Electric scissors

Abstract

A pair of electric scissors comprises: a housing (2); an electric drive motor (3) arranged in the housing (2), at least one first blade (5) and one second blade (6) of the scissors (1) being movable relative to each other into a closed position (30) and an open position (31) by means of the drive motor (3); at least one actuating element (7, 8) for activating a ready state of the electric scissors (1); and a control unit (9) which is designed in such a way that the electric scissors (1) can be switched from a non-operating state into a ready state by means of a predetermined actuation sequence of the at least one actuation element (7, 8), and when the ready state is activated, at least one confirmation signal is output to the operator, and when the ready state is activated in the open position (31) of the scissors (1), the at least one confirmation signal is output to the operator. The at least one confirmation signal is designed as a tactile and auditory signal by energizing the drive motor (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an electric scissors. Background Art

[0002] Electric shears are known from the prior art, such as pruning shears, vine shears or garden shears. These electric shears include a housing, a drive motor arranged in the housing and two blades which are driven pivotably relative to one another via the drive motor. In order to use the shears, the shears should be in a ready state. In this state, the operator can work with the electric shears as intended, i.e. cut branches or the like.

[0003] In order to display the ready state, lights are usually used, which indicate the corresponding state in a signaling manner. If the ready state is activated, the blades of the electric scissors move from the closed position into the open position. In addition to the lights, this scissors movement additionally communicates the activation of the ready state to the operator. However, this only applies when the ready state is activated in the closed position of the scissors, but not in the open position. It should be pointed out that in the closed position, the blades are completely closed. The blades are completely stacked. It is not possible to insert cutting objects between the blades. Utility Model Content

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to specify electric shears in which the activation of the ready state is displayed in an improved and simple manner, in particular in the open position of the electric shears.

[0005] This object is achieved by a pair of electric scissors, which comprises: a housing; an electric drive motor arranged in the housing, wherein at least a first blade and a second blade of the scissors can be moved relative to each other to a closed position and an open position by the drive motor; at least one operating element, which is used to activate a ready state of the electric scissors; and a control unit, which is constructed so that the electric scissors can be switched from a non-operating state to a ready state by a predetermined operating sequence of at least one operating element, and outputs at least one confirmation signal to an operator when the ready state is activated, wherein, when the ready state is activated in the open position of the scissors, at least one confirmation signal is constructed as a tactile and audible signal by energizing the drive motor.

[0006] According to the utility model, electric scissors, in particular pruning shears, vine trimmers or garden shears, include a housing; an electric drive motor arranged in the housing, wherein at least one first blade and a second blade of the scissors can be moved relative to each other to a closed position and an open position by the drive motor; at least one operating element, which is used to activate the ready state of the electric scissors; and a control unit. The control unit is constructed so that the electric scissors can be switched from a non-operating state to a ready state by a predetermined operating sequence of at least one operating element, and at least one confirmation signal is output to the operator when the ready state is activated. The control unit is also constructed so that when the ready state is activated in the open position of the scissors, at least one confirmation signal is constructed as a tactile and audible signal by energizing the drive motor.

[0007] Vibrations are generated by energizing the drive motor, which are transmitted to the housing. The operator can sense the vibrations at the housing and recognize the activation of the ready state. In addition, the vibrations can also be sensed audibly. In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the drive motor rotates when it is energized. In an alternative embodiment, also according to the utility model, it can be provided that the drive motor is braked so as to prevent the rotation of the drive motor despite the energization. Even without the rotational movement of the drive motor, vibrations that can be sensed tactilely and audibly are generated simply by energizing the drive motor.

[0008] Furthermore, it should be noted that the ready state is activated only when the required confirmation signal ends (i.e., the energization of the drive motor stops). Thus, when the operating element is actuated to activate the ready state, an activation process is initiated, wherein the ready state is activated only when the activation process ends (i.e., when the energization of the drive motor ends).

[0009] Advantageously, it is provided that at least one confirmation signal is generated by a change in direction of the energization of the drive motor. By the change in direction of the drive motor, a jerk moment is generated, which can be haptically perceived by the operator more clearly than the vibration caused by the energization of the drive motor. The jerk moment can be generated by the actual rotation of the drive motor or, if the drive motor is braked as described above, only by the change in direction of the energization.

[0010] Particularly preferably, the electric scissors include a transmission mechanism, via which the drive motor is operatively connected to at least one of the two blades. When the drive motor is energized, the drive motor rotates and drives the transmission mechanism. The movement of the transmission mechanism also causes vibrations, which are perceived by the operator as tactile and audible confirmation signals.

[0011] Advantageously, the two blades have a maximum travel distance from the open position to the closed position, wherein the control unit is designed such that when the drive motor is energized to generate the confirmation signal, the two blades travel a predetermined maximum signal travel distance. Depending on the type of electric shears, the maximum travel distance may be between approximately 45 mm, for example for pruning shears, and approximately 25 mm, for example for vine shears or garden shears.

[0012] Advantageously, it is provided that the signal travel is up to 60%, in particular up to 50%, preferably up to 40% of the maximum travel. In particular, in scissors with a maximum travel of less than 30 mm, the signal travel can be 5% to 30%, in particular 5% to 20% of the travel. By passing the maximum signal travel, a relative movement of the two blades is generated, which additionally forms a visual confirmation signal. In strong sunlight radiation (as this often occurs in vineyards), the visual confirmation signal in the form of the relative movement of the two blades is also very well visible. The relative movement can be generated by a rotational movement (for example, by the pivoting of the two blades of the pruning shears) or by a translational movement (for example, by the back and forth movement of the blades of the hedge shears). In this regard, it should be pointed out that terms such as "maximum travel" and "maximum signal travel" refer to two blades that correspond to each other in terms of the cutting process. The signal travel of the two blades is preferably arranged so that the two blades move relative to each other beyond their open position. Alternatively, it can also be arranged that the two blades close the signal travel. In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that one of the two mutually corresponding blades is fixed, and the other blade is driven via a drive motor. In an alternative configuration, it can also be provided that the two blades are driven via a drive motor.

[0013] Preferably, the control unit is designed such that when the drive motor is energized to generate the confirmation signal, the two blades move back into the open position after reaching the maximum travel distance. The open position then corresponds to the working position of the scissors. By moving back into the open position, the confirmation signal is prolonged and can be better perceived by the operator.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous to configure the control unit so that after the confirmation signal terminates, the scissors are in a ready state. Only then can the electric scissors be used to cut when the switching lever is actuated.

[0015] Advantageously, the control unit is designed in such a way that at least one operating element should be operated for a minimum duration to activate the ready state. This minimum duration is preferably at least 300 ms, particularly preferably at least 400 ms, advantageously at least 500 ms. In an alternative embodiment of the utility model, the ready state can also be achieved by pressing at least one operating element twice. Other operating sequences are also conceivable.

[0016] Preferably, the control unit is designed in such a way that the scissors can be switched from a closed state to an intermediate ready state via at least one operating element, wherein the ready state can only be activated starting from the intermediate ready state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Further features of the utility model are derived from the further claims, the description and the drawings, in which embodiments of the utility model are described in detail. Among them:

[0018] Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows an electric scissors.

[0019] Figure 2 Based on Figure 1 A side view of an electric scissors showing the housing of the scissors, with the appliance components schematically indicated, and

[0020] Figure 3 A schematic flow chart showing the activation of the ready state of the electric shears is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] exist Figure 1 The electric shears 1 shown in the figure are configured as pruning shears, vine shears, garden shears, etc. Such shears 1 are used, for example, in a garden or a vineyard. The electric shears 1 include a housing 2. The housing 2 is also configured as a handle. The housing 2 includes a housing head 13. A first blade 5 and a second blade 6 are arranged at the housing head 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the second blade 6 is fixed. The first blade 5 can move relative to the second blade 6, in particular can pivot about a pivot axis 10.

[0022] The electric scissors are preferably supplied with electrical energy from a battery pack not shown. The electric scissors 1 preferably have a receiving portion, not shown in detail, for fixing the battery pack on the electric scissors 1. In an alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that an external holder for receiving the battery pack is provided. The external holder is arranged outside the housing 2 of the electric scissors 1. The external holder is connected to the housing 2 of the electric scissors 1 via a cable. As shown in accordance with Figure 2As can be seen in the side view of , an electric drive motor 3 is arranged in the housing 2 of the electric scissors. In addition, a control unit 9 for controlling the electric drive motor 3 is accommodated in the housing 2. In addition, the electric scissors include a transmission mechanism 4, via which the drive motor 3 is operatively connected to the first blade 5 of the scissors. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission mechanism 4 is constructed by a transmission unit 14 and a threaded spindle 15. The transmission unit 14 is located on the threaded spindle 15, wherein the threaded spindle 15 is driven via the motor shaft of the electric drive motor 3. As shown in Figure 2 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the transmission unit 14 is effectively connected to the pivotable first blade 5 so that the first blade 5 and the second blade 6 are opened to the open position 31 in one rotation direction of the drive motor 3 and closed to the closed position 30 in the other rotation direction of the drive motor 3 . Figure 2 In the figure, the closed position 30 of the blades 5, 6 is shown in solid lines, and the open position 31 of the blades 5, 6 is shown in dotted lines. Other transmission mechanisms that can be used instead of the screw drive shown are also known to those skilled in the art. For example, a toothing can be arranged on the first blade 5, which is driven by a drive pinion that is effectively connected to the drive motor. In order to reduce the rotation speed of the drive motor, a planetary gear transmission can also be connected in between.

[0023] As in Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in , the electric scissors include a first operating element 7 and a second operating element 8. The first operating element 7 is used to switch on the electric scissors 1. The first operating element 7 is preferably configured as a button. The second operating element 8 is used to operate the drive motor 3. The second operating element 8 is preferably configured as a switching lever. The switching lever can be arranged on the housing 2 in a pivotable or translationally movable manner.

[0024] exist Figure 3A flow chart for activating the ready state of the electric scissors 1 is shown in . To this end, it should first be ensured whether the battery pack of the electric scissors 1 has been inserted into the receptacle provided for this purpose. If not, the battery pack is inserted into the receptacle to supply the electric scissors with electrical energy. Subsequently, the first operating element 7 should be operated to switch the electric scissors 1 from the off state to the intermediate ready state. When the first operating element 7 is operated, the switch is activated, which sends a signal to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 now switches from the off state to the intermediate ready state. The control unit 9 outputs a signal for identifying the intermediate ready state. The signal is preferably a visual, auditory and / or tactile signal. In a preferred embodiment, a lamp is provided at the housing 2, which lights up or flashes permanently in the intermediate ready state. The lamp is preferably constructed as an LED. In a preferred embodiment of the electric scissors 1, in addition to the lamp, a speaker is preferably provided, which outputs a sound, preferably a short beep, when the intermediate ready state is activated. In the closed state and the intermediate ready state, the electric scissors 1 are in a non-operating state, in which it is impossible to cut with the scissors 1 by operating the switching lever. Only in the ready state of the electric scissors 1 is it possible to cut with the scissors 1.

[0025] The operator can now activate the ready state by operating the second operating element 8. This process is only possible when the electric scissors are in the intermediate ready state. In a preferred embodiment of the electric scissors 1, the intermediate ready state is activated only for a predetermined duration t1. During this duration t1, the operator can operate the second operating element 8 and activate the ready state. If the operator does not do this (i.e., if the duration t1 expires without the operator operating the second operating element 8), the control unit 9 switches from the intermediate ready state back to the off state of the electric scissors. The signal light of the lamp goes out. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined duration t1 is defined via a time unit. The time unit can be implemented in software or electronically. The duration t1 is preferably at least 3s, preferably at least 10s, preferably at least 30s. The intermediate ready state must be activated again by operating the first operating element 7.

[0026] If the operator manipulates the second operating element 8, the switch of the second operating element is activated, and the switch sends a signal to the control unit 9. If the second operating element 8 is manipulated in the intermediate ready state, the control unit 9 activates the ready state. In a preferred embodiment, if the second operating element 8 is pressed on the minimum duration t2, the second operating element is effectively manipulated to activate the ready state. The minimum duration t2 is preferably at least 300ms, preferably at least 400ms, and particularly preferably at least 500ms. In an alternative embodiment, it can also be suitable that the effective manipulation of the second operating element 8 consists of two, consecutive pressings of the operating element 8. Other manipulation sequences are also conceivable. When the ready state is activated, the control unit 9 outputs a confirmation signal, which transmits the activation of the ready state to the operator. The confirmation signal is preferably visual, auditory and / or tactile. The confirmation signal particularly preferably includes at least two signal types (visual, auditory, tactile). The confirmation signal can also be composed of multiple single signals. In the following, with regard to the output of the confirmation signal, a distinction is made between activation of the ready state from the closed position 30 of the blades 5 , 6 and activation of the ready state from the open position 31 of the blades 5 , 6 .

[0027] If the ready state is activated in the closed position 30 of the electric scissors 1, the drive motor 3 is energized. The drive motor 3 rotates in one direction of rotation. Here, vibrations are transmitted from the drive motor 3 to the housing 2. The operator senses these vibrations tactilely by gripping the housing 2. In addition, the vibrations are also perceptible to the operator audibly. In an alternative embodiment, it can also be arranged that when the drive motor 3 is energized, the drive motor 3 is braked at the same time and cannot rotate. Vibrations have been generated by the only energization of the drive motor. Therefore, the simple energization of the drive motor 3 forms a tactile and audible confirmation signal. The transmission mechanism 4 is also driven by the rotational movement of the drive motor 3. The vibrations are reinforced by the moving transmission mechanism 4. Therefore, the vibrations of the transmission mechanism 4 also form part of the tactile and audible confirmation signals. In addition, the blades 5, 6 are opened by the driven transmission mechanism 4. The blades 5, 6 move from the closed position 30 to the open position 31. The blades 5, 6 have a maximum travel a, over which the blades 5, 6 move relative to each other from the closed position 30 to the open position 31. The operator can of course visually perceive the movement of the first blade 5 relative to the second blade 6, whereby the local confirmation signal is also a visual signal. If the open position 31 is reached, the drive motor 3 and therefore also the transmission mechanism 4 immediately stop the rotational movement, which the operator again tactilely perceives as a jerk. When the open position 31 is reached, the ready state of the electric scissors is activated. The electric scissors 1 is then in the ready state. The extension of the first blade 5 into the open position 31 is preferably at least 500ms, preferably at least 600ms.

[0028] Similar to the activation of the ready state in the closed position 30 of the electric scissors 1, the drive motor 3 is also energized when the ready state is activated in the open position 31 of the electric scissors. Here, the confirmation signal is also generated by the vibration generated at the drive motor, which is transmitted to the housing 2 and can be tactilely and auditorily perceived by the operator. Therefore, the simple energization of the drive motor 3 forms a tactile and auditory confirmation signal. The difference between activating the ready state in the open position 31 and activating the ready state in the closed position 30 is that the blades 5, 6 move relative to each other from the open position 31, especially pivot, and then move, especially pivot back to the open position 31. Therefore, the two blades 5, 6 move relative to each other by a predetermined maximum signal travel b when the drive motor 3 is energized to construct the confirmation signal. Since the first blade 5 can be pivotally supported around its rotation axis 10, the signal travel b is passed through the pivoting movement. In the illustrated embodiment, the first blade 5 pivots a predetermined angle α around its rotation axis 10 in the first rotation direction 11. If the signal travel b is reached, the first blade 5 travels the signal travel b back to the open position 31. In a preferred embodiment, once the angle α is reached, the first blade 5 pivots back to the open position 31 in the second rotation direction 11 opposite to the first rotation direction 12. The maximum signal travel b is up to 60%, in particular up to 50%, preferably up to 40% of the maximum travel a. In a preferred embodiment, the angle α is preferably up to 30°, advantageously up to 20°, in particular up to 15°. The angle α is particularly preferably at least 10°. Particularly preferably, the first blade 5 preferably moves, in particular pivots, beyond the open position 31 in the first rotation direction 11. Therefore, the first blade 5 moves, in particular pivots, away from the fixed second blade 6 in the first rotation direction 11. A jerk torque is generated in the drive motor 3 and in the transmission mechanism 4 by the direction reversal of the drive motor 3. This jerk torque can be clearly perceived by the operator tactilely. The back-and-forth pivoting of the first blade 5, which forms part of the activation process in the open position 31 of the electric scissors 1, is at least 500 ms, in particular at least 600 ms. In addition, the operator can clearly perceive the back-and-forth pivoting of the first blade 5 visually. As a result, a clearly perceptible confirmation signal is also transmitted to the operator in the open position 31 of the electric scissors 1. The confirmation signal is generated tactilely and audibly by the vibration caused by the energization of the drive motor 3 and the rotating transmission mechanism 4, by the jerk torque caused by the change of direction of the drive motor and the transmission mechanism 4, and in a visual form caused by the pivoting of the blades 5 and 6 relative to each other. Only when the open position 31 is reached again is the electric scissors 1 ready for operation. Before this, it is not possible to perform prescribed cutting with the electric scissors 1.

[0029] Particularly preferably, the ready state is also indicated by a further signal in addition to the confirmation signal. In a preferred embodiment, this is achieved by a further beep during the activation of the ready state. In addition, the lamp is illuminated. In an alternative embodiment, it can be provided that, in addition to or as an alternative to the lamp, a further lamp is illuminated during the ready state. It can also be provided that the lamp or the further lamp illuminates in different colors in the intermediate ready state and in the ready state. Alternatively, the different states can also be indicated by flashing and changes in the illumination.

[0030] The open position 31 corresponds to the working position of the scissors. If the operator now actuates the second actuating element 8 (the switching lever of the current scissors 1), the blades 5, 6 are closed, i.e. moved into the closed position 30. As soon as the operator releases the second actuating element 8 again, the blades 5, 6 open and move back into the open position 31.

[0031] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the electric scissors 1, the ready state of the electric scissors is automatically deactivated after a predetermined duration in which the operator does not operate the scissors. The predetermined duration is preferably at least 20 seconds, preferably at least 30 seconds, and particularly preferably at least 2 minutes. It can also be arranged that the ready state can be actively deactivated by the operator. To this end, it is preferably arranged that the operator presses the second operating element 8 for a predetermined duration in the ready state. The predetermined duration is preferably at least 1 second, preferably at least 2 seconds. Other operating sequences of the operating elements 7 and 8 are also possible. Then, the ready state can be activated again according to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, it can be provided that, when the signal travel course b is passed, the first blade 5 does not move beyond the open position 31, but moves in the direction of the closed position 30. Therefore, in the illustrated diagram, the first rotation direction 11' in which the scissors 1 are pivoted from the open position 31 is the rotation direction facing the second blade 6. Subsequently, the first blade 5 moves back into the open position 31. Preferably, the first blade 5 is pivoted back into the open position 31 in the second rotation direction 12'. All the functions described above can also be transferred to this alternative embodiment.

[0033] The confirmation signal ends when the energization of the drive motor 3, in particular the rotational movement of the drive motor 3, in particular the movement of the transmission 4, preferably the movement of the blades 5, 6, ends to activate the ready state. Only when the confirmation signal ends is the ready state activated.

Claims

1. An electric scissors, It includes: Housing (2); an electric drive motor (3) arranged in the housing (2), wherein the electric drive motor (3) can move at least a first blade (5) and a second blade (6) of the scissors (1) relative to each other into a closed position (30) and an open position (31); at least one operating element (7, 8) for activating a ready state of the electric scissors (1); and a control unit (9) which is designed such that the electric shears (1) can be switched from a non-operating state to a ready state by a predetermined operating sequence of at least one operating element (7, 8) and outputs at least one confirmation signal to an operator when the ready state is activated, It is characterized in that when the ready state is activated in the open position (31) of the scissors (1), the at least one confirmation signal is configured as a tactile and acoustic signal by energizing the electric drive motor (3).

2. The electric scissors according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The at least one confirmation signal is generated by a change in direction of the energization of the electric drive motor (3).

3. The electric scissors according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The electric scissors (1) comprise a transmission mechanism (4), and the electric drive motor (3) is effectively connected to at least one of the two blades (5, 6) via the transmission mechanism.

4. The electric scissors according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The two blades (5, 6) have a maximum travel distance (a) from the open position (31) to the closed position (30), wherein the control unit (9) is designed so that when the electric drive motor (3) is energized to generate the confirmation signal, the two blades (5, 6) pass through a predetermined maximum signal travel distance (b).

5. The electric scissors according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The maximum signal travel range (b) is up to 60% of the maximum signal travel range (a).

6. The electric scissors according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The control unit (9) is designed such that when the electric drive motor (3) is energized to generate the confirmation signal, the two blades (5, 6) move back into the open position (31) again after reaching the maximum signal travel distance (b).

7. The electric scissors according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The control unit (9) is designed in such a way that after the confirmation signal has terminated, the scissors (1) are in the ready state.

8. The electric scissors according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The control unit (9) is designed in such a way that the at least one operating element (7, 8) is to be actuated for a minimum period of time in order to activate the ready state.

9. The electric scissors according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The control unit (9) is designed in such a way that the scissors (1) can be switched from a closed state to an intermediate ready state via the at least one operating element (7, 8), wherein the ready state can only be activated starting from the intermediate ready state.

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