Vacuum suction attachment for power tool and power tool system

Abstract

To provide improvement in an art which utilizes vacuum attachment to hold an electric tool on a processed material.SOLUTION: A vacuum suction attachment for a power tool includes an attachment main body, a vacuum pump, a suction part, and a valve. The attachment main body is detachably mountable on a tool main body of the power tool, and the vacuum pump is housed in the attachment main body. The suction part has a chamber in fluid communication with the vacuum pump and is suctioned and adhered to a surface of a processed material in response to the chamber being brought into a vacuum state by driving of the vacuum pump. The valve is in fluid communication with the chamber of the suction part. The valve is normally in a closed state in which the valve blocks outside air from flowing into the chamber, and is switched to an open state in which the valve allows outside air to flow into the chamber in response to manual operation by a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vacuum suction attachment for a power tool and a power tool system including the power tool and the vacuum suction attachment.

Background Art

[0002] During a drilling operation with a drilling tool, it is tiring for the user to continuously hold the drilling tool while pressing the tip tool against the workpiece. Therefore, a self-holding drill system configured to be pressed against the workpiece using vacuum suction is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The above-described drill system is a device in which a drill assembly, a vacuum gripper base, and an air pump for evacuating air from the vacuum gripper base are integrated. From the viewpoint of improving convenience, there is room for improvement in this drill system.

[0005] One non-limiting object of the present disclosure is to provide an improvement in the technology of holding a power tool against a workpiece using vacuum suction.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum suction attachment for a power tool is provided. The vacuum suction attachment includes an attachment body, a vacuum pump, a suction portion, and a valve. The attachment body is configured to be removably attached to a tool body of the power tool. The vacuum pump is housed in the attachment body. The suction portion has a chamber in fluid communication with the vacuum pump. The suction portion is configured to be adsorbed to the surface of the workpiece as the chamber is evacuated by driving the vacuum pump. The valve is configured to be in fluid communication with the chamber of the suction portion. The valve is normally in a closed state that inhibits the inflow of outside air into the chamber, and is configured to be switched to an open state that allows the inflow of outside air into the chamber in response to a manual operation by the user.

[0007] The vacuum suction attachment of this aspect is a device separate from the power tool, but can be removably attached to the tool body of the power tool and integrated with the power tool. Therefore, when the vacuum suction attachment is fixed to the workpiece by vacuum suction, the tool body of the power tool is also held at substantially the same position with respect to the workpiece. As a result, compared with the case where the vacuum suction attachment is not used, the holding force required for the user to hold the power tool can be reduced, which can contribute to fatigue reduction. In addition, since the user only needs to attach the vacuum suction attachment to the power tool and use it when necessary, the convenience is improved.

[0008] According to another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, a power tool system including a power tool and a vacuum suction attachment is provided. The power tool includes a motor, a tool body, and a main switch. The tool body houses the motor. The main switch is configured to operate in response to a manual operation for instructing start and stop of driving of the motor. The vacuum suction attachment includes an attachment body, a vacuum pump, a suction portion, and a valve. The attachment body is removably attached to the tool body. The vacuum pump is housed in the attachment body. The suction portion has a chamber in fluid communication with the vacuum pump, and is configured to be adsorbed to the surface of a workpiece as the chamber is evacuated by driving of the vacuum pump. The valve is in fluid communication with the chamber of the suction portion. The valve is normally in a closed state that inhibits inflow of outside air into the chamber, and is configured to be switched to an open state that allows inflow of outside air into the chamber in response to a manual operation by the user.

[0009] The power tool system of this aspect includes a power tool and a vacuum suction attachment that is a device separate from the power tool, is removably attached to the tool body of the power tool, and is integrated with the power tool. Thus, when the suction portion is fixed to the workpiece by vacuum suction, the entire power tool system is fixed to the workpiece. As a result, compared with the case where the vacuum suction attachment is not used, the holding force required for the user to hold the power tool can be reduced, which can contribute to fatigue reduction. Further, the user can attach the vacuum suction attachment to the power tool only when necessary and use it as a power tool system, improving convenience.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the vacuum suction attachment may further include a pump switch configured to be manually operated for instructing the start and stop of the drive of the vacuum pump. According to this embodiment, the user can fix or release the vacuum suction attachment and the power tool to / from the workpiece at a desired timing by manually operating the pump switch.

[0012] In addition to or instead of the above embodiment, the vacuum suction attachment may further include a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure inside the chamber of the suction part or the suction passage. The suction passage is a flow passage that fluidly communicates the chamber and the vacuum pump. According to this embodiment, the function of the vacuum suction attachment can be improved by effectively utilizing the information regarding the measured pressure.

[0013] In addition to, or instead of, the above-described embodiment, the vacuum suction attachment may further include a control device configured to control the operation of the vacuum suction attachment based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor. The control device may be configured to stop driving the vacuum pump in response to the pressure falling below a first threshold value during driving of the vacuum pump, and then resume driving of the vacuum pump in response to the pressure exceeding a second threshold value higher than the first threshold value. According to this embodiment, by setting the first threshold value and the second threshold value to appropriate values, the fixed state of the vacuum suction attachment and the power tool can be maintained even during interruption of driving of the vacuum pump. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed as compared with the case of continuously driving the vacuum pump. Note that the control device may include, for example, at least one processor (processing circuit) and at least one memory.

[0014] In addition to, or instead of, the above-described embodiment, the vacuum suction attachment may further include a notification unit configured to notify information indicating the state of the vacuum suction attachment. According to this embodiment, the user can recognize the state of the vacuum suction attachment from the information notified by the notification unit and take appropriate measures as necessary. Note that the notification unit may notify information by any method. For example, the notification unit may be configured as an LED that notifies information by light, a buzzer that notifies information by sound, or a display that displays characters and / or symbols.

[0015] In addition to, or instead of, the above-described embodiment, the notification unit may be configured to perform notification of predetermined information when a state in which the pressure exceeds a second threshold value continues for a predetermined time, or when a state in which the pressure exceeds the second threshold value occurs a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. According to this embodiment, the user can recognize that the fixed state of the vacuum suction attachment and the power tool has weakened, and can, for example, increase the force for holding the power tool.

[0016] In addition to or instead of the above-described embodiment, the vacuum suction attachment may further include a slide portion that is connected to the suction portion and supported by the attachment body so as to be slidable in the first direction. According to this embodiment, as the electric tool is moved relative to the workpiece as the machining operation progresses, the attachment body attached to the tool body can be smoothly moved together with the tool body relative to the suction portion fixed to the workpiece.

[0017] In addition to or instead of the above-described embodiment, the slide portion may include a first slide member supported by the attachment body and a second slide member connected to the suction portion and supported by the first slide member so as to be slidable in the first direction. The attachment body and the first slide member may be configured to be able to change the support position of the first slide member by the attachment body in the first direction. According to this embodiment, for example, the support position of the first slide member can be changed in accordance with the initial position of the electric tool relative to the workpiece, and the suction portion can be arranged at an appropriate position.

[0018] In addition to or instead of the above-described embodiment, the vacuum suction attachment may further include a filter disposed in a suction passage that is in fluid communication with the chamber and the vacuum pump. According to this embodiment, by the filter capturing dust, the possibility of dust entering the vacuum pump and causing problems can be reduced.

[0019] In addition to or instead of the above-described embodiment, the valve may be in fluid communication with the chamber via the suction passage. The filter may be arranged such that outside air flowing into the chamber through the suction passage passes through the filter as the valve is opened. According to this embodiment, the dust attached to the filter can be blown off by the air flowing into the chamber as the valve is opened.

[0020] In addition to or instead of the above-described embodiment, the power tool may include a first terminal portion, and the vacuum suction attachment may include a second terminal portion. The first terminal portion and the second terminal portion may be configured to be electrically connected to each other when the attachment main body is attached to the tool main body. The vacuum pump may be configured to be driven by the electric power supplied from the power tool via the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion. According to this embodiment, since it is not necessary to provide a power source for the vacuum suction attachment, the configuration of the vacuum suction attachment can be simplified.

[0021] In addition to or instead of the above-described embodiment, the power tool system may further include a control device configured to control the operation of at least one of the power tool and the vacuum suction attachment according to the state of the power tool system. According to this embodiment, the convenience of the power tool system is further improved. Note that the control device may include, for example, at least one processor (processing circuit) and at least one memory. The control device may be provided in the power tool or in the vacuum suction attachment. When the control device includes a plurality of processors (processing circuits), at least one of the plurality of processors may be provided in the power tool and at least one may be provided in the vacuum suction attachment.

[0022] In addition to or instead of the above-described embodiment, the control device of the power tool system may be configured to start driving the vacuum pump in response to the main switch of the power tool being turned on. According to this embodiment, the user can start driving the motor of the power tool and the vacuum pump of the vacuum suction attachment only by performing a manual operation of turning on the main switch of the power tool.

[0023] In addition to or instead of the above-described embodiment, the control device of the power tool system may be configured to start driving the vacuum pump in response to the main switch of the power tool being turned on, and start driving the motor of the power tool after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of driving of the vacuum pump. According to this embodiment, since the motor of the power tool is driven after the suction part has started to be adsorbed to the workpiece, the user can weaken the force for holding the power tool earlier.

[0024] In addition to or instead of the above-described embodiment, the vacuum suction attachment of the power tool system may further include a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure inside the chamber of the suction part or the suction passage. The suction passage is a passage that fluidly communicates the chamber and the vacuum pump. The control device of the power tool system may be configured to control the operation of at least one of the power tool and the vacuum suction attachment based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor. According to this embodiment, the control device can effectively utilize the information on the measured pressure to perform appropriate control and improve the function of the power tool system.

[0025] In addition to or instead of the above-described embodiment, the control device of the power tool system may be configured to start driving the vacuum pump in response to the main switch of the power tool being turned on, and start driving the motor of the power tool in response to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor falling below a first threshold value. According to this embodiment, by setting the first threshold value to an appropriate value, it becomes possible to start driving the motor of the power tool in a state where the suction part is surely fixed to the workpiece.

[0026] In addition to or instead of the above-described embodiment, the control device of the power tool system may be configured to stop driving the vacuum pump in response to the pressure falling below a first threshold value during driving of the vacuum pump, and then resume driving of the vacuum pump in response to the pressure exceeding a second threshold value higher than the first threshold value. According to this embodiment, the power consumption can be suppressed as compared with the case of continuously driving the vacuum pump.

[0027] In addition to or instead of the above-described embodiment, the control device of the power tool system may be configured to stop driving the motor of the power tool when the state where the pressure exceeds the second threshold value continues for a predetermined time or when the state where the pressure exceeds the second threshold value occurs a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. According to this embodiment, it is possible to avoid a situation where the machining accuracy deteriorates due to the machining operation being performed while the power tool system is not securely fixed.

[0028] In addition to or instead of the above-described embodiment, the power tool system may further include a notification unit configured to notify information indicating the state of the vacuum suction attachment. The notification unit may be configured to notify predetermined information when the state where the pressure exceeds the second threshold value continues for a predetermined time or when the state where the pressure exceeds the second threshold value occurs a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. According to this embodiment, the user can recognize that the fixing state of the vacuum suction attachment and the power tool has weakened, and for example, can increase the force for holding the power tool. Note that the notification unit may be provided on the power tool or on the vacuum suction attachment.

[0029] In addition to or instead of the above-described embodiment, the power tool of the power tool system may be a drilling tool configured to rotationally drive the tip tool around the drive shaft. The vacuum suction attachment may further include a slide portion connected to the suction portion and supported by the attachment body so as to be slidable in a first direction parallel to the drive shaft. According to this embodiment, as the drilling tool moves closer to the workpiece along the drive shaft in accordance with the progress of the drilling operation by the drilling tool, the attachment body attached to the tool body can be smoothly moved together with the tool body relative to the suction portion fixed to the workpiece.

[0030] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, the power tool system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the power tool system 1 includes a hammer drill 2 and a vacuum suction attachment 5 removably attached to the hammer drill 2. The hammer drill 2 is an example of a power tool. More specifically, the hammer drill 2 is an example of an impact tool that drives the tip tool 91 linearly along the drive shaft DX by striking the tip tool 91 to perform chiseling work. Further, the hammer drill 2 is also an example of a drilling tool that rotationally drives the tip tool around the drive shaft DX to perform drilling work. The vacuum suction attachment 5 is removably attached to the tool body 31 of the hammer drill 2, and is configured to fix the entire power tool system 1 (that is, the hammer drill 2 and the vacuum suction attachment 5) to the workpiece by vacuum suction. Since the power tool system 1 can perform the machining operation by the hammer drill 2 in a state fixed to the workpiece, the load on the user for holding the hammer drill 2 can be reduced.

[0032] Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the power tool system 1 will be described.

[0033] First, the hammer drill 2 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer shape of the hammer drill 2 is formed by a tool body 31 and a handle portion 35 connected to the tool body 31.

[0034] The tool body 31 is a hollow body also referred to as a body housing. The tool body 31 of the present embodiment is generally configured in an L shape, and includes a first portion 311 extending along the drive shaft DX and a second portion 312 extending in a direction intersecting the drive shaft DX from one end of the first portion 311.

[0035] The tool body 31 houses a tool holder 45 configured to removably hold the tip tool 91, an electric motor 41, and a drive mechanism 43 operably connected to the motor 41 and configured to drive the tip tool 91 by the power of the motor 41.

[0036] More specifically, the tool holder 45 is disposed within one end portion of the drive shaft DX of the first portion 311 in the extending direction thereof. This one end portion is generally cylindrical and is also referred to as a barrel portion. An auxiliary handle (also called a side grip) 95 configured to be gripped by a user can be attached to the barrel portion. Most of the drive mechanism 43 is disposed inside the first portion 311. Most of the motor 41 is disposed inside the second portion 312. The motor 41 is disposed such that the rotation axis of the output shaft of the motor 41 extends in a direction intersecting the drive shaft DX. Since it is a well-known configuration, detailed illustration and description are omitted, but the drive mechanism 43 drives the tip tool 91 according to the operation mode selected via a manual operation member for mode selection among a plurality of operation modes of the hammer drill 2 (for example, a rotary percussion mode, a rotation-only mode, a percussion-only mode).

[0037] In addition, the tool body 31 is provided with a physical connection structure and an electrical connection structure for an attachment for the hammer drill 2, which will be described in detail later.

[0038] The handle portion 35 is a hollow body generally formed in a U shape as a whole. Both ends of the handle portion 35 are connected to the tool body 31 at an end portion on the opposite side of the drive shaft DX in the extending direction where the tool holder 45 is disposed. The handle portion 35 includes a grip portion 351. The grip portion 351 is configured to be gripped by a user. The grip portion 351 extends away from the tool body 31 in a direction intersecting the drive shaft DX (specifically, a direction generally perpendicular).

[0039] In the following, for convenience of explanation, the extending direction of the drive shaft DX is defined as the front-rear direction of the hammer drill 2. In the front-rear direction, the side where the tool holder 45 is located is defined as the front side of the hammer drill 2, and the opposite side (the side where the handle portion 35 is located) is defined as the rear side of the hammer drill 2. Further, the direction orthogonal to the drive shaft DX and corresponding to the general extending direction of the grip portion 351 is defined as the up-down direction of the hammer drill 2. In the up-down direction, the direction from the second portion 312 to the first portion 311 is defined as the upward direction, and the direction from the first portion 311 to the second portion 312 is defined as the downward direction. Also, the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is defined as the left-right direction of the hammer drill 2.

[0040] A trigger (also referred to as a switch lever) 352 configured to be pressed by a user is disposed at the upper end of the grip portion 351. Further, a trigger switch 353 is accommodated inside the grip portion 351. The trigger switch 353 is normally off and is turned on in response to the pressing of the trigger 352. The trigger switch 353 is electrically connected to a controller 40 described later.

[0041] Also, the handle portion 35 includes an upper connecting portion 355 and a lower connecting portion 357. The upper connecting portion 355 connects the upper end of the grip portion 351 and the rear end portion of the tool body 31 (specifically, the first portion 311). The lower connecting portion 357 connects the lower end of the grip portion 351 and the rear end portion of the tool body 31 (specifically, the second portion 312).

[0042] The lower connecting portion 357 houses a controller 40. The controller 40 is a control device that controls the operation of the hammer drill 2. In the present embodiment, the controller 40 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. However, the controller 40 may be composed of another type of processor / processing circuit (for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)) and a memory. The controller 40 controls the operation of the hammer drill 2 (for example, driving of the motor 41) based on signals from the trigger switch 353 and the like.

[0043] Also, a battery attachment portion 358 is provided in the lower connecting portion 357. The battery attachment portion 358 is configured to removably receive a rechargeable battery (also referred to as a battery pack) 93. Since it is a well-known configuration, detailed illustration and description are omitted. However, the battery attachment portion 358 includes a rail engageable with the battery 93 and a terminal portion 359 electrically connectable to the terminal portion of the battery 93. When the battery 93 is attached to the battery attachment portion 358, power is supplied from the battery 93 to each part of the hammer drill 2 (for example, the controller 40, the motor 41) via the terminal portion 359 of the battery attachment portion 358.

[0044] Hereinafter, the vacuum suction attachment 5 will be described. In the following description, with respect to the direction of the vacuum suction attachment 5, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the direction of the hammer drill 2 when the vacuum suction attachment 5 is attached to the hammer drill 2 is used as a reference.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the outer contour of the vacuum suction attachment is formed by an attachment main body 61, a slide portion 65, and a suction portion 67.

[0046] Hereinafter, the configuration of the attachment main body 61 and the elements arranged inside the attachment main body 61 will be described.

[0047] The attachment body 61 is a box-shaped hollow body. The attachment body 61 is generally formed in an L shape in side view. In the present embodiment, the attachment body 61 is formed by connecting a left half (also referred to as a left shell) and a right half (also referred to as a right shell) to each other in the left-right direction. The attachment body 61 has two wall portions (a wall portion facing rearward and a wall portion facing upward) corresponding to the inner contour of the L shape. Hereinafter, among the above two wall portions of the attachment body 61, the wall portion facing rearward is referred to as a first opposing wall 614, and the surface facing upward is referred to as a second opposing wall 615.

[0048] The attachment body 61 is configured to be removably attached (connected) to the tool body 31 of the hammer drill 2. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the first opposing wall 614 and the second opposing wall 615 are configured to respectively match a part of the front wall portion 313 and the lower wall portion 315 of the second portion 312 of the tool body 31 of the hammer drill 2. The attachment body 61 can be attached to the tool body 31 such that the first opposing wall 614 and the second opposing wall 615 respectively face the front wall portion 313 and the lower wall portion 315 of the second portion 312 of the tool body 31.

[0049] Specifically, the tool body 31 and the attachment body 61 are connected to each other by mechanical engagement between a first engaging portion 32 of the tool body 31 and a second engaging portion 62 of the attachment body 61. The second engaging portion 62 includes a pair of (two) rails 623 and a lock member 625. The first engaging portion 32 includes a pair of (two) grooves 321 that can engage with the pair of (two) rails 623 and a recess 323 into which the lock member 625 can be fitted.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the two rails 623 of the second engaging portion 62 extend linearly in the front-rear direction parallel to each other. More specifically, the attachment body 61 has side wall portions 621 that project upward from the left end and the right end of the second opposing wall 615, respectively. The two rails 623 project in a direction approaching each other from the upper ends of the left and right side wall portions 621 and extend forward from the rear end.

[0051] On one hand, the groove 321 of the first engaging portion 32 is formed at the lower ends of the left and right side wall portions 318 of the second portion 312 of the tool body 31. The two grooves 321 extend linearly and parallel to each other from the front end to the rear of the side wall portion 318. The rail 623 and the groove 321 have substantially matching cross-sectional shapes. With such a configuration, the pair of rails 623 engage slidably in the front-rear direction with the pair of grooves 321.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the locking member 625 of the second engaging portion 62 is configured to position the attachment body 61 with respect to the tool body 31 and hold it in that position. The locking member 625 has a protrusion 626 that protrudes upward and is supported within the attachment body 61 such that the protrusion 626 can move substantially in the vertical direction.

[0053] More specifically, the locking member 625 is a pivoting lever with the rear end as a fulcrum, and a biasing spring (not shown) biases the protrusion 626 provided at the front end in the upward direction. Further, an opening 616 is provided in the second opposing wall 615 of the attachment body 61. The locking member 625 is always held in a protruding position where the upper end of the protrusion 626 protrudes above the upper surface of the second opposing wall 615 through the opening 616. The locking member 625 is movable from the protruding position to a position where the upper end of the protrusion 626 is at the same position as the second opposing wall 615 or below the second opposing wall 615 (also referred to as a retracted position) in response to a force being applied against the biasing force of the biasing spring.

[0054] On the other hand, the recess 323 of the first engaging portion 32 is provided in the lower wall portion 315 of the second portion 312 of the tool body 31. The recess 323 has a shape into which the protrusion 626 of the locking member 625 can fit. With the rail 623 engaged with the groove 321, when the locking member 625 fits into the recess 323, the attachment body 61 is held in a positioned state with respect to the tool body 31. The position of the attachment body 61 with respect to the tool body 31 at this time is referred to as the mounting position.

[0055] When the vacuum suction attachment 5 is attached to the tool body 31, the vacuum suction attachment 5 is moved backward with respect to the tool body 31 with the rail 623 engaged with the groove 321. The lock member 625 is pushed down by the lower surface of the lower wall portion 315 of the tool body 31 during this movement process, and when the attachment body 61 is disposed at the attachment position, it is urged by the biasing spring to return to the protruding position and fits into the recess 323.

[0056] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the attachment body 61 is provided with an unlock button 627 configured to be manually operated from the outside of the attachment body 61 by the user. The unlock button 627 is an operating member configured to operably engage with the lock member 625 in response to being manually operated and move the lock member 625 from the protruding position to the retracted position.

[0057] The unlock button 627 of the present embodiment is disposed on the left side surface of the attachment body 61 so that the user can easily manually operate it in a state where the vacuum suction attachment 5 is attached to the hammer drill 2. Further, the unlock button 627 is a push button type and moves the lock member 625 from the protruding position to the retracted position in response to pressing. However, the position of the unlock button 627 may be changed from this example. Also, the operation method of the unlock button 627 may be any other method such as a rotary type or a slide type, for example.

[0058] Furthermore, the attachment body 61 is configured to be electrically connected to the hammer drill 2 when the attachment body 61 is attached to the tool body 31 of the hammer drill 2 and disposed at the attachment position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the tool body 31 and the attachment body 61 are electrically connected to each other via the first terminal portion 33 of the tool body 31 and the second terminal portion 63 of the attachment body 61.

[0059] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, in the present embodiment, the second terminal portion 63 of the attachment body 61 is configured as a male connector that protrudes rearward from the first opposing wall 614 of the attachment body 61. The second terminal portion 63 has a plurality of terminals 631 (specifically, power supply terminals and communication terminals). The second terminal portion 63 is connected to a vacuum pump 71 (pump motor 72), a controller 70, etc., which will be described later, by an electric wire (not shown).

[0060] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the first terminal portion 33 of the tool body 31 is configured as a female connector and is disposed on the rear side of an opening 314 formed in the front wall portion 313 of the second portion 312. The first terminal portion 33 has a plurality of terminals 331 (specifically, power supply terminals and communication terminals). The first terminal portion 33 is connected to a terminal portion 359 (see FIG. 2) of the battery attachment portion 358 by an electric wire (not shown).

[0061] When the attachment body 61 is disposed at the attachment position, the second terminal portion 63 (male connector) of the attachment body 61 is inserted into the opening 314 and physically connected to the first terminal portion 33 (female connector) of the tool body 31, and the respective power supply terminals and communication terminals are electrically connected. With the connection of the power supply terminals, power can be supplied from the battery 93 mounted on the hammer drill 2 to each part of the vacuum suction attachment 5 (for example, the vacuum pump 71, the controller 70, the pressure measurement and notification unit 78, which will be described later). Also, with the connection of the communication terminals, signals can be transmitted and received between the controller 40 of the hammer drill 2 and the controller 70 of the vacuum suction attachment 5.

[0062] Note that the hammer drill 2 is provided with an attachment of a type different from the vacuum suction attachment 5 (for example, a dust collection attachment). All of these attachments are provided with the same second engagement portion 62 and second terminal portion 63 as those of the above-described vacuum suction attachment 5. Therefore, the user can selectively attach and use the vacuum suction attachment 5 or the dust collection attachment to the hammer drill 2 as needed.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, the upper half of the attachment body 61 is configured to support a slide portion 65 (specifically, a first slide member 651) described later. For this reason, an opening 610 for receiving the first slide member 651 is formed in the front surface of the upper half of the attachment body 61. A part including the rear end of the first slide member 651 is inserted into the attachment body 61 from the opening 610 and is supported so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction inside the attachment body 61.

[0064] Also, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the lower half of the attachment body 61 is configured as a housing portion for housing the vacuum pump 71 and the controller 70.

[0065] The vacuum pump 71 is a pump that sucks in and discharges the gas in the container in order to create a vacuum state in the target container. Any known type of vacuum pump may be employed for the vacuum pump 71. In the present embodiment, the vacuum pump 71 includes an electric pump motor 72 and a pump body 73 configured to be driven by the pump motor 72. The pump motor 72 is a DC motor. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the pump body 73 includes a case 731 having an intake port and an exhaust port, and a crank mechanism housed in the case 731 and operably connected to the output shaft (not shown) of the pump motor 72. The pump body 73 is configured to convert the rotational motion of the output shaft of the pump motor 72 into a reciprocating motion by the crank mechanism and perform intake and exhaust using this reciprocating motion.

[0066] A suction tube 74 is connected to the pump body 73 (the intake port of the case 731). The suction tube 74 is a flexible tube. More specifically, a joint 745 for connecting the suction tube 74 is attached to the intake port of the case 731 of the pump body 73. The first end of the suction tube 74 is connected to the joint 745, and the flow path in the suction tube 74 is in fluid communication with the intake port. Although details will be described later, the suction tube 74 extends through the attachment body 61 and the slide portion 65, and the second end (the end opposite to the first end) of the suction tube 74 is connected to the joint 746 of the suction portion 67.

[0067] In this embodiment, the suction tube 74 includes a first tube 741 and a second tube 742. The first tube 741 and the second tube 742 are connected via a branch joint 747 inside the attachment body 61. The first tube 741 extends from the joint 745 of the pump body 73 to the branch joint 747. The second tube 742 extends from the branch joint 747 to the joint 746 of the suction portion 67.

[0068] Furthermore, the first end of a release tube 75 is connected to the branch joint 747. The release tube 75 is a flexible tube. The flow path in the release tube 75 is in fluid communication with the flow path in the suction tube 74 via the branch joint 747. The second end (the end opposite to the first end) of the release tube 75 is connected to a release valve 76, and the flow path in the release tube 75 is in fluid communication with the internal space of the release valve 76.

[0069] The release valve 76 is normally in a closed state that inhibits the inflow of outside air into the release tube 75 and, consequently, into the chamber 670 of the adsorption part 67 described later. It can be switched to an open state that allows the inflow of outside air into the release tube 75 in response to a manual operation by the user. More specifically, the release valve 76 includes a release button 761 configured to be manually operated from outside the attachment body 61 by the user. The release button 761 is normally held in a position that closes the intake port 765 of the release valve 76 and is an operating member configured to open the intake port 765 in response to a manual operation by the user. Although details will be described later, the release button 761 is operated to release the vacuum state of the chamber 670 of the adsorption part 67.

[0070] In this embodiment, the release button 761 is arranged on the left side surface of the attachment body 61 so that the user can easily perform a manual operation when the vacuum adsorption attachment 5 is attached to the hammer drill 2. Also, the release button 761 of this embodiment is a push-button type. However, the position of the release button 761 may be changed from this example. Also, the operation method of the release button 761 may be any other method such as a rotary type or a slide type.

[0071] The controller 70 is a control device that controls the operation of the vacuum adsorption attachment 5. In this embodiment, the controller 70 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. Note that the point that the controller 70 may be composed of other types of processors / processing circuits and memories is the same as that of the controller 40 of the hammer drill 2.

[0072] The controller 70 is electrically connected to the pump switch 77. The pump switch 77 is a switch configured to be manually operated from outside the attachment body 61 by the user. Although details will be described later, the controller 70 controls the operation of the vacuum adsorption attachment 5 (for example, the driving of the pump motor 72 of the vacuum pump 71) based on the signal output from the pump switch 77 and the signal output from the pressure sensor 781.

[0073] In this embodiment, the pump switch 77 is a push-button type switch that is switched between on and off each time it is pressed. Further, the pump switch 77 is disposed on the left side surface of the attachment body 61 adjacent to the release button 761 of the release valve 76 so that the user can easily manually operate the vacuum suction attachment 5 in a state where it is attached to the hammer drill 2. However, similar to the release button 761, the position and method of the pump switch 77 can be appropriately changed.

[0074] Hereinafter, the slide portion 65 will be described.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the slide portion 65 is an elongated portion connected to the attachment body 61 and the suction portion 67. The slide portion 65 is supported by the attachment body 61 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction with respect to the attachment body 61. The slide portion 65 of the present embodiment includes a first slide member 651 supported by the attachment body 61 and a second slide member 656 connected to the first slide member 651 and the suction portion 67.

[0076] The first slide member 651 is a hollow elongated member. The first slide member 651 is inserted from the opening 610 of the attachment body 61 into the upper half of the attachment body 61 and is supported so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. The slide engagement structure between the attachment body 61 and the first slide member 651 is not particularly limited. Although detailed illustration is omitted, for example, it can be realized by the engagement between at least one elongated linear rail provided on one of the attachment body 61 and the first slide member 651 and at least one elongated groove provided on the other.

[0077] The attachment body 61 and the first slide member 651 are configured to be able to adjust the position of the first slide member 651 relative to the attachment body 61 (that is, the distance in the front-rear direction from the opening 610 to the front end of the first slide member 651). More specifically, a tooth portion 661 is provided on the outer surface of the left side portion of the first slide member 651. The tooth portion 661 includes a plurality of teeth (protrusions) arranged in a row at equal intervals in the front-rear direction.

[0078] On the other hand, a lock lever 663 is supported on the left wall portion of the attachment body 61. The lock lever 663 is an operating member that can be manually operated by the user from the outside of the attachment body 61. The lock lever 663 of the present embodiment is a slide-type lever. Although detailed illustration is omitted, an engaging portion that can engage with the tooth portion 661 is provided inside the lock lever 663 at an arbitrary position in the front-rear direction of the tooth portion 661. The lock lever 663 is biased downward by a biasing spring, and normally, its engaging portion is in a position where it engages with the tooth portion 661 (hereinafter referred to as the engaging position). Thereby, the first slide member 651 is positioned relative to the attachment body 61 and held in that position.

[0079] On the other hand, when the lock lever 663 is pushed upward by the user from the engaging position to a position where the engaging portion cannot engage with the tooth portion 661 (hereinafter referred to as the release position), the first slide member 651 can slide in the front-rear direction relative to the attachment body 61. The user can change the position of the front end of the first slide member 651 relative to the opening 610 by arranging the first slide member 651 at a desired position relative to the attachment body 61 and moving the lock lever 663 from the release position to the engaging position. Thereby, the position of the suction portion 67 relative to the attachment body 61 is also changed in the front-rear direction.

[0080] The tool holder 45 of the hammer drill 2 can attach various tip tools 91 with different lengths according to the actual work performed. Therefore, the user can place the suction part 67 at an appropriate position at the start of work by adjusting the position of the first slide member 651 relative to the attachment body 61 according to the length of the tip tool 91 actually attached to the hammer drill 2.

[0081] The second slide member 656 is a hollow elongated member. The second slide member 656 is partially inserted into the first slide member 651 and is slidably supported in the front-rear direction by the first slide member 651. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the slide engagement structure between the first slide member 651 and the second slide member 656 is the same as the slide engagement structure between the attachment body 61 and the first slide member 651.

[0082] Note that the slide part 65 may be composed of only one slide member. Specifically, the first slide member 651 may be omitted, and the second slide member 656 may be directly supported by the attachment body 61 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction.

[0083] Hereinafter, the suction part 67 will be described.

[0084] The suction part 67 is a part fixed to the workpiece by vacuum suction. As shown in FIGS. 3, 7, and 8, the suction part 67 of the present embodiment includes a short cylindrical base part 68 having a closed rear end and an open front end, and a loop-shaped seal member 675 attached to the base part 68.

[0085] More specifically, the base portion 68 includes a plate-shaped base wall portion 681 disposed to intersect in the front-rear direction, and a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 685 provided along the outer edge of the base wall portion 681 and protruding forward from the base wall portion 681. Note that the base wall portion 681 of the present embodiment is generally circular, but may have any other shape. Alternatively, the base portion 68 may be formed in a cup shape without a clear boundary between the base wall portion 681 and the peripheral wall portion 685. The base portion 68 is formed of a rigid body having sufficient strength to suppress the movement of the attachment body 61 and the slide portion 65 with respect to the suction portion 67. The base portion 68 of the present embodiment is made of metal. More specifically, from the viewpoint of weight reduction, the base portion 68 is formed of aluminum, magnesium, or an alloy thereof, which has a relatively low specific gravity.

[0086] The seal member 675 is attached to the base portion 68 so as to protrude forward from the front end of the peripheral wall portion 685. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, an annular groove 686 extending over the entire circumference of the peripheral wall portion 685 is formed at the front end of the peripheral wall portion 685 of the base portion 68. The seal member 675 is cylindrical, and one end portion in the axial direction thereof is fitted into the groove 686 in a close contact state, and the remaining portion is held in a state of protruding forward from the groove 686. The seal member 675 is formed of an elastic body (for example, an elastomer, a synthetic resin foam). When the suction portion 67 is adsorbed to the workpiece, the seal member 675 is elastically deformed so as to be crushed, adheres to the workpiece, and separates the space (cavity) formed inside the base portion 68 and the seal member 675 from the outside space. Thereby, the space surrounded (closed) by the workpiece and the suction portion 67 functions as a highly airtight chamber (vacuum chamber) 670 that is evacuated by driving the vacuum pump 71.

[0087] A cylindrical connecting portion 687 is provided on the base wall portion 681 of the base portion 68. The connecting portion 687 protrudes from the base wall portion 681 in a direction opposite to the peripheral wall portion 685. The internal space of the connecting portion 687 is in fluid communication with the chamber 670. The opening at the tip (rear end) of the connecting portion 687 is a suction port 671 for sucking air from the chamber 670.

[0088] The second slide member 656 of the slide portion 65 is connected to the connecting portion 687. More specifically, the front end portion of the second slide member 656 is fitted and fixed to the outer periphery of the connecting portion 687. Therefore, the suction portion 67 is movable relative to the attachment body 61 integrally with the second slide member 656.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, a biasing member 658 is disposed within the slide portion 65. The biasing member 658 is configured to bias the second slide member 656 and the suction portion 67 away from the attachment body 61 in the front-rear direction. That is, the biasing member 658 is configured to bias the second slide member 656 and the suction portion 67 forward with respect to the attachment body 61. The biasing member 658 of the present embodiment is a compression coil spring. The rear end of the biasing member 658 is supported within the attachment body 61, and the front end of the biasing member 658 abuts against the connecting portion 687. With such a configuration, the second slide member 656 and the suction portion 67 are always held at the foremost position within the movement range. In the present embodiment, a flexible cylindrical sheet 659 is integrated with the biasing member 658.

[0090] A joint 746 is attached to the suction port 671 of the connecting portion 687. As described above, the second end of the suction tube 74 is connected to the joint 746. Thereby, the flow path within the suction tube 74 communicates with the chamber 670 via the joint 746. The flow path from the chamber 670 to the vacuum pump 71 constitutes a suction path through which the air sucked by the vacuum pump 71 is transferred.

[0091] Note that the portion of the suction tube 74 extending within the slide portion 65 is disposed within the cylindrical sheet 659. Thereby, when the slide portion 65 slides with respect to the attachment body 61, contact between the slide portion 65 and the suction tube 74 is prevented. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the suction tube 74 can be reduced.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 8, a filter 691 is disposed inside the connecting portion 687 (that is, on the upstream side of the suction tube 74 in the air flow direction during suction by the vacuum pump 71 among the suction paths). The type of the filter 691 is not particularly limited, and for example, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter), a powder filter, a non-woven fabric filter, or a synthetic resin foam can be adopted. During the machining operation by the hammer drill 2 (particularly during the drilling operation), a relatively large amount of dust is generated. The filter 691 can suppress the dust from entering the suction tube 74 from the chamber 670 side and protect the vacuum pump 71. Further, it can suppress the suction tube 74 from being clogged with dust.

[0093] Note that the filter 691 is held in the connecting portion 687 by a filter stopper 692 so as not to come off toward the chamber 670. The filter stopper 692 is cylindrical and is configured such that air can flow through the inside of the filter stopper 692. A screw is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the filter stopper 692. The filter stopper 692 has a grip portion 693. The filter stopper 692 is inserted into the connecting portion 687 from the chamber 670 side (front side) and is detachably fixed to the connecting portion 687 by engaging with a screw formed on the inner surface of the connecting portion 687. A part of the grip portion 693 protrudes into the chamber 670. The user can easily remove the filter stopper 692 from the connecting portion 687 by gripping the grip portion 693 and rotating the filter stopper 692. Thereby, the cleaning and / or replacement of the filter 691 becomes easy.

[0094] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a pressure measurement and notification unit 78 is attached to the suction unit 67. The pressure measurement and notification unit 78 includes a pressure sensor 781 and a notification unit 783. The pressure measurement and notification unit 78 (pressure sensor 781 and notification unit 783) is electrically connected to the controller 70 via an electric wire (not shown). Note that the electric wire connecting the pressure measurement and notification unit 78 and the controller 70 is preferably arranged in the cylindrical sheet 659 of the biasing member 658, similar to the suction tube 74. Power supply to the pressure measurement and notification unit 78 may be directly performed from the second terminal portion 63, or may be performed via the controller 70.

[0095] The pressure sensor 781 is configured to measure the pressure (vacuum pressure) in the chamber 670. The type of the pressure sensor 781 is not particularly limited, and the pressure may be measured by any known method. The pressure sensor 781 is configured to output a signal indicating the measured pressure to the controller 70 at a predetermined cycle. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the controller 70 controls the operation of the vacuum suction attachment 5 based on the signal from the pressure sensor 781.

[0096] The notification unit 783 is configured to notify information regarding the state of the power tool system 1. Although detailed illustration is omitted, in the present embodiment, the notification unit 783 includes an LED capable of notifying information by light. The LED is turned on, blinked, or turned off based on a signal from the controller 70. In the following description, one LED is illustrated, but a plurality of LEDs of the same color or different colors may be provided. Further, the notification unit 783 may include a buzzer capable of notifying information by sound in addition to or instead of the LED. In this case, the user can recognize the state of the power tool system 1 without gazing at the notification unit 783.

[0097] Hereinafter, the operation of the power tool system 1 will be described. As a specific example of the operation, the operation when a tip tool 91 (drill bit) for drilling is attached to the hammer drill 2 and drilling work is performed will be exemplified.

[0098] After the user attaches an appropriate tip tool 91 to the tool holder 45, as described above, the user attaches the attachment body 61 of the vacuum suction attachment 5 to the tool body 31 of the hammer drill 2 and adjusts the position of the first slide member 651. Then, the user brings the seal member 675 of the suction portion 67 of the vacuum suction attachment 5 into contact with the workpiece, and presses the pump switch 77 to turn it on. When the controller 70 acquires an on signal from the pump switch 77, it energizes the pump motor 72 of the vacuum pump 71 to start driving the vacuum pump 71. As a result, air is sucked out from the chamber 670 of the suction portion 67 through the suction port 671, enters the vacuum pump 71 through the suction tube 74, and is discharged from the exhaust port. Although not shown in the figure, the attachment body 61 is provided with an exhaust port for discharging the air discharged from the vacuum pump 71 to the outside.

[0099] Due to the driving of the vacuum pump 71, the pressure in the chamber 670 drops below the atmospheric pressure outside the chamber 670 (becomes a vacuum state), so the suction portion 67 is adsorbed to the workpiece and is in a state of being fixed to the workpiece. The seal member 675 is pressed against the surface of the workpiece and elastically deformed, and by closely adhering to the workpiece, the chamber 670 is kept airtight.

[0100] When the controller 70 acquires a signal indicating that the pump switch 77 has been turned off during the driving of the vacuum pump 71, it stops driving the vacuum pump 71.

[0101] On the other hand, while the controller 70 does not acquire an off signal indicating that the pump switch 77 has been turned off during the driving of the vacuum pump 71, it monitors the signal from the pressure sensor 781 and determines whether the measured pressure in the chamber 670 has become lower than a predetermined first threshold value. The first threshold value is set to a pressure value sufficient to obtain the suction force necessary to securely fix the power tool system 1 to the workpiece.

[0102] When the controller 70 determines that the measured pressure is lower than the first threshold value (that is, when it determines that an appropriate vacuum pressure has been obtained), it stops driving the vacuum pump 71 by stopping the power supply to the pump motor 72. In this state, the air in the chamber 670, the suction tube 74, the release tube 75, and the vacuum pump 71 is not actively discharged to the outside except for a slight leakage. Therefore, the pressure in the chamber 670 does not rise rapidly, and the fixed state of the power tool system 1 is maintained for a certain period of time.

[0103] When the controller 70 acquires a signal indicating that the pump switch 77 has been turned off during the stop of driving the vacuum pump 71, it stops monitoring the signal from the pressure sensor 781 and does not drive the vacuum pump 71 until the pump switch 77 is turned on.

[0104] On the other hand, after stopping the vacuum pump 71, the controller 70 monitors the signal from the pressure sensor 781 while the pump switch 77 is not turned off. When the controller 70 determines that the air leakage exceeds a certain amount and the measured pressure becomes higher than a predetermined second threshold value (that is, the degree of vacuum has decreased), it resumes driving the vacuum pump 71 by resuming the power supply to the pump motor 72. The second threshold value is a value larger than the first threshold value. However, similar to the first threshold value, the second threshold value is set to a value at which the suction force required to securely fix the power tool system 1 to the workpiece can be obtained.

[0105] In this way, in the present embodiment, while the pressure in the chamber 670 is within the range between the first threshold value and the second threshold value (including the first threshold value and the second threshold value), that is, while the suction force required to fix the power tool system 1 to the workpiece is exerted, the power supply to the pump motor 72 is interrupted. By such drive control of the vacuum pump 71, wasteful power consumption can be suppressed. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the vacuum pump 71 is driven by the power supplied from the rechargeable battery 93 attached to the hammer drill 2, there is an advantage that the usage time (runtime) of the battery 93 can be extended.

[0106] In addition, the controller 70 controls the driving of the LED of the notification unit 783 in conjunction with the driving control of the vacuum pump 71. Specifically, the controller 70 lights up the LED of the notification unit 783 in response to the measured pressure becoming lower than the first threshold value, thereby notifying that the power tool system 1 is in a fixed state. Further, after the driving of the vacuum pump 71 is interrupted as described above, when the state where the measured pressure is higher than the second threshold value continues for a predetermined number of times or more, the controller 70 blinks the LED of the notification unit 783 to notify that the fixing of the power tool system 1 has weakened. Note that the case where the state where the measured pressure is higher than the second threshold value continues for a predetermined number of times or more may be rephrased as the case where the state where the measured pressure is higher than the second threshold value continues for a predetermined time.

[0107] In this way, by using the notification unit 783 to notify information, the user can easily recognize the state of the power tool system 1. As a result, the user can take appropriate measures according to the state of the power tool system 1. For example, when the LED is lit, the user can easily recognize that the power tool system 1 is in a fixed state even though the vacuum pump 71 is not being driven. Therefore, the user can loosen the grip on the grip portion 351 and the auxiliary handle 95 to reduce fatigue. Further, when the LED is blinking, the user can easily recognize that the fixing of the power tool system 1 has weakened. Therefore, measures such as gripping the grip portion 351 and the auxiliary handle 95 more firmly, releasing the pressing of the trigger 352, and stopping the driving of the motor 41 of the hammer drill 2 can be taken. Note that as described above, when the notification unit 783 includes a buzzer that performs notification by sound, the user can recognize the state of the power tool system 1 by whether the buzzer sound is ringing or the change in the buzzer sound without having to gaze at the notification unit 783 (LED).

[0108] In this embodiment, the notification unit 783 notifies information by the light emission of the LED. The notification unit 783 is disposed on the rear side of the suction unit 67. Thereby, the user can easily visually recognize the LED even during the drilling operation.

[0109] As the drilling operation by the hammer drill 2 progresses, the hammer drill 2 moves in the direction approaching the workpiece (i.e., forward) along the drive shaft DX. In contrast, the suction part 67 of the vacuum suction attachment 5 does not move relative to the workpiece while being pressed against the surface of the workpiece, but the second slide member 656 is pushed into the first slide member 651 against the biasing force of the biasing member 658. Therefore, the attachment body 61 and the first slide member 651 attached to the tool body 31 of the hammer drill 2 can move integrally with the hammer drill 2 in the direction approaching the workpiece. Thereby, the user can smoothly proceed with the drilling operation while moving the hammer drill 2 in accordance with the progress of the drilling operation while holding only the hammer drill 2.

[0110] When the user finishes the drilling operation, turns off the pump switch 77, and further presses the release button 761, the outside air at atmospheric pressure flows into the release valve 76 from the intake port 765, and further flows into the chamber 670 through the release tube 75 and the suction tube 74. At this time, the dust adhering to the filter 691 can be blown off by the air flow passing through the filter 691 from the side of the suction tube 74 toward the side of the chamber 670 in the connecting portion 687. Thereby, since the clogging of the filter 691 can be alleviated, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the suction force while reducing the frequency of cleaning and / or replacement of the filter 691.

[0111] When the pressure in the chamber 670 rises and becomes approximately equal to the atmospheric pressure, the user can easily separate the suction part 67, and thus the power tool system 1, from the workpiece.

[0112] As described above, the power tool system 1 of the present embodiment includes a hammer drill 2 and a vacuum suction attachment that is a device separate from the hammer drill 2 and can be detachably attached to the tool body 31 to be integrated with the hammer drill 2. Therefore, when the suction portion 67 is fixed to the workpiece by vacuum suction with the vacuum suction attachment 5 attached to the tool body 31, the entire power tool system 1 is fixed to the workpiece.

[0113] In the drilling operation using only the hammer drill 2, the user needs to firmly hold the hammer drill 2 and press the tip tool 91 against the workpiece. On the other hand, if the vacuum suction attachment 5 is attached to the hammer drill 2 and the entire power tool system 1 is fixed to the workpiece, the holding force required for the user to hold the hammer drill 2 can be reduced, thus reducing the user's fatigue. In addition, since the vibration of the tip tool 91 can be suppressed, holes can be formed with high accuracy. Furthermore, since the user can attach the vacuum suction attachment 5 to the hammer drill 2 and use it as the power tool system 1 only when necessary, the convenience is improved.

[0114] Also, in the present embodiment, a pump switch 77 that is manually operated to instruct the start and stop of the vacuum pump 71 is provided on the vacuum suction attachment 5. Therefore, the user can fix the power tool system 1 to the workpiece at a desired timing by manually operating the pump switch 77.

[0115] <Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The physical configuration of the power tool system according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the power tool system 1 of the first embodiment. On the other hand, a part of the operation control of the power tool system 1 is different from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, hereinafter, the configuration of the power tool system 1 will be described with reference to the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted or simplified, and only the differences in the operation control of the power tool system 1 will be described in detail.

[0116] In this embodiment, the driving of the vacuum pump 71 (energization of the pump motor 72) is started in response to the trigger switch 353 of the hammer drill 2 being turned on, even if the pump switch 77 is not turned on.

[0117] More specifically, as described above, when the second terminal portion 63 of the vacuum suction attachment 5 and the first terminal portion 33 of the hammer drill 2 are connected, the respective communication terminals are electrically connected. When the controller 40 of the hammer drill 2 acquires an on signal from the trigger switch 353, the controller 40 outputs a signal indicating that the trigger switch 353 has been turned on to the controller 70 of the vacuum suction attachment 5 via the first terminal portion 33 and the second terminal portion 63. When the controller 70 acquires this signal, the controller 70 immediately starts energizing the pump motor 72 to start driving the vacuum pump 71. On the other hand, after outputting a signal to the controller 70, the controller 40 of the hammer drill 2 starts driving the motor 41 of the hammer drill 2 after a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time can be set, for example, according to the time required for the suction portion 67 to adsorb and fix to the workpiece from the time when the vacuum pump 71 starts driving.

[0118] Also, in this embodiment, the driving of the vacuum pump 71 may be stopped in response to the trigger switch 353 of the hammer drill 2 being turned off. More specifically, when the controller 40 of the hammer drill 2 acquires an off signal from the trigger switch 353, the controller 40 outputs a predetermined signal to the controller 70 of the vacuum suction attachment 5. After outputting a signal to the controller 70, the controller 40 of the hammer drill 2 immediately stops driving the motor 41 of the hammer drill 2.

[0119] On the other hand, when the controller 70 of the vacuum suction attachment 5 acquires the signal from the controller 40, it stops energizing the pump motor 72 after a predetermined time has elapsed, thereby stopping the drive of the vacuum pump 71. The predetermined time may be the same as the above-described predetermined time. This is in consideration of the possibility that sufficient suction is not performed and the suction unit 67 is not fixed to the workpiece between when the trigger switch 353 is turned on and when it is turned off. However, the drive of the pump motor 72 may be stopped at substantially the same timing as the motor 41 of the hammer drill 2.

[0120] In addition, not only the on and off of the trigger switch 353, but also drive control of the vacuum pump 71 may be performed according to the on and off of the pump switch 77 similar to the first embodiment. When drive control of the vacuum pump 71 is performed only based on the on and off of the trigger switch 353, the pump switch 77 may be omitted from the vacuum suction attachment 5.

[0121] Also in this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the pressure of the chamber 670 measured by the pressure sensor 781 may be used for control of the vacuum pump 71 and / or the notification unit 783. For example, while the trigger switch 353 is in the on state, if the pressure of the chamber 670 is within the range between the first threshold value and the second threshold value (including the first threshold value and the second threshold value), the energization of the pump motor 72 may be interrupted. Further, the notification unit 783 may notify that the fixing of the power tool system 1 has become weak.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the controller 70 of the vacuum suction attachment 5 can output the signal acquired from the pressure sensor 781 to the controller 40 of the hammer drill 2. The controller 40 of the hammer drill 2 may control the drive of the motor 41 of the hammer drill 2 based on the acquired signal.

[0123] For example, after the controller 40 outputs a signal indicating that the trigger switch 353 has been turned on to the controller 70 of the vacuum suction attachment 5, it monitors the signal (the pressure in the chamber 670) acquired from the pressure sensor 781. The controller 40 may start driving the motor 41 after the pressure in the chamber 670 falls below the first threshold value (that is, a sufficient degree of vacuum is obtained). The time required from when the vacuum pump 71 starts driving until the suction portion 67 is fixed to the workpiece may vary depending on the air permeability of the workpiece and the like. Therefore, when starting the driving of the motor 41 after the pressure in the chamber 670 falls below the first threshold value, it is possible to start the driving of the motor 41 in a state where the suction portion 67 is more reliably fixed as compared with the case of starting the driving of the motor 41 after a predetermined time has elapsed. For the same reason, after the controller 70 of the vacuum suction attachment 5 acquires a signal indicating that the trigger switch 353 has been turned off from the controller 40 of the hammer drill 2, it may stop driving the vacuum pump 71 on the condition that the pressure in the chamber 670 is below the first threshold value.

[0124] Also, for example, when the controller 40 determines that a state where the measured pressure is higher than the second threshold value has continued for a predetermined number of times or more, it may stop driving the motor 41 of the hammer drill 2. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the drilling operation from continuing in a state where the power tool system 1 is not securely fixed to the workpiece and the accuracy of the formed hole from deteriorating. When the driving of the motor 41 of the hammer drill 2 is stopped, the notification unit 783 may notify this information.

[0125] Note that the notification unit 783 may be arranged on the hammer drill 2 (for example, the tool body 31) instead of the vacuum suction attachment 5 and may be electrically connected to the controller 40 of the hammer drill 2. In this case, the controller 40 may control the driving of the LED of the notification unit 783. For example, the controller 40 may notify information regarding the above-described fixed state based on the signal acquired from the pressure sensor 781, or may notify predetermined information when the remaining amount of the battery 93 falls below a predetermined threshold value.

[0126] As described above, in the present embodiment, the driving of the vacuum pump 71 is started in response to the trigger switch 353 of the hammer drill 2 being turned on. Therefore, the user can start driving the motor 41 of the hammer drill 2 and the vacuum pump 71 of the vacuum suction attachment 5 by simply performing a manual operation of turning on the trigger switch 353 of the hammer drill 2 (pressing operation of the trigger 352). Further, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of driving of the vacuum pump 71, that is, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the suction portion 67 started being adsorbed to the workpiece (or after the pressure in the chamber 670 has fallen below the first threshold value), the driving of the motor 41 of the hammer drill 2 is started. Therefore, the user can weaken the force for holding the hammer drill 2 at an early stage after pressing the trigger 352.

[0127] In the example described in the present embodiment, the controller 40 of the hammer drill 2 controls the driving of the motor 41, while the controller 70 of the vacuum suction attachment 5 controls the driving of the vacuum pump 71. However, for example, the controller 40 of the hammer drill 2 may control the driving of both the motor 41 and the vacuum pump 71. In this case, the controller 70 of the vacuum suction attachment 5 may be omitted. Further, the transmission and reception of signals between the controller 40 of the hammer drill 2 and the controller 70 of the vacuum suction attachment 5 may be performed by wireless communication.

[0128] The correspondence between each component (feature) of the above-described embodiment and each component (feature) of the present disclosure or invention is shown below. However, each component of the embodiment is merely an example and does not limit each component of the present disclosure or the present invention.

[0129] The power tool system 1 is an example of a "power tool system". The hammer drill 2 is an example of a "power tool". The tool body 31 is an example of a "tool body". The vacuum suction attachment 5 is an example of a "vacuum suction attachment". The attachment body 61 is an example of an "attachment body". The vacuum pump 71 is an example of a "vacuum pump". The suction part 67 is an example of a "suction part". The chamber 670 is an example of a "chamber". The release valve 76 is an example of a "valve".

[0130] The pump switch 77 is an example of a "pump switch". The pressure sensor 781 is an example of a "pressure sensor". The controller 70 of the vacuum suction attachment 5 of the first embodiment is an example of a "control device". The notification part 783 (LED) is an example of a "notification part". The slide part 65 is an example of a "slide part". The first slide member 651 and the second slide member 656 are examples of a "first slide member" and a "second slide member", respectively. The filter 691 is an example of a "filter".

[0131] The motor 41 is an example of a "motor of a power tool". The trigger switch 353 is an example of a "main switch". The first terminal part 33 and the second terminal part 63 are examples of a "first terminal part" and a "second terminal part", respectively. The controllers 40 of the hammer drill 2 and 70 of the vacuum suction attachment 5 of the second embodiment are examples of a "control device" as a whole or each.

[0132] Note that the above embodiments are merely illustrative, and the vacuum suction attachment and the power tool system according to the present disclosure are not limited to the illustrated vacuum suction attachment 5 and the power tool system 1. For example, the changes exemplified below can be made. Also, at least one of these changes can be adopted in combination with at least one of the vacuum suction attachment 5, the power tool system 1, and the features described in each claim illustrated in the embodiment.

[0133] For example, the power tool to which the vacuum suction attachment according to the present disclosure is attached is not limited to the hammer drill 2. The vacuum suction attachment according to the present disclosure is preferably attachable to a power tool that requires a relatively large force to hold the power tool during the machining operation, or to the tool body of a power tool that preferably holds the tip tool accurately at the same position during the machining operation.

[0134] Non-limiting examples of such power tools include impact tools that only perform an operation of linearly driving the tip tool (e.g., demolition hammers, scrapers), and drilling tools different from the hammer drill 2 (e.g., core drills). Note that core drills are often used by being attached to a support called a drill stand fixed to the workpiece with an anchor. The vacuum suction attachment according to the present disclosure can be preferably used instead of the drill stand. Different from the drill stand, the vacuum suction attachment does not require an anchor hole in the workpiece, and thus is excellent in convenience.

[0135] Further, the power tool may operate with power supplied from an external AC power source via a power cord instead of a rechargeable battery. The vacuum suction attachment may include a battery attachment portion and may operate with power supplied from a rechargeable battery attached to the battery attachment portion.

[0136] The connection structure between the tool body of the power tool and the attachment body of the vacuum suction attachment according to the present disclosure is not limited to the first engaging portion 32 and the second engaging portion 62 of the above embodiment, and may be appropriately changed. For example, the tool body and the attachment body may be connected by the engagement of at least one convex portion provided on one of the tool body and the attachment body and at least one concave portion provided on the other of the tool body and the attachment body. The tool body and the attachment body may be connected using a separate instrument or fastener.

[0137] In view of the gist of the present invention and the above-described embodiments, the following aspects are constructed. At least one of the following aspects can be adopted in combination with at least one of the features of the embodiments and their modifications, or the features described in each claim. [Aspect 1] The attachment body includes a second engaging portion configured to mechanically engage with a first engaging portion provided on the tool body. The first engaging portion includes at least one recess or at least one protrusion. The second engaging portion includes a protrusion engageable with the at least one recess of the first engaging portion, or a recess engageable with the at least one protrusion of the first engaging portion. [Aspect 2] The suction portion includes a rigid base portion and an elastically deformable seal member attached to the base portion. The chamber is defined by the base portion and the seal member. The seal member is configured to be pressed against the surface of the workpiece to adhere to the surface and make the chamber airtight. [Aspect 3] The operation portion of the valve is arranged to be manually operable from outside the attachment body. [Aspect 4] The operation portion of the valve and the pump switch are arranged adjacent to the attachment body. [Aspect 5] The vacuum suction attachment further includes a suction tube connected to the vacuum pump and the suction portion, and a release tube connected to the suction tube and the valve. The suction tube 74 is an example of the "suction tube" of this aspect. The release tube 75 is an example of the "release tube" of this aspect. [Aspect 6] The vacuum suction attachment further includes a suction tube connected to the vacuum pump and the suction portion, In the first direction, a compression coil spring configured to bias the suction portion in a direction away from the attachment body is provided. The compression coil spring is integrated with a flexible tubular member. The suction tube extends inside the flexible member within the slide portion. The biasing member 658 is an example of the "compression coil spring" of this embodiment. The tubular sheet 659 is an example of the "flexible tubular member" of this embodiment.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0138] 1: Power tool system, 2: Hammer drill, 5: Vacuum suction attachment, 31: Tool body, 311: First part, 312: Second part, 313: Front wall part, 314: Opening, 315: Lower wall part, 318: Side wall part, 32: First engaging part, 321: Groove, 323: Recess, 33: First terminal part, 331: Terminal, 35: Handle part, 351: Grip part, 352: Trigger, 353: Trigger switch, 355: Upper connecting part, 357: Lower connecting part, 358: Battery attachment part, 359: Terminal part, 40: Controller, 41: Motor, 43: Drive mechanism, 45: Tool holder, 61: Attachment body, 610: Opening, 614: First opposing wall, 615: Second opposing wall, 616: Opening, 62: Second engaging part, 621: Side wall part, 623: Rail, 625: Locking member, 626: Projection, 627: Unlock button, 63: Second terminal part, 631: Terminal, 65: Slide part, 651: First slide member, 656: Second slide member, 658: Biasing member, 659: Cylindrical sheet, 661: Tooth part, 663: Lock lever, 67: Suction part, 670: Chamber, 671: Suction port, 675: Sealing member, 68: Base part, 681: Base wall part, 685: Peripheral wall part, 686: Groove, 687: Connecting part, 691: Filter, 692: Filter stopper, 693: Knob part, 70: Controller, 71: Vacuum pump, 72: Pump motor, 73: Pump body, 731: Case, 74: Suction tube, 741: First tube, 742: Second tube, 745: Joint, 746: Joint, 747: Branch joint, 75: Release tube, 76: Release valve, 761: Release button, 765: Intake port, 77: Pump switch, 78: Pressure measurement and notification unit, 781: Pressure sensor, 783: Notification part, 91: Tip tool, 93: Battery, 95: Auxiliary handle, DX: Drive shaft

Claims

1. A vacuum suction attachment for a power tool, comprising: an attachment body configured to be removably attached to a tool body of the power tool; a vacuum pump housed in the attachment body; a suction portion having a chamber in fluid communication with the vacuum pump, the suction portion being configured to be adsorbed to the surface of a workpiece as the chamber is brought into a vacuum state by driving of the vacuum pump; a valve in fluid communication with the chamber of the suction portion, the valve being normally in a closed state that inhibits inflow of outside air into the chamber and being configured to be switched to an open state that allows inflow of outside air into the chamber in response to a manual operation by a user.

2. The vacuum suction attachment according to claim 1, further comprising a pump switch configured to be manually operated for instructing start and stop of driving of the vacuum pump.

3. The vacuum suction attachment according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure inside the chamber of the suction portion or inside a suction passage in fluid communication with the chamber and the vacuum pump.

4. The vacuum suction attachment according to claim 3, further comprising a control device configured to control the operation of the vacuum suction attachment based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor, the control device being configured to stop driving of the vacuum pump when the pressure falls below a first threshold value during driving of the vacuum pump and then to resume driving of the vacuum pump when the pressure exceeds a second threshold value higher than the first threshold value.

5. The vacuum suction attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify information indicating the state of the vacuum suction attachment.

6. The vacuum suction attachment according to claim 5, which depends on claim 3 or 4, wherein the notification unit is configured to notify predetermined information when a state in which the pressure exceeds the second threshold value continues for a predetermined time or when a state in which the pressure exceeds the second threshold value occurs a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

7. The vacuum suction attachment according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, further comprising a slide portion connected to the suction portion and supported by the attachment body so as to be slidable in a first direction.

8. The vacuum suction attachment according to Claim 7, wherein the slide portion includes a first slide member supported by the attachment body, and a second slide member connected to the suction portion and supported by the first slide member so as to be slidable in the first direction, and the attachment body and the first slide member are configured to be able to change a support position of the first slide member by the attachment body in the first direction. The vacuum suction attachment is characterized by this.

9. The vacuum suction attachment according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, further comprising a filter disposed in a suction passage that is in fluid communication with the chamber and the vacuum pump.

10. The vacuum suction attachment according to Claim 9, wherein the valve is in fluid communication with the chamber via the suction passage, and the filter is disposed such that outside air flowing into the chamber via the suction passage passes through the filter in response to the valve being in the open state. The vacuum suction attachment is characterized by this.

11. An electric tool system, comprising an electric tool and a vacuum suction attachment, wherein the electric tool includes a motor, a tool body that houses the motor, and a main switch configured to operate in response to a manual operation for instructing start and stop of driving of the motor, and the vacuum suction attachment includes an attachment body removably attached to the tool body, a vacuum pump housed in the attachment body, a chamber in fluid communication with the vacuum pump, and a suction portion configured to be adsorbed to the surface of a workpiece in response to the chamber being evacuated by driving of the vacuum pump, and a valve that is in fluid communication with the chamber of the suction portion, is normally in a closed state that inhibits inflow of outside air into the chamber, and is configured to be switched to an open state that permits inflow of outside air into the chamber in response to a manual operation by a user. The electric tool system is characterized by this.

12. The electric tool system according to claim 11, wherein the electric tool includes a first terminal portion, the vacuum suction attachment includes a second terminal portion, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are configured to be electrically connected to each other when the attachment body is attached to the tool body, the vacuum pump is configured to be driven by electric power supplied from the electric tool via the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion. The electric tool system is characterized by this.

13. The electric tool system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the electric tool system further includes a control device configured to control at least one of the operations of the electric tool and the vacuum suction attachment according to the state of the electric tool system. The electric tool system is characterized by this.

14. The electric tool system according to claim 13, wherein the control device is configured to start driving the vacuum pump in response to the main switch of the electric tool being turned on. The electric tool system is characterized by this.

15. The electric tool system according to claim 14, wherein the control device is configured to start driving the vacuum pump in response to the main switch of the electric tool being turned on, and to start driving the motor of the electric tool after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of driving the vacuum pump. The electric tool system is characterized by this.

16. The electric tool system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the vacuum suction attachment further includes a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure inside the chamber of the suction portion or the suction passage that is in fluid communication with the chamber and the vacuum pump, the control device is configured to control at least one of the operations of the electric tool and the vacuum suction attachment based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor. The electric tool system is characterized by this.

17. The electric tool system according to claim 16, which depends on claim 13, wherein the control device is configured to start driving the vacuum pump in response to the main switch of the electric tool being turned on, and to start driving the motor of the electric tool in response to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor falling below a first threshold value. The electric tool system is characterized by this.

18. The electric power tool system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the control device is configured to stop driving the vacuum pump in response to the pressure falling below a first threshold value during driving of the vacuum pump, and then to resume driving the vacuum pump in response to the pressure exceeding a second threshold value higher than the first threshold value. An electric power tool system characterized by that.

19. The electric power tool system according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the control device is configured to stop driving the motor of the electric power tool when the state where the pressure exceeds the second threshold value continues for a predetermined time, or when the state where the pressure exceeds the second threshold value occurs a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. An electric power tool system characterized by that.

20. The electric power tool system according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the electric power tool is a drilling tool configured to rotationally drive a tip tool around a drive shaft, the vacuum suction attachment is connected to the suction portion, and further includes a slide portion slidably supported by the attachment body in a first direction parallel to the drive shaft. An electric power tool system characterized by that.

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