Rotary impact tool

Abstract

A rotary impact tool is provided. The rotary impact tool has a motor, a drive mechanism, a tool body that houses the motor and the drive mechanism, a handle that has a grip portion, and a first operation member. The drive mechanism is configured to selectively perform an operation in a plurality of operation modes including at least a first mode in which the tip tool is driven to rotate around a drive axis and a second mode in which the tip tool is driven linearly along the drive axis. The grip portion is configured to extend in a direction that intersects the drive axis and is capable of being held by a user. The first operation member is configured to switch the operation mode of the drive mechanism by being operated by the user. The first operation member is disposed at a position in the tool body that faces the grip portion. Accordingly, a technique is provided in which damage to the operation member for switching the mode is suppressed in the rotary impact tool.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rotary impact tool. Background Technology

[0002] A rotary impact tool is known, configured to operate in response to a selection of multiple modes, including a mode that performs only an impact action by driving the tip tool linearly in a direction along a predetermined drive axis, and a mode that performs at least a rotational action by driving the tip tool about the drive axis. Patent Document 1 describes a hammer drill having a mode switching dial for switching operating modes.

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 6778071 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The technical problem that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In the hammer drill described in Patent Document 1, a mode switching dial is disposed at the upper end of the housing that houses the drive mechanism. However, in this hammer drill, for example, when the upper end of the housing is facing vertically downwards, the mode switching dial may be damaged when the hammer drill falls. Therefore, in a rotary impact tool configured to operate in response to a selected mode, there is a need for a technology that can suppress damage to the operating part used for switching modes.

[0008] [Technical solutions used to solve technical problems]

[0009] The present invention can be implemented in the following ways.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a rotary impact tool is provided. The rotary impact tool includes a motor, a drive mechanism, a tool body, a handle, and a first operating component. The drive mechanism is configured to selectively operate in multiple operating modes via the power of the motor, the multiple operating modes including a first mode that at least rotates the tip tool about a drive axis and drives the tip tool only in a linear fashion along the drive axis, and a second mode that only drives the tip tool in a straight line along the drive axis. The tool body is configured to house the motor and the drive mechanism. The handle has a grip portion that extends in a direction intersecting the drive axis and is gripped by a user. The first operating component is configured to switch the operating modes of the drive mechanism by operation by the user. The first operating component is located in the tool body facing the grip portion.

[0011] According to this method, since the first operating component for switching the drive mechanism mode is located in the tool body facing the handle, even if the rotating impact tool collides with a wall or the ground, the first operating component will not collide with the wall or the ground. Therefore, it is possible to suppress damage to the first operating component caused by external impacts applied to the rotating impact tool. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the general structure of a hammer drill.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The enlarged view shows the state when the impact mode is selected.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the mode switching operation unit viewed from the rear.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The IV-IV sectional view illustrates how the mode switching operation unit is positioned by the leaf spring.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The VV sectional view is a diagram showing the relationship between the first rack gear and the first pinion of the mode switching operation unit.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a top view of the connecting parts and locking lever when the impact mode is selected.

[0018] Figure 7 Is with Figure 5 The corresponding cross-sectional view of the mode switching operation unit is a diagram showing the state when the rotating impact mode is selected.

[0019] Figure 8 Is with Figure 2 The corresponding magnified view of the hammer drill is a diagram showing the state when the rotary impact mode is selected.

[0020] Figure 9 Is with Figure 6 The top view of the corresponding connecting parts and locking lever is a diagram showing the selected rotational impact mode.

[0021] Figure 10 Is with Figure 5 The corresponding sectional view of the mode switching operation unit is a diagram showing the state when the neutral mode is selected.

[0022] Figure 11 Is with Figure 2The corresponding magnified view of the hammer drill is a diagram showing the state when the neutral mode is selected.

[0023] Figure 12 Is with Figure 6 The top view of the corresponding connecting parts and locking lever is a diagram showing the state when the neutral mode is selected.

[0024] Figure 13 yes Figure 2 Sectional view XIII-XIII is used to illustrate the locking mechanism.

[0025] Figure 14 This is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the area surrounding the locking mechanism, used to illustrate the locking mechanism and switch lever when the impact mode is selected.

[0026] Figure 15 This is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the area surrounding the locking mechanism, used to illustrate the locking mechanism and switch lever when the rotary impact mode is selected.

[0027] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0028] 2: Motor; 3: Drive mechanism; 4: Transmission mechanism; 6: Mode switching operation unit; 8: Locking mechanism; 9: Controller; 10: Tool body; 12: Gear housing; 13: Motor housing; 17: Handle; 19: Power cord; 20: Motor body; 21: Stator; 23: Rotor; 25: Motor shaft; 29: Drive gear; 30: Tool holder; 31: Motion conversion mechanism; 33: Impact mechanism; 35: Rotation transmission mechanism; 36: Intermediate shaft; 40: First conversion mechanism; 41: Second conversion mechanism; 1. Pinion; 42. Second pinion; 43. First shaft; 54. Clutch mechanism; 55. Drive sleeve; 56. Gear sleeve; 61. Main operating part; 62. Base; 62p1. Recess; 62p2. Recess; 62pn. Recess; 70. Connecting part; 71. First part; 72. Second part; 73. Third part; 74. Engaging arm; 76. Connecting pin; 77. Torsion spring; 90. Pattern detection part; 91. First switch; 92. Second switch; 95. Accelerometer sensor; 100: Hammer drill; 101: Top tool; 121: Rear wall; 122: Opening; 125: Leaf spring; 126: Protrusion; 132: Rear wall; 170: Holding part; 171: Switch operating lever; 172: Main switch; 173: Connecting part; 174: Connecting part; 175: Elastic component; 177: Opening; 178: Locking protrusion; 180: Locking lever; 181: Main body; 182: Locking piece; 184: Locking hole; 301: Locking ring; 311: Crankshaft; 312: Driven gear ; 313: Connecting rod; 315: Piston; 317: Cylinder; 331: Hammer; 333: Bolt; 335: Air chamber; 361: Small bevel gear; 362: Driven gear; 551: Annular groove; 561: Large bevel gear; 611: Plate part; 612: Operating lever; 621: First rack gear; 711: Plate-shaped part; 712: Second rack gear; 713: Right convex part; 714: Left convex part; 717: Upper convex part; A1: Drive shaft; A2: Rotation shaft; A3: Rotation shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following describes in detail representative and non-limiting examples of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to demonstrate to those skilled in the art the preferred embodiments for carrying out the invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, in order to provide further improved rotary impact tools, their control methods, and methods of use, the additional technical features and solutions disclosed below may be used alone or in combination with other technical features or solutions.

[0030] Furthermore, the combinations of technical features or processes disclosed in the following detailed description are not essential for implementing the invention in the broadest sense, but are merely descriptions for illustrating representative specific examples of the invention. Moreover, when providing additional and useful embodiments of the invention, it is not necessary to combine the various technical features of the above and below representative examples and the various technical features described in the technical solutions in the order described herein or in the specific examples listed.

[0031] All technical features described in this specification and / or technical solution differ in structure from those described in the implementation method and / or technical solution. These features are disclosed separately and independently as limitations on the original application and specific aspects of the technical solution. Furthermore, descriptions of all numerical ranges and groups or categories are disclosed as limitations on the original application and specific aspects of the technical solution, representing intermediate structures of these categories.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the grip may have a second operating member. The second operating member may be configured to always be held in the off position and moved to the on position by being pressed by the user, thereby enabling the motor to be driven. The first operating member may also be positioned opposite the second operating member.

[0033] According to the above structure, since the first operating component is located in the tool body facing the second operating component for motor drive, both the first and second operating components can be operated with one hand. Therefore, the operability of the rotary impact tool can be improved.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the first operating member may be configured to slide within a predetermined range in a direction intersecting the drive axis. Additionally, the first operating member may be configured to switch the operation mode of the drive mechanism to the first mode in response to moving to a first position within the predetermined range. Furthermore, the first operating member may be configured to switch the operation mode of the drive mechanism to the second mode in response to moving to a second position within the predetermined range, different from the first position.

[0035] According to the above structure, the operation mode of the drive mechanism can be switched between the first mode and the second mode by operating the first operation component.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the rotary impact tool may further include a tool holder and a clutch component. The tool holder may be configured to detachably hold the tip tool, which is driven to rotate about the drive axis by torque transmitted from the motor. The clutch component may be configured to be disposed on the tool holder and movable along the drive axis in response to operation of the first operating component. The clutch component may be configured to transmit the torque by being positioned in a third position along the drive axis. Alternatively, the clutch component may be configured to disengage the torque transmission by being positioned in a fourth position along the drive axis, different from the third position. The drive mechanism may be configured to operate in the first mode by the clutch component being positioned in the third position. Alternatively, the drive mechanism may be configured to operate in the second mode by the clutch component being positioned in the fourth position.

[0037] According to the above structure, by moving the clutch component between the third and fourth positions along the drive axis, the operating mode of the drive mechanism can be switched between the first mode and the second mode.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the rotary impact tool may have a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism may be configured to transmit the sliding of the first operating component within the predetermined range to the clutch component, causing the clutch component to move along the drive axis.

[0039] According to the above structure, the sliding of the first operating component, which is located in the tool body facing the grip, can be transmitted to the clutch component on the tool holder that is driven to rotate around the drive axis.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the transmission mechanism may have a conversion mechanism. The conversion mechanism may be configured to convert the linear sliding motion of the first operating member within the predetermined range into rotational motion. The conversion mechanism may also be configured to convert the rotational motion into linear motion along the drive axis.

[0041] According to the above structure, by converting the linear sliding motion of the first operating member into rotational motion, and then converting this rotational motion into linear motion along the drive axis, the clutch member can be moved along the drive axis. Furthermore, compared to a structure without a conversion mechanism, the degree of freedom in configuring the transmission mechanism can be increased.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the conversion mechanism may have a first rack and pinion, a first pinion, a second pinion, and a second rack and pinion. The first rack and pinion may be configured to slide in response to linear sliding of the first operating member within the predetermined range. The first pinion may be configured to engage with the first rack and pinion. The second pinion may be configured to rotate in response to rotation of the first pinion. The second rack and pinion may be configured to engage with the second pinion, converting the rotational motion of the first and second pinions into linear motion along the drive axis.

[0043] According to the above structure, the linear sliding of the first operating component can be converted into linear motion and transmitted to the clutch component by using the first rack and pinion, the first pinion and the first pinion, and the second rack and pinion.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the rotary impact tool may have a force-applying component that applies force to the first operating component. The first operating component may be configured to be held in the first position and in the second position by the force applied by the force-applying component.

[0045] Based on the above structure, a rotary impact tool can be provided that allows the first operating component to slide within a predetermined range while being positioned at a first or second position.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the gripping part may have a second operating member configured to always be held in the off position and moved to the on position by pressure from the user, thereby enabling the motor to be driven. The rotary impact tool may also have a locking member and a locking control member. The locking member may be configured to move between a lockable position and an unlockable position by the user's operation; in the lockable position, the second operating member can be locked in the on position; in the unlockable position, the second operating member cannot be locked in the on position. The locking control member may be configured to move along the drive axis. The locking control member may be configured to be positioned in a position that interferes with the locking member when the operation of the first operating member is in the first mode, holding the locking member in the unlockable position. The locking control member may also be configured to be positioned in a position that does not interfere with the locking member when the operation of the first operating member is in the second mode, allowing the locking member to move to the lockable position.

[0047] According to the above structure, in the second mode where the tip tool only performs an impact action, the locking control member is configured to allow the locking member to move to a lockable position. Therefore, during relatively long, continuous impact-only machining operations, the user does not need to continuously press the second operating member. This reduces the burden on the user during machining operations. Furthermore, in the first mode where the tip tool performs a rotation action, the locking control member holds the locking member in an unlockable position. Therefore, even if the tip tool is locked by the workpiece, the user can stop the motor drive simply by releasing the pressure on the second operating member. Thus, a highly safe rotary impact tool can be provided.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the rotary impact tool may include a pattern detection unit, a rotation detection unit, and a control unit. The pattern detection unit may be configured to detect that the operating mode of the drive mechanism is at least the first mode. The rotation detection unit may be configured to detect the rotational state of the tool body about the drive axis. The control unit may be configured to control the drive of the motor. The control unit may be configured to stop the motor when, using the detection results of the rotation detection unit and the pattern detection unit, the operating mode is the first mode and the tool body is in a state of excessive rotation about the drive axis.

[0049] According to the above structure, in the first mode where the top tool is rotated, even if the top tool is locked by the workpiece, causing the tool body to rotate excessively around the drive axis (also known as recoil phenomenon), the controller stops the motor based on the detection value of the rotation detection unit, thus further improving the safety of the rotating impact tool.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the rotary impact tool may have an elastic component. The elastic component can connect the handle to the tool body in a manner that allows relative movement along the drive axis. The rotation detection unit can be housed within the handle.

[0051] According to the above structure, since the rotation detection unit is housed in the handle, vibrations transmitted to the tool body to the rotation detection unit can be reduced, wherein the handle is connected to the tool body via an elastic member in a manner that allows it to move relative to the tool body. Therefore, the lifespan of the rotation detection unit can be extended.

[0052] <Implementation Method>

[0053] Next, use Figures 1 to 15The following describes a rotary impact tool according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, a hammer drill 100 is described as an example of a rotary impact tool. The hammer drill 100 is configured to perform an action that drives the tip tool 101 mounted on the tool holder 30 to rotate around a predetermined drive axis A1 (hereinafter referred to as rotation action) and an action that drives the tip tool 101 in a straight line parallel to the drive axis A1 (hereinafter referred to as impact action).

[0054] First, refer to Figure 1 Let me briefly explain the overall structure of the hammer drill 100. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the hammer drill 100 consists of a tool body 10 and a handle 17 connected to the tool body 10.

[0055] The tool body 10 has a gear housing 12 and a motor housing 13, the gear housing 12 extending along a drive axis A1; the motor housing 13 is connected to one end of the gear housing 12 along its long axis and extends in a direction intersecting the drive axis A1. In this embodiment, the motor housing 13 extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the drive axis A1. With this structure, the tool body 10 is generally formed in a generally L-shape.

[0056] A tool holder 30, configured to detachably attach a top tool 101, is disposed at the other end of the gear housing 12 along its long axis. Additionally, a drive mechanism 3 is housed within the gear housing 12. Although described in detail later, the drive mechanism 3 is configured to selectively operate in multiple modes, including a mode that performs both rotational and impact actions (hereinafter, rotational-impact mode) and a mode that performs only impact actions (hereinafter, impact mode). The motor 2 is housed within a motor housing 13. The motor 2 is configured such that the rotation axis A2 of the motor shaft 25 intersects (more specifically, is orthogonal) the drive axis A1. The gear housing 12 and the motor housing 13 are connected in a manner that prevents relative movement.

[0057] The handle 17 includes a gripping portion 170 and connecting portions 173 and 174. The gripping portion 170 extends in a direction intersecting (more specifically, substantially orthogonal) the drive axis A1. The connecting portions 173 and 174 protrude from both ends of the gripping portion 170 along its long axis in a direction intersecting (more specifically, substantially orthogonal) the gripping portion 170. The handle 17 is generally C-shaped. The handle 17 is connected to the end opposite to the side where the tool holder 30 is disposed in the long axis direction of the tool body 10. More specifically, the connecting portion 173 is connected to the gear housing 12, and the connecting portion 174 is connected to the motor housing 13.

[0058] The detailed structure of the hammer drill 100 will now be described. For convenience, in the following description, the extension direction of the drive axis A1 of the hammer drill 100 (the direction of the major axis of the gear housing 12) is defined as the front-rear direction of the hammer drill 100, the end side where the tool holder 30 is installed is defined as the front side of the hammer drill 100, and the opposite side is defined as the rear side. Furthermore, the extension direction of the gripping part 170 is defined as the vertical direction of the hammer drill 100, the side where the connecting part 173 connects to the gear housing 12 is defined as the upper side, and the opposite side is defined as the lower side. Additionally, the direction orthogonal to the front-rear and vertical directions is defined as the left-right direction.

[0059] First, let's describe the handle 17. As described above, the handle 17 has a grip portion 170, a connecting portion 173, and a connecting portion 174. The grip portion 170 extends in a vertical direction; the connecting portion 173 protrudes forward from the upper end of the grip portion 170; and the connecting portion 174 protrudes forward from the lower end of the grip portion 170. Figure 1 As shown, elastic members 175 and 176 are respectively disposed between the connecting portion 173 and the upper rear end of the gear housing 12, and between the connecting portion 174 and the lower rear end of the motor housing 13. In this embodiment, compression coil springs are used as elastic members 175 and 176. The handle 17 is connected to the tool body 10 via the elastic members 175 and 176 in a manner that allows it to move in the back-and-forth direction relative to the tool body 10. With this structure, vibrations transmitted from the tool body 10 to the handle 17 (especially vibrations in the back-and-forth direction caused by impact actions) can be reduced.

[0060] A switch operating lever 171 is provided on the grip portion 170. The switch operating lever 171 is located on the front side of the grip portion 170, positioned approximately from the middle to the top of the grip portion 170 in the vertical direction. The switch operating lever 171 is configured to be pressable by the user. Figure 2 In the diagram, the off position of the switch lever 171 is indicated by a solid line, and the on position is indicated by a double-dotted line. Normally, the switch lever 171 is held in the off position by the forward force applied to the plunger of the main switch 172 located at the rear of the switch lever 171. It is moved to the on position by being pressed by the user and engaged within the handle 170. When the switch lever 171 moves to the on position, the main switch 172 housed within the handle 17 is activated, driving the motor 2 under the control of the controller 9 (described later).

[0061] A locking mechanism 8 is provided near the connecting portion 173 of the handle 17. The locking mechanism 8 is configured to lock the switch operating lever 171 in the ON position when the operating mode is impact mode, but not to lock the switch operating lever 171 in the ON position when the operating mode is rotary impact mode. The locking mechanism 8 will be described later.

[0062] An acceleration sensor 95 is housed within the handle 17. In this embodiment, the acceleration sensor 95 is housed within the lower end of the grip portion 170 and is positioned relatively away from the drive axis A1. The acceleration sensor 95 is configured to output a signal indicating the detected acceleration to the controller 9, which will be described later. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 95 is used as an indicator of the rotational state of the tool body 10 about the drive axis A1.

[0063] Next, the internal structure of the motor housing 13 will be described. The motor housing 13 mainly houses the motor 2 and the controller 9.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the motor 2 has a motor body 20 including a stator 21 and a rotor 23, and a motor shaft 25 extending from the rotor 23. The rotation axis A2 of the motor 2 (motor shaft 25) extends in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, an AC motor that receives power from an external power source via a power line 19 is used as the motor 2. The motor shaft 25 is rotatably supported at its upper and lower ends by bearings. The upper end of the motor shaft 25 protrudes into the gear housing 12, and a drive gear 29 is formed on this portion.

[0065] The controller 9 is mounted on the rear wall 132 of the motor body 20. In this embodiment, the controller 9 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and memory, and the CPU is configured to control the operation of the hammer drill 100.

[0066] The controller 9 is electrically connected to the main switch 172, the acceleration sensor 95, and the pattern detection unit 90 (described later) via wires (not shown). In this embodiment, when the main switch 172 is in the ON state, the controller 9 drives the motor 2 in response to the rotational speed set by adjusting the dial (not shown). Furthermore, the controller 9 is configured to stop driving the motor 2 when the tool body 10 is excessively rotated about the drive axis A1, based on the detection results from the acceleration sensor 95 and the pattern detection unit 90; details will be explained later.

[0067] Next, the internal structure of the gear housing 12 will be described. The gear housing 12 mainly houses the tool holder 30, the drive mechanism 3, and the transmission mechanism 4.

[0068] The front portion of the gear housing 12 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape along the drive axis A1, and the tool holder 30 is housed in this cylindrical portion (also referred to as the cylinder). In addition, although not shown in the figure, an auxiliary handle for assisting in holding the hammer drill 100 can be installed in the cylinder.

[0069] The drive mechanism 3 includes a motion conversion mechanism 31, an impact mechanism 33, and a rotation transmission mechanism 35. Most of the motion conversion mechanism 31 and the rotation transmission mechanism 35 are housed in the rear portion of the gear housing 12.

[0070] The motion conversion mechanism 31 is configured to convert the rotational motion of the motor 2 into linear motion and transmit it to the impact mechanism 33. In this embodiment, a well-known crank mechanism is used as the motion conversion mechanism 31. Figure 2 As shown, the motion conversion mechanism 31 includes a crankshaft 311, a connecting rod 313, and a piston 315. The crankshaft 311 is arranged at the rear end of the gear housing 12 in a manner parallel to the motor shaft 25. The crankshaft 311 has a driven gear 312 that meshes with the drive gear 29. One end of the connecting rod 313 is connected to an eccentric pin, and the other end is connected to the piston 315 via a connecting pin. The piston 315 is slidably disposed within a cylindrical cylinder 317. When the motor 2 is driven, the piston 315 reciprocates within the cylinder 317 along the drive axis A1 (in the front-rear direction).

[0071] Impact mechanism 33 includes hammer 331 and bolt 333 (see reference) Figure 1 The hammer 331 is positioned in front of the piston 315, arranged in a manner that allows it to slide in the front-rear direction within the cylinder 317. An air chamber 335 is formed between the hammer 331 and the piston 315, which is used to cause the hammer 331 to move linearly by means of air pressure variations generated by the reciprocating movement of the piston 315. The striker 333 is configured as an intermediate component that transmits the kinetic energy of the hammer 331 to the tip tool 101. Figure 1 As shown, the striker 333 is configured in a way that allows it to slide in the front-to-back direction within the tool holder 30, which is coaxial with the cylinder 317.

[0072] When motor 2 is driven and piston 315 moves forward, the air in air chamber 335 is compressed, causing the internal pressure to rise. The hammer 331, under the action of the air spring, is pushed forward at high speed and collides with the striker 333, transferring kinetic energy to the tip tool 101. Thus, the tip tool 101 is driven linearly parallel to the drive axis A1, impacting the workpiece. Conversely, when piston 315 moves backward, the air in air chamber 335 expands, causing the internal pressure to drop, and the hammer 331 is pulled backward. The hammer drill 100 performs the impact action by repeatedly performing this action through motion conversion mechanism 31 and impact mechanism 33.

[0073] The rotary transmission mechanism 35 is configured to transmit the torque of the motor shaft 25 to the tool holder 30. For example... Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the rotary transmission mechanism 35 includes a drive gear 29, an intermediate shaft 36, and a clutch mechanism 54. The drive gear 29 is mounted on the motor shaft 25. The rotary transmission mechanism 35 is configured as a reduction gear mechanism, and the rotational speed decreases sequentially in the order of motor shaft 25, intermediate shaft 36, and tool holder 30.

[0074] An intermediate shaft 36 is disposed on the upper front side of the motor 2, parallel to the motor shaft 25. A driven gear 362 that meshes with the drive gear 29 is provided on the lower part of the intermediate shaft 36. In addition, a small bevel gear 361 is provided on the upper part of the intermediate shaft 36.

[0075] A clutch mechanism 54 is mounted on a tool holder 30. The clutch mechanism 54 is configured to transmit torque from the motor shaft 25 to the tool holder 30 or to interrupt torque transmission. In this embodiment, the clutch mechanism 54 includes a gear sleeve 56 and a drive sleeve 55, the gear sleeve 56 having a large bevel gear 561. The gear sleeve 56 is supported around the rear end of the tool holder 30 in a manner rotatable about a drive axis A1. The large bevel gear 561 meshes with a small bevel gear 361 at the upper end of an intermediate shaft 36.

[0076] The drive sleeve 55 is cylindrical and is located on the front side of the gear sleeve 56, engaging with the outer periphery of the tool holder 30 via splines. That is, the drive sleeve 55 is engaged with the tool holder 30 while its circumferential movement relative to the tool holder 30 is restricted and it is capable of moving in the back-and-forth direction.

[0077] exist Figure 2 , Figure 8 , Figure 11 The diagram shows the drive sleeve 55 at its furthest position (hereinafter, position Pd) and foremost position (hereinafter, position Ph) within its range of motion. When the drive sleeve 55 moves to position Pd, it engages with the front end of the gear sleeve 56 (see reference). Figure 8 Thus, the torque of motor 2 can be transmitted to tool holder 30 via rotary transmission mechanism 35. As described above, since motion conversion mechanism 31 is also driven when motor 2 is driven, when motor 2 is driven with drive sleeve 55 configured at position Pd, rotational and impact actions are performed simultaneously in hammer drill 100. That is, when drive sleeve 55 moves to position Pd, the operating mode of hammer drill 100 is switched to rotational impact mode.

[0078] Additionally, when the drive sleeve 55 moves forward from position Pd, the engagement between the drive sleeve 55 and the gear sleeve 56 is released (see reference). Figure 11 Therefore, the torque of motor 2 cannot be transmitted to tool holder 30 via rotary transmission mechanism 35. Furthermore, as... Figure 2As shown, when the drive sleeve 55 moves to position Ph, it engages with the locking ring 301 fixed to the gear housing 12, preventing the tool holder 30 from rotating around the drive axis A1. When the drive motor 2 is in this state, the motion conversion mechanism 31 is activated, causing the hammer drill 100 to perform only impact actions. That is, when the drive sleeve 55 moves to position Ph, the operating mode of the hammer drill 100 is switched to impact mode. Thus, in the hammer drill 100, the operating mode is switched by moving the drive sleeve 55 parallel to the drive axis A1 (in the front-to-back direction).

[0079] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, when the drive sleeve 55 moves between position Ph and position Pd, as described above, the torque of the motor 2 cannot be transmitted to the tool holder 30. Furthermore, since the drive sleeve 55 does not engage with the locking ring 301, the tool holder 30 is not fixed to the gear housing 12. Therefore, in this state, the user can rotate the tip tool 101 around the drive axis A1 by holding it with their fingers, thereby allowing both the tip tool 101 and the tool holder 30 to rotate around the drive axis A1. That is, the operating mode of the drive mechanism 3 is switched to a mode capable of aligning the tip tool 101. This operating mode is also referred to as the "neutral mode".

[0080] The structure for switching the operating mode of the hammer drill 100 will now be described. The hammer drill 100 has a mode switching operation unit 6 operated by the user and a transmission mechanism 4 that transmits the operation of the mode switching operation unit 6 to the drive sleeve 55. The operating mode is switched by means of these components.

[0081] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Figure 11 As shown, the mode switching operation unit 6 is located in the tool body 10 facing the handle 170. The mode switching operation unit 6 faces the switch operation lever 171 located on the front side of the handle 170. In this embodiment, the mode switching operation unit 6 is supported on the gear housing 12 in a manner that allows it to move linearly in the left-right direction, with a portion of it protruding from the opening 122 formed in the upper part of the rear wall 121 of the gear housing 12. The mode switching operation unit 6 is also referred to as a mode switching lever.

[0082] The mode switching operation unit 6 has a main operation unit 61 and a base 62, wherein the main operation unit 61 is operated by the user; and the base 62 is connected to the main operation unit 61. Figure 3As shown, the main operation unit 61 has a plate portion 611 and an operation lever 612. The plate portion 611 is rectangular and has a long axis extending in the left-right direction; the operation lever 612 protrudes rearward from the plate portion 611. The operation lever 612 is located at the center of the plate portion 611 in the left-right direction and extends in the up-down direction. The mode switching operation unit 6 is movable between position P1 to the left of position Pn and position P2 to the right of position Pn, where position Pn is the position when the operation lever 612 is positioned at the center of the opening 122 in the left-right direction. Figure 3 In the diagram, the solid line shows the mode switching operation unit 6 in position P2, and the double-dotted lines show its positions Pn and P1. The user can operate the joystick 612 to move the mode switching operation unit 6 to position P2, thereby switching the operation mode to impact mode; and to position P1, to switch the operation mode to rotational impact mode. Details will be explained later. Additionally, the user can operate the joystick 612 to move the mode switching operation unit 6 to position Pn, thereby switching the operation mode to neutral mode.

[0083] The base 62 of the mode switching operation unit 6 is held in the gear housing 12 in a manner that allows it to move in the left and right direction. For example... Figure 4 As shown, leaf springs 125, which are held in the gear housing 12, are arranged on the upper and lower sides of the base 62. When viewed in cross-section, the leaf spring 125 extends in the left-right direction. The leaf spring 125 has a protrusion 126 protruding towards the base 62 at a position corresponding to the center of the opening 122 in the left-right direction. Recesses 62p2, 62pn, and 62p1, which are recessed downwards and upwards respectively, are formed at the upper and lower ends of the base 62. The recesses 62p2, 62pn, and 62p1 are formed sequentially from left to right and can engage with the protrusion 126 of the leaf spring 125, respectively. Figure 4 In the middle, the protrusion 126 engages with the recess 62ph. The recesses 62p2, 62pn, and 62p1 are arranged spaced apart in the left-right direction such that when they engage with the protrusion 126, the mode switching operation unit 6 is positioned at position P2, position Pn, and position P1, respectively. In this way, the mode switching operation unit 6 is held at position P2, position Pn, and position P1 by the force of the leaf spring 125.

[0084] Next, the transfer mechanism 4 will be described. The transfer mechanism 4 is configured to transfer the operation of the mode switching operation unit 6 to the drive sleeve 55. For example... Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 4 includes a first conversion mechanism 40 and a connecting member 70 connecting the first conversion mechanism 40 and the drive sleeve 55. The first conversion mechanism 40 is configured to convert the linear sliding of the mode switching operation unit 6 (main operation unit 61) in the left-right direction into linear motion in the direction parallel to the drive axis A1 (front-back direction). The connecting member 70 is configured to connect the first conversion mechanism 40 and the drive sleeve 55 in a manner that allows it to move parallel to the drive axis A1.

[0085] First, the first conversion mechanism 40 will be explained. The first conversion mechanism 40 is configured as a gear and rack mechanism. For example... Figure 2 , Figure 8 , Figure 11 As shown, the first conversion mechanism 40 includes a first rack and pinion 621, a first pinion 41, a first shaft 43, a second pinion 42, and a second rack and pinion 712. In this embodiment, the components constituting the first conversion mechanism 40 are configured such that when the mode switching operation unit 6 moves to position P1, the connecting member 70 moves to the furthest position within its movement range, and when the mode switching operation unit 6 moves to position P2, the connecting member 70 moves to the foremost position within its movement range. Each component will be described below.

[0086] The first rack and pinion 621 constitutes part of the mode switching operation unit 6. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the first rack and pinion 621 is formed at the front of the base 62. The first rack and pinion 621 moves in a straight line in the left and right direction in response to the linear movement in the left and right direction of the mode switching operation unit 6 (main operation unit 61).

[0087] The first pinion 41 meshes with the first rack and pinion 621 on the front side of the first rack and pinion 621. For example... Figure 2 , Figure 8 , Figure 11 As shown, the first shaft 43 extends vertically and is rotatably supported on the gear housing 12. A first pinion 41 is fixed at the lower part, and a second pinion 42 is fixed at the upper part. The central axis of the first shaft 43 is also the axis of rotation of the first pinion 41 and the second pinion 42 (hereinafter, axis of rotation A3). When the first rack gear 621 moves left or right, the first pinion 41 rotates about axis of rotation A3, causing the first shaft 43 to rotate. As a result, the second pinion 42, held at the upper part of the first shaft 43, rotates about axis of rotation A3.

[0088] The second rack gear 712 meshes with the second pinion 42 on the upper part of the first shaft 43. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 6As shown, the second rack and pinion 712 is disposed on the first component 71 extending in the front-rear direction at the upper part of the first conversion mechanism 40. When the second pinion 42 rotates about the rotation axis A3, the first component 71 with the second rack and pinion 712 moves in a manner parallel to the drive axis A1 (i.e., in the front-rear direction). In this way, the left-right movement of the mode switching operation unit 6 is converted into linear motion along the drive axis A1 by the first conversion mechanism 40.

[0089] Next, the connecting component 70 will be described. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the connecting member 70 has a first component 71, a second component 72, a third component 73, and a locking arm 74. The first component 71 forms a second rack and pinion 712; the locking arm 74 engages with the drive sleeve 55. The components are arranged sequentially from back to front and are configured within the gear housing 12 to be movable integrally in the front-rear direction. The connecting member 70 moves in the front-rear direction via the second rack and pinion 712 through the rotation of the second pinion 42. The connecting member 70 is configured such that moving to the foremost position within its movement range moves the drive sleeve 55 to position Ph, and moving to the rearmost position moves the drive sleeve 55 to position Pd. Furthermore, the length of the connecting member 70 in the front-rear direction is configured such that when the mode switching operation unit 6 moves to position P2, it moves to the foremost position, and when the mode switching operation unit 6 moves to position P1, it moves to the rearmost position.

[0090] The details of the connecting component 70 are explained below. The first component 71 moves in the front-back direction via the movement of the second rack and pinion 42 in response to the rotation of the second pinion 42. In this embodiment, the first component 71 has a plate-shaped portion 711 and an upper protrusion 717, wherein the plate-shaped portion 711 is orthogonal to the vertical direction and extends in the front-back direction; the upper protrusion 717 is provided at the front end of the plate-shaped portion 711 and protrudes upward from the plate-shaped portion 711 (see reference). Figure 2 The second rack gear 712 is disposed on the plate-shaped portion 711. The first component 71 also has a right protrusion 713 protruding to the right from the front end of the plate-shaped portion 711 and a left protrusion 714 protruding to the left from the front end of the plate-shaped portion 711.

[0091] The second component 72 is a rod-shaped component extending in the front-to-back direction. The rear end of the second component 72 is inserted into the upper protrusion 717 of the first component 71 and connected to the first component 71. Figure 6 The connection between the first component 71 and the second component 72 is shown within the upper protrusion 717. The third component 73 is a rectangular component, and the rear end of the third component 73 connects to the front end of the second component 72. The engaging arm 74 is a long, plate-like component extending in the front-rear direction. Figure 2 As shown, the rear end of the engaging arm 74 is connected to the front end of the third component 73. The forked front end of the engaging arm 74 bends downward into a hook shape and engages with the annular groove 551 formed on the outer periphery of the drive sleeve 55. In this embodiment, a through hole is provided at the rear end of the engaging arm 74, and a connecting pin 76 is inserted through the through hole. In addition, a torsion spring 77 is held on the left end of the front end of the third component 73, and the lower end of the connecting pin 76 is clamped between the two arms of the torsion spring 77 by the force of the torsion spring 77. Furthermore, the arm located on the rear side of the connecting pin 76 is locked to the third component 73.

[0092] With the above structure, when the mode switching operation unit 6 moves to the right and is positioned at position P2 (refer to...) Figure 5 The rightward movement of the mode switching operation unit 6 is converted by the first conversion mechanism 40 into a forward linear movement of the connecting member 70. The connecting member 70 moves to the foremost position within its movement range (see reference). Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 The drive sleeve 55 moves to position Ph (refer to...). Figure 2 As a result, the hammer drill 100's operating mode was switched to impact mode.

[0093] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, when the mode switching operation unit 6 moves to the left and is moved to position P1, the leftward movement of the mode switching operation unit 6 is converted into a rearward linear movement of the connecting member 70 by the first conversion mechanism 40. Thus, as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the connecting component 70 moves to the furthest position within its movement range, driving the sleeve 55 to position Pd. As a result, the operating mode of the hammer drill 100 is switched to a rotary impact mode.

[0094] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown, when the mode switching operation unit 6 moves to the right or left and is moved to position Pn, the leftward or rightward movement of the mode switching operation unit 6 is converted by the first conversion mechanism 40 into a linear movement of the connecting member 70 along the drive axis A1 forward or backward. Thus, as... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the connecting component 70 moves between its foremost and rearmost positions within its movement range, while the drive sleeve 55 moves between position Ph and position Pd. As a result, the hammer drill 100's operating mode is switched to neutral mode.

[0095] Next, use Figures 13 to 15Let me describe the locking mechanism 8. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 8 includes a locking lever 180 and a first component 71.

[0096] The locking lever 180 is located on the upper side of the switch operating lever 171 at the upper end of the handle 17 (near the connecting portion 173), and is supported on the handle 17 in a manner that allows it to move in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the locking lever 180 has a rod-shaped main body 181 extending in the left-right direction and two locking tabs 182 protruding downward from the lower end of the main body 181. Figure 13 As shown, the two ends of the main body 181 in the left and right directions protrude from the openings 177 provided on the left and right walls of the connecting part 173. The user can operate the locking lever 180 by pressing the main body 181 to the left or right relative to the handle 17.

[0097] In this embodiment, the switch operating lever 171 is provided with two upwardly protruding locking protrusions 178. For example... Figure 13 As shown by the solid line, the two locking tabs 182 of the locking lever 180 are separated in the left-right direction so as to allow the locking protrusion 178 of the switch operating lever 171 to be positioned between the two locking tabs 182. Furthermore, as... Figure 13 As shown by the double-dotted line, the spacing between the two locking tabs 182 of the locking lever 180 is equal to the spacing between the two locking protrusions 178 of the switch operating lever 171.

[0098] The locking lever 180 is movable between a lockable position and an unlockable position. In the lockable position, the switch operating lever 171 can be locked in the ON state; in the unlockable position, the switch operating lever 171 cannot be locked in the ON state. Figure 13 As shown by the double-dotted line, the lockable position is where the locking piece 182 of the locking lever 180 is located on the movement path of the locking protrusion 178 of the switch operating lever 171. In the lockable position, the rear end of the locking piece 182 of the locking lever 180 abuts against the front end of the locking protrusion 178 of the switch operating lever 171, which has moved to the OFF position, thereby holding the switch operating lever 171 in the OFF position. Figure 13 As shown by the solid line, the non-lockable position is the position where the locking piece 182 of the locking lever 180 is located off the movement path of the locking protrusion 178 of the switch operating lever 171. In the non-lockable position, the locking protrusion 178 does not interfere with the forward and backward movement of the locking piece 182. Therefore, the switch operating lever 171 can move between the on and off positions. Furthermore, in order to ensure that the locking lever 180 can always operate the switch operating lever 171, it is configured by the user... Figure 13The non-lockable position, indicated by the solid line, is moved to the lockable position by the user only when the switch operating lever 171 is locked in the ON state. Additionally, although not shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the locking lever 180 is held in either the non-lockable or lockable position by the force applied by the force-applying component.

[0099] Returning to the description of the locking lever 180, a locking hole 184 is formed approximately at the center of the main body 181 in the left-right direction, extending through the main body 181 in the front-back direction. The height of the locking hole 184 in the vertical direction and the width in the left-right direction are shaped to allow the plate-shaped portion 711 of the first component 71 to be inserted. As described above, the first component 71 constitutes part of the connecting component 70 and moves in the front-back direction in response to the operation of the mode switching operation unit 6.

[0100] exist Figure 6 , Figure 9 and Figure 12 The positional relationship between the connecting member 70 and the locking hole 184 is shown. The plate-shaped portion 711 of the first member 71 extends in the front-rear direction in such a way that when the mode switching operation unit 6 moves to position P1 (i.e., when the rotary impact mode is selected), it moves to the rearmost position within the movement range by the first conversion mechanism 40 and engages with the locking hole 184. When the mode switching operation unit 6 moves to position Pn or position P2 (i.e., when the neutral mode or impact mode is selected), it moves forward from the rearmost position by the first conversion mechanism 40 and disengages from the locking hole 184.

[0101] With the above structure, when the mode switching operation unit 6 moves to position P1 (i.e., when the rotating impact mode is selected), the connecting member 70 moves to the furthest position within its movement range, and the plate-shaped part 711 engages with the locking hole 184 (see reference). Figure 9 , Figure 15 Therefore, the left-right movement of the locking lever 180 is restricted by the first component 71, and the locking lever 180 remains in an unlockable position. On the other hand, when the mode switching operation unit 6 moves to position P2 (i.e., when the impact mode is selected), the connecting component 70 moves to the foremost position within its movement range, and the engagement between the plate-shaped part 711 and the locking hole 184 is released (see reference). Figure 6 , Figure 14 Therefore, the locking lever 180 can be moved in the left and right directions. In this state, when the user moves the locking lever 180 to the lockable position, the switch operating lever 171 remains in the OFF state. That is, in impact mode, the user moves the locking lever 180 to the lockable position by pressing it in, thereby maintaining the switch operating lever 171 in the OFF state without continuously pressing it.

[0102] Next, the pattern detection unit 90 of the hammer drill 100 and the control of the motor 2 using the pattern detection unit 90 and the acceleration sensor 95 implemented by the controller 9 will be explained.

[0103] First, the mode detection unit 90 will be explained. The mode detection unit 90 is configured to detect the operating mode of the hammer drill 100 (the current actual operating mode, specifically the position of the drive sleeve 55). In this embodiment, the mode detection unit 90 includes a first switch 91 and a second switch 92 disposed on the upper part of the gear housing 12. In this embodiment, the first switch 91 and the second switch 92 are push-button microswitches. The first switch 91 and the second switch 92 are configured to output a signal (on signal) to the controller 9 when pressed.

[0104] The first switch 91 is positioned behind and facing the right protrusion 713 of the first component 71, and is fixed to the gear housing 12. The right protrusion 713 and the first switch 91 are positioned such that when the connecting component 70 moves to its rearmost position (i.e., when the drive sleeve 55 moves to position Pd), the rear end face of the right protrusion 713 abuts against the first switch 91, pressing the first switch 91 rearward. The second switch 92 is positioned in front of and facing the left protrusion 714 of the first component 71, and is fixed to the gear housing 12. The left protrusion 714 and the second switch 92 are positioned such that when the connecting component 70 moves to its foremost position (i.e., when the drive sleeve 55 moves to position Ph), the front end face of the left protrusion 714 abuts against the second switch 92, pressing the second switch 92 forward.

[0105] Based on this structure, the controller 9 can determine the operating mode of the hammer drill 100 based on the detection results of the first switch 91 and the second switch 92 (i.e., the position of the drive sleeve 55). Specifically, when an on signal is output from the first switch 91 to the controller 9, the operating mode of the hammer drill 100 is the rotary impact mode; when an on signal is output from the second switch 92 to the controller 9, the operating mode is the impact mode. Furthermore, when no on signal is output from the first switch 91 or the second switch 92, the operating mode is the neutral mode.

[0106] Next, the control of the motor 2 implemented by the controller 9 using the detection results of the acceleration sensor 95 and the pattern detection unit 90 will be explained. In the rotational impact mode that accompanies the rotational motion, when the top tool 101 is locked by the workpiece and the tool holder 30 is in a state where it cannot rotate (locked state, also known as blocking state), sometimes an excessive reaction torque is generated acting on the tool body 10, causing the tool body 10 to rotate excessively around the drive axis A1 (also known as recoil phenomenon).

[0107] In this embodiment, when the controller 9 drives the motor 2, it acquires the detection result from the acceleration sensor 95 and sequentially determines whether the detection result is above a predetermined threshold. The threshold is the acceleration threshold of the tool body 10 under excessive rotation, and is pre-stored in the memory of the controller 9. The threshold can be obtained through experimentation or simulation.

[0108] Furthermore, the controller 9 uses the detection result of the mode detection unit 90 to determine whether the operating mode is a rotating impact mode. In this embodiment, the controller 9 determines that the operating mode is a rotating impact mode when it receives the on signal of the first switch 91.

[0109] When the acceleration exceeds a threshold and the operating mode is rotary impact mode, the controller 9 stops driving the motor 2. This eliminates excessive rotation of the hammer drill 100. Furthermore, even if the acceleration sensor 95 detects a value exceeding the threshold, the controller 9 continues driving the motor 2 even if the mode detection unit 90 does not detect the rotary impact mode (i.e., no on / off signal is received from the first switch 91). This allows the user to continue machining in impact mode, even if the acceleration sensor 95 temporarily exceeds the threshold due to impact from contact between the hammer drill 100 and a wall near the workpiece.

[0110] The hammer drill 100 of this embodiment described above can achieve the following effects.

[0111] In the hammer drill 100 of this embodiment, the mode switching operation unit 6 for switching operating modes is provided in the tool body 10 at a position facing the handle 170. Therefore, even if the hammer drill 100 accidentally falls and collides with the ground or wall, the mode switching operation unit 6 is less likely to collide with the ground or wall. Thus, it is possible to suppress the possibility of damage to the mode switching operation unit 6 due to external impacts applied to the hammer drill 100.

[0112] Furthermore, in the hammer drill 100, compared to a structure where the operating part for switching operating modes is disposed on the upper or side surface of the hammer drill 100 or other surfaces surrounding the drive axis A1, the distance (center height) from the drive axis A1 to the outer surface of the hammer drill 100 surrounding the drive axis A1 can be shortened. Therefore, the operability of the hammer drill 100 can be improved.

[0113] Furthermore, in the hammer drill 100, compared to a structure where the operating part for switching operating modes is disposed on the upper surface, side surface, or other surfaces of the hammer drill 100 surrounding the drive axis A1, the outer surface surrounding the drive axis A1 can be smoothly formed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a hammer drill 100 with improved appearance can be provided.

[0114] The mode switching operation unit 6 is located in the tool body 10 facing the switch operation lever 171. Therefore, the user can operate the mode switching operation unit 6 and the switch operation lever 171 with one hand (the same hand). For example, it is also possible to switch operating modes and drive the motor 2 without moving the arm. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a hammer drill 100 with improved operability can be provided.

[0115] Furthermore, the hammer drill 100 has a transmission mechanism 4, which is configured to transmit the movement of the mode switching operation unit 6 to the drive sleeve 55, causing the drive sleeve 55 to move in a manner parallel to the drive axis A1. Therefore, the left-right movement of the mode switching operation unit 6, which is located opposite the gripping part 170, can be transmitted to the drive sleeve 55, which is rotated around the drive axis A1, via the transmission mechanism 4.

[0116] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism 4 is configured such that when the mode switching operation unit 6 moves to position P1, it causes the drive sleeve 55 to move to position Pd, thereby transmitting the torque of the motor 2 to the tool holder 30; and when the mode switching operation unit 6 moves to position P2, it causes the drive sleeve 55 to move to position Ph, thereby cutting off the torque transmission. Therefore, in the hammer drill 100, by operating the mode switching operation unit 6 to move the drive sleeve 55, the operating mode can be switched between rotary impact mode and impact mode.

[0117] The transmission mechanism 4 has a first conversion mechanism 40, which is configured to convert the linear sliding motion of the mode switching operation unit 6 in the left-right direction into rotational motion, and further convert the rotational motion into linear motion along the drive axis A1. Therefore, compared with a structure without the first conversion mechanism 40, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the drive sleeve 55 of the hammer drill 100 and the mode switching operation unit 6, as well as the degree of freedom in the structure of the transmission mechanism 4, can be improved.

[0118] Leaf springs 125, which are held in the gear housing 12, are disposed on the upper and lower sides of the base 62 of the mode switching operation unit 6. The mode switching operation unit 6 is configured such that, by the force of the leaf springs 125, it is held at position P1 corresponding to the rotational impact mode and position P2 corresponding to the impact mode. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a hammer drill 100 can be provided that allows the mode switching operation unit 6 to move in the left-right direction while easily positioning it at position P1 and position P2.

[0119] The hammer drill 100 of this embodiment includes a locking mechanism 8. The locking mechanism 8 is configured such that, in the impact mode where the tip tool 101 only performs an impact action, the first component 71 is not engaged with the locking lever 180, allowing the locking lever 180 to move to a lockable position. Therefore, during machining operations where the user continuously performs only impact actions for an extended period, it is not necessary to continuously press the switch operating lever 171. This reduces the burden on the user during machining operations. Furthermore, in the rotational impact mode where the tip tool 101 performs a rotational action, the first component 71 engages with the locking lever 180, holding the locking lever 180 in an unlockable position. Therefore, for example, even if the tip tool 101 is locked by the workpiece, the user can stop the motor 2's operation simply by releasing the pressure on the switch operating lever 171. Therefore, a hammer drill with high safety can be provided.

[0120] The hammer drill 100 also includes a mode detection unit 90 and an acceleration sensor 95. The controller 9 is configured to stop driving the motor 2 when the detection result of the acceleration sensor 95 indicates that the tool body 10 is in an over-rotation state and the detection result of the mode detection unit 90 indicates that the operation mode is a rotary impact mode. Therefore, the safety of the hammer drill 100 can be improved. In addition, the controller 9 is configured to continue driving the motor 2 when the operation mode is an impact mode, even when the detection result of the acceleration sensor 95 indicates that the tool body 10 is in an over-rotation state. Therefore, for example, when working in impact mode, even if the detection result of the acceleration sensor 95 temporarily reaches a value indicating an over-rotation state due to the impact caused by the hammer drill 100 contacting a wall or other surface near the workpiece, the user can continue working in impact mode. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the motor 2 from stopping without following the user's intention in impact mode. That is, according to this embodiment, a hammer drill 100 with improved safety and operability can be provided.

[0121] Furthermore, in the hammer drill 100, the accelerometer 95 is housed in the handle 17, and the tool body 10 and the handle 17 are connected via elastic members 175 and 176. Therefore, since the vibration of the tool body 10 transmitted to the accelerometer 95 can be reduced, the lifespan of the accelerometer 95 can be extended.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the acceleration sensor 95 is housed in the lower part of the handle 17. Therefore, compared to the case where the acceleration sensor 95 is housed in the upper part of the handle 17 or a position close to the drive axis A1, the detection accuracy of the tool body 10 rotating around the drive axis A1 can be improved.

[0123] <Correspondence Relationship>

[0124] The following shows the correspondence between the structural elements of the above embodiments and the structural elements of the present invention. However, the structural elements of the embodiments are merely examples and are not limited to the structural elements of the present invention.

[0125] The hammer drill 100 is an example of the "rotary impact tool" of the present invention.

[0126] Motor 2 is an example of the "motor" of the present invention.

[0127] Top tool 101 is an example of the "top tool" of the present invention.

[0128] The drive shaft A1 is an example of the "drive shaft" of the present invention.

[0129] The rotating impact mode is an example of the "first mode" of the present invention.

[0130] The impact mode is an example of the "second mode" of the present invention.

[0131] The drive mechanism 3 is an example of the "drive mechanism" of the present invention.

[0132] The tool body 10 is an example of the "tool body" of the present invention.

[0133] The gripping part 170 is an example of the "gripping part" of the present invention.

[0134] Handle 17 is an example of the "handle" of the present invention.

[0135] The mode switching operation unit 6 is an example of the "first operation unit" of the present invention.

[0136] The switch operating lever 171 is an example of the "second operating component" of the present invention.

[0137] Positions P1 and P2 are examples of the "first position" and "second position" of the present invention, respectively.

[0138] Tool holder 30 is an example of the "tool holder" of the present invention.

[0139] The drive sleeve 55 is an example of the "clutch component" of the present invention.

[0140] Positions Pd and Ph are examples of the "third position" and "fourth position" of the present invention, respectively.

[0141] The transfer mechanism 4 is an example of the "transfer mechanism" of the present invention.

[0142] The first conversion mechanism 40 is an example of the "conversion mechanism" of the present invention.

[0143] The first pinion 41 and the second pinion 42 are examples of "at least one pinion" in this invention.

[0144] The first rack gear 621 and the second rack gear 712 are examples of the "first rack gear" and "second rack gear" of the present invention, respectively.

[0145] Leaf spring 125 is an example of the "force-applying component" of the present invention.

[0146] The locking lever 180 is an example of the "locking component" of the present invention.

[0147] Component 71 is an example of the "locking control component" of the present invention.

[0148] The first switch 91 and the pattern detection unit 90 are examples of the "pattern detection unit" of the present invention.

[0149] The accelerometer 95 is an example of the "rotation detection unit" of the present invention.

[0150] The controller 9 is an example of the "control unit" of the present invention.

[0151] The elastic components 175 and 176 are examples of the "elastic components" of the present invention.

[0152] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0153] In the above configuration, the hammer drill 100 can be configured to operate using electrical power supplied from a rechargeable battery, rather than an external AC power source. In this case, instead of the power cord 19, a battery mounting section for removable batteries can be provided at the lower end of the handle 17.

[0154] The mode switching operation unit 6 only needs to be located in the tool body 10 facing the handle 170, for example, it can be located on the rear wall of the motor housing 13. With this structure, it is also possible to prevent the mode switching operation unit 6 from being damaged by the hammer drill 100 falling or other reasons.

[0155] The mode switching operation unit 6 can be configured to move linearly in the vertical direction, for example, but is not limited to moving in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the range of movement of the mode switching operation unit 6 is not limited to a straight line; for example, it can be in an arc shape.

[0156] The pattern detection unit 90 only needs to be configured to detect at least a rotating impact pattern. For example, the pattern detection unit 90 may not have a second switch 92. In this case, the controller 9 can stop the motor 2 if it receives a signal that the first switch 91 is pressed when the detection result of the acceleration sensor 95 is above a threshold, and continue to drive the motor 2 if it does not receive a signal that the first switch 91 is pressed. In addition, the pattern detection unit 90 is not limited to a push-in micro switch, and can be configured as a switch by other detectors that detect the position (movement) of the drive sleeve 55 (e.g., contact detectors that include other types of switches, non-contact detectors that include magnetic sensors, optical sensors).

[0157] The hammer drill 100 can replace the accelerometer 95 with other detection devices capable of detecting the rotational state of the tool body 10 about the drive axis A1. Other detection devices may include a velocity sensor, an angular velocity sensor, or an angular acceleration sensor.

[0158] In the above-described embodiments, the hammer drill 100 can operate in multiple modes, including a rotary impact mode and an impact mode. In contrast, the above-described embodiments can be applied, for example, to rotary impact tools configured to perform rotary impact, impact, and rotary modes. In this case, the drive control of the motor 2 in the rotary mode is the same as the control in the rotary impact mode.

[0159] The first conversion mechanism 40 includes a first rack and pinion 621, a first pinion 41, a first shaft 43, a second pinion 42, and a second rack and pinion 712. The pinion engaged with the first rack and pinion 621 and the pinion engaged with the second rack and pinion 721 can be common. That is, the first conversion mechanism 40 may have only one pinion. For example, the first conversion mechanism 40 may consist of a first rack and pinion 621, a pinion meshing with the first rack and pinion 621, and a second rack and pinion 712 meshing with the pinion. In this case, the pinion can convert the sliding motion of the first rack and pinion 621 in the left-right direction into rotational motion, and further convert it into linear motion parallel to the drive axis A1 of the second rack and pinion 712.

[0160] The structure of the transfer mechanism 4 is not limited to the structure described in the above embodiment, as long as it is configured to move the drive sleeve 55 along the drive axis A1 in response to the sliding of the mode switching operation unit 6 within a predetermined range. Furthermore, when the transfer mechanism 4 has a connecting member 70, the connecting member 70 only needs to connect the first conversion mechanism 40 to the drive sleeve 55, and the number or structure of the components constituting the connecting member 70, as well as the connection method of each component, are not limited to the above embodiment.

[0161] The above embodiments illustrate the example of motor 2 drive control being executed by a CPU, but other types of control circuits can be used instead of a CPU, such as programmable logic devices like ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). Furthermore, the drive control processing of motor 2 can be distributed among multiple control circuits.

[0162] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented with various structures without departing from its spirit. For example, in order to solve part or all of the above-described technical problems or to achieve part or all of the above-described effects, technical features in embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described in the invention summary can be appropriately replaced or combined. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not required to be described in this description, it can be appropriately omitted.

Claims

1. A rotary impact tool, characterized in that, It has a motor, a drive mechanism, a tool body, a handle, and a first operating component, wherein, The drive mechanism can selectively operate in multiple operating modes by the power of the motor. The multiple operating modes include a first mode that at least rotates the tip tool around the drive axis and a second mode that only drives the tip tool linearly along the drive axis. The tool body is used to house the motor and the drive mechanism; The handle has a gripping portion that extends in a direction intersecting the drive axis and is gripped by the user. The first operating component is configured to switch the operating mode of the drive mechanism by being operated by the user, and is located in the tool body facing the handle. The grip portion has a second operating member, which is configured to always be held in the off position and moved to the on position by being pressed by the user, thereby enabling the motor to be driven. The rotary impact tool also has a locking component and a locking control component, wherein... The locking component is configured to move between a lockable position and an unlockable position via the user's operation. In the lockable position, the second operating component can be locked in the connected position; in the unlockable position, the second operating component cannot be locked in the connected position. The locking control component is configured to be movable along the drive axis. When the operation of the first operating component is in the first mode, it is configured to interfere with the locking component and hold the locking component in the unlockable position. When the operation of the first operating component is in the second mode, it is configured to not interfere with the locking component and allow the locking component to move to the lockable position.

2. The rotary impact tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grip portion has a second operating member, which is configured to always be held in the off position and moved to the on position by being pressed by the user, thereby enabling the motor to be driven. The first operating component is positioned opposite to the second operating component.

3. The rotary impact tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first operating component is configured such that, It can slide within a predetermined range in the direction intersecting the drive axis. In response to moving to a first position within the predetermined range, the operating mode of the drive mechanism is switched to the first mode. In response to moving to a second position within the predetermined range that is different from the first position, the operating mode of the drive mechanism is switched to the second mode.

4. The rotary impact tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It has a tool holder and a clutch assembly, wherein, The tool holder is configured to detachably hold the top tool and is driven to rotate about the drive axis by torque transmitted from the motor. The clutch component is configured to be mounted on the tool holder, and is movable along the drive axis in response to operation of the first operating component. It transmits torque by being positioned at a third position along the drive axis, and disconnects torque transmission by being positioned at a fourth position along the drive axis, different from the third position. The drive mechanism is configured to operate in the first mode when the clutch component is positioned in the third position, and to operate in the second mode when the clutch component is positioned in the fourth position.

5. The rotary impact tool according to claim 3, characterized in that, It has a tool holder and a clutch assembly, wherein, The tool holder is configured to detachably hold the top tool and is driven to rotate about the drive axis by torque transmitted from the motor. The clutch component is configured to be mounted on the tool holder, and is movable along the drive axis in response to operation of the first operating component. It transmits torque by being positioned at a third position along the drive axis, and disconnects torque transmission by being positioned at a fourth position along the drive axis, different from the third position. The drive mechanism is configured to operate in the first mode when the clutch component is positioned in the third position, and to operate in the second mode when the clutch component is positioned in the fourth position.

6. The rotary impact tool according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also has a transmission mechanism configured to transmit the sliding of the first operating component within the predetermined range to the clutch component, thereby causing the clutch component to move along the drive axis.

7. The rotary impact tool according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism has a conversion mechanism configured to convert the linear sliding motion of the first operating component within the predetermined range into rotational motion, and further convert the rotational motion into linear motion along the drive axis.

8. The rotary impact tool according to claim 7, characterized in that, The conversion mechanism has a first rack gear, a first pinion, a second pinion, and a second rack gear, wherein, The first rack and pinion slides in response to the linear sliding of the first operating component within the predetermined range; The first pinion engages with the first rack gear; The second pinion rotates in response to the rotation of the first pinion; The second rack gear engages with the second pinion, converting the rotational motion of the second pinion into linear motion along the drive axis.

9. The rotary impact tool according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a force-applying component that applies force to the first operating component. The first operating component is configured such that the force applied by the force-applying component can be maintained at the first position and at the second position.

10. The rotary impact tool according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a force-applying component that applies force to the first operating component. The first operating component is configured such that the force applied by the force-applying component can be maintained at the first position and at the second position.

11. The rotary impact tool according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, It also includes a force-applying component that applies force to the first operating component. The first operating component is configured such that the force applied by the force-applying component can be maintained at the first position and at the second position.

12. The rotary impact tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It has a pattern detection unit, a rotation detection unit, and a control unit, wherein, The mode detection unit is used to detect that the operation mode of the drive mechanism is at least the first mode; The rotation detection unit detects the rotational state of the tool body about the drive axis; The control unit is configured to control the drive of the motor, and using the detection results of the rotation detection unit and the mode detection unit, stops the motor when the operation mode is the first mode and the tool body is in a state of excessive rotation around the drive axis.

13. The rotary impact tool according to claim 12, characterized in that, It has a resilient member that connects the handle to the tool body in a manner that allows it to move relative to the tool body along the drive axis. The rotation detection unit is housed in the handle.

14. A rotary impact tool, characterized in that, It has a motor, a drive mechanism, a tool body, a handle, and a first operating component, wherein, The drive mechanism can selectively operate in multiple operating modes by the power of the motor. The multiple operating modes include a first mode that at least rotates the tip tool around the drive axis and a second mode that only drives the tip tool linearly along the drive axis. The tool body is used to house the motor and the drive mechanism; The handle has a gripping portion that extends in a direction intersecting the drive axis and is gripped by the user. The first operating component is configured to switch the operating mode of the drive mechanism by being operated by the user, and is located in the tool body facing the handle. The first operating component is configured such that, It can slide within a predetermined range in the direction intersecting the drive axis. In response to moving to a first position within the predetermined range, the operating mode of the drive mechanism is switched to the first mode. In response to moving to a second position within the predetermined range, different from the first position, the operating mode of the drive mechanism is switched to the second mode. It has a tool holder and a clutch assembly, wherein, The tool holder is configured to detachably hold the top tool and is driven to rotate about the drive axis by torque transmitted from the motor. The clutch component is configured to be mounted on the tool holder, and is movable along the drive axis in response to operation of the first operating component. It transmits torque by being positioned at a third position along the drive axis, and disconnects torque transmission by being positioned at a fourth position along the drive axis, different from the third position. The drive mechanism is configured to operate in the first mode when the clutch component is positioned in the third position, and to operate in the second mode when the clutch component is positioned in the fourth position. It also includes a transmission mechanism configured to transmit the sliding range of the first operating component within the predetermined range to the clutch component, causing the clutch component to move along the drive axis. The transmission mechanism has a conversion mechanism configured to convert the linear sliding motion of the first operating component within the predetermined range into rotational motion, and further convert the rotational motion into linear motion along the drive axis.

15. The rotary impact tool according to claim 14, characterized in that, The grip portion has a second operating member, which is configured to always be held in the off position and moved to the on position by being pressed by the user, thereby enabling the motor to be driven. The first operating component is positioned opposite to the second operating component.

16. The rotary impact tool according to claim 14, characterized in that, The conversion mechanism has a first rack gear, a first pinion, a second pinion, and a second rack gear, wherein, The first rack and pinion slides in response to the linear sliding of the first operating component within the predetermined range; The first pinion engages with the first rack gear; The second pinion rotates in response to the rotation of the first pinion; The second rack gear engages with the second pinion, converting the rotational motion of the second pinion into linear motion along the drive axis.

17. The rotary impact tool according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, It also includes a force-applying component that applies force to the first operating component. The first operating component is configured such that the force applied by the force-applying component can be maintained at the first position and at the second position.

18. The rotary impact tool according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The grip portion has a second operating member, which is configured to always be held in the off position and moved to the on position by being pressed by the user, thereby enabling the motor to be driven. The rotary impact tool also has a locking component and a locking control component, wherein... The locking component is configured to move between a lockable position and an unlockable position via the user's operation. In the lockable position, the second operating component can be locked in the connected position; in the unlockable position, the second operating component cannot be locked in the connected position. The locking control component is configured to be movable along the drive axis. When the operation of the first operating component is in the first mode, it is configured to interfere with the locking component and hold the locking component in the unlockable position. When the operation of the first operating component is in the second mode, it is configured to not interfere with the locking component and allow the locking component to move to the lockable position.

19. The rotary impact tool according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, It has a pattern detection unit, a rotation detection unit, and a control unit, wherein, The mode detection unit is used to detect that the operation mode of the drive mechanism is at least the first mode; The rotation detection unit detects the rotational state of the tool body about the drive axis; The control unit is configured to control the drive of the motor, and using the detection results of the rotation detection unit and the mode detection unit, stops the motor when the operation mode is the first mode and the tool body is in a state of excessive rotation around the drive axis.

20. The rotary impact tool according to claim 19, characterized in that, It has a resilient member that connects the handle to the tool body in a manner that allows it to move relative to the tool body along the drive axis. The rotation detection unit is housed in the handle.

Images