Dual trigger control for outdoor power tools

Abstract

An outdoor power tool and a method of operating an outdoor power tool are provided. The outdoor power tool comprises a tool assembly, a driving assembly, a handle assembly, a control system comprising a control circuit, a first trigger and a second trigger. The first flip-flop and the second flip-flop are each electrically connected to a control circuit. The control system is configured to initiate a supply of electrical power to the drive assembly when input from both the first flip-flop and the second flip-flop is received at the control circuit.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications on dual-trigger control for outdoor power tools

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 713,354, filed October 29, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to control for walk-behind power tools, and more particularly to control having two triggers for walk-behind power tools. Background Technology

[0003] Walking-type outdoor power tools are generally used in landscaping operations. To assist the user in propelling the walking tool, there is usually a drive assembly that includes a motor to provide power to the wheels of the walking tool. As a safety mechanism, most (if not all) walking-type outdoor power tools include a multi-step action for driving the wheels.

[0004] A typical walking-type outdoor power tool device for multi-step motion of the drive wheel may include a lifting lever at the handle. The lifting lever can be configured to allow selective actuation of the motor and typically needs to be engaged to actuate the motor. If the lifting lever is not engaged, the motor cannot start; and if the lifting lever is released, the motor stops. However, requiring the user to engage and hold the lifting lever throughout the entire operation of the walking-type tool can be cumbersome. For example, squeezing the lifting lever and handle together during tool operation can cause discomfort and even fatigue in the user's hands. To effectively maintain operation of the walking-type power tool, it may be necessary to squeeze the lifting lever with both hands.

[0005] Therefore, improved control systems for outdoor power tools are desired in this field. In particular, multi-action control systems for outdoor power tools that do not require continuous two-handed operation would be advantageous. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the art.

[0007] According to one embodiment, an outdoor power tool is provided. The outdoor power tool includes a tool assembly, a drive assembly, a handle assembly, a control system including control circuitry, a first trigger, and a second trigger. The first and second triggers are each electrically connected to the control circuitry. The control system is configured to initiate the supply of electrical power to the drive assembly when it receives input from both the first and second triggers at the control circuitry.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a method for operating a power tool is provided. The outdoor power tool includes a drive assembly, a control system, and a first trigger and a second trigger. The method includes the steps of: simultaneously pressing the first trigger and the second trigger; as a result of simultaneously pressing the first trigger and the second trigger, the control system causes the drive assembly to be activated; operating the drive assembly while the first trigger and / or the second trigger is pressed; and stopping the operation of the drive assembly when neither the first trigger nor the second trigger is pressed. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become more readily understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims.

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the technology and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the technology. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The complete and usable best mode of manufacturing and using the present application, including the system and method, is set forth in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG1 is a front view of a walking power tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a controller for a power tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG3 is an exemplary method of operating a power tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0011] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, with one or more examples of embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, each example is provided by way of illustration and not as a limitation of the technology. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made to the technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Detailed description uses numerals and letters to refer to features in the drawings. The same or similar reference numerals in the drawings and specification are used to refer to the same or similar portions of this disclosure.

[0012] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the location or importance of individual components. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. Unless otherwise stated herein, the terms “connected,” “fixed,” “attached to,” etc., refer to a direct connection, fixation, or attachment, as well as an indirect connection, fixation, or attachment of both via one or more intermediate components or features. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “having,” “having,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of features is not necessarily limited to such features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” means inclusive or, not exclusive or. For example, condition A or B is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0013] Approximate terms, such as “approximately,” “generally,” “about,” or “substantially,” include values ​​that are greater than or less than ten percent of the stated value. When used in the context of angles or directions, such terms include values ​​that are greater than or less than ten degrees of the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions that are within ten degrees of vertical in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0014] As used herein, the term “operably connected” refers to a mechanical and / or electrical connection between two or more elements, whether they are directly connected to each other or connected via one or more intermediate components, such that the mechanical or electrical output of one element is transmitted directly or indirectly to the operably connected second component.

[0015] The benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below with reference to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any one or more features that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to appear or become more significant should not be construed as key, essential, or necessary features of any or all claims.

[0016] Generally, outdoor power tools, such as walking outdoor power tools, can be used for a variety of landscaping operations. For example, as disclosed herein, an outdoor power tool may include a motor to provide supplemental power to the wheels and / or tool unit. The power tool disclosed herein includes a first trigger and a second trigger. To start the power tool, both the first and second triggers may need to be pressed. After starting the power tool, only one trigger needs to be pressed to continue operating it. The triggers may be variable speed triggers, and the power tool's controller can use input from either trigger that has been pressed the most to control the speed of the power tool.

[0017] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a walkable outdoor power tool 10. Although the power tool 10 illustrated in Figure 1 is a spreader, which can be used to spread (e.g., dispense) material stored in a hopper across a surface (e.g., grass, garden, etc.) when the spreader is traversing across the ground, the invention also contemplates that the power tool 10 may include a lawnmower, snowplow or snow blower, walkable fan, trimmer, tiller, mower, blower, cultivator, or other power tool.

[0018] Power tools 10 generally include a traversing element 12 for traversing over an area. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the traversing element 12 may include one or more wheels, such as a first wheel 14 and a second wheel 16. A power tool 10 having only two wheels and no operator seat (such as that illustrated in Figure 1) may also be referred to as a walkable power tool. However, although the traversing element 12 is illustrated as a first wheel 14 and a second wheel 16, it should be understood that alternatives, such as one or more tracks, rollers, etc., may also be implemented.

[0019] The power tool 10 generally also includes a frame 20 and a handle assembly 40 connected to the frame 20. The handle assembly 40 can be positioned upwards and backwards from the transverse element 12. The frame 20 can be formed from a tube, plate, etc. The elements of the frame 20 can be joined together by welding, fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners), etc.

[0020] Tool assembly 22 is mounted on frame 20. In Figure 1, power tool 10 is a spreader, and tool assembly 22 includes a hopper assembly that defines a receiving area for receiving material to be spread by the spreader. The hopper assembly includes one or more dispensing outlets for releasing material from the receiving area. As disclosed herein, the hopper assembly may include various mechanisms and configurations for controlling the release of material from the receiving area via one or more dispensing outlets. However, it should be understood that tool assembly 22 may include one or more additional and / or alternative tool units operatively connected to the frame, such as a blade assembly when power tool 10 is a lawnmower, a snowplow assembly when power tool 10 is a snowplow, etc.

[0021] The power tool 10 may also include a drive assembly 30 that propels the traverse element 12 and possibly the tool assembly 22. As a non-limiting example, the drive assembly 30 may include a motor 32 (such as an electric motor as illustrated), an engine, etc. For embodiments where the drive assembly includes an electric motor, the power tool 10 may also include one or more batteries 34 (FIG. 2) that provide electrical power to the electric motor. In particular embodiments, the one or more batteries may include a single battery. In another embodiment, the one or more batteries may include multiple batteries. The one or more batteries may be removable, permanently mounted, or a combination thereof. Batteries may also be available on different components other than the power tool 10, making them interchangeable between different types of tools. The electric motor may include, for example, a brushless DC motor. In some embodiments, the power tool 10 may move at speeds ranging from 0 miles per hour (MPH) to 4 MPH. In some cases, this movement may occur only in a single direction, such as forward. In other embodiments, movement may occur in both directions, such as forward or backward. Even when the electric motor 32 or other drive components are not providing power for the movement, the power tool 10 is able to traverse the ground (i.e., the traversing element 12 is able to move). This enables both manual and powered operation of the power tool, so that the power tool remains operational even if the power source (e.g., battery) is depleted or removed.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, in some embodiments, the handle assembly 40 may include multiple handles, such as a left handle 42 and a right handle 44. The left handle 42 and right handle 44 may extend on opposite lateral sides relative to the direction of movement across the transverse element 12. In some arrangements, the handle assembly 40 may include a central portion 46 located between the left handle 42 and the right handle 44. For example, the left handle 42 and right handle 44 may extend from the central portion 46. The handle assembly 40 may also include one or more operating actuators, such as a first trigger 50, a second trigger 52, an additional controller (not shown), and even a user interface (not shown). As will be disclosed herein, these corresponding components may operate cooperatively, independently, or in combination thereof. The first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52 may each be a variable speed trigger.

[0023] As disclosed herein, the entire power tool 10 (e.g., FIG. 1) may also include a controller 100 (e.g., see schematic FIG. 2), which is configured to control one or more operating parameters of the power tool 10. The controller 100 may be located within the handle assembly 40 (e.g., within the central portion 46) or in any other location suitable for receiving information, processing results, and outputting control mechanisms. Operating parameters may include, for example, the power state of the power tool, the speed of the power tool, or other operating characteristics of the power tool. The controller 100 may be configured to receive input signals from a user interface, a controller, a first trigger 50, and a second trigger 52.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the controller 100 includes a control circuit 110. A first trigger 50 and a second trigger 52 are electrically connected to the control circuit 110. A drive assembly 30, including a motor 32 connected to the transverse element 12, is further electrically connected to the control circuit 110. A battery 34 is further connected to the control circuit 110.

[0025] The control circuit 110 may include a power module 112 and a speed module 114. The power module 112 may be configured to control whether electrical power is supplied to the drive assembly 30, i.e., to operate the power tool 10. More specifically, as shown in FIG2, the power module 112 may be configured to control whether electrical energy is released from the battery 34 to supply power to the drive assembly 30. The speed module 114 may be configured to control the operating speed (rate) of the drive assembly 30.

[0026] Both the power module 112 and the speed module 114 can receive input signals from the first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52. As described above, the first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52 can each be a variable speed trigger. In particular, the first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52 can each be a variable speed insertion trigger.

[0027] The power module 112 will now be described in further detail. In order to supply electrical power to the drive assembly 30, the power module 112 must receive input signals from both the first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52. When the first trigger 50 is pressed, it generates a first trigger input, and when the second trigger 52 is pressed, it generates a second trigger input. For example, the power module 112 may need to receive input signals from both the first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52 simultaneously. In other words, when the user presses both the first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52 simultaneously, the power module 112 can send a signal enabling power to be supplied to the drive assembly 30 to operate the power tool 10.

[0028] In some aspects of the invention, the power module 112 may include a startup circuit 116 configured to receive input signals from a first flip-flop 50 and a second flip-flop 52. The startup circuit 116 may utilize multiple field-effect transistors (FETs) as AND gates within the power module 112. The AND gates of the startup circuit 116 may require input signals from the first flip-flop 50 and the second flip-flop 52 to enable the output of a signal from the power module 112 to initiate the supply of power to the drive assembly 30.

[0029] After power supply to the drive assembly 30 is initiated, the power module 112 can maintain the electrical power supply to the drive assembly 30 while one or both of the first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52 are pressed. In this way, after the power tool 10 has been running, the user can use one or both of the triggers 50 and 52 to keep the tool 10 running. When both the first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52 are released, the power module 112 sends a signal to stop the electrical power supply to the drive assembly 30, thereby disabling the operation of the tool 10. In other words, as long as the input from one or both of the triggers 50 and 52 is continuously maintained, the power tool 10 will continue to run and the power supply to the drive assembly 30 will be maintained.

[0030] For example, the user can release the first trigger 50 and the power tool 10 will continue to operate. Then, the user can press the first trigger 50 again, so that both triggers are pressed, and then release the second trigger 52, and the power tool 10 will continue to operate. Then, the first trigger 50 can be released, and the power module 112 will send a signal to terminate the supply of power to the drive assembly 30.

[0031] In some aspects of the invention, the power module 112 may include an operation circuit 118 configured to supply power to the drive assembly 30 by pressing at least one trigger once the power tool 10 is operated. For example, the operation circuit 118 may receive an input signal from a starting circuit, such as a start signal. The operation circuit 118 may include a bistable trigger, wherein the start signal is the bistable trigger input and the bistable trigger output is the operation signal. When both triggers 50 and 52 are pressed, the bistable trigger output may go high and remain high when either the first trigger 50 or the second trigger 52 is pressed. When both the first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52 are released, the bistable trigger output may go low. When the bistable trigger output goes low, the output operation signal stops, thereby terminating the supply of power to the drive assembly 30 and terminating the operation of the power tool 10.

[0032] The speed module 114 will now be described in further detail. As described above, both the first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52 are variable speed triggers. In other words, each of the triggers 50 and 52 can send a signal to the controller 100 to control the speed of the drive assembly 30, i.e., the rate at which it traverses element 12, based on the amount of time the trigger is pressed. The speed module 114 can control the speed of the drive assembly 30 based on the trigger that is pressed the most. In other words, when both the first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52 are pressed, the speed module 114 controls the speed of the drive unit 30 based on the trigger that is pressed the most.

[0033] In some aspects of the invention, the speed module 114 may include a flip-flop comparator circuit 120. The flip-flop comparator circuit 120 may receive input from each of the first flip-flop 50 and the second flip-flop 52. Each corresponding input from the first flip-flop 50 and the second flip-flop 52 may be operatively connected to an operational amplifier (op-amp), which is operatively connected to a diode. The operational amplifier is used in conjunction with the diode to implement an "analog maximum" function. In other words, the operational amplifier may be implemented to determine which input of the first flip-flop 50 and the second flip-flop 52 is higher, i.e., the maximum value. The higher input from either the first flip-flop 50 or the second flip-flop 52 is used to control the speed module 114.

[0034] Each of the first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52 of the variable speed trigger outputs a voltage signal based on the amount by which the corresponding trigger is pressed. The speed module 114 uses the highest voltage of the first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52 as the voltage for controlling the variable speed control, and this highest voltage signal is passed through the trigger comparator circuit 120 as described above.

[0035] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method 300 for operating a power tool 10. To initiate operation of the power tool 10 at step 310, the user presses the first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52. As described above, the power module 112 may require simultaneous pressing of the first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52. As a result of pressing the first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52, the control circuit 110 causes the drive assembly 30 to start. At step 320, the drive assembly 30 operates with the first trigger 50 and / or the second trigger 52 pressed. At step 330, when both triggers 50 and 52 are released, operation of the drive assembly 30 stops or terminates, i.e., the power supply is cut off.

[0036] As further illustrated in Figure 3, step 340 of the method includes comparing the amount by which the first trigger 50 and the second trigger 52 are pressed. For example, the trigger comparison circuit 120 can determine which trigger is pressed by a greater amount. Then, at step 350, the controller 100 controls the speed of the drive assembly 30 based on the maximum trigger amount. For example, the amount by which the triggers are pressed results in a trigger voltage input signal. The controller 100 can control the speed of the drive assembly 30 based on the maximum voltage.

[0037] Other aspects of this disclosure are provided by one or more of the following embodiments: an outdoor power tool comprising: a tool assembly; a drive assembly; a handle assembly coupled to the tool assembly and / or the drive assembly; a control system including control circuitry; a first trigger and a second trigger, each electrically connected to the control circuitry; wherein the control system is configured to initiate the supply of electrical power to the drive assembly when it receives input from both the first trigger and the second trigger at the control circuitry.

[0038] According to any one or more of the outdoor power tools described in the embodiments, the control system is configured to maintain the supply of electrical power to the drive component when an input from at least one of the first trigger and / or the second trigger is maintained after the supply of electrical power to the drive component is initiated.

[0039] According to any one or more of the outdoor power tools described in the embodiments, the control system is configured to stop the supply of electrical power to the drive assembly when both the first trigger and the second trigger are released.

[0040] According to any one or more of the outdoor power tools described in the embodiments, wherein the first trigger and the second trigger are variable speed triggers.

[0041] According to any one or more of the outdoor power tools described in the embodiments, the control system is configured to compare the input of the first trigger and the input of the second trigger, and control the rate of the drive component based on the larger of the input of the first trigger and the input of the second trigger.

[0042] According to any one or more of the outdoor power tools described in the embodiments, wherein when the first trigger is pressed, the first trigger generates a first trigger input, and when the second trigger is pressed, the second trigger generates a second trigger input.

[0043] According to any one or more of the outdoor power tools described in the embodiments, the control circuit includes a start circuit, wherein the start circuit is configured to output a start signal when the start circuit receives the first trigger input and the second trigger input.

[0044] According to any one or more of the outdoor power tools described in the embodiments, the control circuit includes an operating circuit, wherein the operating circuit is configured to receive the start signal from the start circuit and to output an operating signal whenever the first trigger and / or the second trigger is pressed.

[0045] According to any one or more of the outdoor power tools described in the embodiments, the operating circuit stops outputting the operating signal when both the first trigger and the second trigger are released.

[0046] According to any one or more of the outdoor power tools described in the embodiments, the user interface is integrated into the handle assembly.

[0047] According to any one or more of the outdoor power tools described in the embodiments, the handle assembly includes a first handle and a second handle, wherein the first handle and the second handle extend on opposite lateral sides relative to the direction of movement of the drive assembly.

[0048] According to any one or more of the outdoor power tools described in the embodiments, a first trigger is disposed on a first handle and a second trigger is disposed on a second handle.

[0049] A method of operating an outdoor power tool, the outdoor power tool including a drive assembly, a control system, and a first trigger and a second trigger, the method comprising the steps of: simultaneously pressing the first trigger and the second trigger; as a result of the step of simultaneously pressing the first trigger and the second trigger, the control system causing the drive assembly to start; operating the drive assembly while the first trigger and / or the second trigger is pressed; and stopping the operation of the drive assembly when neither the first trigger nor the second trigger is pressed.

[0050] According to any one or more of the methods described in the embodiments, the operating speed of the driving component is controlled by the amount by which the first trigger and / or the second trigger is pressed.

[0051] According to any one or more of the methods described in the embodiments, the method further includes the steps of: controlling the system to compare the amount by which the first trigger is pressed and the amount by which the second trigger is pressed; determining which trigger is pressed by a greater amount; and controlling the operating speed of the drive component based on the trigger that is pressed by a greater amount.

[0052] The apparatus shown and described in one or more embodiments herein.

[0053] A system configured to operate according to any one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0054] This written description discloses this application using examples including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice this disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined methods. The patentable scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that are indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. An outdoor power tool, characterized in that, The outdoor power tool includes: a tool assembly; a drive assembly; a handle assembly coupled to the tool assembly and / or the drive assembly; a control system including control circuitry; a first trigger and a second trigger, each electrically connected to the control circuitry; wherein the control system is configured to initiate the supply of electrical power to the drive assembly when it receives input from both the first trigger and the second trigger at the control circuitry.

2. The outdoor power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the supply of electrical power to the drive component is initiated, the control system is configured to maintain the supply of electrical power to the drive component when the input from at least one of the first trigger and / or the second trigger is maintained.

3. The outdoor power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control system is configured to stop supplying electrical power to the drive assembly when both the first trigger and the second trigger are released.

4. The outdoor power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first trigger and the second trigger are variable speed triggers.

5. The outdoor power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control system is configured to compare the input of the first trigger and the input of the second trigger, and to control the rate of the drive component based on the larger of the input of the first trigger and the input of the second trigger.

6. The outdoor power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first trigger is pressed, the first trigger generates a first trigger input, and when the second trigger is pressed, the second trigger generates a second trigger input.

7. The outdoor power tool according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control circuit includes a startup circuit, wherein the startup circuit is configured to output a startup signal when it receives the first trigger input and the second trigger input.

8. The outdoor power tool according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control circuit includes an operation circuit, wherein the operation circuit is configured to receive the start signal from the start circuit and to output an operation signal whenever the first trigger and / or the second trigger is pressed.

9. The outdoor power tool according to claim 8, characterized in that, When both the first and second flip-flops are released, the operating circuit stops outputting the operating signal.

10. The outdoor power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The user interface is integrated into the handle assembly.

11. The outdoor power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handle assembly includes a first handle and a second handle, wherein the first handle and the second handle extend on opposite lateral sides relative to the direction of movement of the drive assembly.

12. The outdoor power tool according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first trigger is disposed on the first handle, and the second trigger is disposed on the second handle.

13. A method for operating an outdoor power tool, characterized in that, The outdoor power tool includes a drive assembly, a control system, and a first trigger and a second trigger. The method includes the following steps: simultaneously pressing the first trigger and the second trigger; as a result of simultaneously pressing the first trigger and the second trigger, the control system causes the drive assembly to start; operating the drive assembly while the first trigger and / or the second trigger is pressed; and stopping the operation of the drive assembly when neither the first trigger nor the second trigger is pressed.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The operating speed of the drive component is controlled by the amount by which the first trigger and / or the second trigger is pressed.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: the control system compares the amount of the first trigger being pressed with the amount of the second trigger being pressed; determines which trigger is pressed by a greater amount; and controls the operating speed of the drive component based on the trigger that is pressed by a greater amount.

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