Wearable device, power tool system, and electronic device system

Abstract

The invention relates to a wearable device (200) comprising a wearable device (200) in the form of a glove (202) or bracelet (204) or ring (206) and adapted to be worn on or close to a hand (10) when a user of a handheld power tool (100) holds the power tool (100) with the hand (10). It is proposed that the wearable device (200) comprises a support structure (212; 214; 214; 218) adapted to be releasably attached to a user's hand (10), and at least one sensor device (208) which is supported by the support structure (212; 214; 214; 218) and configured to detect an operational state of the power tool (100) held by a user during intended use of the power tool (100) and further configured to generate and output at least one sensor signal (210) indicative of the detected operational state of the power tool (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable device, including a wearable device in the form of a glove, a bracelet or a ring. The wearable device is suitable for being worn on or near a hand when a user of a handheld power tool holds the power tool with the hand.

[0002] In addition, the present invention relates to a power tool system, comprising a handheld power tool and a wearable device, which includes a wearable device in the form of a glove, a bracelet or a ring. The power tool is configured to be held by a user during the intended use of the power tool. The wearable device is suitable for being worn on or near the hand when the user holds the power tool with the hand.

[0003] Finally, the present invention relates to an electronic device system, comprising an electronic device and a wearable device, which comprises a wearable device in the form of a glove, a bracelet or a ring. The wearable device is suitable for being worn on or near a hand of a user of a handheld power tool when the user holds the power tool with the hand. Background Art

[0004] In particular, wearable devices of the above type are known in the form of a ring, a bracelet or a glove. A ring can be worn on one of the user's fingers, a bracelet can be worn on the user's wrist, and a glove can be worn on the user's hand, which can cover the entire hand or only part of the hand, for example, leaving the fingertips exposed. Wearable devices in the form of gloves with pressure sensors are known, which are used to determine the grip force of a user when grasping an object. Furthermore, wearable devices in the form of gloves with strain sensors are known, which are used to detect and monitor the user's gestures to provide data quantifying these actions. Furthermore, wearable devices in the form of gloves with acceleration sensors are known, which are used to recognize pseudo-static gestures and allow the glove to be used as a mouse pointing device.

[0005] Prior art US2016 / 187973A1 discloses a wearable device in the form of a flexible smart glove, which is equipped with capacitive micro sensors at the finger joints for detecting subtle movements of the hands and fingers while allowing the wearer to make gestures flexibly, i.e., to use the hands precisely, accurately and skillfully.

[0006] Prior art US2021 / 362322A1 discloses a wearable device in the form of a glove and a method for controlling a robot to process a part to be processed. The processing robot is connected to a control interface, which includes a glove having contact sensors at two or more fingers. The robot is controlled by a combination of signals from the sensors.

[0007] Prior art EP2630558A1 discloses a wearable device in the form of an electronically controlled glove having a conductive pad at the tip of the thumb on the one hand and conductive pads at various locations extending longitudinally of the fingers on the other hand. The glove can be used to control a remote electronic device by contacting the conductive pad of the thumb with different contact pads of the fingers. The electronic device can be a mobile phone, an audio player, a garage door opener, military hardware and software, etc. in a working environment. The control signal is wirelessly transmitted from the electronically controlled glove to the electronic device to be controlled.

[0008] Known wearable devices, such as sensor gloves or similar devices, have one thing in common, namely that their main idea is to use gestures, finger or hand movements of the hand wearing the sensor glove to control the operation of external electronic devices, similar to how a magician uses a wand to move in the air to move distant objects or make them perform other actions.

[0009] In the technical field of car body repair or thorough washing of vehicles, usually, a user holds a handheld power tool with at least one hand, in particular in the form of a polishing or grinding power tool, and manually moves the power tool to and on the work surface by hand. The power tool can be provided with a dust outlet. Dust and small particles generated during the intended use of the power tool can be conveyed to the dust outlet by an integrated dust removal (or automatic dust suction) system of the power tool, and can be collected in a dust collection filter element attached to the dust outlet, for example, as known in EP1849555A1. Alternatively or additionally, the distal end of the vacuum hose of the vacuum cleaner can be attached to the dust outlet so as to convey the dust-laden air to the dust collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner. Therefore, when using a power tool and a vacuum cleaner for car body repair work, the operation of the power tool and the vacuum cleaner should be coordinated.

[0010] It is known in the prior art to provide a sensor device at the distal end of the vacuum hose of the vacuum cleaner (which is connected to the dust outlet of the power tool) for determining the operating state of the power tool, in particular vibration, during the expected use of the power tool. The distal end may also be provided with a wireless communication device for sending a control signal to the vacuum cleaner to control its operation according to the operating state of the power tool. Summary of the invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to propose an alternative possibility for detecting the operating state of a power tool currently used by a user. The alternative is preferably easy to use and safe and allows correct and reliable detection of the current operating state of the power tool during the intended use of the power tool.

[0012] In order to solve the object, the present invention proposes a wearable device, comprising the features of claim 1. In particular, based on the above-mentioned wearable device, it is suggested that the wearable device includes a support structure suitable for releasably attaching to a user's hand and at least one sensor device held by the support structure, the at least one sensor device being configured to detect an operating state of a power tool held by the user during the intended use of the power tool, and further configured to generate and output at least one sensor signal indicating the detected operating state of the power tool.

[0013] The support structure of the wearable device is designed to be worn on the user's finger and held firmly thereon if it is a ring, worn on the user's wrist and held firmly thereon if it is a bracelet, or worn on the user's hand and covering the entire hand or only part of the hand if it is a glove. The support structure can be rigid or flexible, preferably elastic. The support structure can be composed of any material, including metal, wood, plastic, natural or synthetic fibers, certain fabrics made of synthetic or natural materials, synthetic or natural leather, etc.

[0014] The invention makes use of the fact that the user usually tightly grasps or holds the power tool with his hand. Therefore, the operating state of the power tool is transmitted to the hand or the wearable device detachably attached to the hand in a particularly undampened manner. Alternatively, the hand grasping or holding the power tool is located so close to the power tool that a specific operating state of the power tool can be directly detected by a corresponding sensor device integrated into the wearable device.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one sensor device is integrated into the wearable device and is not visible from outside the wearable device without disassembling or destroying the wearable device.

[0016] The operating state of the power tool that can be detected by at least one sensor device integrated into the wearable device may include the on / off state of the power tool, the rotational speed of the working element (for example, in the form of a back plate in a polishing or sanding power tool), the operating temperature of the power tool (which can be used to actively determine excessive operating temperature, which may indicate a defect in the tool motor and to prevent the motor from overheating), the current vibration value of the power tool (which can be used to determine excessive vibration, which may indicate the use of the wrong back plate and / or the wrong polishing or sanding component, and / or a mechanical problem with the power tool), the irregularity of the vibration (which can be used to determine mechanical problems with the power tool), the frequency of the vibration (which can be used to determine the maximum time that a user can use the power tool without exceeding the allowable vibration level faced by the user), the accumulated vibration over a certain period of time, the power or power consumption of the tool motor (which can be used to actively determine excessive current consumption, which may indicate a defect in the tool motor), the overall tool usage time (for example, this is useful for scheduling predictive maintenance), etc.

[0017] Users of power tools usually wear working gloves to protect their hands from injury and dirt during the intended use of the power tool. According to the invention, these working gloves can easily be equipped with at least one sensor element.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is suggested that at least one sensor device is configured to detect the operating state of the motor of the power tool. The motor may be a pneumatic motor or an electric motor, in particular a brushless electric motor. The operating state of the motor may include the on / off state of the motor, the rotation speed of the motor shaft, the operating temperature of the motor, the current vibration value of the motor shaft, the irregularity of the vibration, the frequency of the vibration, the accumulated vibration within a certain period of time, the power or power consumption of the tool motor, the total use time of the motor, etc.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, at least one sensor device may also be configured to detect the operating state of a working element of the power tool, in particular the operating state of a back plate of a polishing or grinding power tool. Alternatively, the working element may also be a chuck of a drill or the like. The operating state of the working element may include the on / off state of the back plate, i.e., rotation yes or no, the rotation speed of the back plate, the current vibration value of the back plate (on which the polishing or grinding member is attached), the irregularity of the vibration, the frequency of the vibration, the cumulative vibration over a certain period of time, the total usage time of the same working element, etc. The polishing member may be a polishing pad made of foam, wool and / or microfiber. The grinding member may be a grinding fabric or sandpaper. The non-centralized or eccentric attachment of the polishing or grinding member to the bottom surface of the back plate may result in greater vibration of the back plate and the entire power tool.

[0020] The at least one sensor device may be configured to detect vibrations caused by the power tool during its intended use. In this case, the at least one sensor device preferably comprises an acceleration sensor. Vibrations of the motor or the working element during the intended use of the power tool are transmitted to the tool housing and further to the hand of a user holding the power tool and further to a wearable device detachably attached to the user's hand. The at least one sensor device may then detect these vibrations of the wearable device and conclusions may then be drawn about the vibrations of the power tool, the motor or the working element.

[0021] By monitoring and evaluating the characteristic curve of the vibration over time, conclusions can be drawn about the speed of the power tool, motor or backing plate. These conclusions can be drawn from the change in the vibration value over time or the change in the vibration frequency over time.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, at least one sensor device may be configured to detect the speed of the power tool, the motor or the back plate. In this case, at least one sensor device preferably comprises a radio receiver adapted to receive a radio signal from the power tool, the radio signal transmitting information related to the speed of the power tool, the motor or the back plate. The speed value may be measured by a sensor constituting part of the power tool (e.g. a magnetic field sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor) and transmitted to a motor control unit of the power tool. In any case, even in power tools with sensorless motor control, the motor control unit typically has an accurate value or an estimate of the current speed of the motor. The speed value may be transmitted to the radio receiver of the wearable device via one or more radio signals. Alternatively, the sensor device may comprise a magnetic field sensor (e.g. a Hall effect sensor), and the working element (e.g. the back plate) may be equipped with one or more permanent magnets that generate a magnetic field that rotates with the working element during the intended use of the power tool. The sensor device may detect changes in the magnetic field during the rotation of the working element, and the speed of the back plate may be determined therefrom.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wearable device includes an energy storage device and / or an energy generating device, which is preferably held by a support structure and configured to provide electrical energy to at least one sensor device to enable it to operate, and may provide electrical energy to other electrical or electronic components that constitute part of the wearable device to enable it to operate. The energy storage device includes a battery (replaceable or rechargeable), a capacitor, etc. The energy generating device can generate electrical energy during the intended use of a power tool held by a user. For example, the energy generating device can generate electrical energy based on vibrations occurring during the intended use of the power tool. The energy generating device can be directly, or indirectly, connected to at least one sensor device through the energy storage device, and may be connected to other electrical or electronic components of the wearable device, and the energy storage device can be used as an intermediate storage or buffer for the electrical energy generated by the energy generating device. Preferably, the energy generating device is manufactured using semiconductor technology and includes, for example, a piezoelectric element configured to convert mechanical motion into electrical energy.

[0024] According to another embodiment, it is suggested that the wearable device comprises an additional electrical or electronic component in the form of a processing module, which is preferably held by the support structure and is adapted to receive at least one sensor signal from at least one sensor device and to process the received at least one sensor signal. The processing module may comprise a microprocessor or a microcontroller adapted to execute a computer program stored on a storage device, which is part of the processing module or is separate from the processing module but accessible to the processing module. The computer program is programmed such that: when the computer program is run on the processing module, the processing module performs its processing functions.

[0025] Processing functions may include one or more of the following:

[0026] - receiving at least one sensor signal indicative of a detected operating state of the power tool from at least one sensor device of the wearable device,

[0027] - extracting an operating state of the power tool from at least one received sensor signal,

[0028] - generating at least one control signal according to the extracted operating state of the power tool,

[0029] - forwarding at least one control signal to at least one further electrical or electronic component of the wearable device, e.g. to a processing module, a visual output device,

[0030] - Controlling the operation of at least one sensor device and possibly at least one further electrical or electronic component of the wearable device, such as a processing module, a visual output device.

[0031] The wearable device may include further electrical or electronic components in the form of a visual output device, preferably supported by the support structure and adapted to visualize an indication of the operating status of the power tool or the operating status of the power tool itself to a user holding the power tool. The information visualized by the visual output device may be controlled by the processing module.

[0032] The visual output device may include one or more light spots capable of emitting light with different brightness, blinking intervals and / or colors. For example, the light spots may include one or more LEDs or RGB-LEDs capable of emitting light of different colors. Light with a certain brightness, blinking interval and / or color emitted from one or more light spots represents a certain operating state of the power tool.

[0033] Furthermore, the visual output device may comprise a light guide or an electroluminescent (EL) wire having a longitudinal extension. Light with different brightness, blinking intervals and / or colors may be coupled into the light guide, preferably at its distal end, the light propagating along the longitudinal extension of the light guide, preferably by total internal reflection (TIR), and finally coupled out of the light guide in a radial direction along the longitudinal extension of the light guide. To this end, the light guide may be provided with corresponding decoupling elements along the longitudinal extension of the light guide.

[0034] EL wire is a flexible lighting product that emits light when an alternating current (AC) voltage is applied. It consists of thin copper or tinned wire coated with a fluorescent material and wrapped in a clear or translucent PVC sheath. The fluorescent material emits light when it is excited by an energy source, such as an electric current. EL wire requires an AC power source, typically in the range of 50-2000Hz. The AC power source is necessary because it alternates the polarity of the voltage, thereby preventing the wire from overheating and ensuring uniform lighting along its length. The processing module can act as an AC power source in the wearable device. When an AC voltage is applied to the EL wire, it causes the fluorescent coating to emit light through a process called electroluminescence. The alternating current excites the fluorescent molecules, which then release energy in the form of visible light. EL wire is wrapped in a clear or translucent PVC sheath that protects the wire and allows the emitted light to pass through. The sheath also helps to diffuse the light, creating a more uniform and soft appearance. Different types of phosphors can be used to produce different colors of light, such as green, blue, red, or white. In addition, by controlling the AC power source, EL wire can be made to have a variety of lighting effects, including steady glow, flashing, or chasing patterns. To power the EL wire, an inverter is needed to convert a DC power source (such as a battery) to the AC voltage required for the EL wire to work. The inverter generates the appropriate frequency and voltage to drive the EL wire and usually includes controls for adjusting the brightness and lighting mode. The inverter function can be performed by the processing module or a separate component, which may be controlled by the processing module.

[0035] Finally, the visual output device may also include a graphical display or screen, such as an LED display, an OLED display, etc. Such a display or screen may graphically output the detected operating state of the power tool, such as in the form of a graph, a bar graph, a column graph that changes over time, as a virtual analog display with a pointer, as a virtual digital display with numbers, or the like. The graphical display or screen may be a touch-sensitive display or screen that provides a user control interface that is suitable for being activated by a user of the handheld power tool to enable user-personal control of the wearable device and / or one or more remote external electronic devices (e.g., a vacuum cleaner), as described in more detail below.

[0036] Preferably, the visual output device is located in the wearable device so that when the user holds the power tool with his hand and intends to use the power tool, the user wearing the wearable device on or near his hand can obtain the displayed information. For example, in the case where the wearable device is in the form of a glove, it is recommended that the visual output device is located on the back of the hand or glove.

[0037] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is suggested that the wearable device comprises at least one additional electrical or electronic component in the form of a user control interface, which is preferably held by the support structure and is suitable for being actuated by a user holding the power tool, thereby enabling the user's personal control of the wearable device. The user control interface comprises one or more physical or virtual buttons, knobs, rotary or slider controls, input fields for entering data or quantities, etc. Preferably, the user control interface is configured to be actuable even if the user is wearing gloves.

[0038] Finally, it is suggested that the wearable device comprises a further electrical or electronic component in the form of a wireless communication device, which is preferably held by the support structure and is adapted to establish a wireless communication link with an external electronic device and to transmit a wireless signal via the wireless communication link, the wireless signal comprising information indicating a detected operating state of the power tool. The wireless communication device may be controlled by a processing module of the wearable device. To this end, it is further suggested that the wireless communication device is connected to the processing module and is adapted to receive a control signal from the processing module so that the wireless communication device establishes a wireless communication link with an external electronic device and to transmit a wireless signal comprising information indicating a detected operating state of the power tool via the wireless communication link.

[0039] The wireless communication device is specifically configured to establish a wireless communication link with the external electronic device using any desired frequency range. The wireless communication device is specifically configured to transmit a wireless signal containing information indicating the detected operating state of the power tool through the wireless communication link according to any given data transmission protocol (whether known in the art or proprietary). Examples of protocols that can be used for data transmission from the wireless communication device to the external electronic device include: WiFi, any cellular network protocol (GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G), Bluetooth, ZigBee, Z-Wave (operating in the sub-GHz frequency range), Thread (IP-based wireless network protocol, using the low-power IEEE802.15.4 radio standard, operating at 2.4GHz frequency), WirelessHART (based on the HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) protocol, operating in the 2.4GHz frequency range), ANT / ANT+ (operating at 2.4GHz frequency, generally providing low-power, short-range communication between sensors and display devices), EnOcean (focusing on energy harvesting and ultra-low power devices, enabling self-powered devices to use energy from the surrounding environment (such as solar energy, thermal energy or mechanical energy) to wirelessly transmit data), just to name a few.

[0040] Examples of electronic devices with which the wireless communication device may establish a wireless communication link include:

[0041] an external display device, which may form part of a smartphone or similar device (one or more detected operating states of the power tool or any other information received from the wireless communication means of the wearable device may be displayed on the external display device),

[0042] - a vacuum cleaner having a suction hose, the distal end of which is connected to a dust removal port of a power tool held by a user (the vacuum cleaner may be automatically controlled based on information indicating the operating status of the power tool received from the wireless communication device; when the power tool is turned on, the vacuum cleaner may also be turned on, and when the power tool is turned off, the vacuum cleaner may also be turned off, possibly with a slight time delay),

[0043] - A power tool held in the hand of a user (the housing of the power tool may be equipped with a visual output device which may display information received from the wireless communication device to the user; the operation of the power tool may be adjusted or controlled based on the information received from the wireless communication device).

[0044] In order to establish a wireless communication link to an external electronic device, the device is equipped with a corresponding wireless communication device. The data transmission between the wireless communication device of the wearable device and the electronic device is preferably bidirectional, at least during the establishment and setting of the wireless communication link. The actual data transmission can be unidirectional or bidirectional.

[0045] Signal transmission between various electrical or electronic components of the wearable device can be achieved through conductive cables, conductive paths of flexible or rigid PCB boards, etc. Optionally, radio transmission can also be used to achieve signal transmission between various components of the wearable device. Power transmission from the energy storage device and / or energy generation device to one or more electrical or electronic components of the wearable device is preferably achieved through conductive cables, flexible or rigid PCB boards or inductors.

[0046] The object of the present invention is also solved by a power tool system, the system comprising a handheld power tool and a wearable device, the power tool being configured to be held by a user during the intended use of the power tool, the wearable device preferably being in the form of a glove or a bracelet or a ring. The wearable device is suitable for being worn by a user on or near the hand when the user holds the power tool in the hand. It is recommended that the wearable device has the above-mentioned features of the present invention. Preferably, the power tool comprises a polishing or grinding power tool, in particular an angle polishing or grinding power tool.

[0047] The object of the present invention is also solved by an electronic device system, the electronic device system comprising an electronic device and a wearable device, the wearable device being preferably in the form of a glove or a bracelet or a ring. The wearable device is suitable for being worn by a user on or near the hand of a user of a power tool when the user holds the power tool with his hand. It is suggested that the wearable device has the above-mentioned features of the present invention. Preferably, the electronic device comprises a vacuum cleaner separate from the power tool held by the user, the power tool held by the user or a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer or any other type of computer system. The vacuum cleaner has a dust suction hose, the distal end of which is connected to the dust outlet of the power tool held by the user. The vacuum cleaner can be automatically controlled based on information indicating the operating state of the power tool received from a wireless communication device. When the power tool is turned on, the vacuum cleaner can also be turned on, and when the power tool is turned off, the vacuum cleaner can also be turned off, possibly with a slight time delay. The power tool housing of the power tool held by the user can be equipped with a visual output device, which can display information received from the wireless communication device to the user during the user's intended use of the power tool. Optionally, the operation of the power tool can be adjusted or controlled based on the information received from the wireless communication device. In particular, the speed of the motor or back plate of the power tool, respectively, can be varied to adapt it to certain characteristics of the work surface to be worked on, environmental characteristics, one or more operating parameters of the power tool, and to optimize the work result. The display or screen of a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer or any other type of computer system can be used as a visual output device, which is suitable for visualizing an indication of the operating state of the power tool or the operating state itself to a user holding the power tool. The keyboard or touch-sensitive display of a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer or any other type of computer system can be used as a user control interface, which is suitable for being actuated by the user holding the power tool to enable user-personal control of the wearable device, the power tool and / or the vacuum cleaner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Further features and advantages of the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Each feature shown in the drawings may be particularly important for the invention individually without the other features shown in the corresponding drawings, even if this is not explicitly mentioned in the description. Furthermore, any combination of the features shown in the drawings may be particularly important for the invention individually, even if this combination is not explicitly shown in the drawings and / or is not mentioned in the description.

[0049] The attached figure shows:

[0050] Figure 1 A hand for a user to grasp a tool housing of a handheld power tool;

[0051] Figure 2A wearable device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 3 A wearable device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 4 A wearable device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 5 A power tool that is held by the user with at least one hand;

[0055] Figure 6 A power tool system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 7 An electronic device system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0057] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of electrical and electronic components provided in a wearable device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Figure 1 A hand 10 of a user of a power tool 100 is shown. The hand 10 includes fingers 12 and a thumb 14, as well as a palm 16 located on an inner surface and a back 18 of the hand 10 located on an outer surface of the hand 10 opposite to the palm 16. The hand 10 is connected to the user's body through an arm 20. A wrist 22 is formed between the hand 10 and the arm 20.

[0059] The power tool 100 may include any type of motor-driven power tool having a working element 102 driven by a motor 120 for processing a surface during the intended use of the power tool 100, for example, in the form of a grinder, a sander, a polisher, a drill, a saw, etc. The tool motor 120 may be an electric or pneumatic motor. The working element 102 may be a backing plate 104, a grinding wheel, a drill chuck for removably receiving and securely securing a drill bit, a circular saw, or a jigsaw.

[0060] The present invention provides a wearable device 200, including a glove 202 (see Figure 2 ), bracelet 204 (see Figure 3 ), Ring 206 (see Figure 4 ) etc. In particular, the present invention proposes a smart wearable device 200, which includes at least one sensor element 208, which is configured to detect the operating state of the power tool 100 held by the user during the intended use of the power tool 100, and is also configured to generate and output at least one sensor signal 210 indicating the detected operating state of the power tool 100.

[0061] Preferably, the power tool 100 comprises a polisher or sander having a working element 102 in the form of a backing plate 104 driven by a motor 120 of the power tool 100. The backing plate 104 is attached to a drive shaft 106 of the power tool 100 and performs a particular type of working motion 108 (e.g., rotational, random orbital, eccentric, gear-driven) about a rotation axis 110 of the drive shaft 106. The direct attachment of the backing plate 104 to the drive shaft 106 enables the backing plate 104 to perform a rotational motion 108 during the intended use of the power tool 100. An eccentric element (not shown) may be located between the backing plate 104 and the drive shaft 106. The eccentric element may be fixedly attached to the drive shaft 106 in a torque-resistant manner, while the backing plate 104 is held in a freely rotatable manner at a surface of the eccentric element opposite the drive shaft 106. This enables the backing plate 104 to perform a random orbital motion during the intended use of the power tool 100. If the back plate 104 is prevented from rotating freely relative to the tool housing 114, the back plate will perform an eccentric motion. In addition, a gear arrangement, in particular a planetary gear, may be located between the back plate 104 and the drive shaft 104. This will cause the back plate 104 to perform a gear-driven working motion during the intended use of the power tool 100.

[0062] A polishing or sanding component 112 may be attached to the bottom surface of the backing plate 104. The polishing component may include a polishing pad made of foam, wool, microfiber, etc. The sanding component may include sandpaper or emery cloth. The polishing or sanding component 112 is preferably attached to the bottom surface of the backing plate 104 by a hook and loop fastening system. Releasably attached to the backing plate 104. Although other possibilities for releasably attaching the polishing or grinding member 112 to the backing plate 104 are also contemplated.

[0063] The user can hold the power tool 100 with at least one hand 10, or can hold the power tool 100 with both hands 10 (see FIG. Figure 5 ), thereby grasping the power tool housing 114 and / or the grip or handle 116 of the power tool 100. When the user wears the wearable device 200 on at least one hand 10 grasping the power tool housing 114 and / or the grip or handle 116 of the power tool 100, one or more sensor devices 208 disposed inside the wearable device 200 can detect the operating status of the power tool 100.

[0064] At least one sensor element 208 is supported by a support structure that forms part of the wearable device 200. The support structure is designed so that, in the case of the ring 206, it can be worn and firmly held on the user's finger 12; in the case of the bracelet 204, it can be worn on the user's wrist 22 and firmly held on the user's wrist 22; in the case of the glove 202, it can be worn on the user's hand 10 and cover the entire hand 10 or only a part of it. The support structure can be rigid or flexible, preferably elastic. The support structure can include any material, including metal, wood, plastic, natural or synthetic fiber mesh, some kind of fabric (woven fabric) made of synthetic or natural materials, synthetic or natural leather, etc.

[0065] When the wearable device 200 is in the form of a smart glove 202 (see Figure 2 ), the support structure is preferably a layer of textile or fabric 212, to which at least one sensor element 208 is attached. Preferably, at least one sensor element 208 is integrated into the textile or fabric layer 212. Other textile or fabric layers can be set on top of the support structure 212 and the at least one sensor element 208 attached thereto, so that at least one sensor element 208 is integrated into the wearable device 200. Of course, in the smart glove 202, the support structure can also include one or more flexible or rigid PCB boards 242 or other components suitable for providing support functions within the smart glove 202.

[0066] When the wearable device 200 is in the form of a bracelet 204 (see Figure 3 ), the support structure is preferably a part of the housing 214 of the bracelet 204 or a component attached to the housing 214. In this case, the support structure 214 is preferably made of a rigid material, such as metal, a rigid plastic material, etc. A strap 216 or the like can be attached to the bracelet housing 214 to attach the bracelet 204 to the user's wrist 22. The strap 216 can be made of the same or different material as the housing 214. Preferably, the strap 216 is made of soft plastic and the links are made of hard plastic or metal, fabric or the like. Optionally, the support structure may also include one or more flexible or rigid PCB boards 242 or other components located inside the bracelet housing 214.

[0067] When the wearable device 200 is in the form of a ring 206 (see Figure 4 ), the support structure is preferably part of or attached to the housing 218 of the ring 206. In this case, the support structure 218 is preferably made of a rigid material, such as metal, a rigid plastic material, or the like. The hook or eyelet ( Figure 4The support structure may be attached to the ring housing 218 (not visible in the figure) to attach the ring 206 to the user's finger 12 or thumb 14. The hook and loop or eyelet may be made of the same material as the housing 218 or a different material. Preferably, the hook and loop or eyelet is made of the same material as the housing 218 and forms a single component with the housing 218. Optionally, the support structure may also include one or more flexible or rigid PCB boards 242 or other components located inside the ring housing 218.

[0068] At least one sensor device 208 of the wearable device 200 can detect the operating status of the power tool 100, which may include the on / off state of the power tool 100, the rotation speed of the working element 102, the operating temperature of the power tool 100, the current vibration value of the power tool 100, the vibration irregularity that changes over time, the current vibration frequency value, the frequency value of the vibration that changes over time, the accumulated vibration within a certain period of time, the power or power consumption of the tool motor 120, the total usage time of the power tool 100, etc.

[0069] Preferably, at least one sensor device 208 is configured to detect the operating state of the tool motor 120 of the power tool 100. The motor 120 may be a pneumatic motor or an electric motor, in particular a brushless electric motor. The operating state of the motor 120 may include the on / off state of the motor 120, the rotation speed of the motor shaft, the operating temperature of the motor 120, the current vibration value of the motor shaft, the irregularity of the vibration, the frequency of the vibration, the accumulated vibration within a certain period of time, the power or power consumption of the tool motor 120, the total operating time of the tool motor 120, etc.

[0070] The at least one sensor device 208 may also be configured to detect the operating state of the working element 102 of the power tool 100, in particular the operating state of the back plate 104 of the polishing or grinding power tool 100. The operating state of the working element 102 may include the on / off state of the back plate 104 (i.e., rotating or not rotating), the rotation speed of the working element 102, the current vibration value of the back plate 104 (with the polishing or grinding member 112 attached), the irregularity of the vibration, the frequency of the vibration, the accumulated vibration within a certain period of time, etc. The decentralised or eccentric connection of the polishing or grinding member 112 to the bottom surface of the back plate 104 may cause greater vibration of the back plate 104 and the entire power tool 100.

[0071] At least one sensor device 208 may be configured to detect vibrations caused by the power tool 100 during its intended use. In this case, the at least one sensor device 208 preferably comprises an acceleration sensor. The vibrations of the motor 120 or the working element 102 during the intended use of the power tool 100 are transmitted to the tool housing 114 and further to the hand 10 of the user holding the power tool 100 and further to the wearable device 200 detachably attached to the user's hand 10. The at least one sensor device 208 may then detect these vibrations of the wearable device 200 and conclusions may then be drawn about the vibrations of the power tool 100, the motor 120 or the working element 102.

[0072] By monitoring and evaluating the course characteristics of the vibrations that vary over time, conclusions can be drawn about the speed of the power tool 100, the motor 120 or the back plate 104. In particular, it can be determined whether and when the power tool 100 is switched on and off again. Based on this information about the operating state of the power tool 100, the external electronic device 300 can be controlled accordingly. For example, a vacuum cleaner 302 having a dust suction hose 304, the distal end 306 of which is connected to the dust outlet 116 of the power tool 100 held by the user, can be automatically controlled based on the operating state of the power tool 100 detected by the at least one sensor element 208. In particular, the vacuum cleaner 302 can also be turned on when the activation of the power tool 100 is detected, and when the deactivation of the power tool 100 is detected, the vacuum cleaner 302 can also be turned off, possibly with a slight time delay.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one sensor device 208 may be configured to detect the speed of the power tool 100, the motor 120 or the backplate 104. In this case, the at least one sensor device 208 preferably comprises a radio receiver adapted to receive a radio signal (not shown) from the power tool 100, which transmits information related to the speed of the power tool 100, the motor 120 or the backplate 104. This speed value may be measured by a sensor (e.g. a magnetic field sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor) forming part of the power tool 100 and transmitted to a motor control unit (ECU) of the power tool 100. In any case, even in a power tool 100 without sensor motor control, the ECU typically has an accurate value or an estimated value of the current speed of the motor 120. This speed value may be transmitted to the radio receiver 208 of the wearable device 200 via one or more radio signals (not shown). Alternatively, the sensor device 208 may include a magnetic field sensor (not shown), such as a Hall effect sensor, and the working element 102 (e.g., the backing plate 104) may be provided with one or more permanent magnets (not shown) that generate a magnetic field that rotates with the working element 102 during the intended use of the power tool 100. Changes in the magnetic field during the rotation of the working element 102 may be detected by the static sensor device 208, and the speed of the working element 102 may be determined therefrom.

[0074] In addition, the wearable device 200 may include an energy storage device 220 and / or an energy generation device 222 (see Figure 8 ), which is preferably fixed by a support structure 212; 214; 218 and is configured to provide electrical energy to at least one sensor device 208 for its operation and possibly to other electrical or electronic components forming part of the wearable device 200 for their operation. The electrical energy storage device 220 includes a battery (replaceable or rechargeable), a capacitor, etc. The electrical energy generating device 222 can generate electrical energy during the intended use of the power tool 100 held by the user's hand 10. For example, the energy generating device 222 can generate electrical energy from vibrations occurring during the intended use of the power tool 100. The energy generating device 222 can be directly connected to at least one sensor device 208 and possibly to other electrical or electronic components of the wearable device 200 or indirectly through the electrical energy storage device 220, and the electrical energy storage device 220 can be used as an intermediate storage or buffer for the electrical energy generated by the energy generating device 222. Preferably, the energy generating device 222 is manufactured using semiconductor technology and includes, for example, a piezoelectric element configured to convert mechanical motion into electrical energy.

[0075] It is further proposed that the wearable device 200 includes an additional electrical or electronic component in the form of a processing module 224, which is preferably held by the support structure 212, 214, 218 and is adapted to receive at least one sensor signal 210 from the at least one sensor device 208 and process the received at least one sensor signal 210. The processing module 224 may include a microprocessor or microcontroller adapted to execute a computer program stored on a storage device that is part of the processing module 224 or is separate from the processing module 224 (e.g., located in a location in the wearable device 200 away from the processing module 224), but accessible to the processing module 224. The computer program is programmed such that when it is run on the processing module 224, the processing module 224 performs its processing functions. The processing functions may include one or more of the following:

[0076] - receiving at least one sensor signal 210 indicative of a detected operating state of the power tool 100 from at least one sensor device 208 of the wearable device 200,

[0077] - extracting the operating state of the power tool 100 from at least one received sensor signal 210,

[0078] - generating at least one control signal 226 according to the extracted operating state of the power tool 100,

[0079] - forwarding at least one control signal 226 to at least one further electrical or electronic component of the wearable device 200 (e.g., to the processing module 224, the visual output device 228, the wireless communication device 236, the user control interface 232),

[0080] -Control the operation of at least one sensor device 208, and possibly control the operation of at least one other electrical or electronic component of the wearable device 200 (e.g., processing module 224, visual output device 228, wireless communication device 236, user control interface 232).

[0081] If the operating state of the power tool 100 is the speed of the tool motor 120 or the working element 102, "receiving at least one sensor signal 210" may include receiving a radio signal (not shown) from the power tool 100, the radio signal containing information indicating the current speed value of the motor 120 or the working element 102, which was previously measured by a sensor element of the power tool 100, which is suitable for measuring the speed in any possible way (e.g., magnetically, optically, capacitively, etc.). The measured speed can be transmitted to a motor control unit (ECU; not shown) of the power tool 100, where it can be packaged into a radio signal and transmitted to the sensor element 208. In this case, the sensor element 208 preferably includes a radio receiver. Alternatively, in a power tool 100 without a sensor-controlled motor 120, the ECU typically has information representing the current speed of the motor 120, or the speed of the motor 120 can be inferred therefrom.

[0082] The wearable device 200 may include additional electrical or electronic components in the form of a visual output device 228, which is preferably held by the support structure 212, 214, 218 and is suitable for visualizing an indication of the operating state of the power tool 100 or the operating state of the power tool 100 itself to a user holding the power tool 100. The processing module 224 can control the information visualized by the visual output device 228 through corresponding control signals 226.

[0083] The visual output device 228 may include one or more light spots 228a capable of emitting light with different brightness, flashing intervals and / or colors. For example, the light spot 228a may include one or more LEDs or RGB-LEDs capable of emitting light of different colors. The light with a specific brightness, flashing interval and / or color emitted from one or more light spots 228a represents a specific operating state of the power tool 100. For example, light from a green LED may indicate normal operation and intended use of the power tool 100, light from a yellow LED may indicate an idle state of the power tool 100 (the working element 102 rotates but the power tool 100 is not in its intended use), and light from a red LED may indicate that the power tool 100 is turned off (the working element 102 does not rotate). Optionally, light from the green LED can indicate that the overall operating time of the power tool 100 is far below a threshold time value (when the threshold time value is reached or exceeded, maintenance of the power tool 100 is required), light from the yellow LED can indicate that the overall operating time of the power tool 100 is just below the threshold time value (for example, within 20% below the threshold), and light from the red LED can indicate that the overall operating time of the power tool 100 has reached or exceeded the threshold time value.

[0084] In addition, the visual output device 228 may include a light guide or an electroluminescent (EL) line (not shown in the figure) with a longitudinal extension. Light with different brightness, flashing intervals and / or colors can be coupled into the light guide, preferably at its distal end, and the light propagates along the longitudinal extension of the light guide, preferably by total internal reflection (TIR), and finally coupled out of the light guide in a radial direction along the longitudinal extension of the light guide. To this end, the light guide can be provided with corresponding decoupling elements along the longitudinal extension of the light guide.

[0085] EL wire is a flexible lighting product that emits light along its longitudinal extension in the radial direction when an alternating current (AC) voltage is applied. It consists of thin copper or tinned wire coated with a fluorescent material and wrapped in a transparent or translucent PVC sheath. Different types of phosphors can be used to produce different colors of light, such as green, blue, red, or white. In addition, by controlling the AC power supply, the EL wire can be given a variety of lighting effects, including steady glow, flashing, or chasing patterns. In order to power the EL wire, an inverter is required to convert a DC power source (such as a battery 220) into the AC voltage required for the EL wire to work. The inverter generates the appropriate frequency and voltage to drive the EL wire and typically includes controls for adjusting the brightness and lighting mode. The inverter function can be performed by the processing module 224 or a separate component, which may be controlled by the processing module 224.

[0086] Finally, the visual output device 228 may also include a graphic display or screen 228b, such as an LED display, an OLED display, etc. The graphic display or screen 228b is preferably flexible so as to follow the movement and bending of the glove 202 covering the back 18 of the hand 10 (see Figure 2 ). Such a display or screen 228b may graphically output the detected operating state of the power tool 100, for example in the form of a graph 230, a bar graph, a column graph that changes over time, as a virtual analog display with a pointer, a virtual digital display with numbers, or the like. The graphical display or screen 228b may be a touch-sensitive display or screen that provides a user control interface that is suitable for being activated by a user holding the power tool 100 to enable user personal control of the wearable device 200 and / or one or more remote external electronic devices 300 (e.g., a vacuum cleaner 302), as described in more detail below.

[0087] Preferably, the display or screen 228b is flexible so as to be able to adapt to the user's hand movements together with the smart glove 202. Further preferably, the visual output device 228 is located in or on the wearable device 200 so that when the user holds the power tool 100 with the hand 10 and uses the power tool 100 as intended, the user wearing the wearable device 200 on or near the hand can grasp the displayed information. For example, in the case where the wearable device 200 is a glove 202, it is recommended that the visual output device 228 is located on the back 18 of the hand 10 or the glove 202 (see Figure 2 ).

[0088] The wearable device 200 may include additional electrical or electronic components in the form of at least one user control interface 232, which is preferably held by the support structure 212; 214; 218 and is suitable for being actuated by a user holding the power tool 100 to enable user personal control of the wearable device 200 and / or one or more remote external electronic devices 300 (e.g., a vacuum cleaner 302), as described in more detail below. The functionality of the user control interface 232 can also be provided by a touch-sensitive graphical display or screen 228b. The user control interface 232 includes one or more physical or virtual buttons 234, knobs, rotary or slider controls, input fields for entering data or quantities, etc. Preferably, the user control interface 232 is configured to be actuated even if the user is wearing gloves. Preferably, the user control interface 232 is disposed on the user's hand 20 or the back 18 of the smart glove 202.

[0089] The wearable device 200 may include another electrical or electronic component in the form of a wireless communication device 236, which is preferably held by the support structure 212, 214, 218 and is suitable for establishing a wireless communication link 238 to the external electronic device 300 and transmitting a wireless signal 240 via the wireless communication link 238, the wireless signal 240 containing information indicating the detected operating state of the power tool 100 and possibly other information (see Figure 6 and 7 ). The wireless communication device 236 can be controlled by the processing module 224 of the wearable device 200. To this end, it is recommended that the wireless communication device 236 is connected to the processing module 224 and is suitable for receiving the control signal 226 from the processing module 224 so that the wireless communication device 236 establishes a wireless communication link 238 with the external electronic device 300 and transmits a wireless signal 240. Other information transmitted through the wireless communication link 238 may include information indicating that the user of the power tool 100 has activated the user control interface 232 of the wearable device 200.

[0090] The wireless communication device 236 is specifically configured to establish a wireless communication link 238 using any desired frequency range with the external electronic device 300. The wireless communication device 236 may also be configured to transmit wireless signals 240 over the wireless communication link 238 according to any given data transmission protocol (known in the art or proprietary). Examples of protocols that can be used for data transmission from the wireless communication device 236 to the external electronic device 300 include: WiFi, any cellular network protocol (GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G), Bluetooth, ZigBee, Z-Wave (operating in the sub-GHz frequency range), Thread (an IP-based wireless network protocol that uses the low-power IEEE802.15.4 radio standard and operates at 2.4GHz frequency), WirelessHART (based on the HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) protocol and operates in the 2.4GHz frequency range), ANT / ANT+ (operates at 2.4GHz frequency and typically provides low-power, short-range communication between sensors and display devices), EnOcean (focuses on energy harvesting and ultra-low power devices, enabling self-powered devices to use energy from the surrounding environment (such as solar energy, thermal energy or mechanical energy) to wirelessly transmit data), just to name a few.

[0091] Examples of electronic devices 300 with which the wireless communication device 236 may establish a wireless communication link 238 include:

[0092] - an external display device 308, which may form part of a smartphone 310, a vacuum cleaner 302, etc. (see Figure 7 ). One or more detected operating states of the power tool 100 or any other information received from the wireless communication device 236 of the wearable device 200 can be displayed graphically on the external display device 308, for example in the form of a graph 230 that changes over time or in any other manner. Therefore, the wireless communication device 236 transmits a wireless signal 240 to the external display device 308, which contains information about the detected operating state of the power tool 100. The user can also use the smartphone 310 to control the functions of the wearable device 200 and any other external electronic device 300 connected to it via the wireless communication link 238. To this end, a control signal (not shown) can be transmitted from the smartphone 310 to the wireless communication device 236 via the wireless communication link 238.

[0093] - A vacuum cleaner 302 having a dust suction hose 304, the distal end 306 of which is attached to the dust extraction outlet 116 of the power tool 100 held by the user (see Figure 7). The vacuum cleaner 302 may be automatically controlled based on information indicating the operating state of the power tool 100 contained in the wireless signal 240 received from the wireless communication device 236. The vacuum cleaner 302 may also be automatically turned on when the power tool 100 is turned on, and may also be automatically turned off when the power tool 100 is turned off, possibly with a slight time delay.

[0094] - A power tool 100 held by a user (see Figure 7 ). The power tool housing 114 may be equipped with a visual output device 118, which can display information received from the wireless communication device 236 to the user through graphics or light spots, particularly information related to the current operating state of the power tool 100. Additionally or alternatively, the operation of the power tool 100 can be adjusted or controlled based on the information contained in the wireless signal 240 received from the wireless communication device 236.

[0095] The visual output device 118 of the power tool 100 and / or the external display device 308 of the smartphone 308 or the vacuum cleaner 302 can be implemented in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the visual output device 228 of the wearable device 200. In particular, the visual output device 118 and / or the external display device 308 can include a light spot (similar to the light spot 228a), an EL wire, a light guide, and / or a graphic display or screen (similar to the graphic display or screen 228b).

[0096] In order to establish a wireless communication link 238 between the wireless communication device 236 and the external electronic device 300, the corresponding electronic device 300 is equipped with a corresponding wireless communication device 312. In addition, in order to control the data communication and internal processing of the received wireless signal 240, the corresponding device 300 can be equipped with a processing module 314, in particular including a microcontroller or a microprocessor. The data transmission between the wireless communication device 236, 312 of the wearable device 200 and the electronic device 300 is preferably bidirectional, at least during the establishment and setting of the wireless communication link 238. The actual data transmission between the wireless communication devices 236; 312 can be unidirectional or bidirectional. The wireless communication device 312 can be used to transmit the detected speed of the tool motor 120 to the sensor device 208 of the wearable device 200.

[0097] Signal transmission between the various electrical or electronic components 208, 220, 222, 224, 228, 232 of the wearable device 200 may be achieved via conductive cables, conductive paths of a flexible or rigid PCB board 242, etc. The cables may be integrated into the fabric 212 of the glove 202. Figure 8In the embodiment of the present invention, all electronic components 208, 220, 222, 224, 228, 232 are attached and electrically connected to a flexible PCB board 242, which can be integrated into the fabric 212 of the glove 202 as a single unit, which greatly simplifies and accelerates the manufacture of the smart glove 202 according to the present invention. Optionally, signal transmission between the components 208, 220, 222, 224, 228, 232 of the wearable device 200 can also be achieved by radio transmission. Power transmission from the energy storage device 220 and / or the energy generation device 222 to one or more electrical or electronic components 208, 224, 228, 232 of the wearable device 200 is preferably achieved through a conductive cable, a conductive path or an inductor of a flexible or rigid PCB board 242.

[0098] Figure 6 A power tool system 400 according to the present invention is shown, comprising a handheld power tool 100 configured to be held by a user during intended use of the power tool 100, and further comprising a wearable device 200, preferably in the form of a glove 202 or a bracelet 204 or a ring 206. The wearable device 200 is adapted to be worn by a user on or near the hand 10 when the power tool 100 is held by the hand.

[0099] Figure 7 An electronic device system 500 is shown, which comprises an external electronic device 300 and a wearable device 200 according to the present invention, which is preferably in the form of a glove 202 or a bracelet 204 or a ring 206. The wearable device 200 is adapted to be worn by a user of a handheld power tool 100 on or near a hand 10 holding the power tool 100. The electronic device 300 may be a smartphone 310, a power tool 100 or a vacuum cleaner 302.

Claims

1. A wearable device (200), comprising a wearable device (200) in the form of a glove (202) or a bracelet (204) or a ring (206), which is suitable for being worn on or near a hand (10) when a user of a handheld power tool (100) holds the power tool (100) with the hand (10), characterized in that The wearable device (200) comprises: a support structure (212; 214; 218) adapted to be releasably attached to a user's hand (10); and at least one sensor device (208) held by the support structure (212; 214; 218) and configured to detect an operating state of a power tool (100) held by the user during intended use of the power tool (100), and further configured to generate and output at least one sensor signal (210) indicating the detected operating state of the power tool (100).

2. The wearable device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor device (208) is configured to detect an operating state of a motor (120) of the power tool (100).

3. The wearable device (200) according to claim 2, wherein: At least one sensor device (208) is configured to detect vibrations induced by the power tool (100) during its intended use.

4. The wearable device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein: At least one sensor device (208) includes an acceleration sensor or a Hall sensor.

5. The wearable device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein: The wearable device (200) includes an electrical energy storage device (220) and / or an electrical energy generation device (222), or another electrical or electronic component in the form of a processing module (224), or another electrical or electronic component in the form of a visual output device (228), or another electrical or electronic component in the form of at least one user control interface (232), or another electrical or electronic component in the form of a wireless communication device (236).

6. The wearable device (200) according to claim 5, wherein: The electric energy storage device (220) and / or the electric energy generation device (222) are supported by a support structure (212; 214; 218) is maintained and is configured to provide electrical energy to at least one sensor device (208) for its operation.

7. The wearable device (200) according to claim 6, wherein: The power storage device (220) and / or the power generation device (222) are configured to further provide power to other electrical or electronic components (224; 228; 232; 236) forming part of the wearable device (200) for their operation.

8. The wearable device (200) according to claim 5, wherein: A further electrical or electronic component in the form of a processing module (224) is held by the support structure (212; 214; 218) and is adapted to receive at least one sensor signal (210) from at least one sensor device (208) and to process the received at least one sensor signal (210).

9. The wearable device (200) according to claim 5, wherein: A further electrical or electronic component in the form of a visual output device (228) is held by the support structure (212; 214; 218) and is suitable for providing an indication of the operating status of the power tool (100) or a visualization of the operating status of the power tool (100) itself to a user holding the power tool (100).

10. The wearable device (200) according to claim 9, wherein: The visual output device (228) is connected to the processing module (224) and is adapted to receive a control signal (226) from the processing module (224) so ​​that the visual output device (228) provides an indication of the operating status of the power tool (100) or a visualization of the operating status of the power tool (100) itself to a user holding the power tool (100).

11. The wearable device (200) according to claim 5, wherein: At least one further electrical or electronic component in the form of a user control interface (232) is held by the support structure (212; 214; 218) and is adapted to be actuated by a user holding the power tool (100) to enable user personal control of the wearable device (200) and possibly of an external electronic device (300) connected to the wearable device (200) via a wireless communication link (238).

12. The wearable device (200) according to claim 5, wherein: A further electrical or electronic component in the form of a wireless communication device (236) is held by the support structure (212; 214; 218) and is suitable for establishing a wireless communication link (238) to an external electronic device (300), and for transmitting a wireless signal (240) via the wireless communication link (238), the wireless signal containing information indicative of a detected operating state of the power tool (100).

13. The wearable device (200) according to claim 5, wherein: A further electrical or electronic component in the form of a wireless communication device (236) is held by the support structure (212; 214; 218) and is suitable for establishing a wireless communication link (238) to an external electronic device (300), and for transmitting a wireless signal (240) via the wireless communication link (238), the wireless signal containing information indicative of a detected operating state of the power tool (100) and other information.

14. The wearable device (200) according to claim 12, wherein the wireless communication device (236) is connected to the processing module (224) and is suitable for receiving a control signal (226) from the processing module (224) so ​​that the wireless communication device (236) establishes a wireless communication link (238) to the external electronic device (300) and transmits a wireless signal (240) containing information indicating the detected operating status of the power tool (100) through the wireless communication link (238).

15. A power tool system (400) comprising a handheld power tool (100) configured to be held by a user during intended use of the power tool (100), and a wearable device (200), comprising a wearable device (200) in the form of a glove (202) or a bracelet (204) or a ring (206) adapted to be worn on or near a hand (10) when the user holds the power tool (100) with the hand (10), Features The wearable device (200) comprises the features of one or more of the preceding claims.

16. The power tool system (400) according to claim 15, wherein: The power tool (100) comprises a polishing or grinding power tool.

17. The power tool system (400) according to claim 15, wherein: The power tool (100) comprises an angle polishing or grinding power tool.

18. An electronic device system (500), comprising an electronic device (300) and a wearable device (200), wherein the wearable device (200) comprises a wearable device (200) in the form of a glove (202) or a bracelet (204) or a ring (206), and the wearable device (200) is suitable for being worn on or near a hand (10) when a user holds a power tool (100) with the hand (10). Features The wearable device (200) comprises the features of claim 12 or 13 or 14 above.

19. The electronic device system (500) according to claim 18, wherein: The electronic device (300) includes a vacuum cleaner (302) separate from a user-held power tool (100), a user-held power tool (100), or a smartphone (310), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or any other type of computer system.

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