USER INPUT DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING TOOL MODE AND LIGHTING MODE OF A POWER TOOL

Abstract

An exemplary power tool has an actuator designed to be operated by a user to set a motor operating mode and a work light operating mode. The power tool may also have an electronic processor to set the motor operating mode in response to a determination that the actuator has been operated in a first manner, and to set the work light operating mode in response to a determination that the actuator has been operated in a second manner different from the first.A difference in the actuation method of the second actuator between the second method and the first method may include at least one from the group consisting of a different pressure exerted on the second actuator, a different direction of movement of the second actuator, a different number of actuations of the second actuator within a given time period, and combinations thereof.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 509,601, filed June 22, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Some disclosed embodiments relate to a power hand tool having a work light. In particular, some disclosed embodiments relate to a power hand tool having a user input device for controlling a motor operating mode of a motor of the power tool and a light operating mode of the work light. SUMMARY

[0003] Power hand tools may include one or more work lights configured to illuminate a work area of ​​the power tool. For example, a power tool may include a single work light positioned near an output device of the power tool to illuminate an area where the output device provides downforce, for example, to drill into a workpiece, secure a fastener in a workpiece, roughen the surface of a portion of a workpiece, or the like.

[0004] Some power tools may include a work light on a front panel of the power tool 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) near an output device configured to transfer rotational energy from the high-torque impact wrench to a fastener. While the impact wrench is being operated by a user, the LED may illuminate the fastener, allowing the user to more easily view the fastener. For enhanced illumination, some power tools may include multiple LEDs radially arranged around the output device or end-tool of the power tool. Similarly, in some cases, a power tool may include multiple LEDs arranged around an outer perimeter of a portion of a power tool housing.By providing multiple LEDs around the output drive or on an outer perimeter of a portion of the power tool housing, more uniform illumination is created on several or all sides of the output drive or end tool, thereby eliminating shadows. This type of lighting can be generally referred to as shadow-free lighting.

[0005] Power tools may have different tool modes (e.g., motor operating modes) and different light operating modes that can be set by a user depending on the situation in which the power tool is used. However, it is desirable to keep power tools (e.g., power hand tools) lightweight, compact, and easy to handle. Accordingly, there may be limited space available on the power tool for user input devices such as actuators (e.g., buttons, switches, etc.). Due to the limited space on a power tool, it may be advantageous to use a single user input device to optionally control both a tool mode of the power tool and a light operating mode of a work light of the power tool.Furthermore, if the power tool has a user input device for a lamp operating mode that is separate from a user input device for the tool mode, it may be advantageous if both of the separate user input devices provide a signal to an electronic processor of the power tool using the same input pin of the electronic processor, for example by means of a user interface control circuit / printed circuit board.

[0006] One embodiment provides a power tool that may include a housing and a motor disposed within the housing. The power tool may further include an output device coupled to the motor and configured to perform a task. The power tool may further include a first actuator disposed on the housing and configured to be actuated by a user to enable operation of the motor to drive the output device to perform the task. The power tool may further include a work light disposed within the housing and configured to illuminate a work area in which the task is being performed. The power tool may further include 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 work light.The power tool may further include an electronic processor disposed within the housing and coupled to the first actuator and the second actuator. The electronic processor may be configured to control the motor according to the motor operating mode in response to determining that the first actuator has been actuated. The electronic processor may also be configured to control the work light according to the light operating mode. The electronic processor may also be configured to adjust the motor operating mode in response to determining that the second actuator has been actuated in a first manner. The electronic processor may also be configured to adjust the light operating mode in response to determining that the second actuator has been actuated in a second manner different from the first manner.A difference in the manner of actuation of the second actuator between the second manner and the first manner may include at least one of the group consisting of a different pressure exerted on the second actuator, a different direction of movement of the second actuator, a different number of actuations of the second actuator within a predetermined period of time, and combinations thereof.

[0007] In addition to any combination of the features described above, the engine operating mode may be one of a plurality of engine operating modes indicating at least one of the group consisting of an engine speed, an engine torque, an operation of the output device, and combinations thereof.

[0008] In addition to any combination of the features described above, the mode of operation of the output device may include at least one of the group consisting of impact-only operation, impact and rotation operation, rotation-only operation, specific operation upon detection of a specific operating event, and combinations thereof.

[0009] In addition to any combination of the features described above, the luminaire operating mode may be one of a plurality of luminaire operating modes including at least two of a "luminaire permanently off" mode, a "luminaire permanently on" mode, a "bright lighting mode turned on by the first actuator", a "dim lighting mode turned on by the first actuator", and combinations thereof.

[0010] In addition to any combination of the features described above, the second actuator may include a pressure-sensitive 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.

[0011] In addition to any combination of the features described above, 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.

[0012] In addition to any combination of the features described above, the housing may include a motor housing, a connecting portion, and a handle extending between and coupling the motor housing and the connecting portion. The second actuator may be positioned on one of a top surface of the motor housing, a top surface of the connecting portion, a back surface of the motor housing, a back surface of the connecting portion, and a bottom surface of the motor housing between the motor housing and the handle.

[0013] In addition to any combination of the features described above, the power tool may include one of an impact driver, a grinder, a drill, a hammer drill, a rotary hammer, a percussion drill, and a nailer.

[0014] Another embodiment provides a method for controlling a power tool. The method may include controlling a motor of the power tool using an electronic processor of the power tool according to a motor operating mode in response to determining that a first actuator of the power tool has been actuated. The method may further include controlling a work light of the power tool using the electronic processor according to a light operating mode. The work light may be configured to illuminate a work area of ​​the power tool. The method may further include setting the motor operating mode using the electronic processor in response to determining that a second actuator of the power tool has been actuated in a first manner.The method may further include adjusting the lamp operating mode by the electronic processor in response to determining that the second actuator has been actuated in a second manner different from the first manner. A difference in the actuation manner of the second actuator between the second manner and the first manner may include at least one of the group consisting of a different pressure applied to the second actuator, a different direction of movement of the second actuator, a different number of actuations of the second actuator within a predetermined period of time, and combinations thereof.

[0015] In addition to any combination of the features described above, the engine operating mode may be one of a plurality of engine operating modes indicating at least one of the group consisting of an engine speed, an engine torque, an operation of an output device coupled to the engine and configured to perform a task, and combinations thereof.

[0016] In addition to any combination of the features described above, the mode of operation of the output device may include at least one of the group consisting of impact-only operation, impact and rotation operation, rotation-only operation, specific operation upon detection of a specific operating event, and combinations thereof.

[0017] In addition to any combination of the features described above, the luminaire operating mode may be one of a plurality of luminaire operating modes including at least two of a "luminaire permanently off" mode, a "luminaire permanently on" mode, a "bright lighting mode turned on by the first actuator", a "dim lighting mode turned on by the first actuator", and combinations thereof.

[0018] In addition to any combination of the features described above, the second actuator may include a pressure-sensitive 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.

[0019] In addition to any combination of the features described above, 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.

[0020] In addition to any combination of the features described above, the power tool may include a housing having a motor housing, a connecting portion, and a handle extending between and coupling the motor housing and the connecting portion. The second actuator may be positioned on one of a top surface of the motor housing, a top surface of the connecting portion, a rear surface of the motor housing, a rear surface of the connecting portion, and a bottom surface of the motor housing between the motor housing and the handle.

[0021] In addition to any combination of the features described above, the power tool may include one of an impact driver, a grinder, a drill, a hammer drill, a rotary hammer, a percussion drill, and a nailer.

[0022] Another embodiment provides a power tool that may include a housing and a motor disposed within the housing. The power tool may further include an output device coupled to the motor and configured to perform a task. The power tool may further include a first actuator disposed on the housing and configured to be actuated by a user to enable operation of the motor to drive the output device to perform the task. The power tool may further include a second actuator disposed on the housing and configured to be actuated by the user to adjust a motor operating mode of the motor. The power tool may further include a work light disposed within the housing and configured to illuminate a work area in which the task is being performed.The power tool may further include a third actuator disposed on the housing and configured to be actuated by the user to set a light operating mode of the work light. The power tool may further include a user interface control circuit disposed within the housing and coupled to the second actuator and the third actuator. The power tool may further include an electronic processor disposed within the housing and coupled to the user interface control circuit. The electronic processor may 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 that the third actuator has been actuated.The electronic processor may also be configured to set the engine operating mode in response to determining that the signal indicates that the second actuator has been actuated. The electronic processor may also be configured to set the light operating mode in response to determining that the signal indicates that the third actuator has been actuated. The electronic processor may also be configured to control the engine according to the engine operating mode in response to determining that the first actuator has been actuated. The electronic processor may also be configured to control the work light according to the light operating mode.

[0023] In addition to any combination of the features described above, the signal may be received by the electronic processor via a single input pin of the electronic processor. The electronic processor may be configured to determine whether the signal indicates that the second actuator has been actuated or that the third actuator has been actuated by analyzing a voltage level of the signal.

[0024] In addition to any combination of the features described above, 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 that is different from the first voltage range.

[0025] In addition to any combination of the features described above, the user interface control circuit may be positioned on a first circuit board and the electronic processor may be positioned on a second circuit board. The first circuit board may be positioned closer to the third actuator than the second circuit board is positioned to the third actuator.

[0026] Before any embodiments are explained in more detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in their application to the details of the design and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments may be practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. Further, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be considered limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having," and variations thereof, is intended to include the elements listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional elements.Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted", "connected", "supported" and "coupled" and variations thereof are used in a broad sense and include both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports and couplings.

[0027] Additionally, it should be understood that embodiments may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules, which, for purposes of discussion, may be illustrated and described as if the majority of the components were implemented solely in hardware. However, one of ordinary skill in the art, and based on a reading of this detailed description, would recognize that in at least one embodiment, the electronics-based 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 application-specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"). Thus, it should be appreciated that multiple hardware- and software-based devices, as well as multiple different structural components, may be used to implement the embodiments.For example, "servers" and "computing devices" described in the specification may include one or more processing units, one or more computer-readable media modules, one or more input / output interfaces, and various connections (e.g., a system bus) that connect the components.

[0028] Relative terminology, such as, for example, "about," "approximately," "substantially," etc., used in connection with a quantity or condition would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to be inclusive of the stated value and to have the meaning prescribed by the context (e.g., the term includes at least the degree of error associated with measurement accuracy, tolerances [e.g., manufacturing, assembly, use, etc.] associated with the particular value, etc.). Such terminology should also be considered to disclose the range defined by the absolute values ​​of the two endpoints. For example, the phrase "from about 2 to about 4" also encompasses the range "from 2 to 4." Relative terminology may refer to plus or minus a percentage (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%, or more) of a stated value.

[0029] It should be understood that although certain drawings illustrate hardware and software residing within particular devices, these illustrations are for illustrative purposes only. Functionality described herein as being performed by one component may be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Likewise, functionality performed by multiple components may be consolidated and performed by a single component. In some embodiments, the illustrated components may be combined or separated into separate software, firmware, and / or hardware. For example, rather than being located within and performed by a single electronic processor, logic and processing may be distributed among many electronic processors.Similarly, a component described as performing certain functions may also perform additional functions not described herein. For example, a device or structure "configured" in a particular manner is at least configured in that manner, but may also be configured in ways not explicitly recited.

[0030] Further aspects of the embodiments will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 illustrates a power tool having a work light according to some embodiments described herein. Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the power tool of Fig. 1 according to some embodiments described herein. Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of the power tool of Fig.1 according to some embodiments described herein. Fig. 4 illustrates another power tool having a work light according to some embodiments described herein. The Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B illustrate schematic diagrams of a power tool having a separate lamp operating mode actuator and a separate motor operating mode actuator in accordance with some embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Fig. 1 illustrates a power tool 100 having a shadow-free lighting system according to an exemplary embodiment. The power tool 100 includes a primary housing 105. The primary housing 105 may be a main body of the power tool 100. The primary housing 105 may be configured to house a motor 200 (see Fig.2) such as a brushless DC (BL) motor within an upper portion 107 of the primary housing 105. Accordingly, the primary housing 105 (particularly the upper portion 107 of the primary housing 105) may also be referred to as a motor housing 107. In some embodiments, the primary housing 105 is formed from two plastic pieces configured to fit together (e.g., a clamshell housing) to form an internal cavity within the primary housing 105. A portion of the primary housing 105 may be formed into 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 a user to pull 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 a motor of the power tool 100.The primary housing 105 may further include a connecting portion 120 (i.e., a base portion of the power tool 100) that may include an interface 122 (i.e., a battery pack interface 122) configured to be releasably coupled to a battery pack (not shown). The interface 122 may include electrical contacts that may be used to transfer power from the battery pack to the power tool 100 (e.g., to power the motor and other components of the power tool 100).

[0032] The power tool 100 further includes an output device 125 at one end of the upper portion 107 of the primary housing 105 to provide an output of the power tool. For example, the output of the power tool may be a rotary output, an impact output, a reciprocating output, etc. In some embodiments, the output device 125 may include a mount (e.g., a chuck, collet, or the like) to removably couple an end tool (e.g., a tool bit) to the output device 125. In other embodiments, the output device 125 may be configured such that a fastener is directly removably coupled to the output device 125 to perform a fastener loosening or tightening operation.In some embodiments, the power tool 100 includes a forward / reverse switch 127 configured to allow a user to select a rotational direction of the output device 125. The output device 125 may be configured to perform one or more specific tasks (e.g., drilling, cutting, fastening, pressing, applying lubricants, roughening the surface, heating, grinding, bending, forming, striking, polishing, illuminating, etc.). For example, an impact driver is associated with the task of generating rotational power (e.g., to drive a drill), while a reciprocating saw is associated with the task of generating a reciprocating output motion (e.g., to push and pull a saw blade). Further, a grinder is associated with the task of driving an abrasive element (e.g.,a sandpaper, a sanding attachment, or the like) in a rotating, reciprocating, circular, and / or similar manner to roughen the surface of a workpiece. The task(s) associated with a particular power tool and a particular output device 125 may also be referred to as the primary function(s) of the tool and output device 125. The particular power tools 100, 400 illustrated and described herein (e.g., an impact wrench 100 as shown in FIG. Fig. 1 and a grinder 400 as in Fig. 4) are for illustrative purposes only. Further embodiments of the disclosure include a variety of different types of power tools (e.g., a drill, a hammer drill, a hammer drill, an impact driver, a pipe cutter, a nailer, a grease gun, etc.).

[0033] The power tool 100 further includes a secondary housing 130 separate from the primary housing 105. The secondary housing 130 may be configured to receive a transmission mechanism of the power tool 100 configured to transmit rotational power from the motor 200 of the power tool 100 to the output device 125. In some embodiments, the secondary housing 130 is a gear box, a hammer box, or the like. The secondary housing 130 may be made of metal. The secondary housing 130 may be positioned such that an end surface of the secondary housing 130 contacts at least a portion of an end surface of the primary housing 105. As shown in Fig.1, a rear end of the secondary housing 130 may be secured to a front end of the upper portion 107 of the primary housing 105, for example, using fasteners 132. The output device 125 may be connected to the engine 200 indirectly (e.g., via an intermediate transmission mechanism 205 as shown in Fig. 2) or directly without an intermediate transmission mechanism (e.g. a direct drive tool such as the grinder 400 in Fig. 4) be coupled.

[0034] The power tool 100 further includes a support portion 135 configured to retain one or more light sources of the power tool 100. In some embodiments, the support portion 135 is configured to surround the output device 125. The support portion 135 may include one or more lenses 140 to allow one or more light sources to emit light through the support portion 135. In some embodiments, the one or more light sources may be light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged about a center point of the support portion 135 (i.e., arranged about an output axis 202 of the output device 125). Although the support portion 135 is referred to as a support portion 135, it may also be referred to as a work light 135 or a lighting assembly 135.

[0035] 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 actuate a tool mode (e.g., a motor operating mode of the motor 200), a light operating mode of the work light 135, or, depending on how the actuator 150 is actuated, both the tool mode and the light operating mode, as explained in more detail below. In cases where the actuator 150 is configured to allow the user to change both the tool mode and the light operating mode depending on different actuations of the actuator 150, the actuator 150 may be referred to as a multifunction actuator 150. Fig.1 illustrates different possible locations of the actuator 150. In some cases, the actuator 150A is positioned / arranged on a top surface of the motor housing 107 (e.g., on a top surface of the upper portion 107 of the primary housing 105). In some cases, the actuator 150B is positioned on a top surface of the connecting portion 120 (i.e., on a top surface of the base portion of the power tool 100 that includes the battery pack interface 122). In some cases, the actuator 150 may be positioned in a different location on the power tool 100 (e.g., near the forward / reverse switch 127 (on a bottom surface of the motor housing 107 between the motor housing 107 and the handle 110), on a back or side of the upper portion 107 of the primary housing 105, on a back or side of the connecting portion 120, etc.).

[0036] The Fig.1 is merely an example. The lighting assembly 135 and / or other features described herein may also be used on other types of power tools (e.g., the grinder 400 of Fig. 4, other power tools such as the types of power tools listed above, etc.). For example, Fig. 4 shows another example of a power tool as a grinder 400. The grinder 400 includes numerous similar elements as the impact wrench 100, with similar elements having the same reference numerals as in Fig.1, but increased by 300. Unless otherwise stated, the present explanation of elements with respect to the impact wrench 100 also applies to similar elements of the grinder 400. The grinder 400 includes a primary housing 405, which may include a handle 410. The grinder 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 hereinabove, the output device 425 may be directly coupled to the motor 200 without an intervening transmission mechanism (e.g., coupled to a motor shaft), such that the grinder 400 is a direct drive tool.While the work light 435 is illustrated as a single LED work light on the front of the grinder 400, in some cases the work light 135 may include additional LEDs extending along an outer perimeter of the housing 405 from the work light 435 as shown in FIG. Fig.4, extend toward the sides of the grinder 400. For example, an arcuate work light (including an arcuate lens and a plurality of LEDs) spanning approximately 180 degrees, approximately 120 degrees, approximately 90 degrees, or the like on the front perimeter of the housing 405 may be included on the grinder 400 to provide increased illumination of a work area. In some cases, the actuator 450 is a multifunction actuator 450 similar to the actuator 150 discussed herein. In some cases, the actuator 450 includes a membrane switch. In some cases, the actuator 450 may be positioned / disposed at other locations on the housing 405 of the grinder 400 (e.g., near the work light 435 on a front of the housing 405, on a side of the housing 405, and / or the like).The explanations used herein regarding the controls and functionality of the impact wrench 100 and the circuits / wiring / printed circuit boards of the impact wrench 100 similarly apply to the grinder 400 and its corresponding elements. Such explanations may also apply to other types of power tools, including, but not limited to, the examples of power tools provided herein.

[0037] Fig.2 shows a cross-sectional view of the power tool 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The power tool 100 includes a motor 200 configured to provide a rotary output about an axis 202 (i.e., a motor axis or output axis). The power tool 100 further includes a transmission mechanism 205 (i.e., a transmission device 205) configured to transmit the rotary 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, a combination of multiple types of transmission mechanisms, or the like. At least a portion of the transmission mechanism 205 may be positioned within the secondary housing 130. As discussed hereinabove, other types of power tools (e.g., the grinder 400 of Fig.4) does not necessarily have the transmission mechanism 205, since the motor 200 may be directly coupled to the motor 200.

[0038] In some embodiments, the transmission mechanism 205 of the power tool 100 includes an impact mechanism including a hammer with outwardly extending lugs and an anvil with outwardly extending lugs. The anvil may be coupled to the output device 125. During operation, an impact occurs when the anvil encounters a certain level of resistance, such as when driving a fastener into a workpiece. When this resistance is reached, the hammer may continue to rotate. A spring connected to the rear of the hammer causes the hammer to retract axially to release the anvil. Once released, the hammer advances both axially and rotationally to reengage (i.e., strike) the anvil. When the impact mechanism is actuated, the hammer lugs strike the anvil lugs, for example, every 180 degrees.Accordingly, when the power tool 100 strikes during operation, the hammer rotates 180 degrees without the anvil, strikes the anvil, and then rotates a certain amount with the anvil before repeating this process.

[0039] The power tool 100 may further include a printed circuit board (PCB) 210 disposed / positioned in the handle 110 and a PCB 212 positioned in the connector 120. One or both of the PCBs 210 and 212 include one or more electronic components that may implement a control system of the power tool 100. In some embodiments, the PCB 212 includes an electronic processor 350 (see Fig.3) configured to receive power from a power supply connected to the power tool 100 (e.g., from a battery pack connected to the power tool 100 via the interface 122). The electronic processor 350 may be configured to control whether the work light 135 and / or the motor 200 are powered. The printed circuit board 210 may include switching elements 345 (e.g., field-effect transistors 345) controlled by the electronic processor 350 to selectively power coils of the motor 200 to enable operation thereof. In other embodiments, the PCBs 210 and 212 may include additional or alternative components. For example, the components positioned on each PCB 210 and 212, as described above, may be positioned on the other PCB 210 and 212.

[0040] In some cases, the power tool 100 includes a user interface control circuit positioned on the PCB 210 or positioned on a separate user interface control PCB within the power tool 100 (e.g., above the trigger 115, adjacent to and approximately parallel to the PCB 210, or the like). The user interface control circuit may 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 multifunction actuator 150, the power tool 100 may include a lamp operation mode input device (e.g., a second actuator) separate from a tool mode input device (e.g., a third actuator), as shown in FIGS. Fig.5A-5B. In some cases, the user interface control circuit may be coupled to each of the lamp operating mode actuator and the tool mode actuator, as described herein with reference to the Fig. 5A-5B. In some cases, the user interface control circuit is also coupled to the PCB 212 (e.g., the user interface control circuit is coupled to the electronic processor 350 positioned / arranged on the PCB 212), as described herein with reference to Fig.5A-5B. In such embodiments, the user interface control circuit may provide one or more signals to the electronic processor 350 indicating (i) whether a user input device (e.g., trigger 115, multifunction actuator 150, light operating mode actuator, tool mode actuator, and / or the like) has been actuated, and / or (ii) a manner in which each user input device has been actuated, as explained in more detail herein.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a block diagram 300 of the power tool 100, 400 according to an exemplary embodiment. The power tool 100, 400 may include a controller 305. The controller 305 is electrically and / or communicatively connected to a variety of components of the power tool 100, 400. As shown in Fig.3, the controller 305 is electrically connected to the motor 200, a battery pack interface 122, a trigger switch 315 (connected to the trigger 115), one or more sensors or sensing circuits 320, one or more displays 325, one or more light sources 330 (e.g., LEDs forming the task light 135), one or more user input devices 335 (e.g., actuator 150, other switches or buttons, a mode control panel, etc.), power input circuitry 340, and switching elements 345 (e.g., FET switch 345). The controller 305 includes combinations of hardware and software operable to, among other things, control the operation of the power tool 100, 400, monitor the operation of the power tool 100, 400, activate the one or more displays 325 and / or light sources 330, etc.

[0042] The controller 305 includes a variety of electrical and electronic components that provide power, operational control, and protection for the components in the controller 305 and / or the power tool 100, 400. For example, the controller 305 includes, among other things, an electronic processor 350 (e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or other suitable programmable device), a memory 355, input units 360, and output units 365. The electronic processor 350 includes, among other things, a control unit 370, an ALU 375, and a plurality of registers 380 (in Fig.3 as a group of registers) 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 units 360 and the output units 365, as well as the various modules or circuits connected to the controller 305, are connected via one or more control and / or data buses (e.g., a common bus 385). The control and / or data buses are in Fig. 3 for illustrative purposes. The use of one or more control and / or data buses for interconnection and communication between the various modules, circuits, and components will be understood by those skilled in the art in light of the embodiments described herein.

[0043] 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 combinations of different memory types, such as ROM, RAM (e.g., DRAM, SDRAM, etc.), EEPROM, flash memory, a hard disk, an SD card, or other suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic storage devices. The electronic processor 350 is connected to the memory 355 and executes software instructions that may be stored in a RAM of the memory 355 (e.g., during execution), a ROM of the memory 355 (e.g., generally permanently), or another non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as another memory or a disk.Software incorporated into the implementation of the power tool 100, 400 may be stored in the memory 355 of the controller 305. The software includes, for example, firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The controller 305 is configured to retrieve and execute instructions related to the control processes and methods described herein from the memory 355, among other things. In other constructions, the controller 305 includes additional, fewer, or different components.

[0044] The battery pack interface 122 includes a combination of mechanical components (e.g., rails, grooves, latches, etc.) and electrical components (e.g., one or more terminals) configured and operable for coupling (e.g., a mechanical, electrical, and communicative connection) the power tool 100, 400 to a battery pack. For example, power provided by the battery pack to the power tool 100, 400 is supplied to the power input circuitry 340 via the battery pack interface 122. The power input circuitry 340 includes combinations of active and passive components for regulating or controlling the power received from the battery pack before power is supplied to the controller 305. The battery pack interface 122 may also supply power to the FET switches 345 configured to selectively supply power to the motor 200 according to instructions from the controller 305.For example, the battery pack interface 122 also includes a communication line 390 configured to enable communication between the controller 305 and the battery pack.

[0045] The indicators 325 include, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes ("LEDs"). The indicators 325 may be configured to indicate states of the power tool 100, 400 or information associated therewith. For example, the indicators 325 are configured to indicate measured electrical characteristics of the power tool 100, device status, etc. The indicators 325 may additionally or alternatively indicate a lamp operating mode of the work light 135, a tool mode (e.g., a motor operating mode of the motor 200), or both the lamp operating mode and the tool mode. The user input(s) 335 are operably coupled to the controller 305 to indicate, for example, a forward operating mode or a reverse operating mode, a torque and / or speed setting for the power tool 100 (e.g.,using torque and / or speed switches or a mode control panel), to select a light operating mode of the work light 135, a motor operating mode of the motor 200, etc. In some embodiments, the user input 335 includes a combination of digital and analog input or output devices necessary to achieve a desired level of operation for the power tool 100, such as one or more knobs, one or more dials, one or more switches, one or more push buttons, a mode control panel, etc.

[0046] In some embodiments, the controller 305 (particularly the electronic processor 350) is configured to control the motor 200 according to a selected motor operating mode (e.g., by controlling the FET switches 345) in response to determining that the trigger 115 (e.g., a first actuator) has been actuated. In some embodiments, the controller 305 (particularly the electronic processor 350) is configured to control the work light 135 according to a selected light operating mode. In some embodiments, the controller 305 may receive power from a power supply of the power tool 100, 400 and directly power the light source(s) 330. In such embodiments, the controller 305 may optionally condition received power before powering the light source(s) 300.In other embodiments, the light source(s) 330 may be electrically connected to the power supply (e.g., to the battery pack via the battery pack interface 122) with a switch between the light source(s) 330 and the power supply. In such embodiments, the controller 305 may control the switch to enable or disable power from being provided to the light source(s) 330. In such embodiments, the electrical path from the power supply to the light source(s) 330 may include conditioning circuitry similar to the power input circuitry 340 to regulate or control the power received by the light source(s) 330 from the power supply. In some embodiments, the controller 305 controls the light source(s) 330 to be illuminated in response to the trigger 115 being actuated.

[0047] The controller 305 may be configured to determine the conditions for monitoring tools using the sensors 320. For example, the controller 305 may be configured to determine whether a fault condition of the power tool 100, 400 exists and generate one or more control signals related to the fault condition. In some embodiments, the sensors 320 include 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 maintains in memory 355 predetermined operating thresholds and limits for the operation of the power tool 100, 400. For example, if a potential thermal failure (e.g., of a FET, the motor 200, etc.) is detected, the controller 305 may initiate a control signal.) is detected or predicted by the controller 305, the power supply to the motor 200 may be limited or interrupted until the potential for thermal failure is reduced. The controller 305 is configured, when the controller 305 detects one or more such fault conditions of the power tool 100, 400 or determines that a fault condition of the power tool 100, 400 no longer exists, to provide information and / or control signals to another component of the power tool 100, 400 (e.g., the battery pack interface 122, the indicators 325, etc.). In some embodiments, the controller 305 is configured to control an output of the light source(s) 330 to display information about a tool condition of the power tool 100, 400 to a user (e.g., by flashing the light source(s) 330 a predetermined number of times to display various types of fault conditions).

[0048] In some cases, the selected motor operating mode according to which the electronic processor 350 controls the motor 200 includes one of a plurality of motor operating modes indicating at least one from the group consisting of a motor speed 200, a motor torque 200, an operation mode of the output device 125, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of the operation mode of the output device 125 include modes of a hammer drill (e.g., hammer only, rotate only, hammer and rotate, etc.), the specific control of the motor 200 upon a detected event (e.g., detection of the striking of a percussion mechanism, a predetermined number of strikes, a predetermined speed, etc.). In some cases, the motor operating modes may include further modes and / or control of additional or alternative features of the motor 200 and / or tool operation in general.

[0049] In some cases, the selected light operating mode according to which the electronic processor 350 controls the task light 135 includes one of a plurality of light operating modes, including at least two of a "light permanently off" mode, a "light permanently on" mode, a "bright lighting mode activated by the first actuator," a "dim lighting mode activated by the first actuator," and combinations thereof. In some cases, in the "light permanently off" mode, the electronic processor 350 may prevent the task light 135 from being turned on even if the trigger 115 is actuated. In some cases, in the "light permanently on" mode, the electronic processor 350 may control the task light 135 to remain on regardless of whether the trigger 115 is actuated (e.g., in a flashlight mode).In some cases, in the bright lighting mode activated by the first actuator / trigger 115, the electronic processor 350 may control the task light 135 to turn on at a first brightness level (e.g., a high brightness level) in response to determining that the first actuator / trigger 115 has been actuated. In this lighting mode, the electronic processor 350 may also keep the task light 135 turned on for a predetermined period of time (e.g., five seconds, ten seconds, or the like) after the first actuator / trigger 115 is released. In some cases, in the dim lighting mode activated by the first actuator / trigger 115, the electronic processor 350 may control the task light 135 to illuminate at a second brightness level that is lower than the first brightness level (e.g.,a low brightness level). In this lamp mode, the electronic processor 350 may also keep the task light 135 on for a predetermined period of time (e.g., five seconds, ten seconds, or the like) after the first actuator / trigger 115 is released. In some cases, the lamp operating modes include additional modes such as variations of the always-on mode with different brightness levels, first actuator-activated modes with additional brightness levels, etc.

[0050] As noted hereinabove, in some cases, the actuator 150, 450 may be a multifunction actuator 150, 450 that allows a user to change various tool parameters / modes (e.g., a motor operating mode, a light operating mode, etc.) depending on a manner in which the actuator 150, 450 is actuated. In some cases, the electronic processor 350 is configured to set the motor operating mode in response to determining that the actuator 150, 450 (e.g., a second actuator 150, 450) has been actuated in a first manner. The electronic processor 350 may also be configured to set the light operating mode in response to determining that the actuator 150, 450 has been actuated in a second manner that is different from the first manner.In some cases, a different manner of actuation of the actuator 150, 450 between the second manner and the first manner includes at least one of the group consisting of a different pressure exerted on the actuator 150, 450, a different direction of movement of the actuator 150, 450, a different number of actuations of the actuator 150, 450 within a predetermined period of time (e.g., one second, two seconds, or the like), and combinations thereof.

[0051] For example, if the difference in the actuation of the actuator 150, 450 is that a different pressure is exerted on the actuator 150, 450, the actuator 150, 450 may include a pressure-dependent switch configured to provide a signal to the electronic processor 350 based on an amount of pressure exerted on the actuator 150, 450 when the actuator 150, 450 is actuated. In some cases, the actuator 150, 450 and / or the electronic processor 350 may be configured to determine whether the pressure exerted on the actuator 150, 450 is greater than a first predetermined pressure threshold and / or a second predetermined pressure threshold that is greater than the first predetermined pressure threshold.In response to determining that the pressure is lower than the first predetermined pressure threshold, the actuator 150, 450 and / or the electronic processor 350 may determine that the actuator 150, 450 has not been actuated. In response to determining that the pressure is greater than the first predetermined pressure threshold but lower than the second predetermined pressure threshold, the actuator 150, 450 and / or the electronic processor 350 may determine that the actuator 150, 450 has been actuated with a low pressure. In response to actuating the actuator 150, 450 with a low pressure, the electronic processor 350 may change one of the engine operating mode and the lamp operating mode (e.g., by switching to the next mode of a plurality of modes).In response to determining that the pressure is greater than the second predetermined pressure threshold, the actuator 150, 450 and / or the electronic processor 350 may determine that the actuator 150, 450 was actuated with a high pressure. In response to actuating the actuator 150, 450 with a high pressure, the electronic processor 350 may change the other of the engine operating mode and the lamp operating mode (e.g., by switching to the next of a plurality of modes).

[0052] In some cases, actuation of the actuator 150, 450 with a low pressure may cause the electronic processor 350 to switch to the next of the engine or light operating modes, while each actuation of the actuator 150, 450 with a high pressure may cause the electronic processor 350 to switch to the next of the other of the engine or light operating modes. In some cases, pressing and holding the actuator 150, 450 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., one second, two seconds, or the like) may cause the electronic processor 350 to cycle through certain operating modes of the power tool 100, 400 depending on the pressure with which the actuator 150, 450 is pressed and held. For example, the electronic processor 350 may switch to the next engine operating mode every second as long as the actuator 150, 450 is held with a low pressure.Continuing this example, the electronic processor 350 may switch to the next light operating mode every second as long as the actuator 150, 450 is held with a strong pressure. In some cases, a selected motor operating mode and / or selected light operating mode of the power tool 100, 400 is indicated by the indicators 325. Accordingly, the indicators 325 may allow a user to determine which operating mode the power tool 100, 400 is currently operating in or which operating modes are being cycled through using the actuator 150, 450.

[0053] If the difference in the manner of actuation of the actuator 150, 450 is, for example, a different direction of movement of the actuator 150, 450, the actuator 150, 450 can be configured to be actuated in multiple directions. For example, the actuator 150, 450 can be a dual-motion slide actuator, joystick-type actuator, or the like. In some cases, the first manner of actuation of the actuator 150, 450 can include moving the actuator 150, 450 in a first direction (e.g., forward, backward, left, right, etc.). In some cases, the second manner of actuation of the actuator 150, 450 can include moving the actuator 150, 450 in a second direction that is different from the first direction (e.g., backward, forward, right, left, etc.). In some cases, each movement of the actuator 150, 450 may, in a first manner, cause the electronic processor 350 to move to the next motor orLight operating mode, while each movement of the actuator 150, 450 in the second manner may cause the electronic processor 350 to switch to the next of the other of the motor and light operating modes, respectively. Similar to the above example involving the pressure-sensitive switch, the variable movement direction switch may be held in a first position corresponding to the first movement mode or held in a second position corresponding to the second movement mode to cause the electronic processor 350 to cycle through respective operating modes of the power tool 100, 400 (e.g., cycle through respective operating modes every second while the actuator 150, 450 is held in the respective position). In some cases, the variable movement direction switch may be configured to return to an unactuated home position when released by the user.For example, the variable motion switch may include a spring or other biasing element to cause the variable motion direction switch to return to the unactuated home position when released by the user.

[0054] If the difference in the actuation manner of the actuator 150, 450 consists, for example, in a different number of actuations of the actuator 150, 450 within a predetermined period of time, the electronic processor 350 may be configured to determine that the actuator 150, 450 was actuated / pressed and released once or twice within the predetermined period of time (e.g., one second, two seconds, or the like). Each time the actuator 150, 450 is actuated and released once within the predetermined period of time (e.g., single press), the electronic processor 350 may switch to the next of the motor or light operating modes. Each time the actuator 150, 450 is actuated and released twice within the predetermined period of time (e.g., double press), the electronic processor 350 may switch to the next of the other motor or light operating modes.In some cases, the electronic processor 350 begins timing to monitor the predetermined time period in response to a first actuation of the actuator 150, 450. Once the predetermined time period has expired, the electronic processor 350 may begin timing to monitor another instance of the predetermined time period in response to the actuator 150, 450 being actuated again.

[0055] In some cases, two or more of the above examples of actuator types 150, 450 may be combined. For example, actuator 150, 450 may be a pressure-sensitive switch that is also a variable direction switch.

[0056] In some cases, the actuator 150, 450 may be a push button, where the electronic processor 350 may only determine whether the push button is actuated or not actuated. In such cases, the electronic processor 350 may cycle through various combinations of motor operating modes and lamp operating modes each time the push button is actuated, or every one second (or other predetermined period of time) while the push button is actuated. For example, rather than determining whether to cycle through only motor operating modes or only lamp operating modes depending on the manner in which the actuator 150, 450 is actuated, as described in the examples above, the electronic processor 350 may cycle through combined operating modes indicating both the motor operating mode and the lamp operating mode (e.g.,Cycles through modes 1-8 in Table 1 below). Accordingly, one or both of the motor operating mode and the light operating mode of the power tool 100, 400 may change as the electronic processor 350 cycles through each of the modes 1-8 in Table 1 below. In some cases, the motor operating mode and / or the light operating mode of the power tool 100, 400 will be indicated by the indicators 325 while cycling through the modes. Table 1: Mode number Engine operating mode Light operating mode 1 Speed ​​1 Permanently switched off 2 Speed ​​1 Permanently switched on 3 Speed ​​1 Switched on by first actuator bright 4 Speed ​​1 Damped by first actuator switched on 5 Speed ​​2 Permanently switched off 6 Speed ​​2 Permanently switched on 7 Speed ​​2 Switched on by first actuator bright 8 Speed ​​2 Damped by first actuator switched on

[0057] As indicated in the examples above, a single user input device (e.g., actuator 150, 450) can be used to optionally control both a tool mode (e.g., motor operating mode) of the power tool 100, 400 and a light operating mode of the work light 135 of the power tool 100, 400. The single user input device can additionally or alternatively be used to control other, distinct operating modes / parameters of the power tool 100, 400. Using a single user input device to optionally control multiple distinct operating modes and devices / elements of the power tool 100, 400 requires less space on the power tool 100, 400 than incorporating multiple separate actuators with dedicated functionality and allows the power tool 100, 400 (e.g., a power hand tool) to be lightweight, compact, and easy to handle.

[0058] In some cases, however, the power tool 100, 400 may still include separate actuators with dedicated functionality, for example, to cycle through respective operating modes of the work light 135 and the motor 200 (e.g., light operating mode actuator 505 and a motor operating mode actuator 510, as shown in the Fig. 5A-5B). The Fig. 5A-5B show schematic diagrams of different wiring options when the power tool 100, 400 includes both the lamp operation mode actuator 505 (e.g., a third actuator) and the motor operation actuator 510 (e.g., a second actuator). As explained hereinabove and as described in the Fig. 5A-5B, a user interface control circuit 515 (which may be positioned on its own user interface PCB 515) may be connected to the trigger 115, 415 (in the Fig.5A-5B not shown) and / or to one or more actuators 505, 510 of the power tool 100, 400. The user interface control circuit / PCB 515 may be coupled to the PCB 212 (e.g., a control PCB 212 on which the electronic processor 350 is mounted).

[0059] In the example schematic diagram shown in Fig.5A, the motor mode actuator 510 is coupled to the user interface control circuit / PCB 515, which in turn is coupled to the control PCB 212. For example, the user interface control circuit / PCB 515 may 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 mode actuator 510 has been actuated. On the other hand, the lamp mode actuator 505 is directly coupled to another input pin of the electronic processor 350 on the control PCB 212.According to such an embodiment, if the light mode 505 is intended to be added to a power tool 100, 400 that does not already have a light mode actuator 505, the control PCB 212 would be redesigned, and wiring would be added within the housing 105, 405 of the power tool 100, 400 to couple the light mode actuator 505 to the control PCB 212. Additionally, firmware on the electronic processor 350 would be updated to account for this additional input.

[0060] Conversely, Fig. 5B is a schematic diagram in which the amount of physical redesign is reduced when adding the lamp operating mode actuator 505 to a power tool 100, 400 that does not already have a lamp operating mode actuator 505. As in Fig.5B, the lamp mode actuator 505 is coupled to the user interface control circuit PCB 515, which may already have free input pins and is often positioned closer to the lamp mode actuator 505 and / or the motor mode actuator 510 compared to the location of the control PCB 212 relative to the lamp mode actuator 505 and / or the motor mode actuator 510. Accordingly, wiring used to connect the lamp mode actuator 505 to the user interface control circuit PCB 515 may often be shorter than wiring that would couple the lamp mode actuator 505 to the control PCB 212. A reduced wiring length may be advantageous in a power hand tool with limited space for routing wiring within the housing 105, 405.

[0061] Firmware of user interface control circuit / PCB 515 and electronic processor 350 can be updated such that electronic processor 350 and control PCB 212 do not need to be rewired to determine whether motor mode actuator 510 or light mode actuator 505 has been actuated. For example, firmware of user interface control circuit / PCB 515 can be updated such that user interface control circuit / PCB 515 is configured to provide a varied signal to a single input pin of electronic processor 350 on control PCB 212 depending on whether motor mode actuator 510 or light 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 of the actuators 505 or 510 is actuated, provides a 1.3 volt signal when one of the actuators 505 or 510 is actuated, and provides a 2.3 volt signal when the other of the actuators 505 or 510 is actuated. The firmware of the electronic processor 350 may be updated accordingly to enable the electronic processor 350 to determine which actuator 505 or 510 (if any) was actuated based on the signal received from the user interface control circuit PCB 515 at the single input pin of the electronic processor 350.The electronic processor 350 may then cycle through a respective operating mode depending on which actuator 505, 510 was actuated, as explained hereinabove.

[0062] In other words, the electronic processor 350 may be configured to receive a signal from the user interface control circuit PCB 515 and determine whether the signal indicates that the motor operating mode actuator 510 (e.g., a second actuator 510) has been actuated or that the light operating mode actuator 505 (e.g., a third actuator 505) has been actuated. The electronic processor 350 may also be configured to set the motor operating mode of the power tool 100, 400 in response to determining that the signal indicates that the second actuator 510 has been actuated. The electronic processor 350 may also be configured to set the light operating mode in response to determining that the signal indicates that the third actuator 505 has been actuated. The electronic processor 350 may also be configured to drive the motor 200 in response to determining that the trigger 115, 415 (e.g.,a first actuator) was actuated, according to the engine operating mode and to control the work light 135 according to the light operating mode.

[0063] As indicated in the example above, the signal from the user interface control circuit PCB 515 may be received by the electronic processor 350 via a single input pin of the electronic processor 350 (e.g., received via a single wire line of the multiple wire lines connected between the user interface control circuit PCB 515 and the control PCB 212 in Fig.5B). The electronic processor 350 may be configured to determine whether the signal indicates that the second actuator 510 has been actuated or that the third actuator 505 has been actuated by analyzing a voltage level of the signal. For example, the electronic processor 350 may 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., about 1.3 volts, more than 1 volt but less than 1.5 volts, or the like). The electronic processor 350 may 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 that is different from the first voltage range (e.g., about 2.3 volts, more than 2 volts, or the like).

[0064] Thus, the embodiments described herein provide a power tool having a lighting system that can be controlled to operate in different modes using a dedicated actuator or using a multi-function actuator that can also control tool operating modes, such as motor operating modes of a motor of the power tool. Various features and advantages are recited in the following claims. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 509,601

[0001]

Claims

[1] Power tool comprising: a housing; a motor arranged in the housing; an output device coupled to the engine and configured to perform a task; a first actuator disposed on the housing and configured to be actuated by a user to enable operation of the motor to drive the output device to perform the task; a task light arranged within the housing and designed to illuminate a work area in which the task is performed; a second actuator arranged on the housing and configured to be actuated by the user to set an engine operating mode of the engine and a lamp operating mode of the work lamp; and an electronic processor disposed within the housing and coupled to the first actuator and the second actuator, the electronic processor configured to: Controlling the engine according to the engine operating mode in response to determining that the first actuator has been actuated, Control the work light according to the light operating mode, Setting the engine operating mode in response to determining that the second actuator has been actuated in a first manner, and setting the lamp operating mode in response to determining that the second actuator has been actuated in a second manner different from the first manner; wherein a difference in the actuation manner of the second actuator between the second manner and the first manner includes at least one of the group consisting of a different pressure exerted on the second actuator, a different direction of movement of the second actuator, a different number of actuations of the second actuator within a predetermined period of time, and combinations thereof. [2] The power tool of claim 1, wherein the motor operating mode is one of a plurality of motor operating modes indicating at least one of the group consisting of a motor speed, a motor torque, an operation of the output device, and combinations thereof. [3] The power tool of claim 1, wherein the lamp operating mode is one of a plurality of lamp operating modes including at least two of a “lamp permanently off” mode, a “lamp permanently on” mode, a “bright illumination mode turned on by the first actuator,” a “dim illumination mode turned on by the first actuator,” and combinations thereof. [4] The power tool of claim 1, wherein the second actuator includes a pressure-sensitive 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. [5] The power tool of claim 1, wherein the second actuator is configured to be actuated in multiple directions; wherein the first manner of actuating the second actuator includes moving the second actuator in a first direction; and wherein the second manner of actuating the second actuator includes moving the second actuator in a second direction different from the first direction. [6] The power tool of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a motor housing, a connecting portion, and a handle extending between and coupling the motor housing and the connecting portion; wherein the second actuator is positioned on one of a top surface of the motor housing, a top surface of the connecting portion, a back surface of the motor housing, a back surface of the connecting portion, and a bottom surface of the motor housing between the motor housing and the handle. [7] Power tool comprising: a housing; a motor arranged in the housing; an output device coupled to the engine and configured to perform a task; a first actuator disposed on the housing and configured to be actuated by a user to enable operation of 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 set a motor operating mode; a task light arranged within the housing and designed to illuminate a work area in which the task is performed; a third actuator disposed on the housing and configured to be actuated by the user to set a lamp operating mode of the work light; 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, the electronic processor being configured to: Receiving a signal from the user interface control circuit, determining whether the signal indicates that the second actuator has been actuated or that the third actuator has been actuated, in response to determining that the signal indicates that the second actuator has been actuated, setting the engine operating mode, in response to determining that the signal indicates that the third actuator has been actuated, setting the lamp operating mode, Controlling the engine according to the engine operating mode in response to determining that the first actuator has been actuated, and Control the work light according to the light operating mode. [8] The power tool of claim 7, wherein the signal is received by the electronic processor by means of 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 that the third actuator has been actuated by analyzing a voltage level of the signal. [9] Power tool according to claim 8, wherein the electronic processor is designed for: Determining that the second actuator has been actuated in response to the voltage level being within a first voltage range; and Determining that the third actuator has been actuated in response to the voltage level being within a second voltage range that is different from the first voltage range. [10] The power tool of claim 7, wherein the user interface control circuit is positioned on a first circuit board and wherein the electronic processor is positioned on a second circuit board; wherein the first circuit board is positioned closer to the third actuator than the second circuit board is positioned to the third actuator.

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