tool

Abstract

A tool has a prime mover, a switch, an operating member for the switch, a first accessory, a second accessory, a third intermediate member linked to displacement of the operating member, a first intermediate member which, by mounting the first accessory, is displaced from a first blocking position which blocks a displacement path of the third intermediate member to a first non-blocking position which does not block the displacement path, and a second intermediate member which, by mounting the second accessory, is displaced from a second blocking position which blocks the displacement path to a second non-blocking position which does not block the displacement path. Displacement of the third intermediate member is permitted only when the first intermediate member is in the first non-blocking position and the second intermediate member is in the second non-blocking position, whereby displacement of the operating member to an on position is permitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tool having a prime mover. Background Technology

[0002] Tools with prime movers are sometimes equipped with various accessories in a detachable manner. For example, in a grinder with a tip tool configured as a rotary drive, as detachable accessories, a cover (also called a wheel cover, disc cover, blade housing, etc.) is provided to cover part of the tip tool and a side handle for the user to hold with the other hand while holding the handle of the grinder with one hand.

[0003] In such grinders, it is desirable to prevent use without the attachments installed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a grinder having: a sensor that detects whether a cover is installed; and a controller that prevents rotation of the top tool when the cover is not installed. Patent Document 2 discloses a grinder having a sensor for detecting whether a cover is installed and a sensor for detecting whether a side handle is installed.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2017 / 051893

[0007] Patent Document 2: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 272494 Summary of the Invention

[0008] However, in the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is a concern that the presence of a cover or side handle may not be detected in cases of sensor malfunction or reduced sensor sensitivity due to dust adhesion. Furthermore, in structures where rotation of the top tool is prohibited without both the cover and side handle, separate sensors are required for each, increasing costs. This problem exists not only in grinders but also in any tool with a prime mover that can be detachably fitted with both attachments. Therefore, it is desirable to achieve a structure in the tool that drives the prime mover only when both attachments are installed, without relying on sensors.

[0009] This specification discloses a tool. The tool may include: a prime mover; a switch for driving the prime mover; an operating member configured to move between a disconnected position (turning the switch off) and an on position (turning the switch on); a first accessory; a second accessory; a first mounting portion configured to detachably mount the first accessory; a second mounting portion configured to detachably mount the second accessory; a first intermediate member configured to move by mounting the first accessory to the first mounting portion; a second intermediate member configured to move by mounting the second accessory to the second mounting portion; and a third intermediate member configured to move along a displacement path in conjunction with the displacement of the operating member, between a disconnected corresponding position corresponding to the disconnected position and an on corresponding position corresponding to the on position. It is permissible that, when the first accessory is not installed on the first mounting part, the first intermediate component is located at a first obstruction position that blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate component; when the first accessory is installed on the first mounting part, the first intermediate component is located at a first non-obstruction position that does not obstruct the displacement path of the third intermediate component. It is permissible that, when the second accessory is not installed on the second mounting part, the second intermediate component is located at a second obstruction position that blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate component; when the second accessory is installed on the second mounting part, the second intermediate component is located at a second non-obstruction position that does not obstruct the displacement path of the third intermediate component. It is permissible that, when the first intermediate component is located at the first non-obstruction position and the second intermediate component is located at the second non-obstruction position, the third intermediate component is allowed to move from the disconnected position to the connected position, thereby allowing the operating component to move from the disconnected position to the connected position. It can be that when at least the first intermediate component is in the first blocking position or when at least the second intermediate component is in the second blocking position, at least one of the first intermediate component and the second intermediate component prevents the third intermediate component from moving from the disconnected position to the connected position, thereby preventing the operating component from moving from the disconnected position to the connected position.

[0010] According to this tool, when at least one of the first and second accessories is not installed, the operating member is prevented from moving from the disconnected position to the connected position by blocking the displacement path of the third intermediate member by at least one of the first and second intermediate members. Conversely, when the first accessory is installed at the first mounting part and the second accessory is installed at the second mounting part, the first and second intermediate members are moved to a position that does not block the displacement path of the third intermediate member, thereby allowing the operating member to move from the disconnected position to the connected position. Therefore, a structure capable of driving the prime mover only when both the first and second accessories are installed can be achieved using only mechanical structures without the use of sensors. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grinding machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the side handle and wheel cover are installed and the operating components are in the on position.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grinder, showing the side handle and wheel cover removed, with the operating components in the disconnected position.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partially enlarged view of the grinding machine shown.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A partially enlarged view of the grinding machine shown.

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A partially enlarged view of the grinding machine shown.

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A partially enlarged view of the grinding machine shown.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a 3D view of the first intermediate component.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a 3D view of the second intermediate component.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the retaining component that holds the first intermediate component and the second intermediate component.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a 3D view of the third intermediate component.

[0021] Figure 11 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the components of the conversion mechanism.

[0022] Figure 12 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the components of the conversion mechanism.

[0023] Figure 13 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the components of the conversion mechanism.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the grinder, with the side handle and wheel cover removed.

[0025] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of a grinder, with the side handle installed and the wheel cover removed.

[0026] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of a grinding machine, with the side handle and wheel cover installed.

[0027] Figure 17 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grinding machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the side handle is not installed and the operating components are in the locked position.

[0028] Figure 18 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grinding machine according to the second embodiment, showing the state in which the side handle is installed and the operating component is in the locked-out position and in the disconnected position.

[0029] Figure 19 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the grinding machine according to the second embodiment, showing the state in which the side handle is installed and the operating component is in the locked-out position and the activated position.

[0030] Figure 20 yes Figure 17 A partially enlarged view of the grinding machine shown.

[0031] Figure 21 yes Figure 18 A partially enlarged view of the grinding machine shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the tool may include: a prime mover; a switch for driving the prime mover; an operating member configured to move between a disconnected position (turning the switch off) and an on position (turning the switch on); a first accessory; a second accessory; a first mounting portion configured to detachably mount the first accessory; a second mounting portion configured to detachably mount the second accessory; a first intermediate member configured to move by mounting the first accessory to the first mounting portion; a second intermediate member configured to move by mounting the second accessory to the second mounting portion; and a third intermediate member configured to move along a displacement path in conjunction with the displacement of the operating member between a disconnected position corresponding to the disconnected position and an on position corresponding to the on position. It is permissible that, when the first accessory is not installed on the first mounting part, the first intermediate component is located at a first obstruction position that blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate component; when the first accessory is installed on the first mounting part, the first intermediate component is located at a first non-obstruction position that does not obstruct the displacement path of the third intermediate component. It is permissible that, when the second accessory is not installed on the second mounting part, the second intermediate component is located at a second obstruction position that blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate component; when the second accessory is installed on the second mounting part, the second intermediate component is located at a second non-obstruction position that does not obstruct the displacement path of the third intermediate component. It is permissible that, when the first intermediate component is located at the first non-obstruction position and the second intermediate component is located at the second non-obstruction position, the third intermediate component is allowed to move from the disconnected position to the connected position, thereby allowing the operating component to move from the disconnected position to the connected position. It can be that when at least the first intermediate component is in the first blocking position or when at least the second intermediate component is in the second blocking position, at least one of the first intermediate component and the second intermediate component prevents the third intermediate component from moving from the disconnected position to the connected position, thereby preventing the operating component from moving from the disconnected position to the connected position.

[0033] According to this tool, when at least one of the first and second accessories is not installed, the operating member is prevented from moving from the disconnected position to the connected position by blocking the displacement path of the third intermediate member by at least one of the first and second intermediate members. Conversely, when the first accessory is installed at the first mounting part and the second accessory is installed at the second mounting part, the first and second intermediate members are moved to a position that does not block the displacement path of the third intermediate member, thereby allowing the operating member to move from the disconnected position to the connected position. Therefore, a structure capable of driving the prime mover only when both the first and second accessories are installed can be achieved using only mechanical structures without the use of sensors.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the prime mover may be an electric motor. The tool may be a grinder with a tip tool configured to rotate via an electric motor. The first accessory may be a side handle. The second accessory may be a cover that partially covers the tip tool. According to this structure, a grinder capable of driving the electric motor only when both the side handle and the cover are installed can be realized without the use of sensors.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the first mounting portion may include at least two side handle mounting portions for selectively mounting a side handle. Alternatively, the first intermediate component may be a single component shared by at least two side handle mounting portions. Or, the first intermediate component may have at least one pressable portion, such that when a side handle is mounted on any one of the at least two side handle mounting portions, the at least one pressable portion is directly or indirectly pressed by the side handle, and the first intermediate component may be configured to displace when the at least one pressable portion is pressed. According to this structure, at least two side handle mounting portions share a single first intermediate component, thus reducing the number of parts.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the first intermediate component may have a first intermediate component body, which has the shape of a ring or a portion of a ring. At least two side handle mounting portions may be located circumferentially separated from each other on the ring or a portion of the ring. According to this structure, the first intermediate component has a shape corresponding to the configuration of the at least two side handle mounting portions; therefore, a single first intermediate component can be shared by at least two side handle mounting portions with a simple structure.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the first intermediate component may be configured to rotate about a rotation axis when at least one pressed part is pressed. According to this structure, when at least two side handle mounting parts are located circumferentially separated from each other on the ring or a portion of the ring, the first intermediate component can be easily displaced regardless of which of the at least two side handle mounting parts the first accessory is mounted on. Furthermore, there is no need to ensure displacement space for the first intermediate component in the direction of rotation axis extension, thus allowing for a compact tool size in the direction of rotation axis extension.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, at least one pressed portion may protrude radially outward from the main body of the first intermediate component. Alternatively, at least one pressed portion may be positioned at at least two locations corresponding to the positions of at least two side handle mounting portions. This structure facilitates rotation of the first intermediate component.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the first intermediate component may have a blocking portion that blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate component when the first intermediate component is in a first blocking position. The blocking portion may protrude radially outward from the body of the first intermediate component. With this structure, the third intermediate component can be positioned around the outer periphery of the tool, avoiding the placement of the main structural components.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the first intermediate component body may have a first through hole, which has an arcuate shape centered on the axis of rotation. The first intermediate component may be threaded through the first through hole in a manner rotatable along the arcuate shape. According to this structure, the first intermediate component can be held rotatably with a simple structure.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, at least one pressing part may have a pressing surface that forms an angle with respect to the length direction of the side handle when the side handle is mounted on a side handle mounting part, so that the first intermediate part is displaced in a direction different from the length direction. According to this structure, the first intermediate part can be easily rotated.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the second intermediate component may be configured such that it is pressed directly or indirectly by the cover when the cover is installed on the second mounting portion, thereby performing linear movement. According to this structure, by using the mounting direction of the cover as the linear movement direction of the second intermediate component, no direction conversion mechanism is required, and therefore, the second intermediate component can be displaced with a simple structure.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the second intermediate component may have an elongated second through-hole, the elongated shape of which extends along the direction of linear movement of the second intermediate component. Alternatively, the second intermediate component may be threaded through the second through-hole in a manner allowing linear movement along the elongated hole. According to this structure, the second intermediate component can be held in a linearly movable manner using a simple structure.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the rotation axis of the electric motor and the rotation axis of the tip tool may intersect.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion may be arranged on a first side in the length direction of the tool. The operating member may be arranged on a second side opposite to the first side. The third intermediate member may be an elongated member extending along the length direction. According to this structure, even when the first mounting portion, the second mounting portion, and the operating member are arranged at relatively far apart positions, the above-described embodiments of the present invention can be easily implemented.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the tool may have a single retaining member that holds the first intermediate part and the second intermediate part. According to this structure, by mounting the first intermediate part and the second intermediate part to the retaining member respectively, the relative positions of the first intermediate part and the second intermediate part are naturally determined. That is, there is no need to adjust the relative positions of the first intermediate part and the second intermediate part when assembling the tool.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the displacement direction of the operating component (i.e., the first displacement direction) and the displacement direction of the third intermediate component (i.e., the second displacement direction) may be different from each other. The tool may have a conversion mechanism that converts the movement of the operating component in the first displacement direction into the movement of the third intermediate component in the second displacement direction. According to this structure, the displacement direction of the operating component is not constrained by design limitations; therefore, an optimally shaped operating component can be adopted according to the tool's specifications.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the tool may be a grinder. The grinder may have: a handle housing for a user to grip; and a motor housing housing an electric motor. The handle housing may be located on the opposite side of the top tool relative to the motor housing in the direction extending along the rotation axis of the electric motor. Such a grinder is readily adaptable to the various methods described above.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the tool may include: a switch for driving a prime mover; an operating member configured to move in a first direction between an off position (turning the switch off) and an on position (turning the switch on); a mounting portion configured to detachably mount an accessory; a locking portion configured to switch the state of the operating member between a locked state (preventing the operating member from moving from the off position to the on position) and a unlocked state (allowing the operating member to move from the off position to the on position) by changing the engagement state with the operating member; and a first intermediate member configured to be displaced by direct or indirect pressure from the accessory when the accessory is mounted on the mounting portion. Specifically, when the accessory is not mounted on the mounting portion, the first intermediate member may be in a blocking position (preventing the release operation for switching the locked state to the unlocked state by inter-component contact), and when the accessory is mounted on the mounting portion, the first intermediate member may be in a permissible position (allowing the release operation without inter-component contact).

[0050] According to this tool, a structure capable of driving a prime mover only when an accessory is installed can be achieved without the use of sensors, relying solely on mechanical structures. Furthermore, since the unlocking operation typically involves a displacement of the constituent components that is easily identifiable to the user, if the prime mover cannot be driven despite an operation to move the operating component from the off position to the on position, it is easy to notice that the reason is not a switch malfunction but rather due to the absence of an accessory.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the locking part may be a fixed engaging structure. The operating member may be configured to be movable from a locked position corresponding to the locked state to a locked-out position corresponding to the locked-out state in a second direction different from the first direction. The release operation may involve moving the operating member from the locked position to the locked-out position.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the tool may further include a second intermediate component, configured to move in conjunction with the displacement of the operating component in a second direction between a first corresponding position corresponding to the locked position of the operating component and a second corresponding position corresponding to the unlocked position of the operating component. Alternatively, the first intermediate component may be configured to obstruct the displacement path of the second intermediate component from the first corresponding position to the second corresponding position when in a blocking position, and not obstruct the displacement path of the second intermediate component from the first corresponding position to the second corresponding position when in a allowing position. According to this structure, the first intermediate component and the operating component can also be configured separately, thus increasing the design freedom of the tool.

[0053] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, a handheld electric disc grinder (hereinafter simply referred to as a grinder) 10 is exemplified as a tool having a prime mover.

[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the grinding machine 10 is configured to drive a generally disc-shaped tip tool 28 mounted on the spindle 25 to rotate. The spindle 25 rotates by a rotational driving force provided by an electric motor 31 acting as a prime mover. As the tip tool 28 that can be mounted on the grinding machine 10, grinding wheels, rubber pads, brushes, blades, etc., are provided. The user selects a suitable tip tool 28 according to the desired processing operation and mounts it on the grinding machine 10. Depending on the type of tip tool 28, grinding, polishing, cutting, and other processing operations can be performed on the workpiece using the grinding machine 10.

[0055] In the following description, the direction in which the rotation axis AX1 of the electric motor 31 (in other words, the motor shaft 32) extends is defined as the front-rear direction of the grinder 10. The side where the tip tool 28 is located in the front-rear direction is defined as the front side, and the opposite side is defined as the rear side. Furthermore, the direction in which the rotation axis AX2 of the spindle 25 (in other words, the rotation axis of the tip tool 28) extends is defined as the up-down direction of the grinder 10. The side where the tip tool 28 is located in the up-down direction is defined as the lower side, and the opposite side is defined as the upper side. Additionally, the direction orthogonal to the up-down and front-rear directions is defined as the left-right direction of the grinder 10. The right side when viewed from the rear in the left-right direction is defined as the right side of the grinder 10, and the opposite side is defined as the left side of the grinder 10.

[0056] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the grinder 10 has a gear housing 20, a motor housing 30, and a handle housing 40. An electric motor 31 is housed within the motor housing 30, located between the gear housing 20 and the handle housing 40 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the length direction of the grinder 10). The electric motor 31 is configured to be driven by externally supplied power (alternating current in this embodiment, but direct current is also possible).

[0057] The gear housing 20 houses a mechanism for transmitting the rotational driving force of the electric motor 31 to the tip tool 28. Specifically, the gear housing 20 houses a small bevel gear 23, a large bevel gear 24, and a main shaft 25. The small bevel gear 23 is fixed around the front end of the motor shaft 32 of the electric motor 31. The main shaft 25 is supported by bearings arranged separately in the vertical direction, enabling it to rotate around a rotation axis AX2. The rotation axis AX2 intersects (more specifically, is orthogonal) the rotation axis AX1 of the electric motor 31. The large bevel gear 24 is fixed around the main shaft 25 on the upper side and meshes with the small bevel gear 23. The gear housing 20 has a second mounting portion 22 at its lower end for removably mounting a cover 300. The second mounting portion 22 has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The main shaft 25 extends vertically within the gear housing 20 and extends from the gear housing 20 (more specifically, the second mounting portion 22) on the lower side.

[0058] At the lower end of the main shaft 25 extending from the gear housing 20, an inner flange 26 is installed around the main shaft 25. An external thread is formed in the main shaft 25 below the inner flange 26, and a lock nut 27 is installed in this external thread. A tip tool 28 is clamped between the inner flange 26 and the lock nut 27, and the position of the tip tool 28 relative to the main shaft 25 is fixed by tightening the lock nut 27.

[0059] The handle housing 40 is the part that allows the user to hold the grinder 10 with one hand when using it. The handle housing 40 has a generally cylindrical shape extending in the front-to-back direction. Inside the handle housing 40 is a switch 41 for driving the electric motor 31. An operating member 50 is provided on the lower side of the handle housing 40, which is configured to be in the off position (see reference 1) where the switch 41 is in the off state. Figure 2 ) and the ON position that makes switch 41 ON (refer to Figure 1 Displacement between ).

[0060] When the user operates the operating component 50 from the off position to the on position to drive the electric motor 31, the rotation of the motor shaft 32 is transmitted to the main shaft 25 while being decelerated through the small bevel gear 23 and the large bevel gear 24. At this time, the direction of rotational motion also changes from the direction around the motor shaft 32 to the direction around the rotation axis AX2 of the main shaft 25. According to this mechanism, along with the rotation of the motor shaft 32, the main shaft 25 rotates around the rotation axis AX2, and as a result, the tip tool 28, which is fixed by the inner flange 26 and the locking nut 27, rotates together with the main shaft 25.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the grinder 10 also includes a side handle 200 and a cover 300 as accessories. The side handle 200 is provided for the user to hold with their other hand besides the hand holding the handle housing 40. By using the side handle 200, the user can hold the grinder 10 more stably. The side handle 200 has a handle portion 210 for the user to hold and a mounting portion 220 for mounting to the gear housing 20. The mounting portion 220 has a cylindrical shape extending along the length direction of the side handle 200 and extends from one end of the handle portion 210 in the length direction of the side handle 200. External threads are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion 220.

[0062] like Figure 14 As shown, the gear housing 20 has three first mounting portions 29a to 29c for detachably mounting the side handle 200. The first mounting portions 29a to 29c are positioned circumferentially separated from each other about the rotation axis AX1. More specifically, the first mounting portion 29a is formed on the left side of the gear housing 20, the first mounting portion 29b is formed on the upper surface of the gear housing 20, and the first mounting portion 29c is formed on the right side of the gear housing 20. The three first mounting portions 29a to 29c are respectively positioned in a rotationally symmetrical manner with respect to the rotation axis AX1. The first mounting portions 29a to 29c are respectively shaped as through holes connecting the interior and exterior of the gear housing 20. An internal thread is formed on the inner surface forming the through hole, which engages with the external thread of the mounting portion 220.

[0063] The side handle 200 can be mounted on the gear housing 20 by screwing the mounting portion 220 of the side handle 200 into one of the three first mounting portions 29a to 29c. The user can arbitrarily select the mounting position of the side handle 200 from the first mounting portions 29a to 29c according to the type of work performed using the grinder 10, or according to whether the user is right-handed or left-handed. In this embodiment, three first mounting portions 29a to 29c are provided, but the number of first mounting portions is not particularly limited and can be any number, including more than one. For example, only two first mounting portions 29a and 29c may be provided.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the cover 300 has a cover body 310 that covers a portion of the tip tool 28 and a mounting portion 320 for mounting to the second mounting portion 22. The cover body 310 covers approximately half of the rear side of the tip tool 28. In this embodiment, the cover body 310 covers the upper surface, lower surface, and circumferential surface between the upper and lower surfaces of the tip tool 28, but depending on the type of tip tool 28 used, it may only cover the upper surface and the circumferential surface. The mounting portion 320 has an open, generally annular shape and extends upward from the upper surface of the cover body 310. The structure of the mounting portion 320 is well known and is therefore omitted from the illustration, but the mounting portion 320 has two opposing flanges at its two circumferentially oriented tips. When the mounting portion 320 is configured to surround the second mounting portion 22 of the gear housing 20, a bolt is inserted and tightened into the threaded hole formed in the flange, thereby reducing the radius of the annular shape of the mounting portion 320 and fixing the mounting portion 320 to the second mounting portion 22.

[0065] The aforementioned grinding machine 10 has the following mechanical structure: the operating member 50 can be moved from the off position to the on position only when the side handle 200 is installed on either of the first mounting portions 29a to 29c of the gear housing 20 and the cover 300 is installed on the second mounting portion 22 of the gear housing 20; and the operating member 50 is prevented from moving from the off position to the on position when at least one of the side handle 200 and the cover 300 is not installed. This mechanical structure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, an operating member 50 is provided on the lower side of the handle housing 40. In this embodiment, the operating member 50 is a rocker type, but it can also be implemented in any other form. The operating member 50 extends to cover approximately the entire area of ​​the handle housing 40 in the front-rear direction.

[0067] The operating member 50 has a support shaft 51, a protrusion 52, a spring seat 53, a spring 54, and an actuating end 55. The support shaft 51 is located near the rear end of the operating member 50. The support shaft 51 has a cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction and is rotatably supported on the handle housing 40. The protrusion 52 extends in an L-shape upwards and forwards from approximately the center of the operating member 50 in the front-rear direction. The top end of the protrusion 52 engages with the input member 42 of the switch 41. One end of the spring 54 rests on the spring seat 53. The other end of the spring 54 rests on the handle housing 40. The spring 54 exerts force on the operating member 50 towards the disconnected position. The actuating end 55 is the front end of the operating member 50 in the front-rear direction. A second horizontal extension 123 of the second connecting member 120 (described later) is mounted on the actuating end 55.

[0068] When the operating component 50 is in the off position (see reference) Figure 4 In the state where the user holds the handle housing 40 and the operating component 50 (in other words, when pressing the operating component 50 upwards), the operating component 50 resists the loading force of the spring 54 and rotates towards the handle housing 40 to the engaged position with the support shaft 51 as the fulcrum (see reference). Figure 3 When the operating component 50 moves from the off position to the on position, the protrusion 52 of the operating component 50 also moves upward, thereby causing the input component 42, which engages with the protrusion 52, to also move upward. When the operating component 50 reaches the on position, the input component 42 is pressed into the interior of the switch 41. The switch 41 detects that the input component 42 has been pressed in and sends a signal to the controller (not shown) for driving the electric motor 31. Upon receiving this signal, the controller supplies power to the electric motor 31.

[0069] Then, when the user removes their finger from the operating component 50, the operating component 50 returns from the on position to the off position due to the loading force of the spring 54. Accordingly, the protrusion 52 and even the input component 42 also return to their original positions. The switch 41 detects the removal of the input component 42 and sends a signal to the controller to stop the electric motor 31. Upon receiving this signal, the controller stops supplying power to the electric motor 31. A lockoff switch 57 is provided near the front end of the operating component 50 in the forward and backward direction. This lockoff switch 57 is used to lock the operating component 50 in the off position, preventing it from displacing to the on position.

[0070] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the grinding machine 10 also includes a first intermediate component 60, a second intermediate component 70, a holding component 140, a third intermediate component 80, and a conversion mechanism 100. First, the general outlines of the first intermediate component 60, the second intermediate component 70, the holding component 140, the third intermediate component 80, and the conversion mechanism 100 will be described.

[0071] The first intermediate component 60 is configured such that it is pressed by the mounting portion 220 of the side handle 200, which is mounted on one of the first mounting portions 29a to 29c, thereby causing displacement. In this embodiment, as a displacement action, the first intermediate component 60 rotates by a predetermined angle about the rotation axis AX1. The first intermediate component 60 is a generally annular component, which is disposed inside the gear housing 20 at a position forward of the electric motor 31 in a manner that surrounds the motor shaft 32.

[0072] The second intermediate component 70 is configured such that it is mounted on the second mounting portion 22 via a cover 300 and pressed by the mounting portion 320 of the cover 300, thereby causing displacement. In this embodiment, as a displacement action, the second intermediate component 70 moves linearly upward. The second intermediate component 70 is positioned between the motor shaft 32 and the tip tool 28 at a position forward of the first intermediate component 60. The retaining member 140 is positioned forward of the first intermediate component 60, together holding the first intermediate component 60 and the second intermediate component 70.

[0073] The third intermediate component 80 is arranged at the bottom of the gear housing 20 and the motor housing 30 in a front-rear direction. The third intermediate component 80 is configured to be linked to the displacement of the operating component 50, and at a disengagement position corresponding to the disengagement position of the operating component 50 (see reference). Figure 6 ) and the corresponding connection position of the operation component 50 (refer to Figure 5 The conversion mechanism 100 is configured to change the rotational motion of the operating member 50 in the approximately up-down direction into a linear motion in the front-back direction of the third intermediate member 80.

[0074] With the side handle 200 not installed on any of the first mounting portions 29a to 29c of the gear housing 20, the first intermediate member 60 is in the first blocking position (see reference). Figure 6 , Figure 14 The first blocking position refers to the position that blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate component 80 from the disconnected position to the connected position. With the side handle 200 installed on any one of the first mounting portions 29a to 29c, the first intermediate component 60 is located in the first non-blocked position that does not block the displacement path of the third intermediate component 80 (see reference). Figure 5 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 ).

[0075] With the cover 300 not installed on the second mounting portion 22 of the gear housing 20, the second intermediate member 70 is located at the second blocking position that blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate member 80 (see reference). Figure 6 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 With the cover 300 installed on the second mounting part 22, the second intermediate member 70 is located in the second unobstructed position that does not obstruct the displacement path of the third intermediate member 80 (see reference). Figure 5 , Figure 16 ).

[0076] The details of the first intermediate component 60, the second intermediate component 70, the holding component 140, the third intermediate component 80, and the conversion mechanism 100 will now be described. First, the first intermediate component 60 will be described. (As...) Figure 7 As shown, the first intermediate component 60 is a single component, shared by the first mounting portions 29a to 29c. The first intermediate component 60 has a first intermediate component body 61. In this embodiment, the first intermediate component body 61 has a ring shape centered on the rotation axis AX1 of the electric motor 31. However, the first intermediate component 60 may also have a shape that is only a part of a ring (in other words, a shape that is not a closed ring). A through hole for the motor shaft 32 to pass through is formed in the center of the first intermediate component body 61.

[0077] The first intermediate component 60 also has three pressable portions 62a to 62c and a blocking portion 64. The three pressable portions 62a to 62c are arranged separately from each other in the circumferential direction. The pressable portion 62a is the portion pressed by the side handle 200 (more specifically, the top end of the mounting portion 220) when the side handle 200 is mounted on the first mounting portion 29a of the gear housing 20. Similarly, the pressable portion 62b is the portion pressed by the side handle 200 when the side handle 200 is mounted on the first mounting portion 29b, and the pressable portion 62c is the portion pressed by the side handle 200 when the side handle 200 is mounted on the first mounting portion 29c. Therefore, the pressable portions 62a to 62c are respectively arranged at angular positions corresponding to the angular positions of the first mounting portions 29a to 29c (see reference). Figure 14 The pressed parts 62a to 62c protrude radially outward from the main body 61 of the first intermediate component.

[0078] As described above, the first intermediate component 60 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis AX1 when any of the pressed portions 62a to 62c is pressed by the side handle 200. Figure 14 and Figure 15 A comparison shows that by installing the side handle 200 onto the first mounting portion 29c, the pressed portion 62c is pressed by the side handle 200, and the first intermediate component 60 is... Figure 14 Rotate counterclockwise to the position shown. Figure 15 The location shown.

[0079] like Figure 7 and Figure 14As shown, the pressable portion 62a has a pressable surface 63a, which forms an angle with respect to the length direction of the side handle 200 when it is mounted on the first mounting portion 29a (in other words, the mounting direction of the side handle 200). Similarly, the pressable portion 62b has a pressable surface 63b, which forms an angle with respect to the length direction of the side handle 200 when it is mounted on the first mounting portion 29b. Similarly, the pressable portion 62c has a pressable surface 63c, which forms an angle with respect to the length direction of the side handle 200 when it is mounted on the first mounting portion 29c. The pressable surfaces 63a to 63c form an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the length direction of their respective side handles 200 (see reference). Figure 14 This angle can be set at any angle to allow the first intermediate component 60 to be displaced in a direction different from the length direction of the side handle 200. Alternatively, this angle can be set in a range of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less. Based on the pressed surfaces 63a to 63c in which this angle is formed, the first intermediate component 60 can be easily rotated.

[0080] The blocking portion 64 is the portion that blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate member 80 when none of the first mounting portions 29a to 29c are fitted with the side handles 200. The blocking portion 64 protrudes radially outward from the main body 61 of the first intermediate member. When none of the first mounting portions 29a to 29c are fitted with the side handles 200, the blocking portion 64 is located at the bottommost part of the first intermediate member 60 (see reference). Figure 14 On the other hand, when a side handle 200 is installed on either of the first mounting portions 29a to 29c, the blocking portion 64 is retracted to a position higher and to the right of the lowermost portion due to the rotation of the first intermediate member 60 (see reference). Figure 15 ).

[0081] like Figure 7 As shown, the first intermediate component body 61 has first through holes 65 and 66. The first through holes 65 and 66 each have an arc shape centered on the rotation axis AX1. The first through holes 65 and 66 are positioned in a position that is 180 degrees rotationally symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis AX1. The first intermediate component 60 is threadedly fastened to the retaining component 140 through these first through holes 65 and 66. Specifically, as... Figures 14-16 As shown, bolts 91 are inserted into the first through holes 65 and 66. These bolts 91 engage with the threaded holes 143a and 144a of the retaining member 140, which will be described later. By ensuring a predetermined gap between the head of the bolt 91 and the first intermediate member 60, the first intermediate member 60 is held in the retaining member 140 in a manner that allows it to rotate along the arc shape of the first through holes 65 and 66. According to this structure, the first intermediate member 60 can be held with a simple configuration.

[0082] The first intermediate component 60 also has a protrusion 67. The protrusion 67 extends forward from the front surface of the first intermediate component body 61. This protrusion 67 is for passage of the spring 68 (described later) Figure 9 ) To the first intermediate component 60 towards the first blocking position (refer to Figure 6 , Figure 14 Apply force.

[0083] Next, the second intermediate component 70 will be described. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the second intermediate component 70 includes a base 71, a pressed portion 72, a shielding portion 73, support portions 74 and 75, and a spring seat 78. The base 71 is a flat plate-shaped portion with the front-to-back direction as its length direction and orthogonal to the vertical direction. The pressed portion 72 is the portion pressed upwards by the mounting portion 320 of the cover 300 when the cover 300 is installed on the second mounting portion 22, and is located at the front end of the second intermediate component 70. The pressed portion 72 has a flat plate shape parallel to the base 71. A step is formed between the base 71 and the pressed portion 72. This step reduces the displacement of the second intermediate component 70 when the cover 300 is installed. Specifically, when the cover 300 is installed, from the state where the mounting portion 320 of the cover 300 is raised to the same position as the base 71 until the mounting portion 320 abuts against the pressed portion 72, the second intermediate member 70 does not move. Therefore, compared to the structure where the pressed portion 72 is located in the same vertical direction as the base 71, the displacement of the second intermediate member 70 is reduced by an amount corresponding to the step portion. Therefore, the displacement space of the second intermediate member 70 can be reduced. In other words, the increase in the vertical dimension of the grinding machine 10 can be suppressed.

[0084] The shielding portion 73 is the part that blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate member 80 when the cover 300 is not installed on the second mounting portion 22. The shielding portion 73 is located at the rear end of the second intermediate member 70 and extends upward from the rear end of the base 71. The shielding portion 73 has a flat plate shape orthogonal to the front-rear direction. When the cover 300 is not installed on the second mounting portion 22, as... Figure 14 As shown, when viewed from the front and rear, the shielding part 73 is located at a position that overlaps with the shielding part 64 of the first intermediate part 60 when the side handle 200 is not installed.

[0085] Support portions 74 and 75 are configured to face each other in the left-right direction near the obstruction portion 73, positioned forward of the obstruction portion 73. Support portions 74 and 75 have a generally L-shaped form, extending from the base 71 in a direction separating them in the left-right direction, then bending and extending upwards. Second through holes 76 and 77 are formed in support portions 74 and 75, respectively, penetrating the support portions 74 and 75 in the front-rear direction. The second through holes 76 and 77 are elongated holes with the vertical direction (i.e., the direction of linear movement when the cover 300 is pressed) as the length direction. The second intermediate member 70 is threadedly fastened to the retaining member 140 through these second through holes 76 and 77. Specifically, as... Figures 14-16 As shown, bolts 92 are inserted into the second through holes 76 and 77. These bolts 92 engage with the threaded holes 145a and 146a of the retaining member 140, which will be described later. By ensuring predetermined gaps between the head of the bolt 92 and the supports 74 and 75, the second intermediate member 70 is held in the retaining member 140 in a manner that allows for linear movement along the second through holes 76 and 77. According to this structure, the second intermediate member 70 can be held with a simple configuration.

[0086] The spring seat 78 is configured to project upwards from the base 71. The spring seat 78 and the spring seat 148 of the retaining member 140 (see reference) Figure 9 The spring 79 (reference) is held between them. Figure 6 Spring 79 blocks the second intermediate component 70 to the second blocking position (see reference). Figure 6 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 Apply force.

[0087] Next, the retaining member 140 will be described. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the retaining member 140 has an annular portion 141, a cylindrical portion 142, protrusions 143, 144, 145, 146, a spring seat 148, and a spring receiving portion 149. The annular portion 141 has a disc shape centered on the rotation axis AX1 of the electric motor 31, and a through hole is formed in its center. On the lower side of the annular portion 141, a notch 147 is formed to ensure the displacement space of the second intermediate member 70.

[0088] The cylindrical portion 142 has a cylindrical shape extending rearward from the annular portion 141. The diameter of the cylindrical portion 142 is smaller than the diameter of the annular portion 141. Adjacent to the cylindrical portion 142, a spring receiving portion 149 is formed on the upper side of the cylindrical portion 142. The spring receiving portion 149 is formed in an arc shape centered on the rotation axis AX1. A spring 68 that can extend and retract along the arc shape of the spring receiving portion 149 is housed within the spring receiving portion 149. The rear side of the spring receiving portion 149 has an opening through which the protrusion 67 of the first intermediate member 60 is inserted into the spring receiving portion 149. One end of the spring 68 is supported on the inner surface of the spring receiving portion 149 (the plane at one end of the arc shape), and the other end of the spring 68 engages with the protrusion 67. Accordingly, the first intermediate member 60 is subjected to force in a clockwise direction (in other words, towards the first blocking position).

[0089] Protrusions 143 and 144 are separated from each other in the left-right direction. Protrusions 143 and 144 extend rearward from the annular portion 141 approximately at its center in the vertical direction. Protrusions 143 and 144 each have threaded holes 143a and 144a with internal threads. The threaded holes 143a and 144a extend forward from the rear end faces of the protrusions 143 and 144. To mount the first intermediate member 60 to the retaining member 140 in the above configuration, bolts 91 (see reference) are screwed into the threaded holes 143a and 144a. Figure 14 ).

[0090] Protrusions 145 and 146 are positioned lower than protrusions 143 and 144 and are separated from each other in the left-right direction. Protrusions 145 and 146 each have threaded holes 145a and 146a with internal threads. The threaded holes 145a and 146a extend forward from the rear end faces of protrusions 145 and 146. To mount the second intermediate member 70 to the retaining member 140 in the above configuration, bolts 92 (see reference) are screwed into the threaded holes 145a and 146a. Figure 14 In order to keep the second intermediate component 70 in a position that is forward of the first intermediate component 60, the lengths of the protrusions 145 and 146 in the front-rear direction are smaller than the lengths of the protrusions 143 and 144 in the front-rear direction.

[0091] The aforementioned spring seat 148 is formed at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 142. The retaining member 140, with the first intermediate member 60 and the second intermediate member 70 mounted, is embedded within the gear housing 20 such that the outer periphery of the annular portion 141 and the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 142 abut against it. Accordingly, the retaining member 140 is fixed to the gear housing 20. When the first intermediate member 60 and the second intermediate member 70 are mounted on a single retaining member 140, the relative positions of the first intermediate member 60 and the second intermediate member 70 are naturally determined; therefore, it is not necessary to adjust the relative positions of the first intermediate member 60 and the second intermediate member 70 when assembling the grinding machine 10.

[0092] Next, the third intermediate component 80 and the conversion mechanism 100 will be described. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the third intermediate component 80 has: a vertically extending portion 81 that extends in the vertical direction; and a rod-shaped horizontally extending portion 82 that extends elongatedly forward from the lower end of the vertically extending portion 81. The horizontally extending portion 82 has a front end 83.

[0093] like Figure 1 As shown, the conversion mechanism 100 has a first connecting member 110, a second connecting member 120, and a holding member 130. As... Figure 11 As shown, the first connecting member 110 has a pressing portion 111, engaging portions 112 and 113, and a through hole 114. The pressing portion 111 is located on the front and upper side of the first connecting member 110. The pressing portion 111 has an arc-shaped curved surface facing forward. The engaging portion 112 is a portion extending rearward in a U-shape from the left end of the first connecting member 110. The engaging portion 112 has a groove 112a with a rear opening. The engaging portion 113 is a portion extending rearward in a U-shape from the right end of the first connecting member 110. The engaging portion 113 has a groove 113a with a rear opening. The engaging portions 112 and 113 are formed in a position where they completely overlap when viewed from the left and right directions. The through hole 114 is located on the front and lower side of the first connecting member 110 and penetrates the first connecting member 110 in the left and right directions.

[0094] like Figure 12 As shown, the second connecting member 120 has: a vertically extending portion 121 that extends in the vertical direction; a first horizontally extending portion 122 that extends forward from the lower end of the vertically extending portion 121; and a second horizontally extending portion 123 that extends rearward from the upper end of the vertically extending portion 121. A support shaft 124 extending in a cylindrical shape in the left-right direction is formed at the front end of the first horizontally extending portion 122.

[0095] like Figure 13As shown, the retaining member 130 has a generally cubic box shape. A spring seat 131 is formed on the inner surface of the front side of the retaining member 130. A spring 132 is fixed on the spring seat 131 in a manner that allows it to extend and retract within the retaining member 130 in the front-rear direction. The rear and lower surfaces of the retaining member 130 are open, with an opening 134 formed on the rear side and an opening 135 formed on the lower side. The retaining member 130 has a through hole 133 that extends through the left and right surfaces of the retaining member 130 in the left-right direction.

[0096] like Figure 4 As shown, by inserting a pin through the through-hole 114 of the first connecting member 110 and the through-hole 133 of the retaining member 130, the first connecting member 110 is supported on the retaining member 130 in a manner that allows it to rotate around the pin. The third intermediate member 80 is configured such that the vertical extension 81 is located between the spring 132 and the pressing portion 111 of the first connecting member 110. Therefore, the third intermediate member 80 is subjected to a rearward force by the spring 132. The second connecting member 120 is configured such that the support shaft 124 is inserted into the groove 112a of the engaging portion 112 and the groove 113a of the engaging portion 113, and the rear end of the second horizontal extension 123 is mounted on the actuating end 55 of the operating member 50. By installing the first connecting member 110 onto the retaining member 130 and then assembling the retaining member 130 onto the grinding machine 10, assembly is easier compared to assembling the first connecting member 110 directly onto the housing of the grinding machine 10.

[0097] According to the conversion mechanism 100, the rotational motion of the operating member 50 in the approximately vertical direction can be changed into a linear motion in the front-back direction of the third intermediate member 80. Specifically, when the operating member 50 moves from... Figure 4 The disconnection position shown is shifted to Figure 3 When the indicated energized position is reached, the actuating end 55 of the operating component 50 also displaces upward. At this time, as shown... Figure 3As shown, the second horizontal extension 123 of the second connecting member 120 is pushed upward by the actuating end 55 of the operating member 50. Accordingly, the second connecting member 120 moves linearly upward as a whole. At this time, since the support shaft 124 of the second connecting member 120 is inserted into the slots 112a and 113a of the first connecting member 110, the engaging portions 112 and 113 that engage with the support shaft 124 also bear an upward force. Accordingly, the first connecting member 110 rotates around the pin inserted into the through hole 114. At this time, the pressing portion 111 of the first connecting member 110 slides on the vertical extension 81 of the third intermediate member 80 while applying a forward force to the vertical extension 81. Accordingly, the third intermediate member 80 moves linearly forward against the loading force of the spring 132. On the other hand, when the operating component 50 returns from the on position to the off position, the third intermediate component 80 returns to the off position due to the loading force of the horizontal extension portion 82. Figure 6 The position shown. At this time, the first connecting member 110 is pressed backward by the third intermediate member 80, thereby rotating back to its original position, and the second connecting member 120, which engages with the engaging parts 112 and 113, is also pulled downward to return to its original position.

[0098] According to the conversion mechanism 100, even if the displacement direction of the operating component 50 is different from the displacement direction of the third intermediate component 80, the operating component 50 and the third intermediate component 80 can still be linked. Therefore, the displacement direction of the operating component 50 is not restricted by the design, and thus the operating component 50 can be adopted in the optimal form according to the specifications of the grinding machine 10.

[0099] According to the aforementioned grinding machine 10, without the side handle 200 installed, the first intermediate component 60 is located at... Figure 6 and Figure 14 The first blocking position shown is the position that blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate component 80 in the front-to-back direction. In this state, when the user wants to operate the operating component 50 from the off position to the on position, [the following is executed]. Figure 6 As can be seen, since the front end 83 of the third intermediate component 80, which is linked to the operating component 50, abuts against the blocking portion 64 of the first intermediate component 60, the third intermediate component 80 cannot move further forward. Therefore, the operating component 50 cannot move to the activated position either.

[0100] Furthermore, without the cover 300 installed, the second intermediate component 70 is located in Figure 6 and Figure 15 The second blocking position is shown (i.e., the position that blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate component 80 in the front-rear direction). In this state, when the user wants to operate the operating component 50 from the off position to the on position, even if the first intermediate component 60 is located... Figure 14 The first unobstructed position shown (i.e., the position where the displacement path of the third intermediate component 80 in the front-rear direction is not obstructed) is determined by... Figure 6 As can be seen, since the front end 83 of the third intermediate component 80, which is linked to the operating component 50, abuts against the blocking portion 73 of the second intermediate component 70, the third intermediate component 80 cannot move further forward. Therefore, the operating component 50 cannot move to the activated position.

[0101] On the other hand, when the side handle 200 is installed, the first intermediate member 60 is pressed by the side handle 200, thereby rotating against the loading force of the spring 68, and the blocking portion 64 of the first intermediate member 60 is displaced to a position that does not obstruct the displacement path of the third intermediate member 80 in the front-back direction. Furthermore, when the cover 300 is installed, the second intermediate member 70 is pressed by the cover 300, thereby moving linearly against the loading force of the spring 79, and the blocking portion 73 of the second intermediate member 70 is displaced to a position that does not obstruct the displacement path of the third intermediate member 80 in the front-back direction. At this time, by... Figure 5 It can be seen that the third intermediate component 80 is able to move forward without abutting against the first intermediate component 60 and the second intermediate component 70. Therefore, the operating component 50 can also be moved to the activated position. Therefore, a structure that can drive the electric motor 31 only when both the side handle 200 and the cover 300 are installed can be realized using only mechanical structure without the use of sensors.

[0102] Furthermore, the first intermediate component 60 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis AX1 when any of the pressed portions 62a to 62c is pressed by the side handle 200. Therefore, it is not necessary to ensure displacement space for the first intermediate component 60 in the front-back direction, thus enabling the grinder 10 to be compact in size in the front-back direction.

[0103] Furthermore, when the cover 300 is installed, the second intermediate component 70 is pressed by the cover 300 (more specifically, the mounting part 320) and moves linearly in the mounting direction of the cover 300 (i.e., the upward direction). Therefore, no direction conversion mechanism is required, which simplifies the device structure.

[0104] The following reference Figures 17-21 The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Hereinafter, only the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. Figure 17 As shown, the grinding machine 400 according to the second embodiment has an operating member 450, a locking member 443, a first intermediate member 460 and a second intermediate member 480.

[0105] like Figure 17As shown, the operating member 450 is an elongated component extending in the front-rear direction, disposed on the underside of the motor housing 430 and the handle housing 440. The operating member 450 has an actuating end 451, a engaging portion 452, a protrusion 453, and a protrusion 454. The actuating end 451 is the front end portion of the operating member 450 and has a smaller thickness (width in the vertical direction) than other portions. The actuating end 451 passes through a through hole 431 formed in the motor housing 430 (see reference). Figure 20 The motor housing 430 is then reached. The engaging portion 452 is for engaging with the locking portion 443 (described later). In this embodiment, it is a protrusion protruding rearward from the rear end of the operating member 450. The protrusion 453 protrudes upward from the upper part of the operating member 450. The protrusion 453 is positioned on the rear side of the operating member 450 in the front-rear direction. The protrusion 454 protrudes downward from the lower part of the operating member 450. The protrusion 454 is positioned approximately at the center of the operating member 450 in the front-rear direction.

[0106] The operating component 450 is capable of pivoting vertically around the portion of its actuating end 451 located within the through hole 431. When the operating component 450 moves from its initial position... Figure 17 The disconnection position shown is towards Figure 19 When the indicated ON position is moved upward, switch 441 switches from OFF state to ON state via pivot component 455.

[0107] Specifically, the pivot member 455 is positioned above the protrusion 453 of the operating member 450. The pivot member 455 is configured to pivot about a pin 458 supported on a boss of the handle housing 440, and has a first portion 456 and a second portion 457 extending radially outward relative to its pivot axis. The first portion 456 is positioned directly above the protrusion 453, and the second portion 457 is positioned above the first portion 456. The pivot member 455 is subjected to a counterclockwise force by a force-applying member (e.g., a torsion spring) to cause the first portion 456 to abut against the protrusion 453 of the operating member 450, which is not illustrated.

[0108] In the unlocked state, as described later, when the user presses the operating member 450 upwards, the operating member 450 pivots upwards. Accordingly, the protrusion 453 causes the first portion 456 of the pivoting member 455 to displace upwards against the loading force of the force-applying member (loading member), thereby pivoting the pivoting member 455 clockwise. As a result, the second portion 457 also pivots clockwise. Then, when the operating member 450 pivots to... Figure 19When in the ON position, the input component 442 of switch 441 is pressed by the second part 457 and thus pressed into the interior of switch 441. Accordingly, switch 441 switches from the OFF state to the ON state. When the user releases the upward pressing operation on the operating component 450, the operating component 450 pivots downwards and returns to the ON position due to the applied force of the force-applying component applying force to the pivoting component 455. Figure 17 The disconnected position is shown. At this time, the pivot component 455 also returns through the loading force of the force-applying component. Figure 17 At the position shown, input component 442 is also disengaged from switch 441. Accordingly, switch 441 returns from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0109] The locking part 443 has the same function as the locking switch 57 in the first embodiment. Specifically, the locking part 443 is configured to switch the state of the operating member 450 between a locked state and a locked-out state by changing the engagement state with the operating member 450. The locked state prevents the operating member 450 from moving from the off position to the on position, and the locked-out state allows the operating member 450 to move from the off position to the on position. Unlike the self-moving locking switch 57 in the first embodiment, the locking part 443 is a fixed (i.e., non-moving) engagement structure. In this embodiment, the locking part 443 is formed as part of the handle housing 440 (more specifically, the rear and lower part) at a position further rear of the operating member 450.

[0110] like Figure 17 As shown, the locking part 443 has a base 444, an engaging part 445, and a support part 446. The base 444 is a portion that protrudes downward from the lower part of the handle housing 440. The engaging part 445 and the support part 446 protrude forward from the base 444. The engaging part 445 is located above the support part 446, and a recess with a front opening is formed between the engaging part 445 and the support part 446. The support part 446 extends forward from the engaging part 445.

[0111] like Figure 17 As shown, the operating member 450 is inserted into the through hole 431 via the actuating end 451, and the engaging part 452 is mounted on the support part 446. Accordingly, the operating member 450 is held in a state of preventing detachment and is movable in the front-back and vertical directions. The operating member 450 is moved in the front-back and vertical directions by manual operation by the user. The user can easily move the operating member 450 in the front-back direction by pressing the protrusion 454 with their finger.

[0112] like Figure 17As shown, the first intermediate component 460 is positioned forward of the operating component 450. The first intermediate component 460 has the same or similar structure as the first intermediate component 60 in the first embodiment, and is configured such that when a side handle (not shown) is attached to the mounting part (not shown) as an accessory, it is directly or indirectly pressed by the side handle, thereby causing displacement.

[0113] like Figure 17 and Figure 20 As shown, the second intermediate component 480 is disposed between the first intermediate component 460 and the operating component 450 in a manner that allows displacement in the front-rear direction. Figure 20 As shown, in this embodiment, the second intermediate member 480 is a rod-shaped member extending in the front-rear direction. An enlarged diameter portion 481, larger in diameter than the other portions, is formed at the rear end of the second intermediate member 480. Here, "diameter" refers to the length in the front-rear direction, and the cross-sectional shape of the second intermediate member 480 and / or the enlarged diameter portion 481 in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction is not limited to a circle.

[0114] like Figure 20 As shown, a helical spring 485, serving as a force-applying component, is arranged around the second intermediate component 480. The helical spring 485 is held in a compressed state between the baffle 432 and the expanded diameter portion 481, which are embedded inside the motor housing 430. Through this helical spring 485, the second intermediate component 480 is always subjected to a rearward force, i.e., towards the operating component 450. Therefore, regardless of the position of the second intermediate component 480 in the front-rear direction, the expanded diameter portion 481 always abuts against the actuating end 451 of the operating component 450 in the front-rear direction. When the user moves the operating component 450 forward, the operating component 450 resists the loading force of the helical spring 485 and presses the second intermediate component 480 forward, causing the second intermediate component 480 to move forward together with the operating component 450. On the other hand, when the user releases the force that caused the operating component 450 to move forward, the operating component 450 and the second intermediate component 480 return to their original positions due to the loading force of the helical spring 485. In this way, the second intermediate component 480 is configured to move in conjunction with the operating component 450 in the front-to-back direction.

[0115] The function of this grinding machine 400 will be explained below. First, as... Figure 17As shown, when the operating member 450 is in the locked state in the disengaged position, the engaging portion 452 of the operating member 450 is received in the recess between the engaging portion 445 of the locking portion 443 and the support portion 446. This position of the operating member 450 is also referred to as the locked position. When the operating member 450 is in the locked position, the engaging portion 445 is located directly above the engaging portion 452. Therefore, even if the user wants to press the operating member 450 upwards, the engaging portion 452 abuts against the engaging portion 445 to restrict the upward displacement of the operating member 450. Therefore, the operating member 450 can move from the disengaged position (see reference...) Figure 17 To the connected position (refer to) Figure 19 The displacement of the second intermediate component 480 is prevented. When the operating component 450 is in the locked state in the disengaged position, the second intermediate component 480 is not pressed forward by the operating component 450 and is located in a position where it is not pressed forward. Figure 20 The position shown is also referred to as the first corresponding position.

[0116] To unlock the operating component 450 from its locked state, the user needs to move the operating component 450 forward. However, as... Figure 20 As shown, with the side handle not installed on the mounting section, the first intermediate component 460 is located in front of the second intermediate component 480. Therefore, when the user wants to move the operating component 450 forward, the forward movement of the second intermediate component 480 (and even the operating component 450) is restricted because the top end 482 of the second intermediate component 480, which is linked to the operating component 450, abuts against the first intermediate component 460. In this way, the first intermediate component 460 prevents the operating component 450 from switching from the locked position to the unlocked position by inter-component contact (in this case, the top ends 482 of the first intermediate component 460 and the second intermediate component 480 abutting). In other words, the first intermediate component 460 blocks the displacement path for the second intermediate component 480 to move forward from the first corresponding position.

[0117] On the other hand, such as Figure 21 As shown, with the side handle installed on the mounting part, similar to the first embodiment, the first intermediate member 460 is displaced, changing to a state where it does not obstruct the displacement path for the second intermediate member 480 to move forward from the first corresponding position (in...). Figure 21 In the cross-section shown, the first intermediate component 460 is displaced to a position not shown. That is, the aforementioned inter-component contact does not occur, allowing the operating component 450 and the second intermediate component 480 to move forward. Therefore, the user can resist the loading force of the helical spring 485, causing the operating component 450 and the second intermediate component 480 to move forward to... Figure 18 and Figure 21 The position shown. At this time, as... Figure 18As shown, the engaging portion 452 of the operating member 450 is supported on the support portion 446 of the locking portion 443, but there is no engaging portion 445 directly above the engaging portion 452. Therefore, the operating member 450 is in a state where it can be displaced upward (i.e., the lock-out state). The position of the operating member 50 at this time is also called the lock-out position, and the position of the second intermediate member 480 is also called the second corresponding position.

[0118] In this way, when the operating component 450 changes from the disconnected position to the unlocked state, and the user moves the operating component 450 upward, such as... Figure 19 As shown, in the above manner, switch 441 is switched on via pivot member 455. On the other hand, when the grinder 400 is stopped, the user releases the upward displacement operation of operating member 450, and thus, as described above, operating member 450 moves from the on position (refer to...) Figure 19 Return to the disconnected position (see reference) Figure 18 At this time, the operating component 450 is released from the locked position by the loading force of the coil spring 485 (see reference). Figure 18 Return to the locked position (see reference) Figure 17 ), and the second intermediate component 480 returns from the second corresponding position to the first corresponding position.

[0119] According to the mill 400 described above, the electric motor can be driven solely by mechanical structure without the use of sensors, only when a side handle is installed. Furthermore, the user can easily identify the displacement of the operating component 450 that occurs during the aforementioned unlocking operation. Therefore, if the electric motor cannot be driven despite an operation to move the operating component 450 from the off position to the on position, the user can easily notice that the reason is not a malfunction of the switch 441, but rather that the unlocking operation cannot be performed due to the absence of a side handle.

[0120] Furthermore, according to the grinder 400, a second intermediate component 480, which is linked to the operating component 450, is disposed between the first intermediate component 460 and the operating component 450. Therefore, a layout where the first intermediate component 460 and the operating component 450 are separate can also be adopted, increasing the design freedom of the grinder 400. However, the second intermediate component 480 can also be omitted. In this case, the actuating end 451 of the operating component 450 can extend to the position of the first intermediate component 460 in the front-rear direction, with the first intermediate component 460 blocking the displacement path of the actuating end 451 only when the side handle is not installed.

[0121] In an alternative embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the operating member 450 can be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state only when both the side handle and the cover are installed. Alternatively, the grinding machine 400 can be configured such that the operating member 450 can be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state only when the cover is installed.

[0122] In a further alternative embodiment, instead of the locking part 443, which is a fixed engaging structure, a movable locking member may be provided as the locking part. In this case, a second intermediate member may be provided between the first intermediate member 460 and the locking member to prevent the locking member from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position only when the side handle is not installed.

[0123] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. These embodiments are merely for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and equivalents are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, within the scope of solving at least a portion of the above-described technical problems or achieving at least a portion of its effects, the elements described in the technical solution and specification can be arbitrarily combined or omitted.

[0124] For example, the shape and form of the structural components of the grinding machine 10 described above are merely exemplary and can be arbitrarily changed, as long as the function of the structural components is ensured. For example, instead of protruding radially outward, the pressed portions 62a to 62c of the first intermediate component 60 can also protrude forward or backward. Alternatively, the blocking portion 64 can be omitted, and a through hole can be formed in the body 61 of the first intermediate component, through which the third intermediate component 80 can pass when the first intermediate component 60 is in the first non-blocking position. In this case, when the first intermediate component 60 is in the first non-blocking position, the body 61 of the first intermediate component functions to block the displacement path of the third intermediate component 80. Alternatively, at least a portion of the third intermediate component 80 (e.g., the horizontally extending portion 82) can also be a wire.

[0125] Furthermore, when the side handle 200 is installed, the first intermediate component 60 may be indirectly pressed by the side handle 200. That is, an additional component that is displaced by being pressed by the side handle 200 may also be provided, thereby displacing the first intermediate component 60. Similarly, the second intermediate component 70 may be indirectly pressed by the cover 300 when the cover 300 is installed.

[0126] Furthermore, instead of a structure where the first intermediate member 60 rotates when the side handle 200 is installed, the first intermediate member 60 can also be configured such that it is pressed and tilted by the side handle 200 when the side handle 200 is installed. For example, the first intermediate member 60 may have a support shaft on its upper side, and when the side handle 200 is installed, the first intermediate member 60 tilts about the support shaft with its lower end close to the front side.

[0127] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are not limited to the grinder 10, but can also be applied to any tool that has a prime mover and can detachably install two accessories.

[0128] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0129] 10, 400: Grinding machine; 20: Gear housing; 22: Second mounting part; 23: Small bevel gear; 24: Large bevel gear; 25: Main shaft; 26: Inner flange; 27: Locking nut; 28: Top tool; 29a, 29b, 29c: First mounting part; 30, 430: Motor housing; 31: Electric motor; 32: Motor shaft; 40, 440: Handle housing; 41, 441: Switch; 42, 442: Input part; 50, 450: Operating part; 51: Support shaft; 52: Protrusion; 53: Spring seat; 54: Spring; 55: Actuating end; 57: Locking switch; 60: First mounting part Intermediate component; 61: First intermediate component body; 62a, 62b, 62c: Pressed part; 63a, 63b, 63c: Pressed surface; 64: Covering part; 65: First through hole; 67: Protrusion; 68: Spring; 70: Second intermediate component; 71: Base; 72: Pressed part; 73: Covering part; 74: Support part; 76: Second through hole; 78: Spring seat; 79: Spring; 80: Third intermediate component; 81: Vertical extension part; 82: Horizontal extension part; 83: Front end; 91, 92: Bolt; 100: Conversion mechanism; 110: First connecting component; 111: Pressing part; 112, 1 13: Engaging part; 112a, 113a: Groove; 114: Through hole; 120: Second connecting part; 121: Vertical extension part; 122: First horizontal extension part; 123: Second horizontal extension part; 124: Support shaft; 130: Retaining part; 131: Spring seat; 132: Spring; 133: Through hole; 134, 135: Opening; 140: Retaining part; 141: Annular part; 142: Cylindrical part; 143, 144, 145, 146: Protrusion; 143a, 144a, 145a, 146a: Threaded hole; 147: Notch; 148: Spring seat; 149: Spring 200: Receiving part; 210: Handle part; 220: Mounting part; 300: Cover; 310: Cover body; 320: Mounting part; 431: Through hole; 432: Baffle; 443: Locking part; 444: Base; 445: Engaging part; 446: Support part; 451: Actual end; 452: Engaging part; 453, 454: Protrusion; 455: Pivoting component; 456: First part; 457: Second part; 458: Pin; 460: First intermediate component; 480: Second intermediate component; 481: Expanded diameter part; 482: Top end; 485: Helical spring; AX1, AX2: Rotation axis.

Claims

1. A tool, characterized in that, have: prime mover; A switch, used to drive the prime mover; The operating component is configured to be displaceable between an open position that puts the switch in an open state and an on position that puts the switch in an on state. Annex 1; Annex 2; The first mounting part is configured to detachably mount the first accessory; The second mounting part is configured to detachably mount the second accessory; The first intermediate component is configured to be displaced by mounting the first accessory to the first mounting part; The second intermediate component is configured to be displaced by mounting the second accessory to the second mounting portion; and The third intermediate component is configured to move in conjunction with the displacement of the operating component, and to move along a displacement path between the disconnection position corresponding to the disconnection position and the connection position corresponding to the connection position. When the first accessory is not installed on the first mounting part, the first intermediate component is located at the first blocking position, which blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate component. With the first accessory installed on the first mounting part, the first intermediate component is located in a first unobstructed position that does not obstruct the displacement path of the third intermediate component. When the second accessory is not installed on the second mounting part, the second intermediate component is located at a second blocking position that blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate component. With the second accessory installed on the second mounting part, the second intermediate component is located in a second unobstructed position that does not obstruct the displacement path of the third intermediate component. When the first intermediate component is in the first unobstructed position and the second intermediate component is in the second unobstructed position, the third intermediate component is allowed to move from the disconnected position to the connected position. Accordingly, the operating component is allowed to move from the disconnected position to the connected position. When at least the first intermediate component is in the first blocking position or when at least the second intermediate component is in the second blocking position, at least one of the first and second intermediate components prevents the third intermediate component from displacing from the disconnected position to the connected position, thereby preventing the operating component from displacing from the disconnected position to the connected position. The prime mover is an electric motor. The tool is a grinder with a tip tool configured to rotate via the electric motor. The first accessory is a side handle. The second accessory is a cover that partially covers the tip tool. The first mounting portion includes at least two side handle mounting portions, which are used for selectively mounting the side handles. The first intermediate component is a single component, configured in a manner shared by the at least two side handle mounting portions. The first intermediate component is configured to have at least one pressable portion. When the side handle is installed on one of the side handle mounting portions selected from the at least two side handle mounting portions, the at least one pressable portion is pressed directly or indirectly by the side handle, and the first intermediate component is displaced when the at least one pressable portion is pressed.

2. The tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first intermediate component has a first intermediate component body, which has a ring shape or a portion thereof. The at least two side handle mounting portions are located at positions that are circumferentially separated from each other on the ring or a portion of the ring.

3. The tool according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first intermediate component is configured to rotate about the rotation axis when the at least one pressed part is pressed.

4. The tool according to claim 3, characterized in that, The at least one pressed portion includes at least two pressed portions that protrude radially outward from the first intermediate component body and are respectively disposed at at least two positions corresponding to the positions of the at least two side handle mounting portions.

5. The tool according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first intermediate component has a blocking portion that blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate component when the first intermediate component is in the first blocking position. The shielding portion protrudes radially outward from the main body of the first intermediate component.

6. The tool according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The first intermediate component body has a first through hole, which has an arc shape centered on the rotation axis. The first intermediate component is threaded through the first through hole in a manner that allows it to rotate along the arc shape.

7. The tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The at least one pressed portion has a pressed surface that forms an angle with respect to the length direction of the side handle when the side handle is mounted on the side handle mounting portion, so that the first intermediate component is displaced in a direction different from the length direction.

8. The tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The second intermediate component is configured such that when the cover is installed on the second mounting part, it is pressed directly or indirectly by the cover, thereby performing linear movement.

9. The tool according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second intermediate component has a second through hole in the shape of an elongated hole, the length direction of which is the direction of linear movement of the second intermediate component. The second intermediate component is threaded through the second through hole in a manner that allows it to move linearly along the elongated hole.

10. The tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The rotation axis of the electric motor intersects with the rotation axis of the top tool.

11. The tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are arranged on the first side along the length direction of the tool. The operating component is arranged on the second side, opposite to the first side. The third intermediate component is an elongated component extending along the length direction.

12. The tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, It has a single retaining member that holds the first intermediate component and the second intermediate component.

13. The tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The displacement direction of the operating component, i.e. the first displacement direction, and the displacement direction of the third intermediate component, i.e. the second displacement direction, are different from each other. The tool has a conversion mechanism configured to convert the movement of the operating component in the first displacement direction into the movement of the third intermediate component in the second displacement direction.

14. The tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, have: Handle housing, which is used for the user to grip; and Motor housing, which houses the electric motor The handle housing is located on the opposite side of the top tool relative to the motor housing in the direction in which the rotation axis of the electric motor extends.

15. A tool, characterized in that, have: prime mover; A switch, used to drive the prime mover; The operating component is configured to be displaceable between an open position that puts the switch in an open state and an on position that puts the switch in an on state. Annex 1; Annex 2; The first mounting part is configured to detachably mount the first accessory; The second mounting part is configured to detachably mount the second accessory; The first intermediate component is configured to be displaced by mounting the first accessory to the first mounting part; The second intermediate component is configured to be displaced by mounting the second accessory to the second mounting portion; and The third intermediate component is configured to move in conjunction with the displacement of the operating component, and to move along a displacement path between the disconnection position corresponding to the disconnection position and the connection position corresponding to the connection position. When the first accessory is not installed on the first mounting part, the first intermediate component is located at the first blocking position, which blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate component. With the first accessory installed on the first mounting part, the first intermediate component is located in a first unobstructed position that does not obstruct the displacement path of the third intermediate component. When the second accessory is not installed on the second mounting part, the second intermediate component is located at a second blocking position that blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate component. With the second accessory installed on the second mounting part, the second intermediate component is located in a second unobstructed position that does not obstruct the displacement path of the third intermediate component. When the first intermediate component is in the first unobstructed position and the second intermediate component is in the second unobstructed position, the third intermediate component is allowed to move from the disconnected position to the connected position. Accordingly, the operating component is allowed to move from the disconnected position to the connected position. When at least the first intermediate component is in the first blocking position or when at least the second intermediate component is in the second blocking position, at least one of the first and second intermediate components prevents the third intermediate component from displacing from the disconnected position to the connected position, thereby preventing the operating component from displacing from the disconnected position to the connected position. The displacement direction of the operating component, i.e. the first displacement direction, and the displacement direction of the third intermediate component, i.e. the second displacement direction, are different from each other. The tool has a conversion mechanism configured to convert the movement of the operating component in the first displacement direction into the movement of the third intermediate component in the second displacement direction.

16. A tool, characterized in that, have: prime mover; A switch, used to drive the prime mover; The operating component is configured to be displaceable between an open position that puts the switch in an open state and an on position that puts the switch in an on state. Annex 1; Annex 2; The first mounting part is configured to detachably mount the first accessory; The second mounting part is configured to detachably mount the second accessory; The first intermediate component is configured to be displaced by mounting the first accessory to the first mounting part; The second intermediate component is configured to be displaced by mounting the second accessory to the second mounting part; and A single third intermediate component is configured to move in conjunction with the displacement of the operating component, displacing along a displacement path between a disconnection corresponding to the disconnection position and a connection corresponding to the connection position. When the first accessory is not installed on the first mounting part, the first intermediate component is located at the first blocking position, which blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate component. With the first accessory installed on the first mounting part, the first intermediate component is located in a first unobstructed position that does not obstruct the displacement path of the third intermediate component. When the second accessory is not installed on the second mounting part, the second intermediate component is located at a second blocking position that blocks the displacement path of the third intermediate component. With the second accessory installed on the second mounting part, the second intermediate component is located in a second unobstructed position that does not obstruct the displacement path of the third intermediate component. When the first intermediate component is in the first unobstructed position and the second intermediate component is in the second unobstructed position, the third intermediate component is allowed to move from the disconnected position to the connected position. Accordingly, the operating component is allowed to move from the disconnected position to the connected position. When at least the first intermediate component is in the first blocking position or when at least the second intermediate component is in the second blocking position, at least one of the first and second intermediate components prevents the third intermediate component from displacing from the disconnected position to the connected position, thereby preventing the operating component from displacing from the disconnected position to the connected position. The prime mover is an electric motor. The tool is a grinder with a tip tool configured to rotate via the electric motor. The first accessory is a side handle. The second accessory is a cover that partially covers the tip tool. The second intermediate component is configured such that when the cover is installed on the second mounting part, it is pressed directly or indirectly by the cover, thereby performing linear movement.

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