Power tool

Abstract

An example power tool includes an actuator configured to be actuated by a user to adjust a motor operating mode of a motor and a lamp operating mode of a work lamp. The power tool may also include an electronic processor configured to adjust the motor mode of operation in response to a determination that the actuator has been actuated in a first manner and adjust the light mode of operation in response to a determination that the actuator has been actuated in a second manner different from the first manner. The different actuation modes of the second actuator between the second mode and the first mode may include at least one of the group consisting of different pressures applied to the second actuator, different directions of movement of the second actuator, different amounts of actuation of the second actuator over a predetermined period of time, and combinations thereof.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 509,601, filed on Jun. 22, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Some disclosed embodiments relate to a handheld power tool that includes a work light. Specifically, some disclosed embodiments relate to a handheld power tool that includes a user input device for controlling a motor operation mode of a motor of the power tool and a light operation mode of the work light. Background Art

[0004] A handheld power tool may include one or more work lights configured to illuminate a work area of the power tool. For example, the power tool may include a single work light positioned near an output device of the power tool to illuminate an area on which the output device provides an output, and the output device provides an output on this area to, for example, drill into a workpiece, fasten a fastener in the workpiece, sand a certain area of the workpiece, etc.

[0005] Some power tools may include a work light located on a front surface of the power tool and configured to illuminate a work area of the power tool. For example, a high-torque impact wrench may include a single light-emitting diode (LED) positioned near an output device configured to transfer rotational energy from the high-torque impact wrench to a fastener. When a user operates the high-torque impact wrench, the LED may illuminate the fastener so that the user can more easily see the fastener. To enhance illumination, some power tools may include a plurality of LEDs radially positioned around the output device or end tool of the power tool. Similarly, in some cases, the power tool may include a plurality of LEDs located on an outer circumference of a portion of the power tool housing. Arranging a plurality of LEDs around the output device or on the outer circumference of a portion of the power tool housing achieves more uniform illumination for more or all sides of the output device or end tool, which reduces or prevents the projection of shadows. This type of illumination is generally referred to as shadowless illumination.

[0006] Power tools can have different tool modes (e.g., motor operation modes) and different lamp operation modes, which can be adjusted by the user according to the usage of the power tool. However, it is desirable to keep the power tool (e.g., a handheld power tool) lightweight, compact, and easy to maneuver. Accordingly, the space on the power tool for user input devices (such as actuators (e.g., buttons, switches, etc.)) may be limited. Due to the limited space on the power tool, it may be advantageous to use a single user input device to optionally control both the tool mode of the power tool and the lamp operation mode of the work lamp of the power tool. Additionally, when the power tool includes a lamp operation mode user input device separate from the tool mode user input device, it may be advantageous for the two separate user input devices to provide signals to the electronic processor of the power tool using the same input pin of the electronic processor (e.g., via a user interface control circuit / printed circuit board). Summary of the Utility Model

[0007] One embodiment provides a power tool that can include a housing and a motor disposed within the housing. The power tool can further include an output device coupled to the motor and configured to perform a task. The power tool can further include a first actuator disposed on the housing and configured to be actuated by a user to operate the motor to drive the output device to perform the task. The power tool can further include a work lamp disposed within the housing and configured to illuminate a work area where the task is being performed. The power tool can further include a second actuator disposed on the housing and configured to be actuated by a user to adjust the motor operation mode of the motor and the lamp operation mode of the work lamp. The power tool can further include an electronic processor disposed within the housing and coupled to the first actuator and the second actuator. The electronic processor can be configured to control the motor according to the motor operation mode in response to determining that the first actuator has been actuated. The electronic processor can further be configured to control the work lamp according to the lamp operation mode. The electronic processor can further be configured to adjust the motor operation mode in response to determining that the second actuator has been actuated in a first manner. The electronic processor can further be configured to adjust the lamp operation mode in response to determining that the second actuator has been actuated in a second manner different from the first manner. The different actuation manners of the second actuator between the second manner and the first manner can include at least one of the group consisting of: different pressures applied to the second actuator, different movement directions of the second actuator, different amounts of actuation of the second actuator within a predetermined time period, and combinations thereof.

[0008] In addition to any combination of the above features, the motor operation mode can be one of a plurality of motor operation modes that indicate at least one of the group consisting of: the speed of the motor, the torque of the motor, the operation manner of the output device, and combinations thereof.

[0009] In addition to any combination of the above features, the output device may operate in at least one of the groups consisting of: only hammering operation, hammering and rotating operation, only rotating operation, specific operation when a certain operation event is detected, and combinations thereof.

[0010] In addition to any combination of the above features, the lamp operation mode may be one of a plurality of lamp operation modes, which includes at least two of the following: always-off lamp mode, always-on lamp mode, first actuator-enabled lighting mode, first actuator-enabled dimming mode, and combinations thereof.

[0011] In addition to any combination of the above features, the second actuator may include a pressure-related switch configured to provide a signal to the electronic processor based on the amount of pressure applied to the second actuator when the second actuator is actuated.

[0012] In addition to any combination of the above features, the second actuator may be configured to be actuated in multiple directions. The first way of actuating the second actuator may include moving the second actuator in a first direction. The second way of actuating the second actuator may include moving the second actuator in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0013] In addition to any combination of the above features, the housing may include a motor housing, a connecting portion, and a handle extending between and connecting the motor housing and the connecting portion. The second actuator may be located at one of the following positions: on the top surface of the motor housing, on the top surface of the connecting portion, on the rear side of the motor housing, on the rear side of the connecting portion, and on the lower side of the motor housing between the motor housing and the handle.

[0014] In addition to any combination of the above features, the power tool may include one of the following: an impact wrench, a sander, a power drill, a hammer drill, a rotary hammer, an impact driver, and a nail gun.

[0015] Another embodiment provides a method of controlling a power tool. The method may include: using an electronic processor of the power tool to control a motor of the power tool according to a motor operation mode in response to determining that a first actuator of the power tool has been actuated. The method may further include: using the electronic processor to control a work light of the power tool according to a light operation mode. The work light may be configured to illuminate a work area of the power tool. The method may further include: using the electronic processor to adjust the motor operation mode in response to determining that a second actuator of the power tool has been actuated in a first manner. The method may further include: using the electronic processor to adjust the light operation mode in response to determining that the second actuator has been actuated in a second manner different from the first manner. The different actuation manners of the second actuator between the second manner and the first manner may include at least one of the group consisting of: different pressures applied to the second actuator, different movement directions of the second actuator, different amounts of actuation of the second actuator within a predetermined time period, and combinations thereof.

[0016] In addition to any combination of the above features, the motor operation mode may be one of a plurality of motor operation modes that indicate at least one of the group consisting of: the speed of the motor, the torque of the motor, the operation manner of an output device coupled to the motor and configured to perform a task, and combinations thereof.

[0017] In addition to any combination of the above features, the operation manner of the output device may include at least one of the group consisting of: only hammering operation, hammering and rotating operation, only rotating operation, a specific operation when a certain operation event is detected, and combinations thereof.

[0018] In addition to any combination of the above features, the light operation mode may be one of a plurality of light operation modes that include at least two of the following: always-off light mode, always-on light mode, light-on mode enabled by the first actuator, light-off mode enabled by the first actuator, and combinations thereof.

[0019] In addition to any combination of the above features, the second actuator may include a pressure-related switch configured to provide a signal to the electronic processor based on the amount of pressure applied to the second actuator when the second actuator is actuated.

[0020] In addition to any combination of the above features, the second actuator may be configured to be actuated in multiple directions. The first manner of actuating the second actuator may include moving the second actuator in a first direction. The second manner of actuating the second actuator may include moving the second actuator in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0021] In addition to any combination of the above features, the power tool can include a housing that can include a motor housing, a connection portion, and a handle that extends between and couples the motor housing and the connection portion. The second actuator can be located at one of the following positions: on the top surface of the motor housing, on the top surface of the connection portion, on the rear side of the motor housing, on the rear side of the connection portion, and on the lower side of the motor housing between the motor housing and the handle.

[0022] In addition to any combination of the above features, the power tool can include one of the following: an impact wrench, a sander, a power drill, a hammer drill, a rotary hammer, an impact driver, and a nail gun.

[0023] Another embodiment provides a power tool that includes a housing and a motor disposed within the housing. The power tool can further include an output device coupled to the motor and configured to perform a task. The power tool can further include a first actuator disposed on the housing and configured to be actuated by a user to operate the motor to drive the output device to perform the task. The power tool can further include a second actuator disposed on the housing and configured to be actuated by a user to adjust the motor operation mode of the motor. The power tool can further include a work light disposed within the housing and configured to illuminate a work area where the task is being performed. The power tool can further include a third actuator disposed on the housing and configured to be actuated by a user to adjust the lamp operation mode of the work light. The power tool can further include a user interface control circuit disposed within the housing and coupled to the second actuator and the third actuator. The power tool can further include an electronic processor disposed within the housing and coupled to the user interface control circuit. The electronic processor can be configured to receive a signal from the user interface control circuit and determine whether the signal indicates that the second actuator has been actuated or the third actuator has been actuated. The electronic processor can further be configured to adjust the motor operation mode in response to determining that the signal indicates that the second actuator has been actuated. The electronic processor can further be configured to adjust the lamp operation mode in response to determining that the signal indicates that the third actuator has been actuated. The electronic processor can further be configured to control the motor according to the motor operation mode in response to determining that the first actuator has been actuated. The electronic processor can further be configured to control the work light according to the lamp operation mode.

[0024] In addition to any combination of the above features, the electronic processor can also receive a signal via a single input pin of the electronic processor. The electronic processor can be configured to determine whether the signal indicates that the second actuator has been actuated or the third actuator has been actuated by analyzing the voltage level of the signal.

[0025] In addition to any combination of the above features, the electronic processor may be configured to determine that the second actuator has been actuated in response to the voltage level being within a first voltage range, and may be configured to determine that the third actuator has been actuated in response to the voltage level being within a second voltage range different from the first voltage range.

[0026] In addition to any combination of the above features, the user interface control circuit may be located on a first circuit board, and the electronic processor may be located on a second circuit board. The first circuit board may be closer to the third actuator than the position of the second circuit board relative to the third actuator.

[0027] Before explaining any embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the embodiments do not limit their application to the details of the component configurations and arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the drawings. The embodiments can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Further, it should be understood that the language and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including", "comprising", or "having" and their variants is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. Unless otherwise stated or limited, the terms "mounted", "connected", "supported", and "coupled" and their variants are used broadly and cover both direct and indirect mounting, connecting, supporting, and coupling.

[0028] Additionally, it should be understood that the embodiments may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules, and for purposes of discussion, these electronic components or modules may be shown and described as if most components are implemented only in hardware. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, based on a reading of this detailed description, that in at least one embodiment, the electronic aspects may be implemented in software (e.g., stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium) executable by one or more processing units such as a microprocessor and / or an application-specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"). Thus, it should be noted that the embodiments can be implemented using multiple hardware- and software-based devices and multiple different structural components. For example, the "server" and "computing device" described in the specification may include one or more processing units, one or more computer-readable medium modules, one or more input / output interfaces, and various connectors (e.g., a system bus) connecting the components.

[0029] Relative terms used in connection with a quantity or condition, such as "about", "approximately", "substantially", etc., will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to include the recited value and to have the meaning ascribed by the context (e.g., the term will include at least the degree of error associated with the accuracy of measurement, the tolerances associated with a particular value [e.g., manufacturing, assembly, use, etc.], etc.). Such terms should also be considered to disclose a range defined by the absolute values of two endpoints. For example, the recitation "from about 2 to about 4" also discloses the range "from 2 to 4". Relative terms may refer to plus or minus a percentage of the indicated value (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%, or more).

[0030] It should be understood that although some of the figures depict hardware and software located within a particular apparatus, these depictions are for illustrative purposes only. The functions described herein as being performed by one component may be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Similarly, functions performed by multiple components may be combined and performed by a single component. In some embodiments, the components shown may be combined or divided into separate software, firmware, and / or hardware. For example, logic and processing may be distributed among multiple electronic processors rather than being located within and performed by a single electronic processor. Similarly, components described as performing a particular function may also perform additional functions not described herein. For example, an apparatus or structure "configured" in a certain manner is at least configured in that manner, but may also be configured in ways not explicitly listed.

[0031] Other aspects of these embodiments will become apparent by considering the detailed description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 A power tool including a work light is shown in accordance with some embodiments described herein.

[0033] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a power tool is shown in accordance with some embodiments described herein Figure 1 thereof.

[0034] Figure 3 A block diagram of a power tool is shown in accordance with some embodiments described herein Figure 1 thereof.

[0035] Figure 4 Another power tool including a work light is shown in accordance with some embodiments described herein.

[0036] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A schematic view of a power tool including a separate lamp operation mode actuator and a motor operation mode actuator is shown in accordance with some embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1 FIG. 100 shows a power tool including a shadowless illumination system according to an exemplary embodiment. The power tool 100 includes a main housing 105. The main housing 105 may be the main body of the power tool 100. The main housing 105 may be configured to accommodate a motor 200 (see Figure 2 ), such as a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor, in an upper portion 107 of the main housing 105. Accordingly, the main housing 105 (specifically, the upper portion 107 of the main housing 105) may also be referred to as the motor housing 107. In some embodiments, the main housing 105 is formed of two pieces of plastic (e.g., a clam shell housing) configured to mate such that an internal cavity is formed within the main housing 105. A portion of the main housing 105 may be formed as a handle 110 to allow a user to hold the power tool 100. A trigger 115 (i.e., an actuator 115) may be positioned on the handle 110 to allow the user to actuate the trigger 115 to variably control at least one parameter of the power tool 100. In some embodiments, the parameter may be the amount of power supplied to the motor of the power tool 100. The main housing 105 may further include a connection portion 120 (i.e., the foot portion of the power tool 100), which may include an interface 122 (i.e., a battery pack interface 122) configured to removably couple to a battery pack (not shown). The interface 122 may include electrical contacts to allow power to be transmitted from the battery pack to the power tool 100 (e.g., to supply power to the motor and other components of the power tool 100).

[0038] The power tool 100 further includes an output device 125 located at one end of the upper portion 107 of the main housing 105 to provide the output of the power tool. For example, the output of the power tool can be a rotational output, an impact output, a reciprocating output, etc. In some embodiments, the output device 125 can include fittings (e.g., chucks, collets, etc.) to removably couple an end tool (e.g., a tool bit) to the output device 125. In other embodiments, the output device 125 can be configured such that a fastener can be directly removably coupled to the output device 125 to perform loosening or tightening operations on the fastener. In some embodiments, the power tool 100 includes a forward / reverse switch 127 configured to allow a user to select the rotational direction of the output device 125. The output device 125 can be configured to perform one or more specific tasks (e.g., drilling, cutting, fastening, pressing, lubricant application, sanding, heating, grinding, bending, forming, impacting, polishing, lighting, etc.). For example, an impact wrench is associated with the task of generating a rotational output (e.g., for driving a bit), while a reciprocating saw is associated with the task of generating a reciprocating output motion (e.g., for pushing and pulling a saw blade). As another example, a sander is associated with the task of moving a sanding element (e.g., sandpaper, sanding attachment, etc.) rotationally, reciprocally, orbitally, etc. to sand a workpiece. The tasks associated with a particular power tool and the output device 125 can also be referred to as the primary functions of the power tool and the output device 125. The specific power tools 100, 400 shown and described herein (e.g., the impact wrench 100 as shown in Figure 1 and the sander 400 as shown in Figure 4 ) are merely representative. Other embodiments of the present disclosure include various types of power tools (e.g., power drills, hammer drills, rotary hammers, impact drivers, pipe cutters, nail guns, grease guns, etc.).

[0039] The power tool 100 further includes a secondary housing 130 separated from the main housing 105. The secondary housing 130 can be configured to house a transmission mechanism of the power tool 100, which is configured to transfer rotational energy from the motor 200 of the power tool 100 to the output device 125. In some embodiments, the secondary housing 130 is a gearbox, a hammer head housing, etc. The secondary housing 130 can be made of metal. The secondary housing 130 can be positioned such that an end surface of the secondary housing 130 contacts at least a portion of an end surface of the main housing 105. For example, as shown in Figure 1 , a fastener 132 can be used to fasten the rear end of the secondary housing 130 to the front end of the upper portion 107 of the main housing 105. The output device 125 can be indirectly coupled (e.g., through an intermediate transmission mechanism 205 as shown in Figure 2 ) to the motor 200, or directly coupled to the motor without an intermediate transmission mechanism (e.g., directly driving the tool, such as Figure 4The shown sand mill 400).

[0040] The power tool 100 further includes a retention portion 135 configured to retain one or more light sources of the power tool 100. In some embodiments, the retention portion 135 is configured to surround the output device 125. The retention portion 135 may include one or more lenses 140 to allow the one or more light sources to emit light through the retention portion 135. In some embodiments, the one or more light sources may be light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged around the center point of the retention portion 135 (i.e., arranged around the output axis 202 of the output device 125). Although referred to as the retention portion 135, the retention portion 135 may also be referred to as the work light 135 or the lighting assembly 135.

[0041] In some cases, the power tool 100 may include a user input device 150 (e.g., an actuator 150) configured to be actuated by a user to change the tool mode (e.g., the motor operation mode of the motor 200), the lamp operation mode of the work light 135, or both the tool mode and the lamp operation mode depending on how the actuator 150 is actuated, as explained in more detail herein. In the case where the actuator 150 is configured to allow the user to change both the tool mode and the lamp operation mode according to different actuation manners of the actuator 150, the actuator 150 may be referred to as a multi-functional actuator 150. Figure 1 Different possible positions of the actuator 150 are shown. In some cases, the actuator 150A is located / positioned on the top surface of the motor housing 107 (e.g., on the top surface of the upper portion 107 of the main housing 105). In some cases, the actuator 150B is located on the top surface of the connecting portion 120 (i.e., on the top surface of the leg portion of the power tool 100 including the battery pack interface 122). In some cases, the actuator 150 may be located at different positions on the power tool 100 (e.g., near the forward / reverse switch 127 (located on the lower side of the motor housing 107 between the motor housing 107 and the handle 110), at the rear or side of the upper portion 107 of the main housing 105, at the rear or side of the connecting portion 120, etc.).

[0042] Figure 1 The specific power tool 100 (e.g., an impact wrench) shown and described herein is merely an example. The lighting assembly 135 and / or other features described herein may also be implemented on other types of power tools (e.g., Figure 4 the sand mill 400, other power tools such as those types of power tools mentioned earlier herein, etc.). For example, Figure 4 Another example of a power tool is shown, namely the sand mill 400. The sand mill 400 includes many elements similar to the impact wrench 100, where the similar elements are denoted withFigure 1 are identical but are marked with reference numerals increased by 300. Unless otherwise stated, the explanations herein regarding the components of the impact wrench 100 also apply to similar components of the sander 400. The sander 400 includes a main housing 405, which may include a handle 410. The sander 400 may further include a trigger 415, a battery pack interface 422, an output device 425, a work light 435, and an actuator 450. The output device 425 may be configured to allow a sanding pad or sandpaper to be attached to the output device 425. As explained earlier herein, the output device 425 may be directly coupled to the motor 200 (e.g., coupled to the motor shaft) without an intermediate transmission mechanism, such that the sander 400 is a direct drive tool. Although the work light 435 is shown as a single LED work light located at the front of the sander 400, in some cases, the work light 135 may include additional LEDs that extend Figure 4 from the shown work light 435 along the outer circumference of the housing 405 towards the sides of the sander 400. For example, the sander 400 may include an arc-shaped work light (including an arc-shaped lens and multiple LEDs) that encompasses approximately 180 degrees, approximately 120 degrees, approximately 90 degrees, etc. of the front portion of the circumference of the housing 405 to provide enhanced illumination of the work area. In some cases, the actuator 450 is a multi-functional actuator 450 similar to the actuator 150 explained herein. In some cases, the actuator 450 includes a membrane switch. In some cases, the actuator 450 may be located / placed at other positions on the housing 405 of the sander 400 (e.g., on the front surface of the housing 405 near the work light 435, on the side of the housing 405, etc.). The explanations herein regarding the control elements and functions of the impact wrench 100 and the circuitry / wiring / circuit board of the impact wrench 100 also apply to the sander 400 and its corresponding elements. Such explanations may also apply to other types of power tools (including but not limited to the other types of power tools provided as examples herein).

[0043] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a power tool 100 according to an example embodiment. The power tool 100 includes a motor 200 that is configured to provide a rotational output about an axis 202 (i.e., the motor axis or output axis). The power tool 100 further includes a transmission mechanism 205 (i.e., a transmission device 205) that is configured to transfer the rotational output of the motor 200 to the output device 125. The transmission mechanism 205 may be a gear transmission mechanism, an electronic transmission mechanism, an impact transmission mechanism, or a combination of multiple types of transmission mechanisms, etc. At least a portion of the transmission mechanism 205 may be positioned within a sub-housing 130. As explained earlier herein, other types of power tools (e.g., Figure 4The abrasive mill 400) may not include a transmission mechanism 205 because the motor 200 can be directly coupled to the motor 200.

[0044] In some embodiments, the transmission mechanism 205 of the power tool 100 includes an impact mechanism that includes a hammer having outwardly extending lugs and an anvil having outwardly extending lugs. The anvil can be coupled to the output device 125. During operation, for example when driving a fastener into a workpiece, an impact occurs when the anvil encounters a certain amount of resistance. When this resistance is met, the hammer can continue to rotate. A spring coupled to the back side of the hammer causes the hammer to retract axially away from the anvil via a shaft. Once disengaged, the hammer will advance both axially and rotationally to re-engage (i.e., impact) the anvil. For example, when operating the impact mechanism, the hammer lugs impact the anvil lugs every 180 degrees. Accordingly, when the power tool 100 is impacting during operation, the hammer rotates 180 degrees without the anvil, impacts the anvil, and then rotates a certain amount with the anvil, after which the process is repeated.

[0045] The power tool 100 can further include a printed circuit board (PCB) 210 located / placed in the handle 110 and a PCB 212 located in the connection portion 120. One or both of the PCBs 210 and 212 include one or more electronic components that can implement the control system of the power tool 100. In some embodiments, the PCB 212 includes an electronic processor 350 (see Figure 3 ), which is configured to receive power from a power source connected to the power tool 100 (e.g., a battery pack connected to the power tool 100 via the interface 122). The electronic processor 350 can be configured to control whether to supply power to the work light 135 and / or the motor 200. The PCB 210 can include switching elements 345 (e.g., field effect transistors 345) that are controlled by the electronic processor 350 to selectively supply power to the coils of the motor 200 to allow operation of the motor. In other embodiments, the PCBs 210 and 212 can include additional or alternative components. For example, the components located on each of the PCBs 210 and 212 as described above can be located on the other PCB 210 and 212.

[0046] In some cases, the power tool 100 includes user interface control circuitry (e.g., located above the trigger 115, adjacent to and generally parallel to the PCB 210, etc.) located on the PCB 210 or on a separate user interface control PCB within the power tool 100. The user interface control circuitry can be coupled to the trigger 115 and / or the actuator 150 to determine when each of the trigger 115 and the actuator 150 is actuated. In some cases, instead of including the multifunctional actuator 150, the power tool 100 can include a light operation mode user input device (e.g., a second actuator) separate from the tool mode user input device (e.g., a third actuator), as Figures 5A to 5B shown. In some cases, the user interface control circuitry can be coupled to each of the light operation mode actuator and the tool mode actuator, as explained more Figures 5A to 5B detailed herein. In some cases, the user interface control circuitry is also coupled to the PCB 212 (e.g., the user interface control circuitry is coupled to the electronic processor 350 located / positioned on the PCB 212), as explained more Figures 5A to 5B detailed herein. In such embodiments, the user interface control circuitry can provide one or more signals to the electronic processor 350 that indicate (i) whether a user input device (e.g., the trigger 115, the multifunctional actuator 150, the light operation mode actuator, the tool mode actuator, etc.) has been actuated and / or (ii) the manner in which each user input device has been actuated, as explained more detailed herein.

[0047] Figure 3 FIG. 300 is a block diagram showing the power tools 100, 400 according to an example embodiment. The power tools 100, 400 can include a controller 305. The controller 305 is electrically and / or communicatively connected to various components of the power tools 100, 400. For example, as Figure 3 shown, the controller 305 is electrically connected to the motor 200, the battery pack interface 122, the trigger switch 315 (connected to the trigger 115), one or more sensors or sensing circuits 320, one or more indicators 325, one or more light sources 330 (e.g., LEDs forming the work light 135), a user input device 335 (e.g., the actuator 150, other switches or buttons, a mode plate, etc.), a power input circuitry 340, and a switching element 345 (e.g., an FET switch 345). The controller 305 includes a combination of hardware and software that is operable to control, in particular, the operation of the power tools 100, 400, monitor the operation of the power tools 100, 400, enable one or more indicators 325 and / or light sources 330, etc.

[0048] The controller 305 includes a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide power, operation control, and protection to the controller 305 and / or components within the power tools 100, 400. For example, the controller 305 particularly includes an electronic processor 350 (e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or another suitable programmable device), a memory 355, an input unit 360, and an output unit 365. The electronic processor 350 particularly includes a control unit 370, an ALU 375, and a plurality of registers 380 (shown as a set of registers in Figure 3 ), and is implemented using a computer architecture (e.g., a modified Harvard architecture, a von Neumann architecture, etc.). The electronic processor 350, the memory 355, the input unit 360, the output unit 365, and various modules or circuits connected to the controller 305 are connected through one or more control buses and / or data buses (e.g., a common bus 385). For illustrative purposes, the control bus and / or data bus are generally shown in Figure 3 . Given the embodiments described herein, those skilled in the art will understand the use of one or more control buses and / or data buses for the interconnection and communication between various modules, circuits, and components.

[0049] The memory 355 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium and includes, for example, a program storage area 357 and a data storage area 358. The program storage area 357 and the data storage area 358 may include a combination of different types of memories, such as ROM, RAM (e.g., DRAM, SDRAM, etc.), EEPROM, flash memory, a hard disk, an SD card, or other suitable magnetic memory devices, optical memory devices, physical memory devices, or electronic memory devices. The electronic processor 350 is connected to the memory 355 and executes software instructions that can be stored in the RAM of the memory 355 (e.g., during execution), the ROM of the memory 355 (e.g., on a generally permanent basis), or another non-transitory computer-readable medium such as another memory or disk. The software included in the implementations of the power tools 100, 400 can be stored in the memory 355 of the controller 305. The software includes, for example, firmware, one or more application programs, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The controller 305 is configured to obtain and particularly execute instructions related to the control processes and methods described herein from the memory 355. In other configurations, the controller 305 includes additional components, fewer components, or different components.

[0050] The battery pack interface 122 includes a combination of mechanical components (e.g., tracks, grooves, latches, etc.) and electrical components (e.g., one or more terminals), which are configured and operable to interface the power tools 100, 400 with the battery pack (e.g., mechanically, electrically, and communicatively couple). For example, the power supplied by the battery pack to the power tools 100, 400 is provided to the power input circuitry 340 through the battery pack interface 122. The power input circuitry 340 includes a combination of active and passive components for conditioning or controlling the power received from the battery pack before providing it to the controller 305. The battery pack interface 122 can also supply power to the FET switches 345, which are configured to selectively supply power to the motor 200 in accordance with instructions from the controller 305. The battery pack interface 122 also includes, for example, a communication line 390, which is configured to allow communication between the controller 305 and the battery pack.

[0051] The indicator 325 includes, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”). The indicator 325 can be configured to display the condition of the power tools 100, 400 or information associated with the power tool. For example, the indicator 325 is configured to indicate measured electrical characteristics of the power tool 100, the status of the device, etc. The indicator 325 can additionally or alternatively indicate the lamp operation mode of the work light 135, the tool mode (e.g., the motor operation mode of the motor 200), or both the lamp operation mode and the tool mode. The user input 335 is operably coupled to the controller 305 to, for example, select a forward or reverse operation mode, the torque and / or speed settings of the power tool 100 (e.g., using a torque and / or speed switch or mode plate), the lamp operation mode of the work light 135, the motor operation mode of the motor 200, etc. In some embodiments, the user input 335 includes a combination of digital and analog input or output devices required to achieve the desired operating level of the power tool 100, such as one or more knobs, one or more dials, one or more switches, one or more buttons, a mode plate, etc.

[0052] In some embodiments, the controller 305 (specifically, the electronic processor 350) is configured to control the motor 200 (e.g., by controlling the FET switch 345) according to a selected motor operation mode in response to determining that the trigger 115 (e.g., the first actuator) has been actuated. In some embodiments, the controller 305 (specifically, the electronic processor 350) is configured to control the work light 135 according to a selected light operation mode. In some embodiments, the controller 305 may receive power from the power source of the power tools 100, 400 and directly supply power to the light source 330. In such embodiments, the controller 305 may appropriately condition the received power before supplying it to the light source 300. In other embodiments, the light source 330 may be electrically connected to a power source (e.g., connected to a battery pack via the battery pack interface 122), and there is a switch between the light source 330 and the power source. In such embodiments, the controller 305 may control the switch to allow or not allow power to be supplied to the light source 330. In such embodiments, the circuit path from the power source to the light source 330 may include a conditioning circuit system similar to the power input circuitry 340 to condition or control the power received by the light source 330 from the power source. In some embodiments, the controller 305 controls the light source 330 to be illuminated in response to determining that the trigger 115 has been actuated.

[0053] The controller 305 may be configured to use the sensor 320 to determine the monitored tool condition. For example, the controller 305 may be configured to determine whether there is a fault condition in the power tools 100, 400 and generate one or more control signals related to the fault condition. In some embodiments, the sensor 320 includes one or more current sensors, one or more speed sensors, one or more Hall effect sensors, one or more temperature sensors, etc. The controller 305 calculates or includes in the memory 355 the predetermined operation thresholds and limits of the operation of the power tools 100, 400. For example, when the controller 305 detects or predicts a potential thermal failure (e.g., thermal failure of the FET, motor 200, etc.), the power supply to the motor 200 may be restricted or interrupted until the likelihood of thermal failure is reduced. If the controller 305 detects one or more such fault conditions of the power tools 100, 400 or determines that the fault condition of the power tools 100, 400 no longer exists, the controller 305 is configured to provide information and / or control signals to another component of the power tools 100, 400 (e.g., the battery pack interface 122, the indicator 325, etc.). In some embodiments, the controller 305 is configured to control the output of the light source 330 to indicate information about the tool condition of the power tools 100, 400 to the user (e.g., by causing the light source 330 to blink a predetermined number of times to indicate different types of fault conditions).

[0054] In some cases, the selected motor operation mode based on which the electronic processor 350 controls the motor 200 includes one of a plurality of motor operation modes, the plurality of motor operation modes indicating at least one of the group consisting of: the speed of the motor 200, the torque of the motor 200, the manner of operation of the output device 125, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of the manner of operation of the output device 125 include the mode of a rotary hammer (e.g., hammer only, rotation only, hammering and rotation, etc.), specific control of the motor 200 upon detection of an event (e.g., impact of the impact mechanism, a predetermined amount of impact, detection of a predetermined torque, etc.). In some cases, the motor operation mode may include additional modes and / or control of additional or alternative features of the motor 200 and / or general tool operation.

[0055] In some cases, the selected lamp operation mode based on which the electronic processor 350 controls the work light 135 includes one of a plurality of lamp operation modes, the plurality of lamp operation modes including at least two of the following: always-off lamp mode, always-on lamp mode, first actuator-enabled bright lamp mode, first actuator-enabled dim lamp mode, and combinations thereof. In some cases, in the always-off lamp mode, the electronic processor 350 may prevent the work light 135 from illuminating, even if the trigger 115 is actuated. In some cases, in the always-on lamp mode, the electronic processor 350 may control the work light 135 to illuminate regardless of whether the trigger 115 is actuated (e.g., flash mode). In some cases, in the first actuator / trigger 115-enabled bright lamp mode, the electronic processor 350 may control the work light 135 to illuminate at a first brightness level (e.g., high brightness level) in response to determining that the first actuator / trigger 115 has been actuated. In this lamp mode, the electronic processor 350 may also keep the work light 135 illuminated for a predetermined period of time (e.g., five seconds, ten seconds, etc.) after the first actuator / trigger 115 is released. In some cases, in the first actuator / trigger 115-enabled dim lamp mode, the electronic processor 350 may control the work light 135 to illuminate at a second brightness level (e.g., low brightness level) lower than the first brightness level in response to determining that the first actuator / trigger 115 has been actuated. In this lamp mode, the electronic processor 350 may also keep the work light 135 illuminated for a predetermined period of time (e.g., five seconds, ten seconds, etc.) after the first actuator / trigger 115 is released. In some cases, the lamp operation mode includes additional modes, such as variations of the always-on mode with different brightness levels, variations of the first actuator-enabled mode with additional brightness levels, etc.

[0056] As described previously herein, in some cases, the actuators 150, 450 can be multifunctional actuators 150, 450 that allow a user to change different tool parameters / modes (e.g., motor operation mode, light operation mode, etc.) depending on how the actuators 150, 450 are actuated. In some cases, the electronic processor 350 is configured to adjust the motor operation mode in response to determining that the actuators 150, 450 (e.g., the second actuators 150, 450) have been actuated in a first manner. The electronic processor 350 can also be configured to adjust the light operation mode in response to determining that the actuators 150, 450 have been actuated in a second manner different from the first manner. In some cases, the different actuation manners of the actuators 150, 450 between the second manner and the first manner include at least one of the group consisting of: different pressures applied to the actuators 150, 450, different movement directions of the actuators 150, 450, different amounts of actuation of the actuators 150, 450 within a predetermined time period (e.g., one second, two seconds, etc.), and combinations thereof.

[0057] As an example of different actuation manners of the actuators 150, 450 (i.e., different pressures applied to the actuators 150, 450), the actuators 150, 450 can include pressure - related switches that are configured to provide a signal to the electronic processor 350 based on the amount of pressure applied to the actuators 150, 450 when the actuators 150, 450 are actuated. In some cases, the actuators 150, 450 and / or the electronic processor 350 can be configured to determine whether the pressure applied to the actuators 150, 450 is greater than a first predetermined pressure threshold and / or a second predetermined pressure threshold greater than the first predetermined threshold. In response to determining that the pressure is less than the first predetermined pressure threshold, the actuators 150, 450 and / or the electronic processor 350 can determine that the actuators 150, 450 have not been actuated. In response to determining that the pressure is greater than the first predetermined pressure threshold but less than the second predetermined pressure threshold, the actuators 150, 450 and / or the electronic processor 350 can determine that the actuators 150, 450 have been actuated with low pressure. In response to the low - pressure actuation of the actuators 150, 450, the electronic processor 350 can change one of the motor operation mode and the light operation mode (e.g., by cycling to the next mode among multiple modes). In response to determining that the pressure is greater than the second predetermined pressure threshold, the actuators 150, 450 and / or the electronic processor 350 can determine that the actuators 150, 450 have been actuated with high pressure. In response to the high - pressure actuation of the actuators 150, 450, the electronic processor 350 can change the other of the motor operation mode and the light operation mode (e.g., by cycling to the next mode among multiple modes).

[0058] In some cases, each low-pressure actuation of actuators 150, 450 may cause the electronic processor 350 to cycle to the next one of the motor or light operation modes, while each high-pressure actuation of actuators 150, 450 may cause the electronic processor 350 to cycle to the next one of the other of the motor or light operation modes. In some cases, pressing actuators 150, 450 and holding for a predetermined period of time (e.g., one second, two seconds, etc.) may cause the electronic processor 350 to cycle through certain operation modes of power tools 100, 400 depending on the pressure at which actuators 150, 450 are pressed and held. For example, whenever actuators 150, 450 are held at low pressure for one second, the electronic processor 350 may cycle to the next motor operation mode. Continuing this example, whenever actuators 150, 450 are held at high pressure for one second, the electronic processor 350 may cycle to the next light operation mode. In some cases, indicator 325 indicates the selected motor operation mode and / or the selected light operation mode of power tools 100, 400. Accordingly, indicator 325 may allow a user to determine the operation mode in which power tools 100, 400 are currently operating or the operation modes cycled through using actuators 150, 450.

[0059] As an example of different actuation manners of actuators 150, 450 (i.e., different movement directions of actuators 150, 450), actuators 150, 450 can be configured to be actuated in multiple directions. For example, actuators 150, 450 can be double-motion sliding actuators, joystick-type actuators, etc. In some cases, a first manner of actuating actuators 150, 450 can include moving actuators 150, 450 in a first direction (e.g., forward, backward, left, right, etc.). In some cases, a second manner of actuating actuators 150, 450 can include moving actuators 150, 450 in a second direction different from the first direction (e.g., backward, forward, right, left, etc.). In some cases, each movement of actuators 150, 450 in the first manner can cause the electronic processor 350 to cycle to the next one of the motor or lamp operation modes, while each movement of actuators 150, 450 in the second manner can cause the electronic processor 350 to cycle to the next one of the other of the motor or lamp operation modes. Similar to the example including the above pressure-related switch, the variable movement direction switch can be held in a first position corresponding to the first movement manner or a second position corresponding to the second movement manner to cause the electronic processor 350 to cycle through the corresponding operation modes of the power tools 100, 400 (e.g., cycle through the corresponding operation modes whenever actuators 150, 450 are held in the corresponding positions for one second). In some cases, the variable movement direction switch can be configured to return to the starting unactuated position when released by the user. For example, the variable movement direction switch can include a spring or other biasing element to cause the variable movement direction switch to return to the starting unactuated position when released by the user.

[0060] As an example of different actuation manners of actuators 150, 450 (i.e., different amounts of actuation of actuators 150, 450 within a predetermined time period), the electronic processor 350 can be configured to determine that actuators 150, 450 are actuated / pressed and released once within a predetermined time period (e.g., one second, two seconds, etc.) or actuated / pressed and released twice within the predetermined time period. Each time actuators 150, 450 are actuated and released once within the predetermined time period (e.g., single press), the electronic processor 350 can cycle to the next one of the motor or lamp operation modes. Each time actuators 150, 450 are actuated and released twice within the predetermined time period (e.g., double press), the electronic processor 350 can cycle to the next one of the other of the motor or lamp operation modes. In some cases, the electronic processor 350 starts timing in response to the first actuation of actuators 150, 450 to monitor the predetermined time period. Once the predetermined time period expires, the electronic processor 350 can start timing in response to actuators 150, 450 being actuated again to monitor another situation of the predetermined time period.

[0061] In some cases, two or more of the examples of the previous types of actuators 150, 450 can be combined. For example, the actuators 150, 450 can be pressure-related switches that are also variable motion direction switches.

[0062] In some cases, the actuators 150, 450 can be push buttons, for which the electronic processor 350 can only determine whether the push button is actuated. In such a case, the electronic processor 350 can cycle through different combinations of motor operation modes and light operation modes each time the push button is actuated or whenever the push button remains actuated for one second (or other predetermined time period). For example, instead of determining whether to cycle through only the motor operation mode or only the light operation mode based on the actuation manner of the actuators 150, 450 (as described in the previous examples), the electronic processor 350 can cycle through combined operation modes indicating both the motor operation mode and the light operation mode (e.g., cycle through modes 1 - 8 in Table 1 below). Accordingly, when the electronic processor 350 cycles through each of modes 1 - 8 in Table 1 below, one or both of the motor operation mode and the light operation mode of the power tools 100, 400 may change. In some cases, when cycling through these modes, the indicator 325 indicates the motor operation mode and / or the light operation mode of the power tools 100, 400.

[0063] Table 1:

[0064] Mode number Motor operation mode Lamp operation mode 1 Speed 1 Always off 2 Speed 1 Always on 3 Speed 1 Bright with first actuator enabled 4 Speed 1 Dark with first actuator enabled 5 Speed 2 Always off 6 Speed 2 Always on 7 Speed 2 Bright with first actuator enabled 8 Speed 2 Dark with first actuator enabled

[0065] As indicated by the above examples, a single user input device (e.g., actuators 150, 450) can be used to optionally control both the tool mode (e.g., motor operation mode) of the power tools 100, 400 and the light operation mode of the work light 135 of the power tools 100, 400. The single user input device can additionally or alternatively be used to control other different operation modes / parameters of the power tools 100, 400. Using a single user input device to optionally control multiple different operation modes and devices / components of the power tools 100, 400 takes up less space on the power tools 100, 400 than including multiple separate actuators with dedicated functions, and allows the power tools 100, 400 (e.g., handheld power tools) to be lightweight, compact, and easy to maneuver.

[0066] However, in some cases, the power tools 100, 400 can still include separate actuators with dedicated functions, e.g., to cycle through the respective operation modes of the work light 135 and the motor 200 (e.g., the light operation mode actuator 505 and the motor operation mode actuator 510 as Figures 5A to 5B shown). Figures 5A to 5BSchematic diagrams showing different wiring options when the power tools 100, 400 include both a lamp operation mode actuator 505 (e.g., a third actuator) and a motor operation mode actuator 510 (e.g., a second actuator). As explained previously herein and as Figures 5A to 5B shown, the user interface control circuit 515 (which may be located on its own user interface PCB 515) can be coupled to the triggers 115, 415 ( Figures 5A to 5B not shown in the figure) and / or one or more actuators 505, 510 of the power tools 100, 400. The user interface control circuit / PCB 515 can be coupled to the PCB 212 (e.g., the control PCB 212 on which the electronic processor 350 is mounted).

[0067] In Figure 5A the example schematic diagram shown, the motor operation mode actuator 510 is coupled to the user interface control circuit / PCB 515, and the user interface control circuit / PCB is in turn coupled to the control PCB 212. For example, the user interface control circuit / PCB 515 can provide a binary on / off signal to an input pin of the electronic processor 350 on the control PCB 212 to indicate whether the motor operation mode actuator 510 has been actuated. On the other hand, the lamp operation mode actuator 505 is directly coupled to another input pin of the electronic processor 350 on the control PCB 212. According to this design, if it is desired to add the lamp operation mode actuator 505 to the power tools 100, 400 that do not already have the lamp operation mode actuator 505, the control PCB 212 has to be redesigned, and wires have to be added within the housings 105, 405 of the power tools 100, 400 to couple the lamp operation mode actuator 505 to the control PCB 212. Additionally, the firmware on the electronic processor 350 has to be updated to account for this additional input.

[0068] In contrast, Figure 5B schematic diagrams showing a reduction in the amount of physical redesign when adding the lamp operation mode actuator 505 to the power tools 100, 400 that do not already have the lamp operation mode actuator 505. As Figure 5BAs shown, the lamp operation mode actuator 505 is coupled to the user interface control circuit / PCB 515, which may already have unused input pins and is typically closer to the lamp operation mode actuator 505 and / or the motor operation mode actuator 510 compared to the position of the control PCB 212 relative to the lamp operation mode actuator 505 and / or the motor operation mode actuator 510. Accordingly, the wires used to connect the lamp operation mode actuator 505 to the user interface control circuit / PCB 515 may typically be shorter than the wires that couple the lamp operation mode actuator 505 to the control PCB 212. For a handheld power tool with limited space for routing wires within the housings 105, 405, reducing the wire length may be beneficial.

[0069] The firmware of the user interface control circuit / PCB 515 and the electronic processor 350 can be updated such that the electronic processor 350 and the control PCB 212 do not need to be rewired to determine whether the motor operation mode actuator 510 or the lamp operation mode actuator 505 has been actuated. For example, the firmware of the user interface control circuit / PCB 515 can be updated such that the user interface control circuit / PCB 515 is configured to provide a varying signal to a single input pin of the electronic processor 350 on the control PCB 212 depending on whether the motor operation mode actuator 510 or the lamp operation mode actuator 505 has been actuated. In some cases, instead of the user interface control circuit / PCB 515 providing a binary on / off signal to the input pin of the electronic processor 350, the user interface control circuit / PCB 515 provides no signal when neither actuator 505 or 510 is actuated, a 1.3 volt signal when one of the actuators 505 or 510 is actuated, and a 2.3 volt signal when the other of the actuators 505 or 510 is actuated. The firmware of the electronic processor 350 can be updated accordingly to allow the electronic processor 350 to determine which actuator 505 or 510 (if any) has been actuated based on the signal received from the user interface control circuit / PCB 515 on the single input pin of the electronic processor 350. The electronic processor 350 can then cycle through the corresponding operation modes depending on which actuator 505, 510 has been actuated, as explained earlier in this document.

[0070] In other words, the electronic processor 350 can be configured to receive a signal from the user interface control circuit / PCB 515 and determine whether the signal indicates that the motor operation mode actuator 510 (e.g., the second actuator 510) has been actuated or the lamp operation mode actuator 505 (e.g., the third actuator 505) has been actuated. The electronic processor 350 can also be configured to adjust the motor operation mode of the power tools 100, 400 in response to determining that the signal indicates that the second actuator 510 has been actuated. The electronic processor 350 can also be configured to adjust the lamp operation mode in response to determining that the signal indicates that the third actuator 505 has been actuated. The electronic processor 350 can also be configured to control the motor 200 according to the motor operation mode and control the work light 135 according to the lamp operation mode in response to determining that the triggers 115, 415 (e.g., the first actuator) have been actuated.

[0071] As indicated in the above example, the signal from the user interface control circuit / PCB 515 can be received by the electronic processor 350 via a single input pin of the electronic processor 350 (e.g., received via a single wire among the multiple wires shown between the user interface control circuit / PCB 515 and the control PCB 212). The electronic processor 350 can be configured to determine whether the signal indicates that the second actuator 510 has been actuated or the third actuator 505 has been actuated by analyzing the voltage level of the signal. For example, the electronic processor 350 can be configured to determine that the second actuator 505 has been actuated in response to the voltage level being within a first voltage range (e.g., approximately 1.3 volts, greater than 1 volt but less than 1.5 volts, etc.). The electronic processor 350 can also be configured to determine that the third actuator 505 has been actuated in response to the voltage level being within a second voltage range different from the first voltage range (e.g., approximately 2.3 volts, greater than 2 volts, etc.). Figure 5B

[0072] Accordingly, the embodiments described herein provide a power tool that includes a lighting system that can be controlled using a dedicated actuator or using a multifunctional actuator to operate in different modes, and the multifunctional actuator can also control tool operation modes, such as the motor operation mode of the motor of the power tool. Various features and advantages are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A power tool, characterized in that: The power tool includes: case; a motor, the motor being disposed in the housing; an output device coupled to the motor and configured to perform a task; a first actuator disposed on the housing and configured to be actuated by a user to operate the motor to drive the output device to perform the task; a work light disposed within the housing and configured to illuminate a work area where the task is being performed; a second actuator disposed on the housing and configured to be actuated by the user to adjust a motor operating mode of the motor and a light operating mode of the worklight; and an electronic processor disposed within the housing and coupled to the first actuator and the second actuator, wherein the electronic processor is configured to: In response to determining that the first actuator has been actuated, controlling the motor according to the motor operating mode, Control the working light according to the light operation mode, In response to determining that the second actuator has been actuated in a first manner, adjusting the motor operating mode, and responsive to determining that the second actuator has been actuated in a second manner different from the first manner, adjusting the lamp operating mode; Among them, the different actuation modes of the second actuator between the second mode and the first mode include at least one item from the group consisting of: different pressures applied to the second actuator, different movement directions of the second actuator, different actuation amounts of the second actuator within a predetermined time period, and combinations thereof.

2. The power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The motor operation mode is one of a plurality of motor operation modes indicating at least one of the group consisting of: a speed of the motor, a torque of the motor, an operation manner of the output device, and combinations thereof.

3. The power tool according to claim 2, characterized in that: The operation mode of the output device includes at least one of the group consisting of: hammering operation only, hammering and rotating operation, rotating operation only, control of the motor when an event is detected, and combinations thereof.

4. The power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light operation mode is one of a plurality of light operation modes including at least two of an always-off light mode, an always-on light mode, a first actuator-enabled light-on mode, a first actuator-enabled light-off mode, and combinations thereof.

5. The power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second actuator includes a pressure-dependent switch configured to provide a signal to the electronic processor based on an amount of pressure applied to the second actuator when the second actuator is actuated.

6. The power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second actuator is configured to be actuated in multiple directions; Wherein, the first way of actuating the second actuator includes moving the second actuator along a first direction; and The second way of actuating the second actuator includes moving the second actuator along a second direction different from the first direction.

7. The power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing includes a motor housing, a connecting portion, and a handle extending between the motor housing and the connecting portion and coupling the motor housing and the connecting portion; Wherein, the second actuator is located at one of the following positions: on the top surface of the motor housing, on the top surface of the connecting part, on the rear side of the motor housing, on the rear side of the connecting part, and on the lower side of the motor housing between the motor housing and the handle.

8. The power tool according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power tool includes one of the following: an impact wrench, a sander, a power drill, a hammer drill, a rotary hammer, an impact driver, and a nail gun.

9. A power tool, characterized in that: The power tool includes: case; a motor, the motor being disposed in the housing; an output device coupled to the motor and configured to perform a task; a first actuator disposed on the housing and configured to be actuated by a user to operate the motor to drive the output device to perform the task; a second actuator disposed on the housing and configured to be actuated by the user to adjust a motor operating mode of the motor; a work light disposed within the housing and configured to illuminate a work area where the task is being performed; a third actuator disposed on the housing and configured to be actuated by the user to adjust a light operating mode of the worklight; a user interface control circuit disposed within the housing and coupled to the second actuator and the third actuator; and an electronic processor disposed within the housing and coupled to the user interface control circuit, wherein the electronic processor is configured to: receiving a signal from the user interface control circuit, determining whether the signal indicates that the second actuator has been actuated or the third actuator has been actuated, In response to determining that the signal indicates that the second actuator has been actuated, adjusting the motor operating mode, In response to determining that the signal indicates that the third actuator has been actuated, adjusting the lamp operating mode, In response to determining that the first actuator has been actuated, controlling the motor according to the motor operating mode, and The working light is controlled according to the light operation mode.

10. The power tool according to claim 9, characterized in that: The electronic processor receives the signal via a single input pin of the electronic processor, and wherein the electronic processor is configured to determine whether the signal indicates that the second actuator has been actuated or the third actuator has been actuated by analyzing a voltage level of the signal.

11. The power tool according to claim 10, characterized in that: The electronic processor is configured to: In response to the voltage level being within the first voltage range, determining that the second actuator has been actuated; as well as In response to the voltage level being within a second voltage range different than the first voltage range, it is determined that the third actuator has been actuated.

12. The power tool according to claim 9, characterized in that: The user interface control circuit is located on a first circuit board, and wherein the electronic processor is located on a second circuit board; Wherein, compared with the position of the second circuit board relative to the third actuator, the first circuit board is closer to the third actuator.

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