suppress noise caused by handle rattle due to vibration in an air compressor equipped with a foldable handle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A portable air compressor according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a handle that can be rotated up and down around a horizontal axis of rotation, and an elastic member that suppresses the rotation of the handle, and the elastic member applies an elastic force in a direction different from the direction of gravity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the elastic member suppresses rotation of the handle, preventing the handle from moving due to vibration and suppressing noise. Furthermore, because the elastic member applies elastic force in a direction different from the direction of gravity, the weight of the air compressor is not borne by the elastic member when the handle is used to lift the air compressor. Therefore, the problem of plastic deformation of the elastic member due to the weight of the air compressor is less likely to occur, and the effectiveness of the elastic member can be maintained. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of an air compressor. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are side views of an air compressor with the handle tilted down, and FIG. 1B is a side view of an air compressor with the handle tilted up. [Figure 3] (a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part near the handle, and (b) is an enlarged view of part A. [Figure 4] 10(a) is a schematic diagram showing the vicinity of an elastic member according to Modification 1, and FIG. 10(b) is a schematic diagram showing the vicinity of an elastic member according to Modification 2. FIG. [Figure 5] 10(a) is a schematic diagram showing the vicinity of an elastic member according to Modification 3, and FIG. 10(b) is a schematic diagram showing the vicinity of an elastic member according to Modification 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 10(a) is a schematic view showing the vicinity of an elastic member according to a fifth modification, and FIG. 10(b) is a schematic view showing the vicinity of an elastic member according to a sixth modification. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the vicinity of an elastic member according to a seventh modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] The air compressor 10 according to this embodiment is a portable air compressor 10 that can be carried to a work site. The air compressor 10 according to this embodiment includes a mechanical unit (not shown) housed inside a main body cover 11 and a tank 15 disposed below the mechanical unit.

[0014] The mechanical unit includes a motor, a compression mechanism, a control board, a cooling fan, and other components (not shown). The compression mechanism is driven by the motor to generate compressed air, compressing air introduced into a cylinder by reciprocating a piston. The control board, centered around a CPU, controls various input and output devices. This control board controls outputs, such as starting and stopping the motor and controlling the rotation speed, based on input from various sensors. The fan introduces cooling air into the mechanical unit to cool heat-generating components such as the motor and control board. This fan is fixed to the motor shaft and rotates integrally when the motor is driven. These mechanical units are covered by a body cover 11, as shown in Figure 1. The body cover 11 is made of synthetic resin or metal and is fixed to the body of the air compressor 10.

[0015] The tanks 15 are used to store compressed air generated by the compression mechanism. The air compressor 10 according to this embodiment is equipped with two tanks 15. The two tanks 15 are arranged parallel to each other along an axial direction D2 of a rotation shaft of a handle 20, which will be described later. Legs 17 are attached to the underside of the tanks 15. The air compressor 10 is placed on the ground using the legs 17.

[0016] The compressed air stored in the tank 15 is reduced to a desired pressure by passing through a pressure reducing valve and can be taken out from an air outlet. In this embodiment, an air chuck 16 is provided at the air outlet, and an air hose can be attached and detached with a single touch. By connecting an air hose to the air outlet in this way, the compressed air in the tank 15 can be taken out and used.

[0017] A handle 20 is attached to the above-described main body cover 11. In this embodiment, the handle 20 is attached to the top surface of the main body cover 11.

[0018] The handle 20 according to this embodiment is rotatable up and down around a horizontal rotation axis and can be in a reclined position shown in FIG. 2(a) or an upright position shown in FIG. 2(b). The handle 20 according to this embodiment is generally U-shaped and includes a grip 21 and a pair of arms 22 extending from both ends of the grip 21. The grip 21 is a rod-shaped portion that a user grasps when lifting the air compressor 10. The grip 21 extends parallel to the axial direction D2 of the rotation axis. The pair of arms 22 extend parallel to each other, with a rotation axis provided near their open ends. When the handle 20 is reclined as shown in FIG. 2(a), the arms 22 lie approximately horizontally. When the handle 20 is upright as shown in FIG. 2(b), the arms 22 stand approximately vertically.

[0019] The handle 20 is attached to the top surface protrusion 12 provided on the top surface of the main body cover 11. As shown in FIG. 1, the top surface protrusion 12 has side walls 12a on both sides and a rear wall 12b connecting the side walls 12a on both sides, and these three walls form a U-shape in a plan view. The handle 20 can be folded down to fit along the walls of this U-shape for storage. Specifically, when the handle 20 is folded down, the pair of arms 22 are positioned opposite the side walls 12a, and the grip 21 is positioned opposite the rear wall 12b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2(a), the handle 20 does not protrude from the top surface of the main body cover 11, and can be stored compactly.

[0020] In this embodiment, an operation panel 13 is provided on the surface of the upper surface protrusion 12. The operation panel 13 is provided with input means for allowing the user to perform various operations and output means for displaying various information to the user. Examples of input means include a switch for turning the power on and off and a switch for switching the operation mode. Examples of output means include a display unit that shows the internal pressure of the tank 15, a display unit that shows the current operation mode, and a display unit that shows abnormalities and warnings. When the handle 20 is upright, the grip portion 21 of the handle 20 is positioned above the operation panel 13, as shown in FIG. 2(b). On the other hand, when the handle 20 is tilted down, the grip portion 21 of the handle 20 is retracted backward, as shown in FIG. 2(a), to completely expose the operation panel 13.

[0021] The handle 20 is rotatably attached to a handle support portion 19a shown in FIG. 3. The handle support portion 19a in this embodiment is part of a metal angle member 19 having a generally U-shaped cross section. The angle members 19 are provided on both the left and right sides of the handle 20 to support both ends. The angle members 19 are fixed to the main body cover 11, and their tips form the handle support portion 19a. The handle support portion 19a protrudes vertically upward from the main body cover 11 so as to face the side wall portions 12a on both sides of the above-mentioned upper surface protrusion 12. The handle support portion 19a is formed in a plate shape perpendicular to the axial direction D2 of the rotation shaft of the handle 20, and has a support hole that supports the rotation shaft of the handle 20.

[0022] A protruding piece for connecting to the handle support portion 19a is provided at the tip of the arm portion 22. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a first protruding piece 23 is formed at the tip of one arm portion 22, and a second protruding piece 25 is formed at the tip of the other arm portion 22. Through holes 24 and 26 are formed in the first protruding piece 23 and the second protruding piece 25, respectively. A rotation shaft of the handle 20 is attached to these through holes 24 and 26. An elastic member 40, which will be described later, may be attached to only one of the first protruding piece 23 and the second protruding piece 25, or may be attached to both. In this embodiment, an example in which the elastic member 40 is attached to the first protruding piece 23 will be described.

[0023] The handle 20 is attached to the handle support portion 19a by a handle attachment means 30. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the handle attachment means 30 according to this embodiment includes a bolt 31, a nut 32, a spacer 33, and a washer 34. In this embodiment, the bolt 31 is attached so as to penetrate the tip of the arm portion 22 (the first protruding piece 23 and the second protruding piece 25) and the handle support portion 19a, and a nut 32 is fastened to the tip of the bolt 31, thereby attaching the handle 20 to the handle support portion 19a. At this time, a cylindrical spacer 33 is attached to the outer periphery of the shaft portion 31b of the bolt 31. A washer 34 is disposed inside the head portion 31a of the bolt 31. The spacer 33 is held by being sandwiched between the washer 34 (the head portion 31a of the bolt 31) and the handle support portion 19a. By providing this spacer 33, a predetermined gap is formed between the head 31a of the bolt 31 and the nut 32 (more precisely, between the washer 34 and the handle support portion 19a), so that the first protruding piece 23 and the second protruding piece 25 are not tightened by the bolt 31 and the nut 32. In other words, the spacer 33 provides play that allows the handle 20 to rotate. The spacer 33 is rotatably inserted into the through holes 24, 26 of the first protruding piece 23 and the second protruding piece 25. In other words, a gap that allows rotation is formed between the spacer 33 and the through holes 24, 26. In this embodiment, the shaft portion 31b of the bolt 31 (and the spacer 33) serves as the rotation axis of the handle 20.

[0024] The air compressor 10 includes an elastic member 40 that restricts rotation of the handle 20. In this embodiment, a compression spring is used as the elastic member 40. The elastic member 40 applies an elastic force in a direction different from the direction of gravity D1 (the downward direction when the air compressor 10 is placed on level ground). The elastic member 40 according to this embodiment is attached to the outer periphery of the pivot shaft (the shaft portion 31b of the bolt 31 and the spacer 33). Specifically, the pivot shaft passes through the center of the elastic member 40 (the inner side of the coil of the compression spring). The elastic member 40 is attached in a compressed state, with one end engaged with the handle support portion 19a and the other end biasing the handle 20. As a result, the elastic member 40 applies an elastic force to the handle 20 in the axial direction D2 of the pivot shaft.

[0025] The handle 20 to which the elastic force is applied is pressed against the washer 34. In other words, the handle 20 is sandwiched and held between the elastic member 40 and the washer 34. Therefore, a predetermined frictional force is generated against the rotation of the handle 20 according to the elastic force of the elastic member 40. With this configuration, a constant elastic force is always applied regardless of the angle of the handle 20, and rotation is suppressed.

[0026] In this embodiment, a receiving member 35 is provided between the elastic member 40 and the handle 20. The receiving member 35 is, for example, a ring-shaped member, and can be made of synthetic resin or the like. By providing this receiving member 35, the elastic force of the elastic member 40 can be reliably transmitted to the handle 20. Furthermore, by forming the receiving member 35 from a material (such as rubber) with a higher coefficient of friction than the elastic member 40, the frictional force that suppresses the rotation of the handle 20 can be increased.

[0027] In this embodiment, the washer 34 against which the handle 20 is pressed by the elastic member 40 serves as a retaining portion that prevents the handle 20 from falling off the rotation shaft. In this way, by using the elastic member 40 to press the handle 20 against the retaining portion, it is possible to prevent the rotation of the handle 20 with a minimum number of parts.

[0028] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the washer 34 functions as the retaining portion, but the type of member used as the retaining portion can be freely selected. For example, if the head 31a of the bolt 31 functions as the retaining portion, the elastic member 40 may press the handle 20 against the head 31a of the bolt 31. Also, if the handle support portion 19a functions as the retaining portion, the elastic member 40 may press the handle 20 against the handle support portion 19a. In this case, the elastic member 40 may be disposed between the handle 20 and the washer 34 (or the head 31a of the bolt 31) so that the handle 20 is pressed against the handle support portion 19a (part of the main body of the air compressor 10).

[0029] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, a compression spring is used as the elastic member 40, but any elastic member can be used. For example, as shown in Fig. 4(a), a leaf spring may be used as the elastic member 41. In this example, the elastic member 41 is attached in a compressed state, with one end thereof engaged with the handle support portion 19a and the other end thereof biasing the handle 20. As a result, the elastic member 41 applies an elastic force to the handle 20 in the axial direction D2 of the rotation shaft.

[0030] (Variation 2) As shown in Fig. 4(b), a torsion coil spring may be used as the elastic member 42. In this example, the elastic member 42 is attached in a compressed state, with one end thereof engaged with the handle support portion 19a and the other end thereof biasing the handle 20. As a result, the elastic member 42 applies an elastic force to the handle 20 in the axial direction D2 of the rotation shaft.

[0031] (Variation 3) As shown in FIG. 5(a), a solid member may be used as the elastic member 43. The solid member may be made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. In this example, the elastic member 43 is attached in a compressed state, with one end surface engaged with the handle support portion 19a and the other end surface biasing the handle 20. As a result, the elastic member 43 applies an elastic force to the handle 20 in the axial direction D2 of the rotation shaft. It is desirable that the rotation shaft of the handle 20 be disposed so as to pass through the elastic member 43. For example, a through hole may be formed in the elastic member 43, and the rotation shaft of the handle 20 may pass through this through hole.

[0032] (Variation 4) As shown in Figure 5(b), a disc spring may be used as the elastic member 44. In this example, the elastic member 44 is attached in a compressed state, with one end surface engaged with the handle support portion 19a and the other end surface biasing the handle 20. As a result, the elastic member 44 applies an elastic force to the handle 20 in the axial direction D2 of the rotation shaft. Note that it is desirable to position the rotation shaft of the handle 20 so that it passes through the elastic member 44 (the central hole of the disc spring).

[0033] (Variation 5) As shown in Figure 6(a), a wave washer may be used as the elastic member 45. In this example, the elastic member 45 is attached in a compressed state, with one end face engaged with the handle support portion 19a and the other end face biasing the handle 20. As a result, the elastic member 45 applies an elastic force to the handle 20 in the axial direction D2 of the rotation shaft. Note that it is desirable to arrange the rotation shaft of the handle 20 so that it passes through the elastic member 45 (the central hole of the wave washer).

[0034] (Variation 6) In the above embodiment, the elastic member 40 directly applies an elastic force to the handle 20, but this is not limiting. For example, as shown in Fig. 6(b), a transmission member 48 may be provided that is disposed between the elastic member 40 and the handle 20 and transmits the elastic force of the elastic member 40 to the handle 20.

[0035] The transmission member 48 shown in FIG. 6(b) is disposed outside the handle 20 and is in contact with the handle 20. The transmission member 48 is attached so as to cover the handle attachment means 30 (the head 31a of the bolt 31). The transmission member 48 has a receiving surface 48a that contacts the elastic member 40, a contact surface 48b that contacts the handle 20, and a recess 48c provided in the contact surface 48b. The receiving surface 48a and the contact surface 48b face in opposite directions. The recess 48c is recessed to prevent interference between the transmission member 48 and the handle attachment means 30 (the bolt 31).

[0036] Furthermore, the body cover 11 of this modified example includes a spring support portion 49 for attaching the elastic member 40. The elastic member 40 is attached in a compressed state, with one end thereof engaged with the spring support portion 49 and the other end thereof biasing the receiving surface 48a. As a result, the elastic member 40 applies an elastic force to the transmission member 48 in the axial direction D2 of the rotation shaft.

[0037] The transmission member 48 to which the elastic force has been applied presses the handle 20 against the handle support portion 19a via the contact surface 48b. As a result, the elastic member 40 applies an elastic force to the handle 20 in the axial direction D2 of the rotation shaft.

[0038] (Variation 7) In the above embodiment, the elastic member 40 applies an elastic force in the axial direction D2 of the rotation shaft, but this is not limiting. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the elastic member 40 may apply an elastic force in a direction D3 perpendicular to the rotation shaft.

[0039] The body cover 11 of this modified example includes a spring support portion 49 for attaching the elastic member 40. The elastic member 40 is attached in a compressed state, with one end thereof engaged with the spring support portion 49 and the other end thereof biasing the handle 20. At this time, the direction of compression of the elastic member 40 is direction D3 perpendicular to the rotation axis. Therefore, the elastic member 40 applies an elastic force to the handle 20 in direction D3 perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0040] In this modification, the center C1 of the rotation axis of the handle 20 and the center C2 of the elastic member 40 are arranged on the same plane. Therefore, the elastic member 40 acts to press the handle 20 against the rotation axis. Even with this configuration, it is possible to increase the friction against the rotation of the handle 20, and to suppress the rotation of the handle 20.

[0041] 7, the direction in which the elastic force is applied is horizontal, but the direction is not limited to this and the elastic force may be applied from below or diagonally below. Applying the elastic force from below or diagonally below can prevent a load from acting on the elastic member 40 when the air compressor 10 is lifted using the handle 20.

[0042] (summary) As described above, according to this embodiment, the elastic member suppresses rotation of the handle 20, preventing the handle 20 from moving due to vibration and suppressing noise. Furthermore, because the elastic member applies an elastic force in a direction different from the direction of gravity D1, the weight of the air compressor 10 is not supported on the elastic member when the air compressor 10 is lifted using the handle 20. This makes it less likely that the elastic member will be plastically deformed by the weight of the air compressor 10, and the effects of the elastic member can be maintained. The elastic member according to this embodiment applies an elastic force to the handle 20 so as to press it against a pressing portion provided on the main body of the air compressor 10, thereby exerting a braking force through friction. In this case, it is desirable that the portion of the handle 20 that is biased by the elastic member (the first protruding piece 23 in this embodiment) be a portion near the pivot shaft. The pressing portion that presses the handle 20 may be any portion that does not rotate integrally with the handle 20, and various configurations are possible. For example, in the examples shown in FIGS. 3, 4(a), 4(b), 5(a), 5(b), and 6(a), the washer 34 serves as the pressing portion. In the example shown in FIG. 6(b), the handle support portion 19a serves as the pressing portion. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the pivot shaft 31b serves as the pressing portion. A portion other than those shown here may also be used as the pressing portion.

[0043] If the elastic member is attached to the rotation shaft of the handle 20, it is possible to prevent the elastic member from falling off and to make assembly easier during manufacturing. In addition, since an elastic force can be applied around the rotation shaft, it is less likely that an unbalanced load will occur that would tilt the handle 20 relative to the rotation shaft.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the air compressor 10 is described as having only one handle 20, but the air compressor 10 may have a plurality of handles 20.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the handle attachment means 30 is configured with bolts 31 and nuts 32, but this is merely an example. The handle 20 can be held by any means as long as it can rotate up and down around a horizontal rotation axis. For example, the rotation axis may be configured as part of the handle 20 (or a member fixed to the handle 20), and this rotation axis may be configured to pass through the main body cover 11.

[0046] Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments and modifications are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10. Air Compressor 11 Main unit cover 12 Top protrusion 12a Side wall part 12b Rear wall 13 Operation panel 15 Tank 16 Air chuck 17 Legs 19 Angle iron 19a Handle support 20 Handle 21 Gripping part 22 Arm section 23 1st protruding piece 24 through holes 25 Second protruding piece 26 Through hole 30 Handle attachment means 31 volts 31a head 31b Shaft (rotating shaft) 32 Nut 33 Spacer 34 Washer (prevents slippage) 35 Receiving member 40 Elastic member (compression spring) 41 Elastic member (leaf spring) 42 Elastic member (torsion coil spring) 43 Elastic member (solid member) 44 Elastic member (disc spring) 45 Elastic member (wave washer) 48 Transmission member 48a receiving surface 48b Contact surface 48c recess 49 Spring support D1 Gravity direction D2 Axial direction of the rotation axis D3: Direction perpendicular to the rotation axis (horizontal direction)

Claims

1. A portable air compressor, a handle that can be rotated up and down around a horizontal axis; an elastic member that suppresses rotation of the handle; Equipped with The elastic member applies an elastic force in a direction different from the direction of gravity. Air compressor.

2. The elastic member applies an elastic force to the handle so as to press the handle against a pressed portion provided on the main body side of the air compressor.

2. The air compressor of claim 1.

3. The elastic member applies an elastic force in the axial direction of the rotation shaft.

2. The air compressor of claim 1.

4. The elastic member is attached to the rotation shaft.

2. The air compressor of claim 1.

5. a retaining portion that prevents the handle from falling off the rotating shaft; The elastic member acts to press the handle against the retaining portion.

2. The air compressor of claim 1.

6. a transmission member disposed between the elastic member and the handle and configured to transmit the elastic force of the elastic member to the handle; 2. The air compressor of claim 1.

7. The elastic member applies an elastic force in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

2. The air compressor of claim 1.

8. The elastic member acts to press the handle against the rotation shaft.

2. The air compressor of claim 1.

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