Power tool

Abstract

A power tool includes a working component, a motor for driving the working component, a power connector, and a power controller for controlling the motor, where the power controller is configured to retrieve information about a removable power source connected to the power connector, and controlling the motor to operate in one of a plurality of different modes according to the retrieved information of the detachable power supply.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to power tools and, more particularly, to a power tool that accepts a removable power source. Background Art

[0002] Power tools can be configured with an internal power source (e.g., an integrated rechargeable battery) or a removable power source (such as a removable battery pack or a removable power cable with a DC or AC power source).

[0003] When various power sources are compatible with a power connector, such removable power sources pose inherent problems. For example, removable power packs with a certain range of capacities or even different rated voltages can be compatible with the same power connector, or power leads with a certain range of input voltages can be inserted into the same power lead connector socket.

[0004] Such variations can lead to problems such as short operating times or over-temperature events. In some examples, if users select a smaller capacity battery pack with a smaller footprint and lower weight, they may inadvertently sacrifice usability in the form of tool run time. In other examples, users may inadvertently select an incorrect power lead from among various options with a certain range of rated voltages / rated powers, thereby endangering the safety of the tool due to overloading and overheating of the battery and / or motor.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to solve or at least partially ameliorate some of the above problems of current methods. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the principles disclosed herein. The features and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a power tool including a working component, a motor for driving the working component, a power connector, and a power controller for controlling the motor, wherein the power controller is configured to retrieve information about a removable power source connected to the power connector and control the motor to operate in one of a plurality of different modes based on the retrieved information about the removable power source.

[0008] The retrieved information about the removable power source may include the capacity of the removable power source.

[0009] The retrieved information about the removable power source may include the number of battery cells of the removable power source.

[0010] The retrieved information about the removable power source may include the type, model, or serial number of the removable power source.

[0011] The power tool may include a memory configured to store a look-up table.

[0012] The power controller may determine a mode for operating the motor by searching the look-up table for information on the removable power source retrieved.

[0013] Each of the multiple modes may include a power setting of the motor.

[0014] The power setting may include a high speed and a low speed of the motor.

[0015] If information on the removable power source cannot be retrieved or if the information on the retrieved removable power source is not recognized, the power controller may control the motor to operate in a default mode.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for controlling the operation of a motor of a power tool, the method comprising: retrieving information on a removable power source connected to a power connector of the power tool; controlling the motor to operate in one of a plurality of different modes based on the retrieved information on the removable power source, and driving a working part of the power tool using the motor operating in one of the plurality of different modes.

[0017] Retrieving information on the removable power source may include retrieving the capacity of the removable power source.

[0018] Retrieving information on the removable power source may include retrieving the number of battery cells of the removable power source.

[0019] Retrieving information on the removable power source may include retrieving the type, model or serial number of the removable power source.

[0020] The method may include determining a mode for operating the motor by searching the look-up table for the retrieved information on the removable power source.

[0021] Each of the multiple modes may include a power setting of the motor.

[0022] The power setting may include a high speed and a low speed of the motor.

[0023] The method may include: if information on the removable power source cannot be retrieved or if the information on the retrieved removable power source is not recognized, controlling the motor to operate in a default mode. Description of the Drawings

[0024] To describe the manner in which the above and other advantages and features of the present disclosure can be obtained, the principles briefly described above will be described in more detail by reference to specific embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure, and the principles herein are described and explained more specifically and in detail by using the drawings.

[0025] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be further explained in detail below by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a power tool according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 is an image showing different types of detachable power sources.

[0028] Figure 3 is a table showing information about a detachable power source according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 is a table showing information about a detachable power source according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a process performed by a power tool according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram showing a power tool according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram showing a power tool according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the operation of a motor of a power tool according to an embodiment. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0034] Multiple different embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below. Although specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 1It is a schematic diagram showing a power tool 100 according to an embodiment. The power tool 100 includes a working part 104, a motor 102, a power connector 108, and a power controller 106. The power tool 100 can be any power tool 100, including but not limited to handheld, portable, or push / drive tools. Examples include line trimmers, chain saws, power drills, lawn mowers, post drills, leaf blowers, snow blowers, etc.

[0036] The working part 104 can be configured to perform a work task when driven by the motor 102. For example, the working part 104 can include a spool and line for a line trimmer, a chain for a chain saw, a chuck and drill bit for a power drill, etc.

[0037] The motor 102 is configured to drive the working part 104. The motor 102 can be a DC or AC, brushed or brushless motor. The motor 102 can be configured to operate at any suitable input voltage, for example, 9V, 12V, 18V, 20V, or 40V DC, 110V or 240V AC, or any other suitable rated voltage.

[0038] The power connector 108 is configured to receive a detachable power source. The detachable power source can be an independent power storage device, such as a cell, battery, power pack, voltaic pile, capacitor, or supercapacitor. Batteries with any suitable chemistry can be used, such as lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, alkaline, mercury, silver oxide, lead-acid, etc. Alternatively, the detachable power source can be an external power source, such as a 110V or 240V mains AC power source, a DC transformer power source from an external power pack or mains connection, or an external DC power source from a power generation source (such as a solar panel).

[0039] The detachable power source can include an internal data memory for holding information about the detachable power source. For example, the internal data storage can include information related to the parameters, characteristics, or usage of the detachable power source, as will be described in more detail below.

[0040] Figure 2Is an image showing different types of detachable power sources. As shown, the detachable power source can be a detachable battery pack. The detachable power source can be an 18V battery pack. The capacity of the battery pack and in some cases the physical size of the battery pack housing can depend on the number of cells in the battery pack. As shown, battery packs of various sizes and capacities can be equipped with a common connector. In this way, the power tool 100 can be equipped with a detachable power source having one of a variety of possible sizes and capacities. Thus, the battery pack can be selected by the user based on any of a number of factors (e.g., intended use, size / weight, cost, availability, etc.). As an example, the three 18V battery packs shown have capacities of 2Ah, 4Ah, and 12Ah from the smallest to the largest battery pack. In other examples, the battery pack can have a lower capacity (e.g., 1.5Ah), an intermediate capacity in the range of, for example, 5Ah or 9Ah, or a higher capacity (e.g., 20Ah or higher).

[0041] The power connector 108 can include one or more electrical contacts arranged to be adjacent to corresponding contacts on the received detachable power source. The power connector 108 can be configured to supply power from the detachable power source to one or more components of the power tool 100 (e.g., the motor 102). The power connector 108 can include one or more data contacts arranged to be adjacent to corresponding contacts on the received detachable power source. In this way, the power connector 108 can receive information stored on the internal data memory of the detachable power source.

[0042] The power controller 106 is configured to control the motor 102. The power controller 106 is configured to retrieve information about the detachable power source connected to the power connector 108. The power controller 106 can retrieve information stored on the internal data memory of the detachable power source via one or more data contacts of the power connector 108.

[0043] Alternatively, the power controller 106 can use a device for sensing information about the removable power source. Such a device can be associated with the power connector 108 or can be provided separately. The power controller 106 can use an optical device (e.g., an image sensor) to read barcodes, QR codes, text, or characters or any other markings provided on the removable power source either in print or otherwise. The power controller 106 can use a tactile device, such as one or more touch switches arranged to sense patterns or protrusions or other tactile indicators formed on the housing of the removable power source. The power controller 106 can use an electromagnetic device, such as an RFID tag or a short-range / scope communication connection with an internal data memory (such as NFC or Bluetooth). Alternatively, the power controller 106 can use an electrical device to directly measure one or more parameters of the removable power source, such as measuring voltage load, capacity, etc.

[0044] The power controller 106 is configured to control the motor 102 to operate in one of a plurality of different modes based on the retrieved information about the removable power source.

[0045] In this way, the motor 102 can be automatically controlled in a manner that improves safety, efficiency, and usability. The motor 102 can be controlled to operate in a mode that prevents or reduces undesirable events (such as short operating times or over-temperature events). In some examples, by selecting a mode based on the removable power source, the user can select a smaller capacity battery pack with a smaller footprint and lower weight without sacrificing usability in the form of tool run time. In some examples, by selecting a mode based on the removable power source, the user can use various power sources with a certain range of rated voltage / rated power without sacrificing the safety of the tool due to overloading and overheating of the battery and / or the motor 102.

[0046] The retrieved information about the removable power source can include the capacity of the removable power source.

[0047] Figure 3 is a table showing information about the removable power source according to an embodiment. The shown table can be an example of information stored on the internal data memory of the removable power source. The information stored on the internal data can be retrieved via one or more data contacts of the power connector 108.

[0048] The retrieved information about the removable power source can include the number of cells of the removable power source. As shown, the battery capacity can be provided directly. In some examples, only the number of cells and / or the cell type can be provided, allowing the power controller 106 to indirectly determine the battery capacity.

[0049] The retrieved information about the removable power source can include the type, model, or serial number of the removable power source.

[0050] The power tool 100 can include a memory configured to store a look-up table.

[0051] Figure 4 is a table showing information about the detachable power source according to an embodiment. The shown table can be an example of a look-up table stored in the memory of the power tool 100. The table can include a specific number of battery types or models. The table can be limited by the battery types / models physically compatible with the power connector 108.

[0052] The power controller 106 can determine a mode for operating the motor 102 by searching for information about the detachable power source retrieved in the look-up table. As shown, the look-up table can include a correspondence between the identification information of the detachable power source and the capacity associated with the identified detachable power source. For example, the type, model, or serial number of the detachable power source can be associated with the corresponding capacity. A specific capacity value can be provided or a capacity category based on a value range can be provided, such as a low capacity of 0 - 5 Ah, a standard capacity of 5 Ah - 8 Ah, and a high capacity of 8 Ah or greater.

[0053] Each of the multiple modes can include a power setting of the motor 102. For example, the power controller 106 can control the motor 102 to operate at a lower power setting for a detachable power source with a lower capacity. In this way, the runtime of the power tool 100 can be increased for a detachable power source with a lower capacity, while high power settings can be utilized when the capacity permits. The mode can be selected based on the capacity value or based on a determined category including a capacity range.

[0054] In another example, the power controller 106 can control the motor 102 to operate at a lower power setting for a detachable power source with a higher voltage or rated power. In this way, the power controller 106 can limit overload and potential over-temperature events of the motor 102.

[0055] Figure 5 is an operation flowchart showing a process performed by the power tool 100 according to an embodiment. In step S500, the power of the tool is turned on, for example, by activating the power switch or by connecting the detachable power source to the power connector 108.

[0056] In step S501, the power tool 100 is initialized and battery cell information is retrieved. For example, the battery cell type, model, or serial number can be retrieved via one or more data contacts of the power connector 108.

[0057] The power controller 106 can determine a mode for operating the motor 102 by searching for information about the detachable power source retrieved in the look-up table. For example, the power controller 106 can sequentially check Figure 4Each entry of the table shown in

[0058] In step S502, the power controller 106 checks whether the battery cell is a 1P 18650 cell. That is, a battery corresponding to category 1. If so, the power controller 106 controls the motor 102 to operate at power level 1 and proceeds to step S506.

[0059] If not, then in step S503, the power controller 106 checks whether the battery cell is a 2P 18650 cell, a 1P 21700 cell, or a 1P pouch cell. That is, a battery corresponding to category 2. If so, the power controller 106 controls the motor 102 to operate at power level 2 and proceeds to step S507.

[0060] If not, then in step S504, the power controller 106 checks whether the battery cell is a 3P 18650 cell or a 2P 21700 cell. That is, a battery corresponding to category 3. If so, the power controller 106 controls the motor 102 to operate at power level 3 and proceeds to step S508.

[0061] The power controller 106 can be configured to generate an output signal according to the operation mode of the motor 102. The output signal can include, for example, a sound output (where the power level is indicated by a certain tone or beep count), or a visual output (where the power level is indicated by a certain color, or the number of lights or a text display).

[0062] In step S506, the power controller 106 outputs a beep indicating that the tool will operate at power level 1 and proceeds to step S509.

[0063] In step S507, the power controller 106 outputs a beep indicating that the tool will operate at power level 2 and proceeds to step S510.

[0064] In step S508, the power controller 106 outputs a beep indicating that the tool will operate at power level 3 and proceeds to step S511.

[0065] The power setting can include the high speed and low speed of the motor 102. The power setting can set the motor speed with a predetermined tolerance (e.g., + / -5%).

[0066] For example, for power level 3, the high motor speed can be 6200 RPM and the low motor speed can be 4600 RPM. For power level 2, the high motor speed can be 5500 RPM and the low motor speed can be 4600 RPM. For power level 1, the high motor speed can be 4500 RPM and the low motor speed can be 3800 RPM.

[0067] In step S509, the power controller 106 sets the speed of the power tool 100 to high speed 1 and low speed 1, which may correspond to 4500 RPM and 3800 RPM respectively, and proceeds to step S512.

[0068] In step S510, the power controller 106 sets the speed of the power tool 100 to high speed 2 and low speed 2, which may correspond to 5500 RPM and 4600 RPM respectively, and proceeds to step S512.

[0069] In step S511, the power controller 106 sets the speed of the power tool 100 to high speed 3 and low speed 3, which may correspond to 6200 RPM and 4600 RPM respectively, and proceeds to step S512.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, the power setting may include a current level limit, such as 80 A for power level 2 or 100 A for power level 3.

[0071] The power controller 106 may be configured to stop the power tool 100 when the battery capacity is too low. For example, the power setting for power level 1 may be set to zero, i.e., stop the tool.

[0072] If information about the removable power source cannot be retrieved or if the retrieved information about the removable power source is not recognized, the power controller 106 may control the motor 102 to operate in a default mode. The default operating mode may correspond to the highest power setting.

[0073] That is, if the power controller 106 determines in step S504 that the battery cells are not 3P 18650 cells or 2P 21700 cells, then in step S505 the power controller 106 determines that the battery type exceeds power level 3. The power controller 106 controls the motor 102 to operate at power level 3 and proceeds to step S508.

[0074] Alternatively, if information about the removable power source cannot be retrieved or if the retrieved information about the removable power source is not recognized, the default operating mode may control the motor 102 not to operate.

[0075] The power level definition and parameter setting end in step S512.

[0076] Figure 6a FIG. is a schematic diagram showing a power tool 600 according to an embodiment. The power tool 600 is a hand-held electric drill, which includes a chuck 604 as a working part, a motor 606, a removable power source 610 received at a power connector (not shown), and a power controller 608.

[0077] Figure 6bFIG. 0 is a schematic view showing a power tool 600 according to an embodiment. The power tool 600 is a handheld chainsaw that includes a saw blade and a chain 614 as a working part, a motor 616, a detachable power supply 620 received at a power connector (not shown), and a power controller 618.

[0078] In addition to Figure 6a and Figure 6b the example shown, the power tool may be embodied as, for example, a hedge trimmer, a cord trimmer, a lawn mower, a blower, a washer, a vacuum cleaner, or any other suitable tool or appliance.

[0079] Figure 7 FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the operation of a motor of a power tool according to an embodiment. The method starts at step S700.

[0080] In step S701, information about the detachable power supply connected to the power connector of the power tool is retrieved.

[0081] In step S702, the motor is controlled to operate in one of a plurality of different modes according to the retrieved information of the detachable power supply.

[0082] In step S703, the working part of the power tool is driven by the motor operating in one of a plurality of different modes.

[0083] The method ends at step S704.

[0084] The above embodiments are described only by way of example. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[0085] For clarity of explanation, in some cases, the present technology may be presented as including separate functional blocks that include functional blocks containing devices, device components, steps or routines in a method embodied in software or a combination of hardware and software.

[0086] The methods according to the above examples can be implemented using computer-executable instructions stored in or otherwise obtained from a computer-readable medium. Such instructions can include, for example, instructions and data that cause or otherwise configure a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or a special-purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Portions of the computer resources used can be accessed via a network. The computer-executable instructions can be, for example, binary instructions, intermediate format instructions (such as, assembly language), firmware, or source code. Examples of computer-readable media that can be used to store instructions, information used, and / or information generated during the methods according to the described examples include magnetic or optical disks, flash memory, universal serial bus (USB) devices provided with non-volatile memory, networked storage devices, and the like.

[0087] Devices implementing the methods according to these disclosures can include hardware, firmware, and / or software, and can take any of a variety of form factors. Typical examples of such form factors include laptop computers, smart phones, small form factor personal computers, personal digital assistants, and the like. The functions described herein can also be embodied in peripheral devices or add-on cards. By additional example, such functions can also be implemented on a circuit board between different chips or different processes executed in a single device.

[0088] Instructions, the medium for transmitting such instructions, the computing resources for executing these instructions, and other structures for supporting these computing resources are means for providing the functions described in this disclosure.

[0089] Although various examples and other information are used to explain aspects within the scope of the appended claims, in such examples, no limitation to the claims should be implied based on a particular feature or arrangement, because a person of ordinary skill in the art will be able to use these examples to derive a wide variety of implementations. Further, although some subject matter may have been described in language specific to example structural features and / or method steps, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to these features or acts described. For example, such functions can be distributed differently or performed in components other than those identified herein. Rather, the described features and steps are disclosed as examples of components of systems and methods within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A power tool, the power tool including a working component, a motor for driving the working component, a power connector, and a power controller for controlling the motor, wherein, The power controller is configured to retrieve information about a removable power source connected to the power connector and control the motor to operate in one of a plurality of different modes based on the retrieved information of the removable power source.

2. The power tool according to claim 1, wherein, The retrieved information of the removable power source includes the capacity of the removable power source.

3. The power tool according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein The retrieved information of the removable power source includes the number of battery cells of the removable power source.

4. The power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The retrieved information of the removable power source includes the type, model number or serial number of the removable power source.

5. The power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a memory configured to store a look-up table, wherein, The power controller is configured to determine the mode for operating the motor by searching for the retrieved information of the removable power source in the look-up table.

6. The power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each of the plurality of modes includes a power setting of the motor.

7. The power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The power setting includes a high speed and a low speed of the motor.

8. The power tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The power controller is configured to control the motor to operate in a default mode if the information of the removable power source cannot be retrieved or if the retrieved information of the removable power source is not recognized.

9. A method for controlling the operation of a motor of a power tool, the method comprising: retrieving information about a removable power source connected to a power connector of the power tool; controlling the motor to operate in one of a plurality of different modes based on the retrieved information of the removable power source, and using the motor operating in one of the plurality of different modes to drive a working part of the power tool.

10. The method for controlling the operation of a motor as claimed in claim 9, wherein, Retrieving information about the removable power source includes retrieving the capacity of the removable power source.

11. The method for controlling the operation of a motor according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein, Retrieving information about the removable power source includes retrieving the number of battery cells of the removable power source.

12. The method for controlling the operation of a motor according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, Retrieving information about the removable power source includes retrieving the type, model number or serial number of the removable power source.

13. The method for controlling the operation of a motor according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising: determining the mode for operating the motor by searching for the retrieved information of the removable power source in a look-up table.

14. A method for controlling the operation of a motor according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein, Each of the plurality of modes includes a power setting of the motor, and optionally, wherein the power setting includes a high speed and a low speed of the motor.

15. The method for controlling the operation of a motor according to any one of claims 9 to 14, further comprising: controlling the motor to operate in a default mode if the information of the removable power source cannot be retrieved or if the retrieved information of the removable power source is not recognized.

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