Work machine and work machine system

Abstract

The present invention improves convenience. A chain saw body 10 has a body-side mounting part 12C, and the body-side mounting part 12C is provided with a body-side terminal unit 40. The body-side terminal unit 40 is connected to a motor 14 (controller 50) by each of a first power supply path 52 and a second power supply path 54. The first power supply path 52 is provided with a body-side switch 30, and the body-side switch 30 switches, by being operated by an operator, the first power supply path 52 to an energization state or a cut-off state. Thus, by selectively using the first power supply path 52 or the second power supply path 54 according to a mounting component to be mounted to the body-side mounting part 12C, it is possible to switch between states in which the operation of the body-side switch 30 (body-side trigger 28) is enabled and disabled. As a result, convenience for the operator can be improved.

Description

Work machine and work machine system

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

[0002] In the chainsaw (working machine) described in Patent Document 1 below, a battery (power supply unit) is attached to the main body housing of the chainsaw via a connecting member. When the operator operates the trigger, power is supplied from the battery to the motor, and the chainsaw is operated.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-13296

[0004] In a work machine such as a chainsaw, for example, the battery can be removed from the main housing of the chainsaw, a long attachment can be attached to the chainsaw body, and the battery can be attached to the attachment, allowing the chainsaw to be used at a location away from the operator. In this case, a trigger can be provided on the attachment so that the chainsaw can be operated at the operator's fingertips.

[0005] However, when using such attachments, the trigger of the chainsaw's main body housing must always be in the ON state. In response to this, for example, an operator can attach a separate component to the chainsaw body that maintains the trigger of the chainsaw's main body housing in the ON state, thereby keeping the trigger of the chainsaw body in the ON state. However, in this case, the separate component must be attached to the chainsaw body every time an attachment is used, which is a cumbersome process. This may reduce the convenience of the chainsaw. Therefore, it is desirable for work machines such as chainsaws to have a structure that can improve convenience, taking into account the use of accessories such as attachments.

[0006] In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a work machine and a work machine system that can improve convenience.

[0007] One or more embodiments of the present invention include a main body unit having an operating part that operates upon receiving electric power, and a power supply unit that is configured to be attachable to the main body unit and that supplies electric power to the operating part when attached to the main body unit, wherein the main body unit includes a main body side connection part to which the power supply unit can be attached, a first power supply path that connects the main body side connection part and the operating part, a second power supply path that connects the main body side connection part and the operating part, and a main body side switching part that is provided on the first power supply path and switches the first power supply path between a conductive state and a cut-off state when operated by an operator, and the power supply unit is a work machine that is connected to the operating part via the first power supply path when attached to the main body side connection part.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the main body side connection portion has a main body side first positive terminal, a main body side second positive terminal, and a main body side negative terminal, the main body side first positive terminal is connected to the first power supply path, the main body side second positive terminal is connected to the second power supply path, and the main body side negative terminal is connected to the first power supply path and the second power supply path.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the power supply unit has a power supply side positive terminal and a power supply side negative terminal, the power supply side positive terminal is connected to the main body side first positive terminal, and the power supply side negative terminal is connected to the main body side negative terminal.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the main body unit has a control unit that controls the operation of the operating unit, and the first positive terminal on the main body side and the second positive terminal on the main body side are connected to the control unit so as to supply power to drive the microcomputer of the control unit.

[0011] One or more embodiments of the present invention comprise a work machine system comprising: a work machine having the above-described configuration; and a relay unit that can be attached between the main unit and the power supply unit, and has a first relay connection part that can be attached to the main unit side connection part and is connected to the second power supply path, and a second relay connection part to which the power supply unit is connected; the relay unit has a relay power supply path that connects the first relay connection part and the second relay connection part, and the relay power supply path is provided with a relay switching part that is operated by an operator, and the relay power supply path is switched between a conductive state and a cut-off state by operating the relay switching part.

[0012] One or more embodiments of the present invention are directed to a work machine system in which the first relay connection portion has a structure that makes it impossible to attach the first relay connection portion to the second relay connection portion.

[0013] One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine system in which, in the mounting direction of the power supply unit to the main unit, the first main unit positive terminal and the negative main unit terminal are arranged in the same position, and the second main unit positive terminal is arranged in a position shifted toward the mounting direction relative to the first main unit positive terminal.

[0014] One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine system in which the first relay connection portion has a first receiving portion into which the first positive terminal on the main body side and the negative terminal on the main body side are inserted, and a second receiving portion into which the second positive terminal on the main body side is inserted, and the second receiving portion protrudes in the mounting direction relative to the first receiving portion.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the relay unit is a work machine system configured to include: a head portion having the first relay connection portion; a relay main body portion having the second relay connection portion; a cylindrical fixed cylinder portion extending from the relay main body portion to one side in a predetermined direction; a movable cylinder portion formed in a cylindrical shape with the predetermined direction as its axial direction and inserted into the fixed cylinder portion so as to be movable in the predetermined direction, and to which the head portion is attached; a locking mechanism provided on the fixed cylinder portion and configured to be switchable between a locked state that prevents movement of the movable cylinder portion and an unlocked state that allows movement of the movable cylinder portion; and a temporary holding mechanism that operates when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state to temporarily hold the movable cylinder portion and restrict movement of the movable cylinder portion.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the temporary holding mechanism is a work machine system that includes an engagement groove formed in the movable cylindrical portion, a holding lever that is configured to be rotatable with the specified direction as its axial direction and has a claw portion that is configured to be able to engage with the engagement groove, and a biasing member that biases the holding lever toward the movable cylindrical portion.

[0017] One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine system in which the locking mechanism includes a locking lever configured to be rotatable with the specified direction as an axial direction, the locking lever having an engaging portion configured to be able to engage with the holding lever, and when the locking lever in the unlocked state rotates in one direction of rotation, the locking mechanism switches from the unlocked state to the locked state, and when the locking lever in the unlocked state rotates in the other direction of rotation, the engaging portion engages with the holding lever, thereby releasing the temporary holding state of the temporary holding mechanism.

[0018] One or more embodiments of the present invention may provide increased convenience.

[0019] 10A is a cross-sectional view of the chainsaw according to the present embodiment, as seen from the right side; FIG. 10B is a rear view of the main body terminal unit of the chainsaw main body of the chainsaw shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 10C is a front view of the battery of the chainsaw shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 10D is a block diagram of the chainsaw shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 10E is a cross-sectional view of the chainsaw system according to the present embodiment, as seen from the right side; FIG. 10F is a rear view of the attachment terminal unit of the attachment in the chainsaw system shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 10G is a front view of the head of the attachment in the chainsaw system shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 10H is a block diagram of the chainsaw system shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 10I is an enlarged side view of the locking mechanism and temporary holding mechanism of the attachment shown in FIG. 5, as seen from the right side; FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism and temporary holding mechanism shown in FIG. 9, as seen from the front (cross-sectional view taken along line 10A-10A in FIG. 9); and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism and temporary holding mechanism shown in FIG. 9, as seen from the front, with the lock lever shown in FIG. 9 rotated to the unlock position. 10(A) is a cross-sectional view seen from the front of the locking mechanism and temporary holding mechanism when the inner pipe is moved to the most extended position, and FIG. 10(B) is a cross-sectional view seen from the front of the locking mechanism and temporary holding mechanism when the lock lever shown in FIG. 10(A) has been rotated to the lever release position. FIG. 10(B) is a cross-sectional view seen from below of the locking mechanism and temporary holding mechanism shown in FIG. 10(B) (cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 10(B)). FIG. 10(B) is a side view seen from the left side showing a modified example of the temporary holding mechanism shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10(B) is a block diagram of a modified example of the chainsaw shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 10(B) is a block diagram of a modified example of the chainsaw system shown in FIG. 8.

[0020] The following describes a chainsaw 1 as a work machine and a chainsaw system 100 as a work machine system according to this embodiment, with reference to the drawings. Note that arrows UP, FR, and RH, as appropriate, indicate the upper side, front side, and right side of the chainsaw 1 and the chainsaw system 100, respectively. In the following description, when the terms up / down, front / rear, and left / right are used, they refer to the up / down, front / rear, and left / right directions of the chainsaw 1 and the chainsaw system 100 unless otherwise specified.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 5 , the chainsaw system 100 is generally elongated and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The chainsaw system 100 includes a chainsaw body 10 as a main unit, an attachment 110 as an intermediate unit, and a battery pack 70 (hereinafter simply referred to as the battery 70) as a power supply unit (first power supply unit). In the chainsaw system 100, the attachment 110 is attached to the rear end of the chainsaw body 10, and the battery 70 is attached to the rear end of the attachment 110. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 1 , the chainsaw 1 does not include the attachment 110, and the battery 70 is attached directly to the rear end of the chainsaw body 10. In other words, the chainsaw body 10 can be used in either the chainsaw 1 or the chainsaw system 100 depending on the type of work. The attachment 110 with the battery 70 attached directly to its rear end is an example of a second power supply unit. Hereinafter, the chain saw 1 will be described first, and then the chain saw system 100 will be described.

[0022] (Regarding the Chainsaw 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the chainsaw 1 includes the chainsaw body 10 and the battery 70 as described above.

[0023] (Regarding the chainsaw body 10) The chainsaw body 10 has a housing 12 that forms the outer shell of the chainsaw body 10. The housing 12 is configured to include a front housing portion 12A that forms the front end of the housing 12, and a body-side handle portion 12B that extends rearward from the front housing portion 12A.

[0024] A motor 14 serving as an actuator is housed within the front housing portion 12A. The motor 14 is a brushless motor and is electrically connected to a controller 50 serving as a control portion provided within the main body handle portion 12B. The motor 14 has an output shaft 14A, which extends in a direction that slopes downward and forward as it extends downward when viewed from the left and right. A bevel gear 16 is provided at the lower end of the output shaft 14A so as to rotate integrally therewith.

[0025] A rotating shaft 18 is provided below the motor 14, with its axial direction extending in the left-right direction and rotatably supported by the front housing portion 12A. A bevel gear 20 is provided on the rotating shaft 18 so as to rotate integrally therewith, and the bevel gear 20 meshes with the bevel gear 16 of the motor 14. The left end of the rotating shaft 18 protrudes to the left from the front housing portion 12A, and a sprocket 22 is provided on the left end of the rotating shaft 18 so as to rotate integrally therewith.

[0026] A guide bar 24 is attached to the chainsaw body 10. The guide bar 24 is formed in the shape of an elongated plate with its thickness extending in the left-right direction, and is located on the left side of the front housing portion 12A. Specifically, the guide bar 24 protrudes from the chainsaw body 10 in a direction that slopes forward and downward. An endless saw chain 26 is wound around the outer periphery of the sprocket 22 and guide bar 24. As a result, when driven by the motor 14, the sprocket 22 rotates, and the saw chain 26 rotates along the outer periphery of the guide bar 24, thereby cutting the workpiece.

[0027] A main body trigger 28 is provided at the front end of the main body handle 12B, and protrudes downward from the main body handle 12B so as to be pulled upward. A main body switch 30 serving as a main body switching unit is provided above the main body trigger 28, and the main body switch 30 is a contact switch. Pulling the main body trigger 28 switches the main body switch 30 from an OFF state to an ON state.

[0028] The rear end of the housing 12 protrudes downward from the main body handle portion 12B. A main body attachment portion 12C is provided at the rear end of the housing 12 as a main body connection portion. The main body attachment portion 12C is formed in a concave shape that opens toward the rear and downward, and is provided with a main body rail 91 extending in the vertical direction. Similarly, the battery 70 is provided with a battery rail 92 extending in the vertical direction. When the battery 70 slides from the bottom to the top relative to the main body attachment portion 12C, the main body rail 91 and the battery rail 92 engage with each other, and the battery 70 is attached to the main body attachment portion 12C. A main body terminal unit 40 is provided in the main body attachment portion 12C as a main body connection portion, and the main body terminal unit 40 is exposed toward the rear from the main body attachment portion 12C. 2, a terminal support portion 40A is provided on the rear surface of the main body terminal unit 40. The terminal support portion 40A is formed in a generally rib-like shape extending in the left-right direction when viewed from the rear. The main body terminal unit 40 is formed with a support recess 40B. The support recess 40B protrudes upward from the terminal support portion 40A and is open downward.

[0029] Four terminals are embedded in the main body terminal unit 40, and these terminals protrude downward from the terminal support portion 40A. Specifically, the main body terminal unit 40 is provided with a battery positive terminal 42 (hereinafter referred to as the B positive terminal 42) serving as the first main body positive terminal or the first main body terminal, an attachment positive terminal 44 (hereinafter referred to as the AT positive terminal 44) serving as the second main body positive terminal or the second main body terminal, a negative terminal 46 serving as the third main body terminal, and a signal terminal 48 (hereinafter referred to as the LD terminal 48). The B positive terminal 42 protrudes downward from the left end of the terminal support portion 40A, and the AT positive terminal 44 protrudes downward from the top of the support recess 40B in the terminal support portion 40A and is disposed within the support recess 40B. The negative terminal 46 and the LD terminal 48 protrude downward from the right end of the terminal support portion 40A, and the LD terminal 48 is located to the right of the negative terminal 46. In other words, the AT positive terminal 44 is positioned offset from the other terminals toward the mounting direction of the battery 70 to the main body mounting portion 12C.

[0030] (Regarding the battery 70) As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the battery 70 is formed in a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with its thickness extending in the front-to-rear direction, and the front end of the battery 70 is attached to the body-side attachment part 12C of the chainsaw body 10 from below. A pair of latches 82 is provided on both left and right sides of the front end of the battery 70. The latches 82 are configured to be able to be pressed inward in the left and right direction. When the battery 70 is attached to the body-side attachment part 12C, the latches 82 engage with the body-side attachment part 12C, maintaining the attached state of the battery 70. Meanwhile, the battery 70 can be removed from the chainsaw body 10 by pressing the latches 82 to release the engagement between the latches 82 and the body-side attachment part 12C.

[0031] A battery-side terminal connection portion 70A is formed in the vertically central portion of the front surface of the battery 70, protruding forward. Multiple (eight, in this embodiment) vertically extending grooves 70B are formed at the upper end of the battery-side terminal connection portion 70A, with the upper ends of the grooves 70B open upward. The multiple grooves 70B are arranged at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction. When the battery 70 is attached to the main body attachment portion 12C, the LD terminal 48 of the chainsaw body 10 is inserted into the first groove 70B from the right, the negative terminal 46 of the chainsaw body 10 is inserted into the second groove 70B from the right, and the B-type positive terminal 42 of the chainsaw body 10 is inserted into the seventh groove 70B from the right. The battery-side terminal connection portion 70A is provided with a positive terminal 72, a negative terminal 76, and a signal terminal 78 (hereinafter referred to as the LD terminal 78). When the battery 70 is attached to the main body attachment portion 12C, the positive terminal 72 is connected to the B positive terminal 42, the negative terminal 76 is connected to the negative terminal 46, and the LD terminal 78 is connected to the LD terminal 48. In other words, the chainsaw 1 is configured so that the battery 70 is not connected to the AT positive terminal 44 of the chainsaw body 10.

[0032] In addition, terminals 80 are also provided on the battery 70 at positions corresponding to the third to fifth and eighth grooves 70B from the right side, and these terminals 80 are signal terminals used when charging the battery 70.

[0033] (Electrical Configuration) Next, the electrical configuration of the chainsaw 1 will be described using the block diagram of Figure 4. The controller 50 has a control circuit board (not shown), on which an inverter 50A and a microcomputer 50B are mounted. The inverter 50A is a circuit in which switching elements for driving the motor 14 are bridge-connected, and is connected to the motor 14. The microcomputer 50B is connected to the inverter 50A and controls the on / off of the switching elements of the inverter 50A.

[0034] The B positive terminal 42 is connected to the input terminal of the main body switch 30, and the output terminal of the main body switch 30 is connected to the inverter 50A. The negative terminal 46 is also connected to the inverter 50A. The B positive terminal 42 is also connected to the microcomputer 50B of the controller 50, so that driving power is supplied to the microcomputer 50B. The microcomputer 50B is also connected to the LD terminal 48. As described above, the chainsaw body 10 has a first power supply path 52 (see the arrow indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 4 ) that serves as a power supply path that is connected from the B positive terminal 42 to the negative terminal 46 via the main body switch 30 and the controller 50.

[0035] The AT positive terminal 44 is also connected to the output terminal of the main body switch 30 and is then connected to the controller 50. The AT positive terminal 44 is further connected to a microcomputer 50B of the controller 50. As a result, the chainsaw body 10 has a second power supply path 54 (see the arrow indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 8 ) that serves as a power supply path that connects from the AT positive terminal 44 to the negative terminal 46 via the controller 50 without passing through the main body switch 30.

[0036] In the chainsaw 1, the battery 70 is connected to the first power supply path 52 of the chainsaw body 10, and power from the battery 70 is supplied to the controller 50 by operating the body side switch 30 using the body side trigger 28.

[0037] (Regarding chainsaw system 100) As shown in Figure 5, in chainsaw system 100, attachment 110 is attached to body-side attachment part 12C of chainsaw body 10, and battery 70 is attached to attachment 110. In other words, either battery 70 or attachment 110 can be alternatively attached to body-side attachment part 12C of chainsaw body 10.

[0038] (About the attachment 110) The attachment 110 is formed in a generally long rod shape that extends in the front-to-rear direction as a whole. The attachment 110 is configured to include an attachment main body 112 that serves as an intermediate main body that forms the rear end of the attachment 110, an extendable pipe 130 that extends forward from the attachment main body 112, and a head portion 140 that is attached to the front end of the extendable pipe 130. The attachment 110 also has a locking mechanism 160 and a temporary holding mechanism 170.

[0039] The attachment body 112 is formed in a generally hollow columnar shape extending in the front-to-rear direction. A handle guard 112A is provided below the rear of the attachment body 112. The handle guard 112A extends in the front-to-rear direction and is formed in a concave shape that is open upward when viewed from the left and right. The front end of the handle guard 112A is connected to the front-to-rear middle of the attachment 110, and the rear end of the handle guard 112A is connected to the rear end of the attachment body 112. The upper portion of the handle guard 112A on the attachment body 112 forms an attachment-side handle portion 112B that is gripped by the operator.

[0040] An attachment-side trigger 114 (hereinafter referred to as the AT-side trigger 114) is provided at the front end of the attachment-side handle 112B, and the AT-side trigger 114 protrudes downward from the attachment-side handle 112B so as to be pulled upward. An attachment-side switch 116 (hereinafter referred to as the AT-side switch 116) serving as a relay switching unit is provided above the AT-side trigger 114, and the AT-side switch 116 is a contact switch. When the AT-side trigger 114 is pulled, the AT-side switch 116 switches from an OFF state to an ON state.

[0041] An attachment-side mounting portion 112C (hereinafter referred to as the AT-side mounting portion 112C) is provided at the rear end of the attachment main body 112. The AT-side mounting portion 112C is formed in a concave shape that opens to the rear and also opens to the top. The AT-side mounting portion 112C is provided with an AT-side mounting portion side rail 94 that extends in the vertical direction. When the battery 70 slides from top to bottom relative to the AT-side mounting portion 112C, the battery-side rail 92 and the AT-side mounting portion side rail 94 fit together, and the battery 70 is mounted in the AT-side mounting portion 112C. In other words, the battery 70 can be selectively mounted to the main body-side mounting portion 12C and the AT-side mounting portion 112C using the same mounting method. 6, the AT-side mounting section 112C is provided with an attachment-side terminal unit 120 (hereinafter referred to as the AT-side terminal unit 120) as a second relay connection section, and the AT-side terminal unit 120 is exposed to the rear from the AT-side mounting section 112C. A terminal support section 120A is provided on the rear surface of the AT-side terminal unit 120, and the terminal support section 120A is formed in a generally rib-like shape extending in the left-right direction when viewed from the rear.

[0042] Three terminals are embedded in the AT-side terminal unit 120, and these terminals protrude upward from the terminal support portion 120A. Specifically, the AT-side terminal unit 120 is provided with a positive terminal 122, a negative terminal 126, and a signal terminal 128 (hereinafter referred to as the LD terminal 128). The positive terminal 122 protrudes upward from the right end of the terminal support portion 120A. The negative terminal 126 and the LD terminal 128 protrude upward from the left end of the terminal support portion 120A, with the LD terminal 128 located to the left of the negative terminal 126. When the battery 70 is attached to the AT-side attachment portion 112C, the positive terminal 122 is inserted into the groove 70B corresponding to the positive terminal 72 of the battery 70 and connected to the positive terminal 72. The negative terminal 126 is inserted into the groove 70B corresponding to the negative terminal 76 of the battery 70 and connected to the negative terminal 76. Furthermore, the LD terminal 128 is inserted into the groove 70 B corresponding to the LD terminal 78 of the battery 70 and connected to the LD terminal 78 .

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the telescopic pipe 130 has a double pipe structure and is configured to include an exterior pipe 132 as a fixed cylindrical portion and an interior pipe 134 as a movable cylindrical portion. The exterior pipe 132 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with its axial direction extending in the front-to-rear direction. The rear end of the exterior pipe 132 is disposed within the front portion of the attachment main body 112 and is fixed to the attachment main body 112. The interior pipe 134 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with its axial direction extending in the front-to-rear direction, and is inserted into the exterior pipe 132 so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction. As a result, the interior pipe 134 is supported by the exterior pipe 132 so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction, and the telescopic pipe 130 is extended or retracted when the interior pipe 134 moves relative to the exterior pipe 132.

[0044] The head portion 140 is hollow and formed in a generally inverted L-shape when viewed from the right side. Specifically, the head portion 140 extends in the front-to-rear direction, with the front end of the head portion 140 protruding downward. The front end of the interior pipe 134 is inserted into the rear portion of the head portion 140, and the head portion 140 is fixed to the interior pipe 134.

[0045] The front end of the head unit 140 is configured substantially similarly to the front end of the battery 70 and is provided with a head unit-side rail 93 extending in the vertical direction. The front end of the head unit 140 slides upward relative to the body-side mounting portion 12C of the chainsaw body 10, thereby fitting the body-side rail 91 and the head unit-side rail 93 together, and the head unit 140 is attached to the body-side mounting portion 12C. Similar to the battery 70, a pair of latches 149 are provided on both left and right sides of the front end of the head unit 140. The latches 149 are configured to be pressed inward in the left and right direction. When the head unit 140 is attached to the body-side mounting portion 12C, the latches 149 engage with the body-side mounting portion 12C, maintaining the head unit 140 attached. The head unit 140 can be removed from the chainsaw body 10 by pressing the latches 149 to release the engagement between the latches 149 and the body-side mounting portion 12C. That is, the head unit 140 and the battery 70 can be selectively attached to the main body side attachment unit 12C in the same attachment manner.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 7 , an attachment-side terminal connection portion 140A (hereinafter referred to as the AT-side terminal connection portion 140A) is formed in the vertically central portion of the front surface of the head portion 140, protruding forward as a first relay connection portion. A protrusion 140B protruding upward is formed at the upper end of the left side of the AT-side terminal connection portion 140A. Furthermore, multiple (seven in this embodiment) grooves 140C extending in the vertical direction are formed at the upper end of the AT-side terminal connection portion 140A, and the upper ends of the grooves 140C are open upward. The grooves 140C are spaced apart at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction, and one groove 140C is formed in the protrusion 140B. The portion of the upper end of the AT side terminal connection portion 140A other than the protrusion 140B is designated as the first receiving portion 140D, and the portion of the upper end of the AT side terminal connection portion 140A including the protrusion 140B is designated as the second receiving portion 140E.

[0047] When the head 140 is attached to the main body attachment portion 12C, the LD terminal 48 of the chainsaw body 10 is inserted into the first groove 140C from the right, the negative terminal 46 of the chainsaw body 10 is inserted into the second groove 140C from the right, the AT positive terminal 44 of the chainsaw body 10 is inserted into the sixth groove 140C from the right, and the B positive terminal 42 of the chainsaw body 10 is inserted into the seventh groove 140C from the right. That is, the LD terminal 48, the negative terminal 46, and the LD terminal 48 are inserted into the first receptacle 140D, and the AT positive terminal 44 is inserted into the second receptacle 140E. The AT-side terminal connection portion 140A is also provided with a positive terminal 144, a negative terminal 146, and a signal terminal 148 (hereinafter referred to as the LD terminal 148). When the head portion 140 is attached to the main body attachment portion 12C, the positive terminal 144 is connected to the AT positive terminal 44, the negative terminal 146 is connected to the negative terminal 46, and the LD terminal 148 is connected to the LD terminal 48. In other words, the B positive terminal 42 of the chainsaw body 10 is not connected to the attachment 110.

[0048] 8 , in the attachment 110, the positive terminal 122 of the AT terminal unit 120 is connected to the input terminal of the AT switch 116, and the output terminal of the AT switch 116 is connected to the positive terminal 144 of the AT terminal connection part 140A. The negative terminal 126 of the AT terminal unit 120 is also connected to the negative terminal 146 of the AT terminal connection part 140A. As a result, the attachment 110 has an attachment power supply path 150 (hereinafter referred to as the AT power supply path 150) as a relay power supply path connecting the AT terminal unit 120 and the AT terminal connection part 140A. As a result, in the chainsaw system 100, the battery 70 is connected to the second power supply path 54 of the chainsaw body 10 by the AT power supply path 150, and when the AT switch 116 is operated by the AT trigger 114 of the attachment 110, power from the battery 70 is supplied to the controller 50 of the chainsaw body 10. 5, the wiring 152 that constitutes the AT power supply path 150 is routed inside the telescopic pipe 130 and the attachment main body 112. Inside the telescopic pipe 130, the wiring 152 is bundled and processed into a spiral shape. That is, inside the telescopic pipe 130, the wiring 152 is configured as a so-called curled cord, and the wiring 152 expands and contracts in response to the expansion and contraction of the telescopic pipe 130.

[0049] 5 and 9 to 12, the locking mechanism 160 is provided at the front end of the exterior pipe 132, and is configured to be switchable between a locked state that prevents the interior pipe 134 from moving relative to the exterior pipe 132, and an unlocked state that allows the interior pipe 134 to move relative to the exterior pipe 132. The locking mechanism 160 is configured to include a base portion 162 and a locking lever 164.

[0050] The base portion 162 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with its axis extending in the front-to-rear direction. The front end of the exterior pipe 132 is fitted into the base portion 162, and the base portion 162 is fixed to the front end of the exterior pipe 132. A clamp portion 162A is provided at the front end of the base portion 162, and the clamp portion 162A protrudes toward the front side of the exterior pipe 132. The clamp portion 162A is formed in a generally C-shaped cylinder that is open downward. A pair of left and right clamp pieces 162B extending downward are provided at the open end of the clamp portion 162A, and the pair of clamp pieces 162B are arranged with a predetermined gap in the left-right direction. The interior pipe 134 is inserted into the clamp portion 162A.

[0051] The pair of clamp pieces 162B are provided with clamp bolts 168 (see FIG. 12 ) whose axial direction is the left-right direction, and the head of the clamp bolt 168 is formed at the right end of the clamp bolt 168. The left end of the clamp bolt 168 is fixed to the left clamp piece 162B. The clamp bolt 168 is inserted through an insertion hole 162C formed in the right clamp piece 162B so as to be relatively movably inserted, and the head of the clamp bolt 168 is located adjacent to the right side of the right clamp piece 162B. The locking mechanism 160 also has a support shaft 166 whose axial direction is the front-rear direction. The support shaft 166 is located to the right of the right clamp piece 162B and is fixed to the right end of the clamp bolt 168.

[0052] The lock lever 164 is formed in a generally rectangular plate shape with its thickness in the left-right direction and its length in the up-down direction, and is located to the right of the clamp portion 162A. The lower end of the lock lever 164 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 166. This allows the lock lever 164 to rotate between a locked position (position shown in FIG. 10(A)) and a lever-released position (position shown in FIG. 11(B)). The position of the lock lever 164 just before the lever-released position is the unlocked position (position shown in FIG. 10(B)). A cam portion 164A is formed at the lower end of the lock lever 164, protruding to the left. An interlocking shaft 164B (see FIGS. 10 and 11) is formed on the front surface of the cam portion 164A as an engaging portion, and the interlocking shaft 164B protrudes forward from the cam portion 164A.

[0053] When the lock lever 164 is in the locked position, the cam portion 164A presses the right clamp piece 162B to the left, causing the clamp portion 162A to elastically deform so that the right clamp piece 162B is displaced to the left. This causes the clamp portion 162A to clamp the interior pipe 134, and the lock mechanism 160 enters a locked state (see FIG. 10A). On the other hand, when the lock lever 164 is in the unlocked position, the cam portion 164A is released from pressing the clamp piece 162B. This releases the clamping of the interior pipe 134 by the clamp portion 162A, and the lock mechanism 160 enters an unlocked state (see FIG. 10B).

[0054] (Regarding the temporary holding mechanism 170) The temporary holding mechanism 170 is configured as a mechanical part that temporarily holds the interior pipe 134 and limits relative movement of the interior pipe 134 with respect to the exterior pipe 132 when the locking mechanism 160 is in the unlocked state. The temporary holding mechanism 170 is configured to include a holding lever 172, a biasing spring 174 as a biasing member, and an engagement groove 176.

[0055] The holding lever 172 is formed in a generally elongated shape extending in the vertical direction. The holding lever 172 is disposed in front of the lock lever 164, and the lower end of the holding lever 172 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 166. The longitudinal length of the holding lever 172 is set so that the upper end of the holding lever 172 is positioned to the right of the interior pipe 134. A claw portion 172A is formed at the upper end of the holding lever 172, protruding to the left (toward the interior pipe 134). The claw portion 172A is formed in a plate shape with the thickness direction in the front-to-rear direction and extends in the vertical direction.

[0056] The biasing spring 174 is a torsion spring, and is attached to the front end of the support shaft 166. One end of the biasing spring 174 is engaged with the clamp portion 162A, and the other end of the biasing spring 174 is engaged with the holding lever 172, so that the biasing spring 174 biases the holding lever 172 toward the interior pipe 134. As a result, the claw portion 172A of the holding lever 172 abuts against the outer periphery of the interior pipe 134. The clamp portion 162A is formed with a notch 162D (see FIGS. 10A and 10B) for abutting the claw portion 172A against the outer periphery of the interior pipe 134.

[0057] The engagement groove 176 is formed on the right side of the rear end of the interior pipe 134. The engagement groove 176 is formed as a groove with the front-rear direction as its width direction, opening to the right, and penetrating in the up-down direction. The engagement groove 176 also penetrating in the left-right direction so as to communicate the interior and exterior of the interior pipe 134. When the telescopic pipe 130 is in the fully extended state, the engagement groove 176 and the claw portion 172A of the holding lever 172 are disposed opposite each other, and the biasing force of the biasing spring 174 causes the claw portion 172A to fit into the engagement groove 176, thereby engaging the engagement groove 176 with the claw portion 172A in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 11A ). This restricts the movement of the interior pipe 134 in the front-rear direction relative to the exterior pipe 132, and the temporary holding mechanism 170 temporarily holds the telescopic pipe 130 in the fully extended state.

[0058] When the lock lever 164 is in the locked position, the interlocking shaft 164B is disposed spaced apart to the left of the lower end of the holding lever 172 (see FIG. 10A). When the lock lever 164 is in the unlocked position, the interlocking shaft 164B is disposed close to the left of the lower end of the holding lever 172 (see FIG. 10B). Specifically, when the temporary holding mechanism 170 is in the temporarily held state, the interlocking shaft 164B is disposed adjacent to the left of the lower end of the holding lever 172 (see FIG. 11A). As a result, when the temporary holding mechanism 170 is in the temporarily held state, rotating the lock lever 164 toward the lever release position causes the holding lever 172 to rotate to the right together with the lock lever 164, and the claw portion 172A falls out of the engagement groove 176 (see FIG. 11B). As a result, the temporary holding state of the temporary holding mechanism 170 with respect to the telescopic pipe 130 is released, and relative movement of the interior pipe 134 and the exterior pipe 132 in the unlocked state is permitted.

[0059] (Operation and Effect) Next, the operation and effect of this embodiment will be described.

[0060] The chainsaw body 10 configured as described above has a body-side attachment 12C, which is provided with a body-side terminal unit 40. The body-side terminal unit 40 is connected to the motor 14 (controller 50) via a first power path 52 and a second power path 54. The first power path 52 is provided with a body-side switch 30, which the operator operates to switch the first power path 52 between an energized (conductive) state and an unenergized state. By selectively using the first power path 52 or the second power path 54 depending on the component attached to the body-side attachment 12C, the operation of the body-side switch 30 (body-side trigger 28) can be switched between an enabled state and a disabled state. This improves convenience for the operator.

[0061] Specifically, when the chainsaw body 10 is used as the chainsaw 1, the battery 70 is attached to the body-side attachment portion 12C. This connects the positive terminal 72 of the battery 70 to the B-type positive terminal 42 of the body-side terminal unit 40, and the negative terminal 76 of the battery 70 to the negative terminal 46 of the body-side terminal unit 40. This connects the battery 70 to the first power supply path 52 of the chainsaw body 10, activating the switching function of the body-side switch 30. That is, when the body-side switch 30 is turned on, the first power supply path 52 is energized and power is supplied to the motor 14, whereas when the body-side switch 30 is turned off, the first power supply path 52 is interrupted and power is not supplied to the motor 14. This enables the function of the body-side switch 30 to be activated. As a result, the chainsaw body 10 can be operated by operating the body-side switch 30 (body-side trigger 28) at the operator's fingertips while holding the chainsaw body 10. That is, when the operator operates the main body trigger 28 , the main body switch 30 switches between supplying and cutting off power to the motor 14 .

[0062] On the other hand, when the chainsaw body 10 is used as part of the chainsaw system 100, the head 140 of the attachment 110 is attached to the body-side attachment part 12C. This connects the positive terminal 144 of the attachment 110 to the AT positive terminal 44 of the body-side terminal unit 40, and the negative terminal 146 of the attachment 110 to the negative terminal 46 of the body-side terminal unit 40. This connects the battery 70 attached to the attachment 110 to the second power supply path 54 of the chainsaw body 10 via the AT power supply path 150 of the attachment 110. This disables the switching function of the body-side switch 30 in the chainsaw body 10. As a result, an operator holding the attachment-side handle part 112B of the attachment 110 can operate the AT-side switch 116 (AT-side trigger 114) of the attachment 110 at their hand to activate the chainsaw body 10 at a distance. That is, the chainsaw body 10 can be operated without constantly keeping the body switch 30 of the chainsaw body 10 in the on state. As a result, convenience for the operator can be improved.

[0063] Furthermore, in the chainsaw body 10, the B positive terminal 42 and the AT positive terminal 44 are connected to the controller 50 so as to be able to supply power to drive the microcomputer 50B of the controller 50. This makes it possible to supply drive power to the microcomputer 50B in both the chainsaw 1 and the chainsaw system 100.

[0064] Furthermore, the attachment 110 has a structure in which the AT-side terminal connection portion 140A cannot be connected to the AT-side terminal unit 120. This prevents the AT-side terminal connection portion 140A (attachment 110) from being connected to an existing work machine to which the battery 70 can be attached. That is, an existing work machine to which the battery 70 can be attached has the AT-side terminal unit 120 of the attachment 110 of this embodiment so that the battery-side terminal connection portion 70A of the battery 70 can be connected. Here, in the AT-side terminal unit 120, the positive terminal 122, the negative terminal 126, and the LD terminal 128 protrude from the terminal support portion 120A and are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Therefore, if the AT-side terminal connection portion 140A were structured to be connectable to the AT-side terminal unit 120, when the attachment 110 was connected to the existing work machine, the positive terminal 144 of the AT-side terminal connection portion 140A could be connected to another terminal of the existing work machine, which could cause a malfunction of the existing work machine.

[0065] In contrast, in the attachment 110, the AT-side terminal connection portion 140A has a protrusion 140B, which protrudes upward from the upper end of the AT-side terminal connection portion 140A. As a result, when the AT-side terminal connection portion 140A (attachment 110) is connected to the AT-side terminal unit 120 of an existing work machine, the protrusion 140B interferes with the terminal support portion 120A of the AT-side terminal unit 120. As a result, it is possible to prevent the head portion 140 of the attachment 110 from being attached to the existing work machine.

[0066] Furthermore, in the main body terminal unit 40 of the chainsaw body 10, the B positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 46 are arranged in the same position in the vertical direction, and the AT positive terminal 44 is arranged in a position shifted upward relative to the B positive terminal 42 and the negative terminal 46. This makes it possible to reliably prevent the battery side terminal connection part 70A of the battery 70 from being connected to the AT positive terminal 44 when the battery side terminal connection part 70A is connected to the main body terminal unit 40.

[0067] The attachment 110 also has a locking mechanism 160, which is configured to be switchable between a locked state that prevents the interior pipe 134 from moving relative to the exterior pipe 132, and an unlocked state that allows the interior pipe 134 to move relative to the exterior pipe 132. This allows the locking mechanism 160 to set the telescopic pipe 130 to any desired length.

[0068] The attachment 110 also has a temporary holding mechanism 170 that operates when the locking mechanism 160 is in the unlocked state to temporarily hold the interior pipe 134 and restrict movement of the interior pipe 134. This prevents the length of the telescopic pipe 130 from changing when the locking mechanism 160 is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state. In particular, in this embodiment, the curled wiring 152 passes through the telescopic pipe 130, and the wiring 152 also expands and contracts as the telescopic pipe 130 expands and contracts. Therefore, when the telescopic pipe 130 is in the fully extended state, the curled wiring 152 pulls the interior pipe 134 rearward, which may shorten the length of the telescopic pipe 130 when the locking mechanism 160 is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state. In contrast, in this embodiment, the temporary holding mechanism 170 operates to temporarily hold the interior pipe 134 when the telescopic pipe 130 is in the fully extended state. As a result, when the locking mechanism 160 is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state while the telescopic pipe 130 is in the maximum extended state, it is possible to prevent the length of the telescopic pipe 130 from changing. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of the attachment 110.

[0069] The temporary holding mechanism 170 is configured to include an engagement groove 176 formed on the outer periphery of the interior pipe 134, a holding lever 172 provided on the locking mechanism 160 (exterior pipe 132), and a biasing spring 174 that biases the holding lever 172 toward the interior pipe 134. When the telescopic pipe 130 is in the unlocked state of the locking mechanism 160 and the telescopic pipe 130 is in the maximum extended state, the biasing force of the biasing spring 174 causes the holding lever 172 to rotate, and the claw portion of the holding lever 172 engages with the engagement groove 176. The interior pipe 134 in the maximum extended state of the telescopic pipe 130 can be automatically temporarily held with a simple configuration.

[0070] Furthermore, the lock lever 164 of the lock mechanism 160 has an interlocking shaft 164B configured to be able to engage with the holding lever 172. By rotating the lock lever 164 from the unlock position to the lever release position, the interlocking shaft 164B engages with the holding lever 172, and the holding lever 172 rotates to the right (in the direction away from the interior pipe 134) together with the lock lever 164. As a result, when switching the lock mechanism 160 from the locked state to the unlocked state with the telescopic pipe 130 in the fully extended state, by rotating the lock lever 164 to the lever release position, the temporary holding state of the interior pipe 134 by the temporary holding mechanism 170 can be simultaneously released. Therefore, the operability when releasing the temporary holding state of the temporary holding mechanism 170 can be improved.

[0071]

[0063] Note that, in the present embodiment, one engagement groove 176 is formed in the interior pipe 134. However, a plurality of engagement grooves 176 may be formed in the interior pipe 134 and arranged at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, when a plurality of engagement grooves 176 are formed in the interior pipe 134, the temporary holding mechanism 170 may be configured to restrict rearward movement of the interior pipe 134 and allow forward movement of the interior pipe 134. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the front side surface of the engagement groove 176 is a surface perpendicular to the front-rear direction, and the rear side surface of the engagement groove 176 is an inclined surface that slopes rightward as it approaches the rear. Similarly, the front side surface of the claw 172A is a surface perpendicular to the front-rear direction, and the rear side surface of the claw 172A is an inclined surface that slopes rightward as it approaches the rear. This eliminates the need to release the temporary holding mechanism 170 using the lock lever 164 when extending the telescopic pipe 130, thereby improving operability during extension.

[0072] In this embodiment, the chainsaw body 10 has the B-type positive terminal 42 and the AT-type positive terminal 44. In the chainsaw 1, the positive terminal 72 of the battery 70 is directly connected to the B-type positive terminal 42, and in the chainsaw system 100, the positive terminal 144 of the attachment 110 is directly connected to the AT-type positive terminal 44. Alternatively, the battery 70 and the attachment 110 may be directly connected to a single terminal. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , a terminal 56 connected to the battery 70 and the attachment 110 may be provided on the chainsaw body 10. The chainsaw body 10 may also be provided with a selector switch 58 that connects the terminal 56 to the B-type positive terminal 42 or the AT-type positive terminal 44, and the connection state of the selector switch 58 may be changed over by a mechanical member such as a slider (not shown) provided on the chainsaw body 10. That is, when the battery 70 is attached to the chainsaw body 10, the battery 70 operates the slider, which causes the changeover switch 58 to connect the terminal 56 to the B positive terminal 42. When the attachment 110 is attached to the chainsaw body 10, the attachment 110 operates the slider, which causes the changeover switch 58 to connect the terminal 56 to the AT positive terminal 44.

[0073] 1... Chainsaw (working machine), 10... Chainsaw body (main body unit), 12C... Main body side attachment part (main body side connection part), 14... Motor (operating part), 30... Main body side switch (main body side switching part), 40... Main body side terminal unit, 42... Positive terminal for battery (first terminal on the main body side), 44... Positive terminal for attachment (second terminal on the main body side), 46... Negative terminal (third terminal on the main body side), 50... Controller (control part), 50B... Microcomputer, 70... Battery pack (power supply unit), 100... Chainsaw system (working machine system), 110... Attachment (relay unit 112...Attachment main body (relay main body portion), 116...Attachment side switch (relay switching portion), 120...Attachment side terminal unit (second relay connection portion), 132...Outer pipe (fixed cylindrical portion), 134...Inner pipe (movable cylindrical portion), 140...Head portion, 140A...Attachment side terminal connection portion (first relay connection portion), 140D...First receiving portion, 140E...Second receiving portion, 160...Locking mechanism, 164...Lock lever, 164B...Interlocking shaft (engagement portion), 170...Temporary holding mechanism, 172...Holding lever, 174...Using spring (urging member), 176...Engagement groove

Claims

1. A work machine comprising: a main body unit having an operating part that operates upon receiving electric power; and a power supply unit configured to be attachable to the main body unit and supplying electric power to the operating part when attached to the main body unit, wherein the main body unit includes: a main body side connection part to which the power supply unit can be attached; a first power supply path connecting the main body side connection part and the operating part; a second power supply path connecting the main body side connection part and the operating part; and a main body side switching part provided on the first power supply path for switching the first power supply path between a conductive state and a cut-off state when operated by an operator, and wherein the power supply unit is connected to the operating part via the first power supply path when attached to the main body side connection part.

2. The work machine described in claim 1, wherein the main body side connection portion has a main body side first positive terminal, a main body side second positive terminal, and a main body side negative terminal, the main body side first positive terminal being connected to the first power supply path, the main body side second positive terminal being connected to the second power supply path, and the main body side negative terminal being connected to the first power supply path and the second power supply path.

3. A work machine as described in claim 2, wherein the power supply unit has a power supply side positive terminal and a power supply side negative terminal, the power supply side positive terminal being connected to the first positive terminal on the main body side, and the power supply side negative terminal being connected to the negative terminal on the main body side.

4. A work machine as described in claim 2, wherein the main unit has a control unit that controls the operation of the operating part, and the first positive terminal on the main unit and the second positive terminal on the main unit are connected to the control unit so as to supply power to drive a microcomputer of the control unit.

5. A work machine system comprising: a work machine as described in claim 2; and a relay unit that can be attached between the main unit and the power supply unit, the relay unit having a first relay connection part that can be attached to the main unit side connection part and is connected to the second power supply path, and a second relay connection part to which the power supply unit is connected, wherein the relay unit has a relay power supply path connecting the first relay connection part and the second relay connection part, the relay power supply path being provided with a relay switching part that is operated by an operator, and the relay power supply path being switched between a conductive state and a cut-off state by operating the relay switching part.

6. A work machine system as described in claim 5, wherein the first relay connection portion has a structure that makes it impossible to attach to the second relay connection portion.

7. A work machine system as described in claim 6, wherein, in the mounting direction of the power supply unit to the main unit, the first body side positive terminal and the negative body side terminal are arranged in the same position, and the second body side positive terminal is arranged in a position shifted toward the mounting direction relative to the first body side positive terminal.

8. A work machine system as described in claim 7, wherein the first relay connection portion has a first receiving portion into which the first positive terminal on the main body side and the negative terminal on the main body side are inserted, and a second receiving portion into which the second positive terminal on the main body side is inserted, and the second receiving portion protrudes in the mounting direction side relative to the first receiving portion.

9. The work machine system according to claim 5, wherein the relay unit includes: a head portion having the first relay connection portion; a relay main body portion having the second relay connection portion; a cylindrical fixed cylinder portion extending from the relay main body portion to one side in a predetermined direction; a movable cylinder portion formed in a cylindrical shape with the predetermined direction as its axial direction and inserted into the fixed cylinder portion so as to be movable in the predetermined direction, and to which the head portion is attached; a locking mechanism provided on the fixed cylinder portion and configured to be switchable between a locked state that prevents movement of the movable cylinder portion and an unlocked state that permits movement of the movable cylinder portion; and a temporary holding mechanism that operates when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state to temporarily hold the movable cylinder portion and restrict the movement of the movable cylinder portion.

10. The work machine system described in claim 9, wherein the temporary holding mechanism includes an engagement groove formed in the movable cylindrical portion, a holding lever configured to be rotatable with the specified direction as an axial direction and having a claw portion configured to be able to engage with the engagement groove, and a biasing member that biases the holding lever toward the movable cylindrical portion.

11. The work machine system described in claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking lever configured to be rotatable with the specified direction as an axial direction, and the locking lever has an engaging portion configured to be able to engage with the holding lever, and when the locking lever in the unlocked state rotates in one rotational direction, the locking mechanism switches from the unlocked state to the locked state, and when the locking lever in the unlocked state rotates in the other rotational direction, the engaging portion engages with the holding lever, thereby releasing the temporary holding state of the temporary holding mechanism.

12. A main unit having an operating section which operates upon receiving electric power, and to which a first or second power supply unit which supplies electric power to the operating section can be attached, comprising: a main unit side connection section to which the first power supply unit or the second power supply unit can be alternatively attached; a first power supply path which connects the main unit side connection section to the operating section; a second power supply path which connects the main unit side connection section to the operating section; a main unit side switching section which is provided on the first power supply path and switches the first power supply path between a conductive state and a cut-off state by operation by an operator; a main unit side first terminal which is connected to the first power supply path and connects to the first power supply unit when the first power supply unit is attached to the main unit side connection section; and a main unit side second terminal which is connected to the second power supply path and connects to the second power supply unit when the second power supply unit is attached to the main unit side connection section.

Images