Device and method for activating and deactivating power tools

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for activating and deactivating power tools (10) depending on a viewing direction of an operator (20) of a power tool (10) and the presence of protective equipment (22) worn by the operator (20) of the power tool (10), wherein the protective equipment (22) has at least one holographic optical element (24).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for activating and deactivating power tools. State of the art

[0002] Power tools are often used in combination with protective equipment. Employers are increasingly requiring the wearing of personal protective equipment. In some cases, wearing it when operating power tools is already mandatory.

[0003] However, permanent wear is difficult to mandate, and enforcement is also challenging.

[0004] It is therefore advantageous if a power tool cannot be operated by an operator if he or she is not wearing his or her protective equipment.

[0005] The document US 11314971 B2 shows a system for initiating protective measures in work machines or equipment depending on the spatial relationship between two optical patterns, wherein the optical patterns are applied to the machine and / or the personal protective clothing.

[0006] A disadvantage is that only the presence of protective clothing is detected, but not the proper handling of the power tool. Disclosure of the invention

[0007] The core of the invention is the activation or deactivation of power tools, depending on the user’s viewing direction and / or the presence of protective equipment (see Fig. 1). The power tool can only be used when the operator is in direct view and wearing protective equipment, and is therefore only switched on when this is the case. This advantageously ensures the safety of the power tool operator.

[0008] A power tool is proposed that has a light source and a detection unit. Advantageously, the detection unit comprises a sensor unit and an optoelectronic detection device.

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, the light source is designed as an infrared light source.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor unit is designed as an optoelectronic sensor.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the optoelectronic detection device is designed as a camera.

[0012] Advantageously, protective equipment for protecting a power tool operator from injury comprises at least one holographic optical element. The holographic optical element is bonded to at least one part of the protective equipment. However, the holographic optical element can also be connected to the protective equipment in another way.

[0013] Holographic optical elements can be attached to objects to be located or used for spatial orientation. In addition to the geometric position of the structure, the position and orientation of the object relative to the detection unit is encoded by the color and intensity distribution of the backscattered light. This can be read by a camera or other photo- and / or wavelength-sensitive sensors. Holographic optical elements can exhibit high angular or wavelength selectivity in their function. For example, the components of white light are scattered to varying degrees in different spatial directions. This can be used to determine the precise orientation of the operator relative to the power tool. This can be detected either by a change in color or intensity, or a combination of both.

[0014] The invention advantageously comprises a method for activating and deactivating power tools depending on a viewing direction of an operator of a power tool and the presence of protective equipment worn by the operator of the power tool, wherein the protective equipment comprises at least one holographic optical element and the power tool comprises at least one light source and one detection unit, comprising at least the following steps: • the light source of the power tool emits light, • the holographic optical element scatters the light back,

[0015] Advantageously, the light scattered by the holographic optical element is recorded and evaluated by the detection unit, whereby the electrical device is released and can be operated as soon as the color composition and / or the intensity distribution is within the specified range, i.e. the operator of the electrical tool is wearing his protective equipment and is in a correct position with regard to position and distance from the electrical tool.

[0016] In the method according to the invention, the power tool is locked and cannot be operated if the color composition and / or the intensity distribution is not within the specified range, which means that the operator of the power tool is not wearing his protective equipment and / or is not in a correct position with regard to a position and distance from the power tool.

[0017] This procedure can be used to ensure that the protective equipment is worn correctly and / or that the required viewing angle for the user is maintained when operating the tool. This advantageously increases the safety of the power tool operator.

[0018] Because the optical function of a holographic optical element can be defined, it is possible to optimize it for the specific application. A specific pattern can be optimized for different types of power tools to meet the different application scenarios and conditions. These include, for example, the distance and spatial position of the operator from the power tool, the permissible viewing angle, and so on.

[0019] Further advantages can be seen in the figures and the figure description. Drawings

[0020] They show: Fig. 1: the application of the invention with an operator and a power tool in a schematic representation, Fig. 2: a power tool according to the invention and an operator of the power tool with protective equipment in a schematic representation, Fig. 3: the functional principle of the invention in a schematic representation. Description

[0021] Fig. 1 shows the possible application of the invention. Fig. 1a shows an operator 20 of a power tool 10 correctly wearing protective equipment 22. The protective equipment 22 is in Fig. 1a is designed as safety goggles. The line of sight of the operator 20 of the power tool 10 indicates that the operator 20 is focused on the task at hand. It points toward the power tool and thus indicates that the operator 20's attention is on the planned work process.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1b shows an operator 20 of a power tool 10 correctly wearing their protective equipment 22, embodied as safety goggles in this embodiment. However, the operator 20 of the power tool 10 is looking in the wrong direction, i.e., away from the power tool, thereby demonstrating that the operator's attention is not focused on the intended work process. This can lead to a dangerous situation; for example, incorrect operation of the power tool 10 can result in work-related accidents.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1c shows an operator 20 of a power tool 10 looking at the power tool 10, meaning the viewing direction is correct. The viewing direction of the operator 20 of the power tool 10 shows that the operator 20 is focused on the task. However, the operator 20 is not wearing any protective equipment. This could lead to a dangerous situation, e.g., injuries from flying chips or the like.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 shows a power tool 10. The power tool 10 has a light source 12 and a detection unit 14. The light source 12 can be embodied as an infrared light source. The detection unit 14 has a sensor unit 16 and an optoelectronic detection device 18. In the exemplary embodiment, the sensor unit 16 is embodied as an optoelectronic sensor. The optoelectronic detection device 18 is embodied as a camera in the exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows an operator 20 of the power tool 10. The operator 20 of the power tool 10 wears protective equipment 22. The protective equipment 22 comprises the following elements, although this list is not exhaustive: helmet 22a, hearing protection 22b, protective work vest 22c, work shoes 22d, gloves 22e, mouth protection, in particular respiratory mask 22f, eye protection, in particular safety goggles 22g.

[0026] The protective equipment 22 has a holographic optical element 24. The holographic optical element 24 is applied to one or more parts of the protective equipment 22.

[0027] Furthermore, it is also possible to completely equip one part and / or several parts of the protective equipment 22 with holographic optical elements 24, so to speak to completely holotagize it.

[0028] The light source 12 of the power tool 10 emits light. The holographic optical element 24 reflects and scatters the light. The reflected light emitted by the holographic optical element 24 is captured by the optoelectronic detection device 18 and fed to the optoelectronic sensor 16. The optoelectronic sensor 16 can, for example, be a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor, an active pixel sensor (APS), a photodiode array, or another suitable electromagnetic radiation detector with spatial resolution.

[0029] Furthermore, a holographic optical element 24 offers the possibility of personalizing and storing device-related information concerning the power tool.

[0030] For example, the following configuration parameters are configured individually, although the list is not exhaustive: • ID of the holographic optical element 24 • Type of protective equipment 22 (goggles, helmet... etc.) • Date of the next inspection date according to the PPE Regulation • Permitted distance of the operator 20 to the power tool 10 • Permitted angular range from the holographic optical element 24 to the power tool 10 • Permitted viewing angle sensitivity • Additional holographic optical elements • Authorization to use the power tool 10 by the operator 20 (instruction available, recurring safety training provided)

[0031] With the help of these parameters, optimal control of the power tool can be achieved.

[0032] Alternatively, these parameters can also be stored in a memory in the power tool 10. Furthermore, it is conceivable that various parameters of user profiles are stored in the memory of the power tool 10, for example, an optimal torque, a speed, etc. Furthermore, a power tool can be configured to function only with one type of holographic optical element 24 with fixed parameters.

[0033] The detection of a holographic optical element 24 can unlock further functions or trigger actions such as, for example, the list is not exhaustive: • the illumination of a display or control unit of the power tool 10, • the lighting of a workpiece to be processed, • Activating the power tool 10, • Greeting the operator 20 of the power tool 10.

[0034] Fig. 3 shows the functional principle of the invention, which shows a method for activating and deactivating power tools 10 depending on a viewing direction of an operator 20 of a power tool 10 and / or the presence of protective equipment 22 worn by the operator 20 of the power tool 10.

[0035] The light source 12 of the power tool 10 emits light represented by beams S1, S2, and S3. S1, S2, and S3 each have their own wavelength. For example, S1 has a wavelength of 800 nm. S2 and S3 have a wavelength of 850 nm. The holographic optical element 24 reflects and scatters the light represented by R1, R2, R3, and R4. The reflected light R1, R2, R3, and R4 emitted by the holographic optical element 24 is received by the optoelectronic detection device 18 and fed to the optoelectronic sensor 16.

[0036] The light R1, R2, R3, R4 scattered by the holographic optical element 24 is recorded and evaluated by the detection unit 14. Internal electronics (not shown) control or regulate the power tool 10. The power tool 10 is released by the internal electronics and can be operated by an operator 20 as soon as the operator 20 of the power tool 10 wears their protective equipment 22 and assumes a correct position with regard to their position and distance from the power tool 10. In this case, the color composition and / or the intensity distribution of the light scattered by the holographic optical element 24 lies within a specified range.

[0037] The power tool 10 is locked by the internal electronics and cannot be operated by an operator 20 as soon as the operator 20 of the power tool 10 does not wear their protective equipment 22 or does not assume a correct position with regard to their position and distance from the power tool 10. In this case, the color composition and / or the intensity distribution of the light scattered by the holographic optical element 24 does not lie within a specified range.

[0038] In Fig. 3a, the position of the operator 20 is correct. The fact that light with S1, S2, and S3 is emitted indicates that the protective equipment 22 is being worn. S1, with a wavelength of 800 nm, is the section by which the correct line of sight of the operator is detected. If S1 strikes the holographic optical element 24, the optoelectronic sensor 16 detects from the reflected radiation that the correct radiation S1 has struck the holographic optical element 24.

[0039] In Fig.3b, the position of the operator 20 is incorrect. The fact that light with S1, S2, and S3 is emitted indicates that the protective equipment 22 is being worn. S2, with a wavelength of 850 nm, is the wavelength by which the operator's incorrect viewing direction is detected. S1, with a wavelength of 800 nm, should arrive at the holographic optical element 24. If S2 strikes the holographic optical element 24, the optoelectronic sensor 16 detects from the reflected radiation that the radiation S2 with the incorrect wavelength has struck the holographic optical element 24. 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 11314971 B2

[0005]

Claims

[1] Power tool (10) with a light source (12) and a detection unit (14), wherein the detection unit (14) has a sensor unit (16) and an optoelectronic detection device (18). [2] Power tool (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the light source (12) is designed as an infrared light source. [3] Power tool (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the sensor unit (16) is designed as an optoelectronic sensor. [4] Power tool (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the optoelectronic detection device (18) is designed as a camera. [5] Protective equipment (22) for protecting against injuries of an operator (20) of a power tool (10), wherein the protective equipment (22) has at least one holographic optical element (24), wherein the holographic optical element (24) is attached to at least a part of the protective equipment (22). [6] Method for activating and deactivating power tools (10) depending on a viewing direction of an operator (20) of a power tool (10) and the presence of protective equipment (22) worn by the operator (20) of the power tool (10), wherein the protective equipment (22) has at least one holographic optical element (24) and the power tool (10) has at least one light source (12) and one detection unit (14), with at least the following steps: • the light source (12) of the power tool (10) emits light, • the holographic optical element (24) scatters the light back. [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized bythat the light scattered at the holographic optical element (24) is recorded and evaluated by the detection unit (14), wherein the color composition and / or the intensity distribution lies in the specified range and the electrical device (10) is unlocked and can be operated as soon as the operator (20) of the electrical tool (10) wears his protective equipment (22) and / or assumes a correct position with regard to a position and a distance from the electrical tool (10). [8] Method according to claim 6, characterized bythat the light scattered at the holographic optical element (24) is recorded and evaluated by the detection unit (14), wherein the color composition and / or the intensity distribution is not in the specified range and the power tool (10) is locked and cannot be operated as soon as the operator (20) of the power tool (10) is not wearing his protective equipment (22) and / or is not in a correct position with regard to a position and a distance from the power tool (10).

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