Method for displaying misuse of power tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a power tool, in particular a hand-held power tool, in an open loop and in a closed loop, comprising a power tool housing, a control unit, a drive device, a tool fitting and an output device, the method comprising the following steps: detecting at least one acceleration value via at least one acceleration sensor; -if the detected acceleration value reaches a threshold value stored in the memory means, sending at least one signal to an output means for outputting at least one acoustic and / or visual warning signal, and / or-sending at least one signal from the control unit for adjusting the drive means from the first operating state to the second operating state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for open-loop and closed-loop control of a power tool, in particular a hand-held power tool, which power tool comprises a power tool housing, a control unit, a drive device, a tool fitting, and an output device.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a system comprising a power tool and a rechargeable battery, which rechargeable battery can be connected to the power tool for the purpose of performing the method according to the present invention, wherein the power tool comprises a housing, a control unit, a drive device, a tool fitting, and an output device, and the rechargeable battery comprises a battery housing, at least one energy storage element, and a control device. Background Art

[0003] Power tools with a rechargeable battery as an energy supply are widely known from the prior art. The power tool can be a hammer drill, a power drill, a saw, a grinder, etc. The rechargeable battery for energy supply usually comprises a plurality of energy storage cells (also called rechargeable battery cells), which are used for and designed to receive, store, and deliver electrical energy. The reception of electrical energy into the energy storage cells can also be referred to as charging (or loading). The delivery of electrical energy from the energy storage cells can also be referred to as discharging.

[0004] Significant failures, damages, or even permanent failures of the power tool or the rechargeable battery can be caused by the power tool or the rechargeable battery being misused as a hammer and applying a strike (i.e., an impact or a pulse) to an object (such as a nail, a screw, a pin, etc.). Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to solve the above problems.

[0006] This object is also achieved by the subject matter of claims 1 and 4. Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0007] This object is in particular achieved by a method for open-loop and closed-loop control of a power tool, in particular a hand-held power tool, which power tool comprises a power tool housing, a control unit, a drive device, a tool fitting, and an output device.

[0008] According to the present invention, the following method steps are provided:

[0009] - Detecting at least one acceleration value via at least one acceleration sensor;

[0010] - If the detected acceleration value reaches a threshold value stored in a memory device, sending at least one signal to the output device to output at least one acoustic and / or visual warning signal, and / or

[0011] - Send at least one signal from the control unit to adjust the drive device from a first operating state to a second operating state.

[0012] By sending and outputting at least one acoustic and / or visual warning signal, the user can be reminded in a simple manner of incorrect behavior that causes the acceleration value to correspond to or even exceed the threshold. Thus, repeated incorrect behavior can be prevented.

[0013] The first operating state can be the enabled state of the power tool, in which the drive device generates a set speed. The second operating state can be the disabled state of the power tool, in which the drive device does not generate any speed. Thus, instead of or in addition to outputting at least one acoustic and / or visual warning signal, the drive device can be adjusted from the first operating state (i.e., the state in which speed can be generated) to the second operating state (i.e., the state in which speed can no longer be generated). The drive device generates a first speed selected by the user within a predetermined period (e.g., 2 to 3 seconds). After this predetermined period has elapsed, the drive device switches to the disabled state, i.e., if the detected acceleration value has reached the threshold, the drive device no longer generates speed. Thus, the user can be reminded in a simple manner of the fact that the acceleration value has reached the threshold, and the process that allows these acceleration values to be generated is not repeated.

[0014] The acceleration sensor is in particular a device for detecting impacts, vibrations, and shocks.

[0015] According to an advantageous exemplary embodiment, it is possible to set a first speed value in the first operating state of the drive device and a second speed value in the second operating state of the drive device, where the second speed value is higher than the first speed value, and where the operating states alternate between the first and second states at a predetermined period and / or frequency. Thus, the user of the power tool can be reminded of a clearly noticeable system change. The predetermined period can be 2 to 5 seconds, and the predetermined frequency can be 1 to 5 Hz.

[0016] According to another advantageous exemplary embodiment, it is possible to set a first speed value in the first operating state of the drive device and a second speed value in the second operating state of the drive device, where the second speed value is at least 50% higher than the first speed value. Since the user can perceive a relatively high speed difference, the user of the power tool can be reminded of a clearly noticeable system change and their attention can be drawn to incorrect behavior.

[0017] This object is also achieved by a system comprising a power tool and a rechargeable battery, which can be connected to the power tool for the purpose of performing the method according to the invention, wherein the power tool comprises a housing, a control unit, a drive device, a tool fitting, and an output device, and the rechargeable battery comprises a battery housing, at least one energy storage element, and a control device.

[0018] According to the invention, provided is that at least one acceleration sensor for detecting at least one acceleration value is comprised in the power tool and / or the rechargeable battery.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment, it is possible that at least one acceleration sensor for detecting at least one acceleration value is comprised in both the power tool and the rechargeable battery. The at least one acceleration sensor in the power tool and the at least one acceleration sensor in the rechargeable battery are connected to each other by means of a line such that the detected acceleration values can be exchanged between the power tool and the rechargeable battery and compared with each other.

[0020] Furthermore, the at least one acceleration sensor in the power tool and the at least one acceleration sensor in the rechargeable battery can also be connected to each other by means of a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC (= Near Field Communication), etc.). Description of the Drawings

[0021] Further advantages can be found in the following description of the drawings. Particularly preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description, and the claims include many combinations of features. Those skilled in the art will also conveniently consider these features individually and combine these features to form further reasonable combinations.

[0022] In the drawings, identical and similar units, components, and parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0023] In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 A side view of the system is shown, which system has a power tool and a rechargeable battery, the rechargeable battery being connected to the power tool;

[0025] Figure 2 A sectional side view of the rechargeable battery is shown; and

[0026] Figure 3 Another side view of the system is shown during the use of the system to apply an impact pulse to a nail, the system having a power tool and a rechargeable battery. Detailed Description

[0027] Figure 1The system S according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, which is formed by a power tool 1 and a rechargeable battery 2. The rechargeable battery 2 is removably connected to the power tool 1 to supply electrical energy to the power tool 1.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the power tool 1 is configured as a power drill. Alternatively, the power tool 1 can also be configured as a screwdriver, a hammer drill, a saw, a grinder, etc.

[0029] As Figure 1 indicated, the power tool 1 configured as a power drill mainly includes a power tool housing 3, which has a tool fitting 4 and a handle 5.

[0030] The tool fitting 4 is used to receive and hold the tool 6. In this exemplary embodiment, the tool 6 is a drill bit. Alternatively, the tool 6 can also be configured as a screwdriver bit.

[0031] Inside the power tool housing 3, a drive device 7, a transmission device 8, an output shaft 9, and a control unit 10 are particularly provided. The drive device 7 is configured as, for example, a brushless electric motor and is used to generate torque.

[0032] The control unit 10 controls the functions and behaviors of the power tool 1, especially the drive device 7, in a closed-loop and open-loop manner, that is, the rotation direction and speed of the drive device 7. In addition, an acceleration sensor 21 and a memory device 20 are included in the control unit 10.

[0033] The acceleration sensor 21 is used to detect accelerations in the form of acceleration values, which act on the system, especially on the power tool 1. It is possible to determine whether impacts, vibrations, and / or shocks act on the system S and the power tool 1 and with what intensity they act on the system and the power tool by detecting the acceleration values. The acceleration sensor 21 is connected to the control unit 10 such that the detected acceleration values can be sent to the control unit 10.

[0034] The thresholds of the acceleration of the system S and the thresholds of the acceleration of the power tool 1 are particularly stored in the memory device 20.

[0035] The handle 5 further includes an actuation switch 16, an upper end 5a, and a lower end 5b. The actuation switch 16 is connected to the control unit 10 such that actuating the actuation switch 16 in the direction D causes the drive device 7 or the power tool 1 to be enabled.

[0036] Also as Figure 1 shown, the drive device 7, the transmission device 8, the output shaft 9, and the tool fitting 4 are arranged relative to each other such that the torque generated by the drive device 7 can be transmitted to the tool fitting 4 via the transmission device 8 and the output shaft 9. The torque generated by the drive device 7 is ultimately transmitted to the tool 6 through the tool fitting 4.

[0037] In addition, the power tool housing 3 has an upper side 3a, a lower side 3b, a front end 3c, and a rear end 3d.

[0038] The tool fitting 4 is positioned at the front end 3c of the power tool housing 3. The upper end 4a of the handle 5 is fastened to the lower side 3b of the power tool housing 3 and near the rear end 3d. The power tool interface 11 is positioned at the lower end 5b of the handle 5. The power tool interface 11 is used to releasably connect the power tool 1 to the rechargeable battery 2.

[0039] According to an alternative exemplary embodiment (not shown in the figures), the power tool 1 can also be configured such that it is connected to more than one rechargeable battery 2 as an energy source.

[0040] The first output device 22 is positioned at the rear end 3d of the power tool housing 3, and the first output device is connected to the control unit 10 via a corresponding line L to receive signals from the control unit 10. The first output device 22 includes a speaker and a light. Neither the speaker nor the light of the first output device 22 is shown in the drawings.

[0041] The rechargeable battery 2 described in the exemplary embodiment can in particular be used as an energy storage device or an electrical energy source for the power tool 1. The rechargeable battery 2 mainly includes a rechargeable battery housing 12, a plurality of energy storage cells 13, a rechargeable battery interface 14, an acceleration sensor 23, a memory device 24, a second output device 25, and a control device 15.

[0042] The acceleration sensor 23 is used to detect acceleration values. By detecting the acceleration values, it is possible to determine whether impacts, vibrations, and / or shocks act on the system S and the rechargeable battery 2 and with what intensity they act on the system and the rechargeable battery. The acceleration sensor 23 of the rechargeable battery 2 is connected to the control device 15 such that the detected acceleration values can be sent to the control device 15.

[0043] Threshold values for the acceleration of the system S and for the acceleration of the rechargeable battery 2 are in particular stored in the memory device 24 of the rechargeable battery 2.

[0044] The second output device 25 is connected to the control device 15 via a corresponding line L to receive signals from the control unit 10. The second output device 25 also includes a speaker and a light. Neither the speaker nor the light of the second output device 25 is shown in the drawings.

[0045] The rechargeable battery interface 14 serves to electrically or electronically connect the rechargeable battery 2 to the power tool 1 by means of the power tool interface 11. For this purpose, the rechargeable battery interface 14 includes a positive contact P, a negative contact M, and a communication contact K. The positive contact P and the negative contact M are used to transfer electrical energy from the energy storage cell 13 of the rechargeable battery 2 to the consumption device (in particular the drive device 7) of the power tool 1. The communication contact K is in turn used for communication between the control device 15 of the rechargeable battery 2 and the control unit 10 of the power tool 1. For the communication between the rechargeable battery 2 and the power tool 1, data and information are exchanged in the form of signals.

[0046] The energy storage cell 13 can also be referred to as a rechargeable battery cell and is used to receive, store, and re-deliver electrical energy. As indicated in the drawings, the energy storage cell 13 is cylindrical and configured based on lithium-ion technology. Each energy storage cell 13 includes a contact device at one end, which is used for the transfer of electrical energy (i.e., reception and delivery). The respective contact devices are connected to the control device 15 via corresponding lines L.

[0047] The contact devices are not shown in the drawings.

[0048] Alternatively, the energy storage cell 13 can also be based on another suitable technology. The cylindrical shape of the energy storage cell 13 is also optional, so that any other suitable shape or geometry can also be selected. Thus, in particular, it is also possible that the energy storage cell 13 is configured as a pouch cell. Additionally, it is also possible that the rechargeable battery 2 includes both cylindrical energy storage cells and pouch cells.

[0049] The control device 15 controls the different functions of the rechargeable battery 2 in a closed-loop and open-loop manner. These functions particularly include the closed-loop control of the reception and delivery of electrical energy.

[0050] In addition, the control device 15 is connected to the energy storage cell 13 and the rechargeable battery interface 14 via corresponding lines L, so that electrical energy can be transferred from the energy storage cell 13 to the rechargeable battery interface 14 via the control device 15.

[0051] To removably mechanically couple the rechargeable battery 2 to the power tool 1, the system S consisting of the power tool 1 and the rechargeable battery 2 includes a rail device. The rail device is positioned between the rechargeable battery interface 14 and the power tool interface 11, such that the rechargeable battery 2 can slide along the rail device and slide onto the power tool 1 in the direction of arrow C and can be removed (slid off) from the power tool 1 again in the direction of arrow D. When the rechargeable battery 2 is coupled to the power tool 1 by means of the rail device, the positive contact P, the negative contact M, and the communication contact K of the rechargeable battery 2 come into contact with the corresponding positive contact P, negative contact M, and communication contact K of the power tool 1. Electrical energy and electrical signals can then be transferred from the rechargeable battery 2 to the power tool 1.

[0052] The track equipment is not shown in the figure.

[0053] A locking device (not shown in the figure) is used to removably connect the rechargeable battery 2 to the power tool 1.

[0054] To perform this method, when the system S is used to drive the nail N into the material W, first, the acceleration value is detected by the acceleration sensor 21 of the power tool 1, see Figure 3 . To drive the nail N into the material W, the user (not shown) repeatedly applies a force F to the nail N via the system S.

[0055] When the system S drives the nail N, the impact generated on the system S is detected by the acceleration sensor 21 in the form of an acceleration value.

[0056] The acceleration value detected by the acceleration sensor 21 is sent to the control unit 10 of the power tool 1 in the form of a signal. The control unit 10 compares the detected acceleration value with the acceleration threshold stored in the memory device 20. If the detected acceleration value reaches or exceeds the acceleration threshold, a signal is sent from the control unit 10 to the output device 22. Then, the output device 22 sends an acoustic warning signal in the form of a signal tone and a visual warning signal in the form of a signal lamp.

[0057] In addition to or as an alternative to sending a signal from the output device 22, the control unit 10 issues a signal to adjust the drive device from the first operating state to the second operating state.

[0058] A first speed value is set for the drive device 7 in the first operating state, and a second speed value is set for the drive device 7 in the second operating state. In this case, the second speed value is higher than the first speed value. In the present exemplary embodiment, adjusting the drive device 7 from the first speed value to the second speed value means that when an acceleration value reaching or exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected, the drive device 7 either has operated at the first speed value and then at the second speed value, or the first speed value selected by the user is set or automatically changed to the second speed value by the control unit 10 only when the drive device 7 is enabled again (i.e., speed value = zero).

[0059] According to another embodiment, a switch is made between the first operating state and the second operating state within a predetermined time period and / or frequency. In other words, the drive device 7 operates alternately at a certain frequency and time period in the first operating state or the second operating state.

[0060] Instead of or in addition to detecting the acceleration value by means of the acceleration sensor 21 of the power tool 1, the acceleration value can also be detected by the acceleration sensor 23 of the rechargeable battery 2.

[0061] Therefore, the above method can also be implemented by means of the acceleration sensor 23 of the rechargeable battery 2.

[0062] List of reference numerals

[0063] 1 Power tool

[0064] 2 Rechargeable battery

[0065] 3 Power tool housing

[0066] 3a Upper side of the power tool housing

[0067] 3b Lower side of the power tool housing

[0068] 3c Front end of the power tool housing

[0069] 3d Rear end of the power tool housing

[0070] 4 Tool accessory

[0071] 5 Handle

[0072] 5a Upper end of the handle

[0073] 5b Lower end of the handle

[0074] 6 Tool

[0075] 7 Drive device

[0076] 8 Transmission

[0077] 9 Output shaft

[0078] 10 Control unit of the power tool

[0079] 11 Power tool interface

[0080] 12 Rechargeable battery housing

[0081] 13 Energy storage cell

[0082] 14 Rechargeable battery interface

[0083] 15 Control device

[0084] 16 Actuation switch

[0085] 20 Memory device of the power tool

[0086] 21 Acceleration sensor of the power tool

[0087] 22 First output device on the power tool

[0088] 23 Acceleration sensor of the rechargeable battery

[0089] Memory device for rechargeable battery

[0090] Second output device on rechargeable battery

[0091] L line

[0092] P positive contact

[0093] M negative contact

[0094] K communication contact

[0095] S system

[0096] N nail

[0097] W material

[0098] F force

Claims

1. A method for controlling a power tool (1), in particular a hand-held power tool (1), in open-loop and closed-loop control, the power tool comprising a power tool housing (3), a control unit (10), a drive device (7), a tool fitting (4), and an output device (22), characterized in that the following method steps: - Detecting at least one acceleration value via at least one acceleration sensor (21, 23); - If the detected acceleration value reaches a threshold value stored in a memory device (20, 24), sending at least one signal to the output device (22, 25) to output at least one acoustic and / or visual warning signal, and / or - Sending at least one signal from the control unit to adjust the drive device from a first operating state to a second operating state.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a first speed value is set in the first operating state of the drive device, and a second speed value is set in the second operating state of the drive device, wherein the second speed value is higher than the first speed value, and wherein the operating states alternate between the first state and the second state at a predetermined time period and / or frequency.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a first speed value is set in the first operating state of the drive device (7), and a second speed value is set in the second operating state of the drive device (7), wherein the second speed value is at least 50% higher than the first speed value.

4. A system (S) comprising a power tool (1) and a rechargeable battery (2) capable of being connected to the power tool (1) for performing the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the power tool (1) comprises a power tool housing (3), a control unit (10), a drive device (7), a tool fitting (4), and an output device, and the rechargeable battery (2) comprises a rechargeable battery housing (12), at least one energy storage element (13), and a control device (15), characterized in that at least one acceleration sensor for detecting at least one acceleration value is included in the power tool (1) and / or the rechargeable battery (2).

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that the rechargeable battery comprises at least one output device connected to the control device (15) and connected to the acceleration sensor of the power tool (1) and / or connected to the acceleration sensor of the rechargeable battery (1).

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