Work equipment

Abstract

Provided is a work machine capable of controlling a connection switching unit at an appropriate timing. A computing unit 50 is capable of performing connection switching control for switching the coil connection scheme of a motor 340 from a delta connection to a star connection. The computing unit 50 is configured to start the connection switching control in a state where the motor rotational speed is higher than the idling rotational speed (star connection idling rotational speed) of the motor 340 during the star connection, and complete the same while the motor rotational speed is equal to or lower than the star connection idling rotational speed. The computing unit 50 is configured so as to, when an inverter circuit 64 is in a drive stop state during the connection switching control, switch from a state in which a delta connection relay element 32 is ON and a star connection relay element 33 is OFF to a state in which both the delta connection relay element 32 and the star connection relay element 33 are OFF (connection terminated state), and switch from the connection terminated state to a state in which the delta connection relay element 32 is OFF and the star connection relay element 33 is ON.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a working machine.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique (motor connection switching technique) that enables driving suitable for work by changing the connection method of the motor coil.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a power tool as a working machine capable of switching the connection method of the motor coil according to the type of power supply (power supply voltage) to be connected.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a power tool as a working machine in which the winding of the motor is star-connected (Y-connected), and the number of series-connected or parallel-connected coils in the star connection can be switched according to the working load applied to the motor. Further, it is described that when switching the connection relationship of the windings, by providing a period for repeating the switching of the connection relationship, a sudden change in torque or rotational speed can be suppressed.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes a motor control for an automobile capable of switching between star connection and delta connection.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The inventor recognized the following problems when introducing motor connection switching technology to a working machine. - Problem 1: To provide a working machine with a high working speed while using motor connection switching technology. - Problem 2: To provide a working machine with high reliability against failures while using motor connection switching technology. - Problem 3: To provide a working machine with high durability against overload while using motor connection switching technology. - Problem 4: To provide a working machine that can apply an electric brake to the motor while using motor connection switching technology.

[0008] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the above problems 1 to 4.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is A motor having multiple windings, A drive unit that drives the motor, A connection switching unit is configured to switch between a high-speed connection state in which the multiple windings are connected to each other in order to obtain high-speed characteristics, and a high-torque connection state in which the multiple windings are connected to each other in order to obtain high-torque characteristics. An operating unit for starting and stopping the motor, A control unit that controls the drive unit and the wiring switching unit, A work machine having, The control unit is capable of performing connection switching control to switch from the high-speed connection state to the high-torque connection state, and is configured to start the connection switching control when the motor's rotational speed is greater than the no-load rotational speed of the high-torque connection state. The control unit is configured to stop supplying drive power to the motor when executing the wiring switching control, to switch the wiring switching unit to a disconnected state in which the plurality of windings are disconnected from each other during the process of executing the wiring switching control, and to resume supplying drive power to the motor immediately after executing the wiring switching control. This is a work machine characterized by the following features.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is, A motor having multiple windings, A drive unit that drives the motor, A connection switching unit is configured to switch between a high-speed connection state in which the multiple windings are connected to each other in order to obtain high-speed characteristics, and a high-torque connection state in which the multiple windings are connected to each other in order to obtain high-torque characteristics. An operating unit for starting and stopping the motor, A control unit that controls the drive unit and the wiring switching unit, A work machine having, The control unit is capable of performing connection switching control to switch from the high-speed connection state to the high-torque connection state, and is configured to start the connection switching control when the motor's rotational speed is greater than the no-load rotational speed of the high-torque connection state. The control unit, When the wiring state is the high-speed wiring state, if the workload applied to the motor increases and exceeds the first winding switching threshold, the wiring state is switched to the high-torque wiring state. When the wiring state is the high-torque wiring state, and the workload decreases to below the second winding switching threshold, the wiring state is switched to the high-speed wiring state. The first winding switching threshold is greater than the second winding switching threshold, This is a work machine characterized by the following features.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is, A motor having multiple windings, A drive unit that drives the motor, A connection switching unit is configured to switch between a high-speed connection state in which the plurality of windings are connected to each other to obtain high-speed characteristics, and a high-torque connection state in which the plurality of windings are connected to each other to obtain high-torque characteristics, and the other connection state. An operating unit for starting and stopping the motor, A control unit that controls the drive unit and the wiring switching unit, A work machine having, The control unit is capable of performing a wiring switching control to switch from one wiring state to the other wiring state, and in the wiring switching control, the drive unit is configured to switch to a drive stop state in which the supply of drive power to the motor is stopped, and the wiring switching unit is configured to switch to a wiring disconnection state in which the plurality of windings are disconnected from each other. The control unit is configured to stop supplying drive power to the motor when executing the wiring switching control, and to resume supplying drive power to the motor immediately after executing the wiring switching control. This is a work machine characterized by the following features.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is, A motor having multiple windings that is driven by power supplied from a power source, The motor's winding connection method is switchable between a first connection method for high rotation and a second connection method for high torque, and a connection switching unit is provided. A control unit that controls the motor and the wiring switching unit, A housing that houses the motor, the wiring switching unit, and the control unit, A detection unit for detecting a physical quantity that changes due to the drive of the motor, or the type of power supply, A work machine equipped with, The control unit is configured to perform wiring switching control to switch the wiring method from the first wiring method to the second wiring method when predetermined winding switching conditions are met. The detected value detected by the detection unit includes the work load applied to the motor. The winding switching condition includes the duration of any work load exceeding a load threshold being greater than or equal to a time threshold that varies depending on the magnitude of the work load. This is a work machine characterized by the following features.

[0016] The present invention may also be described as "electric work machine," "power tool," "electric equipment," etc., and such descriptions are also valid embodiments of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, at least one of the above problems 1 to 4 is resolved. of It can be solved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the work machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, viewed from above. [Figure 2] A perspective view of the work machine 1, seen from below. [Figure 3] Front view of work machine 1. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of CC in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the left opening of the intermediate housing 324 covered by the cover member 328. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of motor 340 of work machine 1. [Figure 7] External view of the control panel 316 of the work machine 1. [Figure 8] Circuit block diagram of work machine 1. [Figure 9] A simplified graph showing the relationship between the torque and rotational speed of motor 340 when motor 340 is in low-speed configuration. [Figure 10] A simplified graph showing the relationship between the effective current value and torque of motor 340 when motor 340 is in low-speed configuration. [Figure 11] A simplified graph showing the relationship between the torque and rotational speed of motor 340 when motor 340 is configured for high rotation. [Figure 12] A simplified graph showing the relationship between the effective current value and torque of motor 340 when motor 340 is configured for high rotation speeds. [Figure 13] A graph showing the relationship between the product torque of work machine 1 and the rotational speed of the saw blade. [Figure 14] (A) is a graph showing an example of the time change of the current flowing to the battery pack 307 of the work implement 1 when the first control is performed to complete the switching from delta connection to star connection while the rotational speed of the motor 340 is higher than the no-load rotational speed in star connection. (B) is a graph showing an example of the time change of the saw blade rotational speed of the work implement 1 when the first control is performed. (C) is a graph showing an example of the time change of the voltage between the input terminals of the inverter circuit 64 of the work implement 1 when the first control is performed. [Figure 15] (A) to (C) are enlarged graphs showing the vicinity of the wiring switching timing in Figures 14(A) to (C), respectively. (D) is a graph showing the on / off state of the inverter circuit 64 on the same time scale as Figures 15(A) to (C). [Figure 16](A) is a graph showing an example of the time change of the current flowing to the battery pack 307 of the work implement 1 when a second control is performed in which the switching from delta connection to star connection is completed after the rotation speed of motor 340 falls below the no-load rotation speed in star connection. (B) is a graph showing an example of the time change of the saw blade rotation speed of the work implement 1 when the second control is performed. (C) is a graph showing an example of the time change of the voltage between the input terminals of the inverter circuit 64 of the work implement 1 when the second control is performed. [Figure 17] (A) to (C) are enlarged graphs showing the vicinity of the connection switching timing in Figures 16(A) to (C), respectively. (D) is a graph showing the on / off state of the inverter circuit 64 on the same time scale as Figures 17(A) to (C). [Figure 18] This figure shows the time variation of the on / off states of the delta connection relay element 32 and the star connection relay element 33 when the turn-off of the delta connection relay element 32 and the turn-on of the star connection relay element 33 are commanded simultaneously in connection switching control. [Figure 19] This figure shows the time changes in the on / off states of the delta-connection relay element 32 and the star-connection relay element 33 when, in connection switching control, a command is given to turn off the delta-connection relay element 32, followed by a waiting period, and then a command is given to turn on the star-connection relay element 33. [Figure 20] A simplified graph showing an example of the expected time change in the rotational speed of motor 340 when a third control is performed to complete the connection switching control at the timing when the rotational speed of motor 340 decreases to the expected rotational speed in a star connection. [Figure 21] A simplified graph showing an example of the time variation of the actual rotational speed of motor 340 when the third control is performed. [Figure 22] A simplified graph showing an example of the time variation of the actual rotational speed of motor 340 when a fourth control is performed to complete the connection switching control before the rotational speed of motor 340 decreases to the expected rotational speed in a star connection. [Figure 23]A simplified graph showing an example of the time change in the actual rotational speed of motor 340 when the fifth control, which performs constant speed control in a star connection, is performed and the connection switching control is completed at the timing when the rotational speed of motor 340 decreases to the rotational speed for constant speed control in a star connection. [Figure 24] Control flowchart for work machine 1. [Figure 25] The present invention relates to Embodiment 2, a graph showing the relationship between the motor torque and motor rotation speed of the work implement 1, wherein the pressing load of the work implement 1 on the work material is increased in both the automatic switching mode and the tenacity mode. [Figure 26] A graph showing the relationship between the saw blade torque and saw blade rotation speed of the work implement 1, in both the automatic switching mode and the tenacity mode, where the pressing load of the work implement 1 on the workpiece is increased. [Figure 27] This graph shows the relationship between the saw blade torque and saw blade rotation speed of the work implement 1, specifically the case where the pressing load of the work implement 1 on the workpiece is increased and then decreased in automatic switching mode. [Figure 28] This graph shows the relationship between the effective battery current of the work implement 1 and the saw blade rotation speed, specifically the case where the pressing load of the work implement 1 on the workpiece is increased and then decreased in automatic switching mode. [Figure 29] This is a control flowchart for the automatic switching mode of the work implement 1, specifically the case where the pushing load of the work implement 1 on the workpiece is increased after the trigger switch 306 is turned on. [Figure 30] A control flowchart for the automatic switching mode of work implement 1, wherein the pushing load of work implement 1 on the work implement 1 is reduced while operating in a star connection configuration. [Figure 31] Control flowchart for the viscosity mode of work machine 1. [Figure 32] Flowchart for overload protection control of work machine 1. [Figure 33] Flowchart of protection control based on a discharge stop signal from the battery pack 307 of work machine 1. [Figure 34] A graph showing the time variation of battery current and saw blade rotation speed in the automatic switching mode of work implement 1, where the pressing load of work implement 1 on the work material is 110N or less. [Figure 35] A magnified graph of the vicinity of the switching timing of the wiring method in Figure 34. [Figure 36] A graph showing the time variation of battery current and saw blade rotation speed in the automatic switching mode of work implement 1, wherein the pressing load of work implement 1 on the workpiece is rapidly increased to 120N or more during operation in delta connection mode. [Figure 37] A magnified graph of the vicinity of the switching timing of the wiring method in Figure 36. [Figure 38] A graph showing the time variation of battery current and saw blade rotation speed in the tenacity mode of work implement 1, where the pressing load of work implement 1 on the workpiece is 110N or less. [Figure 39] A graph showing the time variation of battery current and saw blade rotation speed in the tenacity mode of work implement 1, the graph showing the case when the pressing load of work implement 1 on the workpiece is rapidly increased to 120N or more during operation in delta connection. [Figure 40] A circuit block diagram of the work machine 2 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 41] A graph showing the time variation of battery current and saw blade rotation speed in the automatic switching mode of work implement 2, the graph showing the case when the pressing load of work implement 1 on the workpiece is rapidly increased to 120N or more during operation in delta connection. [Figure 42] Circuit block diagram of the work machine 3 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 43] (A) is a table summarizing the winding switching conditions for implement 3. (B) is a table summarizing the overcurrent protection activation conditions for implement 3. [Figure 44] Graphs showing the relationship between current range and time threshold shown in Figures 43(A) and (B). [Figure 45] (A) is a table summarizing the winding switching conditions for the circuit of work machine 3 when the temperature is low. (B) is a table summarizing the winding switching conditions for the circuit of work machine 3 when the temperature is high. [Figure 46] Graphs showing the relationship between current range and time threshold shown in Figures 45(A) and (B). [Figure 47] (A) is a table summarizing the winding switching conditions when the rated capacity of the battery pack 307 of the work machine 3 is 2.5Ah (low capacity). (B) is a table summarizing the winding switching conditions when the rated capacity of the battery pack 307 is 4.0Ah (high capacity). [Figure 48] Graphs showing the relationship between current range and time threshold shown in Figures 47(A) and (B). [Figure 49] A graph showing the relationship between the current range and the time threshold for each of the winding switching conditions and the overcurrent protection operating conditions, relating to the work machine of Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 50] A circuit block diagram of the work machine 4 according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 51] A flowchart showing the first control example of work machine 4. [Figure 52] (A) is a flowchart showing a second control example of the work implement 4. (B) is a flowchart showing a third control example of the work implement 4. (C) is a flowchart showing a fourth control example of the work implement 4. [Figure 53] A time chart of a first operational example of the work machine 4, the time chart includes the operation of switching the coil connection from a delta connection for high rotation to a Y connection for high torque in response to an increase in the work load. [Figure 54] A time chart for a second example of operation of the work machine 4, which includes operations corresponding to the control of S109 to S117 in Figure 51. [Figure 55] Time chart for the third operation example of work machine 4. [Figure 56] A time chart for the fourth operation example of the work machine 4, which includes the operations corresponding to the control steps S109 to S161 in Figure 52(B). [Figure 57] A time chart for the fifth operation example of the work machine 4, which includes the operations corresponding to the controls of S109 and S171 in Figure 52(C). [Figure 58] A perspective view of the work machine 5 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention, viewed from above. [Figure 59] A perspective view of the housing 1320 of work machine 5, with a portion removed and viewed from above. [Figure 60] Front view of work machine 5. [Figure 61] A side view of the housing 1320 of the work machine 5, with a portion removed and viewed from the side. [Figure 62] Figure 59 is a perspective view showing the motor housing 1321 and control board 1311 removed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] (Embodiment 1) Figures 1 to 24 relate to a work machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figures 3 and 4 define the mutually orthogonal front-back, up-down, and left-right directions in the work machine 1. The left-right direction is parallel to the axial direction of the motor shaft 341 of the work machine 1. The work machine 1 is a portable circular saw. The work machine 1 includes a housing 320.

[0020] The housing 320 is, for example, a resin molded body and includes a motor housing 321 for housing the motor 340, a handle housing 322 for gripping by the operator, a battery mounting section 323, and an intermediate housing 324.

[0021] The motor housing 321 is a cylindrical part with its central axis approximately parallel to the left-right direction. The handle housing 322 extends diagonally in the front-rear and up-down directions from the upper right side of the motor housing 321. A trigger switch 306 is provided at the upper end of the handle housing 322 as an operating part for the user to start and stop the motor 340.

[0022] A metal gear case (saw cover) 325 is connected to the left side of the handle housing 322. The gear case 325 houses a reduction mechanism (not shown) and covers the upper half of the saw blade 309, which serves as the cutting tool.

[0023] The battery mounting section 323 extends to the left from the rear end of the handle housing 322, and the battery pack 307 can be detachably attached to it. The work implement 1 is powered by the battery pack 307 and operates using the power of the battery pack 307. The work implement 1 has an operation panel 316 on the upper surface of the battery mounting section 323. The user can switch the operating mode of the work implement 1 using the operation panel 316.

[0024] The intermediate housing 324 is located behind the motor housing 321, to the side (right) of the battery mounting section 323, and below the handle housing 322.

[0025] The work machine 1 has a motor 340 inside the motor housing 321. The rotation of the motor 340 is reduced by a reduction mechanism in the gear case 325 and transmitted to the saw blade 309.

[0026] Motor 340 is an inner rotor type brushless motor. As shown in Figure 6, motor 340 includes a motor shaft 341 (output shaft), rotor core 342, rotor magnet 343 (permanent magnet), stator core 344, and stator coil 345.

[0027] The rotor core 342 is mounted around the motor shaft 341 and rotates integrally with the motor shaft 341 relative to the stator core 344. There are four rotor magnets 343, which are inserted and held in the rotor core 342 at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction. The rotor core 342 and rotor magnets 343 constitute the rotor of the motor 340.

[0028] The stator core 344 is provided so as to surround the outer circumference of the rotor core 342. The stator core 344 includes a cylindrical (annular) yoke portion 346 and six teeth 347 (tooth portions) that protrude radially inward from the yoke portion 346. A stator coil 345 is provided in each tooth 347. Each tooth 347 forms a winding slot. The stator core 344 and the stator coils 345 constitute the stator of the motor 340. The stator coils 345 constitute multiple windings of the motor 340.

[0029] The work machine 1 has a control board 311 (Figure 5) and a plurality of battery connection terminals 327 (Figure 2) inside the battery mounting section 323. The plurality of battery connection terminals 327 face downwards from the battery mounting section 323. The plurality of battery connection terminals 327 are electrically connected by contacting the terminals of the battery pack 307 mounted in the battery mounting section 323.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the work machine 1 has a relay board 30 inside the intermediate housing 324. The relay board 30 is equipped with a plurality of relay elements 31. The plurality of relay elements 31 constitute a relay unit. The plurality of relay elements 31 are an example of a connection switching unit that can switch the connection method of the stator coil 345 (hereinafter referred to as "coil connection method") between a first connection method for high rotation and a second connection method for high torque. That is, a connection switching unit configured to switch between a high rotation speed connection state in which the plurality of windings are connected to each other to have a high rotation speed characteristic, which is a characteristic of higher rotation speed than other characteristics, and a high torque connection state in which the plurality of windings are connected to each other to have a high torque characteristic, which is a characteristic of higher torque than other characteristics.

[0031] The relay board 30 is attached to the intermediate housing 324 with screws or the like. The intermediate housing 324 has an opening on the left side. This opening is covered by the battery pack 307 which is mounted in the battery mounting section 323. As shown in Figure 5, a cover member 328 is attached to this opening with screws or latches, and by covering the opening with the cover member 328, the relay board 30 is prevented from falling out, and waterproofing and dustproofing are ensured.

[0032] As shown in Figure 7, the control panel 316 is equipped with an operating mode selector switch 312, an operating mode indicator LED 313, a light mode selector switch 314, and light mode indicator LEDs 315 and 317.

[0033] The operating mode selector switch 312 is an operating mode selector (mode selection unit) that allows the operator to switch the operating mode of the work machine 1 between automatic switching mode (first mode) and tenacity mode (second mode). The operating mode indicator LED 313 is an operating mode indicator that displays the current operating mode; for example, it is off in automatic switching mode and lights up in tenacity mode.

[0034] The light mode selector switch 314 is a light mode selector that allows the operator to switch the light mode of the work machine 1. The light modes include, for example, a constant illumination mode and a trigger operation illumination mode in which the light illuminates only when the trigger switch 306 is pulled. The light mode indicator LED 315 lights up in the trigger operation illumination mode and turns off in the constant illumination mode. The light mode indicator LED 317 lights up in the constant illumination mode and turns off in the trigger operation illumination mode.

[0035] Figure 8 is a circuit block diagram of the work machine 1.

[0036] The battery pack 307 includes a battery cell 67 and a protection IC 68. The protection IC 68 functions as a battery-side control unit and outputs a discharge stop signal (LD signal) when the discharge current from the battery cell 67 exceeds the battery-side overcurrent protection threshold.

[0037] The inverter circuit 64 consists of six switching elements connected in a three-phase bridge configuration and is a drive unit that drives the motor 340. Each switching element of the inverter circuit 64 is an example of a heat-generating element that makes up the work machine 1. The inverter circuit 64 is installed between the output terminals of the battery pack 307. The detection resistor 65 is installed in the path of the current flowing through the stator coil 345 (hereinafter referred to as "motor current"). The inverter circuit 64 is mounted on the control board 311.

[0038] The control power supply circuit 51 converts the output voltage of the battery pack 307 into a power supply voltage for the calculation unit 50, etc., and supplies it to the calculation unit 50, etc. The current detection circuit 52 detects the motor current by the voltage across the detection resistor 65 and transmits it to the calculation unit 50, which acts as the control unit. The switch operation detection circuit 53 detects the operation of the trigger switch 306 and transmits it to the calculation unit 50. The battery type detection circuit 54 detects the type of battery pack 307 (rated voltage, rated capacity, etc.) by the voltage of an identification terminal (not shown) on the battery pack 307 and transmits it to the calculation unit 50. The battery type detection circuit 54 constitutes a detection unit that detects the capacity of the power supply. The voltage detection circuit 55 detects the output voltage of the battery pack 307 (hereinafter referred to as "battery voltage") and transmits it to the calculation unit 50.

[0039] The LD detection circuit 66 detects the discharge stop signal (LD signal) from the battery pack 307 and transmits it to the calculation unit 50. The control power supply circuit 51 and other circuits, as well as the calculation unit 50, are mounted on the control board 311.

[0040] The control signal circuit 56 outputs a control signal that controls the on / off state of each switching element in the inverter circuit 64, in accordance with the control of the calculation unit 50. The rotation position detection circuit 57 detects the rotation position of the motor 340 based on the output signal of the Hall IC (magnetic sensor) 63 located near the rotor magnet 343 and transmits it to the calculation unit 50. The rotation speed detection circuit 58 detects the rotation speed of the motor 340 (hereinafter referred to as "motor rotation speed") based on the output signal of the rotation position detection circuit 57 and transmits it to the calculation unit 50. In this specification, "rotation speed" refers to the number of rotations per unit time and means rotational speed. The operation mode detection circuit 59 detects the operation mode (operation mode) according to the operation of the operation mode selector switch 312 by the user and transmits it to the calculation unit 50. The lighting LED drive circuit 61 drives the lighting LED 62 in accordance with the control of the calculation unit 50.

[0041] The calculation unit 50 is a control unit that includes a microcontroller and the like, and controls the overall operation of the work machine 1. The calculation unit 50 controls the drive of the inverter circuit 64 via the control signal circuit 56 (for example, by PWM control of each switching element of the inverter circuit 64) and controls the drive current supplied to the stator coil 345. The calculation unit 50 can detect the torque of the motor 340 (hereinafter referred to as "motor torque"), that is, the load applied to the motor 340 (hereinafter referred to as "work load"), based on the motor current.

[0042] The calculation unit 50 controls the relay element 31 and switches the coil connection method (coil connection) between a delta connection, which is for high rotation speeds, and a star connection (Y connection), which is for high torque. The delta connection state corresponds to a high rotation speed connection state, and the star connection state corresponds to a high torque connection state. The calculation unit 50 is capable of performing connection switching control to switch the coil connection method from delta connection to star connection, that is, connection switching control to switch from a high rotation speed connection state to a high torque connection state.

[0043] The multiple relay elements 31 include three delta-connection relay elements 32 as a first relay unit and three star-connection relay elements 33 as a second relay unit. The calculation unit 50 sets the coil connection to a delta connection by turning on the delta-connection relay elements 32 and turning off the star-connection relay elements 33, and sets the coil connection to a star connection by turning on the star-connection relay elements 33 and turning off the delta-connection relay elements 32. Note that there may be two star-connection relay elements 33. That is, one of the three star-connection relay elements 33 may be replaced with a short circuit.

[0044] The operating modes of the work machine 1 (control modes by the calculation unit 50) include an automatic switching mode (first mode) and a tenacious mode (second mode). As mentioned above, the operator can select the operating mode using the operating mode switching switch 312.

[0045] In the automatic switching mode (first mode), the calculation unit 50 switches the coil connection method from a delta connection (first connection method) for high rotation to a star connection (second connection method) for high torque in response to an increase in workload. In other words, in the automatic switching mode, the calculation unit 50 is configured to control multiple relay elements 31 so that when the workload increases, the coil connection method is switched from high rotation mode to high torque mode.

[0046] In the tenacity mode (second mode), the calculation unit 50 does not switch the coil connection method from high rotation to high torque regardless of the increase in workload. Specifically, in tenacity mode, the calculation unit 50 fixes the coil connection method to the star connection, which is for high torque, and does not switch the coil connection method regardless of the workload. The workload is the load applied to the motor 340 by the work, that is, the load applied to the motor 340 by the rotating saw blade 309 being pressed against the workpiece, and does not include the temporary high load associated with the start of the motor 340. In other words, in tenacity mode, the calculation unit 50 maintains the connection method as the second connection method.

[0047] The automatic switching mode will be described below in this embodiment.

[0048] Figure 9 is a graph showing the relationship between motor torque and motor speed, with motor torque on the horizontal axis and motor speed on the vertical axis, illustrating the relationship between motor torque and motor speed when motor 340 is in low-speed specification. Figure 10 is a graph showing the relationship between motor torque and motor current, with the effective value of motor current on the horizontal axis and motor torque on the vertical axis. When motor 340 is in low-speed specification, the connection switches from delta to star at the intersection of the characteristic curves of the delta connection and the star connection (winding switching point in Figure 9). Since the effective value of the motor current at the torque of the intersection is smaller than the overcurrent protection threshold, the overcurrent protection does not activate before the connection switch. However, there is a problem in that the working speed is slow due to the low motor speed.

[0049] Figures 11 and 12 show the relationship between motor torque and motor speed, and the relationship between the effective value of motor current and motor torque, respectively, when motor 340 is configured for high rotation speeds. By reducing the number of turns in the stator coil 345, motor 340 can be configured for high rotation speeds, thereby improving the working speed. On the other hand, in the case of high rotation speeds, if the torque is the same, the motor current increases significantly compared to the case of low rotation speeds, and the effective value of the motor current at the intersection of the characteristic curves of the delta connection and the star connection becomes greater than the overcurrent protection threshold. For this reason, in the case of high rotation speeds, it is difficult to switch from delta connection to star connection at the intersection of the characteristic curves of the delta connection and the star connection (switching point 2 in Figure 11). For this reason, in the case of high rotation speeds, the switch from delta connection to star connection is performed at switching point 1, where the torque is lower than at the intersection of the characteristic curves of the delta connection and the star connection. The time from the start to the completion of the wiring switch is very short, for example, less than 100ms. Therefore, ensuring that the on / off switching timing of the relay element 31 and the inverter circuit 64 is appropriate during this time is important from the perspective of the work feel. This point will be discussed later.

[0050] Figure 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the product torque of the work machine 1 (torque of the saw blade 309) on the horizontal axis and the rotational speed of the saw blade 309 (saw blade rotational speed) on the vertical axis. Note that Figure 13 is an example of constant speed control of the motor 340 in the low torque region, and the saw blade rotational speed is constant in the low torque region. Such a graph showing the relationship between the torque and rotational speed of the cutting tool can be obtained by the following experiment. That is, a load device is connected to the output shaft that holds the cutting tool, and the rotational speed and torque of the output shaft are measured while gradually increasing the load torque generated by the load device from zero. The results are output as a graph with the torque of the output shaft on the horizontal axis and the rotational speed of the output shaft on the vertical axis. In addition, in many work machines, the motor and the output shaft that holds the cutting tool are connected via a reduction mechanism, so the torque and rotational speed of the motor can be calculated from the torque and rotational speed of the output shaft that holds the cutting tool and the reduction ratio of the reduction mechanism. Therefore, a graph showing the relationship between the torque and rotational speed of the motor can also be obtained by the same experiment as above.

[0051] The no-load rotational speed of the saw blade 309 in star connection shown in Figure 13 is the no-load rotational speed of the saw blade 309 assuming that the inverter circuit 64 is controlled with a duty cycle of 100% in a no-load and star-connected state, and is the saw blade rotational speed indicated by the intersection of the extended line (approximate curve) of the star-connected characteristic curve in Figure 13 and the straight line where the torque is 0 (approximately 3,000 min⁻¹ as an example). -1 ) The motor speed corresponding to the no-load rotation speed of the saw blade 309 in star connection is the no-load rotation speed of the motor 340 in star connection (hereinafter referred to as "no-load rotation speed in star connection"). In the work machine 1, the calculation unit 50 starts connection switching control to switch the coil connection method from delta connection to star connection when the coil connection method is delta connection and the motor speed is higher than the no-load rotation speed in star connection. Therefore, compared to the case where connection switching control is started when the motor speed is lower than the no-load rotation speed in star connection, it is possible to make the motor 340 a higher-speed specification while suppressing the motor 340 from stopping due to overcurrent protection before the start of connection switching control. Incidentally, in order to increase the working speed when the load torque is increasing, it is desirable to complete the started connection switching control as quickly as possible and restart the motor drive. Therefore, if the connection switching control is started when the motor speed is higher than the no-load speed in star connection, it is natural to try to complete the connection switching control while the motor speed is higher than the no-load speed in star connection, from the perspective of increasing the working speed. However, while the calculation unit 50 is executing the connection switching control, the motor 340 is idling and generating a back electromotive force. Whether the motor speed at the completion of the connection switching control is lower than or equal to the no-load speed in star connection is important from the perspective of suppressing the back electromotive force of the motor 340. This point will be explained below.

[0052] Figures 14(A) to (C) are graphs showing examples of the time changes of the current flowing through the battery pack 307 (hereinafter referred to as "battery current"), the saw blade rotation speed, and the voltage between the input terminals of the inverter circuit 64 (hereinafter referred to as "inverter voltage") when the first control is performed to complete the switching from delta connection to star connection while the motor rotation speed is higher than the no-load rotation speed in star connection. Figures 15(A) to (C) are enlarged graphs of the vicinity of the connection switching timing in Figures 14(A) to (C), respectively. Figure 15(D) is a graph showing the on / off state of the inverter circuit 64 on the same time scale as Figures 15(A) to (C).

[0053] In the first control case, the connection switching control is completed when the motor speed is higher than the no-load speed in the star connection, and the current path for the star connection is turned on. As a result, at the completion timing of the connection switching control, the inverter voltage jumps due to the back electromotive force of the motor 340, exceeding the allowable voltage between the positive and negative terminals of the battery pack 307 (for example, 43V in the case of a rated voltage of 36V) and the allowable voltage of each switching element in the inverter circuit 64 (for example, 48V). Therefore, the first control has room for improvement in terms of suppressing the back electromotive force of the motor 340.

[0054] Figures 16(A) to (C) are graphs showing examples of the time changes of battery current, saw blade rotation speed, and inverter voltage when a second control is performed in which the switching from delta connection to star connection is completed after the motor rotation speed falls below the no-load rotation speed in star connection. Figures 17(A) to (C) are magnified graphs of the vicinity of the connection switching timing in Figures 16(A) to (C), respectively. Figure 17(D) is a graph showing the on / off state of the inverter circuit 64 on the same time scale as Figures 17(A) to (C).

[0055] In the second control case, the connection switching control is completed when the motor speed is below the no-load speed in star connection, and the current path for star connection is turned on. Therefore, the rise in inverter voltage due to the back electromotive force of the motor 340 at the completion timing of the connection switching control is suppressed. As a result, the risk of the inverter voltage exceeding the allowable voltage between the positive and negative terminals of the battery pack 307 or the allowable voltage of each switching element in the inverter circuit 64 is suppressed.

[0056] Figures 18(A) to (C) show the time changes in the on / off states of the delta connection relay element 32 and the star connection relay element 33 when the turn-off of the delta connection relay element 32 and the turn-on of the star connection relay element 33 are simultaneously commanded in connection switching control.

[0057] When the turn-off of the delta-connection relay element 32 and the turn-on of the star-connection relay element 33 are commanded simultaneously, a temporary short-circuit state as shown in Figure 18(B) (where both the delta-connection relay element 32 and the star-connection relay element 33 are on) is likely to occur during the process from the state shown in Figure 18(A) (where the delta-connection relay element 32 is on and the star-connection relay element 33 is off) to the state shown in Figure 18(C) (where the delta-connection relay element 32 is off and the star-connection relay element 33 is on).

[0058] In a short-circuit state, the back electromotive force generated in the stator coil 345 causes a braking current to flow through the closed loop including the delta-connection relay element 32, the star-connection relay element 33, and the stator coil 345, unnecessarily reducing the motor speed. Furthermore, since a braking current flows through the star-connection relay element 33 the moment it is turned on, there is a high risk of damage to the star-connection relay element 33. The control mechanisms to solve these problems are shown in Figures 19(A) to (C).

[0059] Figures 19(A) to (C) show the time changes in the on / off states of the delta connection relay element 32 and the star connection relay element 33 when, in connection switching control, a command is given to turn off the delta connection relay element 32, followed by a waiting period, and then a command is given to turn on the star connection relay element 33.

[0060] When a command is given to turn off the delta-connection relay element 32, followed by a waiting period, and then a command is given to turn on the star-connection relay element 33, the connection temporarily opens up as shown in Figure 19(B) (both the delta-connection relay element 32 and the star-connection relay element 33 are off) during the process from the state shown in Figure 19(A) (the delta-connection relay element 32 is on and the star-connection relay element 33 is off) to the state shown in Figure 19(C) (the delta-connection relay element 32 is off and the star-connection relay element 33 is on). The open connection state corresponds to the disconnected connection state.

[0061] In the open-circuit state, there is no closed loop through which a braking current flows due to the back electromotive force generated in the stator coil 345. Therefore, the risk of a decrease in motor speed and damage to the star-connection relay element 33 is suppressed. The time during which the circuit is open is, for example, about 10 ms.

[0062] Figure 20 is a simplified graph showing an example of the expected change in motor speed over time when the workload is increased. Specifically, it shows an example of the expected change in motor speed over time when a third control is performed, which completes (terminates) the connection switching control when the motor speed decreases to the expected speed in a star connection. The expected speed is, for example, 9,000 min⁻¹. -1 It is determined experimentally.

[0063] In Figure 20, the horizontal axis represents the time period from (a) to (f), which indicates the period from the start to the completion of the wiring switching control. Time (a) is the time when the inverter circuit 64 is stopped. Stopping the inverter circuit 64 means turning off each switching element of the inverter circuit 64, switching the inverter circuit 64 to a stopped state in which the supply of driving power to the motor 340 is stopped. Time (b) is the time when the off command is sent from the calculation unit 50 to the delta connection relay element 32. Time (c) is the time when the delta connection relay element 32 is actually turned off. Time (d) is the time when the on command is sent from the calculation unit 50 to the star connection relay element 33. Time (e) is the time when the star connection relay element 33 is actually turned on. Time (f) is the time when the inverter circuit 64 is restarted. The same applies to times (a) to (f) in Figures 21 to 23. Furthermore, since the inverter circuit 64 is composed of semiconductor switching elements and responds to drive and stop commands from the calculation unit 50 at a faster speed compared to relay elements, the time lag between the drive / stop command and the response is ignored.

[0064] According to the assumption in Figure 20, up to time (a), the motor speed decreases in response to the increase in workload while the motor is in a delta connection. During the connection switching control period from time (a) to (f), the motor speed drops sharply, and from time (f) onward, the motor speed decreases in response to the increase in workload while the motor is in a star connection.

[0065] Figure 21 is a simplified graph showing an example of the actual change in motor speed over time when the third control is performed. What differs from the assumption in Figure 20 is the existence of region 2 where the motor speed increases after time (f). The change in rotational speed in region 2 leads to a deterioration in the working feel. For example, if the characteristic line of motor speed versus torque is shifted upward from the assumption due to variations in the torque-to-motor speed characteristics in the star connection of motor 340, a large increase in motor speed will occur in region 2. Variations in the torque-to-motor speed characteristics are caused by variations in the magnetic force of the rotor magnet 343 and mechanical losses in the mechanism. Note that in Figure 21, when an extension of the characteristic line of the star connection shown is drawn, the inverter circuit 64 is restarted at a rotational speed lower than this characteristic line (extension).

[0066] Figure 22 is a simplified graph showing an example of the time change of the actual motor speed when the fourth control is performed, which completes (terminates) the connection switching control before the motor speed decreases to the expected speed in a star connection. In the work machine 1, as an example, the saw blade rotation speed is 2,500 min⁻¹. -1 Below (motor rotation speed is 10,000 min) -1 The inverter circuit 64 is turned on at the timing of the following. According to the fourth control, even if the torque-to-motor speed characteristic curve in the star connection of the motor 340 is shifted upward more than expected, the change in rotational speed during the increase in motor speed after time (f) is suppressed compared to the third control, and the deterioration of the work feeling is suppressed. Note that in Figure 23, when an extension of the characteristic curve of the star connection shown is drawn, the inverter circuit 64 is restarted at a rotational speed higher than this characteristic curve (extension).

[0067] Figure 23 is a simplified graph showing an example of the actual change in motor speed over time when the fifth control, which performs constant speed control in star connection, is performed and completes the connection switching control at the timing when the motor speed decreases to the constant speed control speed in star connection. According to the fifth control, the motor speed after the connection switching control becomes the set speed for constant speed control, regardless of the variation in the torque-to-motor speed characteristics of motor 340 in star connection. Therefore, even if the torque-to-motor speed characteristic line of motor 340 in star connection is shifted upward more than expected, the change in speed during the increase in motor speed after time (f) is suppressed compared to the third control, and the deterioration of the work feeling is suppressed.

[0068] Figure 24 is a control flowchart of the work machine 1. When the trigger switch 306 is turned on (S201), the calculation unit 50 turns on the relay element 32 for delta connection (S203), turns off the relay element 33 for star connection (S205), starts driving the inverter circuit 64 (S207), and drives the motor 340 (operates the work machine 1) with the coil connection method set to delta connection (S209). If the work load does not exceed threshold A (No. in S211), the calculation unit 50 continues to drive the motor 340 in delta connection.

[0069] When the workload exceeds threshold A (Yes in S211), the calculation unit 50 stops driving the inverter circuit 64 (S213) and sends an off signal to the delta connection relay element 32 (S215). This turns off the delta connection relay element 32 (S217). The calculation unit 50 waits until the motor speed is less than or equal to the no-load speed when the motor is connected in star configuration (No in S219). When the motor speed is less than or equal to the no-load speed when the motor is connected in star configuration (Yes in S219), the calculation unit 50 sends an on signal to the star connection relay element 33 (S221). This turns on the star connection relay element 33 (S223). The calculation unit 50 restarts driving the inverter circuit 64 (S225) and drives the motor 340 with the coil connection method set to star configuration (S227). In the case of the fifth control, S227 becomes constant speed control.

[0070] This embodiment provides the following effects and benefits.

[0071] (1) The calculation unit 50 starts the connection switching control, which switches the coil connection method from delta connection to star connection, when the motor speed is higher than the no-load speed when the connection is star. Therefore, compared to the case where the connection switching control is started when the motor speed is lower than the no-load speed when the connection is star, it is possible to make the motor 340 a high-speed specification while suppressing the motor 340 from stopping due to overcurrent protection before the start of the connection switching control.

[0072] (2) In the second control, the calculation unit 50 is configured to complete the connection switching control when the motor speed is less than or equal to the no-load speed when the connection is star-connected. Therefore, compared to the case where the switching from delta connection to star connection is completed when the motor speed is higher than the no-load speed when the connection is star-connected, the rise in inverter voltage due to the back electromotive force of the motor 340 at the timing of completion of the connection switching control is suppressed. Therefore, the risk of failure or damage caused by the inverter voltage exceeding the allowable voltage between the positive and negative electrodes of the battery pack 307 or the allowable voltage of each switching element of the inverter circuit 64 is suppressed.

[0073] (3) In the connection switching control, the calculation unit 50 switches the inverter circuit 64 to a drive stop state and switches the relay element 31 to the open connection state (connection disconnection state) shown in Figure 19(B). Therefore, compared to the case where the delta connection relay element 32 is ON and the star connection relay element 33 is OFF (high rotation speed connection state) is switched from the delta connection relay element 32 is OFF and the star connection relay element 33 is ON (high torque connection state) without passing through the open connection state (connection disconnection state), the risk of a short circuit state shown in Figure 18(B) is suppressed, and the risk of a decrease in motor rotation speed and damage to the star connection relay element 33 is suppressed.

[0074] (4) In connection switching control, the calculation unit 50 is configured to switch from a state where the delta connection relay element 32 is ON and the star connection relay element 33 is OFF (high-speed connection state) when the inverter circuit 64 is in a stopped state, to a state where both the delta connection relay element 32 and the star connection relay element 33 are OFF (connection interruption state). Therefore, since the delta connection relay element 32 is turned off when no current is flowing through it, the risk of damage to the delta connection relay element 32 is suppressed compared to the case where the delta connection relay element 32 is turned off when current is flowing through it.

[0075] (5) In connection switching control, the calculation unit 50 is configured to switch the delta connection relay element 32 and the star connection relay element 33 from both being off (connection interruption state) to a state where the delta connection relay element 32 is off and the star connection relay element 33 is on (high torque connection state) when the inverter circuit 64 is in a stopped state. Therefore, no current flows to the star connection relay element 33 at the moment of turn-on, and the risk of damage to the star connection relay element 33 is suppressed.

[0076] (Embodiment 2) Figures 1 to 8 and 25 to 41 relate to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Hereinafter, descriptions of parts common to Embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate. In this embodiment, the differences between the automatic switching mode and the stickiness mode of the work machine 1 will be mainly explained.

[0077] Figure 25 is a graph showing the relationship between the motor torque and motor speed of the work implement 1, and is a graph showing the case when the pressing load of the work implement 1 on the work material (hereinafter referred to as "work implement pressing force") is increased in both the automatic switching mode and the tenacity mode.

[0078] In automatic switching mode, the calculation unit 50 performs constant speed control when the motor torque is 0.4 N·m or less. Therefore, in automatic switching mode, even if the working force is increased, the motor speed remains constant as long as the motor torque is 0.4 N·m or less, even if the motor torque increases. When the motor torque exceeds 0.4 N·m, increasing the working force increases the motor torque and decreases the motor speed. The motor speed also decreases significantly before and after the coil connection method switches from delta connection to star connection. In star connection as well, increasing the working force increases the motor torque and decreases the motor speed.

[0079] In the "stickiness" mode, there is no constant speed control range; increasing the pressure applied to the work implement increases motor torque and decreases motor rotation speed.

[0080] Figure 26 is a graph showing the relationship between the saw blade torque (torque of the rotation axis of the saw blade 309) and the saw blade rotation speed (rotation speed of the saw blade 309) of the work implement 1, and is a graph showing the case when the work implement pressing force is increased in both the automatic switching mode and the tenacity mode. In this embodiment, as an example, the reduction ratio by the reduction mechanism is set to 3.88, the saw blade rotation speed is 1 / 3.88 of the motor rotation speed, and the saw blade torque is 3.88 times the motor torque.

[0081] Figure 27 is a graph showing the relationship between the saw blade torque and saw blade rotation speed of the work implement 1, specifically the case where the work implement pressing force is increased and then decreased in automatic switching mode. In automatic switching mode, the saw blade torque (4 N·m or more) when switching the coil connection method from delta connection to star connection is greater than the saw blade torque (2 N·m or less) when switching the coil connection method from star connection to delta connection. This is to suppress frequent switching between delta connection and star connection.

[0082] Figure 28 is a graph showing the relationship between the effective battery current of the work implement 1 (effective discharge current of the battery pack 307) and the saw blade rotation speed, and is a graph showing the case when the work implement pressing force is increased and then decreased in automatic switching mode. In automatic switching mode, when the work implement pressing force is increased and the coil connection method switches from delta connection to star connection, the effective battery current drops sharply.

[0083] Figure 29 is a control flowchart for the automatic switching mode of the work implement 1, and shows the control flowchart when the work implement pressing force is increased after turning on the trigger switch 306.

[0084] When the trigger switch 306 is turned on (S1), the calculation unit 50 turns on the relay element 32 for delta connection (S3), turns off the relay element 33 for star connection (S5), starts driving the inverter circuit 64 (S7), and drives the motor 340 (operates the work machine 1) with the coil connection method set to delta connection (S9). If the work load does not exceed threshold A (No. in S11), the calculation unit 50 continues to drive the motor 340 in delta connection.

[0085] When the workload exceeds threshold A (Yes in S11), the calculation unit 50 stops driving the inverter circuit 64 (S13), turns off the delta connection relay element 32 (S15), turns on the star connection relay element 33 (S17), restarts driving the inverter circuit 64 (S19), and drives the motor 340 with the coil connection method set to star connection (S21). Threshold A corresponds to the first winding switching threshold. The effective value of the motor current corresponding to threshold A is, for example, 60A. Stopping the driving of the inverter circuit 64 means turning off all six switching elements that constitute the inverter circuit 64.

[0086] Figure 30 is a control flowchart for the automatic switching mode of the work implement 1, and is a control flowchart for when the work implement pressing force is reduced while operating in a star connection configuration.

[0087] The calculation unit 50 drives the motor 340 in a star configuration (S25), and if the workload is not below threshold B (No. in S27), it continues to drive the motor 340 in a star configuration.

[0088] When the workload falls below threshold B (Yes in S27), the calculation unit 50 stops driving the inverter circuit 64 (S29), turns off the star connection relay element 33 (S31), turns on the delta connection relay element 32 (S33), restarts driving the inverter circuit 64 (S35), and drives the motor 340 with the coil connection method set to delta connection (S37). Threshold B corresponds to the second winding switching threshold. The aforementioned threshold A is greater than threshold B.

[0089] Figure 31 is a control flowchart of the work machine 1 in the tenacity mode. When the trigger switch 306 is turned on (S41), the calculation unit 50 turns off the delta connection relay element 32 (S43), turns on the star connection relay element 33 (S45), starts driving the inverter circuit 64 (S47), and drives the motor 340 with the coil connection method set to star connection (S49).

[0090] Figure 32 is a flowchart of the overload protection control of the work machine 1. The calculation unit 50 drives the motor 340 in a star connection (S51), and if the work load does not exceed threshold C (No in S53), it continues to drive the motor 340 in a star connection. If the work load exceeds threshold C (Yes in S53), the calculation unit 50 stops driving the inverter circuit 64 and stops the motor 340 (S55). Threshold C corresponds to the overload protection threshold. The effective value of the motor current corresponding to the overload protection threshold is, for example, 90A. The aforementioned threshold A is less than or equal to threshold C, and preferably 2 / 3 or more of threshold C or equal to threshold C.

[0091] Figure 33 shows the battery pack 307 of the work machine 1. of This is a flowchart of protection control using a discharge stop signal. The premise of this flowchart is that the battery pack 307 outputs a discharge stop signal (LD signal) when its discharge current exceeds the battery-side overcurrent protection threshold.

[0092] The calculation unit 50 drives the motor 340 (S61), and if it does not receive a discharge stop signal from the battery pack 307 (No in S63), it continues to drive the motor 340. When the calculation unit 50 receives a discharge stop signal from the battery pack 307 (Yes in S63), it stops driving the inverter circuit 64 and stops the motor 340 (S 6 5).

[0093] As described above, the calculation unit 50 stops the motor 340 when the workload exceeds threshold C. At this time, the calculation unit 50 determines that the workload has exceeded threshold C when the motor current exceeds the main unit's overcurrent protection threshold. The aforementioned battery-side overcurrent protection threshold is greater than the main unit's overcurrent protection threshold.

[0094] Figure 34 is a graph showing the time variation of battery current and saw blade rotation speed in the automatic switching mode of the work implement 1, and is a graph when the work implement pressing force is 110N or less. A work implement pressing force of 110N or less corresponds to the first pressing force. Figure 35 is a magnified graph of the vicinity of the wiring method switching timing (time t3) in Figure 34. The rate of increase (rate of increase) of battery current immediately before the wiring method switching timing in Figure 34 corresponds to the rate of increase (rate of increase) of the first workload.

[0095] At time t1, the trigger switch 306 is turned on, and no-load operation is performed until time t2. During the period from time t1 to t2, the saw blade rotation speed increases. From time t2, the saw blade 309 is pressed against the wood (working material), and the cutting operation is performed.

[0096] From time t2 onward, the working machine pressing force increases, the battery current rises, and the saw blade rotation speed decreases. At time t3, when the working machine pressing force is 110N or less, the work load exceeds threshold A, and the coil connection method switches from delta connection to star connection. This causes the battery current (discharge current of battery pack 307) and saw blade rotation speed to decrease. Subsequently, the calculation unit 50 controls the motor rotation speed to increase toward the target rotation speed, causing the saw blade rotation speed to rise. At time t4, the trigger switch 306 is turned off, and the battery current and saw blade rotation speed decrease to zero.

[0097] Figure 36 is a graph showing the time variation of battery current and saw blade rotation speed in the automatic switching mode of the work implement 1, and is a graph showing the case when the work implement pressing force is rapidly increased to 120N or more during operation in delta connection. A work implement pressing force of 120N or more corresponds to the second pressing force. Figure 37 is a magnified graph of the vicinity of the connection method switching timing (time t13) in Figure 36. The rate of increase (rate of increase) of battery current immediately before the connection method switching timing in Figure 36 corresponds to the rate of increase (rate of increase) of the second workload.

[0098] At time t11, the trigger switch 306 is turned on, and no-load operation is performed until time t12. During the period from time t11 to t12, the saw blade rotation speed increases. From time t12, the saw blade 309 is pressed against the wood (working material), and the cutting operation is performed.

[0099] From time t12 onward, the working machine pressing force increases, the battery current rises, and the saw blade rotation speed decreases. Before time t13, the working machine pressing force is rapidly increased to over 120N, and at time t13, the work load exceeds threshold A, causing the coil connection method to switch from delta connection to star connection. This causes a decrease in battery current and saw blade rotation speed. The decrease in saw blade rotation speed is greater than when the working machine pressing force is 110N or less (Figures 34 and 35). The calculation unit 50 then attempts to start the motor 340 using the star connection, but because the working machine pressing force is large, the starting current in the star connection is large. As a result, the motor current exceeds the main unit's overcurrent protection threshold, and the motor 340 stops due to overload protection at time t14, immediately after switching to the star connection.

[0100] Figure 38 is a graph showing the time variation of battery current and saw blade rotation speed in the tenacity mode of the work implement 1, and is a graph when the work implement pressing force is 110N or less.

[0101] At time t21, the trigger switch 306 is turned on, and no-load operation is performed until time t22. During the period from time t21 to t22, the saw blade rotation speed increases. From time t22, the saw blade 309 is pressed against the wood (working material), and the cutting operation is performed.

[0102] From time t22 onward, the working machine's pressing force increases, the battery current rises, and the saw blade rotation speed decreases. At time t24, the trigger switch 306 is turned off, and the battery current and saw blade rotation speed drop to zero.

[0103] Figure 39 is a graph showing the time variation of battery current and saw blade rotation speed in the tenacity mode of the work implement 1, and is a graph showing the case when the work implement pressing force is rapidly increased to 120N or more during operation in delta connection.

[0104] At time t31, the trigger switch 306 is turned on, and no-load operation is performed until time t32. During the period from time t31 to t32, the saw blade rotation speed increases. From time t32, the saw blade 309 is pressed against the wood (working material), and the cutting operation is performed.

[0105] From time t32 onward, the working tool pressing force increases, the battery current rises, and the saw blade rotation speed decreases. The working tool pressing force is abruptly increased to over 120N at some point, but the overload protection function does not activate. At time t34, the trigger switch 306 is turned off, and the battery current and saw blade rotation speed drop to zero.

[0106] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0107] (1) The calculation unit 50 is configured to be able to perform an automatic switching mode (first mode) in which the coil connection method is switched from a delta connection for high rotation to a star connection (Y connection) for high torque in accordance with the increase in workload, and a tenacity mode (second mode) in which the coil connection method is fixed to a star connection for high torque and the coil connection method is not switched regardless of the workload. Therefore, unlike the case where there is only a mode in which the coil connection method is switched according to the workload, it is also possible to fix the coil connection method regardless of the workload, resulting in improved work efficiency.

[0108] (2) In automatic switching mode, when the work implement 1 is pressed against the work implement 1 with a work implement pressing force of 110 N or less (first pressing force), the calculation unit 50 switches the coil connection method from a delta connection for high rotation to a star connection (Y connection) for high torque in accordance with the increase in workload. When the work implement 1 is pressed against the work implement 1 with a work implement pressing force of 120 N or more (second pressing force), the calculation unit 50 is configured to stop the motor 340 immediately after switching the coil connection method from a delta connection for high rotation to a star connection (Y connection) for high torque in accordance with the increase in workload. As a result, by switching the coil connection method according to the workload, high work efficiency can be achieved while also providing appropriate overload protection for the motor 340.

[0109] (3) In the tenacity mode, the calculation unit 50 sets the coil connection method to a star connection, which is for high torque. By setting the coil connection method to a high torque method from the beginning, unlike when switching from a high rotation method to a high torque method midway through, it is possible to suppress the activation of the overload protection function due to the starting current after switching to the high torque method. As a result, even when working with the work implement 1 pressed against the work implement with a work implement pressing force of 120 N or more (second pressing force), the activation of the overload protection function can be suppressed. Therefore, the work efficiency is improved when performing work that rapidly increases the work implement pressing force to 120 N or more (for example, rough cutting work).

[0110] (4) In automatic switching mode, when the workload exceeds threshold A (first winding switching threshold), the calculation unit 50 switches the coil connection method from delta connection, which is for high rotation, to star connection (Y connection), which is for high torque. The calculation unit 50 also stops the motor 340 with the overload protection function when the workload exceeds threshold C (overload protection threshold). Here, threshold A is set to be less than or equal to threshold C. This prevents the overload protection function from activating while the motor 340 is being driven in the delta connection, which is for high rotation, thereby improving work efficiency. Furthermore, by setting threshold A to 2 / 3 or more of threshold C, the range in which work can be performed at high rotation can be increased, further improving work efficiency. This effect can be maximized by making threshold A equal to threshold C.

[0111] (5) The work machine 1 is equipped with an operating mode change switch 312 that allows the operator to select between an automatic switching mode (first mode) and a sticky mode (second mode) as the operating mode of the work machine 1. Therefore, the operator can freely select between the automatic switching mode and the sticky mode according to the type of work to be performed, resulting in good work efficiency.

[0112] (6) The calculation unit 50 provides a pause period in which all six switching elements of the inverter circuit 64 are turned off when switching coil connection methods. This prevents unforeseen problems from occurring due to the operation of the inverter circuit 64 while the coil connection method is being switched, thereby improving reliability.

[0113] (7) In automatic switching mode, when the coil connection method is set to a star connection (Y connection) for high torque, the calculation unit 50 switches the coil connection method to a delta connection for high rotation. Here, threshold A (first winding switching threshold) is set to be greater than threshold B. This makes it possible to suppress frequent switching of the coil connection method between delta connection and star connection.

[0114] (8) When the battery pack 307's discharge current exceeds the battery-side overcurrent protection threshold, it outputs a discharge stop signal, and when the calculation unit 50 receives the discharge stop signal from the battery pack 307, it stops the motor 340. On the other hand, when the motor current exceeds the main unit-side overcurrent protection threshold, the calculation unit 50 determines that the workload has exceeded threshold C and stops the motor 340. Here, the battery-side overcurrent protection threshold is greater than the main unit-side overcurrent protection threshold. Therefore, basically, the overload protection function on the main unit side activates before the overcurrent protection function of the battery pack 307 activates, thus suppressing the load on the battery pack 307.

[0115] (9) The calculation unit 50 is configured to switch the connection method from star connection to delta connection, that is, to switch from a high torque connection state to a high rotation speed connection state, when the inverter circuit 64 is in a stopped drive state, from a state in which the delta connection relay element 32 is off and the star connection relay element 33 is on (high torque connection state) to a state in which both the delta connection relay element 32 and the star connection relay element 33 are off (connection interruption state). Therefore, since the star connection relay element 33 is turned off when no current is flowing through it, the risk of damage to the star connection relay element 33 is suppressed compared to the case in which the star connection relay element 33 is turned off when current is flowing through it.

[0116] (10) In connection switching control for switching the coil connection method from star connection to delta connection, the calculation unit 50 is configured to switch both the delta connection relay element 32 and the star connection relay element 33 from an off state (connection interruption state) to a state in which the delta connection relay element 32 is on and the star connection relay element 33 is off (high rotation speed connection state) when the inverter circuit 64 is in a stopped state. Therefore, no current flows to the delta connection relay element 32 at the moment of turn-on, and the risk of damage to the delta connection relay element 32 is suppressed.

[0117] (Embodiment 3) Figure 40 is a circuit block diagram of the work machine 2 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The circuit configuration shown in Figure 40 differs from that in Figure 8 in that two battery packs 307 are provided and connected in series with each other, but is otherwise the same.

[0118] Figure 41 is a graph showing the time variation of battery current and saw blade rotation speed in the automatic switching mode of the work implement 2, and is a graph showing the case when the work implement pressing force is rapidly increased to 120N or more during operation in delta connection.

[0119] At time t41, the trigger switch 306 is turned on, and no-load operation is performed until time t42. During the period from time t41 to t42, the saw blade rotation speed increases. From time t42, the saw blade 309 is pressed against the wood (working material), and the cutting operation is performed.

[0120] From time t42 onward, the working machine pressing force increases, the battery current rises, and the saw blade rotation speed decreases. Before time t43, the working machine pressing force is rapidly increased to over 120N, and at time t43, the work load exceeds the first winding switching threshold, causing the coil connection method to switch from delta connection to star connection. This causes the battery current and saw blade rotation speed to decrease. Subsequently, the calculation unit 50 controls the motor rotation speed to increase toward the target rotation speed, causing the saw blade rotation speed to increase. At time t44, the trigger switch 306 is turned off, and the battery current and saw blade rotation speed decrease to zero.

[0121] In Figure 36, motor 340 stopped due to overload protection at time t14 immediately after switching to star connection. In contrast, in Figure 41, motor 340 does not stop due to overload protection even after switching to star connection. This is because, compared to implement 1, implement 2 has two battery packs 307 connected in series, doubling the output voltage, which halves the battery current, and also halves the peak value of the starting current after switching to star connection.

[0122] Thus, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of Embodiment 2, the starting current after switching the coil connection method from a delta connection for high rotation to a star connection (Y connection) for high torque in automatic switching mode is suppressed, thereby suppressing the operation of the overload protection function and improving workability.

[0123] In embodiments 2 and 3, the second mode may be one in which the coil connection method is fixed to a delta connection, which is suitable for high rotation speeds. In this case, it is possible to improve workability when it is desired to perform work at high rotation speeds, even at the expense of high torque toughness.

[0124] Instead of the operator selecting between automatic switching mode and tenacity mode using the operating mode switch 312, or in addition to this, the system may be configured to automatically switch to tenacity mode by detecting a sudden increase in the working machine pressing force using sensors such as an acceleration sensor or a current sensor. Alternatively, the mode may be switched by performing an operation different from the normal operation on the trigger switch 306, such as multiple operations in a short period of time, or by performing an operation different from the normal operation on an existing switch (such as the trigger switch 306, the light mode switch 314, or the remaining capacity switch operated by the operator to display the remaining capacity of the battery pack). Using existing switches can reduce manufacturing costs compared to providing dedicated switches and sensors.

[0125] As an automatic switching mode, multiple modes with different thresholds for switching the coil connection method may be provided.

[0126] The second mode is one in which the coil connection method is not switched from high rotation to high torque during operation after the motor 340 has been started. For example, control that switches the coil connection method from high rotation to high torque when the motor 340 is started, i.e., when cutting work begins before the actual work is performed, is judged to be under heavy load, and starts the actual work with the coil connection method set to high torque, is also included in the second mode. In addition, in a high-load condition where the overload protection function activates and the motor 340 stops immediately when the coil connection method is switched to high rotation, control that switches the coil connection method from high torque to high rotation to prevent the work from continuing is also included in the second mode because the actual work is completed with the coil connection method set to high torque.

[0127] (Embodiment 4) Figures 1 to 7 and 42 to 48 relate to the work machine 3 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Hereafter, descriptions of parts common to Embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0128] Figure 42 is a circuit block diagram of the work machine 3. The following explanation will focus on the differences from Figure 8 or parts not explained in Figure 8. The protection IC 68 detects the temperature of the battery cell 67 (hereinafter also referred to as "battery temperature") and outputs a battery temperature signal. The detection resistor 65 and the current detection circuit 52 constitute a detection unit (sensor unit) that detects a physical quantity (motor current) that changes due to the driving of the motor 340.

[0129] The battery temperature detection circuit 69 detects a battery temperature signal from the battery pack 307 and transmits it to the calculation unit 50. The battery temperature detection circuit 69 constitutes a detection unit that detects a physical quantity (battery temperature) that changes due to the driving of the motor 340. The thermistor 70, which acts as a temperature detection element, is placed near the inverter circuit 64 and outputs a circuit temperature signal corresponding to the temperature of each switching element of the inverter circuit 64 (hereinafter referred to as "circuit temperature"). The circuit temperature detection circuit 71 detects the circuit temperature signal from the thermistor 70 and transmits it to the calculation unit 50. The thermistor 70 and the circuit temperature detection circuit 71 constitute a detection unit (sensor unit) that detects a physical quantity (circuit temperature) that changes due to the driving of the motor 340.

[0130] The calculation unit 50 has an overcurrent protection function (overload protection function) that stops the motor 340 even when the trigger switch 306 is ON if the overcurrent protection (overload protection) operating conditions described later in Figure 43(B) are met. The calculation unit 50 also has a temperature protection function that stops the motor 340 even when the trigger switch 306 is ON if the battery temperature or circuit temperature exceeds a temperature threshold.

[0131] In the aforementioned second embodiment, the winding switching condition was exemplified as the work load exceeding threshold A (S11 in Figure 29). In this embodiment, the winding switching condition is defined in more detail. In the automatic switching mode, the control flowchart of the calculation unit 50 when the trigger switch 306 is turned on and the working machine pressing force is increased is the same as in Figure 29, except that S11 in Figure 29 is replaced with a branch indicating whether or not the winding switching condition has been met.

[0132] (Winding switching conditions and overcurrent protection activation conditions) Figure 43(A) is a table summarizing the winding switching conditions for implement 3. Figure 43(B) is a table summarizing the overcurrent protection activation conditions for implement 3. Figure 44 is a graph showing the relationship between the current range and time threshold shown in Figures 43(A) and (B), and is a graph showing the relationship between the current range and time threshold for the winding switching conditions (solid line) and the overcurrent protection activation conditions (dotted line), respectively.

[0133] The winding switching conditions and overcurrent protection activation conditions are expressed by a combination of motor current and its duration. Specifically, for both the winding switching conditions and the overcurrent protection activation conditions, multiple ranges (hereinafter also referred to as "current ranges") are set for motor currents above a current threshold (60A in this case), and a duration threshold (hereinafter also referred to as "time threshold") for the motor current within that current range is set. The motor current corresponds to the workload, the current threshold corresponds to the load threshold, and the current range corresponds to the load range. Both the winding switching conditions and the overcurrent protection activation conditions are set so that the time threshold decreases as the current value increases in the current range.

[0134] The winding switching condition shown in Figure 43(A) can be considered a condition related to a time threshold set according to the detected motor current. That is, the calculation unit 50 identifies a current range based on the detected motor current and determines that the winding switching condition is met when the duration of the motor current exceeds the time threshold corresponding to that current range. In other words, the winding switching condition is that the motor current remains within a given current range for a period of time equal to or longer than the time threshold corresponding to that current range.

[0135] The current ranges in the winding switching conditions shown in Figure 43(A) are the same as the current ranges in the overcurrent protection activation conditions shown in Figure 43(B). On the other hand, the time thresholds corresponding to each current range in the winding switching conditions shown in Figure 43(A) are smaller than the time thresholds corresponding to each current range in the overcurrent protection activation conditions shown in Figure 43(B). In other words, the winding switching conditions are set so that the coil connection method switches from delta connection to star connection before the overcurrent protection function activates and the motor 340 stops. This prevents the motor 340 from stopping due to the overcurrent protection function activating before the coil connection method switches from delta connection to star connection, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0136] (Winding switching conditions according to temperature) Figure 45(A) is a table summarizing the winding switching conditions when the circuit temperature of the work machine 3 is low (hereinafter also referred to as "low temperature winding switching conditions"). Figure 45(B) is a table summarizing the winding switching conditions when the circuit temperature of the work machine 3 is high (hereinafter also referred to as "high temperature winding switching conditions"). Figure 46 is a graph showing the relationship between the current range and time threshold shown in Figures 45(A) and (B), and is a graph showing the relationship between the current range and time threshold for the low temperature winding switching conditions (solid line) and the high temperature winding switching conditions (dotted line), respectively.

[0137] The calculation unit 50 determines whether the circuit temperature is low or low, that is, whether the circuit temperature is below a predetermined temperature, based on the signal from the circuit temperature detection circuit 71. Temperatures below the predetermined temperature are examples of the first temperature, and temperatures above the predetermined temperature are examples of the second temperature. The table of winding switching conditions at low temperatures shown in Figure 45(A) is the same as the table of winding switching conditions shown in Figure 43(A).

[0138] The current ranges under the high-temperature winding switching conditions shown in Figure 45(B) are the same as the current ranges under the low-temperature winding switching conditions shown in Figure 45(A). On the other hand, the time thresholds corresponding to each current range under the high-temperature winding switching conditions shown in Figure 45(B) are smaller than the time thresholds corresponding to each current range under the low-temperature winding switching conditions shown in Figure 45(A). This prevents the motor 340 from stopping due to the activation of the temperature protection function related to the circuit temperature before the coil connection method is switched from delta connection to star connection, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0139] The winding switching conditions shown in Figures 45(A) and (B) can be considered as conditions relating to a time threshold set according to the detected motor current and the detected circuit temperature. That is, the calculation unit 50 determines which of the winding switching conditions in Figures 45(A) and (B) to use based on the detected circuit temperature, identifies the current range based on the detected motor current, and determines that the winding switching condition is met when the duration of the motor current exceeds the time threshold corresponding to that current range. In other words, the winding switching conditions shown in Figures 45(A) and (B) are that the state in which the motor current is within a given current range continues for a period of time or longer that corresponds to the time threshold corresponding to that current range and the circuit temperature.

[0140] The low-temperature winding switching conditions shown in Figure 45(A) may be applied as winding switching conditions when the battery temperature is low. The high-temperature winding switching conditions shown in Figure 45(B) may be applied as winding switching conditions when the battery temperature is high. This prevents the motor 340 from stopping due to the activation of the temperature protection function related to the battery temperature before the coil connection method is switched from delta connection to star connection. The calculation unit 50 determines whether the battery temperature is low or not, that is, whether the circuit temperature is below a predetermined temperature, based on the signal from the battery temperature detection circuit 69.

[0141] (Winding switching conditions according to battery capacity) Figure 47(A) is a table summarizing the winding switching conditions (hereinafter also referred to as "low capacity winding switching conditions") when the rated capacity of the battery pack 307 of the work machine 3 is 2.5Ah (low capacity). Figure 47(B) is a table summarizing the winding switching conditions (hereinafter also referred to as "high capacity winding switching conditions") when the rated capacity of the battery pack 307 is 4.0Ah (high capacity). Figure 48 is a graph showing the relationship between the current range and time threshold shown in Figures 47(A) and (B), and is a graph showing the relationship between the current range and time threshold for the low capacity winding switching conditions (solid line) and the high capacity winding switching conditions (dotted line).

[0142] The calculation unit 50 determines, based on the signal from the battery type detection circuit 54, whether the rated capacity (hereinafter also referred to as "rated capacity") of the battery pack 307 is low capacity, that is, whether the rated capacity is below a predetermined capacity. A rated capacity exceeding the predetermined capacity is an example of the first capacity, and a rated capacity below the predetermined capacity is an example of the second capacity. The table of winding switching conditions at low capacity shown in Figure 47(A) is the same as the table of winding switching conditions shown in Figure 43(A).

[0143] The time thresholds for the high-capacity winding switching conditions shown in Figure 47(B) are the same as the time thresholds for the low-capacity winding switching conditions shown in Figure 47(A). On the other hand, the current range corresponding to each time threshold in the high-capacity winding switching conditions shown in Figure 47(B) has a larger current value than the current range corresponding to each time threshold in the low-capacity winding switching conditions shown in Figure 47(A). This allows for operation in a delta connection, which is suitable for high rotational speeds, up to the limit corresponding to the rated capacity, by taking advantage of the fact that the temperature rise is slower when the rated capacity is large compared to when it is small, for the same output current, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0144] The winding switching conditions shown in Figures 47(A) and (B) can be considered as conditions relating to a time threshold set according to the detected motor current value and the detected rated capacity value. That is, the calculation unit 50 determines which of the winding switching conditions in Figures 47(A) and (B) to use based on the detected rated capacity value, identifies the current range based on the detected motor current value, and determines that the winding switching condition is met when the duration of the motor current becomes equal to or greater than the time threshold corresponding to that current range. In other words, the winding switching conditions shown in Figures 47(A) and (B) are that the state in which the motor current is in an arbitrary current range continues for a period of time equal to or greater than the time threshold corresponding to that current range and the rated capacity.

[0145] This embodiment provides the following effects and benefits.

[0146] (1) As shown in Figure 43(A), by setting the winding switching conditions, it is possible to prevent the temperature protection function from activating and stopping the motor 340 before switching the coil connection method from delta connection (first connection method) to star connection (second connection method), thereby improving work efficiency. When the coil connection method is switched to star connection, the motor current decreases and the temperature rise of elements such as the inverter circuit 64 is suppressed, so the activation of the temperature protection function can be avoided and work can be continued, improving work efficiency. In the comparative example, in a configuration in which the connection method is switched when the motor current exceeds a threshold, if work is performed in which the motor current does not exceed the threshold but remains close to the threshold, the temperature protection function may activate or elements may be damaged before the connection method can be switched, making it impossible to continue work and resulting in poor work efficiency. In the comparative example, if the threshold is set low, for example to 50A, to prevent work from becoming impossible to continue, the period in which work can be performed in delta connection (first connection method) becomes shorter, resulting in poor work efficiency. This embodiment suitably solves the above problems in the comparative example.

[0147] (2) As shown in Figures 43(A) and (B), by setting the relationship between the winding switching conditions and the overcurrent protection activation conditions, it is possible to prevent the motor 340 from stopping due to the overcurrent protection function activating before the coil connection method is switched from delta connection to star connection, thereby improving work efficiency. In addition, it becomes possible to work in delta connection (first connection method) until just before the overcurrent protection function activates, further improving work efficiency.

[0148] (3) As shown in Figures 45(A) and (B), by setting the winding switching conditions differently depending on whether the circuit temperature or battery temperature is low or high, it is possible to prevent the motor 340 from stopping due to the activation of the temperature protection function before switching the coil connection method from delta connection (first connection method) to star connection (second connection method), thereby improving work efficiency. In addition, it becomes possible to work in delta connection (first connection method) to the limit within the range that the circuit temperature and battery temperature can tolerate, further improving work efficiency.

[0149] (4) As shown in Figures 47(A) and (B), by setting the winding switching conditions differently depending on whether the rated capacity of the battery pack 307 is low or high, it becomes possible to work with delta connection (first connection method) up to the limit corresponding to the rated capacity of the battery pack 307, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0150] (Embodiment 5) Figure 49 is a graph showing the relationship between the current range and the time threshold for the winding switching condition and the overcurrent protection activation condition, respectively, for the work machine of Embodiment 5. In the example of Figure 44 described above, the current range was set to be the same for the winding switching condition and the overcurrent protection activation condition, but the time threshold corresponding to each current range was set to be different. In contrast, in the example of Figure 49, the time threshold was set to be the same for the winding switching condition and the overcurrent protection activation condition, but the current range corresponding to each time threshold was set to be different. The same effects as in the example of Figure 44 can be obtained in the example of Figure 49 as in the example of Figure 44. Note that the current range and time threshold in the winding switching condition may be set to be smaller than the current range and time threshold in the overcurrent protection activation condition.

[0151] Although not shown in the diagram, the time threshold may be common to both the low-temperature winding switching condition and the high-temperature winding switching condition, but the current range corresponding to each time threshold may be different (the current value in the high-temperature winding switching condition is smaller than the current range in the low-temperature winding switching condition). Alternatively, both the current range and time threshold in the high-temperature winding switching condition may be set to be smaller than those in the low-temperature winding switching condition.

[0152] Alternatively, the current range may be shared between the low-capacity winding switching conditions and the high-capacity winding switching conditions, but the time thresholds corresponding to each current range may be set to be different (the time threshold for the high-capacity winding switching conditions being larger than the time threshold for the low-capacity winding switching conditions). Alternatively, both the current range and time threshold for the high-capacity winding switching conditions may be set to be larger than those for the low-capacity winding switching conditions.

[0153] In embodiments 4 and 5, the winding switching conditions may be set to three or more types, depending on the circuit temperature, battery temperature, and rated capacity, respectively. Furthermore, instead of switching between delta and star connections for the coil wiring method, a method of switching between series and parallel connections for multiple coils in a single phase may also be used. Additionally, thresholds from each embodiment, such as those in Figures 44 and 49, may be combined depending on the workload. For example, when the workload is small (less than 70A), the wiring method switching and overload protection may be performed based on the threshold in Figure 44, and when the load is large (70A or more), the wiring method switching and overload protection may be performed based on the threshold in Figure 49. Alternatively, when the workload is small (e.g., less than 70A), the wiring method switching and overload protection may be performed based on both the load threshold and the time threshold, as shown in Figure 44, and when the load is large (70A or more), the wiring method switching and overload protection may be performed based only on the load threshold.

[0154] (Embodiment 6) Figures 1 to 7 and 50 to 57 relate to the work machine 4 according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. Hereafter, descriptions of parts common to Embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0155] Figure 50 is a circuit block diagram of the work machine 4. The following explanation will focus on the differences from Figure 8 or parts that were not explained in Figure 8.

[0156] The six switching elements constituting the inverter circuit 64 include three upper switching elements 72 on the high-potential side and three lower switching elements 73 on the low-potential side.

[0157] The control circuit voltage detection circuit 74 detects the output voltage of the control circuit voltage supply circuit 51 and transmits it to the calculation unit 50. The display LED drive circuit 75 drives the operation mode display LED 313 and the light mode display LEDs 315 and 317 according to the control of the calculation unit 50. The winding switching operation output circuit 76 outputs a control signal that controls the on / off state of the delta connection relay element 32 and the star connection relay element 33 according to the control of the calculation unit 50.

[0158] The three delta-connected relay elements 32 correspond to the high-speed side switching section, and the three star-connected relay elements 33 correspond to the high-torque side switching section. The delta connection is an example of a first connection in which the brake current from the electric brake of the motor 340 flows easily. The star connection is an example of a second connection in which the brake current from the electric brake of the motor 340 does not flow easily.

[0159] The following describes the control when the operating mode is set to automatic switching mode.

[0160] (First Control Example) Figure 51 is a flowchart showing a first control example of the work machine 4. When the calculation unit 50 is started, it turns on the three delta connection relay elements 32 and turns off the three star connection relay elements 33 (S101).

[0161] If the trigger switch 306 is off (S103 "Trigger OFF maintained"), the calculation unit 50 returns to S101. If the trigger switch 306 is on (S103 "Trigger ON"), the calculation unit 50 controls the inverter circuit 64 with the three delta-connected relay elements 32 in the ON state (high rotation mode state) to drive the motor 340 (S105).

[0162] The calculation unit 50 checks whether or not there is an overload condition (high load condition) (S107). Here, an overload condition is a condition in which the load is equal to or greater than the overload detection threshold (first wiring switching threshold).

[0163] If the calculation unit 50 does not detect an overload condition ("No" in S107), it proceeds to S109. If the trigger switch 306 is ON ("Trigger ON" in S109), the calculation unit 50 returns to S105.

[0164] When the trigger switch 306 is off ("Trigger OFF" in S109), the calculation unit 50 turns off the six switching elements of the inverter circuit 64 (S111), turns off the three delta connection relay elements 32 (S113), turns on the three lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64 (S115), turns on the three star connection relay elements 33 (S117), and applies an electric brake to the motor 340 in high torque mode (star connection). In S115, one or two lower switching elements 73 may be turned on. The calculation unit 50 continues the electric brake until the motor 340 stops ("No" in S119), and when the motor 340 stops ("Yes" in S119), it returns to S101.

[0165] Thus, the calculation unit 50 is configured to switch to high-torque mode (star connection) when the trigger switch 306 is turned off in high-speed mode (delta connection), apply an electric brake to the motor 340, and stop the motor 340. At that time, the three lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64 are turned on, and then the three star connection relay elements 33 are turned on.

[0166] If the calculation unit 50 detects an overload condition (S107, "Yes"), it turns off the six switching elements of the inverter circuit 64 (S121), turns off the three delta connection relay elements 32 (S123), turns on the three star connection relay elements 33 (S125), and controls the inverter circuit 64 to drive the motor 340 with the three star connection relay elements 33 turned on (high torque mode) (S127).

[0167] Thus, the calculation unit 50 is configured to switch to a high-torque mode (star connection) when the workload increases in the high-speed mode (delta connection).

[0168] The calculation unit 50 checks whether the motor 340 is in a light load state or not while it is being driven in high torque mode (star connection) (S127) (S131). A light load state is a state in which the load is below the light load detection threshold (second connection switching threshold). The second connection switching threshold is smaller than the first connection switching threshold used to determine whether or not the motor is in an overload state.

[0169] If the calculation unit 50 does not detect a light load condition (S131 "No"), it proceeds to S133. If the trigger switch 306 is ON (S133 "Trigger ON Maintained"), the calculation unit 50 returns to S127. If the trigger switch 306 is OFF (S133 "Trigger OFF"), the calculation unit 50 turns on the three lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64 (S135) and applies an electric brake to the motor 340. The calculation unit 50 continues the electric brake until the motor 340 stops (S137 "No"), and when the motor 340 stops (S137 "Yes"), it returns to S101. In S135, one or two lower switching elements 73 may be turned on.

[0170] When the calculation unit 50 detects a light load condition (S131, "Yes"), it turns off the six switching elements of the inverter circuit 64 (S139), turns off the three star-connection relay elements 33 (S141), turns on the three delta-connection relay elements 32 (S143), and controls the inverter circuit 64 to drive the motor 340 with the three delta-connection relay elements 32 turned on (high-speed mode) (S105).

[0171] Thus, the calculation unit 50 is configured to switch to a high rotation mode (delta connection) when the work load decreases in the high torque mode (star connection).

[0172] (Second Control Example) Figure 52(A) is a flowchart showing a second control example of the work implement 4. The second control example differs from the first control example in the control when the trigger switch 306 is turned off in high rotation mode (delta connection), but is otherwise the same. The differences will be explained below.

[0173] When the trigger switch 306 is off ("Trigger OFF" in S109), the calculation unit 50 turns off the six switching elements of the inverter circuit 64 (S144), turns off the three delta connection relay elements 32 (S145), turns on the three star connection relay elements 33 (S146), and turns on the three lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64 (S147), thereby applying an electric brake to the motor 340 in high torque mode (star connection). In S147, one or two lower switching elements 73 may be turned on. The calculation unit 50 continues the electric brake until the motor 340 stops ("No" in S148), and when the motor 340 stops ("Yes" in S148), it returns to S101.

[0174] Thus, the calculation unit 50 is configured to switch to high-torque mode (star connection) when the trigger switch 306 is turned off in high-speed mode (delta connection), apply an electric brake to the motor 340, and stop the motor 340. At that time, the three star connection relay elements 33 are turned on, and then the three lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64 are turned on.

[0175] (Third Control Example) Figure 52(B) is a flowchart showing the third control example of the work implement 4. The third control example differs from the first control example in the control when the trigger switch 306 is turned off in high rotation mode (delta connection), but is otherwise the same. The differences will be explained below.

[0176] When the trigger switch 306 is turned off in high-speed mode (delta connection) ("Trigger OFF" in S109), the calculation unit 50 turns on the three lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64 (S151), applying an electric brake to the motor 340 while it remains in high-speed mode (delta connection). The calculation unit 50 continues the electric brake in S151 until the motor speed drops below a predetermined speed ("No" in S153). In S151, one or two lower switching elements 73 may be turned on.

[0177] If the motor speed drops below a predetermined speed (Yes in S153), the calculation unit 50 turns off the six switching elements of the inverter circuit 64 (S155), turns off the three delta connection relay elements 32 (S157), turns on the three star connection relay elements 33 (S159), turns on the three lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64 (S161), applies an electric brake to the motor 340 in high torque mode (star connection), and stops the motor 340 (No in S163). In S161, one or two lower switching elements 73 may be turned on.

[0178] Thus, the calculation unit 50 is configured such that when the trigger switch 306 is turned off in high-speed mode (delta connection), it applies an electric brake to the motor 340 to reduce the motor speed to below a predetermined speed, and then switches to high-torque mode (star connection) and applies an electric brake to the motor 340.

[0179] (Fourth Control Example) Figure 52(C) is a flowchart showing the fourth control example of the work implement 4. The fourth control example differs from the first control example in the control when the trigger switch 306 is turned off in high rotation mode (delta connection), but is otherwise the same. The differences will be explained below.

[0180] When the trigger switch 306 is turned off in high-speed mode (delta connection) ("Trigger OFF" in S109), the calculation unit 50 turns on the three lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64 (S171), applies an electric brake to the motor 340 while it remains in high-speed mode (delta connection), and stops the motor 340 ("No" in S173). In S171, one or two of the lower switching elements 73 may be turned on.

[0181] (First Operation Example) Figure 53 is a time chart of the first operation example of the work machine 4, which includes the operation of switching the coil connection method from a delta connection for high rotation to a star connection for high torque in response to an increase in the work load. In this time chart, the trigger switch 306 is continuously on. In Figure 53, S1 indicates the overload detection threshold and S2 indicates the light load detection threshold.

[0182] Prior to time T1, the system is under light load conditions, and the calculation unit 50 drives the motor 340 in high-speed mode (delta connection). That is, the calculation unit 50 turns on the three delta connection relay elements 32 and turns off the three star connection relay elements 33, and performs commutation control (motor 340 drive control) by the inverter circuit 64.

[0183] At time T1, the workload rises to the overload detection threshold S1, and the calculation unit 50 detects the overload condition and turns off the six switching elements of the inverter circuit 64. At time T2, the calculation unit 50 outputs an off signal to the three delta-connected relay elements 32. At the following time T2', the three delta-connected relay elements 32 are turned off. Because the relay elements are contact-type, there is a larger time lag between the signal output from the calculation unit 50 and the actual on / off switching of the relay elements compared to semiconductor switching elements.

[0184] At time T3, the calculation unit 50 outputs an ON signal to the three star-connected relay elements 33. At the following time T3', the three star-connected relay elements 33 are turned ON. At time T4, the calculation unit 50 resumes commutation control (drive control of the motor 340) by the inverter circuit 64.

[0185] (Second Operation Example) Figure 54 is a time chart of the second operation example of the work machine 4, and is a time chart that includes the operations corresponding to the control S109 to S117 in Figure 51. In Figure 54, S1 is the overload detection threshold, S2 is the light load detection threshold, V1 is the battery voltage, and V2 is the rated voltage of the switching element of the inverter circuit 64.

[0186] Prior to time T11, the system is under light load conditions, and the calculation unit 50 drives the motor 340 in high-speed mode (delta connection). That is, the calculation unit 50 turns on the three delta connection relay elements 32 and turns off the three star connection relay elements 33, and performs commutation control (motor 340 drive control) by the inverter circuit 64.

[0187] At time T11, the trigger switch 306 is turned off, and the calculation unit 50 turns off the six switching elements of the inverter circuit 64. At time T12, the calculation unit 50 outputs an off signal to the three delta-connected relay elements 32. At the following time T12', the three delta-connected relay elements 32 are turned off.

[0188] At time T13, the calculation unit 50 turns on all of the lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64. Only one or two of the lower switching elements 73 may be turned on. At time T14, the calculation unit 50 outputs an ON signal to the three star-connected relay elements 33. At the following time T14', the three star-connected relay elements 33 are turned on. From time T14', the electric brake begins to take effect, a brake current flows to the stator coil 345, and the rate of decrease in motor rotation speed increases.

[0189] In the second operating example, at time T14', when the three star-connection relay elements 33 are turned on, the lower switching element 73 of the inverter circuit 64 is already turned on, and a closed loop is established through which regenerative current flows. Therefore, even if the trigger switch 306 is turned off when the motor speed is close to the no-load speed, the voltage applied to the switching elements of the inverter circuit 64 (inter-inverter voltage) will not rise above the battery voltage V1.

[0190] (Third Operation Example) Figure 55 is a time chart of the third operation example of the work machine 4. In Figure 55, V1 is the battery voltage and V2 is the rated voltage of the switching element of the inverter circuit 64.

[0191] Prior to time T21, the system is under light load conditions, and the calculation unit 50 drives the motor 340 in high-speed mode (delta connection). That is, the calculation unit 50 turns on the three delta connection relay elements 32 and turns off the three star connection relay elements 33, and performs commutation control (motor 340 drive control) by the inverter circuit 64.

[0192] At time T21, the trigger switch 306 is turned off, and the calculation unit 50 turns off the six switching elements of the inverter circuit 64. At time T22, the calculation unit 50 outputs an off signal to the three delta-connected relay elements 32. At the following time T22', the three delta-connected relay elements 32 are turned off.

[0193] At time T23, the calculation unit 50 outputs an ON signal to the three star-connected relay elements 33. At the following time T23', the three star-connected relay elements 33 are turned ON. At time T24, the calculation unit 50 turns ON all of the lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64. From time T24, the electric brake begins to take effect, a brake current flows to the stator coil 345, and the rate of decrease in motor rotation speed increases.

[0194] In the third operating example, at time T23', when the three star-connection relay elements 33 are turned on, all six switching elements of the inverter circuit 64 are off, and a closed loop for regenerative current flow is not established. In the second operating example described above, a large regenerative current flows the moment the three star-connection relay elements 33 are turned on and a closed loop is established, posing a risk of damage to the three star-connection relay elements 33. The third operating example suppresses this risk of damage to the star-connection relay elements 33. On the other hand, in the third operating example, the trigger switch 306 is off while the motor 340 is being driven in high-speed mode (delta connection), i.e., when the motor speed is high. As a result, the voltage applied to the switching elements of the inverter circuit 64 (inter-inverter voltage) rises above the battery voltage V1, exceeding the rated voltage V2 of the switching elements of the inverter circuit 64, and posing a risk of damage to the switching elements. The second operating example described above suppresses this risk of damage to the switching elements.

[0195] (Fourth Operation Example) Figure 56 is a time chart of the fourth operation example of the work machine 4, and is a time chart that includes the operations corresponding to the control S109 to S161 in Figure 52(B). In Figure 56, S1 indicates the overload detection threshold and S2 indicates the light load detection threshold.

[0196] Prior to time T31, the system is under light load conditions, and the calculation unit 50 drives the motor 340 in high-speed mode (delta connection). That is, the calculation unit 50 turns on the three delta connection relay elements 32 and turns off the three star connection relay elements 33, and performs commutation control (motor 340 drive control) by the inverter circuit 64.

[0197] At time T31, the trigger switch 306 is turned off, and the calculation unit 50 turns on all of the lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64. From time T31, the electric brake begins to engage, a brake current flows to the stator coil 345, and the rate at which the motor rotation speed decreases increases.

[0198] At time T32, the motor speed drops below a predetermined speed (speed threshold), and the calculation unit 50 turns off the six switching elements of the inverter circuit 64. At this point, the electric brake temporarily stops. Having detected that the motor speed has dropped below the predetermined speed, the calculation unit 50 outputs an off signal to the three delta-connected relay elements 32 at time T33. Subsequently, at time T33', the three delta-connected relay elements 32 are turned off.

[0199] At time T34, the calculation unit 50 outputs an ON signal to the three star-connected relay elements 33. At the following time T34', the three star-connected relay elements 33 are turned ON. At time T35, the calculation unit 50 turns ON all of the lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64. Only one or two of the lower switching elements 73 may be turned ON. From time T35, the electric brake starts to take effect again, brake current flows to the stator coil 345, and the rate of decrease in motor rotation speed increases.

[0200] (Fifth Operation Example) Figure 57 is a time chart of the fifth operation example of the work machine 4, and is a time chart that includes the operations corresponding to the controls of S109 and S171 in Figure 52(C). In Figure 57, S1 indicates the overload detection threshold and S2 indicates the light load detection threshold.

[0201] Prior to time T41, the system is under light load conditions, and the calculation unit 50 drives the motor 340 in high-speed mode (delta connection). That is, the calculation unit 50 turns on the three delta connection relay elements 32 and turns off the three star connection relay elements 33, and performs commutation control (motor 340 drive control) by the inverter circuit 64.

[0202] At time T41, the trigger switch 306 is turned off, and the calculation unit 50 turns on all of the lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64. Only one or two of the lower switching elements 73 may be turned on. From time T41, the electric brake begins to take effect, a brake current flows to the stator coil 345, and the rate of decrease in motor rotation speed increases.

[0203] This embodiment provides the following effects and benefits.

[0204] (1) The calculation unit 50 is configured to perform control in the following order when the load changes from a light load state to an overload state: turning off the six switching elements of the inverter circuit 64, turning off the three delta connection relay elements 32, turning on the three star connection relay elements 33, and controlling the inverter circuit 64 to drive the motor 340. Therefore, no current flows at the moment the three star connection relay elements 33 are turned on, which is advantageous in terms of the durability of the three star connection relay elements 33.

[0205] (2) The calculation unit 50 is configured to perform the following control actions in the following order when the load changes from an overload state to a light load state: turning off the six switching elements of the inverter circuit 64, turning off the three star-connection relay elements 33, turning on the three delta-connection relay elements 32, and controlling the inverter circuit 64 to drive the motor 340. Therefore, no current flows at the moment the three delta-connection relay elements 32 are turned on, which is advantageous in terms of the durability of the three delta-connection relay elements 32.

[0206] (3) In the first control example shown in Figure 51, the calculation unit 50 is configured to switch to high torque mode (star connection) when the trigger switch 306 is turned off in high rotation mode (delta connection), apply an electric brake to the motor 340, and stop the motor 340. Therefore, compared to when the electric brake is applied in high rotation mode (delta connection), the brake current can be suppressed and the temperature rise of the inverter circuit 64 can be suppressed. In addition, the reaction force due to the electric brake is suppressed, making it easier to use.

[0207] (4) In the first control example shown in Figure 51, the calculation unit 50 is configured to perform the following control steps in the following order when the trigger switch 306 is turned off in high-speed mode (delta connection): - Turn off the six switching elements of the inverter circuit 64, - Turn off the three delta connection relay elements 32, - Turn on the three lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64, and - Turn on the three star connection relay elements 33. Therefore, when the three star connection relay elements 33 are turned on, the lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64 are already turned on, and a closed loop through which regenerative current flows is established. As a result, even if the trigger switch 306 is turned off when the motor speed is close to the no-load speed, a jump in the voltage applied to the switching elements of the inverter circuit 64 is suppressed, and damage to electronic components such as switching elements can be suppressed.

[0208] (5) In the second control example shown in Figure 52(A), the calculation unit 50 is configured to perform the following control in the following order when the trigger switch 306 is turned off in high rotation mode (delta connection): - Turn off the six switching elements of the inverter circuit 64, - Turn off the three delta connection relay elements 32, - Turn on the three star connection relay elements 33, and - Turn on the three lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64. Therefore, when the three star connection relay elements 33 are turned on, all six switching elements of the inverter circuit 64 are off, and a closed loop through which regenerative current flows is not formed. In the first control example described above, a large regenerative current flows at the moment the three star connection relay elements 33 are turned on and a closed loop is formed, and there is a risk that the three star connection relay elements 33 may be damaged. However, the second control example can suppress this risk of damage to the star connection relay elements 33.

[0209] (6) In the third control example shown in Figure 52(B), the calculation unit 50 is configured to apply an electric brake to the motor 340 when the trigger switch 306 is turned off in high-speed mode (delta connection) to reduce the motor speed to below a predetermined speed, and then switch to high-torque mode (star connection) to apply an electric brake to the motor 340. When applying the electric brake after the motor speed has decreased to below a predetermined speed, the three star-connection relay elements 33 are turned on before the three lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64 are turned on. Therefore, no current flows at the moment the three star-connection relay elements 33 are turned on, which is advantageous in terms of the durability of the three star-connection relay elements 33. In addition, because the motor speed of the motor 340 has decreased to below a predetermined speed, the back electromotive force generated from the motor 340 when the three star-connection relay elements 33 are turned on before the three lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64 are turned on can be suppressed. By suppressing the back electromotive force, the risk of damage to the switching elements 73 can be reduced. In particular, by setting a predetermined rotation speed so that the back electromotive force does not exceed the voltage of the battery pack 307, the risk of damage to the switching element 73 can be effectively reduced. Furthermore, since no current flows through the three star-connected relay elements 33 at the moment they are turned on, this is advantageous in terms of the durability of the three star-connected relay elements 33.

[0210] (7) In the fourth control example shown in Figure 52(C), when the trigger switch 306 is turned off in high-speed mode (delta connection), the calculation unit 50 turns on the three lower switching elements 73 of the inverter circuit 64, applying an electric brake to the motor 340 while it remains in high-speed mode (delta connection), and stopping the motor 340. Therefore, even when the trigger switch 306 is turned off in high-speed mode (delta connection), the three delta connection relay elements 32 and the three star connection relay elements 33 are not switched on or off, which is advantageous in terms of the durability of the three delta connection relay elements 32 and the three star connection relay elements 33.

[0211] (Embodiment 7) Figures 58 to 62 relate to a work implement 5 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. The work implement 5 differs in some mechanical configuration from the work implements of the embodiments described above. The circuit configuration and control of the work implement 5 can be applied to any of the work implements of the embodiments described above. Figures 60 and 61 define the mutually orthogonal forward / backward, up / down, and left / right directions in the work implement 5. The work implement 5 is a portable circular saw. The work implement 5 is equipped with a housing 1320.

[0212] The housing 1320 is, for example, a resin molded body and includes a motor housing 1321 for housing the motor 340, a handle housing 1322 for gripping by the operator, and a battery mounting section 1323.

[0213] The motor housing 1321 is a cylindrical portion with its central axis approximately parallel to the left-right direction. The handle housing 1322 extends diagonally in the front-rear and up-down directions from the upper right side of the motor housing 1321. A trigger switch 1306 for the user to start and stop the motor 340 is provided at the upper end of the handle housing 1322.

[0214] A metal gear case (saw cover) 1325 is connected to the left side of the handle housing 1322. The gear case 1325 houses a reduction mechanism (not shown) and covers the upper half of the saw blade 1309.

[0215] The battery mounting section 1323 extends to the left from the rear end of the handle housing 1322, and a battery pack 1307, which provides power, can be detachably mounted there. The work implement 5 operates on the power of the battery pack 1307. The work implement 5 has an operation panel 1316 above the battery mounting section 1323. The user can switch the operating mode of the work implement 5 using the operation panel 1316.

[0216] Handle housing G1 322 ofA hook 1324 is attached to the front, allowing the work machine 5 to be hooked onto the hooking part. The hook 1324 is rotatably attached to the housing 1320. A sub-handle 1326 is also provided above the motor housing 1321. The sub-handle 1326 is the part that the operator grips during operation.

[0217] The work implement 5 has a motor 340 inside the motor housing 1321. The rotation of the motor 340 is reduced by a reduction mechanism in the gear case 1325 and transmitted to the saw blade 1309.

[0218] The work machine 5 has a control board 1311 (Figure 59) inside the motor housing 1321, and multiple battery connection terminals (not shown) inside the battery mounting section 1323. The control board 1311 is equipped with the aforementioned calculation unit 50, control power supply circuit 51, inverter circuit 64, and other circuits. The multiple battery connection terminals face downwards from the battery mounting section 1323. The multiple battery connection terminals make contact with the terminals of the battery pack 1307 mounted in the battery mounting section 1323 and are electrically connected.

[0219] As shown in Figure 59, the work machine 5 has a relay board 30 inside the motor housing 1321. The relay board 30 is equipped with multiple relay elements 31. The relay board 30 is attached to the motor 340 with screws or the like. The relay board 30 faces the air vents provided in the motor housing 1321.

[0220] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications are possible to each of the matters specifically described in the embodiments within the scope of the claims.

[0221] In embodiments 1, 4 to 6, the operating mode may be limited to automatic switching mode only. In this case, the operating mode selector switch 312 and the operating mode indicator LED 313 may be omitted.

[0222] The motor current, motor rotation speed, motor torque, battery current, saw blade rotation speed, saw blade torque, time, various voltages (inverter voltage, rated voltage, allowable voltage, etc.), rated capacity, the number of current ranges and time thresholds in each winding switching condition and overcurrent protection operation condition, etc., exemplified as specific numerical values in the embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention in any way and can be arbitrarily changed according to the required specifications.

[0223] The working machine of the present invention is not limited to a portable circular saw, and may be other types of cutting working machines such as a bench circular saw, a rotary band saw, a jigsaw, a saber saw (reciprocating saw), a brush cutter, etc. Further, the working machine of the present invention may be a grinding working machine having a grinding tip tool such as a grinder, a polishing working machine having a polishing tip tool such as a sander or a polisher, a cutting working machine having a cutting tip tool such as a saw, a trimmer, or a router, a drilling working machine having a drilling tip tool such as a drill, a hammer, or an earth auger, a fastening working machine having a fastening tip tool such as an impact driver, an impact wrench, a driver drill, a socket wrench, a riveter, or a rebar tying machine, a crimping working machine having a crimping tip tool such as a crimping machine, a bending working machine having a bending tip tool such as a rebar bender, or a driving working machine having a driving tip tool such as a nail gun or a tacker.

Explanation of Signs

[0224] 1-5...Work machine, 50...Calculation unit (control unit), 51...Control power supply circuit (control circuit voltage supply circuit), 52...Current detection circuit (motor current detection circuit), 53...Switch operation detection circuit, 54...Battery type detection circuit, 55...Voltage detection circuit (battery voltage detection circuit), 56...Control signal circuit (control signal output circuit), 57...Rotation position detection circuit (rotor position detection circuit), 58...Rotation speed detection circuit, 59...Operation mode detection circuit, 61...Illumination LED drive circuit, 62...Illumination LED, 63...Hall IC (magnetic sensor) 306... Trigger switch, 307... Battery pack, 309... Saw blade, 311... Control board, 312... Operation 313…Operation mode selector switch, 314…Light mode selector switch, 315…Light mode indicator LED, 316…Operation panel, 317…Light mode indicator LED, 320…Housing, 321…Motor housing, 322…Handle housing, 323…Battery mounting section, 324…Intermediate housing, 325…Gear case (saw cover), 327…Battery connection terminal, 328…Cover component, 340…Motor, 341…Motor shaft, 342…Rotor core 343...Rotor magnet (permanent magnet), 344...Stator core, 345...Stator coil, 346...Yoke section, 347...Teeth (teeth section), 1306...Trigger switch, 1307...Battery pack, 1309...Saw blade, 1311...Control board, 1316...Operation panel, 1320...Housing, 1321...Motor housing, 1322...Handle housing, 1323...Battery mounting section, 1324...Hook, 1325...Gear case (saw cover), 1326...Sub-handle.

Claims

1. A motor having multiple windings, A drive unit that drives the motor, A connection switching unit is configured to switch between a high-speed connection state in which the multiple windings are connected to each other in order to obtain high-speed characteristics, and a high-torque connection state in which the multiple windings are connected to each other in order to obtain high-torque characteristics. An operating unit for starting and stopping the motor, A control unit that controls the drive unit and the wiring switching unit, A work machine having, The control unit is capable of performing connection switching control to switch from the high-speed connection state to the high-torque connection state, and is configured to start the connection switching control when the motor's rotational speed is greater than the no-load rotational speed of the high-torque connection state. The control unit is configured to stop supplying drive power to the motor when executing the wiring switching control, to switch the wiring switching unit to a disconnected state in which the plurality of windings are disconnected from each other during the process of executing the wiring switching control, and to resume supplying drive power to the motor immediately after executing the wiring switching control. A work machine characterized by the following features.

2. A motor having multiple windings, A drive unit that drives the motor, A connection switching unit is configured to switch between a high-speed connection state in which the multiple windings are connected to each other in order to obtain high-speed characteristics, and a high-torque connection state in which the multiple windings are connected to each other in order to obtain high-torque characteristics. An operating unit for starting and stopping the motor, A control unit that controls the drive unit and the wiring switching unit, A work machine having, The control unit is capable of performing connection switching control to switch from the high-speed connection state to the high-torque connection state, and is configured to start the connection switching control when the motor's rotational speed is greater than the no-load rotational speed of the high-torque connection state. The control unit, When the wiring state is the high-speed wiring state, if the workload applied to the motor increases and exceeds the first winding switching threshold, the wiring state is switched to the high-torque wiring state. When the wiring state is the high-torque wiring state, and the workload decreases to below the second winding switching threshold, the wiring state is switched to the high-speed wiring state. The first winding switching threshold is greater than the second winding switching threshold, A work machine characterized by the following features.

3. A motor having multiple windings, A drive unit that drives the motor, A connection switching unit is configured to switch between a high-speed connection state in which the plurality of windings are connected to each other to obtain high-speed characteristics, and a high-torque connection state in which the plurality of windings are connected to each other to obtain high-torque characteristics, and the other connection state. An operating unit for starting and stopping the motor, A control unit that controls the drive unit and the wiring switching unit, A work machine having, The control unit is capable of performing a wiring switching control to switch from one wiring state to the other wiring state, and in the wiring switching control, the drive unit is configured to switch to a drive stop state in which the supply of drive power to the motor is stopped, and the wiring switching unit is configured to switch to a wiring disconnection state in which the plurality of windings are disconnected from each other. The control unit is configured to stop supplying drive power to the motor when executing the wiring switching control, and to resume supplying drive power to the motor immediately after executing the wiring switching control. A work machine characterized by the following features.

4. A work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The no-load rotational speed in the high-torque connection state is the rotational speed of the motor at the intersection of the extension of the characteristic line representing the high-torque connection state and the straight line representing zero torque, when the relationship between the rotational speed and torque of the motor is shown as a characteristic line on a graph with torque on the horizontal axis and rotational speed on the vertical axis. A work machine characterized by the following features.

5. A work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit is configured to complete the wiring switching control when the rotational speed of the motor becomes less than or equal to the no-load rotational speed of the high-torque wiring state. A work machine characterized by the following features.

6. A work machine according to claim 1 or 2, The control unit is configured to switch the drive unit to a drive-stopped state in the connection switching control, in which the supply of drive power to the motor is stopped, and to switch the connection switching unit to a connection-disconnected state in which the plurality of windings are disconnected from each other. A work machine characterized by the following features.

7. A work machine according to claim 6, The control unit is configured to, in the wiring switching control, switch the wiring switching unit from the high-speed wiring state to the wiring disconnection state, or from the wiring disconnection state to the high-torque wiring state, when the drive unit is in the drive-stopped state. A work machine characterized by the following features.

8. A work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit is configured to execute the wiring switching control in response to an increase in the workload applied to the motor, and is configured to execute overload protection control, which stops the motor when the workload meets the overload protection conditions, only after the wiring switching control and not before the wiring switching control. The control unit, When the work is performed by pressing the work machine against the workpiece with a first pressing force, or when the work is performed at a first work load increase rate, the wiring switching control is executed, The system is configured to stop the motor by executing the overload protection control immediately after the wiring switching control if the work is performed by pressing the work implement against the workpiece with a second pressing force greater than the first pressing force, or by performing work with a second work load increase rate greater than the first work load increase rate. A work machine characterized by the following features.

9. A work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is equipped with a mode selection unit that can be operated by the operator, The control unit responds to the operator's operation of the mode selection unit, A first mode is configured to perform a wiring switching control that switches the wiring state from the high-speed wiring state to the high-torque wiring state in response to an increase in the workload applied to the motor, A second mode configured to maintain the aforementioned connection state in the high-torque connection state, The system is configured to allow selection of which of the following modes the motor will be driven in. A work machine characterized by the following features.

10. A work machine according to claim 8, The first winding switching threshold, which is the threshold of the workload when switching the wiring state from the high-speed wiring state to the high-torque wiring state, is 2 / 3 or more of the overload protection threshold, which is the threshold of the workload when the motor is stopped by the overload protection control, or equal to the overload protection threshold. A work machine characterized by the following features.

11. A work machine according to claim 8, The battery mounting section includes a battery pack that can be fitted with a battery pack that serves as the power source for the motor and outputs a discharge stop signal when the discharge current exceeds a battery-side overcurrent protection threshold, The control unit stops the motor when the current flowing to the motor exceeds the main unit's overcurrent protection threshold. If the battery-side overcurrent protection threshold is greater than the main unit-side overcurrent protection threshold, A work machine characterized by the following features.

12. A motor having multiple windings that is driven by power supplied from a power source, The motor's winding connection method is switchable between a first connection method for high rotation and a second connection method for high torque, and a connection switching unit is provided. A control unit that controls the motor and the wiring switching unit, A housing that houses the motor, the wiring switching unit, and the control unit, A detection unit for detecting a physical quantity that changes due to the drive of the motor, or the type of power supply, A work machine equipped with, The control unit is configured to perform wiring switching control to switch the wiring method from the first wiring method to the second wiring method when predetermined winding switching conditions are met. The detected value detected by the detection unit includes the work load applied to the motor. The winding switching condition includes the duration of any work load exceeding a load threshold being greater than or equal to a time threshold that varies depending on the magnitude of the work load. A work machine characterized by the following features.

13. A work machine according to claim 12, The control unit, If the state in which the first workload is applied to the motor continues for a first time, the wiring method is switched from the first wiring method to the second wiring method. The connection method is configured to switch from the first connection method to the second connection method if a second work load greater than the first work load is applied to the motor for a second time shorter than the first time. A work machine characterized by the following features.

14. A work machine according to claim 12, The detected value includes the working load applied to the motor and the temperature of the heating element constituting the work machine. The winding switching condition includes the duration of any work load above a load threshold being equal to or greater than a time threshold, and the combination of the work load and the time threshold differs depending on the temperature. A work machine characterized by the following features.

15. A work machine according to claim 12, The detected value includes the workload applied to the motor and the rated capacity of the power supply. The winding switching condition includes the duration of any work load above a load threshold being equal to or greater than a time threshold, and the combination of the work load and the time threshold differs depending on the rated capacity. A work machine characterized by the following features.

16. A work machine according to claim 12, The winding switching conditions are set according to the detected value in the detection unit so that the wiring method switches from the first wiring method to the second wiring method before the overload protection is activated and the motor stops. The overload protection is configured to be executed when a first workload is applied to the motor for a first time. The switching of the aforementioned wiring method is configured to be performed when the second workload continues for a second time as the workload, The first workload and the second workload are substantially the same load value or load range, and the second time is shorter than the first time, or The first time and the second time are approximately the same time or time range, and the second workload is smaller than the first workload. A work machine characterized by the following features.

17. A work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit is configured to execute the connection switching control so that when the workload applied to the motor increases, the connection changes from the high-speed connection state to the high-torque connection state. The control unit is configured to switch to the high-torque connection state and apply an electric brake to the motor when the operating unit is turned off in the high-speed connection state. A work machine characterized by the following features.

18. A work machine according to claim 17, The drive unit has a plurality of switching elements, The connection switching unit includes a high-speed side switching unit that is turned on when the high-speed connection state is in place, and a high-torque side switching unit that is turned on when the high-torque connection state is in place. The control unit is configured to perform one of the following controls: A work machine characterized by the following features. (1) When the operating unit is turned off in the high-speed connection state, and the motor is switched to the high-torque connection state to apply an electric brake, the plurality of switching elements and the high-speed side switching unit are turned off, then the high-torque side switching unit is turned on, and then some of the plurality of switching elements are turned on. (2) When the operating unit is turned off in the high-speed connection state, and the motor is switched to the high-torque connection state to apply an electric brake, the plurality of switching elements and the high-speed side switching unit are turned off, then some of the plurality of switching elements are turned on, and then the high-torque side switching unit is turned on. (3) When the operating unit is turned off in the high-speed connection state, an electric brake is applied to the motor to reduce the motor's rotation speed to a predetermined rotation speed or less, and then the system is switched to the high-torque connection state and an electric brake is applied to the motor.

19. A work machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit is configured to execute the connection switching control so that when the workload applied to the motor increases, the connection changes from the high-speed connection state to the high-torque connection state. The control unit is configured to apply an electric brake to the motor and stop it while the motor remains in the high-speed connection state, when the operation unit is turned off. A work machine characterized by the following features.

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