Air Compressor

The air compressor's cylindrical cover and sound silencer with a tapered lower cover address the wide drainage area and scattering issues, enhancing noise suppression and preventing rust while maintaining compressed air quality.

JP7628915B2Active Publication Date: 2025-02-12MAKITA CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021128856
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-08-05
Publication Date
2025-02-12
Estimated Expiration
2041-08-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing air compressors face issues with the wide drainage area and scattering of drain water, leading to potential rust and reduced compressed air storage due to condensation, despite noise suppression mechanisms.

Method used

The air compressor features a cylindrical cover with an upward discharge outlet, a sound silencer made of metal wool, and a lower cover with tapered edges to contain and guide drain water, reducing the drainage area and preventing scattering.

Benefits of technology

This configuration effectively minimizes the drainage area, suppresses noise, and prevents drain water scattering, maintaining the integrity of the compressed air storage and reducing rust formation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide an air compressor capable of reducing a size of a drain area to discharge drain water outward from the air compressor.SOLUTION: An air compressor 1 includes a compressor 20 for compressing air introduced therein, and a tank 3 storing compressed air discharged from the compressor 20, the air compressor 1 being provided with a drain discharge pipe 42 for discharging air and the drain water from the tank 3 to the outside of the tank 3, and a drain cock 41 provided on the way to the drain discharge pipe 42 for opening / closing the drain discharge pipe 42. The air compressor 1 is provided with a discharge pipe tip part 42b as the tip of the drain discharge pipe 42 and having an upward discharge port 42c, and a cylindrical cover 43 including a top part 43a covering the drain pipe tip part 42b from an upper side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air compressor that compresses introduced air to generate compressed air. [Background technology]

[0002] An air compressor generates compressed air, for example, by a piston mechanism. Compressed air is generated by introducing outside air into a cylinder and compressing it with a piston. The generated compressed air is sent to a tank and stored. The compressed air stored in the tank is supplied to a tool, for example, an air-driven nailer or an air tacker, to drive the tool. When the compressed air is supplied to the outside of the tank, the compressed air remaining in the tank expands and cools. This causes water vapor contained in the compressed air remaining in the tank to condense and accumulate as drain water in the tank. The drain water accumulated in the tank may cause rust or the like in the tank or cause a reduction in the amount of stored compressed air. For this reason, as described in Patent Document 1, a configuration in which an air compressor is provided with a drain discharge section for discharging drain water outside the tank is generally used.

[0003] The drain discharge section described in Patent Document 1 has a drain discharge pipe communicating with the inside of the tank and a drain cock for opening and closing the drain discharge pipe. By opening the drain cock, the compressed air and drain water in the tank are discharged from the outlet at the tip of the drain discharge pipe. The outlet of the drain discharge pipe is introduced into a sound-absorbing chamber provided below the compressor body. The rectangular box-shaped sound-absorbing chamber is formed by cooperation between a recess formed in an underguard covering the lower part of the compressor body and a lower cover attached to the lower part of the underguard. The sound-absorbing chamber is provided in an elongated shape extending approximately horizontally along the longitudinal direction of the tank. The sound-absorbing chamber is filled with a sound-absorbing material for suppressing noise generated by the compressed air being discharged at high speed from the outlet. The outlet of the drain discharge pipe opens in an approximately horizontal direction. The upper surface of the lower cover is inclined downward toward the entrance of the sound-absorbing chamber.

[0004] The air compressor described in Patent Document 1, with the above-mentioned configuration, suppresses the noise of the compressed air discharged from the outlet of the drain discharge pipe and suppresses the scattering of drain water discharged from the outlet. Furthermore, the drain water discharged into the sound-absorbing chamber is guided to the entrance of the sound-absorbing chamber by the inclination of the upper surface of the lower cover, so that the drain water is discharged to the outside from one point.

[0005] However, the compressed air and drain water are discharged from the exhaust port almost horizontally with very high force. Therefore, the sound-absorbing chamber cannot sufficiently suppress the force of the compressed air and drain water discharged from the exhaust port, and drain water may leak from the gap at the connection part between the underguard and the lower cover. The sound-absorbing chamber is provided long in the longitudinal direction of the tank. Therefore, the area of ​​the connection part between the underguard and the lower cover is large, and the drainage area of ​​the drain water is expanded. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-157791 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Therefore, there is a demand for an air compressor that can reduce the drain area for discharging drain water outside the air compressor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one feature of the present disclosure, an air compressor includes a compressor that compresses introduced air and a tank that stores compressed air discharged from the compressor. The air compressor includes a drain discharge pipe that discharges air and drain water from the tank to the outside of the tank, and a drain cock that is provided midway along the drain discharge pipe and opens and closes the drain discharge pipe. The air compressor includes a drain pipe tip that is the end of the drain discharge pipe and has an upwardly facing outlet, and a cylindrical cover that has a top portion that covers the drain pipe tip from above.

[0009] Therefore, the compressed air and drain water are discharged from the upward outlet toward the inside of the upper cylindrical cover. The top of the cylindrical cover prevents the drain water from being discharged above the top. By discharging the drain water upward from the drain outlet, scattering of the drain water in the front, back, left and right directions is suppressed. By covering the front, back, left and right periphery of the tip of the discharge pipe with the cylindrical cover, scattering of the drain water in the front, back, left and right directions can be further suppressed. Therefore, the drain water discharged into the cylindrical cover is suppressed from scattering in the front, back, left and right directions and is discharged downward from the lower part of the cylindrical cover. Since the tip of the discharge pipe is arranged vertically long in the up and down direction, the opening area of ​​the lower part of the cylindrical cover covering the tip of the discharge pipe can be reduced. Thus, the drainage area of ​​the drain water can be reduced, and scattering of the drain water can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the air compressor according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the air compressor with the mechanism cover removed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the air compressor seen from above. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part V in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lower cover as viewed from above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] According to another feature of the present disclosure, the air compressor has a lower cover that covers the lower opening of the cylindrical cover. Therefore, the drain water discharged from the lower part of the cylindrical cover falls on the upper surface of the lower cover and is then discharged downward from the outer periphery of the lower cover. Therefore, the drainage area of ​​the drain water can be limited to a narrow area on the outer periphery of the lower cover.

[0012] According to another feature of the present disclosure, the air compressor has a sound-absorbing member housed in the cylindrical cover so as to cover the periphery of the discharge port at the tip of the discharge pipe. Therefore, the force of the compressed air and drain water discharged from the discharge port is weakened by the sound-absorbing member. Therefore, it is possible to suppress both the noise generated by the compressed air being discharged at high speed and the scattering of drain water. In addition, by providing a lower cover, the sound-absorbing member can be held within the cylindrical cover so as not to flow out of the cylindrical cover.

[0013] According to another feature of the present disclosure, the sound deadening member is metallic wool. Therefore, the sound deadening member is made of a high-strength metal. Therefore, deformation of the sound deadening member can be suppressed when the compressed air and drain water are discharged from the discharge port. Therefore, the performance of the sound deadening member to weaken the momentum of the compressed air and drain water can be suppressed from decreasing from the time of product shipment. Moreover, since the sound deadening member is wool-like (fibrous), drain water that has entered the sound deadening member can be easily discharged to the outside of the sound deadening member. Therefore, the drain water can be discharged without remaining in the cylindrical cover.

[0014] According to another feature of the present disclosure, the lower cover has a support portion that supports the sound deadening member from below. Therefore, the support portion can hold the sound deadening member inside the cylindrical cover. Therefore, when drain water is discharged from inside the cylindrical cover, the sound deadening member can be prevented from flowing out.

[0015] According to another feature of the present disclosure, the lower cover has a plurality of protrusions provided on the support portion and protruding upward, and drainage grooves between the plurality of protrusions for guiding drainage water in the outer circumferential direction. Therefore, the plurality of protrusions can hold the sound deadening member in an upper position so as not to lower. This allows a gap to be secured between the upper surface of the lower cover and the sound deadening member. This makes it easy to drainage water that has entered the sound deadening member by flowing downward through the gap and discharging it. Furthermore, the formation of the drainage grooves allows drainage water to be discharged toward the outer circumferential edge of the lower cover. Thus, drainage water can be discharged without expanding the drainage area and without remaining in the cylindrical cover.

[0016] According to another feature of the present disclosure, the lower cover is connected to the cylindrical cover. Thus, by connecting the lower cover to the cylindrical cover, a drainage channel can be formed between the outer periphery of the lower cover and the lower part of the cylindrical cover. Therefore, the drain water can be discharged without spreading from the narrow drainage area corresponding to the outer periphery of the lower cover.

[0017] According to another feature of the present disclosure, the upper surface of the outer periphery of the lower cover is tapered downward toward the outer periphery, so that drain water can be efficiently discharged along the tapered upper surface of the lower cover toward the outer periphery of the lower cover, thereby preventing drain water from accumulating on the upper surface of the lower cover.

[0018] According to another feature of the present disclosure, the lower part of the cylindrical cover is tapered so as to expand outwardly downwardly in accordance with the tapered upper surface of the lower cover, and faces the tapered upper surface of the lower cover. Therefore, a drainage path can be formed between the lower part of the cylindrical cover and the tapered upper surface of the lower cover. Therefore, drain water can be efficiently discharged toward the outer periphery of the lower cover. Moreover, since the lower part of the cylindrical cover and the upper surface of the lower cover can be arranged close to each other, the sound-absorbing member can be held so as not to flow out of the cylindrical cover.

[0019] According to another feature of the present disclosure, the air compressor has a plurality of tanks. The drain discharge pipe tip and the cylindrical cover are disposed between the plurality of tanks. Therefore, the space between the plurality of tanks can be utilized to dispose the drain discharge pipe tip and the cylindrical cover. Therefore, the air compressor can be formed compactly.

[0020] Next, an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. As shown in Fig. 1, the air compressor 1 has two tanks 3 that are substantially cylindrical and extend in the front-rear direction. The two tanks 3 are arranged side by side on the left and right, and are connected at two points, front and rear, by a base 2. A compressor body 10 is provided above the two tanks 3. The compressor body 10 is covered with a substantially box-shaped mechanism cover 4 that is open at the bottom. Support legs 5 are provided at the bottom of both front and rear ends of the two tanks 3. A total of four support legs 5 support the two tanks 3 and the compressor body 10, so that the air compressor 1 can be installed on an installation surface F (see Fig. 4) such as the ground or a floor. In the following description, the up-down direction refers to the installation surface F side being the bottom, the front-rear direction refers to the side where a drain cock 41, which will be described later, is provided being the front, and the left-right direction refers to the air compressor 1 as viewed from the front.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of ventilation holes 4a arranged in a mesh pattern are formed on the front, rear, left and right sides of the mechanism cover 4. Outside air can be supplied to the compressor body 10 through the ventilation holes 4a. An operation panel 4b for operating the air compressor 1 is provided on the top of the mechanism cover 4. The operation panel 4b is electrically connected to the electrical components of the compressor body 10. For example, the air compressor 1 can be started or stopped by pressing a button provided on the operation panel 4b. Loop-shaped handle sections 8 that stand upward are provided on the front and rear of the mechanism cover 4. The two handle sections 8 are connected to the mechanism cover 4 and the base 2, respectively. The air compressor 1 can be carried by holding the two handle sections 8.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, tank guards 5a are provided at both front and rear ends of the two tanks 3 and above the support legs 5. The tank guards 5a stand upright and have an outer periphery that is curved in an arc shape in a plan view. The tank guards 5a protect the corners at the front and rear ends of the tanks 3 and the support legs 5 by covering them from the outside.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the compressor body 10 has a compressor 20 that generates compressed air and an electric motor 12 as a drive source for the compressor 20. The compressor 20 is accommodated in a mechanism case 11. The electric motor 12 is a so-called outer rotor type brushless motor. The electric motor 12 has an output shaft 12a that extends substantially horizontally in the left-right direction. The output shaft 12a penetrates the mechanism case 11 and is rotatably supported by bearings 13 and 14 in the mechanism case 11. A cylindrical rotor 12c that is integrally connected to the output shaft 12a is provided on the right side of the mechanism case 11. A plurality of stators 12b around which coils are wound are arranged on the radial inner periphery side of the rotor 12c. The plurality of stators 12b are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 12a. When power is supplied to the electric motor 12, the output shaft 12a and the rotor 12c rotate around the axis of the output shaft 12a.

[0024] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a fan 15 is attached to the right end of the output shaft 12a. The fan 15 rotates together with the output shaft 12a, generating motor cooling airflow from the electric motor 12 on the left side toward the radially outward direction of the fan 15. A fan 16 is attached to the left end of the output shaft 12a. A plurality of holes are formed to the right of the fan 16 and on the left side of the mechanism case 11, and the holes are covered by a filter 11a. The fan 16 rotates together with the output shaft 12a, causing airflow from the left of the fan 16 to the filter 11a on the right side. Air is introduced into the mechanism case 11 through the filter 11a.

[0025] 3, the compressor 20 is a two-stage compression mechanism including a first compressor 21 and a second compressor 25. The first compressor 21 has a first cylinder 22 located forward of the output shaft 12a and extending forward and backward, and a first piston 23 that reciprocates within the first cylinder 22. The second compressor 25 has a second cylinder 26 located rearward of the output shaft 12a and extending forward and backward, and a second piston 27 that reciprocates within the second cylinder 26.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, a first crank disk 17a and a second crank disk 18a are connected to the output shaft 12a with their centers shifted from the center of the output shaft 12a. A first crank rod 17 extends linearly from the first crank disk 17a radially outward. A first piston 23 is connected to the tip of the first crank rod 17. The rotational motion of the first crank disk 17a around the axis of the output shaft 12a is converted into a reciprocating motion of the first piston 23 by the first crank rod 17. The first piston 23 reciprocates in the front-rear direction in which the first cylinder 22 extends. A second crank rod 18 extends linearly from the second crank disk 18a radially outward. A second piston 27 is connected to the tip of the second crank rod 18. The rotational motion of the second crank disk 18a around the axis of the output shaft 12a is converted into a reciprocating motion of the second piston 27 by the second crank rod 18. The second piston 27 reciprocates in the front-rear direction in which the second cylinder 26 extends.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the first cylinder 22 and the first piston 23 cooperate to form a first piston chamber 22a. The first piston chamber 22a has a communication passage through which air can pass between the first piston chamber 22a and the center of the mechanism case 11 where the filter 11a is provided. Therefore, air at atmospheric pressure is supplied to the first piston chamber 22a through the filter 11a. A first intermediate chamber 22b formed airtight is provided in front of the first piston chamber 22a. A first check valve 22c is provided between the first piston chamber 22a and the first intermediate chamber 22b to prevent backflow of air from the first intermediate chamber 22b to the first piston chamber 22a. The first compressor 21 pressurizes the air introduced at atmospheric pressure to a first pressure of, for example, 0.7 to 1 MPa.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the second cylinder 26 and the second piston 27 cooperate to form the second piston chamber 26a. The second piston chamber 26a is airtight with respect to the center of the mechanism case 11 where the filter 11a is provided, and is connected to the first intermediate chamber 22b via the vent pipe 24. Therefore, the compressed air generated by the first compressor 21 is supplied to the second piston chamber 26a. The second intermediate chamber 26b formed airtight is provided behind the second piston chamber 26a. A second check valve 26c is provided between the second piston chamber 26a and the second intermediate chamber 26b to prevent the backflow of air from the second intermediate chamber 26b to the second piston chamber 26a. In the second compressor 25, the air compressed by the first compressor 21 is increased to a second pressure of, for example, 3 to 4.5 MPa higher than the first pressure.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the air compressor 1 is provided with a first tank 3a and a second tank 3b. The second intermediate chamber 26b is connected to an outlet 28 that discharges compressed air. The first tank 3a is connected to an inlet 31 that takes in compressed air. By connecting the outlet 28 and the inlet 31 with a vent pipe 30, compressed air can be sent from the second compressor 25 to the first tank 3a. The first tank 3a and the second tank 3b are connected by a tank connecting pipe 3c. The pressure of the compressed air sent from the first tank 3a to the second tank 3b is detected by a pressure sensor 3d attached to the tank connecting pipe 3c.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of joints 33 for supplying compressed air to a tool are provided at the front of the compressor body 10. The joints 33 communicate with the tank 3 so that the compressed air stored in the tank 3 can be discharged. The joints 33 protrude outward from the mechanism cover 4 so that an air hose can be connected. A pressure reducing valve adjustment knob 34 connected to the joints 33 is provided at the front upper portion of the compressor body 10. The pressure reducing valve adjustment knob 34 protrudes from the upper surface of the mechanism cover 4 so that it can be operated from outside the mechanism cover 4. By rotating the pressure reducing valve adjustment knob 34, the compressed air discharged from the joints 33 can be adjusted to the operating pressure of the tool. The pressure of the compressed air adjusted by the pressure reducing valve adjustment knob 34 is detected by a pressure sensor 34a.

[0031] As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, a main body support member 7 is provided on the upper surfaces of the two tanks 3 to connect the two tanks 3 in the left-right direction. Two main body support members 7 are provided, one in the front and one in the back. Rubber vibration absorbing members 10b are attached to the upper surfaces of the main body support members 7. A total of four vibration absorbing members 10b are provided on each of the left and right sides of the two main body support members 7. Four main body legs 10a formed integrally with the mechanism case 11 are respectively connected to the upper surfaces of the four vibration absorbing members 10b. This supports the compressor main body 10 above the two tanks. Therefore, vibrations of the compressor main body 10 generated by the operation of the compressor 20 are absorbed by the vibration absorbing members 10b, and transmission to the tanks 3 is suppressed.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 4, below the compressor body 10, a controller 32 housed in a shallow rectangular box-shaped case is provided. The controller 32 is supported by the lower parts of the front and rear body support members 7 in an attitude in which the longitudinal direction is the front-rear direction and the thickness direction is the left-right direction. The controller 32 controls the power supply, the drive of the electric motor 12, etc., based on a control signal received from the operation panel 4b and a detection signal from a pressure sensor 3d (see Fig. 3). Below the controller 32 and between the two tanks 3 in the left-right direction, an underguard 6 that covers the lower part of the controller 32 is provided.

[0033] As shown in Figs. 4 and 7, a cylindrical cover 43 is integrally formed at the front of the rectangular flat underguard 6. The cylindrical cover 43 is provided at the center of the underguard 6 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the cylindrical cover 43 is disposed in the middle of the two tanks 3 in the left-right direction. The cylindrical cover 43 has a bottomed cylindrical shape extending upward from the underguard 6. The cylindrical cover 43 has an upper disk-shaped top part 43a, a cylindrical peripheral side part 43b standing upright, and a lower part 43c composed of a tapered inclined surface. The upper end of the peripheral side part 43b is connected to the outer periphery of the top part 43a. The lower end of the peripheral side part 43b is connected to the upper end of the lower part 43c. The lower part 43c is inclined downward from the lower end of the peripheral side part 43b toward the outside in the radial direction. The lower part 43c is formed with a plurality of screw holes 43d extending in the up-down direction and covered with a boss part. The outer peripheral edge of the lower portion 43c is connected to the underguard 6. The underguard 6 is screwed to the base 2 at its front and rear portions so as to straddle the two tanks 3 in the left-right direction.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the air compressor 1 has a drain discharge section 40 for discharging the compressed air and drain water remaining inside the two tanks 3. The drain discharge section 40 has a drain discharge pipe 42 that extends from the tank 3 and discharges the compressed air and drain water to the outside, and a drain cock 41 that is provided midway along the path of the drain discharge pipe 42 and opens and closes the drain discharge pipe 42. The drain discharge pipe 42 that extends from the tank 3 first extends downward along the front base 2. The drain cock 41 is provided on the front surface of the front base 2. When the drain cock 41 is closed, the compressed air and drain water in the tank 3 are not discharged from the drain discharge pipe 42. When the drain cock 41 is opened, the compressed air and drain water in the tank 3 are discharged from the outlet 42c of the drain discharge pipe 42 according to the opening amount.

[0035] 4 and 5, the drain discharge pipe 42 has a horizontal extension portion 42a that extends rearward from the lower end of the base 2 below the underguard 6. The drain discharge pipe 42 has a discharge pipe tip portion 42b that extends upward from a position below the cylindrical cover 43. The discharge pipe tip portion 42b is disposed in a substantially vertically standing position approximately in the center of the cylindrical cover 43. An upwardly opening discharge port 42c is provided at the upper end of the discharge pipe tip portion 42b.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the drain discharge part 40 has a sound-absorbing chamber 44 into which the discharge pipe tip part 42b is inserted. The cylindrical cover 43 and the lower cover 45 connected to the lower part 43c (see FIG. 5) of the cylindrical cover 43 cooperate to form the cylindrical sound-absorbing chamber 44. The sound-absorbing chamber 44 contains a sound-absorbing member 47. The sound-absorbing member 47 is made of metal wool made of metal and has a shape in which fine fibrous members are entangled. The sound-absorbing member 47 is, for example, steel wool made of iron or stainless wool made of stainless steel. The sound-absorbing member 47 has many fine gaps that can disperse the flow of air passing through the inside. In addition, the sound-absorbing member 47 has high water permeability (water permeability, drainage ability) and extremely low water absorption (water retention). The sound-absorbing member 47 is filled in the sound-absorbing chamber 44 so as to cover at least the periphery of the discharge port 42c.

[0037] As shown in Figs. 5 and 8, the lower cover 45 is formed in a substantially truncated cone shape that covers the lower opening of the cylindrical cover 43. The lower cover 45 has a substantially horizontal circular upper surface 45a and an outer peripheral upper surface 45b that is provided radially outward of the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface 45a. The outer peripheral upper surface 45b is tapered and inclined downward toward the radially outer outer peripheral edge 45f. The inclination angle of the outer peripheral upper surface 45b is substantially the same as the inclination angle of the lower portion 43c of the cylindrical cover 43. Therefore, when the lower cover 45 is attached to the cylindrical cover 43, the outer peripheral upper surface 45b and the lower portion 43c face each other in a symmetrical manner.

[0038] As shown in Figs. 5 and 8, a piping recess 45d is recessed in the front upper surface of the lower cover 45. The piping recess 45d extends from the front end of the lower cover 45 toward the approximate center of the lower cover 45. The piping recess 45d has a wall surface that is arc-shaped when viewed from the left and right direction. The piping recess 45d accommodates a curved portion of the drain discharge pipe 42 in which the horizontal extension portion 42a and the discharge pipe tip portion 42b are connected in an L-shape. This allows the discharge pipe tip portion 42b of the drain discharge pipe 42 extending from the front base 2 toward the rear lower cover 45 to enter the upper sound absorbing chamber 44. A support portion 49 that supports the sound absorbing member 47 from below is provided in the upper portion of the lower cover 45.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 8, the support portion 49 has a plurality of protrusions 46 that protrude upward from the upper surface 45a and the outer peripheral upper surface 45b. The plurality of protrusions 46 are in the form of upright plates and extend radially in the radial direction of the lower cover 45. The plurality of protrusions 46 are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the lower cover 45. A plurality of drain grooves 45c that extend radially in the radial direction are formed between the plurality of protrusions 46. The plurality of drain grooves 45c can be used to guide drain water that has fallen onto the upper surface 45a and the outer peripheral upper surface 45b toward the outer peripheral edge 45f of the lower cover 45.

[0040] As shown in Figs. 5 and 8, the protrusion 46 has a tip 46b located above the outer periphery of the upper surface 45a as its upper end. The protrusion 46 is provided with an arc-shaped upper surface 46a formed in an arc shape in the radial direction from the center of the upper surface 45a toward the tip 46b. The arc-shaped upper surfaces 46a cooperate to support the sound absorbing member 47 housed in the upper sound absorbing chamber 44 from below. The protrusion 46 is formed with an upright surface 46c extending substantially vertically from the tip 46b. The protrusion 46 is formed as an outer peripheral protrusion 46d that is shorter radially outward than the upright surface 46c. The outer peripheral protrusion 46d is inclined downward toward the outer peripheral edge 45f in accordance with the inclination of the outer peripheral upper surface 45b at the upper part of the outer peripheral upper surface 45b. Therefore, the outer peripheral protrusion 46d is formed at substantially the same height at any point on the outer peripheral upper surface 45b.

[0041] 5 and 8, the outer peripheral upper surface 45b is surrounded by a boss portion and has a plurality of through holes 45e penetrating in the vertical direction. The lower cover 45 can be attached to the lower part of the cylindrical cover 43 by passing the set screws 48 through the through holes 45e and screwing them into the screw holes 43d.

[0042] As described above, the air compressor 1 has the compressor 20 which compresses the introduced air, and the tank 3 which stores the compressed air discharged from the compressor 20, as shown in Fig. 4. The air compressor 1 is provided with a drain discharge pipe 42 which discharges the air and drain water in the tank 3 to the outside of the tank 3, and a drain cock 41 which is provided midway along the drain discharge pipe 42 and opens and closes the drain discharge pipe 42. The air compressor 1 is provided with a cylindrical cover 43 which has a discharge pipe tip portion 42b which is the tip of the drain discharge pipe 42 and has an upwardly facing discharge port 42c, and a top portion 43a which covers the discharge pipe tip portion 42b from above.

[0043] Therefore, the compressed air and the drain water are discharged from the upward discharge port 42c toward the inside of the upper cylindrical cover 43. The top part 43a of the cylindrical cover 43 prevents the drain water from being discharged above the top part 43a. By discharging the drain water upward from the drain port, the scattering of the drain water in the front, back, left and right directions is suppressed. By covering the front, back, left and right periphery of the discharge pipe tip part 42b with the cylindrical cover 43, the scattering of the drain water in the front, back, left and right directions can be further suppressed. Therefore, the drain water discharged into the cylindrical cover 43 is suppressed from scattering in the front, back, left and right directions and is discharged downward from the lower part of the cylindrical cover 43. Since the discharge pipe tip part 42b is arranged vertically long in the up and down direction, the opening area of ​​the lower part of the cylindrical cover 43 covering the discharge pipe tip part 42b can be reduced. Thus, the drainage area of ​​the drain water can be reduced, and the scattering of the drain water can be suppressed.

[0044] 4 and 6, the air compressor 1 has a lower cover 45 that covers the lower opening of the cylindrical cover 43. Therefore, the drain water discharged from the lower part of the cylindrical cover 43 falls onto the upper surface 45a and the upper surface 45b of the outer periphery of the lower cover 45, and is then discharged downward from the outer periphery 45f of the lower cover 45. Therefore, the drainage area of ​​the drain water can be limited to a narrow area of ​​the outer periphery 45f of the lower cover 45.

[0045] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the air compressor 1 has a sound-absorbing member 47 housed in the cylindrical cover 43 so as to cover the periphery of the discharge port 42c of the discharge pipe tip 42b. The force of the compressed air and drain water discharged from the discharge port 42c is therefore weakened by the sound-absorbing member 47. This makes it possible to suppress both the noise generated by the compressed air being discharged at high speed and the scattering of drain water. In addition, the sound-absorbing member 47 can be held within the cylindrical cover 43 by providing the lower cover 45 so that it does not flow out of the cylindrical cover 43.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the sound deadening member 47 is made of metallic wool. Therefore, the sound deadening member 47 is made of a metal with high strength. Therefore, deformation of the sound deadening member 47 can be suppressed when the compressed air and drain water are discharged from the discharge port 42c. Therefore, deterioration in the performance of the sound deadening member 47, which weakens the momentum of the compressed air and drain water, from the time of product shipment can be suppressed. Moreover, since the sound deadening member 47 is wool-like (fibrous), drain water that has entered the sound deadening member 47 can be easily discharged to the outside of the sound deadening member 47. Therefore, the drain water can be discharged so that it does not remain inside the cylindrical cover 43.

[0047] 5 and 8, the lower cover 45 has a support portion 49 that supports the sound deadening member 47 from below. Therefore, the sound deadening member 47 can be held inside the cylindrical cover 43 by the support portion 49. This makes it possible to prevent drain water from remaining inside the cylindrical cover 43. Therefore, when the drain water is discharged from inside the cylindrical cover 43, the sound deadening member 47 can be prevented from flowing out.

[0048] As shown in Figs. 5 and 8, the lower cover 45 has a plurality of protrusions 46 provided on the support portion 49 and protruding upward, and a drain groove 45c between the plurality of protrusions 46 for guiding drain water in the outer circumferential direction. Therefore, the plurality of protrusions 46 can hold the sound deadening member 47 in an upper position so as not to lower. Therefore, a gap can be secured between the upper surface 45a of the lower cover 45 and the sound deadening member 47. This makes it easy to drain water that has entered the sound deadening member 47 by flowing downward through the gap and discharging it. Moreover, the drain groove 45c can be formed so that the drain water can be discharged toward the outer circumferential edge 45f of the lower cover 45. Thus, the drain water can be discharged without expanding the drainage area and without remaining in the cylindrical cover 43.

[0049] 5, the lower cover 45 is connected to the cylindrical cover 43. Therefore, by connecting the lower cover 45 to the cylindrical cover 43, a drainage channel can be formed between the outer peripheral edge 45f of the lower cover 45 and the lower part 43c of the cylindrical cover 43. Therefore, the drain water can be discharged from the narrow drainage area corresponding to the outer peripheral edge 45f of the lower cover 45 without spreading.

[0050] 5 and 8, outer peripheral upper surface 45b of lower cover 45 is tapered downward toward outer peripheral edge 45f. Therefore, drain water can be efficiently discharged along tapered outer peripheral upper surface 45b of lower cover 45 toward outer peripheral edge 45f of lower cover 45. Therefore, accumulation of drain water on upper surface 45a and outer peripheral upper surface 45b of lower cover 45 can be suppressed.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 5, the lower part 43c of the cylindrical cover 43 is tapered so as to expand downward and outward in accordance with the tapered outer peripheral upper surface 45b of the lower cover 45, and faces the tapered outer peripheral upper surface 45b. Therefore, a drainage channel having a predetermined height can be formed between the tapered lower part 43c and the tapered outer peripheral upper surface 45b. Therefore, the drain water can be efficiently discharged toward the outer peripheral edge 45f of the lower cover 45. Moreover, since the lower part 43c and the outer peripheral upper surface 45b can be arranged close to each other, the sound absorbing member 47 can be held so as not to flow out from inside the cylindrical cover 43.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 6, the air compressor 1 has a plurality of tanks 3. The discharge pipe tip 42b of the drain discharge pipe 42 and the cylindrical cover 43 (see Fig. 4) are disposed between the plurality of tanks 3. Therefore, the discharge pipe tip 42b of the drain discharge pipe 42 and the cylindrical cover 43 can be disposed by utilizing the space between the plurality of tanks 3. Therefore, the air compressor 1 can be formed compactly.

[0053] Various modifications can be made to the air compressor 1 of the present embodiment described above. In the illustrated configuration, the drain discharge pipe 42 has a discharge pipe tip 42b that extends substantially vertically upward, and the discharge port 42c that opens facing upward. Alternatively, the discharge pipe tip 42b may be inclined, for example, within a range of 60° to 90°. Or, the opening direction of the discharge port 42c may be inclined, for example, within a range of 30° from the vertical upward direction.

[0054] A cylindrical cover 43 having a cylindrical shape is illustrated. Instead of this, a cylindrical cover having an elliptical or polygonal cross section may be provided. The top part 43a of the cylindrical cover 43 is not limited to a flat shape, and may be, for example, a hemispherical or conical shape.

[0055] The sound deadening member 47 is not limited to stainless steel, and may be made of other metal materials that are resistant to rust. The sound deadening member 47 may also be made of so-called glass wool made of glass fiber, for example. The sound deadening member 47 is not limited to a fibrous member, and may be formed as a member with many fine gaps, for example, by sintering a number of small metal balls.

[0056] In the illustrated configuration, multiple protrusions 46 are radially disposed from the center of the lower cover 45 toward the outer peripheral edge 45f, thereby forming multiple drain grooves 45c radially from the center toward the outer peripheral edge 45f between the multiple protrusions 46. Alternatively, for example, the radial center of the multiple protrusions 46 and the multiple drain grooves 45c may be shifted from the center of the lower cover 45. This allows drain water to be discharged, for example, centered on the rear part of the outer peripheral edge 45f, thereby narrowing the drainage area for drain water.

[0057] The air compressor 1 has been exemplified in which two tanks 3 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, one tank 3 or three or more tanks 3 may be provided. The multiple tanks 3 may be arranged vertically in a vertical line or may be arranged in a mountain-shaped stack. Although the compressor 20 has been exemplified in which a two-stage compression mechanism is used, a one-stage compression mechanism or a three or more stage compression mechanism may also be used. Instead of the electric motor 12, for example, an internal combustion engine may be used as the power source. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1. Air compressor 2. Base 3...tank, 3a...first tank, 3b...second tank, 3c...tank connecting pipe 3d…Pressure sensor 4...Mechanism cover, 4a...Ventilation hole, 4b...Operation panel 5...Support leg, 5a...Tank guard 6…Underguard 7...Main body support member 8…Handle section 10... Compressor body, 10a... Body leg, 10b... Vibration absorbing member 11...Mechanism case, 11a...Filter 12...electric motor, 12a...output shaft, 12b...stator, 12c...rotor 13, 14...Bearings 15,16…Fan 17...first crank rod, 17a...first crank disc 18... second crank rod, 18a... second crank disc 20…Compressor 21…First compressor 22...first cylinder, 22a...first piston chamber, 22b...first intermediate chamber 22c…First check valve 23…First piston 24…Ventilation pipe 25…Second compressor 26... second cylinder, 26a... second piston chamber, 26b... second intermediate chamber 26c…Second check valve 27…Second piston 28...Exit 30…Ventilation pipe 31...Entrance 32…Controller 33…Joint part 34...Reducing valve adjustment knob, 34a...Pressure sensor 40…Drain discharge section 41…Drain cock 42...Drain discharge pipe, 42a...Horizontal extension part, 42b...Discharge pipe tip, 42c...Drain port 43...Cylindrical cover, 43a...Top part, 43b...Circumference part, 43c...Lower part 43d...Screw hole 44…Sound reduction room 45...lower cover, 45a...upper surface, 45b...outer peripheral surface, 45c...drain groove 45d: piping recess, 45e: insertion hole, 45f: outer periphery 46...protrusion, 46a...arc-shaped surface, 46b...tip, 46c...erected surface, 46d...outer circumferential protrusion 47...Sound deadening material 48…Setscrew 49...Support part F…Installation surface

Claims

1. An air compressor, A compressor that compresses the introduced air; A tank for storing compressed air discharged from the compressor; a drain discharge pipe for discharging air and drain water from the tank to the outside of the tank; a drain cock provided in the middle of the drain pipe for opening and closing the drain pipe; A drain pipe tip portion which is a tip of the drain pipe and has an upward outlet; A cylindrical cover having a top portion that covers the tip portion of the exhaust pipe from above; A lower cover that covers a lower opening of the cylindrical cover; an air compressor having a sound-absorbing member housed within the cylindrical cover so as to cover the periphery of the discharge port at the tip of the discharge pipe;

2. An air compressor, A compressor that compresses the introduced air; A plurality of tanks for storing compressed air discharged from the compressor; a drain discharge pipe for discharging air and drain water from the tank to the outside of the tank; a drain cock provided in the middle of the drain pipe for opening and closing the drain pipe; A drain pipe tip portion which is a tip of the drain pipe and has an upward outlet; A cylindrical cover having a top portion that covers the tip portion of the discharge pipe from above, The air compressor, wherein the drain pipe tip portion of the drain pipe and the cylindrical cover are disposed between the plurality of tanks.

3. An air compressor as claimed in claim 2, The air compressor has a lower cover that covers a lower opening of the cylindrical cover.

4. An air compressor as claimed in claim 3, an air compressor having a sound-absorbing member housed within the cylindrical cover so as to cover the periphery of the discharge port at the tip of the discharge pipe;

5. An air compressor according to claim 1 or 4, The sound-deadening member of the air compressor is made of metal wool.

6. An air compressor according to any one of claims 1, 4, and 5, The lower cover of the air compressor has a support portion that supports the sound deadening member from below.

7. An air compressor as claimed in claim 6, The lower cover of this air compressor has a plurality of protrusions that are provided on the support portion and protrude upward, and a drain groove between the plurality of protrusions that guides the drain water in an outer circumferential direction.

8. An air compressor according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 7, The lower cover is an air compressor connected to the cylindrical cover.

9. An air compressor as claimed in claim 8, An air compressor in which an upper surface of the outer periphery of the lower cover is tapered downward toward the outer periphery.

10. An air compressor as claimed in claim 9, The lower part of the cylindrical cover is tapered so as to expand downward and outward in accordance with the tapered upper surface of the lower cover, and the air compressor faces the tapered upper surface of the lower cover.

Citation Information

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