U.S. patent application number 11/723485 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-25 for digit button-operated air compressor output control structure.
Invention is credited to Wei-Meng Huang.
Application Number | 20080232980 11/723485 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39774899 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080232980 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huang; Wei-Meng |
September 25, 2008 |
Digit button-operated air compressor output control structure
Abstract
A digit button-operated air compressor output control structure
for controlling output of compressed air from an air compressor by
means of a digital control panel and an air pressure regulating
structure with internal pressure sensors for enabling the user to
set the desired output air pressure quickly and to control the
output air pressure stably.
Inventors: |
Huang; Wei-Meng; (Changhua
County, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROWDY AND NEIMARK, P.L.L.C.;624 NINTH STREET, NW
SUITE 300
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-5303
US
|
Family ID: |
39774899 |
Appl. No.: |
11/723485 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/282 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 2205/09 20130101;
F04B 49/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/282 |
International
Class: |
F04B 49/00 20060101
F04B049/00 |
Claims
1. A digit button-operated air compressor output control structure
for controlling output of compressed air from an air compressor,
comprising: a main body fixedly fastened to said air compressor,
said main body comprising an air inlet connected to said air
compressor for guiding in compressed air from said air compressor,
an air outlet for guiding out compressed air, a main air chamber, a
first air passage in communication between said air inlet and said
main air chamber, and a second air passage in communication between
said air inlet and said main air chamber; an exhaust valve movable
in said main air chamber and dividing said main air chamber into a
first air chamber and a second air chamber, said first air chamber
being in communication with said first air passage and said air
outlet, said second air chamber being in communication with said
second air passage; an intake valve assembly mounted in said second
air passage and adapted to regulate the flow rate of compressed air
from said air compressor into said second air chamber; a first
pressure sensor mounted in said second air passage between said air
inlet and said intake valve assembly and adapted to detect the air
pressure in said second air passage and to output a first signal
indicative of the detected air pressure; a second pressure sensor
mounted in between said intake valve assembly and said second air
chamber and adapted to detect the air pressure in between said
intake valve assembly and said second air chamber and to output a
second signal indicative of the detected air pressure; and a
control panel, said control panel comprising a circuit board
electrically connected to said intake valve assembly and said first
pressure sensor and said second pressure sensor and adapted to
convert said first signal from said first pressure sensor and said
second signal from said second pressure sensor into respective
digital signals for display through display screen means, a set of
digit control keys installed in one side of said circuit board and
electrically connected to said circuit board for setting the
control of said intake valve assembly in regulating the flow rate
of compressed air from said air compressor into said second
receiving chamber, and display screen means electrically connected
to said circuit board for displaying the digital signals produced
by said circuit board.
2. The digit button-operated air compressor output control
structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said main body comprises a
connecting member and a flow guide, said connecting member
comprising said air inlet, said air outlet, said first air passage,
a sub air passage in communication with said first air passage, a
first side, a first groove formed on said first side to accommodate
said exhaust valve and to define with said exhaust valve said first
receiving chamber, said flow guide being fixedly connected to the
first side of said connecting member said flow guide, said flow
guide comprising a second groove, which accommodates said exhaust
valve and defines with said exhaust valve said second receiving
chamber, a third groove, a front air passage in communication with
said sub air passage and said third groove, an opening on one side
of said second groove; said intake valve assembly is mounted in
said third groove and one side of said opening, comprising a middle
air passage in communication with said third groove and said
opening, said middle air passage forming with said sub air passage
and said front air passage said second air passage; said control
panel is fixedly connected to said flow guide; said first pressure
sensor is mounted in said third groove; said second pressure sensor
is mounted in said second groove.
3. The digit button-operated air compressor output control
structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein said exhaust valve
comprises: a valve plunger mounted in said first groove to separate
said first receiving chamber and said second receiving chamber,
said plunger having a pin inserted into said first receiving
chamber; a valve sleeve fixedly connected to said connecting member
of said main body, said valve sleeve having an axial hole for
receiving the pin of said valve plunger and an exhaust air passage
in communication between said first receiving chamber and said air
outlet; a valve plug inserted into the axial hole of said valve
sleeve and adapted to block said exhaust air passage and movable by
said pin of said valve plunger to open said exhaust air passage;
and an elastic member stopped between an inside wall of said
connecting member and one end of said valve plug to support said
valve plug in the position where said valve plug blocks said
exhaust air passage.
4. The digit button-operated air compressor output control
structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein said intake valve assembly
comprises: a valve holder fixedly connected to said flow guide,
said valve holder comprising a first chamber, a first through hole
in communication with said first chamber and said third groove, a
second through hole in communication with said first chamber and
said opening of said main body, said first chamber forming with
said first through hole and said second through hole said middle
air passage; and a first regulating valve installed in said valve
holder and electrically connected to said circuit board, said first
regulating valve having a first stop member controllable by said
circuit board to move in said first chamber.
5. The digit button-operated air compressor output control
structure as claimed in claim 4, wherein said valve holder of said
intake valve assembly further comprises a second chamber, a third
through hole in communication with said opening of said main body
and said second chamber, a fourth through hole in communication
with said second chamber and the outside space; said intake valve
assembly further comprises a second regulating valve installed ins
aid valve holder and electrically connected to said circuit board,
said second regulating valve having a second stop member
controllable by said circuit board to move in said second
chamber.
6. The digit button-operated air compressor output control
structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control panel further
comprises a touch panel installed in the side of said circuit board
carrying said digit control keys, said touch panel comprising a
window corresponding to said display screen means, and a set of
digits corresponding to said digit control keys.
7. The digit button-operated air compressor output control
structure as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a battery
electrically connected to said circuit board.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to air compressors and more
particularly, to a digit button-operated air compressor output
control structure.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a regular air compressor 1, which
comprises a shielding shell 2 and a tank 3. The shielding shell 2
has mounted therein parts for generating compressed air such as
motor, fan, and etc. The tank 3 is for accumulation of compressed
air. When using the air compressor 1, the air outlet 4 of the air
compressor 1 is connected to an external air tool (not shown) so
that compressed air goes out of the air compressor 1 through the
air outlet 4 to the external air tool for driving a movable part of
the external air tool. The air compressor 1 has a control knob 5
for regulating the pressure of air that goes out of the air outlet
4, and a pressure meter 6 connected between the control knob 5 and
the air outlet 4 for measuring the pressure of output air. The use
of this structure of air compressor has drawbacks. When regulating
the output pressure, the user must operate the control knob 5 and
at the same time watch the indication of the pressure meter 6 till
the accurate output pressure is in presence. The user shall have to
spend a lot of time in regulating the desired output pressure.
Further, because the control knob 5 is exposed to the outside of
the shielding shell 2, it may be rotated or hit by a nearby worker
accidentally, causing damage to the air tool or injury to
workers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention has been accomplished under the
circumstances in view. It is one object of the present invention to
provide a digit button-operated air compressor output control
structure, which controls the output of compressed air from an air
compressor by means of a digital control panel and an air pressure
regulating structure so that the user can set the desired output
air pressure quickly and control the output air pressure
stably.
[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
digit button-operated air compressor output control structure,
which is equipped with pressure sensors for accurate air pressure
output control.
[0007] To achieve these and other objects of the present invention,
the digit button-operated air compressor output control structure
is for controlling output of compressed air from an air compressor,
comprising a main body, an exhaust valve, an intake valve assembly,
a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a control
panel. The main body is fixedly fastened to the air compressor,
comprising an air inlet connected to the air compressor for guiding
in compressed air from the air compressor, an air outlet for
guiding out compressed air, a main air chamber, a first air passage
in communication between the air inlet and the main air chamber,
and a second air passage in communication between the air inlet and
the main air chamber. The exhaust valve is movable in the main air
chamber and divides the main air chamber into a first air chamber
and a second air chamber. The first air chamber is in communication
with the first air passage and the air outlet. The second air
chamber is in communication with the second air passage. The intake
valve assembly is mounted in the second air passage, and adapted to
regulate the flow rate of compressed air from the air compressor
into the second air chamber. The first pressure sensor is mounted
in the second air passage between the air inlet and the intake
valve assembly, and adapted to detect the air pressure in the
second air passage and to output a first signal indicative of the
detected air pressure. The second pressure sensor is mounted in
between the intake valve assembly and the second air chamber, and
adapted to detect the air pressure in between the intake valve
assembly and the second air chamber and to output a second signal
indicative of the detected air pressure. The control panel
comprises a circuit board electrically connected to the intake
valve assembly and the first pressure sensor and the second
pressure sensor and adapted to convert the first signal from the
first pressure sensor and the second signal from the second
pressure sensor into respective digital signals for display through
display screen means, a set of digit control keys electrically
connected to the circuit board for setting the control of the
intake valve assembly in regulating the flow rate of compressed air
from the air compressor into the second receiving chamber, and
display screen means electrically connected to the circuit board
for displaying the digital signals produced by the circuit
board.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a conventional air
compressor.
[0009] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a digit button-operated air
compressor output control structure in accordance with the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the digit button-operated air
compressor output control structure in accordance with the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a part of the present
invention, showing the structure of the connecting member of the
main body.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a part of the present
invention, showing the arrangement of the control panel and the
flow guide.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic bottom view of a part of the present
invention, showing the arrangement of the flow guide and the
control panel.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic bottom view of a part of the present
invention, showing the arrangement of the flow guide and the valve
holder.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing of a part of the present
invention, showing the flowing direction of compressed air in the
flow guide and the connecting member.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of a part of the
present invention, showing the arrangement of the first regulating
valve and the second regulating valve in the valve holder.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a top view of the touch panel according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 2-10, a digit button-operated air
compressor output control structure 10 in accordance with the
present invention is connected between an air compressor (not
shown) and an air tool (not shown) for controlling output of
compressed air from the air compressor to the air tool. The digit
button-operated air compressor output control structure 10
comprises a main body 12, an exhaust valve 14, an intake valve
assembly 16, a control panel 18, a first pressure sensor 20, and a
second pressure sensor 22.
[0019] The main body 12 is comprised of a connecting member 121 and
a flow guide 122. The connecting member 121 is fastened to one side
of the flow guide 122. The connecting member 121 and the flow guide
122 are affixed to the air compressor.
[0020] The connecting member 121 is formed of a manifold, having an
air inlet 121a, an air outlet 121b, and a first groove 121c. The
groove 121c is formed on one side of the connecting member 121 that
is fixedly fastened to the flow guide 122 (see FIG. 4). The air
inlet 121a is in communication with a first main air passage Al and
a first sub air passage A2 that are defined inside the connecting
member 121. The first main air passage A1 is in communication with
the first groove 121c. The first sub air passage A2 is in
communication with the first main air passage Al and the flow guide
122. The internal compressed air of the air compressor goes through
the first main air passage A1 into the first groove 121c and then
through the first sub air passage A2 into the flow guide 122. The
air outlet 121b is in communication with the first groove 121c for
guiding compressed air from the first groove 121c to the air
tool.
[0021] The flow guide 122 has a second groove 122a formed on its
one side corresponding to the first groove 121c, as shown in FIG.
6, a front air passage A3, a third groove 122b and an opening 122c
on its back side, and a first receiving hole 122d and a second
receiving hole 122e formed on the front side and disposed in
communication with the third groove 122b and the second groove 122a
respectively. The front air passage A3 is in communication with the
first sub air passage A2 of the connecting member 121 and the third
groove 122b of the flow guide 122 for guiding compressed air out of
the connecting member 121 into the flow guide 122. The opening 122c
is formed on the peripheral wall of the second groove 122a. The
first receiving hole 122d and the second receiving hole 122e
accommodate the first pressure sensor 20 and the second pressure
sensor 22 respectively.
[0022] The exhaust valve 14 is comprised of a plunger 141, a valve
sleeve 142, a valve plug 143, and an elastic member 144. As shown
in FIG. 8, the plunger 141 is mounted in the first groove 121c,
defining with the first groove 121c a first receiving chamber 12a
and also defining with the second groove 122a a second receiving
chamber 12b. The first receiving chamber 12a and the second
receiving chamber 12b constitute a chamber 123. When the air
pressure in the first receiving chamber 12a and the air pressure in
the second receiving chamber 12b are not equal, the plunger 141
will be moved in the first receiving chamber 12a. Further, the
plunger 141 has a pin 141a inserted into the first receiving
chamber 12a. The valve sleeve 142 has a small diameter section
142a, a big diameter section 1242b, and an axial hole 142c. The
small diameter section 142a is set in the junction between the
first groove 121c and the first main air passage A1. The small
diameter section 142a has two side holes 142d in communication with
the axial hole 142c. The big diameter section 142b has radial
grooves 142e. The side holes 142d, the axial hole 142 and the
radial grooves 142e constitute an exhaust air passage A4, as shown
in FIG. 4, for guiding compressed air from the first main air
passage A1 through the exhaust air passage A4 into the first
receiving chamber 12a and then out of the air outlet 121b. The
valve plug 143 is a rubber member inserted into the axial hole 142c
to seal the two side holes 142d. The elastic member 144 according
to this embodiment is a spring, having one end stopped against the
inside wall of the connecting member 121 and the other end stopped
against the valve plug 143. Therefore, the elastic member 144
supports the valve plug 143 in the position where the valve plug
143 seals the side holes 142d to block the exhaust air passage A4.
When the plunger 141 is forced by compressed air to move toward the
valve sleeve 142, the pin 141a of the plunger 141 is inserted into
the axial hole 142c to push the valve plug 143 away from the side
holes 142d, thereby opening the exhaust air passage A4.
[0023] The intake valve assembly 16 is affixed to the back side of
the flow guide 122, which is provided with the third groove 122b
and the opening 122c. The intake valve assembly 16 is comprised of
a valve holder 161, a first regulating valve 162, and a second
regulating valve 163. The first regulating valve 162 and the second
regulating valve 163 according to this embodiment are
electromagnetic valves.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the valve holder 161 is fixedly
connected to the flow guide 122, having a first air chamber 161a, a
second air chamber 161b, a first through hole 161c in communication
between the first air chamber 161a and the third groove 122b (see
FIG. 7), and a second through hole 161d in communication between
the first air chamber 161a and the opening 122c. The first air
chamber 161a constitutes with the first through hole 161c and the
second through hole 161d a middle air passage A5. As shown in FIG.
7, the middle air passage A5 is in communication with the third
groove 122b and the opening 122c. As shown in FIG. 8, the first sub
air passage A2 and the front air passage A3 constitute with the
middle air passage A5 a second air passage A6. The second air
passage A6 is in communication with the air inlet 121a and the
second receiving chamber 12b. The valve holder 161 further has a
third through hole 161e in communication between the second air
chamber 161b and the opening 122c, and a fourth through hole 161f
in communication between the second air chamber 161b and the
outside space. The flowing direction of compressed air among the
aforesaid component parts will be described further.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 9, the first regulating valve 162 is
fixedly fastened to the valve holder 161 and electrically connected
to the control panel 18 by an electric circuit (not shown). The
first regulating valve 161 has a first stop member 162a
corresponding to the first air chamber 161a. The first stop member
162a is movable in the first air chamber 161a subject to the
control of the control panel 18, thereby changing the volume of the
first air chamber 161a to regulate the flow rate of compressed air
that goes out of the first air chamber 161a through the second
through hole 161d and the opening 122a into the second receiving
chamber 12b.
[0026] The second regulating valve 163 is fixedly fastened to the
valve holder 161 and electrically connected to the control panel 18
by an electric circuit (not shown). The second regulating valve 163
has a second stop member 163a corresponding to the second air
chamber 161b. The second stop member 163a is movable in the second
air chamber 161b subject to the control of the control panel 18,
thereby changing the volume of the second air chamber 161b to
regulate the flow rate of compressed air that goes out of the
second air chamber 161b through the fourth through hole 161f to the
outside.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the control panel 18 is fixedly mounted
on one side of the flow guide 122, comprised of a circuit board 181
and a touch panel 182.
[0028] The circuit board 181 carries the first pressure sensor 20
and the second pressure sensor 22 on its one side facing the flow
guide 122. As shown in FIG. 6, the first pressure sensor 20 is
inserted through the first receiving hole 122d into the third
groove 122b to detect air pressure in the front air passage A3, and
to output a first signal to the circuit board 181 indicative of the
detected air pressure. The second pressure sensor 22 is inserted
through the second receiving hole 122e into the second groove 122a
to detect air pressure in the second receiving chamber 12b, and to
output a second signal to the circuit board 181 indicative of the
detected air pressure. Further, a battery 24 is electrically
connected to the circuit board 181 to work as standby power supply
for the circuit board 181. The circuit board 181 further has
mounted on its one side that is bonded to the touch panel 182 a
display screen 181a, a set of digit control key switches 181b, four
first light sources 181c, a unit switching key 181d, an enter key
181e, a clear key 181f, a safety key 181g, and a second light
source 181h. The display screen 181a has its upper part for
indicating the air pressure detected by the first pressure sensor
20, and its lower part for indicating the air pressure detected by
the second pressure sensor 22. The functions of the other keys and
light sources of the circuit board 181 will be described with the
touch panel 182 hereinafter.
[0029] The touch panel 182 according to this embodiment is a
plastic membrane. As shown in FIG. 10, the touch panel 182 is
bonded to the side of the circuit board 181 carrying the digit
control key switches 181b, having a window 182a corresponding to
the display screen 181a, a set of digits 182b corresponding to the
digit control key switches 181b, the signs of "PSI" 182c, "BAR"
182d, "KPA" 182e and "KGP" 182f corresponding to the four first
light sources 181c, the sign of "BAT" 182g corresponding to the
second light source 181h, the sign of "Unit" 182h corresponding to
the unit switching key 181d, the sign of "Enter" 182i corresponding
to the enter key 181e, the sign of "C" 182j corresponding to the
clear key 181f, and the sigh of "Luck" corresponding to the safety
key 181g. By means of touching the touch panel 182, the user can
switch the respective keys of the circuit board 181.
[0030] The digit control key switches 181b allow the user to set
the output air pressure of the air compressor to the air tool.
After setting of the desired output air pressure, press the sign of
"Enter" 182i to drive the circuit board 181, causing the circuit
board 181 to control the position of the first stop member 162a of
the first regulating valve 162. Further, when wishing to change the
setting of the desired output air pressure, press the sign "C" 182j
to switch the clear key 181f, thereby zeroing the reading in the
lower part of the display screen 181a for resetting. Further,
clicking the sign of "Unit" 182h each time, one of the first light
sources 181c is switched on and the other first light sources 181c
are switched off, indicating the corresponding sigh on the touch
panel 182. For example, when the first light source 181c
corresponding to the sign of "PSI" 182c is switched on, the reading
shown in the window 182a is based on the air pressure unit PSI.
When pressing the sign "Luck" 182k, the unit switching key 181d,
the enter key 181e, the clear key 181f, and the digit control key
switches 181b are switched between the enable mode and the disable
mode, preventing triggering the touch panel 182 accidentally.
Further, when the power level of the battery 24 drops below a
predetermined value, the second light source 181h is switched on to
light up the sign "BAT" 182g, advising the user to replace
battery.
[0031] After understanding of the component parts of the digit
button-operated air compressor output control structure 10 and
their relationship, the operation of the present invention is
described hereinafter.
[0032] If the user does not set the output air pressure, the first
stop member 162a of the first regulating valve 162 is stopped at
the second through hole 161d of the valve holder 161, blocking
compressed air in the third groove 122b and prohibiting compressed
air from entering the second receiving chamber 12b, and therefore
the first pressure sensor 20 detects the tank pressure of the air
compressor and outputs a corresponding first signal to the circuit
board 181. The circuit board 181 converts the first signal into a
digital signal for output through the upper part of the display
screen 181a. At the same time, the second pressure sensor 22
detects the air pressure of the second receiving chamber 12b and
outputs a corresponding second signal to the circuit board 181. The
circuit board 181 converts the second signal into a digital signal
for output through the lower part of the display screen 181a.
Because no compressed air goes into the second receiving chamber
12b at this time, the indication on the lower part of the display
screen 181a remains unchanged.
[0033] When the user operated the digit control key switches 181b
and pressed the sign "Enter" 182i as shown in FIG. 9, the circuit
board 181 is driven to move the first stop member 162a relative to
the second through hole 161d to change the volume of the first air
chamber 161a, regulating the flow rate of compressed air into the
second receiving chamber 12b subject to the set output air
pressure. At this time, the plunger 141 is moved by compressed air
to change the volume of the first receiving chamber 12b, and the
pin 141a of the plunger 141 pushes the valve plug 143 away from the
side holes 142d of the valve sleeve 142 against the elastic member
144 to open the exhaust air passage A4, allowing compressed air to
go from the first air passage A1 out of the exhaust air passage A4.
Thus, the user can start other works immediately after setting of
the desired output air pressure, saving much time and labor.
Further, the safety key design of the touch panel prevents an
accidental triggering. When compared to the conventional control
knob design, the invention is safe in use.
[0034] Although a particular embodiment of the invention has been
described in detail for purposes of illustration, various
modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention
is not to be limited except as by the appended claims.
* * * * *