JP2010133285A - Air compressor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable air compressor including a means for protecting a power cord and a plug. <P>SOLUTION: This portable air compressor 1 includes: a compression device 3 generating compressed air; an air tank 5 storing the compressed air; and casters 6 and handles 7 used for assisting movement. Insertion holes 75 for retaining the plug 32 of the power cord 31 are opened in the handle 7. When the air compressor is moved while being dragged, the power cord 31 is wound around the handle 7, and a plug 32 at the end of the power cord is inserted into the insertion holes 75. Thereby, the plug is retained by the insertion holes, and also the plug is prevented from falling off by detachment prevention members 78. With this characteristic, when the compressor is moved while the power cord is wound around the handle, the plug is not brought into contact with the ground, and the power cord is not unwound from the handle. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fracture of the power cord and deformation of the plug in moving. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention belongs to the technical field of a portable air compressor used at a site such as residential building construction.

A conventional portable air compressor is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4 (A), the air compressor 2 that has been generally used conventionally includes a compressor 3 that generates compressed air and an air tank 5 that stores the compressed air. As shown in FIG. 4, the compression device 3 is placed and fixed on the air tank 5 while being covered with a cover. The air tank 5 that supports the compression device 3 is generally composed of two cylinders and arranged in parallel.

The compression device 3 of the air compressor includes a motor that drives a rotating shaft, a crankpin that is mounted at an eccentric position of the rotating shaft, a piston that reciprocates as the crankpin rotates, And a cylinder for housing the piston. The crank pin that rotates and the piston that reciprocates are connected to each other via a connecting rod. When the motor is driven and the rotating shaft rotates, the crank pin rotates, and the power is transmitted to the piston through the connecting rod. As a result, the piston can reciprocate in the cylinder.
JP 2001-003869 A

  The air compressor 2 includes a power cord 31 for supplying power from an external power source to the motor of the compressor 3. One end of the power cord 31 is connected to the motor in the cover of the compression device 3, and the other end has a power plug 32 to be plugged into an outlet. When using the air compressor 2, the plug 32 of the power cord 31 is inserted into an outlet and the motor of the compressor 3 is driven.

  Such an air compressor is composed of a large number of metal parts and the like, and thus has a weight. Even a general compressor has a weight of about 16 kg to 20 kg. For this reason, some portable air compressors include casters 6 and handles 7 and 7 as shown in FIG. 4A in consideration of easy carrying. When this type of air compressor is used on site, it is usually placed on the vehicle and moved to the vicinity of the site, and the operator is lowered from the vehicle and further dragged to the working position. When moving by dragging, normally, as shown in FIG. 4B, one handle 7 is grasped, the air compressor is lifted diagonally, the caster 6 is grounded, and the vehicle is pulled and moved in this state. Further, in a site where dragging is not possible, an operator moves by grabbing the handles 7, 7.

  As described above, the air compressor includes the power cord 31 for supplying power to the compressor. Since such a power cord is several meters long, if the power cord is dragged and moved to the ground, there is a risk that the plug fittings of the plug will be deformed by stepping on the plug 32 or hooking on an obstacle. There is also a risk that a person will step on the cord and fall. Moreover, if the power cord 31 continues to move without noticing that it has been caught by an obstacle, the power cord may be broken. Therefore, when moving the air compressor, from the viewpoint of protecting the power cord and ensuring the safety of the operator, the power cord 31 is wound around the handle 7 as shown in FIG. 7 is passed through the frame.

  However, even when the power cord 31 is wound around the handle 7, when the air compressor is obliquely raised and dragged as shown in FIG. 4B, the power cord hanging from the handle is dragged to the ground. become. Therefore, in the process of movement, the plug may be deformed as described above, or the power cord may be caught on an obstacle.

  Further, if the power cord 31 is wound around the handle 7 and passed through the handle frame, the winding state is loosened in the course of movement, and the power cord 31 may be gradually released from the handle 7 in some cases. In such a case, since the power cord is dragged to the ground during the movement, the operator may step on the cord or move the plug on an obstacle during the movement.

  In order to solve such a problem, as shown in FIG. 6, a tweezer-like fastener 34 made of an elastic material is fixed to the handle 7, and the power cord 31 wound around the handle 7 is clamped. Proposed. However, such a fastener has a problem that it gradually plastically deforms as it is used, and the clamping force is weakened, and eventually it does not function as a fastener.

  In addition, as seen in commercially available vacuum cleaners, etc., it was also considered to provide a cord reel so that the power cord could be accommodated inside the air compressor, but there was a strong desire for miniaturization, weight reduction, and cost reduction. It cannot be employed in a portable air compressor that is rarely used.

  Accordingly, in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable air compressor provided with means capable of reliably protecting the power cord and plug when the air compressor is moved. .

Such an object is achieved by an air compressor having a power cord provided with a plug at the tip and an insertion hole for holding the plug of the power cord.
Such an object is also achieved by a socket that is attached to the air compressor and that has an insertion hole for holding a power plug of the air compressor.

  According to the present invention, the plug of the power cord can be inserted, and the insertion hole that can hold the plug in the inserted state is provided. As a result, there has been a risk that the power cord that has been hung down may be caught on an obstacle or the operator may step on the plug to deform the plug fitting. However, such a situation can be prevented. In addition, since the power cord is securely wound around the handle, the power cord is not stepped on when the air compressor is moved, and it is possible to prevent a situation where an operator falls or the power cord breaks. .

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of an air compressor 1 according to the present invention, and shows a state in which a power cord 31 is wound around a handle 7.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of the air compressor 1 according to the present invention, and shows a state where the plug 32 of the power cord 31 wound around the handle 7 is inserted into the insertion hole 75.
FIG. 3A is a front view of the handle 7 provided in the air compressor 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 (a view showing the side on which the insertion hole 75 is formed).
FIG. 3B shows a state where the plug 32 of the power cord 31 is inserted into the insertion hole 75 of the handle 7 of FIG.

(Configuration of air compressor)
A portable air compressor 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a compression device 3 that generates compressed air and an air tank 5 that stores the compressed air, as in the conventional apparatus shown in FIG. The air tank 5 includes two cylinders arranged in parallel, and is arranged on the lower side of the air compressor. The compression device 3 is placed on the upper portion of the air tank 5 and fixed to the air tank, as in the conventional case.
Further, the air compressor 1 is provided with a power cord 31 for supplying power to the motor of the compressor 3. One end of the power cord 31 is connected to the motor inside the air compressor, and a power plug (insertion plug) 32 is provided on the other end side.
Furthermore, the air compressor 1 of the present invention includes a caster 6 and a handle 7 for assisting movement, as in the prior art.

  The caster 6 is fixed to one end side of the air tank in a state of projecting in the axial direction of the air tank 3. When the air compressor is used (during driving), the anti-vibration rubber 51 is grounded at the four corners, and the casters 6 are not grounded. When the air compressor 1 is raised obliquely, all of the anti-vibration rubbers 51 at the four corners are separated from the ground, and only the casters 6 are grounded.

  The handle 7 is fixed on both sides of the air tank 3 in the same manner as the conventional one shown in FIG. Handles facing each other with the compressor main body (air tank and compression device) interposed therebetween are used when the air compressor 1 is lifted and carried, and also when the air compressor 1 is moved by pushing or dragging.

  The handle 7 is configured in a frame shape as shown in FIG. 3A, and is fixed in a standing state with respect to the compressor body. Each handle 7 includes vertical members 71 and 71 provided in parallel, and a horizontal member 73 for grips fixed in a horizontal direction therebetween. One handle (the handle on the side on which the power cord 31 is provided) is provided with an insertion hole 75 for holding the plug 32 of the power cord 31. An insertion fitting for energization protruding from the plug 32 is inserted into the insertion hole 75 so as to hold the plug.

  The insertion hole 75 does not have a current-carrying function unlike a general outlet, but has the same shape and size as the outlet of the outlet. Therefore, a certain amount of resistance is generated when the plug 32 is inserted into and removed from the insertion hole. When the plug 32 is inserted into the insertion hole 75, the plug fitting is held around the insertion hole so that the plug 32 does not fall out even if a slight external force is applied.

  Further, the handle 7 is provided with retaining members 78, 78 facing each other through the insertion hole 75. Each retaining member 78 is made of an elastic body and is erected with respect to the handle 7. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, a claw (latch claw) is formed on the distal end side of each retaining member 78 so that the claw engages with a step portion 33 formed on the plug 32. It has become.

(Use example of insertion hole and retaining member)
The insertion hole 75 and the retaining member 78 included in the air compressor according to the present invention can be used when the air compressor is moved. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the power cord 31 is wound around the handle 7 to some extent before moving, and then the plug 32 at the tip of the power cord is inserted into the insertion hole 75 as shown in FIG. .

  In the illustrated embodiment, one set of insertion holes 75 and retaining members 78 are provided on both sides of the handle 7 (that is, on each of the vertical members 71, 71). Therefore, the plug 32 can be inserted into the insertion hole 75 on the more appropriate side according to the winding direction or the winding condition of the electric cord 31.

  When the insertion fitting of the plug 32 is inserted into the insertion hole 75, the claw at the tip of the retaining member 78 hits the stepped portion 33 of the plug 32, but when the plug is forcibly inserted, the retaining members 78, 78 facing each other. Is elastically deformed and expanded. When the plug 32 is inserted as it is, the claw of the retaining member 78 returns to the original shape beyond the step portion 33 of the plug 32. As a result, the state shown in FIG. 3B is reached, and the plug fitting of the plug 32 is held in the insertion hole 75, and the plug 32 is prevented from coming off by the claw of the retaining member 78.

  In this state, when the air compressor is moved to a predetermined place and used on the spot, the plug 32 is pulled out from the insertion hole 75 and the power cord 31 is unwound from the handle 7. In the inserted state, the plug 32 is secured by the retaining member 78. However, if the plug is forcibly pulled, the retaining members 78, 78 are elastically deformed and expanded, so that the plug 32 is removed from the insertion hole 75. The plug 32 can be pulled out.

(Effect of insertion hole and retaining member)
According to the above-described air compressor of the present invention, the plug of the power cord can be inserted, and the insertion hole that can hold the plug in the inserted state is provided. As a result, there has been a risk that the power cord that has been hung down may be caught on an obstacle or the operator may step on the plug to deform the plug fitting. However, such a situation can be prevented. In addition, since the power cord can be securely wound around the handle, it is possible to prevent the operator from falling or breaking the power cord without stepping on the power cord when the air compressor is moved.

  Further, in the case of the fastener 34 as shown in FIG. 6, there is a problem that the holding force of the electric cord is weakened with time, but in the present invention, the holding means of the plug is constituted by the insertion hole. Holding power does not weaken over time.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since the retaining member is provided together with the insertion hole, the plug will not fall out even if the plug in the inserted state receives a slight external force.

Moreover, in embodiment mentioned above, the insertion hole 75 and the retaining member 78 are provided in the position as shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2 as an example of a preferable aspect.
By providing the insertion hole and the retaining member at such a position, the mobility of the air compressor is not hindered (as opposed to this, if it is provided on the cross member 73 for gripping, the ease of carrying is hindered). There is a problem in terms of workability).
Further, by providing an insertion hole and a retaining member in the vertical member 71 on the surface facing the air compressor main body, it is possible to prevent the plug from falling off (in contrast, a surface or a side opposite to the mode shown in the figure). If it is provided, it may easily hit an operator or an obstacle, and the plug may fall off or be deformed).

(Modification of the present invention)
In the embodiment described above, the insertion hole and the retaining member are provided in the handle, but the formation position of the insertion hole and the retaining member is not particularly limited, and an arbitrary position or handle of the cover of the compression device It is possible to provide a plurality of parts at any position such as the base part.

  In the above-described embodiment, the insertion hole and the retaining member are provided integrally with the handle, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the insertion hole and the retaining member may be formed in a socket separate from the handle, and the socket may be fixed to the handle.

  Further, it is possible to adopt a mode in which a socket having an insertion hole and a retaining member is retrofitted to the air compressor with an adhesive or a double-sided tape. Thereby, the plug holding function of the power cord can be given to an air compressor that has been commercially available. Further, since the socket can be retrofitted, a plug holding function can be provided at a position that suits the preference of each worker.

It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of the air compressor which concerns on this invention, and has shown the state which wound the power cord around the handle. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of the air compressor which concerns on this invention, and has shown the state which inserted the plug of the power cord wound around the handle into the insertion hole. (A) is a front view of the handle included in the air compressor of FIGS. 1 and 2 (a view showing the side on which the insertion hole is formed), and (B) is the insertion hole of the handle of (A). , Shows a state where the plug of the power cord is inserted. (A) is a figure which shows the conventional air compressor, (B) is a figure which shows a mode that it is moving by dragging the air compressor of (A). It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of the conventional air compressor, and has shown the state which wound the power cord around the handle. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of the conventional air compressor, and has shown the state which clamped the power cord wound around the handle with the fastener.

Explanation of symbols

1 Air compressor (present invention)
2 Air compressor (conventional technology)
3 Compressor 5 Air tank 6 Caster 7 Handle 31 Power cord 32 Power plug (plug)
33 Step 34 Fastener 51 Anti-vibration rubber 71 Vertical member 73 Horizontal member 75 Insertion hole 78 Retaining member

Claims (1)

A power cord with a plug at the tip;
An insertion hole for holding the plug of the power cord;
An air compressor characterized by comprising:

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