HANDHELD WORKING TOOL

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hand-held working device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Hand-held tools, such as chainsaws, hedge trimmers, or similar, are known to be typically used outdoors. A hand-held tool is a tool whose intended use is primarily carried by the operator. At particularly low temperatures, the handles of the tool become cold. Heated grips are a known method for warming the handles. Heated grips can be electrically connected to a generator or battery in the tool.

[0003] It was found that the function of such handle heating systems was often no longer available after a certain period of operation of the work equipment.

[0004] A hand-held working device is disclosed in US 2017 / 165863 A1.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a hand-held working device that enables reliable operation of an electrical functional element arranged on a handle of the working device.

[0006] This object is achieved by a hand-held working device according to the features of claim 1.

[0007] The invention is based on the finding that a defect in the above-described functional element located on the handle, such as a handle heater, occurring during operation of the tool is due to a broken connecting cable. The connecting cable between the handle heater and the power source for the handle heater runs along the outside of the handle tube and is covered by a handle cover. During use of the tool, branches from bushes, shrubs, or trees, among other things, can brush against the handle, damaging the handle cover and the connecting cable.

[0008] The hand-held tool according to the invention comprises a housing, the housing having a top side, a bottom side, a first longitudinal side, and a second longitudinal side, the top side and the bottom side being connected to one another via the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side. The hand-held tool comprises a drive motor arranged in the housing, the drive motor driving a tool arranged at the front end of the housing. The hand-held tool comprises a front handle and a rear handle, the front handle being designed as a bow handle and having a transverse section extending along the top side of the housing and a side section extending along one of the two longitudinal sides of the housing.The front handle has a wall and an interior space enclosed by the wall, wherein the wall of the front handle comprises an inner side facing the interior space and an outer side facing away from the interior space. A first electrical functional element is arranged in the housing. At least one second electrical functional element is arranged on the outer side of the front handle. The first electrical functional element is connected to the second functional element via at least one connecting cable. The at least one connecting cable is arranged at least partially in the interior space of the front handle in the region of the side section of the front handle.

[0009] The connecting cable is at least partially located inside the side section of the front handle and is thus protected by the front handle. Branches or similar objects can thus touch the side section of the front handle of the implement without damaging the connecting cable. This ensures reliable operation of the second electrical component.

[0010] The second electrical functional element is preferably designed as a heating foil. In an alternative embodiment, the second electrical functional element can also be designed as a sensor.

[0011] The first electrical functional element is preferably an energy source for supplying the second functional element with electrical current. The energy source is preferably a generator. Alternatively, the energy source can also be a battery. The first electrical functional element can alternatively also be a control unit for processing data signals. The control unit is supplied with electrical current via an energy source.

[0012] It is advantageously provided that an opening is provided on the wall of the front handle, in particular adjacent to the second electrical functional element, wherein the opening extends from the outside of the wall to the inside of the wall, wherein the at least one connecting cable runs from the outside of the wall through the opening into the interior of the handle. The opening is preferably provided with a grommet as edge protection. The grommet is preferably formed from an elastomer. This prevents the connecting cable from chafing at the opening.

[0013] It is preferably provided that the front handle has an approximately horizontally extending holding section, with the opening in the wall being provided outside the holding section. The horizontally extending holding section is intended to hold the implement during its intended operation.

[0014] Accordingly, the horizontal gripping section is the area of ​​the front handle that the operator grips most frequently. If the opening were located on the horizontal gripping section, the operator would feel it. The operator might find the opening uncomfortable from an ergonomic point of view. To avoid this, the opening is located outside the horizontal section.

[0015] It is preferably provided that the transverse section and the side section of the front handle are connected to one another via a curved connecting section, wherein the opening in the side section is provided adjacent to the connecting section. An opening in the horizontally running section of the front handle is to be avoided for the reasons already described above. Furthermore, the opening should not be formed in the curved connecting section either. An opening in the curve would be disadvantageous due to the high stress conditions and the associated weakening of the strength of the front handle. Furthermore, the connecting cable should be protected as much as possible by the front handle. Therefore, the opening in the side section is preferably provided directly adjacent to the curved section of the front handle. The handle is preferably made of aluminum or plastic.

[0016] In particular, it is provided that the implement comprises a handlebar insert for fastening the front handle to the housing of the implement, wherein the handlebar insert is arranged in the interior of the handle at one end of the front handle. The handlebar insert has a cable duct for guiding the at least one connecting cable. During assembly of the implement, the handlebar insert can be inserted into the front handle, with the connecting cable being guided in the cable duct. This prevents the connecting cable from becoming jammed between the handlebar insert and the handle. The handlebar insert has a cable fixation for clamping the at least one connecting cable. Thus, when the handlebar insert is almost completely inserted into the front handle, the connecting cable can be secured in the cable fixation.This allows the length of the connecting cable section located in the front handle to be precisely adjusted. Furthermore, the clamping on the handlebar insert relieves stress on the connecting cable's connection point to the second functional element. Tensile stress on the connecting cable can occur, particularly during assembly of the implement. By clamping the connecting cable, the tensile stress is absorbed at the connecting cable's clamping point. The connection between the connecting cable and the second electrical functional element remains undamaged.

[0017] It is advantageous for the connecting cable to run from the outside of the front handle wall, through the interior of the front handle, through the connecting channel of the handle tube insert, to one end of the front handle. Thus, the connecting cable is largely protected from external stresses within the front handle.

[0018] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawing. A detailed exemplary embodiment is shown below. They show: Fig. 1 in a schematic, partial, perspective view of a motor chain saw, Fig. 2 in a perspective view of a front handle and an electrical functional element of the motor chain saw according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 in a side view the front handle and the electrical functional element of the motor chain saw according to Fig. 1, Figures 4 to 7 in side view individual assembly steps regarding the attachment of a handle tube insert with cable duct and cable fixation in the front handle of the motor chain saw according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 8 in a schematic, partial side view of the motor chain saw according to Fig. 1 .

[0019] In Fig. 1An embodiment of a hand-held tool 1 is shown, which is designed as a rear-handle power chainsaw. In an alternative embodiment, the tool 1 can also be a top-handle power chainsaw. The tool can also be designed as a hedge trimmer, power cutter, blower, brush cutter, or the like. The tool 1 comprises a housing 2 and a drive motor 3 arranged in the housing 2. In the preferred embodiment, the drive motor 3 is designed as an internal combustion engine. In an alternative embodiment of the tool 1, it can be expedient to design the drive motor 3 as an electric motor, which in turn can be supplied with energy via a battery or via a connection cable to a power grid.

[0020] As in Fig. 1As shown, the housing 2 has a top side 26, a bottom side 27, a first longitudinal side 28, and a second longitudinal side 29. The top side 26 and the bottom side 27 are connected to one another via the two longitudinal sides 28, 29. The working device 1 also comprises a front handle 6 and a rear handle 36. The handles 6, 36 serve to hold and guide the working device 1. The rear handle is formed at a rear end 31 of the housing 2. On the side of the housing 2 opposite the rear handle 36, i.e., a front end 30 of the housing 2, a guide rail 4 projects forward. A saw chain, which is driven by the drive motor 3, is arranged circumferentially on the guide rail 4. The saw chain forms the tool 5 of the working device 1.

[0021] The drive motor 3 drives a drive sprocket via a drive shaft (not shown in detail). The drive sprocket serves to drive the saw chain, which is guided over the drive sprocket during operation. The working device 1 further comprises a tensioning device 21, via which the guide bar 4 can be displaced forwards away from the drive sprocket in the direction of its longitudinal axis 22. When the working device 1 is parked on a flat, horizontal floor 51, the longitudinal axis 22 runs centrally through the guide bar 4 approximately parallel to the horizontal floor 51. The term "approximately" is to be understood such that the longitudinal axis 22 of the guide bar 4 forms an angle of no more than 15° with the floor 51. The guide bar 4 has a longitudinal plane 23, which, when the working device 1 is parked on a flat, horizontal floor 51, contains the longitudinal axis 22 and is perpendicular to the floor 51.

[0022] In the exemplary embodiment, the front handle 6 is designed as a bow handle. The front handle 6 is formed from a handle tube. The front handle 6 is preferably made of aluminum or plastic. The front handle 6 has a transverse section 32 extending along the top side 26 of the housing 2, a side section 33 extending along the first longitudinal side 28 and a further side section 34 extending along the second longitudinal side 29. The front handle 6 is fastened to the housing 2 at the respective ends. The end of the first longitudinal side 28 of the front handle 6 is fastened to the side section 33 of the housing 2. The other end of the front handle 6 is fastened to the underside 27 of the housing 2.

[0023] As in Fig. 1As shown, an electrical functional element 13, shown only schematically, is arranged in the housing 2. In the exemplary embodiment, the electrical functional element 13 is designed as a control unit. The control unit is designed to process information and to control various components of the working device 1, such as the drive motor 3. In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit is supplied with electrical power via a generator provided on the drive motor 3.

[0024] As in the Figures 1 and 2As shown, a second electrical functional element 14 is arranged on the front handle 6. The second electrical functional element 14 is designed as a heating foil. The heating foil serves to heat the front handle 6 and thus forms a handle heater. In an alternative embodiment of the tool, the second electrical functional element 14 can also be designed as a sensor. The sensor is preferably designed to detect whether the front handle 6 is grasped by the operator. The sensor is preferably a capacitive sensor. In an alternative embodiment of the tool 1, it can also be expedient to provide several electrical functional elements on the front handle 6. Accordingly, the second electrical functional element 14 can be designed as a heating foil and a third electrical functional element as a sensor. The front handle 6 also preferably comprises a cover 38.The cover 38 encloses, in particular, a holding section 16 of the front handle 6. The cover 38 is made of a plastic, in particular of an elastomer, and serves to fix the second, electrical functional element 14 on the front handle 6. Furthermore, the cover 38 offers the operator a better, more comfortable grip on the front handle 6.

[0025] As in the Figures 1 and 2 As shown, the working device 1 comprises at least one connecting cable 15, wherein the connecting cable 15 connects the first electrical functional element 13 and the second electrical functional element 14. The term "connecting cable" is not limited to a single cable, but also includes multiple cables. Preferably, the cables are connected in series. As shown in Fig. 2As shown, the working device 1 comprises, in addition to the at least one connecting cable 15, a further connecting cable 15'. In the exemplary embodiment, the at least one connecting cable 15 is a first conductor, and the second connecting cable 15' is a second conductor. In the exemplary embodiment, the at least one connecting cable 15 runs from the second electrical functional element 14, designed as a heating foil, to the first electrical functional element 13, the control unit.

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment, a switch 24 (see also Fig. 8 ) is interposed. The second connecting cable 15' is directly connected to the first electrical functional element 13. If the switch 24 is activated, the circuit is closed and the second electrical functional element 14 can be supplied with power. If the switch 24 is deactivated, the power supply is cut off.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment of the working device 1, it may be expedient to provide the generator as the first electrical functional element 13. The generator is preferably an AC generator. Accordingly, the second electrical functional element 14 would be connected to the generator via the connecting cable 15. A rectifier is preferably provided between the generator and the second electrical functional element 13.

[0028] As in the Figures 2 and 3As shown, the electrical second functional element 14 is arranged on an outer side 12 of the front handle 6. The connecting cables 15, 15' run from the second functional element 14 via an opening 8 on the front handle 6 into an interior 10 of the front handle 6. The front handle 6 has a wall 7, wherein the wall 7 encloses the interior 10 of the front handle 6. Accordingly, the wall 7 of the front handle 6 comprises an inner side 11 facing the interior 10 and the outer side 12 facing away from the interior 10. The opening 8 extends from the outer side 12 of the wall 7 to the inner side 11 of the wall 7.

[0029] As in the Figures 2 and 3As shown, the second electrical functional element 14 is arranged on an approximately horizontally extending holding section 16 of the front handle 6. The holding section 16 is formed on the transverse section 32 of the front handle 6. The holding section 16 is the area of ​​the front handle 6 at which the operator preferably grips the work tool 1 in a working position intended for the work tool. Furthermore, the second electrical functional element 14 extends over the transverse section 32 as far as the further longitudinal section 34 of the front handle 6. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, it may be expedient for the second electrical functional element 14 to extend from the further longitudinal section 34 over the transverse section 32 as far as the longitudinal section 33.

[0030] As in the Figures 2 and 3As shown, the opening 8 is formed on the side portion 33 of the front handle 6. The opening 8 is formed on a side of the front handle 6 facing the housing 2. Thus, the opening 8 and the connecting cables 15, 15' running along the opening 8 are protected from branches, undergrowth or other objects that may come into contact with the front handle 6 during operation of the implement 1. As shown in particular in Fig. 2As shown, the opening 8 is arranged outside the holding section 16. Thus, from an ergonomic point of view, the opening 8 does not interfere with the operator when gripping the holding section 16. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the opening 8 is arranged on the side section 33 directly adjacent to a connecting section 35 of the front handle 6. The connecting section 35 is curved and connects the transverse section 32 and the side section 33 of the front handle 6. In other words, the opening 8 lies directly below the connecting section 35. The opening 8 is preferably provided outside the connecting section 35 for reasons of strength and easier production of the front handle 8. Of course, in an alternative embodiment of the working device 1, it may also be expedient to provide the opening 8 in the connecting section 35.Furthermore, the opening 8 should be positioned as "at the top" as possible on the side section 33, i.e. adjacent to the connecting section 35, in order to be able to guide the connecting cables 15, 15' in a protected manner over as wide an area as possible in the front handle 6.

[0031] The connections of the second electrical functional element 14 for the connecting cables 15, 15' (not shown in detail) are arranged in the preferred embodiment on the outer side 12 in the connecting section 35. It may also be expedient for the connections of the second electrical functional element 14 for the connecting cables 15, 15' to be arranged on the outer side 12 in the transverse section 32 of the front handle 6. The connecting cables 15, 15' run on the outer side 12 of the front handle 6, starting from the connecting section 35, through the opening 8 into the interior 10 of the front handle 6. A grommet 9 is provided at the opening 8, with the grommet 9 forming an edge protector at the opening 8. This prevents damage to the connecting cables 15, 15'. The connecting cables 15, 15' run from the interior 10 at the opening 8 to an end 20 of the handle 6.

[0032] As in Fig. 8As shown, the connecting cables 15, 15' leave the interior 10 of the front handle 6 at the end 20 of the handle 6. The connecting cables 15, 15' run from the end 20 of the front handle 6 along the housing 2 of the working device to the first electrical functional element 13. As already described above, the at least one connecting cable 15 is connected to the first electrical functional element 13 via a switch 24. The connecting cables 15, 15' are held on the housing 2 of the working device 1 via a plurality of terminals 37, 37', 37", 37‴.

[0033] As in Fig. 3As shown, the working device 1 comprises a handle tube insert 17. The handle tube insert 17 is preferably made of a metal alloy. The handle tube insert 17 serves to fasten the front handle 6 to the housing 2 of the working device 1. The handle tube insert 17 is arranged at one end 20 of the front handle 6 in the interior 10 of the front handle 6. The handle tube insert 17 comprises a plurality of openings 41, three openings 41 in the preferred embodiment. Of course, it may be expedient to provide fewer or more than three openings in the preferred embodiment. The front handle 6 also comprises openings 42 on its side section 33, which, when the handle tube insert 17 is fastened, are coaxial with the openings 41 of the handle tube insert 17.The openings 41 of the handle tube insert 17 and the openings 42 of the front handle 6 are designed such that the front handle 6 with the handle tube insert 17 can be fastened to receiving openings of the housing 2 via several screws 44 extending through the openings 41, 42. The handle tube insert 17 stabilizes the front handle 6, whereby the front handle 6 can be screwed tightly to the housing 2 with a high tightening torque of the screws 44 without deforming.

[0034] As in Fig. 3As shown, the handlebar insert 17 includes a cable duct 18. The cable duct 18 serves to guide the connecting cables 15, 15'. In the exemplary embodiment, the cable duct 18 is designed as a groove on the outside of the handlebar insert 17. It may also be expedient to design the cable duct 18 as a bore through the handlebar insert 17. The cable duct 18 extends from an upper end 45 of the handle tube insert 17 to a lower end 46 of the handle tube insert 17. The handle tube insert 17 extends in its longitudinal direction 47 from the upper end 45 to the lower end 46. The longitudinal direction 47 of the handle tube insert 17 corresponds to the insertion direction 48 of the handle tube insert 17 into the front handle 6. At the lower end 46 of the handle tube insert 17, a cable fixation 19 for clamping the connecting cables 15, 15' is formed on the handle tube insert 17. The cable fixation 19 is formed from a further cable duct 49, which adjoins the cable duct 18.The additional cable duct 49 is formed at an angle to the cable duct 18 of the handle tube insert 17. Viewed in the axial direction of the screws 43 onto the handle tube insert 17 fastened to the front handle 6, the longitudinal axes of the cable duct 18 of the handle tube insert 17 and the additional cable duct 49 of the handle tube insert 17 form an angle α, wherein the angle α lies in a range between 70° and 140°, in particular in a range between 90° and 130°. A plurality of lugs 50 are formed on the additional cable duct 49. The lugs 50 are arranged alternately on opposite sides of the additional cable duct 49 and protrude at least partially into the additional cable duct 49. The connecting cables 15, 15' are held clamped in the additional cable duct 49 by the alternately arranged lugs 50.

[0035] The hand-held tool 1 preferably comprises at least one contact point for connecting the second electrical functional element 14 to the at least one connecting cable 15, 15'. The contact point is preferably formed near the opening 8. The contact point is preferably provided on the connecting section 35 of the front handle 6. The contact point is preferably provided on a side of the connecting section 35 of the front handle 6 facing the housing 2. The contact point is preferably designed as a soldered connection in order to keep the exposed cable length of the at least one connecting cable 15, 15' as short as possible. The exposed cable length is the section of the at least one connecting cable 15, 15 that is arranged on the outer side 12 of the front handle 6.Furthermore, the at least one connecting cable 15, 15' has a concealed cable length that corresponds to the length of the connecting cable 15, 15' from the opening 8 to the end 20 of the front handle 6. The exposed cable length corresponds to at most 20%, in particular at most 15%, preferably at most 10% of the concealed cable length of the at least one connecting cable. The exposed cable length corresponds to at most 20%, in particular at most 15%, preferably at most 10% of a distance a between the opening 8 and the end 20 of the front handle 6. The exposed cable length of the at least one connecting cable 15, 15' is less than 40 mm, in particular less than 30 mm. The exposed cable length is preferably approximately 25 mm. The concealed cable length of the at least one connecting cable 15, 15' is in a range between preferably 175 mm to 325 mm, in particular between 205 mm to 275 mm.The concealed cable length of at least one connecting cable 15, 15' is approximately 235 mm.

[0036] In the Figures 4 to 7 The individual steps for mounting the handlebar insert 17 on the front handle 6 are shown. Fig. 4 The end 20 of the front handle 6 is shown, with the connecting cables 15, 15' protruding from the end 20 of the front handle 6. The handle tube insert 17 is located outside the front handle 6. The connecting cables 15, 15' are to be inserted into the cable duct 18. The handle tube insert 17 is then to be pushed in the insertion direction 48 into the interior 10 of the front handle 6, as shown in Fig. 5 shown. The connecting cables 15, 15' are to be guided through the cable channel 18 of the handlebar insert 17. Even before the handlebar insert 17 is pushed into the front handle 6 as far as it will go, the connecting cables 15, 15' can be clamped into the further cable channel 49 via the lugs 50 ( Fig. 6 ). The handle tube insert 17 can then be pushed into the front handle 6 until it stops.

Claims

1. Hand-held implement - having a housing (2), wherein the housing (2) has a top side (26), a bottom side (27), a first longitudinal side (28) and a second longitudinal side (29), wherein the top side (26) and the bottom side (27) are connected to one another via the two longitudinal sides (28, 29), - having a drive motor (3) arranged in the housing (2), wherein the drive motor (3) drives a tool (5) arranged at the front end (30) of the housing (2), - having a front handle (6) and a rear handle (36), wherein the front handle (6) is designed as a bow-type handle and has a transverse portion (32) extending along the top side (26) of the housing (2) and has a side portion (33) extending along one of the two longitudinal sides (28, 29) of the housing (2), - wherein the front handle (6) has a wall (7) and an interior space (10) enclosed by the wall (7), wherein the wall (7) of the front handle (6) comprises an inner side (11), facing towards the interior space (10), and an outer side (12), facing away from the interior space (10), - wherein a first electrical functional element (13) is arranged in the housing (2), and - wherein at least one second electrical functional element (14) is arranged on the outer side (12) of the front handle (6), - wherein the first electrical functional element (13) is connected to the second functional element (14) via at least one connecting cable (15), characterized in that the at least one connecting cable (15) is arranged at least partially in the interior space (10) of the front handle (6) in the region of the side portion (33) of the front handle (6).

2. Implement according to Claim 1, characterized in that the second functional element (14) is designed as a heating foil.

3. Implement according to Claim 1, characterized in that the second functional element (14) is designed as a sensor.

4. Implement according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first electrical functional element (13) is an energy source for supplying electrical current to the second functional element (14).

5. Implement according to Claim 3, characterized in that the first electrical functional element (14) is a control unit for processing data signals.

6. Implement according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, on the wall (7) of the front handle (6), provision is made of an opening (8) to the second electrical functional element (14), wherein the opening (8) extends from the outer side (12) of the wall (7) to the inner side (11) of the wall (7), wherein the at least one connecting cable (15) runs from the outer side (12) of the wall (7) into the interior space (10) of the handle (6) through the opening (8).

7. Implement according to Claim 6, characterized in that the opening (8) is provided with a grommet (9) as edge protection.

8. Implement according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the front handle (6) has a holding portion (16) which extends approximately horizontally, wherein the opening (8) at the wall (7) is provided outside the holding portion (16).

9. Implement according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transverse portion (32) and the side portion (33) of the front handle (6) are connected to one another via a curved connecting portion (35), wherein the opening (8) in the side portion (33) is provided adjacent to the connecting portion (35).

10. Implement according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the handle (6) is formed from aluminium or plastic.

11. Implement according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the implement (1) comprises a handle-tube insert (17) for fastening the front handle (6) to the housing (2) of the implement (1), wherein the handle-tube insert (17) is arranged at one end (20) of the front handle (6) in the interior space (10) of the handle (6).

12. Implement according to Claim 11, characterized in that the handle-tube insert (17) has a cable channel (18) for guiding the at least one connecting cable (15).

13. Implement according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the handle-tube insert (17) has a cable-fixing means (19) for clamping the at least one connecting cable (15).

14. Implement according to Claim 13, characterized in that the connecting cable (15) runs from the outer side (12) of the wall (7) of the front handle (6) as far as one end (20) of the front handle (6) through the connecting channel (15) of the handle-tube insert (17) via the interior space (10) of the front handle (6).