Socket Adapter

Abstract

To provide a driver bit-through socket adapter that is usable for fastening and removal of bolts and nuts different in size in addition to a driver bit.SOLUTION: A socket adapter connectable to an electric screwdriver 100 with a driver bit 200 mounted thereon includes: a cylindrical adapter body part 23 which has a through-hole 21 of a polygonal cross section into which the driver bit is fitted and inserted, is settable by being moved between a retreated position in which an ear tip 201 of the driver bit projects from one end of the through-hole and an advanced position in which the ear tip of the driver bit is hidden from the one end of the through hole, and is rotatable integrally with the driver bit; tool attachment part 20a of a polygonal cross section which is arranged on a peripheral part of the adapter body part on one end side and to which a first tool is attachable; and a tool connection part 20b arranged on the outer peripheral part of the adapter body part on the other end side and connectable and attachable to a socket part of a second tool.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a socket adapter, and more particularly to a socket adapter suitable for interchangeably attaching various types of driver bits to electric and manual drivers, manual ratchet wrenches, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, commonly used screwdrivers include fixed-type screwdrivers in which a screwdriver bit is integrally attached to a handle (grip), and interchangeable screwdrivers in which several types of screwdriver bits are detachably attached to a common handle. However, all of these screwdrivers have the disadvantage that they can only be used for turning screws.

[0003] Therefore, there have been proposals for driver sockets that can be attached to a driver to be used for assembling various types of bolts and nuts, or for driver sockets that can be used as socket wrenches for removing them (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-218557 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a socket 12 that can be positioned relative to a spindle 11 at a forward position where it is advanced and at a retracted position where it is retracted. The reference numerals are those in Patent Document 1. The tip of the spindle (first tool shaft) 11 is formed with a bit (second tool end) 14, which is the tip of a screwdriver, for tightening a cross-recessed screw 13, and the bit 14 is configured to be usable when the socket 12 is set in the retracted position. The tip of the socket 12 is formed with a hexagonal socket opening (first tool end) 16 that can accommodate a bolt 15 or nut of a predetermined size, and the socket opening 16 is configured to be usable when the socket 12 is set in the forward position.

[0006] However, the socket 12 described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the use of a tool is limited to one that matches the shape of the socket opening 16 of the attached socket.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has a technical problem that must be solved: to provide a driver bit-through socket adapter that can be used as a socket adapter that can be used to tighten and remove bolts and nuts of different sizes in addition to Phillips and flathead driver bits used for tightening screws, etc., and the present invention aims to solve this problem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention has been proposed to achieve the above object, and the invention described in claim 1 is a socket adapter that can be connected to a driver bit, the socket adapter having a through hole with a polygonal cross section through which the driver bit is fitted and inserted. ,before The adapter includes a cylindrical adapter body that can rotate integrally with the driver bit, a tool attachment portion having a polygonal cross section that is provided on the outer periphery of one end of the adapter body and that can detachably attach a first tool, and a tool connecting portion having a polygonal cross section that is provided on the outer periphery of the other end of the adapter body and that can be connected to and attached to a socket portion of a second tool. the tool mounting portion is equipped with a fixing ring that is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the tool mounting portion and is fitted and press-fitted onto the inner surface of the first tool when the first tool is attached to the tool mounting portion, and the tubular adapter main body, when connected to the driver bit attached to an electric or manual screwdriver, is movable between a retracted position where the tip of the driver bit protrudes from one end of the through hole and the base of the driver bit protrudes from the other end of the through hole, and an advanced position where the tip of the driver bit is hidden from one end of the through hole and the base of the driver bit protrudes from the other end of the through hole. A socket adapter is provided.

[0009] With this configuration, when the adapter body is moved to a retracted position on the driver bit while still attached to the outer periphery of the driver bit, the Phillips or Flathead tip formed on the tip of the driver bit protrudes from one end of the adapter body, making it possible to use the Phillips or Flathead tip of the driver bit for tasks such as tightening bolts. Similarly, when the adapter body is moved to a forward position along the axis of the driver bit while still attached to the outer periphery of the driver bit, one end of the adapter body protrudes from the tip of the driver bit, hiding the tip. A first tool, such as various sockets for tightening and loosening bolts and nuts of different sizes, can then be interchangeably attached to the outer periphery of one end of the adapter body. Alternatively, a support for a third tool, such as a socket or 6.3-axis tip part for tightening and loosening bolts and nuts of different sizes, can be interchangeably attached to the polygonal through-hole exposed at one end of the adapter body, allowing for manual or electric tightening and loosening of bolts and nuts together with a driver. Furthermore, by further moving the adapter body toward the forward position, the socket adapter can be removed from the driver bit. Furthermore, by removing the socket adapter from the outer periphery of the driver bit and connecting and attaching the tool connecting portion to the socket portion of a second tool, such as a ratchet wrench, which is operated manually, the socket adapter can be integrated with the ratchet wrench. Then, by interchangeably attaching a first tool, such as various sockets, to one end of the adapter body, or the support shaft of a third tool to the polygonal through-hole of the adapter body, it becomes possible to manually tighten and loosen bolts and nuts together with the ratchet wrench. Furthermore, if the driver bit breaks, you can simply replace the driver bit, leaving the socket adapter in place.

[0010] The invention described in claim 2 provides a socket adapter having the configuration described in claim 1, wherein the adapter main body is equipped with a retaining means having a ball that can be fitted and locked into a retaining groove provided on the outer periphery of the driver bit, and a slide cover that presses the ball toward the axial center of the driver bit and releasably generates a force that restricts movement of the adapter main body in a direction along the axial center of the driver bit.

[0011] With this configuration, the ball is pressed toward the axial center of the driver bit at a predetermined position on the driver bit where the hole and the anti-slip groove are fitted and locked by the anti-slip holding means, allowing the socket adapter to be used in a state where it is securely restrained against the driver bit.

[0012] The invention of claim 3 provides a socket adapter having the configuration of claim 2, wherein the slide cover is movable axially along the outer periphery of the adapter main body, and has a locking protrusion and an unlocking recess formed side by side in the movement direction of the slide cover on an inner surface that can face the ball, and when the locking protrusion is moved to a locked position facing the ball, the slide cover fits and locks the ball into the anti-slip groove to lock the movement of the adapter main body, and when the unlocking recess is moved to an unlocked position facing the ball, the force that fits and locks the ball into the anti-slip groove is released, allowing the movement of the adapter main body.

[0013] With this configuration, when the slide cover is moved in the axial direction, the socket adapter can be securely restrained at a predetermined position on the driver bit where the ball and the retaining groove of the driver bit are fitted and locked. Furthermore, when moving the adapter body in a direction along the axial center of the driver bit, pushing the adapter body in the direction along the axial center causes the ball to escape into the unlocking recess, releasing the restraint and allowing the adapter body to be moved relative to the driver bit.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a socket adapter having the third aspect, wherein the retaining means has spring means for constantly moving the slide cover to the locked position.

[0015] With this configuration, when the slide cover is not being moved, the spring force of the spring automatically returns the slide cover to the locked position where the locking protrusion faces the ball. As a result, when the sleeve is not being moved, it is automatically locked by the retaining means, so there is no need to forget to relock it after unlocking it once.

[0016] The invention described in claim 5 provides a socket adapter having the configuration described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the adapter main body is equipped with a retaining means having a ball that can be fitted and locked into a retaining groove provided on the outer periphery of the driver bit, and a leaf spring portion with a C-shaped cross section that constantly applies a force to the ball pressing it toward the axial center of the driver bit.

[0017] With this configuration, when the movement of the adapter main body is operated, when the ball tries to escape from the retaining groove, the leaf spring portion with a C-shaped cross section is elastically deformed and spreads outward, escaping in a direction away from the retaining groove. This allows the ball to smoothly escape from the retaining groove. Furthermore, when the ball reaches a position corresponding to the retaining groove, the leaf spring portion with a C-shaped cross section elastically returns to its original position and narrows, allowing the ball to be held in the retaining groove by the elastic force of the leaf spring portion.

[0018] The invention as set forth in claim 6 provides a socket adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tool connecting portion is replaceably attached to a ratchet wrench.

[0019] According to this configuration, when the tool connecting portion of the adapter body is connected to and attached to a ratchet wrench, and a first tool such as various sockets is interchangeably attached to the tool attachment portion of the adapter body, or a support portion for a third tool such as various sockets is interchangeably attached to the polygonal through hole exposed on one end side of the adapter body, the first tool or second tool can be used together with the ratchet wrench or the like to manually tighten and loosen bolts and nuts.

[0020] The invention described in claim 7 provides a socket adapter in the configuration described in claim 6, in which the support shaft portion of a third tool can be replaceably attached to the through hole, with one end side of the through hole serving as a socket opening.

[0021] With this configuration, with the socket adapter still attached in an advanced position on the outer periphery of the driver bit, or with the socket adapter detached from the outer periphery of the driver bit and the tool connecting portion connected to and attached to the socket portion of a second tool such as a ratchet wrench that is operated manually, the support shaft portion of a third tool, such as a 6.35 shaft tip part, can be replaceably attached to the polygonal through-hole exposed on one end of the adapter body, allowing manual operations to be performed to tighten and loosen bolts and nuts together with the ratchet wrench. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the invention, in addition to being used as a Phillips or flathead screwdriver bit for tightening screws, etc., it can also be used for a variety of purposes, such as a socket wrench for tightening and removing bolts and nuts of different sizes. Furthermore, even if the driver bit is damaged, when the driver bit is replaced, the socket adapter can be attached to the replaced driver bit and used as is, reducing the economic burden. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1]1 is a front view of a socket adapter shown as a first example according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the socket adapter. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the socket adapter is attached to a predetermined position of a conventional driver bit. [Figure 7] 7 is a side view showing a cross section of only the socket adapter in the use state shown in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the appearance of an electric screwdriver showing a state in which the socket adapter is attached to a conventional screwdriver bit. [Figure 9] 9 is a side view of the electric screwdriver in the use state of FIG. 8, showing the socket adapter in section. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the electric screwdriver showing the state of use in which a socket as a first tool is attached to the tool attachment portion of the socket adapter, and the socket adapter is positioned in a retracted position above the driver bit. [Figure 11] 11 is a side view of the electric screwdriver showing a cross section of the socket adapter and the socket in the use state of FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electric screwdriver showing a state in which a socket as a first tool is attached to the tool attachment portion of the socket adapter, and the socket adapter is positioned in an advanced position above the driver bit. [Figure 13] 13 is a side view of the electric screwdriver showing a cross section of the socket adapter and the socket in the use state of FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 14]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the ratchet wrench shown in use with the socket adapter attached and the tool connecting portion connected to the socket portion of the conventional ratchet wrench in the retracted position on the conventional driver bit. [Figure 15] 15 is a side view of the ratchet wrench in the use state of FIG. 14, showing the socket adapter in section. [Figure 16] 10 is a perspective view of the ratchet wrench shown in use with the socket adapter attached by connecting the tool connecting portion to the socket portion of the conventional ratchet wrench. FIG. [Figure 17] 17 is a side view of the ratchet wrench in the use state of FIG. 16, showing the socket adapter in section. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a front view of a socket adapter shown as a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a side view of a socket adapter shown as a modified example of the same. [Figure 20] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 18. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a socket adapter shown as a modified example of the above. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a socket shown as a modified example of the same. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a state in which a socket adapter shown as a modification of the conventional driver bit is attached to a predetermined position of the conventional driver bit. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which a socket adapter shown as a modification of the conventional driver bit is attached to a predetermined position of the conventional driver bit. [Figure 25] 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 23, showing only the socket adapter in the use state shown in FIG. 24. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention aims to provide a driver bit-through socket adapter that can be used as a socket adapter for tightening and removing bolts and nuts of different sizes, in addition to Phillips and flathead driver bits used for tightening screws, etc., and to achieve this objective, the present invention provides a socket adapter that can be connected to a driver bit, having a through hole with a polygonal cross section into which the driver bit is fitted and inserted, and that is movable between a retracted position in which the tip of the driver bit protrudes from one end of the through hole and an advanced position in which the tip of the driver bit is hidden from the one end of the through hole, and that can rotate integrally with the driver bit, a tool attachment portion with a polygonal cross section provided on the outer periphery of one end of the adapter body, to which a first tool can be attached, and a tool connection portion with a polygonal cross section provided on the outer periphery of the other end of the adapter body, which can be connected and attached to the socket portion of a second tool. [Example]

[0025] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiment, when the number, value, amount, range, etc. of components is mentioned, the number is not limited to the specific number, and may be more or less than the specific number, unless otherwise specified or when it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle.

[0026] Furthermore, when referring to the shape or positional relationship of components, etc., it includes things that are substantially similar or approximate to those shapes, etc., unless otherwise specified or when it is clearly considered otherwise in principle.

[0027] In addition, the drawings may exaggerate characteristic parts to make the features easier to understand, and the dimensional proportions of the components may not be the same as in reality. In addition, in cross-sectional views, hatching of some components may be omitted to make the cross-sectional structure of the components easier to understand.

[0028] In the following description, expressions indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are not absolute, but are appropriate when each part of the socket adapter of the present invention is in the position shown in the drawing, but if the position changes, they should be interpreted accordingly. Furthermore, the same elements are assigned the same symbols throughout the description of the embodiments.

[0029] 1 to 5 show one example of a socket adapter 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The socket adapter 20 of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 can be used in a wide variety of applications. To give a representative example of a usable socket adapter, for example, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 13, the socket adapter 20 can be attached to a driver bit 200 and used with an interchangeable power screwdriver 100 or a manual screwdriver. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, the tool connecting portion 20b of the socket adapter 20 can be attached to the socket portion 401 of a manual ratchet wrench 400 and used with the ratchet wrench 400.

[0030] That is, Figures 6 and 7 show a configuration in which the socket adapter 20 of the present invention is attached to one end of a conventionally used replaceable driver bit 200, and this driver bit 200 is attached to the electric driver 100 shown in Figures 8 to 13 or a manual driver not shown and used, or attached to the ratchet wrench 400 shown in Figures 14 and 15 and used.

[0031] The driver bit 200 shown in FIGS. 6 to 15 is a general-purpose 6.35 mm hexagonal shaft (commonly referred to as a "6.35 shaft"). The driver bit 200 has tips 201 (tips 201a and 201b) at both ends of a bit body 202 with a hexagonal cross section, and a retaining circumferential groove 203 (retaining circumferential groove 203a and 203b) formed at the rear of the tip 201. Tip 201a may be for a cross-head screw, and tip 201b may be for a slotted screw, or tip 201a may be a Phillips head for large screws, and tip 201b may be a Phillips head for small screws. In this embodiment, tip 201a is for large screws and is used by pressing it against the head of a large screw with a cross-head screw, for example, and tip 201b is used by pressing it against the head of a cross-recessed small screw. By changing the direction of the tip 201 and attaching it to the electric screwdriver 100 or ratchet wrench 400, it becomes possible to attach and remove cross-recessed screws of different sizes, or to attach and remove cross-recessed screws and flat-head screws.

[0032] The detailed structure of the socket adapter 20 will be described later, but the socket adapter 20 slides on the outer periphery of the bit body 202 of the driver bit 200 along the axial center of the driver bit 200, and can be moved alternatively to either an advanced position (the state shown in FIG. 7) where the ball 22 is fitted and locked in the circumferential retaining groove 203a of the driver bit 200, or a retracted position where the ball 22 is fitted and locked in the circumferential retaining groove 203b. In either the advanced or retracted position, the socket adapter 20 is releasably held so as to be able to rotate integrally with the driver bit 200.

[0033] Figure 8 is an external oblique view of the electric screwdriver 100 showing the state in use with the socket adapter 20 of the present invention attached to the driver bit 200, and Figure 9 is a side view of the electric screwdriver 100 showing only the socket adapter 20 in cross section in the state in use of Figure 8.

[0034] The electric screwdriver 100 shown in Figures 8 and 9 is an electric tool unit in which a support portion (the other end side) of a driver bit 200 having a tip 201 at its tip is inserted into a bit chuck hole (not shown) serving as a socket portion provided at the tip of a rotating spindle 101, and the support portion (base portion) of the driver bit 200 is chuck-fixed and connected within the bit chuck hole, causing the driver bit 200 to rotate integrally with the rotating spindle 101. Also, in Figures 8 and 9, the socket adapter 20 is attached so as to be movable axially on the outer periphery of the driver bit 200 and to be rotatable integrally with the driver bit 200, with the driver bit 200 being fitted and inserted into a through-hole 21 having a polygonal cross section (hexagonal in this embodiment) that is provided along the axial center of the socket adapter 20 and penetrates the socket adapter 20 from the front to the rear ends thereof. 8 and 9, the socket adapter 20 is held on the outer periphery of the driver bit 200 at a predetermined position (retracted position) on the other end side of the driver bit 200 near the rotational spindle 101 of the electric screwdriver 100. As will be described later, the socket adapter 20 at this time is constrained and held at a predetermined position on the driver bit 200 by the sliding cover 26 pressing the ball 22 against the outer periphery of the driver bit 200.

[0035] The electric screwdriver 100 shown in Figures 10 and 11 is an electric tool unit in which a socket 300 as a first tool is attached to the tool attachment portion 20a of a socket adapter 20 attached to a driver bit 200 that is chuck-fixedly connected to the rotation spindle 101 of the electric screwdriver 100 shown in Figures 8 and 9. In Figures 10 and 11, the socket adapter 20 is held on the outer periphery of the driver bit 200, in a state where it is positioned on the retracted position side of the driver bit 200 that is close to the rotation spindle 101 of the electric screwdriver 100. The tip 201 of the driver bit 200 protrudes from one end of the socket 300, and the tip 201 can be pressed against the head of a cross recessed screw to attach or remove the cross recessed screw.

[0036] The electric screwdriver 100 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is similar to the electric screwdriver 100 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , except that the socket adapter 20, to which the socket 300 as the first tool is attached, is positioned on the outer periphery of the driver bit 200 toward the front end of the driver bit 200, and the ball 22 is fitted and locked into the retaining circumferential groove 203a of the bit body 202 to prevent it from falling out. In the electric screwdriver 100 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the socket opening 300a of the socket 300 is positioned protruding forward from the tip 201 of the driver bit 200. In this arrangement of the socket 300, sockets of various sizes corresponding to, for example, square bolts and nuts can be interchangeably attached to the socket opening 300a, enabling the installation and removal of square bolts and nuts. Sockets 300 for various sizes of square bolts and nuts are available, allowing them to be used by replacing them with the socket 300 of the required size.

[0037] 14 and 15, a manual ratchet wrench 400 as a second tool is provided at the front and rear ends of the ratchet wrench 400, i.e., a socket portion 401 and a socket opening 401a at the front upper end, a socket portion 402 and a socket opening 402a at the rear upper end, a socket portion 403 and a socket opening 403a at the front lower end, and a socket portion 404 and a socket opening 404a at the rear lower end. In this embodiment, the size of the socket opening 401a of the socket portion 401 corresponds to the size of the tool connecting portion 20b of the socket adapter 20. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the socket adapter 20 is attached to the socket portion 401 of the ratchet wrench 400 by fitting and locking the tool connecting portion 20b into the socket portion 401 through the socket opening 401a. When the socket adapter 20 attached to the socket portion 401 is rotated with the ratchet wrench 400, the driver bit 200 attached to the socket adapter 20 can be rotated integrally with the socket adapter 20. Therefore, when the tip 201a (201) of the driver bit 200 is pressed against the head of a cross recessed screw and rotated, the cross recessed screw can be attached and removed.

[0038] 16 and 17, a manual ratchet wrench 400 serving as a second tool is a manual tool unit in which, instead of the driver bit 200 in the ratchet wrench 400 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a socket 300 serving as a first tool is attached to the tool attachment portion 20a of the socket adapter 20 so as to be integrally rotatable, and the tool connecting portion 20b of the socket adapter 20 to which the socket 300 is attached is inserted and fitted into the socket opening 401a of the socket portion 401. In the manual ratchet wrench 400 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the socket opening 300a of the socket 300 is positioned in a position that protrudes forward from the front end (tool attachment portion 20a) of the socket adapter 20. In this arrangement of the socket 300, sockets of various sizes corresponding to, for example, square bolts and nuts of various sizes can be interchangeably attached to the socket opening 300a. Therefore, by attaching sockets 300 of various sizes corresponding to square bolts and nuts of various sizes to the tool attachment portion 20a of the socket adapter 20, and inserting the square bolts and nuts corresponding to these sockets 300 into the socket openings 300a, and then rotating the ratchet wrench 400, it becomes possible to attach and remove the square bolts and nuts.

[0039] As described above, the socket adapter 20 according to the present invention can be used for a wide variety of purposes, as shown in Figures 6 to 17. Next, the detailed structure of the socket adapter 20 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0040] 1 to 5, Fig. 1 is a front view of the socket adapter 20, Fig. 2 is a side view of the socket adapter 20, Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is an external perspective view of the socket adapter 20, and Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the socket adapter 20. In the following explanation, the left side in the left-right direction of Figs. 2 and 3 will be described as one end side of the socket adapter 20, and the right side will be described as the other end side.

[0041] The socket adapter 20 has an adapter main body 23, a retaining means 24, and the like.

[0042] The adapter main body 23 is a generally cylindrical metal member having a through-hole 21 with a hexagonal cross section formed in the center, penetrating from one end to the other. The hexagonal cross section of the through-hole 21 corresponds to the hexagonal cross section of a 6.35-shaft driver, i.e., the driver bit 200, so that the driver bit 200 can be fitted and inserted into the through-hole 21. The adapter main body 23 is attached to the outer periphery of the driver bit 200 so as to be movable from one end to the other of the driver bit 200, and is also capable of rotating integrally with the driver bit 200.

[0043] A locking cylindrical portion 23a is provided on the outer periphery located approximately in the center in the front-to-rear direction of the adapter main body 23. A tool attachment portion 20a is provided on one end of the locking cylindrical portion 23a, and a tool connection portion 20b is provided on the other end.

[0044] Locking cylindrical portion 23a is formed with large-diameter portion 23aa and small-diameter portion 23ab, which has an outer diameter smaller than that of large-diameter portion 23aa. A cylindrical slide cover 26 is attached to large-diameter portion 23aa and small-diameter portion 23ab so as to straddle large-diameter portion 23aa and small-diameter portion 23ab, and a return spring 27, ball 22, and C-ring-shaped slide cover retaining ring 28 are attached to small-diameter portion 23ab. In addition, ball receiving hole 23c is formed in small-diameter portion 23ab, penetrating from the outer peripheral surface of small-diameter portion 23ab to the inside of through-hole 21 and at a substantially right angle to the axial center of locking cylindrical portion 23a.

[0045] Ball 22 is disposed in ball receiving hole 23c so as to be movable up and down along the axial center of ball receiving hole 23c. As shown in Fig. 3, the inner diameter of boundary 25 of ball receiving hole 23c with through hole 21 is smaller than the outer diameter of ball 22, so that ball 22 accommodated in ball receiving hole 23c does not fall out entirely into through hole 21. In other words, ball receiving hole 23c is formed so that part of ball 22 accommodated in ball receiving hole 23c can protrude into through hole 21, but the entire ball 22 does not fall out entirely into through hole 21, so that ball 22 can always be held in ball receiving hole 23c.

[0046] Furthermore, a circumferential groove 29 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 23ab of the locking cylindrical portion 23a, and a C-ring-shaped slide cover retaining ring 28 is fitted in the circumferential groove 29. When fitted in the circumferential groove 29, the slide cover retaining ring 28 is attached in a state where it protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the small diameter portion 23ab, and functions as a stopper that restricts the amount by which the slide cover 26 is moved towards the other end side (lock position L side).

[0047] The slide cover 26 has, on the inner periphery on one end side, an annular return spring accommodating portion 26a whose inner diameter is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 23aa of the locking cylindrical portion 23a and which forms a gap between it and the small diameter portion 23ab to accommodate a return spring 27 consisting of a coil spring attached to the small diameter portion 23ab; a locking portion 26b formed as a ball-holding annular convex portion with an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the return spring accommodating portion 26a; an unlocking portion 26c formed as a ball-releasing annular concave portion with an inner diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the return spring accommodating portion 26a and which enables the ball 22 to temporarily escape to the outer periphery; and a sliding surface portion 26d formed with an inner diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 23ab.

[0048] When attaching the slide cover 26 to the locking cylindrical portion 23a, the ball 22 is placed in the ball receiving hole 23c of the small-diameter portion 23ab, and the return spring 27 is attached to the outer periphery of the small-diameter portion 23ab prior to attaching the slide cover 26. Then, the slide cover 26 is slid from the other end of the adapter main body 23 toward one end of the adapter main body 23, with the return spring housing portion 26a facing forward and covering substantially the entire outer periphery of the adapter main body 23. During the attachment, the return spring 27 abuts against the side surface of the locking portion 26b and is compressed. Before the other end (rear end) of the slide cover 26 passes over the circumferential groove 29 of the small-diameter portion 23ab, one end (front end) of the return spring housing portion 26a of the slide cover 26 overlaps the outer periphery of the rear end of the large-diameter portion 23aa.

[0049] When the other end (rear end) of the slide cover 26 passes over the circumferential groove 29 of the small diameter portion 23ab, the slide cover retaining ring 28 is fitted into the circumferential groove 29. With the slide cover retaining ring 28 attached, when the slide cover 26 tries to move toward the rear end beyond the circumferential groove 29, the rear end of the slide cover 26 abuts against the slide cover retaining ring 28, and the slide cover 26 is prevented from coming off and moving any further.

[0050] A return spring 27 is compressed and stored within the return spring storage portion 26a. Therefore, when the slide cover 26 is in a free state, the rear end of the slide cover 26 is held in a state in which it abuts against the slide cover retaining ring 28, i.e., in the locked position L, by the biasing force of the return spring 27, as shown by the solid line in Fig. 3. In this locked position L, the lock portion 26b is disposed in a position corresponding to the ball 22 in the ball receiving hole 23c, and presses the ball 22 toward the through-hole 21, preventing the ball 22 from moving outward in the ball receiving hole 23c and escaping.

[0051] Furthermore, when the slide cover 26 is slid to the unlocked position U shown by the dashed line in FIG. 3 against the biasing force of the return spring 27, the unlocking portion 26c is positioned corresponding to the ball 22 in the ball receiving hole 23c at the unlocked position U. In this unlocked position U, the ball 22 is released from the pressure and allowed to move in the circumferential direction (outward direction) within the ball receiving hole 23c and escape. Therefore, when the socket adapter 20 is placed on the driver bit 200, the socket adapter 20 is allowed to move on the driver bit 200 along the axial center of the driver bit 200. Furthermore, when the force operating the slide cover 26 is released, the slide cover 26 automatically returns to the locked position L due to the biasing force of the return spring 27. As a result, the ball 22 is pressed against the through hole 21 by the locking portion 26b, and when the socket adapter 20 is placed on the driver bit 200, a frictional force is generated between the ball 22 and the outer surface of the driver bit 200, preventing the socket adapter 20 from moving on the driver bit 200.

[0052] That is, the pressing and releasing of the ball 22 by the operation of the slide cover 26 constitutes the retaining means 24 .

[0053] The tool attachment portion 20a of the adapter main body 23 is formed within the maximum outer diameter range of the large diameter portion 23aa of the locking cylindrical portion 23a, and has, in order from the locking cylindrical portion 23a side, an attachment portion 20aa with a square cross section and an engagement / retention portion 20ab that protrudes cylindrically further forward from the front end of the attachment portion 20aa.

[0054] A circumferential groove 30 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting retaining portion 20ab. A socket fixing ring 31 is fitted into the circumferential groove 30. The socket fixing ring 31 is, for example, an O-ring, and when fitted into the circumferential groove 30, the socket fixing ring 31 is attached in a state where it protrudes slightly outward from the maximum outer periphery of the fitting retaining portion 20ab. In this embodiment, two O-rings are attached as the socket fixing ring 31, but the number may be one or more. When, for example, a socket 300, which is a first tool, is attached to the tool mounting portion 20a, the socket fixing ring 31 is fitted and press-fitted to the inner surface of the socket 300, and the frictional force caused by this fitting and press-fitting functions as a stopper that prevents the socket 300 from slipping out of the tool mounting portion 20a.

[0055] The tool connecting portion 20b of the adapter main body 23 is formed within the maximum outer diameter range of the small diameter portion 23ab of the locking cylindrical portion 23a, and has, in order from the locking cylindrical portion 23a side, a connecting portion 20ba with a hexagonal cross section and an engaging anti-slip portion 20bb that protrudes cylindrically further rearward from the rear end of the connecting portion 20ba.

[0056] A circumferential groove 32 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting retaining portion 20bb. A socket fixing ring 33 is fitted into the circumferential groove 32. The socket fixing ring 33 is, for example, a C-ring, and when fitted into the circumferential groove 32, it is attached in a state where it protrudes slightly outward from the maximum outer periphery of the fitting retaining portion 20bb. In this embodiment, one C-ring is fitted as the socket fixing ring 33, but the number may be one or more. For example, when the socket fixing ring 33 is inserted into a socket opening 401a of a ratchet wrench 400, which is a second tool, and the socket adapter 20 is attached to the ratchet wrench 400, the socket fixing ring 33 is fitted and press-fitted against the inner surface of the socket opening 401a. The frictional force caused by this fitting and press-fitting functions as a stopper that prevents the socket adapter 20 from slipping out of the socket opening 401a of the ratchet wrench 400.

[0057] 6 and 7, in the socket adapter 20 configured as above, the socket adapter 20 can be attached to the driver bit 200 by inserting the driver bit 200 into the through-hole 21 of the adapter main body 23. When the socket adapter 20 is attached to the driver bit 200 and the slide cover 26 is placed in the locked position L, a pressing force is applied to the ball 22 from the locking portion 26b of the slide cover 26 in the retaining means 24, and the ball 22 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the driver bit 200. Then, the frictional force generated between the ball 22 and the outer peripheral surface of the driver bit 200 restricts the socket adapter 20 from moving axially on the driver bit 200.

[0058] Furthermore, when slide cover 26 is moved from lock position L to unlock position U, unlock portion 26c of slide cover 26 corresponds to ball 22, and ball 22 moves toward the outer periphery (outside) of slide cover 26. This weakens the frictional force between ball 22 and the outer periphery of driver bit 200, allowing socket adapter 20 to move axially on driver bit 200, or allowing socket adapter 20 to be completely removed from driver bit 200.

[0059] Furthermore, with the slide cover 26 disposed at the unlock position U, the socket adapter 20 is moved axially on the driver bit 200. If the ball 22 mates with the retaining circumferential groove 203 of the driver bit 200 along the way, the ball 22 falls into the retaining circumferential groove 203. If the slide cover 26 is moved back to the locked position L in this state, the ball 22 and the retaining circumferential groove 203 engage and lock, restraining and holding the socket adapter 20 in that position. To release the restraint at the engaged position, the slide cover 26 is moved from the locked position L to the unlock position U, where the ball 22 mates with the unlock portion 26c, releasing the pressing force against the ball 22. Then, the ball 22 is released from the retaining circumferential groove 203, and the socket adapter 20 can be moved axially again on the driver bit 200. Therefore, the socket adapter 20 can be moved to the position shown in Figures 6 and 7, the position shown in Figures 8 and 9, the position shown in Figures 10 and 11, the position shown in Figures 12 and 13, the position shown in Figures 14 and 15, etc.

[0060] 8 and 9, or with the socket adapter 20 attached to the outer periphery of the driver bit 200 as shown, or with the socket adapter 20 attached together with the socket 300 to the outer periphery of the driver bit 200 as shown in Figures 10 and 11, when the adapter body 23 is moved to a retracted position (towards the other end) on the driver bit 200, the Phillips or flat head tip 201 formed at the tip of the driver bit 200 protrudes from one end of the adapter body 23, making it possible to perform work such as bolt tightening using the Phillips or flat head tip 201 of the driver bit 200. In other words, with the socket adapter 20 attached, it becomes possible to install and remove screws using a conventional driver bit 200.

[0061] Furthermore, when the adapter body 23 is moved to a forward position (one end side) on the driver bit 200 along the outer periphery of the driver bit 200 while the socket adapter 20 remains attached to the outer periphery of the driver bit 200, the one end side of the adapter body 23 protrudes from the tip of the driver bit 200, hiding the tip 201, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 . A socket 300 can then be attached to the outer periphery of one end (tool attachment portion 20a) of the adapter body 23 as a first tool capable of tightening and loosening bolts, nuts, and the like of various sizes. Furthermore, if the support shaft of a third tool (not shown), such as a socket, capable of tightening and loosening bolts, nuts, and the like of various sizes, is interchangeably attached to the through-hole 21 having a polygonal cross section (hexagonal in this embodiment), the electric screwdriver 100 can be used to manually or electrically tighten and loosen bolts and nuts.

[0062] Furthermore, by moving the socket adapter 20 further toward the forward position of the driver bit 200, the socket adapter 20 can be pulled out and removed from the driver bit 200. Therefore, if the driver bit 200 is damaged, it is possible to replace only the driver bit 200 and continue to use the socket adapter 20. Also, even when replacing a driver bit 200 with a plus-head tip 201 with a driver bit 200 with a minus-head tip 201, it is possible to continue using the driver bit 200 by simply replacing it with the required type of driver bit 200.

[0063] 14 and 15, when the tool connecting portion 20b of the adapter main body 23 of the socket adapter 20 attached to the forward position of the driver bit 200 is inserted into the socket opening 401a of the socket portion 401 of the ratchet wrench 400, the driver bit 200 and the socket adapter 20 can be attached to the socket portion 401 of the ratchet wrench 400. Then, the driver bit 200 and the socket adapter 20 can be rotated and used using the ratchet wrench 400.

[0064] 15 and 16, with the socket 300 attached to the tool attachment portion 20a, inserting the tool connecting portion 20b of the adapter main body 23 into the socket opening 401a of the socket portion 401 of the ratchet wrench 400 allows the socket adapter 20 and the socket 300 to be attached to the socket portion 401 of the ratchet wrench 400. Then, the socket adapter 20 and the socket 300 can be rotated and used using the ratchet wrench 400.

[0065] Therefore, the socket adapter 20 of this embodiment can be used for a variety of purposes, in addition to a Phillips or flathead screwdriver bit used for tightening screws, etc., or in addition to a socket wrench that can be used to tighten and remove bolts and nuts of different sizes.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the structure disclosed is one in which the retaining means 24 presses and releases the ball 22 by sliding the slide cover 26. However, the structure is not limited to this, and the retaining means 24 may be configured, for example, as shown in Figures 18 to 22, to be composed of a leaf spring 40 and the ball 22.

[0067] To explain the structure of the socket adapter 20 shown in Figures 18 to 22, the socket adapter 20 shown in Figures 18 to 22 is provided with a leaf spring 40 and the like instead of the slide cover 26, return spring 27, and slide cover retaining ring 38. In Figures 18 to 22, parts that are the same as or equivalent to those in Figures 1 to 5 are given the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 5, and their explanation will be omitted, with differences being mainly described.

[0068] Locking cylindrical portion 23a, located approximately in the center of the adapter body 23 in the front-to-rear direction, has small-diameter portion 23d formed on its outer periphery, and large-diameter portions 23e formed on the front and rear of small-diameter portion 23d. Small-diameter portion 23d also has ball receiving hole 23c formed in small-diameter portion 23d, penetrating from the outer periphery of small-diameter portion 23d to the inside of through-hole 21 and extending approximately perpendicular to the axial center of locking cylindrical portion 23a. Ball 22 is disposed in ball receiving hole 23c so as to be movable up and down along the axial center of ball receiving hole 23c.

[0069] 20, ball receiving hole 23c here is also formed so that the inner diameter of boundary portion 25 of ball receiving hole 23c with through hole 21 is smaller than the outer diameter of ball 22, and is configured so that ball 22 accommodated in ball receiving hole 23c does not fall out entirely into through hole 21. In other words, ball receiving hole 23c is formed so that ball 22 can be held while allowing a portion of ball 22 accommodated in ball receiving hole 23c to protrude into through hole 21, and so that ball 22 does not fall out entirely into through hole 21. As shown in FIG. 20, ball 22 accommodated in ball receiving hole 23c is configured so that a portion of its spherical surface protrudes into through hole 21 and the opposite spherical surface is positioned at the same position as the outer circumferential surface of small diameter portion 23d.

[0070] After the ball 22 is placed in the ball receiving hole 23c, a leaf spring 40 is attached to cover the outer periphery of the small-diameter portion 23d, preventing the ball 22 from slipping out of the ball receiving hole 23c. The leaf spring 40 has a width along its axis that is approximately equal to the width of the small-diameter portion 23d along its axis. A slit 41 is formed along the axis, extending from one end to the other, and the cross section perpendicular to the axis is approximately C-shaped. The leaf spring 40 expands by utilizing its own elastic deformation and is positioned on the outer periphery of the small-diameter portion 23d. Once positioned, the leaf spring 40 is attached to the outer periphery of the small-diameter portion 23d by its own elastic restoring force. This intimate attachment prevents the ball 22 from slipping out of the ball receiving hole 23c.

[0071] 18 to 22, when the driver bit 200 is inserted into the through-hole 21 of the adapter main body 23, as shown in Figures 23 and 25, the socket adapter 20 can be attached to the driver bit 200. When the socket adapter 20 is attached to the driver bit 200, the ball 22 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the driver bit 200 by the pressing force applied to the ball 22 from the leaf spring 40 in the fall-out prevention holding means 24, and the frictional force generated between the ball 22 and the outer peripheral surface of the driver bit 200 prevents the socket adapter 20 from moving axially on the driver bit 200.

[0072] Furthermore, when a force is applied to the socket adapter 20 in a direction along the axis of the driver bit 200 against the frictional force generated between the ball 22 and the outer peripheral surface of the driver bit 200, the socket adapter 20 can be moved along the axis of the driver bit 200. Then, when the ball 22 comes into contact with the retaining circumferential groove 203a (or retaining circumferential groove 203b) of the driver bit 200 during movement, the ball 22 falls into the retaining circumferential groove 203a (or retaining circumferential groove 203b). In this state, the fitting and engagement between the ball 22 and the retaining circumferential groove 203 allows the socket adapter 20 to be restrained and held in that position. To release the socket adapter 20 from this position, a force is applied to the socket adapter 20 in a direction along the axis of the driver bit 200, resisting the engagement between the ball 22 and the retaining circumferential groove 203. This causes the ball 22 to come out of the retaining circumferential groove 203 against the pressing force of the leaf spring 40, thereby releasing the engagement between the ball 22 and the retaining circumferential groove 203 and allowing the socket adapter 20 to move again on the driver bit 200. Thus, the socket adapter 20 can be moved to any of the positions shown in Figures 6 and 7, 8 and 9, 10 and 11, 12 and 13, and 14 and 15.

[0073] Therefore, even with the socket adapter 20 configured as in this modified example, when the adapter main body 23 is moved to a retracted position (toward the other end) on the driver bit 200 with the socket adapter 20 attached to the outer periphery of the driver bit 200 as shown in Figures 8 and 9, or with the socket adapter 20 attached together with the socket 300 to the outer periphery of the driver bit 200 as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the Phillips or flathead tip 201 formed on the tip of the driver bit 200 protrudes from one end of the adapter main body 23, making it possible to perform work such as bolt tightening using the Phillips or flathead tip 201 of the driver bit 200. Therefore, with the socket adapter 20 attached, it becomes possible to install and remove screws using a conventional driver bit 200.

[0074] Furthermore, when the adapter body 23 is moved to a forward position (one end side) on the driver bit 200 along the outer periphery of the driver bit 200 while the socket adapter 20 remains attached to the outer periphery of the driver bit 200, the one end side of the adapter body 23 protrudes from the tip of the driver bit 200, hiding the tip 201, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 . A socket 300 (not shown) can be attached to the outer periphery of one end (tool attachment portion 20a) of the adapter body 23 as a first tool for tightening and loosening bolts, nuts, and the like of various sizes. Furthermore, if a support shaft of a third tool, such as a 6.3-shaft tip part (not shown) for a socket or the like, for tightening and loosening bolts, nuts, and the like of various sizes, is interchangeably attached to the through-hole 21 with a polygonal cross section (hexagonal in this embodiment) at the one end side, the electric screwdriver 100 or the like can be used to manually or electrically tighten and loosen bolts and nuts.

[0075] Furthermore, by further moving the socket adapter 20 toward the forward position of the driver bit 200, the driver bit 200 can be extracted from the socket adapter 20, and the socket adapter 20 can be removed from the driver bit 200. Therefore, if the driver bit 200 is damaged, it is possible to replace only the driver bit 200 and continue to use the socket adapter 20 as is. Also, even when replacing a driver bit 200 with a plus-head tip 201 with a driver bit 200 with a minus-head tip 201, it is possible to continue using the driver bit 200 by simply replacing it with the required type of driver bit 200.

[0076] 14 and 15, when the tool connecting portion 20b of the adapter main body 23 of the socket adapter 20 attached to the forward position of the driver bit 200 is inserted into the socket opening 401a of the socket portion 401 of the ratchet wrench 400, the driver bit 200 and the socket adapter 20 can be attached to the socket portion 401 of the ratchet wrench 400. Then, the driver bit 200 and the socket adapter 20 can be rotated and used using the ratchet wrench 400.

[0077] 15 and 16, with the socket 300 attached to the tool attachment portion 20a, inserting the tool connecting portion 20b of the adapter main body 23 into the socket opening 401a of the socket portion 401 of the ratchet wrench 400 allows the socket adapter 20 and the socket 300 to be attached to the socket portion 401 of the ratchet wrench 400. Then, the socket adapter 20 and the socket 300 can be rotated and used using the ratchet wrench 400.

[0078] The present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention also covers such modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 11: Main shaft 12: Socket 13: Bis 14:bit 15: Bolt 16: Socket 20: Socket adapter 20a: Tool attachment part 20aa: Mounting part 20ab:Mating retaining part 20b: Tool connection part 20ba: Connecting part 20bb: mating retaining part 21: Through hole 22: Ball 23: Adapter body 23a: Locking cylindrical part 23aa: Large diameter section 23ab: Small diameter part 23c: Ball receiving hole 23d: Small diameter part 23e: Large diameter section 24: Anti-slip retaining means 25: Boundary part 26: Slide cover 26a: Return spring storage section 26b: Lock section 26c: Unlock section 26d: Sliding surface part 27: Return spring 28: Slide cover retaining ring 29: Circumferential groove 30: Circumferential groove 31: Socket fixing ring 32: Circumferential groove 33: Socket fixing ring 38: Slide cover retaining ring 40: Leaf spring 41: Slit 100: Electric screwdriver 101: Rotating shaft 200: Driver bit 201: Tip 201a: Tip 201b: Tip 202: Bit body 203: Circumferential groove for preventing slippage 203a: Circumferential groove for preventing slippage 203b: Circumferential groove for preventing slippage 300: Socket (first tool) 300a: Socket 400: Ratchet wrench (secondary tool) 401: Socket part 401a: Socket 402: Socket part 402a: Socket 403: Socket part 403a: Socket 404: Socket part L: Lock position U: Unlock position

Claims

1. A socket adapter that can be connected to a driver bit, a cylindrical adapter body portion having a through hole with a polygonal cross section into which the driver bit is fitted and inserted, the adapter body portion being rotatable integrally with the driver bit; a tool attachment portion having a polygonal cross section, the tool attachment portion being provided on an outer periphery of one end of the adapter body, to which a first tool can be detachably attached; a tool connecting portion having a polygonal cross section, the tool connecting portion being provided on the outer periphery of the other end of the adapter body and being connectable to the socket portion of a second tool; and the tool mounting portion includes a fixing ring attached to an outer peripheral surface of the tool mounting portion and fitted and pressure-bonded to an inner surface of the first tool when the first tool is mounted on the tool mounting portion, When the cylindrical adapter main body is connected to the driver bit attached to an electric or manual driver, the cylindrical adapter main body is movable between a retracted position where the tip of the driver bit protrudes from one end of the through hole and the base of the driver bit protrudes from the other end of the through hole, and an advanced position where the tip of the driver bit is hidden from one end of the through hole and the base of the driver bit protrudes from the other end of the through hole. A socket adapter characterized by:

2. The adapter main body is provided with a retaining means including a ball that can be fitted into a retaining groove provided on the outer periphery of the driver bit and that has a slide cover that presses the ball toward the axial center of the driver bit and releasably generates a force that restricts movement of the adapter main body in a direction along the axial center of the driver bit.

2. The socket adapter according to claim 1.

3. the slide cover is movable in the axial direction along the outer periphery of the adapter body, and has a locking protrusion and an unlocking recess formed side by side in the moving direction of the slide cover on an inner circumferential surface thereof that can face the ball, 3. The socket adapter according to claim 2, wherein when the locking protrusion is moved to a locked position opposite the ball, the slide cover fits and engages the ball in the anti-slip groove to lock the movement of the adapter main body, and when the unlocking recess is moved to an unlocked position opposite the ball, the slide cover releases the force that fits and engages the ball in the anti-slip groove to allow the movement of the adapter main body.

4. 4. The socket adapter according to claim 3, wherein said retaining means includes spring means for constantly moving said slide cover to said locked position.

5. 5. The socket adapter according to claim 1, wherein the adapter body is provided with a retaining means including: a ball that can be fitted into a retaining groove provided on the outer periphery of the driver bit; and a leaf spring portion with a C-shaped cross section that constantly applies a force to the ball pressing it toward the axial center of the driver bit.

6. 6. A socket adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tool connection portion is replaceably attached to a ratchet wrench.

7. 7. The socket adapter according to claim 6, wherein a support shaft of a third tool is replaceably attached to the through hole with one end of the through hole serving as a socket opening.

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