Locking mechanism

Abstract

A technique for simplifying the configuration of a locking mechanism is disclosed. [Solution] The locking mechanism includes an engaging portion provided on one of the electrical device and the battery pack, an engaged portion provided on the other of the electrical device and the battery pack, and a dial lock that prohibits and permits movement of the engaging portion. The engaging portion is movable between a first position where it engages with the engaged portion and a second position where it disengages from the engaged portion. When the dial lock is in a locked state, the engaging portion is prohibited from moving from the first position to the second position. When the dial lock is in an unlocked state, the engaging portion is permitted to move from the first position to the second position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a locking mechanism, and more particularly to a locking mechanism for preventing theft of a battery pack attached to an electrical device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a locking mechanism for locking a battery pack attached to an electrical device. The locking mechanism includes an engaging portion provided on an adapter disposed between the electrical device and the battery pack attached to the electrical device, and an engaged portion provided on one of the electrical device and the battery pack. The engaging portion is movable between a first position where it engages with the engaged portion and a second position where it disengages from the engaged portion. Movement of the engaging portion from the first position to the second position is prohibited or permitted in response to an instruction from an external device capable of communicating with the adapter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 10,854,054 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above locking mechanism requires an electric circuit for communication between the adapter and the external device, an electric circuit for driving an actuator that moves the engaging portion from the first position to the second position in response to a command from the external device, etc. This specification discloses a technique for simplifying the configuration of the locking mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a locking mechanism for locking a battery pack attached to an electrical device. The locking mechanism includes an engaging portion provided on one of the electrical device and the battery pack, an engaged portion provided on the other of the electrical device and the battery pack, and a dial lock that prohibits and permits movement of the engaging portion. The engaging portion is movable between a first position where it engages with the engaged portion and a second position where it disengages from the engaged portion. When the dial lock is in a locked state, the engaging portion is prohibited from moving from the first position to the second position. When the dial lock is in an unlocked state, the engaging portion is permitted to move from the first position to the second position.

[0006] In the locking mechanism, disengagement of the engaged portion from the engaging portion is prohibited or permitted depending on the state of the dial lock. The dial lock can be operated by the user. With the above configuration, the configuration of the locking mechanism can be simplified.

[0007] This specification also discloses a locking mechanism that is provided in an electrical device and locks a battery pack cover that covers a battery pack attached to the electrical device. The locking mechanism includes an engaging portion provided on one of the electrical device and the battery pack cover, an engaged portion provided on the other of the electrical device and the battery pack cover, and a dial lock that prohibits and permits movement of the engaging portion. The engaging portion is movable between a first position where it engages with the engaged portion and a second position where it disengages from the engaged portion. When the dial lock is in a locked state, the engaging portion is prohibited from moving from the first position to the second position. When the dial lock is in an unlocked state, the engaging portion is permitted to move from the first position to the second position.

[0008] The above locking mechanism can prevent theft of the battery pack by locking the battery pack cover instead of the battery pack. In the above locking mechanism, disengagement of the engaged portion from the engaging portion is prohibited or permitted depending on the state of the dial lock. The dial lock can be operated by the user. The above configuration can simplify the configuration of the locking mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work machine 2 of a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the front end unit 6 of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a right cross-sectional view of the rear end unit 10 and the battery pack 12 of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear end unit 10 of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the battery pack 12 of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a lock unit 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is an external view of a lock unit 100 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lock unit 100 of the first embodiment with a second housing 126 removed. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of members attached to a main shaft 106 of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the lock unit 100 of the first embodiment where dial rings 148, 150, and 152 are arranged. [Figure 11] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lock unit 100 in a state where a lock lever 114 of the first embodiment is located in a housed position. [Figure 12] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lock unit 100 in a state where a lock lever 114 of the first embodiment is located at an engagement position. [Figure 13] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lock unit 100 when the passcode change lever 118 is moved to the change position with the correct personal identification number entered into the dial rings 148, 150, and 152. FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lock unit 100 in a state where a lock lever 114 of the first embodiment is located in a housed position. [Figure 15]1 is a cross-sectional view of a lock unit 100 in a state where a lock lever 114 of the first embodiment is located at an engagement position. [Figure 16] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lock unit 100 when the passcode change lever 118 is moved to the change position with the correct personal identification number entered into the dial rings 148, 150, and 152. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an external view of a lock unit 200 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lock unit 200 in the second embodiment when a slide member 268 is in the housed position. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a lock unit 200 in a state where a slide member 268 of a second embodiment is located at an engagement position. FIG. [Figure 20] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lock unit 200 when the passcode change lever 218 is moved to the change position with the correct personal identification number entered into the dial rings 148, 150, and 152. FIG. [Figure 21] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lock unit 200 in the second embodiment when a slide member 268 is in the housed position. FIG. [Figure 22] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a lock unit 200 in a state where a slide member 268 of a second embodiment is located at an engagement position. FIG. [Figure 23] 10 is a perspective view of a work machine 2A in a state where a battery pack cover 68 of a third embodiment is in a closed position. FIG. [Figure 24] 10 is a perspective view of a work machine 2A in a state where a battery pack cover 68 of a third embodiment is in an open position. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Representative, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. This detailed description is intended simply to provide those skilled in the art with details for implementing preferred embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additionally, the additional features and inventions disclosed can be used separately or in conjunction with other features and inventions to provide further improved locking mechanisms, methods of making and using the same.

[0011] Furthermore, the combinations of features and steps disclosed in the following detailed description are not essential to practicing the invention in its broadest sense, but are described solely to specifically illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the various features of the following exemplary embodiments and those described in the claims do not necessarily have to be combined in the exact embodiments described herein or in the exact order listed to provide additional and useful embodiments of the invention.

[0012] All features described in this specification and / or claims are intended to be disclosed individually and independently of one another as limitations to the specific features described in the original disclosure and claims, apart from the configuration of features described in the examples and / or claims. Furthermore, all numerical ranges and group or aggregate descriptions are intended to disclose intermediate configurations thereof as limitations to the specific features described in the original disclosure and claims.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism may further include an intermediate portion movable between a third position that prohibits movement of the engaging portion from the first position to the second position and a fourth position that allows movement of the engaging portion from the first position to the second position. The intermediate portion may be prohibited from moving from the third position to the fourth position when the dial lock is in a locked state. The intermediate portion may be allowed to move from the third position to the fourth position when the dial lock is in an unlocked state.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the degree of freedom in arranging the dial lock can be improved compared to when the dial lock directly prohibits and permits movement of the engagement portion from the first position to the second position.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the engagement portion may translate between a first position and a second position, and the intermediate portion may translate between a third position and the fourth position.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the locking mechanism can be made smaller than in a configuration in which at least one of the engaging portion and the intermediate portion rotates.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, a first direction of translation of the engagement portion between the first and second positions may be different from a second direction of translation of the intermediate portion between the third and fourth positions.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the locking mechanism can be made smaller in size than in a configuration in which the first movement direction coincides with the second movement direction.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the combination lock passcode may be configured to be changeable.

[0020] According to the above configuration, unauthorized unlocking by a third party can be more effectively prevented.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the engaging portion may be provided on the electrical device, and the engaged portion may be provided on the battery pack.

[0022] According to the above configuration, the electrical device is provided with an engaging portion that is movable between the first position and the second state. Therefore, by using a recess such as a groove or hole that exists in an existing battery pack as the engaged portion, the above-described locking mechanism can be adopted without modifying the existing battery pack.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the engaged portion may be a vent hole in the battery pack.

[0024] Some battery packs are provided with vent holes for allowing air to circulate during charging. According to the above configuration, the vent holes provided in existing battery packs can be used as the engaged portion.

[0025] (First Example) (Work machine 2) As shown in FIG. 1, the work machine 2 is, for example, a brush cutter. The work machine 2 is an electric gardening machine used to cut vegetation. The work machine 2 includes an operating rod 4, a front end unit 6, a loop handle 8, a rear end unit 10, and a battery pack 12. The work machine 2 operates using power supplied from the battery pack 12. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the operating rod 4 will be referred to as the front-to-rear direction, the direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction will be referred to as the up-to-down direction, and the directions perpendicular to both the front-to-rear direction and the up-to-down direction will be referred to as the left-to-right direction.

[0026] The operating rod 4 has a hollow cylindrical shape. The operating rod 4 extends linearly in the front-to-rear direction. A front end unit 6 is provided at the front end 4a of the operating rod 4. A rear end unit 10 is provided at the rear end 4b of the operating rod 4. Although not shown, an internal space is formed inside the operating rod 4, extending linearly from the rear end opening to the front end opening of the operating rod 4, and a transmission shaft (not shown) is disposed in this internal space.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the front end unit 6 includes a rod fixing portion 14, a cutting blade 16, a cutting blade fixing portion 18, and a safety cover 20. The front end portion 4a of the operating rod 4 is inserted into the opening 14a of the rod fixing portion 14. The cutting blade 16 is, for example, a disk-shaped cutting blade. In a modified example, the cutting blade 16 may be a nylon cutter cord. The cutting blade 16 is attached to the cutting blade fixing portion 18. A bevel gear (not shown) that transmits the rotation of the transmission shaft to the cutting blade fixing portion 18 is disposed inside the rod fixing portion 14. Therefore, the cutting blade 16 functions as a working unit that operates (rotates) in accordance with the rotation of a motor shaft 40a (see FIG. 3) of the motor 40, which will be described later. The safety cover 20 is provided rearward of the rod fixing portion 14.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1 , the loop handle 8 is attached to the operating rod 4. The loop handle 8 is provided on the operating rod 4 between the front end unit 6 and the rear end unit 10. The loop handle 8 is gripped by the user when the user uses the work machine 2.

[0029] The rear end unit 10 includes a grip unit 22. The grip unit 22 includes a grip housing 24, a display unit 26, an operation unit 28, a lock-off lever 30, and a trigger switch 32.

[0030] The grip housing 24 includes a right grip housing 24a and a left grip housing 24b. The right grip housing 24a and the left grip housing 24b are arranged to sandwich the operating rod 4. The grip housing 24 is held by the user when the user uses the work machine 2.

[0031] The display unit 26, the operation unit 28, and the lock-off lever 30 are provided on the upper surface of the grip housing 24. The display unit 26, the operation unit 28, and the lock-off lever 30 are arranged in this order from front to rear. A trigger switch 32 is provided on the lower surface of the grip housing 24.

[0032] The display unit 26 displays the operating state and the like of the work machine 2. The operation unit 28 has a power switch and the like arranged thereon for switching the work machine 2 between an on state and an off state.

[0033] The trigger switch 32 is a switch that allows the user to operate the power supply to the motor 40 (see FIG. 3). When the trigger switch 32 is not pressed, the power supply to the motor 40 is cut off and the motor 40 is stopped. When the trigger switch 32 is pressed, power is supplied to the motor 40 and the motor 40 is driven.

[0034] The lock-off lever 30 is a lever for prohibiting and releasing the depression of the trigger switch 32. When the lock-off lever 30 is not depressed, the depression of the trigger switch 32 is prohibited. When the lock-off lever 30 is depressed, the depression of the trigger switch 32 is permitted.

[0035] The rear end unit 10 further includes a motor unit 34. As shown in Figure 3, the motor unit 34 includes a motor housing 36, a battery mounting portion 38, a motor 40, a transmission mechanism 42, and a control portion 44.

[0036] The motor housing 36 includes a first motor housing 46 on the front side and a second motor housing 48 on the rear side. As shown in FIG. 1, the first motor housing 46 includes a first right motor housing 46a and a first left motor housing 46b. The first right motor housing 46a is formed integrally with the right grip housing 24a. The first left motor housing 46b is formed integrally with the left grip housing 24b.

[0037] The second motor housing 48 includes a second right motor housing 48a and a second left motor housing 48b. The rear end 4b of the operating rod 4 is sandwiched between the second right motor housing 48a and the second left motor housing 48b.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the battery mounting portion 38 is provided on the rear wall 48c of the second motor housing 48. As shown in FIG. 4, the battery mounting portion 38 includes a work machine terminal 49, a pair of rails 50a, 50b, and an engagement groove 52. The pair of rails 50a, 50b extend from the rear upper end of the rear wall 48c toward the front lower end. The pair of rails 50a, 50b includes a right rail 50a and a left rail 50b. The right rail 50a is disposed to the right of the work machine terminal 49, and the left rail 50b is disposed to the left of the work machine terminal 49. The engagement groove 52 is recessed toward the inside of the second motor housing 48. The engagement groove 52 is disposed above the work machine terminal 49 and the pair of rails 50a, 50b.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, the battery pack 12 includes a casing 54 and a hook 58. A rechargeable secondary battery (not shown) and battery terminals (not shown) connected to the secondary battery are disposed inside the casing 54. The casing 54 includes a terminal slit 55, a pair of rails 56a and 56b, and an air vent 64. The terminal slit 55 is disposed corresponding to the battery terminals. The pair of rails 56a and 56b includes a right rail 56a and a left rail 56b. The right rail 56a is disposed to the right of the terminal slit 55. The left rail 56b is disposed to the left of the terminal slit 55. The hook 58 is held by the casing 54 so as to be movable relative to the casing 54. The hook 58 is disposed above the terminal slit 55 and the pair of rails 56a and 56b. The vent hole 64 is used to allow air to circulate between the inside and outside of the casing 54 when the battery pack 12 is attached to a charger (not shown) and the battery pack 12 is being charged.

[0040] When the battery pack 12 is attached to the work machine 2 (here, the battery attachment portion 38), the pair of rails 56a, 56b (see FIG. 5) of the battery pack 12 slidably engage with the pair of rails 50a, 50b (see FIG. 4) of the battery attachment portion 38. Then, when the battery pack 12 is slid forward and downward (toward direction D1 in FIG. 3) relative to the battery attachment portion 38, the work machine-side terminals 49 (see FIG. 4) enter the inside of the casing 54 through the terminal slits 55 (see FIG. 5) and engage with the battery-side terminals, and the hooks 58 (see FIG. 5) of the battery pack 12 engage with the engagement grooves 52 (see FIG. 4) of the battery attachment portion 38. This allows the battery pack 12 to be held relative to the work machine 2 when the battery pack 12 is attached to the work machine 2.

[0041] When the hooks 58 (see FIG. 5) of the battery pack 12 are disengaged from the engagement grooves 52 (see FIG. 4) of the battery mounting portion 38 and the battery pack 12 is slid rearward and upward (toward direction D2 in FIG. 3) relative to the battery mounting portion 38, the engagement between the work machine side terminals 49 (see FIG. 4) and the battery side terminals is released, and the work machine side terminals 49 come out of the casing 54 through the terminal slits 55 (see FIG. 5), and the battery pack 12 is removed from the work machine 2 (here, the battery mounting portion 38). In this way, the battery pack 12 is detachably attached to the battery mounting portion 38.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the motor 40 and the transmission mechanism 42 are disposed inside a second motor housing 48. The motor 40 is, for example, an inner rotor brushless motor. In a modified example, the motor 40 may be an outer rotor brushless motor or a brushed motor. The motor 40 receives power from the battery pack 12. A motor shaft 40a of the motor 40 is rotatably supported in the second motor housing 48 via bearings 60 and 62.

[0043] The transmission mechanism 42 is provided between the motor 40 and a transmission shaft (not shown) disposed inside the operating rod 4. The transmission mechanism 42 reduces the rotation of the motor shaft 40a of the motor 40 and transmits it to the transmission shaft.

[0044] The control unit 44 is disposed inside the second motor housing 48. Although not shown, the control unit 44 includes a control board having a microcomputer and multiple switching elements, and a case that houses the control board. The switching elements are, for example, IGBTs or MOSFETs. The switching elements are switched between an on state and an off state under the control of the microcomputer. The control unit 44 controls the operation of the motor 40 by controlling the power supplied to the motor 40 from the battery pack 12.

[0045] (Lock Unit 100) Next, the lock unit 100 employed in the work machine 2 will be described. As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the lock unit 100 is provided on the rear wall 48c of the second motor housing 48. The lock unit 100 is disposed in front of and below the battery mounting portion 38. The lock unit 100, together with the air vent 64 of the battery pack 12, constitutes a lock mechanism 101 (see Figure 3).

[0046] 7, lock unit 100 includes housing 102, fastener 104, main shaft 106 (see FIG. 9), sleeves 138, 140, 142 (see FIG. 9), dial rings 148, 150, 152, retaining plate 112 (see FIG. 8), locking lever 114, release lever 116, passcode change lever 118, main shaft spring 120 (see FIG. 9), and locking lever spring 122 (see FIG. 11). Note that the lock unit 100 will be described based on the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7, the housing 102 includes a first housing 124 and a second housing 126. The first housing 124 and the second housing 126 are fixed to each other with a fastener 104. As shown in FIG. 8, the first housing 124 has an opening 124a that opens in the positive direction of the Y-axis. As shown in FIG. 7, the second housing 126 is disposed so as to cover the opening 124a of the first housing 124. An opening 128 is provided in the wall of the first housing 124 on the positive side of the Z-axis, through which the operating portion 160 of the passcode change lever 118 protrudes. In addition, an opening 130 is provided in the wall of the first housing 124 on the positive side of the Z-axis and in the wall of the second housing 126 on the positive side of the Z-axis, through which the engaging protrusion 156 of the locking lever 114 protrudes. The wall of the second housing 126 on the positive side of the Y axis is provided with an opening 132 through which the operating part 154 of the locking lever 114 protrudes, an opening 134 through which the operating part 158 ​​of the release lever 116 protrudes, and an opening 136 through which the dial rings 148, 150, and 152 protrude.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 9 , the main shaft 106 extends in the X-axis direction. The sleeves 138, 140, and 142 have a cylindrical shape extending in the X-axis direction. The main shaft 106 passes through the sleeves 138, 140, and 142, and the central axes of the sleeves 138, 140, and 142 coincide with the central axis of the main shaft 106. On the outer circumferential surface of the main shaft 106, protrusions 106a, 106b, and 106c are provided in this order from the negative side of the X-axis to the positive side of the X-axis. The sleeve 138 corresponds to the protrusion 106a, the sleeve 140 corresponds to the protrusion 106b, and the sleeve 142 corresponds to the protrusion 106c. The sleeves 138, 140, and 142 are arranged in this order from the negative side of the X-axis to the positive side of the X-axis. 10, grooves 138a, 140a, 142a are provided on the inner circumferential surface of each sleeve 138, 140, 142, allowing the protrusions 106a, 106b, 106c of the main shaft 106 to pass through. When each of the protrusions 106a, 106b, 106c is aligned with each of the grooves 138a, 140a, 142a, the main shaft 106 is movable in the X-axis direction relative to the sleeves 138, 140, 142.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 8, the outer circumferential surface of each dial ring 148, 150, 152 is provided with a display portion 144 bearing numbers from 0 to 9 and notches 146 between the numbers. Dial rings 148, 150, 152 are disposed radially outward of sleeves 138, 140, 142. Dial ring 148 corresponds to sleeve 138, dial ring 150 corresponds to sleeve 140, and dial ring 152 corresponds to sleeve 142. Dial rings 148, 150, and 152 are disposed in this order from the negative direction of the X-axis toward the positive direction of the X-axis. As shown in Fig. 9, protrusions 138b, 140b, 142b and flanges 138c, 140c, 142c are disposed on the outer circumferential surface of each sleeve 138, 140, 142. 9 to 14, a plurality of grooves 148a, 150a, 152a are formed on the inner peripheral surface of each dial ring 148, 150, 152, through which the protrusions 138b, 140b, 142b of the corresponding sleeves 138, 140, 142 can pass but through which the flanges 138c, 140c, 142c cannot pass. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, each sleeve 138, 140, 142 is inserted into the corresponding dial ring 148, 150, 152 from the positive direction of the X-axis toward the negative direction of the X-axis so that the protrusions 138b, 140b, 142b engage with one of the plurality of grooves 148a, 150a, 152a of the corresponding dial ring 148, 150, 152. In this state, each dial ring 148, 150, 152 rotates integrally with the corresponding sleeve 138, 140, 142 around the rotation axis AX. As shown in Fig. 7, each dial ring 148, 150, 152 is immovable in the X-axis direction relative to the housing 102. As shown in Fig. 9, each sleeve 138, 140, 142 is movable in the X-axis direction relative to the corresponding dial ring 148, 150, 152. As shown in Fig. 13, when each sleeve 138, 140, 142 moves in the positive X-axis direction relative to the corresponding dial ring 148, 150, 152, the protrusions 138b, 140b, 142b come out of the multiple grooves 148a, 150a, 152a.In this state, each dial ring 148, 150, 152 is rotatable about the rotation axis AX independently of the corresponding sleeve 138, 140, 142.

[0050] 9, the main shaft 106 is provided with a disk portion 162. The disk portion 162 is disposed on the positive X-axis side of the protruding portion 106c. The main shaft spring 120 is disposed between the flange 142c of the sleeve 142 and the disk portion 162 of the main shaft 106.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 8, a plurality of elastic protrusions 112a are provided on the holding plate 112. As shown in Fig. 10, each time each of the dial rings 148, 150, and 152 rotates and each number faces the positive direction of the Y-axis, the protrusions 112a engage with the corresponding notches 146, thereby holding each of the dial rings 148, 150, and 152 in that position.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7, the locking lever 114 includes an operating portion 154 and an engaging protrusion 156. The operating portion 154 protrudes to the outside from an opening 132 of the second housing 126. The locking lever 114 is movable between a housed position (see FIG. 11) in which the operating portion 154 is at the Z-axis negative end of the opening 132 and the engaging protrusion 156 is housed within the opening 130 of the housing 102, and a protruding position (see FIG. 12) in which the operating portion 154 is at the Z-axis positive end of the opening 132 and the engaging protrusion 156 protrudes to the outside from the opening 130 of the housing 102. As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the locking lever spring 122 is disposed between the wall of the first housing 124 on the Z-axis positive side and the first wall 114a of the locking lever 114. When the user operates the operation unit 154 in the positive direction of the Z axis while the locking lever 114 is in the housed position, the locking lever 114 moves to the protruding position.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, release lever 116 includes an operating portion 158. Operating portion 158 protrudes to the outside from opening 134 of second housing 126. Release lever 116 is movable between a release position (see FIGS. 14 and 16) where operating portion 158 is at the end of opening 134 in the negative direction of the X axis, and a holding position (see FIG. 15) where operating portion 158 is at the end of opening 134 in the positive direction of the X axis. As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, groove 116a of release lever 116 engages with lever protrusion 106d of main shaft 106. Therefore, a user can move main shaft 106 along the X axis direction by operating operating portion 158 of release lever 116.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7, the passcode change lever 118 has an operating part 160. The operating part 160 protrudes to the outside through an opening 128 in the first housing 124. The passcode change lever 118 is movable between a normal position (see FIGS. 11 and 12) in which the operating part 160 is at the end of the opening 128 in the negative direction of the X-axis, and a change position (see FIG. 13) in which the operating part 160 is at the end of the opening 128 in the positive direction of the X-axis. As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, an end 118a of the passcode change lever 118 on the positive side of the X-axis abuts an end 138d of the sleeve 138 on the negative side of the X-axis. The main shaft 106 is disposed in a semicircular groove 118b (see FIG. 8) formed in the passcode change lever 118 without coming into contact with the passcode change lever 118. Therefore, by operating the operating portion 160 of the passcode change lever 118 in the positive direction of the X-axis, the user can move the sleeves 138, 140, 142 in the positive direction of the X-axis without moving the main shaft 106.

[0055] Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the operation by the user to lock the battery pack 12 attached to the battery attachment section 38 with the lock unit 100 (also referred to as the lock operation), the operation to release the lock on the battery pack 12 attached to the battery attachment section 38 with the lock unit 100 (also referred to as the unlock operation), and the operation to change the three-digit passcode set in the lock unit 100 (also referred to as the passcode change operation) will be described.

[0056] (lock operation) 11 and 14, before the locking operation, the locking lever 114 is in the stowed position, the release lever 116 is in the released position, and the passcode change lever 118 is in the normal position. In this state, the main shaft 106 is biased in the positive direction of the X-axis by the elastic restoring force of the main shaft spring 120, and the end 106e of the main shaft 106 in the positive direction of the X-axis abuts against the second wall 114b of the locking lever 114. In addition, the elastic restoring force of the main shaft spring 120 is biased in the negative direction of the X-axis, and the protrusions 138b, 140b, 142b of each sleeve 138, 140, 142 are engaged with one of the plurality of grooves 148a, 150a, 152a of the corresponding dial rings 148, 150, 152. From this state, the user rotates each dial ring 148, 150, 152 to a position corresponding to the three-digit passcode preset in the lock unit 100. This causes each sleeve 138, 140, 142 to rotate around the rotation axis AX together with the corresponding dial ring 148, 150, 152. If an incorrect three-digit passcode is entered into the dial ring 148, 150, 152, some of the grooves 138a, 140a, 142a (see FIG. 10 ) of each sleeve 138, 140, 142 will not be aligned in the positive direction of the Y-axis, preventing the protrusions 106a, 106b, 106c of the main shaft 106 from passing through the sleeves 138, 140, 142. In this case, the main shaft 106 cannot move in the X-axis direction. This state of the dial rings 148, 150, 152 is also referred to as a locked state. In contrast, when the correct three-digit passcode is entered into the dial rings 148, 150, 152, the grooves 138a, 140a, 142a (see FIG. 10) of the sleeves 138, 140, 142 are all positioned so that they face the positive direction of the Y axis, allowing the protrusions 106a, 106b, 106c of the main shaft 106 to pass through the sleeves 138, 140, 142. In this case, the main shaft 106 can move in the X axis direction. This state of the dial rings 148, 150, 152 is also referred to as the unlocked state.

[0057] When the user moves the locking lever 114 from the retracted position to the extended position as shown in FIG. 12 after entering the correct three-digit passcode into the dial rings 148, 150, and 152 (i.e., in the unlocked state), the engaging protrusion 156 engages with the air vent 64 (see FIG. 5) of the battery pack 12. Accordingly, the main shaft 106 is biased by the main shaft spring 120 and moves in the positive direction of the X-axis, and the disk portion 162 abuts against the second wall 114b of the locking lever 114. At the same time, the release lever 116 moves from the released position to the held position as shown in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 12, in this state, the portion of the main shaft 106 near the end 106e abuts against the first wall 114a of the locking lever 114 from the negative direction of the Z-axis. Therefore, even if the user releases the operating portion 154 of the locking lever 114, the locking lever 114 is held in the extended position. If the user subsequently rotates dial rings 148, 150, and 152 to enter an incorrect three-digit passcode (i.e., locked state), spindle 106 cannot move in the negative direction of the X-axis. In this state, the user is prohibited from moving locking lever 114 from the extended position to the retracted position, and the user is also prohibited from moving release lever 116 from the held position to the released position. The position of spindle 106 at this time is also referred to as the movement prohibited position.

[0058] 3, in a work machine 2 employing the lock unit 100, when the locking lever 114 is in the protruding position, the engaging protrusion 156 engages with the air vent 64 of the battery pack 12. At this time, the battery pack 12 is prohibited from sliding rearward and upward (toward direction D2), and therefore, the battery pack 12 is prohibited from being removed from the work machine 2. In other words, the battery pack 12 attached to the battery attachment portion 38 is locked.

[0059] (Unlock operation) To unlock the battery pack 12 attached to the battery mounting portion 38 using the lock unit 100, the user rotates the dial rings 148, 150, and 152 (see FIG. 7) to input the correct three-digit passcode. Once the correct three-digit passcode has been input into the dial rings 148, 150, and 152 (i.e., the unlocked state), the main shaft 106 (see FIG. 9) becomes movable in the X-axis direction, allowing the user to move the release lever 116 (see FIG. 7) from the retained position to the released position. When the user moves the release lever 116 from the retained position to the released position, the entire main shaft 106 moves toward the negative X-axis direction relative to the second wall 114b of the locking lever 114, as shown in FIG. 11. Accordingly, the locking lever 114 moves in the negative Z-axis direction due to the elastic restoring force of the locking lever spring 122, and the locking lever 114 moves from the extended position to the retracted position. This disengages the air vent 64 (see FIG. 5) of the battery pack 12 from the engaging protrusion 156 of the locking lever 114. In this state, the end 106e of the main shaft 106 abuts against the second wall 114b, so even if the user releases the operating part 158 ​​(see FIG. 7) of the release lever 116, the release lever 116 is held in the release position. The position of the main shaft 106 at this time is also referred to as the movement permitted position.

[0060] When the engagement between the engaging protrusion 156 of the locking lever 114 and the air vent 64 (see FIG. 5) of the battery pack 12 is released, the battery pack 12 is permitted to slide rearward and upward (toward direction D2, see FIG. 3), allowing the battery pack 12 to be removed from the work machine 2. In other words, the battery pack 12 attached to the battery attachment portion 38 is unlocked.

[0061] (Passcode change operation) A user can change the three-digit passcode of the lock unit 100 when the lock unit 100 is in the unlocked state shown in FIGS. 11 and 14. In this case, the user rotates the dial rings 148, 150, and 152 to input the correct three-digit passcode. When the correct three-digit passcode is input into the dial rings 148, 150, and 152 (i.e., the unlocked state), the grooves 138a, 140a, and 142a (see FIG. 10) of the sleeves 138, 140, and 142 all face the positive direction of the Y-axis. When the user moves the passcode change lever 118 from the normal position to the change position from this state, the sleeves 138, 140, and 142 move in the positive direction of the X-axis, and the protrusions 138b, 140b, and 142b come out of the grooves 148a, 150a, and 152a, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 16. Next, the user rotates each dial ring 148, 150, 152 to input a new three-digit passcode. After inputting the new three-digit passcode, the user releases the operating part 160 of the passcode change lever 118, and the elastic restoring force of the main shaft spring 120 moves each sleeve 138, 140, 142 in the negative direction of the X-axis, causing the protrusions 138b, 140b, 142b to engage with one of the multiple grooves 148a, 150a, 152a of the corresponding dial rings 148, 150, 152 (see FIG. 11 ), and the passcode change lever 118 moves from the change position to the normal position.

[0062] (Features of the first embodiment) The above-described work machine 2 (an example of an electrical device) employs a locking mechanism 101 that locks a battery pack 12 attached to the work machine 2. The locking mechanism 101 includes a locking lever 114 (an example of an engaging portion) provided on the work machine 2, a vent hole 64 (an example of an engaged portion) provided on the battery pack 12, and dial rings 148, 150, and 152 (an example of a dial lock) that prohibit and permit movement of the locking lever 114. The locking lever 114 is movable between a protruding position (an example of a first position) in which it engages with the vent hole 64 and a retracted position (an example of a second position) in which it disengages from the vent hole 64. When the dial rings 148, 150, and 152 are in a locked state, the locking lever 114 is prohibited from moving from the protruding position to the retracted position. When the dial rings 148, 150, and 152 are in an unlocked state, the locking lever 114 is permitted to move from the protruding position to the retracted position.

[0063] The locking mechanism 101 further includes a main shaft 106 (an example of an intermediate portion) that is movable between a movement prohibition position (an example of a third position) that prohibits movement of the locking lever 114 from the extended position to the retracted position as shown in Figures 12 and 15, and a movement permission position (an example of a fourth position) that permits movement of the locking lever 114 from the extended position to the retracted position as shown in Figures 11 and 14. When the dial rings 148, 150, and 152 are in a locked state, movement of the main shaft 106 from the movement prohibition position to the movement permission position is prohibited. When the dial rings 148, 150, and 152 are in an unlocked state, movement of the main shaft 106 from the movement prohibition position to the movement permission position is permitted.

[0064] 11 and 12, the locking lever 114 moves translationally between a protruding position and a retracted position, and the main shaft 106 moves translationally between a movement-prohibited position and a movement-permitted position.

[0065] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the Z-axis direction (first movement direction) in which the locking lever 114 moves translationally between the protruding position and the retracted position is different from the X-axis direction (second movement direction) in which the main shaft 106 moves translationally between the movement-prohibited position and the movement-permitted position.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, the personal identification numbers (an example of a passcode) of the dial rings 148, 150, and 152 are configured to be changeable.

[0067] 3, the locking lever 114 is provided on the work machine 2. The air vent 64 is provided on the battery pack 12.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 3, the vent hole 64 of the battery pack 12 functions as an engaged portion that engages with the locking lever 114, which is an engaging portion.

[0069] (Second Example) Lock unit 200 of the second embodiment shown in Figure 17 can be used in place of lock unit 100 of the first embodiment. That is, lock unit 200, together with air vent 64 (see Figure 5) of battery pack 12, constitutes lock mechanism 201 (see Figure 3). In the following, only the differences between lock unit 200 and lock unit 100 will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same parts as lock unit 100, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0070] The lock unit 200 includes a housing 202, a fastener 104, a main shaft 106 (see Figure 18), sleeves 138, 140, 142 (see Figure 18), dial rings 148, 150, 152, a retaining plate 112 (not shown), a locking button 264, a pivoting member 266 (see Figure 21), a slide member 268, a release lever 116, a passcode change lever 218, a main shaft spring 120 (see Figure 18), a locking button spring 270 (see Figure 18), and a slide member spring 272 (see Figure 21).

[0071] Housing 202 includes a first housing 224, a second housing 225 disposed on the positive Y-axis direction side of first housing 224, and a third housing 226 disposed on the negative Y-axis direction side of first housing 224. First housing 224 and second housing 225 are fixed to each other by fasteners 104. First housing 224 and third housing 226 are fixed to each other by fasteners 104.

[0072] 18, a first housing space 224a extending in the X-axis direction is defined by the first housing 224 and the second housing 225. The main shaft 106, sleeves 138, 140, 142, dial rings 148, 150, 152, retaining plate 112, locking button 264, release lever 116, passcode change lever 218, main shaft spring 120, and locking button spring 270 are housed in the first housing space 224a.

[0073] 21, a second housing space 224b extending in the Z-axis direction is defined by the first housing 224 and the third housing 226. The first housing space 224a and the second housing space 224b are separated by a partition wall 224c. The rotating member 266, the sliding member 268, and the sliding member spring 272 are housed in the second housing space 224b.

[0074] 17, the wall on the Z-axis positive side of first housing 224 is provided with opening 274 through which engaging protrusion 286 of slide member 268 protrudes. The wall on the Y-axis positive side of second housing 225 is provided with opening 232 through which operating portion 276 of locking button 264 protrudes, and opening 228 through which operating portion 260 of passcode change lever 218 protrudes.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 18, lock button 264 includes an operating portion 276, a cylindrical portion 278 (see FIG. 21), and a main bearing inlet 280. Operating portion 276 protrudes to the outside from opening 232 of second housing 225. As shown in FIG. 21, cylindrical portion 278 has a cylindrical shape extending in the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 21, the end of cylindrical portion 278 facing the negative Y-axis direction penetrates through through-hole 224d formed in partition wall 224c and enters second housing space 224b. A flange 278a is formed on the end of cylindrical portion 278 facing the positive Y-axis direction. Lock button spring 270 is disposed between flange 278a and partition wall 224c. As shown in FIG. 18, main bearing inlet 280 is disposed between operating portion 276 and flange 278a in the vertical direction. Lock button 264 is movable between a pressed-in position (see FIG. 19 ) in which operating portion 276 is pressed in the negative direction of the X-axis, and an extended position (see FIGS. 18 and 20 ) in which operating portion 276 extends in the positive direction of the X-axis. As shown in FIG. 18 , when lock button 264 is in the extended position, main bearing inlet 280 is positioned offset upward with respect to main shaft 106. In this case, end 106e of main shaft 106 facing the positive direction of the X-axis abuts end 264a of lock button 264 facing the negative direction of the X-axis. As shown in FIG. 19 , when lock button 264 is in the pressed-in position, main bearing inlet 280 is positioned facing main shaft 106. In this case, end 106e of main shaft 106 facing the positive direction of the X-axis enters main bearing inlet 280, and disk portion 162 of main shaft 106 abuts end 264a of lock button 264 facing the negative direction of the X-axis.

[0076] The slide member 268 is supported by the first housing 224 so as to be slidable in the Z-axis direction within the second housing space 224b. The slide member 268 has an engaging protrusion 286. The slide member 268 is movable between a housed position (see FIG. 21) where the engaging protrusion 286 is housed within the opening 274 of the first housing 224, and a protruding position (see FIG. 22) where the engaging protrusion 286 protrudes to the outside from the opening 274 of the first housing 224. The slide member 268 has a spring mounting portion 268a to which the slide member spring 272 is attached. The slide member spring 272 is disposed between the spring mounting portion 268a and the spring receiving wall 224e of the first housing 224.

[0077] Rotating member 266 is supported by first housing 224 so as to be rotatable about rotation axis RX along the X-axis. Rotating member 266 includes a first abutment portion 282 and a second abutment portion 284. First abutment portion 282 abuts against the end of columnar portion 278 of locking button 264 facing the negative Y-axis direction. Second abutment portion 284 abuts against the end of slide member 268 facing the negative Z-axis direction. Rotating member 266 is movable between an upper position (see FIG. 21) where second abutment portion 284 is pressed in the negative Z-axis direction by slide member 268, and a lower position (see FIG. 22) where first abutment portion 282 is pressed in the negative Y-axis direction by locking button 264.

[0078] The passcode change lever 218 has an operating part 260. The operating part 260 protrudes to the outside from an opening 228 of the second housing 225. The passcode change lever 218 is movable between a normal position (see FIGS. 18 and 19) where the operating part 260 is on the negative X-axis side of the opening 228, and a change position (see FIG. 20) where the operating part 260 is on the positive X-axis side of the opening 228.

[0079] The lock unit 200 is attached to the second motor housing 48 in the battery mounting portion 38 of the work machine 2 shown in Figure 4 so that the engagement protrusion 286 (see Figure 17) is positioned corresponding to the air vent 64 (see Figure 5) of the battery pack 12 and the second housing 225 (see Figure 17) faces outward from the second motor housing 48.

[0080] Next, the locking operation, unlocking operation, and passcode changing operation by the user when lock unit 200 is used will be described.

[0081] (lock operation) 18 and 21, before the locking operation is performed, locking button 264 is in the extended position, rotating member 266 is in the upper position, slide member 268 is in the retracted position, release lever 116 is in the release position, and passcode change lever 218 is in the normal position. In this case, main shaft 106 is biased in the positive direction of the X-axis by the elastic restoring force of main shaft spring 120, and end 106e of main shaft 106 in the positive direction of the X-axis abuts end 264a of locking button 264 on the negative side of the X-axis. Furthermore, due to the elastic restoring force of the main shaft spring 120, each sleeve 138, 140, 142 is biased in the negative direction of the X-axis, and the protrusions 138b, 140b, 142b (see FIG. 10) of each sleeve 138, 140, 142 are engaged with one of the multiple grooves 148a, 150a, 152a (see FIG. 10) of the corresponding dial rings 148, 150, 152.

[0082] When the user moves lock button 264 from the extended position to the retracted position after entering the correct three-digit passcode into dial rings 148, 150, 152 (i.e., unlocked state), as shown in Figure 22, cylindrical portion 278 pushes first abutment portion 282 in the negative direction of the Y axis, causing rotating member 266 to rotate from the upper position to the lower position, and second abutment portion 284 pushes slide member 268 in the positive direction of the Z axis, causing slide member 268 to move from the stored position to the extended position. 19, main shaft 106 is urged by main shaft spring 120 and moves in the positive direction of the X-axis, so that end 106e of main shaft 106 enters main bearing inlet 280 of locking button 264, and release lever 116 moves to the retaining position. An inclined portion 264b is provided on the edge of main bearing inlet 280 of locking button 264 on the negative side of the Y-axis, which helps end 106e of main shaft 106 enter main bearing inlet 280. In this state, end 106e of main shaft 106 is inserted into main bearing inlet 280 of locking button 264. Therefore, even if the user releases operating unit 276, locking button 264 remains in the depressed position, rotating member 266 remains in the lower position, and sliding member 268 remains in the extended position. If the user subsequently rotates dial rings 148, 150, and 152 to enter an incorrect three-digit passcode (i.e., locked state), main shaft 106 cannot be moved in the negative direction of the X axis. In this state, the user is prohibited from moving release lever 116 from the held position to the released position. The position of main shaft 106 in this state is also referred to as the movement-prohibited position.

[0083] In a work machine 2 employing the lock unit 200, when the slide member 268 is in the protruding position, the engaging protrusion 286 engages with the air vent 64 (see FIG. 5) of the battery pack 12. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the battery pack 12 is prohibited from sliding rearward and upward (toward direction D2), and therefore, removal of the battery pack 12 from the work machine 2 is prohibited. In other words, the battery pack 12 attached to the battery attachment portion 38 is locked.

[0084] (Unlock operation) To unlock the battery pack 12 attached to the battery mounting portion 38 using the lock unit 200, the user rotates the dial rings 148, 150, and 152 (see FIG. 17) to input the correct three-digit passcode. Once the correct three-digit passcode has been input into the dial rings 148, 150, and 152 (i.e., the unlocked state), the main shaft 106 (see FIG. 19) becomes movable in the X-axis direction, allowing the user to move the release lever 116 (see FIG. 17) from the hold position to the release position. When the user moves the release lever 116 from the hold position to the release position, the entire main shaft 106 moves toward the negative X-axis side relative to the end 264a of the lock button 264 on the negative X-axis side, as shown in FIG. 18. Accordingly, the lock button 264 moves in the positive Y-axis direction due to the elastic restoring force of the lock button spring 270, and the lock button 264 moves from the pressed position to the extended position. 21, the elastic restoring force of slide member spring 272 causes slide member 268 to move in the negative direction of the Z axis, moving slide member 268 from the extended position to the retracted position. When slide member 268 moves to the retracted position, slide member 268 presses second abutment portion 284 of pivot member 266 in the negative direction of the Z axis, causing pivot member 266 to pivot from the lower position to the upper position. In this state, as shown in FIG. 18, end portion 106e of main shaft 106 abuts end portion 264a of lock button 264 facing the negative direction of the X axis. Therefore, even if the user releases operation portion 158 of release lever 116, release lever 116 is held in the released position. The position of main shaft 106 at this time is also referred to as the movement permitted position.

[0085] When the engagement between the engaging protrusion 286 of the slide member 268 and the ventilation hole 64 (see FIG. 3) of the battery pack 12 is released, the battery pack 12 is permitted to slide rearward and upward (toward direction D2, see FIG. 3), which allows the battery pack 12 to be removed from the work machine 2. In other words, the battery pack 12 attached to the battery attachment portion 38 is unlocked.

[0086] (Passcode change operation) In lock unit 200 of this embodiment, as in lock unit 100 of the first embodiment, the user can enter a new three-digit passcode by moving passcode change lever 218 from the normal position to the change position after entering the correct three-digit passcode into dial rings 148, 150, and 152 (i.e., the unlocked state). After that, when the user releases operating unit 260 of passcode change lever 218, passcode change lever 218 moves from the change position to the normal position.

[0087] (Features of the second embodiment) The above-described work machine 2 (an example of electrical equipment) employs a locking mechanism 201 that locks the battery pack 12 attached to the work machine 2. The locking mechanism 201 includes a slide member 268 (an example of an engaging portion) provided on the work machine 2, a vent hole 64 provided on the battery pack 12, and dial rings 148, 150, 152 that prohibit and permit movement of the slide member 268. The slide member 268 is movable between a protruding position (an example of a first position) in which it engages with the vent hole 64 and a retracted position (an example of a second position) in which it disengages from the vent hole 64. When the dial rings 148, 150, 152 are in a locked state, the slide member 268 is prohibited from moving from the protruding position to the retracted position. When the dial rings 148, 150, 152 are in an unlocked state, the slide member 268 is permitted to move from the protruding position to the engaged position.

[0088] Locking mechanism 201 further includes main shaft 106 (an example of an intermediate portion) that is movable between a movement-prohibited position (an example of a third position) that prohibits movement of slide member 268 from the extended position to the retracted position, as shown in Figures 19 and 22, and a movement-permitted position (an example of a fourth position) that permits movement of slide member 268 from the extended position to the retracted position, as shown in Figures 18 and 21. When dial rings 148, 150, and 152 are in a locked state, movement of main shaft 106 from the movement-prohibited position to the movement-permitted position is prohibited. When dial rings 148, 150, and 152 are in an unlocked state, movement of main shaft 106 from the movement-prohibited position to the movement-permitted position is permitted.

[0089] 21 and 22, the slide member 268 moves translationally between a protruding position and an engaged position. As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the main shaft 106 moves translationally between a movement-prohibited position and a movement-permitted position.

[0090] As shown in Figures 18, 19, 21, and 22, the Z-axis direction (an example of a first movement direction) in which the slide member 268 moves translationally between the protruding position and the engaging position is different from the X-axis direction (an example of a second movement direction) in which the main shaft 106 moves translationally between the movement-prohibited position and the movement-permitted position.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 20, the personal identification numbers (an example of a passcode) of the dial rings 148, 150, and 152 are configured to be changeable.

[0092] 3, the slide member 268 is provided on the work machine 2. The vent hole 64 is provided on the battery pack 12.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 3, the vent hole 64 of the battery pack 12 functions as an engaged portion that engages with a slide member 268 that is an engaging portion.

[0094] (Third Example) As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 , the work machine 2A is, for example, a lawnmower. Like the work machine 2 of the first embodiment, the work machine 2A of the third embodiment is configured so that the battery pack 12 is detachable. However, unlike the work machine 2 of the first embodiment, the work machine 2A of the third embodiment is provided with a battery mounting portion 38 to which the battery pack 12 is detachably attached, and a battery pack cover 68 shaped to cover the battery pack 12 attached to the battery mounting portion 38, on a housing 66 of the work machine 2A. The battery pack cover 68 is rotatably attached to the housing 66. The battery pack cover 68 is movable between a closed position (see FIG. 23 ) that seals the battery pack 12 attached to the battery mounting portion 38, and an open position (see FIG. 24 ) that exposes the battery pack 12 attached to the battery mounting portion 38. To remove the battery pack 12 from the work machine 2A, the user must move the battery pack cover 68 to the open position. Therefore, for example, by using the lock unit 100 (or lock unit 200) described above to prohibit movement of the battery pack cover 68 from the closed position to the open position (i.e., locking the battery pack cover 68), removal of the battery pack 12 from the work machine 2A is prohibited. In the example shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the housing 102 (see FIG. 7) of the lock unit 100 is fixed to the housing 66 of the work machine 2A, and when the locking lever 114 of the lock unit 100 is in the protruding position (see FIGS. 12 and 15), the engagement groove 70 (see FIG. 24) provided on the battery pack cover 68 engages with the engagement protrusion 156 (see FIGS. 12 and 15), prohibiting movement of the battery pack cover 68 from the closed position to the open position. Furthermore, when the locking lever 114 of the lock unit 100 is in the housed position (see FIGS. 11 and 14), the engagement groove 70 of the battery pack cover 68 and the engagement protrusion 156 are disengaged, allowing the battery pack cover 68 to move from the closed position to the open position. Thus, in the example shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the lock unit 100 (or lock unit 200) and the engagement groove 70 of the battery pack cover 68 form a lock mechanism 101A (or lock mechanism 201A).

[0095] (Features of the third embodiment) The above-described work machine 2A (an example of an electrical device) employs a locking mechanism 101A (or locking mechanism 201A) that locks a battery pack cover 68 that covers a battery pack 12 attached to the work machine 2A. The locking mechanism 101A (or locking mechanism 201A) includes a locking lever 114 (or a slide member 268) (an example of an engaging portion) provided on the work machine 2A, an engaging groove 70 (an example of an engaged portion) provided on the battery pack cover 68, and dial rings 148, 150, 152 (an example of a dial lock) that prohibit and permit movement of the locking lever 114 (or slide member 268). The locking lever 114 (or slide member 268) is movable between a protruding position (an example of a first position) in which it engages with the engaging groove 70 and a retracted position (an example of a second position) in which it disengages from the engaging groove 70. The locking lever 114 (or the slide member 268) is prohibited from moving from the extended position to the retracted position when the dial rings 148, 150, 152 are in the locked state. The locking lever 114 (or the slide member 268) is permitted to move from the extended position to the retracted position when the dial rings 148, 150, 152 are in the unlocked state.

[0096] (Variation) The work machine 2 may be, for example, an electric tool such as an electric drill, an electric grinder, an electric circular saw, an electric chainsaw, an electric reciprocating saw, or an electric blower.

[0097] The battery pack 12 of the work machine 2 is detachable from a charger (not shown) for the battery pack 12. Therefore, the locking mechanism described above can also be used when locking the battery pack 12 attached to a charger instead of the work machine 2.

[0098] In the first or second embodiment, the lock unit 100 or the lock unit 200 may be provided on the battery pack 12. In this case, by providing an engagement groove (not shown) corresponding to the engagement protrusion 156 or the engagement protrusion 286 on the second motor housing 48 of the work implement 2, it is possible to lock the battery pack 12 attached to the battery attachment portion 38. Furthermore, the lock unit 100 (or the lock unit 200) of the third embodiment may be provided on the battery pack cover 68. In this case, by providing an engagement groove (not shown) corresponding to the engagement protrusion 156 or the engagement protrusion 286 on the housing 66 of the work implement 2A, it is possible to lock the battery pack cover 68 in the closed position.

[0099] The lock unit 100 may not include the locking lever 114, and an engaging protrusion 156 may be provided on the end 106e of the main shaft 106. In this case, the main shaft 106 operates as an engaging portion that is movable between a protruding position located on the positive side of the X-axis and a retracted position located on the negative side of the X-axis.

[0100] Lock unit 200 may be provided with an engaging protrusion 286 instead of rotating member 266 and slide member 268, and may be provided with a rotating member (not shown) that is rotatable between a protruding position and a retracted position.

[0101] In lock unit 100 (or lock unit 200), locking lever 114 (or slide member 268) may move, for example, along the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction between a protruding position and an engaged position. Similarly, main shaft 106 may move, for example, in a translational manner along the X-axis direction or the Z-axis direction between a movement-prohibiting position and a movement-permitting position.

[0102] In the lock unit 100 (or the lock unit 200), the direction in which the locking lever 114 (or the slide member 268) moves in translation between the extended position and the retracted position may coincide with the direction in which the main shaft 106 moves in translation between the movement-prohibited position and the movement-permitted position.

[0103] The number of dial rings 148, 150, 152 in lock units 100, 200 may be, for example, two, or may be four or more. That is, the number of digits in the personal identification number of the dial lock passcode is not particularly limited.

[0104] In the lock units 100 and 200, characters such as alphabets may be displayed on the display 144 of the dial rings 148, 150, and 152. In other words, the passcode for the dial lock may be a character sequence. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 2, 2A: Work equipment 4: Control rod 6: Front end unit 8: Loop handle 10: Rear end unit 12: Battery pack 22: Grip unit 34: Motor unit 36: Motor housing 38: Battery mounting section 40: Motor 42: Transmission mechanism 44: Control section 49: Work machine side terminal 50a, 50b: Rail 52: Engagement groove 54: Casing 55: Terminal slit 56a, 56b: Rail 58: Hook 60, 62: Bearings 64: Ventilation hole 66: Housing 68: Battery pack cover 70: Engagement groove 100, 200: Lock unit 101, 101A, 201, 201A: Locking mechanism 102, 202: Housing 104: Fasteners 106: Spindle 112: Retaining plate 114: Locking lever 116: Release lever 118, 218: Passcode change lever 120: Main shaft spring 122: Locking lever spring 138, 140, 142: Sleeves 138a, 140a, 142a: groove 138b, 140b, 142b: Protrusion 138c, 140c, 142c: flange 144: Display section 146: Notch 148, 150, 152: Dial ring 148a, 150a, 152a: groove 156, 286: Engagement protrusion 162: Disc part 264: Lock button 266: Rotating member 268: Slide member 270: Lock button spring 272: Slide member spring 278: Cylindrical part 280: Main bearing inlet 282: 1st contact part 284:Second contact part

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for locking a battery pack attached to an electrical device, an engaging portion provided on one of the electrical device and the battery pack; an engaged portion provided on the other of the electrical device and the battery pack; a dial lock that prohibits and permits movement of the engagement portion; Equipped with the engaging portion is movable between a first position where it engages with the engaged portion and a second position where it disengages from the engaged portion; When the dial lock is in a locked state, the engagement portion is prohibited from moving from the first position to the second position, The engagement portion is permitted to move from the first position to the second position when the dial lock is in an unlocked state. Locking mechanism.

2. an intermediate portion movable between a third position that prohibits the engagement portion from moving from the first position to the second position and a fourth position that allows the engagement portion to move from the first position to the second position; the intermediate portion is prohibited from moving from the third position to the fourth position when the dial lock is in a locked state; The locking mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the intermediate portion is permitted to move from the third position to the fourth position when the dial lock is in an unlocked state.

3. the engagement portion moves translationally between the first position and the second position; The locking mechanism of claim 2 , wherein the intermediate portion translates between the third position and the fourth position.

4. 4. The locking mechanism according to claim 3, wherein a first direction of translation of the engaging portion between the first position and the second position is different from a second direction of translation of the intermediate portion between the third position and the fourth position.

5. The lock mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the passcode of the dial lock is changeable.

6. The engaging portion is provided on the electrical device, The locking mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the engaged portion is provided on the battery pack.

7. The locking mechanism according to claim 6 , wherein the engaged portion is a vent hole of the battery pack.

8. A locking mechanism that is provided in an electrical device and locks a battery pack cover that covers a battery pack attached to the electrical device, an engaging portion provided on one of the electrical device and the battery pack cover; an engaged portion provided on the other of the electrical device and the battery pack cover; a dial lock that prohibits and permits movement of the engagement portion; Equipped with the engaging portion is movable between a first position where it engages with the engaged portion and a second position where it disengages from the engaged portion; When the dial lock is in a locked state, the engagement portion is prohibited from moving from the first position to the second position, The engagement portion is permitted to move from the first position to the second position when the dial lock is in an unlocked state. Locking mechanism.

Images