Work equipment

Abstract

To provide a work machine whose overall weight can be reduced and whose manufacturing costs can be reduced.SOLUTION: A work machine includes: a compression part for compressing air and discharging the compressed air; a first air tank 11, a second air tank 12, a third air tank, and a fourth air tank made of metal into which the compressed air discharged from the compression part flows; and an upper side frame member 25 made of resin, a handle, a battery holding member, and a lower side frame member 26, for connecting the first air tank 11, the second air tank 12, the third air tank, and the fourth air tank together. Since the first air tank 11, the second air tank 12, the third air tank, and the fourth air tank are connected together by the resin upper frame member 25, the handle, the battery holding member, and the lower frame member 26, an overall weight of the product can be reduced. Also, since the welding manhours can be reduced, manufacturing costs can be reduced.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a working machine including a compression unit that compresses and discharges a gas, and a tank into which the gas discharged from the compression unit flows.

Background Art

[0002] An example of a working machine including a compression unit that compresses and discharges a gas, and a tank into which the gas discharged from the compression unit flows is described in Patent Document 1. The air compressor (working machine) described in Patent Document 1 includes a drive unit (compression unit) that generates compressed air, and a first tank and a second tank into which the compressed air from the drive unit flows. And, a tool such as a nail gun driven by the compressed air is connected to the coupler of the air compressor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technique described in Patent Document 1 above, a total of four frames are provided between the first tank and the second tank so as to straddle both, and these frames are fixed to the respective tanks by welding. Therefore, since the frames are made of metal and have a weld bead, the weight of the entire product increases, and furthermore, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost increases because the welding man - hour is large.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a working machine capable of reducing the weight of the entire product and reducing the manufacturing cost.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, the system comprises a compression unit for compressing and discharging gas, a plurality of metal tanks into which the gas discharged from the compression unit flows, and a resin frame member connecting the plurality of tanks.

[0007] In another aspect of the present invention, all of the multiple tanks are fixed to the frame member which is made of a single component, and the compression section is fixed to the frame member.

[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, the plurality of tanks is provided in three or more units, the compression unit is surrounded by the plurality of tanks, and the frame member covers and conceals the portion of the compression unit that is fixed to the frame member.

[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of tanks has a cylindrical shape extending in a first direction, and the frame member is attached to the end of each of the tanks in the first direction.

[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, the plurality of tanks are arranged such that the first direction is vertical, and the frame member is attached to cover the lower end of each of the tanks.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the tanks are connected to one another by resin piping.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, the multiple tanks are movable relative to each other in accordance with the deflection of the frame member.

[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, a metal reinforcing member is provided between some of the tanks among the plurality of tanks.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, a metal mounting member is welded to each of the multiple tanks, and the frame member is fixed to the mounting member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, since a plurality of tanks are connected by a resin frame member, the weight of the entire product can be reduced. Further, since the number of welding man-hours can be reduced, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a view of the air compressor seen from the front. [Figure 2] It is a view of the air compressor of FIG. 1 seen from the back. [Figure 3] It is a view seen in the direction of arrow A of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a view seen in the direction of arrow B of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a view seen in the direction of arrow C of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line F-F of FIG. 3. [Figure 9] It is an exploded perspective view (front side) of the air compressor of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] It is an exploded perspective view (back side) of the air compressor of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] It is a view of the air compressor with only the handle and the lower frame member attached seen from the front. [Figure 12] It is a view seen in the direction of arrow G of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a view seen in the direction of arrow H of FIG. 11. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line K-K of FIG. 11. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line L-L of FIG. 11. [Figure 16] It is a figure corresponding to FIG. 12 showing the air compressor of Embodiment 2. [Figure 17] It is a figure corresponding to FIG. 15 showing the air compressor of Embodiment 3. [Figure 18] It is a figure corresponding to FIG. 15 showing the air compressor of Embodiment 4. [Figure 19] This figure corresponds to Figure 15, which shows the air compressor of Embodiment 5. [Figure 20] This is a side view of the air compressor according to Embodiment 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0018] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 shows a front view of the air compressor, Figure 2 shows a rear view of the air compressor in Figure 1, Figure 3 shows the view along arrow A in Figure 1, Figure 4 shows the view along arrow B in Figure 1, Figure 5 shows the view along arrow C in Figure 1, Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view along line DD in Figure 4, Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view along line EE in Figure 1, Figure 8 shows a partially enlarged cross-sectional view along line FF in Figure 3, and Figure 9 shows an exploded perspective view (front side) of the air compressor in Figure 1.

[0019] Furthermore, Figure 10 shows an exploded perspective view (rear side) of the air compressor in Figure 1, Figure 11 shows a front view of the air compressor with only the handle and lower frame member attached, Figure 12 shows the view along arrow G in Figure 11, Figure 13 shows the view along arrow H in Figure 11, Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view along line KK in Figure 11, and Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view along line LL in Figure 11.

[0020] <Overview of an air compressor> The air compressor (working machine) AC1 shown in Figures 1 to 15 is a portable air compressor used at construction sites and the like. The air compressor AC1 is equipped with a pair of handles HD, and by grasping the pair of handles HD and lifting the air compressor AC1, the air compressor AC1 can be moved onto any mounting surface SF.

[0021] The air compressor AC1 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape and is equipped with a first air tank 11, a second air tank 12, a third air tank 13, and a fourth air tank 14. The first air tank 11, the second air tank 12, the third air tank 13, and the fourth air tank 14 correspond to the tanks in this invention. When the air compressor AC1 is installed on the installation surface SF, these four first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 are in an upright position relative to the installation surface SF. Therefore, the installation area of ​​the air compressor AC1 can be reduced compared to conventional air compressors in which multiple air tanks are installed horizontally on the installation surface.

[0022] The AC1 air compressor is equipped with a compression unit 30 (see Figures 6 to 14) that compresses and discharges air (gas) at external atmospheric pressure. The compressed air (gas) discharged from the compression unit 30 flows into the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14. In other words, the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 have the function of storing the compressed air sent from the compression unit 30.

[0023] Furthermore, the AC1 air compressor is equipped with a total of four couplers 15 (see Figures 1, 11, and 13). These four couplers 15 can be connected to air tools such as nail guns that operate using compressed air as power. Two of the four couplers 15 are for "high pressure" and can be connected to air tools that operate at a pressure of approximately 2.5 MPa, for example. In contrast, the other two couplers 15 are for "low pressure" and can be connected to air tools that operate at a pressure of approximately 0.8 MPa, for example.

[0024] A pressure regulating valve 16 (see Figures 1, 4, 7, 11, 13, and 14) is provided near the coupler 15 in the air compressor AC1. The pressure regulating valve 16 is a dial operated by the operator, and by operating the pressure regulating valve 16, the pressure of the compressed air output from the coupler 15 can be adjusted. This allows the air tools connected to the coupler 15 to be operated with the appropriate air pressure according to their specifications.

[0025] The compression unit 30 is powered by a pair of battery packs 17 (only one side is shown in Figures 3 and 6), and these battery packs 17 are rechargeable secondary batteries. Specifically, the battery packs 17 can be charged by power supplied from a power plug 18 connected to a commercial power source. The pair of battery packs 17 are arranged facing each other on the left and right sides of the air compressor AC1 (left and right sides in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5).

[0026] The compression unit 30 is powered by power supplied from the battery pack 17, power supplied from the power plug 18, or power supplied from both the battery pack 17 and the power plug 18. The operating state of the compression unit 30 can be arbitrarily switched by operating the control panel 19 provided on the air compressor AC1. In addition, the control panel 19 is also equipped with a display that can show the remaining capacity (SOC) of the battery pack 17 and the internal pressure (MPa) of the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1, 6, 7, and 11, a pair of pneumatic equipment connection parts 20 are provided near the coupler 15 of the air compressor AC1. Other air compressors (not shown) can be connected to these pneumatic equipment connection parts 20. For example, by connecting the same air compressor AC1 to each of the pneumatic equipment connection parts 20, the compressed air capacity can be tripled. Therefore, even in work that lasts for a long time, overload on the compression unit 30 can be suppressed, and compressed air at a predetermined pressure can be supplied stably.

[0028] <Details of the compression section> As shown in Figure 13, the compression unit 30 is located inside the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14, surrounded by the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14. The compression unit 30 employs a structure that compresses external atmospheric air to high pressure in two stages, with the first compressed air generation unit 31 provided on the low-pressure side and the second compressed air generation unit 32 provided on the high-pressure side.

[0029] The first and second compressed air generating units 31 and 32 are arranged facing each other, and an eccentric shaft SH (see Figure 14), which is rotated by a flat motor 33, is rotatably provided between the first and second compressed air generating units 31 and 32. As a result, the oscillating pistons PS (shown only one side in Figure 8) provided in the first and second compressed air generating units 31 and 32 are activated as the eccentric shaft SH rotates, and compressed air is generated.

[0030] The compressed air generated by the first and second compressed air generation units 31 and 32 first flows into the second air tank 12, and then into the first, third, and fourth air tanks 11, 13, and 14. The first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 are in communication with each other, and the internal pressures of the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 are maintained at the same pressure. In this way, compressed air at the same pressure is stored inside the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14.

[0031] The eccentric shaft SH that forms the compression section 30 is rotated by a flat motor 33, which is a brushless motor. The flat motor 33 is positioned on the axis of the eccentric shaft SH between the first compressed air generation section 31 and the second compressed air generation section 32, and is rotated by power supplied from a pair of battery packs 17 and a power plug 18 (see Figure 3). The flat motor 33 is rotated in a predetermined direction and at a predetermined rotational speed by a pair of control circuits 34 (see Figure 8) located near the flat motor 33.

[0032] Furthermore, the compression unit 30 is equipped with a cooling fan 35 rotated by a flat motor 33. The cooling fan 35 has the function of cooling the first and second compressed air generation units 31 and 32, a pair of battery packs 17, and a pair of control circuit units 34, etc., which become hot as the operating time increases. Specifically, the cooling fan 35 is a centrifugal fan, and the air drawn into the cooling fan 35 is discharged in a direction bent 90 degrees relative to the intake direction by its centrifugal force.

[0033] <Air tank piping> The first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 are connected to each other by flexible resin piping, for example, made of nylon (registered trademark). This allows compressed air to flow between the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14. Specifically, as shown in Figure 13, a first resin piping (pipe) 41 is provided between the first air tank 11 and the second air tank 12.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, a second resin pipe (piping) 42 is provided between the second air tank 12 and the third air tank 13, a third resin pipe (piping) 43 is provided between the third air tank 13 and the first air tank 11, and a fourth resin pipe (piping) 44 is provided between the fourth air tank 14 and the first air tank 11.

[0035] In this way, by connecting the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 with flexible resin piping, compressed air leakage is prevented even if the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 move relative to each other due to vibrations during operation of the air compressor AC1 or the application of external forces (such as shocks) to the air compressor AC1. In other words, the first to fourth resin piping 41 to 44 deform flexibly, allowing the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 to move relative to each other.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, a fifth resin pipe 45 is provided between the second compressed air generation unit 32 of the compression unit 30 and the second air tank 12. Thus, the second air tank 12 is located on the compressed air inlet side. Also, a sixth resin pipe 46 is provided between the first air tank 11 and the pressure regulating valve 16. Thus, the first air tank 11 is located on the compressed air outlet side.

[0037] Furthermore, a first aluminum metal pipe 47 is provided between the first compressed air generation unit 31 and the second compressed air generation unit 32 of the compression unit 30. Compressed air flows through the first metal pipe 47 from the first compressed air generation unit 31 to the second compressed air generation unit 32. In addition, a second aluminum metal pipe 48 (see Figures 6 and 7) is provided between the pressure regulating valve 16 and the coupler 15. This adjusts the pressure of the compressed air discharged from the coupler 15.

[0038] Furthermore, the piping between the first compressed air generation unit 31 and the second compressed air generation unit 32 of the compression unit 30 is made of aluminum because the first and second compressed air generation units 31 and 32 are integrally mounted on the compression unit 30. In other words, even if the compression unit 30 vibrates when the air compressor AC1 is operating, the first and second compressed air generation units 31 and 32 vibrate together. Therefore, no load is placed on the first metal piping 47 that would cause air leakage. The same can be said for the second metal piping 48 between the pressure regulating valve 16 and the coupler 15. That is, the pressure regulating valve 16 and the coupler 15 are integrated by metal block members (not shown).

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1, 6, 7, and 11, a drain cock DC is provided on the part of the air compressor AC1 closest to the mounting surface SF. The drain cock DC is connected to the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 via drain pipes DL (see Figures 6 to 8 and 14). The drain pipes DL are also made of flexible nylon resin.

[0040] This allows the water accumulated inside the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 to be discharged to the outside by operating the drain cock DC. Here, the water accumulated inside the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 is discharged to the outside from the drain section DP (see Figures 1, 5 to 7, 11 and 15).

[0041] <Air Tank Details> As shown in Figures 11 to 15, the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 each comprise a tank body 11a to 14a formed from a cylindrical steel plate, and first lids 11b to 14b and second lids 11c to 14c formed from a dish-shaped steel plate. In other words, the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 are each made of metal. The first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 are sealed by welding the tank bodies 11a to 14a and the first lids 11b to 14b and second lids 11c to 14c together. The external shape of the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 is cylindrical, extending in the axial direction of the tank body 11a to 14a, with hemispherical shapes at both ends in the axial direction.

[0042] In this configuration, with the air compressor AC1 installed on the mounting surface SF, the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 are positioned upright relative to the mounting surface SF, with their respective axes aligned in the vertical direction (first direction). At this time, the first lids 11b to 14b are positioned on the "upper" side, opposite to the mounting surface SF, while the second lids 11c to 14c are positioned on the "lower" side, facing the mounting surface SF.

[0043] <First bracket> As shown in Figures 8, 12, and 13, a first bracket 21 is provided on the first lid 11b to 14b side (upper side) of the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14. The first bracket 21 corresponds to the mounting member in the present invention, and is formed by connecting a first member 21A and a second member 21B, which are formed into a predetermined shape by bending a steel plate, with screws (not shown). Thus, the first bracket 21 is made of metal, and the first member 21A is fixed to the upper side of the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 by welding. When the air compressor AC1 is assembled, a total of four first brackets 21 are arranged on the compression section 30 side (inside the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14).

[0044] As shown in Figure 13, the first bracket 21 is provided with first screw holes 21a. In other words, the first screw holes 21a are drilled in the vertical direction of the air compressor AC1. First fixing screws S1 (see Figures 4, 6, and 8) are screwed into these first screw holes 21a to fix the upper frame member 25 to the upper side of the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14, respectively.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the first bracket 21 is provided with a second screw hole 21b and a third screw hole 21c. In other words, these second and third screw holes 21b and 21c are drilled in the left-right direction of the air compressor AC1. A second fixing screw S2 (see Figures 3, 7, 8, and 12), which engages with the screw hole HDH2 (see Figure 3) of the left and right handles HD, is screw-connected to each of the second screw holes 21b on the left and right sides, thereby fixing the left and right handles HD to the upper side of the second and third air tanks 12, 13 and the first and fourth air tanks 11, 14. In addition, a third fixing screw S3 (see Figures 3 and 7), which fixes the left and right battery holding members 27 to the upper side of the second and third air tanks 12, 13 and the first and fourth air tanks 11, 14, is screw-connected to each of the third screw holes 21c on the left and right sides.

[0046] <Second bracket> As shown in Figures 6, 13, and 15, a second bracket 22 is provided on the second lid side (lower side) of the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 (the lids 11c to 14c). The second bracket 22 corresponds to the mounting member in the present invention and is formed into a predetermined shape by bending a steel plate. Thus, the second bracket 22 is made of metal and is fixed to the lower side of the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 by welding. When the air compressor AC1 is assembled, a total of four second brackets 22 are arranged on the compression section 30 side (inside the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14).

[0047] As shown in Figure 13, the second bracket 22 is provided with a pair of fourth screw holes 22a (only one is shown in the figure). In other words, the fourth screw holes 22a are drilled in the vertical direction of the air compressor AC1. Fourth fixing screws S4 (see Figures 6 and 15) are screwed into these fourth screw holes 22a to fix the lower frame member 26 to the underside of the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14, respectively.

[0048] Here, the upper frame member 25, the handle HD, and the battery holding member 27 are fixed to their respective first brackets 21 above the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14, straddling them. Furthermore, the lower frame member 26 is fixed to their respective second brackets 22 below the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14, straddling them.

[0049] In other words, the upper frame member 25, handle HD, battery holding member 27, and lower frame member 26 play a role in connecting the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 to each other. To put it another way, the upper frame member 25, handle HD, battery holding member 27, and lower frame member 26 have the function of holding the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 in two rows each in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions of the air compressor AC1, as shown in Figures 13 and 15.

[0050] In this embodiment, the support (holding) of the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 by the upper frame member 25, handle HD, battery holding member 27, and lower frame member 26 is reinforced by metal front and rear reinforcing members 23 and 24 (see Figures 13 and 14). However, the pair of reinforcing members 23 and 24 can be omitted depending on the specifications of the air compressor AC1 (tank capacity, weight, etc.). In other words, if sufficient support strength can be obtained by the upper frame member 25, handle HD, battery holding member 27, and lower frame member 26, the pair of reinforcing members 23 and 24 are unnecessary.

[0051] <Reinforcement member> As shown in Figures 13 and 14, a front reinforcing member (reinforcement member) 23 is provided between the first air tank 11 and the second air tank 12. The front reinforcing member 23 is formed into a rod shape by bending a steel plate, and both sides of its longitudinal direction are fixed to the first and second air tanks 11 and 12 by screws. Specifically, the front reinforcing member 23 is positioned towards the longitudinal center of the first and second air tanks 11 and 12.

[0052] As shown in Figure 11, the front reinforcing member 23 is provided with a pair of screw holes 23H5. In other words, these screw holes 23H5 are drilled in the front-rear direction of the air compressor AC1. A fifth fixing screw S5 (see Figures 1 and 7) is screwed into the pair of screw holes 23H5 to fix the front cover 28 to the front reinforcing member 23.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, a rear reinforcing member (reinforcement member) 24 is provided between the third air tank 13 and the fourth air tank 14. The rear reinforcing member 24 is formed into a rod shape by bending a steel plate, and both sides of its longitudinal direction are fixed to the third and fourth air tanks 13 and 14 by screws. Specifically, the rear reinforcing member 24 is positioned towards the longitudinal center of the third and fourth air tanks 13 and 14.

[0054] As shown in Figure 11, the rear reinforcing member 24 is provided with a pair of screw holes 24H6. In other words, these screw holes 24H6 are drilled in the front-rear direction of the air compressor AC1. A sixth fixing screw S6 (see Figures 2 and 7) is screwed into the pair of screw holes 24H6 to fix the rear cover 29 to the rear reinforcing member 24.

[0055] Thus, front reinforcing members 23 and rear reinforcing members 24 are provided between the first air tank 11 and the second air tank 12, and between the third air tank 13 and the fourth air tank 14, respectively, while no reinforcing members are provided between the first air tank 11 and the fourth air tank 14, and between the second air tank 12 and the third air tank 13. In other words, metal front and rear reinforcing members 23 and 24 are provided between some of the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14.

[0056] <Upper frame member> As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 6 to 8, upper frame members 25 made of polypropylene (PP resin) are attached to the first lids 11b to 14b sides of the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14, that is, the upper ends of the air compressor AC1. The upper frame members 25 correspond to the frame members in the present invention and are formed in the shape of a roughly square plate.

[0057] The upper frame member 25 comprises an upper main body portion 25a, four upper tank cover portions 25b, and an operation panel mounting portion 25c. The operation panel mounting portion 25c is provided only on the front side of the air compressor AC1.

[0058] The upper main body portion 25a covers the compression section 30 when the air compressor AC1 is viewed from above (see Figures 6 to 10), thereby improving the appearance of the air compressor AC1. In other words, the upper frame member 25 partially covers the compression section 30. The upper main body portion 25a is attached to the first brackets 21 provided on the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 by engaging the first fixing screws S1, which engage with a total of four screw holes 25H1 (see Figures 4, 9, and 10), with the first fixing screws S1 engaging with the first screw holes 21a of the first bracket 21. In other words, the upper frame member 25, which is made of a single part, connects the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 by being fixed to all of them.

[0059] Furthermore, the four upper tank covers 25b conceal the ends of the first lids 11b to 14b (upper side) of the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 without contacting the first lids 11b to 14b, thereby improving the appearance of the air compressor AC1. Here, even if the upper frame member 25 bends (deforms) due to an external force and the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 move relative to each other, the first lids 11b to 14b will not come into contact with the upper tank covers 25b, and the metal first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 will not damage the resin upper frame member 25. In other words, the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 are able to move relative to each other in accordance with the bending of the upper frame member 25.

[0060] <Lower frame member> As shown in Figures 1-3, 5-12, 14, and 15, a lower frame member 26 made of polypropylene (PP resin) is attached to the second lid 11c-14c side of the first to fourth air tanks 11-14, that is, the lower end of the air compressor AC1. The lower frame member 26 corresponds to the frame member in the present invention and is formed in the shape of a roughly square plate.

[0061] The lower frame member 26 comprises a lower main body portion 26a and four lower tank cover portions 26b.

[0062] The lower main body portion 26a covers the compression section 30 when the air compressor AC1 is viewed from below (see Figures 6 to 12 and 14). In other words, the lower frame member 26 partially covers the compression section 30. The compression section 30 is also fixed to the lower main body portion 26a. Specifically, the second brackets 22, which are provided on the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 respectively, are attached to the lower main body portion 26a by engaging the fourth fixing screws S4 with a total of eight screw holes 26H4 (see Figure 5). In other words, the lower frame member 26, which consists of a single part, is fixed to all of the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 and the compression section 30, thereby connecting the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 and the compression section 30 to each other.

[0063] Here, the lower main body portion 26a is provided with four base portions 26d (see Figures 9 and 10) that protrude upward, and the compression portion 30 is provided with four legs 36 that protrude downward, corresponding to the base portions 26d. With the legs 36 resting on the base portions 26d, the legs 36 are fixed to the base portions 26d by screwing bolts (not shown) that pass through the legs 36 vertically to the base portions 26d, thereby fixing the compression portion 30 to the lower frame member 26. The legs 36 are partially made of an elastic material such as rubber to suppress the transmission of vibrations generated in the compression portion 30 to the lower frame member 26.

[0064] Furthermore, the four lower tank covers 26b cover the ends of the second lids 11c to 14c (lower side) of the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 without contacting the second lids 11c to 14c. As a result, even if the lower frame member 26 bends (deforms) due to an external force and the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 move relative to each other, the second lids 11c to 14c will not come into contact with the lower tank covers 26b, and the metal first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 will not damage the resin lower frame member 26. In other words, the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 are able to move relative to each other in accordance with the bending of the lower frame member 26.

[0065] Here, each of the four lower tank cover sections 26b is provided with an adjustable leg FT made of an elastic material such as rubber. The height of each of these adjustable legs FT can be individually adjusted relative to the lower tank cover section 26b. This allows the air compressor AC1 to be securely installed without rattling, even on an uneven mounting surface SF. Furthermore, since each of the adjustable legs FT is made of an elastic material, vibrations from the operation of the air compressor AC1 can be effectively suppressed from being transmitted to the mounting surface SF.

[0066] <Battery holding member> As shown in Figures 3 and 8-10, polypropylene (PP) battery holding members 27 are provided on the left and right sides of the air compressor AC1. The left and right sides of the air compressor AC1 have the same shape (mirror-symmetric shape). The battery holding members 27 correspond to the frame members in this invention and are designed to hold the battery pack 17. Figures 8-10 show the state with the battery pack 17 removed (the battery pack 17 is omitted from the description).

[0067] The battery holding members 27 are formed in a substantially square shape when viewed from the left and right sides of the air compressor AC1. The battery holding member 27 on the right side of the air compressor AC1 is provided between the first air tank 11 and the fourth air tank 14. In contrast, the battery holding member 27 on the left side of the air compressor AC1 is provided between the second air tank 12 and the third air tank 13. Each battery holding member 27 is attached to the first bracket 21 by engaging a third fixing screw S3, which engages with a pair of screw holes 27H3 (see Figures 3, 9, and 10), with the third screw hole 21c of the first bracket 21.

[0068] In other words, one battery holding member 27 has the function of holding the first air tank 11 and the fourth air tank 14 at a predetermined interval, and the other battery holding member 27 has the function of holding the second air tank 12 and the third air tank 13 at a predetermined interval. To put it another way, one battery holding member 27 connects the first air tank 11 and the fourth air tank 14 to each other, and the other battery holding member 27 connects the second air tank 12 and the third air tank 13 to each other.

[0069] Furthermore, the pair of battery holding members 27 cover a portion of the compression section 30 from the left and right sides of the air compressor AC1. In other words, the pair of battery holding members 27 partially cover the compression section 30. This improves the appearance of the air compressor AC1.

[0070] Furthermore, the pair of handles HD, which are attached to the first bracket 21 together with the pair of battery holding members 27, are also made of polypropylene (PP) and correspond to the frame members in this invention. Specifically, one handle HD connects the first air tank 11 and the fourth air tank 14, while the other handle HD connects the second air tank 12 and the third air tank 13.

[0071] <Front cover> As shown in Figures 1, 6, 7, and 9, a front cover 28 made of polypropylene (PP) is provided on the front side of the air compressor AC1. The front cover 28 is formed in a substantially flat shape and is positioned between the first air tank 11 and the second air tank 12. This partially covers the compression section 30 located inside the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14, improving the appearance of the air compressor AC1.

[0072] The front cover 28 is provided with a first opening 28a that exposes four couplers 15 to the outside, and a second opening 28b that exposes a pair of pneumatic equipment connection parts 20 to the outside. This allows for easy connection of air tools such as nail guns and other air compressors.

[0073] As shown in Figures 1 and 9, the central portion of the front cover 28 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the front reinforcing member 23 by a fifth fixing screw S5 engaging with a pair of screw holes 28H5, which engages with a screw hole 23H5 (see Figures 9 and 11) in the front reinforcing member 23. The upper part of the front cover 28 is fixed to the upper frame member 25 by a pair of seventh fixing screws S7 (see Figures 4 and 6) engaging with a screw hole 28H7 (see Figure 6) and a screw hole 25H7 (see Figure 4) provided in the upper frame member 25. On the other hand, the lower part of the front cover 28 is fixed to the lower frame member 26 by an eighth fixing screw S8 engaging with a pair of screw holes 28H8 (see Figures 1 and 9), which engages with a screw hole 26H8 (see Figure 9) in the lower frame member 26.

[0074] Furthermore, since the portion of the front cover 28 closer to the longitudinal center is fixed to the metal front reinforcing member 23, rattling of the front cover 28 during operation of the air compressor AC1 is effectively suppressed.

[0075] <Rear cover> As shown in Figures 2, 7, and 10, a rear cover 29 made of polypropylene (PP) is provided on the rear side of the air compressor AC1. The rear cover 29 is formed in a substantially flat shape and is positioned between the third air tank 13 and the fourth air tank 14. This partially covers the compression section 30 located inside the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14, improving the appearance of the air compressor AC1.

[0076] The rear cover 29 is provided with a first communication window 29a that connects the inside and outside of the air compressor AC1. This allows air to circulate between the inside and outside of the air compressor AC1 through the first communication window 29a. In other words, as the cooling fan 35 rotates, cooling air that cools the compression section 30 and other components circulates through the first communication window 29a.

[0077] As shown in Figures 2 and 10, the central portion of the rear cover 29 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the rear reinforcing member 24 by a sixth fixing screw S6 engaging with a pair of screw holes 29H6, which engages with a screw hole 24H6 (see Figures 10 and 11) in the rear reinforcing member 24. The upper part of the rear cover 29 is fixed to the upper frame member 25 by a ninth fixing screw S9 engaging with a pair of screw holes 29H9 (see Figures 2 and 10), which engages with a screw hole 25H9 (see Figure 10) in the upper frame member 25. On the other hand, the lower part of the rear cover 29 is fixed to the lower frame member 26 by a tenth fixing screw S10 engaging with a pair of screw holes 29H10 (see Figures 2 and 10), which engages with a screw hole 26H10 (see Figure 10) in the lower frame member 26.

[0078] Furthermore, since the portion of the rear cover 29 closer to the longitudinal center is fixed to the metal rear reinforcing member 24, rattling of the rear cover 29 during operation of the air compressor AC1 is effectively suppressed.

[0079] <Left and Right Side Covers> As shown in Figures 3 to 5 and Figures 8 to 10, the air compressor AC1 is provided with polypropylene (PP) side covers 40 on both the left and right sides. The left and right side covers 40 are identical in shape (mirror-symmetrical).

[0080] The side cover 40 is provided with a second communication window 40a that connects the inside and outside of the air compressor AC1. This allows air to circulate between the inside and outside of the air compressor AC1 through the second communication window 40a. In other words, as the cooling fan 35 rotates, cooling air that cools the compression section 30 and other components circulates through the second communication window 40a.

[0081] As shown in Figures 3 and 8-10, the upper side of the side cover 40 is fixed to the battery holding member 27 by an 11th fixing screw S11 that engages with a pair of screw holes 40H11 (see Figures 3, 9, and 10) and engages with a screw hole 27H11 (see Figures 9 and 10) in the battery holding member 27. On the other hand, the lower side of the side cover 40 is fixed to the lower frame member 26 by a 12th fixing screw S12 that engages with a pair of screw holes 40H12 (see Figures 3, 9, and 10) and engages with a screw hole 26H12 (see Figures 9 and 10) in the lower frame member 26.

[0082] In this way, the pair of side covers 40 cover a portion of the compression section 30 from the left and right sides of the air compressor AC1. This improves the appearance of the air compressor AC1.

[0083] As detailed above, in the air compressor AC1 according to this embodiment, the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 are connected to each other by the resin upper frame member 25, handle HD, battery holding member 27, and lower frame member 26, thus enabling a reduction in the overall weight of the product. Furthermore, the number of welding steps can be reduced, making it possible to lower manufacturing costs.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the air compressor AC1 of this embodiment, the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 are each provided with first and second brackets 21 and 22, respectively, and the upper frame member 25, handle HD, battery holding member 27, and lower frame member 26 are attached to the first and second brackets 21 and 22.

[0085] This allows the upper frame member 25, handle HD, battery holding member 27, and lower frame member 26 to be easily fixed to the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the air compressor AC1.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the air compressor AC1 of this embodiment, the compression unit 30 is surrounded by the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14, and the upper frame member 25, battery holding member 27, and lower frame member 26 each partially cover the compression unit 30.

[0087] This makes it possible to improve the appearance (design) of the AC1 air compressor.

[0088] Furthermore, if there are three or more air tanks (tanks), the compression unit 30 can be surrounded by the air tanks. This allows for a simpler shape for the frame members (upper and lower frame members 25 and 26), suppressing the enlargement of each frame member and improving the durability of the air compressor AC1. However, in the case of two air tanks, the compression unit 30 cannot be surrounded by the air tanks, but if the shape of the frame member is designed to surround the compression unit 30 on its own, it is possible to cover the compression unit 30 with the frame member (see Embodiment 6).

[0089] Furthermore, according to the air compressor AC1 of this embodiment, the upper frame member 25 and the lower frame member 26 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14.

[0090] This makes it possible to protect the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 and the compression unit 30 from impacts, for example, when installing the air compressor AC1 on the mounting surface SF, thereby improving durability.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the air compressor AC1 of this embodiment, the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 are connected to each other by the first to fourth resin pipes 41 to 44.

[0092] As a result, even if the upper frame member 25, handle HD, battery holding member 27, and lower frame member 26 flex, causing the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 to move relative to each other, the first to fourth resin pipes 41 to 44 can be flexibly deformed. Therefore, damage that would cause compressed air to leak can be eliminated, and the durability of the air compressor AC1 can be improved.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the air compressor AC1 of this embodiment, the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 are relatively movable in accordance with the deflection of the upper frame member 25, handle HD, battery holding member 27, and lower frame member 26.

[0094] As a result, the upper frame member 25, handle HD, battery holding member 27, and lower frame member 26 can absorb external forces (such as impacts) on the air compressor AC1, protecting the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 and the compression unit 30, and ultimately improving durability.

[0095] Furthermore, according to the air compressor AC1 of this embodiment, metal front and rear reinforcing members 23 and 24 are provided between some of the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14.

[0096] This makes it possible to suppress the deflection of the upper frame member 25, handle HD, battery holding member 27, and lower frame member 26 even when there is a large external force (such as an impact) on the air compressor AC1.

[0097] <Embodiment 2> Figure 16 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 12, which shows the air compressor of Embodiment 2.

[0098] Furthermore, parts having the same function as those in Embodiment 1 described above are denoted by the same symbols, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0099] As shown in Figure 16, the only difference between the air compressor AC2 of Embodiment 2 and the air compressor AC1 of Embodiment 1 is that it has "two" fourth resin pipes 44 connecting the fourth air tank 14 and the first air tank 11. Specifically, a pair of fourth resin pipes 44 are arranged in the lower and upper parts of the air compressor AC2 in the vertical direction. The upper part of the fourth resin pipe 44 added in Embodiment 2 is located in the dead space (not shown) inside the air compressor AC2. Therefore, there is no decrease in ease of assembly.

[0100] In addition to the above, the first to third resin pipes 41 to 43 (see Figures 13 and 15) can also be optionally added between the first air tank 11 and the second air tank 12, between the second air tank 12 and the third air tank 13, and between the third air tank 13 and the first air tank 11. Furthermore, the number of additional pipes can be two or more.

[0101] In Embodiment 2, which is constructed as described above, the same effects and advantages as in Embodiment 1 can be achieved. In addition, in Embodiment 2, the flow area of ​​the compressed air can be increased, which prevents the piping from freezing due to expansion when the compressed air is discharged. Furthermore, the discharge capacity of the air compressor AC2 can be improved by increasing the flow area.

[0102] In the air compressor AC2 of Embodiment 2, the flow path area was expanded by adding one more fourth resin pipe 44 of the same diameter as the air compressor AC1 of Embodiment 1 (see Figure 12). However, the same solution can be achieved by replacing the fourth resin pipe 44 with a single thicker resin pipe.

[0103] <Embodiments 3, 4, 5> Figure 17 shows a diagram corresponding to Figure 15, which shows the air compressor of Embodiment 3; Figure 18 shows a diagram corresponding to Figure 15, which shows the air compressor of Embodiment 4; and Figure 19 shows a diagram corresponding to Figure 15, which shows the air compressor of Embodiment 5.

[0104] Furthermore, parts having the same function as those in Embodiment 1 described above are denoted by the same symbols, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0105] To ensure that multiple air tanks function similarly and that the air compressor performs optimally, it is desirable to make the connecting pipes between each air tank as short as possible and of similar length. This ensures that compressed air flows into each air tank equally and that each air tank maintains the same internal pressure.

[0106] In the air compressor AC1 of Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 15, the piping between the third air tank 13 and the fourth air tank 14 was particularly long compared to the other piping. Specifically, the third air tank 13 is connected to the fourth air tank 14 via the third and fourth resin pipes 43 and 44, and the first air tank 11, which serves as the compressed air outlet, is located between these third and fourth air tanks 13 and 14. Therefore, during operation of the compression unit 30, compressed air may be discharged to the outside from the first air tank 11 without passing through the fourth air tank 14.

[0107] Therefore, in embodiments 3, 4, and 5, the lengths of the multiple pipes connecting the first to fourth air tanks 11 to 14 are made as short as possible, and are arranged to be close in length to each other. The multiple pipes connecting the multiple air tanks are made of flexible resin pipes, and are easy to lay out as shown in Figures 17 to 19.

[0108] Note that in Figures 17 to 19, the first resin piping 41 (see Figure 13) between the first air tank 11 and the second air tank 12 is the same as that of the air compressor AC1 in Embodiment 1, and therefore its illustration is omitted.

[0109] As shown in Figure 17, in the AC3 air compressor of Embodiment 3, the second resin pipe 42 between the second air tank 12 and the third air tank 13, and the fourth resin pipe 44 between the fourth air tank 14 and the first air tank 11 are laid out in a nearly straight line and are of the same length. A seventh resin pipe (pipe) 49 is provided between the third air tank 13 and the fourth air tank 14, connecting the third and fourth air tanks 13 and 14 at the shortest distance.

[0110] As a result, the compressed air generated in the compression unit 30 (see Figure 11) flows from the second air tank 12 through the third air tank 13 and the fourth air tank 14 towards the first air tank 11. Therefore, compared to Embodiment 1, the fourth air tank 14 can be made to function fully, and the performance of the air compressor AC3 can be fully realized.

[0111] As shown in Figure 18, the air compressor AC4 of Embodiment 4 differs from the air compressor AC3 of Embodiment 3 in that the second resin pipe 42, the fourth resin pipe 44, and the seventh resin pipe 49 are bent into a roughly crank shape so that they are all the same length, while avoiding the internal structures (compression section 30, etc.) of the air compressor AC4.

[0112] This also allows the fourth air tank 14 to function fully, similar to the air compressor AC3 in Embodiment 3, and enables the air compressor AC4 to perform to its full potential.

[0113] As shown in Figure 19, the air compressor AC5 of Embodiment 5 differs from the air compressor AC3 of Embodiment 3 in that the seventh resin pipe 49 is laid out closer to the center of the air compressor AC5 and bent into a roughly U-shape. In addition, the second resin pipe 42 and the fourth resin pipe 44 are curved into a roughly arc shape so as to be close to the length of the seventh resin pipe 49.

[0114] This also allows the fourth air tank 14 to function fully, similar to the air compressor AC3 in Embodiment 3, and enables the air compressor AC5 to perform to its full potential.

[0115] In addition, in any of embodiments 3, 4, and 5, as in embodiment 2, at least one of the second resin pipe 42, the fourth resin pipe 44, and the seventh resin pipe 49 may be replaced with two (or more) pipes, or with one thick resin pipe.

[0116] <Embodiment 6> Figure 20 is a side view of the air compressor according to Embodiment 6.

[0117] Furthermore, parts having the same function as those in Embodiment 1 described above are denoted by the same symbols, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0118] As shown in Figure 20, the air compressor AC6 of Embodiment 6 differs from the air compressor AC1 of Embodiment 1 (see Figure 1) in that it is equipped only with a pair of first and second air tanks 11 and 12, and these first and second air tanks 11 and 12 are installed lying horizontally with respect to the installation surface SF.

[0119] Each of the pair of first and second air tanks 11 and 12 has two metal brackets (mounting members) 50 fixed to it by welding. Specifically, metal brackets 50 are fixed to both sides of the longitudinal direction of the first and second air tanks 11 and 12 (only one is shown on one of the air tanks in the illustration).

[0120] A total of four metal brackets 50 are each fitted with a resin frame member (frame member) 52 by a screw member 51. Specifically, the resin frame member 52 is made of polypropylene (PP resin) and is formed in a roughly plate-like shape. In other words, the resin frame member 52 connects the pair of first and second air tanks 11 and 12.

[0121] Furthermore, when the air compressor AC6 is viewed from below, the resin frame member 52 covers the sides of the pair of first and second air tanks 11 and 12, and partially covers the compression section 30.

[0122] Furthermore, a resin cover 54 is fixed to the resin frame member 52 via a plurality of mounting screws 53. Specifically, the resin cover 54 is made of polypropylene (PP) and, when the air compressor AC6 is viewed from above and the side, it covers the sides of the pair of first and second air tanks 11 and 12, and partially covers the compression section 30.

[0123] Furthermore, the first air tank 11 and the second air tank 12 are connected to each other by a first resin pipe 41. The first resin pipe 41 of the air compressor AC6 is shorter than that of the other embodiments (embodiments 1 to 5) and is bent into a roughly V-shape. Therefore, pressure loss is reduced, and the first and second air tanks 11 and 12 are maintained at exactly the same pressure. However, as in the air compressor AC2 of embodiment 2 described above (see Figure 16), the first resin pipe 41 may be made into two (or more) pipes, or it may be replaced with a single thick resin pipe.

[0124] Thus, in the air compressor AC6 in which the first and second air tanks 11 and 12 are connected by a resin frame member 52, the first and second air tanks 11 and 12 can move relative to each other in accordance with the deflection of the resin frame member 52, and the first resin piping 41 can be flexibly deformed. Therefore, the same effects and advantages as in the first embodiment can be achieved in the sixth embodiment as well.

[0125] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the embodiments described above, the compression section 30 was described as a so-called "reciprocating type" having an oscillating piston PS, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may also be a so-called "scroll type" compression section having a pair of interlocking spiral members.

[0126] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above show air compressors AC1 to AC6 equipped with four air tanks or two air tanks, the present invention is not limited to these and can also be applied to air compressors equipped with three air tanks or five or more air tanks.

[0127] Furthermore, the material, shape, dimensions, number, and installation location of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary as long as they can achieve the present invention, and are not limited to the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 11-14…1st-4th air tanks (tanks), 11a-14a…tank body, 11b-14b…1st lid, 11c-14c…2nd lid, 15…coupler, 16…pressure regulating valve, 17…battery pack, 18…power plug, 19…control panel, 20…pneumatic equipment connection part, 21…1st bracket (mounting member), 21A…1st member, 21B…2nd member, 21a…1st screw hole, 21b…2nd screw hole, 21c…3rd screw hole, 22…2nd bracket (mounting member), 22a…4th screw hole, 23…front reinforcing member (reinforcing member), 23H5…screw hole ,24...Rear reinforcing member (reinforcing member), 24H6...Screw hole, 25...Upper frame member (frame member), 25a...Upper main body part, 25b...Upper tank cover part, 25c...Operation panel mounting part, 25H1...Screw hole, 25H7...Screw hole, 25H9...Screw hole, 26...Lower frame member (frame member), 26a...Lower main body part, 26b...Lower tank cover part, 26d...Base part, 26H4...Screw hole, 26H8...Screw hole, 26H10...Screw hole, 26H12...Screw hole, 27...Battery holding member (frame member), 27H3...Screw hole, 27H11 ...screw hole, 28...front cover, 28a...first opening, 28b...second opening, 28H5...screw hole, 28H7...screw hole, 28H8...screw hole, 29...rear cover, 29a...first communication window, 29H6...screw hole, 29H9...screw hole, 29H10...screw hole, 30...compression unit, 31...first compressed air generation unit, 32...second compressed air generation unit, 33...flat motor, 34...control circuit unit, 35...cooling fan, 36...legs, 40...side cover, 40H11...screw hole, 40H12...screw hole, 40a...second communication window, 41~44...first to fourth resin piping (piping) 45, 46…5th and 6th resin piping, 47, 48…1st and 2nd metal piping, 49…7th resin piping (piping), 50…metal bracket (mounting component), 51…threaded component, 52…resin frame component (frame component), 53…mounting screw, 54…resin cover, AC1~AC6…air compressor (working equipment), DC…drain cock, DL…drain piping, DP…drain section, FT…adjustable leg, HD…handle (frame component), HDH2…threaded hole, PS…oscillating piston, S1~S12…1st to 12th fixing screws, SF…mounting surface, SH…eccentric shaft

Claims

1. A compression section that compresses and discharges gas, Multiple metal tanks into which the gas discharged from the compression section flows, A resin frame member that connects multiple of the aforementioned tanks, Equipped with, Each of the multiple tanks has a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction, The frame members are attached to the ends of each of the tanks in the first direction. Work equipment.

2. All of the aforementioned tanks are fixed to the frame member which is made of a single component. The compression section is fixed to the frame member. The work machine according to claim 1.

3. Multiple tanks are provided, three or more of them. The compression section is surrounded by a plurality of tanks, The frame member partially covers the compression portion. The work machine according to claim 2.

4. Multiple tanks are arranged such that the first direction is the vertical direction. The frame members are attached so as to cover the lower end of each of the tanks. The work machine according to claim 1.

5. Multiple of the aforementioned tanks are connected to each other by resin piping. The work machine according to claim 1.

6. Multiple tanks are capable of relative movement in accordance with the deflection of the frame member. The work machine according to claim 5.

7. A metal reinforcing member is provided between some of the tanks among the multiple tanks. The work machine according to claim 1.

8. A metal mounting member is welded to each of the multiple tanks. The frame member is fixed to the mounting member. The work machine according to claim 1.

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