Working machine

Abstract

To improve convenience.SOLUTION: A chain saw 10 has an oil supply alarm part 50. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in the chain saw 10, a notification unit 52 of the oil supply alarm part 50 gives notice of an alarm for promoting oil supply to a saw chain 40. Specifically, a controller 66 detects the number of times of cutting a processed material W of the saw chain 40 as an integrated value, and when the number of times of cutting reaches an upper limit cutting number (integrated value threshold), it is determined that the predetermined condition has been satisfied. Then, by lighting on an indicator part 56 of the notification unit 52, an operator is urged to supply oil to the saw chain 40. Thus, it is not necessary for the operator to determine shortage of oil of the saw chain 40, and the notification unit 52 can automatically notify the operator of an oiling time to the saw chain 40. Thereby convenience of the saw chain 40 is improved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a chainsaw (working machine) equipped with an oil tank. In this chainsaw, the oil tank is provided near the rear end of the saw chain. The chainsaw also has lighting means (LEDs) that illuminate the area around the saw chain and the oil tank. Therefore, the amount of oil remaining in the oil tank can be checked while the lighting means illuminates the area around the saw chain. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-163326 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, in working machines such as chainsaws, there is a demand for omitting the oil tank in order to reduce weight and simplify the structure. In chainsaws that omit the oil tank, the operator must oil the saw chain, but the operator must decide when to oil the saw chain based on the usage status of the chainsaw, etc. This may reduce the convenience of the chainsaw.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a work machine that can improve convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine comprising a drive source, a saw chain that is driven by the driving force of the drive source to perform cutting processing on a mating material, and a fuel supply warning unit that includes an alarm unit that prompts the user to refuel the saw chain by issuing an alarm when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0007] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the refueling alarm unit has an alarm control unit that detects an integrated value that increases as the saw chain is driven, and the alarm control unit is a work machine that determines that the specified condition is satisfied when the integrated value reaches an integrated value threshold.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the refueling alarm unit has an operating unit configured to be operable, and when the operating unit is operated, the alarm control unit resets the integrated value.

[0009] One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine in which the integrated value is the number of cuts made by the saw chain into the counter material.

[0010] One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine in which a portion of the saw chain is covered by a cover, the cover is configured to be movable between a first position that covers the saw chain and a second position that opens the saw chain, and when the saw chain cuts the mating material, the saw chain moves back and forth between the first position and the second position by the mating material, the fuel supply alarm unit has a detection unit that detects the number of times the cover moves back and forth, and the alarm control unit calculates the integrated value based on the number of times the cover moves back and forth detected by the detection unit.

[0011] One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine in which the driving time of the driving source is set as the integrated value.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the driving source is a motor, and the integrated value is an integrated current value obtained by integrating a current value flowing through the motor at each predetermined time.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the driving source is a motor, the refueling warning unit has an warning control unit that detects a current value flowing through the motor, and the warning control unit determines that the specified condition is satisfied when the current value flowing through the motor is maintained within a specified current range for a specified period of time.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the notification unit has an indicator unit, and the indicator unit lights up or flashes when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0015] One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine in which, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, driving of the driving source is stopped.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the refueling alarm unit has an operating unit that is configured to be operable, and the operating prohibition on the drive source is lifted when the operating unit is operated.

[0017] One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine comprising a main body portion on which the saw chain is mounted, a shaft portion formed in an elongated shape and having one longitudinal end to which the main body portion is connected, and a handle portion connected to a longitudinal end of the shaft portion, and the alarm unit is provided on the handle portion.

[0018] One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine in which the operation unit is provided on the main body unit. Effect of the Invention

[0019] One or more embodiments of the present invention can provide increased convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a schematic view of a chain saw according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left side. [Diagram 2]2 is a cross-sectional view seen from the left side, showing a schematic view of the inside of the chain saw body of the chain saw shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2) showing a schematic view of the inside of the chain saw body shown in FIG. 2 from above. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the chain saw shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the fuel supply warning unit of the chain saw according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, a chain saw 10 as a working machine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the arrows UP, FR, and LH shown appropriately in the drawings respectively indicate the upper side, front side, and left side of the chain saw 10. In the following description, when the up-down, front-rear, and left-right directions are used, they refer to the up-down, front-rear, and left-right directions of the chain saw 10 unless otherwise specified.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the chainsaw 10 extends in the front-rear direction as a whole, and is configured as an electric tool that performs cutting on a workpiece W (see Figure 2) as an opposing material. The chainsaw 10 includes a chainsaw body 12 as a main body, a shaft 14, and a handle 16. The chainsaw 10 also has a fuel supply warning unit 50 that issues a warning to encourage the user to refuel the saw chain 40, which will be described later. Each component of the chainsaw 10 will be described below.

[0023] (Regarding the chain saw body 12) As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the chainsaw body 12 constitutes the front end of the chainsaw 10. The chainsaw body 12 has a housing 20 that constitutes the outer shell of the chainsaw body 12. The housing 20 is formed in a substantially V-shape that is open diagonally upward and forward when viewed from the left-right direction. Specifically, the front portion of the housing 20 extends substantially in the front-to-rear direction, and the rear portion of the housing 20 is bent diagonally upward and rearward when viewed from the left-right direction.

[0024] A motor 22 is housed in the rear of the housing 20 as a drive source, and is electrically connected to a controller 66 provided in the lower end of the housing 20. The motor 22 has an output shaft 22A, which extends in a direction that inclines upward toward the rear when viewed from the left-right direction. A front end of the output shaft 22A protrudes forward from a motor body 22B of the motor 22, and a bevel gear 24 is provided on the front end of the output shaft 22A so as to be rotatable integrally therewith.

[0025] A rotating shaft 26 is provided in the middle of the housing 20 in the front-rear direction, and is rotatably supported by the housing 20 with its axis extending in the left-right direction. A bevel gear 28 is provided on the rotating shaft 26 so as to rotate integrally therewith, and the bevel gear 28 is meshed with the bevel gear 24 of the motor 22. A right end of the rotating shaft 26 protrudes to the right from the housing 20, and a sprocket 30 is provided on the right end of the rotating shaft 26 so as to rotate integrally therewith. This allows the driving force of the motor 22 to be transmitted to the sprocket 30, causing the sprocket 30 to rotate. A side cover 32 is attached to the right side of the housing 20, and the sprocket 30 is covered by the side cover 32.

[0026] A guide bar 34 is attached to the chain saw body 12. The guide bar 34 is formed in a generally long plate shape with the plate thickness direction being the left-right direction and the longitudinal direction being the front-rear direction, and is located on the right side of the housing 20. A fixing hole 34A is formed through the rear part of the guide bar 34, and the fixing hole 34A is formed in an elongated hole shape with the longitudinal direction being the front-rear direction. A fixing bolt 36 provided in the housing 20 is inserted into the fixing hole 34A, and the rear part of the guide bar 34 is fixed to the housing 20 together with the side cover 32 on the front side of the sprocket 30. Specifically, a nut 38 is screwed into the right end of the fixing bolt 36, and the guide bar 34 is fixed so as to be sandwiched between the housing 20 and the side cover 32 from both the left and right sides.

[0027] An endless saw chain 40 (see the hatched portion in Figs. 1 and 2) is wound around the outer periphery of the sprocket 30 and the guide bar 34. As a result, when the sprocket 30 is rotated by the drive of the motor 22, the saw chain 40 rotates along the outer periphery of the guide bar 34, and the rotating saw chain 40 cuts the workpiece W.

[0028] The chain saw body 12 is provided with a saw cover 42 as a cover. The saw cover 42 extends in the front-rear direction, and a rear end portion of the saw cover 42 is supported by the housing 20 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 42B extending in the left-right direction. Specifically, when the chain saw 10 is not in operation or when the workpiece W is not being cut, the saw cover 42 is held in an initial position (see the position of the saw cover 42 shown by the solid line in FIG. 2) as a first position by a retaining spring (not shown) provided on the outer periphery of the rotation shaft 42B, and the saw cover 42 in the initial position covers the upper end of the guide bar 34 around which the saw chain 40 is wound from above. When the chain saw 10 is cutting the workpiece W, the saw cover 42 is pushed up by the workpiece W, and the saw cover 42 is rotated from the initial position to an open position (see the position of the saw cover 42 shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2) as a second position on the upper side. After the cutting process of the workpiece W is completed, the saw cover 42 returns to its initial position due to the biasing force of the holding spring. That is, the saw cover 42 reciprocates between the initial position and the open position every time the workpiece W is cut. The holding spring may be omitted and the saw cover 42 may be returned to its initial position by its own weight. The rear end of the saw cover 42 is formed as a cover detectable portion 42A, and the cover detectable portion 42A is accommodated within the upper end portion of the front part of the housing 20.

[0029] (About the shaft 14) 1, the shaft 14 constitutes the front-rear middle portion of the chain saw 10 and is formed in a generally columnar shape extending in the front-rear direction. A front end portion of the shaft 14 is connected to a rear end portion of the housing 20.

[0030] (Regarding the handle portion 16) The handle portion 16 constitutes the rear end portion of the chain saw 10. The handle portion 16 is composed of a handle body 16A extending in the front-rear direction and a guard portion 16B. When viewed from the left-right direction, the guard portion 16B is formed in a substantially U-shape that is open upward, with the rear end portion of the guard portion 16B connected to the rear end portion of the handle body 16A and the front end portion of the guard portion 16B connected to the front end portion of the handle body 16A.

[0031] In addition, a battery 44 is detachably attached to the rear end of the handle portion 16. The battery 44 is electrically connected to the controller 66, and power is output from the battery 44 to the motor 22.

[0032] A trigger 46 is provided at the front-rear intermediate portion of the handle body 16A, behind the front end portion of the guard portion 16B. The trigger 46 protrudes downward from the handle body 16A, and is configured to be able to be pulled upward. A trigger switch 47 (see FIG. 4) is provided within the handle portion 16, and the trigger switch 47 is electrically connected to the controller 66. When the trigger 46 is pulled, the trigger switch 47 is pressed by the trigger 46, and an ON signal is output from the trigger switch 47 to the controller 66. As a result, the motor 22 is driven under the control of the controller 66.

[0033] (Regarding the refueling warning unit 50) 1 to 4, the refueling alarm unit 50 is configured as a mechanism that issues an alarm to encourage refueling of the saw chain 40. The refueling alarm unit 50 includes an alarm unit 52, a cover detection switch 58 as a detection unit, a refueling completion confirmation unit 60, and a controller 66 as the alarm control unit described above. The refueling alarm unit 50 also has a current sensor 70, a temperature sensor 72, and a sound pressure sensor 74.

[0034] The notification unit 52 is provided in the handle portion 16. The notification unit 52 includes an LED 54 (which is an element that can be broadly understood as a light source) and an indicator unit 56. The LED 54 is provided inside the handle portion 16. The LED 54 is electrically connected to the controller 66, and when the LED 54 is caused to emit light by the controller 66, the LED 54 irradiates the emitted light upward. The indicator unit 56 is made of a material that can transmit light, and is located above the LED 54 inside the handle portion 16. A part of the indicator unit 56 is exposed so as to be visible from the upper surface of the handle portion 16. When the LED 54 emits light, the indicator unit 56 lights up or flashes (lights up in this embodiment).

[0035] The cover detection switch 58 is provided in the housing 20 of the chain saw body 12. The cover detection switch 58 is configured as a so-called push-type microswitch and is electrically connected to the controller 66. The cover detection switch 58 is disposed adjacent to the upper side of the cover detection target portion 42A of the saw cover 42, and when the saw cover 42 is in the initial position, the cover detection target portion 42A presses the switch portion of the cover detection switch 58. On the other hand, when the saw cover 42 is in the open position, the cover detection switch 58 is set to be released from the cover detection target portion 42A. As a result, when the workpiece W is cut, when the saw cover 42 is rotated from the initial position to the open position, the cover detection switch 58 is switched from ON to OFF, and when the saw cover 42 is rotated from the open position to the initial position, the cover detection switch 58 is switched from OFF to ON. That is, the cover detection switch 58 detects the number of reciprocations of the saw cover 42 between the initial position and the open position.

[0036] The fuel-filling completion confirmation section 60 is provided at the front of the chainsaw body 12. The fuel-filling completion confirmation section 60 has a confirmation button 62 and a confirmation switch 64 as operating sections. The confirmation button 62 protrudes upward from the top surface of the housing 20 so as to be operable by pressing downward. The confirmation switch 64 is provided within the housing 20 and is positioned below the confirmation button 62. The confirmation switch 64 is electrically connected to a controller 66. When the confirmation button 62 is operated, the confirmation button 62 presses a switch section of the confirmation switch 64, and a detection signal is output from the confirmation switch 64 to the controller 66.

[0037] The controller 66 causes the LED 54 to emit light and the indicator section 56 to light up based on a detection signal from the cover detection switch 58, thereby urging the operator to oil the saw chain 40. Specifically, the controller 66 calculates the number of reciprocations of the saw cover 42 based on the detection signal from the cover detection switch 58, and detects this number of reciprocations as the number of cuts made by the saw chain 40 into the workpiece W. When the number of cuts detected (calculated) by the controller 66 reaches a set upper limit number of cuts, the controller 66 causes the LED 54 of the notification section 52 to emit light and the indicator section 56 to light up. The number of cuts corresponds to the integrated value of the present invention, and the upper limit number of cuts corresponds to the integrated value threshold of the present invention.

[0038] Furthermore, when the number of cuts detected (calculated) by the controller 66 reaches the upper limit number of cuts, the controller 66 prohibits the driving of the motor 22. Specifically, a FET 68 (see FIG. 4) serving as a switch element is electrically connected to the controller 66 and the motor 22, and the driving of the motor 22 is prohibited or permitted depending on the operation of the FET 68. For this reason, even if the trigger 46 is operated after the number of cuts reaches the upper limit number of cuts, the motor 22 is not driven, and cutting of the workpiece W by the saw chain 40 is prohibited.

[0039] Furthermore, when the confirmation button 62 is operated after the indicator section 56 is lit, the controller 66 releases the prohibition on driving the motor 22. In other words, cutting of the workpiece W by the saw chain 40 is permitted. At this time, the controller 66 is set to reset the calculated number of cuts to zero.

[0040] The current sensor 70 is configured as a sensor that detects the current value of the motor 22, and is electrically connected to the motor 22 and the controller 66. The temperature sensor 72 is configured as a sensor that detects the temperature of the guide bar 34, and is electrically connected to the controller 66. The temperature sensor 72 is provided between the housing 20 and the guide bar 34, and is sandwiched between them on both the left and right sides. The sound pressure sensor 74 is provided in the chainsaw body 12, and is configured as a sensor that detects the sound pressure of the operating sound of the chainsaw 10 when the chainsaw 10 is in operation.

[0041] (Action and effect) Next, the operation of the fuel supply warning unit 50 in the chain saw 10 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 5, while the functions and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0042] As shown in this figure, in the operation of the refueling alarm unit 50, in step 1 (S1), the controller 66 determines whether or not the cover detection switch 58 is on based on the output signal from the cover detection switch 58. That is, the controller 66 determines whether or not the saw cover 42 is placed in the initial position. In step 1, if the cover detection switch 58 is not on (No in step 1), the process returns to step 1. In step 1, if the cover detection switch 58 is on (Yes in step 1), the process proceeds to step 2 (S2).

[0043] In step 2, the controller 66 calculates the number of cuts N of the saw chain 40 on the workpiece W as N+1. For example, when cutting the workpiece W for the first time, the number of cuts N is 1. After the processing of step 2, the process proceeds to step 3 (S3).

[0044] In step 3, the controller 66 determines whether the number of cuts N is equal to or greater than the upper limit number of cuts N1. If the number of cuts N is less than the upper limit number of cuts N1 in step 3 (No in step 3), the process returns to step 1. If the number of cuts N is equal to or greater than the upper limit number of cuts N1 in step 3 (Yes in step 3), the process proceeds to step 4 (S4).

[0045] In step 4, the controller 66 prohibits the driving of the motor 22. After the processing of step 4, the process proceeds to step 5 (S5).

[0046] In step 5, the controller 66 causes the LED 54 of the notification unit 52 to emit light, thereby lighting up the indicator unit 56. After the process of step 5, the process proceeds to step 6 (S6).

[0047] In step 6, the controller 66 determines whether or not the confirmation button 62 has been operated based on the output signal of the confirmation switch 64. In step 6, if the confirmation button 62 has not been operated (No in step 6), the process returns to step 6. In step 6, if the confirmation button 62 has been operated (Yes in step 6), the process proceeds to step 7 (S7).

[0048] In step 7, the controller 66 releases the drive inhibition state of the motor 22. That is, the drive of the motor 22 is permitted. After the process of step 7, the process proceeds to step 8 (S8).

[0049] In step 8, the controller 66 turns off the LED 54 of the notification unit 52. This switches the indicator unit 56 from a turned-on state to a turned-off state. After the process of step 8, the process proceeds to step 9 (S9).

[0050] In step 9, the number of disconnections N is reset to zero by the controller 66. This ends the operation of the refueling alarm unit 50.

[0051] As described above, the chain saw 10 has the oil supply warning unit 50, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the chain saw 10, the notification unit 52 of the oil supply warning unit 50 issues an alarm to encourage oiling of the saw chain 40. Specifically, the controller 66 detects the number of cuts N of the saw chain 40 on the workpiece W as an integrated value, and determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the number of cuts N reaches the upper limit number of cuts N1 (integral value threshold). Then, the indicator unit 56 of the notification unit 52 lights up to encourage the operator to oil the saw chain 40. This eliminates the need for the operator to determine whether the saw chain 40 has run out of oil, and the notification unit 52 can automatically inform the operator that it is time to oil the saw chain 40. Therefore, the convenience of the saw chain 40 can be improved.

[0052] In this embodiment, as described above, the controller 66 calculates the number of cuts N, which increases as the saw chain 40 is driven, as an integrated value, and determines that the saw chain 40 has run out of oil when the number of cuts N reaches the upper limit number of cuts N1. Therefore, in a work machine that does not have an oil tank, such as the chain saw 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to effectively notify the operator that it is time to oil the saw chain 40.

[0053] Furthermore, the fuel supply warning unit 50 has a confirmation button 62, and when the confirmation button 62 is operated, the controller 66 resets the number of cuts N (accumulated value) to zero. As a result, by operating the confirmation button 62 after the saw chain 40 has been fueled, detection of the next time to fuel the saw chain 40 can be started.

[0054] The chain saw body 12 is provided with a saw cover 42 that covers the saw chain 40, and the saw cover 42 is configured to be movable between an initial position that covers the saw chain 40 and an open position that opens the saw chain 40. When the saw chain 40 cuts the workpiece W, the saw cover 42 reciprocates between the initial position and the open position by the workpiece W. The fuel supply warning unit 50 also has a cover detection switch 58 that detects the number of reciprocations of the saw cover 42, and the controller 66 detects the number of cuts N of the saw chain 40 based on an output signal from the cover detection switch 58. This makes it possible to calculate the number of cuts N of the saw chain 40 into the workpiece W by utilizing the saw cover 42 that covers the saw chain 40.

[0055] The notification unit 52 has an LED 54 and an indicator unit 56, and when the number of cuts N of the workpiece W reaches the upper limit number of cuts N1, the LED 54 emits light and the indicator unit 56 lights up. This makes it possible to notify the operator of the time to oil the saw chain 40 with a simple configuration. The notification unit 52 notifies the operator of the time to oil the saw chain 40 with the LED 54 and the indicator unit 56 when the number of cuts N reaches the upper limit number of cuts N1, but may also notify the operator of the time to oil the saw chain 40 with the LED 54 and the indicator unit 56 when the number of cuts N reaches the upper limit number of cuts N2, which is less than the upper limit number of cuts N1. This is effective in allowing the operator to know in advance that the time to oil the saw chain 40 is approaching. When the number of cuts N reaches the number of cuts N2, the light emission pattern of the LED 54 may be changed from that when the number of cuts N reaches the upper limit number of cuts N1 as described above. Moreover, the indicator unit 56 is provided on the handle unit 16 that the operator holds. That is, the indicator unit 56 is provided on the handle unit 16 located on the operator's side of the long chainsaw 10. This improves visibility to the operator when the indicator unit 56 is lit.

[0056] Furthermore, when the number of cuts N made on the workpiece W reaches the upper limit number of cuts N1, the controller 66 prohibits the motor 22 from being driven. This makes it possible to prevent the saw chain 40 from being continuously used when it has run out of oil. This contributes to improving the durability of the saw chain 40. Furthermore, because the motor 22 is prohibited from being driven, the operator can recognize that it is time to oil the saw chain 40 by checking the indicator portion 56 after the saw chain 40 has stopped rotating.

[0057] Further, the confirmation button 62 is provided on the chainsaw body 12, and the saw chain 40 is attached to the guide bar 34 of the chainsaw body 12. That is, the confirmation button 62 for releasing the drive inhibition state of the motor 22 is disposed near the saw chain 40. This makes it possible to urge the operator to oil the saw chain 40, as compared to, for example, a configuration in which the confirmation button 62 is provided on the handle portion 16. As a result, for example, forgetting to oil the saw chain 40 can be prevented.

[0058] Next, variations of the predetermined conditions when the fuel supply warning unit 50 prompts the driver to refuel the saw chain 40 will be described.

[0059] (Variation 1 of the given condition) In variation 1 of the predetermined condition, the controller 66 calculates the drive time of the motor 22 as an integrated value, and determines that the predetermined condition is met when the drive time reaches a set upper limit drive time (integrated value threshold). This makes it possible to determine whether the saw chain 40 has run out of oil based on the operating time of the chain saw 10 (saw chain 40), and to notify the user that it is time to oil the saw chain 40. In variation 1, when the predetermined condition is met, the processes from step 4 onwards in the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 are performed, and the drive time is reset in step 9.

[0060] (Variation 2 of the given conditions) In variation 2 of the predetermined condition, the controller 66 detects the current value flowing through the motor 22 at predetermined time intervals based on the output signal from the current sensor 70, and the detected current value is integrated to obtain an integrated current value. When the integrated current value reaches a preset upper integrated current limit (integral value threshold), the controller 66 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied. This makes it possible to determine whether the saw chain 40 has run out of oil, taking into account not only the operating time of the chain saw 10 (saw chain 40) but also the load state of the motor 22 during cutting of the saw chain 40. In variation 2, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the processes from step 4 onward in the flow shown in FIG. 5 are performed, and the integrated current value is reset in step 9.

[0061] (Variation 3 of the given condition) In variation 3 of the predetermined condition, when the chain saw 10 is in operation, the controller 66 detects the value of the current flowing through the motor 22 based on the output signal from the current sensor 70. Also, when the chain saw 10 is in operation using a sufficiently oiled saw chain 40, the value of the current flowing through the motor 22 when the workpiece W is not being cut is set as a lower current limit IL. Furthermore, the value of the current flowing through the motor 22 when the chain saw 10 is cutting the workpiece W is set as an upper current limit IU.

[0062] In the third variation, the controller 66 detects whether or not the current value flowing through the motor 22 when the workpiece W is not being cut during operation of the chain saw 10 is within a range (predetermined current range) between the lower limit current value IL and the upper limit current value IU. If the current value is within the predetermined current range, the controller 66 measures the time during which the current value is maintained within the predetermined current range. If the time is maintained for more than the set upper limit maintenance time, the controller 66 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied. That is, in the chain saw 10, the amount of lubricating oil to the saw chain 40 tends to decrease as the operation time increases. Therefore, the current value flowing through the motor 22 when the workpiece W is not being cut increases as the operation time increases, and exceeds the lower limit current value IL. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the saw chain 40 has run out of oil by determining that the period during which the current value exceeds the lower limit current value IL is longer. This makes it possible to determine whether the saw chain 40 has run out of oil based on the load state of the motor 22. In the third variation, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the processes from step 4 onward, excluding step 9 in the flow shown in FIG. 9, are performed.

[0063] (Variation 4 of the given condition) In variation 4 of the predetermined condition, the controller 66 detects the temperature of the guide bar 34 at each predetermined time based on the output signal from the temperature sensor 72. The controller 66 also calculates the amount of change in the detected temperature when it rises, and when this amount of change exceeds a predetermined amount, it determines that the predetermined condition is met. That is, when the chain saw 10 is in operation, the temperature of the guide bar 34 rises due to friction between the guide bar 34 and the saw chain 40. When the amount of lubricating oil in the saw chain 40 decreases, the change in the temperature rise of the guide bar 34 becomes large. This makes it possible to determine whether the saw chain 40 has run out of oil based on the temperature rise of the guide bar 34. In variation 4, when the predetermined condition is met, the processing from step 4 onwards, excluding step 9 of the flow shown in FIG. 5, is performed.

[0064] (Variation 5 of the given conditions) In variation 5 of the predetermined condition, the controller 66 detects the sound pressure of the operating sound of the chain saw 10 when not cutting the workpiece W, based on the output signal from the sound pressure sensor 74. When the sound pressure of the operating sound exceeds a set upper limit sound pressure, the controller 66 determines that the predetermined condition is met. This makes it possible to determine whether the saw chain 40 has run out of oil based on the operating sound of the chain saw 10. Note that in variation 5, when the predetermined condition is met, the processes from step 4 onwards, excluding step 9 of the flow shown in FIG. 5, are performed.

[0065] In this embodiment, the indicator unit 56 of the notification unit 52 lights up to notify the operator of the time to oil the saw chain 40, but the notification to the operator is not limited to this. For example, a display unit may be provided on the handle unit 16 instead of the indicator unit 56, and the display unit may display the warning that it is time to oil the saw chain 40. Also, for example, a speaker may be provided on the handle unit 16 instead of the indicator unit 56, and the warning that it is time to oil the saw chain 40 may be issued by voice. Also, for example, the light emission color of the LED 54 may be changed to change the light color of the indicator unit 56, and the warning that it is time to oil the saw chain 40 may be displayed. That is, for example, the light emission color of the indicator unit 56 may be changed from green to red to display the warning that it is time to oil the saw chain 40.

[0066] In addition, in this embodiment, the controller 66 is provided in the chainsaw body 12, but the controller 66 may be provided in the handle portion 16. For example, by arranging the controller 66 inside the guard portion 16B, space can be utilized more effectively.

[0067] In addition, the specified conditions for prompting the oiling of the saw chain 40 may be a combination of the saw cover 42, which is the first embodiment, with variations 1 to 5 of the specified conditions described above, or a combination of variations 1 to 5 together.

[0068] Furthermore, a main power switch for activating the controller 66 may be added to the chainsaw 10. In this case, the number of cuts N may be reset to zero by turning the main power switch ON or OFF, or an integrated value of the number of cuts N may be stored in a storage device, and when the main power switch is turned ON, the number of cuts N may be set to the number of cuts N at the end of the previous operation, and operation may be started. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10 Chainsaw (working equipment) 12 Chainsaw body (body) 14. Shaft 16 Handle section 22 Motor (drive source) 40 Saw Chain 42 SoCover (Cover) 50 Fuel supply alarm unit 52 Notification Department 56 Indicator part 58 Cover detection switch (detection part) 62 Confirmation button (operation section) 66 Controller (alarm control section) W Work material (mate material)

Claims

1. A driving source; A saw chain that is driven by the driving force of the driving source to perform cutting processing on a mating material; A fuel supply warning unit configured to include a notification unit and prompting the user to refuel the saw chain by a notification from the notification unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied; A work machine equipped with the above.

2. The refueling warning unit has an alarm control unit that detects an integrated value that increases with the driving of the saw chain, The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the warning control unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the integrated value reaches an integrated value threshold value.

3. The refueling warning unit has an operation unit configured to be operable, The work machine according to claim 2 , wherein the alarm control unit resets the integrated value when the operating unit is operated.

4. The work machine according to claim 2 , wherein the integrated value is the number of cuts made by the saw chain to the mating material.

5. A part of the saw chain is covered by a cover, The cover is configured to be movable between a first position that covers the saw chain and a second position that releases the saw chain, and is moved back and forth between the first position and the second position by the opposing material when the saw chain cuts the opposing material, The refueling warning unit has a detection unit that detects the number of times the cover is reciprocated, The work machine according to claim 4 , wherein the warning control unit calculates the integrated value based on the number of times the cover is moved back and forth by the detection unit.

6. The work machine according to claim 2 , wherein the integrated value is a drive time of the drive source.

7. the drive source is a motor, 3. The work machine according to claim 2, wherein the integrated value is an integrated current value obtained by integrating values ​​of current flowing through the motor at predetermined time intervals.

8. the drive source is a motor, The refueling warning unit has a warning control unit that detects a current value flowing through the motor, 2. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the warning control unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when a state in which a value of the current flowing through the motor is maintained within a predetermined current range for a predetermined period of time.

9. The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit has an indicator unit, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the indicator unit lights up or flashes.

10. The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the drive source is stopped when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

11. The refueling warning unit has an operation unit configured to be operable, The work machine according to claim 10, wherein the inhibition of driving of the drive source is lifted by operating the operation unit.

12. A main body portion on which the saw chain is provided; A rod portion formed in an elongated shape and having one end in a longitudinal direction connected to the main body portion; A handle portion connected to a longitudinal end of the rod portion; Equipped with The work machine according to claim 3 or claim 11, wherein the notification unit is provided on the handle portion.

13. The work machine according to claim 12, wherein the operation unit is provided on the main body.

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