EP2708329B1 - Power tool - Google Patents

Power tool Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2708329B1
EP2708329B1 EP13183461.6A EP13183461A EP2708329B1 EP 2708329 B1 EP2708329 B1 EP 2708329B1 EP 13183461 A EP13183461 A EP 13183461A EP 2708329 B1 EP2708329 B1 EP 2708329B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
control unit
speed reduction
reduction ratio
shifting member
gear shift
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP13183461.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2708329A1 (en
Inventor
Norihiro Iwamura
Hiroshi Matsumoto
Masaki Ikeda
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Panasonic Corp
Original Assignee
Panasonic Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Panasonic Corp filed Critical Panasonic Corp
Publication of EP2708329A1 publication Critical patent/EP2708329A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2708329B1 publication Critical patent/EP2708329B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25FCOMBINATION OR MULTI-PURPOSE TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DETAILS OR COMPONENTS OF PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS NOT PARTICULARLY RELATED TO THE OPERATIONS PERFORMED AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B25F5/00Details or components of portable power-driven tools not particularly related to the operations performed and not otherwise provided for
    • B25F5/001Gearings, speed selectors, clutches or the like specially adapted for rotary tools

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a power tool.
  • Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2012-30347 describes an example of a power tool including a power transmission unit and a control unit.
  • the power transmission unit reduces the rotation speed related to the rotational power produced by a motor.
  • the control unit controls the power transmission unit to automatically shift the speed reduction ratio of the power transmission unit.
  • the power tool includes an output shaft and a tip tool (bit), which is coupled to the output shaft.
  • the power tool detects the load torque applied to the output shaft and provides a gear shift actuator with a control signal for shifting the speed reduction ratio of the power transmission unit based on the detected load torque.
  • the control unit stops outputting the control signal and stops the gear shift actuator.
  • the gear shift actuator stops operating after shifting the speed reduction ratio. This may result in deviation of the speed reduction ratio from the predetermined value due to displacement of a gear caused by operational vibration or wear of mechanical components. The displacement caused by inertial rotation until the motor of the actuator completely stops may also result in deviation of the speed reduction ratio from the predetermined value.
  • One aspect of the present invention is a power tool including a motor and a power transmission unit that reduces a rotation speed related to rotational power of the motor in accordance with a speed reduction ratio that can be shifted and transmits the rotational power to an output shaft of the power tool.
  • the power transmission unit includes a shifting member that is moved to shift the speed reduction ratio.
  • a gear shift actuator moves the shifting member to shift the speed reduction ratio of the power transmission unit.
  • a position detector detects a position of the shifting member and generates a detection signal.
  • a torque detector detects a load torque applied to the output shaft.
  • a control unit controls the gear shift actuator to shift the speed reduction ratio of the power transmission unit in accordance with the load torque detected by the torque detector.
  • the control unit after shifting the speed reduction ratio, determines with the detection signal generated by the position detector whether or not the shifting member is located at a target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio. When determining that the shifting member is not located at the target position, the control unit controls the gear shift actuator to move the shifting member to the target position.
  • the control unit determines with the detection signal generated by the position detector that the shifting member is not located at the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio, the control unit controls the gear shift actuator to move the shifting member to the target position while decreasing an operational speed of the gear shift actuator.
  • the control unit controls the gear shift actuator to move the shifting member to the target position.
  • the control unit stops driving the gear shift actuator.
  • the control unit determines with the detection signal generated by the position detector that the shifting member is not located at the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio, controls the gear shift actuator to move the shifting member further away from the target position and then move the shifting member to the target position.
  • the position detector detects the position of the shifting member and generates the detection signal in predetermined cycles.
  • the control unit when controlling the gear shift actuator to move the shifting member, varies a speed at which the gear shift actuator moves the shifting member in accordance with the position of the shifting member using the detection signal generated by the position detector.
  • the present invention provides a power tool that suppresses unexpected changes in the speed reduction ratio.
  • a power tool 10 of the present embodiment is used as, for example, a drill driver and includes a main body 11 and a battery pack 12, which is attached to the main body 11 in a removable manner.
  • the main body 11 includes a motor 21, which is driven when supplied with electric power from the battery pack 12, a power transmission unit 22, which reduces the rotation speed related to the rotational power from the motor 21, and a control unit 23, which controls the power tool 10.
  • the battery pack 12 includes a rechargeable battery formed by a plurality of battery cells (e.g., lithium-ion cells).
  • the motor 21 includes a rotation shaft 24.
  • the power transmission unit 22 reduces the rotation speed related to the rotational power obtained from the motor 21 and transmits the rotational power to an output shaft 25.
  • the power transmission unit 22 includes two gears, namely, an H gear and an L gear, and a ring gear RG (refer to Fig. 2 ), which serves as a shifting member.
  • the ring gear RG is moved in the axial direction of the output shaft 25 and engaged with one of the two gears. This allows for the speed reduction ratio to be shifted between two steps.
  • the ring gear RG is engaged with the H gear at a first engagement position.
  • the power tool 10 operates in a mode in which the rotation speed is high and the torque is low.
  • the power tool 10 operates in a mode in which the rotation speed is low and the torque is high.
  • the power transmission unit 22 switches operation modes from the high rotation speed-low torque mode in which the speed reduction ratio is low to the low rotation speed-high torque mode in which the speed reduction ratio is high.
  • the power transmission unit 22 switches operation modes from the low rotation speed-high torque mode in which the speed reduction ratio is high to the high rotation speed-low torque mode in which the speed reduction ratio is low.
  • a tip tool 26 (bit) is coupled to the tip of the output shaft 25. Accordingly, the tip tool 26 is rotated together with the output shaft 25 when the power transmission unit 22 transmits the rotational power from the motor 21 to the output shaft 25.
  • the power tool 10 includes a gear shift actuator 27 that shifts the speed reduction ratio by moving the ring gear RG of the power transmission unit 22.
  • the gear shift actuator 27 includes a gear shift motor 27a, a speed reduction unit 27b, and an output unit 27c.
  • the gear shift motor 27a produces rotation in forward and reverse directions.
  • the speed reduction unit 27b reduces the rotation speed related to the drive power produced by the gear shift motor 27a.
  • the output unit 27c is rotated by the drive power transmitted by the speed reduction unit 27b.
  • the output unit 27c is an output gear as shown in Fig. 3 and is engaged with a cam 30 of the power transmission unit 22.
  • the cam 30 includes a main body 31 and an engagement block 35.
  • the main body 31 is arcuate and extends along the outer surface of the ring gear RG.
  • the engagement block 35 projects in the radial direction from the main body 31 toward the outer side.
  • the main body 31 includes cam holes 31a and 31b extending in the circumferential direction near the two ends of the main body 31.
  • the cams holes 31a and 31b each include first and second holding portions 32a and 32b, which are separated from each other in the axial direction of the output shaft 25 and in the circumferential direction of the main body 31, and a connection portion 32c, which connects the first and second holding portions 32a and 32b.
  • the engagement block 35 includes an arcuate surface forming a rack 35a that is engaged with the output unit 27c.
  • the power transmission unit 22 includes a gear case 22a that accommodates the cylindrical ring gear RG.
  • the gear case 22a includes an outer wall that is opposed to and spaced apart by a predetermined distance from an inner surface of the main body 31 of the cam 30.
  • a groove RGa extends along the outer surface of the ring gear RG in the circumferential direction.
  • the ring gear RG includes a support member 51 that is fitted into the groove RGa and movable relative to the ring gear RG.
  • the support member 51 includes a semi-arcuate support body 52, which extends along the outer surface of the ring gear RG, and two insertion pins 53a and 53b, which extend straight toward the outer side in the radial direction from the two ends of the support body 52.
  • the gear case 22a includes two insertion holes 22b. The insertion pins 53a and 53b of the support member 51 are received in two insertion holes 22b of the gear case 22a and the two cam holes 31 a and 31 b of the cam 30.
  • the insertion pin 53a of the support member 51 is arranged at the second holding portion 32b in the cam hole 31a, and the insertion pin 53b of the support member 51 is arranged at the second holding portion 32b in the cam hole 31 b.
  • the ring gear RG is arranged at the second engagement position (front engagement position indicated by the broken lines in Fig. 2 ) and the speed reduction ratio is set at the low rotation speed mode.
  • the cam 30 is pivoted in the counterclockwise direction.
  • the teeth at the other side of the rack 35a of the cam 30 become engaged with the output unit 27c.
  • the insertion pin 53a of the support member 51 is arranged at the first holding portion 32a in the cam hole 31 a
  • the insertion pin 53b of the support member 51 is arranged at the first holding portion 32a in the cam hole 31 b.
  • the ring gear RG is moved by the pivoting of the cam 30 from the second engagement position to the first engagement position (rear engagement position indicated by the broken lines in Fig. 2 ) and the speed reduction ratio is shifted from the low rotation speed mode to the high rotation speed mode.
  • the gear shift actuator 27 includes a position detector 27d that detects the rotated amount of the output unit 27c.
  • the position detector 27d has a resistance that changes in accordance with the rotation angle (rotation amount) of the output unit 27c. Based on changes in the resistance, the position detector 27d detects the position of the ring gear RG with respect to the movement direction (axial direction of the output shaft 25).
  • the gear shift actuator 27 is supplied with electric power from a gear shift driver 28 that is controlled by the control unit 23.
  • the gear shift actuator 27 shifts the gears of the power transmission unit 22 under the control of the control unit 23 via the gear shift driver 28. Further, the control unit 23 runs on voltage-regulated electric power supplied from the battery pack 12.
  • the gear shift driver 28 is formed by, for example, an H-bridge circuit using a switching element (e.g., FET).
  • the control unit 23 provides the gear shift driver 28 with a control signal. Based on the control signal, the gear shift driver 28 controls the rotational direction of the motor in the gear shift actuator 27 and performs PWM control on the electric power supplied to the gear shift actuator 27.
  • the power tool 10 includes a switching drive circuit 29 that is connected to the control unit 23 and formed by, for example, an H-bridge circuit using a switching element (e.g., FET).
  • the switching drive circuit 29 supplies the motor 21 with electric power to drive and generate rotation with the motor 21.
  • the control unit 23 performs PWM control on the switching drive circuit 29 and controls the electric power supplied to the motor 21 from the battery pack 12. In other words, the control unit 23 controls the electric power supplied to the motor 21 via the switching drive circuit 29. This controls the rotation speed of the motor 21.
  • the power tool 10 includes a trigger switch Tr that may be operated by a user.
  • the trigger switch Tr is activated and deactivated to start and stop the motor 21. Further, the trigger switch Tr provides the control unit 23 with an output signal that is in accordance with the operation amount of the trigger switch Tr (pulled amount of trigger).
  • the control unit 23 controls the electric power supplied to the motor 21 from the switching drive circuit 29 based on the output signal from the trigger switch Tr to start and stop the motor 21 and adjust the rotation speed of the motor 21.
  • the power tool 10 includes a current detector 41 arranged between the switching drive circuit 29 and the motor 21 to detect the drive current supplied to the motor 21.
  • the current detector 41 includes a detection resistor 42 and an amplification circuit 43 (operational amplifier).
  • the detection resistor 42 is connected between the switching drive circuit 29 and the motor 21.
  • the amplification circuit 43 amplifies the voltage across the terminals of the detection resistor 42 to generate a detection signal provided to the control unit 23.
  • the current detector 41 provides the control unit 23 with detection signals in predetermined sampling cycles.
  • the control unit 23 detects the drive current based on detection signals from the current detector 41.
  • control unit 23 detects the load torque applied to the output shaft 25 (tip tool 26) based on the detected drive current and the gear to which the power transmission unit 22 is shifted when the drive current is detected.
  • the control unit 23 also detects locking of the motor 21 based on the detected load torque and controls the motor 21 in accordance with the detection.
  • the power tool 10 includes a rotation detector 61 arranged on the rotation shaft 24 of the motor 21 to detect the rotation speed of the motor 21.
  • the rotation detector 61 includes a sensor magnet 62, which is provided with magnetic poles and fixed to and rotated integrally with the rotation shaft 24, and a Hall element 63, which is arranged opposing the sensor magnet 62.
  • the Hall element 63 provides the control unit 23 with a detection signal corresponding to changes in the magnetic flux based on the rotation of the sensor magnet 62.
  • the control unit 23 detects the rotation speed of the motor 21 based on the detection signal from the rotation detector 61.
  • the control unit 23 also detects locking of the motor 21 from changes in the rotation speed.
  • the control unit 23 controls the gear shift actuator 27 and automatically shifts the gears of the power transmission unit 22 based on the load torque detected by the control unit 23.
  • the speed reduction mechanism of the power transmission unit 22 is, for example, a planetary gear speed reduction mechanism that includes a sun gear rotated about the rotation shaft 24 of the motor 21, planet gears engaged with the sun gear, and the ring gear RG engaged with the planet gears.
  • the gear shift actuator 27 moves the ring gear RG to change the planet gear engaged with the ring gear RG. This controls the gear of the power transmission unit 22.
  • the control unit 23 determines whether or not the gear shift actuator 27 has moved the ring gear RG to the correct position based on the detection signal from the position detector 27d and controls the gear shift actuator 27 accordingly.
  • the control unit 23 When the user pulls the trigger switch Tr, the control unit 23 is provided with an output signal that is in accordance with the pulled amount.
  • the control unit 23 controls the switching drive circuit 29 based on the output signal from the trigger switch Tr to start and stop the motor 21 and control the rotation speed of the motor 21.
  • the power transmission unit 22 reduces the rotation speed related to the rotational power from the motor 21 and transmits the rotational power to the output shaft 25 to rotate the tip tool 26.
  • the control unit 23 shifts the gears of the power transmission unit 22 to the H gear or the L gear in accordance with the load torque. In this case, the H gear is selected in the power transmission unit 22 when the load torque is relatively low to drive the tip tool 26 at a high rotation speed with a low torque.
  • the H gear is selected in the power transmission unit 22.
  • the L gear is selected in the power transmission unit 22. This drives the tip tool 26 at a low rotation speed with a high torque. Further, the control unit 23 determines whether or not locking of the motor 21 is occurring based on the detection signals from the rotation detector 61 and the current detector 41 and stops the motor 21 when detecting locking.
  • the control unit 23 drives the gear shift actuator 27 to pivot the cam 30 and move the ring gear RG.
  • the ring gear RG switches from the H gear to the L gear and shifts the speed reduction ratio.
  • the control unit 23 stops the motor 27a of the gear shift actuator 27 and ends the gear shifting operation.
  • the gear shift motor 27a of the present embodiment does not include a braking function, which is a function that immediately stops the motor with a regenerative diode when the power supply is cut.
  • the gear shift motor 27a continues inertial rotation after the power supply is cut.
  • the inertial rotation continuously pivots the cam 30.
  • the pivoting of the cam 30 causes the second holding portions 32b of the cam 30 to strike the insertion pins 53a and 53b of the support member 51.
  • the striking may result in a reaction that pivots the cam 30 in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (time t2).
  • operational vibration may displace the cam 30 (gear shift cam plate) from a predetermined position.
  • the control unit 23 drives the motor 27a of the gear shift actuator 27 and pivots the cam 30 to move the ring gear RG to the predetermined position (time t4).
  • the control unit 23 changes the duty ratio of the motor 27a in the gear shift actuator 27 so that the rotation produced by the motor 27a is slower than that for a normal gear shifting operation.
  • control unit 23 pivots the cam 30 and determines from the detection signal of the position detector 27d that the output unit 27c (ring gear RG) has reached the target position, the control unit 23 stops driving the motor 27a of the gear shift actuator 27 and ends the control of the gear shift actuator 27.
  • the present embodiment has the advantages described below.
  • the control unit 23 determines with the detection signal of the position detector 27d that the cam 30 is not located at the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio (t5), the control unit 23 controls the gear shift actuator 27 (motor 27a) to move the ring gear RG to the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio. Then, after a predetermined time elapses (time t6), if the control unit 23 determines that the cam 30 is not located at the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio, the control unit 23 stops driving the gear shift actuator 27 (motor 27a). By performing such a control, the operation of the gear shift actuator 27 may be stopped without forcibly moving the ring gear RG to the target position. This reduces the risk of damaging the gear shift actuator 27 and the power transmission unit 22.
  • the control unit 23 may detect the position of the ring gear RG in predetermined cycles. In this manner, by detecting the position of the ring gear RG for a number of times, whenever the ring gear RG is separated from the target position, the ring gear RG may be moved to the target position.
  • control unit 23 determines with the detection signal of the position detector 27d that the cam 30 is not located at the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio, the control unit 23 moves the ring gear RG further away from the target position (time t7). Then, the control unit 23 controls the gear shift actuator 27 to move the ring gear RG to the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio (time t8).
  • the control unit 23 may use the detection signal of the position detector 27d to vary the speed at which the ring gear RG is moved in accordance with the position of the ring gear RG. For example, as shown in Fig. 8 , when gear shift conditions are satisfied at time t10, the control unit 23 drives the gear shift actuator 27 (motor 27a) and pivots the cam 30. The control unit 23 drives the motor 27a with a duty ratio of 100% until time t11. Then, the control unit 23 drives the motor 27a with a duty ratio of 60%. Then, the control unit 23 drives the motor 27a with a duty ratio of 40% until gear shifting is completed at time t14. When the gear shifting is completed (time t14), the control unit 23 stops driving the motor 27a.
  • control unit 23 gradually decreases the rotation speed of the motor 27a from when the gear shifting is started to decrease the movement speed of the ring gear RG.
  • Such a control decreases the amount the cam 30 is moved in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction by the reaction produced when the cam 30 strikes the support member 51 due to inertia.
  • the ring gear RG after shifting from the H gear to the L gear (after shifting the speed reduction gear), when the position of the ring gear RG is detected and the cam 30 is not located at the second engagement position that is the target position, the ring gear RG is moved to the second engagement position.
  • the ring gear RG may be moved to the first engagement position.
  • the power transmission unit 22 shifts to two speed reduction ratios. Instead, the power transmission unit 22 may shift to three or more speed reduction ratios.
  • the gear shift actuator 27 is a motor actuator.
  • the gear shift actuator 27 does not have to use a motor as a drive source and may use a solenoid or the like instead.
  • motor locking is detected.
  • this detection may be omitted.
  • the power tool 10 is embodied in a drill driver but may be embodied in a different type of power tool such as an impact driver, an impact wrench, a hammer drill, a vibration drill, a jigsaw, and a sealing gun.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Portable Power Tools In General (AREA)
  • Structure Of Transmissions (AREA)

Description

  • The present invention relates to a power tool.
  • Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2012-30347 describes an example of a power tool including a power transmission unit and a control unit. The power transmission unit reduces the rotation speed related to the rotational power produced by a motor. The control unit controls the power transmission unit to automatically shift the speed reduction ratio of the power transmission unit.
  • The power tool includes an output shaft and a tip tool (bit), which is coupled to the output shaft. The power tool detects the load torque applied to the output shaft and provides a gear shift actuator with a control signal for shifting the speed reduction ratio of the power transmission unit based on the detected load torque. When the speed reduction ratio is shifted to a predetermined value by the gear shift actuator, the control unit stops outputting the control signal and stops the gear shift actuator.
  • In such a power tool, the gear shift actuator stops operating after shifting the speed reduction ratio. This may result in deviation of the speed reduction ratio from the predetermined value due to displacement of a gear caused by operational vibration or wear of mechanical components. The displacement caused by inertial rotation until the motor of the actuator completely stops may also result in deviation of the speed reduction ratio from the predetermined value.
  • It is an object of the present invention to provide a power tool that suppresses unexpected changes in the speed reduction ratio.
  • One aspect of the present invention is a power tool including a motor and a power transmission unit that reduces a rotation speed related to rotational power of the motor in accordance with a speed reduction ratio that can be shifted and transmits the rotational power to an output shaft of the power tool. The power transmission unit includes a shifting member that is moved to shift the speed reduction ratio. A gear shift actuator moves the shifting member to shift the speed reduction ratio of the power transmission unit. A position detector detects a position of the shifting member and generates a detection signal. A torque detector detects a load torque applied to the output shaft. A control unit controls the gear shift actuator to shift the speed reduction ratio of the power transmission unit in accordance with the load torque detected by the torque detector. The control unit, after shifting the speed reduction ratio, determines with the detection signal generated by the position detector whether or not the shifting member is located at a target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio. When determining that the shifting member is not located at the target position, the control unit controls the gear shift actuator to move the shifting member to the target position.
  • Preferably, in the above structure, when the control unit determines with the detection signal generated by the position detector that the shifting member is not located at the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio, the control unit controls the gear shift actuator to move the shifting member to the target position while decreasing an operational speed of the gear shift actuator.
  • Preferably, in the above structure, after shifting the speed reduction ratio, when the control unit determines with the detection signal generated by the position detector that the shifting member is not located at the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio, the control unit controls the gear shift actuator to move the shifting member to the target position. After a predetermined time elapses, when the control unit determines that the shifting member is not located at the target position, the control unit stops driving the gear shift actuator.
  • Preferably, in the above structure, after shifting the speed reduction ratio, when the control unit determines with the detection signal generated by the position detector that the shifting member is not located at the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio, the control unit controls the gear shift actuator to move the shifting member further away from the target position and then move the shifting member to the target position.
  • Preferably, in the above structure, the position detector detects the position of the shifting member and generates the detection signal in predetermined cycles.
  • Preferably, in the above structure, when controlling the gear shift actuator to move the shifting member, the control unit varies a speed at which the gear shift actuator moves the shifting member in accordance with the position of the shifting member using the detection signal generated by the position detector.
  • The present invention provides a power tool that suppresses unexpected changes in the speed reduction ratio.
    • Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power tool according to one embodiment;
    • Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the power tool shown in Fig. 1;
    • Fig. 3 is a plan view of an automatic gear shift device in the power tool of Fig. 1;
    • Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the power tool shown in Fig. 1;
    • Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a modified power tool;
    • Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a modified power tool;
    • Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a modified power tool; and
    • Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a modified power tool.
  • Referring to Fig. 1, a power tool 10 of the present embodiment is used as, for example, a drill driver and includes a main body 11 and a battery pack 12, which is attached to the main body 11 in a removable manner. The main body 11 includes a motor 21, which is driven when supplied with electric power from the battery pack 12, a power transmission unit 22, which reduces the rotation speed related to the rotational power from the motor 21, and a control unit 23, which controls the power tool 10. The battery pack 12 includes a rechargeable battery formed by a plurality of battery cells (e.g., lithium-ion cells).
  • The motor 21 includes a rotation shaft 24. The power transmission unit 22, which includes a speed reduction mechanism and a clutch mechanism, is coupled to the rotation shaft 24. The power transmission unit 22 reduces the rotation speed related to the rotational power obtained from the motor 21 and transmits the rotational power to an output shaft 25. The power transmission unit 22 includes two gears, namely, an H gear and an L gear, and a ring gear RG (refer to Fig. 2), which serves as a shifting member. The ring gear RG is moved in the axial direction of the output shaft 25 and engaged with one of the two gears. This allows for the speed reduction ratio to be shifted between two steps. In the present embodiment, the ring gear RG is engaged with the H gear at a first engagement position. Fig. 2 shows two engagement positions indicated by broken lines, and the first engagement position is the rear one. When the ring gear RG is located at the first engagement position, the speed reduction ratio is relatively low. Thus, the power tool 10 operates in a mode in which the rotation speed is high and the torque is low.
  • Further, when the ring gear RG is moved away from the first engagement position toward the front, the ring gear RG is disengaged from the H gear. As the ring gear RG moves to a second engagement position, which is the front engagement position indicated by the broken lines, the ring gear RG is engaged with the L gear. When the ring gear RG is located at the second engagement position, the speed reduction ratio is relatively high. Thus, the power tool 10 operates in a mode in which the rotation speed is low and the torque is high.
  • In this manner, when the ring gear RG moves from the first engagement position to the second engagement position, the power transmission unit 22 switches operation modes from the high rotation speed-low torque mode in which the speed reduction ratio is low to the low rotation speed-high torque mode in which the speed reduction ratio is high. In contrast, when the ring gear RG moves from the second engagement position to the first engagement position, the power transmission unit 22 switches operation modes from the low rotation speed-high torque mode in which the speed reduction ratio is high to the high rotation speed-low torque mode in which the speed reduction ratio is low.
  • A tip tool 26 (bit) is coupled to the tip of the output shaft 25. Accordingly, the tip tool 26 is rotated together with the output shaft 25 when the power transmission unit 22 transmits the rotational power from the motor 21 to the output shaft 25.
  • The power tool 10 includes a gear shift actuator 27 that shifts the speed reduction ratio by moving the ring gear RG of the power transmission unit 22. The gear shift actuator 27 includes a gear shift motor 27a, a speed reduction unit 27b, and an output unit 27c. The gear shift motor 27a produces rotation in forward and reverse directions. The speed reduction unit 27b reduces the rotation speed related to the drive power produced by the gear shift motor 27a. The output unit 27c is rotated by the drive power transmitted by the speed reduction unit 27b. The output unit 27c is an output gear as shown in Fig. 3 and is engaged with a cam 30 of the power transmission unit 22. The cam 30 includes a main body 31 and an engagement block 35. The main body 31 is arcuate and extends along the outer surface of the ring gear RG. The engagement block 35 projects in the radial direction from the main body 31 toward the outer side.
  • The main body 31 includes cam holes 31a and 31b extending in the circumferential direction near the two ends of the main body 31. The cams holes 31a and 31b each include first and second holding portions 32a and 32b, which are separated from each other in the axial direction of the output shaft 25 and in the circumferential direction of the main body 31, and a connection portion 32c, which connects the first and second holding portions 32a and 32b. The engagement block 35 includes an arcuate surface forming a rack 35a that is engaged with the output unit 27c.
  • As shown in Fig. 3, the power transmission unit 22 includes a gear case 22a that accommodates the cylindrical ring gear RG. The gear case 22a includes an outer wall that is opposed to and spaced apart by a predetermined distance from an inner surface of the main body 31 of the cam 30. A groove RGa extends along the outer surface of the ring gear RG in the circumferential direction. The ring gear RG includes a support member 51 that is fitted into the groove RGa and movable relative to the ring gear RG.
  • The support member 51 includes a semi-arcuate support body 52, which extends along the outer surface of the ring gear RG, and two insertion pins 53a and 53b, which extend straight toward the outer side in the radial direction from the two ends of the support body 52. The gear case 22a includes two insertion holes 22b. The insertion pins 53a and 53b of the support member 51 are received in two insertion holes 22b of the gear case 22a and the two cam holes 31 a and 31 b of the cam 30.
  • As shown in Fig. 3, when the output unit 27c is engaged with the teeth at one end of the rack 35a (right end as viewed in the drawing), the insertion pin 53a of the support member 51 is arranged at the second holding portion 32b in the cam hole 31a, and the insertion pin 53b of the support member 51 is arranged at the second holding portion 32b in the cam hole 31 b. Under this situation, the ring gear RG is arranged at the second engagement position (front engagement position indicated by the broken lines in Fig. 2) and the speed reduction ratio is set at the low rotation speed mode.
  • When the output unit 27c is rotated in the clockwise direction at the location shown in Fig. 3, the cam 30 is pivoted in the counterclockwise direction. When the output unit 27c is rotated by a predetermined rotation angle α1, the teeth at the other side of the rack 35a of the cam 30 become engaged with the output unit 27c. Here, the insertion pin 53a of the support member 51 is arranged at the first holding portion 32a in the cam hole 31 a, and the insertion pin 53b of the support member 51 is arranged at the first holding portion 32a in the cam hole 31 b. Further, the ring gear RG is moved by the pivoting of the cam 30 from the second engagement position to the first engagement position (rear engagement position indicated by the broken lines in Fig. 2) and the speed reduction ratio is shifted from the low rotation speed mode to the high rotation speed mode.
  • The gear shift actuator 27 includes a position detector 27d that detects the rotated amount of the output unit 27c. The position detector 27d has a resistance that changes in accordance with the rotation angle (rotation amount) of the output unit 27c. Based on changes in the resistance, the position detector 27d detects the position of the ring gear RG with respect to the movement direction (axial direction of the output shaft 25).
  • The gear shift actuator 27 is supplied with electric power from a gear shift driver 28 that is controlled by the control unit 23. The gear shift actuator 27 shifts the gears of the power transmission unit 22 under the control of the control unit 23 via the gear shift driver 28. Further, the control unit 23 runs on voltage-regulated electric power supplied from the battery pack 12. The gear shift driver 28 is formed by, for example, an H-bridge circuit using a switching element (e.g., FET). The control unit 23 provides the gear shift driver 28 with a control signal. Based on the control signal, the gear shift driver 28 controls the rotational direction of the motor in the gear shift actuator 27 and performs PWM control on the electric power supplied to the gear shift actuator 27.
  • As shown in Fig. 1, the power tool 10 includes a switching drive circuit 29 that is connected to the control unit 23 and formed by, for example, an H-bridge circuit using a switching element (e.g., FET). The switching drive circuit 29 supplies the motor 21 with electric power to drive and generate rotation with the motor 21. The control unit 23 performs PWM control on the switching drive circuit 29 and controls the electric power supplied to the motor 21 from the battery pack 12. In other words, the control unit 23 controls the electric power supplied to the motor 21 via the switching drive circuit 29. This controls the rotation speed of the motor 21.
  • The power tool 10 includes a trigger switch Tr that may be operated by a user. The trigger switch Tr is activated and deactivated to start and stop the motor 21. Further, the trigger switch Tr provides the control unit 23 with an output signal that is in accordance with the operation amount of the trigger switch Tr (pulled amount of trigger). The control unit 23 controls the electric power supplied to the motor 21 from the switching drive circuit 29 based on the output signal from the trigger switch Tr to start and stop the motor 21 and adjust the rotation speed of the motor 21.
  • The power tool 10 includes a current detector 41 arranged between the switching drive circuit 29 and the motor 21 to detect the drive current supplied to the motor 21. The current detector 41 includes a detection resistor 42 and an amplification circuit 43 (operational amplifier). The detection resistor 42 is connected between the switching drive circuit 29 and the motor 21. The amplification circuit 43 amplifies the voltage across the terminals of the detection resistor 42 to generate a detection signal provided to the control unit 23. The current detector 41 provides the control unit 23 with detection signals in predetermined sampling cycles. The control unit 23 detects the drive current based on detection signals from the current detector 41. Further, the control unit 23 detects the load torque applied to the output shaft 25 (tip tool 26) based on the detected drive current and the gear to which the power transmission unit 22 is shifted when the drive current is detected. The control unit 23 also detects locking of the motor 21 based on the detected load torque and controls the motor 21 in accordance with the detection.
  • Preferably, the power tool 10 includes a rotation detector 61 arranged on the rotation shaft 24 of the motor 21 to detect the rotation speed of the motor 21. The rotation detector 61 includes a sensor magnet 62, which is provided with magnetic poles and fixed to and rotated integrally with the rotation shaft 24, and a Hall element 63, which is arranged opposing the sensor magnet 62. The Hall element 63 provides the control unit 23 with a detection signal corresponding to changes in the magnetic flux based on the rotation of the sensor magnet 62. The control unit 23 detects the rotation speed of the motor 21 based on the detection signal from the rotation detector 61. The control unit 23 also detects locking of the motor 21 from changes in the rotation speed.
  • In the power tool 10, the control unit 23 controls the gear shift actuator 27 and automatically shifts the gears of the power transmission unit 22 based on the load torque detected by the control unit 23. The speed reduction mechanism of the power transmission unit 22 is, for example, a planetary gear speed reduction mechanism that includes a sun gear rotated about the rotation shaft 24 of the motor 21, planet gears engaged with the sun gear, and the ring gear RG engaged with the planet gears. The gear shift actuator 27 moves the ring gear RG to change the planet gear engaged with the ring gear RG. This controls the gear of the power transmission unit 22. The control unit 23 determines whether or not the gear shift actuator 27 has moved the ring gear RG to the correct position based on the detection signal from the position detector 27d and controls the gear shift actuator 27 accordingly.
  • When the user pulls the trigger switch Tr, the control unit 23 is provided with an output signal that is in accordance with the pulled amount. The control unit 23 controls the switching drive circuit 29 based on the output signal from the trigger switch Tr to start and stop the motor 21 and control the rotation speed of the motor 21. The power transmission unit 22 reduces the rotation speed related to the rotational power from the motor 21 and transmits the rotational power to the output shaft 25 to rotate the tip tool 26. The control unit 23 shifts the gears of the power transmission unit 22 to the H gear or the L gear in accordance with the load torque. In this case, the H gear is selected in the power transmission unit 22 when the load torque is relatively low to drive the tip tool 26 at a high rotation speed with a low torque. When the power tool 10 is activated, the H gear is selected in the power transmission unit 22. When the load torque increases and exceeds a predetermined torque, the L gear is selected in the power transmission unit 22. This drives the tip tool 26 at a low rotation speed with a high torque. Further, the control unit 23 determines whether or not locking of the motor 21 is occurring based on the detection signals from the rotation detector 61 and the current detector 41 and stops the motor 21 when detecting locking.
  • An example of the operation for shifting gears (speed reduction ratios) in the power tool 10 will now be described.
  • Referring to Figs. 1 to 4, when gear shifting conditions are satisfied at time t0, the control unit 23 drives the gear shift actuator 27 to pivot the cam 30 and move the ring gear RG. As a result, the ring gear RG switches from the H gear to the L gear and shifts the speed reduction ratio. Then, at time t1, when the control unit 23 determines that the output unit 27c has been rotated by the predetermined rotation angle α1 and that the output unit 27c has reached the target position based on the detection signal of the position detector 27d, the control unit 23 stops the motor 27a of the gear shift actuator 27 and ends the gear shifting operation.
  • The gear shift motor 27a of the present embodiment does not include a braking function, which is a function that immediately stops the motor with a regenerative diode when the power supply is cut. Thus, the gear shift motor 27a continues inertial rotation after the power supply is cut. The inertial rotation continuously pivots the cam 30. The pivoting of the cam 30 causes the second holding portions 32b of the cam 30 to strike the insertion pins 53a and 53b of the support member 51. The striking may result in a reaction that pivots the cam 30 in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (time t2). Further, for example, operational vibration may displace the cam 30 (gear shift cam plate) from a predetermined position.
  • Thus, at time t3, when a predetermined time elapses from when the gear shifting operation ends (time t1) and the control unit 23 determines from the detection signal of the position detector 27d that the cam 30 is not located at the predetermined position, the control unit 23 drives the motor 27a of the gear shift actuator 27 and pivots the cam 30 to move the ring gear RG to the predetermined position (time t4). In this case, the control unit 23 changes the duty ratio of the motor 27a in the gear shift actuator 27 so that the rotation produced by the motor 27a is slower than that for a normal gear shifting operation. Then, as the control unit 23 pivots the cam 30 and determines from the detection signal of the position detector 27d that the output unit 27c (ring gear RG) has reached the target position, the control unit 23 stops driving the motor 27a of the gear shift actuator 27 and ends the control of the gear shift actuator 27.
  • The present embodiment has the advantages described below.
    1. (1) The control unit 23 controls the gear shift actuator 27 to shift the speed reduction ratio of the power transmission unit 22 in accordance with the detected load torque. After shifting the speed reduction ratio, if the ring gear RG (cam 30 is not located at the target position (first engagement position or second engagement position) corresponding to the shifted speed reduction ratio, the control unit 23 pivots the cam 30 again with the gear shift actuator 27 to move the ring gear RG. Thus, after the speed reduction ratio is shifted, unexpected shifting of the speed reduction ratio may be suppressed.
    2. (2) When determining with the detection signal of the position detector 27d that the ring gear RG is not located at the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio, the gear shift actuator 27 is operated at an operation speed that is slower than normal to move the ring gear RG to the target position corresponding to the shifted speed reduction ratio. Thus, for example, after the power supply for the gear shift motor 27a is cut, the inertial rotation amount of the gear shift motor 27a may be compensated for even when there is no braking function. More specifically, when the second holding portions 32b of the cam 30 strikes against the insertion pins 53a and 53b of the support member 51, the reaction moves the cam 30 in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction by an amount that is compensated for.
  • It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Particularly, it should be understood that the present invention may be embodied in the following forms.
  • In the above embodiment, the control processes described below may be added.
  • Referring to Fig. 5, after shifting the speed reduction ratio, if the control unit 23 determines with the detection signal of the position detector 27d that the cam 30 is not located at the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio (t5), the control unit 23 controls the gear shift actuator 27 (motor 27a) to move the ring gear RG to the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio. Then, after a predetermined time elapses (time t6), if the control unit 23 determines that the cam 30 is not located at the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio, the control unit 23 stops driving the gear shift actuator 27 (motor 27a). By performing such a control, the operation of the gear shift actuator 27 may be stopped without forcibly moving the ring gear RG to the target position. This reduces the risk of damaging the gear shift actuator 27 and the power transmission unit 22.
  • Referring to Fig. 6, the control unit 23 may detect the position of the ring gear RG in predetermined cycles. In this manner, by detecting the position of the ring gear RG for a number of times, whenever the ring gear RG is separated from the target position, the ring gear RG may be moved to the target position.
  • Referring to Fig. 7, after shifting the speed reduction ratio, if the control unit 23 determines with the detection signal of the position detector 27d that the cam 30 is not located at the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio, the control unit 23 moves the ring gear RG further away from the target position (time t7). Then, the control unit 23 controls the gear shift actuator 27 to move the ring gear RG to the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio (time t8).
  • When moving the ring gear RG, the control unit 23 may use the detection signal of the position detector 27d to vary the speed at which the ring gear RG is moved in accordance with the position of the ring gear RG. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, when gear shift conditions are satisfied at time t10, the control unit 23 drives the gear shift actuator 27 (motor 27a) and pivots the cam 30. The control unit 23 drives the motor 27a with a duty ratio of 100% until time t11. Then, the control unit 23 drives the motor 27a with a duty ratio of 60%. Then, the control unit 23 drives the motor 27a with a duty ratio of 40% until gear shifting is completed at time t14. When the gear shifting is completed (time t14), the control unit 23 stops driving the motor 27a. In this manner, the control unit 23 gradually decreases the rotation speed of the motor 27a from when the gear shifting is started to decrease the movement speed of the ring gear RG. Such a control decreases the amount the cam 30 is moved in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction by the reaction produced when the cam 30 strikes the support member 51 due to inertia.
  • In the above embodiment, after shifting from the H gear to the L gear (after shifting the speed reduction gear), when the position of the ring gear RG is detected and the cam 30 is not located at the second engagement position that is the target position, the ring gear RG is moved to the second engagement position. However, there is no limit to such a control. For example, after shifting from the L gear to the H gear (after shifting the speed reduction gear), when the position of the ring gear RG is detected and the cam 30 is not located at the first engagement position that is the target position, the ring gear RG may be moved to the first engagement position.
  • In the above embodiment, the power transmission unit 22 shifts to two speed reduction ratios. Instead, the power transmission unit 22 may shift to three or more speed reduction ratios.
  • In the above embodiment, the gear shift actuator 27 is a motor actuator. However, the gear shift actuator 27 does not have to use a motor as a drive source and may use a solenoid or the like instead.
  • In the above embodiment, motor locking is detected. However, this detection may be omitted.
  • In the above embodiment, the power tool 10 is embodied in a drill driver but may be embodied in a different type of power tool such as an impact driver, an impact wrench, a hammer drill, a vibration drill, a jigsaw, and a sealing gun.
  • The present examples and embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (6)

  1. A power tool (10) characterized by comprising:
    a motor (21);
    a power transmission unit (22) that reduces a rotation speed related to rotational power of the motor (21) in accordance with a speed reduction ratio that can be shifted and transmits the rotational power to an output shaft (25) of the power tool (10), wherein the power transmission unit (22) includes a shifting member (RG) that is moved to shift the speed reduction ratio;
    a gear shift actuator (27) that moves the shifting member (RG) to shift the speed reduction ratio of the power transmission unit (22);
    a position detector (27d) that detects a position of the shifting member (RG) and generates a detection signal;
    a torque detector (41) that detects a load torque applied to the output shaft; and
    a control unit (23) that controls the gear shift actuator to shift the speed reduction ratio of the power transmission unit in accordance with the load torque detected by the torque detector (41),
    wherein the control unit, after shifting the speed reduction ratio, determines with the detection signal generated by the position detector (27d) whether or not the shifting member (RG) is located at a target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio; and
    when determining that the shifting member (RG) is not located at the target position, the control unit (23) controls the gear shift actuator to move the shifting member (RG) to the target position.
  2. The power tool according to claim 1, being characterized in that:
    when the control unit (23) determines with the detection signal generated by the position detector (27d) that the shifting member (RG) is not located at the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio, the control unit (23) controls the gear shift actuator (27) to move the shifting member (RG) to the target position while decreasing an operational speed of the gear shift actuator (27).
  3. The power tool according to claim 1 or 2, being characterized in that:
    after shifting the speed reduction ratio, when the control unit (23) determines with the detection signal generated by the position detector (27d) that the shifting member (RG) is not located at the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio, the control unit (23) controls the gear shift actuator (27) to move the shifting member (RG) to the target position; and
    after a predetermined time elapses, when the control unit (23) determines that the shifting member (RG) is not located at the target position, the control unit (23) stops driving the gear shift actuator (27).
  4. The power tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, being characterized in that:
    after shifting the speed reduction ratio, when the control unit (23) determines with the detection signal generated by the position detector (27d) that the shifting member (RG) is not located at the target position corresponding to the speed reduction ratio, the control unit (23) controls the gear shift actuator (27) to move the shifting member (RG) further away from the target position and then move the shifting member (RG) to the target position.
  5. The power tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, being characterized in that:
    the position detector detects the position of the shifting member (RG) and generates the detection signal in predetermined cycles.
  6. The power tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, being characterized in that:
    when controlling the gear shift actuator (27) to move the shifting member, the control unit (23) varies a speed at which the gear shift actuator (27) moves the shifting member (RG) in accordance with the position of the shifting member (RG) using the detection signal generated by the position detector (27d).
EP13183461.6A 2012-09-13 2013-09-09 Power tool Active EP2708329B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2012201531A JP5963136B2 (en) 2012-09-13 2012-09-13 Electric tool

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2708329A1 EP2708329A1 (en) 2014-03-19
EP2708329B1 true EP2708329B1 (en) 2014-11-26

Family

ID=49165544

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13183461.6A Active EP2708329B1 (en) 2012-09-13 2013-09-09 Power tool

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2708329B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5963136B2 (en)
CN (1) CN103659748B (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102015211700A1 (en) 2015-06-24 2016-12-29 Robert Bosch Gmbh Hand tool
DE102015211689A1 (en) 2015-06-24 2016-12-29 Robert Bosch Gmbh Hand tool
JP6604536B2 (en) 2015-08-04 2019-11-13 パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 Electric tool
JP7365630B2 (en) * 2019-08-30 2023-10-20 パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 Electric tool
SE543799C2 (en) * 2019-10-31 2021-07-27 Atlas Copco Ind Technique Ab Power tool and two-speed gear assembly for a power tool

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9621202D0 (en) * 1996-10-11 1996-11-27 Black & Decker Inc Mode change switch
US6165096A (en) * 1999-03-12 2000-12-26 Ingersoll-Rand Company Self-shifting transmission apparatus
DE10149382C1 (en) * 2001-10-06 2003-05-08 Bosch Gmbh Robert Device for switching a two-stage transmission of a power tool
CN101253015A (en) * 2005-08-29 2008-08-27 迪美科技控股有限公司 Power tool
CN101091998B (en) * 2006-06-19 2012-03-28 苏州宝时得电动工具有限公司 Speed changeable tool
CN102935637B (en) * 2007-08-29 2016-02-17 苏州宝时得电动工具有限公司 Speed change tool
CN201300408Y (en) * 2008-09-05 2009-09-02 苏州宝时得电动工具有限公司 Speed change tool
CN201300407Y (en) * 2008-09-05 2009-09-02 苏州宝时得电动工具有限公司 Speed change tool
JP2011047465A (en) * 2009-08-26 2011-03-10 Panasonic Electric Works Power Tools Co Ltd Automatic gear shifting device for rotary power tool
JP5357840B2 (en) * 2010-07-06 2013-12-04 パナソニック株式会社 Electric tool
JP5760173B2 (en) * 2010-07-06 2015-08-05 パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 Electric tool
JP5842121B2 (en) * 2011-02-22 2016-01-13 パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 Electric tool
JP5514139B2 (en) * 2011-02-22 2014-06-04 パナソニック株式会社 Electric tool
JP5842122B2 (en) * 2011-02-22 2016-01-13 パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 Electric tool

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2708329A1 (en) 2014-03-19
CN103659748A (en) 2014-03-26
CN103659748B (en) 2016-08-10
JP5963136B2 (en) 2016-08-03
JP2014054707A (en) 2014-03-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2724821B1 (en) Power tool
EP2708329B1 (en) Power tool
JP5405157B2 (en) Rotating hammer tool
JP5900782B2 (en) Electric tool
US20170057064A1 (en) Rotary impact tool and method for controlling the same
WO2013136711A2 (en) Impact tool
EP2826603B1 (en) Electric tool, and electric tool control device
US20140124229A1 (en) Impact tool
JP2011230272A5 (en)
JP5834240B2 (en) Electric tool
JP2013107170A (en) Speed changer
JP2014104541A (en) Hand-held electric tool
EP2724823B1 (en) Power tool
EP2818281B1 (en) Electric power tool
JP5716898B2 (en) Electric tool
EP2724822B1 (en) Power tool
JP5534328B2 (en) Electric tool

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20130909

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B25F 5/00 20060101AFI20140626BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20140709

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: IWAMURA, NORIHIRO

Inventor name: IKEDA, MASAKI

Inventor name: MATSUMOTO, HIROSHI

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 697903

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20141215

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602013000531

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20141231

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20141126

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 697903

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20141126

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150326

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150326

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150226

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150227

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602013000531

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20150827

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150909

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150909

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 4

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20130909

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160930

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160930

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20170928

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141126

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180930

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20200922

Year of fee payment: 8

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20210909

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210909

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240918

Year of fee payment: 12