Work equipment

Abstract

To provide a work machine improved in work efficiency.SOLUTION: In a cutting tool 10, a metallic guard member 70 is arranged inside a chip discharge passage portion 64, a bottom wall at a saw blade 12 side in the chip discharge passage portion 64 is covered with the guard member 70. In other words, a bottom surface in the chip discharge passage portion 64 is guarded by the metallic guard member 70. This enables the guard member 70 to prevent high-temperature metal pieces from directly contacting the bottom wall of the chip discharge passage portion 64, and deformation of the chip discharge passage portion 64 can be suppressed when chips pass through the chip discharge passage portion 64, therefore the durability of a saw cover 60 and work efficiency of the cutting tool 10 can be improved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work machine. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a portable circular saw (working machine) equipped with a dust box (dust collection box). The dust box is located to the side of a saw cover that covers the circular saw blade, and is configured to collect chips generated when the portable circular saw is in operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Publication 2011-68073 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the workpiece being cut with a portable circular saw is a metal such as mild steel, the chips generated during the cutting process can be hard and hot. Therefore, if chips come into contact with a part of the portable circular saw, the force and heat of the chips may affect the contact point. For example, the chips may damage or thermally deform the saw cover or dust collection box. If a portion of the saw cover, which covers the space in which the circular saw blade moves, deforms and protrudes into the space in which the circular saw blade rotates, the deformed portion of the saw cover may interfere with the rotating circular saw blade, potentially reducing workability. Furthermore, if the interior of the space through which chips pass or are collected is deformed, the chips may be more likely to adhere to the interior walls of the space or may not pass or be collected properly, potentially reducing workability. For this reason, it is desirable to design work machines so that they are less likely to be deformed by chips. Furthermore, chips may adhere or accumulate in certain areas, reducing visibility and interfering with the normal movement of moving parts, potentially reducing workability.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a work machine that can prevent workability from being reduced by work chips generated during work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One or more embodiments of the present invention include a main body that houses a motor and a motor that rotates the main body around a left-right axis. At the same time, a motor The tool includes a circular saw blade, a cover that is a part of the main body and covers a part of the circular saw blade, and a dust collection box that is detachable from the main body and can collect chips generated by work using the circular saw blade. one side in the left-right direction The dust collection box has a side wall portion that covers a part of the side surface of the , th 1 case part and , th By combining the two case parts, a space is formed inside where processed pieces can be collected. the first case portion has a first wall portion that is a wall on the other side in the left-right direction of the dust collection box and faces the side wall portion, and the second case portion has a second wall portion that is a wall on one side in the left-right direction of the dust collection box, The first case part teeth, The second case portion is made of a material that is harder or more heat-resistant than the second case portion, or that has both of these properties, and the second case portion is transparent or translucent. resin The second wall part Of The face is , The dust collection box is partially covered by at least one protective member formed of a material having a higher heat resistance than the second case portion, and the inside of the dust collection box is visible through a part of the second wall portion that is not covered by the protective member when viewed from one side in the left-right direction. , a work machine.

[0007] One or more embodiments of the present invention comprise: The dust collection box is provided with an operating part that can be operated to remove the dust collection box from the main body part, and the protective member covers the inner surface of the second case part located around the operating part. It is a work machine.

[0008] One or more embodiments of the present invention include a main body that houses a motor and a motor that rotates the main body around a left-right axis. At the same time, a motor The tool includes a circular saw blade, a cover that is a part of the main body and covers a part of the circular saw blade, and a dust collection box that is detachable from the main body and can collect chips generated by work using the circular saw blade. On one side of the left and right The dust collection box has a side wall portion that covers a part of the side surface. , th 1 case part and , thBy combining the two case parts, a space is formed inside in which processed chips can be collected, the first case portion has a first wall portion that forms a wall on the other side in the left-right direction of the dust collection box and faces the side wall portion, and the second case portion has a second wall portion that forms a wall on one side in the left-right direction of the dust collection box, The second case part Is, Toru clear or transparent resin formed by the material, The interior is visible through the second wall portion, The first case portion teeth, The work machine is made of a material that is harder or more heat-resistant than the second case portion, or that has both of these properties.

[0009] One or more embodiments of the present invention include a main body that houses a motor and a motor that rotates the main body around a left-right axis. At the same time, a motor The tool has a circular saw blade, a cover that is a part of the main body and covers a part of the circular saw blade, and a dust collection box that is detachable from the main body and can collect chips generated by work using the circular saw blade, and the cover ,before Circular saw blade On one side of the left and right The dust collection box has a side wall portion that covers a part of the side surface, a first wall portion facing the side wall portion; A part of the outer wall of the dust collection box is formed. accomplish R First case part and, a second wall portion facing the opposite side to the cover; A part of the outer wall of the dust collection box is formed. accomplish R Second case part and 2nd wall is at least partially transparent, The first wall At least a portion of the 2nd wall The work machine is configured to have higher hardness or heat resistance than conventional work machines, or both of these properties.

[0010] One or more embodiments of the present invention comprise: The dust collection box has a storage section for collecting the workpieces, and the storage section has a resin inner surface made of resin and a metal inner surface made of metal, and an exhaust section for exhausting air inside the storage section to the outside is provided on the metal inner surface. It is a work machine.

[0011] One or more embodiments of the present invention comprise: The dust collection box is provided with a discharge port, which is covered by a lid and is used to discharge the workpieces in the storage section, at a location separate from the exhaust section. It is a work machine.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the dust collection box is provided with an operating part that can be operated to remove the dust collection box from the main body part, 2nd wall Higher heat resistance than Made of materialsThe protective member is positioned around the operating unit. 2nd wall It is a work machine that covers the inner surface of the

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the dust collection box is provided with an operating part that can be operated to remove the dust collection box from the main body, and the circular saw blade is configured to rotate about an axis in the left-right direction so that the front end portion moves upward to cut the workpiece, 2nd wall an operating part accommodating part for accommodating at least a part of the operating part is provided in the dust collection box, and a box inlet part is provided in the dust collection box as an inlet for collecting the workpieces therein, and the operating part accommodating part is located behind the box inlet part, 2nd wall Higher heat resistance than Made of materials The work machine has a protective member covering the front side of the operation unit accommodating portion.

[0014] One or more embodiments of the present invention comprise: The operation unit accommodating portion is configured as a recess recessed toward the inside of the dust collection box. It is a work machine.

[0015] One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine in which the protection member is restricted from moving leftward by the first case portion and restricted from moving rightward by the second case portion. One or more embodiments of the present invention comprise: The dust collection box has a storage section for collecting the workpieces, and the storage section has a resin inner surface made of resin and a metal inner surface made of metal, and the metal inner surface covers the bottom of the dust collection box, which is made of resin, making this a work machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to prevent work efficiency from being reduced by work chips generated during work. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view of the cutting tool according to the present embodiment, as viewed from the right side. [Figure 2] 2 is a side view of the cutting tool shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the left side. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view of the cutting tool shown in FIG. 1, seen obliquely from the front right. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view of the cutting tool shown in FIG. 3 with the dust collection box removed from the tool body, as viewed from diagonally front right. [Figure 5] 4 is a perspective view of the cutting tool shown in FIG. 3 with a duct removed from a motor housing portion, as viewed obliquely from the front left. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 2) showing the inside of the cutting tool shown in FIG. 2 as seen from above. [Figure 7] 5 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the saw cover and the saw blade of the cutting tool shown in FIG. 4, as seen obliquely from the front left. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the chip discharge passage portion of the saw cover shown in FIG. 7 as viewed from the right side. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8) of the inside of the chip discharge passage shown in FIG. 8, seen from an upper diagonal front. [Figure 10] (A) is a cross-sectional view from the front at the box-side intake section of the dust collection box shown in Figure 1 (cross-sectional view taken along line 10A-10A in Figure 1), and (B) is a cross-sectional view from the front at the attachment / detachment button section of the dust collection box shown in Figure 1 (cross-sectional view taken along line 10B-10B in Figure 1). [Figure 11] 5 is a perspective view showing the entire guard member shown in FIG. 4, as seen obliquely from the front right. FIG. [Figure 12] 5 is an exploded perspective view of the dust collection box shown in FIG. 4, seen from the left rear. [Figure 13] 13 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the inner case and the saw cover of the dust collection box shown in FIG. 12, as viewed obliquely from the front right. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a saw cover and a dust collection box attached to the saw cover in a modified example, as viewed from the left front direction. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the configuration shown in FIG. 14 as viewed from the lower rear left. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which the saw cover and the inner case are removed from the configuration shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 17]FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a partial cross section of the configuration shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 18] 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which the outer case is removed from the configuration shown in FIG. 14. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, a cutting tool 10 as a work machine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the arrows UP, FR, and RH shown as appropriate in the drawings respectively indicate the upper side, front side, and right side of the cutting tool 10. In the following description, when the up-down, front-rear, and left-right directions are used, they refer to the up-down, front-rear, and left-right directions of the cutting tool 10 unless otherwise specified.

[0021] The cutting tool 10 is configured as a tool for cutting a workpiece. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the cutting tool 10 includes a tool body 20 that performs cutting processing on the workpiece, and a dust collection box 80 that collects chips as workpieces generated during processing. Hereinafter, the configuration of the tool body 20 will be described first, and then the configuration of the dust collection box 80 will be described.

[0022] (Regarding the tool body 20) The tool body 20 is composed of a base 22, a housing 24, a drive mechanism 40 and a control unit 57 housed within the housing 24, a battery pack 59, a saw cover 60 as a cover, and a guard member 70 as a protective member.

[0023] (About Base 22) The base 22 is formed in a generally rectangular plate shape with the thickness direction in the up-down direction and the length direction in the front-to-rear direction. When processing with the cutting tool 10, the base 22 is placed on top of the workpiece, and the lower surface of the base 22 slides along the upper surface of the workpiece.

[0024] A tool insertion portion 22A for accommodating a saw blade 12 as a tool tip is formed through the left side of the base 22. The tool insertion portion 22A is formed as a generally rectangular hole with the longitudinal direction extending in the front-to-rear direction in a plan view. The saw blade 12 is formed as a generally circular plate with the thickness direction extending in the left-to-right direction, and the center of the saw blade 12 is fixed to an output shaft 50 of a drive mechanism 40 (described later) so as to be rotatable together with the output shaft 50. The saw blade 12 is disposed within the tool insertion portion 22A, with an upper portion of the saw blade 12 protruding upward from the base 22 and a lower end portion of the saw blade 12 protruding downward from the base 22.

[0025] (About Housing24) 1 to 6, the housing 24 forms the outer shell of the tool body 20 and is disposed above the base 22. The housing 24 includes a main body housing portion 25 that houses a drive mechanism 40 (described later), a handle housing portion 26 that forms the upper portion of the housing 24, and a duct 27.

[0026] The main body housing portion 25 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a bottom that is open to the right. A housing side cover portion 25A that protrudes radially outward is formed at the right end of the main body housing portion 25. The housing side cover portion 25A is formed in a generally semicircular shape that is convex upward when viewed from the right side, and the outer periphery of the housing side cover portion 25A is bent to the left (see FIG. 6). The front and rear ends of the housing side cover portion 25A are connected to the base 22.

[0027] A plurality of air intake ports 25B are formed penetrating the front and rear corners of the left end of the main body housing portion 25. The plurality of air intake ports 25B are formed from the bottom wall (left end) of the main body housing portion 25 to the front and rear side walls, and are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction.

[0028] An opening 25C (see FIGS. 5 and 6) is formed through the front wall at the right end of the main body housing portion 25, excluding the housing side cover portion 25A. The opening 25C is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and is open to the front.

[0029] The handle housing portion 26 is formed in a hollow, generally D-shape when viewed from the left side, and is arranged so as to cover the main body housing portion 25 from above and from the rear, and is connected to the main body housing portion 25. The upper end portion of the handle housing portion 26 is configured as a handle portion 26A that is gripped by the operator, and the handle portion 26A is inclined downward as it approaches the rear in a side view.

[0030] A trigger 30 is provided at the front end of the handle portion 26A. The trigger 30 protrudes downward from the handle portion 26A and can be pulled upward. A lock button 31 for locking the trigger 30 against being pulled is also provided above the trigger 30 on the handle portion 26A. A switch mechanism (not shown) is also provided inside the handle portion 26A. The switch mechanism has a switch (not shown) that is operated by the trigger 30. The switch is electrically connected to the control portion 57 (described later) and is configured to output an output signal to the control portion 57 according to the operating state of the trigger 30.

[0031] The rear lower end of the handle housing portion 26 is configured as a battery mounting portion 26B for mounting a battery pack 59, which will be described later. A connector (not shown) is provided in the battery mounting portion 26B, and the connector is electrically connected to a control portion 57, which will be described later.

[0032] 5 and 6, duct 27 is formed as a whole in a generally rectangular tubular shape with its axial direction extending in the left-right direction and its longitudinal direction extending in the up-down direction, and is fixed to main body housing 25 so as to close opening 25C of main body housing 25 from the front. A notch is formed in the left end of the rear wall of duct 27, and the interior of duct 27 and the interior of main body housing 25 are in communication with each other via opening 25C and the notch (see FIG. 6).

[0033] 10(A), the duct 27 has a duct outlet portion 27A extending upward, which is disposed adjacent to the outer periphery of the housing-side cover portion 25A. Furthermore, the tip of the duct outlet portion 27A is bent to the right along the outer periphery of the housing-side cover portion 25A. When viewed in the longitudinal direction, the duct outlet portion 27A is formed in a substantially U-shape that opens toward the housing-side cover portion 25A.

[0034] (Regarding the drive mechanism 40) As shown in Fig. 6, the drive mechanism 40 includes a motor 41 and an output shaft 50. The motor 41 is housed in the main body housing 25. The motor 41 includes a rotating shaft 42, a rotor 43, and a stator 44. The motor 41 is an example of a prime mover according to the present invention.

[0035] The rotary shaft 42 is disposed with its axial direction aligned in the left-right direction. The left end of the rotary shaft 42 is rotatably supported by a first motor bearing 47 fixed to the main body housing 25, and the right portion of the rotary shaft 42 is rotatably supported by a second motor bearing 48 fixed to the main body housing 25. The right end of the rotary shaft 42 protrudes to the right from the second motor bearing 48, and a pinion gear 42A is formed on the right end of the rotary shaft 42.

[0036] The rotor 43 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with its axis extending in the left-right direction, is disposed radially outward of the rotary shaft 42, and is configured to be rotatable integrally with the rotary shaft 42. The stator 44 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with its axis extending in the front-rear direction, and is supported by the main body housing 25 radially outward of the rotor 43. The stator 44 has a stator holder 44A, and a stator coil (not shown) is wound around the stator holder 44A. A motor board 45 is fixed to the left end of the stator holder 44A, and the stator coil is connected to the motor board 45. The motor board 45 is also electrically connected to a control unit 57 (described later) by lead wires (not shown).

[0037] A fan 46 is provided on the right side of the rotary shaft 42, to the left of the second motor bearing 48, so as to be rotatable integrally therewith. The fan 46 is configured as a centrifugal fan. Specifically, the airflow generated by the fan 46 causes air to flow into the main body housing 25 through the intake port 25B of the main body housing 25, and the air flows out from the opening 25C of the main body housing 25 into the duct 27. The air that has flowed into the duct 27 is exhausted from the duct outlet 27A.

[0038] The output shaft 50 is disposed inside the main body housing 25 with the left-right direction as the axial direction. Specifically, the output shaft 50 is disposed below the right end (one axial end) of the rotating shaft 42 of the motor 41 and slightly rearward of the rotating shaft 42, and is rotatably supported by the main body housing 25. An output gear (not shown) is provided at the left end of the output shaft 50 so as to rotate integrally therewith.

[0039] Furthermore, a transmission gear (reduction mechanism) (not shown) is provided between the rotary shaft 42 and the output shaft 50. The transmission gear is configured as a two-stage gear and is engaged with the pinion gear 42A of the rotary shaft 42 and the output gear of the output shaft 50. The right end of the output shaft 50 is configured as a tool attachment portion, and the tool attachment portion is disposed within the housing-side cover portion 25A. The tool attachment portion is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that opens to the right, and a male thread is formed on the inner periphery of the tool attachment portion. The center of the saw blade 12 is inserted into the tool attachment portion via a washer 53, and the saw blade 12 is fixed to the right end of the output shaft 50 by a bolt BL. As a result, when the motor 41 is driven, the output shaft 50 and the saw blade 12 are configured to rotate around the output shaft 50 in one direction (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1 ).

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the lower part of the saw blade 12 is covered with a protective cover 55. The protective cover 55 is formed in a generally semicircular shape that is convex downward when viewed from the right side, and is formed in a concave shape that is open upward. The protective cover 55 is connected to the output shaft 50 so as to be rotatable about the axis of the output shaft 50 (see FIG. 6). The protective cover 55 is biased about the axis of the output shaft 50 by a biasing spring (not shown) and is held in the position shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. During cutting with the cutting tool 10, the protective cover 55 is rotated to the other side about the axis of the output shaft 50 against the biasing force of the biasing spring by the workpiece, thereby exposing the cutting edge of the saw blade 12. FIG. 10(B) schematically shows the position of the protective cover 55 during cutting. A first ventilation hole 61F is provided in a portion of the side cover wall 61 that faces the right side of the protective cover 55 during cutting.

[0041] (Regarding the control unit 57) 2, the control unit 57 is housed in the front end portion of the battery attachment portion 26B in the handle housing portion 26. The control unit 57 is electrically connected to the switch mechanism of the trigger 30 and the motor 41. As a result, when the trigger 30 is pulled, the motor 41 is driven and the saw blade 12 rotates around the axis of the output shaft 50.

[0042] (About Battery Pack 59) The battery pack 59 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is attached to the battery attachment portion 26B of the cutting tool 10 from the rear side. The battery pack 59 also has a connector (not shown), and when the battery pack 59 is attached, the connector is connected to a connector of the handle housing portion 26, so that power is supplied from the battery pack 59 to the control unit 57 (described later).

[0043] (About Saw Cover 60) As shown in FIGS. 3 to 10 , the saw cover 60 is made of a resin material. The saw cover 60 is transparent. It is sufficient that the saw cover 60 is transparent enough to allow the interior to be seen, and that it has a certain degree of translucency. The saw cover 60 is disposed adjacent to the right side of the housing-side cover portion 25A of the main body housing portion 25 and is configured as a cover portion that covers the saw blade 12 from above and from the right side. Specifically, the saw cover 60 includes a side cover wall 61 that serves as a cover-side opposing portion and is shaped like a substantially semicircular fan plate with a thickness in the left-right direction and open downward, and an outer circumferential cover wall 62 that extends rightward from the outer circumferential end of the side cover wall 61. The side cover wall 61 is configured as a wall portion that covers the upper part of the saw blade 12 from the right side (one axial side of the motor 41), and the outer circumferential cover wall 62 is configured as a wall portion that covers the upper part of the saw blade 12 from the radially outer side. Additionally, the outer peripheral cover wall 62 is disposed adjacent to the right side of the housing-side cover part 25A, and the outer peripheral part of the side cover wall 61 is fastened to the housing-side cover part 25A, thereby fixing the saw cover 60 to the main body housing part 25. As a result, the saw cover 60 and the housing-side cover part 25A form a tool storage area AR (see FIG. 6) that is open downward, and the upper part of the saw blade 12 is disposed within the tool storage area AR. The right side of the tool storage area AR is covered by the saw cover 60, but because the saw cover 60 is transparent, the interior of the tool storage area AR can be seen from the right side.

[0044] 4, a cover-side notch 61A is formed as a relief in the middle of the lower end of the side cover wall 61 in the front-to-rear direction, and the cover-side notch 61A is formed in a generally semicircular shape that is open downward in side view. When the dust collection box 80 (described later) is removed from the tool body 20, the bolt BL threaded onto the output shaft 50 is exposed to the right side by the cover-side notch 61A.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7 , an inner cover wall 63 is formed on the upper left surface of the side cover wall 61, between the outer peripheral cover wall 62 and the saw blade 12. The inner cover wall 63 is formed in a generally elongated plate shape along the circumferential direction of the saw blade 12, with the radial direction of the saw blade 12 as its plate thickness direction and the front-to-rear direction as its longitudinal direction, and protrudes to the left from the side cover wall 61. That is, the inner cover wall 63 extends along the circumferential direction of the saw blade 12 when viewed from the left side. As a result, the inner cover wall 63 is configured to cover the saw blade 12 from above. More specifically, when the cutting tool 10 is in operation, the protective cover 55 is configured to rotate radially inside the inner cover wall 63. The saw blade 12 is also configured to rotate radially inside the inner cover wall 63. The inner cover wall 63 divides (partitions) the interior of the saw cover 60 into a drive space (first space) where the saw blade 12 is located and rotates, and a non-drive space. That is, the area radially inward from the inner cover wall 63 is the driving space (first space), and the area radially outward from the inner cover wall 63 is the non-driving space. The inner cover wall 63 has a portion that protrudes to the left of the outer circumferential cover wall 62 and the saw blade 12. The inner cover wall 63 is an example of a partition portion in the present invention. The tool storage area AR is the driving space or first space in the present invention. The saw blade 12 is located in the tool storage area AR (first space). The protective cover 55 is located in the tool storage area AR (first space).

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10A, an inclined wall 63A serving as a guide wall is formed on the upper surface of the front end of the inner cover wall 63. The inclined wall 63A curves rightward from the front left end of the inner cover wall 63 toward the rear end of the inner cover wall 63 (the rotation direction of the saw blade 12, i.e., the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1). Furthermore, a portion (the right portion) of the inclined wall 63A is disposed between the inner cover wall 63 and the outer peripheral cover wall 62 to connect them. As a result, the saw cover 60 defines a chip discharge passage 64 as a discharge passage surrounded by the inner cover wall 63, the inclined wall 63A, and the outer peripheral cover wall 62. The inclined wall 63A provided on the inner cover wall 63 divides the non-drive space (the space radially outward of the inner cover wall 63) into a passage space (chip discharge passage 64) through which chips pass and a non-passage space through which chips do not pass. The inclined wall 63A is an example of a dividing portion in the present invention. In this embodiment, a portion of the housing-side cover portion 25A (main body housing portion 25) is used as a side wall to divide the space within the chip discharge passage portion 64. That is, the chip discharge passage portion 64 is formed by a portion of the saw cover 60 and a portion of the main body housing portion 25. While the space within the chip discharge passage portion 64 may be divided by the saw cover 60 alone, it is effective to form the chip discharge passage portion 64 from multiple parts in order to realize the curved shape on the left side of the chip discharge passage portion 64 as shown in FIG. 9 , i.e., a complex shape that curves from front to rear, bulges outward (left) and then curves back inward (right). The chip discharge passage portion 64 is an example of a passage space or second space through which chips (machined pieces) pass.

[0047] A cover-side inlet guide 64A (see FIG. 7) is formed on the right side of the front end of the inner cover wall 63 that constitutes the chip discharge passage 64. The cover-side inlet guide 64A extends downward from the front end of the inner cover wall 63, is connected to the left surface of the side cover wall 61, and is disposed on the right side of the front-end outer periphery of the saw blade 12. The space between the front end of the inner cover wall 63 and the outer periphery cover wall 62 in the front-rear direction constitutes an inlet 64B (see FIGS. 7 to 9) of the chip discharge passage 64. As a result, the inlet 64B is opened downward (toward the saw blade 12) by the cover-side inlet guide 64A, and the chip discharge passage 64 and the tool storage area AR are connected by the inlet 64B. The inlet 64B is located outside the outer diameter of the circular saw blade 12. The inlet 64B is part of a passage space through which chips (cut pieces) pass.

[0048] Furthermore, the chip discharge passage 64 is open to the right. That is, a hole that opens the chip discharge passage 64 is formed in the side cover wall 61, and the hole is configured as an outlet 64C (see FIGS. 9 and 10(A)). As a result, when chips generated during cutting of the workpiece are blown up upward by the saw blade 12 in the tool housing area AR, the blown up chips are introduced from the inlet 64B into the chip discharge passage 64 and are discharged to the right from the outlet 64C of the chip discharge passage 64.

[0049] A cover-side intake section 65 is formed on the upper surface of the outer peripheral cover wall 62, above the chip discharge passage section 64 and at a position corresponding to the tip of the duct outlet section 27A of the duct 27. The cover-side intake section 65 is formed in a generally U-shape that is open downward in side view, corresponding to the duct outlet section 27A, and both longitudinal ends of the cover-side intake section 65 are connected to the outer peripheral cover wall 62. The tip of the duct outlet section 27A is disposed adjacent to the left side of the cover-side intake section 65, and the interior of the duct outlet section 27A and the interior of the cover-side intake section 65 are in communication.

[0050] 4, a cover-side exhaust port 61B is formed so as to penetrate the upper end of the rear part of the side cover wall 61. The cover-side exhaust port 61B is disposed between the inner cover wall 63 and the outer peripheral cover wall 62 in the radial direction of the side cover wall 61, and is formed in the shape of an elongated hole that extends in the circumferential direction of the side cover wall 61 in a side view.

[0051] A button insertion portion 61C into which part of an attachment / detachment button 86 of a dust collection box 80 (described later) is inserted is formed between the chip discharge passage portion 64 and the cover-side exhaust port 61B at the upper end of the side cover wall 61. The button insertion portion 61C is formed in a recessed shape that is open to the right, and a first fixed hook 61D (see FIG. 10(B)) that protrudes downward is formed at the upper edge of the button insertion portion 61C.

[0052] A narrowed portion 61E is formed in a radially inner portion of the side cover wall 61, stepping down to the left. The narrowed portion 61E is formed in a semicircular arc shape extending along the circumferential direction of the side cover wall 61 in a side view. Furthermore, a plurality of (five in this embodiment) first ventilation holes 61F are formed as ventilation holes penetrating the side cover wall 61 on the radially outer side of the narrowed portion 61E (for convenience, only the rear first ventilation hole 61F is labeled in FIG. 4). The first ventilation holes 61F are formed in a substantially fan shape in a side view and are arranged side by side along the circumferential direction of the side cover wall 61.

[0053] Furthermore, a plurality of (five in this embodiment) second ventilation holes 61G are formed as ventilation holes penetrating the narrowed portion 61E of the side cover wall 61 (for convenience, only the rear second ventilation holes 61G are labeled with reference numerals in FIG. 4). Like the first ventilation holes 61F, the second ventilation holes 61G are formed in a generally fan shape in side view and are arranged side by side along the circumferential direction of the side cover wall 61. Furthermore, the second ventilation holes 61G are each arranged radially inward of the side cover wall 61 with respect to the first ventilation holes 61F.

[0054] Furthermore, abutment ribs 61H are formed on the side cover wall 61 on the radially outer and inner sides of the side cover wall 61 relative to the first ventilation holes 61F (for convenience, only the pair of rear abutment ribs 61H are labeled with reference numerals in FIG. 4). That is, ten abutment ribs 61H are formed on the side cover wall 61. The abutment ribs 61H extend circumferentially around the narrowed portion 61E in a side view and protrude to the right.

[0055] A pair of front and rear second fixing hooks 61J for fixing a dust collection box 80 (described later) are formed on the lower end of the side cover wall 61. The second fixing hooks 61J are formed in a substantially L-shape when viewed from the front, protrude from the side cover wall 61 to the right, and extend in the front-rear direction.

[0056] (Regarding the guard member 70) As shown in FIGS. 4, 7 to 10(A), and 11, the guard member 70 is disposed inside the chip discharge passage 64 of the saw cover 60 and is configured as a member for protecting the bottom wall of the chip discharge passage 64 (a portion of the upper surface of the inner cover wall 63). The guard member 70 is made of metal, and in this embodiment, is aluminum. The guard member 70 has a guard main body 71, which is formed in a plate shape disposed parallel to the inner cover wall 63. That is, in a side view, the guard main body 71 is curved in a curved shape along the longitudinal direction of the inner cover wall 63. Also, when viewed from the thickness direction of the inner cover wall 63, the guard main body 71 is formed in a substantially triangular shape similar to the bottom surface of the chip discharge passage 64, and is disposed adjacent to the upper side of the bottom surface of the chip discharge passage 64. That is, the right end of the guard main body 71 extends linearly in the front-to-rear direction, and the left end of the guard main body 71 is inclined in a curved shape toward the right as it approaches the rear. The guard member 70 is an example of a protective member defined in the present invention.

[0057] The guard body 71 is configured to cover the bottom wall of the chip discharge passage 64 (passage space) from above, spanning from the inlet 64B to the outlet 64C of the chip discharge passage 64. More specifically, the right end of the guard body 71 protrudes to the left from the outlet 64C of the chip discharge passage 64. That is, the guard body 71 protrudes to the left (toward the dust collection box 80, which will be described later) from the side cover wall 61 of the saw cover 60 (see FIG. 10(A)). In other words, a portion of the inner cover wall 63 (partition portion) exposed inside the passage space (second space) through which the chips move and pass is covered by the guard body 71, which is a protective member.

[0058] A guard-side inclined wall 72, which serves as a guide guard and is bent upward, is integrally formed at the left end of the guard body 71. That is, the guard-side inclined wall 72 is inclined in a curved manner to the right as it approaches the rear side, corresponding to the inclined wall 63A of the saw cover 60. In other words, the guard-side inclined wall 72 is inclined toward the outlet 64C of the chip discharge passage 64 as it approaches the rotation direction of the saw blade 12. As a result, chips that have flowed into the chip discharge passage 64 are guided by the guard-side inclined wall 72 toward the outlet 64C of the chip discharge passage 64.

[0059] The rear end of the guard-side inclined wall 72 is configured as a guard fixing portion 73, which is bent rearward and protrudes rearward beyond the guard main body 71. The guard fixing portion 73 is disposed on the left side of the rear peripheral edge of the outlet portion 64C of the chip discharge passage portion 64, and is fixed to the side cover wall 61 by welding. The guard fixing portion 73 may also be fixed to the outlet portion 64C using a fastener such as a screw. As described above, the guard member 70 is configured to guard and protect the bottom wall and inclined wall 63A of the chip discharge passage portion 64 in the saw cover 60 from the inside.

[0060] A guard-side inlet guide 74, which serves as an inlet guide portion, is formed on the right side of the front end of the guard body 71 and is bent downward. The guard-side inlet guide 74 is located to the left of the outer periphery of the front end of the saw blade 12. More specifically, the cover-side inlet guide 64A and the guard-side inlet guide 74 of the saw cover 60 are located so as to sandwich the outer periphery of the front end of the saw blade 12 in the left-right direction (see FIG. 7). Chips attempting to flow rearward below the front end of the guard body 71 are partially restricted by contact with the front surfaces of the cover-side inlet guide 64A and the guard-side inlet guide 74, and are then blown toward the guard body 71 by the wind generated by the rotation of the saw blade 12. In this way, the cover-side inlet guide 64A and the guard-side inlet guide 74 prevent chips from flowing rearward from the front end of the guard body 71, i.e., prevent chips from moving away rearward from the inlet portion 64B, thereby improving the chip collection efficiency.

[0061] (About dust collection box 80) 3 to 6 and 12, the dust collection box 80 is detachably attached to the saw cover 60 of the tool body 20 and is disposed on the right side of the saw cover 60. The dust collection box 80 is configured to collect chips discharged from the chip discharge passage 64 of the saw cover 60. The dust collection box 80 includes an outer case 82 (right side portion) as a second case, an inner case 84 (left side portion) as a box-side opposing portion and a first case, an attachment / detachment button 86, and a dust collector connection portion 90. That is, the dust collection box 80 has a first wall portion (inner case 84) on the saw blade 12 side (left side) and a second wall portion (outer case 82) on the side opposite the saw blade 12 (right side).

[0062] (About outer case 82) The outer case 82 is made of a resin material and is transparent. The outer case 82 is only required to be transparent enough to allow the interior of the dust collection box 80 to be visible, and it is sufficient if the outer case 82 is made of a material that is transparent enough to allow the interior to be visible. The outer case 82 is formed in a generally rectangular box shape that is open to the left. A pair of front and rear box-side engaging hooks 82A are formed on the left end of the bottom wall of the outer case 82 at positions corresponding to the second fixing hooks 61J of the saw cover 60. The box-side engaging hooks 82A are formed as ribs extending in the front-rear direction and with a thickness in the left-right direction, and protrude downward from the outer case 82. The box-side engaging hooks 82A are inserted from above between the second fixing hooks 61J of the saw cover 60 and the side cover wall 61, and the second fixing hooks 61J and the box-side engaging hooks 82A engage in the left-right direction, thereby attaching the lower end of the outer case 82 to the saw cover 60 (see FIG. 10A). The upper end of the outer case 82 is attached to the saw cover 60 by a detachable button 86, which will be described later. When the outer case 82 is attached to the saw cover 60, the upper surface of the outer case 82 is curved in a substantially arc shape in a side view so as to be flush with the upper surface of the saw cover 60.

[0063] 12, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) fixing bosses 82B for fixing an inner case 84 (described later) are formed on the right wall of the outer case 82. Each fixing boss 82B is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with its axial direction extending in the left-right direction, and protrudes to the left from the right wall of the outer case 82. A fixing boss 82B is also formed on each of the front end, rear end, and top end of the outer case 82.

[0064] A box-side intake section 82C is formed at the rear end of the upper wall of the outer case 82 at a position corresponding to the cover-side intake section 65 of the saw cover 60. The box-side intake section 82C is raised upward relative to the upper wall of the outer case 82 and is formed in a shape corresponding to the cover-side intake section 65. The right end of the cover-side intake section 65 is connected to the left end of the box-side intake section 82C. This allows the interior of the main body housing section 25 to communicate with the interior of the dust collection box 80 via the duct 27 and the cover-side intake section 65 of the saw cover 60 (see FIG. 10(A)).

[0065] A button accommodating portion 82D for accommodating a later-described attachment / detachment button 86 is formed in the front-to-rear intermediate portion of the upper wall of the outer case 82. The button accommodating portion 82D is formed in a recessed shape that is open to the top and left, and is located to the right of the button insertion portion 61C of the saw cover 60. Engagement grooves 82E are formed in the front and rear inner circumferential surfaces of the button accommodating portion 82D in the vertical intermediate portion. The engagement groove 82E extends in the left-to-right direction, with the left end of the engagement groove 82E opening to the left.

[0066] A case inclined portion 82F is formed at the corner between the bottom wall and the right wall of the outer case 82. When viewed from the front, the case inclined portion 82F is inclined upward toward the right (see FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B)). An uneven shape is formed on the outer surface of the case inclined portion 82F, making it easier to hold and operate the dust collection box 80.

[0067] A mounting portion 82G for mounting a dust collector connector 90 (described later) is formed at the rear end of the outer case 82. The mounting portion 82G is formed in a generally rectangular cylindrical shape with its axial direction extending in the front-to-rear direction and its longitudinal direction extending in the up-to-down direction, and protrudes rearward from the outer case 82. The left portion of the mounting portion 82G protrudes leftward beyond the outer case 82. A discharge hole 82H is formed through the rear wall of the outer case 82, connecting the interior of the outer case 82 to the interior of the mounting portion 82G. That is, the dust collection box 80 has a first wall portion (inner case 84) on the saw blade 12 side (left side) and a second wall portion (outer case 82) on the opposite side from the saw blade 12 (right side). The portion not covered by these walls forms the discharge hole 82H, which is blocked by the dust collector connector 90. As described later, the interior of the dust collection box 80 functions as a space for collecting chips. That is, the dust collection box 80 has a chip storage section 80A that stores chips. The inside of the dust collection box 80 (chip storage section 80A) is a storage space where chips are collected, and is an example of a space (second space) where chips pass through or are collected.

[0068] (About inner case 84) As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the inner case 84 is made of a metal plate. The inner case 84 is disposed with its thickness oriented in the left-right direction. When viewed from the right, the outer shape of the inner case 84 is similar to that of the outer case 82. That is, the upper end of the inner case 84 is curved in an upwardly convex arc. Fixing holes 84A are formed through the inner case 84 at positions corresponding to the fixing bosses 82B of the outer case 82. Fixing screws SC are inserted into the fixing holes 84A from the left side and screwed into the fixing bosses 82B, thereby fixing the inner case 84 to the outer case 82. When the inner case 84 is fixed to the outer case 82, the inner case 84 is positioned inside the opening of the outer case 82, blocking the opening of the outer case 82.

[0069] When the dust collection box 80 is attached to the tool body 20, the inner case 84 is arranged adjacent to the right side of the abutment rib 61H of the saw cover 60 (see FIGS. 10A and 10B). That is, the inner case 84 is arranged on the right side of the side cover wall 61 of the saw cover 60 with a predetermined gap therebetween, and the side cover wall 61 and the inner case 84 face each other in the left-right direction.

[0070] A box inlet 84B is formed on the upper outer periphery of the front part of the inner case 84. When viewed from the right side, the box inlet 84B is cut out so as to step down radially inward from the outer periphery of the inner case 84, and the box inlet 84B connects the dust collection box 80 to the chip discharge passage 64 of the saw cover 60. This allows chips discharged from the outlet 64C of the chip discharge passage 64 to enter (be introduced into) the dust collection box 80.

[0071] A stopper wall 84C serving as a stopper is formed above the rear end of the box inlet 84B at the upper end of the inner case 84. The stopper wall 84C is formed in a generally rectangular plate shape that is bent to the right and has a thickness in the front-to-rear direction, and is disposed on one circumferential side (rotational direction side) of the saw blade 12 with respect to the chip discharge passage 64 in a side view. This allows chips discharged from the outlet 64C of the chip discharge passage 64 to the right and in the rotational direction of the saw blade 12 to collide with the stopper wall 84C.

[0072] A button insertion groove 84D for inserting a detachment button 86 (described later) is formed at the upper end of the inner case 84, behind the stopper wall 84C. The button insertion groove 84D is formed in a recessed shape that is open upward, and is located to the right of the button insertion portion 61C of the saw cover 60.

[0073] Additionally, a plurality of box-side exhaust ports 84E (three in this embodiment) are formed through the upper outer periphery of the rear portion of the inner case 84. The box-side exhaust port 84E is located to the right of the cover-side exhaust port 61B of the saw cover 60. As a result, the interior of the dust collection box 80 and the tool storage area AR are connected via the cover-side exhaust port 61B and the box-side exhaust port 84E. In this embodiment, when the cutting tool 10 is in operation, the rotation of the fan 46 of the motor 41 generates the following airflow: air flows into the duct 27 from the intake port 25B of the main body housing 25, the air in the duct 27 flows into the dust collection box 80 via the duct outlet 27A and the cover-side intake port 65 of the saw cover 60, and the air in the dust collection box 80 is exhausted into the tool storage area AR via the box-side exhaust port 84E and the cover-side exhaust port 61B. As a result, the inner case 84 is cooled by the airflow generated by the rotation of the fan 46.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , the lower end of the inner case 84 is formed with a box bottom portion 84F bent to the right as a cover. The box bottom portion 84F extends in the front-to-rear direction and is disposed adjacent to the upper side of the lower wall of the outer case 82. This configuration allows the box bottom portion 84F to form the interior bottom of the dust collection box 80. A sloped portion 84G corresponding to the case sloped portion 82F of the outer case 82 is formed at the tip of the box bottom portion 84F. The sloped portion 84G slopes upward toward the right as viewed from the front and is disposed adjacent to the upper side of the case sloped portion 82F of the outer case 82. The box bottom portion 84F is formed by bending a portion of the inner case 84 and is integral with the inner case 84; however, the box bottom portion 84F may be a separate structure from the inner case 84 and connected to the inner case 84 within the dust collection box 80. The box bottom portion 84F extends from the inner case 84 and forms part of the bottom of the interior of the dust collection box 80.

[0075] (About the detachable button 86) As shown in Figures 10(B) and 12, the detachable button 86 is formed in a generally rectangular box shape that is open downward, and is disposed in the button accommodating portion 82D of the outer case 82. A pair of left and right engagement protrusions 86A is formed on the lower end of each of the front and rear surfaces of the detachable button 86. That is, the detachable button 86 has four engagement protrusions 86A formed thereon. The engagement protrusions 86A are inserted into engagement grooves 82E of the outer case 82. A portion of the left side surface of the detachable button 86 faces a portion of the right side surface of the inner case 84, and therefore, leftward movement of the detachable button 86 is restricted by the inner case 84.

[0076] A button spring 88 (see FIG. 10(B)) is disposed inside the detachable button 86. The button spring 88 is configured as a compression coil spring, and the upper end of the button spring 88 is engaged with the upper wall of the detachable button 86, and the lower end of the button spring 88 is engaged with the lower wall of the button accommodating portion 82D. As a result, the detachable button 86 is urged upward by the button spring 88, and the engaging protrusion 86A abuts against the upper surface of the engaging groove 82E. Therefore, the detachable button 86 is configured to be able to be pressed downward.

[0077] The detachable button 86 is also formed with a button engagement piece 86B. The button engagement piece 86B projects to the left from the lower end of the detachable button 86, with the up-down direction being the plate thickness direction. Specifically, the button engagement piece 86B is inserted into a button insertion groove 84D of the inner case 84, and the tip of the button engagement piece 86B is inserted into the button insertion portion 61C of the saw cover 60. The width dimension (front-rear dimension) of the button engagement piece 86B is set slightly smaller than the width dimension of the button insertion groove 84D. As a result, the position of the detachable button 86 in the front-rear direction is determined by the button insertion groove 84D of the inner case 84. In other words, the movement of the detachable button 86 in the front-rear direction and leftward is restricted by the inner case 84.

[0078] Furthermore, an engaged hook portion 86C that protrudes upward is formed at the tip of the button engagement piece 86B. The engaged hook portion 86C is disposed adjacent to the left side of the first fixed hook 61D of the saw cover 60, and the engaged hook portion 86C and the first fixed hook 61D are engaged in the left-right direction. This restricts movement of the upper end of the dust collection box 80 to the right. Then, by pressing the detachment button 86 downward, the engaged state between the engaged hook portion 86C and the first fixed hook 61D is released. This allows the dust collection box 80 to be removed from the tool body 20.

[0079] (Regarding the dust collector connection part 90) 1, 3, 4, 6, and 12, the dust collector connection portion 90 includes an attachment portion 90A that forms the front portion of the dust collector connection portion 90, and a connection tube portion 90B that forms the rear portion of the dust collector connection portion 90. The attachment portion 90A is formed in a generally rectangular box shape that is open to the front. The attachment portion 90A is connected to the attachment portion 82G of the outer case 82 so as to close the attachment portion 82G. Specifically, the upper end of the attachment portion 90A is rotatably connected to the upper end of the attachment portion 82G of the outer case 82, with the left-right direction as the axial direction.

[0080] The connecting tube portion 90B is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with its axial direction extending in the front-to-rear direction and protrudes rearward from the mounted portion 90A. The interior of the connecting tube portion 90B is connected to the interior of the mounted portion 90A. A dust collector hose (not shown) is connected to the rear end of the connecting tube portion 90B. This allows the dust collector to suck up chips in the dust collection box 80 and discharge them outside the dust collection box 80. When the dust collector hose is not connected to the connecting tube portion 90B, a cylindrical cap 92 with a bottom is attached to the connecting tube portion 90B.

[0081] (Action and effect) Next, the operation and effects of the cutting tool 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0082] When using the cutting tool 10 configured as described above, the base 22 is placed on the workpiece and the trigger 30 is pulled. This drives the motor 41, and the driving force of the motor 41 is transmitted to the saw blade 12, causing the saw blade 12 to rotate to one side around the output shaft 50. Then, the cutting tool 10 is moved forward, whereby the workpiece is cut.

[0083] Furthermore, when cutting the workpiece, chips generated by the cutting are blown up upward by the rotational force of the saw blade 12. Specifically, the chips are blown up from the outer periphery of the front end of the saw blade 12 and move in the rotation direction of the saw blade 12 along the outer periphery of the housing-side cover portion 25A and the outer periphery cover wall 62 of the saw cover 60. As a result, the blown-up chips are guided by the cover-side inlet guide 64A of the saw cover 60 and the guard-side inlet guide 74 of the guard member 70 and are inserted into the chip discharge passage 64 from the inlet 64B of the saw cover 60. The chips inserted into the chip discharge passage 64 are guided by the guard-side inclined wall 72 of the guard member 70 toward the outlet 64C of the chip discharge passage 64 and are discharged from the outlet 64C.

[0084] Furthermore, when chips are discharged from the outlet portion 64C, the rotational force of the saw blade 12 causes the chips to fly out of the outlet portion 64C to the right and in one direction of rotation of the saw blade 12. As a result, the chips discharged from the outlet portion 64C collide with the stopper wall 84C of the inner case 84 in the dust collection box 80, and the colliding chips fall inside the dust collection box 80. As a result, the chips are accumulated inside the dust collection box 80.

[0085] When the workpiece is a metal material, chips, which are relatively high-temperature metal fragments, pass through the chip discharge passage 64 of the saw cover 60 and are discharged from the chip discharge passage 64 into the dust collection box 80. When the chips pass through the chip discharge passage 64 of the saw cover 60, they pass from the inlet 64B to the outlet 64C of the chip discharge passage 64 while abutting against the bottom surface of the chip discharge passage 64. This may cause the bottom wall of the chip discharge passage 64 (the upper surface of the inner cover wall 63) to be scraped and deformed by contact with the powerful metal fragments, or the bottom wall of the chip discharge passage 64 to be thermally deformed by contact with the high-temperature chips. Furthermore, continued contact with the chips may even deform the side of the bottom wall of the chip discharge passage 64 facing the saw blade 12 (the lower surface of the inner cover wall 63), which may affect the rotation of the saw blade 12. In short, if the partition (inner cover wall 63) located between the first and second spaces described above is deformed by chips, it may hinder the movement of chips moving through the second space or affect the movement of the saw blade 12 and protective cover 55 located in the first space.

[0086] A metal guard member 70 is provided inside the chip discharge passage 64, and the bottom wall of the chip discharge passage 64 on the saw blade 12 side is covered by the guard member 70. That is, the bottom surface of the chip discharge passage 64 (the upper surface of the inner cover wall 63) is protected (guarded) by the metal guard member 70. The guard member 70 is provided so as to be exposed in the chip discharge passage 64. Therefore, the guard member 70 can prevent high-temperature metal pieces from directly contacting (reaching) the bottom wall of the chip discharge passage 64. This can prevent deformation of the chip discharge passage 64 when chips pass through the chip discharge passage 64. This can improve the durability of the saw cover 60 and the operability of the cutting tool 10. In this embodiment, the guard member 70 is made of aluminum, but it may also be made of other metals with high durability (wear resistance, impact resistance, and heat resistance), such as iron. The guard member 70 does not have to be made of metal, but may be made of any material that is harder (highly resistant to abrasion and impact) or has a high heat resistance (melting point), or both, compared to the inner cover member 63 serving as a partition. For example, the guard member 70 may be a member made of processed carbon fiber, or may be a member or part made of a resin material reinforced by including carbon fiber.

[0087] Furthermore, the chip discharge passage 64 is disposed radially outward of the saw blade 12, and when the cutting tool 10 is in operation, the protective cover 55 rotates between the saw blade 12 and the chip discharge passage 64 (inside the first space). As described above, the guard member 70 can suppress deformation of the wall (inner cover wall 63) of the chip discharge passage 64 on the saw blade 12 side. This prevents the rotation of the protective cover 55 from being hindered by deformation of the bottom wall of the chip discharge passage 64. Therefore, the operability of the cutting tool 10 can be maintained favorably.

[0088] A dust collection box 80 is detachably attached to the right side of the saw cover 60, and a box inlet 84B is formed in the dust collection box 80, which connects the inside of the chip discharge passage 64 with the inside of the dust collection box 80. Therefore, chips discharged from the outlet 64C of the chip discharge passage 64 can be stored in the dust collection box 80 (chip storage section 80A).

[0089] The guard body 71 of the guard member 70 covers the bottom wall of the chip discharge passage 64 from the inlet 64B to the outlet 64C of the chip discharge passage 64. This suppresses deformation of the portion of the chip discharge passage 64 on the outlet 64C side. That is, this suppresses deformation of the portion of the chip discharge passage 64 on the dust collection box 80 side. This suppresses obstruction of attachment of the dust collection box 80 to the saw cover 60 due to deformation of the chip discharge passage 64. A portion of the guard body 71 extends to the position of the inner case 84, climbing over the right end of the bottom wall (the side wall on the saw blade 12 side) of the chip discharge passage 64, i.e., the outlet 64C (see FIGS. 9 and 10). This suppresses intrusion of chips discharged from the outlet 64C into the gap formed by the rib 61H between the inner case 84 and the side cover wall 61.

[0090] The guard member 70 is also provided with a guard-side inclined wall 72, which is inclined in a curved shape to the right as it approaches the rotation direction of the saw blade 12. In other words, the guard-side inclined wall 72 is inclined toward the outlet 64C of the chip discharge passage 64 as it approaches the rotation direction of the saw blade 12. This allows chips inserted into the chip discharge passage 64 to be guided toward the outlet 64C by the guard-side inclined wall 72 while ensuring durability. Therefore, chips can be efficiently discharged from the chip discharge passage 64.

[0091] The saw cover 60 is formed with a cover-side inlet guide 64A extending downward from the front end of the chip discharge passage 64, and the guard member 70 is formed with a guard-side inlet guide 74 extending downward from the front end of the guard body 71. The outer periphery of the saw blade 12 is sandwiched in the left-right direction between the cover-side inlet guide 64A and the guard-side inlet guide 74. This allows chips kicked up by the saw blade 12 when cutting the workpiece to be efficiently introduced into the chip discharge passage 64 by the cover-side inlet guide 64A and the guard-side inlet guide 74.

[0092] The dust collection box 80 also has an inner case 84. The inner case 84 is disposed adjacent to the right side of the side cover wall 61 of the saw cover 60 and is made of metal. That is, the portion of the dust collection box 80 facing the saw blade 12 is made of metal. This prevents thermal deformation of the dust collection box 80 and allows the inner case 84 to be cooled by the airflow generated when the saw blade 12 rotates. This improves the heat resistance of the dust collection box 80. The side cover wall 61 is an example of a partition defined in the present invention and serves as a partition between the tool storage area AR (first space) and the chip storage section 80A (second space). The inner case 84 is provided as a protective member between the chip storage section 80A (second space) and the side cover wall 61, thereby preventing the side cover wall 61 from being deformed by chips. This prevents the side cover wall 61 from deforming and interfering with the movement of the saw blade 12 and the protective cover 55, improving workability. That is, the inner case 84 is an example of a protective member. If the cover member 70 is a first protective member, the inner case 84 is a second protective member.

[0093] The dust collection box 80 also has an outer case 82, which covers the inner case 84 from the side opposite (the right side) of the saw cover 60 and is made of a transparent material. This makes it possible to see the inside of the dust collection box 80 through the outer case 82, and to check the amount and condition of chips accumulated inside the dust collection box 80. This improves convenience for the worker.

[0094] The inner case 84 of the dust collection box 80 is provided with a stopper wall 84C bent to the right, and the stopper wall 84C is located rearward of the box inlet 84B. That is, the stopper wall 84C is located inside the dust collection box 80 and is located rearward of the outlet 64C of the chip discharge passage 64 in the saw cover 60 in the direction of rotation of the saw blade 12. This allows chips discharged from the outlet 64C of the chip discharge passage 64 to the right and in the direction of rotation of the saw blade 12 to collide with the stopper wall 84C and then fall inside the dust collection box 80. This prevents chips discharged from the outlet 64C from hitting the outer case 82. This prevents thermal deformation of the outer case 82 and further improves the heat resistance of the dust collection box 80.

[0095] Furthermore, a box bottom portion 84F bent to the right is formed at the lower end of the inner case 84 of the dust collection box 80, and the box bottom portion 84F covers the inner circumferential surface of the bottom wall of the outer case 82 from above. That is, the box bottom portion 84F forms the bottom portion of the interior of the dust collection box 80 (the chip storage portion 80A). This allows chips to accumulate on the box bottom portion 84F inside the dust collection box 80. This prevents chips accumulated inside the dust collection box 80 from directly contacting the bottom wall of the outer case 82. Furthermore, because the box bottom portion 84F is connected to the inner case 84 (the portion facing the saw cover 60), which has a large area, heat from chips accumulated at the bottom inside the dust collection box 80 can be released from the box bottom portion 84F to the inner case 84, suppressing a temperature rise at the bottom and quickly cooling the accumulated chips. Furthermore, by setting the upper end position of the inner case 84 higher than the upper end position of the saw blade 12, a large amount of heat can be quickly dissipated. Therefore, thermal deformation of the outer case 82 can be further suppressed, and the heat resistance of the dust collection box 80 can be further improved.

[0096] Additionally, the side cover wall 61 of the saw cover 60 is formed with a plurality of first ventilation holes 61F and second ventilation holes 61G. This allows the airflow generated when the saw blade 12 rotates to pass through the first ventilation holes 61F and second ventilation holes 61G and hit the inner case 84 of the dust collection box 80. This airflow can cool the inner case 84. This effectively improves the heat resistance of the dust collection box 80. In particular, since the inner case 84 faces the area (first space) that houses operating components such as the saw blade 12 and the protective cover 55, if the inner case 84 or the side cover wall 61 is deformed by heat from chips accumulated inside the dust collection box 80, the operating components such as the saw blade 12 and the protective cover 55 may malfunction. However, this embodiment can prevent such a situation from occurring. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10(B), some of the first ventilation holes 61F face the area where the protective cover 55 operates. For example, if chips accumulate and are sandwiched between the protective cover 55 and the side cover wall 61, this could interfere with the movement of the protective cover 55, but the first ventilation holes 61F can prevent chips from accumulating between the protective cover 55 and the side cover wall 61. In other words, chips that may accumulate between the protective cover 55 and the side cover wall 61 are discharged to the outside of the tool housing area AR (first space) by the first ventilation holes 61F. This allows the protective cover 55 to move smoothly, ensuring workability.

[0097] Additionally, the side cover wall 61 of the saw cover 60 is formed with a plurality of abutment ribs 61H that protrude toward the right side (toward the dust collection box 80). Specifically, the abutment ribs 61H are disposed radially outward and radially inward of the side cover wall 61 relative to the first ventilation holes 61F. The inner case 84 of the dust collection box 80 is disposed adjacent to the right side of the abutment ribs 61H. Therefore, a predetermined gap can be formed between the side cover wall 61 and the inner case 84 in the left-right direction. In other words, the abutment ribs 61H prevent the side cover wall 61 from approaching the inner case 84, creating the gap. This allows air that has passed through the first ventilation holes 61F to flow into the gap, thereby more effectively cooling the inner case 84. Therefore, the heat resistance of the dust collection box 80 can be further effectively improved. Furthermore, by providing the gap, chips discharged through the first ventilation holes 61F can be efficiently discharged to the outside.

[0098] Furthermore, a throttle portion 61E is formed in the side cover wall 61 of the saw cover 60, stepping down one step to the left side (the side opposite the dust collection box 80), and a second ventilation hole 61G is formed in the throttle portion 61E. This allows a predetermined gap to be formed between the throttle portion 61E and the inner case 84. This allows air that has passed through the second ventilation hole 61G to flow into the gap and cool the inner case 84. This further effectively improves the heat resistance of the dust collection box 80. The throttle portion 61E is located outside the area where the right portion of the protective cover 55 operates, and therefore a predetermined gap can be formed between the throttle portion 61E and the inner case 84.

[0099] The side cover wall 61 of the saw cover 60 is formed in a semicircular fan shape that is open downward in a side view, and a cover-side cutout 61A that is open downward is formed in the middle of the lower end of the side cover wall 61 in the front-to-rear direction. When the dust collection box 80 is detached from the tool body 20, the bolt BL that secures the saw blade 12 is exposed. This allows the saw blade 12 to be replaced through the cover-side cutout 61A.

[0100] The dust collection box 80 also has a detachable button 86 that is configured to be engageable with the saw cover 60. The detachable button 86 is housed in a button housing portion 82D of the outer case 82, and a button engagement piece 86B of the detachable button 86 is inserted into a button insertion groove 84D of the inner case 84. The width of the button insertion groove 84D is set slightly larger than the width of the button engagement piece 86B. This allows the position of the detachable button 86 in the front-to-rear direction to be determined by the inner case 84. Furthermore, the stopper wall 84C covers and protects the front wall that defines the button housing portion 82D, thereby preventing deformation of the button housing portion 82D and malfunction of the detachable button 86.

[0101] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 13, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

[0102] The present invention aims to realize a work machine with good workability by ensuring durability. More specifically, the present invention aims to prevent deformation of the partition from adversely affecting the movement of moving parts such as the saw blade 12 and the protective cover 55, or the movement of chips. Therefore, the present invention is a work machine having a first space (tool storage area AR) that stores the saw blade 12 or the protective cover 55, a second space including at least one of a passage space (chip discharge passage 64) through which chips generated by work using the saw blade 12 pass or a storage space (chip storage section 80A) in which the chips are collected, and a partition that separates the first space from the second space, in which a protective member (guard member 70) may be provided in the area between the first space and the partition, or in the area between the second space and the partition, or in the partition.

[0103] When the protective member (guard member 70) is positioned in the region between the first space and the partition, the protective member (guard member 70) is exposed to the first space. This prevents deformation due to contact between workpieces from the first space and the partition (the underside of the inner cover wall 63). Even if the partition is deformed by an external factor (such as an impact or heat) that causes deformation from the second space, the protective member can prevent the partition from deforming in a way that interferes with the first space. For example, even if the partition melts due to heat from the second space, the protective member maintains its shape, preventing the melted partition from moving. This prevents deformation of the partition from affecting components operating in the first space. In this case, the partition and the protective member may or may not be in contact.

[0104] Furthermore, when the protective member (guard member 70) is positioned in the region between the second space and the partition, the workpiece moving through the second space does not come into direct contact with the partition, so deformation of the partition (the upper surface of the inner cover wall 63) can be directly suppressed. Even in this case, the partition and the protective member may or may not be in contact with each other.

[0105] Furthermore, even when a protective member (guard member 70) is provided on the partition, deformation of the partition is suppressed. Here, "provided" refers not only to a case where the protective member is attached to the side surface of the partition, but also to a case where the protective member is integrally formed with the partition. For example, this includes a configuration in which the guard member and the saw cover 60 are integrally molded so that the guard member is positioned at the center of the interior of the partition. In this case, the inside of the partition prevents a deforming force (shock or heat) applied from one of the first space and the second space from being applied to the other. Therefore, even if the side surface of the partition facing the second space melts due to heat, the thermal deformation is suppressed midway along the partition, and deformation of the side surface of the partition facing the first space is suppressed.

[0106] Modified examples of the embodiment of the present invention will be described using Figures 13 to 18. In the modified example, the saw cover 60 and the dust collection box 80 have been modified compared to the embodiment described above, but the other parts are the same and therefore will not be described again. Furthermore, parts in the modified example that have the same function as the embodiment described above have been given numbers with 100 added to the reference numerals. For example, the side cover wall 161 shown in Figure 14 has the same function as the side cover wall 61 shown in Figure 4 and other figures. In the following, explanations of structures that basically have the same function will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the changed contents.

[0107] FIG. 14 shows a modified saw cover 160 and a dust collection box 180 attached to the saw cover 160, viewed from the left front. Similar to the embodiment described above, the saw cover 160 includes a side cover wall 161, an outer circumferential cover wall 162, and an inner cover wall 163. The side cover wall 161 includes a ventilation hole 161F, a narrowed portion 161E, and a hook receiving portion 161J. A chip discharge passage 164 is provided in the front portion of the region between the outer circumferential cover wall 162 and the inner cover wall 163. A cover-side intake portion 165 is provided in the upper portion of the front portion of the outer circumferential cover wall 162. A cover member 170 is provided in the upper front portion of the inner cover wall 163. The cover member 170 basically has the same structure as the cover member 70 described above, but differs in that it does not include the guard-side inlet guide 74.

[0108] A dust collection box 180 is attached to the right side of the saw cover 160. The left side of the dust collection box 180 is formed by an inner case 184 as a (second) protective member, and in Figure 14, part of the inner case 184 is visible through the ventilation hole 161F. A box-side intake section 182C is formed in the upper front part of the dust collection box 180, and is in communication with the cover-side intake section 165.

[0109] FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged view of the front portion of the inner cover wall 163 as viewed from the lower left rear. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a cover member 177 serving as a third protective member is provided at the lower front portion of the inner cover wall 163. The cover member 177 is a member that covers the underside of the inner cover wall 163 (partition portion) located between the space (first space) in which the saw blade 12 is located and the chip discharge passage portion 164 (second space), and is a protective member located in the area between the inner cover wall 163 (partition portion) and the space (first space) in which the saw blade 12 is located. The cover member 177 has a covering portion 177A that covers the underside of the inner cover wall 163 and a claw portion 177B that engages with the left end of the inner cover wall 163. The claw portion 177B engages with the inner cover wall 163, thereby supporting the cover member 177 on the inner cover wall 163 (saw cover 160). The side cover wall 161 of the saw cover 160 is provided with a large protrusion 161L that protrudes to the left. Two large protrusions 161L are provided, spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction. The side cover wall 161 of the saw cover 160 is provided with a small protrusion 161K that protrudes to the left. The small protrusion 161K is positioned between the two large protrusions 161L in the front-to-rear direction. The large protrusion 161L is configured to be able to contact and support the underside of the cover member 177, preventing the cover member 177 from moving downward (being displaced). The small protrusion 161K engages with a notch 177C of the cover member 177, preventing the cover member 177 from moving left and right (being displaced).

[0110] Figure 16 is a diagram showing the state of Figure 14 with the saw cover 160 removed. A cover member 178 is provided as a new (fourth) protective member inside outer case 182 of modified dust collection box 180. Cover member 178 has a hole 178A provided in the rear, a base 178B, a bent portion 178C connected to the upper front portion of base 178B, and a claw 178D for positioning. A fixing boss 182D is inserted into hole 178A, and cover member 178 is supported by fixing boss 182D.

[0111] 17 is a partially enlarged view of the cross section of FIG. 14 taken along a vertical and horizontal plane passing through the rear of the claw portion 178D, viewed from the front upper right. As shown in FIG. 17, the claw portion 178D is sandwiched between the bottom of the button accommodating portion 182D and the inner case 182, thereby supporting the cover member 178. The ventilation hole 161F faces the operating area of ​​the protective cover (not shown) and prevents dust from accumulating between the protective cover and the side cover wall 161. The side cover wall 161 is provided with abutment rib 161H. The abutment rib 161H abuts against the inner case 182, forming a predetermined gap (space) between the side cover wall 161 and the inner case 182. Chips discharged from the ventilation hole 161F are discharged to the outside through this gap.

[0112] FIG. 18 is a view of the state shown in FIG. 14 , with only the outer case 182 removed, as seen from the right front. Therefore, in FIG. 18 , the cover member 178 supported by the outer case 182 appears to be floating. The base 178 and the bent portion 178C of the cover member 178 partially face the outlet 164C (the right opening of the chip discharge passage 164) and are configured to allow chips discharged from the outlet 164C to come into contact with them. That is, the cover member 178 prevents chips from coming into contact with a portion of the dust collection box 180 (the upper inner surface of the outer case 182). This prevents that portion of the dust collection box 180 (the upper inner surface of the outer case 182) from being deformed by the chips. Furthermore, the cover member 178 is located in an area above the lower end of the discharge portion 164C and the lower end of the box-side exhaust port 184E. If chips accumulated in chip storage unit 180A are located above the lower end of the communication passage (discharge portion 164C, box-side exhaust port 184E) that connects storage unit 180A to the outside, there is a risk that the collected chips will leak from the communication passage to the outside. For this reason, in this embodiment of the present invention, outer case 182 is made transparent so that an operator can work while checking through transparent outer case 184 whether the top of the collected chips has passed the lower end of the communication passage. For this reason, the area below the lower end of the communication passage (discharge portion 164C, box-side exhaust port 184E) in chip storage unit 180A is used as a chip collection space, and the area above is not necessarily needed as a collection space. Therefore, in this modified example, by providing a cover member 178 that covers the inner surface of the outer case 182 located in an area above the lower end of the communication passage (discharge portion 164C, box-side exhaust port 184E) that connects the chip storage portion 180A to the outside during operation, the durability of the dust collection box 180 can be improved without impairing the ease of checking the accumulation of chips. Note that the opening that is covered by the dust collector connection portion 190 (mounted portion 190A) during operation does not correspond to the above-mentioned communication passage. The dust collection box 180 is provided with a box bottom portion 184F that functions similarly to the box bottom portion 84F shown in FIG. 10 and other figures, and an inclined portion 184G formed on the box bottom portion 184F.A portion of the box bottom 184F extends upward from the bottom of the interior (accommodation section 180A) of the dust collection box 180, thereby preventing the lower part of the dust collection box 180 from becoming excessively hot. The covering range of the box bottom 184F is limited to an area below the opening that is covered by the dust collector connection section 190 (mounted section 190A) during operation. This improves durability without impairing the ease of checking the accumulation of chips.

[0113] The effects of the modified example will be described below. In the modified example, not only the upper surface but also the lower surface of the inner cover wall 163 is covered with a protective member (cover member 177). As a result, even if the inner cover wall 163 is thermally deformed due to heat being transferred from the cover member 170, which has received so much heat from the workpiece that it cannot be dissipated, to the inner cover wall 163, the protective member (cover member 177) can effectively prevent a portion of the melted inner cover wall 163 from moving toward the space (first space) where the saw blade 12 is located. In other words, by covering both the first space side and the second space side of the partition with a protective member, better workability can be ensured. Furthermore, in the modified work machine, the inner surface of the outer case 182 is covered with a protective member (cover member 178) in the area above the lower end of the communication passage (discharge section 164C, box-side exhaust port 184E) that connects the chip storage section 180A to the outside, so that the degree of chip accumulation can be checked while deformation of the outer case 182 in that area can be suppressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 10...Cutting tool (work machine), 12...Saw blade (tip tool), 41...Motor, 60...Saw cover (cover), 63A...Inclined wall (guide wall), 64...Chip discharge passage portion (discharge passage portion), 64B...Inlet portion, 64C...Outlet portion, 70...Guard member, 72...Guard side inclined wall (guide guard), 74...Guard side inlet guide (inlet guide portion), 80...Dust collection box, 82...Outer case (second case), 84...Inner case (first case), 84C...Stopper wall (stopper portion), 84F...Box bottom portion (cover portion)

Claims

1. a main body that houses a motor; a circular saw blade that is rotated by the motor about an axis in the left-right direction and is located on one side of the motor in the left-right direction; a cover that is a part of the main body and covers a part of the circular saw blade; a dust collection box that is detachable from the main body and that can collect chips generated by work using the circular saw blade; and the cover has a side wall portion that covers a part of a side surface on one side in the left-right direction of the circular saw blade, The dust collection box is formed by combining a first case part and a second case part, and a space capable of collecting workpieces is formed therein. the first case portion has a first wall portion that forms the other wall of the dust collection box in the left-right direction and faces the side wall portion, the second case portion has a second wall portion that becomes a wall on one side in the left-right direction of the dust collection box, the first case portion is made of a material that is harder or more heat-resistant than the second case portion, or that has both of these properties; A work machine in which the second case portion is formed from a transparent or translucent resin material, and the inner surface of the second wall portion is partially covered with at least one protective member formed from a material that is more heat-resistant than the second case portion, so that the inside of the dust collection box can be seen through a part of the second wall portion that is not covered by the protective member when viewed from one side in the left-right direction.

2. The dust collection box is provided with an operating part that can be operated to detach the dust collection box from the main body part, The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the protective member covers an inner surface of the second case portion located around the operating portion.

3. a main body that houses a motor; a circular saw blade that is rotated by the motor about an axis in the left-right direction and is located on one side of the motor in the left-right direction; a cover that is a part of the main body and covers a part of the circular saw blade; a dust collection box that is detachable from the main body and that can collect chips generated by work using the circular saw blade; and The cover has a side wall portion that covers a part of a side surface on one of the left and right sides of the circular saw blade, The dust collection box is configured such that a space capable of collecting workpieces is formed inside by combining a first case part and a second case part, the first case portion has a first wall portion that forms the other wall of the dust collection box in the left-right direction and faces the side wall portion, the second case portion has a second wall portion that becomes a wall on one side in the left-right direction of the dust collection box, the second case portion is formed of a transparent or translucent resin material, and the inside thereof is visible through the second wall portion; A work machine, wherein the first case portion is made of a material that is harder or more heat-resistant than the second case portion, or that has both of these properties.

4. a main body that houses a motor; a circular saw blade that is rotated by the motor about an axis in the left-right direction and is located on one side of the motor in the left-right direction; a cover that is a part of the main body and covers a part of the circular saw blade; a dust collection box that is detachable from the main body and that can collect chips generated by work using the circular saw blade; and The cover has a side wall portion that covers a part of a side surface on one of the left and right sides of the circular saw blade, the dust collection box includes a first case portion having a first wall portion facing the side wall portion and constituting a part of the outer wall of the dust collection box, and a second case portion having a second wall portion facing the opposite side to the cover and constituting a part of the outer wall of the dust collection box, the second wall portion is at least partially transparent; A work machine, wherein at least a portion of the first wall portion is configured to have properties of being harder or more heat resistant than the second wall portion, or both.

5. The dust collection box has a receiving portion for collecting the workpieces, the housing portion has a resin inner surface portion made of resin and a metal inner surface portion made of metal, The work machine according to claim 4, wherein an exhaust section for exhausting air from inside the storage section to the outside is provided on the metal inner surface section.

6. 6. The work machine according to claim 5, wherein the dust collection box is provided with a discharge port, which is covered by a lid and which is provided at a location separate from the exhaust section, for discharging the workpieces in the storage section.

7. The dust collection box is provided with an operating part that can be operated to detach the dust collection box from the main body part, The work machine according to claim 4 , wherein a protective member made of a material having higher heat resistance than the second wall portion covers an inner surface of the second wall portion positioned around the operating portion.

8. The dust collection box is provided with an operating part that can be operated to detach the dust collection box from the main body part, The circular saw blade is configured to rotate about an axis in the left-right direction, and the front end portion moves upward to cut the workpiece, an operation unit accommodating portion that accommodates at least a portion of the operation unit is provided on the second wall portion; The dust collection box is provided with a box inlet portion which serves as an inlet for collecting the processed chips therein, The operation unit accommodating section is located rearward of the box inlet section, The work machine according to claim 4 , wherein a protective member made of a material having a higher heat resistance than the second wall portion covers the front side of the operation portion accommodating portion.

9. The work machine according to claim 8 , wherein the operation unit accommodating portion is configured as a recess recessed toward the inside of the dust collection box.

10. The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the protection member is restricted from moving leftward by the first case portion and restricted from moving rightward by the second case portion.

11. The dust collection box has a storage section for collecting the workpieces, the housing portion has a resin inner surface portion made of resin and a metal inner surface portion made of metal, The work machine according to claim 4 , wherein the metal inner surface covers a bottom portion of the dust collection box, the bottom portion being made of resin.

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