power tools

Abstract

We provide power tools that are compact and easy to use. [Solution] The power tool 1 comprises a main body 2 having a battery 5, an electric motor 7a, a lead screw 8a, and a sliding part 9, and a tool head 3 having a first jaw portion 11 and a second jaw portion 12 that are rotatably connected to the main body 2. The sliding part 9 has a first roller 9a slidably positioned on the rear end side of the first jaw portion 11 and a second roller 9b slidably positioned on the rear end side of the second jaw portion 12. The first roller 9a and the second roller 9b slide on the rear ends of the first jaw portion 11 and the second jaw portion 12, and the front ends of the first jaw portion 11 and the second jaw portion 12 are pivotally supported by a shaft member and rotate to approach each other, and the front ends close to process the workpiece. The main body 2 has a trigger switch 22 that operates in conjunction with the trigger lever 27 and drives the electric motor 7a, and a bulge is formed on the surface opposite to the surface on which the trigger lever 27 is located and closer to the tool head 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric tool for machining a workpiece.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an electric tool having a configuration combining a crank-type gripping lever and an electric motor has been known (Patent Document 1: European Patent No. 2872293). The electric tool of Patent Document 1 In the initial state, the tip side of the tool head is open, and the operator closes the tip side of the tool head by the gripping force for gripping the gripping lever to sandwich the workpiece. Then, when the gripping force exceeds a specified value, the electric motor operates and the tip side of the tool head closes to machine the workpiece (Patent Document 1: European Patent No. 2872293). The electric tool of Patent Document 1 .

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional electric tool as described in Patent Document 1 above, a structure is adopted in which the operator starts machining using the gripping force for gripping the gripping lever as a trigger.

[0005] However, in such a structure that utilizes the operator's gripping force, there is still room for further improvement in terms of operation stability, downsizing of the device, or usability in various working environments.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a power tool that can be made compact and easy to use.

[0007] As one embodiment, the above problem is solved by the solution disclosed below.

[0008] The power tool according to the present invention comprises a main body having a battery, an electric motor driven by power from the battery, a lead screw operated by the electric motor, and a slide portion that moves by the lead screw, and a tool head having a first jaw portion and a second jaw portion connected to the main body and rotatably connected to each other, wherein the slide portion has a first roller positioned to slide on the rear end side of the first jaw portion and a second roller positioned to slide on the rear end side of the second jaw portion, and the first roller and the rear end side of the first jaw portion and the rear end side of the second jaw portion The second roller slides, and the tip side of the first jaw and the tip side of the second jaw are pivotally supported by a shaft member and rotate to approach each other, so that the tip side of the first jaw and the tip side of the second jaw close together, thereby processing the workpiece with the tip side of the first jaw and the tip side of the second jaw. The main body has a trigger switch for driving the electric motor, the trigger switch operates in conjunction with the trigger lever, and the main body is characterized in that a bulge is formed on the side opposite to the side on which the trigger lever is located and closer to the tool head.

[0009] This configuration allows for a compact and user-friendly design, as the bulge is formed on the side opposite to the trigger lever on the main body, and closer to the tool head. Furthermore, since the electric motor is driven by battery power and the workpiece is processed via the lead screw and sliding mechanism, a power cord is not required, expanding the working range and enabling processing even in limited spaces.

[0010] As an example, the tool head is configured with a spring that biases the tip of the first jaw and the tip of the second jaw toward each other. This configuration allows for a simpler design than a crank or link, while still enabling reliable clamping of the workpiece with a constant force.

[0011] Preferably, the second jaw portion is configured to have an operating part that allows the operator to separate the first and second shaped portions from each other when the slide portion is in the intermediate position, thereby enabling the removal of the workpiece. With this configuration, when the slide portion is in the intermediate position, the operator can press the operating part on the second jaw portion, causing the tip of the second jaw portion to separate from the tip of the first jaw portion, thus facilitating the attachment and positioning of the workpiece. Therefore, a user-friendly configuration can be achieved. As an example, the main body has a cover portion, and the operating part on the second jaw portion has a guide plate attached to the position where the operator presses it, shaped to correspond to the operator's finger. The cover portion can be made of a resin molded product or a metal press-formed product with an insulating treatment on the inner wall.

[0012] Preferably, the control switch is located on the side of the main body opposite to the side on which the trigger lever is located. Preferably, the main body is configured to include a trigger switch that operates in conjunction with the trigger lever operated by the operator to drive the electric motor, and a control switch that operates when operated by the operator to enable the operation of the trigger switch. Preferably, the intermediate switch is configured to be operated by the movement of the slide portion to an intermediate position in order for the control portion to stop the electric motor, and when the slide portion is in the intermediate position, the rear end of the first jaw portion and the first roller are separated, and the rear end of the second jaw portion and the second roller are separated. With this configuration, while it is a simple configuration combining a control switch and a trigger switch, the operator can easily perform a series of necessary operations with one hand while taking safety into consideration. Therefore, it is possible to make it a user-friendly configuration. Preferably, the main body has a trigger switch and a control switch, and an intermediate switch that is activated when the slide part is moved to an intermediate position, and when the intermediate switch is ON, the operator operates the control switch, which controls the control unit to switch between an automatic mode in which the workpiece is repeatedly processed from a state in which the tip of the first jaw and the tip of the second jaw are open, and a manual mode in which the workpiece is processed once each from a state in which the tip of the first jaw and the tip of the second jaw are closed. Preferably, when the operator operates the trigger switch, the control unit drives the electric motor, and when the trigger switch is ON, the workpiece can be processed, and when the intermediate switch is activated, the control unit stops the electric motor, and when the electric motor is stopped, the processed workpiece can be removed.

[0013] Preferably, the main body is configured to include an upper limit switch that is activated when the sliding part moves to the upper limit position in order for the control unit to stop the electric motor, an intermediate switch that is activated when the sliding part moves to the intermediate position in order for the control unit to stop the electric motor, and a lower limit switch that is activated when the sliding part moves to the lower limit position in order for the control unit to stop the electric motor. With this configuration, even though it is a simple configuration with multiple switches, it is possible to prevent excessive load from being applied to the tool head and to easily perform the desired control accurately and reliably. Preferably, the main body has a lower limit switch that is activated when the sliding part moves to the lower limit position and an upper limit switch that is activated when the sliding part moves to the upper limit position, and the workpiece is processed when the lower limit switch is ON, and after processing the workpiece, it is possible to remove the workpiece that was processed when the upper limit switch was ON.

[0014] As an example, the lead screw is supported by a bearing and connected to the electric motor via a reduction gear. This configuration reduces rotational friction caused by the thrust load the lead screw receives when moving the slide. As an example, the slide is connected to a nut that converts the rotational motion of the lead screw into linear motion, or the slide is an integral part of the nut. A ball screw may be used as the lead screw. The bearing is a thrust bearing, and as an example, a thrust ball bearing or a thrust roller bearing may be used. Furthermore, by connecting the lead screw to the electric motor via a reduction gear, it is easy to generate high torque with a small electric motor. As an example, the reduction gear is a gearbox composed of multiple gears. The electric motor may be a geared motor with an integrated structure that combines the reduction gear.

[0015] As an example, the main unit has a battery that supplies power to the electric motor, and the electric motor is driven by the power from the battery to compress, crimp, or cut the workpiece. With this configuration, a power cord is not required, and the working range can be expanded. Therefore, a compact and user-friendly structure can be made. As an example, the cover part of the main unit has a handle shape that can be gripped by the operator in a direction away from the tool head. An adapter is provided on the lower side of the handle shape of the cover part. As an example, the battery is connected to the adapter in the main unit in the form of a battery pack. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, an electric motor is driven by power from a battery to compress, crimp, or cut a workpiece. This configuration eliminates the need for a power cord, expanding the working range. Therefore, a compact and user-friendly structure can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a power tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is a rear view of the power tool shown in Figure 1, Figure 2B is a right side view of the power tool shown in Figure 1, Figure 2C is a front view of the power tool shown in Figure 1, and Figure 2D is a left side view of the power tool shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram showing the power tool in Figure 1 with the cover removed, and Figure 3B is a structural diagram showing the relationship between the trigger lever and the switch board in the power tool in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4A is a front view of the tool head of the power tool shown in Figure 1, and Figure 4B is a left side view of the tool head of the power tool shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a schematic circuit diagram for the power tool of this embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6A is a schematic structural view showing an initial state in the usage mode of the power tool shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6B is a schematic structural view showing a state where a workpiece is attached in the usage mode of the power tool shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6C is a schematic structural view showing a state where the workpiece is compressed or crimped in the usage mode of the power tool shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 6D is a schematic structural view showing a state where the workpiece is removed in the usage mode of the power tool shown in FIG. 1.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The power tool 1 of the present embodiment is configured to compress, crimp, or cut a workpiece 90 by driving an electric motor 7a with power from a battery 5. As an example, the power tool 1 is used when crimping a crimp terminal and an electric wire at a work site, or when compressing a crimp sleeve to join electric wires to each other at a work site. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, members having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations thereof may be omitted.

[0019] FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are schematic views showing an example of the power tool 1 according to the present embodiment. The power tool 1 includes a main body 2 having an electric motor 7a, a feed screw 8a, a slide portion 9, a control portion 19, and a control switch 21, and a tool head 3 having a first jaw portion 11 and a second jaw portion 12 that are connected to the main body 2 and rotatable relative to each other. The power tool 1 is a cordless type tool that is equipped with a battery 5 and is used by an operator holding it by hand at the site. The slide portion 9 reciprocates along the axis P1 of the feed screw 8a. The slide portion 9 advances to the upper limit position in the direction of the Z-direction arrow in the figure and retreats to the lower limit position in the opposite direction of the Z-direction arrow in the figure. In the initial state where the slide portion 9 is in the intermediate position, the tip side of the tool head 3 is closed. The example of FIG. 1 is a multi-functional power tool 1 with an interchangeable tool head 3. Here, in order to easily explain the positional relationship of each part of the power tool 1, the directions are indicated by the arrows of X, Y, and Z in the figure. Note that the power tool 1 operates normally in any orientation.

[0020] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are examples of the tool head 3 for compression. The first jaw portion 11 and the second jaw portion 12 are each inserted into the first shaft member 17a and pivotally supported, and are pivotally connected to each other by a connecting plate 17. The first shaped portion 11a on the tip side of the first jaw portion 11 has convex portions formed inwardly at a predetermined interval, and the second shaped portion 12a on the tip side of the second jaw portion 12 has concave portions formed inwardly corresponding one-to-one to the convex portions. Then, the first shaped portion 11a on the tip side of the first jaw portion 11 and the second shaped portion 12a on the tip side of the second jaw portion 12 approach each other to compress or crimp a compression terminal or a crimping sleeve as the workpiece 90. The spring 18 is a torsion coil spring made of metal. The coil portion of the spring 18 is rotatably attached to a support portion 11e provided on the first jaw portion 11. The end portion of the spring 18 abuts against the connecting plate 17. And by the restoring force of the spring 18, the first shaped portion 11a on the tip side of the first jaw portion 11 and the second shaped portion 12a on the tip side of the second jaw portion 12 are urged in a direction approaching each other.

[0021] FIG. 3A is a schematic structural view showing a state where the cover portion 2a of the main body 2 in the power tool 1 is removed, and FIG. 3B is a structural view showing the relationship between the trigger lever 27 and the switch substrate 20a in the power tool 1. As an example, the control switch 21 is a push switch. The trigger lever 27 is rotatably supported by a second shaft member provided on the main body 2, and the trigger switch 22 operates in conjunction with the trigger lever 27. The trigger switch 22 is a microswitch. The switch substrate 20a has a plurality of microswitches capable of detecting the position of the slide portion 9 mounted thereon. As an example, the position of the slide portion 9 is detected by a pin arranged on the slide portion 9 contacting the microswitch.

[0022] The tool head 3 processes the workpiece 90 by applying the principle of leverage. The first jaw portion 11 has a first sliding surface 11d formed on the rear end side of the first jaw portion 11 on which the first roller 9a slides, and the first curved portion 11c from the protruding portion 11b of the first jaw portion 11 to the first sliding surface 11d is shaped in a way that it is separated from the first roller 9a. The second jaw portion 12 has a second sliding surface 12d formed on the rear end side of the second jaw portion 12 on which the second roller 9b slides, and the second curved portion 12c from the inner edge near where the first shaft member is located to the second sliding surface 12d is shaped in a way that it is separated from the second roller 9b.

[0023] The lead screw 8a is supported by a bearing 8b and connected to an electric motor 7a via a reduction gear 6. The main body 2 has a battery 5 that supplies power to the electric motor 7a, and the electric motor 7a is driven by the power from the battery 5 to compress, crimp, or cut the workpiece 90. The cover portion 2a of the main body 2 is shaped like a handle that can be gripped by an operator in a direction away from the tool head 3. An adapter 4 is provided on the lower end of the cover portion 2a, and the battery 5 is connected to the adapter 4 of the main body 2 in the form of a battery pack.

[0024] Figure 5 shows an example of the circuit diagram configuration of the power tool 1. The control unit 19 includes, as an example, a CPU 19a consisting of a single-chip microcontroller. The control unit 19 and the switch board 20a and display board 20b that constitute the peripheral circuits will be described below.

[0025] For example, battery 5 is a lithium-ion battery with a power supply voltage of 7-42[V] and a battery capacity of 1-10[Ah]. The voltage of battery 5 is stepped down via regulator 19c and supplied to CPU 19a. CPU 19a is configured to check and monitor the remaining charge of battery 5 and also functions as a timer. For example, CPU 19a sends a PWM signal to driver 19b, which supplies power to electric motor 7a via drive elements such as power MOSFETs, and controls the driving of electric motor 7a.

[0026] As an example, the control unit 19, the switch board 20a, and the display board 20b are signal-connected by wiring. The switch board 20a is equipped with a trigger switch 22 that is operated by the operation of the trigger lever 27, an upper limit switch 23 that is operated when the slide part 9 moves to the upper limit position, an intermediate switch 24 that is operated when the slide part 9 moves to the intermediate position, and a lower limit switch 25 that is operated when the slide part 9 moves to the lower limit position. The operating signals of each switch are input to the CPU 19a, which then drives and controls the electric motor 7a.

[0027] The display board 20b is equipped with a control switch 21 operated by the operator, an LED 26a that indicates that the power tool 1 is in automatic mode, an LED 26b that indicates that the power tool 1 is in an abnormal state, and an LED 26c that indicates that the power tool 1 is in manual mode. When the operation signal of the control switch 21 is input to the CPU 19a, the CPU 19a determines the operation signal of the trigger switch 22 as an active signal and sets the conditions for driving and controlling the electric motor 7a. For example, the control switch 21 is a push switch, and when the intermediate switch 24 is ON, the mode is switched each time the control switch 21 is pressed for a predetermined time, for example, 3 seconds or more. The automatic mode is used when working continuously, and the display control of the CPU 19a causes the LED 26a to light up, for example, to show green. The manual mode is used when working once, and the display control of the CPU 19a causes the LED 26c to light up, for example, to show green.

[0028] If the power tool 1 is in an abnormal state, an abnormal signal is input to the CPU 19a from an external sensor, and the display control of the CPU 19a causes the LED 26b to light up or blink, for example, displaying red. For example, when the current value of the battery 5 exceeds 20[A], the LED 26b blinks 10 times at a period of 5Hz. For example, when the board temperature of the control unit 19 reaches 80[°C], the LED 26b lights up for 3 seconds. For example, when the temperature of the battery 5 is 90[°C] or higher, the LED 26b blinks 3 times at a period of 1Hz. For example, when the voltage of the battery 5 is 7.8[V] or lower, the LED 26b blinks 10 times at a period of 5Hz. Note that the above values ​​are examples and are not limited to these values.

[0029] As an example, Table 1 shows the relationship between the operator's actions and the operation of the power tool 1 and the operation of the control switch 21, trigger switch 22, upper limit switch 23, intermediate switch 24, and lower limit switch 25. In Table 1, the first switch is the control switch 21, and the second switch is the trigger switch 22.

[0030] [Table 1]

[0031] As shown in Table 1, the simple configuration, combining a control switch 21 and a trigger switch 22 linked to the trigger lever 27, allows the operator to easily perform a series of necessary operations with one hand, making it user-friendly. Furthermore, the power turns on when the control switch 21 is activated, and turns off after a predetermined time from the moment the trigger lever 27 is released, which is rational. For example, the power turns off 60 seconds after the moment the trigger lever 27 is released.

[0032] Figures 6A to 6D are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of power tool 1. The operation of power tool 1 will be explained below based on Figures 6A to 6D and Table 1.

[0033] Figure 6A shows the initial state where the slide part 9 is in the intermediate position. The intermediate position is the position where the first roller 9a is in contact with or close to the protrusion 11b. When the power is OFF, only the intermediate switch 24 is ON. When the slide part 9 is in the intermediate position, the restoring force of the spring 18 closes the tip side of the first jaw 11 and the tip side of the second jaw 12. The first crimping operation starts with the slide part 9 in the initial state shown in Figure 6A.

[0034] In step S1, when the operator presses and releases the control switch 21, the control switch 21 changes from OFF to ON and then to OFF, the power is turned ON by the control unit 19, and the operation of the trigger switch 22 is activated.

[0035] Following step S1, in step S2, the operator pushes the operating part 12b of the second jaw portion 12 toward the first jaw portion 11, causing the first shaped portion 11a to separate from the second shaped portion 12a, and the operator attaches the workpiece 90. Figure 6B shows the state in which the workpiece 90 is held between the first shaped portion 11a and the second shaped portion 12a.

[0036] Following step S2, in step S3, when the operator grips the trigger lever 27, the slide part 9 retracts and moves downward, causing the first roller 9a to slide on the first sliding surface 11d and the second roller 9b to slide on the second sliding surface 12d, so that the first shaped part 11a and the second shaped part 12a move closer to each other and press the workpiece 90 against it. When the slide part 9 reaches its lower limit position, the lower limit switch 25 is activated and the slide part 9 stops temporarily. Figure 6C shows the state after the workpiece 90 has been pressed against it.

[0037] Following step S3, in step S4, when the operator releases the trigger lever 27, the slide part 9 moves forward and upward, and the first roller 9a pushes the protruding part 11b, causing the first shaped part 11a and the second shaped part 12a to separate from each other. When the slide part 9 reaches the upper limit position, the upper limit switch 23 is activated and the slide part 9 stops temporarily.

[0038] Following step S4, in step S5, the operator removes the workpiece 90. Figure 6D shows the state after the workpiece 90 has been removed. After a predetermined time from the moment the operator releases the trigger lever 27, the power is turned off with the tip of the first jaw 11 and the tip of the second jaw 12 closed.

[0039] In automatic mode, the crimping operation is repeated from the state shown in Figure 6D. In manual mode, the crimping operation is performed one at a time from the state shown in Figure 6A.

[0040] According to this embodiment, the workpiece 90 can be easily positioned by gripping it with a constant force, and the workpiece 90 can be easily processed in the positioned state. Furthermore, in the initial state where the slide part 9 is in the intermediate position, the tip side of the tool head 3 is closed, so the burden on the operator is reduced compared to conventional products, resulting in an electric tool 1 with a superior safety structure.

[0041] The above example describes a case where compression terminals or crimp sleeves are compressed or crimped as the workpiece 90, but the embodiment is not limited to this example. This embodiment can be applied to all electrical tools, such as cutting wires and crimping wires together. Also, the above example describes a configuration in which the battery 5 is detachably attached to the main body 2 in the form of a battery pack, but the embodiment is not limited to this example. This embodiment may also have a configuration in which the battery 5 is built into the main body 2, or a configuration that has both a built-in battery and a battery pack.

[0042] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0043] 1 Power tools 2 Main unit, 2a Cover part 3 Tool heads 4 adapters 5 batteries 6 Reducer 7a Electric motor, 7b Drive shaft 8a Lead screw, 8b Bearing 9. Slide section, 9a. First roller, 9b. Second roller 11 First jaw portion, 11a First shaped portion, 11b Protruding portion, 11c First curved portion, 11d 1st sliding surface, 11e support part 12 Second jaw section, 12a Second shaped section, 12b Operating section, 12c Second curved section, 12d Second motion surface 17 Connection plate, 17a 1st shaft member 18 springs 19 Control unit, 19a CPU (microcontroller), 19b Driver 20a Switch board, 20b Display board 21 Control switch 22 Trigger Switches 23 Upper limit switch 24 In-line switch 25 Lower limit switch 26a, 26b, 26c LED 27 Trigger lever, 27a Second axis member 90 Workpiece P1 axis

Claims

1. The device comprises a main body having a battery, an electric motor driven by power from the battery, a lead screw operated by the electric motor, and a slide part moved by the lead screw, and a tool head having a first jaw and a second jaw connected to the main body and rotatably connected to each other. The sliding portion has a first roller positioned to slide on the rear end side of the first jaw portion and a second roller positioned to slide on the rear end side of the second jaw portion. The first roller and the second roller slide against the rear end of the first jaw and the rear end of the second jaw, and the front end of the first jaw and the front end of the second jaw are pivotally supported by a shaft member and rotate to approach each other, so that the front end of the first jaw and the front end of the second jaw close together, thereby processing the workpiece with the front end of the first jaw and the front end of the second jaw. The main body has a trigger switch for driving the electric motor, The trigger switch operates in conjunction with the trigger lever. The main body has a bulge formed on the side opposite to the side on which the trigger lever is located, and closer to the tool head. Power tools characterized by [features].

2. The bulge is formed on the surface opposite to the surface on which the trigger lever is located, and closer to the tool head than the position of the trigger lever. The power tool according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. The main body has a control switch that enables the operation of the trigger switch, The control switch is located on the side of the main body opposite to the side on which the trigger lever is located. The power tool according to claim 2, characterized by the following:

4. The control switch is positioned on the end face of the bulging portion. The power tool according to claim 3, characterized by the following:

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