COMMUNICATION UNIT, ELECTRIC WORK MACHINE, AND COMMUNICATION CONTROL METHOD

Abstract

To improve usability of a user when another electric work machine is operated in conjunction with an electric work machine.SOLUTION: A communication unit 30 configured to be mounted on an electric work machine 1 includes a communication section 31 and a communication control section 32. The communication section 31 performs wireless communication. The communication control section 32 transmits information through the communication section 31. The communication control section 32 has at least one transmission mode as an operation mode. The at least one transmission mode includes an operation transmission mode in which operation information indicating an operation state of a work machine element in the electric work machine 1 is periodically transmitted through the communication section 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication technology for electric operating machines. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which communication means are provided in both the machine tool and the dust collecting device, and the machine tool and the dust collecting device are operated in conjunction with each other by utilizing communication between the communication means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2628431 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When different electric operating machines communicate with each other using a communication means, the communication is generally performed one-to-one with only a specific partner. In other words, it is common to specify a specific partner to be linked and communicate with the specific partner to link the specific partner.

[0005] However, such interlocking with only a specific partner is not necessarily convenient for the user. For example, there may be cases where a user wishes to interlock two or more other electric operating machines when one electric operating machine is in operation.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure preferably improves ease of use for a user when operating other electric operating machines in conjunction with each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A communication unit for an electric work machine (hereinafter, abbreviated as "communication unit") in one aspect of the present disclosure is configured to be mounted on an electric work machine and includes a communication unit and a communication control unit. The communication unit is configured to communicate wirelessly. The communication control unit is configured to transmit information via the communication unit and has at least one transmission mode as an operation mode. The at least one transmission mode includes an operation transmission mode. The operation transmission mode is an operation mode in which operation information indicating the operating state of a work machine element in the electric work machine is periodically transmitted via the communication unit.

[0008] According to this configuration, when the operation mode is set to the operation transmission mode, the operation information is transmitted periodically. As a result, at least one other electric work machine configured to be able to receive the operation information can easily operate in conjunction with the electric work machine that is the transmission source in response to the periodically received operation information. This improves the ease of use for the user when operating other electric work machines in conjunction with each other.

[0009] The at least one transmission mode may include two or more transmission modes including an operational transmission mode. In this case, the communication control unit may further include an operation unit configured to receive an operational input, and when the operational input is received by the operation unit while the operational mode is one of the transmission modes, the communication control unit may be configured to switch the operational mode to a transmission mode other than the current transmission mode based on the operational input. With this configuration, the user can easily switch the transmission mode.

[0010] The communication control unit may be configured to periodically transmit different information for each transmission mode via the communication unit. With such a configuration, by appropriately allocating information for each transmission mode, various information can be transmitted according to the transmission mode. Also, for example, by providing a transmission mode in which no operation information is transmitted in addition to the operation transmission mode, it is possible to prevent the transmission of operation information to other electric operating machines. In other words, it is easy to select whether or not to link with other electric operating machines.

[0011] The communication unit may further include a display unit and a display control unit. When the operation mode of the communication control unit is one of the transmission modes, the display control unit causes the display unit to display transmission mode identification information that can identify whether the current transmission mode is the operational transmission mode or not.

[0012] With this configuration, when the operation mode is set to any transmission mode, the user can easily recognize whether or not it is an operation transmission mode, i.e., whether or not it is a mode in which operation information is transmitted.

[0013] Also, at least two types of transmission cycles may be set as transmission cycles for periodically transmitting information in one or more of the transmission modes. With this configuration, the transmission cycle can be appropriately set according to the transmission mode, and power consumption in the transmission mode can be reduced.

[0014] The shortest transmission cycle of the at least two types of transmission cycles may be set for the operation transmission mode. By setting the shortest transmission cycle for the operation transmission mode, changes in the operation information can be quickly communicated to the surroundings.

[0015] Here, an electric work machine communication unit other than the electric work machine communication unit is defined as a separate unit. In this case, the communication unit may be configured as follows. That is, the at least one transmission mode may include a registration transmission mode. And, when the operation mode is the registration transmission mode, the communication control unit may be configured to periodically transmit, via the communication unit, registration information for registering specific self-unit information indicating the electric work machine communication unit in the separate unit.

[0016] According to this configuration, the operation mode can be set to the registration transmission mode, so that the self-unit information can be registered in the other unit. This makes it possible, for example, to transmit the self-unit information together with the operation information transmitted, so that the operation information can be enabled only for the other unit in which the self-unit information is registered.

[0017] The at least one transmission mode may include a release transmission mode. When the operation mode is the release transmission mode, the communication control unit may be configured to periodically transmit, via the communication unit, release information for causing another unit in which the unit information is registered to release its own unit information from registration.

[0018] According to such a configuration, by setting the operation mode to the release transmission mode, it is possible to cause another unit in which the own unit information is registered to release the registration of the own unit information.

[0019] Here, an electric work machine communication unit other than the electric work machine communication unit is defined as a separate unit, and an electric work machine on which this separate unit is mounted is defined as a separate device. In this case, the communication unit may be configured as follows. That is, the communication control unit may be configured to receive information via the communication unit, and may have at least one reception mode as an operation mode. The at least one reception mode may include an operation reception mode. The operation reception mode is a reception mode that periodically monitors whether or not external operation information indicating the operation state of a work machine element in the separate device on which the separate unit is mounted, which is transmitted from the separate unit, has been received via the communication unit, and when the external operation information has been received, outputs the received external operation information.

[0020] According to this configuration, in addition to the above-mentioned transmission mode, the communication unit also has a reception mode as an operation mode. By setting the operation mode to the operation reception mode, it is possible to output external operation information received from another unit. As a result, for example, the communication unit can output external operation information to an electric operating machine equipped with the communication unit, and the electric operating machine can be operated in conjunction with the communication unit based on the external operation information.

[0021] The at least one reception mode may include a standby reception mode. The communication control unit may be configured to periodically monitor information received via the communication unit when the operation mode is the standby reception mode, and to switch the operation mode to the operation reception mode when external operation information is received via the communication unit.

[0022] According to this configuration, the device can be normally operated in the standby reception mode, and can be operated in the operation reception mode when the external operation information is received, i.e., can be operated in an appropriate reception mode depending on whether the external operation information is received or not.

[0023] The monitoring cycle for periodic monitoring in the operational reception mode may be set to a shorter cycle than the monitoring cycle for periodic monitoring in the standby reception mode. With this configuration, it is possible to quickly grasp changes in the operational information received from the outside.

[0024] Moreover, the at least one reception mode may include a registration reception mode. And, the communication control unit may be configured to register specific other unit information indicating the other unit when the operation mode is the registration reception mode and the specific other unit information indicating the other unit is received via the communication unit. Furthermore, the other unit may be configured to transmit the other unit information when transmitting the external operation information, and the communication control unit may switch the operation mode to the operation reception mode when the external operation information and the other unit information are received via the communication unit while the operation mode is the standby reception mode and the received other unit information is registered.

[0025] According to such a configuration, the other unit information can be easily registered, and when external operation information corresponding to the registered other unit information is received, the external operation information can be effectively processed.

[0026] Moreover, the at least one reception mode may include a release reception mode. The communication control unit may be configured to release the registration of the other unit information when specific release information is received via the communication unit when the operation mode is the release reception mode. With this configuration, the registration of the other unit information can be easily released. In other words, the registration and release of the other unit information can be appropriately performed as necessary.

[0027] The communication unit having the receiving mode may further include a display unit and a display control unit. When the operation mode is the operation receiving mode and external operation information is received via the communication unit, the display control unit may be configured to display external operation identification information on the display unit that can identify whether or not a work machine element in the other equipment is operating based on the received external operation information. With this configuration, the user can easily recognize the operating state of the other equipment.

[0028] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an electric work machine including a drive unit that drives a work machine element, a communication unit configured to communicate wirelessly, and a communication control unit. The communication control unit is configured to transmit information via the communication unit and has at least one transmission mode as an operation mode. The at least one transmission mode includes an operation transmission mode in which operation information indicating an operation state of the work machine element is periodically transmitted via the communication unit.

[0029] According to this configuration, when the operation mode is set to the operation transmission mode, the operation information is periodically transmitted. As a result, at least one other electric work machine configured to be able to receive the operation information can easily operate in conjunction with the electric work machine in response to the periodically received operation information. This improves the ease of use for the user when operating other electric work machines in conjunction with each other.

[0030] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is an electric working machine including a drive unit that drives a working machine element, a communication unit configured to communicate wirelessly, a communication control unit, and a drive control unit. The communication control unit is configured to receive information via the communication unit, and has at least one reception mode as an operation mode. The at least one reception mode includes an operation reception mode that periodically monitors whether or not external operation information that is transmitted from another electric working machine and indicates an operation state of a working machine element in the other electric working machine is received via the communication unit, and outputs the received external operation information when the external operation information is received. The drive control unit is configured to cause the drive unit to drive the working machine element of the electric working machine when the external operation information is output from the communication control unit and the output external operation information indicates that the working machine element in the other device is in operation.

[0031] According to this configuration, by setting the operation mode to the operation reception mode, the work machine element can be driven based on the external operation information received from another electric work machine, thereby improving the usability for the user when operating other electric work machines in conjunction with each other. Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a battery pack configured to be detachable from a work machine body. The work machine body includes a motor. The motor is driven by power supplied from the battery pack. The battery pack includes a battery configured to supply power to the work machine body, and a first communication unit. The first communication unit includes a communication section and a communication control section. The communication section receives a first notification or a second notification. The communication section wirelessly transmits the input first notification or the second notification. The communication control unit is selectively set to either a first mode or a second mode. The communication control unit set to the first mode transmits a first notification including predetermined first information via the communication unit in a first cycle. The communication control unit set to the second mode transmits a second notification including predetermined second information different from the first information and not including the first information via the communication unit in a second cycle. The second cycle is different from the first cycle. Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is an electric work machine including the above-described battery pack and a work machine main body. Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is an electric work machine including a motor and a first communication unit. The first communication unit includes a communication section and a communication control section. The communication section receives a first notification or a second notification and wirelessly transmits the input first notification or the second notification. The communication control section is selectively set to either a first mode or a second mode. The communication control section set to the first mode transmits the first notification including predetermined first information via the communication section in a first cycle. The communication control section set to the second mode transmits the second notification via the communication section in a second cycle. The second notification includes predetermined second information different from the first information and does not include the first information. The second cycle is different from the first cycle. Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a notification transmission method for wirelessly transmitting a notification from a communication unit. The communication unit may be provided in an electric work machine having a motor. Alternatively, the communication unit may be provided in a battery pack including a battery. In this case, the communication unit may be operated by power from the battery, the battery pack may be configured to be detachable from the work machine body, the work machine body may include a motor, and the motor may be configured to be driven by power from the battery. The notification sending method is as follows: setting the communication unit in a first mode; wirelessly transmitting, from the communication unit at a first period, a first notification including predetermined first information in response to the communication unit being set to the first mode; setting the communication unit in a second mode; in response to the communication unit being set to the second mode, wirelessly transmitting, from the communication unit in a second period, a second notification including predetermined second information different from the first information and not including the first information; wherein the second period is different from the first period. Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a communication unit. The communication unit includes a connector connected to a first electric operating machine, a communication unit that transmits and receives radio waves for wireless communication, and a communication control unit that transmits and receives information via the communication unit. The communication control unit (i) sets an operation mode of the communication control unit to a first mode, and (ii) switches the operation mode to a second mode when a predetermined switching requirement is satisfied while the operation mode is set to the first mode. The communication control unit (i) establishes a communication connection with a second electric operating machine or an additional communication unit via the communication unit in the first mode, and (ii) establishes a communication connection with a mobile device via the communication unit or communicates with a mobile device via the communication unit in the second mode. The additional communication unit is connected to the second electric operating machine. The mobile device is independent of the additional communication unit. Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is an electric working machine. The electric working machine includes a motor, a communication unit that transmits and receives radio waves for wireless communication, and a communication control unit that transmits and receives information via the communication unit. The communication control unit (i) sets an operation mode of the communication control unit to a first mode, and (ii) switches the operation mode to a second mode when a predetermined switching requirement is satisfied while the operation mode is set to the first mode. The communication control unit (i) establishes a communication connection with an additional electric working machine or a first communication unit via the communication unit in the first mode, and (ii) establishes a communication connection with a mobile device via the communication unit or communicates with a mobile device via the communication unit in the second mode. The first communication unit is connected to the additional electric working machine. The mobile device is independent of the additional electric working machine or the first communication unit. Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a communication control method used in a communication unit connected to an electric operating machine and configured to perform wireless communication. The communication control method includes: Setting an operation mode of the communication unit to a first mode; Switching an operation mode from a first mode to a second mode; Equipped with. The first mode is configured to establish a wireless communication connection with an additional electric operating machine or a wireless communication connection with an additional communication unit connected to the additional electric operating machine, and the second mode is configured to establish a wireless communication connection with a mobile device independent of the additional communication unit or to wirelessly communicate with the mobile device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a communication system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the electrical configuration of the power tool and the communication unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrical configuration of the dust collector and the communication unit. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams showing the configuration and display patterns of a display unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of operation when acting as a main transmitting unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of operation when acting as a search subject unit. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart of a communication control process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. Embodiment] (1-1) Overview of the communication system The communication system shown in Fig. 1 includes two electric work machines 1, 50 and a mobile device 100. In this embodiment, one of the two electric work machines 1, 50 is an electric tool. In the following description, the electric work machine 1 is referred to as an electric tool 1. In this embodiment, the other of the two electric work machines 1, 50 is a dust collector. In the following description, the electric work machine 50 is referred to as a dust collector 50.

[0034] The power tool 1 is, for example, a circular saw that is used primarily for cutting workpieces and has a circular saw blade as a work machine element. Of course, the power tool 1 being a circular saw is merely an example, and the power tool 1 may be another power tool, or even another electric work machine.

[0035] The dust collector 50 is configured to include, for example, an intake fan as a working machine element, and is configured to suck in surrounding dust and dirt by operating the fan. In this embodiment, the dust collector 50 can suck in dust, cutting chips, and the like generated during operation of the power tool 1.

[0036] The power tool 1 is configured so that the communication unit 30 can be attached and detached. The dust collector 50 is also configured so that the communication unit 30 can be attached and detached. Fig. 1 shows a state in which the communication unit 30 is attached to each of the power tool 1 and the dust collector 50. In the following description, the communication unit 30 attached to the power tool 1 may be referred to as the first communication unit 30, and the communication unit 30 attached to the dust collector 50 may be referred to as the second communication unit 30. The first communication unit 30 and the second communication unit 30 are each capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data.

[0037] The first communication unit 30 and the second communication unit 30 communicate wirelessly with each other, thereby enabling the dust collector 50 to operate in conjunction with the power tool 1. In other words, while the power tool 1 is in operation, the first communication unit 30 transmits information indicating that the power tool 1 is in operation, and the information is received by the second communication unit 30 and transmitted to the dust collector 50, thereby enabling the dust collector 50 to operate in conjunction with the power tool 1.

[0038] The first communication unit 30 and the second communication unit 30 are configured to be able to perform wireless communication in a predetermined communication method. In this embodiment, the predetermined communication method is, for example, a communication method conforming to the Bluetooth Low Energy (hereinafter, referred to as "BLE") communication standard. Note that "Bluetooth" is a registered trademark.

[0039] The mobile device 100 is an information processing device capable of wireless communication, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook computer, etc. The mobile device 100 can also perform wireless communication with the first communication unit 30 and the second communication unit 30 using the above-mentioned communication method.

[0040] (1-2) Electrical configuration of power tool and communication unit Next, the electrical configuration of the power tool 1 and the first communication unit 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The power tool 1 includes a tool body 10 and a battery pack 25. The battery pack 25 is detachable from the tool body 10. As described above, the first communication unit 30 is also detachable from the tool body 10. Fig. 2 shows the battery pack 25 and the first communication unit 30 attached to the tool body 10.

[0041] The battery pack 25 includes a repeatedly rechargeable battery 26. In this embodiment, the battery 26 is, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery. However, the battery 26 may be a secondary battery other than a lithium ion secondary battery. The battery pack 25 is configured so that the battery 26 can be charged by being attached to a charger (not shown).

[0042] The battery 26 may be built into the tool body 10. The fact that the power source of the power tool 1 is the battery 26 is merely an example, and the power tool 1 may be configured to be operable by receiving power from a power source other than the battery 26. For example, the power tool 1 may be configured to receive AC power via a power cord from an AC power outlet such as a commercial power source, and operate using the AC power.

[0043] The tool body 10 includes a motor 11, a controller 12, a power supply unit 13, a trigger switch 14, a roll discrimination unit 15, and a connector 16. The trigger switch 14 is a trigger-type operation switch. The trigger switch 14 is turned on or off by a user operation.

[0044] When the first communication unit 30 is attached to the tool body 10, the connector 16 is connected to a connector 36 of the first communication unit 30. The connector 16 includes a power terminal 16a, a ground terminal 16b, a roll discrimination terminal 16c, and an operation signal terminal 16d.

[0045] The power supply terminal 16a is connected to an output terminal of the first power supply voltage Vc1 in the power supply unit 13. The ground terminal 16b is connected to a ground line. The role determination terminal 16c is connected to the role determination unit 15. The operation signal terminal 16d is connected to the controller 12.

[0046] The power of the battery 26 (hereinafter referred to as "battery power") is input to the controller 12 and the power supply unit 13. The power supply unit 13 generates a power supply voltage lower than the voltage of the battery 26 based on the battery power. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 13 generates a first power supply voltage Vc1 and a second power supply voltage Vc2. The first power supply voltage Vc1 is, for example, 5V. The second power supply voltage Vc2 is, for example, 3.3V.

[0047] The power supply voltages Vc1 and Vc2 generated by the power supply unit 13 are used as power supply voltages for operating the various components in the tool body 10. The first power supply voltage Vc1 is configured to be capable of being supplied to the outside from the power supply terminal 16a.

[0048] The controller 12 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 21 and a memory 22. The memory 22 includes semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, and a flash memory. The memory 22 stores various programs and data for implementing various functions of the power tool 1. The various functions of the power tool 1 are implemented by the CPU 21 executing the various programs stored in the memory 22.

[0049] The various functions realized by the controller 12 are not limited to the software processing described above, and some or all of the functions may be realized using hardware that combines logic circuits, analog circuits, and the like.

[0050] When the trigger switch 14 is turned on, the controller 12 drives the motor 11 by supplying battery power to the motor 11 in accordance with the operation state of the trigger switch 14. When the motor 11 is driven, the motor 11 rotates a work machine element (e.g., a saw blade), enabling work to be performed by the work machine element. When the trigger switch 14 is turned off, the controller 12 stops the supply of battery power to the motor 11, thereby stopping the motor 11. When the motor 11 is stopped, the rotation of the work machine element stops.

[0051] Although the controller 12 basically drives or stops the motor 11 depending on the operation state of the trigger switch 14, there may be cases where the motor 11 is stopped even if the trigger switch 14 is on. For example, the battery pack 25 may be configured to output a discharge stop signal to the tool body 10 when a specific discharge stop condition is met during discharging from the battery 26. Then, when a discharge stop signal is input from the battery pack 25, the controller 12 of the tool body 10 may stop the motor 11 even if the trigger switch 14 is on.

[0052] Furthermore, the controller 12 outputs to the operation signal terminal 16d an operation signal indicating the operation state of the motor 11. Specifically, when the controller 12 is driving the motor 11, the controller 12 outputs to the operation signal terminal 16d, as an operation signal, a driving signal indicating that the motor 11 is being driven. The controller 12 may output the driving signal when the motor 11 starts to be driven from a stopped state, or may output the driving signal continuously or discretely while the motor 11 is being driven.

[0053] When the controller 12 stops driving the motor 11, it outputs a stop signal indicating that the motor 11 has been stopped to the operation signal terminal 16d as an operation signal. Note that, if the controller 12 is configured to output a drive signal continuously or discretely while the motor 11 is being driven, stopping the output of the drive signal may be treated as outputting a stop signal. Also, the controller 12 may be configured to output a specific stop signal continuously or discretely while the motor 11 is stopped.

[0054] The role discrimination unit 15 outputs role discrimination information to the first communication unit 30 attached to the tool body 10 for discriminating how the first communication unit 30 should operate. In this embodiment, the role discrimination unit 15 of the tool body 10 outputs the second power supply voltage Vc2 as the role discrimination information via a resistor 15a. As described later, the first communication unit 30 operates in one of the operating modes of a transmission main unit and a search main unit based on the role discrimination information.

[0055] The first communication unit 30 includes a communication section 31, a communication control section 32, a power supply section 33, a button 34, a display section 35, and a connector 36. The button 34 receives an operation input by a user. Specifically, the button 34 receives a pressing operation by the user to switch the operation mode of the first communication unit 30.

[0056] The connector 36 is connected to the connector 16 of the tool body 10 when the first communication unit 30 is attached to the tool body 10. The connector 36 includes a power terminal 36a, a ground terminal 36b, a roll discrimination terminal 36c, an operation signal terminal 36d, three serial communication terminals 36e, 36f, 36g, and a spare terminal 36h.

[0057] The power supply terminal 36a is connected to the power supply unit 33. The ground terminal 36b is connected to the ground line. The other six terminals 36c, 36d, 36e, 36f, 36g, and 36h are connected to the communication control unit 32.

[0058] When the first communication unit 30 is attached to the tool body 10, the power terminal 36a of the first communication unit 30 is connected to the power terminal 16a of the tool body 10, the ground terminal 36b of the first communication unit 30 is connected to the ground terminal 16b of the tool body 10, the roll discrimination terminal 36c of the first communication unit 30 is connected to the roll discrimination terminal 16c of the tool body 10, and the operation signal terminal 36d of the first communication unit is connected to the operation signal terminal 16d of the tool body 10.

[0059] When the first communication unit 30 is attached to the tool body 10, the first power supply voltage Vc1 generated in the tool body 10 is input to the first communication unit 30 via the power supply terminal 36a. The first power supply voltage Vc1 input to the first communication unit 30 is input to at least the power supply unit 33 and the display unit 35.

[0060] The power supply unit 33 generates a control voltage Vd of a predetermined voltage value based on the input first power supply voltage Vc1. The control voltage Vd is, for example, 3.3 V. The control voltage Vd generated by the power supply unit 33 is used as a power supply for operating each part in the first communication unit 30, including at least the communication part 31 and the communication control part 32.

[0061] The communication unit 31 has a function of transmitting and receiving radio waves for wireless communication according to the above-mentioned communication standard (for example, BLE). In accordance with a transmission instruction from the communication control unit 32, the communication unit 31 converts various data for transmission input from the communication control unit 32 into wireless signals and wirelessly transmits the data. The communication unit 31 also converts wireless signals received from the outside into data and outputs the data to the communication control unit 32.

[0062] The communication control unit 32 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 32a and a memory 32b. The memory 32b includes semiconductor memories such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. The memory 32b stores various programs and data for implementing various functions of the first communication unit 30. The various functions of the first communication unit 30 are implemented by the CPU 32a executing various programs stored in the memory 32b. However, the various functions implemented by the communication control unit 32 are not limited to software processing, and some or all of the functions may be implemented using hardware that combines logic circuits, analog circuits, and the like.

[0063] The communication control section 32 is configured to operate in either an operating mode as a transmission subject unit or a search subject unit depending on the device in which the first communication unit 30 is attached. The transmitting unit is an operating form whose main operation is to unilaterally and periodically transmit a specific notification, which is data including at least one piece of information, without specifying the other party, i.e., to periodically broadcast the specific notification wirelessly. In this embodiment, there are multiple types of specific notifications. Specifically, the specific notifications include a standby notification, a link notification, a registration notification, and a deletion notification. The periodic transmission of these specific notifications is called "advertising" or "advertising" in BLE, for example.

[0064] The search subject unit is an operating mode whose main operation is to search for a specific notification sent from another communication unit 30 operating as a sending subject unit, and when a specific notification is received, to execute processing according to the received specific notification.

[0065] The communication control unit 32 determines whether to operate as a transmission main unit or a search main unit based on role discrimination information input from the role discrimination terminal 36c. The communication control unit 32 operates as a transmission main unit when the role discrimination information input from the role discrimination terminal 36c is the second power supply voltage Vc2, and operates as a search main unit when the role discrimination information is the voltage of the ground line.

[0066] The tool body 10 of the present embodiment is configured to output the first power supply voltage Vc2 as the roll discrimination information. Therefore, when the first communication unit 30 is attached to the tool body 10, the communication control unit 32 operates as a main transmitting unit.

[0067] The communication control unit 32 has the following operation modes when operating as a transmitting unit (hereinafter referred to as "transmission operation modes"): standby transmission mode, linked transmission mode, registration transmission mode, and deletion transmission mode. When operating as a transmitting unit, the communication control unit 32 is set to one of these four transmission operation modes, and operates according to the set transmission operation mode.

[0068] The standby transmission mode is a transmission operation mode in which a standby notification is periodically wirelessly transmitted (periodic broadcast). The standby notification includes identification information indicating the communication unit 30 that sent it, and information indicating that it is a standby notification. In the standby transmission mode, the transmission period Ttr1 of the standby notification is, for example, 100 ms ("ms" stands for milliseconds).

[0069] The interlocking transmission mode is a transmission operation mode in which the interlocking notification is periodically wirelessly transmitted (periodic broadcast). The interlocking notification includes identification information indicating the communication unit 30 that sent the interlocking notification, information indicating that it is an interlocking notification, and device operation information indicating the operating state of the work machine element in the mounted electric work machine. In the interlocking transmission mode, the transmission period Ttr2 of the interlocking notification is, for example, 30 ms.

[0070] The registration transmission mode is a transmission operation mode in which a registration notification is periodically transmitted (periodic broadcast). The registration notification includes identification information indicating the communication unit 30 that sent the registration notification, and information indicating that the registration notification is a registration notification (corresponding to an example of the registration information of the present disclosure). In the registration transmission mode, the transmission period Ttr3 of the registration notification is, for example, 100 ms.

[0071] The delete transmission mode is a transmission operation mode in which a delete notification is periodically transmitted (periodic broadcast). The delete notification includes identification information indicating the communication unit 30 that transmitted it, and information indicating that it is a delete notification (corresponding to an example of the release information of the present disclosure). In the delete transmission mode, the transmission period Ttr4 of the delete notification is, for example, 100 ms.

[0072] In this embodiment, the transmission cycle Ttr2 of the linked notification in the linked transmission mode is set to the shortest cycle compared with the transmission cycles Ttr1, Ttr3, and Ttr4 of the other standby notifications, registration notifications, and deletion notifications.

[0073] For example, when there are multiple different communication units and all of them are operating in a transmission operation mode, if the multiple communication units perform regular broadcasts at the same transmission cycle, the receiving communication unit may not be able to properly receive the transmission data from the multiple communication units. Specifically, if the transmission timings of the multiple communication units overlap and the transmission data from each communication unit collides, if the transmission cycles of each communication unit are the same, there is a possibility that the transmission data from each communication unit will collide again at the next transmission timing.

[0074] Therefore, in order to prevent collision of transmission data from a plurality of communication units as described above, at least one of the transmission periods Ttr1 to Ttr4 may be set to a different value for each individual communication unit.

[0075] An operation signal of the mounted electric work machine is input from the operation signal terminal 36d to the first communication unit 30. The operation signal is a signal that indicates whether or not a work machine element of the mounted electric work machine is operating.

[0076] The tool body 10 of the power tool 1 is configured to output the above-mentioned driving signal or stop signal as an operation signal via the operation signal terminal 16d. The driving signal is a signal indicating that the motor 11 is being driven and a work machine element (e.g., a saw blade) is being rotated by the motor 11. The stop signal is a signal indicating that the motor 11 is being stopped and the work machine element (e.g., a saw blade) is also stopped.

[0077] When the first communication unit 30 is attached to the tool body 10 and the operation mode is set to the linked transmission mode, the communication control unit 32 generates equipment operation information based on a driving signal or a stopped signal input from the tool body 10 via the operation signal terminal 36d. Specifically, when a driving signal is input, driving information is generated as the equipment operation information. On the other hand, when a stopped signal is input, stopped information is generated as the equipment operation information.

[0078] Therefore, when the first communication unit 30 is attached to the tool body 10 and the operating mode is set to the linked transmission mode, a linked notification including either the driving information or the stopped information is periodically transmitted.

[0079] Then, when the second communication unit 30 of the dust collector 50 receives the interlocking notification including the driving information, the dust collector 50 is operated in an interlocking manner as described below. That is, the motor 51 of the dust collector 50 is driven, the working machine elements of the dust collector 50 are operated, and dust, chips, etc. are sucked in. Thereafter, when the second communication unit 30 of the dust collector 50 receives the interlocking notification including the stopped information, the interlocking operation of the dust collector 50 is stopped. That is, the motor 51 of the dust collector 50 is stopped, and the working machine elements of the dust collector 50 are stopped.

[0080] When the first communication unit 30 is operating as a main transmitting unit, the user can switch the transmission operation mode to any one of the above four types by pressing the button 34 of the first communication unit 30. In other words, the user can switch the content of a specific notification to be periodically transmitted by pressing the button 34 of the first communication unit.

[0081] The display unit 35 operates using the first power supply voltage Vc1 as power supply power, and is configured to notify the outside of the operation state of the first communication unit 30. In this embodiment, the display unit 35 includes a first LED 35a, a second LED 35b, and a third LED 35c, as shown in Fig. 4. The first LED 35a emits, for example, green light. The second LED 35b emits, for example, blue light. The third LED 35c emits, for example, red light.

[0082] The communication control unit 32 controls each of the LEDs 35a to 35c according to the operation state of the first communication unit 30. Specifically, the communication control unit 32 can control each of the LEDs 35a to 35c to at least one of the seven lighting patterns illustrated in Fig. 4 according to the operation state. Note that the lighting patterns illustrated in Fig. 4 are an example of the transmission mode identification information of the present disclosure.

[0083] (1-3) Dust collector configuration Next, the electrical configuration of the dust collector 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows a state in which the second communication unit 30 is attached to the dust collector 50. The configuration of this second communication unit 30 is the same as the first communication unit 30 attached to the power tool 1 shown in Fig. 2.

[0084] The dust collector 50 includes a motor 51, a controller 52, a power supply unit 53, a roll discrimination unit 55, a connector 56, and an outlet 70. The connector 56 is connected to the connector 36 of the second communication unit 30 when the second communication unit 30 is attached to the dust collector 50. The connector 56 includes a power terminal 56a, a ground terminal 56b, a roll discrimination terminal 56c, and an operation signal terminal 56d.

[0085] The power supply terminal 56a is connected to an output terminal of the first power supply voltage Vc1 in the power supply unit 53. The ground terminal 56b is connected to a ground line. The role discrimination terminal 56c is connected to the role discrimination unit 55. The operation signal terminal 56d is connected to the controller 52.

[0086] When the second communication unit 30 is attached to the dust collector 50, the power supply terminal 36a of the second communication unit 30 is connected to the power supply terminal 56a of the dust collector 50, the ground terminal 36b of the second communication unit 30 is connected to the ground terminal 56b of the dust collector 50, the roll discrimination terminal 36c of the second communication unit 30 is connected to the roll discrimination terminal 56c of the dust collector 50, and the operation signal terminal 36d of the second communication unit is connected to the operation signal terminal 56d of the dust collector 50. When the second communication unit 30 is attached to the dust collector 50, the first power supply voltage Vc1 generated by the dust collector 50 is input to the second communication unit 30 via the power supply terminal 56a.

[0087] The motor 51 is provided to drive a suction fan (not shown). The power supply unit 53 receives AC power supplied from a commercial power source via an outlet 70, and generates power supply power for operating each unit in the dust collector 50 based on the AC power.

[0088] Specifically, the power supply unit 53 generates a first power supply voltage Vc1 and a second power supply voltage Vc2 based on AC power input via the outlet 70. The power supply voltages Vc1 and Vc2 generated by the power supply unit 53 are used as power supply voltages for operating the various components in the dust collector 50. The first power supply voltage Vc1 is configured to be capable of being supplied to the outside from the power supply terminal 56a.

[0089] Note that the power source of the dust collector 50 being AC power supplied from an external source is merely an example. For example, the dust collector 50 may be configured to have a detachable battery pack like the power tool 1, or may have a built-in battery and be operable by DC power from the battery.

[0090] The specific types of the motor 11 of the power tool 1 and the motor 51 of the dust collector 50 are not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined depending on, for example, the model and intended use. For example, a brushed DC motor, a brushless motor, or other motors may be used.

[0091] The controller 52 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 61 and a memory 62. The memory 62 includes semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, and a flash memory. The memory 62 stores various programs and data for implementing various functions of the dust collector 50. The various functions of the dust collector 50 are implemented by the CPU 61 executing the various programs stored in the memory 62.

[0092] The various functions realized by the controller 52 are not limited to the software processing described above, and some or all of the functions may be realized using hardware that combines logic circuits, analog circuits, etc.

[0093] When a user of the dust collector 50 turns on an operation switch (not shown), the controller 52 drives the motor 51 to rotate a work machine element (e.g., a fan) and makes it possible to suck up dust and cutting chips. In addition, as described below, an interlocking command may be input to the controller 52 from the second communication unit 30 via the operation signal terminal 56d. Even when the interlocking command is input, the controller 52 drives the motor 51 to rotate the work machine element.

[0094] The roll discrimination unit 55 outputs roll discrimination information to the second communication unit 30 attached to the dust collector 50. In this embodiment, the roll discrimination information output by the roll discrimination unit 15 of the dust collector 50 is, for example, the voltage of the ground line.

[0095] The second communication unit 30 attached to the dust collector 50 operates as a search main unit because the roll discrimination information input from the dust collector 50 is the voltage of the ground line. The communication control unit 32 of the second communication unit 30 has a standby search mode, an interlocking search mode, a registration search mode, and a deletion search mode as operation modes when it operates as a search subject unit (hereinafter referred to as "search operation modes"). When it operates as a search subject unit, the communication control unit 32 is set to one of these four search operation modes, and operates according to the set search operation mode.

[0096] The standby search mode is a search operation mode in which the communication unit 31 periodically scans (searches) for the presence or absence of reception of a standby notification. In the standby search mode, an interval Tin, which is a period for scanning the standby notification, is, for example, 340 ms, and a window Tw, which is a time for detecting the presence or absence of actual reception within one scanning period, is, for example, 100 ms. Note that even in the standby search mode, if a notification other than the standby notification is received, a predetermined process is also performed for the notification other than the standby notification depending on the type of notification.

[0097] The linked search mode is a search operation mode in which the communication unit 31 periodically scans (searches) for receipt of a linked notification. In the linked search mode, the interval Tin is, for example, 140 ms, and the window Tw is, for example, 100 ms.

[0098] The registration search mode is a search operation mode in which the communication unit 31 periodically scans (searches) for the presence or absence of reception of a registration notification. In the registration search mode, the interval Tin is, for example, 65 ms, and the window Tw is, for example, 60 ms.

[0099] The deletion search mode is a search operation mode in which a periodic scan (search) is performed to check whether or not a deletion notification has been received by the communication unit 31. In the deletion search mode, the interval Tin is, for example, 65 ms, and the window Tw is, for example, 60 ms.

[0100] In this embodiment, the interval Tin is set shorter in the linked search mode than in the standby search mode. Also, the interval Tin and window Tw in the registration search mode and the deletion search mode are set shorter than the interval Tin and window Tw in the standby search mode and the linked search mode.

[0101] When the second communication unit 30 is operating as a search subject unit, the user can press the button 34 of the second communication unit 30 to switch the type of search operation mode.

[0102] When the operation mode is set to the interlocking search mode, the communication control unit 32 judges the contents of the device operation information included in the received interlocking notification every time the interlocking notification is received via the communication unit 31. Then, when the received device operation information is information indicating that a work machine element at the interlocking notification sender is in operation, such as the above-mentioned driving information, and the identification information included in the interlocking notification is registered in the second communication unit 30, the interlocking command is output via the operation signal terminal 36d. As a result, the interlocking command is input to the controller 52 of the dust collector 50, and the dust collector 50 is operated in interlocking.

[0103] During the linked operation, if the received equipment operation information changes to information indicating that the work machine element at the link notification sender is stopped, such as the above-mentioned stopped information, the communication control unit 32 outputs a stop command via the operation signal terminal 36d. This causes the controller 52 of the dust collector 50 to stop the motor 51, and the linked operation is stopped.

[0104] When a stop command is input to the controller 52 of the dust collector 50 during the linked operation, the timing at which the motor 51 is stopped may be determined appropriately. For example, the motor may be stopped immediately when the stop command is input. Also, for example, the motor may be stopped after continuing to drive for a specified time after the stop command is input.

[0105] (1-4) Specific operation example of the communication unit (1-4-1) Example of operation as a transmitting unit when attached to a power tool An operation example when the communication unit 30 is attached to the power tool 1, that is, an operation example of the first communication unit 30 operating as a main transmitting unit, will be described with reference to FIG.

[0106] 5, when the first communication unit 30 is not supplied with power and is at rest, all of the LEDs 35a to 35c of the display section 35 are turned off (state M101). When the first communication unit 30 is attached to the power tool 1 and receives the first power supply voltage Vc1 from the power tool 1, the first communication unit 30 starts up (i.e., the communication control section 32 starts up) (state M102).

[0107] When the communication control unit 32 is started, it starts the communication unit 31 (state M102). That is, it performs a predetermined startup process for the startup time Ts (e.g., about 3 seconds) on the communication unit 31. During the startup process, the communication control unit 32 lights up the third LED 35c on the display unit 35.

[0108] Furthermore, the communication control unit 32 determines whether the communication control unit 32 should operate as a transmission main unit or a search main unit based on the role determination information input from the role determination terminal 36c (state M102). When the communication control unit 32 is connected to the tool body 10, the communication control unit 32 determines that the communication control unit 32 should operate as a transmission main unit. Therefore, after the start-up process is completed, the communication control unit 32 sets the operation mode to the standby transmission mode (state M103).

[0109] In the standby transmission mode, the communication control unit 32 instructs the communication unit 31 to unilaterally transmit (periodic broadcast) a standby notification at a transmission cycle Ttr1 (for example, 100 ms). Then, the communication control unit 32 itself transitions to a sleep state in which power consumption is suppressed more than in normal mode. In addition, during the standby transmission mode, the communication control unit 32 turns off all of the LEDs 35a to 35c of the display unit 35.

[0110] During the standby transmission mode, the user can switch the operation mode by pressing the button 34. In this embodiment, there are three types of pressing operations of the button 34 for switching the operation mode: a short press, a long press, and an ultra-long press.

[0111] A short press is an operation of pressing the button 34 and then releasing the pressed state of the button 34 before the first pressing time Ta1 (e.g., 200 milliseconds) has elapsed. A long press is an operation of pressing the button 34, continuing the pressed state for at least the first pressing time Ta1, and releasing the pressed state of the button 34 before the second pressing time Ta2 (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed. A very long press is an operation of pressing the button 34, continuing the pressed state for at least the second pressing time Ta2, and releasing the pressed state of the button 34 before the third pressing time Ta3 (e.g., 6 seconds) has elapsed.

[0112] If the button 34 is pressed briefly when the operating mode is the standby transmission mode (state M103), the communications control unit 32 switches the operating mode from the standby transmission mode to the linked transmission mode (state M104).

[0113] In the interlocking transmission mode, the communication control unit 32 unilaterally transmits (periodic broadcasts) an interlocking notification at a transmission period Ttr2 (e.g., 30 ms). The interlocking notification periodically transmitted in the interlocking transmission mode includes, as described above, device operation information based on the operation signal input from the tool body 10, i.e., driving information or stopped information, and identification information of the first communication unit 30.

[0114] Furthermore, during the linked transmission mode, the communication control unit 32 lights or blinks the second LED 35b on the display unit 35. Specifically, when a stop signal is input from the tool body 10, i.e., when stop information is being wirelessly transmitted as the equipment operation information, the communication control unit 32 blinks the second LED 35b. On the other hand, when a drive signal is input from the tool body 10, i.e., when drive information is being wirelessly transmitted as the equipment operation information, the communication control unit 32 lights the second LED 35b.

[0115] During the linked transmission mode, if the button 34 is pressed briefly or if more than Tn time (e.g., 2 hours) has elapsed without a driving signal being input from the tool body 10, the communication control unit 32 switches the operating mode from the linked transmission mode to the standby transmission mode (state M103).

[0116] If the button 34 is pressed and held down while the operation mode is set to the standby transmission mode (state M103) or the linked transmission mode (state M104), the communication control unit 32 switches the operation mode to the registration transmission mode (state M105). In the registration transmission mode, the communication control unit 32 unilaterally transmits (periodic broadcasts) a registration notification at a transmission period Ttr3 (e.g., 100 ms). In addition, during the registration transmission mode, the communication control unit 32 causes the first LED 35a on the display unit 35 to flash.

[0117] If a connection request is sent from an external communication unit 30 in response to a registration notification while the registration transmission mode is set and a registration notification is being periodically transmitted, the communication control unit 32 stops the periodic transmission of the registration notification and establishes a connection with the external communication unit 30 (state M106). Then, once a connection with the external communication unit 30 has been established, a registration process is performed by one-to-one data communication with the external communication unit 30 (state M106).

[0118] An example of the external communication unit 30 that transmits a connection request in response to the registration notification is a communication unit 30 whose operation mode is set to a registration search mode. For example, when the second communication unit 30 attached to the dust collector 50 is set to the registration search mode, if the second communication unit 30 receives the registration notification, the second communication unit 30 transmits a connection request.

[0119] The registration process is, for example, a process in which the communication unit 30 of the other side is registered by each of the communication units 30 acquiring the identification information of the other side and storing it in the memory 32b by transmitting and receiving the identification information to and from the external communication unit 30. For example, the identification information of the first communication unit 30 attached to the tool body 10 is "A0", and the identification information of the second communication unit 30 attached to the dust collector 50 is "B1". In this case, when the registration process is performed between the communication units 30, the identification information is transmitted from one to the other side, and the identification information of the other side, "B1", is registered in the first communication unit 30 attached to the tool body 10, and the identification information of the other side, "A0", is registered in the second communication unit 30 attached to the dust collector 50.

[0120] After establishing a connection with the external communication unit 30, while the registration process is being performed, the communication control unit 32 blinks the first LED 35a on the display unit 35 (state M106). Then, when the registration process is completed, the communication control unit 32 lights up the first LED 35a on the display unit 35 (state M107). Then, the connection with the external communication unit 30 is cut off, data communication is completed, and the operation mode is switched to the linked transmission mode (state M104).

[0121] If the button 34 is pressed briefly or a timeout occurs while the operation mode is the registration transmission mode (state M105), the communication control unit 32 switches the operation mode to the linked transmission mode (state M104). Note that the timeout here refers to the passage of a certain period of time (e.g., 20 seconds) without receiving a connection request from an external device.

[0122] Furthermore, during the period of communication connection with the external communication unit 30 (state M106) from when a connection request is received from the external communication unit 30 during the registration transmission mode until the registration process is completed, if radio waves from the external communication unit 30 are not received or a timeout occurs, the communication control unit 32 switches the operation mode to the linked transmission mode (state M104). Note that the timeout here refers to the passage of a certain period of time without the registration process being normally completed, even though radio waves are received from the external communication unit 30 (i.e., the connection state is maintained).

[0123] Furthermore, when a connection request is received not from another communication unit 30 but from the mobile device 100 while the operation mode is the registration transmission mode (state M105), the periodic transmission of the registration notification is stopped, a connection with the mobile device 100 is established, and data communication with the mobile device 100 is performed (state M108). Then, when the data communication with the mobile device 100 is completed, radio waves from the mobile device 100 are no longer received, or a timeout occurs, the communication control unit 32 switches the operation mode to the standby transmission mode (state M103). Note that the timeout here refers to the passage of a certain period of time without the data communication being normally completed, although radio waves are received from the mobile device 100 (i.e., the connection state is maintained).

[0124] When the operation mode is set to the standby transmission mode (state M103) or the linked transmission mode (state M104), if the button 34 is pressed for an extremely long time, the communication control unit 32 switches the operation mode to the delete transmission mode (state M109). In the delete transmission mode, the communication control unit 32 unilaterally transmits (periodic broadcasts) a delete notification at a transmission cycle Ttr4 (e.g., 100 ms). In addition, during the delete transmission mode, the communication control unit 32 causes the third LED 35c on the display unit 35 to flash.

[0125] If a deletion request is sent from the external communication unit 30 in response to a deletion notification while the deletion transmission mode is set and a deletion notification is being periodically transmitted, the communication control unit 32 stops the periodic transmission of the deletion notification and establishes a connection with the external communication unit 30 (state M110). Then, once the connection with the external communication unit 30 is established, the deletion process is performed by performing a predetermined one-to-one data communication with the external communication unit 30 (state M110).

[0126] An example of the external communication unit 30 that transmits a connection request in response to the deletion notification is a communication unit 30 whose operation mode is set to the deletion search mode. For example, when the second communication unit 30 attached to the dust collector 50 is set to the deletion search mode, if the second communication unit 30 receives the deletion notification, the second communication unit 30 transmits a connection request.

[0127] The deletion process is a process in which, for example, identification information is exchanged between the external communication unit 30 and the communication unit 30, and the identification information of the other party registered by each communication unit is deleted from memory 32b, thereby canceling the registration of the other communication unit 30.

[0128] After establishing a connection with the external communication unit 30, while the deletion process is being performed, the communication control unit 32 blinks the third LED 35c on the display unit 35 (state M110). Then, when the deletion process is completed, the communication control unit 32 lights up the third LED 35c on the display unit 35 (state M111). Then, the connection with the external communication unit 30 is cut off, data communication is completed, and the operation mode is switched to the linked transmission mode (state M104).

[0129] If the button 34 is pressed briefly or a timeout occurs while the operation mode is the deletion transmission mode (state M109), the communication control unit 32 switches the operation mode to the linked transmission mode (state M104). Also, after receiving a connection request from the external communication unit 30 during the deletion transmission mode, during the communication connection with the external communication unit 30 until the deletion process is completed (state M110), if radio waves from the external communication unit 30 are not received or a timeout occurs, the communication control unit 32 switches the operation mode to the linked transmission mode (state M104).

[0130] (1-4-2) Example of operation as a search main unit when attached to a dust collector An operation example when the communication unit 30 is attached to the dust collector 50, that is, an operation example of the second communication unit 30 operating as a search main unit, will be described with reference to FIG.

[0131] The state in which the second communication unit 30 is not supplied with power and is stopped (state M201), and the state in which the communication control unit 32 is started and the startup process of the communication unit 31 is being performed (state M202) are the same as states M101 and M102 in Figure 5, respectively.

[0132] When the second communication unit 30 is attached to the dust collector 50, the communication control unit 32 determines that the second communication unit 30 should operate as a search main unit based on the role discrimination information input from the dust collector 50 (state M202). Therefore, after the start-up process is completed, the communication control unit 32 sets the operation mode to the standby search mode (state M203).

[0133] In the standby search mode, the communication control unit 32 periodically scans for a standby notification at a predetermined interval Tin and window Tw. In addition, the communication control unit 32 causes the second LED 35b on the display unit 35 to blink during the standby search mode.

[0134] During the standby search mode, if a linked notification is received and the identification information of the sender contained in the linked notification is registered in the second communication unit 30, the communication control unit 32 switches the operating mode from the standby search mode to the linked search mode (state M204).

[0135] In the linked search mode, the communication control unit 32 periodically scans for linked notifications at a predetermined interval Tin and window Tw. Then, every time a linked notification is received, if the identification information included in the linked notification is registered to the communication control unit 32, the communication control unit 32 determines whether or not to perform linked operation based on the device operation information included in the linked notification.

[0136] Specifically, when the device operation information includes stopped information, the communication control unit 32 outputs a stop command to the dust collector 50 via the operation signal terminal 36d, thereby preventing the dust collector 50 from performing the linked operation. On the other hand, when the device operation information includes driving information, the communication control unit 32 outputs a link command to the dust collector 50 via the operation signal terminal 36d, thereby causing the dust collector 50 to perform the linked operation.

[0137] Furthermore, during the linked search mode, when a linked notification including stopped information is received and linked operation is not performed, the communication control unit 32 blinks the second LED 35b. On the other hand, when a linked notification including driving information is received and linked operation is performed, the communication control unit 32 lights up the second LED 35b.

[0138] During the linked search mode, if Tz time (eg, 2 hours) or more has elapsed without receiving driving information, the communications control unit 32 switches the operation mode from the linked search mode to the standby search mode (state M203).

[0139] When the operation mode is set to the standby search mode (state M203) or the linked search mode (state M204), if the button 34 is pressed and held down, the communication control unit 32 switches the operation mode to the registration search mode (state M205). In the registration search mode, the communication control unit 32 periodically scans for registration notifications at a predetermined interval Tin and window Tw. In addition, during the registration search mode, the communication control unit 32 causes the first LED 35a on the display unit 35 to flash.

[0140] During the registration search mode, when a registration notification is received from an external communication unit 30, the communication control unit 32 transmits the above-mentioned connection request to the communication unit 30 that sent the registration notification, thereby establishing a connection with the communication unit 30 that sent the registration notification (state M206). Then, when the connection with the communication unit 30 that sent the registration notification is established, the communication control unit 32 performs a one-to-one predetermined data communication with the communication unit 30, thereby performing a registration process (state M206). That is, the identification information of the communication unit 30 that sent the registration notification is registered. Also, the communication control unit 32 transmits its own identification information to the communication unit 30 that sent the registration notification (state M206).

[0141] After establishing a connection with the communication unit 30 that sent the registration notification, while the registration process is being performed, the communication control unit 32 blinks the first LED 35a on the display unit 35 (state M206). Then, when the registration process is completed, the communication control unit 32 lights up the first LED 35a on the display unit 35 (state M207). Then, the connection with the communication unit 30 that sent the registration notification is cut off, data communication is completed, and the operation mode is switched to the linked search mode (state M204).

[0142] If the button 34 is pressed briefly or a timeout occurs while the operation mode is the registration search mode (state M205), the communication control unit 32 switches the operation mode to the linked search mode (state M204). After receiving a registration notification from an external communication unit 30 during the registration search mode, during communication connection with the communication unit 30 that sent the registration notification until the registration process is completed (state M206), if radio waves from the communication unit 30 that sent the registration notification are no longer received or a timeout occurs, the communication control unit 32 switches the operation mode to the linked search mode (state M204).

[0143] Furthermore, if the button 34 is pressed and held while the operation mode is the registration search mode (state M205), the communication control unit 32 switches from the operation mode as a search subject unit to the operation mode as a transmission subject unit. Specifically, the operation mode is switched to the mobile connection transmission mode (state M208).

[0144] The mobile connection transmission mode is a transmission operation mode in which a mobile connection notification is periodically wirelessly transmitted (periodic broadcast). The mobile connection notification includes identification information indicating the second communication unit 30 that is the transmission source, and information indicating that it is a mobile connection notification.

[0145] During the mobile connection transmission mode, when the mobile device 100 receives a mobile connection notification, a connection request is transmitted from the mobile device 100. When the communication control unit 32 receives the connection request from the mobile device 100, it establishes a connection with the mobile device 100 and performs predetermined data communication with the mobile device 100 (state M209).

[0146] Then, when data communication with the mobile device 100 is completed, radio waves from the mobile device 100 are not received, or a timeout occurs, the communication control unit 32 switches the operation mode to the standby search mode (state M203).

[0147] Furthermore, in the mobile connection transmission mode (state M208), if the button 34 is pressed for a short time or a timeout occurs, the communication control unit 32 switches the operation mode to the standby search mode (state M203). Note that the timeout here refers to the passage of a certain period of time without receiving a connection request from the mobile device 100.

[0148] When the operation mode is set to the standby search mode (state M203) or the linked search mode (state M204), if the button 34 is pressed for an extremely long time, the communication control unit 32 switches the operation mode to the deletion search mode (state M210). In the deletion search mode, the communication control unit 32 periodically scans for deletion notifications at a predetermined interval Tin and window Tw. In addition, during the deletion search mode, the communication control unit 32 causes the third LED 35c on the display unit 35 to flash.

[0149] During the deletion search mode, when a deletion notification is received from an external communication unit 30, the communication control unit 32 establishes a connection with the communication unit 30 that sent the deletion notification by transmitting the above-mentioned connection request to the communication unit 30 that sent the deletion notification (state M211). Then, when the connection with the communication unit 30 that sent the deletion notification is established, the communication control unit 32 performs a one-to-one predetermined data communication with the communication unit 30 to perform a deletion process (state M211). That is, the identification information of the communication unit that sent the deletion notification is deleted from the memory 32b, and the registration of the identification information is cancelled.

[0150] After establishing a connection with the communication unit 30 that sent the deletion notification, while the deletion process is being performed, the communication control unit 32 blinks the third LED 35c on the display unit 35 (state M211). Then, when the deletion process is completed, the communication control unit 32 lights up the third LED 35c on the display unit 35 (state M212). Then, the connection with the communication unit 30 that sent the deletion notification is cut off, data communication is completed, and the operation mode is switched to the linked search mode (state M204).

[0151] If the button 34 is pressed briefly or a timeout occurs while the operation mode is the deletion search mode (state M210), the communication control unit 32 switches the operation mode to the linked search mode (state M204). After receiving a deletion notification from an external communication unit 30 during the deletion search mode, during communication connection with the communication unit 30 that sent the deletion notification until the deletion process is completed (state M211), if radio waves from the communication unit 30 that sent the deletion notification are no longer received or a timeout occurs, the communication control unit 32 switches the operation mode to the linked search mode (state M204).

[0152] Furthermore, if the button 34 is pressed for an extremely long time again while the operation mode is the deletion search mode (state M210), the communication control unit 32 cancels the registration of all registered identification information (state M213). While all identification information is being cancelled from registration (state M213), the communication control unit 32 turns on the third LED 35c on the display unit 35. After all identification information has been cancelled from registration, the operation mode is switched to the standby search mode (state M203).

[0153] (1-5) Description of communication control processing Next, the communication control process executed by the communication control unit 32 to realize the operations illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0154] The memory 32b stores a program for the communication control process shown in Fig. 7. In the communication control unit 32, the CPU 32a reads and executes the program for the communication control process from the memory 32b after startup. Note that the communication control process shown in Fig. 7 omits some of the various operations described in Figs. 5 and 6.

[0155] 7, the CPU 32a of the communication control unit 32 performs an initial process in S110. The initial process includes the above-mentioned startup process for the communication unit 31. In the initial process, the CPU 32a determines whether the communication unit 31 should operate as a transmission main unit or a search main unit based on the role determination information. In S110, the CPU 32a also performs a process of turning on the third LED 35c.

[0156] In S120, it is determined which operation mode was determined in the initial process of S110. If it is determined that the unit should operate as a main transmitting unit, the process proceeds to S130. In S130, the operation mode is set to standby transmission mode, and a standby notification is periodically transmitted at a transmission cycle of Ttr1. In addition, in S130, the process of turning off all LEDs of the display unit 35 is also performed.

[0157] In S140, it is determined whether the button 34 has been pressed for a short time. If the button 34 has been pressed for a short time, in S150, the operation mode is set to the linked transmission mode, and the linked notification is periodically transmitted at the transmission cycle Ttr2. In addition, in S150, a process of blinking or lighting the second LED 35b based on the device operation information is also performed.

[0158] In S160, it is determined whether the conditions for returning from the linked transmission mode to the standby transmission mode are met. If the conditions for returning from the linked transmission mode to the standby transmission mode are met, the process proceeds to S130. If the conditions for returning from the linked transmission mode to the standby transmission mode are not met, the process proceeds to S170.

[0159] In S170, it is determined whether or not either of the conditions for switching from the linked transmission mode to the registration transmission mode or the conditions for switching from the linked transmission mode to the deletion transmission mode is met. If neither of the conditions is met, the process returns to S150. If either of the conditions is met, the process proceeds to S180.

[0160] In S180, the operation mode is switched to the operation mode corresponding to the established condition, either the registration transmission mode or the deletion transmission mode. In addition, in S180, the display unit 35 is controlled according to the operation mode after the switch. In addition, in S180, if a connection request is received when switching to the registration transmission mode, a registration process is executed, and if a connection request is received when switching to the deletion transmission mode, a deletion process is executed. After the process of S180, the process proceeds to S150.

[0161] If the button 34 has not been pressed briefly in S140, the process proceeds to S190. In S190, it is determined whether or not either of the conditions for switching from the standby transmission mode to the registration transmission mode or the conditions for switching from the standby transmission mode to the deletion transmission mode has been met. If neither of the conditions has been met, the process returns to S130. If either of the conditions has been met, the process proceeds to S200. The process of S200 is the same as S180. After the process of S200, the process proceeds to S150.

[0162] If it is determined in S120 that the unit should operate as a search main unit, the process proceeds to S210. In S210, the operation mode is set to a standby search mode, and standby notifications are periodically scanned. In addition, in S210, a process of blinking the second LED 35b is also performed.

[0163] In S220, it is determined whether or not a linked notification has been received. If a linked notification has been received, in S230, the operation mode is set to a linked search mode, and the linked notification is periodically scanned. In addition, in S230, a process of blinking or lighting the second LED 35b is also performed based on the device operation information included in the received linked notification.

[0164] In S240, it is determined whether the condition for returning from the linked search mode to the standby search mode is met. If the condition for returning from the linked search mode to the standby search mode is met, the process proceeds to S210. If the condition for returning from the linked search mode to the standby search mode is not met, the process proceeds to S250.

[0165] In S250, it is determined whether or not the condition for switching from the linked search mode to the registration search mode or the condition for switching from the linked search mode to the deletion search mode is met. If neither of the conditions is met, the process returns to S230. If either of the conditions is met, the process proceeds to S260.

[0166] In S260, the operation mode is switched to the operation mode corresponding to the established condition, either the registration search mode or the deletion search mode. In addition, in S260, the display unit 35 is controlled according to the operation mode after the switch. In addition, in S260, if a registration notification is received when switching to the registration search mode, a registration process is executed, and if a deletion notification request is received when switching to the deletion search mode, a deletion process is executed. After the process of S260, the process proceeds to S230.

[0167] If the linkage notification has not been received in S220, the process proceeds to S270. In S270, it is determined whether or not either of the conditions for switching from the standby search mode to the registration search mode or the conditions for switching from the standby search mode to the deletion search mode has been met. If neither of the conditions has been met, the process returns to S210. If either of the conditions has been met, the process proceeds to S280. The process of S280 is the same as S260. After the process of S280, the process proceeds to S230.

[0168] 2. Other embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0169] (2-1) The four modes (standby transmission mode, linked transmission mode, registration transmission mode, and deletion transmission mode) shown in the above embodiment as transmission operation modes are merely examples. The specific types of transmission operation modes and the contents of information to be transmitted may be determined as appropriate.

[0170] As for the search operation mode, the four modes (standby search mode, linked search mode, registration search mode, and deletion search mode) shown in the above embodiment are merely examples. The specific types of search operation modes and the contents of the information to be received and processed may be determined as appropriate.

[0171] (2-2) In the above embodiment, two types of role discrimination information, the first power supply voltage Vc2 and the voltage of the ground line, are given, but these are merely examples. Role discrimination information other than these two types may be used. For example, there may be a device that includes a voltage divider circuit that divides the first power supply voltage Vc2 and outputs the voltage divided by the voltage divider circuit (divided voltage) as role discrimination information.

[0172] In addition, it may be determined as appropriate what operation mode the communication unit is to be operated in when a divided voltage is input as the role discrimination information. For example, the operation mode may be such that data communication is performed between the device in which the communication unit is mounted and another device via the communication unit. In this case, the data communication between the communication unit and the device in which the communication unit is mounted may be performed using the three terminals 36e, 36f, and 36g for data communication. The types of role discrimination information that the communication unit can handle, the specific contents of each role discrimination information, the specific operation mode of the communication unit for each role discrimination information, and the like may be determined as appropriate.

[0173] (2-3) In the communication unit 30, the communication control section 32 and the communication section 31 may be integrated. Furthermore, it is not essential that the communication unit 30 be detachable from the electric operating machine, and it may be built into the electric operating machine.

[0174] (2-4) In the above embodiment, the power tool 1 and the dust collector 50 are illustrated as an example of an electric working machine, but the technology of the present disclosure may be applied to various on-site electric devices, including other electric working machines, that are used at work sites for DIY, manufacturing, gardening, construction, etc., and have a working unit that operates by receiving a power supply. Note that the working unit here is a concept that includes the working machine elements of the present disclosure.

[0175] Specifically, the technology of the present disclosure may be applied to various electric working machines having working machine elements, such as, for example, electric tools for masonry, metalworking, and woodworking, working machines for gardening, and devices for preparing the environment of the work site. More specifically, the present disclosure may be applied to various electric working machines such as an electric hammer, an electric hammer drill, an electric drill, an electric screwdriver, an electric wrench, an electric grinder, an electric circular saw, an electric reciprocating saw, an electric jigsaw, an electric hammer, an electric cutter, an electric chain saw, an electric planer, an electric nail gun (including a nail gun), an electric hedge trimmer, an electric lawn mower, an electric lawn trimmer, an electric brush cutter, an electric cleaner, an electric blower, an electric sprayer, an electric spreader, and an electric dust collector. In addition to electric working machines, the present disclosure may be applied to various on-site electric devices having an operating part that operates by receiving power supply, such as, for example, a light for a work site, and an audio device for a work site such as a radio or a speaker. In addition, the present disclosure may be applied to on-site electric devices such as a battery pack equipped with a battery and a charger for charging the battery. In other words, various types of on-site electrical equipment may be equipped with a communication unit of the present disclosure so that internal information of the on-site electrical equipment can be wirelessly transmitted to the outside, or conversely, information can be wirelessly obtained from the outside and the information can be transmitted to the on-site electrical equipment as appropriate.

[0176] (2-5) Multiple functions possessed by one component in the above embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function possessed by one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions possessed by multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Also, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 1... Electric work machine (electric tool), 10... Tool body, 11, 51... Motor, 12, 52... Controller, 13, 33, 53... Power supply unit, 14... Trigger switch, 15, 55... Roll discrimination unit, 15a... Resistor, 16, 36, 56... Connector, 16a, 36a, 56a... Power supply terminal, 16b, 36b, 56b... Ground terminal, 16c, 36c, 56c... Roll discrimination terminal, 1 6d, 36d, 56d...operation signal terminal, 21, 32a, 61...CPU, 22, 32b, 62...memory, 25...battery pack, 26...battery, 30...communication unit, 31...communication section, 32...communication control section, 34...button, 35...display section, 35a...first LED, 35b...second LED, 35c...third LED, 50...electric work machine (dust collector), 100...mobile device.

Claims

1. A communication unit, A connector configured to be connected to a first electric operating machine; A communication unit configured to transmit and receive radio waves for wireless communication; a communication control unit configured to transmit and receive information via the communication unit; a manual operation receiving unit configured to be manually operated by a user of the communication unit; Equipped with The communication control unit Setting an operation mode of the communication control unit to any one of a plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode; In the first mode, communication with a second electric operating machine or an additional communication unit is possible via the communication unit, and the operation mode is switched to the second mode when a first switching requirement is satisfied; In the second mode, communication is performed with a mobile device via the communication unit. It is structured as follows: the additional communication unit is connected to the second electric operating machine, said mobile device being independent of said further communication unit; The first switching requirement is satisfied when a first manual operation is performed on the manual operation acceptance unit. Communications unit.

2. 2. A communication unit according to claim 1, the plurality of modes further includes a third mode; The communication control unit In the third mode, the communication unit periodically scans for a predetermined notification transmitted from outside the communication unit via the communication unit; switching the operation mode to the first mode when a second switching requirement is satisfied while the operation mode is set to the third mode; It is configured as follows: Communications unit.

3. A communication unit as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, the plurality of modes further includes a fourth mode, The communication control unit is configured to be able to communicate with the second electric operating machine or the additional communication unit via the communication unit in the fourth mode, and to communicate with the mobile device via the communication unit when a connection request is received from the mobile device via the communication unit. Communications unit.

4. A communication unit as claimed in claim 3, The plurality of modes further includes a fifth mode, The communication control unit In the fifth mode, a predetermined notification is periodically transmitted via the communication unit; switching the operation mode to the fourth mode when a third switching requirement is satisfied while the operation mode is set to the fifth mode; It is configured as follows: Communications unit.

5. A communication unit as claimed in claim 2, The second switching requirement is satisfied when a second manual operation is performed on the manual operation acceptance unit. Communications unit.

6. A communication unit as claimed in claim 4, The third switching requirement is satisfied when a third manual operation is performed on the manual operation acceptance unit. Communications unit.

7. A communication unit as claimed in claim 5, The second manual operation is the same as the first manual operation. Communications unit.

8. A communication unit as claimed in claim 6, The third manual operation is the same as the first manual operation. Communications unit.

9. A communication unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The manual operation receiving unit includes a push button, the first manual operation includes pressing and holding the push button; Communications unit.

10. The communication unit of claim 2, the communication control unit is configured to switch the operation mode to the third mode in response to (i) the communication with the mobile device being completed, (ii) the communication unit no longer receiving radio waves from the mobile device, or (iii) the communication with the mobile device being not normally completed and a preset time period having elapsed after starting communication with the mobile device in the second mode. Communications unit.

11. A communication unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The first electric working machine is an electric tool or a dust collector. Communications unit.

12. An electric work machine, A motor; A communication unit configured to transmit and receive radio waves for wireless communication; a communication control unit configured to transmit and receive information via the communication unit; A manual operation receiving unit configured to be manually operated by a user of the electric operating machine; Equipped with The communication control unit Setting an operation mode of the communication control unit to any one of a plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode; In the first mode, communication with an additional electric operating machine or a first communication unit is possible via the communication unit, and the operation mode is switched to the second mode when a switching requirement is satisfied; In the second mode, communication is performed with a mobile device via the communication unit. It is structured as follows: The first communication unit is connected to the additional electric operating machine, the mobile device is independent of the additional electric work machine or the first communication unit; The switching requirement is satisfied when a first manual operation is performed on the manual operation acceptance unit. Electric work equipment.

13. An electric work machine as claimed in claim 12, The electric working machine is a dust collector or an electric tool. Electric work equipment.

14. The electric operating machine according to claim 12 or 13, A second communication unit is provided, The second communication unit (i) includes the communication unit and the communication control unit, and (ii) is configured to be detachable from the electric work machine. Electric work equipment.

15. An electric work machine as claimed in claim 14, The second communication unit includes a connector configured to be detachably attached thereto. Electric work equipment.

16. A communication control method used in a communication unit connected to an electric operating machine and configured to perform wireless communication, comprising: setting an operation mode of the communication unit to a first mode among a plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode; switching the operation mode to the second mode when a predetermined manual operation is performed by a user of the electric operating machine while the operation mode is the first mode; Equipped with The first mode is set to enable wireless communication with an additional electric operating machine or wireless communication with an additional communication unit connected to the additional electric operating machine, the second mode is configured to wirelessly communicate with a mobile device independent of the additional communication unit; Communications control method.

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