Drain bolt removal tool

Abstract

To inhibit adhesion of an oil to a worker and inhibit heat damage caused by the oil in drain bolt removal work.SOLUTION: A drain bolt removal tool 1 includes: a bolt fitting part 10 which is fitted with a drain bolt 100; a holding part 20 which is held by a worker; a shaft-like intermediate part 30 which connects the bolt fitting part 10 with the holding part 20; and multiple umbrella-shaped parts 33, 34 each provided at the intermediate part 30 and forming an umbrella-shape spreading in a direction intersecting with an axial direction of the intermediate part 30. The multiple umbrella-shaped parts 33, 34 are disposed spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other in the axial direction of the intermediate part 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed herein belongs to the technical field related to drain bolt removal tools.

Background Art

[0002] An engine is provided with an oil pan for storing engine oil, and a drain port for draining the oil is provided at the lower part of the oil pan. The drain port is normally closed by fastening a drain bolt, and the drain bolt is removed from the oil pan during oil change. When removing the drain bolt, there was a problem that oil would flow out from the drain pan and get on the operator's hands. In response to this problem, devising the configuration of the drain bolt removal tool has been considered.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a drain bolt removal tool provided with a socket part having a first socket hole fitted to an oil drain cock (drain bolt) at an end, and a receiving tray connected to the socket part so as to expand in the circumferential direction of the socket part between the socket part and a gripping part gripped by an operator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, since the viscosity of oil increases when it is cold, oil replacement is carried out when the oil is at a high temperature, such as immediately after the engine is stopped. With the tool as described in Patent Document 1, when removing the drain bolt, there is a problem that the heat of the oil is transmitted to the operator's hand through the tray (heat damage occurs). If the position away from the tray in the gripping part is gripped, heat damage caused by the oil can be suppressed. However, in this case, the grip of the gripping part becomes weak and the workability deteriorates.

[0006] In addition, as a result of the inventors of the present application conducting intensive research, it has been found that with the tool as described in Patent Document 1, when removing the drain bolt, the oil runs along the surface of the gripping part side of the tray and adheres to the operator.

[0007] The technology disclosed herein has been made in view of such points, and the object thereof is to suppress the adhesion of oil to the operator and suppress heat damage caused by the oil in the operation of removing the drain bolt.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the technology disclosed herein is directed to a drain bolt removal tool for removing a drain bolt fastened to an oil pan, and includes a bolt fitting portion that fits into the drain bolt, a gripping portion that an operator grips, a shaft-shaped intermediate portion that connects the bolt fitting portion and the gripping portion, and a plurality of umbrella-shaped portions provided on the intermediate portion and having an umbrella shape that spreads in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the intermediate portion. Each of the plurality of umbrella-shaped portions is arranged at a predetermined interval in the axial direction in order to suppress heat damage caused by the oil. and the umbrella-shaped part closest to the bolt fitting part has a size large enough to repel the oil flowing out when removing the drain bolt, and the umbrella-shaped part closest to the gripping part has a larger size when viewed from the axial direction than the other umbrella-shaped parts and has such a configuration.

[0009] According to this configuration, when removing the drain bolt, if oil leaks out, the oil is repelled by the umbrella-shaped part closest to the bolt fitting part. Since each of the plurality of umbrella-shaped parts is arranged at a predetermined interval in the axial direction, even if the operator grips near the umbrella-shaped part in the gripping part, the heat of the oil will not be transmitted to the operator. Further, even if the oil flows along the umbrella-shaped part closest to the bolt fitting part toward the gripping part side, the other umbrella-shaped parts can repel this oil, thereby suppressing the oil from adhering to the operator. As a result, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of oil to the operator and to suppress heat damage caused by the oil.

[0010] Furthermore, since each of the plurality of umbrella-shaped parts is arranged at a predetermined interval in the axial direction, the removal tool can be, for example, hung on the edge of the drainer. As a result, by facing the bolt fitting part and the intermediate part toward the drainer side, it is also possible to suppress the oil adhering to the bolt fitting part and the intermediate part from adhering to other tools or the like.

[0011] Before In the drain bolt removal tool described above, the intermediate part may have a magnet accommodating part for detachably accommodating a magnet at a connection part with the bolt fitting part, and a communication hole extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction toward the magnet accommodating part.

[0012] According to this configuration, since the bolt can be attracted to the bolt fitting part by magnetic force, the efficiency of the drain bolt removal work can be improved. Further, since a communication hole extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the intermediate part is formed, it becomes easy to replace the magnet accommodated in the magnet accommodating part.

[0013] Also, when a magnet is fitted to the bolt fitting part as in the prior art, the magnet may be attracted to the drain bolt and come off from the bolt fitting part together with the drain bolt. On the other hand, in the above configuration, since the magnet is arranged in the intermediate part, it is possible to suppress the magnet from coming off from the bolt fitting part together with the drain bolt.

Effects of the Invention

[0014] As described above, according to the technology disclosed herein, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of oil to the operator and suppress the heat damage caused by the oil.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail based on the drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a drain bolt removal tool 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the removal tool 1) according to the present embodiment. This removal tool 1 is a tool used, for example, when removing a drain bolt 100 (see FIG. 6) fastened to an oil pan P provided in an engine of a vehicle.

[0018] The removal tool 1 has a bolt fitting portion 10 that fits with the drain bolt 100 on the tip side and a gripping portion 20 that an operator grips on the base end side. The bolt fitting portion 10 and the gripping portion 20 are connected by a shaft-shaped intermediate portion 30. The bolt fitting portion 10, the gripping portion 20, and the intermediate portion 30 are configured such that their axial centers are the same in the unloaded state. The removal tool 1 is made of a resin-based esteromer, for example, silicone resin. The bolt fitting portion 10, the gripping portion 20, and the intermediate portion 30 are integrally formed.

[0019] The bolt fitting portion 10 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with a bottom portion 11 on the intermediate portion 30 side. The peripheral wall portion 12 has a circular cross-section on the outer peripheral portion and a dodecagonal shape (double hexagonal shape) with twelve groove portions 12a in the cross-section on the inner peripheral portion. In particular, the cross-sectional shape of the inner peripheral portion of the peripheral wall portion 12 is a dodecagonal shape that fits and engages with the hexagonal shape of the head of the drain bolt 100. Note that the bolt fitting portion 10 is configured to be harder than the thin shaft portion 31 described later.

[0020] The gripping portion 20 has a gripping portion main body 21 that an operator actually grips and a tail portion 22 provided at the end on the base end side of the gripping portion main body 21. As shown in FIG. 2, the gripping portion main body 21 has a shape that is slightly constricted toward the axial center. The tail portion 22 has a frustum shape. The tail portion 22 has a reduced diameter from the end on the tip side to the end on the base end side. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, a plurality of recessed portions 23 that are recessed toward the axial center are formed at the boundary portion between the gripping portion main body 21 and the tail portion 22. The recessed portions 23 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the tail portion 22.

[0021] The intermediate portion 30 has a thin shaft portion 31 with a hexagonal cross-section. The thin shaft portion 31 is a portion that is thinner than the other parts of the removal tool 1.

[0022] At the tip side portion of the thin shaft portion 31, a connection portion 32 integrally connected to the bolt fitting portion 10 is provided. The connection portion 32 has a shape that gradually expands in a direction away from the axis from the thin shaft portion 31 toward the bolt fitting portion 10. In the connection portion 32, a magnet accommodating portion 32a for accommodating the magnet 40 is provided.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 5, the magnet accommodating portion 32a is formed in a portion of the connection portion 32 close to the bolt fitting portion 10. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the magnet accommodating portion 32a accommodates the magnet 40 so that the magnet 40 is positioned at the center of the bolt fitting portion 10. The magnet accommodating portion 32a is circular when viewed in the axial direction of the intermediate portion 30. The inner diameter of the magnet accommodating portion 32a is smaller than the inner diameter of the bolt fitting portion 10. Incidentally, the magnet accommodating portion 32a is particularly easy to accommodate if the shape of the magnet 40 is cylindrical or annular. Even if the shape of the magnet 40 is rectangular, the magnet accommodating portion 32a can accommodate the magnet 40 because the connection portion 32 is made of a flexible resin material.

[0024] The magnet accommodating portion 32a communicates with the outside through a communication hole 32b extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. The width of the communication hole 32b in the axial direction is smaller than the width of the magnet accommodating portion 32a in the axial direction, and step portions 32c are respectively formed on both sides in the axial direction between the magnet accommodating portion 32a and the communication hole 32b. Each of these step portions 32c serves as a stopper to prevent the magnet 40 from coming out through the communication hole 32b when the magnet 40 is accommodated in the magnet accommodating portion 32a. The width of the communication hole 32b in the axial direction and the direction orthogonal to the hole axis direction is the same as the diameter of the magnet accommodating portion 32a.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the intermediate portion 30 has a plurality of umbrella-shaped portions provided between the thin shaft portion 31 and the gripping portion 20. Specifically, the intermediate portion 30 has a first umbrella-shaped portion 33 connected to the end portion on the proximal end side of the thin shaft portion 31 and a second umbrella-shaped portion 34 connected to the end portion on the distal end side of the gripping portion 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the first and second umbrella-shaped portions 33, 34 each have a circular shape centered on the axis of the intermediate portion 30. That is, the first and second umbrella-shaped portions 33, 34 are formed to be concentric with the bolt fitting portion 10 and the gripping portion 20 when viewed from the axial direction. The first and second umbrella-shaped portions 33, 34 are each composed only of a disk that spreads in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the intermediate portion 30, and each peripheral portion does not have a fold or the like. The first and second umbrella-shaped portions 33, 34 have a tapered shape in which the width in the axial direction gradually narrows as the cross section cut along the plane including the axis goes toward the outside in the radial direction.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the first umbrella-shaped portion 33 is configured to have a larger diameter than the bolt fitting portion 10. The diameter of the first umbrella-shaped portion 33 is about twice that of the bolt fitting portion 10.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the second umbrella-shaped portion 34 is configured to have a larger diameter than the first umbrella-shaped portion 34. That is, among the plurality of umbrella-shaped portions, the umbrella-shaped portion closest to the gripping portion 20 (here, the second umbrella-shaped portion 34) has a larger size when viewed from the axial direction than the other umbrella-shaped portions (here, the first umbrella-shaped portion 33). The diameter of the second umbrella-shaped portion 34 is about 10 to 15% larger than the diameter of the first umbrella-shaped portion 33.

[0028] The first umbrella-shaped portion 33 and the second umbrella-shaped portion 34 are connected by a thick shaft portion 35 having a diameter similar to that of the gripping portion 20 with a predetermined interval therebetween in the axial direction. The predetermined interval is, for example, larger than the width of the edge of the drainer D (see FIG. 9) used in the oil change operation and is wide enough to hook the tool 1 on the drainer D. The predetermined interval is, for example, about 13 to 15 mm.

[0029] Next, the operation of removing the drain bolt 100 with the tool 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. Note that the removal work of the drain bolt 100 is basically carried out during oil change. Since the viscosity of the oil increases when it is cold, the oil change is performed when the oil is at a high temperature, such as immediately after the engine is stopped. The states shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 are immediately after the engine is stopped and the oil is at a high temperature.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 6, the drain bolt 100 is provided at the bottom of the oil pan P. Here, the drain bolt 100 is obliquely attached to the bottom of the oil pan P. In the removal work of the drain bolt 100, first, the drain bolt 100 is loosened with a wrench (not shown) or the like to such an extent that the drain bolt 100 does not come off from the oil pan P.

[0031] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the bolt fitting portion 10 of the tool 1 is fitted to the drain bolt 100. At this time, the bolt fitting portion 10 is fitted to the drain bolt 100 so that the corner portion of the drain bolt 100 is positioned in the groove portion 12a of the peripheral wall portion 12 of the bolt fitting portion 10. Then, the grip portion 20 is turned to rotate the drain bolt 100. Since the drain bolt 100 is loosened to some extent, a large torque is not required to rotate it. Therefore, even if the bolt fitting portion 10 is made of a flexible resin material, the drain bolt 100 can be rotated. In particular, since the thin shaft portion 31 has a hexagonal cross-section, the torsional rigidity of the thin shaft portion 31 is relatively high, so that the rotational torque can be appropriately transmitted from the grip portion 20 to the drain bolt 100. Further, since the drain bolt 100 is attracted by the magnet 40, the fitting state between the drain bolt 100 and the bolt fitting portion 10 is appropriately maintained, so that the drain bolt 100 can be rotated relatively easily. Note that even if the head shape of the drain bolt 100 is circular, friction can be generated between the head and the inner peripheral portion by the inner peripheral portion contacting the head or the inner peripheral portion elastically deforming in accordance with the head shape. Therefore, the drain bolt 100 can be rotated by the tool 1.

[0032] Then, as shown in FIG. 8, when the drain bolt 100 is removed, the oil in the oil pan P flows out through the bolt hole. At this time, a part of the oil flows out toward the operator along the direction of the bolt hole and also flows toward the gripping portion 20 along the peripheral surface of the tool 1. Since the tool 1 is provided with the first umbrella-shaped portion 33, these oils can be repelled by the first umbrella-shaped portion 33. Further, the oil that has flowed down from the edge of the first umbrella-shaped portion 33 or has flowed along the surface on the proximal end side of the first umbrella-shaped portion 33 can be repelled by the second umbrella-shaped portion 34. Thereby, it is possible to effectively suppress the adhesion of oil to the operator's hand.

[0033] Here, as described above, the removal operation of the drain bolt 100 is performed with the oil in a high-temperature state. In the tool 1 of the present embodiment, the second umbrella-shaped portion 34 is provided on the proximal end side of the first umbrella-shaped portion 33 that repels a large amount of oil, and a predetermined interval is provided between the first umbrella-shaped portion 33 and the second umbrella-shaped portion 34. Therefore, the heat transmitted from the oil to the first umbrella-shaped portion 33 is less likely to be transmitted to the hand of the operator who grips the gripping portion 20. Thereby, it is possible to suppress heat damage caused by the oil.

[0034] Further, since a predetermined interval is provided between the first umbrella-shaped portion 33 and the second umbrella-shaped portion 34, as shown in FIG. 9, the tool 1 can be hooked on the edge of the drainer D. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the oil adhering to the bolt fitting portion 10 and the intermediate portion 30 from adhering to other tools or the like. Further, by hooking the tool 1 with the bolt fitting portion 10 and the intermediate portion 30 facing the drainer D side, the oil adhering to the bolt fitting portion 10 and the intermediate portion 30 can also be dropped onto the drainer D.

[0035] In the present embodiment, both the first and second umbrella-shaped portions 33 and 34 are each constituted only by a disk that spreads in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the intermediate portion 30. Thereby, high-temperature oil does not accumulate on each of the first and second umbrella-shaped portions 33 and 34. As a result, heat damage caused by the oil can be more effectively suppressed.

[0036] In addition, in the present embodiment, the second umbrella-shaped portion 34 has a larger diameter than the first umbrella-shaped portion 33. Thereby, even if oil flows along the edge of the first umbrella-shaped portion 33, the second umbrella-shaped portion 34 can effectively repel the oil. As a result, it is possible to more appropriately prevent the oil from adhering to the hands of the operator.

[0037] In addition, in the present embodiment, the intermediate portion 30 has a magnet accommodating portion 32a for detachably accommodating the magnet 40 at a connection portion 32 with the bolt fitting portion 10, and a communication hole 32b extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction toward the magnet accommodating portion 32a. Thereby, since the drain bolt 100 can be attracted to the bolt fitting portion 10 by magnetic force, the efficiency of the removal work of the drain bolt 100 can be improved. Further, since the communication hole 32b extends in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the intermediate portion 30, it becomes easy to replace the magnet 40 accommodated in the magnet accommodating portion 32a.

[0038] Also, due to the magnetic force of the magnet 40, even after the drain bolt 100 is removed from the oil pan P, the drain bolt 100 can be kept fitted to the bolt fitting portion 10. Further, as described above, the thin shaft portion 31 has a hexagonal cross-sectional shape, and in addition to the above-described torsional rigidity, the bending rigidity is also relatively high. Therefore, when the gripping portion 20 is gripped, the thin shaft portion 31 is not easily deflected by the weight of the drain bolt 100. By these, after the drain bolt 100 is removed from the oil pan P, the drain bolt 100 remains fitted to the bolt fitting portion 10, and the drain bolt 100 can be washed with a parts cleaner or the like and then reinstalled in the oil pan P. In particular, since the thin shaft portion 31 is not easily deflected, it is easy to aim when inserting the drain bolt 100 into the bolt hole. Further, as described above, since the torsional rigidity of the thin shaft portion 31 is high, it is easy to transmit a rotational torque to the drain bolt 100 after the drain bolt 100 is inserted into the bolt hole.

[0039] In particular, in the present embodiment, since the width of the communication hole 32b in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction and the hole axis direction is the same as the diameter of the magnet housing portion 32a, it is easy to replace the magnet 40. On the other hand, since the step portions 32c are respectively formed on both sides in the axial direction between the magnet housing portion 32a and the communication hole 32b, it is possible to prevent the magnet 40 housed in the magnet housing portion 32a from falling out through the communication hole 32b. Further, since the connecting portion 32 is also made of a resin material having flexibility, even if there are the step portions 32c, the magnet 40 can be easily taken out by deforming the magnet housing portion 32a so as to expand it when replacing the magnet 40.

[0040] The technology disclosed herein is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and substitutions are possible without departing from the gist of the claims.

[0041] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the two umbrella-shaped portions of the first umbrella-shaped portion 33 and the second umbrella-shaped portion 34 are provided, but three or more umbrella-shaped portions may be provided.

[0042] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the first and second umbrella-shaped portions 33 and 34 are both constituted only by circular plates that expand in a direction orthogonal to the axial center of the intermediate portion 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and either one or both of the first and second umbrella-shaped portions 33 and 34 may be formed in a shape that is slightly inclined toward the gripping portion 20 side in the axial direction.

[0043] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the first and second umbrella-shaped portions 33 and 34 are each circular when viewed from the axial direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first and second umbrella-shaped portions 33 and 34 may be elliptical or rectangular when viewed from the axial direction.

[0044] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the inner peripheral portion of the bolt fitting portion 10 has a dodecagonal cross section. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the inner peripheral portion of the bolt fitting portion 10 may have a circular cross section. In this case, the inner peripheral portion has a diameter that is slightly smaller than the head of a general drain bolt 100.

[0045] The foregoing embodiments are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

Industrial Applicability

[0046] The technology disclosed herein is useful as a drain bolt removal tool for removing a drain bolt fastened to an oil pan.

Explanation of Signs

[0047] 1 Drain bolt removal tool 10 Bolt fitting part 20 Gripping part 30 Intermediate part 32 Connection part 32a Magnet housing part 32b Communication hole 33 First umbrella-shaped part (other umbrella-shaped part) 34 Second umbrella-shaped part (the umbrella-shaped part closest to the gripping part) 40 Magnet 100 Drain bolt P Oil pan

Claims

1. An oil drain bolt removal tool for removing an oil drain bolt fastened to an oil pan, comprising a bolt fitting portion that fits into the oil drain bolt, a gripping portion that an operator grips, and a shaft-shaped intermediate portion that connects the bolt fitting portion and the gripping portion, and a plurality of umbrella-shaped portions provided on the intermediate portion and having an umbrella shape that spreads in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the intermediate portion. Each of the plurality of umbrella-shaped portions is arranged at a predetermined interval in the axial direction to suppress heat damage caused by oil. The umbrella-shaped portion closest to the bolt fitting portion has a size that repels the oil flowing out when removing the oil drain bolt. The umbrella-shaped portion closest to the gripping portion has a larger size when viewed from the axial direction than the other umbrella-shaped portions. An oil drain bolt removal tool characterized by the above.

2. The oil drain bolt removal tool according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion has a magnet accommodating portion for detachably accommodating a magnet at a connection portion with the bolt fitting portion, and a communication hole extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction toward the magnet accommodating portion. An oil drain bolt removal tool characterized by the above.

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