Method for determining parameters of a handheld power tool for service support

Abstract

The invention is based on a method for determining parameters of a handheld power tool (12) for service support, in particular for maintenance, wherein a usage parameter of the handheld power tool (12) is captured by means of a capture unit (14) in a method step (18). It is proposed that the usage parameter captured by means of the capture unit (14) is evaluated in a method step (20) by means of a control or regulating unit (16) in order to determine a mounting characteristic variable of the handheld power tool (12).

Description

State of the art

[0001] From DE 10 2017 205 318 A1 a method for determining parameters of a hand-held machine tool for service support is already known, wherein in one process step a usage parameter of the hand-held machine tool is recorded by means of a recording unit.

[0002] EP 3 382 621 A1 discloses a method for determining parameters of a hand-held power tool for service support, wherein in one method step a usage parameter of the hand-held power tool, configured as a usage duration, an intensity, or a location, is recorded by means of a detection unit, and wherein in another method step the usage parameter recorded by means of the detection unit is evaluated by means of a control unit to determine the storage location of the hand-held power tool. This document discloses the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] The object of the invention is to further improve the use of a hand-held power tool in conjunction with its storage compared to the prior art. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] In one process step, the usage parameter recorded by the acquisition unit is evaluated by a control unit to determine a storage characteristic of the handheld power tool. To solve the problem, it is proposed that, in another process step, the control unit grants permission for the handheld power tool to be used, at least depending on this storage characteristic. This can advantageously counteract damage to the handheld power tool caused by storage issues. It can also advantageously support particularly gentle use of the handheld power tool after storage. Furthermore, it can advantageously enable particularly efficient use of the handheld power tool. The permission to use the handheld power tool could be for use within a tool pool for handheld power tools or similar.The tool pool preferably comprises at least a large number of different handheld power tools and a database, in particular an internet database, in which the handheld power tools in the tool pool are listed. The handheld power tools in the tool pool can be made available by different users, one or more organizations, and / or suppliers. In particular, users of the tool pool can use available handheld power tools in the tool pool. Preferably, users of the tool pool can access the tool pool database and, most preferably, view the availability of the handheld power tools in the tool pool. It is also conceivable that granting access involves locking / unlocking at least one operating function of the handheld power tool or the like.The operating function of the handheld power tool could be, for example, switching it on, setting maximum power, maximum speed, drilling, hammering, screwdriving, lighting, or the like. It is conceivable that the output unit could suggest usage permissions to the user, such as enabling the handheld power tool for use within the tool pool, depending on the storage parameters. The user could then preferably accept or reject these suggestions via the input unit. For example, the handheld power tool could be enabled for use within the tool pool after a certain storage period, via the control unit. It is conceivable that granting usage permissions could be adjustable, particularly deactivatable, especially by the user.

[0005] The usage parameter can be, for example, a time of use, a usage intensity, in particular a usage load, a usage duration, a number of uses, a usage location, a usage temperature, a usage environment, a usage state, or the like of the handheld power tool. The control unit has, in particular, at least one information input, one information processing unit, and one information output unit. Preferably, the control unit comprises at least one processor, one memory, input and output means, an operating program, control routines, and / or calculation routines. The components of the control unit are preferably arranged on a common circuit board and / or, in particular, in a common housing. Preferably, the control unit is arranged on the handheld power tool, more preferably in a housing of the handheld power tool.It is also conceivable that the control unit, in particular at least partially, is part of an external unit. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the control unit is at least partially arranged on the hand-held power tool and the external unit. The external unit is, in particular, designed differently from the hand-held power tool. The external unit can, for example, be part of a computer and / or a computer network, preferably a cloud. Preferably, the external unit is designed as a mobile device. The mobile device is preferably a portable computing unit, such as a laptop, a wearable, a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, or the like. In particular, the control unit is configured to determine, depending on the usage parameter, whether the hand-held power tool is in a storage state.If the control unit determines, based on the usage parameter, that the handheld power tool is in storage, the storage parameter can be determined by the control unit and / or the sensing unit. For example, it is conceivable that the sensing unit detects that no operating current is flowing to the handheld power tool, whereupon the control unit assigns a storage state to the handheld power tool and determines at least one storage parameter, such as a storage duration. Preferably, a storage recommendation for the handheld power tool is determined based on the storage duration. It is also conceivable, for example, that certain locations, in particular geographical positions, preferably a storage room or the like, are designated as storage areas for the handheld power tool and are stored in the memory of the control unit.Preferably, a bearing state is assigned by the control unit of the hand-held power tool when the control unit and / or the sensing unit determine that the hand-held power tool is located in a bearing area. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the bearing characteristic is detected by the sensing unit when the control unit has determined a bearing state of the hand-held power tool based on the usage parameter. For example, it is conceivable that the sensing unit detects a lubricant distribution or lubricant level in the hand-held power tool when the tool is in a bearing position, a bearing orientation of the hand-held power tool, or the like, preferably when a bearing state of the hand-held power tool has been determined by the control unit based on the usage parameter.The term "intended" should be understood to mean, in particular, specifically programmed, specially designed, and / or specially equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0006] The term "service support" is understood to mean, in particular, support for the use and / or storage of a hand-held power tool, preferably by means of a storage parameter. Specifically, in a service support process step, the storage parameter is provided to a user of the hand-held power tool. The acquisition unit is configured, in particular, to acquire at least one parameter and / or at least one characteristic value, preferably at least the usage parameter. It is also conceivable that the acquisition unit is configured to acquire several, preferably different, usage parameters.Furthermore, it is conceivable that the control unit is configured to determine the bearing characteristic as a function of several, preferably different, usage parameters, or to determine several, preferably different, bearing characteristics as a function of several, preferably different, usage parameters. The detection unit preferably comprises at least one sensor. The sensor can be, for example, an optical sensor, preferably a CCD sensor, force sensor, pressure sensor, acceleration sensor, in particular a Hall sensor, position sensor, in particular a GPS sensor, current sensor, voltage sensor, resistance sensor, power sensor, energy sensor, vibration sensor, sound pressure sensor, in particular a piezoelectric sensor, distance sensor, in particular a laser and / or infrared sensor, humidity sensor, or the like. The detection unit is preferably arranged on the hand-held power tool.The acquisition unit is preferably connected to the control unit for the transmission of data, particularly electronic data, via a communication unit, for example, wired via at least one cable of the communication unit or wirelessly. It is also conceivable that the acquisition unit is at least partially integrally formed with the control unit. The phrase "at least one unit and at least one further unit are at least partially integrally formed" means, in particular, that at least one element of the unit is integrally formed with at least one further element of the further unit. The hand-held power tool is, for example, configured as a drill, a rotary hammer and / or impact hammer, a saw, a planer, a screwdriver, a milling machine, a grinder, an angle grinder, a garden tool, a multi-tool, or the like.

[0007] The inventive design of the method advantageously allows for the determination of information regarding the optimal storage of the hand-held power tool. It advantageously enables an improvement in the storage of the hand-held power tool. It advantageously enables particularly efficient and gentle handling, use, and / or storage of the hand-held power tool. It advantageously allows for the provision of a particularly durable hand-held power tool. It advantageously supports the functionality of the hand-held power tool.

[0008] Furthermore, it is proposed that, in a process step, a storage recommendation for the handheld power tool is generated by the control unit based on a usage parameter of the handheld power tool detected by the sensing unit. The storage recommendation could, for example, be an orientation recommendation, a positioning recommendation, a storage duration recommendation, or the like. The storage recommendation is preferably generated by the control unit when the control unit determines the storage condition of the handheld power tool based on a usage parameter. It is also conceivable that the storage recommendation is generated by the control unit based on a storage characteristic of the handheld power tool.For example, it is conceivable that if the control unit determines the bearing status of the handheld power tool based on a usage parameter, and the control unit and / or the acquisition unit determine a bearing characteristic, such as orientation, bearing duration, or the like, and, in particular, generate a bearing recommendation, such as an orientation recommendation, for the handheld power tool based on this characteristic. Preferably, in a process step, the bearing recommendation is output to the user via an output unit. The output unit is preferably part of the external unit. However, it is also conceivable that the output unit is arranged on the handheld power tool, preferably integrated into the housing of the handheld power tool.The output unit is specifically designed to provide storage recommendations visually, audibly, and / or haptically. The output unit preferably includes at least one screen, a vibration element, a loudspeaker, or the like. Advantageously, this allows the user to be assisted with storing the handheld power tool. Furthermore, it allows for particularly convenient and easy implementation of optimal storage conditions, depending on the tool's usage parameters, thus ensuring highly reliable operation.

[0009] Furthermore, it is proposed that in a process step, the time of use of the hand-held power tool is recorded by the detection unit, and that, depending on the time of use, the bearing characteristic of the hand-held power tool is determined by the control unit. The time of use of the hand-held power tool is preferably its last time of use. Preferably, the last time of use is a point in time since the hand-held power tool has no longer been moved, operated, or otherwise altered. However, it is also conceivable that the time of use of the hand-held power tool is determined by the start of operation of the hand-held power tool or by a point in time during its operation.Preferably, in a process step, the control unit generates a storage recommendation for the handheld power tool, depending on the time of use. For example, in a process step, the control unit determines the storage duration of the handheld power tool, depending on its storage condition, and, in particular, after determining its storage status, generates a storage recommendation based on this recommendation. This recommendation is then preferably output to the user, particularly via the output unit. Preferably, the storage recommendation differs depending on the determined storage duration of the handheld power tool. It is advantageously possible to determine a storage parameter, especially a storage recommendation, particularly easily.It is advantageous to support and / or achieve optimal storage of the hand tool, corresponding to the time of use of the hand tool.

[0010] Furthermore, it is proposed that in a process step, particularly automatically, the hand-held power tool is monitored with regard to its bearing characteristics by means of the control unit and / or the detection unit. During this monitoring, the bearing characteristics of the hand-held power tool, which is in a bearing state, are determined several times, preferably at specific time intervals, by means of the control unit and / or the detection unit. These time intervals can be, for example, at least more than one second, more than one minute, more than one hour, or more than one day. The time intervals are preferably adjustable, particularly by means of an input unit.Preferably, the control unit and / or the detection unit are activated several times, particularly regularly, during storage of the handheld power tool to determine the storage parameters. It is conceivable that the user is provided with the storage parameters of the handheld power tool, preferably the storage recommendation for the handheld power tool, via the output unit, at least when the storage parameters of the handheld power tool, preferably the storage recommendation for the handheld power tool, change during monitoring of the storage parameters of the handheld power tool, preferably the storage recommendation for the handheld power tool. It is also conceivable that the user is provided with the storage parameters of the handheld power tool continuously via the output unit during monitoring of the handheld power tool.For example, it is conceivable that the orientation of the handheld power tool is taken into account when monitoring its bearing parameters. Preferably, the orientation of the handheld power tool is determined by the detection unit, in particular by its acceleration sensor. Preferably, the monitoring takes place automatically; alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the user can manually initiate monitoring and / or verification of the bearing parameters of the handheld power tool in a process step, particularly using the input unit. Advantageously, optimal bearing of the handheld power tool can be continuously supported. Advantageously, the bearing of the handheld power tool can be monitored particularly conveniently.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that, in a process step, a functional test of the hand-held power tool is performed using the control unit, depending on the bearing parameter determined by the control unit. During the functional test of the hand-held power tool, at least one operating function, preferably all operating functions, of the hand-held power tool are tested. It is conceivable that the functional test is performed only at certain values ​​and / or above a certain limit value of the bearing parameter of the hand-held power tool. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that different functional tests are performed depending on the value of the bearing parameter of the hand-held power tool. Preferably, an operating program for the functional test is stored in the memory of the control unit.The control unit is preferably configured to detect damage to the handheld power tool, particularly after and / or due to storage, by means of a functional test. Preferably, the output unit displays the result of the functional test to the user, preferably at least when damage and / or functional impairment of the handheld power tool is detected. For example, the functional test is performed automatically by the control unit during the first use after a certain storage period. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the user can initiate the functional test manually. This advantageously prevents damage to the handheld power tool from being used after storage.It can be advantageous to carry out a particularly suitable functional test of the hand-held power tool after it has been stored.

[0012] Furthermore, it is proposed that, in a process step, a usage release for the hand-held power tool, particularly the one mentioned previously, be granted depending on the functional test of the hand-held power tool by the control unit. Preferably, the usage release is not granted if damage and / or a functional impairment of the hand-held power tool is detected during the functional test. It is also conceivable that the usage release is granted by the control unit depending on the extent and / or type of damage and / or functional impairment of the hand-held power tool. It is also conceivable that the usage release is granted automatically by the control unit depending on the functional test of the hand-held power tool.Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the user can manually authorize the use of the handheld power tool via the input unit, and in particular independently of a functional test of the handheld power tool. This can advantageously and particularly safely and user-friendly counteract damage to the handheld power tool caused by its use after storage. It can also be advantageous to grant a particularly appropriate authorization for the use of the handheld power tool.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the bearing characteristic of the hand-held power tool, determined by the control unit, be transmitted in a process step to an external unit, preferably wirelessly, via a communication unit, particularly one already mentioned. The communication unit is preferably designed for electronic, preferably wireless, data transmission. Specifically, the communication unit is designed for radio transmission, such as via WLAN, Bluetooth, or the like, and / or optical transmission, such as via infrared or fiber optics. The communication unit is preferably arranged at least partially on the hand-held power tool and / or on the external unit.It is also conceivable that the communication unit is at least partially integrated into the handheld power tool and / or the external unit. This allows for particularly flexible and user-friendly management and / or output of storage parameters. It also enables particularly convenient monitoring of the handheld power tool's storage conditions.

[0014] Furthermore, it is proposed that in a process step, the bearing characteristic is determined as a function of user input via the control unit. Preferably, the user input is provided by means of an input unit. Preferably, the input unit is connected to the control unit via a communication unit for the transmission of data, particularly electronic data, especially via a cable or wirelessly. It is also conceivable that the input unit is at least partially integrated with the control unit. In particular, the input unit is configured for at least acoustic and / or haptic user input. The input unit comprises, for example, a button, a keypad, a touchscreen, and / or a microphone. It is conceivable that the input unit is arranged on the hand-held power tool, on the external unit, or at least partially on the hand-held power tool and the external unit.For example, the user can inform the control unit of the usage time of the hand-held power tool via user input. Advantageously, the storage parameter can be generated based on user input and / or based on a usage parameter determined by the data acquisition unit. The storage parameter can thus be determined with particular flexibility.

[0015] Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for service support, in particular for maintenance, of a hand-held power tool, according to the inventive method. The device comprises a detection unit and a control unit, wherein the detection unit is configured to detect a usage parameter of the hand-held power tool. It is proposed that the control unit be configured to determine a bearing characteristic of the hand-held power tool as a function of the usage parameter and to authorize the use of the hand-held power tool, at least as a function of the bearing characteristic. Preferably, the device is at least partially integrated on the hand-held power tool, in particular at least partially within the hand-held power tool, and / or at least partially arranged on the external unit.Preferably, the device comprises at least the communication unit, the input unit, and / or the output unit. It is advantageous to provide a service support device that determines a bearing characteristic of the hand-held power tool in a particularly convenient, flexible, and accurate manner. drawing

[0016] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawing. The drawing illustrates an embodiment of the invention. The drawing, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0017] They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for service support of the hand-held power tool, wherein the device is at least partially integrated into the hand-held power tool, and Fig. 2 shows a schematic sequence of a method according to the invention for determining parameters of the hand-held power tool according to the invention for service support. Description of the exemplary embodiment

[0018] In Figure 1A hand-held power tool 12, designed as a drill and / or impact hammer 30, is shown schematically. It is also conceivable that the hand-held power tool 12 is designed as a drill, saw, planer, screwdriver, milling machine, grinder, angle grinder, garden tool, multi-tool, or the like. A device 10 for service support, in particular for maintenance, of the hand-held power tool 12 is arranged at least partially on the hand-held power tool 12. It is also conceivable that the device 10 is formed at least partially by an external unit 36. The external unit 36 ​​is designed differently from the hand-held power tool 12. The external unit 36 ​​is designed as a mobile device 38. The mobile device 38 is designed as a portable computing unit, for example, as a laptop, a wearable, a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, or the like.It is also conceivable that the external unit 36 ​​is part of a computer and / or a computer network, for example, a cloud. The device 10 comprises a detection unit 14, which is configured to detect a usage parameter of the hand-held power tool 12. Preferably, the detection unit 14 is located in the [unclear text]. Figure 1The illustrated embodiment is arranged on, and in particular in, the hand-held power tool 12. The usage parameter can be, for example, a time of use, a usage intensity, in particular a usage load, a usage duration, a number of uses, a usage location, a usage temperature, a usage environment, a usage condition, or the like of the hand-held power tool 12. It is also conceivable that the detection unit 14 is configured to determine several, in particular different, usage parameters. The detection unit 14 comprises at least one sensor (not shown in detail).The sensor can be configured, for example, as an optical sensor, in particular a CCD sensor, force sensor, pressure sensor, acceleration sensor, in particular a Hall sensor, position sensor, in particular a GPS sensor, current sensor, voltage sensor, resistance sensor, power sensor, energy sensor, vibration sensor, sound pressure sensor, in particular a piezoelectric sensor, distance sensor, in particular a laser and / or infrared sensor, humidity sensor, or the like. The sensor(s) of the detection unit 14 are / are arranged on the hand-held power tool 12, in particular on a housing 32 of the hand-held power tool 12.

[0019] The device 10 comprises a control unit 16 configured to determine a storage characteristic of the hand-held power tool 12 depending on the usage parameter. The storage characteristic of the hand-held power tool 12 can be, for example, a storage duration, a storage position, a storage orientation, a storage recommendation, or the like. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the control unit 16 is configured to determine the storage characteristic depending on several, preferably different, usage parameters, or to determine several, preferably different, storage characteristics depending on several, preferably different, usage parameters. The control unit 16 has at least one information input, one information processing unit, and one information output unit.The control unit 16 comprises at least a processor, memory, input and output means, an operating program, control routines, and / or calculation routines. The components of the control unit 16 are arranged on a common circuit board.

[0020] The device 10 comprises at least one communication unit 28, which is designed for electronic, in particular wireless, information transmission. The communication unit 28 is configured for information transmission via radio, such as WLAN, Bluetooth, or the like, and / or for optical information transmission, such as by means of infrared or fiber optics. The communication unit 28 is configured at least for transmitting a storage characteristic and / or a usage parameter of the hand-held power tool 12 from the control unit 16 or from the acquisition unit 14 to the external unit 36. The communication unit 28 is at least partially integrated into the hand-held power tool 12, in particular into the housing 32 of the hand-held power tool 12, and / or at least partially arranged on the external unit 36.

[0021] The control unit 16 is at least partially located within the housing 32 of the hand-held power tool 12. It is also conceivable that the control unit 16 is at least partially part of the external unit 36. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the control unit 16 is at least partially located on both the hand-held power tool 12 and the external unit 36. The acquisition unit 14 is connected to the control unit 16 via the communication unit 28 for the transmission of data, particularly electronic data. It is conceivable that the acquisition unit 14 is connected to the control unit 16 via the communication unit 28 either by cable or wirelessly, or that it is at least partially integrated with the control unit 16.The control unit 16 is configured to determine, based on the usage parameter, whether the hand-held power tool 12 is in storage. If the control unit 16 determines, based on the usage parameter, that the hand-held power tool 12 is in storage, the storage parameter can be determined using the control unit 16 and / or the sensing unit 14. For example, it is conceivable that the sensing unit 14 detects that no operating current is flowing to the hand-held power tool 12, whereupon the control unit 16 assigns a storage state to the hand-held power tool 12 and determines at least one storage parameter, such as a storage duration, for the hand-held power tool 12. Based on the storage duration, the control unit 16 can generate a storage recommendation for the hand-held power tool 12.Furthermore, it is also conceivable, for example, that certain locations, in particular geographical positions, preferably a storage room or the like, are designated as storage areas for the hand-held power tool 12 and are stored in the memory of the control unit 16. Preferably, a storage status is assigned to the hand-held power tool 12 by means of the control unit 16 when it is determined by means of the control unit 16 and / or the detection unit 14 that the hand-held power tool 12 is located in a storage area for the hand-held power tool 12.

[0022] It is also conceivable that the bearing characteristic is detected by the detection unit 14 when the control unit 16 has determined a bearing condition of the hand-held power tool 12 depending on the usage parameter. For example, it is conceivable that the detection unit 14 detects a lubricant distribution or lubricant level in the hand-held power tool 12 when the hand-held power tool 12 is in a bearing position, a bearing orientation of the hand-held power tool 12, or the like, preferably when a bearing condition of the hand-held power tool 12 has been determined by the control unit 16 depending on the usage parameter.

[0023] In Figure 2The diagram schematically depicts the process for determining parameters of the hand-held power tool 12 for service support, particularly for maintenance. In process step 18, a usage parameter of the hand-held power tool 12 is recorded using the acquisition unit 14, specifically the at least one sensor of the acquisition unit 14. In process step 18, the acquisition unit 14 records a usage time of the hand-held power tool 12. The usage time of the hand-held power tool 12 is the last usage time of the hand-held power tool 12. However, it is also conceivable that the usage time of the hand-held power tool 12 is determined by the start of operation of the hand-held power tool 12 or by a point in time during the operation of the hand-held power tool 12.

[0024] In process step 20, the usage parameter of the hand-held power tool 12, acquired by the acquisition unit 14, is evaluated to determine a storage characteristic of the hand-held power tool 12. The control unit 16 determines the storage characteristic of the hand-held power tool 12 as a function of the time of use. In process step 20, the control unit 16 generates a storage recommendation for the hand-held power tool 12 based on the usage parameter acquired by the acquisition unit 14. The storage recommendation can be, for example, an orientation recommendation, a positioning recommendation, a storage duration recommendation, or the like for the hand-held power tool 12.The storage recommendation is generated by the control unit 16 when the control unit 16 detects a storage condition of the hand tool 12 based on a usage parameter of the hand tool 12. It is also conceivable that the storage recommendation is generated by the control unit 16 based on a storage characteristic of the hand tool 12.For example, it is conceivable that if the control unit 16 determines the storage condition of the hand tool 12 based on a usage parameter of the hand tool 12, a storage characteristic, in particular an orientation, a storage duration, or the like, of the hand tool 12 is determined by the control unit 16 and / or the detection unit 14, and in particular, a storage recommendation, for example an orientation recommendation or the like, is generated for the hand tool 12 based on this. In process step 20, the storage recommendation for the hand tool 12 is generated by the control unit 16 depending on the time of use of the hand tool 12.For example, in process step 20, the control unit 16 determines the storage duration of the hand-held power tool 12 based on its usage time. This determination is made after the control unit 16 has determined the tool's storage status. Based on this determination, a storage recommendation, in particular an alignment recommendation or the like, is generated for the hand-held power tool 12 and output to the user via an output unit 40 of the device 10. The output unit 40 is part of the external unit 36. Alternatively, the output unit 40 could be located on the hand-held power tool 12 or at least partially on both the external unit 36 ​​and the hand-held power tool 12. The output unit 40 comprises, for example, at least one screen, at least one vibration element, and / or at least one loudspeaker.The storage recommendation may differ depending on the determined usage parameter and / or, for example, depending on the storage duration of the hand tool 12.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the storage characteristic in process step 20 is determined as a function of user input by means of the control unit 16. The device 10 comprises an input unit 42 by means of which user input can be made. The input unit 42 is wirelessly connected to the control unit 16 via the communication unit 28 for the transmission of data, in particular electronic data. It is also conceivable that the input unit 42 is connected to the control unit 16 by means of a cable via the communication unit 28 or is at least partially formed integrally with the control unit 16. The input unit 42 is equipped for at least acoustic and / or haptic user input. The input unit 42 comprises at least one button, a keypad, a touchscreen and / or at least one microphone. The input unit 42 is part of the external unit 36.Alternatively or additionally, the input unit 42 could be arranged on the hand-held power tool 12, or at least partially on the hand-held power tool 12 and at least partially on the external unit 36. For example, the control unit 16 could be informed of the user's usage time of the hand-held power tool 12 via the input unit 42.

[0026] In process step 20 of the process, the hand-held power tool 12 is monitored, in particular automatically, by means of the control unit 16 and / or the detection unit 14 with regard to its bearing characteristics. During the monitoring of the bearing characteristics of the hand-held power tool 12 in process step 20, these characteristics are determined regularly at specific time intervals by means of the control unit 16 and / or the detection unit 14. The time intervals between two points in time at which the bearing characteristics are determined by the control unit 16 while the hand-held power tool 12 is in a given bearing position are at least more than one second.However, it is also conceivable that the time intervals between two points in time at which the storage characteristic is determined by the control unit 16 during storage of the hand-held power tool 12 are less than one second, at least more than one minute, more than one hour, or more than one day. It is conceivable that the time intervals are adjustable, particularly by the user using the input unit 42. The control unit 16 and / or the acquisition unit 14 are / will be activated several times during storage of the hand-held power tool 12, particularly regularly at the specified time intervals, to determine the storage characteristic of the hand-held power tool 12. Alternatively, it is conceivable that, during the monitoring of the storage characteristic of the hand-held power tool 12 in process step 20, the storage characteristic is continuously determined by the control unit 16.For example, it is conceivable that at least one additional aspect of the hand-held power tool 12's orientation is taken into account when monitoring its bearing characteristic by means of the control unit 16, wherein the orientation of the hand-held power tool 12 can be determined by means of the detection unit 14, in particular by means of the acceleration sensor of the detection unit 14. Monitoring is carried out automatically by means of the control unit 16. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the monitoring and / or verification of the bearing characteristic of the hand-held power tool 12 can be initiated manually by the user using the input unit 42. In a process step 26, the bearing characteristic of the hand-held power tool 12, determined by means of the control unit 16, is transmitted to the external unit 36, in particular wirelessly, by means of the communication unit 28 of the device 10.

[0027] In process step 34, the storage recommendation is output to the user via output unit 40. In process step 34, the storage recommendation is output visually, audibly, and / or haptically via output unit 40. The user is provided with the storage characteristic of the hand-held power tool 12 via output unit 40, at least if the storage characteristic of the hand-held power tool 12 changes during the monitoring of the storage characteristic of the hand-held power tool 12 in process step 20. It is also conceivable that the user is continuously provided with the storage characteristic of the hand-held power tool 12 via output unit 40 during the monitoring of the hand-held power tool 12.

[0028] In process step 22, the control unit 16 grants permission for the use of the hand-held power tool 12, at least depending on the bearing parameters. This permission can authorize the use of the hand-held power tool 12 within a tool pool for hand-held power tools or the like. The tool pool preferably comprises at least a large number of different hand-held power tools and a database, in particular an internet database, in which the hand-held power tools in the tool pool are listed. The hand-held power tools in the tool pool can be provided by different users, one or more organizations, and / or suppliers. In particular, users of the tool pool can utilize available hand-held power tools within the tool pool.Preferably, users of the tool pool can access the tool pool database and, most preferably, view the availability of the handheld power tools in the tool pool. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that granting access involves locking / unlocking at least one operating function of the handheld power tool 12 or the like. It is conceivable that the user is presented with a usage authorization, for example, the authorization of the handheld power tool 12 for use within the tool pool, via output unit 40, depending on the storage parameters. The user can preferably accept or reject the suggestion via input unit 42. For example, the handheld power tool 12 is authorized for use within the tool pool by means of control unit 16 after a certain storage period.Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the granting of usage rights could be customizable, in particular deactivatable, especially by the user.

[0029] In process step 24 of the procedure, a functional test of the hand-held power tool 12 is performed by the control unit 16, depending on the bearing parameter determined by the control unit 16. During the functional test, at least one operating function of the hand-held power tool 12 is checked by the control unit 16. It is conceivable that the functional test is only performed at certain values ​​and / or above a certain limit value of the bearing parameter of the hand-held power tool 12. It is also conceivable, either additionally or alternatively, that different functional tests are performed depending on the value of the bearing parameter of the hand-held power tool 12. An operating program for the functional test is stored in the memory of the control unit 16.The control unit 16 is designed to detect damage to the hand-held power tool 12, particularly after and / or due to storage, by means of a functional test. The output unit 40 displays the result of the functional test to the user, at least if damage and / or functional impairment of the hand-held power tool 12 is detected. The functional test is performed automatically, for example, by the control unit 16 during the first operation of the hand-held power tool 12 after a certain storage period. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the user can initiate the functional test of the hand-held power tool 12 by manual input.

[0030] In process step 24, the use authorization for the hand-held power tool 12 is granted depending on the functional test of the hand-held power tool 12 by means of the control unit 16. The use authorization for the hand-held power tool 12 is not granted if damage and / or a functional impairment of the hand-held power tool 12 is detected during the functional test. It is also conceivable that the use authorization for the hand-held power tool 12 is granted by means of the control unit 16 depending on the extent and / or type of damage and / or functional impairment of the hand-held power tool 12. The use authorization depending on the functional test of the hand-held power tool 12 is granted automatically by means of the control unit 16.Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the user can grant permission to use the hand-held machine tool 12 manually and, in particular, independently of the functional test of the hand-held machine tool 12 by means of the input unit 42.

Claims

1. Method for determining parameters of a hand-held power tool (12) for assisting with servicing, in particular for maintenance, wherein a method step (18) uses a measuring unit (14) to measure a usage parameter of the hand-held power tool (12), wherein a method step (20) evaluates the usage parameter measured by means of the measuring unit (14) by means of an open-loop or closed-loop control unit (16) to determine a storage characteristic variable of the hand-held power tool (12), characterized in that a method step (22) uses the open-loop or closed-loop control unit (16) to authorize use of the hand-held power tool (12) at least on the basis of the storage characteristic variable.

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that method step (20) uses the open-loop or closed-loop control unit (16) to take the usage parameter of the hand-held power tool (12) measured by means of the measuring unit (14) as a basis for generating a storage recommendation for the hand-held power tool (12) in the form of an alignment recommendation, a positioning recommendation or a storage period.

3. Method according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that method step (18) measures the usage parameter as a time of use of the hand-held power tool (12) and takes the time of use of the hand-held power tool (12) as a basis for using the open-loop or closed-loop control unit (16) to determine the storage characteristic variable of the hand-held power tool (12).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that method step (20), in particular automatically, uses the open-loop or closed-loop control unit (16) and / or the measuring unit (14) to monitor the hand-held power tool (12) with regard to the storage characteristic variable of the hand-held power tool (12).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a method step (24) uses the open-loop or closed-loop control unit (16) to perform a function test on the hand-held power tool (12) on the basis of the storage characteristic variable determined by means of the open-loop or closed-loop control unit (16).

6. Method according to Claim 5, characterized in that method step (24) authorizes use of the hand-held power tool (12) on the basis of the function test on the hand-held power tool (12) by means of the open-loop or closed-loop control unit (16).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage characteristic variable of the hand-held power tool (12) determined by means of the open-loop or closed-loop control unit (16) is transmitted, in particular wirelessly, to an external unit (36) by means of a communication unit (28) in a method step (26).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that method step (20) determines the storage characteristic variable on the basis of a user input by means of the open-loop or closed-loop control unit (16).

9. Device (10) for assisting with servicing, in particular for maintenance, of a hand-held power tool (12), using a method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a measuring unit (14) and comprising an open-loop or closed-loop control unit (16), the measuring unit (14) being configured to measure a usage parameter of the hand-held power tool (12), characterized in that that the open-loop or closed-loop control unit (16) is configured to take the usage parameter as a basis for determining a storage characteristic variable of the hand-held power tool (12) and to authorize use of the hand-held power tool (12) at least on the basis of the storage characteristic variable.

Images