Power tool

Abstract

The present application provides an electric power tool. The electric power tool has a motor, a first intermediate member, a second intermediate member, and a first link member, wherein the first intermediate member is configured to displace when a first accessory is attached to a first attachment portion; the second intermediate member is configured to displace when a second accessory is attached to a second attachment portion. The first link member mechanically links the respective displacements of the first intermediate member and the second intermediate member. The first link member displaces in the same direction when the first accessory is attached and when the second accessory is attached, and cumulatively displaces when the first accessory and the second accessory are attached. The electric power tool is configured to allow power to the motor only in a state where the first link member cumulatively displaces. Accordingly, the electric power tool is provided with a new structure that allows power to the motor only in a state where two accessories are attached, and the design freedom of the electric power tool can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power tool configured to install accessories in a detachable manner. Background Technology

[0002] Sometimes, various accessories are detachably mounted on power tools. For example, a grinder with a rotary-driven tip tool may have two detachable accessories (a side handle and a cover). The side handle is installed so that the user can hold the grinder with one hand while holding it with the other. The cover is installed to partially cover the tip tool.

[0003] In such a grinder, it is desirable to prevent its use without any accessories installed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a grinder having a first linkage member, a first sensor, a second linkage member, a second sensor, and a controller, wherein the first linkage member is displaced when a side handle is installed; the first sensor detects the displacement of the first linkage member; the second linkage member is displaced when a cover is installed; and the second sensor detects the displacement of the second linkage member. The controller allows power to be supplied to the motor (in other words, rotation of the tip tool) only when both the side handle and the cover are detected by the first and second sensors.

[0004] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 054631 Summary of the Invention

[0007] [The technical problem that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, the grinder in Patent Document 1 sometimes results in a larger device due to the dispersed arrangement of the two sensors. Specifically, when the two spare spaces for dispersing the two sensors are not located within the housing, a larger housing is required to ensure sufficient space for sensor placement. Therefore, the technology of the grinder in Patent Document 1 cannot be widely applied to various designs of grinders. This problem is not limited to grinders but is common in various power tools that allow power to the motor only when both accessories are installed. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a power tool with a new structure that allows power to the motor only when both accessories are installed, and it is expected to increase the design freedom of power tools.

[0009] [Technical solutions used to solve technical problems]

[0010] This specification discloses a power tool. The power tool includes a motor, a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion, a first intermediate component, a second intermediate component, and a first linkage component. The first mounting portion is used for detachably mounting a first accessory; the second mounting portion is used for detachably mounting a second accessory, which is different from the first accessory; the first intermediate component is configured to be displaced by direct or indirect pressure from the first accessory when the first accessory is mounted on the first mounting portion; the second intermediate component is configured to be displaced by direct or indirect pressure from the second accessory when the second accessory is mounted on the second mounting portion. The first linkage component may be configured to mechanically link with the respective displacements of the first and second intermediate components. The first linkage component may also be configured to displace in the same direction when the first accessory is mounted on the first mounting portion and when the second accessory is mounted on the second mounting portion, and to cumulatively displace when the first and second accessories are mounted on the first and second mounting portions, respectively. Power tools can be configured to allow power to the motor only when the first linkage component has been cumulatively displaced.

[0011] According to this power tool, a new structure is provided in which energizing the motor is permitted only when the first accessory and the second accessory are respectively installed in the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, and thus the first linkage member is cumulatively displaced in conjunction with the first intermediate member and the second intermediate member. Therefore, the design freedom of power tools with a structure that allows energizing the motor only when both accessories are installed is increased. For example, the first intermediate member, the second intermediate member, and the first linkage member can be centrally arranged within the empty space of the housing. Furthermore, since the first linkage member is linked with both the first intermediate member and the second intermediate member (in other words, since the first linkage member 80 is shared by the first intermediate member and the second intermediate member), a structure that allows energizing the motor only when both the first accessory and the second accessory are installed can be efficiently implemented. For example, in an embodiment where the power tool has a sensor for detecting the cumulative displacement of the first linkage member, the situation where both the first accessory and the second accessory are installed can be detected by a single sensor. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional view of a grinding machine according to one embodiment, showing the state after the top tool, the side handle (as an accessory), and the cover have been removed.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the grinder, showing its state after removing the top tool, the side handle (as an accessory), and the cover.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a side view of an assembly having a first intermediate component, a second intermediate component, a first linkage component, and a second linkage component, with each component in its initial position.

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A 3D view of the components shown.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a front view showing the internal structure of the grinding machine, and Figure 6 The components shown are in their initial positions.

[0020] Figure 9 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the internal structure of the grinding machine, and Figure 6 The components shown are in their initial positions.

[0021] Figure 10 It is the grinding machine and Figure 1 The corresponding longitudinal sectional view shows the state with the top tool, side handle as an accessory, and cover installed.

[0022] Figure 11 It is the grinding machine and Figure 2 The corresponding cross-sectional view shows the state with the top tool, side handle as an accessory, and cover installed.

[0023] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0024] Figure 13 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0025] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0026] Figure 15 This is a side view of the component with only the side grips installed.

[0027] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A 3D view of the components shown.

[0028] Figure 17 This is a side view showing the component with only the cover installed.

[0029] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A 3D view of the components shown.

[0030] Figure 19 This is a side view showing the components with the side handles and cover installed.

[0031] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A 3D view of the components shown.

[0032] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0033] 10: 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: First mounting part; 30: Motor housing; 31: Electric motor; 32: Motor shaft; 33: Abutment part; 34: Front bearing; 35: Rear bearing; 36: Middle housing; 36a, 36b: Protrusions; 40: Handle housing; 41: 42: Switch; 43: Input component; 44: Controller; 45: Sensor; 46, 47: Linkage component; 48: Arm; 49: Pin; 50: Operating component; 51: Front end; 53: Protrusion; 54: Lock release component; 55: Abutment end; 56: Operating end; 57: Pin; 60a, 60b: First intermediate component; 61a, 61b: Protrusion; 62a, 62b: Shaft; 63a, 63b: Pushing part; 64a, 64b b: Torsion spring; 70: Second intermediate component; 71: Pressed part; 72: Shaft part; 73: Arched part; 74: Engaging part; 75: Torsion spring; 80: First linkage component; 81: First component; 82: Second component; 83: Lower end; 84: Pressed part; 85: Shaft part; 86, 87: Engaging part; 88: Engaging hole; 89: Protruding upper end; 90: Second linkage component; 91: Engaging part; 92, 93: Protrusion; 94, 95: Positioning protrusion; 96: coil spring; 97: recess; 200: side handle; 210: grip portion; 220: mounting portion; 300: cover; 310: cover body; 320: mounting portion; 441: base plate; 891: beam portion; 892: through hole; P1: plane; AX1, AX2: rotation axis; AX3: first pivot axis; AX4: second pivot axis; AX5: third pivot axis; AX6: fourth pivot axis; AX7: fifth pivot axis. Detailed Implementation

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the power tool may have a sensor and a controller, wherein the sensor is configured to directly or indirectly detect the cumulative displacement of the first linkage component, and the controller is configured to control the energization of the motor, and to allow energization of the motor only when the sensor detects the cumulative displacement of the first linkage component. According to this structure, a single sensor can detect both the first and second accessories being installed. Therefore, the design freedom of the power tool can be increased. Furthermore, compared to the case where two sensors are respectively installed in the first and second accessories, the number of sensors (i.e., electronic components) can be reduced, thereby reducing wiring time and simplifying manufacturing.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the power tool may have a second linkage member configured to mechanically link with the cumulative displacement of the first linkage member. The first intermediate member, the second intermediate member, and the first linkage member may be disposed on a first side relative to the motor in the axial direction extending from the motor's rotation axis. The sensor and controller may be disposed on a second side opposite to the first side relative to the motor in the axial direction. The second linkage member may extend from the first side to the second side. The sensor may be configured to detect the cumulative displacement of the first linkage member based on the displacement of the second linkage member. According to this structure, since the sensor and controller, i.e., electronic components, are disposed on the second side, the first side may not need to be insulated. Therefore, the power tool structure can be made compact. Furthermore, since the wiring for electrically connecting the sensor and controller does not need to be arranged across the motor, the wiring length can be shortened, and wiring ease is also improved.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the first mounting direction for mounting the first accessory to the first mounting portion and the second mounting direction for mounting the second accessory to the second mounting portion may be different from each other. The first intermediate component and the second intermediate component may be configured to convert the pushing force of the first accessory in the first mounting direction and the pushing force of the second accessory in the second mounting direction into the same direction and transmit them to the first linkage component. According to this structure, since it is not necessary to make the mounting directions of the first accessory and the second accessory the same in order to achieve a structure in which the first linkage component is linked with both the first intermediate component and the second intermediate component, the design freedom of the power tool is improved.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the first intermediate component may be configured to pivot when directly or indirectly pushed by the first accessory, thereby engaging with the first linkage component by pushing it. The second intermediate component may be configured to pivot when directly or indirectly pushed by the second accessory, thereby engaging with the first linkage component by pushing it. According to this structure, the first and second intermediate components can convert the pushing force of the first accessory acting in the first mounting direction and the pushing force of the second accessory acting in the second mounting direction into the same direction with a smaller number of components.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the first mounting portion may have a third-side mounting portion and a fourth-side mounting portion, wherein the third-side mounting portion is disposed on a third side relative to a plane containing the rotation axis of the motor for selective mounting of the first accessory; the fourth-side mounting portion is disposed on a fourth side opposite to the third side relative to the plane. The third-side mounting portion and the fourth-side mounting portion may be configured symmetrically with respect to the plane. The first intermediate component may have a third-side intermediate component and a fourth-side intermediate component, wherein the third-side intermediate component is disposed adjacent to the third-side mounting portion; the fourth-side intermediate component is disposed adjacent to the fourth-side mounting portion. The third-side intermediate component and the fourth-side intermediate component may be configured symmetrically with respect to the plane. The third-side intermediate component may be configured to pivot about a first pivot axis. The fourth-side intermediate component may be configured to pivot about a second pivot axis, wherein the second pivot axis extends in the same direction as the first pivot axis. The pivoting direction of the third-side intermediate component when directly or indirectly pushed by the first component, i.e., the first pivoting direction, can be opposite to the pivoting direction of the fourth-side intermediate component when directly or indirectly pushed by the first component, i.e., the second pivoting direction. According to this structure, in a power tool that allows the first component to be selectively installed in two mounting positions, the first intermediate component and the first linkage component can be linked regardless of which mounting position the first component is installed in.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the power tool may have a first force-applying member and a second force-applying member, wherein the first force-applying member applies force to the third-side intermediate member in the opposite direction to the first pivoting direction; and the second force-applying member applies force to the fourth-side intermediate member in the opposite direction to the second pivoting direction. The third-side intermediate member and the fourth-side intermediate member may be in a non-contact state, not in contact with the first linkage member, or in a non-pressing state, not pressing the first linkage member, when not directly or indirectly pressed by the first accessory. According to this structure, when the first accessory is mounted on the third-side mounting portion and the third-side intermediate member pivots in the first pivoting direction to press the first linkage member, the fourth-side intermediate member, which is positioned on the side opposite to the third-side intermediate member relative to the plane, will not press the first linkage member in the opposite direction to the third-side intermediate member through the force applied by the second force-applying member. Similarly, when the first accessory is installed on the fourth side mounting part and the fourth side intermediate part pivots in the second pivot direction to push the first linkage member, the third side intermediate part will not push the first linkage member in the opposite direction to the fourth side intermediate part due to the force applied by the first force-applying part. Therefore, the first linkage member can be smoothly displaced in the desired direction.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the power tool may have a housing. The first linkage member may have a first component supported pivotally on the housing. The first component may be configured to be linked with a first intermediate component by being pushed by a third-side intermediate component or a fourth-side intermediate component when the first accessory is installed on either the third-side mounting portion or the fourth-side mounting portion. The first linkage member may have a second component configured to engage with the first component and the second intermediate component, and thus be linked with the first component and the second intermediate component. According to this structure, since the first component is supported pivotally on the housing, even if the first accessory is installed on either the third-side mounting portion or the fourth-side mounting portion, the first linkage member (i.e., the first component and the second component engaged with the first component) can smoothly pivot even if the first component is pushed by the third-side intermediate component or the fourth-side intermediate component (i.e., even if the first component is pushed by the third-side intermediate component or the fourth-side intermediate component on only one side relative to the aforementioned plane).

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the power tool may be a grinder configured to rotate a tip tool by the driving force of a motor. The first accessory may be a side handle. The second accessory may be a cover that partially covers the tip tool.

[0042] The embodiments will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, a handheld electric disc grinder (hereinafter simply referred to as a grinder) is illustrated as an example of a power tool.

[0043] First, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 A general overview of the grinding mill 10 is provided. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the grinding machine 10 is configured with a generally disc-shaped tip tool 28 mounted on a spindle 25 via a rotary drive. The spindle 25 is rotated by a rotary drive force provided by an electric motor 31. Grinding wheels, rubber pads, brushes, blades, etc., are prepared as tip tools 28 that can be mounted on the grinding machine 10. The user selects an appropriate 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.

[0044] 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 vertical direction of the grinder 10. The side where the tip tool 28 is located in the vertical direction is defined as the lower side, and the opposite side is defined as the upper side. Additionally, the direction orthogonal to both the vertical and front-rear directions is defined as the left-right direction of the grinder 10. The right side when viewed from the rear when looking at the front side 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.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 10 As shown, the grinder 10 has a gear housing 20, a motor housing 30, a handle housing 40, and an intermediate housing 36. An electric motor 31 is housed within the motor housing 30, located in the longitudinal direction (between the gear housing 20 and the handle housing 40) of the grinder 10. The electric motor 31 (motor shaft 32) is rotatably supported by a front bearing 34 and a rear bearing 35. The electric motor 31 is driven by externally supplied electricity (alternating current in this embodiment, but direct current is also possible). The intermediate housing 36 is located in the longitudinal direction between the gear housing 20 and the motor housing 30. In this embodiment, the intermediate housing 36 is formed by two parts. The intermediate housing 36 functions as a bearing support for the front bearing 34.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 10 As shown, a mechanism for transmitting the rotational driving force of the electric motor 31 to the tip tool 28 is housed within the gear housing 20. 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 positioned around the front end of the motor shaft 32 of the electric motor 31. The main shaft 25 is rotatably supported by bearings separately arranged vertically about 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 positioned above the main shaft 25, around the main shaft 25, and meshes with the small bevel gear 23. The gear housing 20 has a second mounting portion 22 at its lower end for detachably mounting the cover 300. The second mounting portion 22 has a cylindrical shape extending vertically. 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.

[0047] like Figure 10 As shown, an inner flange 26 is mounted around the lower end of the main shaft 25 extending from the gear housing 20. An external thread is formed in the main shaft 25 below the inner flange 26, and a locking nut 27 is mounted on this thread. The position of the tip tool 28 relative to the main shaft 25 is fixed by clamping the tip tool 28 between the inner flange 26 and the locking nut 27 and tightening the locking nut 27.

[0048] The handle housing 40 is the part used by the user to hold the grinder 10 with one hand. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the handle housing 40 has a cylindrical shape extending in a generally front-to-back direction. Inside the handle housing 40 is a switch 41 for driving the electric motor 31.

[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 10 As shown, a controller 43 is housed within the handle housing 40 and near the upper part of the handle housing 40. The controller 43 is located above the switch 41. The controller 43 and the switch 41 are positioned rearward relative to the electric motor 31 in the front-rear direction. The controller 43 is electrically connected to the electric motor 31 and the switch 41. The controller 43 controls the drive of the electric motor 31 by controlling the power supplied to the electric motor 31. In this embodiment, the controller 43 has a high-temperature protection circuit, an overcurrent protection circuit, and an over-discharge protection circuit. However, one or both of these protection circuits may be omitted.

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 10As shown, an operating member 50 is provided on the lower side of the motor housing 30 and the handle housing 40. This operating member 50 is configured to be displaceable between a disconnected position and an on position, wherein the disconnected position is the position where the switch 41 is in the off state; and the on position is the position where the switch 41 is in the on state. The operating member 50 is an elongated member extending in the front-rear direction. The operating member 50 has a front end portion 51 and a protrusion 53. The front end portion 51 is inserted into a through hole extending in the front-rear direction formed on the bottom of the motor housing 30. The front end portion 51 has a concave-convex shape that engages with the motor housing 30, thereby holding the operating member 50 in the motor housing 30 in an anti-disengagement state. The operating member 50 is configured to be able to move from the engagement portion of the front end portion 51 and the motor housing 30 as a fulcrum. Figure 10 The disconnected position is pivoted counterclockwise to the connected position (not shown). For example... Figure 1 and Figure 10 As shown, protrusion 53 extends upward from the upper part of operating member 50.

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 10 As shown, a locking release component 54 is installed on the operating component 50. The locking release component 54 is positioned approximately at the center of the operating component 50 in the front-rear direction. The locking release component 54 is supported by the operating component 50 via a pin 57 located within a protrusion inside the operating component 50. The locking release component 54 is pivotable about the pin 57. The locking release component 54 is normally subjected to a clockwise force when viewed from the left by a torsion spring (not shown).

[0052] The locking release component 54 has an abutment end 55 and an operating end 56. When the locking release component 54 is in... Figure 1 and Figure 10 In the initial position shown, the operating end 56 protrudes downward through the hole in the locking release member 54. Additionally, the abutting end 55 abuts against the abutting portion 33, which is provided at the rear end and bottom of the motor housing 30, protruding downward from the motor housing 30. Therefore, even if the user wants to remove the operating member 50 from the disengaged position (see reference...), Figure 1 , Figure 10 The upward pushing operation of the operating member 50 (hereinafter also referred to as the "on operation") when the user moves the member 50 to the "on" position will also prevent the pivoting of the operating member 50. On the other hand, when the user pulls the operating end 56 backward with their finger, the locking release member 54 pivots counterclockwise against the force applied by the torsion spring. As a result, the abutment end 55 pivots to a position where it does not abut against the abutment part 33. As a result, the user can pivot the operating member 50 to the "on" position.

[0053] like Figure 1 and Figure 10 As shown, a linkage member 45 is disposed above the operating member 50. The linkage member 45 has a through hole extending through the linkage member 45 in a left-right direction, into which a pin 48 is inserted. The pin 48 is supported by a protrusion formed inside the handle housing 40. Accordingly, the linkage member 45 is configured to pivot about the pin 48. The linkage member 45 is subjected to a counterclockwise force by a torsion spring (not shown) when viewed from the left.

[0054] The linkage component 45 has two arms 46 and 47 that extend radially outward relative to the pivot axis of the linkage component 45. The first arm 46 is located on the upper side, and the second arm 47 is located on the lower side. When the linkage component 45 is in its initial position (refer to...), Figure 1 and Figure 10 When the user pushes the operating member 50 upwards, the top of the second arm 47 abuts against the protrusion 53 of the operating member 50. When the user pushes the operating member 50 upwards, causing the operating member 50 to move from the disengaged position (see reference...), the second arm 47... Figure 1 and Figure 10 When the operating member 50 is displaced to the ON position (not shown), the second arm 47 is lifted upward via the protrusion 53. Accordingly, the linkage member 45 pivots clockwise against the force applied by the torsion spring. At this time, the first arm 46 pushes the input member 42 of the switch 41 rearward. Accordingly, the switch 41 is switched from the OFF state to the ON state. On the other hand, when the user releases the force pushing the operating member 50 upward, the linkage member 45 returns to its initial position under the force applied by the torsion spring, and the switch 41 returns to the OFF state. Simultaneously, the operating member 50 is also pushed back to the OFF position by the linkage member 45.

[0055] When the user operates the operating component 50 from the off position to the on position as described above, the switch 41 detects the operation and sends a control signal to the controller 43. Upon receiving the control signal, the controller 43 supplies power to the electric motor 31, thereby driving the electric motor 31. When the electric motor 31 is driven, the rotation of the motor shaft 32 is slowed down by the small bevel gear 23 and the large bevel gear 24 and transmitted to the main shaft 25. 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 about 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.

[0056] like Figure 11As shown, the grinder 10 also includes a side handle 200 and a cover 300 as two accessories. The side handle 200 is designed for the user to hold the grinder 10 with the hand opposite to 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 grip portion 210 for the user to hold and a mounting portion 220 for mounting on 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 grip portion 210 in the length direction of the side handle 200. An external thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the top end of the mounting portion 220.

[0057] like Figure 2 and Figure 11 As shown, the gear housing 20 has two first mounting portions 29a and 29b for detachably mounting the side handle 200. The first mounting portion 29a is formed on the left side of the gear housing 20, and the first mounting portion 29b is formed on the right side of the gear housing 20. In other words, the first mounting portion 29a is formed on one side (left side) relative to a plane P1 containing the rotation axis AX1 of the electric motor 31 (in this embodiment, the plane P1 also includes the rotation axis AX2 of the main shaft 25), and the first mounting portion 29b is disposed on the other side (right side) relative to the plane P1. The plane P1 is an imaginary plane extending in both the front-back and vertical directions. More specifically, the first mounting portions 29a and 29b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane P1. The first mounting portions 29a and 29b are respectively through holes that connect the interior and exterior of the gear housing 20. An internal thread is formed on the inner surface of the through hole to engage with the external thread of the mounting portion 220 of the side handle 200.

[0058] The side handle 200 can be mounted on the gear housing 20 by screwing the mounting part 220 of the side handle 200 into one of the two first mounting parts 29a and 29b. The user can arbitrarily select the mounting part of the side handle 200 from the first mounting parts 29a and 29b according to the type of work performed using the grinder 10, or according to whether the user is right-handed or left-handed. Figure 11 This indicates that the side handle 200 is selectively installed on the first mounting part 29a.

[0059] like Figure 10As shown, the cover 300 has a cover body 310 and a mounting portion 320, wherein the cover body 310 covers a portion of the tip tool 28; the mounting portion 320 is used for mounting on 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 and circumferential surface of the tip tool 28, but it may also cover the upper surface, lower surface, and the circumferential surface between the upper and lower surfaces, depending on the type of tip tool 28 used. The mounting portion 320 has an open, generally annular shape and extends upward from the upper surface of the cover body 310. The mounting portion 320 has two flanges (not shown) at its two circumferentially oriented circumferentially toward the axis of rotation AX2 at its two apical portions. When the mounting portion 320 is configured to surround the second mounting portion 22 of the gear housing 20, a bolt (not shown) is inserted into the threaded hole formed on the flange and tightened, the radius of the annular shape of the mounting portion 320 becomes smaller, and the mounting portion 320 is fixed to the second mounting portion 22.

[0060] In the aforementioned grinding machine 10, the electric motor 31 can be driven only when the side handle 200 is installed in either of the first mounting portions 29a and 29b of the gear housing 20, and the cover 300 is installed in the second mounting portion 22. When neither the side handle 200 nor the cover 300 is installed, even if the user operates the operating component 50 to the ON position, and a control signal indicating that the switch 41 is ON is sent from the switch 41 to the controller 43, the controller 43 prohibits the driving of the electric motor 31 (in other words, energizes the electric motor 31). On the other hand, when both the side handle 200 and the cover 300 are installed, the controller 43 allows the electric motor 31 to be driven when a control signal indicating that the switch 41 is ON is sent from the switch 41 to the controller 43. Hereinafter, this structure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] The grinding mill 10 includes first intermediate components 60a and 60b, a second intermediate component 70, a first linkage component 80, a second linkage component 90, and a sensor 44. For example... Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 9As shown, the first intermediate components 60a and 60b have the same shape. The first intermediate component 60a is a component having a rod-shaped portion extending in a direction slightly angled relative to the rotation axis AX1. More precisely, the first intermediate component 60a extends away from the rotation axis AX1 from its rear end to its front end. A protrusion 61a is formed at the front end of the rod-shaped portion of the first intermediate component 60a, protruding radially outward relative to the rotation axis AX1. A pressing portion 63a is formed at the rear end of the rod-shaped portion of the first intermediate component 60a, protruding radially outward in a claw-like shape. Near the rear end of the first intermediate component 60a, cylindrical shaft portions 62a protruding upward and downward respectively are formed (see reference). Figure 7 ).like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the shaft portion 62a is supported within the protrusion 36a formed in the intermediate housing 36, and the first intermediate component 60a is capable of pivoting around the first pivot axis AX3 (see reference). Figure 7 The first intermediate component 60b pivots around a second pivot axis AX4 (see reference AX4). Similarly, the first intermediate component 60b has a protrusion 61b, a pressing portion 63b, and a shaft portion 62b. The shaft portion 62b is supported within a protrusion 36b formed in the intermediate housing 36, and the first intermediate component 60b is capable of pivoting around the second pivot axis AX4 (see reference AX4). Figure 7 The pivot is centered on AX3. The first pivot axis AX3 and the second pivot axis AX4 are parallel and both extend in the vertical direction.

[0062] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, a torsion spring 64a is arranged around the shaft portion 62a of the first intermediate member 60a. Similarly, a torsion spring 64b is arranged around the shaft portion 62b of the first intermediate member 60b. The torsion spring 64a exerts a force on the first intermediate member 60a in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from above (in other words, in the direction in which the protrusion 61a is displaced rearward). The torsion spring 64b exerts a force on the first intermediate member 60b in a clockwise direction when viewed from above (in other words, in the direction in which the protrusion 61b is displaced rearward).

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, the first intermediate components 60a and 60b are arranged adjacent to the first mounting portions 29a and 29b, respectively. The first intermediate components 60a and 60b are positioned relative to the plane P1 (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 11 ) Arranged symmetrically. When the first intermediate components 60a and 60b are located Figure 5 In the initial position shown, the protrusions 61a and 61b located at the front ends of the first intermediate parts 60a and 60b are respectively housed in the first mounting parts 29a and 29b.

[0064] like Figure 1 , Figure 7and Figure 9 As shown, the second intermediate component 70 is a component having a rod-shaped portion extending in the front-rear direction. A downwardly protruding pressing portion 71 is formed at the front end of the rod-shaped portion of the second intermediate component 70. Figure 7 As shown, cylindrical shaft portions 72 protruding to the right and left respectively are formed at the rear end of the rod-shaped portion of the second intermediate component 70. Additionally, an arched portion 73 extending upwards in an arch shape is formed at the rear end of the rod-shaped portion of the second intermediate component 70. The arched portion 73 has a shape that is symmetrical about the left and right sides with respect to the axis of rotation AX1. Cylindrical engaging portions 74 protruding to the right and left respectively are formed at both ends of the arched portion 73. Figure 7 Only the left-side engagement part 74 can be observed.

[0065] like Figure 1 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the second intermediate component 70 is disposed near the bottom of the intermediate housing 36 such that approximately half of its rear side is housed within the intermediate housing 36. Approximately half of the front side of the second intermediate component 70 extends forward and protrudes from a hole in the intermediate housing 36. The push-fit portion 71 located at the front end of the second intermediate component 70 is located near the second mounting portion 22 of the gear housing 20.

[0066] The top end of the shaft portion 72 of the second intermediate component 70 is supported within a protrusion (not shown) formed in the intermediate housing 36. The second intermediate component 70 is capable of pivoting along a third pivot axis AX5 extending in the left-right direction (see reference). Figure 7 It pivots around a central point. For example... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, a torsion spring 75 is arranged around the shaft portion 72 of the second intermediate component 70. The torsion spring 75 exerts a force on the second intermediate component 70 in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left (in other words, in the direction in which the pushed portion 71 is displaced downward).

[0067] The first linkage component 80 is a component configured to mechanically link the first intermediate components 60a and 60b with the second intermediate component 70 (details will be described later). For example... Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the first linkage component 80 consists of two components, namely, a first component 81 and a second component 82. The first component 81 is a generally U-shaped component with an open lower side. The two lower ends 83 of the first component 81 protrude forward. The lower ends 83 are located at a position that overlaps with the first intermediate components 60a and 60b in the vertical direction. The lower ends 83 have a conical shape, which is a cone shape that narrows towards the front with the center of gravity of the first component 81 located closer to the rear end than the front end.

[0068] like Figure 7and Figure 9 As shown, a pressing portion 84 is formed at the front end of each of the two lower ends 83, and the pressing portion 84 protrudes radially inward from the lower end 83 in relation to the rotation axis AX1. In this embodiment, the pressing portion 84 has a cylindrical shape. The pressing portion 84 is adjacent to the pressing portions 63a and 63b in front of the pressing portions 63a and 63b of the first intermediate parts 60a and 60b, respectively. Figure 5 As shown, when the first intermediate components 60a and 60b are in the initial position, the pushing parts 63a and 63b and the two pushed parts 84 are in contact in the front-back direction, but the pushing parts 63a and 63b are in a state where they do not push the two pushed parts 84 forward (referred to as the non-pushing state).

[0069] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, engaging portions 86 are also formed on each of the two lower ends 83, protruding radially inward from the lower end 83 in relation to the rotation axis AX1. The engaging portions 86 are located rearward of the pushed portion 84. In this embodiment, the engaging portions 86 have a cylindrical shape.

[0070] A cylindrical shaft portion 85 protruding to the left and right is formed at the upper end of the first component 81. The top end of the shaft portion 85 is supported in a protrusion (not shown) formed in the intermediate housing 36, and the first component 81 can pivot along a fourth pivot axis AX6 extending in the left-right direction (see reference). Figure 7 It pivots around the center.

[0071] The first component 81 is configured to be mechanically linked with the first intermediate components 60a and 60b. Specifically, as follows: Figure 14 As shown, when the side handle 200 is installed on the first mounting portion 29a, the top end of the mounting portion 220 of the side handle 200 pushes the protrusion 61a of the first intermediate member 60a inward. Accordingly, the first intermediate member 60a resists the force applied by the torsion spring 64a and rotates clockwise from above. Figure 5 Pivot to the initial position shown Figure 14 The position shown. At this time, as... Figure 14 As shown, the pushing part 63a of the first intermediate part 60a, while pivoting, pushes the pushed part 84 on the left side of the first part 81 forward. Accordingly, the first part 81 moves forward about the fourth pivot axis AX6 located on the shaft 85 (in other words, in a way that the lower end 83 is displaced forward) from... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The position shown pivots to Figure 15 and Figure 16 The location shown.

[0072] On the other hand, when the side handle 200 is removed from the first mounting part 29a, that is, when the side handle 200 is not pressing against the protrusion 61a of the first intermediate part 60a, the first intermediate part 60a pivots counterclockwise when viewed from above by the force applied by the torsion spring 64a, thereby... Figure 14 Return to the location shown Figure 5 The initial position is shown. At this time, the first component 81 is lifted from the position by the force applied by the force-applying component (not shown) provided in the intermediate housing 36. Figure 15 and Figure 16 Return to the location shown Figure 6 and Figure 7 The location shown.

[0073] Although the illustration is omitted, when the side handle 200 is mounted on the first mounting portion 29b, the top end of the mounting portion 220 of the side handle 200 pushes the protrusion 61b of the first intermediate member 60b inward. The first intermediate member 60b, resisting the force applied by the torsion spring 64b, pivots in a counter-clockwise direction when viewed from above (i.e., the opposite direction to when the side handle 200 is mounted on the first mounting portion 29a and pushed by the side handle 200). At this time, the pushing portion 63b of the first intermediate member 60b, while pivoting, pushes the pushed portion 84 on the right side of the first member 81 forward. Accordingly, similar to the case where the side handle 200 is mounted on the first mounting portion 29a, the first member 81 pivots forward about the fourth pivot axis AX6 located on the shaft portion 85. In addition, when the side handle 200 is removed from the first mounting part 29b, the first intermediate part 60b and the first part 81 also return to their respective initial positions.

[0074] Thus, the first component 81 is configured to be linked with the first intermediate component 60a or the first intermediate component 60b when the side handle 200 is selectively installed in either of the first mounting portions 29a and 29b, by being pushed by the first intermediate component 60a or the first intermediate component 60b.

[0075] like Figure 7 As shown, the second component 82 is a roughly U-shaped component with an open lower side. (As...) Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the second component 82 is positioned radially inward than the first component 81. Figure 7 As shown, the second component 82 has an upwardly projecting upper end portion 89 at its upper end. The projecting upper end portion 89 has a right side wall and a left side wall. The projecting upper end portion 89 also has a beam portion 891 that connects the right side wall and the left side wall at their upper and rearward positions. The beam portion 891 has a cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. A through hole 892 extending in the front-back direction is formed below the beam portion 891 (see reference). Figure 3 and Figure 12 The two lower ends of the second component 82 extend to a position lower than the lower end 83 of the first component 81. Engaging portions 87 are formed at each of the two lower ends of the second component 82, each having a generally U-shaped notch that is open on its lower side. Two engaging portions 74 of the second intermediate component 70 are inserted into the notches of the two engaging portions 87, respectively. According to this structure, the second component 82 and the second intermediate component 70 engage.

[0076] The second component 82 is configured to be mechanically linked with the second intermediate component 70 and the first component 81. First, the linkage between the second component 82 and the second intermediate component 70 will be explained. For example... Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, when the cover 300 (more specifically, the mounting part 320) is mounted on the second mounting part 22, the upper end of the mounting part 320 pushes the pushed part 71 of the second intermediate member 70 upward. Accordingly, the second intermediate member 70 resists the force applied by the torsion spring 75 and rotates clockwise from the third pivot axis AX5 located on the shaft 72, as viewed from the left. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The position shown pivots to Figure 17 and Figure 18 The position shown. At this time, the engaging part 87, which engages with the engaging part 74 of the second intermediate part 70, is pushed rearward, and the second part 82 is positioned at the fifth pivot axis AX7 located at the engaging part 74 (see reference). Figure 7 From the center, moving counterclockwise when viewed from the left... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The position shown pivots to Figure 17 and Figure 18 The location shown.

[0077] On the other hand, when the cover 300 is removed from the second mounting part 22, that is, when the cover 300 is not pressing against the pushed part 71 of the second intermediate member 70, the second intermediate member 70 pivots in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left by the force applied by the torsion spring 75, thereby... Figure 17 and Figure 18 Return to the location shown Figure 6 and Figure 7 The position shown. At this time, because the engaging part 87 of the second part 82, which engages with the engaging part 74 of the second intermediate part 70, is pushed forward, the second part 82 also pivots from... Figure 17 and Figure 18 Return to the location shown Figure 6 and Figure 7 The location shown.

[0078] Thus, the second component 82 is configured such that when it is installed on the second mounting part 22 via the cover 300, it is pushed by the second intermediate component 70 and linked with the second intermediate component 70.

[0079] Next, the linkage between the second component 82 and the first component 81 will be explained. For example... Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, in the second component 82, two engaging holes 88 are formed on the left and right sides that clamp the rotation axis AX1 in the middle and extend in the vertical direction (hereinafter referred to as the left and right portions). Figure 7 Only the right-side engagement hole 88 is visible. The two engagement holes 88 are holes that pass through the left and right portions in the left-right direction. The engagement holes 88 are located vertically closer in position to the engagement portion 74 of the second intermediate member 70 than the shaft portion 85 of the first member 81. The engagement portion 86 of the first linkage member 80 is inserted into the two engagement holes 88. According to this structure, the second member 82 engages with the first member 81.

[0080] Therefore, when the first component 81 is pushed by the first intermediate component 60a or 60b and pivots around the fourth pivot axis AX6 by installing the side handle 200, the engaging part 86 pushes the second component 82 forward. Therefore, the second component 82 pivots around the fifth pivot axis AX7 extending in the left-right direction (see...). Figure 7 Centered on ) Figure 6 and Figure 7 The position shown pivots to Figure 15 and Figure 16 The position shown. The fifth pivot axis AX7 is located at the engaging part 74. Furthermore, when the side handle 200 is removed and the first component 81 is pivoted in the opposite direction, the engaging part 86 pushes the second component 82 rearward. Accordingly, the second component 82 pivots, and from... Figure 15 and Figure 16 Return to the location shown Figure 6 and Figure 7 The location shown.

[0081] Furthermore, when the second intermediate component 70 is pivoted by the mounting cover 300, and the second component 82, in conjunction with the second intermediate component 70, pivots counterclockwise when viewed from the left, the second component 82 pushes the engaging portion 86 of the first component 81 forward. Accordingly, the first component 81 rotates clockwise from the left side around the fourth pivot axis AX6 located on the shaft portion 85. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The position shown pivots to Figure 17 and Figure 18The position shown. Additionally, when the cover 300 is removed and the second component 82 is pivoted in the opposite direction, the second component 82 pushes the engaging portion 86 rearward. Accordingly, the first component 81 pivots from... Figure 17 and Figure 18 Return to the location shown Figure 6 and Figure 7 The location shown.

[0082] With this structure, the second component 82 can be linked with both the second intermediate component 70 and the first component 81. As clearly shown in the above description, the second component 82 moves in the same direction when the side handle 200 is installed and when the cover 300 is installed.

[0083] The aforementioned linkage of the first intermediate components 60a and 60b, the second intermediate component 70, and the first linkage component 80 (first component 81 and second component 82) achieves cumulative displacement of the first linkage component 80 when both the side handle 200 and the cover 300 are installed. Specifically, when the side handle 200 is installed first, as described above, the first linkage component 80... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The initial position displacement (pivot) shown is to Figure 15 and Figure 16 The position shown. Furthermore, when the cover 300 is installed in addition to the side handle 200, the first linkage member 80 moves in the same direction as when the side handle 200 is installed. Figure 15 and Figure 16 The position shown is further displaced (pivoted) to Figure 19 and Figure 20 The position shown. Additionally, when the cover 300 is installed first, as described above, the first linkage component 80... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The initial position displacement (pivot) shown is to Figure 17 and Figure 18 The position shown. Furthermore, when the side handle 200 is installed in addition to the cover 300, the first linkage member 80 moves in the same direction as when the cover 300 is installed. Figure 17 and Figure 18 The position shown is further displaced (pivoted) to Figure 19 and Figure 20 The position shown. In this way, when both the side handle 200 and the cover 300 are installed, regardless of the installation order of the side handle 200 and the cover 300, the first linkage component 80... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The initial position shown has been cumulatively displaced to Figure 19 and Figure 20 The location shown.

[0084] The second linkage component 90 is configured to mechanically link with the first linkage component 80 through such cumulative displacement. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the second linkage component 90 is a rod-shaped component extending in the front-to-back direction. (As shown...) Figure 1 and Figure 10 As shown, the second linkage member 90 extends from the front side of the electric motor 31 to the rear side of the electric motor 31. The second linkage member 90 is arranged along the inner upper surface of the motor housing 30 in a manner that allows displacement in the front-rear direction. Figure 3 and Figure 12 As shown, the second linkage component 90 passes through the through hole 892 formed in the protruding upper end 89 of the second component 82 of the first linkage component 80 and extends to the front of the second component 82.

[0085] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, an upwardly protruding engaging portion 91 is formed at the front end of the second linkage member 90. The engaging portion 91 extends above the beam portion 891 of the protruding upper end 89. An arc-shaped recess 97 is formed at the base of the rear side of the engaging portion 91. Protrusions 92 and 93 are formed near the rear end of the second linkage member 90. Protrusions 92 and 93 protrude downward and are separated in the front-rear direction. A forward-protruding positioning protrusion 94 is formed on the front end face of the protrusion 92. A rearward-protruding positioning protrusion 95 is formed on the rear end face of the protrusion 93.

[0086] like Figure 4 and Figure 13 As shown, a coil spring 96, serving as an example of a force-applying component, is disposed between protrusions 92 and 93. The rear end of the coil spring 96 rests on the front end face of protrusion 92, and the front end of the coil spring 96 rests on the portion of the motor housing 30 extending between protrusions 92 and 93. The coil spring 96 is arranged to surround positioning protrusions 94 and 95, thereby limiting the movement of the coil spring 96 in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction. The coil spring 96 is disposed in a compressed state and always applies a rearward force to the second linkage member 90. Protrusion 93 functions as a stop member to limit the rearward movement of the second linkage member 90 by abutting against the portion of the motor housing 30 extending between protrusions 92 and 93.

[0087] When the second linkage component 90 is located Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the initial position shown, the engaging portion 91 of the second linkage member 90 and the beam portion 891 of the second member 82 are separated in the front-rear direction. When only the side handle 200 and the side handle 200 in the cover 300 are installed, the second member 82 of the first linkage member 80 pivots, thereby, as Figure 15 and Figure 16As shown, the engaging portion 91 contacts the beam portion 891 of the second component 82. At this time, the beam portion 891 does not push the engaging portion 91 forward. Therefore, the second linkage component 90 remains in the initial position. When only the side handle 200 and the cover 300 in the cover 300 are installed, the second component 82 of the first linkage component 80 pivots, thereby, as Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the engaging portion 91 contacts the beam portion 891 of the second component 82. At this time, the beam portion 891 does not push the engaging portion 91 forward. Therefore, the second linkage component 90 remains in the initial position.

[0088] When both the side handle 200 and the cover 300 are installed, the second component 82 of the first linkage component 80 further pivots, thereby, as Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the beam portion 891 of the second component 82 pushes the engaging portion 91 forward. Accordingly, the second linkage component 90 resists the force applied by the coil spring 96 and... Figure 3 The position shown is to Figure 12 The position shown is displaced forward. Because a recess 97 is formed at the base of the engaging portion 91, when the second linkage member 90 displaces forward, as... Figure 12 As shown, the beam portion 891 is housed within the recess 97. Therefore, the beam portion 891 does not exert a downward force on the second linkage member 90. Consequently, the second linkage member 90 can smoothly move forward.

[0089] On the other hand, when at least one of the side handle 200 and the cover 300 is removed, the second component 82 is removed from... Figure 19 and Figure 20 Return to the location shown Figure 15 and Figure 16 The location shown or return to Figure 17 and Figure 18 The position shown. Accordingly, the force that pushed the engaging part 91 forward by the beam portion 891 of the second component 82 is released, and the second linkage component 90 returns to its original position by the force applied by the coil spring 96. Figure 3 The initial position is shown.

[0090] Thus, the second linkage component 90 is linked to the first linkage component 80 in a manner that it moves in response to whether the first linkage component 80 has accumulated displacement. In other words, the second linkage component 90 moves forward only when the first linkage component 80 has accumulated displacement, and moves backward only when the accumulated displacement is released.

[0091] The displacement of this second linkage component 90 (in other words, the cumulative displacement of the first linkage component 80) is detected by sensor 44. Specifically, as Figure 4 and Figure 13As shown, sensor 44 is mounted on substrate 441 facing the protrusion 92 of the second linkage member 90 in the vertical direction. Sensor 44 is positioned rearward of electric motor 31. In this embodiment, sensor 44 is a Hall sensor. Magnet 49 is embedded in the protrusion 92, exposed downwards. Figure 4 and Figure 13 As shown, when the second linkage member 90 is displaced in the front-to-back direction, the magnet 49 traverses the sensor 44 in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the sensor 44 is a bipolar detection type, and the magnet 49 is configured with its N pole and S pole arranged in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, depending on which of the N pole and S pole is detected by the sensor 44, the displacement of the second linkage member 90 (the cumulative displacement of the first linkage member 80) can be detected. The form of the sensor 44 is not particularly limited; for example, it can be a unipolar detection type Hall sensor, or any known magnetic sensor other than a Hall sensor (e.g., an MR sensor). The configuration of the switch 41 and the magnet 49 can be appropriately changed according to the characteristics of the sensor 44.

[0092] The sensor 44 is electrically connected to the controller 43, and its output is input to the controller 43. When the sensor 44 does not detect displacement of the second linkage member 90 (cumulative displacement of the first linkage member 80), i.e., when at least one of the side handle 200 and the cover 300 is not installed, the controller 43 disables the driving of the electric motor 31 (in other words, energizes the electric motor 31). Conversely, when the sensor 44 detects displacement of the second linkage member 90 (cumulative displacement of the first linkage member 80), i.e., when both the side handle 200 and the cover 300 are installed, the controller 43 allows the driving of the electric motor 31 when a control signal indicating that the switch 41 is in the ON state is sent from the switch 41 to the controller 43. This disabling / allowing control of the electric motor 31 can be implemented by software executed by the CPU of the controller 43, or it can be implemented solely by hardware (e.g., using a switching element that switches the electrical connection between the controller 43 and the electric motor 31 on / off based on input from the sensor 44).

[0093] According to the above-described grinding machine 10, a new structure is provided in which the electric motor 31 is allowed to be energized only when both the side handle 200 and the cover 300 are installed, and the first linkage member 80 is cumulatively displaced in conjunction with the first intermediate members 60a, 60b and the second intermediate member 70. Therefore, the design freedom of the grinding machine with a structure that allows the motor to be energized only when both the side handle and the cover are installed can be increased. For example, as in the above embodiment, the first intermediate members 60a, 60b, the second intermediate member 70 and the first linkage member 80 can be centrally arranged in the empty space within the intermediate housing 36. Furthermore, since the first linkage member 80 is linked with both the first intermediate members 60a, 60b and the second intermediate member 70 (in other words, since the first linkage member 80 is shared by the first intermediate members 60a, 60b and the second intermediate member 70), the structure that allows the electric motor 31 to be energized only when both the side handle 200 and the cover 300 are installed can be effectively realized. For example, a single sensor 44 can detect whether both the side handle 200 and the cover 300 are installed. By reducing the number of sensors, the number of electronic components can be reduced, thereby reducing wiring time and making manufacturing easier.

[0094] Furthermore, according to the grinding machine 10, the first intermediate components 60a and 60b, the second intermediate component 70, and the first linkage component 80 are positioned forward of the electric motor 31, while the sensor 44 and the controller 43 (i.e., electronic components) are positioned rearward of the electric motor 31. The cumulative displacement of the first linkage component 80 is detected by the sensor 44 via the second linkage component 90. Therefore, the portion forward of the electric motor 31 (e.g., the intermediate housing 36) does not need to be insulated. This allows for a compact structure in the grinding machine 10. Additionally, since the wiring for electrically connecting the sensor 44 and the controller 43 does not need to be arranged across the electric motor 31, the wiring length can be shortened, and wiring ease can be improved.

[0095] Furthermore, according to the grinder 10, although the mounting direction (approximately left-right direction) for mounting the side handle 200 to the first mounting portion 29a or the first mounting portion 29b is different from the mounting direction (up-down direction) for mounting the cover 300 to the second mounting portion 22, the respective pushing forces of the side handle 200 and the cover 300 acting in these two mounting directions are converted into the same direction (front-back direction) by the first intermediate parts 60a, 60b and the second intermediate part 70. Therefore, since it is not necessary to make the above two mounting directions consistent, the design freedom of the grinder 10 is increased.

[0096] Furthermore, according to the grinding machine 10, the first intermediate parts 60a and 60b pivot when pushed by the side handle 200, and are linked to the first linkage part 80 (first part 81) by pushing it. Additionally, the second intermediate part 70 pivots when pushed by the cover 300, and is linked to the first linkage part 80 (second part 82) by pushing it. Thus, by configuring the structure to allow the first intermediate parts 60a and 60b and the second intermediate part 70 to pivot, the pushing forces of the side handle 200 and the cover 300 acting in the two mounting directions can be converted to the same direction with a smaller number of parts.

[0097] Furthermore, according to the grinding machine 10, the first mounting portions 29a, 29b and the first intermediate components 60a, 60b are positioned relative to the plane P1 (refer to) of the rotation axis AX1 containing the electric motor 31. Figure 11 The side handles 200 are symmetrically arranged. Furthermore, the pivoting directions of the first intermediate components 60a and 60b when the side handle 200 is installed are opposite to each other. Therefore, regardless of which of the first mounting portions 29a and 29b the side handle 200 is installed on, the first intermediate components 60a and 60b corresponding to that mounting position can be actuated with the first linkage component 80. Thus, the user can select the mounting position of the side handle 200 from the first mounting portions 29a and 29b, resulting in excellent user convenience.

[0098] Furthermore, according to the grinding machine 10, the first intermediate parts 60a and 60b, which are subjected to forces in opposite directions by the torsion springs 64a and 64b, are in their initial positions (refer to) when not pushed by the side handle 200. Figure 5 The first intermediate member 60a is in a non-pressing state, not pressing the first linkage member 80 (first member 81). Therefore, when the side handle 200 is mounted on the first mounting part 29a and the first intermediate member 60a is pivoted, thereby pressing the first linkage member 80 (first member 81), the first intermediate member 60a is in a non-pressing state relative to the plane P1 (refer to the plane P1). Figure 11 The first intermediate member 60b, positioned opposite to the first intermediate member 60a, will not push the first linkage member 80 (first member 81) in the opposite direction to the first intermediate member 60a due to the force applied by the torsion spring 64b. Similarly, when the side handle 200 is mounted on the first mounting portion 29b, a pushing force in the opposite direction to the pushing force of the first intermediate member 60b will not act from the first intermediate member 60a onto the first linkage member 80 (first member 81). Therefore, the first linkage member 80 can be smoothly displaced in the desired direction. Even when the first intermediate members 60a and 60b are in their initial positions (see reference...), the first linkage member 80 can still be smoothly displaced. Figure 5 Even when in a non-contact state that is not in contact with the first linkage component 80 (first component 81), the same effect can be achieved.

[0099] Furthermore, according to the grinding machine 10, the first linkage member 80 has a first component 81 and a second component 82. The first component 81 is pivotally supported on the intermediate housing 36 and is linked with the first intermediate component 60a or the first intermediate component 60b by being pushed by the first intermediate component 60a or the first intermediate component 60b when the side handle 200 is installed. The second component 82 engages with the first component 81 and is linked with the second intermediate component 70 and the first component 81. According to this structure, since the first component 81 is pivotally supported on the intermediate housing 36, even when the side handle 200 is installed, the first component 81 and even the first linkage member 80 can be smoothly pivoted even when the first component 81 is pushed by only one of the first intermediate components 60a and the first intermediate component 60b (i.e., even if only the right and left sides of the first component 81 are pushed).

[0100] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these embodiments are for ease of understanding and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and equivalents are 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 the effects, the structural elements described in the claims and specification can be arbitrarily combined or omitted.

[0101] For example, if the sensor 44 is positioned forward of the electric motor 31, the second linkage component 90 can be omitted. In this case, a magnet 49 can be embedded in the first linkage component 80 (the second component 82), and the sensor 44 can directly detect the cumulative displacement of the first linkage component 80.

[0102] Furthermore, a sensor of any form that directly or indirectly (e.g., via the second linkage member 90) detects the cumulative displacement of the first linkage member 80 can be used instead of sensor 44. Such a sensor can be a microswitch, or it can be a photoelectric sensor, an ultrasonic distance sensor, etc.

[0103] Furthermore, when the first intermediate components 60a and 60b are installed, they can be indirectly pushed by the side handle 200 through other additional movable components. Similarly, when the second intermediate component 70 is installed, it can be indirectly pushed by the cover 300 through other additional movable components.

[0104] Furthermore, the mechanism for transmitting the displacement of the first intermediate components 60a, 60b and the second intermediate component 70 to the first linkage component 80, and the mechanism for transmitting the displacement of the first linkage component 80 to the second linkage component 90, are not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented by any mechanical mechanism (e.g., linkage mechanism).

[0105] Furthermore, the number of first mounting portions for mounting the side handle 200 can be one. In this case, the number of first intermediate parts is also one. In addition, the first linkage member 80 can have any structure capable of performing the aforementioned cumulative displacement; for example, it can also be formed by a single component.

[0106] Furthermore, the structure that allows the electric motor 31 to be driven only when the first linkage member 80 has been cumulatively displaced, with both the side handle 200 and the cover 300 installed, can be mechanically implemented instead of electrically implemented via the controller 43. For example, an operating member (e.g., a slide switch) for switching between the on and off states of a switch can be configured on the upper surface of the intermediate housing 36. In this case, when the first linkage member 80 has not been cumulatively displaced, the operating member or an additional linkage member linked to the operating member can abut against the first linkage member 80 or an additional linkage member linked to the first linkage member 80 to restrict the displacement of the operating member from the off position to the on position. Alternatively, when the first linkage member 80 has been cumulatively displaced, the first linkage member 80 or an additional linkage member linked to the first linkage member 80 allows the electric motor 31 to be driven by retracting to a position that does not obstruct the displacement of the operating member from the off position to the on position. In such an alternative embodiment, the sensor 44 can be omitted.

[0107] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are not limited to the grinder 10, and can be applied to any power tool configured to install two types of accessories.

[0108] The following shows the correspondence between the structural elements of the above embodiments and the structural elements of the present invention. However, each structural element of the embodiments is only an example and does not limit the structural elements of the present invention. The grinder 10 is an example of a "power tool". The electric motor 31 is an example of a "motor", and the side handle 200 is an example of a "first accessory". The cover 300 is an example of a "second accessory". The first mounting portions 29a and 29b are examples of "first mounting portions", and also examples of "third side mounting portions" and "fourth side mounting portions", respectively. The second mounting portion 22 is an example of a "second mounting portion". The first intermediate components 60a and 60b are examples of "first intermediate components", and also examples of "third side intermediate components" and "fourth side intermediate components", respectively. The second intermediate component 70 is an example of a "second intermediate component". The first linkage component 80 is an example of a "first linkage component". The sensor 44 is an example of a "sensor". The controller 43 is an example of a "controller". The second linkage component 90 is an example of a "second linkage component". Plane P1 is an example of a "plane". The first pivot axis AX3 is an example of a "first pivot axis". The second pivot axis AX4 is an example of a "second pivot axis". Torsion springs 64a and 64b are examples of "first force-applying components" and "second force-applying components", respectively. The intermediate housing 36 is an example of a "housing". Component 81 and component 82 are examples of "first component" and "second component", respectively. The top tool 28 is an example of a "top tool".

Claims

1. A power tool, characterized in that, It includes a motor, a first mounting part, a second mounting part, a first intermediate component, a second intermediate component, and a first linkage component, wherein, The first mounting part is used to detachably mount the side grip, which is the first accessory; The second mounting part is used to detachably install the cover, which is the second accessory; The first intermediate component is configured to be displaced by being directly or indirectly pushed by the side handle when the side handle is installed on the first mounting part; The second intermediate component is configured to be displaced by the cover directly or indirectly when the cover is installed on the second mounting part. The first linkage component is configured to mechanically link with the respective displacements of the first intermediate component and the second intermediate component, and is configured to displace in the same direction when the side grip is mounted on the first mounting portion and when the cover is mounted on the second mounting portion. The first linkage component is configured as follows: With the cover not installed on the second mounting part, when the side handle is installed on the first mounting part, the first linkage component moves from the first position to the second position. With the side grip installed on the first mounting portion, when the cover is installed on the second mounting portion, the first linkage component moves from the second position to a third position on the opposite side of the first position. With the side grip not installed on the first mounting part, when the cover is installed on the second mounting part, the first linkage component moves from the first position to the fourth position. With the side grip installed on the first mounting portion, when the cover is installed on the second mounting portion, the first linkage component moves from the fourth position to the third position. The power tool is configured to allow power to be supplied to the motor only when the first linkage component is displaced to the third position. The number of the first mounting parts is 1.

2. A power tool, characterized in that, It includes a motor, a first mounting part, a second mounting part, a first intermediate component, a second intermediate component, and a first linkage component, wherein, The first mounting part is used to detachably mount the side grip, which is the first accessory; The second mounting part is used to detachably install the cover, which is the second accessory; The first intermediate component is configured to be displaced by being directly or indirectly pushed by the side handle when the side handle is installed on the first mounting part; The second intermediate component is configured to be displaced by the cover directly or indirectly when the cover is installed on the second mounting part. The first linkage component is configured to mechanically link with the respective displacements of the first intermediate component and the second intermediate component, and is configured to displace in the same direction when the side grip is mounted on the first mounting portion and when the cover is mounted on the second mounting portion. The first linkage component is configured as follows: With the cover not installed on the second mounting part, when the side handle is installed on the first mounting part, the first linkage component moves from the first position to the second position. With the side grip installed on the first mounting portion, when the cover is installed on the second mounting portion, the first linkage component moves from the second position to a third position on the opposite side of the first position. With the side grip not installed on the first mounting part, when the cover is installed on the second mounting part, the first linkage component moves from the first position to the fourth position. With the side grip installed on the first mounting portion, when the cover is installed on the second mounting portion, the first linkage component moves from the fourth position to the third position. The power tool is configured to allow power to be supplied to the motor only when the first linkage component is displaced to the third position. The first mounting portion includes a first-side mounting portion and a second-side mounting portion, wherein the first-side mounting portion is disposed on a first side relative to the motor in the direction extending along the rotation axis of the motor, i.e., the axial direction; and the second-side mounting portion is disposed on a second side opposite to the first side relative to the motor in the axial direction. The first linkage component is configured to perform the same displacement when the side grip is installed on the first side mounting portion and when the side grip is installed on the second side mounting portion.

3. The power tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It has sensors and controllers, among which, The sensor is configured to directly or indirectly detect the displacement of the first linkage component towards the third position; The controller is configured to control the power supply to the motor, and is configured to allow power supply to the motor only when the sensor detects a displacement of the first linkage component toward the third position.

4. The power tool according to claim 3, characterized in that, It has a second linkage component, which is configured to mechanically link with the displacement of the first linkage component. The first intermediate component, the second intermediate component, and the first linkage component are arranged on the first side relative to the motor in the direction extending along the rotation axis of the motor, i.e., in the axial direction. The sensor and the controller are configured on a second side opposite to the first side in the axial direction relative to the motor. The second linkage component extends from the first side to the second side. The sensor is configured to detect the displacement of the first linkage component to the third position based on the displacement of the second linkage component.

5. The power tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first mounting direction for mounting the side grip to the first mounting portion and the second mounting direction for mounting the cover to the second mounting portion are different from each other. The first intermediate component and the second intermediate component are configured to convert the pushing force of the side grip in the first mounting direction and the pushing force of the cover in the second mounting direction into the same direction and transmit them to the first linkage component.

6. The power tool according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first intermediate component is configured to pivot when directly or indirectly pushed by the side grip, and to be linked with the first linkage component by pushing the first linkage component. The second intermediate component is configured to pivot when directly or indirectly pushed by the cover, and to be linked with the first linkage component by pushing the first linkage component.

7. The power tool according to claim 6, characterized in that, For selective mounting of the side grip, the first mounting portion has a third side mounting portion and a fourth side mounting portion, wherein the third side mounting portion is disposed on a third side relative to a plane containing the rotation axis of the motor; and the fourth side mounting portion is disposed on a fourth side opposite to the third side relative to the plane. The third-side mounting portion and the fourth-side mounting portion are configured to be symmetrical with respect to the plane. The first intermediate component has a third-side intermediate component and a fourth-side intermediate component, wherein the third-side intermediate component is disposed adjacent to the third-side mounting portion; and the fourth-side intermediate component is disposed adjacent to the fourth-side mounting portion. The third-side intermediate component and the fourth-side intermediate component are configured to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the plane. The third side intermediate component is configured to pivot around the first pivot axis. The fourth side intermediate component is configured to pivot about a second pivot axis, wherein the second pivot axis extends in the same direction as the first pivot axis. The pivot direction of the third side intermediate component when it is directly or indirectly pushed by the side handle, i.e., the first pivot direction, is opposite to the pivot direction of the fourth side intermediate component when it is directly or indirectly pushed by the side handle, i.e., the second pivot direction.

8. The power tool according to claim 7, characterized in that, It has a first force-applying component and a second force-applying component, wherein the first force-applying component applies a force to the third-side intermediate component in a direction opposite to the first pivoting direction; and the second force-applying component applies a force to the fourth-side intermediate component in a direction opposite to the second pivoting direction. The third side intermediate component and the fourth side intermediate component are in a non-contact state, not in contact with the first linkage component, or in a non-push state, when not directly or indirectly pushed by the side handle.

9. The power tool according to claim 7, characterized in that, It has an outer shell, The first linkage component comprises a first component and a second component, wherein, The first component is pivotally supported on the housing and is configured to be linked with the first intermediate component by being pushed by the third or fourth intermediate component when the side grip is mounted on either the third or fourth intermediate component. The second component is configured to engage with the first component and the second intermediate component, and to be linked with the first component and the second intermediate component.

10. The power tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The power tool is a grinder configured to rotate a tip tool by the driving force of the motor. The cover partially covers the top tool.

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