FLARING TOOL

Abstract

A flaring tool includes a motor, a main shaft, a cone, a clutch mechanism, a detection device, and a control device. The main shaft is operably coupled to the motor, and configured to move forward along a first axis while rotating around the first axis when the motor is rotated in a forward direction. The cone is eccentrically supported at a front end portion of the main shaft to be rotatable around a second axis that is different from the first axis. The clutch mechanism is configured to be actuated in response to a forward movement of the main shaft being obstructed due to the cone abutting an end portion of a pipe. The detection device is configured to detect the actuation of the clutch mechanism. The control device is configured to control the rotation of the motor based on a detection result of the detection device.

Claims

1. A flaring tool comprising: a motor that is rotatable in a forward direction and a reverse direction; a main shaft that is (i) operably coupled to the motor, and (ii) configured to move forward along a first axis, which defines a front-rear direction of the flaring tool, while rotating around the first axis when the motor is rotated in the forward direction; a cone that is (i) eccentrically supported at a front end portion of the main shaft to be rotatable around a second axis that is different from the first axis, and (ii) configured to form a flare in an end portion of a pipe; a clutch mechanism that is configured to be actuated in response to a forward movement of the main shaft being obstructed due to the cone abutting the end portion of the pipe; a detection device that is configured to detect actuation of the clutch mechanism; and a control device that is configured to control rotation of the motor based on a detection result of the detection device.

2. The flaring tool according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to stop the rotation of the motor after rotating the motor by a specified rotation amount in the forward direction, in response to the actuation of the clutch mechanism being detected by the detection device.

3. The flaring tool according to claim 2, wherein the specified rotation amount is changeable.

4. The flaring tool according to claim 3, further comprising: an operation portion configured to be manually operated by a user, wherein the control device is configured to change the specified rotation amount in response to a manual operation performed on the operation portion by the user.

5. The flaring tool according to claim 2, wherein the control device is configured to move the main shaft rearward by rotating the motor in the reverse direction after stopping the motor.

6. The flaring tool according to claim 1, wherein the motor is a brushless motor.

7. The flaring tool according to claim 1, wherein: the clutch mechanism includes a movable clutch member configured to move in response to the forward movement of the main shaft being obstructed, and the detection device is a Hall sensor configured to detect a magnet attached to the movable clutch member.

8. The flaring tool according to claim 7, wherein the magnet is attached to non-rotating portion of the movable clutch member.

9. A flaring tool, comprising: a motor that is rotatable in a forward direction and a reverse direction; a main shaft that is (i) operably coupled to the motor, and (ii) configured to move forward along a first axis, which defines a front-rear direction of the flaring tool, while rotating around the first axis when the motor is rotated in the forward direction; a cone that is (i) eccentrically supported at a front end portion of the main shaft to be rotatable around a second axis that is different from the first axis, and (ii) configured to form a flare in an end portion of a pipe; a detection device that is configured to detect forming of the flare by the cone; and a control device that is configured to control rotation of the motor, wherein the control device controls the rotation of the motor such that the main shaft rotates by a specified rotation amount at substantially the same position in the front-rear direction and stops rotation thereafter, in response to the forming of the flare being detected by the detection device.

10. The flaring tool according to claim 9, wherein the specified rotation amount is changeable.

11. The flaring tool according to claim 10, further comprising: an operation portion configured to be manually operated by a user, wherein the control device is configured to change the specified rotation amount in response to a manual operation performed on the operation portion by the user.

12. The flaring tool according to claim 9, wherein the control device is configured to move the main shaft rearward by rotating the motor in the reverse direction after stopping the motor.

13. The flaring tool according to claim 9, wherein the motor is a brushless motor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an overall configuration of a flaring tool according to a first embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an expanded partial view of FIG. 1, and is a cross-sectional view of a flaring device and a detection device when a main shaft is at an initial position.

[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the main shaft and a cone.

[0017] FIG. 4 is an expanded partial view of FIG. 2, and is an explanatory view of a support structure of the cone.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along a line V-V shown in FIG. 4.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second sleeve of a fixed sleeve, and of a movable flange.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the flaring device and the detection device when the main shaft is at a forward-movement obstructed position and a clutch mechanism is in a connected state.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the flaring device and the detection device when the main shaft is at the forward-movement obstructed position and the clutch mechanism is in a disconnected state.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the flaring device when the main shaft is at a frontmost position.

[0023] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of an example of an operation portion.

[0024] FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of another example of an operation portion.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of motor drive processing.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an overall configuration of a flaring tool according to a second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0027] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a control device may be configured to stop rotation of the motor, after the motor has rotated by a specified rotation amount in a forward direction, in response to the actuation of the clutch mechanism being detected by the detection device.

[0028] According to this embodiment, while the motor rotates by the specified rotation amount (i.e., a specified rotation angle), the main shaft continues to rotate while the forward movement thereof is obstructed, i.e., while the main shaft is at substantially the same position in the front-rear direction, and the main shaft stops rotating when the rotation of the motor is stopped. During the period in which the motor rotates by the specified rotation amount, a cone can form a flare that is close to a perfect circle, and the finish of the flare can be improved.

[0029] In addition to or in alternative to the above-described embodiment, the specified rotation amount may be changeable. According to this embodiment, if a desired flare finish is not obtained using an initially specified rotation amount, the specified rotation amount can be changed, and the desired flare finish can be obtained.

[0030] In addition to or in alternative to the above-described embodiments, the flaring tool may further include an operation portion configured to be manually operated (manipulated) by a user. The control device may be configured to change the specified rotation amount in response to a manual operation of the operation portion. According to this embodiment, the user can change the specified rotation amount by manually operating the operation portion, and thus convenience is improved.

[0031] In addition to or in alternative to the above-described embodiments, the control device may be configured to move the main shaft rearward by rotating the motor in the reverse direction after stopping the motor. According to this embodiment, since the main shaft is moved rearward and the cone is separated from an end portion of a pipe without any manual operation by the user, convenience is improved.

[0032] In addition to or in alternative to the above-described embodiments, the motor may be a brushless motor. According to the present embodiment, since the motor is the brushless motor whose rotation position is constantly monitored, the control device can easily control the rotation amount (rotation angle) of the motor.

[0033] In addition to or in alternative to the above-described embodiment, the clutch mechanism may include a movable clutch member configured to move in response to the forward movement of the main shaft being obstructed. The detection device may be a Hall sensor configured to detect a magnet attached to the movable clutch member. According to this embodiment, the general-purpose Hall sensor, which is able to respond to a slight movement of the magnet, can reliably detect the movement of the movable clutch member, that is, can reliably detect the actuation of the clutch mechanism.

[0034] In addition to or in alternative to the above-described embodiments, the magnet may be attached to a non-rotating portion of the movable clutch member. According to this embodiment, the Hall sensor can reliably detect the magnet, regardless of the rotation of the movable clutch member.

[0035] Hereinafter, representative and non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

[0036] Hereinafter, a flaring tool 1A according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 12. The flaring tool 1A is an electric tool that, in order to enable accurate coupling of metal (generally copper) pipes (tubes) for refrigerant, is used to expand an end portion of the pipe into a cone shape.

[0037] First, an overall configuration of the flaring tool 1A will be described.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the outer shape of the flaring tool 1A is formed by a tool housing 11 and a handle portion 15.

[0039] The tool housing 11 extends along a drive axis DX of a flaring device 3A. The tool housing 11 houses an electric motor 21, a speed reduction mechanism 23 operably coupled to the motor 21, the flaring device 3A operably coupled to the speed reduction mechanism 23, and a detection device 81. An opening 111 is formed at one end of the tool housing 11. A clamp attachment portion 41, which is a tip end portion of the flaring device 3A, protrudes to the outside of the opening 111. Although not shown in detail herein due to being known technology, a clamp device of a pipe can be attached to the clamp attachment portion 41.

[0040] The handle portion 15 protrudes from the tool housing 11 in a direction intersecting (specifically, a direction substantially orthogonal to) the drive axis DX in a cantilever manner. The handle portion 15 includes a grip portion 150 configured to be gripped by a user. The grip portion 150 extends in a direction intersecting the drive axis DX, and includes a trigger 151 configured to be pressed by the user. A switch 153 and a controller 20 are housed inside the handle portion 15. The switch 153 is normally OFF, and is configured to be turned ON in response to the pressing of the trigger 151. The controller 20 is a control device configured to control operations of the flaring tool 1A.

[0041] A battery attachment portion 17 and an operation portion 25 are provided at an end portion that is closer to a free end of the handle portion 15. The flaring tool 1A is operated by power supplied from a battery 19 removably mounted to the battery attachment portion 17. Note that the flaring tool 1A may be configured to be operated by power supplied from an external AC power supply via an electrical cord. The operation portion 25 is an input device for the input of information by manual operation by the user.

[0042] The clamp device clamping the pipe is first attached to the clamp attachment portion 41 of the flaring device 3A. When the user presses the trigger 151, the switch 153 is turned ON, and the motor 21 is driven. The flaring device 3A is driven, via the speed reduction mechanism 23, by the driving of the motor 21, and a flare (a portion expanded into a cone shape) is formed in the end portion of the pipe. Note that, hereinafter, the operation to form the flare will sometimes simply be referred to as a flaring operation.

[0043] The detailed configuration of the flaring tool 1A will be described below. Note that, hereinafter, for convenience of description, the extending direction of the drive axis DX is defined as a front-rear direction of the flaring tool 1A. In the front-rear direction, the side at which the tip end portion (the clamp attachment portion 41) of the flaring device 3A is located is defined as a front side, and the opposite side is defined as a rear side. A direction that is orthogonal to the drive axis DX and that corresponds to a longitudinal direction of the grip portion 150 is defined as an up-down direction of the flaring tool 1A. In the up-down direction, the side at which the free end of the handle portion 15 is located is defined as a lower side, and the opposite side is defined as an upper side. A direction that is orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is defined as a left-right direction of the flaring tool 1A.

[0044] Hereinafter, the configuration of the tool housing 11 and components (structures) disposed inside the tool housing 11 will be described.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the tool housing 11 is formed integrally with the handle portion 15. More specifically, two halves (a left-side shell and a right-side shell) including each of portions forming the tool housing 11 and portions forming the handle portion 15 are coupled and fixed together in the left-right direction, thus forming the integrated housing. However, the tool housing 11 and the handle portion 15 may be formed separately and coupled and fixed to each other.

[0046] A light-emitting portion 18 is held at the front wall portion of the tool housing 11. The light-emitting portion 18 is configured to irradiate a region to the front of the clamp attachment portion 41 (i.e., a region in which the end portion of the pipe is disposed). The light-emitting portion 18 includes an LED light, for example. The light-emitting portion 18 is electrically connected to the controller 20, and is turned ON and OFF by the controller 20 in response to the turning ON and OFF of the switch 153.

[0047] The motor 21 is housed in a lower portion of a front half of the tool housing 11. A rotational axis of an output shaft (not shown in the drawings) of the motor 21 extends in parallel to the drive axis DX, below the drive axis DX. The motor 21 according to the present embodiment is a brushless motor. The motor 21 is electrically connected to the controller 20, and is controlled by the controller 20.

[0048] The speed reduction mechanism 23 is housed in a rear half of the lower portion of the tool housing 11, to the rear of the motor 21. The speed reduction mechanism 23 is operably coupled to an output shaft (not shown in the drawings) of the motor 21, and to a main shaft 5 of the flaring device 3A to be described later. The speed reduction mechanism 23 is configured to reduce a rotation speed of the output shaft of the motor 21 and transmit the rotation to the flaring device 3A. Although not shown in detail, the speed reduction mechanism 23 according to the present embodiment is a gear speed reduction mechanism including a plurality of gears. An output gear 233 of the speed reduction mechanism 23 is operably coupled to the flaring device 3A.

[0049] The flaring device 3A will be described below.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the flaring device 3A is disposed above the motor 21 inside the tool housing 11. The flaring device 3A includes a housing 40, a transmission shaft 43, the main shaft 5, a cone 55, and a clutch mechanism 7. The transmission shaft 43, the main shaft 5, the cone 55, and the clutch mechanism 7 are housed in the housing 40. Note that the flaring device 3A according to the present embodiment is configured as a single assembly in which these components are coupled together.

[0051] As a whole, the housing 40 has a long stepped tubular shape. Note that the housing 40 according to the present embodiment is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy (hereinafter simply referred to as being made of aluminum), taking weight reduction into account.

[0052] The housing 40 is disposed so as to extend in the front-rear direction along the drive axis DX. Although not shown in detail, the housing 40 is disposed within inside the tool housing 11 and appropriately held in position by the tool housing 11. Note that, when the tool housing 11 is formed by the two halves divided to the left and right, as with the present embodiment, the housing 40 (the flaring device 3A as the assembly) may be held while being sandwiched between the left and right halves.

[0053] Note also that it can be said that the tool housing 11 is an outer housing of the flaring tool 1A, and that the housing 40 is an inner housing of the flaring tool 1A, or a drive mechanism housing.

[0054] The front end portion of the housing 40 protrudes forward of the tool housing 11 through the opening 111 of the tool housing 11. The front end portion of the housing 40 is configured as the clamp attachment portion 41. Note that it is sufficient that the clamp attachment portion 41 be configured to removably hold any known desired clamp device (not shown in the drawings) of a pipe. Therefore, a holding structure for holding the clamp device is not particularly limited and any known structure may be adopted.

[0055] The transmission shaft 43 is operably coupled to the output gear 233 of the speed reduction mechanism 23. The transmission shaft 43 is configured to transmit the rotation of the output gear 233 to the main shaft 5. More specifically, the transmission shaft 43 is supported by two ball bearings 431 and 432 disposed inside the rear end portion of the housing 40 so as to be rotatable around the drive axis DX,. Although not shown in detail, the rear end portion of the transmission shaft 43 is coupled to the output gear 233 to be coaxial with the output gear 233. The transmission shaft 43 rotates integrally with the output gear 233 in accordance with the driving of the motor 21.

[0056] The main shaft 5 will be described below.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, the main shaft 5 is an elongate member defining the drive axis DX, and is also referred to as a spindle. The main shaft 5 extends in the front-rear direction inside the housing 40. As will be described in detail later, the main shaft 5 can move in the front-rear direction along the drive axis DX while rotating around the drive axis DX. A front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5 rotatably supports the cone 55 for forming the flare. A portion of the cone 55 protrudes forward from an opening 401 in the front end of the housing 40 (the clamp attachment portion 41), in accordance with the forward movement of the main shaft 5. A support hole 502 is formed at the front end portion 501. The support hole 502 receives a portion of the cone 55 such that the cone 55 can rotate. Note that a support structure of the cone 55 will be described in detail later.

[0058] The main shaft 5 is coupled to the transmission shaft 43 such that the main shaft 5 rotates integrally with the transmission shaft 43 and is allowed to move in the front-rear direction relative to the transmission shaft 43. Specifically, a rear half of the main shaft 5 is formed as a hollow shaft, and includes a coupling hole 507 having a polygonal shape (a hexagonal shape, for example) in a cross section thereof. A front half of the transmission shaft 43 has a shape that corresponds to (matches) the coupling hole 507, and is inserted into the coupling hole 507. Owing to this configuration, the main shaft 5 can rotate integrally with the transmission shaft 43, and can also slide in the front-rear direction relative to the transmission shaft 43.

[0059] Note that the coupling structure of the main shaft 5 and the transmission shaft 43 is not limited to this example. For example, the main shaft 5 and the transmission shaft 43 may be coupled to each other through engagement between a key groove and a key, or a spline connection, such that the main shaft 5 can rotate integrally with the transmission shaft 43 and can move in the front-rear direction relative to the transmission shaft 43.

[0060] The rear half of the main shaft 5 is formed as a male screw portion 508. As will be described in detail later, the male screw portion 508 can be screwed together with a female screw portion 737 of a movable flange 73 of the clutch mechanism 7. The male screw portion 508 and the female screw portion 737 configure a feed screw mechanism 50 that moves the main shaft 5 in the front-rear direction.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the present embodiment, the main shaft 5 is configured by a plurality of members that are coupled to each other. More specifically, the main shaft 5 includes a first member 51, and a second member 52 coupled to a rear end portion of the first member 51 and extending rearward. Note that the main shaft 5 (the first member 51 and the second member 52) according to the present embodiment is made of iron or an iron alloy (hereinafter simply referred to as being made of iron), in order to secure sufficient strength.

[0062] As a whole, the first member 51 is a stepped solid cylindrical member. A front half of the first member 51 is a large diameter portion 511 and forms the front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5. A rear half of the first member 51 is a small diameter portion 516 having a smaller diameter than the front half and extends rearward from a center portion of a rear end surface of the front half.

[0063] As a whole, the second member 52 is a stepped hollow cylindrical member. A front half of the second member 52 is formed as a large diameter portion 512. Of the second member 52, a section extending rearward from the large diameter portion 521 is formed as a small diameter portion 526 having a smaller diameter than the larger diameter portion 521. The larger diameter portion 521 is press fitted onto an outer periphery of the small diameter portion 516 of the first member 51. In this way, the second member is integrated with the first member 51. The outer diameter of the large diameter portion 521 is smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 511 of the first member 51. A flange portion 522 is provided at a rear end of the large diameter portion 521. The small diameter portion 526 is a section including the above-described coupling hole 507, and may also be referred to as a hollow shaft portion.

[0064] A sliding sleeve 58 is disposed around the large diameter portion 521 of the second member 52. The sliding sleeve 58 is a hollow cylindrical member. The sliding sleeve 58 according to the present embodiment is made of iron, in the same way as the main shaft 5.

[0065] The sliding sleeve 58 is fitted around the large diameter portion 521 of the second member 52. More specifically, when assembling the flaring device 3A, after fitting the sliding sleeve 58 around the large diameter portion 521 of the second member 52, the small diameter portion 516 of the first member 51 is fixed to the large diameter portion 521 of the second member 52. In this way, an inner peripheral portion of the sliding sleeve 58 is fitted, in the front-rear direction, between the rear end of the above-described first member 51 and a front end surface of the flange portion 522 and held in place. According to this type of engagement structure, the sliding sleeve 58 is unmovable in the front-rear direction relative to the main shaft 5, and movable in the front-rear direction integrally with the main shaft 5.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, the sliding sleeve 58 is disposed inside a fixed sleeve 71 (more specifically, a first sleeve 711) to be described later. The outer diameter of the sliding sleeve 58 is larger than the outer diameter of the front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5, and is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the fixed sleeve 71.

[0067] In a radial direction (i.e., a direction orthogonal to the drive axis DX) of the main shaft 5, a seal member 61 is disposed between the second member 52 (the main shaft 5) and the sliding sleeve 58. The seal member 61 blocks (closes off, seals) a gap between the second member 51 and the sliding sleeve 58. More specifically, the seal member 61 is a ring-shaped elastic (resilient) member and is mounted to a ring-shaped groove formed in an outer peripheral surface of the second member 52. In a similar manner, a seal member 62 is disposed between the sliding sleeve 58 and the fixed sleeve 71 and blocks a gap between the sliding sleeve 58 and the fixed sleeve 71. The seal member 62 is also a ring-shaped elastic member and is mounted to a ring-shaped groove formed in the outer peripheral surface of the sliding sleeve 58.

[0068] Both of the seal members 61 and 62 prevent foreign material (metal waste or dust, for example) from entering into a space 405, which is formed to the rear of (behind) the seal members 61 and 62 in the front-rear direction, when the foreign material has entered an interior space of the housing 40 through the opening 401 at the front end of the housing 40. As will be described in detail later, the feed screw mechanism 50 (the male screw portion 508 and the female screw portion 737), which move the main shaft 5 in the front-rear direction, and the clutch mechanism 7 are disposed in the space 405 that is defined rearward of the seal members 61 and 62. The seal members 61 and 62 can prevent the foreign material entering into the space 405, and can thus reduce a possibility of an operation failure of the feed screw mechanism 50 and the clutch mechanism 7. In order to lubricate these mechanisms, a lubricant is present in the space 405. The seal members 61 and 62 can prevent the lubricant from leaking out to the front from the space 405.

[0069] In the present embodiment, a rubber O-ring is adopted as the seal member 61 and as the seal member 62. A squeeze of the seal member 62 is set to be greater than a squeeze of the seal member 61. Thus, a frictional force by the seal member 62 is larger than a frictional force by the seal member 61. More specifically, the squeezes of the seal member 61 and the seal member 62 are set such that while rotation of the second member 52 (the main shaft 5) relative to the sliding sleeve 58 is allowed, the rotation of the sliding sleeve 58 relative to the fixed sleeve 71 is restricted. On the other hand, the seal member 62 allows the sliding sleeve 58 engaged with the main shaft 5 to move integrally with the main shaft 5 in the front-rear direction relative to the fixed sleeve 71.

[0070] The cone 55 and the support structure of the cone 55 will be described below.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cone 55 is a metal single member, and includes a conical shaped conical portion 551, and a solid cylindrical shaft portion 553. The shaft portion 553 extends rearward coaxially with the conical portion 551, from a center portion of a circular rear end surface of the conical portion 551. A ball holding hole 555 is formed in a rear end of the shaft portion 553. A bottom portion of the ball holding hole 555 is defined by a conical surface 556 that has an apex on an axis of the cone 55. The diameter of the bottom portion of the ball holding hole 555 thus becomes smaller the further to the front. A ring-shaped groove 558 is formed in an outer peripheral surface of a section of the shaft portion 553 that is frontward of of the ball holding hole 555.

[0072] The cone 55 is supported by the front end portion 501 to be rotatable around an axis AX that is different from the axis of the main shaft 5 (i.e., different from the drive axis DX). In other words, the cone 55 is supported eccentrically to the main shaft 5. More specifically, a support hole 502 is formed in the front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5. The support hole 502 extends along the axis AX and is configured to receive the shaft portion 553 of the cone 55. In the present embodiment, the axis AX is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the drive axis DX. However, in another embodiment, the axis AX may be parallel to the drive axis DX.

[0073] The support hole 502 is a stepped bottomed hole that is open at a front end surface of the front end portion 501. The support hole 502 includes a large diameter portion at the open side, a small diameter portion at the bottom side, and a bottom portion. Each of the large diameter portion and the small diameter portion of the support hole 502 has a substantially constant diameter. On the other hand, the diameter of the bottom portion of the support hole 502 becomes smaller the further to the rear, and the bottom portion is defined by a conical surface 504 having an apex on the axis AX.

[0074] A ball bearing 561 is fitted in the large diameter portion of the support hole 502. The ball bearing 561 is a radial bearing that is configured to receive a radial load. The ball bearing 561 includes balls (rolling bodies) that are disposed between an inner ring and an outer ring, and a retainer that retains the balls. A front half of the shaft portion 553 is fitted into the ball bearing 561, and is supported to be rotatable around the axis AX. Note that, in the present embodiment, the cone 55 is disposed such that the apex thereof is normally positioned on the drive axis DX, but the apex of the cone 55 may be offset from (not present on) the drive axis DX. Note also that, by positioning the apex of the cone 55 on the drive axis DX, as in the present embodiment, it is possible to form a flare in an end portion of a thinner pipe, compared to when the apex of the cone 55 is offset from the drive axis DX.

[0075] Of the shaft portion 553, a section extending further to the rear than the ball bearing 561 is disposed inside the small diameter portion of the support hole 502. The conical surface 556 of the ball holding hole 55 of the shaft portion 553 and the conical surface 504 of the support hole 502 face each other in the extending direction of the axis AX. A ball 563 is rollably disposed between the conical surface 556 and the conical surface 504. The ball 563 according to the present embodiment is made of iron (steel).

[0076] The ball 563 is in contact with the conical surface 556 of a rear end portion 554 of the cone 55, and with the conical surface 504 of the front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5. More specifically, the ball 563 is in line contact with the conical surface 556 of the cone 55, along a circumference of a circle (circular track) centered on the axis AX (more specifically, a circle defined by the conical surface 556 on a plane orthogonal to the axis AX). The ball 563 is also in line contact with the conical surface 504 of the front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5, along a circumference of a circle centered on the axis AX (more specifically, a circle defined by the conical surface 504 on a plane orthogonal to the axis AX). According to this type of configuration, the ball 563 can function as a thrust bearing receiving a thrust load, and can also function as a radial bearing receiving a radial load.

[0077] According to this type of support structure, while the cone 55 is rotating around the axis AX while being pressed against the end portion of the pipe, the rear end portion 554 of the cone 55 receives the thrust load via the ball 563. Thus, the thrust load that acts on the ball bearing 561 disposed around the shaft portion 553 can be reduced, and the rotational support of the cone 55 can be stabilized.

[0078] The ball 563 is disposed between the conical surfaces 504 and 556 that face each other in the extending direction of the axis AX (i.e., in the axial direction of the cone 55), and has line contact with each of the conical surfaces 504 and 556, as described above. Thus, the cone 55 can receive the thrust load in a stable manner while the axis of the cone 55 is accurately aligned with the axis AX. Of the ball 563, portions that are in line contact with the conical surfaces 504 and 556, respectively, change when the ball 563 rolls, and it is thus possible to suppress local wearing of the ball 563.

[0079] Furthermore, only the one ball bearing 561 is disposed around the shaft portion 553. On the other hand, the ball 563 can receive not only the thrust load but also the radial load. In this way, compared to a structure in which two of the ball bearings 561 are disposed around the cone 55, the stable rotational support is realized in which the radial load is received at two locations, while shortening an overall axial length of the cone 55. By adopting the ball bearing 561, which is a radial bearing, compared to a structure in which a needle bearing is disposed around the cone 55, it is possible to shorten the overall length of the cone 55.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the cone 55 is held at a predetermined position by a retainer pin 565 that engages the cone 55 with the main shaft 5, such that the cone 55 does not come off from the front end portion 501. More specifically, in the extending direction of the axis AX, of the front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5, a pin hole 512 is formed in a section between the ball bearing 561 and the ball 563. The pin hole 512 penetrates the front end portion 501, at a position corresponding to the ring-shaped groove 558 of the shaft portion 553 of the cone 55. In the present embodiment, the pin hole 512 extends in a direction that is orthogonal to the drive axis DX. The pin hole 512 is communicated with the interior of the support hole 502 (the small diameter portion).

[0081] The retainer pin 565 is inserted into the pin hole 512, and engages with the ring-shaped groove 558 of the shaft portion 553, inside the support hole 502. Note that the ring-shaped groove 558 is configured to not obstruct the rotation of the cone 55 when the retainer pin 565 is engaged with the ring-shaped groove 558.

[0082] A ring-shaped groove 513 is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5. In the axial direction of the cone 55 (the extending direction of the axis AX), the ring-shaped groove 513 is disposed at a position corresponding to openings of the pin hole 512. A ring-shaped elastic member 566 is mounted to the ring-shaped groove 513. The elastic member 566 prevents the retainer pin 565 from coming out of the pin hole 512, by covering the openings of the pin hole 512 from the outside. The elastic member 566 may be a rubber O-ring, for example.

[0083] The above-described configuration achieves a structure for preventing the cone 55 from falling off that is easily mounted to the cone 55 to the main shaft 5. The retainer pin 565 can be easily removed from the cone 55 and the main shaft 5 and thus, even when it is necessary to replace the cone 55 due to wear, a replacement operation is easy.

[0084] The clutch mechanism 7 will be described below.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 2, the clutch mechanism 7 includes the fixed sleeve 71, the movable flange 73 that is movable relative to the fixed sleeve 71, and a pressing spring 78 configured to press the movable flange 73.

[0086] The fixed sleeve 71 is fitted into the front half of the housing 40 and is held in a state in which the movement thereof with respect to the housing 40 is restricted. Note that the fixed sleeve 71 according to the present embodiment is a single hollow cylindrical body formed by coupling the first sleeve 711 and a second sleeve 715 to each other in the front-rear direction.

[0087] The first sleeve 711 is a section of the fixed sleeve 71 that serves as a housing part of the main shaft 5 and the sliding sleeve 58 inside the housing 40. The first sleeve 711 occupies a major part of the fixed sleeve 71. Note that the first sleeve 711 according to the present embodiment is made of aluminum, in the same manner as the housing 40.

[0088] The outer diameter of the first sleeve 711 is substantially constant, and is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the housing 40. A flange portion 712, which protrudes radially inward of the first sleeve 71, is provided at a front end portion of the first sleeve 711. The inner diameter of the remaining portion of the first sleeve 711 other than the flange portion 712 is substantially constant.

[0089] In the radial direction of the main shaft 5, three seal members 63 are disposed between the first sleeve 711 and the housing 40. The seal members 63 block (close off, seal) a gap between the first sleeve 711 and the housing 40. More specifically, the seal members 63 are each a ring-shaped elastic member, and are respectively mounted to three ring-shaped grooves formed in the outer peripheral surface of the first sleeve 711. In the present embodiment, rubber O-rings having the same configuration as each other are adopted as the three seal members 63. A squeeze of each of the seal members 63 is set such that the first sleeve 711 is held to be substantially unmovable with respect to the housing 40. Note that, here, to be substantially unmovable covers a case in which a slight displacement due to the elastic deformation of the seal members 63 is allowed.

[0090] In a similar manner to the above-described seal members 61 and 62, when the foreign material has entered the interior space of the housing 40 via the opening 401 at the front end of the housing 40, the seal members 63 prevent the foreign material from entering to the rear of the seal members 63. The above-described space 405 is located to the rear of the first sleeve 711, and the feed screw mechanism 50 and the clutch mechanism 7 are also disposed to the rear of the first sleeve 711. In a similar manner to the seal members 61 and 62, the seal members 63 can prevent the foreign material entering into the space 405 and can also prevent the lubricant from leaking out to the front of the seal members 63.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the second sleeve 715 is a cylinder shape that is shorter than the first sleeve 711, and has substantially the same inner diameter and outer diameter as those of the first sleeve 711. The second sleeve 715 is coupled to the rear end of the first sleeve 711 to be non-rotatable relative to the first sleeve 711. More specifically, a plurality of rectangular shaped protrusions (not shown in the drawings) are provided at the rear end of the first sleeve 711. A plurality of rectangular shaped recesses 716 that fit with these protrusions are formed at the front end of the second sleeve 715. The first sleeve 711 and the second sleeve 715 are integrated and are unable to rotate with respect to each other as a result of the engagement between the protrusions and the recesses 716.

[0092] The second sleeve 715 includes a cam surface 717 that is configured to move the movable flange 73 in the front-rear direction. The cam surface 717 is provided at a rear end of the second sleeve 715 (i.e., the rear end of the fixed sleeve 71) and extends along an entire circumference of the second sleeve 715. The cam surface 717 includes recesses and protrusions disposed alternately in a circumferential direction of the second sleeve 715.

[0093] Note that, since the cam surface 717 receives a high load, the second sleeve 715 is made of iron in order to secure sufficient strength. Thus, the second sleeve 715 is formed as a separate (discrete, independent) member from the first sleeve 711, which is made of aluminum in order to achieve weight reduction, and is coupled to the first sleeve 711. However, in another embodiment, the fixed sleeve 71 may be formed as a single (inseparable) member using the same material as a whole.

[0094] The movable flange 73 is a flanged hollow cylindrical member (flange sleeve). The movable flange 73 is made of iron. The movable flange 73 is disposed around the rear half (the small diameter portion 526 that is the hollow shaft portion) of the main shaft 5, to the rear of the fixed sleeve 71. The movable flange 73 includes a large diameter portion 731 (flange portion) and a small diameter portion 736. Clutch pins 734 are fixed to the large diameter portion 731. The small diameter portion 736 has a smaller outer diameter than the large diameter portion 731, and extends rearward from the large diameter portion 731.

[0095] The large diameter portion 731 has an inner diameter larger than that of the rear half of the main shaft 5, and an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the fixed sleeve 71 (the second sleeve 715). The clutch pins 734 are fixed to the large diameter portion 731 and extend radially. The number of the clutch pins 734 is the same as the number of the recesses of the cam surface 717. The clutch pins 734 are made of iron. A part of each of the clutch pins 734 protrudes radially outward of the large diameter portion 731, and is normally in contact with the cam surface 717 of the second sleeve 715. A front end portion of the large diameter portion 731 is disposed inside the second sleeve 715.

[0096] A front half of the small diameter portion 736 is configured as the female screw portion 737 that are threadedly engageable with the male screw portion 508 of the rear end portion of the main shaft 5. As described above, the male screw portion 508 and the female screw portion 737 form the feed screw mechanism 50 that is configured to move the main shaft 5 relative to the housing 40 in the front-rear direction.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 2, an auxiliary spring 44 is disposed between a rear end of the main shaft 5 and a washer disposed to the front of the ball bearing 431 inside the rear end portion of the housing 40. The auxiliary spring 44 according to the present embodiment is a compression coil spring and is disposed around the transmission shaft 43. The auxiliary spring 44 urges (biases) the main shaft 5 forward with respect to the housing 40. When the main shaft 5 moves rearward and the male screw portion 508 is disengaged from the female screw portion 737, the auxiliary spring 44 holds the male screw portion 508 at a position at which the male screw portion 508 can engage with the female screw portion 737. The urging force (biasing force) of the auxiliary spring 44 is set to be significantly weaker than that of the pressing spring 78 to be described below.

[0098] The pressing spring 78 is configured to urge (bias) the movable flange 73 forward relative to the fixed sleeve 71, and thus relative to the housing 40. More specifically, the pressing spring 78 according to the present embodiment is a compression coil spring and is disposed around the small diameter portion 736 of the movable flange 73. A thrust needle bearing 791 is disposed between the large diameter portion 731 of the movable flange 73 and the pressing spring 78. The thrust needle bearing 791 is formed by two washers 793 and 794, and needle pins that are sandwiched between the two washers 793 and 794. The front end of the pressing spring 78 is in contact with the rear washer 794, and the rear end of the pressing spring 78 is in contact with a shoulder portion of the housing 40. Note that the rear washer 794 has an outer diameter larger than that of the front washer 793.

[0099] According to this configuration, normally, the pressing spring 78 urges the movable flange 73 forward and presses the clutch pins 734 against the second sleeve 715, and the clutch pins 734 are thus held in the recesses of the cam surface 717. In this way, the movable flange 73 is integrated with the fixed sleeve 71 so as to be substantially non-rotatable with respect to the fixed sleeve 71. Hereinafter, the position of the movable flange 73 at this time relative to the fixed sleeve 71 in the front-rear direction will be referred to as a connected position, and the state of the clutch mechanism 7 at this time will be referred to as a connected state. Note that, in another embodiment, in place of the clutch pins 734, the movable flange 73 may include integrally provided protrusions at the front end surface of the large diameter portion 731 such that these protrusions directly engage with the recesses of the cam surface 717.

[0100] Operations of the flaring device 3A when the motor 21 is driven will be described below.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 2, in an initial state of the flaring device 3A, the male screw portion 508 of the rear end portion of the main shaft 5 is disposed at a position at which the male screw portion 508 is threadedly engageable with the female screw portion 737 of the movable flange 73 (hereinafter referred to as an initial position). The clutch mechanism 7 is in the connected state. When the motor 21 (refer to FIG. 1) is rotated in the forward direction in this state, the transmission shaft 43 and the main shaft 5 rotate integrally with each other, and the main shaft 5 moves forward while the male screw portion 508 and the female screw portion 737 are screwed together.

[0102] While the main shaft 5 moves forward, the sliding sleeve 58 disposed around the main shaft 5 (the second member 52) slides forward integrally with the main shaft 5 with respect to the first sleeve 711 of the fixed sleeve 71. The main shaft 5 slidably rotates inside the sliding sleeve 58. As described above, the first sleeve 711 according to the present embodiment is made of aluminum, while the sliding sleeve 58 is made of iron. Thus, the sliding sleeve 58 according to the present embodiment can suppress the wear of the first sleeve 711, compared to a configuration in which the sliding sleeve 58 slidably rotates with respect to the first sleeve 711.

[0103] When the pipe is clamped by the clamp device (not shown in the drawings) attached to the clamp attachment portion 41, the cone 55 abuts (comes into contact with) the end portion of the pipe before the main shaft 5 reaches a frontmost position in its movable range. The cone 55 expands the end portion of the pipe into a conical shape, by orbiting (revolving) around the drive axis DX while rotating (freely rotating) around the axis AX, as a result of the main shaft 5 rotating while moving forward.

[0104] When the cone 55 moves forward to a certain extent while expanding the end portion of the pipe into the conical shape and forming the flare, the forward movement of the cone 55 and thus, the forward movement of the main shaft 5 is obstructed by the pipe, before the main shaft 5 reaches the frontmost position. FIG. 7 shows a position of the main shaft 5 at this time (hereinafter referred to as a forward-movement obstructed position).

[0105] When the main shaft 5 rotates at the forward-movement obstructed position, due to the action of the male screw portion 508 and the female screw portion 737 (the feed screw mechanism 50), the movable flange 73 moves rearward while rotating with respect to the fixed sleeve 71. In this way, as shown in FIG. 8, the clutch pins 734 separate from the cam surface 717. Hereinafter, the position of the movable flange 73 at this time relative to the fixed sleeve 71 in the front-rear direction will be referred to as a disconnected position, and the state of the clutch mechanism 7 at this time will be referred to as a disconnected state. The transition of the clutch mechanism 7 from the connected state to the disconnected state (the movement of the movable flange 73 from the connected position to the disconnected position) will also be referred to as actuation of the clutch mechanism 7. Note that, at a time point at which the main shaft 5 can no longer move forward, the shape of the flare is already formed. Therefore, it may be said that the clutch mechanism 7 is actuated in response to the forming of the flare.

[0106] The pressing spring 78 is compressed in accordance with the rearward movement of the movable flange 73, and the urging force of the pressing spring 78 increases. The male screw portion 508 and the female screw portion 737 are configured such that a frictional force between the male screw portion 508 and the female screw portion 737 exceeds the urging force of the pressing spring 78 at this time. Thus, when the movable flange 73 reaches the disconnected position, the movable flange 73 does not move any further, and starts to rotate integrally with the main shaft 5 that is at the forward-movement obstructed position. The urging force of the pressing spring 78 acts on the main shaft 5 via the movable flange 73. The cone 55 supported by the front end portion 501 of the main shaft 5 receives the urging force, and rotates around the axis AX while orbiting around the drive axis DX, while pressing the flare at substantially the same position in the front-rear direction. Hereinafter, this operation of the cone 55 will also be referred to as a finishing operation.

[0107] On the other hand, when the motor 21 rotates in the forward direction when the pipe is not present in front of the cone 55, the main shaft 5 can move further forward than when the pipe is present. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the flange portion 712 of the fixed sleeve 71 abuts (comes into contact with) the front end surface of the sliding sleeve 58, and obstructs (blocks) the main shaft 5 from moving any further forward. In this way, the sliding sleeve 58 and the flange portion 712 function as a stopper defining the frontmost position of the main shaft 5.

[0108] After the flare is formed in the pipe by the cone 55 as described above, when the motor 21 is stopped and then rotated in the reverse direction, due to the action of the urging force of the pressing spring 78 and the action of the male screw portion 508 and the female screw portion 737, the movable flange 73 moves forward from the disconnected position to the connected position, while rotating with respect to the fixed sleeve 71. In other words, the clutch mechanism 7 returns to the connected state. The main shaft 5 moves rearward while rotating, until the male screw portion 508 is disengaged from the female screw portion 737, and is restored to the initial position shown in FIG. 1.

[0109] The flaring tool 1A according to the present embodiment detects the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7 and utilizes the detection for the drive control of the motor 21. The detection device 81 that detects the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7 will be described below.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 1, the detection device 81 is disposed inside the tool housing 11. More specifically, the detection device 81 according to the present embodiment is a Hall sensor including a Hall element. As shown in FIG. 7, the detection device 81 is mounted on a circuit board 82 supported by the tool housing 11 (not shown in FIG. 7), below the flaring device 3A. When a magnet 85 is within a predetermined detection range, the detection device 81 detects the magnet 85, and turns ON. The detection device 81 is configured to output a signal indicating ON or OFF, as a result of detecting the magnet 85.

[0111] The magnet 85 is disposed to move integrally with the movable flange 73. More specifically, the magnet 85 is attached to a movable member 86 supported at a lower portion of the housing 40 to be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the housing 40. The movable member 86 includes an arm 861 disposed below the housing 40, and a protrusion 863 protruding to the inside of the housing 40 through an opening formed in the lower portion of the housing 40. The magnet 85 is fixed to the arm 861. The protrusion 863 is disposed directly behind the washer 794 disposed between the large diameter portion 731 of the movable flange 73 and the pressing spring 78. The movable member 86 is urged forward by an urging spring 87 disposed between the housing 40 and the movable member 86. Thus, due to the urging force of the urging spring 87, the protrusion 863 is always held in contact with the rear end surface of the washer 794.

[0112] According to this configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, when the movable flange 73 is at the connected position, the movable member 86 and the magnet 85 are at a frontmost position within a movable range. The detection device 81 detects the magnet 85 when the magnet 85 is at the frontmost position.

[0113] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, when the clutch mechanism 7 is actuated and the movable flange 73 moves from the connected position to the disconnected position, the protrusion 863 is pressed by the washer 794, and the movable member 86 moves rearward against the urging force of the urging spring 87. As a result, the magnet 85 moves out of the detection range of the detection device 81. Thus, when the movable flange 73 is at the disconnected position, the detection device 81 cannot detect the magnet 85. In other words, the detection device 81 switches from ON to OFF in response to the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7. Note that a movement distance of the movable flange 73 from the connected position to the disconnected position is extremely small, but since the Hall sensor is adopted as the detection device 81, the detection device 81 can reliably detect the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7.

[0114] The washer 794 is a component that moves integrally with the movable flange 73 in the front-rear direction with respect to the housing 40, but does not rotate integrally with the movable flange 73. Thus, by coupling the washer 794 and the movable member 86 to move integrally with each other in the front-rear direction, the movable member 86 can be moved while being isolated from the rotation of the movable flange 73. In this way, the movement of the movable member 86 is stabilized, and detection accuracy of the magnet 85 by the detection device 81 can be improved.

[0115] Components (structures) provided at/in the handle portion 15 of the tool housing 11 will be described below.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 1, the switch 153 and the controller 20 are disposed inside the handle portion 15. The operation portion 25 is provided at a lower end portion of the handle portion 15.

[0117] The controller 20 is electrically connected to the motor 21, the switch 153, the operation portion 25, and the detection device 81 inside the tool housing 11. In the present embodiment, the controller 20 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, and the like. However, in another embodiment, the controller 20 may be configured by another type of at least one processor or processing circuit (an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), for example) and at least one memory.

[0118] As it is known technology, a configuration is not shown herein, but a three-phase inverter and Hall sensors are electrically connected to the controller 20. By performing a switching operation of switching six semi-conductor switching elements of the three-phase inverter, the controller 20 supplies pulsed currents (pulses), to the motor 21, that accords with a set duty ratio. The controller 20 controls the rotation speed of the motor 21 by controlling the electrification to the motor 21, via the three-phase inverter, based on a signal indicating a rotation position (rotation angle) of the motor 21 (more specifically a rotor) input from the Hall sensor. The controller 20 also controls the driving of the motor 21 based on signals output from the switch 153, the operation portion 25, and the detection device 81.

[0119] The operation portion 25 according to the present embodiment is an input device to which the user can input information relating to a timing of stopping the driving of the motor 21 after the clutch mechanism 7 has operated (hereinafter simply referred to as stop timing information). The present embodiment employs, as the stop timing information, information that identifies an amount/angle (hereinafter referred to as a target rotation amount) by which the motor 21 will be rotated during a period after the clutch mechanism 7 has been actuated to when the driving of the motor 21 is stopped. In the present embodiment, the controller 20 uses pulse width modulation (PWM) control for the drive control of the motor 21, and the target rotation amount is identified by a number of pulses used for driving the motor 21. Thus, the target rotation amount can also be said to be a target pulse number.

[0120] The operation portion 25 can be embodied as shown in FIG. 10, for example. In this example, the operation portion 25 includes a mode switching button 251, an increase button 253, a decrease button 254, and a display portion 257. Note that the mode switching button 251, the increase button 253, and the decrease button 254 are push buttons. The display portion 257 includes two seven-segment displays that can display numerical digits.

[0121] The mode switching button 251 is configured to be manually operated in order to select a mode. Generally, the clamp devices that are attachable to the clamp attachment portion 41 correspond to a plurality of types of pipe having different diameters. Mode numbers indicating each of the types of pipe are stored in the ROM 202 of the controller 20, in association, respectively, with an initial value of the target pulse number set for each of the pipes. The controller 20 sequentially selects the stored mode number each time the mode switching button 251 is pressed, and identifies the corresponding target pulse number. The controller 20 also displays the identified target pulse number on the seven-segment display of the display portion 257. Note that the display portion 257 may also display the mode number indicating the type of the selected pipe.

[0122] The increase button 253 and the decrease button 254 are configured to be manually operated in order to change the target pulse number. The increase button 253 may be operated in order to increase the target pulse number from a current set value. The decrease button 254 may be operated in order to reduce the target pulse number from the current set value. The controller 20 increases or reduces the currently set target pulse number by a predetermined number, each time the increase button 253 or the decrease button 254 is pressed. Note that the predetermined number can be set as desired, but in order to allow the rotation amount to be changed in a flexible manner, the pulse number may be changeable by one pulse at a time, for example.

[0123] The controller 20 displays, on the seven-segment displays of the display portion 257, a numerical digit indicating the target pulse number after the change. Thus, the user can change the target pulse number to a desired value by manually operating the increase button 253 or the decrease button 254 while checking the display portion 257.

[0124] The operation portion 25 can be embodied as shown in FIG. 11, in alternative to the example shown in FIG. 10. In this example, the operation portion 25 includes a change button 252, and a display portion 258. The change button 252 is a push button. The display portion 258 includes a plurality of indicator lamps.

[0125] The change button 252 is configured to be manually operated in order to change the target pulse number of the motor 21 from the current set value. On the display portion 258, one of the indicator lamps that corresponds to the set target pulse number is illuminated. In the initial state, the target pulse number is set to the initial value, and the center indicator lamp on the display portion 258 is illuminated. The controller 20 increases the currently set pulse number by a predetermined number each time the change button 252 is pressed, and when the pulse number after the change reaches a predetermined upper limit value, the pulse number returns to a lower limit value. One of the indicator lamps is also illuminated in accordance with this change.

[0126] Note that the configuration of the operation portion 25 is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the operation portion 25 may be embodied to include at least one of a rotary dial, a slide lever, or a touch screen, in place of a push button.

[0127] The drive control of the motor 21 by the controller 20 (more specifically, the CPU 201) during the flaring operation will be described below. Motor drive processing shown in FIG. 12 is started in response to the trigger 151 being pressed, and the switch 153 thus being turned ON. The CPU 201 of the controller 20 executes the motor drive processing by reading out and executing a program stored in the ROM 202, for example.

[0128] First, before starting the flaring operation using the flaring tool 1A, the user attaches, to the flaring tool 1A, the clamp device clamping the pipe of a desired diameter, and sets the target rotation amount by manually operating the operation portion 25.

[0129] When the flaring tool 1A is provided with the operation portion 25 shown in FIG. 10, the user selects an appropriate mode (the type of the pipe) by manually operating the mode switching button 251. The CPU 201 of the controller 20 reads out the correspondence relationship stored in the ROM 202, and stores, in the RAM 203, the initial value of the target pulse number corresponding to the selected mode. Subsequently, when the user presses the increase button 253 or the decrease button 254, the target pulse number stored in the RAM 203 is changed in accordance with the pressing operation.

[0130] When the flaring tool 1A is provided with the operation portion 25 shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 201 stores, in the RAM 203, the initial value of the target pulse number, set in advance, stored in the ROM 202. Subsequently, when the user presses the change button 252, the target pulse number stored in the RAM 203 is changed in accordance with the pressing operation.

[0131] Subsequently, when the user presses the trigger 151 and the switch 153 is thus turned ON, the CPU 201 starts the motor drive processing shown in FIG. 12. The CPU 201 identifies the target pulse number stored in the RAM 203 (S101), and starts the driving of the motor 21 (S103). More specifically, the CPU 201 calculates an appropriate duty ratio, and supplies the pulse corresponding to the calculated duty ratio to the motor 21. At this time, the motor 21 is rotationally driven the forward direction. When the motor 21 is rotated in the forward direction, the main shaft 5 and the cone 55 move forward while rotating, as described above, and form the flare by expanding the tubular end portion of the pipe into the conical shape.

[0132] While the motor 21 is rotated in the forward direction, the CPU 201 monitors the signals periodically output from the detection device 81, and determines whether or not the detection device 81 has been turned OFF, i.e., whether or not the clutch mechanism 7 has been actuated (S105). While it is determined that the clutch mechanism 7 is in the connected state (no at S105), the CPU 201 continues the driving of the motor 21 (S103).

[0133] When it is determined that the clutch mechanism 7 has been actuated (yes at S105), the CPU 201 counts the number of pulses supplied to the motor 21 after the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7 (S107). The CPU 201 determines whether or not the supplied number of pulses has reached the target pulse number stored in the RAM 203 (S109). When the supplied number of pulses has not reached the target pulse number (no at S109), the CPU 201 returns to counting the number of pulses (S107). In other words, the CPU 201 continues the driving of the motor 121 until the supplied number of pulses reaches the target pulse number. While the driving of the motor 21 is continued after the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7, the cone 55 performs the finishing operation.

[0134] When the supplied number of pulses reaches the target pulse number (yes at S109), the CPU 201 stops the driving of the motor 21 by stopping the pulse supply to the motor 21 (S113). The CPU 201 further starts driving the motor 21 in the reverse direction (S115). The main shaft 5 thus starts to move rearward.

[0135] While the main shaft 5 has not yet returned to the initial position (no at S117), the CPU 201 continues the driving of the motor 21 (S115). When the main shaft 5 returns to the initial position (yes at S117), the CPU 201 stops the driving of the motor 21 (S119), and ends the motor drive processing. In other words, the CPU 201 stops the driving of the motor 21 in the reverse direction when the main shaft 5 is back to the initial position, even if the switch 153 is not turned OFF (even if the pressing of the trigger 151 is not released). Note that, at S117, for example, the CPU 201 can determine whether or not the main shaft 5 has been restored to the initial position based on a detection result of a detection device (not shown in the drawings) that can detect that the main shaft 5 is at the initial position. In a similar manner as described in relation to the detection device 81 that detects the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7, this detection device may be a magnetic or an optical sensor, for example. Alternatively, the detection device may be a mechanical switch.

[0136] Note that when the switch 153 is turned OFF while the motor 21 is being driven in the forward direction, the controller 20 stops the driving of the motor 21, and further, drives the motor 21 in the reverse direction and returns the main shaft 5 to the initial position. In a similar manner, when the switch 153 is turned OFF while the motor 21 is being driven in the reverse direction, the controller 20 continues the driving of the motor 21 and returns the main shaft 5 to the initial position.

[0137] As described above, in the flaring tool 1A according to the present embodiment, in response to the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7, the controller 20 causes the motor 21 to rotate by the target rotation amount and then stops the rotation. According to this type of control, compared to a case in which the timing to stop the rotation of the motor 21 is dependent on a manual operation by the user, the finish (accuracy) of the formed flare can be stabilized (made uniform). After the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7, i.e., after the forming of the flare by the cone 55, the cone 55 can perform the finishing operation at substantially the same position in the front-rear direction to form the flare having a cross-section close to a perfect circle, and thus the finish of the flare can be improved.

[0138] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the user can change the set target rotation amount, as appropriate, by manually operating the operation portion 25. Thus, the user can check a flare formed by performing a trial flaring operation, for example. If the user determines that the finishing operation was insufficient or excessive, the user can change the target rotation amount. In this way, the finish of the flare can be further improved.

[0139] After the controller 20 rotates the motor 21 by the target rotation amount and then stops the rotation, the controller 20 automatically moves the main shaft 5 rearward (without any manual operation by the user), and returns the main shaft 5 to the initial position. In this way, the convenience of the flaring tool 1A is improved.

Second Embodiment

[0140] A flaring tool 1B according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIG. 13. The flaring tool 1A (refer to FIG.

[0141] 1) according to the first embodiment is an electric tool used exclusively for the flaring operation, and the flaring device 3A is built into the tool housing 11 along with the motor 21 and the like. In contrast to this, the flaring tool 1B according to the second embodiment includes an existing (known) drill driver 9, and a flaring device 3B removably attached to the drill driver 9. In other words, the flaring device 3B is an attachment that is attachable to the drill driver 9.

[0142] The drill driver 9 is a known electric tool (rotating tool) configured to rotationally drive a tool accessory (not shown in the drawings), which is removably attached to a chuck 94, to rotate around the drive axis DX. The drill driver 9 includes a tool housing 90 that extends along the drive axis DX, and a handle portion 95 that extends from the tool housing 90 in a direction intersecting the drive axis DX.

[0143] A motor 91, and a spindle 93 operably coupled to the motor 91 via a speed reduction mechanism 92 are housed in the tool housing 90. The chuck 94 is coupled to the spindle 93 so as to rotate integrally with the spindle 93.

[0144] The handle portion 95 includes a grip portion 950. A trigger 951 that is configured to be pressed by the user, and a forward/reverse switching lever 952 that moves in response to the pressing operation by the user and switches the rotation direction of the motor 91 between the forward direction and the reverse direction are disposed at the grip portion 950. A switch 953 that operates in response to the manual operation of the trigger 951 and the forward/reverse switching lever 952, and a controller 955 that controls the driving of the motor 91 are housed in the interior of the handle portion 95. While the trigger 951 is pressed and the switch 953 is turned ON, the controller 955 drives the motor 91. The rechargeable battery 19 is removably attached to the lower end portion of the handle portion 95.

[0145] The flaring device 3B differs from the flaring device 3A according to the first embodiment in that the flaring device 3B does not include the movable member 86 and the magnet 85. The remaining configuration of the flaring device 3B is substantially the same as that of the flaring device 3A according to the first embodiment. Thus, in the following description, the same reference signs as those of the first embodiment are allocated to the configuration that is substantially the same, and a description thereof is omitted.

[0146] The flaring device 3B according to the present embodiment is configured such that the main shaft 5 is operably coupled to the spindle 93 of the drill driver 9, and is rotated in accordance with the rotational driving of the spindle 93. More specifically, a coupling hole 435 is formed in a rear end portion of the transmission shaft 43 of the flaring device 3B. The coupling hole 435 is configured to be coupled to another member so as to be able to transmit the rotation thereof, and extends along the axes of the transmission shaft 43 and the main shaft 5.

[0147] The transmission shaft 43 is operably coupled to the chuck 94 of the drill driver 9, via a coupling shaft 98. One axial end portion of the coupling shaft 98 is engageable with the coupling hole 435 of the transmission shaft 43. The other axial end portion of the coupling shaft 98 is engageable with an insertion hole 941 for the tool accessory formed in the chuck 94 of the drill driver 9. Note that the coupling hole 435, the insertion hole 941, and the two axial end portions of the coupling shaft 98 may have a polygonal shape in a cross section thereof, in a similar manner to the coupling hole 507 and the front half of the transmission shaft 43 according to the first embodiment. For example, the coupling shaft 98 may be coupled integrally and rotatably with the chuck 94 and the transmission shaft 43, through engagement between a key groove and a key, or a spline connection.

[0148] The rotation of the spindle 93 of the drill driver 9 is transmitted to the transmission shaft 43 via the chuck 94 and the coupling shaft 98. Thus, when the motor 91 of the drill driver 9 is rotated in the forward direction, as described in the first embodiment, the main shaft 5 of the flaring device 3B moves forward, and the cone 55 forms the flare in the end portion of the pipe. When the motor 91 of the drill driver 9 is rotated in the reverse direction, the main shaft 5 moves rearward, and returns to the initial position.

[0149] As described above, the flaring device 3B according to the present embodiment is configured to be selectively attached to the drill driver 9, as the attachment that can execute the flaring operation. Thus, the user can attach the flaring device 3B to the drill driver 9 only when necessary, and can use the attached flaring device 3B as a flaring tool 1B. It is thus possible to increase the operations that can be applied to the drill driver 9, and convenience is improved.

[0150] Note that the flaring device 3B may be selectively attached to and used with not only the drill driver 9, but another rotating tool (a drilling tool, a tightening tool, for example) via an appropriate coupling shaft. The flaring device 3B may be selectively attached to and used with not the electric tool, but a manual tool provided with a coupling shaft that can be manually rotated and thus configure a manual flaring device integrated with the manual tool.

[0151] A correspondence relationship between each of the structural elements (features) of the above-described embodiments and each of the structural elements (features) of the present disclosure or the present invention will be indicated below. However, each of the structural elements of the embodiment is merely an example and does not limit each of the structural elements of the present disclosure or present invention.

[0152] The flaring tool 1A according to the first embodiment is an example of a flaring tool. The motor 21, the main shaft 5, the cone 55, and the clutch mechanism 7 are, respectively, an example of a motor, a main shaft, a cone, and a clutch mechanism. The drive axis DX is an example of a first axis. The axis AX is an example of a second axis. The detection device 81 is an example of a detection device configured to detect actuation of a clutch mechanism and a detection device configured to detect forming of a flare by a cone. The controller 20 (more specifically, the CPU 201) is an example of a control device. The operation portion 25 is an example of an operation portion. The movable flange 73 with the clutch pins 734 is an example of a movable clutch member.

[0153] Note that the flaring tool according to the present disclosure is not limited to the flaring tool 1A according to the above-described embodiment. For example, changes exemplified below in a non-limiting manner are possible. At least one of these changes can be adopted in combination with at least one of the flaring tool 1A according to the embodiment and the features described in the claims.

[0154] For example, in place of the above-described clutch mechanism 7, a clutch mechanism of any type may be adopted that is actuated in response to the forward movement of the main shaft 5 being obstructed (in response to the shape of the flare being formed). For example, a dog clutch or positive clutch, or a friction clutch may be adopted.

[0155] The detection device 81 that detects the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7 (the forming of the flare) is not limited to being the Hall sensor, and any other type of known detection device can be adopted. For example, a mechanical microswitch, an optical sensor, another type of magnetic sensor, or the like can be adopted.

[0156] In the first embodiment, the target pulse number is used in the determination as to whether the motor 21 has rotated by the target rotation amount after the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7 is detected. In place of this example, the controller 20 may determine whether or not the motor 21 has rotated by the target rotation amount based on signals from the Hall sensors that detect the rotation position of the motor 21, for example. Specifically, it is sufficient that the controller 20 identifies the rotation position of the motor 21 at a time point at which the clutch mechanism 7 is actuated, and subsequently, based on the signals from the Hall sensors, determines whether or not the motor 21 has reached the rotation position corresponding to the target rotation amount.

[0157] Alternatively, in place of the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7, the controller 20 may control the timing to stop the rotation of the motor 21 based on any type of physical quantity that corresponds to (is correlated with) the formation of the flare (i.e., the stopping of the forward movement of the main shaft). For example, in place of the detection device 81, a current sensor that detects a current value of the motor 21, or a load sensor that detects a load acting on the main shaft 5 can be adopted. In these modified examples, the controller 20 may rotate the motor 21 by the target rotation amount after the detected current value or load exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and then stop the rotation.

[0158] The flaring tool 1A may include a communication device capable of communicating with an external device (such as a personal computer, or a mobile terminal (a smartphone, a tablet terminal, for example)). In this modified example, the user can input information relating to the target rotation amount of the motor 21 using the external device, not only the operation portion 25 of the flaring tool 1A. The CPU 201 of the flaring tool 1A can perform the drive control of the motor 21 after the actuation of the clutch mechanism 7 has been detected, based on the information transmitted from the external device. Note that, in this modified example, the operation portion 25 of the flaring tool 1A may be omitted.

[0159] In view of the gist of present invention and of the above-described embodiments, the following Aspects A1 to A5 are constructed. At least one of the Aspects A1 to A5 can be adopted in combination with at least one of the features of the above-described embodiments and modified examples thereof, or with at least one of the features disclosed in each of the claims herein.

[Aspect A1]

[0160] The specified rotation amount is set as a target pulse number, which is a number of pulses to be supplied to the motor for driving the motor, and [0161] the control device is configured to stop rotation of the motor when, after actuation of the clutch mechanism is detected (or after forming of the flare is detected), an actual number of pulses supplied to the motor reaches the target pulse number.

[Aspect A2]

[0162] The flaring tool further comprises: [0163] a notification portion configured to notify a user of information relating to the specified rotation amount.
Each of the display portions 257 and 258 according to the present aspect is an example of the notification portion of the present aspect.

[Aspect A3]

[0164] The flaring tool further comprises: [0165] a housing that houses the main shaft and the clutch mechanism, wherein [0166] the clutch mechanism includes: [0167] a movable clutch member that is movable in a front-rear direction between a first position, at which the movable clutch member is unmovable relative to the housing, and a second position that is rearward of the first position; and [0168] a pressing spring that is configured to urge (bias) the movable clutch member forward relative to the housing, [0169] the movable clutch member is configured to move from the first position to the second position in response to a forward movement of the main shaft being obstructed, and to rotate integrally with the main shaft relative to the housing, and [0170] the detection device is configured to detect movement of the movable clutch member from the first position to the second position as the actuation of the clutch mechanism.

[Aspect A4]

[0171] The main shaft includes a male screw portion, [0172] the movable clutch member includes a movable flange that (i) is disposed around the main shaft, and (ii) includes a female screw portion configured to threadedly engage the male screw portion, and [0173] the movable flange is configured to move, while rotating, from the first position to the second position, due to action of the male screw portion and the female screw portion, in response to the forward movement of the main shaft being obstructed.

[Aspect A5]

[0174] The clutch mechanism includes a fixed clutch member that is disposed around the main shaft in front of the movable clutch member so as to be substantially unmovable relative to the housing, [0175] the fixed clutch member includes a cam surface, and [0176] the movable clutch member is configured to (i) engage with the cam surface, due to an urging (biasing) force of the pressing spring to be non-rotatable relative to the fixed clutch member when the movable clutch member is at the first position, and (ii) separate (be spaced apart) from the cam surface when the movable clutch member moves, while rotating, to the second position.
The fixed sleeve 71 (the second sleeve 715) is an example of the fixed clutch member of the present aspect.

[0177] Further, in view of another non-limiting object to provide improvement

[0178] relating to a support structure of a cone in a flaring device, the present disclosure also provides the following Aspects B1 to B11. Any one of the following Aspects B1 to B11 can be adopted individually, or two or more thereof can be adopted in combination with each other. Alternatively, at least one of the following Aspects B1 to B11 can be adopted in combination with at least one of the embodiments, the modified embodiments/examples, the above-described aspects, and the features disclosed in each of the claims herein.

[Aspect B1]

[0179] A flaring device comprising: [0180] a main shaft that is configured to move along a first axis, which defines a front-rear direction of the flaring device, while rotating around the first axis; [0181] a cone that is (i) eccentrically supported at a front end portion of the main shaft to be rotatable around a second axis that is different from the first axis, and (ii) configured to form a flare in an end portion of a pipe; and [0182] a single (only one) radial bearing that is fitted around the cone, wherein [0183] the cone is configured to receive at least a thrust load at a rear end portion of the cone.

[0184] In the flaring device according to the present aspect, the rear end portion of the cone can receive the thrust load that is applied when the cone is pressed against the end portion of the pipe and forms the flare. Therefore, the thrust load acting on the radial bearing around the periphery of the cone is suppressed, and rotational support of the cone can be stabilized. Further, around the periphery of the cone, there is only one radial bearing that receives a radial load. Thus, compared to a configuration that employs two radial bearings, the overall length of the cone can be shortened.

[Aspect B2]

[0185] The flaring device according to Aspect B1, wherein the cone is configured to receive the thrust load via a contact portion that is in line contact with the main shaft along a circumference of a circle centered on the second axis.

[0186] According to the present aspect, the cone can stably receive the thrust load via the contact portion. Note that the contact portion may be a portion of the cone (specifically, the rear end portion of the cone), or may be a separate (discrete) member that is in contact with the rear end portion of the cone.

[Aspect B3]

[0187] The flaring device according to Aspect B2, wherein [0188] the front end portion of the main shaft includes a support hole extending along the second axis, [0189] the radial bearing is fitted in the support hole, [0190] a bottom portion of the support hole is defined by a first conical surface that (i) has an apex on the second axis, (ii) has a diameter that becomes smaller further away from the front end of the cone, and [0191] the contact portion is configured to have line contact with the first conical surface.

[0192] According to the present aspect, the contact portion can receive not only the thrust load but also the radial load from the first conical surface. Thus, since the radial load can be distributed between the radial bearing and the contact portion, the rotational support of the cone can be further stabilized. A bottom portion of a hole formed by drilling processing is generally a conical hole defined by a conical surface. Thus, the conical surface formed by drilling the hole in the main shaft can be utilized as the first conical surface to achieve a cone support structure that is capable of handling both a thrust load and a radial load.

[Aspect B4]

[0193] The flaring device according to Aspect B3, wherein the contact portion is a ball that is disposed between the cone and the first conical surface to receive the thrust load.

[0194] According to the present aspect, portions of the ball having line contact with the first conical surface change in accordance with the rolling of the ball. Therefore, local wearing of the ball is thus suppressed. Thus, it is possible to achieve the cone support structure having excellent durability.

[Aspect B5]

[0195] The flaring device according to Aspect B4, wherein [0196] the ball is disposed between the first conical surface and a second conical surface, [0197] the second conical surface has (i) an apex on the second axis and (ii) a diameter that becomes smaller towards the front end of the cone, and [0198] the second conical surface defines a hole formed in the rear end of the cone.

[0199] According to the present aspect, it is possible to stably receive the thrust load while accurately aligning the axis of the cone with the second axis. Since the cone has the second conical surface, the simple and rational cone support structure can be achieved without increasing a number of components.

[Aspect B6]

[0200] The flaring device according to Aspect B4 or B5, further comprising: [0201] a retainer configured to engage with the cone and the main shaft to inhibit (prevent) the cone from becoming removed from the support hole, wherein [0202] the retainer is engaged with a ring-shaped groove formed in an outer periphery of the cone, between the radial bearing and the ball.

[0203] According to the present aspect, a rational arrangement of the retainer of the cone can be achieved.

[Aspect B7]

[0204] The flaring device according to Aspect B6, wherein [0205] the retainer is a pin.

[0206] According to the present aspect, the retainer having a simple and rational structure can be achieved.

[Aspect B8]

[0207] The flaring device according to Aspect B7, further comprising: [0208] an elastic (resilient) member mounted around the front end portion of the main shaft, wherein [0209] the pin is inserted into a through hole formed in the front end portion of the main shaft, and [0210] the elastic member covers the through hole from the outside.

[0211] According to the present aspect, a holding structure of the retainer (pin) can be achieved that is easily assembled to the cone and the main shaft. Since the pin is also easily removed from the cone and the main shaft, replacement of the cone can be facilitated.

[Aspect B9]

[0212] The flaring device according to any one of Aspects B1 to B8, wherein the radial bearing is a ball bearing.

[0213] According to the present aspect, compared to a configuration in which a needle bearing is adopted, the overall length of the cone can be shortened.

[Aspect B10]

[0214] The flaring device according to any one of Aspects B1 to B9, wherein the flaring device is configured as an attachment that is selectively attachable to an electric tool that is configured to rotationally drive a final output shaft.

[0215] According to the present aspect, only when necessary, a user can attach the flaring device to the electric tool (a drilling tool, a tightening tool, for example) configured to rotationally drive the final output shaft, and use them together. It is thus possible to increase operations that can be performed by the electric tool, and convenience is improved.

[Aspect B11]

[0216] An electric flaring tool comprising: [0217] a tool housing; [0218] the flaring device according to any one of Aspects B1 to B9, housed in the tool housing; and [0219] a motor that is (i) housed in the tool housing, (ii) operably coupled to the main shaft of the flaring device, and (iii) configured to rotate the main shaft.

[0220] According to the present aspect, the electric flaring tool having excellent usability is achieved in which the main shaft is driven by the motor.

[0221] A correspondence relationship between each of the structural elements (features) of the above-described embodiments and each of the structural elements (features) of the present disclosure or Aspects B1 to B11 will be indicated below. However, each of the structural elements of the embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit each of the structural elements of the present disclosure or of Aspects B1 to B11.

[0222] Each of the flaring device 3A according to the first embodiment and the flaring device 3B according to the second embodiment is an example of a flaring device. The main shaft 5, the cone 55, and the ball bearing 561 are, respectively, an example of a main shaft, a cone, and a radial bearing. The drive axis DX is an example of a first axis. The axis AX is an example of a second axis. The ball 563 is an example of a contact portion. The support hole 502 is an example of a support hole. The conical surface 504 of the main shaft 5 is an example of a first conical surface. The conical surface 556 of the cone 55 is an example of a second conical surface. The retainer pin 565 is an example of a retainer. The ring-shaped groove 558 is an example of a ring-shaped groove. The pin hole 512 is an example of a through hole. The elastic member 566 is an example of an elastic member. The drill driver 9 is an example of an electric tool. The spindle 93 is an example of a final output shaft. The flaring tool 1A is an example of a flaring tool. The tool housing 11 is an example of a tool housing. The motor 21 is an example of a motor.

[0223] Note that the flaring device according to Aspects B1 to B11 is not limited to the flaring devices 3A and 3B according to the above-described embodiments. For example, changes exemplified below in a non-limiting manner are possible. At least one of these changes can be adopted in combination with at least one of the embodiments, modified embodiments/examples, the above-described aspects, and features disclosed in each of the claims.

[0224] For example, various changes may be added to the support structure of the cone 55, as long as the thrust load can be received by the rear end portion of the cone 55. For example, the ball 563 may be omitted, and the rear end portion of the cone 55 may be directly in contact with a surface defining the support hole 502. For example, the rear end portion of the shaft portion 553 of the cone 55 may be formed in a solid cylindrical shape, and an outer circumferential edge of the circular rear end surface of the cone 55 may have line contact with the conical surface 504 of the support hole 502. Alternatively, the rear end portion of the shaft portion 553 of the cone 55 may be formed in a hemispherical shape, and the spherical surface thereof may have line contact with the conical surface 504 of the support hole 502.

[0225] In the retaining structure of the cone 55, in place of the ring-shaped elastic member 566, a solid cylindrical elastic member may be fitted into the pin hole 512. In place of the retainer pin 565, a ball may be adopted.

[0226] In view of yet another non-limiting object to provide improvement relating to a countermeasure against foreign material entry in a flaring device, the present disclosure provides the following Aspects C1 to C15. Any one of the following Aspects C1 to C15 can be adopted individually, or two or more thereof can be adopted in combination with each other. Alternatively, at least one of the following Aspects C1 to C15 can be adopted in combination with at least one of the embodiments, the modified embodiments/examples, the above-described aspects, and the features disclosed in each of the claims herein.

[Aspect C1]

[0227] A flaring device comprising: [0228] a main shaft that is configured to move along a first axis, which defines a front-rear direction of the flaring device, while rotating around the first axis; [0229] a cone that is (i) eccentrically supported at a front end portion of the main shaft to be rotatable around a second axis that is different from the first axis, and (ii) configured to form a flare in an end portion of a pipe; [0230] a housing that houses the main shaft; and [0231] at least one seal configured to block (close off, seal) a gap between the housing and the main shaft.

[0232] According to the present aspect, the at least one seal inhibits foreign material, such as metal waste, dust, or the like, from entering into the interior of the housing through the gap between the housing and the main shaft, and can thus reduce a possibility of a failure occurring in the operation of the main shaft.

[Aspect C2]

[0233] The flaring device according to Aspect C1, further comprising: [0234] a feed screw mechanism that is (i) disposed within the housing and (ii) configured to move the main shaft in the front-rear direction, wherein [0235] an opening that communicates the inside of the housing with the outside is formed in a front end of the housing, and [0236] the feed screw mechanism is disposed rearward of the at least one seal within the housing.

[0237] According to the present aspect, the at least one seal inhibits the foreign material from entering into the space to the rear of the at least one seal and can thus reduce a possibility of an operation failure of the feed screw mechanism.

[Aspect C3]

[0238] The flaring device according to Aspect C1 or C2, further comprising: [0239] a sleeve disposed between the main shaft and the housing in a radial direction of the main shaft, wherein [0240] the at least one seal includes; [0241] an outer side seal that is disposed radially outward of the sleeve; and [0242] an inner side seal that is disposed radially inward of the sleeve.

[0243] According to the present aspect, by employing the sleeve, it is possible to facilitate assembling and to increase freedom of functional settings and material selection of each of the structural elements. Further, the inner side seal and the outer side seal can obstruct the entry of the foreign material at the outer side and the inner side in the radial direction of the sleeve, respectively.

[Aspect C4]

[0244] The flaring device according to Aspect C3, wherein [0245] the sleeve is substantially unmovable in the front-rear direction relative to the housing, and [0246] the main shaft is movable in the front-rear direction and rotatable around the first axis relative to the sleeve.

[0247] According to the present aspect, each of the outer side seal and the inner side seal can obstruct the foreign material from entering at the outer side in the radial direction of the sleeve, which is substantially fixed to the housing, and between the sleeve and the main shaft.

[Aspect C5]

[0248] The flaring device according to Aspect C4, further comprising: [0249] a clutch mechanism configured to be actuated in response to a forward movement of the main shaft being obstructed due to the cone abutting (coming into contact with) the end portion of the pipe, wherein [0250] the clutch mechanism includes: [0251] a first clutch member that is substantially non-rotatable around the first axis with respect to the housing; and [0252] a second clutch member that is configured to move in the front-rear direction between a first position at which the second clutch member is connected to the first clutch member, and a second position at which the second clutch member is spaced apart from the first clutch member, and [0253] the sleeve is configured as the first clutch member.

[0254] According to the present aspect, the sleeve is effectively utilized as the first clutch member that is a part of the clutch mechanism, and thus, it is possible to suppress a number of components of the clutch mechanism. The at least one seal can reduce a possibility of foreign material attaching to the clutch mechanism.

[Aspect C6]

[0255] The flaring device according to Aspect C3, wherein [0256] the sleeve is movable integrally with the main shaft in the front-rear direction relative to the housing, and [0257] the main shaft is rotatable around the first axis relative to the sleeve.

[0258] According to the present aspect, the sleeve can be utilized as a bearing that rotatably supports the main shaft, while moving integrally with the main shaft in the front-rear direction.

[Aspect C7]

[0259] The flaring device according to Aspect C6, wherein [0260] the sleeve is substantially non-rotatable around the first axis relative to the housing, and [0261] the sleeve is configured as a stopper that restricts the forward movement of the main shaft when the main shaft moves forward without the pipe disposed in front of the cone.

[0262] According to the present aspect, while the sleeve moves integrally with the main shaft in the front-rear direction with respect to the housing, the sleeve does not rotate, and thus can be effectively utilized as the stopper.

[Aspect C8]

[0263] The flaring device according to Aspect C6, wherein [0264] a squeeze of the outer side seal that is disposed radially outward of the sleeve is larger than a squeeze of the inner side seal that is disposed radially inward of the sleeve.

[0265] According to the present aspect, the outer side seal and the inner side seal can be used not only as the foreign material entry countermeasure, but can also be effectively utilized to hold the main shaft to be rotatable relativeto the sleeve, while holding the sleeve to be substantially non-rotatable with respect to the housing.

[Aspect C9]

[0266] The flaring device according to Aspect C1, further comprising: [0267] an outer side sleeve that is (i) disposed between the housing and the main shaft in a radial direction of the main shaft, and (ii) substantially unmovable in the front-rear direction relative to the housing: and [0268] an inner side sleeve that is (i) disposed between the outer side sleeve and the main shaft in the radial direction, and (ii) movable integrally with the main shaft in the front-rear direction relative to the outer side sleeve, wherein [0269] the at least one seal includes: [0270] an outer side seal disposed between the housing and the outer side sleeve in the radial direction; [0271] an inner side seal disposed between the main shaft and the inner side sleeve in the radial direction; and [0272] an intermediate seal disposed between the outer side sleeve and the inner side sleeve in the radial direction.

[0273] According to the present aspect, by employing the outer side sleeve and the inner side sleeve, it is possible to facilitate assembling and to increase the freedom of functional settings and material selection of each of the structural elements. The outer side seal, the inner side seal, and the intermediate seal can inhibit the entry of foreign material between the housing, the outer side sleeve, the inner side sleeve, and the main shaft, and can thus reduce the possibility of a failure occurring in the operation of the main shaft.

[Aspect C10]

[0274] The flaring device according to any one of Aspects C1 to C9, wherein the flaring device is configured as an attachment that is selectively attachable to an electric tool that is configured to rotationally drive a final output shaft.

[0275] According to the present aspect, only when necessary, a user can attach the flaring device to the electric tool (a drilling tool, a tightening tool, for example) configured to rotationally drive the final output shaft, and use them together. It is thus possible to increase operations that can be performed by the electric tool, and convenience is improved.

[Aspect C11]

[0276] An electric flaring tool comprising: [0277] a tool housing; [0278] the flaring device according to any one of Aspects C1 to C9, housed in the tool housing; and [0279] a motor that is (i) housed in the tool housing, (ii) operably coupled to the main shaft of the flaring device, and (iii) configured to rotate the main shaft.

[0280] According to the present aspect, the electric flaring tool having excellent usability is achieved in which the main shaft is driven by the motor.

[Aspect C12]

[0281] A lubricant is disposed in a space that is rearward of the at least one seal within the housing.

[Aspect C13]

[0282] The inner side sleeve is held to be substantially non-rotatable relative to the outer side sleeve, and the main shaft is rotatable relative to the inner side sleeve.

[Aspect C14]

[0283] A squeeze of the outer side seal is larger than a squeeze of the intermediate seal, and [0284] the squeeze of the intermediate seal is larger than a squeeze of the inner side seal.

[Aspect C15]

[0285] The outer side sleeve and the inner side sleeve are formed from materials having different strengths.

[0286] A correspondence relationship between each of the structural elements (features) of the above-described embodiments and each of the structural elements (features) of the present disclosure or Aspects C1 to C15 will be indicated below. However, each of the structural elements of the embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit each of the structural elements of the present disclosure or of Aspects C1 to C15.

[0287] Each of the flaring device 3A according to the first embodiment and the flaring device 3B according to the second embodiment is an example of a flaring device. The main shaft 5, the cone 55, and the housing 40 are, respectively, an example of a main shaft, a cone, and a housing. The drive axis DX is an example of a first axis. The axis AX is an example of a second axis. Each of the seal members 61, 62, and 63 is an example of a seal.

[0288] The fixed sleeve 71 (the first sleeve 711) is an example of a sleeve. In this example, the seal member 63 is an example of an outer side seal. Each of the seal members 61 and 62 is an example of an inner side seal. The sliding sleeve 58 is an example of another sleeve. In this example, each of the seal members 62 and 63 is an example of an outer side seal. The seal member 61 is an example of an inner side seal. The clutch mechanism 7 is an example of a clutch mechanism. The fixed sleeve 71 is an example of a first clutch member. The movable flange 73 with the clutch pins 734 is an example of a second clutch member.

[0289] The fixed sleeve 71 (the first sleeve 711) is an example of an outer side sleeve, and the sliding sleeve 58 is an example of an inner side sleeve. The seal member 63 is an example of an outer side seal, the seal member 61 is an example of an inner side seal, and the seal member 62 is an example of an intermediate seal.

[0290] The drill driver 9 is an example of an electric tool. The spindle 93 is an example of a final output shaft. The flaring tool 1A is an example of a flaring tool. The tool housing 11 is an example of a tool housing. The motor 21 is an example of a motor.

[0291] Note that the flaring device according to Aspects C1 to C15 is not limited to the flaring devices 3A and 3B according to the above-described embodiments. For example, changes exemplified below in a non-limiting manner are possible. At least one of these changes can be adopted in combination with at least one of the embodiments, modified examples, aspects, and features disclosed in each of the claims.

[0292] In the above-described embodiments, the two sleeves (the fixed sleeve 71 and the sliding sleeve 58) are disposed between the housing 40 and the main shaft 5, in the radial direction of the main shaft 5. However, one of these two sleeves may be omitted.

[0293] More specifically, as described above, the housing 40 and the first sleeve 711 of the fixed sleeve 71 are both made of aluminum. In the above-described embodiments, the first sleeve 711 is employed to facilitate assembling of the clutch mechanism 7 etc. within the housing 40. However, in another embodiment, the first sleeve 711 may be omitted (may be integrated with the housing 40), and the sliding sleeve 58 may be disposed to be slidable in the front-rear direction along an inner peripheral surface of the housing 40.

[0294] In addition, the sliding sleeve 58 and the main shaft 5 are both made of iron. In the above-described embodiments, since the sliding sleeve 58 is rotatable with respect to the main shaft 5, the sliding sleeve 58 is a separate (discrete) member from the main shaft 5. However, in another embodiment, the sliding sleeve 58 may be omitted (may be integrated with the main shaft 5), and the main shaft 5 may be disposed to be slidable in the front-rear direction along an inner peripheral surface of the first sleeve 711. In this modified example, it is sufficient that the squeeze of the seal member 62 allows the rotation of the main shaft 5 with respect to the first sleeve 711.

[0295] The number, positions, and/or material of the seal members 61, 62, and 63 may be changed as appropriate.

1A, 1B: Flare forming tool, 11: Tool housing, 111: Opening, 15: Handle portion, 150: Grip portion, 151: Trigger, 153: Switch, 17: Battery attachment portion, 18: Light-emitting portion, 19: Battery, 20: Controller, 201: CPU, 202: ROM, 203: RAM, 21: Motor, 23: Deceleration mechanism, 233: Output gear, 25: Operation portion, 251: Mode switching button, 252: Change button, 253: Increase button, 254: Decrease button, 257: Display portion 258: Display portion 3A, 3B: Flare forming device 40: Housing, 401: Opening, 405: Space, 41: Clamp attachment portion, 43: Transmission shaft, 431: Ball bearing, 432: Ball bearing, 435: Coupling hole 44: Auxiliary spring 5: Main shaft, 50: Feed screw mechanism, 501: Front end portion, 502: Support hole, 504: Conical surface, 507: Coupling hole, 508: Male screw portion, 51: First member, 511: Large diameter portion, 512: Pin hole, 513: Ring-shaped groove, 516: Small diameter portion, 52: Second member, 521: Large diameter portion, 522: Flange portion, 526: Small diameter portion, 55: Cone, 551: Conical portion, 553: Shaft portion, 554: Rear end portion, 555: Ball holding hole, 556: Conical surface, 558: Ring-shaped groove, 561: Ball bearing, 563: Ball, 565: Retainer pin, 566: Elastic member, 58: Sliding sleeve, 61: Seal member, 62: Seal member, 63: Seal member, 7: Clutch mechanism, 71: Fixed sleeve, 711: First sleeve, 712: Flange portion, 715: Second sleeve, 716: Recess portion, 717: Cam surface, 73: Movable flange, 731: Large diameter portion, 734: Clutch pin, 736: Small diameter portion, 737: Female screw portion, 78: Pressing spring, 791: Thrust needle bearing, 793: Washer, 794: Washer, 81: Detection device, 82: Circuit board, 85: Magnet, 86: Movable member, 861: Arm, 863: Protrusion, 87: Urging spring, 9: Drill driver, 90: Tool housing, 91: Motor, 92: Deceleration mechanism, 93: Spindle, 94: Chuck, 941: Insertion hole, 95: Handle portion, 950: Grip portion, 951: Trigger, 952: Forward/reverse switching lever, 953: Switch, 955: Controller, 98: Coupling shaft, AX: Axis DX: Drive axis.