Working tool

The power tool addresses the issue of environmental restrictions by using a non-contact power supply and alignment/locking mechanisms for the auxiliary handle, ensuring stable and safe operation.

JP7596639B2Active Publication Date: 2024-12-10ARATAS CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2020042732
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2020-03-12
Publication Date
2024-12-10
Estimated Expiration
2040-03-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional power tools with auxiliary handles face issues such as exposure of electrical contacts leading to short circuits and rust when the auxiliary handle is not attached, restricting their usage environment.

Method used

The power tool incorporates a non-contact power supply system with a grip detection mechanism that supplies power from the main body to the auxiliary handle, ensuring stable operation without environmental restrictions, and includes alignment and locking mechanisms to secure the handle.

Benefits of technology

Prevents short circuits and rust while allowing the power tool to operate in various environments, ensuring stable and safe use with the auxiliary handle.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a working tool that can be used without being restricted in a use environment, in a structure equipped with an auxiliary handle.SOLUTION: An electric tool 10 is equipped with a body portion 11, and an auxiliary handle 20 detachably attached to the body portion 11. The auxiliary handle 20 has a grip detecting portion 25 that detects the gripping of the auxiliary handle 20 by a user and transmits a grip detection signal, a signal transmitting portion 26 that transmits the grip detection signal received from the grip detecting portion 25, and a non-contacting power receiving portion 24 to which power is supplied form the body portion 11 side. The body portion 11 has a drive portion 17 for driving a tip end tool, a signal receiving portion 19 that receives the grip detection signal from the signal transmitting portion 26, a control portion 16 that operates the drive portion on the basis of the grip detection signal received in the signal receiving portion 19, and a non-contacting power feeding portion 18 that supplies power to the auxiliary handle 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to power tools, such as electric screwdrivers, grinders, jigsaws, and chainsaws, which perform various operations by driving a tool tip with electricity or air. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Power tools that perform a desired task by rotating a tip tool such as a drill or a driver using a motor are widely used at work sites and in factories (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Among such power tools, there are some which have an auxiliary handle attached to the main body so that a user can use the power tool in a stable position. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electric power tool that detects whether the user is gripping the auxiliary handle and limits the output torque in order to prevent accidents such as injury caused by the user not holding the auxiliary handle firmly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5899471 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5914809 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional power tools (power tools) have the following problems. That is, in the electric power tool disclosed in the above publication, since there is no power source on the auxiliary handle side, it is necessary to supply power to the auxiliary handle from the main body side. In this case, if the power supply from the main body to the auxiliary handle is a contact type, the contact part is exposed when the auxiliary handle is not attached, and there is a risk of short circuit, rust, etc., which restricts the environment in which the electric power tool can be used.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a power tool having an auxiliary handle that can be used without being restricted by the environment in which it is used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The power tool according to the first invention is a power tool that performs a predetermined task by driving an attached tool tip, and includes a main body and an auxiliary handle that is detachably attached to the main body and is gripped by a user during work. The auxiliary handle has a grip detection unit that detects gripping of the auxiliary handle by the user and transmits a grip detection signal, a transmission unit that transmits the grip detection signal received from the grip detection unit, and a non-contact power receiving unit to which power is supplied from the main body. The main body has a drive unit that drives the tool tip, a receiving unit that receives the grip detection signal from the transmitting unit, a control unit that operates the drive unit based on the grip detection signal received by the receiving unit, and a non-contact power supply unit that supplies power to the non-contact power receiving unit on the auxiliary handle side.

[0007] Here, in a work tool including an auxiliary handle that is detachably attached to the main body so that the work tool can be held with both hands and used in a stable position to perform various tasks, the auxiliary handle is supplied with power from a non-contact power supply unit provided on the main body side, and when it detects that the auxiliary handle is being gripped by the user, it transmits a grip detection signal to the main body. Here, the power tools include, for example, power tools such as electric screwdrivers, grinders, jigsaws, and chainsaws, which perform various operations by driving a tool tip with electricity or air.

[0008] This makes it possible to prevent electrical contacts between the main body and the auxiliary handle from being exposed at the connection portion when the auxiliary handle is not attached to a power tool that can be operated by detecting that the auxiliary handle is gripped by a user, thereby preventing short circuits, rust, and the like from occurring at the exposed contact portions. As a result, in a configuration equipped with an auxiliary handle, the device can be used without being restricted by the usage environment.

[0009] The power tool of the second invention is the power tool of the first invention, further comprising alignment portions provided on the main body and the auxiliary handle, respectively, for aligning the connection portion between the main body and the auxiliary handle. Here, the alignment unit aligns the connection portion between the main body unit and the auxiliary handle so that the non-contact power supply unit provided on the main body unit side and the non-contact power receiving unit provided on the auxiliary handle side are positioned close to each other.

[0010] Here, the alignment portion includes, for example, a combination of a recess and a protrusion, a combination of a protrusion and a groove, and the like. This allows efficient power supply from the non-contact power supply unit on the main body side to the non-contact power receiving unit on the auxiliary handle side.

[0011] The power tool of the third invention is the power tool of the second invention, wherein the alignment portion is a combination of a convex portion and a concave portion that protrude in a direction intersecting the attachment direction of the auxiliary handle to the main body portion. Here, the alignment portion provided at the connection between the main body and the auxiliary handle is configured by a combination of a convex portion and a concave portion that protrude in a direction intersecting the mounting direction. This makes it possible to easily perform alignment in a plane intersecting the mounting direction by fitting the convex portion and the concave portion that protrude in a direction intersecting the mounting direction.

[0012] The power tool according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the power tool according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, further comprising a locking portion that holds the auxiliary handle relative to the main body. Here, a locking portion is provided that holds the auxiliary handle so that it does not fall off from the main body when the auxiliary handle is attached to the main body. This allows the auxiliary handle to be securely held in the main body, preventing the detachable auxiliary handle from falling off.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the power tool according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the main body further includes an operating unit operated by a user, and the control unit controls the drive unit according to the amount of operation of the operating unit when the operating unit is operated. Here, an operating unit such as a trigger switch that controls the drive unit in response to an amount of operation performed by a user is provided on the main body. This allows the user to carry out various tasks while holding the auxiliary handle with one hand and the operating part with the other.

[0014] The power tool of the sixth invention is a power tool of any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the auxiliary handle further has a grip detection signal processing unit that processes the grip detection signal received from the grip detection unit and transmits the processed signal to the transmission unit. Here, a grip detection signal processing unit provided on the auxiliary handle processes a grip detection signal transmitted from the auxiliary handle to the main body unit when it detects that the auxiliary handle is being gripped by a user, and generates a processed signal. This makes it possible, for example, to convert a voltage value detected as a grip detection signal into a pulse signal (processed signal) and transmit it to the main body.

[0015] A power tool according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the power tool according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, wherein the control unit determines whether or not to permit operation of the drive unit based on the processed signal received by the receiving unit. Here, for example, it is determined whether or not to permit the operation of the drive unit based on whether or not a processed signal (for example, a pulse signal) indicating that the user has gripped the auxiliary handle has been received. This makes it possible to control so that, for example, when the user is not gripping the auxiliary handle, i.e., when the processing signal is not being received, the operation of the drive unit is not permitted.

[0016] The power tool of the eighth invention is a power tool of any one of the first to seventh inventions, wherein the transmitter on the auxiliary handle performs non-contact communication with the receiver on the main body. Here, communication between the main body and the auxiliary handle is performed by non-contact communication. This allows various signals, such as a grip detection signal, to be transmitted and received in a non-contact manner between the main body and the auxiliary handle, which is detachable from the main body.

[0017] The power tool according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the power tool according to any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, wherein the grip detection portion is a pressure sensor. Here, a pressure sensor is used as a grip detection unit that detects the grip of the auxiliary handle by the user and transmits a grip detection signal. This allows the strength (pressure) with which the user holds the auxiliary handle to be detected and transmitted to the main body, thereby enabling the output torque of the drive unit to be controlled according to the holding strength detected in the grip detection unit, for example.

[0018] The power tool according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the power tool according to any one of the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, wherein the drive unit is a motor that rotates and drives the tool bit. Here, a motor driven by electricity is used as the drive unit. This makes it possible to electrically control the output torque of the drive unit, for example, in response to a grip detection signal detected by the grip detection unit. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the power tool of the present invention, in a configuration in which the auxiliary handle is provided, it can be used without being restricted by the usage environment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall perspective view showing a configuration of a power tool according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view showing the power tool of FIG. 1 with an auxiliary handle detached from a main body. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the power tool of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2A and 2B are perspective views showing the arrangement of pressure sensors provided in the auxiliary handle of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 5(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views showing a connection structure between the auxiliary handle and the main body in FIG. 4(a). [Figure 6] 3(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views showing the configuration of a lock mechanism that maintains the connection between the auxiliary handle and the main body in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 3(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views showing the configuration of a lock release mechanism that releases the connection between the auxiliary handle and the main body in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing a process flow when gripping of an auxiliary handle of the power tool in FIG. 1 is detected and an operation is performed. [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when the grip detection signal in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is processed according to the detection level. [Figure 10] 10(a) to 10(d) are diagrams showing processed signals obtained by processing grip detection signals detected in the processing in the flowchart of FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing a process flow of operation permission control based on a grip value when an auxiliary handle is gripped in the power tool of FIG. 1; [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing a process flow of update control of the operation permission threshold based on a behavior detection signal detected by an acceleration sensor in the power tool of FIG. 1; [Figure 13]13(a) to 13(c) are graphs illustrating the update control of the operation permission threshold value in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 13 is a diagram showing the work modes set in the power tool of FIG. 1, and the corresponding operation permission thresholds, operation permission grip value ranges, first behavior detection thresholds, and second behavior detection thresholds of FIG. 12; [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is an overall perspective view showing the configuration of an electric power tool provided with another locking mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 16 is a perspective view showing the power tool of FIG. 15 with the auxiliary handle removed from the main body. [Figure 17] 17(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views showing the configuration of a lock mechanism that maintains the connection between the auxiliary handle and the main body in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] 17(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views showing the configuration of a lock release mechanism that releases the connection between the auxiliary handle and the main body in FIG. 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] A power tool (power tool) 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 14. Note that the content described below is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and it is not intended that the present invention be limited to the configuration described in this embodiment. (1) Configuration of power tool 10 As shown in FIG. 1, the power tool 10 of this embodiment is used for various tasks such as tightening screws, loosening screws, drilling holes, etc. by rotating a tip tool 30, such as a screwdriver or drill, attached to the tip portion by a brushless motor (drive unit 17) supplied with power from a battery (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the power tool 10 includes a main body 11 and an auxiliary handle 20 that is detachably attached to the main body 11.

[0022] (2) Configuration of main body 11 The main body 11 is equipped with a drive unit 17 that is powered by a built-in battery (not shown), and performs various tasks by replacing various tip tools 30 that are removably attached to the tip portion.

[0023] 1, the main body 11 includes a rotating section 12 having a tip tool 30 attached to its tip portion and rotated by a driving section 17 (see FIG. 3), a main handle 13 held by a user's right hand during work, an operating section (trigger switch) 14 that drives the driving section 17 (see FIG. 3) in response to the amount of operation, and a connected section 15 to which an auxiliary handle 20 is attached. Also, the main body 11 includes a control section 16, a driving section 17, a non-contact power supply section 18, and a signal receiving section (receiving section) 19 inside, as shown in FIG.

[0024] 1, the rotating unit 12 is provided at the tip of the main body 11 where the tip tool 30 is attached. The rotating unit 12 is rotated by a drive unit 17 (see FIG. 3) to perform various operations according to the attached tip tool 30. As shown in FIG. 1, main handle 13 is a gripping portion for a user that extends downward from the bottom surface of main body 11, and in power tool 10 shown in FIG. 1, is held by the user's right hand during operation.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 1, the operation unit (trigger switch) 14 is provided near the base of the main handle 13, and during work, it is operated by the index finger of the right hand of the user holding the main handle 13. Then, as shown in Fig. 3, the operation unit 14 transmits an operation signal according to the amount of operation to the control unit 16. In response to this, the control unit 16 drives the drive unit 17 so as to achieve a rotation speed according to the amount of operation of the operation unit 14.

[0026] 2, the connected portion 15 is a substantially cylindrical portion provided on the left side surface of the main body 11, and is adapted to attach the auxiliary handle 20. The connected portion 15 has a cylindrical portion 15a, an attachment / detachment button 15b, and an insertion hole 15c. 2, the cylindrical portion 15a is disposed substantially perpendicular to the left side surface of the main body 11, and the auxiliary handle 20 is inserted and attached to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. Also, a first recess (alignment portion) 15aa and a second recess (alignment portion) 15ab that are recessed radially outward are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 15a.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the first recess 15aa is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 15a, and a first protrusion 23aa formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 23 on the auxiliary handle 20 side is inserted into the first recess 15aa. As shown in FIG. 2, the second recess 15ab is formed at a position opposite to the first recess 15aa on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 15a, and the second protrusion 23ab formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 23 on the auxiliary handle 20 side is inserted into it.

[0028] Here, the first recess 15aa is formed so as to have a groove width (a dimension in a direction intersecting the insertion direction) smaller than that of the second recess 15ab. As shown in FIG. 2, the attachment / detachment button 15b is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 15a, and when pressed, causes the auxiliary handle 20 to transition from a held state to a detachable state.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the insertion hole 15c is a hole formed substantially in the center of the cylindrical portion 15a, and the insertion shaft 22a on the auxiliary handle 20 side is inserted into the insertion hole 15c. 3, the control unit 16 is connected to the operation unit 14 and the signal receiving unit 19. The control unit 16 controls the number of rotations of the drive unit 17 based on the operation amount signal received from the operation unit 14. The control unit 16 also determines whether or not to permit the operation of the drive unit 17 based on the detection result (amount of shaking) of the acceleration sensor 28 received via the signal receiving unit 19 and a grip detection signal (grip force) indicating that the user has gripped the grip unit 21 of the auxiliary handle 20.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, the drive unit 17 is a motor driven by electricity, and applies a rotational drive force to the tool tip 30 (the rotating unit 12). As shown in FIG. 3, the non-contact power supply unit 18 receives power from a battery (not shown), and also supplies power from the main body 11 to the non-contact power receiving unit 24 of the auxiliary handle 20 in a non-contact state without passing through electrical wiring or the like. As shown in FIG. 3, the signal receiving section (receiving section) 19 receives the detection results of the pressure sensor 25 and the acceleration sensor 28 provided on the auxiliary handle 20 side via the signal transmitting section 26 on the auxiliary handle 20 side.

[0031] (3) Configuration of the auxiliary handle 20 The auxiliary handle 20 is held by the left hand of the user so that the user can perform the work in a stable state, for example, when performing work in which the drive unit 17 outputs a high torque rotational drive force. The auxiliary handle 20 is detachably attached to the connection part 15 provided on the left side surface of the main body 11, as shown in FIG.

[0032] Incidentally, the auxiliary handle 20 may be attached to the right side surface of the main body 11, or to another portion such as the upper or lower portion, instead of the left side surface of the main body 11 as shown in FIG. 1, the auxiliary handle 20 includes a grip portion 21, a connection portion 22, and a cylindrical portion 23. The auxiliary handle 20 also includes therein a non-contact power receiving portion 24, a pressure sensor 25, a signal transmitting portion (transmitting portion) 26, a grip detection signal processing portion 27, and an acceleration sensor (behavior detecting portion) 28, as shown in FIG.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, grip portion 21 is a portion of auxiliary handle 20 that is gripped by the user's left hand, and is disposed so as to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the left side surface of main body 11. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting portion 22 is a portion to be connected to the cylindrical portion 15a of the connected portion 15 of the main body portion 11, and has an insertion shaft 22a that protrudes toward the main body portion 11.

[0034] The insertion shaft 22a is inserted into an insertion hole 15c provided at the center of the cylindrical portion 15a of the main body 11. 1, the cylindrical portion 23 is inserted into the inner peripheral surface side of the cylindrical portion 15a constituting the connected portion 15 of the main body portion 11. As a result, the auxiliary handle 20 is aligned with the left side surface of the main body portion 11. Then, on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 23, a first convex portion (alignment portion) 23aa and a second convex portion (alignment portion) 23ab that protrude radially inward are formed.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the first protrusion 23aa is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 23, and is inserted along the first recess 15aa formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 15a on the main body 11 side. As shown in FIG. 2, the second convex portion 23ab is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 23 opposite the first convex portion 23aa, and is inserted along the second recess portion 15ab formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 15a on the main body portion 11 side.

[0036] Here, the first protrusion 23aa is formed so as to have a smaller width (dimension in a direction intersecting the insertion direction) than the second protrusion 23ab. As a result, the first convex portion 23aa and the second convex portion 23ab on the auxiliary handle 20 side are inserted along the first recess 15aa and the second recess 15ab on the main body portion 11 side, respectively. As a result, the auxiliary handle 20 can be positioned in the rotation direction around the insertion axis 22a.

[0037] Furthermore, since the widths of the first convex portion 23aa and the second convex portion 23ab (the first recess 15aa and the second recess 15ab) are different, the auxiliary handle 20 cannot be attached even if it is rotated 180 degrees. Therefore, the auxiliary handle 20 can be reliably positioned in the rotational direction around the insertion axis 22a.

[0038] 3, the non-contact power receiving unit 24 is supplied with power from the non-contact power supply unit 18 of the main body 11, and supplies power to other components (the pressure sensor 25, the signal transmitting unit 26, the grip detection signal processing unit 27, and the acceleration sensor 28). As a result, the auxiliary handle 20 is supplied with power from the main body 11 side, and therefore can have a simple configuration without having an internal power source such as a battery.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the pressure sensor 25 is provided inside the gripping portion 21 of the auxiliary handle 20 that is gripped by the user, and detects whether or not the user is gripping the gripping portion 21, or the degree of gripping force with which the user is gripping the gripping portion 21, and transmits the result to the grip detection signal processing unit 27. 4(a), the pressure sensor 25 is a pressure sensor 25a disposed so as to extend along the longitudinal direction deep in the grip portion 21 of the auxiliary handle 20. As a result, when the grip portion 21 is gripped by the user, the pressure sensor 25 detects the grip and transmits a signal according to the gripping force to the grip detection signal processing unit.

[0040] The pressure sensor 25 may be a pressure sensor 25b disposed at the base of the auxiliary handle 20 as shown in FIG. 4(b). As shown in Figure 3, the signal transmitting unit (transmitting unit) 26 transmits a grip detection signal detected by the pressure sensor 25 and a behavior detection signal indicating the behavior (amount of shaking) of the auxiliary handle 20 detected by the acceleration sensor 28 to the signal receiving unit 19 of the main body 11.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the grip detection signal processing unit 27 performs processing to convert the grip detection signal detected by the pressure sensor 25 into different pulse signals according to the grip force (see FIGS. 10(a) to 10(d)). The acceleration sensor (behavior detection unit) 28 is provided to detect the behavior (amount of shaking occurring during work) of the auxiliary handle 20, and transmits the detected amount of shaking to the signal transmission unit 26, as shown in Fig. 3. The acceleration sensor 28 is also disposed at the end of the auxiliary handle 20, as shown in Fig. 4(a) and Fig. 4(b). This makes it possible to more effectively detect the behavior (amount of shaking) of the auxiliary handle 20 that occurs during work, compared to a configuration in which the acceleration sensor 28 is disposed near the center of the power tool 10 (near the connection portion).

[0042] <Connection structure between main body 11 and auxiliary handle 20> The connection structure of the auxiliary handle 20 to the main body 11 in the power tool 10 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 5(a) and 5(b).

[0043] In addition, in the configuration shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), for ease of explanation, only the connected portion 15 is shown as the configuration on the main body portion 11 side, and configurations other than the connected portion 15 are omitted from the illustration. That is, in this embodiment, the auxiliary handle 20 is inserted in a state in which the insertion axis 22a on the auxiliary handle 20 side is inserted into the insertion hole 15c on the main body portion 11 side, as shown in Figure 5 (a), and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 23 is inserted into the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 15a of the connected portion 15 of the main body portion 11.

[0044] At this time, due to the alignment effect of the above-mentioned alignment portions (first and second recesses 15aa, 15ab and first and second convex portions 23aa, 23ab), the non-contact power supply unit 18 provided on the main body 11 side and the non-contact power receiving unit 24 on the auxiliary handle 20 side are positioned close to each other and facing each other, as shown in Figure 5 (b). This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of power supply from non-contact power supply unit 18 to non-contact power receiving unit 24.

[0045] In addition, due to the alignment effect of the above-mentioned alignment portions (first and second recesses 15aa, 15ab and first and second convex portions 23aa, 23ab), the signal receiving unit 19 provided on the main body 11 side and the signal transmitting unit 26 on the auxiliary handle 20 side are arranged in close proximity to each other in opposing positions, as shown in Figure 5 (b). This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of signal transmission from the signal transmitting unit 26 to the signal receiving unit 19.

[0046] <Locking mechanism for holding the main body 11 and the auxiliary handle 20> In the power tool 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), a locking portion (locking mechanism) 62b is provided at the tip of the insertion shaft 62a on the auxiliary handle 20 side, and a locked portion (locking mechanism) 56c is provided on the main body 11 side. FIG. 6(a) shows the power tool 10 in a state immediately before the connecting portion 22 (cylindrical portion 23) on the auxiliary handle 20 side is connected to the connected portion 15 on the main body 11 side.

[0047] Here, the unlocking button 56, which will be described later, is always biased by an elastic member 56b such as a spring toward the outside in the radial direction centered on the central axis of the cylindrical portion 15a, and is provided on the main body portion 11 side in a state in which it can move along the radial direction. An insertion hole 56a into which the insertion shaft 62a is inserted is provided at the bottom of the unlocking button 56. When the connection portion 22 of the auxiliary handle 20 is brought closer to the connected portion 15 of the main body portion 11 from the state shown in Figure 6(a), the locking portion 62b provided at the tip of the insertion shaft 62a is inserted along the insertion hole 56a of the unlock button 56 provided at the center of the cylindrical portion 15a of the main body portion 11.

[0048] At this time, the insertion shaft 62a has a locking portion 62b at its tip that protrudes radially inward. The locking portion 62b has a tapered surface at its tip that is arranged at an angle with respect to the insertion direction. Therefore, the insertion shaft 62a advances inside the insertion hole 56a while pressing the insertion hole 56a (unlock button 56) radially inward (downward in the figure), and is held in the position shown in FIG. 6(b).

[0049] In the state shown in FIG. 6(b), the rear end face of the portion of the locking portion 62b that protrudes in a direction intersecting the insertion direction is caught on the edge portion (locked portion 56c) of the insertion hole 56a formed in the lower part of the unlock button 56 provided on the main body portion 11 side, and is held in place. This allows the auxiliary handle 20 to be held by the main body 11 and unable to come off, allowing the user to use the power tool 10 with the auxiliary handle 20 in a stable state.

[0050] On the other hand, when removing the auxiliary handle 20 attached to the main body 11, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the unlock button 56 protruding radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 15a of the main body 11 is pushed radially inward. At this time, the unlock button 56 is pushed radially inward, so that the insertion hole 56a, which is a part of the unlock button 56, also moves radially inward.

[0051] As a result, the locked portion 56c provided on the edge portion of the insertion hole 56a also moves radially inward, thereby releasing the locked relationship between the locking portion 62b provided at the tip of the insertion shaft 62a on the auxiliary handle 20 side and the locked portion 56c. As a result, the insertion shaft 62a of the auxiliary handle 20 can be pulled out of the insertion hole 56a of the main body 11, and the auxiliary handle 20 can be removed from the main body 11, as shown in FIG. 7(b).

[0052] <Operation control of the drive unit 17 in the power tool 10> The power tool 10 of this embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration, and when performing work with the auxiliary handle 20 attached, performs control by detecting whether the auxiliary handle 20 is being gripped. The process flow of such operation control will be described below with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0053] That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the power tool 10 of this embodiment first waits in step S11 until the pressure sensor 25 on the auxiliary handle 20 side detects a grip detection signal indicating that the grip portion 21 is being gripped by the user. Then, when a grip detection signal is detected in step S11, in step S12, the grip detection signal processing unit 27 on the auxiliary handle 20 converts the grip detection signal from a voltage value to a pulse-shaped level signal, and outputs the converted processed signal to the signal transmission unit 26.

[0054] Next, in step S13, the signal transmitting unit 26 on the auxiliary handle 20 side transmits a processed signal to the signal receiving unit 19 on the main body unit 11 side. Next, in step S14, the signal receiving section 19 on the main body section 11 side receives the processed signal from the signal transmitting section 26 on the auxiliary handle 20 side, and outputs it to the control section 16. Next, in step S15, the control unit 16 on the main body unit 11 side waits until a signal indicating the amount of operation detected when the user operates the operation unit 14 is input.

[0055] Then, in step S15, when the input of the amount of operation by which the operation unit 14 is operated is detected, it is found that the user has operated the operation unit 14 while gripping the auxiliary handle 20. Therefore, upon detecting such a state indicating gripping of the auxiliary handle 20 and operation of the operating unit 14, in step S16, the control unit 16 permits operation of the driving unit 17. This allows the work using the power tool 10 with the auxiliary handle 20 to be performed in a stable state.

[0056] The grip detection signal detected in step S11 may be output as a signal with a different level depending on the strength with which the user grips the grip portion 21 of the auxiliary handle 20. In this case, processing is performed according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 9. The flowchart shown in Fig. 9 differs from that of Fig. 8 only in that step S12 is changed to steps S12a and S12b, and the processing in other steps S is the same as that of Fig. 8.

[0057] That is, when a grip detection signal is detected in step S11, which is detected when the user grips the grip portion 21 of the auxiliary handle 20, the detection level (voltage value) of the grip detection signal is determined in step S12a. Here, the detection level (voltage value) of the grip detection signal is judged in four stages: strong, medium, weak, and none.

[0058] Next, in step S12b, the grip detection signal processing unit 27 converts the grip detection signal into four types of processing signals according to the detection level of the grip detection signal determined in step S12a. Specifically, the grip detection signal processing unit 27 converts the grip detection signal detected by the pressure sensor 25 into four types of processing signals shown in FIG. 10(a) to FIG. 10(d).

[0059] When the detection level of the grip detection signal is "strong", as shown in FIG. 10(a), the grip detection signal processing unit 27 converts it into a pulse-shaped processed signal having the largest pulse width. When the detection level of the grip detection signal is "medium", the grip detection signal processor 27 converts it into a pulse-shaped processed signal having a smaller pulse width than that of "strong", as shown in FIG. 10(b).

[0060] When the detection level of the grip detection signal is "weak", the grip detection signal processing unit 27 converts it into a pulse-shaped processed signal having a narrower pulse width than "medium", as shown in FIG. 10(c). When the detection level of the grip detection signal is "absent", as shown in FIG. 10(d), the grip detection signal processing unit 27 converts it into a pulse-like processed signal having the smallest pulse width. As a result, the signal transmitting unit 26 on the auxiliary handle 20 transmits a processed signal that classifies the grip detection signal detected by the pressure sensor 25 into four levels depending on the strength of the gripping force, thereby enabling the control unit 16 on the main body unit 11 to recognize how strongly the user is gripping the auxiliary handle 20.

[0061] <Operation permission control of the drive unit 17 by the power tool 10> In the power tool 10 of this embodiment, an operation permission control of the drive unit 17 is performed to perform work in a safer state with the auxiliary handle 20 attached. The operation permission control of the drive unit 17 will be described below with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0062] That is, in the power tool 10 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, first, in step S21, the control unit 16 on the main body 11 side determines whether or not the preset mode is the "low speed high torque mode." If the "low speed, high torque mode" has been set, the process proceeds to step S22, and if not, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0063] The "low speed, high torque mode" determined here is one of the modes set in the control unit 16 in advance. As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 16 is set to a "high speed, low torque mode" in which the drive unit is controlled to output low torque at a high rotation speed, and a "low speed, high torque mode" in which the drive unit is controlled to output high torque at a lower rotation speed than in the high speed, low torque mode.

[0064] 14, in the control unit 16, the "high speed, low torque mode" is subdivided into five stages, control numbers H1 to H5, depending on the range of grip values ​​that allow the operation of the drive unit 17. Similarly, the "low speed, high torque mode" is subdivided into three stages, control numbers L1 to L3, depending on the range of grip values ​​that allow the operation of the drive unit 17. The "low speed, high torque mode" determined in step S21 is a mode in which the rotation speed provided by the drive unit 17 is relatively low but a high torque is provided, and is selected when work requires torque rather than rotation speed. Since the "low speed, high torque mode" outputs a high torque compared to other modes, the user needs to hold the power tool 10 firmly while working. Therefore, in step S21, it is first determined whether the mode is the "low speed, high torque mode."

[0065] Next, in step S22, since it is determined in step S21 that the mode is the "low speed, high torque mode", the control unit 16 calls up a pre-registered low speed, high torque control number from a storage unit such as a memory (not shown). Next, in step S23, it is determined whether or not the auxiliary handle 20 is attached to the main body 11. If the auxiliary handle 20 is attached to the main body 11, the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if the auxiliary handle 20 is not attached, it is determined that the conditions for performing work in the "low speed, high torque mode" are not met, and the process proceeds to step S28, where the operation of the drive unit 17 is prohibited and the process ends.

[0066] This allows work in the "low speed, high torque mode" to be performed with the auxiliary handle 20 reliably attached to the main body 11, thereby improving safety. Here, the presence or absence of the auxiliary handle 20 may be detected by determining whether or not communication is performed between the signal receiving unit 19 on the main body 11 and the signal transmitting unit 26 on the auxiliary handle 20. Alternatively, the presence or absence of the auxiliary handle 20 may be determined using a sensor or the like that detects the attachment of the auxiliary handle 20.

[0067] Next, in step S24, it is determined whether or not the value of the grip detection signal (grip value) detected by pressure sensor 25 on the auxiliary handle 20 side is within the range of operation allowable grip values ​​corresponding to the control number called in step S22. Here, if the grip value is within the range of the permissible operational grip value, it is determined that the conditions for performing work in the "low speed, high torque mode" are met, and the process proceeds to step S25, where operation of the drive unit 17 is permitted and the process is terminated.

[0068] On the other hand, if the grip value is smaller than the range of the permissible grip value for operation, it is determined that the conditions for performing the operation in the "low speed, high torque mode" are not met, and the process proceeds to step S26. Next, in step S26, because it was determined in step S21 that the mode is not "low speed, high torque mode," or because it was determined in step S24 that the grip value is smaller than the range of permissible grip values, the control number for the "high speed, low torque mode," which has more lenient usage conditions than the "low speed, high torque mode," is called.

[0069] Next, in step S27, it is determined whether or not the grip value is within the range of operation allowable grip values ​​corresponding to the control number of the "high speed, low torque mode" called in step S26. Here, if the grip value is within the range of the permissible operation grip value, it is determined that the conditions for performing the "high speed, low torque mode" operation are met, and the process proceeds to step S25, where the operation of the drive unit 17 is permitted and the process is terminated.

[0070] On the other hand, if the grip value is smaller than the range of permissible grip values, it is determined that the conditions for performing work in the "high speed, low torque mode" are not met, and the process proceeds to step S28, where the operation of the drive unit 17 is prohibited and the process ends. As described above, in the power tool 10 of this embodiment, when working in a "low speed, high torque mode" or the like that requires safe work using the auxiliary handle 20, the grip of the auxiliary handle 20 is detected, and it is determined whether the magnitude of the grip force (grip value) is within the range corresponding to the set mode, and operation of the drive unit 17 is permitted only if it is within the range, thereby enabling safer work to be performed using the power tool 10 with the auxiliary handle 20.

[0071] Furthermore, in the power tool 10 of this embodiment, the operation permission control of the drive unit 17 is performed according to the gripping force with which the auxiliary handle 20 described above is gripped, and as shown in FIG. 12, the behavior (amount of shaking) of the power tool 10 is detected, and if the amount of shaking exceeds a predetermined range, control is performed to stop the operation of the drive unit 17. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, first, in step S31, the control unit 16 on the main body unit 11 side acquires, via the signal transmitting unit 26 and the signal receiving unit 19, a behavior detection signal detected by the acceleration sensor 28 provided at the end of the grip unit 21 on the auxiliary handle 20 side.

[0072] This allows the control unit 16 to recognize that the power tool 10 is shaking. Next, in step S32, as shown in FIG. 13(a), it is determined whether or not the behavior detection signal received from the acceleration sensor 28 exceeds a first behavior detection threshold of two preset thresholds (first and second behavior detection thresholds) within a predetermined time during work (e.g., 60 seconds).

[0073] Here, if the behavior detection signal exceeds the first preset behavior detection threshold as shown in Fig. 13(a), the process proceeds to step S33. On the other hand, if the behavior detection signal does not exceed the first preset behavior detection threshold as shown in Fig. 13(b), the process proceeds to step S27. As shown in Fig. 14, the first behavior detection threshold is set for each control number of a preset mode. For example, in the case of control numbers H1 to H5 of the high-speed low-torque mode, the first behavior detection threshold is 20 m / s 2 In the case of control No. L1 to L3 of the low-speed, high-torque mode, the first behavior detection threshold is set to 18 m / s, which is smaller than the value in the high-speed, low-torque mode. 2 is set.

[0074] Next, in step S33, since it is determined in step S32 that the first behavior detection threshold has been exceeded, the control unit 16 determines that the amount of shaking of the power tool 10 is large, and stops the operation of the drive unit 17 to discontinue the work. Next, in step S34, the control unit 16 acquires from the pressure sensor 25 the magnitude of the gripping force (grip value) of the auxiliary handle 20 when the first behavior detection threshold was exceeded (when the amount of shaking was large).

[0075] Next, in step S35, the control unit 16 checks the grip value acquired from the pressure sensor 25 against the range of operational allowable grip values ​​in the control table for each control No. of the set work mode shown in FIG. FIG. 14 shows a control table including the range of gripping values ​​permitted for operation in the control table for each control No. of the set work mode.

[0076] For example, in the case of control Nos. H1 to H5 in the high-speed, low-torque mode, the allowable grip value ranges are set to 26 kg or more, 21 to 25 kg, 16 to 20 kg, 11 to 15 kg, and 0 to 10 kg. In the case of control Nos. L1 to L3 in the low-speed, high-torque mode, the allowable grip value ranges are set to 26 kg or more, 21 to 25 kg, and 0 to 20 kg.

[0077] Next, in step S36, the range of the gripping operation allowance value is updated to a larger range in the table based on the result of the comparison in step S35, and the process returns to step S31. As a result, if, depending on the user's skill, the amount of shaking becomes large even within the range of the permissible grip value corresponding to the control No. of each work mode, the user's skill is determined to be low, and the range of grip values ​​for which operation of the drive unit 17 is permitted can be changed to a larger value range, as shown in Figure 13(c).

[0078] Therefore, by optimizing the range of the allowable grip value according to the skill of the user, the safety of the user can be ensured and appropriate control can be performed taking into account the skill differences of users. Furthermore, in step S37, since it is determined in step S32 that the acquired behavior detection signal does not exceed the first behavior detection threshold, the amount of shaking is considered to be relatively small. Therefore, in step S37, as shown in Fig. 13(b), a second behavior detection threshold smaller than the first behavior detection threshold is set within a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds), and it is determined whether the acquired behavior detection signal exceeds the second behavior detection threshold.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 14, the second behavior detection threshold is set for each control number of a preset mode. For example, in the case of control numbers H1 to H5 of the high-speed low-torque mode, the second behavior detection threshold is set to a value lower than the first behavior detection threshold (20 m / s 2 ) less than 15m / s 2 In the case of control No. L1 to L3 of the low-speed, high-torque mode, the second behavior detection threshold is set to be smaller than the value in the high-speed, low-torque mode and is set to be equal to or smaller than the first behavior detection threshold (18 m / s 2 ) less than 12m / s 2 is set.

[0080] If the behavior detection signal exceeds the second behavior detection threshold, the process proceeds to step S38. On the other hand, if the behavior detection signal does not exceed the second behavior detection threshold, the process determines that the amount of shaking of the power tool 10 is small and that the power tool 10 is in a good working condition, and returns to step S31 without stopping the operation of the drive unit 17. Next, in step S38, since it is determined in step S37 that the second behavior detection threshold has been exceeded, the control unit 16 sets the processing flag to ON.

[0081] Next, in step S39, it is determined whether or not the number of times that the value of the detected behavior detection signal exceeds the second behavior detection threshold within a predetermined time (eg, 60 seconds) exceeds a predetermined number of times (eg, 5 times). If the detected value of the behavior detection signal exceeds the second behavior detection threshold a predetermined number of times (e.g., 5 times), the process proceeds to step S40. On the other hand, if the detected value of the behavior detection signal does not exceed the second behavior detection threshold a predetermined number of times (e.g., 5 times), the process proceeds to step S43.

[0082] Next, in step S40, since it is determined in step S39 that the value of the detected behavior detection signal has exceeded the second behavior detection threshold a predetermined number of times (e.g., five times), although there has not been a large amount of shaking that would exceed the first behavior detection threshold, taking into consideration that shaking that exceeds the second behavior detection threshold has occurred many times within a predetermined time, the control unit 16 acquires from the pressure sensor 25 the maximum value of the magnitude of the gripping force (grip value) of the auxiliary handle 20 during the period in which the second behavior detection threshold was exceeded.

[0083] Next, in step S41, the control unit 16 compares the maximum grip value acquired from the pressure sensor 25 with the range of operational allowable grip values ​​in the control table for each control No. of the set work mode shown in FIG. Next, in step S42, based on the result of the comparison in step S41, the table is updated to include a larger range of the operation allowance grip value, as shown in FIG. 13(c), and the process returns to step S31.

[0084] As a result, depending on the user's skill, if shaking exceeding the second behavior detection threshold occurs more than a predetermined number of times even within the range of the operation allowable grip value corresponding to the control No. of each work mode, the user's skill is determined to be low, and the range of grip values ​​for which operation of the drive unit 17 is allowed is changed to a larger value range. Therefore, by optimizing the range of the allowable grip value according to the skill of the user, the safety of the user can be ensured and appropriate control can be performed taking into account the skill differences of users.

[0085] Next, in step S43, since it is determined in step S39 that the value of the detected behavior detection signal has not exceeded the second behavior detection threshold a predetermined number of times (e.g., 5 times), it is determined that the number of vibrations of the power tool 10 is small and the working condition is good, and the process proceeds to step S44 without stopping the operation of the drive unit 17. Next, in step S44, the processing flag that was turned ON in step S38 is turned OFF, and the process returns to step S31.

[0086] In the power tool 10 of this embodiment, as described above, when an amount of shaking exceeding the first behavior detection threshold occurs during work using the power tool 10 with the auxiliary handle 20, the operation of the drive unit 17 is immediately stopped, and the magnitude of the force for gripping the grip portion 21 of the auxiliary handle 20 set to permit operation (operation permitting grip value) is changed to a larger value as shown in Figure 13 (c).

[0087] As a result, if an amount of shaking exceeds the first behavior detection threshold, the driving of the drive unit 17 is stopped to ensure safety, and the table can be rewritten so that operation of the drive unit 17 is not permitted unless the object is gripped with a greater force. Furthermore, if an amount of shaking occurs that does not exceed the first behavior detection threshold but exceeds the second behavior detection threshold, and occurs a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time, the driving of the drive unit 17 is stopped to ensure safety, and the table can be rewritten so that operation of the drive unit 17 is not permitted unless the object is gripped with a greater force.

[0088] On the other hand, if the detected behavior detection signal does not exceed the first behavior detection threshold, or if the amount of shaking occurs that does not exceed the first behavior detection threshold but exceeds the second behavior detection threshold and the number of shaking occurrences within a specified time does not exceed a specified number, it is determined that the number of shakings of the power tool 10 is small and the working condition is good, and work can be continued without stopping the operation of the drive unit 17.

[0089] [Other embodiments] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention. (A) In the above embodiment, the auxiliary handle 20 is held relative to the main body 11 of the power tool 10 using the locking mechanism (the locked portion 56c and the locking portion 62b) shown in Fig. 6. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0090] For example, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the power tool 110 may include an auxiliary handle 120 that is detachably attached to a main body 111. In addition, in the power tool 110 shown in Figures 15 to 18, different symbols are used for components having configurations different from those of the power tool 10 described in the above embodiment, and the same symbols are used for components having the same configurations as those of the power tool 10, and descriptions of those components are omitted.

[0091] That is, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the power tool 110 employs a lock mechanism (groove 115c and latching portion 123a) different from the lock mechanism shown in FIG. 6 at the connection portion between the main body 111 and the auxiliary handle 120. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, three engagement portions (alignment portions, locking mechanisms) 123a formed to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 123 on the auxiliary handle 120 side are inserted into three recesses (alignment portions) 115b formed along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 115a of the connected portion 115 on the main body portion 111 side.

[0092] Here, it is preferable that the three recesses 115b and the three locking portions 123a have different dimensions in the circumferential direction, respectively. This allows alignment in the rotation direction (the rotation direction around the axis of the cylindrical portion 23) when the auxiliary handle 120 is attached to the main body portion 111. In addition, in the power tool 110, as shown in FIG. 17(a), the three locking portions 123a on the auxiliary handle 120 side are inserted into the three recesses 115b on the main body 111 side, and then the auxiliary handle 120 is rotated clockwise so that the three locking portions 123a engage with the groove portions (locking portions) 115c communicating with the three recesses 115b.

[0093] As a result, the three locking portions 123a are fitted into the grooves 115c. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 17(b), a spring (unlocking mechanism) 132 arranged to be wound around the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 115d provided near the central axis of the cylindrical portion 115a on the main body portion 111 side applies a biasing force to the auxiliary handle 120 in the removal direction, so that the auxiliary handle 120 is held on the main body portion 111 side.

[0094] On the other hand, when removing the auxiliary handle 120 from the main body 111, as shown in FIG. 18(a), the lock release portion 131, which is arranged so that a portion of it protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 115a, is operated to move toward the main body 11, whereby the spring 132, which is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the wall surface of the main body 111, moves in the direction of contraction. In this state, by rotating the auxiliary handle 120 counterclockwise, the three locking portions 123a can be removed from the three recesses 115b. This allows the auxiliary handle 120 to be detached from the main body portion 111 side.

[0095] (B) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the operation permission threshold value and the operation permission grip value range are set for each control number of each work mode (high speed low torque, low speed high torque) as shown in Fig. 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0096] For example, the operation permission threshold value and the range of operation permission grip value set for each control number of each work mode (high speed, low torque, low speed, high torque) are not limited to the values ​​shown in Figure 14, and may be appropriately set to larger or smaller values ​​depending on the type of work tool, work content, etc. Similarly, the first and second behavior detection thresholds set for each control number of each work mode (high speed, low torque, low speed, high torque) are not limited to the values ​​shown in FIG. 14 and may be set to larger or smaller values ​​as appropriate depending on the type of work tool, the work content, etc.

[0097] (C) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the acceleration sensor 28 that detects the behavior of the power tool 10 during operation is provided on the auxiliary handle 20 side. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a behavior detection unit such as an acceleration sensor may be provided on the main body side.

[0098] Even in this case, the behavior detection unit provided on the main body side detects the behavior (amount of shaking) of the power tool (work tool) during work, thereby providing the same effect as above. Furthermore, the behavior detection unit such as an acceleration sensor may be provided on both the main body side and the auxiliary handle side. In addition, even if the behavior detection unit such as an acceleration sensor is provided on the main body side, it is preferable to place it as close to the end as possible, which makes it easier to detect the amount of shaking that occurs in the main body, compared to a configuration in which the behavior detection unit is provided near the center of the main body.

[0099] (D) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which signals are transmitted and received between the main body 11 and the auxiliary handle 20 by non-contact communication. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the communication between the main body and the auxiliary handle may be in a contact state, in which signals are transmitted and received.

[0100] (E) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the acceleration sensor 28 is used as the behavior detection unit that detects the behavior of the power tool 10 during operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the acceleration sensor, another sensor such as a gyro sensor may be used.

[0101] (F) In the above embodiment, the power tool 10 in which the drive unit 17 is driven by power supplied from a replaceable battery (not shown) has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the power tool may be an electric tool in which power is supplied to a drive unit via a power cable to drive the drive unit.

[0102] (G) In the above embodiment, the power tool 10 is described as an example in which the user holds the main handle 13 with his / her right hand and the auxiliary handle 20 with his / her left hand. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the power tool may be equipped with an auxiliary handle so that the main handle is held by the user's left hand and the auxiliary handle is held by the user's right hand.

[0103] (H) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a trigger switch that adjusts the output torque of the drive unit (motor) 17 according to the pulling amount (operation amount) is used as the operation unit for driving the drive unit (motor) 17 of the power tool 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the trigger switch, other switches such as an ON / OFF switch may be used.

[0104] (I) In the above embodiment, the power tool 10 equipped with a motor driven by electricity has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to a power tool in which a drive unit is operated by air instead of electricity.

[0105] (J) In the above embodiment, the power tool according to the present invention has been described as an example in which the present invention is applied to the power tool 10 such as an electric screwdriver. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to power tools for performing various tasks, such as grinders, jigsaws, chainsaws, etc., other than electric screwdrivers. [Industrial Applicability]

[0106] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The power tool of the present invention, in a configuration including an auxiliary handle, has the effect of being usable without being restricted by the usage environment, and is therefore widely applicable to various types of power tools. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 10 Power tools (work tools) 11 Main body 12 Rotating section 13 Main handle 14 Control section 15 Connected Part 15a Cylindrical part 15aa First recess (alignment portion) 15ab Second recess (alignment portion) 15b Detachable button 15c Insertion hole 16 Control section 17 Drive unit 18 Non-contact power supply unit 19 Signal receiving unit (receiving unit) 20 Auxiliary handle 21 Gripping part 22 Connection 22a Insert shaft 23 Cylindrical section 23aa First protrusion (alignment part) 23ab Second protrusion (alignment part) 24 Non-contact power receiving unit 25 Pressure sensor (Grip detection part) 25a, 25b Pressure sensor (grip detection unit) 26 Signal transmission unit (transmission unit) 27 Grasp detection signal processing unit 28 Acceleration sensor (behavior detection section) 30 Tip tools 56 Unlock button (unlock mechanism) 56a Insertion hole 56b Elastic member 56c Locking part (locking mechanism) 62a Insert shaft 62b Locking part (locking mechanism) 110 Power tools (work tools) 111 Main body 115 Connected Part 115a Cylindrical part 115b Recess (alignment portion) 115c Groove (locking mechanism) 115d Cylindrical section 120 Auxiliary Handle 123 Cylindrical part 123a Locking portion (alignment portion, locking mechanism) 131 Unlocking section 132 Spring (unlock mechanism)

Claims

1. A power tool that drives an attached tool tip to perform a predetermined task, A main body portion, An auxiliary handle that is detachably attached to the main body and is held by a user during operation; Equipped with The auxiliary handle is a grip detection unit that detects that the user has gripped the auxiliary handle and transmits a grip detection signal; a transmitter that transmits the grip detection signal received from the grip detection unit; a non-contact power receiving unit to which power is supplied from the main body unit; It has The main body portion is A drive unit that drives the tool bit; a receiving unit that receives the grip detection signal from the transmitting unit; a control unit which operates the drive unit when the value of the grip detection signal received by the receiving unit is within a range of a predetermined operation allowance grip value, and which is set to a high-speed, low-torque mode in which the drive unit is operated and a low torque is output at a high rotation speed, and a low-speed, high-torque mode in which the drive unit is controlled to output a high torque at a rotation speed lower than that in the high-speed, low-torque mode, and which determines that the conditions for performing work in the low-speed, high-torque mode are not met when the auxiliary handle is not attached, and which prohibits the operation of the drive unit and terminates processing; a non-contact power supply unit that supplies power to the non-contact power receiving unit on the auxiliary handle side; It has work tools.

2. The device further includes an alignment portion provided on each of the main body portion and the auxiliary handle, and aligns the connection portion between the main body portion and the auxiliary handle. The power tool according to claim 1.

3. The alignment portion is a combination of a convex portion and a concave portion protruding in a direction intersecting with a mounting direction of the auxiliary handle to the main body portion. The power tool according to claim 2.

4. Further comprising a locking portion for holding the auxiliary handle relative to the main body portion. The power tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The main body further includes an operation unit operated by the user, When the operation unit is operated, the control unit controls the drive unit in accordance with an operation amount of the operation unit. The power tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The auxiliary handle further includes a grip detection signal processing unit that processes the grip detection signal received from the grip detection unit and transmits a pulse-shaped processed signal that changes in response to the magnitude of the grip force to the transmission unit. The power tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The control unit determines to permit operation of the drive unit when the pulse-shaped processing signal received by the receiving unit indicates a predetermined gripping force or more. The power tool according to claim 6.

8. The transmitter on the auxiliary handle performs non-contact communication with the receiver on the main body. The power tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The grip detection unit is a pressure sensor. The power tool according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The drive unit is a motor that rotates the tool bit. The power tool according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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