air tools

Abstract

The objective is to provide an air tool that allows the operating force receiving part to be positioned at a distance from the position of the valve piston. [Solution] The air tool of the present invention is an air tool in which a drive unit is operated by compressed air, and comprises a tool body having an air valve arranged in a supply path for compressed air to the drive unit and an operating unit for opening and closing the air valve, wherein the air valve has a valve piston that opens and closes the air valve by reciprocating between a closed position and an open position, and the operating unit has an operating force receiving part arranged at a distance from the valve piston and a transmission part that transmits the operating force applied to the operating force receiving part to the valve piston, wherein when an operating force is applied to the operating force receiving part and the operating force receiving part moves, the valve piston moves from the closed position to the open position.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an air tool operated by compressed air.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an air tool operated by compressed air has been known (see Patent Document 1). As shown in FIG. 22, this air tool 100 includes an air motor 101, a tip tool 106 rotated by the air motor 101, and a casing 105 that houses the air motor 101.

[0003] In the air motor 101, the rotor 103 is rotationally driven when compressed air is supplied into the cylinder 102. The switching between the supply and non - supply of compressed air into the cylinder 102 is performed by operating the lever 104. The compressed air is supplied from an air hose connected to the rear end portion 105a of the casing 105.

[0004] In this air tool 100, when the lever 104 is tilted in the direction along the moving direction of the valve piston 111 that opens and closes the air valve 110, the valve piston 111 is pushed by the lever 104, whereby the air valve 110 opens and the compressed air supplied from the air hose is supplied into the cylinder 102 of the air motor 101. As a result, the rotor 103 of the air motor 101 rotates and the tip tool 106 rotates.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the air tool 100 described above, the operating force receiving part (lever) 104, to which the operating force is input when operating the air tool 100, directly pushes the valve piston 111. Therefore, the placement position of the operating force receiving part 104 in the air tool 100 is limited.

[0007] However, in recent years, there has been a demand for air tools 100 in which the operating force receiving part is positioned at a different location (a position spaced apart from the valve piston position) depending on the operability of the air tool 100 or the preferences of the worker using the air tool 100.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an air tool in which an operating force receiving portion can be positioned at a distance from the position of the valve piston. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The air tool of the present invention is An air tool in which the drive unit is operated by compressed air, The tool body comprises an air valve positioned in the supply path of compressed air to the drive unit, and an operating unit for opening and closing the air valve. The aforementioned air valve has a valve piston that opens and closes the air valve by reciprocating between a closed position and an open position. The aforementioned operating unit is An operating force receiving part is positioned at a distance from the valve piston, It has a transmission unit that transmits the operating force applied to the operating force receiving unit to the valve piston, When the operating force is applied to the operating force receiving portion, the operating force receiving portion moves, causing the valve piston to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0010] Thus, by having an operating unit that transmits the operating force applied to the operating force receiving unit to the valve piston, thereby moving the valve piston from the closed position to the open position, the operating force receiving unit can be positioned on the tool body at a distance from the position of the valve piston.

[0011] Furthermore, in the aforementioned air tool, The tool body includes a case that houses the air valve inside, In the operating unit, the transmission unit may be housed inside the case, while the operating force receiving unit may be exposed outside the case.

[0012] In this way, by limiting the parts of the control unit that are exposed to the outside of the case and into which operating force can be applied to only a portion (the operating force receiving part), it becomes easier to perform delicate operations as fewer fingers are needed to operate the control unit when using the air tool.

[0013] Furthermore, in the aforementioned air tool, The direction of movement of the operating force receiving portion when the aforementioned operating force is applied may be in the direction along the first direction of reciprocating movement of the valve piston.

[0014] In this way, by making the direction of movement of the operating force receiving part and the direction of reciprocating motion of the valve piston the same or approximately the same, the configuration can be simplified.

[0015] Furthermore, in the aforementioned air tool, The aforementioned operating force receiving portion is The tool body has a rotating shaft positioned at a distance from the valve piston in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and extending in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions, It comprises a receiving body that is rotatable around the aforementioned rotation axis, The valve piston side end of the receiving portion body may be pushed along the first direction, causing the receiving portion body to rotate, thereby moving the valve piston from the closed position to the open position.

[0016] In this way, by configuring the receiving part (the part to which the operating force is applied) to be rotatable around the rotation axis, the receiving part can move smoothly in response to the input of the operating force, thereby making it easier to operate the operating part.

[0017] Further, the air tool may include a locking mechanism that releasably locks the operating force receiving portion. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an accidental operation of the operating force receiving portion.

[0018]

Effect of the Invention

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air tool in which an operating force receiving portion can be disposed at a position spaced apart from the position of the valve piston.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an air tool according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tool body included in the air tool according to the first embodiment. [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of position XII-XII in Figure 11, showing the operating unit in the stopped position. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the valve piston and its surroundings in Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of position XII-XII in Figure 11, showing the operating part in the operating position. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of the valve piston and its surroundings in Figure 14. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a central longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tool body according to another embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is an enlarged view of the transmission section and its surrounding area in the central longitudinal section of an air tool according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is an enlarged view of the transmission section and its surrounding area in the central longitudinal section of an air tool according to another embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the operating section and its surrounding area according to another embodiment. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is an enlarged perspective view of the operating section and its surrounding area according to another embodiment. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the central longitudinal section of the operating section and its surrounding area according to another embodiment. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conventional air tool. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

[0022] In the first embodiment of the air tool 1, as shown in Figure 1, the drive unit 4 (see Figure 4) is operated by compressed air supplied from the connected air hose 91, and the power output from this drive unit 4 is transmitted to the tool 92 attached to the tip, etc., causing the tool 92 to operate. The air tool 1 has a replaceable tool 92, and the tool 92 in this embodiment is a socket (air tool socket) for attaching and removing bolts or nuts.

[0023] Specifically, the air tool 1 comprises a head portion 2 to which a tool 92 is detachably attached, and a tool body 3 having a drive unit 4 (see Figure 4) for operating the tool 92. In the following description, the direction in which the head portion 2 and the tool body 3 in Figure 1 are aligned is referred to as the X-axis direction (second direction) of the Cartesian coordinate system, the vertical direction in Figure 1 is referred to as the Z-axis direction (first direction) of the Cartesian coordinate system, and the directions perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction are referred to as the Y-axis direction of the Cartesian coordinate system. Furthermore, in the X-axis direction, the left side of Figure 1 is referred to as the front end, and the right side of Figure 1 is referred to as the rear end.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 to 7, the tool body 3 comprises a drive unit 4 operated by compressed air, a supply passage 5 through which compressed air flows, an air valve 6 positioned in the middle of the supply passage 5, a case 7 housing the drive unit 4 and the like, and an operating unit 8 for opening and closing the air valve 6.

[0025] Case 7 comprises a case body 71, a head unit connection part 72 to which the head unit 2 is detachably connected, and a hose connection part 73 to which the air hose 91 (see Figure 1) is detachably connected.

[0026] The case body 71 extends in the X-axis direction and is the part that the operator or other person grips when working with the air tool 1. This case body 71 houses (internalizes) the drive unit 4, the supply passage 5, and the air valve 6, etc. The case body 71 of this embodiment includes an operating unit housing section 711 that houses the operating unit 8 inside.

[0027] The operating section housing 711 extends in the X-axis direction from the front to the rear end of the case body 71 and has an opening 713 at the front end through which the operating section 8 is exposed. In this embodiment, the operating section housing 711 is located at the other end of the case body 71 in the Z-axis direction (the lower end in Figure 1).

[0028] The head connection portion 72 is connected to the front end of the case body 71 in the X-axis direction and engages with the rear end of the head portion 2 in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the head connection portion 72 is a cylindrical portion that extends in the longitudinal direction. This head connection portion 72 has a short cylindrical member 721 that can reciprocate in the X-axis direction at its outermost radial end, and the head portion 2 can be attached and detached by sliding the short cylindrical member 721 in the X-axis direction from a position adjacent to the case body 71 in the X-axis direction (connection lock position P3: position shown by the solid line in Figure 1) to a connection release position P4 on the front end side (position shown by the dashed line in Figure 1). On the other hand, when the rear end of the head portion 2 in the X-axis direction (engagement portion described later) 21 is fitted into the head connection portion 72, the short cylindrical member 721 is positioned at the connection lock position P3, thereby locking (fixing) the head portion 2 to the case 7 (tool body 3).

[0029] The hose connection section 73 is connected to the rear end of the case body 71 in the X-axis direction, and is the part to which the air hose 91 is detachably connected (see Figure 1). This air hose 91 is a tubular component that supplies (delivers) compressed air generated by a compressor or the like to the air tool 1.

[0030] The drive unit 4 outputs power to operate the tool 92 attached to the head unit 2 when compressed air is supplied to it. In this embodiment, the drive unit 4 outputs rotational power when compressed air is supplied to it. Specifically, the drive unit 4 is an air motor equipped with an output shaft 41, and outputs rotational power when the output shaft 41 rotates when compressed air is supplied to it. Note that the drive unit 4 is not limited to an air motor, but can be any device that can output power when compressed air is supplied to it. Also, the power output by the drive unit 4 does not have to be rotational power.

[0031] The supply path 5 is a flow path that extends from the hose connection 73 to the drive unit 4, and guides the compressed air flowing in from the hose connection 73 to the drive unit 4.

[0032] The air valve 6 includes a valve piston 62 that opens and closes the air valve 6 by reciprocating between a closed position P1 (see Figures 4 and 5) and an open position P2 (see Figures 6 and 7). In this embodiment, the valve piston 62 reciprocates in the Z-axis direction (a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction).

[0033] Specifically, the air valve 6 comprises a valve body 61 positioned in the middle of the supply passage 5, a valve piston 62 positioned inside the valve body 61, and a biasing member 63 that biases the valve piston 62.

[0034] The valve body 61 is capable of circulating compressed air and comprises a first space S1 and a second space S2 adjacent to the first space S1 in the Z-axis direction (see Figures 5 and 7).

[0035] The first space S1 is a cylindrical space extending in the Z-axis direction and is connected to the hose connection part 73 by a supply passage 5. The second space S2 is a cylindrical space extending in the Z-axis direction and having a smaller diameter than the first space S1, and is connected to the drive unit 4 by a supply passage 5. The first space S1 and the second space S2 are formed so that their central axes C1 coincide. In the valve body 61, a stepped surface 611 is formed over the entire circumferential area at the boundary position between the first space S1 and the second space S2 in the Z-axis direction.

[0036] The valve piston 62 comprises a piston base 621 and a shaft portion 622 extending from the piston base 621. The valve piston 62 also includes an O-ring 623 positioned on the piston base 621.

[0037] The piston base 621 has a groove 621a that extends in a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and extends circumferentially when viewed from the Z-axis direction. An O-ring 623 is fitted into this groove 621a. The piston base 621 presses the O-ring against the stepped surface 611 from one side in the Z-axis direction (the upper side in Figure 5), thereby creating an airtight seal between the first space S1 and the second space S2.

[0038] The shaft portion 622 extends from the piston base portion 621 toward the other side in the Z-axis direction (the lower side in Figure 5). Specifically, the shaft portion 622 extends into the operating section housing portion 711 of the case body 71 (see Figures 4 and 5). In this embodiment, the cross-section of the shaft portion 622 (the cross-section in the plane direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction) is smaller than the diameter of the second space S2, and the tip surface of the shaft portion 622 (the end surface on the other side in the Z-axis direction) is spherical.

[0039] The biasing member 63 biases the valve piston 62 in the direction from the first space S1 to the second space S2 (in other words, towards the other side in the Z-axis direction). In this embodiment, the biasing member 63 is a compression coil spring and biases the piston base 621 of the valve piston 62.

[0040] The operating section 8 includes a finger rest (operating force receiving section) 81 positioned at a distance from the valve piston 62, and a transmission section 82 that transmits the operating force applied to the finger rest 81 to the valve piston 62. The operating section 8 also includes a locking mechanism 83 that releasably locks the finger rest 81. In this operating section 8, the transmission section 82 is housed inside the case 7 (more specifically, the operating section housing section 711), while the finger rest 81 is exposed to the outside of the case 7. The operating section 8 in this embodiment is a so-called trigger type, but is not limited to this configuration and may be of other types (for example, a slide type).

[0041] In the air tool 1 of this embodiment, when an operating force is applied to the finger rest 81 of the operating section 8, the finger rest 81 moves, causing the valve piston 62 to move from the closed position P1 to the open position P2. The details are as follows.

[0042] The finger rest portion 81 is positioned on the tool body 3 at a distance from the valve piston 62 in the X-axis direction and includes a first rotating shaft 811 extending in the Y-axis direction, and a finger rest portion body 812 that is rotatable around the first rotating shaft 811. In this embodiment, the first rotating shaft 811 is positioned at a distance from the valve piston 62 towards the tip in the X-axis direction.

[0043] The first rotating shaft 811 extends in the Y-axis direction within the opening 713 of the operating section housing 711. More specifically, the first rotating shaft 811 extends in the Y-axis direction from one end of the opening 713 to the other end of the opening 713 in the Y-axis direction, with its X-axis end facing forward within the opening 713.

[0044] The finger rest body 812 is the part (or component) on which a worker or other person can place their fingers to apply operating force to the operating section 8 when working with the air tool 1. Specifically, the finger rest body 812 has an insertion hole 813 through which the first rotating shaft 811 is inserted (see Figures 4 and 6), and extends from the part where the insertion hole 813 is provided toward the rear end in the X direction. Because the first rotating shaft 811 is inserted through this insertion hole 813, the finger rest body 812 is rotatable around the first rotating shaft 811. In this embodiment, the finger rest body 812 is rotatable between a stop position P11 (position shown in Figure 4) where the part on which a worker or other person places their fingers is located furthest to the other side in the Z direction, and an operating position P12 (position shown in Figure 6) where the part on which a worker places their fingers is located furthest to the one side in the Z direction.

[0045] Furthermore, the finger rest body 812 is provided with a through portion 814 that penetrates the finger rest body 812 in the Z-axis direction. This through portion 814 is the area where at least a part of the locking mechanism 83 is located.

[0046] The transmission unit 82 is positioned in the tool body 3 at a distance from the valve piston 62 in the X-axis direction and includes a second rotating shaft 821 extending in the Y-axis direction, and a transmission lever unit 822 that is rotatable around the second rotating shaft 821. In this embodiment, the second rotating shaft 821 is positioned at a distance from the valve piston 62 towards the rear end in the X-axis direction.

[0047] The second rotating shaft 821 extends in the Y-axis direction within the operating section housing 711 (the part housing the operating section 8). More specifically, the second rotating shaft 821 extends in the Y-axis direction from its rear end in the X-axis direction within the operating section housing 711. That is, in the X-axis direction, the second rotating shaft 821 is positioned at a distance from the valve piston 62 on the opposite side from the first rotating shaft 811.

[0048] The transmission lever portion 822 is a part (or component) that transmits the operating force applied by the finger rest portion 81 to the valve piston 62 when an operator works with the air tool 1. Specifically, the transmission lever portion 822 has an insertion hole 823 through which the second rotating shaft 821 is inserted (see Figures 4 and 6), and extends from the portion where the insertion hole 823 is provided toward the tip in the X-axis direction. Because the second rotating shaft 821 is inserted through this insertion hole 823, the transmission lever portion 822 is rotatable around the second rotating shaft 821. In this embodiment, the transmission lever portion 822 is rotatable between a first position P21 (the position shown in Figure 4), which is the position when the finger rest portion body 812 is in the stop position P11, and a second position P22 (the position shown in Figure 6), which is the position when the finger rest portion body 812 is in the operating position P12.

[0049] More specifically, the transmission lever portion 822 extends from the portion where the insertion hole 823 is provided to the tip of the shaft portion 622 of the valve piston 62 (the other end in the Z-axis direction) from the other side in the Z-axis direction. The tip of the transmission lever portion 822 in the X-axis direction engages with the rear end of the finger rest body 812 in the X-axis direction (see Figures 4 and 6).

[0050] The engagement between the X-axis tip of the transmission lever portion 822 and the X-axis rear end of the finger rest body 812 causes the finger rest body 812 to rotate around the first rotation axis 811, moving its X-axis rear end to one side in the Z-axis direction. At the same time, the X-axis tip of the transmission lever portion 822 is pushed to one side in the Z-axis direction by the aforementioned rear end of the finger rest body 812, causing the transmission lever portion 822 to rotate around the second rotation axis 821. This rotation of the transmission lever portion 822 pushes the tip of the shaft portion 622 of the valve piston 62 to one side in the Z-axis direction, causing the valve piston 62 to move from the closed position P1 to the open position P2 (see Figures 4 and 6).

[0051] The locking mechanism 83 includes a third rotation shaft 831 extending in the Y-axis direction, a locking lever portion 832 rotatable around the third rotation shaft 831, and a locking projection 833 projecting to the other side in the Z-axis direction within the operating portion housing 711.

[0052] The third rotation shaft 831 extends in the Y-axis direction within the through-hole 814 of the finger rest body 812. More specifically, the third rotation shaft 831 extends in the Y-axis direction from one end of the through-hole 814 to the other end.

[0053] The lock lever portion 832 extends in a predetermined direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction and has an insertion hole 834 in the center of the extending direction through which the third rotation shaft 831 is inserted (see Figures 4 and 6). Because the third rotation shaft 831 is inserted through this insertion hole 834, the lock lever portion 832 is rotatable around the third rotation shaft 831. In this embodiment, the lock lever portion 832 is rotatable between a locked position P31 (see Figure 4) and an unlocked position P32 (see Figure 6). In the locked position P31, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the longitudinal direction of the lock lever portion 832 is aligned with the Z-axis direction, and in the unlocked position P32, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the longitudinal direction of the lock lever portion 832 is aligned with the X-axis direction.

[0054] The lock lever portion 832 extends from the through portion 814 of the finger rest body 812 to a position that protrudes to the other side in the Z-axis direction when it is in the locked position P31 (see Figures 1, 2, and 4). The portion 832a of the lock lever portion 832 that protrudes from the through portion 814 is contained within the through portion 814 of the finger rest body 812 when the lock lever portion 832 is in the released position P32 (see Figure 6).

[0055] The locking projection 833 is a part that, when the lock lever portion 832 is in contact with it in the locked position P31, prevents the finger rest body 812 from rotating from the stop position P11 to the operating position P12. Specifically, the locking projection 833 is a part that protrudes to the other side in the Z-axis direction inside the operating portion housing 711. In this embodiment, the locking projection 833 is positioned opposite the rotation center (third rotation axis 831) of the lock lever portion 832 in the Z-axis direction.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 and 8, the head unit 2 comprises a head unit body 20, an engagement part 21 that engages with the head unit connection part 72 of the case 7, a tool mounting part 22 to which a tool (a socket in this embodiment) 92 is detachably attached, and a power transmission mechanism that transmits power (rotational power in this embodiment) output from the output shaft 41 of the tool body 3 to the tool mounting part 22.

[0057] The engaging portion 21 is the part that fits into the head portion connecting portion 72 of the case 7 and is connected to the rear end of the head portion body 20 in the X-axis direction.

[0058] The tool mounting portion 22 has a columnar portion 221 that extends (projects) from the head body 20 to the other side in the Z-axis direction, and engages with the engaged recess (insertion angle) of the tool 92 by fitting into the engaged recess. The columnar portion 221 in this embodiment is a so-called drive angle, and is a rectangular columnar portion that extends to the other side in the Z-axis direction. This tool mounting portion 22 is rotatable around a rotational center axis C2 (see Figure 8) that extends in the Z-axis direction.

[0059] The power transmission mechanism is built into the head body 20 and consists of multiple components such as gears. This power transmission mechanism transmits the rotational power output from the output shaft 41 of the tool body 3 to the tool mounting section 22, thereby causing the tool mounting section 22 to rotate around the rotational axis C2.

[0060] In this embodiment, the head portion 2 has a rotational axis C2 of the columnar portion 221 of the tool mounting portion 22 that extends perpendicular to the direction in which the rotational axis C2 of the output shaft 41 of the tool body 3 (more specifically, the drive unit 4) extends. However, the configuration is not limited to this. Multiple types of head portions 2 may be prepared, such as head portions 2 in which the rotational axis C2 of the columnar portion 221 of the tool mounting portion 22 extends in the same direction (same or parallel) as the rotational axis C2 of the output shaft 41 of the tool body 3 extends, and the head portion 2 may be replaced according to the work.

[0061] Furthermore, the head unit 2 may be configured to convert the rotational power output from the output shaft 41 of the drive unit 4 into reciprocating motion, for example, as used in a reciprocating saw. In other words, the power transmission mechanism of the head unit 2 may be configured to convert rotational motion (rotational power) into reciprocating motion.

[0062] As described above, the head unit 2 is configured such that the tool 92 attached to the tool mounting unit 22 is operated by the power output from the drive unit 4 of the tool body 3.

[0063] Next, the operation of the air tool 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0064] First, the tool 92 is attached to the tool mounting section 22 of the head section 2, and the air hose 91 that supplies compressed air is connected to the hose connection section 73 of the case 7. In this state, when operating the air tool 1 from a stopped state, the operator or other person holds the case 7 and uses their index finger or the like to push the lock lever section 832 from the locked position P31 to the released position P32 (see arrow α1 in Figure 4 and Figure 6 for details). With the lock lever section 832 in the released position P32, the operator grips the finger rest body 812 with their index finger or the like and moves the finger rest body 812 from the stopped position P11 to the operating position P12 (see arrow α2 in Figure 4 for details). As a result, the transmission lever section 822 rotates from the first position P21 to the second position P22 (see arrow α3 in Figure 4).

[0065] As the transmission lever portion 822 rotates around the second rotation axis 821 from the first position P21 to the second position P22, the valve piston 62 of the air valve 6 is pushed to one side in the Z-axis direction by the transmission lever portion 822, moving from the closed position P1 to the open position P2. This movement of the valve piston 62 causes the O-ring 623, which was pressed against the stepped surface 611, to move away from the stepped surface 611, and the first space S1 and the second space S2 come into communication, allowing compressed air to flow from the first space S1 to the second space S2.

[0066] The compressed air that flows into the second space S2 flows into the drive unit 4 through the supply passage 5, which causes the drive unit 4 to operate and the output shaft 41 to rotate (i.e., to output rotational power).

[0067] The rotation of the output shaft 41 is transmitted to the tool mounting section 22 by the power transmission mechanism of the head section 2, causing the tool mounting section 22 to rotate around the rotational axis C2. At this time, the tool 92 attached to the tool mounting section 22 also rotates around the rotational axis C2. The rotation of this tool 92 is used to attach or detach bolts or nuts.

[0068] When operating the air tool 1, the finger rest body 812 moves (rotates) from the stopping position P11 to the operating position P12. By adjusting the amount of rotation of the finger rest body 812 around the first rotation axis 811, the opening degree of the air valve 6 (i.e., the distance in the Z-axis direction between the stepped surface 611 and the O-ring 623) is adjusted (i.e., the flow rate of compressed air supplied to the drive unit 4 is adjusted), thereby allowing the rotational speed of the tool 92 to be adjusted.

[0069] On the other hand, when stopping the air tool 1 from the operating state, if the operator or other person grips the case 7 and releases their index finger or the like that gripping the finger rest body 812, the biasing force of the biasing member 63 of the air valve 6 pushes the valve piston 62 from the open position P2 to the closed position P1. This biasing force is transmitted to the finger rest body 812 via the transmission lever 822, causing the finger rest body 812 to move (rotate) from the operating position P12 to the stopped position P11.

[0070] As the finger rest body 812 rotates, the valve piston 62 of the air valve 6 moves from the open position P2 to the closed position P1, which reduces the gap between the stepped surface 611 and the O-ring 623.

[0071] Then, when the finger rest body 812 moves (rotates) to the stopping position P11, the O-ring 623 is pressed against the stepped surface 611, separating the first space S1 and the second space S2, and preventing compressed air from flowing from the first space S1 to the second space S2. As a result, the output shaft 41 of the drive unit 4 stops, and the rotation of the tool 92 also stops.

[0072] The air tool 1 described above is an air tool 1 in which a drive unit 4 is operated by compressed air, and comprises a tool body 3 having an air valve 6 arranged in a compressed air supply passage 5 to the drive unit 4, and an operating unit 8 for opening and closing the air valve 6. The air valve 6 has a valve piston 62 that opens and closes the air valve 6 by reciprocating between a closed position P1 and an open position P2, and the operating unit 8 has a finger rest (operating force receiving part) 81 positioned at a distance from the valve piston 62, and a transmission part 82 that transmits the operating force applied to the finger rest 81 to the valve piston 62, so that when an operating force is applied to the finger rest 81 and the finger rest 81 moves, the valve piston 62 moves from the closed position P1 to the open position P2.

[0073] Thus, the operating unit 8 has a transmission unit 82 that transmits the operating force applied to the finger rest 81 to the valve piston 62, moving the valve piston 62 from the closed position P1 to the open position P2. This allows the finger rest 81 to be positioned on the tool body 3 at a distance from the position of the valve piston 62.

[0074] Furthermore, in the air tool 1 of this embodiment, the tool body 3 includes a case 7 that houses the air valve 6 inside, and in the operating section 8, the transmission section 82 is housed inside the case 7, while the finger rest (operating force receiving section) 81 is exposed to the outside of the case 7.

[0075] In this way, by limiting the part of the operating section 8 that is exposed to the outside of the case 7 and into which operating force can be applied to a portion (finger rest) 81, the operating section 8 can be operated with fewer fingers when using the air tool 1, making it easier to perform delicate operations.

[0076] Furthermore, in the air tool of this embodiment, the direction of movement of the finger rest (operating force receiving part) 81 when an operating force is applied is along the Z-axis direction (first direction) in which the valve piston 62 reciprocates.

[0077] In this way, by making the direction of movement of the finger rest 81 and the direction of reciprocating motion of the valve piston 62 the same or approximately the same, the configuration of the transmission unit 82 and other components can be simplified.

[0078] Furthermore, in the air tool 1 of this embodiment, the finger rest (operating force receiving part) 81 is positioned on the tool body 3 at a distance from the valve piston 62 in the X-axis direction (second direction) perpendicular to the Z-axis direction (first direction), and includes a first rotation axis (rotation axis) 811 extending in the Y-axis direction (third direction) perpendicular to both the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction, and a finger rest body (receiving body) 812 that can rotate around the first rotation axis 811. When the end of the finger rest body 812 on the valve piston 62 side is pushed along the Z-axis direction, the finger rest body 812 rotates, causing the valve piston 62 to move from the closed position P1 to the open position P2.

[0079] In this way, by configuring the finger rest body (the part to which operating force is applied) 812 to be rotatable around the first rotation axis 811, the finger rest body 812 can move smoothly in response to the input of operating force, thereby making it easier to operate the operating unit 8.

[0080] Furthermore, the air tool 1 carried by the implementing officer is equipped with a locking mechanism 83 that locks the finger rest (operating force receiving part) 81 in a releaseable manner. This prevents accidental operation of the finger rest 81.

[0081] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 15. The same reference numerals will be used for components similar to those in the first embodiment, and detailed explanations will be omitted. Only the different components will be described in detail.

[0082] As shown in Figure 9, the air tool 1A of this embodiment comprises a head portion 2 and a tool body 3A. The head portion 2 of this embodiment has the same configuration as the head portion 2 of the first embodiment (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0083] As shown in Figures 10 to 15, the tool body 3A includes a drive unit 4, a supply passage 5, an air valve 6, a case 7A, and an operating unit 8A for opening and closing the air valve 6.

[0084] The air valve 6 comprises a valve body 61, a valve piston 62, and a biasing member 63.

[0085] The valve body 61 has a first space S1 and a second space S2 inside. The valve body 61 also has a stepped surface 611 at the boundary between the first space S1 and the second space S2.

[0086] The valve piston 62 comprises a piston base 621, a shaft portion 622, and an O-ring 623.

[0087] Case 7A comprises a case body 71A, a head connection part 72, and a hose connection part 73.

[0088] The case body 71A includes an operating section housing 711A that houses the operating section 8A so that it can reciprocate in the longitudinal direction.

[0089] The operating section housing 711A extends in the X-axis direction from the front to the rear end of the case body 71A and has an opening 713A at the front end through which the operating section 8A is exposed. In this embodiment, the operating section housing 711A is located at one end of the case body 71A in the Z-axis direction (the upper side in Figure 9).

[0090] The operating section 8A is housed in the operating section housing 711A so as to be slidable in the X-axis direction relative to the case body 71A, with its X-axis tip exposed to the outside through the opening 713A of the operating section housing 711A.

[0091] The operating unit 8A slides (moves) relative to the case body 71 from the stop position P41 (position shown in Figure 12) toward the operating position P42 (position shown in Figure 14) on the rear end side in the X-axis direction, pushing the valve piston 62 from the closed position P1 (position shown in Figure 12) toward the open position P2 (position shown in Figure 14) against the biasing force of the biasing member 63, thereby opening the air valve 6 (i.e., operating the air tool 1A). On the other hand, the operating unit 8A slides (moves) relative to the case body 71A from the operating position P42 toward the stop position P41, causing the valve piston 62 to move from the open position P2 toward the closed position P1 by the biasing force of the biasing member 63, thereby closing the air valve 6 (i.e., stopping the air tool 1A).

[0092] Specifically, the operating section 8A includes a finger rest (operating force receiving section) 81A positioned at a distance from the valve piston 62, and a transmission section 82A that transmits the operating force applied to the finger rest 81A to the valve piston 62. In this embodiment of the operating section 8A, the finger rest 81A and the transmission section 82A are integrated. In this embodiment of the operating section 8A, the transmission section 82A is housed inside the case 7A (more specifically, the operating section housing section 711A), while the finger rest 81A is exposed to the outside of the case 7.

[0093] The finger rest 81A is the part where the operator or other person places their thumb or the like to slide the operating part 8A when working with the air tool 1A (i.e., applies operating force).

[0094] The transmission section 82A includes an inclined section 85 positioned at a distance from the finger rest section 81A, and a connecting section 86 that connects the finger rest section 81A and the inclined section 85.

[0095] The connecting portion 86 extends in the X-axis direction from the finger rest portion 81A to the inclined portion 85, and transmits the operating force applied to the finger rest portion 81A to the inclined portion 85.

[0096] The inclined portion 85 is the part that contacts the tip surface of the shaft portion 622 of the valve piston 62. This inclined portion 85 extends in a direction (inclination direction) that is located on one side of the Z-axis direction as it approaches the rear end in the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the direction in which the inclined portion 85 extends is less than 45° with respect to the X-axis direction (the direction of movement of the operating portion 8A). In other words, the angle θ (see Figure 12) between the X-axis direction and the direction in which the inclined portion 85 extends is less than 45°.

[0097] Next, the operation of the air tool 1A according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0098] To operate the air tool 1A from a stopped state, the operator holds the case 7A and places their thumb or the like on the finger rest 81A of the operating part 8A, sliding the operating part 8A from the stopped position P11 (position shown in Figure 12) to the operating position P12 (position shown in Figure 14). This causes the inclined part 85 to move towards the rear end in the X-axis direction relative to the case body 71A.

[0099] As the inclined portion 85 moves toward the rear end in the X-axis direction, the valve piston 62 of the air valve 6 is pushed toward the other side in the Z-axis direction (downward in Figure 12) by the inclined portion 85, moving from the closed position P1 toward the open position P2.

[0100] As a result, the first space S1 and the second space S2 are connected, and compressed air flows from the first space S1 to the second space S2. This compressed air that flows into the second space S2 flows into the drive unit 4 through the supply passage 5, causing the drive unit 4 to operate and the output shaft 41 to rotate (i.e., to output rotational power).

[0101] The rotation of the output shaft 41 is transmitted to the tool mounting section 22 by the power transmission mechanism 23, causing the tool mounting section 22 to rotate around the rotational axis C2. At this time, the tool 92 attached to the tool mounting section 22 also rotates around the rotational axis C2, and the rotation of this tool 92 is used to attach or detach bolts or nuts.

[0102] When operating the air tool 1A, the sliding amount (amount of movement in the X-axis direction) of the operating unit 8A from the stop position P41 to the operating position P42 is adjusted, thereby adjusting the opening degree of the air valve 6 (i.e., the distance in the Z-axis direction between the stepped surface 611 and the O-ring 623) (i.e., the flow rate of compressed air supplied to the drive unit 4), and thereby the rotational speed of the tool 92 can be adjusted.

[0103] On the other hand, when stopping the air tool 1A from the operating state, the operator or other person holds the case 7A and places their thumb or the like on the finger rest 81A of the operating part 8A, and slides the operating part 8A from the operating position P42 to the stopping position P41, causing the inclined part 85 to move towards the tip in the X-axis direction.

[0104] As the inclined portion 85 moves toward the tip in the X-axis direction, the valve piston 62 of the air valve 6 moves from the open position P2 toward the closed position P1 due to the biasing force of the biasing member 63, thereby reducing the gap between the stepped surface 611 and the O-ring 623.

[0105] Then, when the operating unit 8A slides to the stop position P41, the O-ring 623 is pressed against the stepped surface 611, separating the first space S1 and the second space S2, and preventing compressed air from flowing from the first space S1 to the second space S2. As a result, the output shaft 41 of the drive unit 4 stops, and the rotation of the tool 92 also stops.

[0106] The air tool 1A described above is an air tool 1A in which a drive unit 4 is operated by compressed air, and comprises a tool body 3A having an air valve 6 arranged in a compressed air supply passage 5 to the drive unit 4, and an operating unit 8A for opening and closing the air valve 6. The air valve 6 has a valve piston 62 that opens and closes the air valve 6 by reciprocating between a closed position P1 and an open position P2, and the operating unit 8A has a finger rest (operating force receiving part) 81A positioned at a distance from the valve piston 62, and a transmission part 82A that transmits the operating force applied to the finger rest 81A to the valve piston 62, so that when an operating force is applied to the finger rest 81A and the finger rest 81A moves, the valve piston 62 moves from the closed position P1 to the open position P2.

[0107] Thus, in the air tool 1A of the second embodiment, the operating unit 8A has a transmission unit 82A that transmits the operating force applied to the finger rest 81A to the valve piston 62, moving the valve piston 62 from the closed position P1 to the open position P2. As a result, the finger rest 81A can be positioned on the tool body 3A at a distance from the position of the valve piston 62.

[0108] Furthermore, the air tool of the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the configuration of one embodiment can be added to the configuration of another embodiment, and a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. In addition, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be deleted.

[0109] In the air tools 1 and 1A of the first and second embodiments described above, the head portion 2 is configured to be replaceable, but the configuration is not limited to this. The head portion 2 and the tool body 3 and 3A may be integrated. That is, the head portion 2 may not be removable from the tool body 3 and 3A.

[0110] Furthermore, although the air tool 1 of the first embodiment described above is equipped with a locking mechanism 83, it is not limited to this configuration. The air tool 1 does not need to be equipped with a locking mechanism 83.

[0111] Furthermore, although the air tool 1A of the second embodiment described above does not have a locking mechanism, the configuration is not limited to this. The air tool 1A may include a locking mechanism 87 that unlocks the operating section 8A, for example, as shown in Figure 16.

[0112] The locking mechanism 87 includes an engaging projection 871 that protrudes into the operating section housing 711A, an engaging member 872 that can engage with the engaging projection 871, a biasing member 873 that biases the engaging member 872, and a release operation section 874 for performing a lock release operation.

[0113] The engaging projection 871 protrudes from the other side (lower side in Figure 16) in the Z-axis direction within the operating section housing 711A toward the one side (upper side in Figure 16). The engaging projection 871 is positioned towards the tip of the inclined portion 85 when the operating section 8A is in the stop position P11.

[0114] The engaging member 872 is a long member extending in a predetermined direction and is rotatably arranged around a pivot axis J that penetrates near the center of its longitudinal direction. Here, the pivot axis J is an axial portion extending in the Y-axis direction within the connecting portion 86.

[0115] When the rear end of the engaging member 872 comes into contact with (engages with) the engaging projection 871 in the direction of the X axis (as shown in Figure 16), the operating part 8A is locked. In other words, movement of the operating part 8A toward the rear end in the X axis direction is prevented.

[0116] The biasing member 873 is positioned between the connecting portion 86 and the rear end of the engaging member 872, and biases the rear end of the engaging member 872 to the other side in the Z-axis direction. In the example shown in Figure 16, the biasing member 873 is a coil spring.

[0117] The release operation section 874 is reciprocally movable in the Z-axis direction and penetrates the opening / closing operation section (finger grip section) 81A. The other end of the release operation section 874 in the Z-axis direction abuts against the tip of the engaging member 872 from one side in the Z-axis direction.

[0118] When the release operation part 874 is pushed toward the other side in the Z-axis direction relative to the opening / closing operation part (finger grip part) 81A, the tip of the engaging member 872 is pushed, causing the engaging member 872 to rotate around the pivot axis J against the biasing force of the biasing member 873 (in the example shown in Figure 16, it rotates counterclockwise around the pivot axis J as the center of rotation). As a result, the engagement between the rear end of the engaging member 872 and the engaging projection 871 is released, and the operation part 8A can move toward the rear end in the X-axis direction. In other words, the lock on the operation part 8A by the lock mechanism 87 is released.

[0119] Here, when the force applied to the pressed release operation part 874 is released, the engaging member 872 rotates around the pivot axis J due to the biasing force of the biasing member 873, so that its rear end moves to the other side in the Z-axis direction.

[0120] Furthermore, the specific configurations of the locking mechanisms 83 and 87 are not limited. Various configurations are possible for the locking mechanisms 83 and 87, as long as they can be configured to lock the operating force receiving portion (finger grip portion in the examples of the first and second embodiments) 81 in a releaseable manner.

[0121] Furthermore, although the air tools 1 and 1A of the first and second embodiments described above do not have a tool 92, they may have a tool 92. If the air tools 1 and 1A have a tool 92, the tool 92 may be replaceable or it may not be removable from the head 2. Also, the tool 92 is not limited to a socket for attaching or removing bolts or nuts, but may be a tool for other types of work such as a screwdriver bit.

[0122] Furthermore, in the air tools 1 and 1A of the first and second embodiments described above, the operating force receiving portion (finger rest) 81 is positioned at a distance from the valve piston 62 of the air valve 6 towards the tip in the X-axis direction, but it may be positioned at a distance in other directions.

[0123] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the transmission sections 82 and 82A of the operating sections 8 and 8A is not limited. The transmission sections 82 and 82A may be configured by a mechanism that transmits operating force through a plurality of members, such as a link mechanism, arranged between the operating force receiving section (finger rest section) 81 and 81A and the air valve 6, and may be configured to push the valve piston 62 when the finger rest sections 81 and 81A are moved.

[0124] Furthermore, in the air tools 1 and 1A of the first and second embodiments described above, the transmission sections 82 and 82A of the operating sections 8 and 8A are housed inside the case bodies 71 and 71A (in the examples of the first and second embodiments, the operating section housing sections 711 and 711A), but the configuration is not limited to this. The transmission sections 82 and 82A may be exposed to the outside of the case bodies 71 and 71A.

[0125] Furthermore, in the air tool 1 of the first embodiment described above, the receiving body (finger rest body) 812 of the operating force receiving part (finger rest part) 81 rotates when an operating force is applied, but the configuration is not limited to this. The receiving body (finger rest body) 812 may, for example, be configured to slide along the Z-axis direction.

[0126] Furthermore, in the air tool 1 of the first embodiment described above, the direction of movement of the operating force receiving portion (finger rest portion) 81 is in the direction of movement of the valve piston 62, and in the air tool 1A of the second embodiment described above, the direction of movement of the operating force receiving portion (finger rest portion) 81A is in the direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the valve piston 62, but the configuration is not limited to these. The direction of movement of the operating force receiving portion (finger rest portion) 81 may be in a direction other than the direction of movement of the valve piston 62 and the direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the valve piston 62.

[0127] Furthermore, in the air tool 1 of the first embodiment described above, the operating force receiving portion (finger rest portion) 81 and the transmission portion 82 are made of separate components, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, the operating force receiving portions (finger rest portions) 81B and 81C may be made of a part of the transmission lever portion 822 (in the example shown in Figures 17 and 18, the tip portion).

[0128] In this case, as shown in Figure 18, it is preferable that the surface 810 on the operating force receiving portion (finger rest portion) 81C, on which the operator's fingers can be placed, is displaced to the other side in the Z-axis direction compared to other parts of the transmission lever portion 822 (it protrudes from the case body 71 in the direction of movement of the operating force receiving portion (finger rest portion) 81C). With this configuration, when the operator places their fingers on the operating force receiving portion (finger rest portion) 81C and grips it (pushes it into the case body 71), the case body 71 becomes less of an obstruction, making it easier to operate.

[0129] Furthermore, in the air tool 1A of the second embodiment described above, the direction of movement of the operating part 8A (finger rest 81A) is the direction in which the case body 71A extends (X-axis direction), but the configuration is not limited to this. The direction of movement of the operating part 8A may be the circumferential direction of the case body 71A (see Figures 19 and 20), or a direction intersecting the direction in which the case body 71A extends (X-axis direction), etc. In other words, the direction of movement of the operating part 8A is not limited.

[0130] Furthermore, in the air tool 1A of the second embodiment described above, the operating section 8A is provided with one inclined section 85, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 21, the operating section 8A may be provided with two inclined sections 85A and 85B aligned in the direction of movement of the operating section 8A (in the example shown in Figure 21, the X-axis direction), and one inclined section 85A and the other inclined section 85B may extend in an inclined direction such that they are located on one side in the Z-axis direction as they move toward their respective boundary positions in the X-axis direction. With such a configuration, the valve piston 62 can be moved from the closed position P1 to the open position P2 regardless of whether the operating section 8A moves from the stop position P41 toward the front end or the rear end in the X-axis direction. In other words, the air tool 1A operates regardless of whether the operating section 8A moves toward the front end or the rear end in the X-axis direction.

[0131] Furthermore, although the air tool 1 in the above embodiment has an elongated configuration in the X-axis direction, it is not limited to this configuration. The air tool 1 may be, for example, a gun-type tool such as an impact wrench. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0132] 1, 1A...Air tool, 2...Head section, 20...Head section body, 21...Engaging section, 22...Tool mounting section, 221...Columnar section, 3, 3A...Tool body, 4...Drive section, 41...Output shaft, 5...Supply path, 6...Air valve, 61...Valve body, 611...Stepped surface, 62...Valve piston, 621...Piston base, 621a...Groove, 622...Shaft section, 623...O-ring, 63... Biasing member, 7, 7A...Case, 71, 71A...Case body, 711, 711A...Operating unit housing, 713, 713A...Opening, 72...Head unit connection, 721...Short cylindrical member, 73...Hose connection, 8, 8A...Operating unit, 81, 81A, 81B, 81C...Finger rest (operating force receiving part), 810...Surface where fingers can be placed, 811...First rotation axis (rotation axis), 812...Finger Hanging part body (receiving part body), 813... Through hole, 814... Through part, 82, 82A... Transmission part, 821... Second rotating shaft, 822... Transmission lever part, 823... Insertion hole, 83... Locking mechanism, 831... Third rotating shaft, 832... Locking lever part, 832a... Protruding part, 833... Locking protrusion, 834... Insertion hole, 85, 85A, 85B... Inclined part, 86... Connection part, 87... Locking mechanism, 871...Engaging projection, 872...Engaging member, 873...Biasing member, 874...Release operation part, 91...Air hose, 92...Tool, 100...Air tool, 101...Air motor, 102...Cylinder, 103...Rotor, 104...Lever, 105...Casing, 105a...Rear end, 106...Tip tool, 110...Air valve, 111...Valve piston, C1 C2...Center axis between the first and second spaces, J...Rotation axis of the tool mounting part, P1...Closed position, P2...Open position, P3...Connected locked position, P4...Disconnected position, P11, P41...Stopped position, P12, P42...Operating position, P21...First position, P22...Second position, P31...Locked position, P32...Disconnected position, S1...First space, S2...Second space, α1...Rotation direction of the lock lever part, α2...Rotation direction of the finger rest body, α3...Rotation direction of the transmission lever part, θ...Angle between the direction of movement of the inclined part and the direction in which the inclined part extends

Claims

1. An air tool in which the drive unit is operated by compressed air, The tool body comprises an air valve positioned in the supply path of compressed air to the drive unit, and an operating unit for opening and closing the air valve. The aforementioned air valve has a valve piston that opens and closes the air valve by reciprocating between a closed position and an open position. The aforementioned operating unit is An operating force receiving part is positioned at a distance from the valve piston, It has a transmission unit that transmits the operating force applied to the operating force receiving unit to the valve piston, The aforementioned operating force receiving portion is In the tool body, a first rotation axis is positioned at a distance from the valve piston in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of movement of the valve piston, and extends in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions. It has a receiving body that is rotatable around the first rotation axis and extends radially from the first rotation axis, The aforementioned transmission unit is In the tool body, a second rotation axis is positioned at a distance from the valve piston on the opposite side of the first rotation axis in the second direction, and extends in the third direction. It has a transmission lever portion that is rotatable around the second rotation axis and extends radially from the second rotation axis, The transmission lever portion is capable of contacting the valve piston from the side away from the tool body in the first direction, In the first direction, the tip of the receiving portion body is separated from the tool body by the tip of the transmission lever portion, and the tip of the receiving portion body and the tip of the transmission lever portion overlap. When the operating force is applied to the receiving body, the receiving body is pushed toward the tool body in the first direction and rotates around the first rotation axis, causing the transmission lever to be pushed toward the tool body in the first direction and rotate around the second rotation axis, thereby pushing the valve piston toward the tool body in the first direction, and as a result the valve piston moves from the closed position toward the open position. The receiving body is shorter than the transmission lever portion. An air tool in which the rotational speed of the drive unit changes in accordance with the amount of rotation of the receiving unit body around the first rotation axis.

2. The tool body includes a case that houses the air valve inside, The air tool according to claim 1, wherein in the operating section, the transmission section is housed inside the case, and the operating force receiving section is exposed outside the case.

3. The air tool according to claim 1, wherein the direction of movement of the operating force receiving portion when the operating force is applied is in the direction along the first direction of reciprocating movement of the valve piston.

4. The air tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a locking mechanism for releasably locking the operating force receiving portion.

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