JP7671005B2 - Work Machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a work machine.

Patent Document 1 below discloses a chain vice that can be attached to a saber saw (working machine). Specifically, the chain of the chain vice is wrapped around the material to be cut, such as a pipe material, and the chain vice is attached to the material to be cut, and the saber saw is attached to the shaft (mounting shaft) of the chain vice. Then, by lifting the rear end of the saber saw, the saber saw swings around the axis of the shaft, and the cutting edge of the saw blade comes into contact with the outer periphery of the pipe material. This allows the saw blade to move back and forth in the forward and backward directions to cut the pipe material.

In addition, in the saber saw described in Patent Document 1 above, a power cord extends from the rear end of the saber saw, and power is supplied to the saber saw using the power cord.

Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 03-62722

In recent years, some work machines, such as saber saws, have a removable battery that supplies power from the battery. This improves workability because the power cord does not extend from the work machine.

However, if a worker lifts the battery while working on a work machine that has a battery, for example, there is a risk that the battery or the battery attachment part may become deformed or damaged, reducing workability. Also, if a liquid such as water leaks out from the cut point while working on a work machine that has a battery, the liquid may adhere to the area around the battery, degrading the battery connection and reducing workability.

In consideration of the above facts, the present invention aims to provide a working machine having a battery that can suppress a decrease in workability.

One or more embodiments of the present invention are a working machine including a housing that accommodates a motor and has a battery mounting portion to which a battery can be attached, and a cover member that covers the battery attached to the battery mounting portion, the cover member having a first cover configured as a separate body from the housing and detachably fixed to the battery mounting portion, a second cover rotatably connected to the first cover via a connection portion, and a locking mechanism provided on the second cover that is configured to engage with the housing and fix the second cover to the battery mounting portion, and when a direction in which the battery is attached to the battery mounting portion is defined as an attachment direction, the second cover is positionally changeable between a closed position where the second cover is fixed to the battery mounting portion and covers a side surface of the battery opposite to the attachment direction, and an open position where the second cover is released from the attachment to the battery mounting portion and rotates a predetermined angle about the connection portion from the closed position to enable attachment and detachment of the battery to the battery mounting portion . Also, one or more embodiments of the present invention are a working machine configured such that the connection portion is located on the opposite side of the battery mounting portion with respect to the battery.

One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine in which the battery mounting section has a pair of rails extending in the mounting direction and supporting the battery, the pair of rails being spaced apart from each other in a predetermined direction, and the second cover is rotatable relative to the first cover around an axis extending in the predetermined direction .

One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine in which the battery mounting portion is provided with an abutment portion that abuts against the second cover in the rotation direction of the second cover, the battery mounting portion is configured so that the battery can be mounted by sliding it in the mounting direction , and when the battery is held in the battery mounting portion and the second cover is fixed to the battery mounting portion, a first distance is defined as a distance from the connection portion to the end of the battery on the side opposite the mounting direction , and a second distance is defined as a distance from the connection portion to the abutment portion, and the second distance is greater than or equal to the first distance.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the locking mechanism is configured to fix the second cover to the housing while biasing the second cover to press the second cover against the housing. Also, in one or more embodiments of the present invention, the first cover is configured as a separate body from the housing.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the housing is provided with a mounting hole that is formed along the left-right direction and is configured so that a mounting shaft of a vice can be inserted therein.

One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine in which one of the first cover and the housing has a rail portion extending in the assembly direction of the first cover, and the other of the first cover and the housing has a rail groove into which the rail portion is inserted and which engages with the rail portion.

One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine in which the housing is provided with a protector portion that covers the side of the battery facing the mounting direction , and the protector portion is positioned between the first cover fixed to the housing and the battery.

One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine in which the protector portion is formed integrally with the housing.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the protector portion is formed in a flat shape with its thickness direction facing the battery.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the protector portion is a work machine configured to include a battery side wall portion arranged opposite the battery with the opposing direction being the plate thickness direction, a cover side wall portion arranged opposite the first cover with the opposing direction being the plate thickness direction, and a connecting rib connecting the battery side wall portion and the cover side wall portion.

One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine in which the plate thickness of the cover side wall portion is set to be thicker than the plate thickness of the battery side wall portion.

One or more embodiments of the present invention are a work machine in which the protector portion is provided with an elastic cushioning member, and the cushioning member abuts the battery.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the cushioning member is configured to include a base portion extending in the left-right direction and attached to the protector portion, and abutment portions provided at both longitudinal ends of the base portion and protruding toward the battery to abut against the battery, and a cooling hole is formed in the portion of the battery facing the protector portion, and the cooling hole is a work machine that is positioned between the abutment portions at both longitudinal ends of the cushioning member.

In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the housing is configured to include a motor housing portion that accommodates the motor, a battery mounting portion provided at a rear end side of the housing and in which the battery is mounted, a handle portion that connects the motor housing portion and the battery mounting portion, and a handle reinforcement portion that is disposed below the handle portion and connects the motor housing portion and the battery mounting portion. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the battery is disposed inside a space closed by the first cover, the second cover, and the battery mounting portion when the battery is mounted in the battery mounting portion and the second cover is fixed to the battery mounting portion. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the battery is provided with an operating portion that is operated when removing the battery from the battery mounting portion, and the operating portion is covered by the cover member so as not to be exposed when the second cover is in the closed position, and at least half of an operating area of the operating portion is exposed when the second cover is in the open position.

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the reduction in workability can be suppressed.

1 is a side view showing an electric cutter according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left side. 2 is a left-side cross-sectional side view showing the inside of the electric cutter shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a two-sided view of the battery shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cover unit shown in FIG. 1 . 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a rear end portion of the electric cutter shown in FIG. 1 . 2 is a side view showing a state in which the cover unit shown in FIG. 1 is removed from the battery mounting portion and the battery is removed from the battery mounting portion; FIG. 7A is a side view showing the state in which a battery has been mounted on the battery mounting portion from the state shown in FIG. 6 and the lower cover of the cover unit has been assembled to the battery mounting portion, and FIG. 7B is a side view showing the state in which the upper cover has been rotated to the closed position from the state shown in FIG. 6A and the cover unit has been assembled to the battery mounting portion. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a protector portion shown in FIG. 6 . 9 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 1) showing the mounting state of the cover unit shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the other side in the first direction. 2 is an enlarged view of a rear end portion of the electric cutter shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from a second direction side. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the rear end of the electric cutter shown in FIG. 1 taken in the front-rear and up-down directions. FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between a battery, a battery mounting portion, and a cover unit in this embodiment, and FIGS.

The following describes the electric cutting machine 10 as a work machine according to this embodiment, with reference to the drawings. Note that the arrows UP, FR, and RH, as appropriate shown in the drawings, indicate the upper side, front side, and right side of the electric cutting machine 10, respectively. In the following description, when the up-down, front-back, and left-right directions are used, they refer to the up-down, front-back, and left-right directions of the electric cutting machine 10, unless otherwise specified.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electric cutter 10 is configured as an electric tool that performs cutting processing on a pipe P as a material to be cut. The electric cutter 10 includes a housing 20 that forms the outer shell of the electric cutter 10, a battery 34 that is detachably attached to the housing 20, and a drive mechanism unit 40 housed inside the housing 20. The electric cutter 10 also has a protection mechanism 60 for protecting the battery 34. Each component of the electric cutter 10 will be described below.

(Regarding the housing 20) The housing 20 is formed into a generally hollow cylindrical shape extending in the front-to-rear direction as a whole. The housing 20 is configured to include a front housing portion 22 serving as a motor housing portion that accommodates the drive mechanism portion 40 described below, a handle portion 24, and a battery mounting portion 28 serving as a battery mounting portion. The front housing portion 22 constitutes the front portion of the housing 20 and is formed into a generally cylindrical shape whose axial direction is the front-to-rear direction. An attachment hole 22A is formed through the lower portion of the front end portion of the front housing portion 22 in the left-right direction for attaching a chain vice 100 used during cutting processing.

The handle portion 24 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the front housing portion 22. The handle portion 24 is disposed rearward of the front housing portion 22, and the front end portion of the handle portion 24 is connected to the upper part of the rear end portion of the front housing portion 22. A handle reinforcement portion 26 is provided below the handle portion 24. The handle reinforcement portion 26 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape extending in the front-to-rear direction, and the front end portion of the handle reinforcement portion 26 is connected to the lower part of the rear end portion of the front housing portion 22.

As also shown in Figures 5 to 9, the battery mounting section 28 is provided at the rear of the housing 20, and the rear ends of the handle section 24 and the handle reinforcement section 26 are connected to the battery mounting section 28. Specifically, the battery mounting section 28 extends upward and rearward from the rear end of the handle reinforcement section 26, and the rear end of the handle section 24 is connected to the upper part of the battery mounting section 28. In the following description, the extension direction of the battery mounting section 28 as viewed from the left-right direction is defined as the first direction (the direction of arrows A and B in Figure 1), and the direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the second direction (the direction of arrows C and D in Figure 1), and the first direction corresponds to the assembly direction and the opposing direction of the present invention. The A direction is the front-down direction, the B direction is the rear-upward direction, the C direction is the front-upward direction, and the D direction is the rear-downward direction. In the following description, direction A is referred to as the first direction (one side), direction B is referred to as the other side of the first direction, direction C is referred to as the second direction (one side), and direction D is referred to as the other side of the second direction.

2, 8, and 9, a mounting recess 28A is formed at the rear end of the battery mounting section 28, and the mounting recess 28A is formed in a concave shape that is open to the other side in the second direction and the other side in the first direction. A rail structure 28B (rail groove) is formed on the left and right inner surfaces of the mounting recess 28A. The rail structure 28B has a groove-shaped portion (space) that is open to the inside in the left and right direction, extends in the first direction, and the groove-shaped space is open to the other side in the first direction. The battery mounting section 28 is provided with a battery terminal 30 that is connected to a battery 34 described later, and the battery terminal 30 is arranged in the mounting recess 28A. The battery terminal 30 is electrically connected to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat shape with a thickness direction in the front-rear direction, and is housed in the rear end of the front housing part 22 and held by the front housing part 22. The handle portion 24 extends in the front-rear direction, while the battery mounting portion 28 extends in a direction (first direction) intersecting the front-rear direction. In the first direction, the battery mounting portion 28 is larger than the handle portion 24. The battery mounting portion 28 is also larger than the handle portion 24 in directions (left-right and up-down directions) perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

As shown in Figures 5 to 7, a cover fixing portion 28C for fixing a cover unit 70 described later is formed at the upper end of the battery mounting portion 28. The cover fixing portion 28C extends in the left-right direction and protrudes from the battery mounting portion 28 to one side in the second direction. An engaged groove 28D that is open to one side in the first direction is formed in the cover fixing portion 28C, and the engaged groove 28D extends in the left-right direction.

6 to 9, rail portions 28E for mounting a lower cover 71, which will be described later, are formed on both the left and right side surfaces of the battery mounting portion 28. The rail portions 28E protrude outward in the left-right direction from the battery mounting portion 28, are formed in a rail shape with the second direction as the width direction, and extend in the first direction. In addition, an abutted portion 28F against which a top wall abutting portion 72D1 of an upper cover 72, which will be described later, abuts is provided on the other end of the battery mounting portion 28 in the first direction. The abutted portion 28F abuts against the upper cover 72 (top wall abutting portion 72D1) in the first direction. The abutted portion 28F also abuts against the rotating upper cover 72. In other words, the abutted portion 28F abuts in the rotation direction of the upper cover 72. The abutted portion 28F is a part of the battery mounting portion 28 facing the other side in the first direction (direction B).

As shown in Figure 2, a trigger 32 is provided at the front end of the handle portion 24. The trigger 32 protrudes downward from the handle portion 24 and is configured to be able to be pulled upward. A switch mechanism portion 33 is provided above the trigger 32 at the front end of the handle portion 24. The switch mechanism portion 33 has a switch (not shown) that is operated by the trigger 32, and the switch is electrically connected to the control portion 31. An output signal corresponding to the operation of the trigger 32 is output from the switch to the control portion 31.

(Regarding the battery 34) Next, the battery 34 will be described using FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the direction of the arrow W is the width direction of the battery 34, the direction of the arrow H is the height direction of the battery 34, and the direction of the arrow D is the depth direction (front-rear direction) of the battery 34. When viewed from the width direction, the battery 34 is formed in a substantially rectangular block shape with the depth direction as the longitudinal direction. A connector portion 34A is provided on the upper portion of the battery 34. In addition, battery side rail portions 34B are formed on both ends of the connector portion 34A in the width direction. The battery side rail portions 34B are formed in a substantially inverted L-shape when viewed from the front side of the battery 34, extend in the depth direction (longitudinal direction) of the battery 34, and are open to the front side.

6 and 7(A), with the width direction of the battery 34 aligned with the left-right direction of the electric cutter 10 and the depth direction aligned with the first direction, the battery 34 is attached to the battery mounting section 28 of the housing 20 from the other side in the first direction and disposed on the rear side (the other side in the second direction) of the battery mounting section 28. Specifically, the battery 34 is attached to the battery mounting section 28 by sliding the battery side rail section 34B to one side in the first direction and fitting it into the rail structure 28B of the battery mounting section 28. Therefore, the battery 34 is located at the rear end of the electric cutter 10. When the battery 34 is attached to the battery mounting section 28, the connector section 34A is connected to the battery terminal 30, and power is supplied from the battery 34 to the control section 31.

The front wall of the battery 34 is provided with a plurality of (six in this embodiment) cooling holes 34C (see FIG. 3) formed through the center of the width direction for cooling the battery 34. The cooling holes 34C are formed as elongated holes with the width direction as the longitudinal direction. The three cooling holes 34C are arranged in the height direction at a predetermined interval, and two sets of cooling holes 34C are arranged in the width direction of the battery 34, with three cooling holes 34C arranged in the height direction as one set. As a result, when the battery 34 is attached, the cooling holes 34C are open to one side in the first direction. Push buttons 34D are provided on the left and right side walls of the battery 34. The battery 34 attached to the battery attachment section 28 is configured so that pressing the push button 34D releases a claw engagement (not shown) that restricts the relative movement of the battery 34 and the battery attachment section 28, and the battery 34 can be removed from the battery attachment section 28. The right push button 34D can be pressed leftward, and the left push button 34D can be pressed rightward. When viewed in the pressing direction, the push button 34D has a shape of a rectangle about 20 mm square with one corner cut out.

(Regarding the drive mechanism 40) As shown in FIG. 2, the drive mechanism 40 includes a motor 41, a transmission mechanism 44, and a plunger 47. The motor 41 is accommodated in the rear of the front housing portion 22. The motor 41 has a drive shaft 41A whose axial direction is the front-to-rear direction. A bevel gear 41B is provided at the front end of the drive shaft 41A. The rear end of the drive shaft 41A is rotatably supported by a first bearing 42 held in the front housing portion 22, and the front end portion of the drive shaft 41A is rotatably supported by a second bearing 43 held in the front housing portion 22. The motor 41 is a brushless motor.

The transmission mechanism 44 is housed in the front part of the front housing portion 22. The transmission mechanism 44 is composed of a bevel gear 45 and a motion conversion pin 46. The bevel gear 45 is rotatably mounted on the front side of the motor 41 with the vertical direction as its axial direction, and is meshed with the bevel gear 41B of the motor 41. The motion conversion pin 46 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the vertical direction as its axial direction, and is fixed to the bevel gear 45 at a position eccentric to the rotation axis of the bevel gear 45. The upper end of the motion conversion pin 46 protrudes upward from the bevel gear 45.

The plunger 47 is formed in a generally rectangular columnar shape extending in the front-rear direction. The plunger 47 is disposed above the bevel gear 45 and is supported by a support mechanism 48 so that it can reciprocate in the front-rear direction. A connecting portion 47A is formed at the rear end of the plunger 47, and the connecting portion 47A is formed in a groove shape that is open downward and extends in the left-right direction. The upper end of the motion conversion pin 46 is inserted into the connecting portion 47A, connecting the bevel gear 45 and the plunger 47. As a result, when the motor 41 is driven and the bevel gear 45 rotates, the plunger 47 reciprocates in the front-rear direction.

A blade 50 serving as a saw blade is attached to the front end of the plunger 47. As shown in FIG. 1, the blade 50 is formed in a generally long plate shape with the thickness direction in the left-right direction and extending in the front-rear direction, and the rear end of the blade 50 is attached to the front end of the plunger 47. When the blade 50 is attached to the plunger 47, the blade 50 extends forward from the front opening of the housing 20 and is disposed at the front side of the housing 20. A blade portion 50A is formed at the lower end of the blade 50, and the blade portion 50A is formed over the entire longitudinal direction of the blade 50.

Furthermore, the front housing portion 22 is provided with a ball 52 used when mounting the chain vice 100. The ball 52 is disposed in front of the mounting hole 22A of the housing 20, and a portion of the ball 52 is disposed within the mounting hole 22A. The ball 52 is also biased rearward by a biasing spring 53 provided in the front housing portion 22. Here, the chain vice 100 as a vice used during cutting processing will be described.

The chain vice 100 is formed in a hollow, flat shape with its thickness in the left-right direction and is open to the front. When viewed from the left side, the chain vice 100 is formed in a roughly V-shape that is open to the front. As a result, a roughly V-groove-shaped receiving portion 100A that is open to the front is formed at the front end of the chain vice 100. A mounting shaft 102 is provided at the rear end of the chain vice 100, and the mounting shaft 102 is formed in a roughly stepped cylindrical shape with its axial direction in the left-right direction and protrudes to the left from the chain vice 100.

A chain 104 is provided inside the chain vice 100. When cutting using the chain vice 100, the chain 104 is wound around a pipe P extending in the left-right direction to attach the chain vice 100 to the pipe P. Specifically, a part of the outer periphery of the pipe P is placed inside the receiving portion 100A of the chain vice 100, and the chain vice 100 is attached to the pipe P by the winding force of the chain 104. In this state, the mounting shaft 102 of the chain vice 100 is inserted into the mounting hole 22A of the electric cutter 10 from the right side, and the electric cutter 10 is attached to the chain vice 100. At this time, the ball 52 of the electric cutter 10 engages with the mounting shaft 102, restricting the left-right movement of the electric cutter 10. When the electric cutter 10 is attached to the chain vice 100, the pipe P is positioned below the blade 50, and the electric cutter 10 is configured to be able to swing (rotate) around the axis of the mounting shaft 102 (mounting hole 22A).

As a result, when cutting a pipe P using the chain vice 100, the operator lifts the handle portion 24 upward, causing the electric cutter 10 to swing to one side (the direction of arrow E in FIG. 1) around the axis of the mounting shaft 102 (mounting hole 22A), and the cutting edge 50A of the blade 50 comes into contact with the outer periphery of the pipe P. In this state, the blade 50 moves back and forth in the forward and backward directions to cut the pipe P. In other words, the pipe P is cut in such a manner that the rear of the handle portion 24 moves upward and the front of the blade 50 moves downward. In this way, cutting using the chain vice 100 is performed by utilizing a "lever" action with the mounting shaft 102 (mounting hole 22A) as the fulcrum.

(Regarding the protection mechanism 60) As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4 to 9, the protection mechanism 60 is configured as a mechanism that protects the battery 34. The protection mechanism 60 is configured to include a cover unit 70 as a cover member, a protector part 80, and a buffer member 90.

(About the cover unit 70) The cover unit 70 is formed in a generally rectangular box shape that is open to one side in the second direction. The cover unit 70 is attached to the battery mounting section 28 of the housing 20, and covers the battery 34 from all directions together with the battery mounting section 28. In detail, the battery mounting section 28 covers a part of the upper part of the battery 34, and the cover unit 70 covers a part of the upper part of the battery 34 that is not covered by the battery mounting section 28, as well as the front, rear, left, right, and bottom sides of the battery 34. The cover unit 70 also covers a part of the battery mounting section 28. In other words, the cover unit 70 is a cover member that covers the battery 34 and a part of the battery mounting section 28. The cover unit 70 is configured to include a lower cover 71 that constitutes one side part of the cover unit 70 in the first direction, an upper cover 72 that constitutes the other side part of the cover unit 70 in the first direction, and a locking mechanism 75.

The lower cover 71 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape that is open to the other side in the first direction and one side in the second direction. Specifically, the lower cover 71 includes a pair of side walls 71A that cover the battery 34 from both the left and right sides, a lower wall 71B that covers the battery 34 from one side in the first direction, and a bottom wall 71C that covers the battery 34 from the other side in the second direction. The side walls 71A cover a part of the left and right side surfaces of the battery mounting section 28, particularly the part that supports the battery 34 (rail structure 28B). The bottom wall 71B covers the side surface of the battery mounting section 28 on one side in the first direction. The side walls 71A have a side wall abutment portion 71A1 at the end on the other side in the first direction (rear and upper direction). A side wall abutment portion 71A2 is provided on the inner periphery of the side walls 71A. The bottom wall 71C has a bottom wall abutment portion 71C1 at the end on the other side in the first direction (rear and upper direction). The lower wall 71B has a lower wall abutment portion 71B1 on the other side in the first direction. The inner periphery of the side wall 71A has rail grooves 71D (see FIGS. 4 and 9) formed at the opening side end, which correspond to the rail portions 28E of the housing 20. The rail grooves 71D are formed in a groove shape that opens inward in the left-right direction and extends in the first direction, and also opens to the other side in the first direction. When the lower cover 71 is attached to the battery mounting portion 28, the lower cover 71 is assembled to the battery mounting portion 28 from one side in the first direction, and the rail portions 28E are inserted into the rail grooves 71D (see FIG. 9). As a result, when the lower cover 71 is attached to the battery mounting portion 28, the rail portions 28E and the rail grooves 71D are engaged in the second direction. This engagement restricts the lower cover 71 from moving relative to the battery mounting portion 28 in a predetermined direction (second direction). With the rail portion 28E and the rail groove 71D engaged in the second direction (with the lower cover 71 positioned), the lower cover 71 is fixed to the battery mounting portion 28 using a fastener such as a screw. The side wall abutment portion 71A2 is provided on the upper side (second direction side) of the rail groove 71D. Note that the side wall abutment portion 71A2 may be provided on the lower side of the rail groove 71D.

In addition, a lower wall notch 71E is formed at the open end (second direction end) of the lower wall 71B of the lower cover 71, and the lower wall notch 71E is formed in a concave shape that is open to one side in the second direction when viewed from the first direction. When the lower cover 71 is assembled to the battery mounting part 28, the rear end of the handle reinforcement part 26 is disposed in the lower wall notch 71E (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 2, the lower wall 71B is provided with a lower wall abutment part 71B1 that abuts against the side wall (protector part 80 described later) on the first direction side of the battery mounting part 28. The lower wall abutment part 71B1 is a convex structure (rib) that is provided on the inner surface of the lower wall 71B so as to extend in the left-right direction. In the lower wall notch 71E, the lower wall abutment part 71B1 is configured to be located immediately below the notch part. In addition, the lower cover 71 is made of resin. The lower cover 71 is a part of a cover member that covers one side of the battery 34 in the first direction, and is an example of a first cover according to the present invention.

The upper cover 72 is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape that is open to one side in the first direction. Specifically, the upper cover 72 includes a pair of side walls 72A that cover the battery 34 from both the left and right sides, a top wall 72B that covers the battery 34 from the other side in the first direction, a bottom wall 72C that covers the battery 34 from the other side in the second direction, and a top wall 72D that covers the battery 34 from one side in the second direction. The top wall 72D also covers the side (end) of the battery mounting section 28 on the other side in the first direction. Furthermore, the side wall 72A covers a part of the left and right side of the battery mounting section 28. The side wall 72A has a side wall abutment portion 72A1 at the first direction end. The bottom wall 72C has a bottom wall abutment portion 72C1 at the first direction end. The top wall 72D has a top wall abutment portion 72D1 at the first direction end. The top wall 72D is inclined toward one side in the second direction from the other end of the top wall 72B in the second direction toward one side in the first direction in accordance with the shape of the battery 34.

In addition, the open end of the bottom wall 72C of the upper cover 72 and the open end of the bottom wall 71C of the lower cover 71 are rotatably connected by a hinge shaft 73 (support shaft) whose axial direction is the left-right direction. Specifically, the upper cover 72 is configured to be rotatable between an open position (position shown in FIG. 7(A)) and a closed position (position shown in FIG. 7(B)). When the cover unit 70 is assembled to the battery mounting portion 28, the lower cover 71 is assembled to the battery mounting portion 28 from one side in the first direction with the upper cover 72 placed in the open position (see FIG. 6 and FIG. 7(A)). After the lower cover 71 is assembled to the battery mounting portion 28, the upper cover 72 is rotated to the closed position, and the upper cover 72 covers the battery 34 from above (see FIG. 7(B)).

Also, a sidewall inclined portion 72E (see FIG. 4) is formed at the front end portion of the sidewall 72A of the upper cover 72. The sidewall inclined portion 72E is a part of the sidewall 72A extending in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction. The sidewall inclined portion 72E inclines so as to move outward in the left-right direction as it moves in the first direction. The sidewall inclined portion 72E also has a portion that inclines so as to move toward the other side in the second direction as it moves in the first direction. Then, when the cover unit 70 is assembled to the battery mounting portion 28, the upper end of the battery mounting portion 28 is disposed within an area surrounded by the sidewall inclined portion 72E and the top wall 72D in the left-right direction (see FIG. 5). Also, when the cover unit 70 is assembled to the battery mounting portion 28, the sidewall inclined portion 72E is configured to abut against the left and right side surfaces of the battery mounting portion 28. The right side wall inclined portion 72E abuts against the right side surface of the battery mounting portion 28 so as to press it to the left, and the left side wall inclined portion 72E abuts against the left side surface of the battery mounting portion 28 so as to press it to the right. The left and right side surfaces of the battery mounting portion 28 that the side wall inclined portion 72E abut against are inclined in the left-right direction like the side wall inclined portion 72E, and are configured to abut against the side wall inclined portion 72E without any gap. The top wall 72D of the upper cover 72 is formed with a raised portion 72F that is raised toward one side in the second direction, and the raised portion 72F is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the second direction. The other end of the raised portion 72F in the first direction is formed with a support shaft housing groove 72G (see FIG. 2) that is open toward the other side in the first direction, and the support shaft housing groove 72G penetrates in the left-right direction. The top wall abutment portion 72D1 described above is also formed at the first direction side end of the raised portion 72F. The upper cover 72 is made of resin. The upper cover 72 is transparent so that the contents stored inside can be seen from the outside. The upper cover 72 is a part of a cover member that covers the other side of the battery 34 in the first direction, and is an example of a second cover in the present invention.

The locking mechanism 75 includes a support shaft 76, a lock plate 77, and a lock arm 78. The support shaft 76 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with the axial direction being the left-right direction, and is disposed in the support shaft housing groove 72G of the raised portion 72F and is held in the support shaft housing groove 72G (see FIG. 2). In addition, both ends of the support shaft 76 protrude outward in the left-right direction beyond the raised portion 72F.

The lock plate 77 is disposed on one side in the second direction of the top wall 72D of the upper cover 72 and on the other side in the first direction of the raised portion 72F. The lock plate 77 includes a main body portion 77A disposed parallel to the top wall 72D, and a pair of left and right connecting pieces 77B bent from both left and right ends of the main body portion 77A toward the top wall 72D. The one end of the connecting piece 77B on one side in the first direction protrudes further toward the one side in the first direction than the main body portion 77A. The one end of the connecting piece 77B on one side in the first direction is rotatably connected to both ends of the support shaft 76. Specifically, the lock plate 77 is configured to be rotatable between a locked position (position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 7B) and an unlocked position (position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 7B).

The lock arm 78 is formed in a generally long round rod shape. The lock arm 78 is made of metal. When viewed from one side in the second direction, the lock arm 78 is bent in a generally U-shape that is open to the other side (rear side) in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 7 and other figures, when the upper cover 72 is in the closed position, the lock arm 78 is configured to extend along the front-rear direction. That is, when the upper cover 72 is in the closed position, the longitudinal direction of the lock arm 78 is along the front-rear direction. The lock arm 78 has an arm engagement portion 78A at one end (front side) in the longitudinal direction. The lock arm 78 also has an arm fulcrum portion 78B at the other end (rear side) in the longitudinal direction. The arm fulcrum portion 78B is a portion that is bent inward in the left-right direction at the open side (rear side) end of the lock arm 78 that is generally U-shaped. The arm fulcrum portion 78B is rotatably connected to the lock plate 77 (the other side portion of the first direction of the connecting piece 77B). In addition, when the lock plate 77 is in the unlocked position, the arm engaging portion 78A of the lock arm 78 is disposed in the engaged groove 28D of the cover fixing portion 28C of the battery mounting portion 28, and the lock plate 77 is rotated to the locked position, whereby the arm engaging portion 78A and the cover fixing portion 28C are engaged with each other, and a pulling force is generated between the arm engaging portion 78A and the arm fulcrum portion 78B, and a clamping force is generated from the lock arm 78 to the cover fixing portion 28C, so that the cover unit 70 (upper cover 72) is fixed to the battery mounting portion 28. At this time, the arm engaging portion 78A and the arm fulcrum portion 78B are at different positions in the front-rear direction and also in the up-down direction. More specifically, the arm engaging portion 78A is located forward and below the arm fulcrum portion 78B. In other words, the arm engaging portion 78A is located on one side of the first direction (direction A) and on one side of the second direction (direction C) with respect to the arm fulcrum portion 78B. With this configuration, a clamping force is generated from the lock arm 78 to the cover fixing portion 28C in a direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction. The clamping force is also perpendicular to the left-right direction. Therefore, the locking mechanism 75 fixes the upper cover 72 to the battery mounting portion 28 by pressing the upper cover 72 against the battery mounting portion 28 (contact portion 28F) toward one side in the second direction (direction C). That is, the locking mechanism 75 biases the upper cover 72 and the battery mounting portion 28 toward each other in the first direction, and also biases them toward each other in the second direction, thereby fixing them to each other.

When the cover unit 70 is attached to the battery mounting portion 28, the battery mounting portion 28 is disposed inside the opening end of the lower cover 71 and the opening end of the upper cover 72, and the opening end of the lower cover 71 and the opening end of the upper cover 72 abut against the outer periphery of the battery mounting portion 28. More specifically, for the lower cover 71, the side wall abutment portion 71A2 and the bottom wall abutment portion 71B1 abut against the battery mounting portion 28 in the left-right direction and the first direction (direction B), respectively. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, for the upper cover 72, the top wall abutment portion 72D1 and the side wall inclined portion 72E abut against the battery mounting portion 28 (the rear surface on the other side of the first direction) in the first direction (direction A). Also, the side wall inclined portion 72E abuts against the left and right side surfaces of the battery mounting portion 28 in the left-right direction. As a result, the outer periphery of the battery mounting portion 28 is sealed by the cover unit 70. The gap between the lower cover 71 and the upper cover 72 is sealed by the abutment between the side wall abutting portion 71A1 and the side wall abutting portion 72A1 and the abutment between the bottom wall abutting portion 71C1 and the bottom wall abutting portion 72C1. This allows the battery 34 to be covered by the cover unit 70, and the cover unit 70 protects the battery 34 while ensuring waterproofing and dustproofing of the battery 34. When the cover unit 70 is attached to the battery mounting portion 28, the bottom wall 71B of the lower cover 71 is spaced apart from the front wall of the battery 34 on one side in the first direction.

(Regarding the protector portion 80) As shown in Figures 2, 6, 8, and 9, the protector portion 80 is integrally formed at one end of the battery mounting portion 28 in the housing 20 in the first direction. The protector portion 80 is formed in a hollow, flat shape with the first direction as its thickness direction, and extends from the battery mounting portion 28 to the other side in the second direction. The protector portion 80 is disposed between the bottom wall 71B of the lower cover 71 and the front wall of the battery 34. A predetermined gap is formed between the protector portion 80 and the bottom wall 71B, except for the contact point with the bottom wall abutment portion 71B1, and a predetermined gap is formed between the protector portion 80 and the front wall.

The protector portion 80 includes an outer wall portion 81 as a cover side wall portion constituting one end of the protector portion 80 in the first direction, an inner wall portion 82 as a battery side wall portion constituting the other end of the protector portion 80 in the first direction, and a plurality of connecting ribs 83 connecting the outer wall portion 81 and the inner wall portion 82. The outer wall portion 81 and the inner wall portion 82 are formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape with the first direction as the plate thickness direction and the left-right direction as the longitudinal direction, and are arranged spaced apart in the first direction. The plate thickness of the outer wall portion 81 is set to be thicker than the plate thickness of the inner wall portion 82. The plurality of connecting ribs 83 extend in the left-right direction with the first direction as the plate thickness direction, and are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in the second direction.

An exposure hole 82A for attaching a cushioning member 90 (described later) is formed through the left-right center of the inner wall portion 82. The exposure hole 82A is formed as a generally rectangular long hole with the left-right direction as the longitudinal direction. The exposure hole 82A also extends further toward one side in the first direction (inside the protector portion 80) than the inner wall portion 82 and is formed in a connecting rib 83 that faces the exposure hole 82A in the first direction. In other words, the extension length of the outer wall portion 81 of the connecting rib 83 that faces the exposure hole 82A in the first direction is shorter than the extension length of the other connecting ribs 83.

Furthermore, a reinforcing rib 82B is formed on the outer periphery of the inner wall portion 82, and the reinforcing rib 82B protrudes toward the other side in the first direction and extends along the circumferential direction of the inner wall portion 82. A predetermined gap is formed between the reinforcing rib 82B and the battery 34.

(Regarding the cushioning member 90) As shown in Figures 2, 8, and 9, the cushioning member 90 is composed of an elastic member (elastic body) such as rubber, and is attached to the protector part 80. The cushioning member 90 is composed of a base part 91 and a plurality of abutment parts 92. The base part 91 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape with the first direction as the plate thickness direction and the left-right direction as the longitudinal direction. The base part 91 is disposed inside the protector part 80, and is installed at the end of the connecting rib 83 that faces the mounting hole 22A in the first direction.

A pair of abutment portions 92 are provided at both left and right ends of the base portion 91. The abutment portions 92 are formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape with the plate thickness direction being the left and right direction, and protrude from the base portion 91 to the other side in the first direction. The tip of the abutment portion 92 protrudes from the exposure hole 82A to the other side in the first direction and abuts against the front wall of the battery 34, causing the abutment portion 92 to undergo slight elastic deformation (compressive deformation). In addition, the cooling hole 34C of the battery 34 is disposed between the abutment portions 92 provided at both left and right ends of the base portion 91 (see FIG. 9). As a result, the cushioning member 90 abuts against the battery 34 while preventing the cooling hole 34C from being blocked.

(Regarding the hinge shaft 73) As shown in FIG. 7, it is preferable that the cover unit 70 is configured to protect the battery 34 while making it easy to attach and detach the battery 34 to the battery mounting section 28. In the case of this embodiment, when the upper cover 72 rotates to the open position around the hinge shaft 73, there is nothing covering the other side of the battery 34 in the first direction, and the battery 34 can be attached and detached. For this reason, the hinge shaft 73 is configured not to be on the path of movement of the battery 34, and is configured to be located on the first direction side of the rear surface (side surface on the other side of the first direction) of the battery 34. In other words, the battery 34 and the hinge shaft 73 are configured not to overlap when viewed in the first direction. The hinge shaft 73 is located on the other side of the second direction (D direction side) of the side surface of the battery 34 on the other side of the second direction (D direction side). In other words, the hinge shaft 73 is located on the opposite side of the connector section 34A with respect to the battery 34. In addition, the battery 34 is configured such that a part of the battery 34 protrudes beyond the battery mounting section 28 toward the other side in the first direction when the battery 34 is mounted in the battery mounting section 28. When the upper cover 72 is opened (when the upper cover 72 is in the open position), the part of the battery 34 protruding beyond the battery mounting section 28 is exposed, so that the protruding part can be grasped from above, below, left and right, improving operability when mounting and removing the battery 34. In addition, the push button 34D is configured to be exposed when the upper cover 72 is opened so that the battery 34 can be smoothly removed. In this embodiment, the push button 34D is configured such that the entire pressing area of about 20 mm square is exposed when the upper cover 72 is opened, but operability of the battery 34 can be sufficiently ensured by exposing about half of the pressing area or an area of 10 mm square.

The position of the hinge axis 73 will be explained in detail using Figures 10 to 12. Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the area around the battery 34 seen from the second direction (one side), with the outline of the battery 34 covered and hidden by the cover unit 70 indicated by a two-dot chain line. The top wall abutment portion 72D1 abuts against the abutted portion 28F of the battery mounting portion 28 in the range indicated by P1. In addition, the side wall abutment portion 72A1 and the bottom wall abutment portion 72C1 abut against the side wall abutment portion 71A1 and the bottom wall abutment portion 71C1 in the range indicated by P2. It is preferable that the upper cover 72 be configured compactly while exposing the push button 34D in the open position. Therefore, in this embodiment, the distance L2 (dotted arrow) from the hinge shaft 73 to the abutted portion 28F of the battery mounting portion 28 is greater than the distance L1 (solid arrow) from the hinge shaft 73 to the rear end of the battery 34 (the portion located furthest toward the B direction in the first direction) shown in Fig. 11. The shape of the battery 34 is not limited to a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as in this embodiment. Therefore, the distance (path) connecting the hinge shaft 73 to the portion of the battery 34 covered by the upper cover 72 that is farthest from the hinge shaft 73 as viewed in the left-right direction may be L1.

Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram (A) of Figure 11 and comparative examples (B) and (C). In Figure 12, the handle portion 24 and the battery mounting portion 28 are shown with solid lines, the lower cover 71 is shown with dotted lines, the upper cover 72 is shown with dashed lines, and the battery 34 is shown with dashed lines.

Figure 11 (B) shows an example in which the configuration of (A), which was L1<L2, has been changed to L1>L2. In the case of (B), the distance to the rear end of the battery 34 that the rotating upper cover 72 must overcome is longer, so the length of the upper cover 72 from the hinge shaft 73 must be longer than in (A). Also, as shown in Figure 10, the abutment portion 28F of the battery mounting portion 28 and the abutment portion of the upper cover 72 (top wall abutment portion 72D1, side wall inclined portion 72E) must abut after the rear end of the battery 34 is overcome, so the abutment portion 28F must be enlarged or moved in the second direction to correspond to the extended portion to overcome the rear end of the battery 34. Therefore, in the configuration of Figure 12 (B), the upper cover 72 is larger than in the configuration of Figure 12 (A), and the position of the abutment portion 28F is closer to or larger than the handle portion 24 (the area hatched with diagonal lines increases), which may impair the operability of the handle portion 24.

Figure 12(C) is an example in which the hinge axis 73 has been moved to the other side of the first direction (toward direction B) from the configuration of (A) while maintaining the relationship L1<L2. In this case, the upper cover 72 can be made smaller than in Figure 12(A), but the exposed range of the push button 34D is reduced, which may impair operability when removing the battery 34. In other words, in a configuration in which the removal operation part (push button 34D) is located on the left and right sides of the battery 34, the configuration of Figure 12(C) impairs operability.

As described above, in this embodiment, while the relationship L1<L2 is established as shown in Figure 12 (A), when the upper cover 72 is opened, the push button 34D is configured so that more than half or more of its pressing area is exposed, or 10 mm square or more, thereby making the upper cover 72 compact while also making the battery 34 easy to remove.

(Function and effect) Next, the function and effect of the electric cutting machine 10 of this embodiment will be explained.

In the electric cutter 10 configured as described above, when cutting a pipe P using the chain vice 100, the pipe P is positioned below the blade 50. Then, when the operator lifts the handle portion 24, the electric cutter 10 swings to one side around the axis of the mounting shaft 102 (mounting hole 22A) of the chain vice 100, and the cutting edge portion 50A of the blade 50 abuts the outer periphery of the pipe P. Then, when the operator operates the trigger 32, the motor 41 is driven by the control unit 31, and the blade 50 moves back and forth in the forward and backward directions by the transmission mechanism 44 connected to the motor 41. This allows the pipe P to be cut.

When cutting the pipe P, as described above, the operator lifts the handle portion 24, causing the blade portion 50A of the blade 50 to abut against the outer periphery of the pipe P. At this time, in order to make the cutting easier, the operator may, for example, lift the rear end of the electric cutter 10 from below with the other hand that is not holding the handle portion 24, and swing the electric cutter 10 to one side about the mounting shaft 102 (mounting hole 22A). In this case, if the operator lifts the battery 34 itself, the protection performance for the battery 34 may be reduced. That is, for example, the lifting force input to the battery 34 generates a load on the connection portion between the battery mounting portion 28 and the battery 34 (rail structure 28B, connector portion 34A, etc.). As a result, the battery 34 or the battery mounting portion 28 may be deformed or damaged, and the workability may be reduced.

Here, a cover unit 70 is attached to the battery mounting portion 28 of the housing 20, and a lower cover 71 of the cover unit 70 covers the battery 34 from below. As a result, if an operator lifts the rear end of the electric cutter 10, the operator will lift the lower cover 71. In other words, the operator can be prevented from directly lifting the battery 34. As a result, the lifting force can be prevented from being directly input to the battery 34. Therefore, deformation and damage to the battery 34 and the battery mounting portion 28 can be prevented, and workability can be improved.

The lower cover 71 is removably attached to the battery mounting portion 28. A pair of left and right rail portions 28E are formed on the outer periphery of the battery mounting portion 28, and the rail portions 28E extend in a first direction. A rail groove 71D into which the rail portions 28E are inserted is formed on the inner periphery of the lower cover 71, and the rail portions 28E and the rail groove 71D engage in a second direction. This allows the lifting force input to the lower cover 71 to be effectively transmitted to the battery mounting portion 28 via the rail portions 28E when the worker lifts the lower cover 71.

7(B), the lifting force F input to the lower cover 71 is transmitted to the battery mounting portion 28 by the rail portion 28E. Furthermore, the lifting force F transmitted to the battery mounting portion 28 is dispersed into a lifting force F1 transmitted to the handle portion 24 and a lifting force F2 transmitted to the handle reinforcement portion 26. Therefore, the lifting force F input to the lower cover 71 can be effectively dispersed and transmitted to the front side of the housing 20.

The cover unit 70 also has an upper cover 72, which is rotatably connected to the lower cover 71 by a hinge shaft 73. When the upper cover 72 is in the closed position, the upper cover 72 covers the battery 34 from above. This allows the cover unit 70 to improve the dustproofing and waterproofing of the battery 34 while ensuring the protection of the battery 34. Furthermore, since the upper cover 72 is transparent, it is possible to visually determine whether the battery 34 is located inside even when the cover is in the closed position, thereby improving workability. Note that it is sufficient for the upper cover 72 to have a degree of translucency that allows one to determine whether the battery 34 is located inside.

Furthermore, a protector part 80 is integrally formed at one end of the battery mounting part 28 in the housing 20 in the first direction, and the protector part 80 is arranged on one side (lower side) of the battery 34 in the first direction. That is, the protector part 80 is arranged between the battery 34 and the lower wall 71B of the lower cover 71. As a result, when an operator lifts the lower wall 71B of the lower cover 71 and the lower wall 71B is displaced to the other side in the first direction, the lower wall 71B abuts against the protector part 80. As a result, it is possible to further prevent the lifting force F from being directly applied to the battery 34. Therefore, the protection performance for the battery 34 can be further improved.

The protector portion 80 is formed in a flat shape with the thickness direction being in the first direction. This improves the protection performance for the battery 34 while preventing the electric cutter 10 from becoming too large in the first direction.

In addition, the protector part 80 is formed in a hollow flat shape. Specifically, the protector part 80 includes an outer wall part 81 constituting one end of the protector part 80 in the first direction, an inner wall part 82 constituting the other end of the protector part 80 in the first direction, and a connecting rib 83 connecting the outer wall part 81 and the inner wall part 82. This makes it possible to ensure the bending rigidity of the protector part 80 while reducing the weight of the protector part 80.

Furthermore, in the protector portion 80, the plate thickness of the outer wall portion 81 is set to be thicker than the plate thickness of the inner wall portion 82. As a result, even if a lifting force F is input to the protector portion 80 when an operator lifts the bottom wall 71B of the lower cover 71, the plate thickness of the outer wall portion 81 on the bottom wall 71B side is set to be thicker than the plate thickness of the inner wall portion 82 on the opposite side to the bottom wall 71B, so that displacement of the protector portion 80 to the other side in the first direction (toward the battery 34) can be suppressed.

In addition, the protector part 80 is provided with an elastic buffer member 90, and an abutment part 92 of the buffer member 90 abuts against the battery 34. As a result, even if a lifting force F is input to the protector part 80, the buffer member 90 absorbs the input lifting force F. Therefore, the protection of the battery 34 can be effectively improved.

Moreover, the buffer member 90 is disposed on one side of the battery 34 in the first direction. That is, the buffer member 90 is disposed on the side in the mounting direction of the battery 34 to the battery mounting portion 28. Therefore, by utilizing the buffer member 90 to absorb the lifting force F, it is possible to absorb the impact force when the battery 34 is mounted to the battery mounting portion 28.

The cushioning member 90 is also configured to include a base portion 91 attached to the protector portion 80, and abutment portions 92 that protrude from both left and right ends of the base portion 91 and abut against the battery 34. Furthermore, the battery 34 is formed with a cooling hole 34C for cooling the battery 34, and the cooling hole 34C is disposed between the abutment portions 92 that protrude from both left and right ends of the base portion 91. Therefore, the cushioning member 90 can be abutted against the battery 34 while ensuring cooling performance for the battery 34.

The housing 20 is also configured to include a front housing portion 22 that constitutes the front portion of the housing 20, a battery mounting portion 28 that constitutes the rear end of the housing 20, and a handle portion 24 that connects the front housing portion 22 and the battery mounting portion 28. A handle reinforcement portion 26 is provided below the handle portion 24, and extends in the front-to-rear direction to connect the front housing portion 22 and the battery mounting portion 28. As a result, as described above, the lifting force F transmitted to the battery mounting portion 28 can be distributed to the handle portion 24 and the handle reinforcement portion 26 and transmitted to the front housing portion 22. This ensures the strength of the rear end side of the housing 20.

Furthermore, the cover unit 70 is divided into a lower cover 71 (first cover) and an upper cover 72 (second cover), and a hinge shaft 73 connecting them is provided on the other side in the second direction of the battery 34 (the opposite side of the battery mounting section 28). This makes it possible to remove the battery 34 by rotating only the upper cover 72 to the open position without moving the lower cover 71 that covers one side in the first direction. Therefore, when the battery 34 is attached or detached, the lower cover 71 can be configured to cover part of the battery mounting section 28 as it is, and a certain degree of waterproof and dustproof effects can be ensured even when the battery 34 is attached or detached.

In addition, the hinge shaft 73 is located on the other side of the battery 34 in the second direction, and the lock mechanism 75 is located on one side of the battery 34 in the second direction. That is, the lock mechanism 75 is configured to be located on the opposite side of the hinge shaft 73 with respect to the battery 34. This makes it easy to preferably fix the rotating upper cover 72, and a sufficient fixing force can be secured even with one lock mechanism 75 (a part where a fixing force is generated). In addition, the lock mechanism 75 fixes the upper cover 72 to the battery mounting part 28 by pressing the upper cover 72 against the battery mounting part 28 (contact part 28F) against one side of the second direction (direction C). By configuring in this way, it is possible to make it difficult for the upper cover 72 to shift in position when pressed in the second direction (particularly direction D), thereby achieving good sealing properties. In addition, since the clamping force direction of the lock mechanism 75 is along the rotation direction of the upper cover 72, a good clamping force can be generated for the rotating cover. In this embodiment, when the upper cover 72 is fixed in the closed position, the distance from the hinge shaft 73 to the arm engagement portion 78A and the distance from the hinge shaft 73 to the arm fulcrum portion 78B are configured to be approximately equal, so that a better clamping force can be generated for the rotating cover. Note that the distance from the hinge shaft 73 to the arm engagement portion 78A (arm fulcrum portion 78B) does not take into account the left-right component, and the distance is approximately 90 mm.

11 and 12, distance L2 is greater than distance L1, which prevents the upper cover 72 from becoming too large. When the upper cover 72 is in the open position, the pressing area of the push button 34D is exposed, which allows the battery 34 to be conveniently removed.

Furthermore, the cover unit 70 including the lower cover 71 is configured as a separate entity from the housing 20 (battery mounting section 28), and the lower cover 71 is fixed to the housing 20 by fasteners such as screws. The lower cover 71 may be configured as one unit with the housing 20, but by configuring it as a separate entity, it is possible to reduce (make smaller) the number of parts that need to be replaced when the cover unit 70 is deformed or damaged. In particular, in the case of this embodiment, the hinge shaft 73, which has a small and fine shape, may be deformed or damaged if an impact is applied, but even if the hinge shaft 73 is damaged, it is possible to deal with the problem at low cost by replacing the cover unit 70.

In this embodiment, a rail portion 28E is formed in the battery mounting portion 28 in the housing 20, and a rail groove 71D is formed in the lower cover 71. Alternatively, a rail groove may be formed in the battery mounting portion 28, and a rail portion to be inserted into the rail groove may be formed in the lower cover 71.

In addition, in this embodiment, each abutment portion (sealing portion) that contributes to improving the waterproof and dustproof properties of the battery 34, i.e., the abutment portion of the lower cover 71 (side wall abutment portion 71A2, bottom wall abutment portion 71B1, side wall abutted portion 71A1, bottom wall abutted portion 71C1) and the abutment portion of the upper cover 72 (side wall abutment portion 72A1, bottom wall abutment portion 72C1, top wall abutment portion 72D1 (72D2), side wall inclined portion 72E) are configured to directly abut against the battery mounting portion 28, but an elastic body (gasket) may be provided at the abutment point to ensure higher sealing and cushioning properties. Alternatively, an elastic body may be provided at the abutment point of the battery mounting portion 28 where each of the above abutment portions abuts.

Furthermore, the cover unit 70 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the battery mounting section 28, or may be configured to cover the entire battery mounting section 28.

Furthermore, although the locking mechanism 75 is provided on the upper cover 72 and the cover fixing portion 28C is provided on the battery mounting portion 28, this relationship may be reversed, i.e., the locking mechanism may be provided on the battery mounting portion 28.

Furthermore, when the distance (path) connecting the hinge axis 73 and the part of the battery 34 covered by the upper cover 72 that is farthest from the hinge axis 73 when viewed from the left and right is defined as L1, and the distance from the hinge axis 73 to the abutment portion 28F of the battery mounting portion 28 is defined as L2, in this embodiment, L1 < L2, but the relationship L1 ≦ L2 may also be satisfied.

(Additional Note) The present invention has been described above from the perspective of suppressing a decrease in workability in a battery-powered work machine, but it can also be viewed from another perspective as follows. That is, in a battery-powered work machine, for example, if liquid such as water leaks out from a cut point while the work machine is in operation, the liquid may adhere to the area around the battery, degrading the battery connection and impairing workability. In consideration of the above facts, the present invention aims to provide a cover that can be attached to a battery-powered work machine and that can suppress a decrease in workability.

One or more embodiments of the present invention that solve the above problem are a cover member that can be attached to a work machine having a housing that accommodates a motor and includes a battery attachment section to which a battery can be attached, thereby covering the battery attached to the battery attachment section, the cover member having a first cover supported on the battery attachment/detachment section and a second cover rotatably connected to the first cover via a connection section, the connection section being configured to be located on the opposite side of the battery attachment/detachment section relative to the battery.

10...electric cutting machine (work machine), 20...housing, 22...front housing portion (motor housing portion), 22A...mounting hole, 24...handle portion, 26...handle reinforcement portion, 28...battery mounting portion (battery mounting portion), 28E...rail portion, 28F...contact portion, 34...battery (cell), 34C...cooling hole, 41...motor, 50...blade (saw blade), 70...cover unit (cover member), 71...lower cover (first cover), 71D...rail groove, 72...upper cover (second cover), 75...locking mechanism, 78...lock arm, 78A...arm engagement portion, 78B...arm fulcrum portion, 80...protector portion, 81...outer wall portion (cover side wall portion), 82...inner wall portion (battery side wall portion), 83...connecting rib, 90...buffer member, 91...base portion, 92...contact portion, 100...chain vice (vice), 102...mounting shaft

Claims (17)

a housing that houses a motor and has a battery mounting portion into which a battery can be mounted;
a cover member for covering the battery attached to the battery attachment portion;
Equipped with
The cover member includes a first cover that is configured separately from the housing and is detachably fixed to the battery mounting portion, and a second cover that is rotatably connected to the first cover via a connecting portion.
a locking mechanism provided on the second cover, the locking mechanism being configured to engage with the housing and to fix the second cover to the battery mounting portion;
having
When the direction in which the battery is attached to the battery attachment portion is defined as the attachment direction, the second cover is movable between a closed position in which it is fixed to the battery attachment portion and covers the side of the battery opposite the attachment direction, and an open position in which it is released from the battery attachment portion and can be rotated a predetermined angle around the connection portion from the closed position to enable the battery to be attached and detached from the battery attachment portion. the battery mounting section has a pair of rails extending in the mounting direction to support the battery,
The pair of rails are spaced apart from each other in a predetermined direction,
The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the second cover is rotatable relative to the first cover about an axis extending in the predetermined direction. the battery mounting portion is provided with an abutment portion that abuts against the second cover in a rotation direction of the second cover,
the battery mounting section is configured so that the battery can be mounted by sliding it in the mounting direction;
A work machine as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, when the battery is held in the battery mounting portion and the second cover is fixed to the battery mounting portion, a first distance is defined as a distance from the connection portion to the end of the battery on the side opposite the mounting direction, and a second distance is defined as a distance from the connection portion to the abutted portion, and the second distance is greater than or equal to the first distance. The work machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to fix the second cover to the housing while biasing the second cover so as to press the second cover against the housing. The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the connection portion is provided on a side of the battery opposite to the battery mounting portion. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the housing is provided with a mounting hole formed along the left-right direction and configured to allow the mounting shaft of the vise to be inserted. a rail portion extending in an assembly direction of the first cover is formed on one of the first cover and the housing,
2. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the other of the first cover and the housing is formed with a rail groove into which the rail portion is inserted and which engages with the rail portion. The working machine according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the housing is provided with a protector portion that covers the side surface of the battery facing the mounting direction, and the protector portion is disposed between the first cover fixed to the housing and the battery. The work machine according to claim 8, wherein the protector portion is integrally formed with the housing. The work machine according to claim 8 , wherein the protector portion is formed in a flat shape with a thickness direction in a direction facing the battery. The protector portion includes:
a battery side wall portion disposed opposite the battery with the opposing direction being a plate thickness direction;
a cover side wall portion disposed opposite the first cover, the opposite direction being a plate thickness direction;
a connecting rib connecting the battery side wall portion and the cover side wall portion;
The work machine according to claim 10, comprising: The work machine according to claim 11, wherein the thickness of the cover side wall portion is set to be thicker than the thickness of the battery side wall portion. 9. The work machine according to claim 8 , wherein the protector portion is provided with an elastic shock-absorbing member, the shock-absorbing member being in contact with the battery. The buffer member is
A base portion extending in the left-right direction and attached to the protector portion;
a contact portion provided at each end of the base portion in the longitudinal direction, the contact portion protruding toward the battery and contacting the battery;
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a computer-implemented ...
a cooling hole is formed in a portion of the battery facing the protector portion,
The work machine according to claim 13, wherein the cooling hole is disposed between the abutment portions at both longitudinal ends of the buffer member. The housing includes:
a motor housing portion that houses the motor;
a handle portion connecting the motor housing portion and the battery mounting portion;
a handle reinforcement portion disposed below the handle portion and connecting the motor housing portion and the battery attachment portion;
The work machine according to claim 1 , further comprising: The work machine according to claim 1, wherein when the battery is attached to the battery attachment section and the second cover is fixed to the battery attachment section, the battery is disposed inside a space enclosed by the first cover, the second cover, and the battery attachment section. the battery is provided with an operating portion that is operated when removing the battery from the battery attachment portion,
The work machine according to claim 1 , wherein the operating portion is covered by the cover member so as not to be exposed when the second cover is in the closed position, and at least half of the operating area is exposed when the second cover is in the open position.

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