power tools

Abstract

To provide an electric tool that can be mounted with a wireless communication instrument and a plurality of electric motors, which is configured so that the weight of a battery and the height of the electric tool can be suppressed.SOLUTION: An electric tool according to the disclosure comprises: a first electric motor and a second electric motor; a first control part for controlling the first and second electric motors; a first wiring substrate mounted with the first control part; a communication instrument configured to be operated together with the electric motors; a second control part for controlling the communication instrument; a second wiring substrate mounted with the second control part and an antenna of the communication instrument; and a housing in which the electric motors, the first wiring substrate, the communication instrument and the second wiring substrate are housed. The first wiring substrate and the second wiring substrate are arranged around the first electric motor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power tool. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, power tools have become known that are more convenient to use by incorporating a wireless communication device in the power tool body.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a power tool that can be equipped with such a wireless communication device. This power tool comprises an electric motor, a communication device, and a detachably configured battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-13588 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the power tool of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the battery is provided with a communication device, which makes the battery heavy and increases the height of the power tool as a whole. In particular, power tools equipped with multiple electric motors have large-capacity batteries, so providing a communication device makes the battery even heavier and increases the height of the power tool as a whole, which also causes problems of poor operability.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a power tool that can be equipped with a wireless communication device and multiple electric motors, and that can suppress the weight of the battery and the height of the power tool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present application discloses a power tool including a first electric motor, a second electric motor, a first control unit for controlling the first and second electric motors, a first wiring board on which the first control unit is mounted, a communication device, a second control unit for controlling the communication device, a second wiring board on which antennas for the second control unit and the communication device are mounted, and a housing that houses the electric motors, the first wiring board, the communication device, and the second wiring board. The first wiring board and the second wiring board are disposed around the first electric motor. Here, the communication device may include a communication unit configured to be able to wirelessly transmit and receive information to and from an external device. The "power tool" of the present invention refers to a tool used for machining or other work that uses electricity as a power source. The "power tool" of the present invention includes not only a product used alone, but also a component or module that constitutes part of another device. For example, the "power tool" of the present invention may be a module that is attached to equipment such as a robot arm. The "power tool" of the present invention may also be a component that constitutes part of a machine tool with multiple functions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power tool according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a power tool according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical circuit configuration of the power tool according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a power tool according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a power tool according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a configuration including a wiring board on which a communication device of a power tool according to one embodiment is mounted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments.

[0010] For convenience, the left-right direction on the paper in FIG. 2 will be referred to as the front-to-back direction X (an example of a "first direction"), and in particular the left direction on the paper will be referred to as the front X1 and the right direction on the paper will be referred to as the back X2. The up-down direction on the paper will be referred to as the up-down direction Z (an example of a "second direction"), and in particular the up direction on the paper will be referred to as the up Z1 and the down direction on the paper will be referred to as the down Z2. The direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction X and the up-down direction Z will be referred to as the left-to-right direction Y (an example of a "third direction"), and in particular the right direction when facing forward X1 will be referred to as the right Y1 and the left direction will be referred to as the left Y2. These terms are used for the purpose of explaining relative directional relationships and do not indicate absolute directions.

[0011] An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a reinforcing bar binding machine, which is a power tool, will be described below. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a reinforcing bar binding machine 10, which is a power tool according to this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcing bar binding machine 10 taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction Y.

[0012] However, the present invention is widely applicable to power tools that have communication capabilities and use an electric motor to perform work, such as drills, impact drivers, nailers, grinders, reciprocating saws, polishers, etc. The motor may be a brushless motor or a motor with a brush.

[0013] [Basic configuration of power tools] The reinforcing bar binding machine 10 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to bind two or three or more reinforcing bars RB by feeding the wire W outward from the end of the front X1.

[0014] Specifically, the reinforcing bar binding machine 10 includes a handle 10H for an operator to hold, a magazine 10M for storing the wire W, a wire feeding unit 12 for feeding the wire W outward from the front end X1, a curl forming unit 14 that forms a path for the wire W to wind the wire W around the reinforcing bar RB, a cutting unit 16 for cutting the wire W wound around the reinforcing bar RB, a binding unit 18 for twisting the wire W wound around the reinforcing bar RB, and a feed model provided for each of the wire feeding unit 12 and the binding unit 18. The rebar binding machine 10 is provided with a tool control unit including a drive control unit 22 for controlling a feed motor 12M (an example of a "second electric motor") and a binding motor 18M (an example of a "first electric motor"); a communication unit 30 including a communication device 32 for allowing the rebar binding machine 10 to communicate with the outside and a communication control unit 34 for controlling the communication device 32; and a housing 10C that forms the outer surface of the rebar binding machine 10 and accommodates at least two electric motors (in this embodiment, the feed motor 12M and the binding motor 18M), the drive control unit 22, the communication device 32, and the communication control unit 34.

[0015] In the rebar tying machine 10 of this embodiment, the curl forming unit 14, cutting unit 16, tying unit 18, tool control unit, and communication unit 30 constitute the main body 10B of the rebar tying machine 10. The magazine 10M is provided extending downward Z2 from the lower part at the front X1 of the main body 10B. The handle 10H is provided extending downward Z2 from the lower part at the rear X2 of the main body 10B. Therefore, the magazine 10M is provided in front X1 of the handle 10H, and the handle 10H is provided in rear X2 of the magazine 10M. Furthermore, the lower part of the magazine 10M and the lower part of the handle 10H are connected. Each component will be described below.

[0016] The rebar binding machine 10 includes a handle 10H extending downward Z2 from the main body 10B. The handle 10H corresponds to the portion where an operator grips the rebar binding machine 10. The lower end of the handle 10H is formed so that a main battery 10BP can be detachably attached. A trigger 10HT is provided on the surface of the handle 10H facing forward X1. The rebar binding machine 10 is configured so that when an operator presses the trigger 10HT backward X2, the tool control unit starts a control operation as described below, and the binding operation begins.

[0017] The magazine 10M rotatably and detachably stores a reel RL around which a linear wire W is wound. The reel RL is configured to be able to simultaneously feed out one or more wires W. The wire W is a linear body suitable for bundling long, flexible metal wires (including coated wires) and other reinforcing bars RB.

[0018] The wire feed unit 12 includes a pair of gears 12G configured to rotate in opposite directions while sandwiching the wire W, thereby allowing the wire W to advance, and a feed motor 12M that drives the gears 12G. The feed motor 12M includes a rotor and a stator. The wire feed unit 12 is configured to feed the wire W outward by rotating the rotor of the feed motor 12M in the forward direction, and to retract the wire W by rotating the rotor in the reverse direction. A tool control unit that controls the feed motor 12M of the wire feed unit 12 will be described later.

[0019] The curl forming unit 14 includes a curl guide 14A that bends the wire W fed by the wire feeding unit 12 to form a curl, and an induction guide 14B that guides the wire W that has been curled by the curl guide 14A to the bundling unit 18. The curl guide 14A is configured to be able to curve the wire W into a loop by advancing the wire W along its inner wall surface. Therefore, by feeding the wire W in a state where multiple reinforcing bars RB are arranged in the space between the curl guide 14A and the induction guide 14B so that they extend in the left-right direction Y, it is possible to wind the wire W around the reinforcing bars RB.

[0020] The cutting unit 16 includes a fixed blade, a movable blade that cuts the wire W in cooperation with the fixed blade, and a transmission mechanism 16A that transmits the operation of the binding unit 18 to the movable blade. The cutting unit 16 is configured to be able to cut the wire W by the rotational operation of the movable blade with the fixed blade as a fulcrum axis. The transmission mechanism 16A is configured to transmit the operation of the binding unit 18 to the movable blade and to rotate the movable blade in conjunction with the binding operation of the binding unit 18. Therefore, the transmission mechanism 16A is configured to be able to cut the wire W at a predetermined timing, as described below, by rotating the movable blade in conjunction with the operation of the binding unit 18.

[0021] The binding unit 18 includes a pair of hooks 18H configured to be openable and closable to clamp the wire W, a rotating shaft for rotating the pair of hooks 18H around the forward / backward direction X as the rotation axis, a reducer for moving the rotating shaft in the rotation axis direction (forward / backward direction X) and rotating the rotating shaft that has moved forward X1, and a binding motor 18M configured to be rotatable around the rotation axis AX.

[0022] The rotating shaft of the bundling unit 18 rotates forward when the bundling motor 18M rotates in the forward direction. A sliding member is provided around the rotating shaft, and the sliding member is configured to move forward in the X1 direction when the rotating shaft rotates forward. When the pair of hooks 18H is in an open state, the wire W fed by the feed motor 12M advances while curving along the inner wall surfaces of the curl guide 14A and the induction guide 14B, and the tip of the wire W passes through the gap between the pair of open hooks 18H. When the bundling motor 18M rotates in the forward direction and the rotating shaft rotates forward in this state, the sliding member moves forward in the X1 direction, and the pair of hooks 18H close. Therefore, the pair of hooks 18H are configured to be able to clamp the wire W. When the bundling motor 18M further rotates in the forward direction and the rotating shaft rotates in the forward direction, the sliding member moves forward in the X1 direction, and the transmission mechanism 16A rotates the movable blade to cut the wire W. When the bundling motor 18M further rotates in the forward direction, the bundling unit 18 bends the tip of the cut wire W with the pair of hooks 18H clamping the wire W. When the bundling motor 18M further rotates in the forward direction, the rotating shaft rotates together with the sliding unit around the rotation axis in the front-rear direction X. When the pair of hooks 18H clamp the wire W, the pair of hooks 18H are configured to twist the wire W by rotating the rotating shaft.

[0023] [Electric circuit configuration of power tools] 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical circuit configuration of the reinforcing bar binding machine 10 according to this embodiment. Of the electrical circuit configuration of the reinforcing bar binding machine 10, the configuration for controlling the feed motor 12M, the configuration for controlling the communication device 32, and the configuration for supplying power (voltage) to these components constitute the power supply device 40 of this embodiment.

[0024] Specifically, the power supply device 40 of this embodiment includes a battery connection unit 40CN for receiving power (voltage) from a battery 10BP (sometimes referred to as a "driving battery" or "first battery"), a power switch 40S for turning on and off the supply of power (voltage) supplied from the battery connection unit 40CN, a first power control unit 41PC (an example of a "first voltage supply unit") that receives power (voltage) from the battery 10BP via the power switch 40S and supplies a first operating voltage for operating a drive control unit 22 (an example of a "first control unit") based on the first power supply voltage supplied from the battery 10BP, a drive control unit 22 that operates based on the first operating voltage and generates a control signal for controlling the feed motor 12M, and a motor control unit 24 that controls the current flowing through the stator of the feed motor 12M based on the control signal generated by the drive control unit 22.

[0025] Battery 10BP is configured to be capable of supplying power for operating at least drive control unit 22, motor control unit 24, feed motor 12M, binding motor 18M, communication control unit 34, wireless communication device 32, and position information acquisition unit 36 ​​(described later). Battery 10BP is, for example, a rechargeable lithium-ion secondary battery with a predetermined rated capacity, rated voltage, and rated current. For example, battery 10BP has a rated capacity of 5.0 Ah and is configured to be capable of supplying a rated DC voltage of 14.4 V. However, as described later, the DC voltage supplied from battery 10BP gradually decreases as power is consumed by battery 10BP.

[0026] The battery connector 40CN receives a DC voltage from the battery 10BP and supplies it to the first power control unit 41PC. The power supply device 40 includes a first voltage line 41 that connects the battery connector 40CN and the first power control unit 41PC, and the first DC power supply voltage supplied from the battery 10BP is applied to this first voltage line 41.

[0027] The power switch 40S turns on or off the supply of power (voltage) supplied from the battery 10BP to the first power control unit 41PC via the battery connection unit 40CN in accordance with the operation of the main power switch (not shown) of the rebar binding machine 10. Therefore, when the operator turns off the main power switch, the power switch 40S cuts off (turns off) the supply of power (voltage) from the battery 10BP to the first power control unit 41PC, and when the operator turns it on, the power switch 40S permits (turns on) the supply of power (voltage) from the battery 10BP to the first power control unit 41PC.

[0028] The first power control unit 41PC generates a voltage for operating each circuit element, including the drive control unit 22, based on the first power supply voltage supplied from the battery 10BP, and supplies the generated voltage to each circuit element. For example, the first power control unit 41PC generates a voltage of 3.3 V (an example of a "first operating voltage"), which is the operating voltage of the drive control unit 22, based on the first power supply voltage of 14.4 V supplied from the battery 10BP, and supplies the voltage to the drive control unit 22. The first power control unit 41PC is also configured to supply the first power supply voltage (14.4 V) as is to the motor control units 24 and 26 and the stators of each motor. Here, supplying a voltage includes generating and supplying a voltage and passing through and supplying a voltage as is without generating it. The first power control unit 41PC is further configured to generate an intermediate voltage that is higher than the first operating voltage but lower than the first power supply voltage, and supply the intermediate voltage to different circuit elements. The first power control unit 41PC may also include a booster circuit that generates a voltage higher than the first power supply voltage and supplies the voltage to different circuit elements.

[0029] The drive control unit 22 operates based on a voltage of, for example, 3.3 V, generates a control signal for controlling the feed motor 12M, and supplies the control signal to the motor control unit 24. The drive control unit 22 is also configured to be able to control other actuators of the rebar binding machine 10. The drive control unit 22 also supplies the first power supply voltage supplied from the first power control unit 41PC to the motor control unit 24 (for example, to the positive power supply line of the motor control unit 24). The drive control unit 22 is further configured to receive a signal detecting that the trigger 10HT has been pressed, and to start a motor control operation based on this signal. In addition, the drive control unit 22 may be configured to receive a signal indicating the temperature of the power tool (rebar binding machine 10) from a thermistor, and to control the feed motor 12M based on this signal. For example, the drive control unit 22 may generate different control signals and supply them to the motor control unit 24 when the power tool is relatively high and when it is relatively low.

[0030] The drive control unit 22 may be composed of a single or multiple processors implemented by an integrated circuit (IC) and a memory (including a non-volatile semiconductor memory that stores information non-transitory) that stores firmware including computer instructions that are executed by the processor and perform the processes described in this embodiment. The drive control unit 22 may also be implemented by an IC called an ASIC, FPGA, microcontroller, etc. The drive control unit 22 also functions as part of the tool control unit. The motor control unit 24 controls the current flowing through the stator of the feed motor 12M based on the control signal generated by the drive control unit 22. For example, the motor control unit 24 may include a plurality of (e.g., six) semiconductor elements connected in a three-phase bridge configuration between a positive power supply line and a negative power supply line of ground (reference potential), and a driver circuit for generating and supplying a gate signal (or base signal) to the gate (or base) of each semiconductor element.

[0031] The feed motor 12M, which is an electric motor in this embodiment, includes, for example, a stator made up of three-phase windings connected to three-phase outputs of the motor control unit 24, and a rotor configured to be rotatable in either the forward or reverse direction in accordance with a rotating magnetic field generated by current flowing through the stator windings. The feed motor 12M may further include, for example, a Hall element for detecting the position of the rotor, and the drive control unit 22 may be configured to receive a position signal from the Hall element and generate a control signal based on the signal.

[0032] Similarly, the power supply device 40 also includes a drive control unit for the bundling motor 18M that generates a control signal for controlling the bundling motor 18M and supplies it to the motor control unit 26 of the bundling motor 18M, and a motor control unit 26 that controls the current flowing through the stator of the bundling motor 18M based on the control signal generated by the drive control unit (detailed description will be omitted).The drive control unit for the bundling motor 18M and the drive control unit 22 for the feed motor 12M may be configured to be provided on the same semiconductor chip.

[0033] The power supply device 40 further includes a first wiring board 41PCB on which at least a first power control unit 41PC, a drive control unit 22, a motor control unit 24, and a motor control unit 26 are mounted. The first wiring board 41PCB is provided with a first connection portion 41CN (an example of a "first connector") for connection to a second wiring board 42PCB (described later) via a cable 40CB. As shown in FIG. 3, the first voltage line 41 includes a first wiring portion 41A that connects the battery connection portion 40CN and the first power control unit 41PC, and a second wiring portion 41B that branches from the first wiring portion 41A and connects to the first connection portion 41CN. The power supply device 40 further includes a second voltage line 42 that is configured to be able to apply a first operating voltage (3.3V) generated by the first power control unit 41PC and connects the first power control unit 41PC and the first connection portion 41CN. In Figure 3, the first wiring board 41PCB is drawn conceptually, but the actual first wiring board 41PCB is formed in a rectangular shape having two parallel long sides and two parallel short sides connecting the ends of the long sides.

[0034] The above-described configuration enables the supply of power to realize the functions of the power tool. Next, the configuration relating to the communication function of the power tool will be described.

[0035] As also shown in FIG. 3, the power supply device 40 includes a second battery 42BP for communication (sometimes referred to as a "communication battery"), a second power control unit 42PC (an example of a "second voltage supply unit") that is configured to be able to supply a second operating voltage for operating the communication control unit 34 (an example of a "second control unit") based on a first power supply voltage supplied from the main battery 10BP, and that is configured to be able to supply a second operating voltage for operating the communication control unit 34 based on the second power supply voltage supplied from the second battery 42BP when the main battery 10BP is removed, etc., and a communication control unit 34 that controls the wireless communication device 32 (an example of a "communication device 32") and the location information acquisition unit 36 ​​based on the second operating voltage supplied from the second power control unit 42PC.

[0036] The power tool further includes a communication unit 30 including a position information acquisition unit 36 ​​that acquires position information of the power tool and supplies it to a communication control unit 34, and a wireless communication device 32 for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from external devices.

[0037] The position information acquisition unit 36 ​​includes, for example, an antenna configured to receive signals from GPS (or GLONASS or other GNSS) positioning satellites, and a receiving circuit that acquires position information of the power tool based on the signals received by the antenna.

[0038] The wireless communication device 32 includes an antenna 32A (FIG. 7) configured to be able to transmit and receive information to and from a remote base station based on a predetermined standard using a licensed or unlicensed frequency band based on, for example, LPWA technology, an RFIC that demodulates an analog signal received by the antenna 32A and supplies it to a baseband IC, and modulates the signal supplied from the baseband IC into an analog signal and transmits it from the antenna 32A, and a baseband IC that decodes or encodes the signal obtained from the RFIC in accordance with a protocol defined in the standard to transmit and receive information. The communication device 32 may also be compatible with a short-range wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN.

[0039] With the above-described configuration, the communication control unit 34 is configured to provide the position information of the power tool to an external device, for example, by transmitting the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 36 ​​via the wireless communication unit 30. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 34, the RFIC, and the baseband IC may be stacked in the same semiconductor package. Alternatively, the communication control unit 34 and the baseband IC may be formed on the same semiconductor chip.

[0040] The power supply device 40 further includes a second wiring board 42PCB on which at least the second power control unit 42PC, the communication control unit 34, the communicator 32, and the position information acquisition unit 36 ​​are mounted. The second wiring board 42PCB is provided with a second connection portion 42CN (an example of a "second connector") for connection to the first wiring board 41PCB via a cable 40CB. As shown in FIG. 3, the first wiring portion 41A and the second wiring portion 41B of the first voltage line 41 are formed on the first wiring board 41PCB, while the third wiring portion 41C electrically connected to the first wiring portion 41A and the second wiring portion 41B via a connector is formed on the second wiring board 42PCB. Furthermore, the wiring portion connecting the first connection portion 41CN of the second voltage line 42 to the first power control unit 41PC is formed on the first wiring board 41PCB, while the wiring portion electrically connected to this wiring portion via a connector and connected to the second power control unit 42PC is formed on the second wiring board 42PCB.

[0041] The power supply device 40 further includes a second battery 42BP, which supplies power for operating at least the communication control unit 34, the wireless communication device 32, and the position information acquisition unit 36. The second battery 42BP is, for example, a rechargeable lithium-ion secondary battery having a predetermined rated capacity, rated voltage, and rated current. For example, the second battery 42BP has a smaller rated capacity than the main battery 10BP and is configured to supply a DC voltage rated at 3.6 V (an example of a "second power supply voltage"). In addition, since the second battery 42BP is housed within the housing 10C constituting the main body 10B of the power tool, unlike the main battery 10BP, it is not easily detachable and is instead integrally fixed to the second wiring board 42PCB. Note that the second battery 42BP does not have to be integrally fixed to the second wiring board 42PCB; for example, it may be detachable from the second wiring board 42PCB.

[0042] The second power control unit 42PC is configured to be able to generate a voltage for operating each circuit element including the communication control unit 34 and the drive control unit 22 based on the power supply voltage supplied from the battery 10BP and supply the generated voltage to each circuit element, etc. For example, the second power control unit 42PC generates a voltage of 3.3 V (an example of a "second operating voltage") that is the operating voltage of the communication control unit 34 based on the power supply voltage of 14.4 V supplied from the battery 10BP and supplies the voltage to the communication control unit 34 via a third voltage line 43 that connects the second power control unit 42PC and the communication control unit 34. Similarly, the second power control unit 42PC generates a predetermined operating voltage and supplies it to the position information acquisition unit 36 ​​and the wireless communication unit 30.

[0043] Additionally, the second power control unit 42PC is configured to generate an operating voltage for operating each circuit element, etc., based on a DC voltage of 3.6 V, equivalent to the second power supply voltage, supplied from the second battery 42BP, and supply the operating voltage to each circuit element, etc., including the communication control unit 34 and the drive control unit 22. Here, the second power control unit 42PC includes a boost circuit capable of generating a voltage higher than the second power supply voltage to operate the antenna 32A. However, the rebar binding machine 10 does not necessarily have to include a boost circuit. In this embodiment, because the operating voltage of the antenna is higher than the second power supply voltage, the rebar binding machine 10 includes a boost circuit such as a charge pump circuit. However, for example, if the circuit elements are selected so that the operating voltage of the circuit elements driven by power from the second battery 42BP is equal to or lower than the second power supply voltage, or if the second power supply voltage is set, the rebar binding machine 10 does not necessarily have to include a boost circuit.

[0044] With the above-described configuration, when the main battery 10BP is removed, the second power control unit 42PC is configured to operate the drive control unit 22, the communication control unit 34, the position information acquisition unit 36, and the wireless communication unit 30 based on the second power supply voltage supplied from the second battery 42BP, thereby enabling wireless transmission and reception of information with an external device. Therefore, even when the main battery 10BP is removed, the communication control unit 34 is configured to provide the external device with position information of the power tool by transmitting the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 36 ​​via the wireless communication unit 30, and is also configured to store update data for updating the firmware of the drive control unit 22, received via the wireless communication unit 30, in, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory constituting the drive control unit 22.

[0045] Furthermore, the second power control unit 42PC is configured to generate a charging voltage for charging the second battery 42BP based on the power supply voltage supplied from the main battery 10BP, and to charge the second battery 42BP. Therefore, the power supply device 40 according to this embodiment is configured to operate the drive control unit 22, motor control unit 24, motor control unit 26, motors (feed motor 12M and bundling motor 18M), communication control unit 34, position information acquisition unit 36, and wireless communication unit 30 based on the power supplied from the battery 10BP when the battery 10BP is attached, and to charge the second battery 42BP, and is configured to operate the drive control unit 22, communication control unit 34, position information acquisition unit 36, and wireless communication unit 30 based on the power supplied from the second battery 42BP when the main battery 10BP is removed. As mentioned above, supplying a voltage includes passing it through without generating it and supplying it as is, so the power supply voltage may be supplied to the communication control unit 34, etc. by directly connecting the wiring to which the output voltage from the second battery 42BP is applied to the power supply terminal of the communication control unit 34, etc., or the power supply voltage may be supplied to the drive control unit 22, etc. by directly connecting the wiring to which the output voltage from the second power control unit 42PC is applied to the power supply terminal of the drive control unit 22, etc.

[0046] The power supply device 40 further includes a second wiring board 42PCB on which at least a second power control unit 42PC, a communication control unit 34, a position information acquisition unit 36, and a wireless communication unit 30 are mounted. The second wiring board 42PCB is provided with a second connection unit 42CN (an example of a "second connector") for connecting to the first wiring board 41PCB via a cable 40CB.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the first voltage line 41 to which the power supply voltage from the battery 10BP is applied not only supplies voltage to the first power control unit 41PC via the power switch 40S, but also supplies voltage to the second power control unit 42PC by having wiring that connects to the second power control unit 42PC via the first connection portion 41CN of the first wiring board 41PCB, the cable 40CB, and the second connection portion 42CN of the second wiring board 42PCB.

[0048] Furthermore, the second voltage line 42 to which the first operating voltage (3.3V) generated by the first power control unit 41PC is applied has a wiring section connected to the second power control unit 42PC and the communication control unit 34 via a connection section of the first wiring board 41PCB, the cable 40CB, and a connection section of the second wiring board 42PCB, so that when the main battery 10BP is attached, it is configured to be able to supply power (voltage and current) in the direction from the first power control unit 41PC to the second power control unit 42PC, and when the main battery 10BP is removed, it is configured to be able to supply power (voltage and current) in the direction from the second power control unit 42PC to the first power control unit 41PC.

[0049] Here, the third wiring portion 41C of the first voltage line 41 provided on the second wiring board 42PCB is provided with, as a circuit configured to allow a current to flow from the first power control unit 41PC to the second power control unit 42PC and to prevent a current from flowing from the second power control unit 42PC to the first power control unit 41PC, for example, a diode (an example of a "backflow prevention circuit") having an anode connected to the first power control unit 41PC side and a cathode connected to the second power control unit 42PC. Note that the backflow prevention circuit may be provided in the second wiring portion 41B of the first voltage line 41 provided on the first wiring board 41PCB.

[0050] By providing a backflow prevention circuit, it is possible to prevent current from flowing from the second battery 42BP to the first power control unit 41PC via the second power control unit 42PC, thereby making it possible to effectively utilize the main battery 10BP and the second battery 42BP.

[0051] It is preferable that the second voltage line 42 is configured to be capable of allowing current to flow from the first power control unit 41PC (first voltage supply unit) to the second power control unit 42PC (second voltage supply unit), and to be capable of allowing current to flow from the second power control unit 42PC (second voltage supply unit) to the first power control unit 41PC (first voltage supply unit).

[0052] With this configuration, it is possible to supply power (voltage) to the power terminal of the drive control unit 22 of the first wiring board 41PCB via the second voltage line 42 that connects the second wiring board 42PCB, which is a communication board, the second connector, the first connector, and the first power control unit 41PC.

[0053] This allows the drive control unit 22 to operate even when the main battery 10BP is removed. For example, the drive control unit 22 can update firmware, which is a control program. This reduces the need for an operator to interrupt work in order to update firmware for the drive control unit 22, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0054] The second voltage line 42 may be provided to connect the first connector and the power supply terminal of the drive control unit 22 of the first wiring board 41PC directly without going through the first power control unit 41PC.

[0055] [Layout of the wiring board] Power supply device 40 according to this embodiment has a configuration in which first wiring board 41PCB and second wiring board 42PCB are connected via cable 40CB (including wiring that forms part of first voltage line 41 and wiring that forms part of second voltage line 42). Therefore, by lengthening cable 40CB, it is possible to arrange first wiring board 41PCB and second wiring board 42PCB in different positions.

[0056] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the reinforcing bar binding machine 10 seen from above Z1. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a method of assembling the second wiring board 42PCB of the reinforcing bar binding machine 10. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration including the second wiring board 42PCB and the communication control unit 34 mounted thereon.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, the first wiring board 41PCB and the second wiring board 42PCB of the power supply device 40 according to this embodiment are arranged around at least one of the two electric motors (in this embodiment, the bundled motor 18M).

[0058] More specifically, the first wiring board 41PCB is perpendicular to the rotation axis AX of the bundling motor 18M, and in a cross section (FIG. 4) passing through the bundling motor 18M, the first wiring board 41PCB is arranged in the up-down direction Z (e.g., upward Z1) of the bundling motor 18M so that the board is approximately perpendicular to the up-down direction Z. On the other hand, the second wiring board 42PCB is perpendicular to the rotation axis AX of the bundling motor 18M, and in a cross section (FIG. 4) passing through the bundling motor 18M, the second wiring board 42PCB is arranged in the left-right direction Y (e.g., rightward Y1) of the bundling motor 18M so that the board is approximately perpendicular to the left-right direction Y.

[0059] With this configuration, it is possible to arrange the two wiring boards so that they are substantially perpendicular to each other and surround the motor (either the bundling motor 18M or the feed motor 12M).

[0060] This makes it possible to reduce the height of the power tool (rebar binding machine 10) in the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, it is also possible to reduce motor noise compared to when wiring boards are stacked.

[0061] Here, the electric tool (rebar binding machine 10) is configured so that in at least one cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis AX of the binding motor 18M, the distance D1 between the rotation axis AX and the outer surface of the housing 10C located to the right Y1 (or left Y2) of the rotation axis AX, where the second wiring board 42PCB is arranged between the rotation axis AX, is greater than the distance D2 between the rotation axis AX and the outer surface of the housing 10C located above Z1 (or below Z2) the rotation axis AX, where the first wiring board 41PCB is arranged between the rotation axis AX and the outer surface of the housing 10C.

[0062] This configuration also makes it possible to reduce the height of the power tool (rebar binding machine 10) in the vertical direction Z.

[0063] Here, in the same cross section, the second wiring board 42PCB is arranged outward from the center of a line segment connecting the rotation axis AX and the outer surface of the housing 10C located to the right Y1 (or left Y2) of the rotation axis AX, where the second wiring board 42PCB is arranged between the rotation axis AX. For example, the second wiring board 42PCB is arranged at the end in the left-right direction Y (in this embodiment, the right Y1 end) of the area inside the housing 10C.

[0064] Therefore, the antenna 32A and communication control unit 34 of the communication device 32 mounted on the second wiring board 42PCB are less susceptible to the noise generated by the rotation of the feed motor 12M and the binding motor 18M.

[0065] Similarly, in the same cross section, the first wiring board 41PCB is disposed outward from the center of a line segment connecting the rotation axis AX and the outer surface of the housing 10C located above Z1 (or below Z2) the rotation axis AX, where the first wiring board 41PCB is disposed between the rotation axis AX. For example, the first wiring board 41PCB is disposed at the end in the up-down direction Y of the area inside the housing 10C.

[0066] Therefore, the drive control unit 28 mounted on the first wiring board 41PCB is less susceptible to noise generated by the rotation of the feed motor 12M and the binding motor 18M. The positions of the first wiring board 41PCB and the second wiring board 42PCB may be interchanged, with the former being located on the left-right side of the motor (for example, on the right Y1 or left Y2 end of the area surrounded by the housing 10C) and the latter being located on the top-bottom side of the motor (for example, on the top Z1 or bottom Z2 end of the area surrounded by the housing 10C).

[0067] However, it is preferable that the first wiring board 41PCB be arranged above Z1 the area surrounded by the housing 10C. Since the first wiring board 41PCB is easily affected by heat generated by the motor, by arranging it above Z1 the area surrounded by the housing 10C, it is possible to relatively promote heat dissipation.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second wiring board 42PCB is intentionally configured to have a small height in the up-down direction Z. Specifically, the second wiring board 42PCB is formed in a rectangular shape having a first side 42PCB1 extending in the front-rear direction X and a second side 42PCB2 extending in the up-down direction Z. As described above, the second wiring board 42PCB is substantially perpendicular to the left-right direction Y. In this embodiment, the length of the first side 42PCB1 (an example of a "first length") is at least twice the length of the second side 42PCB2 (an example of a "second length"). In other words, the length of the second side 42PCB2 is half or less of the length of the first side 42PCB1.

[0069] In this embodiment, the antenna 32A includes a first antenna 32A1 extending in the front-rear direction X and a second antenna 32A2 extending in the up-down direction Z. The communication control unit 34 is disposed between the first antenna 32A1 and the second antenna 32A2. The length of the side of the communication control unit 34 in the up-down direction Z is at least half the length of the second side 42PCB2.

[0070] In other words, the length of the second side 42PCB2 is configured to be no more than twice (preferably no more than 1.5 times) the length of the second side 42PCB2, which is the side in the vertical direction Z of the communication control unit 34, based on the length of the side in the vertical direction Z of the communication control unit 34. By determining the length of the second side 42PCB2 of the second wiring board 42PCB in this manner, it is possible to limit the height of the second wiring board 42PCB in the vertical direction Z, and ultimately the height of the rebar binding machine 10 in the vertical direction Z.

[0071] In addition, one of the two antennas (first antenna 32A1 and second antenna 32A2) extending in different directions is arranged in an area X1 forward of the communication control unit 34, and the other is arranged in an area X2 backward of the communication control unit 34, thereby reducing the possibility that both antennas will be affected by noise, etc. Moreover, since the first side 42PCB1 of the second wiring board 42PCB is long, the first antenna 32A1 can also be long. The length of the first antenna 32A1 in the front-to-rear direction X may be greater than the length of the second side 42PCB2.

[0072] An example of the implementation of a configuration including the communication device 32 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 7. As described above, the second battery 42BP is fixed integrally with the second wiring board 42PCB on which the antenna 32A and the like are mounted. Specifically, the second battery 42BP is disposed substantially parallel to the second wiring board 42PCB and inward relative to the second wiring board 42PCB (in this embodiment, this is to the left Y2, which corresponds to a position closer to the rotation axis AX than the second wiring board 42PCB). This allows the second battery 42BP to function as a shield. Therefore, the antenna 32A and the like of the communication device 32 are less susceptible to noise generated by driving the feed motor 12M, the binding motor 18M, and the like.

[0073] In addition, the second wiring board 42PCB and the second battery 42BP, which are arranged adjacent to each other and parallel to each other, are sandwiched between a board cover 42PCBC that surrounds and protects the second wiring board 42PCB and a battery cover 42BPC. Being sandwiched between the two covers in this manner allows the communication unit 30 to be unitized (FIG. 6). This allows the motor section of a power tool without a communication function to share the same configuration as the motor section of a power tool with a communication function.

[0074] Furthermore, a plate-shaped cushioning member CUS is inserted between the second wiring board 42PCB and the second battery 42BP. By inserting the cushioning member CUS, even if the second battery 42BP thermally expands, it is possible to prevent the second wiring board 42PCB from coming into contact with the second wiring board 42PCB and warping the laterally long second wiring board 42PCB. In addition, by inserting the cushioning member CUS, it is possible to prevent the second battery 42BP inside the unit from moving during work and to position the second battery 42BP.

[0075] As described above, the second wiring board 42PCB2 on which the antenna 32A and the communication control unit 34 are mounted is disposed at a position spaced apart behind the feed motor 12M at X2, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. For example, the second wiring board 42PCB may be disposed behind the feed motor 12M at X2 so that, when projected in the front-rear direction X, the second wiring board 42PCB partially overlaps with an area through which the rotor of the feed motor 12M passes.

[0076] To achieve this arrangement, the housing 10C includes a motor cover 10C1 (an example of a "first housing section") that covers at least a portion of the feed motor 12M, and a second housing section 10C2 that houses the second wiring board 42PCB2 and the antenna 32A and communication control section 34 mounted thereon between the motor cover 10C1.

[0077] The motor cover 10C1 has a configuration in which the front X1 portion of its outer surface (the surface facing the right Y1 in this embodiment) bulges outward (toward the right Y1 in this embodiment), allowing at least a portion of the feed motor 12M to be housed therein. Meanwhile, the motor cover 10C1 has a configuration in which the rear X2 portion is recessed inward (toward the left Y2 in this embodiment) compared to the front X1 portion. This allows the second wiring board 42PCB to be disposed in a region located behind the feed motor 12M, between the rear X2 portion of the motor cover 10C1 and the second housing section 10C2. Therefore, at least a portion of the motor cover 10C1 is disposed between the feed motor 12M, the second wiring board 42PCB, and the communication device 32.

[0078] The second wiring board 42PCB may be provided with a board cover 42PCBC that surrounds and protects the second wiring board 42PCB.

[0079] As described above, the power tool according to this embodiment does not include a communication device, which reduces the weight of the battery. Furthermore, because the wiring board is divided into two and both are arranged around the motors, the height of the power tool can be reduced despite the inclusion of a wireless communication device and multiple motors. Furthermore, because at least one of the wiring boards is arranged in the space behind one of the two motors, the power tool is also prevented from becoming too large in the left-right direction.

[0080] The present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, as described above, the positional relationship between the first wiring board 41 PCB and the second wiring board 42 PCB may be interchanged. Furthermore, at least one of the wiring boards may be mounted at an angle relative to the vertical direction Z. Within the scope of the ordinary creative ability of a person skilled in the art, other known elemental technologies may be added to some of the components in a certain embodiment. Furthermore, some of the components in a certain embodiment may be replaced with other known elemental technologies. For example, the drive control unit and the communication control unit may operate at different voltages. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10 Rebar tying machine 10C case 10C1 Motor cover (first housing part) 10C2 Second housing section 10H handle 10HT Trigger 10M Magazine 10B Main body 10BP Battery (Battery Pack) 12 Wire feed section 12G Gear 12M Feed motor (second motor) 14 Curl forming section 14A Curl Guide 14B Guidance guide 16 Cut section 16A Transmission Mechanism 18 Binding section 18H hook 18M Binding Motor (First Electric Motor) 22 drive control unit (first control unit) 24 Motor control unit 26 Motor control unit 30 Communications Department 32 Communication Device 32A Antenna 32A1 First Antenna 32A2 Second antenna 34 Communication control unit (second control unit) 36 Location information acquisition section 40 Power supply 40CB cable 40CN battery connection 40D Diode (reverse current prevention circuit) 40S Power Switch 41 First voltage line 41A 1st wiring section 41B 2nd wiring section 41C 3rd wiring section 41PCB First wiring board 41PC 1st Power Control Unit 41CN 1st connection part 42 Second voltage line 42CN Second connection part 42PC Second Power Control Unit 43 Third voltage line 42PCB Second wiring board 42BP Second Battery RL Reel W Wire RB rebar

Claims

1. a first electric motor and a second electric motor; a first control unit for controlling the first and second electric motors; a first wiring board on which the first control unit is mounted; A communication device and a second control unit for controlling the communication device; a second wiring board on which the second control unit and an antenna of the communication device are mounted; a housing that accommodates the first and second electric motors, the first wiring board, the communication device, and the second wiring board, the first wiring board and the second wiring board are disposed around the first electric motor, The housing is an electric tool having a first housing portion that covers at least a portion of the second electric motor and is at least partially positioned between the second electric motor and the communication device and the second wiring board, and a second housing portion that accommodates the communication device and the second wiring board in the area between the first housing portion.

2. A first electric motor and a second electric motor; a first control unit for controlling the first and second electric motors; a first wiring board on which the first control unit is mounted; A communication device and a second control unit for controlling the communication device; a second wiring board on which the second control unit and an antenna of the communication device are mounted; a housing that accommodates the first and second electric motors, the first wiring board, the communication device, and the second wiring board, the first wiring board and the second wiring board are disposed around the first electric motor, the second wiring substrate is disposed substantially perpendicular to a first direction and a third direction perpendicular to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and has a first side having a first length in the first direction and a second side having a second length in the second direction that is equal to or less than half of the first length; the second control portion has at least one side having a length equal to or greater than half of the second length; A power tool wherein at least a portion of the antenna is disposed at a position spaced rearward in the first direction from the second control unit.

3. The second wiring substrate is a first side extending in a first direction; a second side extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; The area inside the housing is disposed at an end in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The power tool according to claim 1 .

4. The second wiring board is arranged at an end of the area in the housing in the third direction. The power tool according to claim 2.

5. The antenna is a first antenna extending in the first direction; The power tool according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising: a second antenna extending in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

6. further comprising a magazine for storing the wire; the first motor is a motor that drives a binding unit that binds the wires, the second motor is a motor for feeding the wire outward from a front end in the first direction, The electric power tool according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the electric power tool is a reinforcing bar binding machine configured to be able to bind reinforcing bars using the wire.

7. the first wiring substrate is disposed substantially perpendicular to the second direction, The power tool according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second wiring board is disposed substantially perpendicular to the third direction.

8. The power tool according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first wiring board or the second wiring board is disposed at a position spaced rearward in the first direction from the second electric motor.

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