Lighting element for a machine tool

Abstract

A machine tool features a tool housing whose outer surface supports a section of an elongated LED filament. The LED filament comprises a substrate and micro-LEDs arranged on the substrate in an electrically connected configuration such that the light is emitted from the LED filament in a direction perpendicular to the substrate over an angular range of 0 to 360 degrees. The relatively small diameter and high flexibility of the LED filament, along with the intense illumination it provides, make it suitable for use as a lighting element in small devices such as handheld machine tools.

Description

background

[0001] It has become increasingly common to use lighting elements such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide accent and ring lighting in some cars and relatively large, high-end products. However, it can be more difficult to use lighting elements, including LEDs, in smaller devices where available installation space is limited. For example, using LEDs to provide accent lighting or to illuminate a workpiece in a handheld machine tool can be challenging because the LEDs may need to be mounted on a printed circuit board and / or a power supply (or the lighting components themselves) may need to be routed through the product. On the other hand, it is desirable to provide improved workpiece lighting and / or accent lighting in a handheld machine tool without having to increase the size of the tool housing or the power supply. Brief description

[0002] An LED filament lighting component can be used to highlight or accentuate tool features and to illuminate a workpiece more effectively during tool operation, including cutting, grinding, polishing, etching, etc. The LED filament can be used for aesthetic and / or light distribution purposes, offering the high efficiency of conventional light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LED filament is an elongated, thin lighting element that is flexible enough to bend in tight curves along multiple axes and into complex shapes. This is comparable to some conventional LED strips, which are flexible around a single axis, such as the width of the substrate, due to the width of the thin substrate supporting the LEDs.

[0003] Furthermore, the filament features micro-LEDs, which are advantageous. A micro-LED (also known as mLED or µLED) is a display technology based on tiny LED components that can be used, for example, to directly generate color pixels. In an LED filament, the mLEDs are compact and arranged in series to provide higher light intensity than some conventional LED strips and emit light over a wider angular range compared to some conventional LED strips. As used here, the term "micro-LED" refers to an LED with dimensions of a few micrometers, while the term "filament" refers to a substrate that is elongated, thin, and essentially equally flexible in three dimensions, similar to a thread or string.Due to its slim structure, relatively high light intensity and multi-axis bendability, the LED filament can be designed and positioned so that the lighting component is placed where it is needed, which may vary depending on the tool type and its properties and requirements.

[0004] In some embodiments, the LED filament can be guided around housing features along an outer surface of the tool housing to create decorative details or to provide accent lighting of tool housing details. In other embodiments, the LED filament can be strategically guided along an outer surface of the tool housing to provide workpiece illumination. In still other embodiments, the LED filament can be located inside the tool housing and positioned to interact with transparent sections of the tool housing to provide accent lighting of tool housing details and / or workpiece illumination. The accent lighting can be white or another color, and the color of the accent lighting depends on the properties of the specific LED filament used.The LED filament is a low-voltage, low-current component that can be powered by the tool's power supply or a separate power supply. As used here, "low voltage" refers to voltages of less than 5 volts, and "low current" refers to currents of less than 200 mA.

[0005] In some embodiments, the LED filament can be arranged as a helix that, for example, surrounds the nosepiece of a rotating machine tool. By providing a helix with multiple turns, the combined effect of the helix is ​​a brighter, more intense light than would be obtained from a single LED filament. This effect provides a spotlight or flashlight effect when illuminated around the nosepiece of the machine tool.

[0006] In some embodiments, the LED filament can be guided around components of the tool that are in close proximity to the workpiece during use. For example, when surrounding the perimeter of a grinder's backing pad, illumination is emitted from a point near the workpiece surface onto the workpiece. This near-surface light, combined with the LED filament's ability to emit light over a 360-degree area, allows the user to clearly see the surface texture, inspect the surface finish, and determine whether the surface has been sufficiently ground.

[0007] In some embodiments, the LED filament can be guided around the cutting blade to illuminate the cutting area on a workpiece and reduce or eliminate shadows. For example, the filament can be mounted on the base of a jigsaw power tool. Specifically, the filament can extend along the recess of the base that holds the jigsaw blade. The light emitted close to the workpiece and surrounding the cutting blade, combined with the LED filament's ability to emit light over a 360-degree area, minimizes or eliminates shadows on the workpiece surface. This can be compared to some conventional tool lighting configurations where a light source is located on the tool housing (e.g.,...).above the blade), which can cause the cutting blade and the tool base plate to cast shadows on the surface of the workpiece, making it difficult to see the cutting line.

[0008] In some embodiments, the LED filament is received in a groove formed on an outer surface of the tool housing. The groove is shaped and dimensioned to receive and hold the LED filament. The groove may have a depth dimension smaller than the diameter of the LED filament, with the LED filament protruding from the groove. In other embodiments, the groove may have a depth dimension larger than the diameter of the LED filament, causing the LED filament to be recessed relative to the tool housing. The groove may extend perpendicular to the tool housing surface or at an acute angle to the tool housing surface. In some embodiments, the angle of the groove is chosen such that light is emitted in a predetermined direction.

[0009] In some aspects, a machine tool comprises a tool housing and an electric motor located within the tool housing. The electric motor has an output shaft. The machine tool includes a machining tool that is mechanically connected to the output shaft and projects from the tool housing. The machining tool is designed to transmit the motion of the output shaft to an accessory of the tool. Furthermore, the machine tool includes an elongated LED filament. A section of the LED filament is supported on a section of the tool housing. The LED filament comprises a substrate and micro-LEDs arranged on the substrate in a spaced, electrically connected configuration such that the light from the LED filament is emitted in a direction perpendicular to the substrate over an angular range of 0 degrees to 360 degrees.

[0010] In some embodiments, the substrate has sufficient flexibility to allow the LED filament to bend around each of three orthogonal axes by a radius of 5 mm.

[0011] In some embodiments, the section of the tool housing includes a section of an outer surface of the tool housing that has a contoured shape, and the section of the LED filament is arranged on the section of the tool housing such that it illuminates the contoured shape.

[0012] In some embodiments, the section of the tool housing includes a section of an outer surface of the tool housing that has a contoured shape, and the section of the LED filament is arranged on the section of the tool housing such that it follows a profile of the contoured shape.

[0013] In some embodiments, the tool housing section has a groove designed to receive and hold the LED filament section. Furthermore, the LED filament section is positioned within the groove.

[0014] In some embodiments, the groove is formed on an outer surface of the tool housing. The groove is shaped and dimensioned such that, when the section of the LED filament is arranged in the groove, the section of the LED filament protrudes relative to the outer surface of the tool housing.

[0015] In some embodiments, the groove is formed on an outer surface of the tool housing. The groove is shaped and dimensioned such that, when the section of the LED filament is arranged in the groove, the section of the LED filament is recessed relative to the outer surface of the tool housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, when the groove is viewed in cross-section, a groove axis is defined by a line passing through a first point and a second point, the first point being located midway between the side walls of the groove at a location corresponding to the intersection of the groove with the outer surface of the tool housing, and the second point being midway between the side walls of the groove at a location corresponding to a blind end of the groove. The groove axis is perpendicular to the section of the tool housing.

[0017] In some embodiments, when the groove is viewed in cross-section, a groove axis is defined by a line passing through a first point and a second point, the first point being located midway between the side walls of the groove at a location corresponding to the intersection of the groove with the outer surface of the tool housing, and the second point being located midway between the side walls of the groove at a location corresponding to a blind end of the groove. The groove axis is at an acute angle with respect to the section of the tool housing.

[0018] In some embodiments, the LED filament has an elongated, cylindrical body with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein a first electrical terminal protrudes from the first end and a second electrical terminal protrudes from the second end. The body has a diameter ranging from 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0019] In some embodiments, the LED filament has an elongated body with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The body has a length corresponding to the distance between the first and second ends when the body is arranged linearly. Furthermore, the body supports at least 300 micro-LEDs per meter of body length.

[0020] In some embodiments, the LED filament has a flexible cylindrical substrate that supports micro-LEDs along a length of the substrate, and wherein the substrate is covered by a coating that extends along the length of the substrate and around the circumference of the substrate, such that the coating is concentric to the substrate and surrounds the substrate and the micro-LEDs.

[0021] In some embodiments, the machine tool is designed to be connected to a power supply, and the power supply energizes the electric motor and the LED filament.

[0022] In some embodiments, the machine tool has a structure that rests against a surface of the workpiece during use. This structure has a contact surface facing the workpiece and resting against it during use, and an adjacent surface that borders the contact surface along an edge. The section of the tool housing extends along this edge, and consequently, the section of the LED filament also extends along this edge.

[0023] In some embodiments, the section of the LED filament is arranged in a helical stack.

[0024] In some embodiments, the section of the outer surface of the tool housing surrounds a circumference of the tool housing, and the section of the LED filament surrounds the section of the outer surface of the tool housing at least twice. Brief description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 is a battery-operated hand tool designed as an eccentric sander, shown in side view. Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the grinder of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the LED filament. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the LED filament as seen along line 4-4 of Fig. 3 seen. Fig. Figure 5 is an enlarged side view of the LED filament. Fig. Figure 6 is an example of an arrangement of conductor tracks and micro-LEDs as provided in the LED filament. Fig. 7 is a side view of a section of the grinder of Fig. 1, wherein the LED filament is supported on the processing tool of the grinder. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the editing tool of Fig. 7 separated from the grinder, showing the groove and omitting the LED filament. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the editing tool of Fig. 7 separated from the grinder, showing the groove and the LED filament arranged in the groove. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a section of the tool housing, representing a first configuration of the groove. Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a section of the tool housing, representing a second configuration of the groove. Fig. Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a section of the tool housing, representing a third configuration of the groove. Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the editing tool of Fig. 7, which represents a groove designed to direct light downwards towards the workpiece, wherein Fig. 13 shows an insert figure that represents a schematic cross-sectional view of a section of the tool housing, showing that the groove of Fig. 13 is acute-angled. Fig. Figure 14 is a schematic representation of an LED filament showing many small closely spaced micro-LEDs supported along a filament, and how the illumination through the LED filament produces high-resolution shadows of an object. Fig. Figure 15 shows a schematic representation of a state-of-the-art LED strip which, compared to an LED filament, has fewer conventional LEDs that are relatively widely spaced and supported on a comparatively wide substrate, as well as the way in which the illumination by the conventional LED strip produces fewer and coarser shadows of an object compared to an LED filament. Fig. Figure 16 is an exemplary representation of an LED filament used on a rotary tool 100 to accentuate features of the tool housing. Fig. Figure 17 is another exemplary representation of an LED filament used on a rotary tool 100 to accentuate features of the tool housing. Fig. 18 and Fig. Figure 19 is an exemplary representation of wound LED filaments used on a rotary tool for accentuation and illumination. Fig. Figure 18 is an exploded view of a rotary tool and a nosepiece accessory. Fig. Figure 19 is a perspective view of the rotary tool of Fig. 18. Fig. Figure 20 represents an LED filament that is inserted into the housing of a jigsaw, the LED filament following the profile of a cutout in the base plate of the housing. Fig. Figure 21 depicts LED filaments used on the housing of a jigsaw, showing how one LED filament follows the profile of a cutout in the base plate of the housing and another LED filament surrounds a section of the motor housing area of ​​the tool housing. Detailed description

[0025] With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 comprises a handheld, battery-operated machine tool 1 designed as an eccentric sander and a tool housing 2. The tool housing 2 is formed from at least one first housing half-shell 2A and a second housing half-shell (not shown). When assembled, the first and second housing half-shells form a hollow, closed structure that accommodates and supports the tool drive components described below. The sander 1 has an LED filament 60 that is supported on an outer surface of the tool housing 2. The LED filament 60 can be used to accentuate elements of the tool housing 2, such as contours, overmolded areas, or design features. Additionally or alternatively, the LED filament 60 can be used at strategic locations to provide enhanced illumination.In some embodiments, such placement of the LED filament 60 serves to highlight workpiece surface textures, enabling the user to achieve an improved result compared to some previous lighting arrangements and systems. Details of the machine tool 1 and the LED filament 60 are given below, along with some exemplary applications of the LED filament as a lighting element of the machine tool 1.

[0026] The tool housing 2 has a motor housing section 5 and a handle section 6. An electric motor drive 8 is arranged in the motor housing section 5. The electric motor drive 8 is connected to an output shaft 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the electric motor drive 8 is an electronically commutated electric motor 12. The motor 12 and the output shaft 10 form a common first axis 14. The first axis 14 is coaxial with the output shaft 10. The output shaft 10 is connected via an eccentrically arranged bearing to a support shaft, which carries a machining tool 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the machining tool 16 of the battery-operated handheld power tool 1 is a backing plate to the underside of which an abrasive such as sandpaper or a sanding block can be attached for machining the surface of a workpiece.The bearing can be a ball bearing and allows the support shaft to rotate about a support rotation axis, which simultaneously forms the rotation axis of the machining tool 16. The rotation axis of the support shaft runs parallel to the rotation axis 14 of the output shaft 10 and is eccentrically spaced from it.

[0027] The handle area 6 provides a handle 22, which is used by an operator to manually grip the machine tool 1. The term "handle" refers to a component around which at least one of the operator's hands can be placed for the purpose of guiding the machine tool 1. The motor housing area 5 and the handle area 6 can be arranged at an angle to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor housing area 5 and the handle area 6 are at an angle of approximately 90° to each other.

[0028] An electronics set 24 is arranged in the handle area 6. The electronics set 24 is designed to supply power to the motor 12. Although the electronics set 24 is arranged in the handle area 6, it is also conceivable that the electronics set 24 is, for example, integrated into the motor 12 or designed separately.

[0029] A rechargeable battery 26 serves as an energy source for the electric motor drive 8 and for the LED filament 60.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the handle area 6 has a first grip area 28, which defines an area around which the operator places their hand when guiding the machine tool 1. To achieve particularly comfortable guidance of the machine tool 1, it is advantageous to arrange a second grip area 30 on the motor housing area 5. The second grip area 30 can be shaped as a knob, which also provides an attractive visual appearance. The second grip area 30 is designed to fit particularly ergonomically in the operator's hand.

[0031] The motor 12 drives the support shaft directly. The term "directly" refers to the fact that the electronically commutated electric motor 12 is connected to the support shaft without the interposition of a conventional gearbox, such as a planetary gearbox, bevel gearbox, or spur gearbox. The eccentrically arranged machining tool 16 of the machine tool 1 performs an oscillating motion. The stroke generated during the oscillating motion is twice the eccentric distance between the axis of rotation of the support shaft and the first axis 14.

[0032] The electronically commutated electric motor 12 has a stator 32 which carries the current-carrying windings 31. The stator 32 is located on the motor housing. A rotor 34, which carries permanent magnets 35, is connected to the output shaft 10.

[0033] Since the electronics assembly 24 in hand-held power tools 1 with electronically commutated electric motors 12 is more powerful and larger in size and volume than in brushed motors, cooling becomes increasingly important, necessitating optimal cooling. Cooling can be implemented as passive or active cooling. In passive cooling, the thermal energy is dissipated by convection. In active cooling, the thermal energy of the components to be cooled is dissipated by means of a cooling system. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling system is a fan 36. The fan 36 for cooling the electric motor drive 8 is integrated in the first motor housing area 5. In particular, the fan 36 is arranged between the electronically commutated electric motor 12 and the machining tool 16. However, it is also conceivable to use other cooling systems, such as Peltier elements, closed cooling circuits, or the like.It is also conceivable to do without the fan and to achieve cooling, for example, by means of strategically arranged cooling fins and / or heat sinks.

[0034] The machine tool 1 has a dust extraction device 38 attached to the tool housing 2. The machining tool 16 has bores distributed around its circumference through which grinding dust generated during workpiece machining is drawn into the motor housing by means of a dust fan 39, the dust fan 39 being rigidly connected to the output shaft 10. The grinding dust transported through the bores of the machining tool 16 is guided via the dust extraction device 38 into a dust collection container (not shown).

[0035] A switching element is provided for switching on the battery-operated hand tool 1. This switching element can, for example, be designed as a dead man's switch. However, it is also conceivable that the switching element is designed as a throttle switch or a locking switch.

[0036] In this embodiment, the machine tool 1 is designed as a battery-operated hand grinder 1. As can be seen from the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the rechargeable battery 26 is connected to the rear of the tool housing 2. A battery voltage indicator can be integrated into the handle area. The battery voltage indicator can be designed to provide a visual indication of the battery voltage level. This can be achieved by a colored LED, a flashing LED, digital display elements, an LCD, and the like.

[0037] With reference to the Fig. Figures 3-6 describe the LED filament 60 as having an elongated, cylindrical body 66 with a first end 62 and a second end 64 opposite the first end 62. The LED filament 60 has a first electrical connection 63 protruding from the first end 62 and a second electrical connection 65 protruding from the second end 64. The body 66 is slender, for example, with a diameter in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0038] The body 66 of the LED filament 60 can be made of a thin, flexible material, such as plastic or silicone. This allows the LED filament 60 to be bent and shaped to fit into various lighting fixtures and designs. The material used for the LED filament 60 is also chosen for its ability to withstand heat and provide electrical insulation for the electrical components within it.

[0039] The LED filament 60 comprises an array of electrically connected micro-LEDs 90. The micro-LEDs 90 used in the LED filament 60 are extremely small, typically only a few micrometers in size. The micro-LEDs 90 can be made of semiconductor materials such as gallium nitride (GaN) or indium gallium nitride (InGaN), which are known for their high efficiency and long lifetime. However, any suitable material can be used to form the micro-LEDs 90.

[0040] The micro-LEDs 90 are electrically connected in series along the flexible LED filament 60, enabling a continuous current flow to power the entire length of the LED filament 60. The series connection ensures that all micro-LEDs 90 receive the same current, resulting in uniform, continuous, and homogeneous light emission. The electrical connections are typically made using thin, conductive traces 82 integrated into the flexible material of the LED filament 60. In some embodiments, the conductive traces 82 serve as a substrate, and the flexible material is applied to the conductive traces 82 as a coating 80. For example, the coating 80 can extend along the length of the substrate and around its circumference, such that the coating 80 is concentric with the substrate and surrounds both the substrate and the micro-LEDs 90.

[0041] One end of conductor track 82 corresponds to the first electrical terminal 63, which protrudes from the first end 62, while the opposite end of conductor track 82 corresponds to the second electrical terminal 65, which protrudes from the second end 64. The first and second electrical terminals 63, 65 are electrically connected to a power circuit comprising the motor 12, the battery 26, the control electronics 24, and one or more power switches (not shown).

[0042] The conductive traces 82 are designed to be flexible and durable. Together with the flexible coating 80, the conductive traces 82 allow the LED filament 60 to be bent and shaped without affecting the electrical connections. For example, in some embodiments, the conductive traces 82 exhibit sufficient flexibility to allow the LED filament 60 to bend around each of three orthogonal axes by a radius of 15 mm. In other embodiments, the LED filament 60 can bend around each of three orthogonal axes by a radius of 5 mm or less. This makes it possible to shape the LED filament 60 into imaginative, irregular, curvilinear configurations ( Fig. 3) to arrange it to closely follow sharp changes in surface shape, including bending around corners, or to arrange it in a helical stack to multiply the lighting effects of the micro-LEDs 90.

[0043] In the LED filament 60, light is directed outwards from the conductor tracks 82 in a direction perpendicular to the conductor tracks 82 over an area of ​​360 degrees ( Fig. 4) In the illustrated embodiment, the LED filament 60 supports at least 300 micro-LEDs per meter of filament length. In some embodiments, the body supports at least 500 micro-LEDs per meter of filament length. As used here, the term "filament length" refers to the distance between the first filament end 62 and the second filament end 64 when the LED filament 60 is arranged linearly.

[0044] One advantage of the filament design is potentially higher efficiency due to the use of more LED emitters with lower drive currents. Another advantage of this design is the ease of achieving nearly complete "global" (360°) illumination using arrays of 90 micro-LEDs.

[0045] With reference to the Fig. 7-9 The LED filament 60 can be used on the machine tool 1 to highlight or accentuate tool features and / or tool housing features and to illuminate a workpiece more effectively during tool operation than some conventional machine tools. The LED filament 60 or a section 61 thereof can be supported on a section 40 of the tool housing 2.

[0046] In some embodiments, section 40 of the tool housing 2 includes a section of an outer surface 3 of the tool housing 2 having a contoured shape, and section 61 of the LED filament 60 is arranged on section 40 of the tool housing 2 such that it illuminates the contoured shape. For example, the LED filament section 61 can follow the contours (e.g., the LED filament can follow a profile of the contoured shape) to highlight the contours.

[0047] The LED filament 60 can be attached to the tool housing, for example using adhesives, clips, or other suitable techniques. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface 3 of the tool housing, for example, has a flat groove 42 designed to receive the section 61 of the LED filament 60 and to hold it in place by means of an interference fit.

[0048] In some embodiments, the groove is shaped and dimensioned such that when section 61 of the LED filament 60 is arranged in the groove 42, section 61 of the LED filament 60 protrudes relative to the outer surface 3 of the tool housing. This can be achieved, for example, by making the depth of the groove 42 smaller than the diameter of the LED filament 60.

[0049] In some embodiments, the groove 42 is shaped and dimensioned such that when the section 61 of the LED filament 60 is arranged in the groove 42, the section 61 of the LED filament 60 is recessed relative to the outer surface 3 of the tool housing. This can be achieved, for example, by making the depth of the groove 42 greater than the diameter of the LED filament 60.

[0050] With reference to the Fig. 10-13 The depth of the groove 42 and / or the geometry of the groove 42 can be designed to direct light where desired, including to a tool housing feature to be highlighted or to the workpiece. When the groove 42 is viewed in cross-section, a groove axis 48 is defined by a line passing through a first point 51 and a second point 52, the first point 51 being midway between side walls 44 of the groove 42 at a location corresponding to the intersection of the groove 42 with the outer surface 3 of the tool housing, and the second point 52 being midway between side walls 44 of the groove 42 at a location corresponding to a blind end 46 of the groove 42. In the Fig. In the schematic representation of groove 42 shown in Figure 10, the groove axis 48 runs perpendicular to the outer surface 3 of the tool housing. Furthermore, the LED filament 60 is recessed relative to the outer surface 3 of the tool housing, which generally directs the light emitted by the groove 42 in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 3 of the tool housing. The arc length of the emitted light is partially determined by the width of the groove 42 at the first point 51 (e.g., by the width of the groove opening).

[0051] Likewise, in the Fig. In the schematic representation of the groove 42 shown in Figure 11, the groove axis 48 is at an acute angle relative to the outer surface 3 of the tool housing, and the LED filament 60 is recessed relative to the outer surface 3 of the tool housing. In this example, however, the light emitted by the LED filament 60 is generally directed at the acute angle relative to the outer surface 3 of the tool housing.

[0052] In the Fig. In the schematic representation of groove 42 shown in Figure 12, the groove 42 is relatively shallow, causing the LED filament 60 to protrude relative to the outer surface 3 of the tool housing. In this embodiment, the LED filament 60 emits light in an arc of approximately 180 degrees.

[0053] With reference to Fig. 13 The groove 42 can be provided along a circumference of the grinding tool 16 at a location close to the surface to which the abrasive is attached. In this example, the LED filament 60 is recessed, and the groove 42 is designed such that the groove axis 48 is directed towards a workpiece surface. In this example, the groove 42 also highlights the contours of the grinding tool 16, since the groove 42, and thus also the LED filament 60, follows the contours into and out of the lateral recesses 15 of the grinding tool 16, as well as over different heights relative to the work surface. This is possible because the LED filament 60 is flexible in several axes, enabling illumination along complex, multi-axis bends.

[0054] With reference to the Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 The relatively fine profile of the LED filament 60 advantageously allows the LED filament 60 to be used in comparison to some conventional LED lighting devices with a larger substrate and standard LEDs ( Fig. 15) is placed very close to a surface of the workpiece ( Fig. 14) Furthermore, the high density of the micro-LEDs 90 on the LED filament 60 produces a nearly continuous line of light. This arrangement of the LED filament 60 can generally align light horizontally, so that irregularities 96 in the workpiece surface create shadows. Due to the high density of the micro-LEDs 90, the resolution of the shadows 94 is increased compared to some conventional LED lighting devices 160 with a larger substrate 182 and standard LEDs 190, thus providing additional detail regarding any irregularities of the workpiece surface.

[0055] In the in the Fig. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-15, the battery-powered hand tool 1 is a grinder, and the working tool 16 of the grinder 1 is a backing plate to the underside of which an abrasive such as sandpaper or a grinding block can be attached for machining the surface of a workpiece. In other embodiments, for example, when the battery-powered hand tool 1 is a drill, a saw, a grinding machine, a rotary tool, an oscillating tool, etc., the working tool 16 can be, as explained below, a spindle in combination with a chuck, a clamp, or another fastening device for connecting a bit, a blade, a grinding tool, etc., to the spindle.

[0056] With reference to the Fig. 16-22, the machine tool 1 is not limited to a grinder. The LED filament 60 can be used with other types of hand-held power tools, including drills, saws, grinders, and rotary tools, but is not limited to them.

[0057] As in the Fig. 16 and Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the LED filament 60 can be used with the housing 102 of a rotary cutting tool 100, 100' to highlight details and / or stylistic features of the tool housing 102. Fig. 16. The LED filament 60 is used in a rotary tool 100 to highlight the switches and / or the human-machine interfaces (HMI), while in Fig. 17 the LED filament 60 is used in a rotary tool 100' to highlight the elongated shape of the handle 122.

[0058] As in the Fig. 18 and Fig. As shown in Figure 19, another rotary tool 100" has a first LED filament 60(1) wound around the circumference of a front end 110 of the rotary tool 100". The first LED filament 60(1) has a first filament section 60(1a) that is wound around the circumference of the front of the rotary tool 100" and thus provides general illumination at the front of the rotary tool 100", and a second filament section 60(1b) that extends rearward along the tool handle 122 in such a way as to highlight the shape of the tool handle 122. In addition, a second LED filament 60(2) is wound around a nosepiece accessory 112. The nosepiece accessory 112 can be mechanically connected to the front end 110 of the tool. The second LED filament 60(2) can direct light onto the workpiece and the cutting accessory.Furthermore, by winding the first filament section 60(1) and the second LED filament 60(2), the intensity of the illumination is increased relative to light emitted by a linear arrangement of the second LED filament 60.

[0059] With reference to Fig. The LED filament 60 can be used with the housing 202 of a saw. In the illustrated embodiment, the saw is a jigsaw 200, in which the housing 202 has a base plate 203 that rests on the workpiece when the jigsaw 200 is in use. The base plate 203 has a cutout 204 that opens along a front edge 206 of the base plate 203. The jigsaw blade 205 extends through the cutout 204 in a direction perpendicular to the workpiece surface. The cutout 204 partially surrounds the blade 205, and there is a gap between the blade 205 and the cutout 204. The LED filament 60 is guided along the edge of the cutout 204 so that it extends from the front edge 206 of the base plate and partially surrounds the cutting blade 205.Because the light emitted by the LED filament 60 is directed close to the workpiece and surrounds the cutting blade, and because the LED filament 60 emits light over a 360-degree range, the configuration shown minimizes or eliminates shadows on the workpiece surface. This is comparable to some conventional tool lighting configurations where a light source is located at a point above the blade 205, which can cause the cutting blade and tool base plate to cast shadows on the workpiece surface, making it difficult for a user to see the cutting line.

[0060] With reference to Fig.21 The machine tool 1 can have several LED filaments 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the jigsaw 300 has a first LED filament 60(1) guided along the base plate cutout 304, and a second LED filament 60(2) guided along a forward-facing section of the motor housing area 303 of the tool housing 302. While the first LED filament 60(1) provides a clear view of the position of the blade 305 relative to the workpiece, the second LED filament 60(2) provides general illumination of the area in front of the jigsaw 300.

[0061] Although the handheld machine tool 1 is described here as battery-powered, the machine tool 1 is not limited to this type of power supply. For example, in some embodiments, the machine tool 1 can be a wired or cabled machine tool designed to be manually connected to a power supply via a plug.

[0062] Although the LED filament 60 is described here as being attached to an outer surface of the machine tool housing 2, the LED filament is not limited to this configuration. In some embodiments, the LED filament 60 is attached to an inner surface of the machine tool housing 2 and is visible through a transparent or partially transparent area of ​​the tool housing 2. In other embodiments, the LED filament is arranged inside the tool housing 2 and is attached to structural or operational components of the tool at a location near a transparent or partially transparent area of ​​the tool housing.

[0063] Selective illustrative embodiments of a machine tool with LED filament lighting are described in detail above. It is understood that only structures deemed necessary to explain the machine tool and the LED filament have been described. It is assumed that other conventional structures and those of auxiliary and accessory components of the machine tool and the LED filament are known and understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, although working examples for the machine tool and the LED filament have been described above, the machine tool and / or the LED filament are not limited to the working examples described above; rather, various design modifications can be made without deviating from the arrangement set forth in the claims.

Claims

[1] Machine tool, comprising: a tool case; an electric motor arranged in the tool housing, wherein the electric motor has an output shaft; a machining tool that is mechanically connected to the output shaft and projects from the tool housing, wherein the machining tool is designed to transmit the motion of the output shaft to an accessory of the tool; and an elongated LED filament, wherein a section of the LED filament is supported on a section of the tool housing, the LED filament comprising a substrate and micro-LEDs arranged in a spaced, electrically connected arrangement on the substrate such that the light from the LED filament is emitted in a direction perpendicular to the substrate over an angular range of 0 degrees to 360 degrees. [2] Machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the substrate has sufficient flexibility to allow the LED filament to bend around each of three orthogonal axes by a radius of 5 mm. [3] Machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the section of the tool housing includes a section of an outer surface of the tool housing with a contoured shape, and The section of the LED filament is arranged on the section of the tool housing in such a way that it illuminates the contoured shape. [4] Machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the section of the tool housing includes a section of an outer surface of the tool housing with a contoured shape, and The section of the LED filament on the section of the tool housing is arranged in such a way that it follows a profile of the contoured shape. [5] Machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the section of the tool housing has a groove, the groove is designed to receive and hold the section of LED filament, and the section of the LED filament is arranged in the groove. [6] Machine tool according to claim 5, wherein the groove is formed on an outer surface of the tool housing, and The groove is shaped and dimensioned in such a way that, when the section of the LED filament is arranged in the groove, the section of the LED filament protrudes relative to the outer surface of the tool housing. [7] Machine tool according to claim 5, wherein the groove is formed on an outer surface of the tool housing, the groove is shaped and dimensioned such that when the section of the LED filament is arranged in the groove, the section of the LED filament is recessed relative to the outer surface of the tool housing. [8] Machine tool according to claim 5, wherein, When the groove is viewed in cross-section, a groove axis is defined by a line passing through a first point and a second point, the first point being midway between side walls of the groove at a location corresponding to the intersection of the groove with the outer surface of the tool housing, and the second point being midway between side walls of the groove at a location corresponding to a blind end of the groove, and the groove axis runs perpendicular to the section of the tool housing. [9] Machine tool according to claim 5, wherein When the groove is viewed in cross-section, a groove axis is defined by a line passing through a first point and a second point, the first point being midway between side walls of the groove at a location corresponding to the intersection of the groove with the outer surface of the tool housing, and the second point being midway between side walls of the groove at a location corresponding to a blind end of the groove, and the groove axis is at an acute angle with respect to the section of the tool housing. [10] Machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the LED filament comprises: an elongated, cylindrical body with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a first electrical connection protruding from the first end, and a second electrical connection protruding from the second end, and wherein the body has a diameter ranging from 1 mm to 5 mm. [11] Machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the LED filament an elongated body with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the body has a length corresponding to a distance between the first end and the second end when the body is arranged linearly, and The body supports at least 300 micro-LEDs per meter of body length. [12] Machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the LED filament has a flexible cylindrical substrate supporting micro-LEDs along a length of the substrate, and wherein the substrate is covered by a coating extending along the length of the substrate and around the circumference of the substrate, such that the coating is concentric to the substrate and surrounds the substrate and the micro-LEDs. [13] Machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the machine tool is designed to be connected to a power supply and the power supply energizes the electric motor and the LED filament. [14] Machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the machine tool has a structure which, during use of the machine tool, bears against a surface of the workpiece, wherein the structure comprises: a contact surface that faces the workpiece and rests against it when the machine tool is in use, and an adjacent surface that borders the contact surface along an edge, wherein the section of the tool housing extends along the edge, and wherein the section of the LED filament extends along the edge. [15] Machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the section of the LED filament is arranged in a helical stack. [16] Machine tool according to claim 1, wherein the section of the outer surface of the tool housing surrounds a circumference of the tool housing and the section of the LED filament surrounds the section of the outer surface of the tool housing at least twice.

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