power tools

Abstract

Provided is a work machine of excellent operability. A work machine 1 is provided with a controller 40 for controlling driving of a motor 3 in any one of a plurality of control modes, and is configured so as to be able to arbitrarily select availability / unavailability of at least one of the plurality of control modes. Control mode display units 18a-18d are configured so as to only display those control modes selected as being available from among the plurality of control modes (not displaying those control modes selected as being unavailable among the plurality of control modes). By operating a control mode switching switch 16, a user is able to select only those control modes selected as being available from among the plurality of control modes (control modes selected as being unavailable among the plurality of control modes cannot be selected by operating the control mode switching switch 16).

Description

Work equipment

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a work machine in which a drive mode for driving a motor can be selected by an external device.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 070760

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a work machine that is easy to operate.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a work machine comprising: a motor; a mode switching unit that selects one control mode from among a plurality of control modes through operation by an operator; a drive operation unit that instructs the motor to start or stop through operation by the operator; and a control unit that controls the drive of the motor based on the selected control mode when the drive operation unit instructs the motor to start, wherein the control modes are switched in sequence each time the mode switching unit is operated, usable control modes can be selected through operation of the mode switching unit via wireless communication with an external device, and the number of usable control modes can be reduced from the number initially set at the time of shipment from the factory.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is a work machine including a motor, a mode switching unit configured to enable a first selection action to select one control mode from a first number of control modes through operation by an operator, a drive operation unit configured to instruct the motor to start or stop through operation by the operator, and a control unit configured to control drive of the motor based on the one control mode selected through the first selection action when start of the motor is instructed by the drive operation unit, wherein the control unit is capable of determining that a second selection action has been performed to select a second number of control modes from the first number of control modes, the second number being smaller than the first number, as control modes selectable through the first selection action, and the control unit is configured, upon determining that the second selection action has been performed, to limit the control modes selectable through the first selection action to the second number of control modes.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a work machine including a motor, a mode switching unit configured to enable a first selection operation of selecting one control mode from a first number of control modes by operation by an operator, a drive operation unit configured to instruct the motor to start or stop by operation by the operator, a plurality of display units corresponding to the first number of control modes, and a control unit configured to control the drive of the motor based on the one control mode selected by the first selection operation when an instruction to start the motor is given by the drive operation unit, and to display the display unit corresponding to the one control mode among the plurality of display units, It is possible to determine that a second selection operation has been performed to select a second number of control modes, the second number being smaller than the first number, from the first number of control modes as control modes selectable by the selection operation, and that a third selection operation has been performed to not select a third number of control modes, the third number being smaller than the first number, from the first number of control modes as control modes not selectable by the first selection operation, the first number of control modes including a first control mode, a second control mode, and a third control mode, and at least the second control mode is configured to be selectable by the second selection operation, and the control unit is When the first control mode, the second control mode, and the third control mode are selected by the second selection operation, the display unit corresponding to each control mode among the plurality of display units is switched in the order of the first control mode, the second control mode, and the third control mode in accordance with the first selection operation, thereby displaying the control mode selected in the first selection operation; and when the first control mode and the third control mode are selected by the second selection operation and the second control mode is selected by the third selection operation, the display unit corresponding to each control mode among the plurality of display units is switched in the order of the first control mode and the third control mode in accordance with the first selection operation, thereby displaying the control mode selected in the first selection operation.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a work machine including a motor, a mode switching unit configured to enable a first selection operation to select one control mode from a first number of control modes by operation by an operator, a drive operation unit configured to instruct the motor to start or stop by operation by the operator, a plurality of display units corresponding to the first number of control modes, and a control unit configured to control drive of the motor based on the one control mode selected by the first selection operation when start of the motor is instructed by the drive operation unit, wherein the control unit is configured to determine that a second selection operation has been performed to select a second number of control modes from the first number of control modes, the second number being smaller than the first number, as control modes selectable by the first selection operation, and when it determines that the second selection operation has been performed, to display only the display units from the plurality of display units corresponding to the control modes selectable by the first selection operation. Furthermore, the control unit is characterized in that when a second selection operation is executed to select a second number of control modes, which is smaller than the first number, from the first number of control modes as control modes selectable by the first selection operation, only the second number of control modes can be selected by the first selection operation, and only the display unit corresponding to the control mode selected by the second selection operation can be displayed.

[0009] The present invention may be expressed as an "electrical device" or a "power tool", and such expressions are also valid aspects of the present invention.

[0010] According to the present invention, a work machine with excellent operability can be provided.

[0011] 1A and 1B are conceptual diagrams of a work machine system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the work machine system including a work machine 1, a battery pack 20, and a mobile terminal 80. A side cross-sectional view of the work machine 1. (A) is a circuit block diagram of the work machine system shown in FIG. 1 , the work machine system including the work machine 1, the battery pack 20, and the mobile terminal 80. (B) is an external view of the operation panel 11 of the work machine 1. (C) is an external view of the panel unit 27 of the battery pack 20. A diagram showing the screen display of the mobile terminal 80, showing a screen display in a state where all control modes of the work machine 1 are enabled. A diagram showing the screen display of the mobile terminal 80, showing a screen display in a state where control modes 2 and 3 of the work machine 1 are disabled. A diagram showing the screen display of the mobile terminal 80, showing a screen display in a state where only control mode 0 of the work machine 1 is enabled. A diagram showing the screen display of the mobile terminal 80, showing a control mode rearrangement screen. A flowchart for switching the control mode of the work machine 1.

[0012] The present embodiment relates to a work machine 1 and a work machine system. As shown in Figures 1 and 3A, the work machine system of the present embodiment includes a work machine 1, a battery pack 20, and a mobile terminal 80 as an external device.

[0013] The battery pack 20 is a battery pack equipped with a wireless communication function, and has a short-range wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The mobile terminal 80 is a smartphone, tablet terminal, or the like, and has a short-range wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The mobile terminal 80 and the battery pack 20 are capable of wireless communication with each other via short-range wireless communication. The mobile terminal 80 is capable of wireless communication with the work machine 1 via the battery pack 20 attached to the work machine 1. A management application (hereinafter referred to as "management app") for managing the work machine 1 is installed in the mobile terminal 80.

[0014] The work machine 1 is an electric power tool, specifically a cordless impact driver. Figure 2 defines the mutually orthogonal front-to-rear and up-to-down directions of the work machine 1. The front-to-rear direction is a direction parallel to the central axis of the output shaft 3a of the motor 3 serving as a drive unit.

[0015] The work machine 1 includes a housing 2. The housing 2 includes a body portion (cylindrical portion) 2a, a handle portion 2b, and a battery pack attachment portion 2c. The body portion 2a of the housing 2 is cylindrical, and its central axis is parallel to the front-to-rear direction. An LED 19 (illumination portion) that illuminates the work area is provided at the lower front end of the body portion 2a. A handle portion 2b extends downward from the middle of the body portion 2a. The battery pack attachment portion 2c is provided at the lower end of the handle portion 2b.

[0016] Within the body 2a, there are provided, in order from the rear, a fan 4, the stator and rotor of the motor 3, a sensor / inverter board 12, a planetary gear mechanism (reduction mechanism) 5, a spindle 6, a hammer 7, and an anvil 8. The fan 4 is directly connected to the output shaft 3a of the motor 3 and rotates together with the motor 3, generating cooling air within the housing 2.

[0017] In this example, the motor 3 is an inner rotor brushless motor. The sensor / inverter board 12 is housed in the body section 2a so that it is perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. Specifically, it is supported (fixed) by an insulator attached to the stator of the motor 3. The sensor / inverter board 12 has a magnetic sensor 13, such as a Hall IC, mounted on its rear surface and multiple switching elements 14 mounted on its front surface. The magnetic sensor 13 is used to detect the rotational position of the motor 3. The switching elements 14 are used to supply current to the motor 3. The multiple switching elements 14 correspond to switching elements Q1 to Q6 in FIG. 3A.

[0018] The output shaft 3a of the motor 3 extends forward through the sensor / inverter board 12. The planetary gear mechanism 5 reduces the speed of the motor 3 and transmits it to the spindle 6. The hammer 7 rotates together with the spindle 6, rotating or rotary striking the anvil 8. A tool tip such as a bit (not shown) is attached to the anvil 8. The anvil 8 functions as a tool tip holder. The spindle 6, hammer 7, and anvil 8 are examples of driven parts, and constitute a well-known rotary striking mechanism (impact mechanism).

[0019] The handle portion 2b is the portion that the user grips, and is provided with a trigger switch 9 at the front upper end thereof. The trigger switch 9 is a drive operation unit that the user uses to switch between driving and stopping the motor 3. In addition, a rotation direction switching lever 15 is provided at the upper end of the handle portion 2b. The rotation direction switching lever 15 is a rotation direction switching unit that the user uses to switch between forward and reverse rotation of the motor 3.

[0020] A control board 10 is provided at the top of the battery pack mounting section 2c. The control board 10 is housed in a board case and coated with resin, and the board case is supported by the battery pack mounting section 2c. The control board 10 is provided with a controller 40 shown in Fig. 3(A) and other components.

[0021] An operation panel 11 is provided on the top surface of the battery pack mounting section 2c. The configuration of the operation panel 11 will be described later. A battery pack 20 is connected to the battery pack mounting section 2c. The battery pack 20 houses battery cells and a battery control board 25. The battery control board 25 is equipped with a wireless communication circuit 26 for short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0022] A panel unit 27 is provided on the outer surface of the battery pack 20. As shown in FIG. 3C , the panel unit 27 is provided with a switch 27a and a display unit 27b. The switch 27a is an operation unit for displaying the remaining battery charge of the battery pack 20 and for switching the near-field wireless communication function on and off. The display unit 27b includes four LEDs. When the switch 27a is pressed briefly, the display unit 27b lights up according to the remaining battery charge. The more the remaining battery charge, the more LEDs in the display unit 27b light up. When the switch 27a is pressed and held, an LED, for example, on the right end of the display unit 27b flashes, establishing a wireless connection between the battery pack 20 and an external device, such as a mobile terminal 80. When the connection is complete, the LED changes from flashing to lighting. The right end of the display unit 27b is provided with two different colored LEDs (e.g., green and blue), one for displaying the remaining charge and the other for wireless communication. The first three LEDs from the left end of the display section 27b are each equipped with one type of LED (e.g., green). Pressing the switch 27a briefly lights up the four green LEDs according to the remaining battery charge. Pressing the switch 27a for a long time causes the blue LED on the far right to flash or light up. Each LED is mounted on the battery control board 25.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3(B), the operation panel 11 includes a control mode selector switch 16 (control mode selector button), an irradiation mode selector switch 17 (irradiation mode selector button), and control mode display units 18a to 18d. The control mode selector switch 16 is a mode selector that allows the user to switch the control mode of the work machine 1. The action of the user operating the control mode selector switch 16 to switch the control mode of the work machine 1 is a first selection action. The irradiation mode selector switch 17 is an irradiation mode selector that allows the user to switch the lighting state of the illumination LED 19. The control mode display units 18a to 18d, which are multiple display units, each include an LED (light-emitting element) and display the current control mode selected by the control mode selector switch 16. The types of control modes and how to select them will be described later.

[0024] FIG. 3A is a circuit block diagram of the work machine system shown in FIG. 1, and is a circuit block diagram of the work machine system including the work machine 1, the battery pack 20, and the mobile terminal 80.

[0025] The battery pack 20 includes a battery cell group 21, a controller 22 as a battery-side control unit, a cell current detection circuit 23, a cell voltage detection circuit 25, a wireless communication circuit 26 as a battery-side communication unit, a switch 27a, a display unit 27b, a resistor 28, and a wired communication circuit 29.

[0026] The battery cell group 21 is composed of multiple battery cells, such as lithium-ion secondary battery cells. The number of series connections and the number of parallel connections of the multiple battery cells are arbitrary. The cell current detection circuit 23 detects the output current of the battery cell group 21 based on the voltage of a resistor 28 provided in the path of the output current of the battery cell group 21 and transmits the detected current to the controller 22. The cell voltage detection circuit 25 detects the output voltage of the battery cell group 21 and transmits the detected current to the controller 22. The controller 22 includes a microcontroller or the like. The controller 22 communicates with the controller 40 of the work machine 1 via a wired communication circuit 29. The controller 22 controls the wireless communication circuit 26 to communicate wirelessly with the mobile terminal 80. The controller 22 controls the display unit 27b in response to operation of the switch 27a. The controller 22 has a built-in memory (storage unit) that stores unique information about the battery pack 20, such as the model name and serial number. The memory may be separate from the controller 22. The memory is a non-volatile memory that can retain stored information even when power is not supplied. The wireless communication circuit 26 communicates wirelessly with a wireless communication unit 85 of the mobile terminal 80. The controller 22 is also mounted on the battery control board 25.

[0027] The mobile terminal 80 includes a control unit 81 as a terminal-side control unit, a storage unit 82 as a terminal-side storage unit, a display unit 83, an input unit 84, and a wireless communication unit 85 as a terminal-side communication unit. Although not shown, the mobile terminal 80 has a built-in secondary battery that serves as its own power source. If the mobile terminal 80 is a smartphone or a tablet terminal, the screen of the smartphone or tablet terminal serves as the display unit 83 and the input unit 84. The wireless communication unit 85 has a short-range wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and communicates with the wireless communication circuit 26 of the battery pack 20. A management app is installed in the memory unit 82. The control unit 81 executes each function of the management app. The display on the display unit 83 by the management app will be described later.

[0028] In the work machine 1, switching elements Q1 to Q6 provided on the sensor / inverter board 12 are connected in a three-phase bridge to form an inverter circuit. The switching elements Q1 to Q6 perform switching operations under the control of the controller 40 and supply drive power to the motor 3. The magnetic sensor 13 provided on the sensor / inverter board 12 transmits an electrical signal corresponding to the rotational position of the motor 3 to the rotor position detection circuit 44.

[0029] The control board 10 is provided with a controller 40 as an equipment-side control unit, a motor current detection circuit 41, a battery voltage detection circuit 42, a control signal output circuit 43, a rotor position detection circuit 44, a wired communication circuit 45, and a display unit 46.

[0030] A motor current detection circuit 41 detects the current of the motor 3 (hereinafter referred to as "motor current") from the voltage of a resistor R provided in the current path of the motor 3 and outputs the detected current to the controller 40. A battery voltage detection circuit 42 detects the output voltage of the battery pack 20 and outputs the detected current to the controller 40. A control signal output circuit 43 applies a control signal (e.g., a PWM signal) to each control terminal of the switching elements Q1 to Q6 under the control of the controller 40. A rotor position detection circuit 44 detects the rotational position of the motor 3 from a signal from the magnetic sensor 13 and outputs the detected signal to the controller 40. A display unit 46 is a functional block corresponding to the control mode display units 18a to 18d shown in FIG. 3(B), and displays the current control mode under the control of the controller 40.

[0031] The controller 40 has a built-in memory (storage unit) that stores information specific to the work machine 1, usage history information for the work machine 1, operating parameters for driving the motor 3, availability of each control mode, the order in which the control modes are switched in response to operation of the control mode selector switch 16, the last used control mode, and other information. The operating parameters include those added and edited using a management app on the mobile terminal 80. The memory may be separate from the controller 40. The memory is configured as a non-volatile memory that can retain stored information even when power is not supplied. The controller 40 detects the rotation speed of the motor 3 (hereinafter referred to as "motor rotation speed") based on the output signal of the rotor position detection circuit 44. The controller 40 communicates via a wired communication circuit 45 with the controller 22 of the battery pack 20. The controller 40 controls the on / off (e.g., PWM control) of the switching elements Q1 to Q6 via a control signal output circuit 43 in accordance with the current control mode, the rotation direction selected by the rotation direction selector lever 15, and the operation of the trigger switch 9, thereby controlling the drive of the motor 3. The controller 40 controls the driving of the motor 3 while monitoring the rotational position, motor rotation speed, and motor current of the motor 3 .

[0032] The control modes of the work machine 1 are as follows. The main differences between the control modes are the no-load rotation speed of the motor 3 (the rotation speed when the trigger switch 9 is pulled to the maximum, hereinafter referred to as "no-load rotation speed"), the amount of pulling of the trigger switch 9 (how the motor rotation speed increases depending on the amount of pulling of the trigger switch 9), and the motor rotation speed and power when under load and after impact has started. Note that "no-load" refers to a state in which no external load is being applied to the tool bit attached to the tool bit holder (anvil 8) or the motor 3. Note that when the operator operates the trigger switch 9, the motor 3 is started and driven in the selected control mode.

[0033] Control mode 0 (soft mode): This mode is suitable for delicate work, with a low no-load rotation speed and low motor rotation speed and power after impact begins. In control mode 0, the control mode display 18a on the operation panel 11 shown in Figure 3(B) lights up in red.

[0034] Control mode 1 (power mode): This mode has a high no-load rotation speed and high motor rotation speed and power settings after impact begins, making it suitable for a wide range of uses from general work to heavy-duty work. When no load is applied, the rotation speed varies depending on how the trigger switch 9 is pulled. In control mode 1, the control mode display 18b on the operation panel 11 shown in Figure 3(B) lights up in red.

[0035] Control mode 2 (App mode) (Optional): This is one of the modes that can be added using the "management app" on the mobile terminal 80. The operation feel of the trigger switch 9 when no load is present can be freely set based on the power mode. The parameters that can be changed are the amount of play of the trigger switch 9 (how much it is pulled before the motor 3 starts to rotate), the minimum rotation speed (the rotation speed when the motor 3 starts to rotate), the maximum rotation speed (the maximum rotation speed of the motor 3), the soft start (how the motor rotation speed increases when the trigger switch 9 is pulled), and the width of the low-speed range (the motor rotation speed corresponding to the amount of pulling of the trigger switch 9). In control mode 2, the control mode display section 18b of the operation panel 11 shown in FIG. 3(B) lights up blue.

[0036] Control mode 3 (thin screw mode) (Optional): This is one of the modes that can be added using the management app, and is designed for tightening thin screws or other screws that tend to cam out. Until impact begins, an electronic pulse operation is performed that alternates between forward and reverse rotation. In control mode 3, a specific operation is performed regardless of the amount of pull on the trigger switch 9. In control mode 3, the control mode display 18b on the operation panel 11 shown in Figure 3(B) flashes blue.

[0037] Control mode 4 (repeated bolting mode): This mode is designed for tightening bolts. It has the same control as power mode, but the no-load speed is set lower than in power mode, and the trigger switch 9 has a shorter pull (the maximum speed is reached even with a small pull). In control mode 4, the control mode display 18c on the operation panel 11 shown in Figure 3(B) lights up red.

[0038] Control mode 5 (single bolt mode)...This mode is for delicate bolt tightening and bolt tightening work. It is the same as the continuous bolt mode when no load is applied, but it stops immediately after striking. Also, when performing reverse rotation work in control mode 5, the reverse auto-slow function is enabled, which reduces the rotation speed when it detects that the bolt has come loose. In control mode 5, the control mode display 18c on the operation panel 11 shown in Figure 3(B) flashes red.

[0039] Control mode 6 (Text mode): This is a mode for tightening text screws, and the no-load rotation speed is set to the highest, but when impact begins, the rotation speed and power are reduced to prevent the screw from breaking. In control mode 6, the control mode display 18d on the operation panel 11 shown in Figure 3(B) lights up green.

[0040] Of control modes 0 to 6, control modes 2 and 3 are control modes that are not enabled in the initial state (factory-shipped state) and can be enabled at the user's discretion via the management app (hereinafter also referred to as "application modes"). Of the application modes, the parameters of control mode 2 can be set at the user's discretion via the management app, while the parameters of control mode 3 cannot be changed. Control modes 0, 1, 4 to 6 are control modes that are enabled from the initial state (factory-shipped state) (hereinafter also referred to as "intrinsic modes") and cannot have their parameters changed. Here, the seven control modes 0 to 6 or the five control modes 0, 1, and 4 to 6 are a first number indicating the number of control modes.

[0041] Control modes 0, 1, 4, and 6 are examples of multiple control modes that have different no-load rotation speeds (motor rotation speeds in an unloaded state). Control modes 3, 5, and 6 are examples of multiple control modes that change the drive mode of the motor 3 during a single motor drive operation on the trigger switch 9. Control modes 0 to 2 and 4 are examples of multiple control modes that do not change the drive mode of the motor 3 during a single motor drive operation on the trigger switch 9.

[0042] The user can sequentially switch the control modes of the work machine 1 by operating (pressing) the control mode selector switch 16 (performing a first selection operation). The user can arbitrarily select whether or not to use any of multiple control modes 0 to 6 using the function of the management app on the mobile terminal 80. Here, the operation of the user arbitrarily selecting any of multiple control modes 0 to 6 using the function of the management app on the mobile terminal 80 is the second selection operation. The selected control mode becomes available through this second selection operation, and the user can select any of the selected control modes to drive the motor 3 by operating the control mode selector switch 16. On the other hand, the operation of the user not arbitrarily selecting any of multiple control modes 0 to 6 using the function of the management app on the mobile terminal 80 is the third selection operation. The third selection operation disables the use of the control mode that was not selected, and it becomes impossible to select it even by operating the control mode selector switch 16. In other words, the second selection operation and the third selection operation allow the user to select whether or not to use each of the multiple control modes. However, at least one control mode from among control modes 0 to 6 must be selected as usable (it is not possible to select all control modes as unusable). The display units 18a to 18 can only display those control modes from among control modes 0 to 6 that have been selected as usable (permitted for use). In other words, the display units 18a to 18 do not display those control modes from among control modes 0 to 6 that have been selected as unusable (unusable). The user can select only those control modes from among control modes 0 to 6 that have been selected as usable by operating the control mode selector switch 16. In other words, the user cannot select those control modes from among control modes 0 to 6 that have been selected as unusable by operating the control mode selector switch 16. The number of control modes selected as usable is the second number.

[0043] As an example, when the work machine 1 is in its initial state (factory default state), each time the control mode selector switch 16 is operated, the control mode of the work machine 1 and the displays on the control mode display sections 18a to 18d are switched as follows: In this case, the first number is 5. Control mode 0 (soft mode, control mode display section 18a lights up red) → Control mode 1 (power mode, control mode display section 18b lights up red) → Control mode 4 (rapid bolt mode, control mode display section 18c lights up red) → Control mode 5 (single bolt mode, control mode display section 18c flashes red) → Control mode 6 (texture mode, control mode display section 18d lights up green) → Control mode 0 (same as above) → (similar mode transitions are repeated below).

[0044] As another example, if the user operates the management app from the initial state (factory default state) to select whether or not to use control modes 5 and 6 (third selection operation), each time the control mode selector switch 16 is operated, the control mode of the work machine 1 and the display on the control mode display units 18a to 18d will switch as follows: In this case, the second number is 3. Also, the third number is 2. Control mode 0 (soft mode, control mode display unit 18a lights up in red) → Control mode 1 (power mode, control mode display unit 18b lights up in red) → Control mode 4 (bolt burst mode, control mode display unit 18c lights up in red) → Control mode 0 (same as above) → (similar mode transitions are repeated below).

[0045] In the above example, the number of available control modes (three) is fewer than the number of display units 18a to 18d (four). That is, the control modes that can be selected by operating the control mode selector switch 16 are limited by the operation of the management app. Note that the above-mentioned illumination colors are merely examples and can be changed as desired. The controller 40 stores the last selected control mode, and the control mode selected during the previous operation is automatically selected for the next operation.

[0046] 4 to 6 are diagrams showing screen displays of the management app on the mobile terminal 80. Fig. 4 shows the screen display in a state where all control modes of the work machine 1 are enabled. Fig. 5 shows the screen display in a state where control modes 2 and 3 of the work machine 1 are disabled from the state shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 shows the screen display in a state where only control mode 0 of the work machine 1 is enabled.

[0047] The control mode usability selection buttons 90-96 shown in FIGS. 4-6 are buttons for selecting whether or not to use control modes 0-6 of the work machine 1. Each time the user taps a control mode usability selection button 90-96, the usability of the corresponding control mode is switched. That is, performing the second selection operation enables the control mode, and performing the third selection operation disables the control mode. The control mode usability display units 100-106 display whether or not control modes 0-6 of the work machine 1 are usable. Note that in FIGS. 4-6, the three hatching patterns of the control mode usability display units 100-106 indicate different colors: red, blue, and green. Furthermore, the radial lines around the control mode usability display units 103 and 105 indicate flashing. The display modes (display color and lit or flashing) of the control mode usability display units 100-106 are matched to the display modes of the control mode display units 18a-18d in the corresponding control modes. The second and third selection operations can each select two or more control modes from among the plurality of control modes, or can select only one control mode.

[0048] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the screen display of the management app on the mobile terminal 80, and is a diagram showing a control mode sorting screen. Tapping the sort button 97 on the screens of Figs. 4 to 6 transitions to the screen shown in Fig. 7. The screen of Fig. 7 displays a list of control modes, and the user can swipe up or down on the sort button 110 on the right side of the list to arbitrarily change the order in which the control modes are switched when the control mode selector switch 16 is operated.

[0049] 8 is a flowchart of control mode switching in the work machine 1. This flowchart starts when the control mode selector switch 16 is operated while the trigger switch 9 is not operated. The total number of control modes N is seven, consisting of control modes 0 to 6, in this embodiment.

[0050] As an initial condition, the controller 40 assigns a value n (n is any value between 0 and 6) corresponding to the current control mode to the variable mode_current and sets the counter i to 1. When i<N (Yes in S3), and when n+i<N (Yes in S5), the controller 40 assigns n+i to the variable mode_next. When n+i<N is not satisfied (No in S5), the controller 40 assigns (n+i)-N to the variable mode_next (S9). When use of the control mode specified by the value of the variable mode_next (any value between 0 and 6) is permitted (Yes in S11), the controller 40 assigns the value of the variable mode_next to the variable mode_current (S13) and updates the display of the control mode on the display units 18a to 18d (S15).

[0051] If i<N is not satisfied in S3 (No in S3), the controller 40 notifies the user that the control mode cannot be switched (S19), for example, by flashing all of the display units 18a-18d. Note that the flashing at this time has a different cycle (for example, a faster cycle) than the flashing used to display control modes 3 and 5. In this case, the display units 18a-18d also function as notification units. Note that a light or sound notification unit may be provided separately from the display units 18a-18d. If there is only one control mode selected as usable, the value of counter i becomes equal to N without switching the control mode, and the process branches to No in S3.

[0052] This embodiment has the following advantages.

[0053] (1) The work machine 1 includes a controller 40 that controls the drive of the motor 3 in one of a plurality of control modes, and is configured to allow the user to arbitrarily select whether or not to use at least one of the plurality of control modes. The control mode display units 18a to 18d are configured to display only the control modes that are selected as usable among the plurality of control modes (and not display the control modes that are selected as unavailable among the plurality of control modes). The user can select only the control modes that are selected as usable among the plurality of control modes by operating the control mode selector switch 16 (the control modes that are selected as unavailable among the plurality of control modes cannot be selected by operating the control mode selector switch 16). Therefore, by setting a control mode that is used less frequently to unavailable, the number of times the control mode selector switch 16 is required to switch to the desired control mode can be reduced, improving operability in selecting a control mode.

[0054] (2) The work machine 1 is configured to be able to select whether to use two or more of the multiple control modes, which improves operability in selecting the control mode compared to when only one control mode is available.

[0055] (3) The work machine 1 is configured to be able to arbitrarily select whether to use at least one of the inherent modes, that is, the control modes (control modes 0, 1, 4 to 6) that are enabled from the initial state (factory-shipped state) and whose parameters cannot be changed. Therefore, the work machine 1 can reduce the number of selectable control modes compared to the initial state (factory-shipped state). This improves operability in selecting a control mode compared to a case where all inherent modes are not available for selection. The greater the number of inherent modes that can be arbitrarily selected for use, the better the operability in selecting a control mode. By making it possible to arbitrarily select whether to use all inherent modes as in the above example, the operability in selecting a control mode is significantly improved.

[0056] (4) When the control mode selector switch 16 is operated while only one usable control mode is selected, the work machine 1 notifies the user by, for example, flashing all of the displays 18a to 18d. This reduces the sense of discomfort felt by the user when the control mode selector switch 16 is operated but the control mode does not change.

[0057] (5) The work machine 1 is configured so that any control mode can be selected by operating the single control mode selector switch 16. This simplifies the configuration for selecting the control mode.

[0058] (6) The work machine 1 is configured so that whether or not to use each control mode can be selected at will using the mobile terminal 80. This allows the user to select whether or not to use each control mode by operating the mobile terminal 80, which is familiar to the user, and provides good operability.

[0059] (7) The work machine 1 can arbitrarily change the order in which the control modes are switched when the control mode selector switch 16 is operated. Therefore, unlike when the order in which the control modes are switched when the control mode selector switch 16 is operated is fixed, the order in which the control modes are switched can be customized to be easy for each user, improving operability in selecting the control mode.

[0060] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Various modifications can be made to the details specifically described in the embodiments within the scope of the claims.

[0061] The operation of disabling or disabling a control mode is not limited to the operation of the management app on the mobile terminal 80, and may be, for example, an operation such as long pressing of the control mode selector switch 16 when a control mode to be disabled is selected. Alternatively, all disabled control modes may be reset to usable by, for example, simultaneously pressing the control mode selector switch 16 and the irradiation mode selector switch 17. Alternatively, a button for disabling a control mode or a button for resetting all disabled control modes to usable may be provided separately from the control mode selector switch 16 and the irradiation mode selector switch 17.

[0062] The work machine of the present invention is not limited to an impact driver, but may be other types of machine such as a hammer drill, a driver drill, a circular saw, etc. The control modes and the number of control mode display sections, which are exemplified as specific numerical values ​​in the embodiments, do not limit the scope of the invention in any way and can be changed as desired to suit the required specifications.

[0063] 1...Work machine, 2...Housing, 2a...Body portion (cylindrical portion), 2b...Grip portion (handle portion), 2c...Battery pack mounting portion, 3...Motor (electric motor), 3a...Output shaft (rotating shaft), 4...Fan, 5...Planetary gear mechanism (reduction mechanism), 6...Spindle, 7...Hammer, 8...Anvil, 9...Trigger switch (drive operation portion), 10...Control board, 11...Operation panel, 12...Sensor / inverter board, 13...Magnetic sensor (Hall IC), 14...Switching element, 15...Rotation direction switching lever (rotation direction switching portion), 16...Control mode switching switch (mode switching portion), 17...Illumination mode switching switch, 18a to 18d...Control mode display portion, 19...Lighting LED (lighting portion), 20...Battery pack, 21...Battery cell assembly, 22...Contact controller (battery-side control unit), 23...cell current detection circuit, 25...cell voltage detection circuit, 26...wireless communication circuit (wireless communication unit), 27...panel unit, 27a...switch (operation button), 27b...display unit, 40...controller (apparatus-side control unit), 41...motor current detection circuit, 42...battery voltage detection circuit, 43...control signal output circuit, 44...rotor position detection circuit, 45...wired communication circuit, 46...display unit, 80...mobile terminal, 81...control unit (terminal-side control unit), 82...memory unit (terminal-side memory unit), 83...display unit, 84...input unit (operation unit), 85...wireless communication unit (terminal-side communication unit), 90-96...control mode usability selection button, 97...rearrangement button, 100-106...control mode usability display unit, 110...rearrangement button.

Claims

1. An electric power tool having a handle portion, wherein the operator grips the handle and processes the workpiece with the tip tool, A motor that drives the aforementioned cutting tool, A drive operation unit that instructs the start or stop of the motor by the operator's operation, A mode switching unit that selects one control mode from a plurality of control modes with different drive modes for the motor based on the operator's operation, When the motor is instructed to start by the drive operation unit, a control unit is configured to control the drive of the motor based on the selected control mode, Equipped with, The control modes are configured to switch sequentially each time the mode switching unit is operated. The mode switching unit allows the user to select an available control mode via wireless communication with an external device, and the number of available control modes can be reduced from the number set at the factory. A power tool characterized by the following features.

2. The power tool according to claim 1, The configuration allows the number of available control modes to be two or more fewer than the number set at the factory. A power tool characterized by the following features.

3. The power tool according to claim 1, The mode switching unit is configured to enable a first selection operation in which the operator selects one control mode from a first number of control modes. The control unit is configured such that, when a second selection operation is performed by the external device to select a second number of control modes from among the first number of control modes as a control mode that is less than the first number, the control unit is configured to restrict the control modes selectable by the first selection operation to the second number of control modes. A power tool characterized by the following features.

4. The power tool according to claim 3, The system includes a plurality of display units corresponding to each of the first number control modes, The control unit is configured to display only the display unit corresponding to the restricted control mode from among the plurality of display units. A power tool characterized by the following features.

5. The power tool according to claim 4, The control unit, when the control operation is performed by the external device, selects a third control mode smaller than the first number from among the control modes of the first number as a control mode that cannot be selected by the first selection operation, or when the second selection operation is performed by the external device, it makes it possible to select whether to use two or more control modes from among the control modes of the first number. A power tool characterized by the following features.

6. The power tool according to claim 5, The first control mode of the number includes a first control mode, a second control mode, and a third control mode, and at least the second control mode is configured to be selectable by the second selection operation. The control unit, If the first control mode, the second control mode, and the third control mode are selected by the second selection operation, the system is configured to switch the display unit corresponding to each control mode among the plurality of display units in the order of the first control mode, the second control mode, and the third control mode in accordance with the first selection operation, and display the control mode selected by the first selection operation. If the first control mode and the third control mode are selected by the second selection operation, and the second control mode is selected by the third selection operation, the system is configured to switch the display unit corresponding to each control mode among the plurality of display units in the order of the first control mode and the third control mode in accordance with the first selection operation, thereby displaying the control mode selected by the first selection operation. A power tool characterized by the following features.

7. The power tool according to claim 3 or 4, The first control mode of the number is, (1) Multiple control modes in which the rotational speed of the motor in an unloaded state where no external load is applied to the motor is different from each other, (2) Multiple control modes that change the driving mode of the motor during a single motor drive operation on the drive operation unit, (3) A change control mode that changes the drive mode of the motor during a single motor drive operation on the drive operation unit, and a fixed control mode that does not change the drive mode of the motor during a single motor drive operation on the drive operation unit. Including any of the following: A power tool characterized by the following features.

8. The power tool according to claim 3, The system includes a notification unit that notifies the user when the first selection operation is performed if only one control mode is selected by the second selection operation. A power tool characterized by the following features.

9. The power tool according to Claim 1, The aforementioned different motor driving modes are at least one of the following: the rotational speed when the pull amount of the drive operating unit is at its maximum, the rate at which the motor rotational speed increases in accordance with the pull amount of the drive operating unit, and the rotational speed of the motor under load. A power tool characterized by the following features.

10. An electric power tool having a handle portion, wherein an operator grips the handle and processes a workpiece with a tip tool, A motor that drives the aforementioned cutting tool, A drive operation unit that instructs the start or stop of the motor by the operator's operation, A mode switching unit is configured to enable a first selection operation, which selects one control mode from a first number of control modes, which are either a number or the total number of selectable options at the time of factory shipment, and which include a control mode in which the motor's drive mode automatically changes during a single motor drive operation on the drive operation unit by the operator's operation, and which have different motor drive modes. When the drive operation unit instructs the motor to start, the control unit is configured to control the drive of the motor based on one control mode selected by the first selection operation, Equipped with, The control modes are configured to switch sequentially each time the control mode switching unit is operated. The control unit is configured such that, when a second selection operation is performed in which a second number of control modes, which are fewer than the first number, are selected from the first number of control modes by operating the control mode availability selection button, the control mode selectable by the first selection operation is limited to the second number of control modes. A power tool characterized by the following features.

11. An electric power tool having a handle portion, wherein an operator grips the handle and processes a workpiece with a tip tool, A motor that drives the aforementioned cutting tool, A drive operation unit that instructs the start or stop of the motor by the operator's operation, A mode switching unit is configured to enable a first selection operation, which selects one control mode from a first number of control modes, which are either a number or the total number of selectable options at the time of factory shipment, and which include a control mode in which the motor's drive mode automatically changes during a single motor drive operation on the drive operation unit by the operator's operation, and which have different motor drive modes. A plurality of display units corresponding to each of the first number control modes, When the drive operation unit instructs the motor to start, the control unit is configured to control the drive of the motor based on one control mode selected by the first selection operation, Equipped with, The control modes are configured to switch sequentially each time the control mode switching unit is operated. The control unit is configured such that, when a second selection operation is performed to select a second number of control modes from the first number of control modes, which are fewer than the first number, by operating the control mode availability selection button, only the second number of control modes can be selected by the first selection operation, and only the display unit corresponding to the control mode selected by the second selection operation can be displayed. A power tool characterized by the following features.

12. The power tool according to claim 10 or 11, The second selection operation is configured to be executable by an external device. A power tool characterized by the following features.

13. The power tool according to claim 10 or 11, The second selection operation is configured to be executable by a button provided on the power tool. A power tool characterized by the following features.

14. A power tool according to any one of claims 4, 6, or 11, The plurality of display units are configured to correspond to multiple control modes within the first control mode by changing the display method. A power tool characterized by the following features.

15. A power tool according to any one of claims 4, 6, or 11, The number of control modes selected by the second selection operation from the first number of control modes can be made less than the number of the multiple display units. A power tool characterized by the following features.

16. A power tool according to any one of claims 3, 5, 6, 10, or 11, The order of the control modes selected according to the first selection operation can be arbitrarily changed by an external device. A power tool characterized by the following features.

17. A power tool according to any one of claims 3, 5, 6, 10, or 11, The second number selected by the second selection operation from among the first number control modes can be made less than the number of control modes that can be selected in the factory default state. A power tool characterized by the following features.