Electric working machine

Abstract

To provide an electric working machine improved in workability at higher output.SOLUTION: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric working machine for cutting a work target, the electric working machine including a working unit and a main body, the working unit being configured to cut the work target, the main body including a housing, a flow passage forming portion, a motor, and a control unit, the motor being configured to generate rotational power for driving the working unit, the control unit being configured to electrically control rotation of the motor, the flow passage forming portion forming an air flow passage including a first air flow passage and a second air flow passage, the first air passage communicates with an outside of the housing and is configured to allow outside air to flow to the motor via the control unit, and the second air passage communicates with the outside of the housing and is configured to allow outside air to flow directly to the motor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric power tool. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique relating to an electric mower that is compact and has improved workability by reducing the axial dimension of the motor's output shaft.

[0003] This electric trimmer comprises a flat motor provided inside a housing having a rotor with a circular coil disk on which a plurality of approximately annular coils are arranged circumferentially around the motor output shaft when viewed in the axial direction of the motor output shaft, and a magnet that generates magnetic flux that passes through the coil disk in the axial direction of the motor output shaft; a gear unit provided inside the housing adjacent to the flat motor and having a gear unit output shaft connected to the motor output shaft for reducing and outputting the rotation of the motor output shaft; a cam provided inside the housing adjacent to the gear unit and connected to the gear unit output shaft for converting the rotational motion of the gear unit output shaft into reciprocating motion; and a blade unit that protrudes from the housing and is connected to the cam for reciprocating motion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-135840 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides an electric working machine with improved workability at higher power output. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric work machine for cutting a work object, comprising a working unit and a main body unit, wherein the working unit is configured to cut the work object, the main body unit having a housing, a flow path forming unit, a motor, and a control unit, wherein the motor is configured to generate rotational power for driving the working unit, the control unit is configured to electrically control the rotation of the motor, the flow path forming unit forms an air flow path including a first air flow path and a second air flow path, the first air flow path is connected to the outside of the housing and configured to allow external air to flow to the motor via the control unit, and the second air flow path is connected to the outside of the housing and configured to allow external air to flow directly to the motor.

[0008] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the workability at high output. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the chain saw 11 as seen from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the chainsaw 11. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the housing and the battery as viewed from below. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing the housing and the battery from below with the left cover of the housing removed. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a motor, a control unit, and a flow path forming portion. [Figure 6] 3 is a perspective view showing the housing in a state shown in cross section AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a left side view showing the motor, the second air flow path, and the exhaust air flow path APex with the left cover of the housing removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the motor and the first air flow path with the left cover of the housing removed and only the outline of the flow path forming portion shown. [Figure 9]10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the battery attachment / detachment section of the housing, the side surface of the battery, and the third air flow path. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the battery attachment / detachment section of the housing, the side surface of the battery, and the third air flow path. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the battery attachment / detachment section of the housing, the side surface of the battery, and the third air flow path. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing a first intake hole communicating with a first air flow path and a second intake hole communicating with a second air flow path with the left cover of the housing removed. [Figure 13] This is a left side view showing the first air intake hole communicating with the first air flow path and the second air intake hole communicating with the second air flow path, with the left cover of the housing removed and only the outline of the flow path forming portion being shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiment can be combined with each other.

[0011] 1. Overall structure Chapter 1 describes an electric working machine 1 according to one embodiment. The electric working machine 1 is an electric working machine for cutting a work object. Preferably, the electric working machine 1 is a cutter (not shown), a hedge trimmer (not shown), a brush cutter (not shown), or a chainsaw 11. According to this embodiment, the work object can be cut using a cutter, hedge trimmer, brush cutter, or chainsaw 11 with improved workability at high power output. Below, the chainsaw 11 (electric working machine 1) will be described as an example.

[0012] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the chainsaw 11 as viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a left side view of the chainsaw 11. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the housing and the battery as viewed from below. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the housing and the battery as viewed from below with the left cover of the housing removed. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the motor, the control unit, and the flow path forming portion. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the housing as viewed from the A-A cross section shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a left side view of the motor, the second air flow path, and the exhaust air flow path APex as viewed with the left cover of the housing removed. FIG. 8 is a left side view of the motor and the first air flow path as viewed with the left cover of the housing removed and showing only the outline of the flow path forming portion. FIGS. 9 to 11 are diagrams showing the relationship between the battery attachment / detachment portion of the housing, the side of the battery, and the third air flow path. The directions of the chainsaw 11 and the components that make up the chainsaw 11 are defined based on the "up and down," "left and right," and "front and back" shown in the drawings (similarly in FIGS. 12 and 13).

[0013] 1 and 2 is a small chainsaw known as a top handle saw. This chainsaw 11, which is an electric work machine 1, includes a working unit 2 and a main body 3. The main body 3 includes a handle 4, a housing 5 equipped with a filter 53, a motor 6, a control unit 7, a flow path forming unit 8, and a battery 9.

[0014] (Working section 2) The working unit 2 is configured to cut a work object and is configured to be connected to the main body 3. In the configuration shown in the figure, the working unit 2 is a chain cutter. The chain cutter includes a guide bar 21 and a saw chain 22.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the guide bar 21 is a plate-like member extending in the front-rear direction, and the rear end of the guide bar 21 is attached to the front right part of the main body 3. A circular saw chain 22 is wound around the outer periphery of the guide bar 21. The rear end of the saw chain 22 is engaged with a drive gear (not shown) connected to the rotary shaft 61 of the motor 6. When the motor 6 is driven to rotate the drive gear, the saw chain 22 rotates along the outer periphery of the guide bar 21.

[0016] (Handle 4) 1 and 2, the handle 4 has a top handle 41 provided above the housing 5 and a side handle 42 provided on the left side of the housing 5. An operator performs work by holding the top handle 41 and the side handle 42 with each hand.

[0017] (Top handle 41) The top handle 41, which is the handle 4, is disposed above the housing 5. The top handle 41 is formed contiguous with the upper surface of the housing 5 and extends in the front-to-rear direction above the housing 5. The front side of the top handle 41 is fixed to a front end 56 of the housing 5, which protrudes upward from the housing 5. A drive switch (not shown) is provided inside the front end 56 of the housing 5. This drive switch controls the operation of the working unit 2. Specifically, the drive switch controls the rotation speed of the motor 6 according to the amount of depression of the head, thereby increasing or decreasing the rotation speed of the saw chain 22. The rear side of the top handle 41 is fixed to a battery attachment / detachment part 54 of the housing 5. When the battery 9 is attached to the battery attachment / detachment part 54, the upper end of the battery 9 protrudes above the rear end of the top handle 41.

[0018] A grip portion 411 extending in the front-to-rear direction is provided between the front end and rear end of the top handle 41. The grip portion 411 is inclined slightly downward from the front end to the rear end of the top handle 41. The grip portion 411 is the part that an operator holds when holding the chainsaw 11. The operator's hand is inserted into the space between the grip portion 411 and the top surface of the housing 5.

[0019] A trigger lever 412 is disposed on the underside of the front end of the grip part 411 as an operating means for increasing or decreasing the rotation speed of the saw chain 22. In other words, the trigger lever 412 is configured to control the operation of the working unit 2 via a drive switch (not shown). The operator can operate the trigger lever 412 while holding the grip part 411.

[0020] Furthermore, a lockout lever 413 is provided on the upper surface of the grip portion 411 so as to be displaceable relative to the trigger lever 412. Specifically, the lockout lever 413 is disposed so as to be able to move in and out of the grip portion 411 (top handle 41). When an operator grips the grip portion 411, the lockout lever 413 is pushed by the palm of the operator and retracts into the grip portion 411. The lockout lever 413 and the trigger lever 412 are operatively connected within the grip portion 411 so that the trigger lever 412 can be operated for the first time. With this configuration, an operation mechanism is formed by the trigger lever 412 and the lockout lever 413, both of which are provided on the grip portion 411 (top handle 41). By operating this operation mechanism, the operation of the working unit 2 can be controlled, i.e., the rotation speed of the saw chain 22 can be increased or decreased.

[0021] 1, in one embodiment of the chainsaw 11, a power switch 414 and an indicator light 415 are provided on the upper surface of the front end portion of the top handle 41. That is, the main body 3 has the power switch 414 provided on the grip portion 411 (housing 5).

[0022] The power switch 414 is a push-button switch that enables the motor 6 to be driven when in the on state and stops the driving of the motor 6 when in the off state. The power switch 414 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view. The power switch 414 switches between on and off each time it is pressed. When the power switch 414 is pressed to turn it on from a state in which the driving of the motor 6 is stopped, power is supplied from the battery 9 to the control unit 7, and the motor 6 enters a standby state for driving. Then, when the trigger lever 412 is pulled with the lockout lever 413 pressed in, power is supplied to the motor 6 from the battery 9 via the control unit 7, and the motor 6 is driven.

[0023] Indicator light 415 is configured as an LED (light-emitting diode) lamp provided to the left of power switch 414. Indicator light 415 indicates the on / off state of power switch 414. That is, indicator light 415 is lit when power switch 414 is on, and is extinguished when power switch 414 is off.

[0024] (Horizontal handle 42) The side handle 42 extends in the front-to-rear direction from the front end to the rear end on the left side of the housing 5. The side handle 42 may be made of resin, or may be formed by bending a lightweight metal pipe. The front end of the side handle 42 is attached to the left side of the front end of the top handle 41. The rear end of the side handle 42 is located rearward and downward of the housing 5, and is attached to the left wall of the battery attachment / detachment section 54. The portion between the front and rear ends of the side handle 42 is curved so as to bulge outward from the left side of the housing 5 (see FIG. 1).

[0025] (Case 5) The housing 5 is a resin box that houses mechanical and electrical devices that operate the chainsaw 11. As shown in Figures 4 to 8, specifically, the housing 5 houses, for example, a motor 6, a control unit 7, a flow path forming section 8, and a drive mechanism (not shown).

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the housing 5 is divided laterally by a plane defined by the front-rear and top-bottom axes and includes a left cover 5a and a right cover 5b. The housing 5 also includes a battery attachment / detachment section 54 to which the battery 9 can be attached / detached. As shown in FIG. 9, the battery attachment / detachment section 54 has a front side surface 54a, a rear side surface 54b, a left side surface 54c, and a right side surface 54d. These surfaces form a cylindrical shape extending from bottom to top. The battery attachment / detachment section 54 is formed at the rear of the housing 5 and is inclined so that its lower portion is positioned further forward than its upper portion. A metal connection terminal 55 is provided on the front side surface 54a. The connection terminal 55 is electrically connected to the motor 6 and the control unit 7. The connection terminal 55 of the battery attachment / detachment section 54 is connected to a connection terminal 95 of the battery 9, thereby supplying power from the battery 9 to the motor 6 and the control unit 7.

[0027] (intake hole 51 and exhaust hole 52) The housing 5 also has an intake hole 51 that takes in outside air into the housing 5, and an exhaust hole 52 that expels the taken-in air to the outside of the housing 5. The intake hole 51 is located at the rear of the lower side of the housing 5, and the exhaust hole 52 is located forward of the intake hole 51 on the lower side of the housing 5. The intake hole 51 and the exhaust hole 52 each communicate with an air flow path AP formed by the flow path forming section 8. The flow path forming section 8 and the air flow path AP will be described in detail later.

[0028] (Filter 53) As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the filter 53 is attached to a filter attachment portion 57 provided on the housing 5. The filter 53 has a collection surface 531 for collecting target particles contained in the outside air drawn in through the intake hole 51. The filter attachment portion 57 is provided between the intake hole 51 and the air flow path AP. This allows the outside air drawn in through the intake hole 51 to flow into the air flow path AP via the collection surface 531 of the filter 53. In other words, the collection surface 531 is disposed so as to cover the entrance of the air flow path AP. The filter 53 is disposed above the intake hole 51 so that a portion of the filter 53 faces the intake hole 51. That is, the collection surface 531 is disposed above the intake hole 51 so as to cover the entrance of the air flow path AP and so that a portion of the collection surface 531 faces the intake hole 51. The collection surface 531 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view and is inclined obliquely upward from the front side to the rear side. With this configuration, when outside air is taken in through the air intake holes 51, the outside air passes from the lower rear side toward the upper front side of the collection surface 531. In this case, the objects to be collected by the collection surface 531 remain on the collection surface 531 due to suction. When the intake of outside air is stopped, i.e., when the application of suction force is released, the objects to be collected on the collection surface 531 fall downward due to their own weight or vibrations when the chainsaw 11 is placed on the ground, and are removed from the collection surface 531 and released through the air intake holes 51. The objects to be collected include, for example, pieces of wood, branches, and leaves that are cut into small pieces, sawdust, and the like. This embodiment makes it possible to easily remove the objects to be collected collected on the collection surface 531, thereby maintaining efficient cooling of the motor 6 and improving workability at high output.

[0029] (Motor 6) As shown in FIG. 5, the motor 6 is a known electric motor configured to generate rotational power for driving the working unit 2. The motor 6 includes a rotating shaft 61. The rotating shaft 61 extends in the left-right direction, and its right side is connected to a drive gear (not shown) of a drive mechanism. A fan 62 is connected (mounted) to the left side of the rotating shaft 61. The fan 62 is configured to circulate air into the air flow path AP through the intake holes 51 as the motor 6 rotates. Specifically, the fan 62 is configured to rotate as the motor 6 rotates, sucking air from outside the housing 5 through the intake holes 51 toward the inside of the housing 5, and expelling air from inside the air flow path AP through the exhaust holes 52 toward the outside of the housing 5.

[0030] (Control Unit 7) 5 and 8, the control unit 7 has a box shape and is fixed to the housing 5. The control unit 7 is electrically connected to the motor 6 and the battery 9 by wires, connectors, etc., and controls the supply of electricity from the battery 9 to the motor 6. In other words, the control unit 7 is configured to electrically control the rotation of the motor 6.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 7 has a heat sink 71 that dissipates heat generated in the control unit 7. The heat sink 71 is disposed in an air flow path AP (for example, the first air flow path AP1) and configured to exchange heat with the circulating air. The heat sink 71 also has a plurality of cooling fins 72 and is disposed in the first air flow path AP1. The cooling fins 72 are disposed so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to the flow direction of the circulating air. According to this embodiment, the provision of the heat sink 71 allows the control unit 7 to be efficiently cooled, thereby improving operability during high output. The air flow path AP and the first air flow path AP1 will be described in detail later.

[0032] (flow path forming portion 8) As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, the flow path forming portion 8 is made of a resin member and forms an air flow path AP. Specifically, the flow path forming portion 8 has a first flow path forming portion 81, a second flow path forming portion 82, and an exhaust flow path forming portion 8ex. The first flow path forming portion 81 forms a first air flow path AP1, the second flow path forming portion 82 forms a second air flow path AP2, and the exhaust flow path forming portion 8ex forms an exhaust air flow path APex. That is, the air flow path AP has the first air flow path AP1, the second air flow path AP2, and the exhaust air flow path APex. In detail, the flow path forming portion 8 is formed as an integrated product (integral molding) of the first flow path forming portion 81, the second flow path forming portion 82, and the exhaust flow path forming portion 8ex. The air flow path AP is formed by joining (fitting) the flow path forming portion 8 and the housing 5 to each other, that is, by integrating the flow path forming portion 8 and the housing 5. Furthermore, the first flow path forming portion 81, the second flow path forming portion 82, and the exhaust flow path forming portion 8ex may be formed separately, or the flow path forming portion 8 may be formed by joining together the first flow path forming portion 81, the second flow path forming portion 82, and the exhaust flow path forming portion 8ex that are formed separately. Furthermore, the air flow path AP may be formed by an integrally molded flow path forming portion 8 or a flow path forming portion 8 formed by joining, or the air flow path AP may be formed by joining together the integrally molded flow path forming portion 8 or the flow path forming portion 8 formed by joining, and the housing 5. In this case, examples of joining methods include adhesion with an adhesive, fusion (thermal fusion, ultrasonic fusion, high-frequency fusion, etc.), fastening, fitting, etc.

[0033] The first air flow path AP1 and the second air flow path AP2 are each configured to communicate with the outside of the housing 5 by communicating with the air intake hole 51. In other words, the air intake hole 51 is configured to communicate with the first air flow path AP1 and the second air flow path AP2. According to this aspect, by providing a common air intake hole 51 that communicates with the first air flow path AP1 and the second air flow path AP2, the structure of the air flow path AP can be prevented from becoming complicated, and the chainsaw 11 can be made more compact. Furthermore, it is only necessary to provide one filter 53 to the common air intake hole 51, which further prevents the structure of the air flow path AP from becoming complicated, and allows the chainsaw 11 to be made more compact.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5 , the first air flow path AP1 and the second air flow path AP2 are configured to communicate with the intake hole 51 located at the lower rear of the housing 5 via a branch portion BP. The branch portion BP is formed by a flow path forming portion 8 and is located forward of the battery 9 and at the lower rear of the housing 5. That is, the air flow path AP has the branch portion BP. The first air flow path AP1 is configured to communicate with the outside of the housing 5 so that external air flows to the motor 6 via the control unit 7. The second air flow path AP2 is configured to communicate with the outside of the housing 5 so that external air flows directly to the motor 6. According to this embodiment, the air flowing from the second air flow path AP2 to the motor 6 flows directly to the motor 6 without cooling the control unit 7. Therefore, air at a lower temperature can be directly flowed to the motor 6 compared to the air flowing to the motor 6 through the first air flow path AP1 after cooling the control unit 7. Therefore, the motor 6 can be cooled more efficiently than in a structure in which all the air that has cooled the control unit 7 is passed to the motor 6.

[0035] The exhaust air flow path APex is configured to communicate with the outside of the housing 5 via the exhaust holes 52 located at the front lower portion of the housing 5. The exhaust air flow path APex is configured to communicate with the outside of the housing 5 and to direct air taken into the housing 5 to the outside of the housing 5. Furthermore, the exhaust air flow path APex is configured so that the flow path area increases toward the downstream side of the air flow. This configuration reduces outflow loss in the exhaust air flow path APex and increases the flow rate of exhausted air. Therefore, the amount of external air taken into the housing 5 through the intake holes 51 can be increased, and the amount of air flowing through the first air flow path AP1 and the second air flow path AP2 can be increased. This enables more efficient cooling of components housed in the housing 5 and improves operability during high-power operation.

[0036] The first air flow path AP1 and the second air flow path AP2 are preferably configured to guide external air to the motor 6 at different positions on the motor 6. As shown in FIG. 8 , the first air flow path AP1 is preferably configured to allow external air to flow to the motor 6 via a first position P1. The second air flow path AP2 is preferably configured to allow external air to flow to the motor 6 via a second position P2 different from the first position P1. In this case, the first position P1 and the second position P2 are both located near the motor 6. According to this embodiment, different positions on the motor 6 can be cooled by the air guided by the first air flow path AP1 and the air guided by the second air flow path AP2. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the motor 6 can be further improved, and operability at high output can be further improved.

[0037] The positional relationship between the first position P1 and the second position P2 may be determined depending on the location of the motor 6, heat-generating locations, and the like. As shown in FIG. 8 , the second position P2 of the second air flow path AP2 may be located downstream of the first position P1 in the first air flow path AP1. In other words, the second position P2 corresponds to the downstream side of the first air flow path AP1. According to this embodiment, by introducing cooler air that has not yet cooled the control unit 7 and is guided by the second air flow path AP2 downstream of the first air flow path AP1, it is possible to cool the motor 6 with the cooler air at a location where it is difficult to cool the motor 6 due to the air flowing through the first air flow path AP1 after cooling the control unit 7 and the motor 6. As a result, it is possible to prevent the motor 6 from becoming locally hot, i.e., it is possible to cool the motor 6 more uniformly, which facilitates improved operability at high power output. The first position P1 and the second position P2 may be positioned such that the first position P1 is located lower and forward of the rotary shaft 61, and the second position P2 is located higher and rearward of the rotary shaft 61, opposite the first position P1 across the rotary shaft 61. In other words, the first position P1 may be located opposite the second position P2 across the rotary shaft 61 of the motor 6. This configuration allows the air guided by the first air flow path and the air guided by the second air flow path to cool opposite positions across the rotary shaft of the motor. As a result, the motor 6 can be prevented from becoming locally hot, allowing the motor to be cooled more uniformly, and workability at high power output can be improved.

[0038] The first air flow path AP1 is preferably configured to allow external air to flow to the motor 6, which is located above the housing 5, via the control unit 7, which is located below the housing 5. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 , the control unit 7 is located directly below the motor 6 in the up-down direction of the housing 5. In other words, the control unit 7 is located below the motor 6. This reduces the longitudinal size of the chainsaw 11, thereby enabling the chainsaw 11 to be made more compact. Furthermore, the first air flow path AP1 is preferably configured to allow air to flow upward between the control unit 7 and the motor 6. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 , the first air flow path AP1 is configured to allow air to flow upward from the rear side to the front side, and is configured so that air passes through the control unit 7 before flowing upward. In other words, the first air flow path AP1 is preferably configured to allow external air to flow upward after at least a portion of the air has passed through the control unit 7. According to this aspect, by disposing the control unit 7 below the motor 6, the heat generated by the heat generation of the control unit 7 can be released upward using the air flow from below to above (updraft), thereby further cooling the control unit 7 and preventing the chainsaw 11 from stopping due to the control unit 7 becoming too hot at high power output. Therefore, the chainsaw 11 configured in this way can be made compact while still providing excellent workability at high power output.

[0039] The first air flow path AP1 and the second air flow path AP2 may be configured to allow external air to flow therethrough at a given air flow rate AF. The given air flow rates AF of the first air flow path AP1 and the second air flow path AP2 may be adjusted by adjusting the shape and opening area of ​​the intake hole 51, the cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow path AP, the path of the air flow path AP, and the like. Specifically, the first air flow path AP1 may introduce external air at a first air flow rate AF1, and the second air flow path AP2 may introduce external air at a second air flow rate AF2, which is different from the first air flow rate AF1. In other words, the first air flow path AP1 may be configured to allow external air to flow to the motor 6 at a first air flow rate AF1. The second air flow path AP2 may be configured to allow external air to flow to the motor 6 at a second air flow rate AF2, which is different from the first air flow rate AF1. Specifically, the first air flow rate AF1 and the second air flow rate AF2 may be set in consideration of predetermined conditions so that the motor 6 is appropriately cooled. Examples of the predetermined conditions include the arrangement of the motor 6 and the control unit 7 and their respective heat values, the temperature difference between the temperature of the motor 6 near the first position P1 and the temperature of the motor 6 near the second position P2, and the temperature difference between the temperature of the air guided to the motor 6 at the first position P1 and the temperature of the air guided to the motor 6 at the second position P2. According to this embodiment, the first air flow rate AF1 of the air guided to the motor 6 after cooling the control unit 7 and the second air flow rate AF2 of the air guided directly to the motor 6 without cooling the control unit 7 can be set to be different from each other. As a result, the motor 6 can be more appropriately cooled, further improving operability at high output.

[0040] Furthermore, the first air flow rate AF1 may be greater than the second air flow rate AF2 by an arbitrary ratio. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, in consideration of the amount of heat generated by the control unit 7, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first air flow path AP1 may be configured to be 1.5 times the cross-sectional area of ​​the second air flow path AP2 so that the first air flow rate AF1 is greater than the second air flow rate AF2 by approximately two times. In this case, the arbitrary ratio may be, for example, 1.01 to 4, preferably 1.5 to 3, and more preferably 2 to 2.5. Specifically, for example, 1.01, 1.05, 1.1, 1.15, 1.2, 1.25, 1.3, 1.35, 1.4, 1.45, 1.5, 1.55, 1.6, 1.65, 1.7, 1.75, 1.8, 1.85, 1.9, 1.95, 2, 2.05, 2.1, 2.15, 2.2, 2.25, 2.3, 2.35, 2.4, 2.45, 2.5, 2.55, 2.6 , 2.65, 2.7, 2.75, 2.8, 2.85, 2.9, 2.95, 3, 3.05, 3.1, 3.15, 3.2, 3.25, 3.3, 3.35, 3.4, 3.45, 3.5, 3.55, 3.6, 3.65, 3.7, 3.75, 3.8, 3.85, 3.9, 3.95, 4, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here. According to this embodiment, the first air flow rate AF1 indirectly guided to the motor 6 via the control unit 7 is greater than the second air flow rate AF2 guided directly to the motor 6 without cooling the control unit 7. This ensures a sufficient amount of air to cool the control unit 7, thereby preventing or suppressing the chainsaw 11 from stopping due to heat generated by the control unit 7. Furthermore, an appropriate amount of air can be supplied to the difficult-to-cool portion of the motor 6 (downstream of the first air flow path AP1), thereby more efficiently cooling the motor 6. As a result, the control unit 7 and the motor 6 can be cooled as necessary and sufficiently, further improving operability at high output.

[0041] (Battery 9) 1 and 2, battery 9 is a known battery, configured by housing a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery in a rectangular parallelepiped case extending in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the height of battery 9 is greater than the height of the rear end of housing 5. Battery 9 is larger in size than batteries that are housed in housing 5. Battery 9 has a sufficiently high output and charging capacity suitable for work.

[0042] When attaching the battery 9 to the battery attachment / detachment section 54, the battery 9 is fitted into the battery attachment / detachment section 54 by sliding the battery 9 from above toward below relative to the battery attachment / detachment section 54. Then, when the battery 9 is moved to a position where it is supported by the battery attachment / detachment section 54, the engagement section of the battery 9 engages with the battery attachment / detachment section 54, and the battery 9 is fixed to the battery attachment / detachment section 54.

[0043] The battery 9 attached to the battery attachment / detachment part 54 is disposed at an angle so that its lower part is positioned further forward than its upper part. The battery 9 includes a connection terminal 95, and when the battery 9 is fixed to the battery attachment / detachment part 54, the connection terminal 95 of the battery 9 and the connection terminal 55 of the battery attachment / detachment part 54 are electrically connected. When the connection terminal 95 of the battery 9 is connected to the connection terminal 55 of the battery attachment / detachment part 54, power is supplied from the battery 9 to the motor 6 and the control unit 7.

[0044] When removing the battery 9 from the battery attachment / detachment section 54, the connecting lever 91 (see Figure 1) of the battery 9 is pulled up, which disengages the battery attachment / detachment section 54 from the engagement section, allowing the battery 9 to be slid upward relative to the battery attachment / detachment section 54.

[0045] [others] The electric operating machine 1 according to one embodiment may be implemented in the following manner.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the case where external air is taken in through the air intake holes 51 located at the lower rear of the housing 5 has been described as an example, but this is not limiting. For example, external air may be taken in through the air intake holes 51 and the battery cooling passage AP3 formed by attaching the battery 9 to the housing 5. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 , specifically, by attaching the battery 9 to the battery attachment / detachment section 54, the air intake holes 51 and the battery cooling passage AP3 are formed on the left and right sides by recesses De formed in the left and right sides 54c and 54d of the battery attachment / detachment section 54 and the left and right sides 9c and 9d of the battery 9. With this configuration, the air intake holes 51 and the battery cooling passage AP3 are configured to allow air outside the housing 5 to flow into the air passage AP formed by the passage forming section 8. That is, the battery 9 is disposed in the housing 5 so as to form the battery cooling passage AP3, which is in communication with the air passage AP, between the battery 9 and the housing 5. According to this embodiment, the first air flow path AP1 and the second air flow path AP2 can cool different positions of the motor 6, while the battery cooling flow path AP3 can cool the battery 9, thereby improving workability during high output.

[0047] Fig. 12 is a left side view showing the first intake hole communicating with the first air flow path and the second intake hole communicating with the second air flow path with the left cover of the housing removed. Fig. 13 is a left side view showing the first intake hole communicating with the first air flow path and the second intake hole communicating with the second air flow path with the left cover of the housing removed and only the outline of the flow path forming portion shown. Here, as an example, a case will be described in which the intake hole 51 has a first intake hole 511 and a second intake hole 512.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the first air flow path AP1 and the second air flow path AP2 are connected to a common air intake hole 51. However, this is not limiting. For example, the first air flow path AP1 may be connected to the first air intake hole 511, and the second air flow path AP2 may be connected to a second air intake hole 512 different from the first air intake hole 511. In other words, the air intake hole 51 may include the first air intake hole 511 and the second air intake hole 512 provided at a different position from the first air intake hole 511. The first air intake hole 511 may be connected to the first air flow path AP1, and the second air intake hole 512 may be connected to the second air flow path AP2. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , specifically, the first air intake hole 511 is preferably located at the lower rear of the housing 5, and the second air intake hole 512 is preferably located at the upper rear of the housing 5. In this case, the distance from the second air intake hole 512 to the second position P2 is shorter than the distance from the first air intake hole 511 to the second position P2. In other words, the second air flow path AP2 is set shorter than when external air is taken in through the common air intake hole 51. According to this embodiment, external air can be circulated through the second air flow path AP2, which has a shorter flow path, to a position above the motor 6, where heat is more likely to build up. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the motor 6 can be further improved, and operability at high output can be further improved. Furthermore, by making the first intake hole 511 and the second intake hole 512, which communicate with the first air flow path AP1 and the second air flow path AP2, respectively, independent, they can be formed (opened) at any position on the housing 5, taking into consideration the cooling efficiency of the motor 6, etc. This contributes to increasing the degree of freedom in designing the main body 3.

[0049] Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects.

[0050] (1) An electric work machine for cutting a work object, comprising a working unit and a main body unit, the working unit configured to cut the work object, the main body unit having a housing, a flow path forming unit, a motor, and a control unit, the motor configured to generate rotational power for driving the working unit, the control unit configured to electrically control the rotation of the motor, the flow path forming unit forming an air flow path including a first air flow path and a second air flow path, the first air flow path communicating with the outside of the housing and configured so that the outside air flows to the motor via the control unit, and the second air flow path communicating with the outside of the housing and configured so that the outside air flows directly to the motor.

[0051] According to this embodiment, the air flowing from the second air flow path to the motor flows directly to the motor without cooling the control unit. Therefore, air at a lower temperature can be directly flowed to the motor compared to the air flowing from the first air flow path to the motor after cooling the control unit. Therefore, the motor can be cooled more efficiently than in a structure in which all the air that has cooled the control unit is flowed to the motor.

[0052] (2) In the electric working machine described in (1) above, the first air flow path is configured so that the outside air flows to the motor via a first position, and the second air flow path is configured so that the outside air flows to the motor via a second position different from the first position.

[0053] According to this aspect, different positions of the motor can be cooled by the air guided by the first air flow path and the air guided by the second air flow path, which results in further improved motor cooling efficiency and improved operability at high power output.

[0054] (3) The electric operating machine according to (2) above, wherein the second position is a position corresponding to the downstream side of the first air flow path.

[0055] According to this aspect, by flowing cooler air, which has not cooled the control unit and is guided by the second air flow path, downstream of the first air flow path, it is possible to cool the motor with cooler air at a position where the motor is difficult to cool due to the air flowing through the first air flow path after cooling the control unit and motor. As a result, it is possible to prevent the motor from becoming locally hot, i.e., it is possible to cool the motor more uniformly, which makes it easier to improve operability at high output.

[0056] (4) An electric working machine described in any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the first air flow path is configured to allow the external air to flow to the motor at a first air flow rate, and the second air flow path is configured to allow the external air to flow to the motor at a second air flow rate different from the first air flow rate.

[0057] According to this aspect, the first air flow rate of the air that is introduced to the motor after cooling the control unit and the second air flow rate of the air that is introduced directly to the motor without cooling the control unit can be set to be different from each other, which makes it possible to more appropriately cool the motor and further improves operability at high output.

[0058] (5) The electric operating machine according to (4) above, wherein the first air flow rate is greater than the second air flow rate.

[0059] According to this aspect, the first air flow rate, which is indirectly guided to the motor via the control unit, is greater than the second air flow rate, which is guided directly to the motor without cooling the control unit. This ensures a sufficient amount of air to cool the control unit, preventing or minimizing the chainsaw from stopping due to heat generated by the control unit. Furthermore, an appropriate amount of air can be supplied to areas of the motor that are difficult to cool (downstream of the first air flow path), allowing the motor to be cooled more efficiently. As a result, the control unit and motor can be cooled as needed and sufficiently, further improving workability at high power output.

[0060] (6) The electric operating machine according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the control unit is disposed below the motor.

[0061] According to this aspect, by locating the control unit below the motor, the heat generated by the control unit can be released upward using the airflow from below to above (upward air current), which cools the control unit more effectively and prevents the chainsaw from stopping due to the control unit becoming too hot at high power outputs. Therefore, a chainsaw with this configuration can be made compact while still providing excellent workability at high power outputs.

[0062] (7) An electric working machine according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the first air flow path is configured to circulate the external air upwards after passing through the control unit, at least in part.

[0063] According to this aspect, by locating the control unit below the motor, the heat generated by the control unit can be released upward using the airflow from below to above (upward air current), which cools the control unit more effectively and prevents the chainsaw from stopping due to the control unit becoming too hot at high power outputs. Therefore, a chainsaw with this configuration can be made compact while still providing excellent workability at high power outputs.

[0064] (8) An electric working machine according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the housing has an air intake hole that takes in the outside air into the housing, and the air intake hole is configured to communicate with the first air flow path and the second air flow path.

[0065] According to this aspect, by providing a common air intake port that communicates with the first air flow path and the second air flow path, the structure of the air flow paths can be prevented from becoming complicated, thereby making the chainsaw more compact.Furthermore, it is only necessary to provide one filter to the common air intake port, which further prevents the structure of the air paths from becoming complicated, making the chainsaw more compact.

[0066] (9) In the electric working machine described in any one of (1) to (7) above, the housing has an air intake hole that takes in the outside air into the inside of the housing, and the air intake hole has a first air intake hole and a second air intake hole provided at a position different from the first air intake hole, and the first air intake hole is configured to communicate with the first air flow path, and the second air intake hole is configured to communicate with the second air flow path.

[0067] According to this embodiment, external air can be circulated through the second air flow path, which has a shorter flow path, above the motor, where heat tends to build up. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the motor can be further improved, and workability at high output can be further improved. Furthermore, by providing independent first and second air intake holes that communicate with the first and second air flow paths, respectively, these can be formed (opened) at any position on the housing, taking into account factors such as the cooling efficiency of the motor. This contributes to increasing the degree of freedom in designing the main body.

[0068] (10) In the electric working machine described in (8) or (9) above, the main body further has a filter, the filter has a collection surface for collecting the target to be collected contained in the outside air, and the collection surface is positioned above the intake hole so as to cover the inlet of the air flow path.

[0069] According to this aspect, it is possible to easily remove the objects to be collected on the collection surface, thereby maintaining efficient cooling of the motor and improving workability at high power output.

[0070] (11) An electric working machine according to any one of (8) to (10) above, wherein the main body further has a battery, and the battery is arranged in the housing so as to form a battery cooling flow path communicating with the air flow path between the battery and the housing.

[0071] According to this aspect, the first air flow path and the second air flow path can cool different positions of the motor, while the battery cooling flow path can cool the battery, thereby further improving workability at high power output.

[0072] (12) An electric working machine as described in any one of (1) to (11) above, wherein the control unit has a heat sink that dissipates heat generated in the control unit, the heat sink has a plurality of cooling fins and is arranged in the first air flow path, and the cooling fins are arranged so that their longitudinal direction is parallel to the flow direction of the circulating air.

[0073] According to this aspect, the control unit can be further cooled by providing a heat sink, and therefore workability at high output can be further improved.

[0074] (13) The electric working machine according to any one of (1) to (12) above, which is a cutter, a hedge trimmer, a brush cutter, or a chainsaw.

[0075] According to this aspect, the work object can be cut using a cutter, hedge trimmer, brush cutter or chainsaw with improved workability at high output. Of course, this is not the case.

[0076] Finally, while various embodiments of the present invention have been described, these are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such embodiments and modifications are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the accompanying claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1: Electric work equipment 11: Chainsaw 2: Working section 21: Guide bar 22: Saw chain 3: Main body 4: Handle 41: Top handle 411: Grip part 412: Trigger lever 413: Lockout lever 414: Power switch 415: Indicator light 42: Horizontal handle 5: Housing 5a: Left cover 5b: Right cover 51: Air intake 511: First intake hole 512: Second intake hole 52: Exhaust vent 53: Filter 531: Collection surface 54: Battery attachment / detachment section 54a: Front side 54b: Posterior side 54c: Left side 54d: Right side 55: Connection terminal 56: Front end 57: Filter mounting part 6: Motor 61: Rotation axis 62: Fan 7: Control unit 71: Heat sink 72: Cooling fin 8: Flow path forming section 81: First flow path forming portion 82: Second flow path forming portion 8ex: Exhaust flow path forming section 9: Battery 9c: Left side 9d: Right side 91: Connecting lever 95: Connection terminal AF: Air flow rate AF1: First air flow rate AF2: Second air flow rate AP: Air passage AP1: First air flow path AP2: Second air flow path AP3: Battery cooling channel APex: Exhaust air flow path BP: bifurcation De:dent P1: First position P2: Second position

Claims

1. An electric work machine for cutting a work object, The device includes a working unit and a main body unit, The working unit is configured to cut the work object, the main body portion has a housing, a flow path forming portion, a motor, and a control unit, the motor is configured to generate rotational power for driving the working unit; the control unit is configured to electrically control the rotation of the motor; the flow path forming portion forms an air flow path including a first air flow path and a second air flow path; the first air flow path is in communication with the outside of the housing, and is configured so that the outside air flows to the motor via the control unit; The second air flow path is configured to communicate with the outside of the housing so that the outside air flows directly to the motor.

2. The electric operating machine according to claim 1, the first air flow path is configured to allow the outside air to flow to the motor via a first location; The second air flow path is configured to allow the outside air to flow to the motor via a second position different from the first position.

3. The electric operating machine according to claim 2, The electric operating machine, wherein the second position corresponds to a downstream side of the first air flow path.

4. The electric operating machine according to claim 1, the first air flow path is configured to allow the outside air to flow to the motor at a first air flow rate; The second air flow path is configured to allow the outside air to flow to the motor at a second air flow rate different from the first air flow rate.

5. The electric operating machine according to claim 4, The electric work machine, wherein the first air flow rate is greater than the second air flow rate.

6. The electric operating machine according to claim 1, The control unit is disposed below the motor.

7. The electric operating machine according to claim 1, The first air flow path is configured to allow the external air to flow upward after passing through the control unit in at least a portion thereof.

8. The electric operating machine according to claim 1, the housing has an air intake hole that takes in the outside air into the housing, The air intake port is configured to communicate with the first air flow path and the second air flow path.

9. The electric operating machine according to claim 1, the housing has an air intake hole that takes in the outside air into the housing, the air intake hole includes a first air intake hole and a second air intake hole provided at a position different from that of the first air intake hole, the first air intake hole is configured to communicate with the first air flow path; The second air intake port is configured to communicate with the second air flow path.

10. The electric operating machine according to claim 8, The main body further includes a filter. the filter has a collection surface for collecting the target substance contained in the outside air, The electric working machine, wherein the collecting surface is disposed above the air intake hole so as to cover the inlet of the air flow path.

11. The electric operating machine according to claim 8, the main body further includes a battery; The battery is disposed in the housing so as to form a battery cooling flow path communicating with the air flow path between the battery and the housing.

12. The electric operating machine according to claim 1, the control unit has a heat sink that dissipates heat generated in the control unit; The heat sink is a plurality of cooling fins; disposed within the first air flow path; The cooling fins are arranged so that their longitudinal direction is parallel to the flow direction of the circulating air.

13. The electric operating machine according to claim 1, A powered implement which is a cutter, hedge trimmer, brush cutter or chainsaw.

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