Electric working machine and method for controlling motor in electric working machine

Abstract

The invention provides an electric working machine and a method for controlling a motor in the electric working machine. An electric working machine according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a motor, a first manual switch, a second manual switch, and a control circuit. The control circuit rotates the motor according to a first control method based on (i) the first manual switch is manually operated and (ii) the second manual switch is in the first region. The control circuit stops the motor on the basis of (i) the first manual switch is not manually operated and / or (ii) the second manual switch is within the second region. The control circuit rotates the motor in a second control mode on the basis of (i) the first manual switch being manually operated and (ii) the second manual switch being within the third region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric working machine and a method for controlling a motor in the electric working machine. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 6357086 discloses a lawn mower having a trigger switch and an operation input unit. The trigger switch and the operation input unit are user interfaces that are manually operated by a user of the lawn mower. The operation input unit includes a main power switch, a reverse switch, etc. The user can switch the rotation direction of the motor or the rotation speed of the motor by operating the operation input unit. Summary of the invention

[0003] The more powerful the lawn mower is, the more likely it is that the configuration of the operation input unit will become complicated, or complicated input operations will be required. This possibility also occurs in various electric working machines other than lawn mowers.

[0004] One aspect of the present invention is to provide an electric working machine capable of selectively executing a plurality of functions through easy operation on a user interface while suppressing complication of the configuration of the user interface.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides an electric working machine including a motor, a first manual switch, a second manual switch, and a control circuit.

[0006] The first manual switch is manually operated by a user of the electric working machine. The second manual switch (i) is manually operated by the user, and (ii) moves within a moving range. The moving range includes a first area, a second area, and a third area.

[0007] The control circuit rotates the motor according to a first control method based on (i) the first manual switch being manually operated and (ii) the second manual switch being in the first region.

[0008] The control circuit stops the motor based on (i) the first manual switch is not manually operated and / or (ii) the second manual switch is in the second area.

[0009] The control circuit rotates the motor according to a second control method based on (i) the first manual switch being manually operated and (i) the second manual switch being in the third region. The second control method is different from the first control method.

[0010] In the electric working machine thus configured, the first manual switch and the second manual switch are provided as a user interface. The user can (i) rotate the motor according to the first control method, (ii) rotate the motor according to the second control method, or (iii) stop the motor by moving the second manual switch. Thus, it is possible to suppress the complexity of the configuration of the user interface and selectively execute multiple functions based on easy operation of the user interface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the electric working machine according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the right handle and the operating unit.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining the operation panel.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a side view of the right handle and operating unit.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a side view of the right handle and the operating unit in a state where the first half-split housing and the second manual switch are omitted.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the second manual switch, the shift support member and the switch box.

[0018] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the electrical structure of the electric working machine.

[0019] Figure 8 It is an explanatory diagram showing various states of the electric working machine corresponding to the position of the second manual switch.

[0020] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart of the main power state setting process.

[0021] Fig.10 is a flow chart of the mode switching monitoring process.

[0022] Fig.11 This is a flowchart of the operation mode setting process.

[0023] Fig.12 is a flowchart of the motor control process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] [1. Overview of Implementation Methods]

[0025] A certain embodiment can provide an electric working machine having at least any one of the following features 1 to 10.

[0026] Feature 1: Motor.

[0027] · Feature 2: The first manual switch (or first operating unit) is configured to be manually operated (or moved) by a user of the electric working machine.

[0028] Feature 3: A second manual switch (or a second operating unit) configured to be manually operated (or moved) by the user.

[0029] Feature 4: The second manual switch is configured to move within a moving range.

[0030] Feature 5: The moving range includes a first area, a second area, and a third area.

[0031] ·Feature 6: Control circuit.

[0032] Feature 7: The control circuit rotates the motor according to a first control method based on (i) the first manual switch being manually operated and (ii) the second manual switch being in the first area. The so-called rotating the motor according to the first control method can also be said to be: executing a first control action for rotating the motor.

[0033] Feature 8: The control circuit stops the motor based on (i) the first manual switch is not manually operated and / or (ii) the second manual switch is in the second area.

[0034] Feature 9: The control circuit rotates the motor according to a second control method based on (i) the first manual switch being manually operated and (ii) the second manual switch being within the third area. The so-called rotating the motor according to the second control method can also be expressed in another way as: executing a second control action for rotating the motor.

[0035] Feature 10: The second control method is different from the first control method.

[0036] The electric working machine having at least features 1 to 10 can selectively execute a plurality of functions based on easy operation of the user interface while suppressing complication of the configuration of the user interface.

[0037] The first manual switch may include a first movable portion (or a first operating portion or a trigger) configured to: (i) be manually operated by the user and (ii) move thereby. The first manual switch being manually operated may also mean that the first movable portion is manually operated.

[0038] The second manual switch may also include a second movable portion (or a second operating portion, or a shifter, or a dial, or a slider, or a selector), and the second movable portion is configured to: (i) be manually operated by the user, and (ii) thereby move within the moving range. The second manual switch being manually operated may also mean that the second movable portion is manually operated.

[0039] The first area, the second area, and the third area may be independent of each other without overlapping. The electric working machine may include a drive circuit. The drive circuit may be electrically connected to the control circuit and the motor. The drive circuit may be configured to receive a motor control signal from the control circuit directly or via an intermediate circuit. The motor control signal is generated by the control circuit in order to drive or stop the motor (in other words, to control the motor). The drive circuit may be configured to supply power to the motor or stop supplying power to the motor according to the motor control signal. The motor may be configured to receive the power from the drive circuit and thereby rotate. The intermediate circuit may include a gate circuit. The gate circuit may be configured to receive the motor control signal. The gate circuit may be configured to output the motor control signal to the drive circuit. The gate circuit may be configured to output a motor drive signal corresponding to the motor control signal to the drive circuit. In this case, the drive circuit may be configured to supply power to the motor or stop supplying power to the motor according to the motor drive signal.

[0040] In addition to or instead of at least any one of the above-mentioned features 1 to 10, a certain embodiment may include the following feature 11 and / or feature 12.

[0041] Feature 11: The second manual switch is configured to move from the first area through the second area toward the third area.

[0042] Feature 12: The second manual switch is configured to move from the third area through the second area toward the first area.

[0043] The electric working machine having at least features 1 to 12 can easily stop (i) the motor rotating according to the first control method and (ii) the motor rotating according to the second control method.

[0044] The second area may be directly connected to (i.e., adjacent to) the first area, or may be separated from the first area. The second area may be directly connected to the third area, or may be separated from the third area. The first area may be separated from the third area, or may be directly connected to the third area.

[0045] In addition to or instead of at least any one of the above-mentioned features 1 to 12, a certain embodiment may also have the following feature 13.

[0046] Feature 13: The control circuit is configured to execute the first stop operation of stopping the motor based on (i) the first manual switch being manually operated and (ii) the second manual switch being moved from the first area to the third area.

[0047] The electric working machine having at least characteristics 1 to 10 and 13 can suppress a sudden change in the control method.

[0048] In particular, in the electric working machine having feature 11 and / or feature 12, when the user moves the second manual switch from the first area to the second area in order to stop the motor, the second manual switch may pass through the second area and enter the third area unintentionally. In this case, if the motor immediately rotates according to the second control method, the user's sense of use may be impaired. Even when the second manual switch is moved from the third area to the second area, the second manual switch may pass through the second area and enter the first area unintentionally. In this case, if the motor immediately rotates according to the first control method, the user's sense of use may be impaired.

[0049] On the other hand, in the electric working machine having at least features 1 to 13, as described above, when the second manual switch passes through the second area, the motor is temporarily stopped, thereby preventing the user's feeling from being impaired.

[0050] In addition to or instead of at least any one of the above-mentioned features 1 to 13, a certain embodiment may include the following feature 14 and / or feature 15.

[0051] ·Feature 14: The control circuit is configured to: based on (i) executing the first stop action (or starting the first stop action, or stopping the motor through the first stop action), and (ii) then performing a specific operation on the first manual switch, the motor rotates according to the second control method.

[0052] Feature 15: The specific operation includes (i) releasing the manual operation of the first manual switch, and (ii) continuing to manually operate the first manual switch.

[0053] The electric working machine having at least features 1 to 10 and 13 to 15 is configured such that even if the second manual switch is moved from the first area to the third area to stop the motor, the motor can be rotated according to the second control method by the specific operation.

[0054] In addition to or instead of at least any one of the above-mentioned features 1 to 15, a certain embodiment may also have the following feature 16.

[0055] Feature 16: The control circuit is configured to execute the second stop operation of stopping the motor based on (i) the first manual switch being manually operated and (ii) the second manual switch being moved from the third area to the first area.

[0056] The electric working machine having at least characteristics 1 to 10 and 16 can suppress a sudden change in the control method.

[0057] In addition to or instead of at least any one of the above-mentioned features 1 to 16, a certain embodiment may also have the following feature 17.

[0058] Feature 17: The control circuit is configured to: (i) execute the second stop action (or start the second stop action, or stop the motor by the second stop action), and (ii) then perform a specific operation on the first manual switch to cause the motor to rotate according to the first control method.

[0059] The specific operation in Feature 17 may be the same as or different from the specific operation in Feature 15.

[0060] The electric working machine having at least features 1 to 10, 16, and 17 is configured such that even if the second manual switch is moved from the third area to the first area to stop the motor, the motor can be rotated according to the first control method by the specific operation.

[0061] In addition to or instead of at least any one of the above-mentioned features 1 to 17, a certain embodiment may include at least any one of the following features 18 to 19.

[0062] Feature 18: The first control method includes setting a target rotation speed according to a position of the second manual switch in the first area.

[0063] Feature 19: The first control method includes rotating the motor at a set target rotation speed.

[0064] The target rotation speed in feature 19 may also be the target rotation speed set in feature 18 .

[0065] In addition to or instead of at least any one of the above-mentioned features 1 to 19, a certain embodiment may include the following feature 20 and / or feature 21.

[0066] Feature 20: The first control method includes increasing the target rotation speed in accordance with an increase in the distance between the second manual switch and the second area.

[0067] Feature 21: The first control method includes rotating the motor at the target rotation speed.

[0068] In the electric working machine having at least features 1 to 12, 20, and 21, the user can adjust the target rotation speed with good usability of the second manual switch.

[0069] In addition to or instead of at least any one of the above-mentioned features 1 to 21, a certain embodiment may include the following feature 22 and / or feature 23.

[0070] Feature 22: The second control method includes setting a target rotation speed according to a magnitude of a load applied to the motor.

[0071] Feature 23: The second control method includes rotating the motor at a set target rotation speed.

[0072] The target rotation speed in feature 23 may also be: the target rotation speed set in feature 22.

[0073] In addition to or instead of at least any one of the above-mentioned features 1 to 23, a certain embodiment may include at least any one of the following features 24 to 26.

[0074] Feature 24: The second control method includes setting the target rotation speed to a first speed based on the magnitude of the load being smaller than a threshold value.

[0075] Feature 25: The second control method includes setting the target rotation speed to a second speed based on the magnitude of the load being equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0076] Feature 26: The second speed is greater than the first speed.

[0077] A certain embodiment may include the following feature 27 instead of the above-mentioned feature 26.

[0078] Feature 27: The second speed is lower than the first speed.

[0079] In addition to or instead of at least any one of the above-mentioned features 1 to 27, a certain embodiment may also include the following feature 28.

[0080] Feature 28: A click feeling generating unit is configured to generate a click feeling in the second manual switch in response to the second manual switch reaching a predetermined position in the movement range while moving within the movement range.

[0081] The so-called making the second manual switch produce the click feeling can also be expressed in another way, that is, giving the user a click feeling by means of the second manual switch. The making the second manual switch produce the click feeling can also be expressed in another way, that is, causing the force required by the user to move the second manual switch (in other words, the load, external force or resistance applied to the moving second manual switch in the direction that hinders its movement) to change.

[0082] When a certain embodiment includes the above-mentioned feature 28, the embodiment may further include at least any one of the following features 29 to 34.

[0083] Feature 29: The movement range includes a switching occurrence area.

[0084] Feature 30: The switching region is from the first reference position to the second reference position.

[0085] Feature 31: The first reference position is within the second region.

[0086] Feature 32: The second reference position is within the third area.

[0087] Feature 33: The click feeling generating unit is configured to cause the second manual switch to generate the click feeling in response to the second manual switch moving from outside the switching occurrence area to the switching occurrence area.

[0088] Feature 34: The click feeling generating unit is configured to cause the second manual switch to generate the click feeling in response to the second manual switch being separated from the switching generation area.

[0089] In the electric working machine including the click feeling generating portion, when the user moves the second manual switch, the user can appropriately recognize the change in the position of the second manual switch through the click feeling.

[0090] In addition to or instead of at least any one of the above-mentioned features 1 to 34, a certain embodiment may also include the following features 35 and / or 36.

[0091] Feature 35: The first manual switch includes a trigger.

[0092] Feature 36: The first manual switch being manually operated includes: the trigger moving from an initial position to a distance greater than a certain distance.

[0093] In addition to or instead of at least any one of the above-mentioned features 1 to 36, a certain embodiment may also have the following feature 37.

[0094] Feature 37: The second manual switch includes a toggle configured to be rotated by the user.

[0095] In addition to or instead of at least any one of the above-mentioned features 1 to 37, a certain embodiment may include the following feature 38 and / or feature 39.

[0096] Feature 38: The electric working machine is configured as a handle to be gripped by one hand of a user of the electric working machine.

[0097] Feature 39: The first manual switch and the second manual switch are arranged near the handle or on the handle so that the user can operate the first manual switch and the second manual switch simultaneously with one hand while holding the handle with the one hand.

[0098] In the electric working machine having at least features 1 to 10, 38, and 39, the user can easily adjust the rotation of the motor with the one hand.

[0099] A certain embodiment may provide a method of controlling a motor in an electric working machine having at least any one of the following features 40 to 42.

[0100] Feature 40: The motor is rotated according to the first control method based on (i) the first manual switch being manually operated and (ii) the second manual switch being in the first area.

[0101] Feature 41: The motor is stopped based on (i) the first manual switch is not manually operated and / or (ii) the second manual switch is in the second area.

[0102] Feature 42: Based on (i) the first manual switch being manually operated and (ii) the second manual switch being in a third area, the motor is rotated according to the second control method.

[0103] The first to third areas may be independent of each other. The second control method may be different from the first control method.

[0104] The method including features 40 to 42 can suppress the complexity of the configuration of the user interface and can selectively execute a plurality of functions based on easy operation of the user interface.

[0105] Examples of the electric working machine include various on-site electrical equipment used in work sites such as amateur carpentry, manufacturing, gardening, and construction and configured to be driven by batteries. Specifically, they include: power tools for masonry, metalworking, and carpentry, and work machines for gardening. More specifically, they include: electric lawn mowers (or electric lawn mowers), electric lawn mowers, electric push mowers, electric hedge trimmers, electric hammers, electric hammer drills, electric drills, electric screwdrivers, electric wrenches, electric grinders, electric circular saws, electric reciprocating saws, electric wire saws, electric knives, electric chainsaws, electric planers, electric cleaners, electric sprayers, electric spreaders, electric dust collectors, battery-powered carts, battery-powered bicycles, and air-conditioned clothing.

[0106] In a certain embodiment, the control circuit may also be integrated into a single electronic unit or a single electronic device or a single circuit substrate.

[0107] In a certain embodiment, the control circuit may be a combination of two or more electronic circuits, two or more electronic units, or two or more electronic devices respectively provided in the electric working machine.

[0108] In a certain embodiment, the control circuit may also have: a microcomputer (or a microcontroller, or a microprocessor), wiring logic, an integrated circuit for a specific purpose (ASIC), a general purpose product for a specific purpose (ASSP), a programmable logic device (such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), discrete electronic components, and / or a combination thereof.

[0109] Examples of the motor include a brushless motor (or brushless DC motor), a brushed DC motor, an AC motor, and a stepping motor.

[0110] In a certain embodiment, the above-mentioned features 1 to 42 may be arbitrarily combined.

[0111] In a certain embodiment, any one of the above-mentioned features 1 to 42 may be eliminated.

[0112] [2. Specific exemplary embodiments]

[0113] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0114] [2-1. Implementation method]

[0115] (2-1-1) Overview of electric working machines

[0116] Figure 1 The electric working machine 1 of the present embodiment shown is in the form of a lawn mower. The electric working machine 1 includes a main pipe 2. The main pipe 2 has a long and hollow rod shape.

[0117] The electric working machine 1 includes a control unit 3. The control unit 3 is provided at the rear end of the main pipe 2. The control unit 3 is in the form of a hollow shell. A battery mounting portion is provided at the rear end of the control unit 3. The battery pack 100 is mounted in the battery mounting portion in a detachable manner. The control unit 3 controls the controller 40 and the motor 60 (see Figure 7 ) for containment.

[0118] The battery pack 100 includes a battery 100a (see Figure 7 The storage battery 100a can supply electric power (hereinafter referred to as "battery power") to each part in the control unit 3. The storage battery 100a may be in the form of a secondary battery, for example.

[0119] The electric working machine 1 includes a drive unit 4. The drive unit 4 is provided at the front end of the main pipe 2. The drive unit 4 accommodates the gear mechanism. The main pipe 2 accommodates a driving force transmission shaft (not shown). The driving force transmission shaft is connected to the motor 60 and the gear mechanism. The driving force transmission shaft transmits the rotational force of the motor 60 (more specifically, the rotor of the motor 60) to the gear mechanism.

[0120] The gear mechanism has an output shaft (not shown). The cutter 5 is mounted on the output shaft in a detachable manner. The cutter 5 is used to cut the cutting object. The cutting object includes, for example, grass and small-diameter wood. The cutter 5 of this embodiment has a roughly circular plate shape and has: a saw blade arranged along the outer circumference. The rotation of the motor 60 is transmitted to the output shaft via the gear mechanism. Accordingly, the output shaft and the cutter 5 rotate as a whole.

[0121] The electric working machine 1 includes a cover 6. The cover 6 is provided near the front end of the main pipe 2. The cover 6 is used to prevent objects (eg, cutting objects) around the cutting blade 5 from flying toward the user of the electric working machine 1.

[0122] The electric working machine 1 includes a joystick 7. The joystick 7 has a U-shaped shape. The joystick 7 is connected to the trunk pipe 2 near the middle position of the trunk pipe 2 in the longitudinal direction of the trunk pipe 2. A right handle 8 is provided at the first end of the joystick 7. A left handle 9 is provided at the second end of the joystick 7. The right handle 8 is held by the right hand of the user. The left handle 9 is held by the left hand of the user.

[0123] The electric working machine 1 includes an operation unit 12 . The operation unit 12 is provided at the front end of the right handle 8 .

[0124] The electric working machine 1 includes a lock-off switch 10 and a first manual switch 11. In the present embodiment, the first manual switch 11 is in the form of a trigger.

[0125] The first manual switch 11 is provided at the front end side and the front surface side of the right handle 8. The first manual switch 11 is manually operated by the user to instruct the drive (i.e., rotation) or stop of the motor 60. The user can press the first manual switch 11 backward (i.e., toward the right handle 8 side) with a right finger (e.g., index finger) while holding the right handle 8 with the right hand.

[0126] The first manual switch 11 is urged by the first elastic body 11a toward the front of the right handle 8 (ie, toward a direction away from the right handle 8). Thus, when the first manual switch 11 is not touched by the user, the first manual switch 11 is in the first initial position. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 The first manual switch 11 is shown in the first initial position.

[0127] The lock-off switch 10 is provided on the front end side and the rear surface side of the right handle 8. The lock-off switch 10 is used to mechanically allow, inhibit or prevent the first manual switch 11 from moving backward from the first initial position.

[0128] The lock-off switch 10 is urged toward the rear of the right handle 8 (that is, toward a direction away from the right handle 8) by the second elastic body 10a. Thus, when the lock-off switch 10 is not touched by the user, the lock-off switch 10 is in the second initial position. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 The lock-off switch 10 is shown in the second initial position.

[0129] The lock-off switch 10 in the second initial position is used to inhibit or prevent the first manual switch 11 from moving backward from the first initial position (i.e., being turned on). More specifically, the lock-off switch 10 in the second initial position is used to prevent the trigger switch 27 (see Figure 5 , Figure 7 The trigger switch 27 can be turned on or off in conjunction with the first manual switch 11. When the first manual switch 11 is in the first initial position, the trigger switch 27 is turned off.

[0130] When the user holds the right handle 8 with the right hand, the lock-off switch 10 is pressed forward (that is, toward the right handle 8) by the right hand (specifically, for example, the palm or the base of the thumb). As a result, the lock-off switch 10 overcomes the elastic force of the second elastic body 10a and moves forward from the second initial position.

[0131] When the lock-off switch 10 moves forward, the movement of the first manual switch 11 is allowed. That is, when the first manual switch 11 is pressed while the lock-off switch 10 moves forward, the first manual switch 11 overcomes the elastic force of the first elastic body 11a and moves backward from the first initial position. When the first manual switch 11 moves backward from the first initial position by a certain distance or more, the trigger switch 27 is turned on. The certain distance may also be zero.

[0132] (2-1-2) Operation unit

[0133] Reference Figure 2 to Figure 6 , the specific structure of the operation unit 12 is described. The operation unit 12 includes: first and second half-split housings 12a and 12b that are combined with each other. The first and second half-split housings 12a and 12b form: one housing of the operation unit 12.

[0134] like Figure 2 As shown, the operating unit 12 includes: an operating panel 13. Figure 3As shown, the operation panel 13 includes a main power switch 14a. The main power switch 14a is pressed by the user. The main power switch 14a outputs a main power signal while the main power switch 14a is pressed. The main power switch 14a is pressed by the user to set the main power state of the electric working machine 1 (specifically, the controller 40 described later) to on or off.

[0135] "Main power state" means: the controller 40 (refer to Figure 7 ) state. Specifically, the so-called main power state means whether the controller 40 is in a state where it can operate. More specifically, the so-called main power state means whether the control circuit 41 described later is in a state where it can operate. When the main power state is on, the electric working machine 1 can perform various actions. When the main power state is off, the electric working machine 1 does not operate.

[0136] In the electric working machine 1 of the present embodiment, the rotation direction and the action mode are set separately. The rotation direction is set to forward or reverse. The action mode is selectively set to any one of the normal mode, the automatic speed change mode, and the drive prohibition mode. The normal mode has: a manual speed change mode and a stop mode. Therefore, in more detail, the action mode is selectively set to any one of the manual speed change mode, the stop mode, the automatic speed change mode, and the drive prohibition mode.

[0137] In order to further set the rotation direction, the user operates the main power switch 14a. In the initial state of the controller 40, the rotation direction is set to forward rotation. The initial state is: the state after the main power state has just been switched to on. While the main power state is on, the rotation direction is alternately switched each time the main power switch 14a is pressed in the first posture. When the main power state is on, when the main power switch 14a is pressed in the second posture, the main power state is switched to off. When the main power state is off, when the main power switch 14a is pressed, the main power state is switched to on.

[0138] The first posture and the second posture may be any postures. In the present embodiment, the first posture is a short press and the second posture is a long press. The so-called long press means: pressing continuously for more than a certain time. The so-called short press means: releasing before a certain time has passed after starting to press.

[0139] like Figure 3As shown, the operation panel 13 includes: a first display unit 14b. The first display unit 14b of this embodiment includes: a first LED. When the main power state is set to off, the first display unit 14b turns off (that is, the first LED turns off). When the main power state is set to on, the first display unit 14b turns on. When the operation mode is set to the drive prohibition mode, the first display unit 14b flashes.

[0140] like Figure 3 As shown, the operation panel 13 includes a second display unit 14c. The second display unit 14c of the present embodiment includes a second LED. When the operation mode is set to the automatic speed change mode, the second display unit 14c is lit (i.e., the second LED is lit). When the rotation direction is set to reverse, the first display unit 14b and the second display unit 14c flash.

[0141] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the operating unit 12 includes a second manual switch 16. In the present embodiment, the second manual switch 16 is in the form of a shifter. The second manual switch 16 can also be referred to as a "shifter 16". The second manual switch 16 can rotate around a rotation axis 160. More specifically, Figure 4 As shown, the second manual switch 16 can move (ie, rotate) in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 between the first position P1 and the fourth position P4. Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the operation unit 12 includes a stopper 17 . The second manual switch 16 comes into contact with the stopper 17 when reaching the fourth position P4 .

[0142] like Figure 2 As shown, the second manual switch 16 includes a shaft portion 16a and a front end portion 16b. The first end of the shaft portion 16a is fixed to the shift support member 20 in the operating unit 12 (see Figure 5 ). The front end portion 16b is provided at the second end of the shaft portion 16a. The rotation axis 160 is an imaginary axis existing near the first end of the shaft portion 16a. The shaft portion 16a extends from the rotation axis 160 in a direction perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 160.

[0143] The tip 16b is touched by the user when the user moves the second manual switch 16. The user can move the second manual switch 16 by applying a load in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 to the tip 16b using, for example, the user's thumb.

[0144] With such a configuration, the front end portion 16b moves along the arc-shaped moving path Y (see Figure 4). The moving path Y is located on an arc of a circle whose radius is the distance from the rotating shaft 160 to the front end of the second manual switch 16. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are along the arc. The first end of the moving path Y corresponds to the first position P1, and the second end of the moving path Y corresponds to the fourth position P4.

[0145] The second manual switch 16 moves in the second direction D2 in response to being pressed from the first position P1 toward the second direction D2 by the user. In this case, the second manual switch 16 can reach the fourth position P4 via the second position P2 and the third position P3. The second manual switch 16 moves in the first direction D1 in response to being pressed from the fourth position P4 toward the first direction D1 by the user. In this case, the second manual switch 16 can reach the first position P1 via the third position P3 and the second position P2.

[0146] The first reference position Pa is between the second position P2 and the third position P3. The second reference position Pb is between the third position P3 and the fourth position P4. Figure 4 This shows a state where the second manual switch 16 is at the first reference position Pa.

[0147] The moving range of the second manual switch 16 includes: a first region R1, a second region R2, a third region R3, and a switching region Ra. The first region R1 is a region between the first position P1 and the second position P2. The second region R2 is a region between the second position P2 and the third position P3. The third region R3 is a region between the third position P3 and the fourth position P4. The switching region Ra is a region between the first reference position Pa and the second reference position Pb.

[0148] When the second manual switch 16 moves from the first region R1 toward the third region R3, the second manual switch 16 passes through the second region R2. When the second manual switch 16 moves from the third region R3 toward the first region R1, the second manual switch 16 passes through the second region R2.

[0149] The first reference position Pa and the second reference position Pb are positions where the user gets a click feeling from the second manual switch 16. The so-called click feeling refers to a specific physical reaction, feel or resistance. The user can move the second manual switch 16 smoothly except in the switching area Ra. That is, outside the switching area Ra, the user can move the second manual switch 16 with the first force. On the other hand, in order to move the second manual switch 16 within the switching area Ra, a second force is required. The second force is greater than the first force. In order to move the second manual switch 16 from outside the switching area Ra to the switching area Ra, a third force is required. The third force is also greater than the first force.

[0150] With such a structure, the user moves the second manual switch 16 in the second direction D2, and accordingly, when the second manual switch 16 reaches the first reference position Pa, the user feels a click from the second manual switch 16. Specifically, when the second manual switch 16 attempts to exceed the first reference position Pa and enter the switching region Ra, a click is felt. Through this click, the user can recognize that the second manual switch 16 has reached the first reference position Pa.

[0151] The user moves the second manual switch 16 in the first direction D1, and accordingly, when the second manual switch 16 reaches the second reference position Pb, the user gets a click feeling from the second manual switch 16. Specifically, when the second manual switch 16 attempts to exceed the second reference position Pb and enter the switching occurrence area Ra, a click feeling is generated. Through this click feeling, the user can recognize that the second manual switch 16 has reached the second reference position Pb.

[0152] Reference Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 , the internal structure of the operation unit 12 and the structure that produces the click feeling are described in more detail. Figure 5 The interior of the operation unit 12 when the second manual switch 16 is at the first reference position Pa is shown. Figure 5 In the figure, the second manual switch 16 is omitted. Figure 6 The second manual switch 16 at the first reference position Pa and components in the operation unit 12 connected to the second manual switch 16 are shown.

[0153] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the operation unit 12 includes the trigger switch 27. The operation unit 12 includes a switch box 28. The switch box 28 includes a shift switch 51 and a speed change signal output unit 52 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 7 The shift switch 51 is turned on or off according to the position of the second manual switch 16 . The speed change signal output unit 52 outputs a speed change signal corresponding to the position of the second manual switch 16 .

[0154] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the operation unit 12 includes a shift support member 20 and a biasing member 24 therein.

[0155] The shifter support member 20 includes: a cylindrical body 22 and a protrusion 21. The protrusion 21 is provided at the first end of the cylindrical body 22. As described above, the first end of the second manual switch 16 is fixed to the shifter support member 20. Specifically, the first end of the second manual switch 16 is fixed to the second end of the cylindrical body 22. The shifter support member 20 rotates integrally with the second manual switch 16 around the rotation axis 160. That is, when the second manual switch 16 is moved (that is, rotated) in the first direction D1 by the user, the shifter support member 20 is also moved in the first direction D1 (in other words, Figure 5 When the second manual switch 16 is moved toward the second direction D2 by the user, the shift support member 20 is also moved toward the second direction D2 (in other words, Figure 5 ) to rotate in the clockwise direction.

[0156] The cylindrical body 22 includes a cylindrical side surface 22a and a protrusion 23. The protrusion 23 is provided on the cylindrical side surface 22a. The protrusion 23 includes a protrusion surface 23a. The distance from the rotation axis 160 to the protrusion surface 23a is greater than the distance from the rotation axis 160 to the cylindrical side surface 22a.

[0157] The force-applying member 24 includes an elastic member 24a and a front end member 24b. The elastic member 24a may be in a form that can impart elastic force or the like. The elastic member 24a of the present embodiment is in the form of a coil spring. Although not shown in detail, the first end of the elastic member 24a is fixed inside the operating unit 12. The front end member 24b is fixed to the second end of the elastic member 24a. In the present embodiment, the front end member 24b is in a spherical metal form.

[0158] The front end member 24b is urged toward the cylindrical side surface 22a (in other words, toward the rotating shaft 160) by the elastic member 24a. Here, regarding the state of the operating unit 12, a protruding surface contact state and a protruding surface non-contact state are defined. The protruding surface contact state is a state in which the front end member 24b is supported by the protrusion 23 and abuts against the protruding surface 23a. The protruding surface non-contact state is a state in which the front end member 24b is not in contact with the protruding surface 23a.

[0159] In the non-contact state, the front end member 24b is either in contact with the cylindrical side surface 22a or slightly away from the cylindrical side surface 22a. At this time, the distance from the rotation axis 160 to the front end member 24b is smaller than the distance from the rotation axis 160 to the protruding surface 23a. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The front end part 24b shows the non-contact state of the raised surface. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6In the embodiment of the present invention, the front end component 24b abuts against the first side surface of the protrusion 23. That is, when the second manual switch 16 is at the first reference position Pa, the front end component 24b abuts against the side surface of the protrusion 23. At this time, the elastic component 24a may not be completely contracted or may be contracted. In this state, when the second manual switch 16 moves toward the second direction D2, the elastic component 24a contracts due to the load received from the protrusion 23 via the front end component 24b. Accordingly, the front end component 24b carries the protrusion 23 and abuts against the protrusion surface 23a. That is, the operating unit 12 is transformed into the protrusion surface contact state. In the protrusion surface contact state, when the second manual switch 16 further moves toward the second direction D2 and reaches the second reference position Pb, the front end component 24b detaches from the protrusion 23 and faces the cylindrical side surface 22a. That is, in this embodiment, when the second manual switch 16 is in the switching region Ra, the operation unit 12 is in the raised surface contact state, and when the second manual switch 16 is outside the switching region Ra, the operation unit 12 is in the raised surface non-contact state.

[0160] Regarding the load received by the shift support member 20 from the front end member 24b, the load when the protruding surface is in contact state is greater than the load when the protruding surface is in non-contact state. As a result, the force required to move the second manual switch 16 within the switching occurrence area Ra is greater than the force required to move the second manual switch 16 outside the switching occurrence area Ra. In other words, the user can feel a greater sense of resistance when moving the second manual switch 16 within the switching occurrence area Ra than when moving it outside the switching occurrence area Ra. Such a difference in force (in other words, a different sense of resistance received through the second manual switch 16) produces the aforementioned click feeling.

[0161] The user can manually operate the first manual switch 11 and the second manual switch 16 simultaneously with one hand (for example, the right hand) while holding the right handle 8. Specifically, the user can move the second manual switch 16 with the thumb while pressing the first manual switch 11 with the index finger, for example.

[0162] (2-1-3) Electrical configuration

[0163] Reference Figure 7 The electric working machine 1 is provided with a motor 60 and a controller 40. The battery pack 100 is mounted on the battery mounting portion. Figure 7 As shown, the battery 100 a is electrically connected to the controller 40 .

[0164] In the present embodiment, the motor 60 is in the form of a brushless motor. The motor 60 includes terminals 60a, 60b, and 60c. The terminals 60a, 60b, and 60c are electrically connected to the controller 40 (the drive circuit 45 described later in detail). The motor 60 includes three windings (not shown) inside. The three windings are connected in a delta connection or a star connection. The three windings are electrically connected to the terminals 60a, 60b, and 60c. The motor 60 receives three-phase power from the controller 40 via the terminals 60a, 60b, and 60c, and rotates accordingly.

[0165] The controller 40 includes a control circuit 41. The control circuit 41 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 41a and a memory 41b. The memory 41b includes, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a RAM, an NVRAM, and a flash memory. The control circuit 41 (CPU 41a in detail) implements various functions by executing programs stored in the memory 41b. In addition, the control circuit 41 stores temporary data generated corresponding to various functions in the memory 41b.

[0166] Part or all of the various functions implemented by the control circuit 41 may be achieved by executing a program (i.e., by software processing), or by one or more hardware. For example, instead of or in addition to a microcomputer, the control circuit 41 may also include: a logic circuit including a plurality of electronic components, an integrated circuit for a specific purpose such as an ASIC and / or an ASSP, or a programmable logic device such as an FPGA that can construct an arbitrary logic circuit.

[0167] The controller 40 includes a power supply control circuit 42 and a regulator 43. The power supply control circuit 42 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery 100a, and receives direct current battery power from the battery 100a. The power supply control circuit 42 controls the battery power supplied to the regulator 43. When the regulator 43 receives the battery power from the power supply control circuit 42, it generates a control voltage according to the battery power. The control voltage is in the form of a direct current voltage. The regulator 43 supplies the control voltage to each part in the controller 40.

[0168] When the battery pack 100 is mounted in the battery mounting portion, the main power state of the controller 40 (in other words, the main power state of the control circuit 41) is OFF. That is, at this time, the control voltage is not supplied to the control circuit 41, and the control circuit 41 is not activated.

[0169] The control circuit 41 is electrically connected to the main power switch 14a. After the battery pack 100 is mounted in the battery mounting portion, once the main power switch 14a is pressed, a main power signal is input from the main power switch 14a to the power control circuit 42 and the control circuit 41. The power control circuit 42 supplies battery power to the regulator 43 based on the reception of the main power signal. Accordingly, a control voltage is supplied from the regulator 43 to the control circuit 41, and the control circuit 41 starts to start.

[0170] Once activated, the control circuit 41 sets the main power supply state to on, and continuously outputs a power supply holding signal to the power supply control circuit 42. The power supply control circuit 42 supplies the battery voltage to the regulator 43 while receiving the power supply holding signal.

[0171] When the main power state is on, once the main power switch 14a is long pressed, the control circuit 41 (i) performs the processing required to stop its own operation, and (ii) then sets the main power state to off. When the control circuit 41 sets the main power state to off, it stops the power hold signal. When the main power state is on, the control circuit 41 alternately switches the rotation direction each time the main power switch 14a is short pressed.

[0172] When the input of the power supply holding signal to the power supply control circuit 42 stops, the power supply control circuit 42 stops supplying the battery power to the regulator 43. Accordingly, the control voltage is not generated by the regulator 43, and the operation of the control circuit 41 stops. The on and off of the main power supply state can also be defined arbitrarily. For example, the state in which the control voltage is supplied to the control circuit 41 and the control circuit 41 starts can also be defined as the on state of the main power supply. For example, the state in which the control voltage is not supplied to the control circuit 41 and the control circuit 41 stops operating can also be defined as the off state of the main power supply.

[0173] The controller 40 includes a gate circuit 44 and a drive circuit 45. The gate circuit 44 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery 100a and receives battery power. The drive circuit 45 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery 100a via a disconnect switch 49 and receives battery power via the disconnect switch 49.

[0174] The drive circuit 45 of this embodiment is in the form of a three-phase full-bridge circuit. That is, the drive circuit 45 has: three switch elements on the high side and three switch elements on the low side. Each switch element and the disconnect switch 49 are in the form of, for example, semiconductor switch elements, more specifically, in the form of, for example, MOSFET.

[0175] The control circuit 41 outputs the first switch control signal and the motor control signal to the gate circuit 44. The first switch control signal controls the disconnect switch 49. The motor control signal controls the drive circuit 45, thereby controlling the rotation of the motor 60. The motor control signal includes six second switch control signals corresponding to the six switch elements in the drive circuit 45. In the present embodiment, the six second switch control signals may be in the form of a pulse width modulation signal (PWM signal), for example.

[0176] The gate circuit 44 outputs the first switch drive signal based on the first switch control signal to the disconnect switch 49. When the first switch control signal indicates that the disconnect switch 49 is turned on, the gate circuit 44 outputs the first switch drive signal for turning on the disconnect switch 49 to the disconnect switch 49. Accordingly, the disconnect switch 49 is turned on, and the drive circuit 45 is connected to the battery 100a via the disconnect switch 49. The gate circuit 44 outputs the motor drive signal based on the motor control signal to the drive circuit 45. The motor drive signal includes: 6 second switch drive signals output to the 6 switch elements respectively. The 6 switch elements are turned on or off according to the corresponding second switch drive signals. The gate circuit 44 generates the first switch drive signal and the motor drive signal according to the battery power.

[0177] When the control circuit 41 drives the motor 60, the first switch control signal and the motor control signal turn on the disconnect switch 49 through the gate circuit 44 to drive the drive circuit 45. As a result, the motor 60 is driven.

[0178] The drive circuit 45 operates according to the motor control signal from the control circuit 41 (more specifically, according to the motor drive signal from the gate circuit 44). When the motor control signal for driving the motor 60 is output, the drive circuit 45 generates three-phase power according to the motor control signal and supplies it to the motor 60.

[0179] The controller 40 includes a battery voltage detector 53. The battery voltage detector 53 (i) detects a battery voltage value, and (ii) outputs a voltage signal indicating the detected battery voltage value to the control circuit 41. The battery voltage value corresponds to the magnitude of the output voltage of the battery pack 100.

[0180] The controller 40 includes a current detection circuit 46. The current detection circuit 46 (i) detects the battery current value, and (ii) outputs a current signal indicating the detected battery current value to the control circuit 41. The battery current value corresponds to the magnitude of the current supplied from the battery pack 100 to the drive circuit 45 (and further to the motor 60).

[0181] The controller 40 includes a temperature detection circuit 47 . The temperature detection circuit 47 (i) detects the circuit temperature of the controller 40 , and (ii) outputs a temperature signal indicating the detected circuit temperature to the control circuit 41 .

[0182] The controller 40 includes a position detection circuit 48. The position detection circuit 48 is electrically connected to the terminals 60a, 60b, and 60c of the motor 60. The position detection circuit 48 receives first to third induced voltages from the terminals 60a, 60b, and 60c. The first induced voltage is an induced voltage generated between the terminals 60a and 60b as the motor 60 rotates. The second induced voltage is an induced voltage generated between the terminals 60b and 60c. The third induced voltage is an induced voltage generated between the terminals 60c and 60a.

[0183] The position detection circuit 48 outputs a position detection signal based on the first to third induced voltages to the control circuit 41. The position detection signal indicates the rotational position of the motor 60. Specifically, the position detection circuit 48 detects the following three moments (zero crossing points), namely: (i) the moment when the first induced voltage crosses the reference voltage value during its change (the first zero crossing point), (ii) the moment when the second induced voltage crosses the reference voltage value during its change (the second zero crossing point), and (iii) the moment when the third induced voltage crosses the reference voltage value during its change (the third zero crossing point). The position detection circuit 48 outputs the position detection signal indicating the detected first to third zero crossing points to the control circuit 41.

[0184] The control circuit 41 detects the rotation position and rotation speed of the motor 60 based on the position detection signal (i.e., based on the first to third zero crossing points). In addition, the method of detecting the rotation position and rotation speed based on the first to third induced voltages is well known as a core technology for sensorless driving of brushless motors.

[0185] The control circuit 41 rotates the motor 60 forward based on (i) the rotation direction is set to forward rotation and (ii) the driving requirements are satisfied. When the motor 60 rotates forward, the cutter 5 rotates in the cutting direction. The cutting direction is the rotation direction that can cut the cutting object.

[0186] On the other hand, when (i) the rotation direction is set to reverse and (ii) the first manual switch 11 is turned on, the control circuit 41 reverses the motor 60 for a certain period of time. Once the motor 60 is reversed, the cutter 5 rotates in the winding direction. The winding direction is opposite to the cutting direction. By rotating the cutter 5 in the winding direction, the cutting object wound on the cutter 5 when rotating in the cutting direction can be removed from the cutter 5. After reversing the motor 60 for a certain period of time, the control circuit 41 sets the rotation direction to forward rotation.

[0187] The control circuit 41 is electrically connected to the trigger switch 27. While the trigger switch 27 is turned on, a first signal is input from the trigger switch 27 to the control circuit 41. The first signal indicates that the trigger switch 27 is turned on (and the first manual switch 11 is turned on, more specifically, the first manual switch 11 is moved from the first initial position by a certain distance or more).

[0188] The control circuit 41 is electrically connected to the shift switch 51 and the speed change signal output unit 52. While the shift switch 51 is turned on, the second signal is input from the shift switch 51 to the control circuit 41. Figure 8 As shown, the toggle switch 51 is turned off when the second manual switch 16 is in the third region R3, and is turned on when the second manual switch 16 is in the first region R1 or the second region R2. The second signal indicates that the toggle switch 51 is turned on (and therefore the second manual switch 16 is in the first region R1 or the second region R2).

[0189] The speed change signal has a voltage corresponding to the position of the second manual switch 16. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the second manual switch 16 is between the first reference position Pa and the fourth position P4, the speed change signal has a substantially constant voltage value close to 0 [V]. When the second manual switch 16 moves from the first reference position Pa toward the first direction D1, the voltage value of the speed change signal (hereinafter referred to as "speed change signal value") gradually increases with the movement. That is, the speed change signal value increases in accordance with the increase in the distance from the first reference position Pa.

[0190] In the present embodiment, when the second manual switch 16 reaches the highest speed arrival position Pc, the increase in the speed change signal value stops. Even if the second manual switch 16 moves further toward the first direction D1 from the highest speed arrival position Pc, the speed change signal value does not change. The highest speed arrival position Pc can also be set at any position within the first area R1 (except the second position P2). Alternatively, the highest speed arrival position Pc may not be set. In other words, the highest speed arrival position Pc may also be consistent with the first position P1. In this case, the speed change signal value gradually increases until the second manual switch 16 moves from the second position P2 toward the first position P1.

[0191] In the present embodiment, the speed change signal value increases linearly. However, the speed change signal value may also increase arbitrarily. For example, it may also increase nonlinearly. More specifically, the speed change signal value may also increase in stages, for example.

[0192] The control circuit 41 is electrically connected to the first display unit 14b and the second display unit 14c. The control circuit 41 controls the first display unit 14b and the second display unit 14c. Specifically, as described above, the control circuit 41 turns on, flashes, or turns off the first LED and the second LED according to the state of the electric working machine 1.

[0193] (2-1-4) Action Mode

[0194] Reference Figure 8 , specifically explain the action mode. The action mode is set by the control circuit 41. In this embodiment, when the rotation direction is set to forward rotation, the action mode is set. Specifically, Figure 8 As shown, the operation mode is set according to the position of the second manual switch 16. The operation mode means the operation mode of the control circuit 41 (and further the operation mode of the controller 40 or the operation mode of the electric working machine 1).

[0195] The control circuit 41 sets the operation mode to the normal mode when the second manual switch 16 is in the first region R1 or the second region R2. When the second manual switch 16 is in the third region R3, the control circuit 41 sets the operation mode to the automatic speed change mode.

[0196] As described above, the normal mode includes a stop mode and a manual shift mode. The control circuit 41 (i) sets the operation mode to the manual shift mode when the second manual switch 16 is in the first region R1, and (ii) sets the operation mode to the stop mode when the second manual switch 16 is in the second region R2.

[0197] In this embodiment, the control circuit 41 determines whether the second manual switch 16 has moved to the first region R1 (or whether it is in the first region R1) based on the speed change signal value. When the speed change signal value is less than the signal threshold, the control circuit 41 determines that the second manual switch 16 is not in the first region R1. The signal threshold is: Figure 8 The speed change signal value at the operating point G shown in FIG. The operating point G corresponds to the boundary between the first region R1 and the second region R2. When the speed change signal value is greater than the signal threshold, the control circuit 41 determines that the second manual switch 16 is in the first region R1 and sets the operating mode to the manual speed change mode.

[0198] When the shift switch 51 is turned on and the speed change signal value is smaller than the signal threshold value, the control circuit 41 determines that the second manual switch 16 is in the second region R2 and sets the operation mode to the stop mode.

[0199] When the toggle switch 51 is turned off, the control circuit 41 determines that the second manual switch 16 is in the third region R3 and sets the operation mode to the automatic shift mode.

[0200] The control circuit 41 rotates the motor 60 using the first switch control signal and the motor control signal based on the driving requirements being satisfied. In the present embodiment, the driving requirements are satisfied based on (i) the rotation direction being set to forward rotation, (ii) the trigger switch 27 being turned on, and (iii) the second manual switch 16 being in the first region R1 or the third region R3 (or the operation mode being set to the manual shift mode or the automatic shift mode).

[0201] When the driving requirements are satisfied and the operation mode is set to the manual speed change mode (i.e., the second manual switch 16 is in the first region R1), the control circuit 41 rotates the motor 60 according to the first control mode. In other words, the control circuit 41 controls the drive circuit 45 using the first switch control signal and the motor control signal so that the motor 60 rotates according to the first control mode. The first control mode is a control mode corresponding to the manual speed change mode.

[0202] In the first control mode, the motor 60 is controlled so that the motor 60 rotates at a target rotation speed corresponding to the position of the second manual switch 16. Specifically, in the first control mode, the control circuit 41 sets the target rotation speed based on the position of the second manual switch 16 (specifically, based on the speed change signal value). Figure 8 An example of setting the target rotation speed in the first control mode is shown. Figure 8As shown, in the present embodiment, the target rotation speed increases as the second manual switch 16 moves from the second position P2 toward the highest speed arrival position Pc. The target rotation speed reaches a maximum value when the second manual switch 16 reaches the highest speed arrival position Pc. In the present embodiment, even if the second manual switch 16 moves further toward the first direction D1 from the highest speed arrival position Pc, the target rotation speed is maintained at the maximum value. The target rotation speed (i.e., the minimum value of the target rotation speed) when the second manual switch 16 is at the second position P2 may be greater than zero or may be zero.

[0203] The target rotational speed may also be increased along with the movement from the second position P2 toward the first position P1. The target rotational speed may also be increased arbitrarily. The target rotational speed may also be increased linearly or nonlinearly, for example. The target rotational speed may also be increased discontinuously (for example, in stages). Intervals in which the target rotational speed increases continuously and intervals in which the target rotational speed increases discontinuously may also be mixed.

[0204] The control circuit 41 detects the rotation speed (that is, the actual rotation speed) of the motor 60 based on the position detection signal from the position detection circuit 48. The control circuit 41 compares the detected rotation speed with the set target rotation speed. The control circuit 41 generates and outputs a motor control signal in such a way that the actual rotation speed matches the target rotation speed.

[0205] In the stop mode, the control circuit 41 stops the motor 60 regardless of the state of the trigger switch 27. That is, even if the trigger switch 27 is turned on, in the stop mode, the control circuit 41 stops the motor 60. In addition, when the trigger switch 27 is turned off, the control circuit 41 stops the motor 60 regardless of the position of the second manual switch 16.

[0206] When the driving requirements are satisfied and the operation mode is set to the automatic speed change mode (i.e., the second manual switch 16 is in the third region R3), the control circuit 41 rotates the motor 60 according to the second control mode. In other words, the control circuit 41 controls the drive circuit 45 using the first switch control signal and the motor control signal so that the motor 60 rotates according to the second control mode. The second control mode is a control mode corresponding to the automatic speed change mode and is different from the first control mode.

[0207] In the second control mode, the motor 60 is controlled so that the motor 60 rotates at a target rotation speed corresponding to the size of the load applied to the motor 60. Specifically, in the second control mode, the control circuit 41 detects the size of the load applied to the motor 60. The load referred to here is, for example, a force received by the rotor of the motor 60 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the motor 60. The load applied to the motor 60 can change according to the conditions of the cutting operation performed by the cutting knife 5. When the cutting operation is not performed and the cutting knife 5 is idling, the load is minimum. When the cutting knife 5 is brought into contact with the cutting object and the cutting operation is performed, the load increases. The size of the load can also be detected arbitrarily. The size of the load can also be detected based on the battery current value shown in the current signal, for example.

[0208] The control circuit 41 sets the target rotation speed according to the size of the load in the second control mode. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the target rotation speed is increased in response to the increase in the load. The control circuit 41 may also arbitrarily set the target rotation speed according to the size of the load. For example, when the size of the load is less than the load threshold, the control circuit 41 may set the target rotation speed to the first speed, and when the size of the load is greater than the load threshold, the control circuit 41 may set the target rotation speed to the second speed. The second speed is greater than the first speed. In the case where the cutter 5 is idling, a target rotation speed smaller than the first speed may also be set. The target rotation speed may vary continuously or in stages according to the size of the load.

[0209] The electric working machine 1 of the present embodiment further has the following features. That is, the control circuit 41 stops the motor 60 based on (i) the motor 60 being driven in the manual speed change mode, (ii) the trigger switch 27 being continuously turned on, and (iii) the second manual switch 16 being moved from the first region R1 to the third region R3 (i.e., the operation mode is switched to the automatic speed change mode). This feature is equivalent to an example of the first stop operation in the summary of the embodiment.

[0210] When the second manual switch 16 moves from the first region R1 to the second direction D2, the second manual switch 16 moves to the second region R2 before moving to the third region R3. Thus, the control circuit 41 stops the motor 60 at the time when the second manual switch 16 enters the second region R2. Thereafter, when the trigger switch 27 is not turned off and the second manual switch 16 further moves to the third region R3, the control circuit 41 maintains the stop of the motor 60. Furthermore, when the control circuit 41 is re-triggered by the user, the motor 60 rotates in the automatic speed change mode (i.e., according to the second control method). The so-called re-triggering means that the first manual switch 11 is operated so that the trigger switch 27 is turned on again after being temporarily turned off.

[0211] Similarly, the control circuit 41 stops the motor 60 based on (i) the motor 60 being driven in the automatic speed change mode, (ii) the trigger switch 27 being continuously turned on, and (iii) the second manual switch 16 moving from the third region R3 to the first region R1 (i.e., the operation mode is switched to the manual speed change mode). This feature corresponds to an example of the second stop operation in the summary of the embodiment. When the second manual switch 16 moves from the third region R3 to the first direction D1, the second manual switch 16 moves to the second region R2 before moving to the first region R1. Thus, the control circuit 41 stops the motor 60 at the time when the second manual switch 16 enters the second region R2. Thereafter, when the trigger switch 27 is not turned off and the second manual switch 16 further moves to the first region R1, the control circuit 41 maintains the stop of the motor 60. Moreover, the control circuit 41 rotates the motor 60 in the manual speed change mode (i.e., according to the first control method) in response to the re-triggering.

[0212] (2-1-5) Control circuit processing

[0213] The following describes the main power state setting process, mode switching monitoring process, operation mode setting process, and motor control process executed by the control circuit 41 (CPU 41a in detail). The control circuit 41 executes these processes to realize the above-mentioned various actions. In this embodiment, for example, the programs of these processes are stored in the memory 41b. The control circuit 41 realizes these processes by executing the corresponding programs.

[0214] (2-1-5-1) Main power status setting process

[0215] Reference Fig. 9 , the main power state setting process is described. The main power state setting process sets the main power state and the rotation direction. When the control circuit 41 receives the control voltage and starts, the main power state setting process is executed.

[0216] When the control circuit 41 starts the main power state setting process, in S110, (i) the main power state is set to on, (ii) the rotation direction is set to forward, and (iii) the switching flag is set to off. In S120, the control circuit 41 determines whether the main power switch 14a is pressed. Based on receiving the main power signal, the control circuit 41 can recognize that the main power switch 14a has been pressed. When the main power switch 14a is not pressed, the control circuit 41 repeatedly performs the process of S120. When the main power switch 14a is pressed, the process is transferred to S130.

[0217] In S130, the control circuit 41 determines whether the main power switch 14a is pressed short or long. In the case where the main power switch 14a is pressed short, the process moves to S140. In S140, the control circuit 41 determines the set rotation direction. In the case where the rotation direction is set to forward rotation, the process moves to S160. In S160, the control circuit 41 sets the rotation direction to reverse rotation and moves to S120. In S140, in the case where the rotation direction is set to reverse rotation, the process moves to S150. In S150, the control circuit 41 sets the rotation direction to forward rotation and moves to S120.

[0218] If it is determined in S130 that the main power switch 14a is long pressed, the process proceeds to S170. In S170, the control circuit 41 sets the main power state to off, and ends the process. In S170, the control circuit 41 stops outputting the power hold signal to the power control circuit 42. As a result, the supply of the control voltage to the control circuit 41 is stopped, and the control circuit 41 stops operating.

[0219] (2-1-5-2) Mode Switching Monitoring Process

[0220] Reference Fig.10 The mode switching monitoring process is described below. The mode switching monitoring process monitors the switching of the operation mode from the automatic transmission mode to the normal mode (or vice versa). Once the control circuit 41 is started, the mode switching monitoring process is repeatedly executed in a predetermined control cycle.

[0221] When the control circuit 41 starts the mode switching monitoring process, it determines in S210 whether the toggle switch 51 is switched. The so-called switching of the toggle switch 51 means that the toggle switch 51 is switched from on to off, or the toggle switch 51 is switched from off to on. If the switching of the toggle switch 51 is not performed, the control circuit 41 ends the process. If the switching of the toggle switch 51 is performed, the process is transferred to S220.

[0222] In S220, the control circuit 41 determines whether the trigger switch 27 is turned on. If the trigger switch 27 is turned off, the control circuit 41 ends the present process. If the trigger switch 27 is turned on, the present process proceeds to S230.

[0223] In S230, the control circuit 41 sets the switching flag to on. After the process of S230, the control circuit 41 ends the present process.

[0224] (2-1-5-3) Operation Mode Setting Process

[0225] Reference Fig.11Next, the operation mode setting process is described. The operation mode setting process sets the operation mode. When the rotation direction is set to forward rotation, the control circuit 41 repeatedly executes the operation mode setting process in the above-mentioned control cycle, for example.

[0226] When the control circuit 41 starts the operation mode setting process, it is determined in S310 whether the switching flag is set to on. If the switching flag is set to off, the process proceeds to S320.

[0227] In S320, the control circuit 41 determines whether the shift switch 51 is turned on. If the shift switch 51 is turned off (that is, the second manual switch 16 is in the third region R3), the process moves to S330. In S330, the control circuit 41 sets the operation mode to the automatic shift mode and moves to S310. If the shift switch 51 is turned on (that is, the second manual switch 16 is in the first region R1 or the second region R2), the process moves to S340.

[0228] In S340, the control circuit 41 sets the operation mode to the normal mode. More specifically, in S341, the control circuit 41 determines whether the second manual switch 16 is in the first region R1. In the case where the second manual switch 16 is not in the first region R1 (that is, in the second region R2), the process moves to S342. In S342, the control circuit 41 sets the operation mode to the stop mode and moves to S310. In S341, when the second manual switch 16 is in the first region R1, the process moves to S343. In S343, the control circuit 41 sets the operation mode to the manual shift mode and moves to S310.

[0229] In the case where the switching flag is set to on in S310, the present process is transferred to S350. In S350, the control circuit 41 sets the operation mode to the drive inhibition mode. In S360, the control circuit 41 determines whether the trigger switch 27 is turned off. In the case where the trigger switch 27 is turned on, the present process is transferred to S350. That is, after the operation mode is set to the drive inhibition mode, the operation mode is maintained in the drive inhibition mode while the trigger switch 27 is turned on. In the case where the trigger switch 27 is turned off, the present process is transferred to S370. In S370, the control circuit 41 sets the switching flag to off and transfers to S310.

[0230] (2-1-5-4) Motor Control Process

[0231] Reference Fig.12Next, the motor control process will be described. The motor control process controls the rotation of the motor 60 based on the rotation direction and the operation mode. When the control circuit 41 is started, the motor control process is executed.

[0232] When the control circuit 41 starts the motor control process, it determines in S510 whether the trigger switch 27 is turned on. If the trigger switch 27 is turned off, the control circuit 41 performs stop control in S570 and shifts to S510.

[0233] Stop control is a process for stopping the rotation of the motor 60. Stop control may also be a control that can stop the rotation of the motor 60. Stop control may include, for example, free running of the motor 60. Free running means that the power supply from the battery 100a to the motor 60 is stopped, and all the six switching elements in the drive circuit 45 are turned off, so that the motor 60 rotates by inertia. Stop control may also include, for example, applying a brake to the motor 60 to forcibly decelerate the motor 60. For example, any two or three of the terminals 60a, 60b, and 60c of the motor 60 may be electrically short-circuited to achieve braking. Specifically, for example, the three switching elements on the high side of the drive circuit 45 may be turned off, and two or more of the three switching elements on the low side may be turned on. In this way, the motor 60 can be braked. Such braking is sometimes referred to as "short-circuit braking". Stop control may also include free running and braking. For example, the motor 60 may be configured to be stopped by first allowing the motor to run freely for a predetermined time and then applying the brake.

[0234] In S570 , when the control circuit 41 is driving the motor 60 at the time of transition to S570 , the stop control may be executed. When the motor 60 is already stopped at the time of transition to S570 , the control circuit 41 may maintain the stopped state of the motor 60 .

[0235] In S510, when the trigger switch 27 is turned on, the process proceeds to S520. In S520, the control circuit 41 determines the set rotation direction. When the rotation direction is set to reverse, the process proceeds to S580.

[0236] In S580, the control circuit 41 performs reverse rotation control. Specifically, the control circuit 41 reverses the motor 60 for a certain period of time. After performing the reverse rotation control, the control circuit 41 sets the rotation direction to forward rotation in S590. The control circuit 41 waits for the trigger switch 27 to be turned off in S600. When the trigger switch 27 is turned off, the process moves to S510.

[0237] In S520, when the rotation direction is set to forward rotation, the process transfers to S530. In S530, the control circuit 41 determines: the currently set action mode. In the case where the action mode is set to the automatic speed change mode, the process transfers to S550. In S550, the control circuit 41 performs automatic speed change control. Specifically, the control circuit 41 rotates the motor 60 according to the aforementioned second control method. After executing the process of S550, the process transfers to S510.

[0238] When the operation mode is set to the manual speed change mode, the process proceeds to S560. In S560, the control circuit 41 performs manual speed change control. Specifically, the control circuit 41 rotates the motor 60 according to the first control method described above. After the process of S560 is performed, the process proceeds to S510.

[0239] When the action mode is set to the stop mode or the drive prohibition mode, the process is transferred to S540. In S540, the control circuit 41 performs stop control. Specifically, the control circuit 41 stops the rotation of the motor 60. The stop control of S540 may also be a control that can stop the rotation of the motor 60. The stop control of S540 may be the same as the stop control of S570, for example. In addition, the stop control performed in S540 is a case where the control circuit 41 drives the motor 60 when transferring to S540. When the motor 60 has already stopped when transferring to S540, the control circuit 41 maintains the stopped state of the motor 60. After executing the process of S540, the process is transferred to S510.

[0240] (2-1-6) Correspondence of terms

[0241] The re-triggering is an example of a specific operation in the summary of the embodiment. The combination of the shift support member 20 and the urging member 24 is an example of a click feeling generating unit in the summary of the embodiment.

[0242] [2-2. Other embodiments]

[0243] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0244] (2-2-1) The first region R1 (manual shift mode), the second region R2 (stop mode), and the third region R3 (automatic shift mode) may be set at any positions on the movement path Y.

[0245] In the above embodiment, the first region R1, the second region R2, and the third region R3 are arranged along the second direction D2, but the first region R1, the second region R2, and the third region R3 may be arranged along the first direction D1. That is, the operation mode may be switched to the automatic shift mode by moving the second manual switch 16 from the second region R2 toward the first direction D1, and the operation mode may be switched to the manual shift mode by moving the second manual switch 16 from the second region R2 toward the second direction D2.

[0246] In addition, for example, the first region R1 and the third region R3 may be adjacent to each other. That is, the second manual switch 16 may move from the first region R1 to the third region R3, and from the third region R3 to the first region R1, without passing through the second region R2. Even in this case, when the second manual switch 16 moves from the first region R1 to the third region R3 (or the opposite direction) while the trigger switch 27 is continuously turned on, the motor 60 may be temporarily stopped. Furthermore, when re-triggering is performed, the motor may be rotated in a control manner corresponding to the action mode (automatic transmission mode or manual transmission mode) of the region of the movement destination.

[0247] (2-2-2) In the above-mentioned embodiment, a click feeling is generated when the second manual switch 16 reaches the first reference position Pa and the second reference position Pb. However, the click feeling may be generated at any position. For example, it may be configured such that: (i) a click feeling is generated when the second manual switch 16 moves in the second direction D2 and reaches the third position P3, (ii) when the second manual switch 16 moves in the first direction D1 and reaches the third position P3, (iii) when the second manual switch 16 moves in the second direction D2 and reaches the second position P2, and / or (iv) when the second manual switch 16 moves in the first direction D1 and reaches the second position P2. Alternatively, a click feeling may be generated at a position different from the second position P2, the third position P3, the first reference position Pa, and the second reference position Pb. The mechanism for generating a click sensation may also be configured such that the user is able to perceive (i) the second manual switch 16 moving from the third area R3 to (or intending to move to) the second area R2, (ii) the second manual switch 16 moving from the second area R2 to (or intending to move to) the first area R1, (iii) the second manual switch 16 moving from the first area R1 to (or intending to move to) the second area R2, and / or (iv) the second manual switch 16 moving from the second area R2 to (or intending to move to) the third area R3.

[0248] (2-2-3) The first control method and the second control method may be different from the methods described in the above embodiment. In other words, the electric working machine 1 may have an operation mode different from the automatic speed change mode, and may have an operation mode different from the manual speed change mode.

[0249] (2-2-4) In the automatic transmission mode, the target rotational speed may be arbitrarily set according to the load. For example, contrary to the above-mentioned embodiment, the target rotational speed may be reduced as the load increases. Specifically, for example, the target rotational speed may be set to the second speed when the load is less than the load threshold, and the target rotational speed may be set to the first speed when the load is greater than the load threshold. The first speed is less than the second speed.

[0250] (2-2-5) The second manual switch 16 and the first manual switch 11 may be provided on the left handle 9 or in the vicinity thereof. Alternatively, the second manual switch 16 and the first manual switch 11 may be provided on handles that are separate from each other.

[0251] (2-2-6) The second manual switch 16 may be in any form. The moving path Y of the second manual switch 16 may be set arbitrarily. The second manual switch 16 may be in a form different from a shifter. For example, the second manual switch 16 may be in the form of a slide switch, a dial, or the like.

[0252] The second manual switch of the present invention may be provided in any form and at any position in the operating unit 12. The second manual switch may be provided, for example, on a surface provided with the operating panel 13. The second manual switch may be moved in any direction and / or within any range.

[0253] (2-2-7) The motor 60 may be provided outside the control unit 3. The motor 60 may be accommodated in the drive unit 4, for example.

[0254] (2-2-8) In the above-mentioned embodiments, multiple functions of one component can be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component can be realized by multiple components. In addition, multiple functions of multiple components can be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components can be realized by one component. In addition, part of the components of the above-mentioned embodiments can be omitted. In addition, at least part of the components of the above-mentioned embodiments can be added to the components of other above-mentioned embodiments, or replaced with them.

Claims

1. An electric working machine, characterized in that: The electric working machine comprises: motor; a first manual switch configured to be manually operated by a user of the electric working machine; a second manual switch configured to (i) be manually operated by the user and (ii) thereby move within a moving range, wherein the moving range includes a first area, a second area, and a third area; and a control circuit configured to rotate the motor according to a first control method based on (i) the first manual switch being manually operated and (ii) the second manual switch being in the first region, to stop the motor based on (i) the first manual switch being not manually operated and / or (ii) the second manual switch being in the second region, and to rotate the motor according to a second control method based on (i) the first manual switch being manually operated and (ii) the second manual switch being in the third region, The second control method is different from the first control method.

2. The electric working machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second manual switch is configured to: (i) move from the first area through the second area toward the third area, and / or (ii) move from the third area through the second area toward the first area.

3. The electric working machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The control circuit is configured to execute a first stop operation in which the motor is stopped based on (i) the first manual switch being manually operated and (ii) the second manual switch being moved from the first area to the third area.

4. The electric working machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The control circuit is configured to rotate the motor according to the second control method based on (i) execution of the first stop operation, (ii) subsequent release of the manual operation of the first manual switch, and (iii) further manual operation of the first manual switch.

5. The electric working machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The control circuit is configured to execute a second stopping operation of stopping the motor based on (i) the first manual switch being manually operated and (ii) the second manual switch being moved from the third area to the first area.

6. The electric working machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control circuit is configured to rotate the motor according to the first control method based on (i) execution of the second stop operation, (ii) subsequent release of the manual operation of the first manual switch, and (iii) further manual operation of the first manual switch.

7. The electric working machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first control method includes: setting a target rotation speed according to a position of the second manual switch in the first area; and rotating the motor at the set target rotation speed.

8. The electric working machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first control method includes: increasing a target rotation speed in accordance with an increase in a distance between the second manual switch and the second area; and rotating the motor at the target rotation speed.

9. The electric working machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The second control method includes: setting a target rotation speed according to the magnitude of a load applied to the motor; and rotating the motor at the set target rotation speed.

10. The electric working machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second control method includes: setting the target rotation speed to a first speed based on the load being smaller than a threshold value; and setting the target rotation speed to a second speed based on the load being greater than the threshold value. The second speed is greater than the first speed.

11. The electric working machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second control method includes: setting the target rotation speed to a first speed based on the load being smaller than a threshold value; and setting the target rotation speed to a second speed based on the load being greater than the threshold value. The second speed is lower than the first speed.

12. The electric working machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The electric working machine includes a click feeling generating unit configured to generate a click feeling in the second manual switch in response to the second manual switch reaching a predetermined position in the movement range while moving within the movement range.

13. The electric working machine according to claim 12, characterized in that: The moving range includes the switching occurrence area, The click feeling generating unit is configured to cause the second manual switch to generate the click feeling in response to (i) the second manual switch moving from outside the switching occurrence area to the switching occurrence area and / or (ii) the second manual switch detaching from the switching occurrence area.

14. The electric working machine according to claim 13, characterized in that: The switching occurrence region is from a first reference position to a second reference position, the first reference position is within the second region, and the second reference position is within the third region.

15. The electric working machine according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The first manual switch has a trigger. The first manual switch being manually operated includes: the trigger moving from an initial position to a distance greater than a certain distance.

16. The electric working machine according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that: The second manual switch includes a toggle configured to be rotated by the user.

17. The electric working machine according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that: The electric working machine includes: a handle configured to be gripped by one hand of the user; The first manual switch and the second manual switch are arranged near the handle or on the handle so that the user can simultaneously operate the first manual switch and the second manual switch with the single hand while holding the handle with the single hand.

18. A method for controlling a motor in an electric working machine, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: The motor is rotated according to the first control mode based on (i) the first manual switch being manually operated and (ii) the second manual switch being in the first area; Stopping the motor based on (i) the first manual switch is not manually operated and / or (ii) the second manual switch is in a second area; and The motor is rotated according to the second control method based on (i) the first manual switch being manually operated and (ii) the second manual switch being in a third area.

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