Application selector for power tool

Abstract

A hand-held power tool includes a user interface supported on a housing. The controller controls the user interface to display at least one icon each representing a unique tool application, and controls the motor to operate within a predetermined speed range based on an application selection made by the user and obtained from the user interface. The user interface is configured to allow a user to perform the application selection from an icon menu including the at least one icon.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Handheld power tools can be equipped with a variety of tool attachments and attachments, such as cutting blades, sanding discs, grinding tools, and many other tool attachments and attachments. An oscillating tool is an example of such a power tool, which generally includes a generally cylindrical body that serves as a housing for an electric motor as well as a grip for the tool. The electric motor drives a mechanism that produces an oscillating motion for oscillating an accessory interface to which any of a variety of accessory tools may be attached. As the tool holder oscillates, the accessory tool attached to the tool holder is driven to perform a specific function, such as sanding, grinding, cutting, scraping, slurry removal, etc., depending on the configuration of the accessory tool.

[0002] Some handheld power tools allow the user to control the speed of the motor, such as by changing the rotational orientation of a speed knob or wheel. In many tools, the tool provides an indication of the relative speed change for a given change in the rotational orientation of the wheel. For example, the wheel can rotate between settings of "1" for minimum speed and "10" for maximum speed. However, in some tools, the actual tool speed for a given knob orientation may not be obvious to the user. In addition, users who do not frequently use the tool may not know the optimal speed for a given application.

[0003] Because oscillating tools are a relatively new type of power tool, there is an increased uncertainty in identifying and implementing the correct tool speed for a given application. Additionally, because oscillating tools can be used in a wide variety of applications, the correspondingly wide range of available operating speeds can make it difficult to identify and implement the most appropriate speed selection for a given application. If the speed setting of the tool is not optimized or appropriate for the intended application, the user experience and the operational effectiveness of the tool may be adversely affected. Summary of the invention

[0004] In some aspects, a handheld power tool includes a brushless electric motor housed in a housing that also serves as a tool handle. In some embodiments, the output shaft of the motor is directly connected to an accessory, whereby the accessory moves in a rotational motion. In other embodiments, the output shaft of the motor is connected to the accessory via an intermediate motion changing mechanism that provides an oscillating motion to the accessory. The tool may also include a rechargeable battery pack for powering the motor, a variable speed trigger for precise speed control, a mechanism that allows the tool to be locked in an on state and / or an off state, and a user interface including an "application selector". The application selector allows the user to select an application such as cutting or sanding, rather than selecting a speed. The tool may include a controller that receives an application selection from a user interface, determines an appropriate range of tool speeds for the selected application, and then limits the motor speed of the tool to a range of tool speeds suitable for the application selection.

[0005] The user interface presents an application selector to a user of the tool. The application selector includes icons representing typical tool applications. The user interface is configured to allow a user to select a tool application from a menu of tool applications, wherein each tool application is represented as a unique icon on the user interface. In some embodiments, the representation of the icon may be schematic in nature and / or may have a simple, easy to understand geometric shape.

[0006] In one exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the application selector may include a first icon representing a scraping application of the power tool. In this embodiment, the first icon may be the outline of a rectangle with a single serrated edge, thereby presenting the appearance of a rectangular cutting blade. The application selector may include a second icon representing a sanding application of the power tool. In this embodiment, the second icon may be the outline of a triangle and may have the appearance of a triangular sanding pad. The application selector may include a third icon representing a wood cutting application of the power tool. In this embodiment, the third icon may have the appearance of a wood chip including wood grain. In addition, the application selector may include a fourth icon representing the sanding application of the power tool. In this example, the fourth icon may have the appearance of a metal fastener such as a nut. In addition, the application selector may optionally include other icons that do not represent a specific tool application, but instead represent speed range settings covering the entire operating speed range of the tool.

[0007] Thus, the application selector presents a set of icons to the user, which include graphical representations or other appropriate symbols or images to represent typical or recommended tool applications. Instead of having to enter a specific operating speed or select an appropriate motor speed from a range of relative motor speeds, the user is able to select an icon corresponding to the intended application of the tool. By providing an application selection, the tool becomes more intuitive to use because the user does not have to know what absolute motor speed is appropriate for use in a given application. Instead, the tool provides pre-selected speed ranges for various typical applications and sets the appropriate motor speed range based on the selected icon. Advantageously, by using the application selector to set the appropriate speed range for a given application, the guesswork associated with speed selection can be eliminated from the tool operation, the user has a better user experience, and the curve for learning to use the tool is shortened. In addition, since the tool operates at an appropriate speed for the application, the operational effectiveness of the tool is maximized, thereby further improving user satisfaction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a handheld oscillating power tool including a user interface disposed in the handle.

[0009] Figure 2is a top view of a portion of the tool showing a user interface including an application selector providing an array of icons.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the control system of the power tool.

[0011] Figure 4-8 is a top view of a portion of the tool showing a user interface of an alternative embodiment, wherein the user interface includes an application selector that provides a single icon for selection from a menu of icons stored in memory. Figure 4 In , the single icon is the icon that represents the battery charging status. Figure 5 In , the single icon is an icon representing a scraping application. Figure 6 In , the single icon is the icon representing the sanding application. Figure 7 In , the single icon is the icon representing the wood cutting application. Figure 8 , the single icon is an icon representing a metal cutting application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following written specification. It is to be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is intended thereby. It is also to be understood that the present disclosure includes any changes and modifications to the illustrated embodiments, and includes further applications of the principles of the present disclosure that would normally occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0013] refer to Figure 1-3 , a handheld oscillating power tool 1 includes a housing 2 that encloses a motor 3 connected to a drive shaft 4 via a motion changing mechanism 5. The motion changing mechanism 5 imparts an oscillating motion to the rotational output of the motor 3. In addition, the housing 2 receives a rechargeable battery 6. In some embodiments, the tool 1 can receive power from an external source via a wired connection. The housing 2 is configured as a handle that is configured to be held by a user. A knob 8 extends outwardly from the housing 2. The knob 8 is operably connected to an accessory interface 9 that extends outwardly from the housing 2 on a side of the housing 2 opposite to the side from which the knob 8 extends. The accessory interface 9 includes a feature (not shown) that allows connection to an accessory 10. The knob 8 is operable to allow the accessory 10 to be connected or disconnected from the accessory interface 9. Details of an exemplary accessory connection mechanism including a knob 8 and an accessory interface 9 are disclosed in US10,870,155, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0014] The tool 1 includes a trigger 11, which is disposed on a portion of the housing 2 that is accessible to the user's fingers when the user's hand holds the housing 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger 11 protrudes from the lower surface of the housing 2. As used herein, terms describing relative positions, such as upper, lower, top, and bottom, are references to Figure 1 The orientation shown in is described and is not intended to be limiting. The trigger 11 is connected to the motor 3 via a controller 13. In cooperation with the controller 13, the trigger 11 is configured to allow manual variable control of the motor speed.

[0015] The tool 1 comprises a user interface 12. The user interface 12 is arranged on the upper surface of the housing 2 to allow easy visualization by the user. The user interface 12 comprises a display 15 and a scroll button 14 which allows switching and / or scrolling between possible selections presented on the display 15.

[0016] In some embodiments, display 15 displays an application selector 16 that includes an array of icons 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the array is a four-by-one array that includes four icons 18(1), 18(2), 18(3), 18(4). Although application selector 16 includes four icons 18(1), 18(2), 18(3), 18(4), application selector 16 is not limited to four icons and may include a fewer or greater number of icons.

[0017] An LED (not shown) is located below each icon 18 to allow backlighting of the individual icons. The backlighting of an icon 18 is used to indicate the selection of that icon 18. A single icon 18 in the array is illuminated at any given time. The user can switch or scroll between icons 18 by actuating the scroll button 14. Each time the scroll button 14 is actuated, an icon 18 (e.g., the first icon 18 (1) that is backlit) is changed by the controller 13, which causes the next icon in the list of icons (e.g., the second icon 18 (2)) to be displayed. When the desired icon 18 is backlit in the display 15, the user stops scrolling. The controller 13 identifies which icon 18 is backlit and sets the backlit icon as the selected application. In addition, the controller 13 limits the operation of the motor 3 to a speed range associated with the backlit icon 18.

[0018] In this embodiment, the application selector 16 includes a first icon 18(1) representing a wood cutting application of tool 1. In this embodiment, the first icon 18(1) appears in the first row of the four-by-one array and represents the wood cutting application of the power tool. The first icon 18(1) may have a rectangular shape and have the appearance of a wood slice including wood grain. The application selector 16 includes a second icon 18(2) representing a metal cutting application of tool 1. In this embodiment, the second icon 18(2) is in the second row of the array and thus appears below the first icon 18(1). The second icon 18(2) may have the appearance of a metal fastener and may be represented by using the outline of a fastener such as a nut. The application selector 16 includes a third icon 18(3) representing a sanding application of tool 1. In this embodiment, the third icon 18(3) is in the third row of the array and thus appears below the second icon 18(2). The third icon 18(3) may be represented using a triangular outline and may have the appearance of a triangular sanding pad. The application selector 16 includes a fourth icon 18(4) representing a scraping application of the tool 1. In this embodiment, the fourth icon 18(4) is in the fourth row of the array and therefore appears below the third icon 18(3). The fourth icon 18(4) may be in the shape of a rectangle with a single jagged edge, giving the appearance of a rectangular cutting blade.

[0019] The application selector 16 of the user interface 12 is configured to allow a user to select a tool application from a menu of tool applications, each of which is represented by a unique icon 18. The menu of tool operation applications is stored in the memory and includes at least two applications, each of which is mapped to a unique motor speed range. In some embodiments, the motor speed range of one application may overlap with the motor speed range of another application. In other embodiments, the motor speed ranges of the respective applications do not overlap.

[0020] In addition to the array of icons 18 representing applications, the application selector 16 may optionally include other icons (not shown) that do not represent a specific tool application, but instead represent speed range settings that cover the entire operating speed range of the tool. In some embodiments, the entire operating speed range provided by the tool 1 may be 10,000 rpm to 20,000 rpm. By selecting this icon, the user is not limited to a sub-range of the overall tool speed range. In some embodiments, the application selector may include an icon (not shown) that allows selection of an "increased" motor speed range. For example, the increased speed range provided by the tool 1 may be 10,000 rpm to 22,000 rpm.

[0021] Display 15 may include application selector 16 as described above, as well as other information. For example, in some embodiments, display 15 may also provide icons representing battery charge status 20, accumulated operating hours (not shown), and / or other information related to device operation and status.

[0022] Display 15 may be color, non-color (e.g., grayscale), or a combination of both. Although display 15 is described herein as an LCD display, display 15 may be implemented as any type of display, including LCD, LED, VGA, OLED, SVGA, CRT, or any other alternative configuration known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Display 15 may provide touch screen functionality. In embodiments implementing a touch screen, scroll button 14 may be omitted.

[0023] The controller 13 may include computer executable data to implement the above functions. Computer executable data may include instructions and other data that cause a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or a special-purpose processing device to perform a specific function or group of functions. Computer executable data may also include program modules executed by computers in a stand-alone or network environment. Program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, or data structures that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Computer executable data, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code devices for performing the steps of the methods, processes, and / or functions disclosed herein. A specific sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents an example of corresponding actions for implementing the functions described in such steps.

[0024] The tool 1 may be connected to an external device for the purpose of controller software maintenance, collecting data related to hours of use, type of use, battery performance, and / or other relevant data collected by the controller. To this end, the controller may include a communication device and software and associated data storage device, and is configured to communicate with an external device, such as a mobile processing device, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wearable computing device, a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a handheld processor device, a dedicated processor device, a system of processors distributed on a network, a system of processors configured for wired or wireless communication, or any other alternative embodiment known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, communication is achieved via a wired connection, while in other embodiments, communication is achieved wirelessly.

[0025] The wired connection may include a TCP / IP connection, a local area network (LAN) connection, a plain old telephone service (POTS) connection, an Internet Protocol connection, electrical wiring, a conductive channel, an electrical bus, a fiber optic path, or any other alternative embodiment known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0026] Tool 1 may be configured to communicate wirelessly via one or more of: RF (radio frequency) specifications, cellular telephone channels (analog or digital), cellular data channels, Bluetooth specifications, Wi-Fi specifications, satellite transceiver specifications, infrared transmissions, Zigbee specifications, local area networks (LANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), or any other alternative configurations, protocols, or standards known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0027] In use, the user actuates the scroll button 14 until the icon 18 representing the desired application is backlit. In one example, the user may use the scroll button 14 to select the icon 18 (2) representing metal cutting. Based on the selection of the metal cutting icon 18 (2), the controller 13 controls the motor 3 so that the motor 3 can operate within a speed range of 16,000 revolutions per minute to 20,000 revolutions per minute. Prior to operation of the tool, the user may attach an accessory suitable for the application to the accessory interface 9. In this example, a cutting blade accessory may be attached to the accessory interface 9. The user actuates the trigger 11 so that the motor 3 drives the accessory 10, and fine-tuning of the motor speed within a set range may be achieved by changing the amount of depression of the trigger 11. In this example, if the user decides to use the tool 1 to perform a sanding application after the cutting application, the scroll button 14 will be actuated until the icon 18 (3) representing the sanding application is backlit in the display 15. If necessary, the accessory 10 will be changed to correspond to the newly selected application. In this example, the cutting blade attachment is removed from the attachment interface 9 and the sanding pad attachment is attached to the attachment interface 9. Based on the selection of the sanding icon 18 (3), the controller 13 controls the motor 3 so that the motor 3 is operable within a speed range of 10,000 rpm to 15,000 rpm. During use, the user activates the trigger 11 to operate the tool within a set speed range set by the controller 13 and associated with sanding.

[0028] refer to Figure 4-8, the tool 1 may include an application selector 160 of an alternative embodiment. In the application selector 160, the display 15 displays a single icon 18 obtained from a list of multiple icons stored in the memory. In particular, the memory includes a list of icons to be presented to the user, and each icon is associated with (e.g., mapped to) a predetermined range of motor speeds suitable for the application represented by the icon. The displayed icon 18 is changed by actuating the scroll button 14. Each time the scroll button 14 is actuated, the displayed icon 18 is changed by the controller 13, which causes the next icon in the icon list to be displayed. When the desired icon 18 appears in the display 15, the user stops scrolling. The controller 13 identifies which icon 18 is displayed and sets the backlit icon as the selected application. In addition, the controller 13 limits the operation of the motor 3 to the speed range associated with the displayed icon 18.

[0029] In use, the user presses the scroll button 14 until an icon 18 representing a desired application appears on the display 15. In this example, the user may select an icon 18 (2) representing metal cutting. Based on the selection of the metal cutting icon 18 (2), the controller 13 controls the motor 3 so that the motor 3 can operate within a speed range of 16,000 rpm to 20,000 rpm. Prior to operation of the tool 1, the user may attach an accessory suitable for the application to the accessory interface 9. In this example, a cutting blade accessory may be attached to the accessory interface 9. The user actuates the trigger 11 so that the motor 3 drives the accessory 10, and fine-tuning of the motor speed within the set range can be achieved by changing the amount of depression of the trigger 11. In this example, if the user wants to use the tool 1 to perform a sanding operation after the cutting operation, the scroll button 14 is actuated until an icon representing a sanding application is displayed in the display 15. If necessary, the accessory 10 can be changed to correspond to the selected application. In this example, the cutting blade accessory can be removed from the accessory interface 9, and the sanding pad accessory is attached to the accessory interface 9. Based on selection of the sanding icon, the controller 13 controls the motor 3 so that the motor 3 is operable within a speed range of 10,000 rpm to 15,000 rpm. As before, the trigger 11 allows the user to vary the motor speed within the range associated with the selected icon.

[0030] Although tool 1 is described herein as including a mechanism for quickly connecting and disconnecting accessories to housing 2, which mechanism includes knob 8 and accessory interface 9, tool 1 is not limited to employing this type of connect / disconnect mechanism, and other embodiments may include alternative structures (not shown) that allow for quick connect / disconnect capability.

[0031] Although the user interface 12 of the tool 1 is described herein as including a scroll button 14, the user interface 12 is not limited to a scroll button 14. For example, the scroll button 14 may be interchangeable with other types of interface devices, including thumb wheels, slide switches, or other similar devices.

[0032] Although the exemplary embodiments of the application selectors 16, 160 are described above as being used with an oscillating power tool, the application selectors 16, 160 are not limited to use with an oscillating power tool. For example, the application selectors 16, 160 may be used with power tools having a rotary output, including drills, saws, rotary multi-function tools, and the like. In another example, the application selectors 16, 160 may be used in other types of power tools, such as a heat gun, a glue gun, or other power tools that do not have a rotating drive shaft. In this case, the variable output may be an output temperature. The tool may include a controller that receives an application selection from a user interface, determines an appropriate range of output temperatures for a selected application, and then limits the output temperature of the tool to a range of output temperatures suitable for the application selection. For example, when the power tool is a heat gun, a first application may include melting plastic, a second application may include shrinking plastic, a third application may include separating paint from a painted surface, and the like. Instead of having to enter a specific operating temperature or select an appropriate output temperature range from a range of relative output temperatures, the user is able to select an icon corresponding to the intended application of the tool. By providing application selection, the tool becomes more intuitive to use because the user does not have to know what absolute output temperature is appropriate for use in a given application.

[0033] Selected illustrative embodiments of the power tool and application selector are described above in considerable detail. It should be understood that only the structures considered necessary to illustrate the power tool and application selector are described herein. Other conventional structures and other conventional structures of the auxiliary and auxiliary components of the power tool and application selector are assumed to be known and understood by those skilled in the art. In addition, although working examples of the power tool and application selector are described above, the power tool and application selector are not limited to the above working examples, but various design changes may be made without departing from the systems and devices set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A handheld electric tool comprising: case; a motor disposed at least partially within the housing and having a rotatable output shaft connectable to a tool attachment; a user interface supported on the housing; as well as a controller that controls the user interface to display at least one icon each representing a unique tool application, and controls the motor to operate within a predetermined speed range based on an application selection obtained from the user interface, in, The user interface is configured to allow a user to perform the application selection from an icon menu including the at least one icon.

2. The handheld power tool according to claim 1, wherein: The user interface is configured to display a single icon, and the handheld power tool includes an icon toggle switch connected to the controller, and the controller is configured to change the icon displayed on the user interface when the icon toggle switch is actuated.

3. The handheld power tool according to claim 1, wherein: The user interface is configured to display at least two icons, and the handheld power tool includes an icon switching switch connected to the controller, and the controller is configured to: backlighting a single icon of the at least two icons, wherein the backlighting of the icon is interpreted by the controller as corresponding to a selection of the icon by a user, and By actuation of the icon switching switch, backlighting is allowed to move from one of the at least two icons to another of the at least two icons.

4. The handheld power tool according to claim 1, wherein: Each icon is mapped to a corresponding speed range, and when an icon is selected by a user, the controller regulates the speed of the motor such that the motor is restricted to operate within the corresponding speed range.

5. The handheld power tool of claim 4, comprising a trigger connected to the controller and operable by a user to increase and decrease the speed of the motor, and wherein: When the trigger operates, the controller changes the speed of the motor to a range defined by the corresponding speed range according to an output of the trigger.

6. The handheld power tool according to claim 1, wherein: The menu of the tool operation application includes at least two applications. Each of the at least two applications is mapped to a unique motor speed range, and The motor speed range of one application overlaps with the motor speed range of another application.

7. The handheld power tool according to claim 1, wherein: The menu of the tool operation application includes at least two applications. Each of the at least two applications is mapped to a unique motor speed range, and The motor speed ranges for the respective applications do not overlap.

8. The handheld power tool according to claim 1, comprising: a drive shaft protruding from the housing; The output shaft is connected to a motion changing mechanism of the drive shaft, the motion changing mechanism being configured to convert a rotational motion of the output shaft into one of a rotational motion and an oscillating motion of the drive shaft.

9. A system for setting a tool speed range of a power tool, the system comprising: Power tools, including: a motor having an output shaft connectable to a tool attachment, a controller that controls the speed of the motor, a user interface that presents icons to a user of the tool, at least one icon representing a tool application, Wherein the controller is configured to identify an icon selected by a user, and based on the selected icon, the controller controls the motor to operate within a predetermined speed range associated with the selected icon.

10. The system for setting a tool speed range of a power tool according to claim 9, wherein: The power tool includes a scroll switch that changes the appearance of the user interface by presenting different icons, and The tool speed range of the power tool may be changed by selecting different icons using the scroll switch.

11. A handheld electric tool comprising: case; a user interface supported on the housing; as well as a controller that controls the user interface to display at least one icon each representing a unique tool application, and controls the output of the tool to operate within a predetermined operating range based on an application selection obtained from the user interface, in, The user interface is configured to allow a user to perform the application selection from an icon menu including the at least one icon.

Images