Patent Publication Number: US-10780566-B2

Title: Pneumatic tool

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority of Taiwanese Patent Application No. 104127702, filed on Aug. 25, 2015. 
     FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to a pneumatic tool, and more particularly to a pneumatic tool having a trigger unit. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , Taiwanese Utility Model Patent No. M444900 discloses a conventional pneumatic tool including a first part  11  that has two connecting grooves  111 , a second part  12  that has two connecting holes  121 , two connecting members  13  each of which is removably inserted into a respective one of the connecting grooves  111  and a respective one of the connecting holes  121  for separably interconnecting the first and second parts  11 ,  12 , a valve rod  14  that is movably mounted to the first part  11  for guiding inflow of air, a trigger member  15  that is mounted to the first part  11  and that is movable to switch the valve rod  14 , and a tool head  16  that is mounted to the second part  12  for outputting power. By removing the connecting members  13 , the first and second parts  11 ,  12  are rotatable relative to each other so as to adjust the relative position between the tool head  16  and the trigger member  15 . 
     However, during assembly of the first part  11  of the conventional pneumatic tool, the trigger member  15  must be positioned relative to the valve rod  14  such that the valve rod  14  is located on the moving path of the trigger member  15 . Such assembly process is inconvenient. 
     Moreover, since the first and second parts  11 ,  12  are separable, a pressure drop may easily occur when a gap between the first and second parts  11 ,  12  is not air-tightly sealed. The operation to rotate the first and second parts  11 ,  12  relative to each other is inconvenient, and the connecting members  13  may easily get lost during such operation. 
     SUMMARY 
     Therefore, an object of the disclosure is to provide a pneumatic tool that can alleviate at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art. 
     According to the disclosure, the pneumatic tool includes a main body unit, a control valve unit, a switch unit and a trigger unit. The main body unit has a flow path that extends from a rear end of the main body unit toward a front end of the main body unit for guiding inflow of air, and an annular space that surrounds the flow path. The control valve unit is disposed at the main body unit for removably blocking the flow path. The switch unit includes a sleeve member that surrounds the control valve unit and that is movably disposed in the annular space. The sleeve member is movable relative to the main body unit between an open position where the control valve unit is driven to unblock the flow path, and a block position where the control valve unit is driven to block the flow path. The trigger unit includes a trigger member that is disposed on an outer surface of the main body unit and that is operable to move the sleeve member of the switch unit between the open position and the block position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent in the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a partly exploded sectional view illustrating a conventional pneumatic tool disclosed in Taiwanese Utility Model Patent No. M444900; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective view illustrating the conventional pneumatic tool; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a first embodiment of the pneumatic tool according to the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view illustrating the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic fragmentary sectional view illustrating a sleeve member of the first embodiment at a block position; 
         FIG. 6  is another schematic fragmentary sectional view illustrating the sleeve member of the first embodiment at an open position; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the pneumatic tool according to the disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view illustrating the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is another side view illustrating the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic fragmentary sectional view illustrating a sleeve member of the second embodiment at a block position; 
         FIG. 11  is another schematic fragmentary sectional view illustrating the sleeve member of the second embodiment at an open position; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic sectional view illustrating a bolt member of the second embodiment at a fixing position; 
         FIG. 13  is another schematic sectional view illustrating the bolt member of the second embodiment at an adjusting position for rotating an annular rotating member relative to a main body; 
         FIG. 14  is still another schematic sectional view illustrating the bolt member of the second embodiment at a fixing position after the annular rotating member being rotated; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic fragmentary sectional view illustrating a third embodiment of the pneumatic tool according to the disclosure where a sleeve member is at a block position; 
         FIG. 16  is another schematic fragmentary sectional view illustrating the sleeve member of the third embodiment at an open position; 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic fragmentary sectional view illustrating a fourth embodiment of the pneumatic tool according to the disclosure where a sleeve member is at a block position; and 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic sectional view illustrating a trigger member of the fourth embodiment being movable along an annular groove. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before the disclosure is described in greater detail, it should be noted that where considered appropriate, reference numerals or terminal portions of reference numerals have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements, which may optionally have similar characteristics. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 to 6 , the first embodiment of the pneumatic tool according to the disclosure includes a main body unit  2 , a control valve unit  3 , a switch unit  4  and a trigger unit  5 . 
     The main body unit  2  includes a hollow main body  21 , a tubular member  23  that is surrounded by the main body  21  and that surrounds an axis (X) to define a flow path  22 , and a tool head  24  that is mounted to a front portion of the main body  21  for outputting power. The main body  21  has an opening  212  formed at a rear portion  210  thereof. The tubular member  23  cooperates with the main body  21  to define an annular space  230  therebetween, and has a front end  231  that is inserted into the main body  21 , a rear end  232  that is disposed out of the main body  21 , a stop flange  233  that extends radially and outwardly and that is proximate to the rear end  232 , and a step surface  234  that faces toward the front end  231  and that is proximate to the stop flange  233 . The flow path  22  extends from the rear end  232  to the front end  231  for guiding air to flow into the main body  21 . 
     The control valve unit  3  includes a valve member  31  that removably blocks the flow path  22  of the main body unit  2 , an actuating rod assembly  32 , and a basing member  33  that is connected to the valve member  31  and that is disposed in the tubular member  23 . The actuating rod assembly  32  includes a rod  321  that is co-movably connected to the valve member  31  and that extends along the axis (X), and a pin  322  that is movably mounted to the tubular member  23  and that has an end abutting against the rod  321  and an opposite end extending out from the tubular member  23 . The basing member  33  resiliently biases the valve member  31  to block the flow path  22 . In this embodiment, the basing member  33  is configured as a spring, and the pin  322  is movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the axis (X). 
     The switch unit  4  includes a sleeve member  41  that surrounds the tubular member  23  and that is movably and partially disposed in the annular space  230 , and a restoring member  42 . The sleeve member  41  has a flange segment  411  that is disposed out of the tubular member  23 , a main segment  412  that is connected to the flange segment  411 , a convergent segment  413  that is connected to an end of the main segment  412  distal from the flange segment  411 , and a stop surface  414  that is formed in the main segment  412  and that faces toward the flange segment  411 . The inner diameter of the end of the main segment  412  distal from the flange segment  411  is greater than the inner diameter of the convergent segment  413 . The sleeve member  41  is movable relative to the tubular member  23  between a block position (see  FIG. 5 ) where the pin  322  of the actuating rod assembly  32  of the control valve unit  3  corresponds in position to an inner surface of the end of the main segment  412  distal from the flange segment  411 , and an open position (see  FIG. 6 ) where the pin  322  is in contact with an inner surface of the convergent segment  413 . The restoring member  42  has two opposite ends respectively abutting against the step surface  234  of the tubular member  23  and the stop surface  414  of the sleeve member  41 , and resiliently biases the sleeve member  41  toward the block position. In this embodiment, the restoring member  42  is configured as a compression spring. The movement of the sleeve member  41  relative to the tubular member  23  is limited by the stop flange  233  of the tubular member  23 . 
     The trigger unit  5  includes a trigger member  52  that is disposed on an outer surface of the main body  21  of the main body unit  2 . The trigger member  52  has a pivoted portion  521  that is pivoted to the main body  21 , and an operating portion  522  and an actuating portion  523  that are respectively located at two opposite sides of the pivoted portion  521 . The operating portion  522  is operable to pivot relative to the main body  21  about a pivoted point of the pivoted portion  521  between a released position (see  FIG. 5 ) where the operating portion  522  is distal from the main body  21 , and a pressed position (see  FIG. 6 ) where the operating portion  522  is proximate to the main body  21 . The actuating portion  523  is C-shaped, extends into the opening  212  of the main body  21 , and abuts against the flange segment  411  of the sleeve member  41 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , when the operating portion  522  of the trigger member  52  is not subjected to an external force and is at the released position, the sleeve member  41  is maintained at the block position by the restoring member  42 . At this time, the actuating portion  523  of the trigger member  52  abuts against the flange segment  411  of the sleeve member  41 , and the inner surface of the end of the main segment  412  distal from the flange segment  411  corresponds in position to the pin  322  of the actuating rod assembly  32  of the control valve unit  3  and is not in contact with the pin  322 . By such, the valve member  31  is resiliently biased by the basing member  33  to block the flow path  22  so as to prevent air from flowing into the main body  21 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , when the operating portion  522  of the trigger member  52  is pressed to move to the pressed position, the actuating portion  523  of the trigger member  52  pushes the flange segment  411  of the sleeve member  41  so as to move the sleeve member  41  to the open position against the basing action of the restoring member  42 . At this time, the inner surface of the convergent segment  413  is in contact with the pin  322  of the actuating rod assembly  32  of the control valve unit  3 , and pushes the pin  322  to move the rod  321  and the valve member  31  to unblock the flow path  22 , so as to permit air to flow into the main body  21 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 to 10 , the second embodiment of the pneumatic tool according to the disclosure is similar to the first embodiment, and includes a main body unit  2 , a control valve unit  3 , a switch unit  4 , a trigger unit  5  and a positioning unit  6 . 
     The main body  21  of the main body unit  2  further has a plurality of angularly spaced-apart positioning grooves  211  that are from in an outer surface of the rear portion  210  of the main body  21 . 
     The trigger unit  5  further includes an annular rotating member  51  that rotatably surrounds the main body  21  and that is formed with an opening  511  (see  FIG. 9 ) permitting the actuating portion  523  of the trigger member  52  to extend thereinto. The annular rotating member  51  has a mounting hole  512  that is operable to be aligned with one of the positioning grooves  211 . The pivoted portion  521  of the trigger member  52  is pivoted to the annular rotating member  51 . The operating portion  522  is operable to pivot relative to the main body  21  about a pivoted point of the pivoted portion  521  between a released position (see  FIG. 10 ) where the operating portion  522  is distal from the main body  21 , and a pressed position (see  FIG. 11 ) where the operating portion  522  is proximate to the main body  21 . 
     The positioning unit  6  includes a bolt member  61  that is movably mounted to the annular rotating member  51 , a ball member  62  that is movably disposed in the mounting hole  512  of the annular rotating member  51 , and a resilient member  63  that has two opposite ends respectively abut against the annular rotating member  51  and the bolt member  61 . The bolt member  61  has a recess  611  that is formed in an outer surrounding surface thereof, and is movable between a fixing position (see  FIG. 12 ) where the recess  611  is misaligned from the mounting hole  512 , and an adjusting position (see FIG.  13 ) where the recess  611  is aligned with the mounting hole  512 . The resilient member  63  resiliently biases the bolt member  61  toward the fixing position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , when the operating portion  522  of the trigger member  52  is not subjected to an external force and is at the released position, the sleeve member  41  is maintained at the block position by the restoring member  42 . At this time, the actuating portion  523  of the trigger member  52  abuts against the flange segment  411  of the sleeve member  41 , and the inner surface of the end of the main segment  412  distal from the flange segment  411  corresponds in position to the pin  322  of the actuating rod assembly  32  of the control valve unit  3  and is not in contact with the pin  322 . By such, the valve member  31  is resiliently biased by the basing member  33  to block the flow path  22  so as to prevent air from flowing into the main body  21 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , when the operating portion  522  of the trigger member  52  is pressed to move to the pressed position, the actuating portion  523  of the trigger member  52  pushes the flange segment  411  of the sleeve member  41  so as to move the sleeve member  41  to the open position against the basing action of the restoring member  42 . At this time, the inner surface of the convergent segment  413  is in contact with the pin  322  of the actuating rod assembly  32  of the control valve unit  3 , and pushes the pin  322  to move the rod  321  and the valve member  31  to unblock the flow path  22 , so as to permit air to flow into the main body  21 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 12 , when the bolt member  61  is not pressed, the resilient member  63  maintains the bolt member  61  at the fixing position where the recess  611  is misaligned from the mounting hole  512 , so that the ball member  62  is pushed by the outer surrounding surface of the bolt member  61  to engage with one of the positioning grooves  211  that is registered with the mounting hole  512  so as to prevent the annular rotating member  51  from rotating relative to the main body  21 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , when the bolt member  61  is pressed to move to the adjusting position against the biasing action of the resilient member  63  such that the recess  611  is aligned with the mounting hole  512 , the ball member  62  is permitted to disengage from the one of the positioning grooves  211  that is registered with the mounting hole  512  and moves into the recess  611 , so that the annular rotating member  51  is permitted to rotate relative to the main body  21  until the bolt member  61  is moved back to the fixing position (see  FIG. 14 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the third embodiment of the pneumatic tool according to the disclosure is similar to the second embodiment, and includes a main body unit  2 , a control valve unit  3 , a switch unit  4 , a trigger unit  5  and a positioning unit  6 . 
     The annular rotating member  51  has a slide groove  513  that is formed in an inner surface thereof. 
     The trigger member  52  has a connecting portion  524  that is movable within the slide groove  513 , and an operating portion  522  and an actuating portion  523  that are respectively located at two opposite sides of the connecting portion  524 . The operating portion  522  is operable to move relative to the main body  21  between a released position (see  FIG. 15 ) where the sleeve member  41  is at the block position, and a pressed position (see  FIG. 16 ) where the sleeve member  41  is at the open position. 
     By such, when the operating portion  522  of the trigger member  52  is pressed to move from the released position to the pressed position, the actuating portion  523  of the trigger member  52  pushes the flange segment  411  of the sleeve member  41  so as to move the sleeve member  41  to the open position against the basing action of the restoring member  42 . At this time, the inner surface of the convergent segment  413  is in contact with the pin  322  of the actuating rod assembly  32  of the control valve unit  3 , and pushes the pin  322  to move the rod  321  and the valve member  31  to unblock the flow path  22 , so as to permit air to flow into the main body  21 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the fourth embodiment of the pneumatic tool according to the disclosure is similar to the first embodiment, and includes a main body unit  2 , a control valve unit  3 , a switch unit  4  and a trigger unit  5 . 
     The trigger unit  5  further includes an annular mounting member  53  that is fixedly mounted to the main body  21 . The annular mounting member  53  has an annular groove  531  (see  FIG. 18 ) that is formed in an outer surface of the annular mounting member  53 . The trigger member  52  has a ball-shaped connecting portion  525  that is movable along the annular groove  531 , and an operating portion  522  and an actuating portion  523  that are respectively located at two opposite sides of the ball-shaped connecting portion  525 . The operating portion  522  is operable to pivot relative to the main body  21  about the center of the ball-shaped connecting portion  525  between a released position (see  FIG. 17 ) where the operating portion  522  is distal from the main body  21 , and a pressed position (not shown) where the operating portion  522  is proximate to the main body  21 . 
     By such, the position of the trigger member  52  relative to the main body  21  can be easily adjusted by moving the ball-shaped connecting portion  525  of the trigger member  52  along the annular groove  531  of the annular mounting member  53 . 
     The advantages of this disclosure are as follows: 
     1. By virtue of the sleeve member  41  that controls that valve unit  3  and that is mounted within the main body  21 , the pin  322  of the valve unit  3  need not be located on the moving path of the trigger member  52 , so the trigger member  52  can be easily mounted to the main body  21  regardless of the relative angular position thereof. 
     2. By virtue of the operation of the bolt member  61  of the positioning unit  6  or movement of the trigger member  52  along the annular groove  531  (see  FIG. 18 ), the position of the trigger member  52  relative to the main body  21  can be easily adjusted for various demands. 
     In the description above, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that one or more other embodiments may be practiced without some of these specific details. It should also be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” an embodiment with an indication of an ordinal number and so forth means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in the practice of the disclosure. It should be further appreciated that in the description, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of various inventive aspects. 
     While the disclosure has been described in connection with what are considered the exemplary embodiments, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.