Electric tool user interface printed circuit board

Abstract

The power tool includes a housing, a motor at least partially disposed in the housing, a controller configured to control an operational characteristic of the motor, and a circuit board. The circuit board is connected to the controller. The circuit board includes a first sensor portion configured to sense a first position of the first user input device, a second sensor configured to sense a second position of the second user input device, and a third sensor configured to sense a third position of the third user input device.

Description

[0001] Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 520,503 filed on August 18, 2023 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 671,317 filed on July 15, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to power tools. Summary of the invention

[0003] The power tool may include a motor, a controller, and a circuit board including a sensor. The controller may be configured to set the operating characteristics of the motor. For example, the controller may be configured to set the torque output of the motor, the direction of rotation, or the rotation speed of the motor. The controller may be configured to determine the position of one or more user input devices of the power tool, such as a trigger, a dial, a slider, a switch (e.g., a multi-position switch), a knob, etc., based on a signal from the sensor, and the controller may be configured to set the operating characteristics of the motor based on the determined position or sensor data.

[0004] Specific embodiments described herein may provide a power tool including a housing, a motor at least partially disposed in the housing, a controller configured to control operating characteristics of the motor, and a circuit board. The circuit board is connected to the controller. The circuit board includes a first sensor portion configured to sense a first position of a first user input device, a second sensor configured to sense a second position of a second user input device, and a third sensor configured to sense a third position of a third user input device.

[0005] In some aspects, the first user input device is a dial of the power tool, the first sensor is disposed on the first side of the circuit board, and the first position of the first user input device is a rotational position of the dial.

[0006] In some aspects, the second user input device is a multi-position switch of the power tool, the second sensor is disposed on the first side of the circuit board, and the second position of the second user input device is a lateral position of the multi-position switch.

[0007] In some aspects, the third user input device is a trigger of the power tool, the third sensor is disposed on the bottom of the circuit board, and the third position of the third user input device is a depressed position of the trigger.

[0008] In some aspects, the first sensor is a first inductive sensor and the second sensor is a second inductive sensor.

[0009] In some aspects, the third sensor is a third inductive sensor.

[0010] In some aspects, the first user input device includes a target portion comprising a metal target or a magnet configured to generate a current in the first inductive sensor when the first user input device is moved relative to the first inductive sensor.

[0011] The specific embodiments described in the present application provide a power tool, which includes a housing, a motor at least partially disposed within the housing, a controller configured to control an operating characteristic of the motor in response to receiving a wake-up signal, and a circuit board connected to the controller. The circuit board includes a first sensor configured to sense a first position of a first user input device and a second sensor configured to sense a second position of the first user input device.

[0012] In some aspects, the first user input device is a trigger including a target portion, and the target portion is a metal target or a magnet, and the first sensor is an inductive sensor.

[0013] In some aspects, the metal target or magnet is sensed by an inductive coil connected to the inductive sensor, and the second sensor is a Hall effect sensor configured to sense the metal target or magnet.

[0014] In some aspects, the Hall effect sensor is configured to provide a wake-up signal to a controller of the power tool in response to sensing that a metal target or magnet has moved away from the Hall effect sensor or in response to sensing that a metal target or magnet has moved closer to the Hall effect sensor.

[0015] In some aspects, the inductive sensor is on a first side of the circuit board and the inductive coil is on a second side of the circuit board.

[0016] In some aspects, the contact brush is connected to the trigger, and a brush contact pad is disposed on the circuit board, wherein the brush contact pad is configured to provide a wake-up signal to the controller in response to the contact brush moving across the brush contact pad.

[0017] The specific embodiments described in the present application can provide a trigger switch. The trigger switch includes a trigger, and the trigger includes a target portion. The trigger can be actuated by a user to move the target portion from a first position to a second position. A printed circuit board (PCB) has a first non-contact sensor and a second non-contact sensor. The PCB is arranged above the trigger so that the trigger moves between a first position and a second position along the bottom side of the PCB. The first non-contact sensor is configured to detect the position of the target portion when the target portion moves between the first position and the second position. The second non-contact sensor is configured to provide a wake-up signal to a controller in response to the target portion being moved from the first position.

[0018] In some aspects, the first non-contact sensor is an inductive sensor and the target portion is a metal target or a magnet.

[0019] In some aspects, the second non-contact sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

[0020] In some aspects, the first non-contact sensor and the second non-contact sensor are on a first side of the PCB.

[0021] In some aspects, the first non-contact sensor is an inductive sensor connected to an inductive coil.

[0022] In some aspects, the inductive sensor is on a first side of the PCB and the inductive coil is on a second side of the PCB.

[0023] In some aspects, the target portion and the PCB are disposed in a housing of the power tool.

[0024] Before explaining any specific embodiment in detail, it should be understood that the specific embodiment is not limited to the application in the configuration details and component arrangements described in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The specific embodiments can be implemented or realized in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used in this application are for illustrative purposes and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including", "comprising", "having" and their variations means that both the items listed thereafter and their equivalents and additional items are covered. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "install", "connect", "support" and "couple" and their variations are used in a broad sense, covering both direct installation, connection, support and coupling, and indirect installation, connection, support and coupling.

[0025] The articles "a," "an," and "the" should not be construed as meaning "one" or "only one," unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Instead, these articles should be construed as meaning "at least one" or "one or more than one." Similarly, when the term "the" or "said" is used to refer to a noun previously introduced by the indefinite article "a" or "an," "the" or "said" means "at least one" or "one or more than one," unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] In addition, it should be understood that a specific embodiment may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules, and for the purpose of discussion, these hardware, software, and electronic components or modules may be shown and described as if most of the components are implemented only in hardware. However, based on the reading of the specific embodiments of the present application, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that in at least one specific embodiment, the electronic-based aspects can be implemented in software (e.g., stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium), and the software can be executed by one or more processing units such as microprocessors and / or application-specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"). Therefore, it should be noted that a plurality of hardware- and software-based devices and a plurality of different structural components can be used to implement specific embodiments. For example, the "server", "computing device", "controller", and "processor" described in this specification may include one or more processing units, one or more computer-readable medium modules, one or more input / output interfaces, and various connectors (e.g., system buses) connecting these components.

[0027] For relative terms such as "about", "approximately", "substantially", etc., used in relation to quantities or conditions, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the values ​​are inclusive and that the meaning of the terms is dictated by the context (e.g., the terms include at least the degree of error associated with measurement precision, the tolerance associated with a particular value [e.g., manufacturing, assembly, use, etc.], etc.). Such terms should also be considered to disclose a range defined by the absolute values ​​of the two endpoints. For example, the expression "from about 2 to about 4" also discloses a range of "from 2 to 4". Relative terms may refer to positive and negative percentages (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%) of the indicated value.

[0028] It should be understood that although some drawings show hardware and software located in a specific device, these depictions are for illustrative purposes only. The functions performed by a component described in this application can be performed in a distributed manner by multiple components. Similarly, the functions performed by multiple components can be merged and performed by a single component. In some specific embodiments, the components shown can be combined or divided into separate software, firmware and / or hardware. For example, logic and processing can be distributed between multiple electronic processors, rather than being located in a single electronic processor and performed by a single electronic processor. Regardless of how they are combined or divided, hardware components and software components can be located in the same computing device, or can be distributed between different computing devices connected by one or more than one network or other suitable communication links. Similarly, components described as performing specific functions can also perform additional functions not described in this application. For example, a device or structure that is "configured" in a certain way is configured at least in this way, but can also be configured in a way that is not explicitly listed.

[0029] Accordingly, in the claims, if an apparatus, method or system is described as, for example, comprising a controller, a control unit, an electronic processor, a computing device, a logic element, a module, a memory module, a communication channel or network, or other elements configured in some manner, for example, an element that performs multiple functions, this claim or the elements of the claim should be interpreted as indicating one or more of such elements, such an element, that is, any one of the one or more elements is configured as described in the claim to, for example, implement any one or more of the listed multiple functions, so that the one or more elements, as a set, together perform multiple functions.

[0030] Other features and aspects of the present application will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a power tool including a dial adjustment interface according to various specific embodiments described in the present application.

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged side view of a power tool.

[0033] Figure 3 Shown is the layout Figure 1 Circuit boards in power tools.

[0034] Figure 4 Shown is the layout Figure 1 Another view of a circuit board in a power tool.

[0035] Figure 5A and 5B A user input device is shown adjacent to the circuit board.

[0036] Figure 6 A block diagram of a controller is shown, wherein the controller is used according to various specific embodiments described in this application. Figure 1 of power tools.

[0037] Figure 7 The top view and bottom view of the circuit board are shown, wherein the circuit board is used according to various specific embodiments described in the present application. Figure 1 of power tools.

[0038] Figure 8 The top view and bottom view of the circuit board are shown, wherein the circuit board is used according to various specific embodiments described in the present application. Figure 1 of power tools.

[0039] Fig. 9 A sensing portion of a circuit board including interwoven sensing traces is shown.

[0040] Fig. 10A and 10B The various specific embodiments described in this application are shown. Figure 1 Side view and perspective view of the trigger of the power tool.

[0041] Fig.11A , 11B 11C show a spring and a sensor according to various specific embodiments described in the present application, wherein the sensor is used to detect the compression condition of the spring.

[0042] Fig.11D yes Fig.11A , 11B Graph of coil density versus length for springs 11C and 11C.

[0043] Fig. 12A , 12B 12C show a spring and a sensor according to various specific embodiments described in the present application, wherein the sensor is used to detect the compression condition of the spring.

[0044] Fig.13A , 13B 13C show a spring and a plurality of sensors according to various specific embodiments described in the present application, wherein the plurality of sensors are used to detect the compression of the spring.

[0045] Fig.14A , 14B 14C show a spring and a sensor according to various specific embodiments described in the present application, wherein the spring includes a conductive member and the sensor is used to detect the compression condition of the spring.

[0046] Fig.15A , 15B 15C show a spring and a sensor according to various specific embodiments described in the present application, wherein the spring includes a conductive member and the sensor is used to detect the compression condition of the spring.

[0047] Fig.16 A dial of a power tool according to various specific embodiments described in the present application is shown.

[0048] Fig.17 A circular sensing portion of the circuit board is shown including interwoven sensing traces.

[0049] Fig.18 Shown when Fig.16 The target part is Fig.17 The circular sensing portion senses the sensor output when moved on the interwoven sensing traces.

[0050] Fig.19A circular sensing portion of the circuit board is shown including layered sensing traces.

[0051] Fig. 20 It shows how to receive and process signals from sensors on the control board to control Figure 1 Flow chart of a method for characterizing the operation of a motor of a power tool.

[0052] Fig.21A , 21B 21C show a circuit board including a plurality of sensing portions and sensing components according to various specific embodiments described in the present application.

[0053] Fig. 22 shows the reception and processing of Fig.21A , 21B and a flow chart of a method for controlling the operating characteristics of a power tool based on the sensor signals on a circuit board 21C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Modern power tools may include a motor, a controller, and various sensors configured to communicate with the controller. The sensors of a power tool may be distributed throughout the power tool, and each sensor may have an associated circuit board configured to communicate therewith.

[0055] The disclosed power tool includes a centrally located circuit board housing a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors are configured to simultaneously sense the position of a plurality of user input devices.

[0056] Figure 1 A power tool 10 is shown in the form of a rotary impact tool (e.g., an impact drill). The power tool 10 shown includes a housing 14 with a motor housing portion 18 enclosing a motor (e.g., a brushless DC motor), a front housing portion or shell 22 coupled to the motor housing portion 18 (e.g., by a plurality of fasteners), and a handle portion 26 extending downwardly from the motor housing portion 18. The handle portion includes a grip 27 that can be grasped by a user. A trigger 28 is coupled to the front side of the handle portion 26 and can be actuated by the user to operate the power tool 10. In the particular embodiment shown, the handle portion 26 and the motor housing portion 18 are defined by mating clamshell halves 29a, 29b.

[0057] The power tool 10 has a battery pack receptacle 34 at the bottom end of the handle portion 26. The battery pack receptacle 34 is configured to receive a battery pack (not shown) for powering the motor. In other embodiments, the power tool 10 may include a power cord for electrically connecting the power tool 10 to an AC power source. As a further alternative, the power tool 10 may be configured to operate using a different power source (e.g., pneumatic power, etc.).

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the power tool 10 includes an input device in the form of a rotary actuator or dial 32. This input device can be used to adjust the operating characteristics of the power tool 10 (e.g., motor torque, motor speed, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the dial 32 is at least partially located within the jaw portion 30 of the power tool 10. However, the dial 32 can be located in a different position in or on the power tool 10 as will be shown in other embodiments. The dial 32 includes one or more components that can be rotated about a rotational axis R to adjust the torque setting of the power tool 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotational axis R passes through the front housing portion 22 and the trigger 28. As shown in FIG. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the dial 32 is accessible from both lateral sides and the front of the power tool 10. This enables the user to rotate the dial 32 about the rotation axis R while grasping the handle 27 of the power tool 10 with the same hand (e.g., using the user's index finger), thereby facilitating one-handed and two-handed operation of the power tool 10. The power tool 10 further includes a mode selection button 15 and a forward / reverse selector 16. Although Figure 1 The illustrated power tool 10 is an impact drill, but the power tool 10 may be a different type of tool, such as a hammer drill, an impact hole saw, an impact drill, or the like.

[0059] Figure 3 and 4 A power tool 300, 400 (e.g., power tool 10) is shown including a circuit board 302, 402. The circuit board 302, 402 is disposed in a housing 304, 404 of the power tool 300, 400. The circuit board 302, 402 is disposed above a trigger 328, 428 of the power tool 300, 400 and below a dial 332, 432 and a sliding multi-position switch 310, 410 of the power tool 300, 400.

[0060] Figure 5A and 5BA power tool 500 (e.g., power tool 10) is shown including a circuit board 502, wherein the circuit board 502 has three sensing portions. A trigger sensing portion 512 is disposed on a first side or bottom 514 of the circuit board 502. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger sensing portion 512 is configured to sense a position of a trigger 528 along the trigger sensing portion 512. For example, the trigger sensing portion 512 can sense the amount of trigger depression (e.g., not depressed, fully depressed, 75% depressed, etc.) by sensing the position of a target portion (e.g., a metal target portion, a spring, etc.) of the trigger 528. A multi-position switch sensing portion 516 is disposed on a second side or top 518 of the circuit board 502. In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-position switch sensing portion 516 is configured to sense a position of a multi-position switch 510 along the multi-position switch sensing portion 516. For example, the multi-position switch sensing portion 516 can sense a plurality of discrete positions (e.g., a first position, a second position, a third position, etc.) of the switch by sensing the position of a target portion (e.g., a metal target portion, etc.) of the multi-position switch 510. The dial sensing portion 520 is disposed on the top 518 of the circuit board 502. In the illustrated embodiment, the dial sensing portion 520 is configured to sense the position of the dial 532 along the dial sensing portion 520. For example, the dial sensing portion 520 can be annular and sense the portion of the dial relative to the center of the ring (e.g., 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, 180 degrees, etc.) by sensing the position of a target portion of the dial 532 (e.g., a metal target portion of the dial 532). The sensed quantities described above can be associated with sensed analog signals (e.g., sensed voltages, sensed currents) or digital representations of such values.

[0061] Figure 6 1 shows a controller 600 for a power tool 10. The controller 600 is electrically and / or communicatively connected to various modules or components of the power tool 10. For example, the controller 600 shown is connected to an indicator 645, a current sensor 670, a speed sensor 650, a temperature sensor 672, a secondary sensor 674 (e.g., a voltage sensor, an accelerometer, a torque sensor or a torque transducer, etc.), a trigger 28, a power switch network 655, and a power input unit 660.

[0062] The controller 600 includes a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide power, operational control, and protection for the components and modules within the controller 600 and / or the power tool 10. For example, the controller 600 includes, among other things, a processing unit 605 (e.g., a microprocessor, an electronic processor, an electronic controller, a microcontroller, or another suitable programmable device), a memory 625, an input unit 630, and an output unit 635. The processing unit 605 includes, among other things, a control unit 610, an arithmetic logic unit ("ALU") 615, and a plurality of registers 620 (in Figure 6 600 is shown as a group of registers) and is implemented using known computer architectures (such as modified Harvard architecture and von Neumann architecture, etc.). The processing unit 605, the memory 625, the input unit 630, the output unit 635, and various modules connected to the controller 600 are connected via one or more control buses and / or data buses (such as a common bus 642). Figure 6 The control bus and / or data bus are generally shown for illustration. In view of the specific embodiments described in this application, it is known to those skilled in the art to use one or more control buses and / or data buses to achieve interconnection and communication between different modules and components.

[0063] The memory 625 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium and includes, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and the data storage area may include a combination of different types of memory, such as ROM, RAM (e.g., DRAM, SDRAM, etc.), EEPROM, flash memory, hard disk, SD card, or other suitable magnetic storage device, optical storage device, physical storage device, or electronic storage device. The processing unit 605 is connected to the memory 625 and executes software instructions, which may be stored in the RAM of the memory 625 (e.g., during execution), in the ROM of the memory 625 (e.g., typically permanent storage), or in another non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., another memory or optical disk). The software included in the specific implementation of the power tool 10 may be stored in the memory 625 of the controller 600. The software includes, for example, firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The controller 600 is configured to retrieve and execute (among other things) instructions related to the control process and method described in the present application from the memory 625. In other embodiments, controller 600 includes additional, fewer, or different components.

[0064] In response to the user's actuation of the trigger 28, the controller 600 drives the motor 680 to rotate the driver. The driver can be coupled to the motor 680 via an output shaft. Pressing the trigger 28 will actuate the trigger switch, and the trigger switch outputs a signal to the controller 600 to drive the motor 680, thereby driving the driver. In some specific embodiments, the controller 600 controls the power switch network 655 (e.g., a FET switch bridge) to drive the motor 680. For example, the power switch network 655 may include a plurality of high-side switch elements (e.g., FETs) and a plurality of low-side switch elements. The controller 600 can control each FET in the plurality of high-side switch elements and the plurality of low-side switch elements to drive each phase of the motor 680. For example, the power switch network 655 can be controlled to decelerate the motor 680 faster. In some specific embodiments, the controller 600 monitors the rotation of the motor 680 (e.g., the rotation rate of the motor 680, the speed of the motor 680, the position of the motor 680, etc.) through the speed sensor 650. The motor 680 can be configured to drive a gearbox (e.g., a mechanism).

[0065] The indicator 645 is also connected to the controller 600 and receives a control signal from the controller 600 to turn on and off, or otherwise transmit information based on different states of the power tool 10. The indicator 645 includes, for example, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a display screen. The indicator 645 can be configured to display the condition of the power tool 10 or information associated with the power tool 10. For example, the indicator 645 can display information related to the operating state of the power tool 10, such as a mode or speed setting. The indicator 645 can also display information related to a fault condition or other abnormality of the power tool 10. In addition to or in place of a visual indicator, the indicator 645 can also include a speaker or a tactile feedback mechanism to transmit information to the user through sound or tactile output. In some specific embodiments, the indicator 645 displays information related to a brake operation or a clutch operation (e.g., an electronic clutch operation) of the controller 600. For example, when the controller 600 is performing a clutch operation, one or more LEDs are activated.

[0066] The battery pack interface 685 is connected to the controller 600 and is configured to couple with the battery pack 690. The battery pack interface 685 includes a combination of mechanical components (e.g., a battery pack receiving portion) and electronic components that are configured and operable to couple the power tool 10 with the battery pack 690 (e.g., mechanical connection, electrical connection, and communication connection). The battery pack interface 685 is coupled to the power input unit 660. The battery pack interface 685 transmits power received from the battery pack 690 to the power input unit 660. The power input unit 660 includes active components and / or passive components (e.g., a voltage step-down controller, a voltage converter, a rectifier, a filter, etc.) to regulate or control the power received through the battery pack interface 685 and to the controller 600. In some specific embodiments, the battery pack interface 685 is also coupled to the power switch network 655. The operation of the power switch network 655 controlled by the controller 600 determines how to supply power to the motor 680.

[0067] The current sensor 670 senses the current provided by the battery pack 690, the current associated with the motor 680, or a combination thereof. In some specific embodiments, the current sensor 670 senses at least one of the phase currents of the motor. The current sensor 670 can be, for example, an inline phase current sensor, a pulse width modulation center sampling inverter bus current sensor, etc. The speed sensor 650 senses the speed of the motor 680. The speed sensor 650 can include, for example, one or more Hall effect sensors. In some specific embodiments, the temperature sensor 672 senses the temperature of the switch network 655, the battery pack 690, the motor, and a combination thereof. The input device 640 is operably coupled to the controller 600 to, for example, select a forward operating mode, a reverse operating mode, a torque setting for the power tool 10, and / or a speed setting for the power tool 10 (e.g., using a torque switch and / or a speed switch), etc. In some embodiments, the input device 640 includes a combination of digital and analog input or output devices required to achieve the desired level of operation of the power tool 10, such as one or more knobs, one or more dials, one or more switches, one or more buttons, etc. In other embodiments, the input device 640 is configured as a ring (e.g., a torque ring), a dial 32, a knob, a multi-position switch, etc. In some embodiments, the input device 640 is coupled to a circuit board (e.g., the circuit board 502) via a sensing portion 658 (e.g., the trigger sensing portion 512, the multi-position switch sensing portion 516, and the dial sensing portion 520), wherein the sensing portion 658 is configured to sense changes in the combination of the input device 640 and the trigger 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the input device 640 is controlled to set the desired operating characteristics of the motor 680 (e.g., the speed of the motor 680, the torque of the motor 680, the direction of motor rotation, etc.).

[0068] Figure 7 A top view and a bottom view of the circuit board 702 are shown. The circuit board 702 includes a trigger sensing portion 712 disposed on a first side or bottom 714 of the circuit board 702. The trigger sensing portion 712 is generally rectangular in shape and has a length that provides a generally linear path for a target portion of the trigger 528 of the power tool 10 to travel along the path when the trigger 528 is pressed (e.g., by a user). The multi-position switch sensing portion 716 disposed on a second side or top 718 of the circuit board 702 is generally rectangular in shape and has a width that provides a generally linear path for a target portion of the multi-position switch 510 of the power tool 500 to travel along the path when the position of the multi-position switch 510 is changed (e.g., by a user). In the specific embodiment shown, the multi-position switch sensing portion 716 is oriented perpendicular to the trigger sensing portion 712. The dial sensing portion 720 disposed on the top 718 of the circuit board 702 is generally circular and its circumference provides a generally circular path for the target portion of the dial 532 of the power tool 500 to travel along when the dial 532 is rotated (e.g., by a user). In the illustrated embodiment, the dial sensing portion 720 is annular and surrounds the circular portion 722, wherein the circular portion 722 is not part of the dial sensing portion 720. Figure 7 , the dial sensing portion 720 is arranged to maintain a distance from the multi-position switch sensing portion 716, but can be positioned close to the multi-position switch sensing portion 716. In some embodiments, the sensing portions 658 are spaced apart from each other or shielded from each other (e.g., electromagnetically shielded) to prevent any sensing portion of the sensing portion 658 from being interfered with by noise or signals from any sensing portion of the other sensing portions 658. Although most of the descriptions of circuit boards with sensing portions 658 in this application mention three distinct sensing portions 658, circuit board layouts including more or less than three sensing portions 658 are also contemplated. For example, Figure 8 A circuit board 802 is shown including two sensing portions 658. Specifically, Figure 8 The circuit board 802 is shown to include only a trigger sensing portion 812 and a multi-position switch sensing portion 816 , wherein the trigger sensing portion 812 is on a first side or bottom 814 of the circuit board 802 and the multi-position switch sensing portion 816 is on a second side or top 818 of the circuit board 802 .

[0069] Fig. 9 A sensor 900 is shown in the form of an inductive sensor 901 (eg, comprising interwoven sinusoidal inductive traces). Fig. 9The sensor shown can be used in one of the sensing portions 658 described in the present application (e.g., the trigger sensing portion 712, the multi-position switch sensing portion 716, or the dial sensing portion 720). In the specific embodiment shown, the sensor 900 is configured to sense a voltage when a target portion of an input device 640 (e.g., the multi-position switch 510 or the dial 532) or a trigger is moved along the length of the sensor (e.g., along the range of motion 903). The target length 905 of the target portion of the input device 640 and the trigger 28 can be predetermined so that the voltage sensed in response to the movement of the target portion on the interwoven sinusoidal sensing traces of the inductive sensor 901, for example, is predictable. As described in detail below, when a current signal is injected into the transmitting sensing trace 909, a voltage curve of the sinusoidal receiving sensing traces 902, 904 can be generated and used to determine the position of the trigger 28 and the target portion of the input device 640 when the target portion of the input device 640 is moved along the inductive sensor 901. The position of the target portion can be used to determine the position of the input device 640 and the trigger 28. As described in detail below, when a current signal is injected into the transmitting sensing trace 909, a voltage curve of the sinusoidal receiving sensing traces 902, 904 can be generated and used to determine the position of the trigger 28 and the target portion of the input device 640 when the target portion of the input device 640 is moved along the inductive sensor 901. The position of the target portion can be used to determine the position of the input device 640 and the trigger 28. Fig. 9 As shown, the sensor 900 may include a lead 907 configured to transmit the sensed voltage to another component of the power tool 400 (eg, the controller 600) for further processing.

[0070] Fig. 10A and 10B A circuit board 1002 and a non-pivoting linear pull trigger 1006 of a power tool 1000 (e.g., power tool 10) are shown. The trigger 1006 is disposed adjacent a first side or bottom 1014 of the circuit board 1002 and is configured to be depressed by a user so that the trigger 1006 moves a lateral distance 1015 (e.g., range of motion 903) along a track 1024 such that a target portion 1026 of the trigger slides along a path adjacent to the trigger sensing portion 1012. A trigger return spring 1028 is configured to return the trigger 1006 to an undepressed position along the track 1024 when the trigger 1006 is not depressed. Although a non-pivoting trigger is shown, embodiments including a pivoting trigger are also contemplated.

[0071] The sensing portion 658 described in the present application may include an inductive sensor 900, other inductive sensors, or may include some other sensing devices. For example, although not shown in the figure, the sensing portion 658 may include a potentiometer, which is configured to reduce or increase the relevant voltage when the associated input device 640 or trigger 28 is manipulated by the user. In addition, the sensing portion 658 may include any number of electronic sensors, such as capacitive sensors, Hall effect sensors, photosensors, pressure sensors, etc. Various specific embodiments of the trigger sensing portion 712 and the dial sensing portion 720 are described below. However, it is conceivable that any specific embodiment of the sensing portion 658 described in the present application can be modified and still used for each sensing portion of the sensing portion 658.

[0072] Fig.11A , 11B 11C illustrate a spring 1100, a metal target 1135, and a sensor 1102 configured to determine the position of the metal target 1135. For illustrative purposes, the spring 1100 is shown alone (i.e., not assembled with the trigger 28). In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 1102 is a stretch sensing sensor. The length of the sensor 1102 is approximately the same as the length of the spring 1100 in an uncompressed state. When the sensor 1102 is brought into proximity with the metal target 1135, the sensor 1102 outputs a signal related to the extent to which the spring 1100 has traveled the length of the sensor 1102. For example, the sensor 1102 may output a signal indicating that the metal target 1135 has moved half the length of the sensor 1102 due to the compression of the spring 1100. As shown in FIG. Fig.11A As shown, the metal target 1135 is arranged at the first end of the sensor 1102 and outputs a first output signal corresponding to the current I0. As the spring 1100 begins to compress, the metal target 1135 drops below the first end of the sensor 1102. As a result, a second output signal corresponding to the current I1 is generated by the sensor 1102. Fig. 11C In FIG. 1 , spring 1100 is approximately fully compressed and metal target 1135 is lowered toward the middle of the length of sensor 1102. Fig. 11C , the sensor 1102 generates a third output signal corresponding to the current I2. The values ​​of the first, second and third output signals I0, I1 and I2 are affected by the position of the metal target 1135. Although only three positions are shown, it is contemplated that a large number of positions of the metal target 1135 along the length of the sensor 1102 may each be associated with a unique sensor signal.

[0073] In addition, it is contemplated that the density of the spring 1100 may be used to generate a sensor signal indicative of the position of the trigger 28. For example, Fig.11DAs shown, there is a known relationship 1104 between the coil density and the compressed length of the spring 1100. Fig.11D The relationship 1104 shown can be used by the controller 600 to relate the output signal from the sensor 1102 to the length of the spring 1100. When the length of the spring 1100 is known to the controller 600, the controller can determine the amount of compression of the spring 1100. By monitoring the compression of the spring 1100, the controller 600 can determine the position of the associated input device 640 (e.g., the multi-position switch 16 or the dial 32) or the trigger 28. Therefore, the controller 600 can control the operating characteristics of the motor 680 based on the position of the trigger 28.

[0074] exist Fig. 12A , 12B In Figures 12 and 12C, the position of the metal target 1235 is detected by the inductive coil sensor 1202. The sensor 1202 is positioned near the base of the spring 1200 to detect changes in the position of the metal target 1235. Similar to the sensor 1102, the sensor 1202 generates an output signal based on the position of the metal target 1234. As the spring 1200 is compressed and the position of the metal target changes, the output signal generated by the sensor 1202 will also change. For example, when the metal target 1235 is in Fig. 12A When the metal target 1234 is in the position shown, the sensor 1202 generates a first output signal I0. Fig. 12B When the metal target 1235 is in the position shown, the sensor 1202 generates a second output signal I1, and when the metal target 1235 is in the Fig. 12C When the position shown is 1204, the sensor 1202 outputs the third signal I2. Thus, the controller 600 can control the operating characteristics of the motor 680 based on the position of the trigger 28. The sensor 1202 can be used with any of the sensing portions 658.

[0075] Fig.13A , 13B and 13C shows Fig. 12A , 12B and 12C spring and sensor embodiments. Fig.13A , 13B In FIG. 13C , the compression of spring 1300 is detected by first sensor 1302 and second sensor 1304. The output of sensor 1304 is similar to that described above with reference to FIG. Fig. 12A , 12B 12C. Sensor 1302 generates an output signal that is different from the signal generated by sensor 1304. The output signals generated by sensors 1302 and 1304 can be used in combination by controller 600 to determine, for example, whether spring 1300 is fully compressed or fully uncompressed. Fig. 12A, 12B As with sensor 1202 of 12C, controller 600 correlates the output signals of sensors 1302, 1304 to the length of spring 1300. When the length of spring 1300 is known to controller 600, controller 600 can determine the position of the associated input device 640 or trigger 28. Thus, controller 600 can control the operating characteristics of motor 680 based on the position of trigger 28. Sensors 1302, 1304 can be used with any of the sensing portions of sensing portion 658.

[0076] Fig.14A , 14B and 14C show the spring 1400 and the sensor 1402 . Fig.14A , 14B and 14C are similar to the embodiments of Fig.11A , 11B 11C is different in that a conductor 1408 is attached to the spring 1400. The conductor 1408 extends away from the spring 1400 so that the conductor 1408 partially covers a portion of the sensor 1402. The sensor 1402 is a stretch sensing sensor. Depending on the position of the conductor 1408 covering the sensor 1402, the output signal generated by the sensor 1402 will be different. The output signals generated by the sensor 1402 corresponding to the different portions of the conductor 1408 covering the sensor 1402 can be stored in the memory 625 of the controller 600. The controller 600 can then interpret the output signal from the sensor 1402 to determine the amount of compression of the spring 1400 and the length of the spring 1400. When the controller 600 knows the length of the spring 1400, the controller 600 can determine the position of the associated input device 640 or the trigger 28. Therefore, the controller 600 can control the operating characteristics of the motor 680 based on the position of the trigger 28. The sensor 1402 can be used with any sensing portion of the sensing portion 658.

[0077] Fig.15A , 15B15C show a spring 1500 and a sensor 1502. A conductor 1508 is attached to the spring 1500. The conductor 1508 extends away from the spring 1500 so that the conductor 1408 can partially cover a portion of the sensor 1502. The sensor 1502 is a coil inductive sensor. Depending on the location of the conductor 1508 near the sensor 1502, the output signal generated by the sensor 1502 will be different. The output signal generated by the sensor 1502 corresponding to the proximity of the conductor 1508 to different portions of the sensor 1502 can be stored in the memory 625 of the controller 600. The controller 600 can then interpret the output signal from the sensor 1502 to determine the amount of compression of the spring 1500 and the length of the spring 1500. When the controller 600 knows the length of the spring 1500, the controller 600 can determine the position of the associated input device 640 or the trigger 28. Therefore, the controller 600 can ensure that the operating characteristics of the motor 680 are controlled based on the position of the trigger 28. Sensor 1502 can be used with any of the sensing portions 658 .

[0078] In some embodiments, in addition to affecting control of the motor 680, the trigger 28 can be configured to act as a wake-up source (e.g., a power-on starter) for the power tool 10 (e.g., for the controller 600). In addition, in addition to detecting compression of the springs 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, one or more sensors 1502 can also be used to detect movement of other components commonly found in power tools. For example, a target portion of the multi-position switch 510 can be displaced along the length of one of the above-mentioned sensors (e.g., the sensing portion 658), and a current can be induced in the sensor by the target portion (not shown) of the multi-position switch 510 passing over a specific portion of the sensor 1502, and the output signal from the sensor can then vary depending on the position of the multi-position switch 510.

[0079] Fig.16 A dial 1632 (e.g., dial 32) is shown according to various embodiments. The dial 1632 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis R. The dial includes a target portion 1635. In the embodiment shown, the target portion 1635 is metal and is configured to induce eddy currents therein by an electromagnetic field generated by an inductive sensor (e.g., a transmitting inductive trace of an inductive sensor). In this way, as the dial 1632 rotates, the rotation of the dial 1632 can be detected by the sensor and monitored by the controller 600.

[0080] Fig.17A specific embodiment of an inductive sensor 1702 including a dial sensing portion 1720 is shown. The dial sensing portion 1720 can be included on a printed circuit board (PCB) (e.g., printed circuit board 1002) along with a transmit circuit trace 1709, a first receive circuit trace 1703, and a second receive circuit trace 1704. The inductive sensor 1702 injects current into the transmit circuit trace 1709 to generate a magnetic field. Fig.16 It can be seen that the dial 1632 includes a metal target portion 1635. As the dial 1632 rotates, the metal target portion 1635 passes through the magnetic field generated by injecting a signal into the transmitting circuit trace 1709. Eddy currents are generated in the metal target portion 1635 of the dial 1632. The eddy currents generate a magnetic field that passes through the receiving sensing traces 1703, 1704. The inductive sensor 1702 determines the position of the metal target portion 1625 relative to the receiving sensing traces 1703, 1704 using the current induced in the receiving sensing traces 1703, 1704, and the output signal from the sensor 1702 changes according to the amount of rotation of the dial 1632. Accordingly, the controller 600 is able to associate the value of the output signal from the sensor 1702 with the amount of rotation of the dial 1632.

[0081] In some embodiments, the receiving sensing circuit traces 1703 and 1704 are sinusoidal in shape but offset by 90°, so that when the target portion 1635 passes through the receiving sensing traces 1703 and 1704, the voltage of one of the receiving sensing traces 1703 is a sine wave, while the voltage of the other receiving sensing trace 1704 is a cosine wave. The voltage outputs of the two sensing traces 1703 and 1704 ( Fig.18 1703, 1704) can then be used by the controller 600 to determine the position (eg, rotation angle) of the dial 1632 relative to the receiving sensing traces 1703, 1704. In some embodiments, the angle is calculated by the controller 600 using an inverse tangent function In some embodiments, the sensor 1702 detects the position of the target portion 1635 of the dial 1632 with a resolution of about 0.15° and a detection accuracy of greater than 98%.

[0082] In some alternative embodiments, a potentiometer is used in conjunction with the dial 1632. When the dial 1632 is rotated, an associated potentiometer (not shown) is rotated. The potentiometer sends an electronic signal to the controller 600 to adjust the operating characteristics of the motor 680 of the power tool 10. The circuit board 1002 can remain stationary while the dial 1632 rotates. In some embodiments, there may be a stop that does not allow the dial 1632 to rotate freely around the rotation axis R. In other embodiments, there is no stop, which means that the dial 1632 is allowed to rotate freely around the rotation axis R.

[0083] Fig.19 An alternative arrangement of an inductive sensor embodiment of the dial sensing portion 1720 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the inductive sensor 1902 is annular and includes strategically spaced inductive traces 1901 so that the current induced in the inductive traces 1901 and transmitted to the controller 600 through the leads 1907 can be recognized by the controller 600 as indicating the current position of the target portion 1635.

[0084] Fig. 20 is a flow chart 2000 of a method for receiving signals from sensors on a circuit board 1002 and controlling operating characteristics of the power tool 10 based on the sensor signals.

[0085] At block 2010 , a first sensor (eg, the trigger sensing portion 512 ) on the circuit board 1002 of the power tool 10 detects a first user input (eg, depression of the trigger 528 ).

[0086] At block 2020 , the first sensor provides a first sensor signal to the controller 600 based on the first user input.

[0087] At block 2030 , a second sensor (eg, the multi-position switch sensing portion 516 ) on the circuit board 1002 of the power tool 10 detects a second user input (eg, a change in position of the multi-position switch 510 ).

[0088] At block 2040 , the second sensor provides a second sensor signal to the controller 600 based on the second user input.

[0089] At block 2050 , a third sensor (eg, the dial sensing portion 520 ) on the circuit board 1002 of the power tool 10 detects a second user input (eg, rotation of the dial 532 ).

[0090] At block 2060 , the third sensor provides a third sensor signal to the controller 600 based on the third user input.

[0091] At block 2070 , the controller 600 receives first, second, and third sensor signals from the first, second, and third sensors.

[0092] At block 2080 , the controller 600 controls operating characteristics of the motor 680 of the power tool 10 based on the first, second, and third sensor signals.

[0093] Fig.21A , 21B 21C show a circuit board 2102 for the power tool 10. The circuit board 2102 includes a plurality of sensing portions and sensing components. Fig.21AThe bottom 2114 of the circuit board 2102 is shown. The bottom 2114 of the circuit board 2102 includes a first sensor, such as an induction coil 2112, and a second sensor, such as a brush contact pad 2113. Fig. 21B The top 2118 of the circuit board 2102 is shown. The top 2118 of the circuit board 2102 includes a third sensor, such as forward / reverse contact pads 2116a, 2116b. The circuit board 2102 may also include an inductive sensor 2101 connected to the inductive coil 2112 and a magnetic sensor 2117 (eg, a digital Hall effect sensor).

[0094] During use of the power tool 10, a target portion 2104 (e.g., a metal target portion or a magnet) of a first user input (e.g., a trigger 28 of the power tool 10) can be configured to move forward and backward relative to the induction coil 2112 when the trigger 28 is pressed and released. The induction sensor 2101 is configured to inject a current signal into the induction coil 2112, and an electromagnetic field can be induced in the target portion 2104 of the trigger 28. The electromagnetic field induced in the target portion 2104 of the trigger 28 can in turn affect the current conducted through the induction coil 2112. The induction sensor 2101 is configured to detect changes in the current conducted by the induction coil 2112, and determine the position of the trigger 28 based on the detected changes in the current.

[0095] In some embodiments, the trigger 28 of the power tool 10 is mechanically connected to the contact brush or arm so that the contact brush moves along the brush contact pad 2113 when the trigger 28 of the power tool is pressed. The brush contact pad 2113 includes a ribbed portion 2115 so that a wake-up signal is generated when the contact brush moves through the wake-up portion 2115 and moves onto the brush contact pad 2113. As will be described in further detail below, in some cases, the wake-up signal may be transmitted to the controller 600 due to certain manipulations of the power tool 10 (e.g., pressing the trigger 28, manipulating a switch, dial or selector, etc.).

[0096] The forward / reverse contact pads 2116a, 2116b on the top 2118 of the circuit board 2102 are configured to detect manipulation of a second user input (e.g., a forward / reverse selector, a multi-position switch 510, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the first contact of the forward / reverse selector is configured to maintain contact with the rear contact pad 2116b, while the second contact of the forward / reverse selector is configured to be shifted between the forward contact pads 2116a as needed (e.g., by user manipulation of a button or dial) to select a forward or reverse operating mode of the power tool 10. The non-contact space 2116c is disposed between the front contact pads 2116a and can be configured to accommodate the front contact of the forward / reverse selector when neither the forward operating mode nor the reverse operating mode of the power tool 10 is selected. In some embodiments, moving the front contact of the forward / reverse selector between the front contact pads 2116a or moving the front contact of the forward / reverse selector from one of the front contact pads 2116a to the non-contact space 2116c (e.g., by user manipulation of a button or dial) generates a wake-up signal that is transmitted to the controller 600.

[0097] In some embodiments, a dial sensing portion (e.g., dial sensing portion 520) is included on circuit board 2102 and is operable to sense the position of a dial (e.g., dial 532) when a user changes the position of the dial. Dial sensing portion 520 may use a reference Fig.17 The sensing traces described above can be implemented, or reference Fig. 21B The dial sensing portion 520 may be implemented by the touch pads (eg, a plurality of touch pads corresponding to a plurality of distinct predetermined positions of the dial). In such a specific embodiment, the dial sensing portion 520 may be configured to transmit a wake-up signal to the controller 600 in response to manipulation of the dial 532 .

[0098] The wake-up signal may be a voltage signal generated by an auxiliary circuit connected to the induction coil 2112, the brush contact pad 2113, the forward / reverse contact pads 2116a, 2116b, or the dial sensing portion 520. In some embodiments, the induction coil 2112, the brush contact pad 2113, and the forward / reverse contact pads 2116a, 2116b are configured to generate a wake-up signal. For example, in some embodiments, a current induced in a metal target or contact by the induction coil 2112, the brush contact pad 2113, or the forward / reverse contact pads 2116a, 2116b, respectively, is used as a wake-up signal. In addition, in an embodiment in which the target portion 2104 is a magnet, a current induced in the induction coil 2112 by the movement of the magnet relative to the induction coil 2112 may be used as a wake-up signal.

[0099] The magnetic sensor 2117 is configured to sense a magnetic field (e.g., a magnetic field generated by the induction coil 2112 in the target portion 2104 of the trigger 28) or to request to wake up the controller 600. The magnetic sensor 2117 can be configured to sense a change in the strength of the magnetic field when the target portion 2104 moves away from the magnetic sensor 2117 when the trigger 28 is pressed. In response to sensing this change in the strength of the magnetic field, the magnetic sensor 2117 can transmit a wake-up signal to the controller 600. In some specific embodiments, the magnetic sensor 2117 is not required and can be removed from the printed circuit board 2102.

[0100] Before receiving the wake-up signal, the controller 600 may be in a sleep state (e.g., power saving or shutdown mode). Once the wake-up signal is received, the controller 600 may wake up or turn on. After waking up or turning on, the controller 600 may be as described in Fig. 20 or Fig. 22 Function as described.

[0101] Fig. 22 is a flow chart 2200 of a method for receiving one or more sensor signals from the circuit board 2102 and controlling an operating characteristic of the power tool 10 based on the one or more sensor signals.

[0102] At block 2205, a wake-up condition is detected. For example, the wake-up condition may include the brush contact pad 2113 detecting a contact brush or arm sliding across the rib portion 2115 onto the contact pad 2113, the magnetic sensor 2117 detecting a change in the strength of a magnetic field near the magnetic sensor 2117 when the trigger 28 is pressed, or detecting a front contact of the front contact pad 2116a when the forward / reverse selector position is changed due to user manipulation.

[0103] At block 2210, a wake-up signal is transmitted to the controller 600. For example, the brush contact pad 2113, the magnetic sensor 2117, and / or the forward / reverse contact pads 2116a, 2116b send the wake-up signal to the controller 600 to wake up or start the controller 600.

[0104] At block 2215 , a first sensor (eg, inductive sensor 2101 ) on the circuit board 2102 of the power tool 10 detects a first user input (eg, depression of the trigger 28 ).

[0105] At block 2220 , the first sensor provides a first sensor signal to the controller 600 based on the first user input (eg, as a speed control input for controlling the speed of the motor 680 ).

[0106] At block 2225 , a second sensor (eg, a forward / reverse selector) on the circuit board 2102 of the power tool 10 detects a second user input (eg, a change in position of the forward / reverse selector).

[0107] At block 2230 , the second sensor provides a second sensor signal to the controller 600 based on a second user input (eg, for controlling the forward / reverse rotation direction of the motor 680 ).

[0108] At block 2235, the controller 600 receives first and second sensor signals from first and second sensors.

[0109] At block 2240 , the controller 600 controls one or more operating characteristics of the motor 680 of the power tool 10 based on the first and second sensor signals.

[0110] Representative features The following clauses claim representative features, which may stand alone or may be combined in any combination with one or more of the features disclosed in the text of the specification and / or the drawings.

[0111] Clause 1. An electric tool, comprising: case; an electric motor disposed at least partially within the housing; a controller configured to control an operating characteristic of the motor; and A circuit board connected to the controller, the circuit board comprising: a first sensor configured to sense a first position of a first user input device, a second sensor configured to sense a second position of a second user input device, and A third sensor is configured to sense a third position of a third user input device.

[0112] Clause 2. The electric tool according to clause 1, characterized in that: The first user input device is a dial of the power tool; The first sensor is arranged on a first side of the circuit board; and The first position of the first user input device is a rotational position of the dial.

[0113] Clause 3. The electric tool according to clauses 1-2, characterized in that: The second user input device is a multi-position switch for the power tool; and The second sensor is arranged on the first side of the circuit board; Wherein, the second position of the second user input device is a lateral position of the multi-position switch.

[0114] Clause 4. The electric tool according to clauses 1-3, characterized in that: The third user input device is a trigger of the power tool; The third sensor is arranged at the bottom of the circuit board; and The third position of the third user input device is a depressed position of the trigger.

[0115] Clause 5. The electric tool according to clauses 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first sensor is a first inductive sensor; and The second sensor is a second inductive sensor.

[0116] Clause 6. The electric tool according to clauses 4-5, characterized in that the third sensor is a third inductive sensor.

[0117] Clause 7. An electric tool according to clauses 1-6, characterized in that the first user input device includes a target portion, which includes a metal target or a magnet configured to generate a current in the first inductive sensor when the first user input device is moved relative to the first inductive sensor.

[0118] Clause 8. An electric tool, comprising: case; an electric motor disposed at least partially within the housing; a controller configured to control an operating characteristic of the motor in response to receiving the wake-up signal; and A circuit board connected to the controller, the circuit board comprising: a first sensor configured to sense a first position of a first user input device, and A second sensor is configured to sense a second position of the first user input device.

[0119] Clause 9. The electric tool according to clause 8, characterized in that: The first user input device is a trigger including a target portion, the target portion being a metal target or a magnet; and The first sensor is an inductive sensor.

[0120] Clause 10. The electric tool according to clause 9, characterized in that: The metal target or magnet is sensed by an induction coil connected to the induction sensor; and The second sensor is a Hall effect sensor configured to sense the metal target or magnet.

[0121] Clause 11. An electric tool according to Clause 10, characterized in that the Hall effect sensor is configured to provide the wake-up signal to the controller of the electric tool in response to sensing that the metal target or magnet has moved away from the Hall effect sensor or in response to sensing that the metal target or magnet has moved closer to the Hall effect sensor.

[0122] Clause 12. The power tool according to clauses 9-11, wherein the inductive sensor is on a first side of the circuit board and the inductive coil is on a second side of the circuit board.

[0123] Clause 13. The power tool according to clauses 8-12, further comprising: a contact brush connected to the trigger; and a brush contact pad, the brush contact pad being arranged on the circuit board, Wherein the brush contact pad is configured to provide the wake-up signal to the controller in response to the contact brush moving across the brush contact pad.

[0124] Clause 14. A trigger switch, comprising: a trigger including a target portion, the trigger being actuatable by a user to move the target portion from a first position to a second position; and a printed circuit board (PCB) having a first non-contact sensor and a second non-contact sensor, the PCB being arranged above the trigger so that the trigger moves between the first position and the second position along a bottom side of the PCB; wherein the first non-contact sensor is configured to detect a position of the target portion when the target portion moves between the first position and the second position; and The second non-contact sensor is configured to provide a wake-up signal to a controller in response to the target portion being moved from the first position.

[0125] Clause 15. The trigger switch of Clause 14, wherein the first non-contact sensor is an inductive sensor and the target portion is a metal target or a magnet.

[0126] Clause 16. The trigger switch of clauses 14-15, wherein the second non-contact sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

[0127] Clause 17. The trigger switch of clauses 14-16, wherein the first non-contact sensor and the second non-contact sensor are on a first side of the PCB.

[0128] Clause 18. The trigger switch of clauses 14-17, wherein the first non-contact sensor is an inductive sensor connected to an inductive coil.

[0129] Clause 19. The trigger switch of clauses 14-16 and 18, wherein the inductive sensor is on a first side of the PCB and the inductive coil is on a second side of the PCB.

[0130] Clause 20. The trigger switch of clauses 14-19, wherein the target portion and the PCB are disposed in a housing of a power tool.

[0131] Thus, specific embodiments described herein provide, among other things, a power tool including a circuit board having a plurality of sensors configured to sense the position of various input devices. The following claims claim various features and advantages.

Claims

1. An electric tool, characterized in that: include: case; an electric motor disposed at least partially within the housing; a controller configured to control an operating characteristic of the motor; as well as A circuit board connected to the controller, the circuit board comprising: a first sensor configured to sense a first position of a first user input device, a second sensor configured to sense a second position of a second user input device, and A third sensor is configured to sense a third position of a third user input device.

2. The electric tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first user input device is a dial of the power tool; The first sensor is arranged on a first side of the circuit board; and The first position of the first user input device is a rotational position of the dial.

3. The electric tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second user input device is a multi-position switch for the power tool; and The second sensor is arranged on the first side of the circuit board; Wherein, the second position of the second user input device is a lateral position of the multi-position switch.

4. The electric tool according to claim 3, characterized in that: The third user input device is a trigger of the power tool; The third sensor is arranged on the second side of the circuit board; and The third position of the third user input device is a depressed position of the trigger.

5. The electric tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first sensor is a first inductive sensor; and The second sensor is a second inductive sensor.

6. The electric tool according to claim 5, characterized in that: The third sensor is a third inductive sensor.

7. The electric tool according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first user input device includes a metal target portion configured to generate a current in the first inductive sensor when the first user input device is moved relative to the first inductive sensor.

8. An electric tool, characterized in that: include: case; an electric motor disposed at least partially within the housing; a controller configured to control an operating characteristic of the motor in response to receiving a wake-up signal; as well as A circuit board connected to the controller, the circuit board comprising: a first sensor configured to sense a first position of a first user input device, and A second sensor is configured to sense a second position of the first user input device.

9. The electric tool according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first user input device is a trigger including a target portion, the target portion being a metal target; and the first sensor is an inductive sensor.

10. The electric tool according to claim 9, characterized in that: The metal target is sensed by an induction coil connected to the induction sensor; and The second sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

11. The electric tool according to claim 10, characterized in that: The Hall effect sensor is configured to provide the wake-up signal to a controller of the power tool in response to sensing that the metal target has moved away from the Hall effect sensor or in response to sensing that the metal target or magnet has moved toward the Hall effect sensor.

12. The electric tool according to claim 11, characterized in that: The inductive sensor is on a first side of the circuit board, and the inductive coil is on a second side of the circuit board.

13. The electric tool according to claim 9, characterized in that: Further including: a contact brush connected to the trigger; as well as a brush contact pad, the brush contact pad being arranged on the circuit board, Wherein the brush contact pad is configured to provide the wake-up signal to the controller in response to the contact brush moving across the brush contact pad.

14. A trigger switch, characterized in that: include: a trigger, the trigger comprising a target portion, the trigger being actuatable by a user to move the target portion from a first position to a second position; as well as a printed circuit board (PCB) having a first non-contact sensor and a second non-contact sensor, the PCB being arranged above the trigger so that the trigger moves between the first position and the second position along a first side of the PCB, wherein the first non-contact sensor is configured to detect a position of the target portion when the target portion moves between the first position and the second position, and The second non-contact sensor is configured to provide a wake-up signal to a controller in response to the target portion being moved from the first position.

15. The trigger switch according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first non-contact sensor is an inductive sensor, and the target portion is a metal target.

16. The trigger switch according to claim 15, characterized in that: The second non-contact sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

17. The trigger switch according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first non-contact sensor and the second non-contact sensor are on a second side of the PCB.

18. The trigger switch according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first non-contact sensor is an inductive sensor connected to an inductive coil.

19. The trigger switch according to claim 18, characterized in that The inductive sensor is on a first side of the PCB, and the inductive coil is on a second side of the PCB.

20. The trigger switch according to claim 14, wherein: The target portion and the PCB are disposed in a housing of the trigger switch.

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