Portable work apparatus for underwater use

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable work apparatus which is also suitable for use under water. Cutting, squeezing, spreading, lifting or pulling functions in relation to objects can be carried out with the work apparatus. The work apparatus comprises a housing (13), an electric motor (17) arranged in the housing (13), a hydraulic pump (18) which is driveable by the electric motor (17), a storage battery (16) for providing electrical energy for the electric motor (17), an electronic control device (32) for controlling and / or regulating the electric motor (17), and a hydraulic valve (28) for manually influencing adjustment movements of a piston rod, which piston rod is chargeable with hydraulic pressure by the hydraulic pump (18). The housing (13) of the work apparatus has a housing portion (34) which can be flooded with water and a waterproof housing portion (35) which is protected against water ingress. At least the electric motor (17), the storage battery (16) and the electronic control device (32) are accommodated in the waterproof housing portion (35) which is protected against water ingress. At least the hydraulic pump (18) and the hydraulic valve (28) are accommodated in the housing portion (34) which can be flooded with water.

Description

[0001] PORTABLE WORKING DEVICE FOR UNDERWATER USE

[0002] The invention relates to a portable working device, in particular a rescue device, which is configured for underwater use and with which cutting, crushing, spreading, lifting or pulling functions can be carried out.

[0003] Such tools are known in particular as spreader, shear, or combination tools and are typically used by rescue organizations, such as fire departments or technical assistance services, but also by special task forces. To ensure rapid operational readiness of such tools or rescue devices, efforts are being made to make these technical aids portable and thus as lightweight as possible. To enable operation independent of power generators or power grids, these tools are increasingly powered by electrochemical energy storage devices, particularly accumulators, to activate the attached tools. Battery-operated tools of this type, which are intended to be portable or operated by a single person, are available from the applicant in a variety of designs.

[0004] The basic technical structure of a generic, previously known working device of the applicant is disclosed, for example, in WO 2018 / 227222 A1.

[0005] There is an increasing demand for such work and rescue equipment to be used in or even underwater, for example in connection with vehicle crashes in rivers and other bodies of water.

[0006] WO 2020 / 108727 A1 describes a generic tool designed to be used underwater. Its housing is not protected against water ingress. The electric motor located in the housing for driving the hydraulic pump is a brushless DC motor. The electrical motor connections for power cables supplying the electric motor are spaced a sufficient minimum distance apart to prevent electrical short circuits via water as an electrically conductive medium if the connections are submerged in water. Furthermore, the plug-in or soldered connections of electrical cables leading to an electronic control and regulation unit are protected against water ingress. Furthermore, the electronic components on a circuit board of the control and regulation unit are encapsulated with potting compound to protect against water ingress.Such a tool requires complex production techniques and complex assembly steps during manufacture. Furthermore, its suitability for use in water with increased electrical conductivity, such as contaminated or saline water, is only partially satisfactory.

[0007] WO 2021 / 047774 A1 describes a portable tool in which a detachable electrical contact is formed between the battery and the electronic control and regulating device of the tool. The corresponding contact is divided into a first surface area and a second surface area. The first surface area is coated with a non-conductive protective layer, and the second surface area is free of this protective layer. This should enable the tool to be operated underwater, especially under salt water. The reliability of the specified measures appears problematic, and the overall technical complexity appears high, making the proposed measures only partially satisfactory.

[0008] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a working device for use in water, which offers a high functional reliability and functional availability and can nevertheless be constructed as economically and process-stable as possible.

[0009] This task is solved by a working device according to the claims.

[0010] The portable working device according to the invention is designed for underwater use and offers one or more of the functions of cutting, crushing, spreading, lifting, or pulling. It comprises a housing, which can be formed from two or more housing shells defining the housing interior. The housing shells are connected to one another at corresponding joining edges. At least one electric motor and a hydraulic pump driven by the electric motor are arranged in the housing. A rechargeable battery, preferably removable from the working device, is provided for providing electrical energy for the electric motor. An electronic control device of the working device serves to control and / or regulate the electric motor, and a hydraulic valve is provided for manually influencing adjusting movements of a piston rod, which piston rod can be subjected to hydraulic pressure by the hydraulic pump.The housing comprises a water-floodable housing section and a watertight housing section protected against water ingress. The water-protected housing section houses at least the electric motor, the battery, and the electronic control unit. The water-floodable housing section houses at least the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic valve.

[0011] The tool according to the invention has a design that enables quality-assured and process-stable production. Furthermore, this tool can be manufactured economically and offers high long-term functional reliability, even when used in or under water. Gradual corrosion on electrical components or contacts, which is intensified or accelerated in particular by residual contaminants or salt deposits in the housing, can be prevented by the measures according to the invention. Rust build-up on metallic surfaces, in particular on relatively moving parts of the electric motor, which rust build-up can impair normal function, is reliably prevented. The specified subdivision of the housing into sections or chambers with different sealing requirements and the specified assignment of the respective components to these sections orChambers enable a high level of robustness and functional stability of the working device in connection with operations in or under water.

[0012] Since not all components of the tool are located in a waterproof or water-proof chamber, but rather the electric motor, battery, and electronic control unit are housed in a waterproof section of the overall housing, this waterproof section can be designed relatively compactly and small, which improves the reliability of the sealing function and reduces complexity. Elastic deformation of the housing due to external forces can be better controlled, in particular, the tightness of the waterproof section of the housing can be less compromised.

[0013] A particular advantage of the measures according to the invention is that a relatively high load capacity of the electrical components can be achieved, and that thermal limits of the electrical components are non-critical or are reached relatively late due to good cooling. This is primarily because watertight embedding of the control device's electronic components in potting or sealing compound is not required.

[0014] Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the waterproof housing section to have a housing part that can be removed, pivoted, or relatively displaced by an operator, with the battery remaining accessible to the operator when the housing part is removed, pivoted, or relatively displaced. This offers the advantage that a conventional battery, i.e., a standard battery, can be used without special sealing measures against water ingress or wetting with water. Compared to a battery with underwater capability, which must be sealed against water ingress, such a standard battery is relatively inexpensive, easy to replace, and functionally proven or readily available.

[0015] According to a practical embodiment, it can be provided that, when the housing part is removed, pivoted, or relatively displaced, an actuating element is accessible, which is intended for detaching or removing the battery from the implement. This allows the battery to be easily replaced or removed from the implement, for example, for charging. Furthermore, the tightness of the waterproof housing section of the housing, which is required for underwater use, can be easily ensured.

[0016] Furthermore, it can be provided that a charge level indicator located on the battery is accessible and / or visible when the housing section is removed, pivoted, or relatively displaced. This allows the current charge level of the battery to be easily checked. Furthermore, this eliminates the need for technically complex viewing windows or transparent sections in the housing of the implement, which are problematic in terms of long-term leak-tightness.

[0017] According to a practical embodiment, an operating and / or display unit is formed which is connected to the control device via at least one electrical cable, wherein the operating and / or display unit preferably comprises a waterproof membrane key or a waterproof membrane keypad and is partially arranged in or fastened to the water-floodable housing section. The at least one electrical cable can be routed from the operating and / or display unit via an opening in the water-floodable housing section into an interior space of the water-floodable housing section. This creates a robust operating and display unit whose implementation in the work device can be implemented relatively economically.

[0018] Furthermore, it can be provided that a cable duct is formed in at least one partition wall between the waterproof housing section and the water-floodable housing section for the watertight passage of at least one cable, preferably several individual cables. Such a cable duct provides a reliable sealing function with respect to the waterproof housing section. It also enables problem-free positioning and electrical connection of relatively water-resistant electrical or electronic components, such as the operating and / or display unit or electrotechnical sensors, for example a pressure sensor, which can be arranged in the water-floodable housing section of the implement.

[0019] The cable entry can incorporate a casting compound that is fluid during processing and subsequently hardens or solidifies. This enables the construction of a particularly reliably sealed cable entry. Furthermore, such a cable entry can be implemented easily and reliably, even with multiple cables or a variable number of cables.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one light source, in particular LEDs, for illuminating an ambient area or work area of ​​the implement is arranged and secured to the water-floodable housing section and is connected to the control device via at least one additional cable. Such a light source can be adapted relatively easily for use in or under water. Furthermore, by attaching the at least one light source to the water-floodable housing section or by fastening it in the water-floodable housing section, favorable illumination of the work area can be achieved.

[0021] According to a practical development, it can be provided that the removable, pivotable, or relatively displaceable housing section can be replaced by a mechanical protective cover, which mechanical protective cover only surrounds the battery in sections and has no sealing effect against water ingress with regard to the battery or with regard to the otherwise waterproof housing section if the tool is immersed or submerged in water. This allows the tool to be easily converted into a splash-proof version, which is sufficient for many applications or areas of use. The cooling of the battery and the other electrical or power electronic components of the tool can thus be ensured to a high degree and the thermal load on the tool components can be kept low even under extreme loads.In addition, this provides advantageous mechanical protection for the battery housing and the electrical-mechanical battery interface, which is particularly advantageous in harsh operating conditions.

[0022] In particular, it can be advantageous if, when a mechanical protective cover is attached to the implement, an actuating element for disconnecting the battery is directly accessible and / or a battery charge level indicator is visible and / or accessible. This measure offers the advantage that the battery can be replaced without removing or adjusting the mechanical protective cover, and the indicator for its remaining capacity or charge level can be viewed or operated.

[0023] As already explained above, it can be advantageous if the mechanical protective cover is designed as a splash guard for the battery and / or for an electrical-mechanical interface between the battery and a battery contact point or coupling point on the implement. This allows the implement to be universally used and better adapted to the respective application or environmental conditions in dry or wet environments.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the work tool, a first sealing surface can be formed on an outer side of the hydraulic pump and / or on an outer side of a hydraulic tank for storing hydraulic fluid and / or on an outer side of the control valve, which first sealing surface cooperates in a sealing manner with a second sealing surface on an inner side of the housing. Thus, boundary surfaces or wall surfaces of hydraulic components of the work tool are advantageously used to achieve or ensure the watertightness or the spatial delimitation of the watertight housing section.According to a practical implementation, an elastomeric sealing element, preferably a conventional O-ring, can be arranged between a first sealing surface on an outer side of the hydraulic pump and a second sealing surface on an inner side of the housing. This elastomeric sealing element is intended to prevent water from entering the watertight housing section from the water-floodable housing section. This creates a sealing point that is reliable, cost-effective to implement, and causes little or no difficulty during assembly of the implement or its housing.

[0025] At least the power electronic components of the control device can be directly surrounded by an air space within the watertight housing section; in particular, their surface can be free of any encapsulation or sealing compound. Compared to a control device with components that are encapsulated or embedded in a sealing compound to protect against water, the relatively large or immediately adjacent air space allows for a significantly higher thermal load on the electronic components without causing overload. In particular, the cooling effect or cooling performance can be maintained at a high level compared to the power electronic components.

[0026] The electric motor can be designed as a brushless external rotor motor. This type of electric motor offers high power density and a compact design with high drive power, allowing the waterproof housing section to be designed as compactly as possible, keeping volume as small as possible.

[0027] As already stated above, the battery can have a battery housing without any sealing measures to prevent water ingress. In particular, despite the tool's ability to operate in or under water, a cost-effective or commercially available standard battery can be used, which is readily available and meets high safety standards.

[0028] The water-floodable housing section of the work tool can comprise at least a first and a second housing shell, which can in particular be designed as half-shells. A separating and joining plane between the first and second housing shell has no sealing measures against the ingress of water. This separating and joining plane can run parallel to or along the rotor axis of the electric motor. These housing shells or half-shells enable uncomplicated and rapid assembly of the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic tank, whereby the electric motor can protrude from the water-floodable housing section along its rotor axis. The housing section protecting against water ingress into the electric motor is then attached to the end face and then inverts the electric motor, in particular an externally arranged rotor of the electric motor designed as an external rotor motor.

[0029] The implement can further comprise a preferably dimensionally stable or inherently rigid hydraulic tank for storing hydraulic fluid, wherein boundary walls of the hydraulic tank and / or the hydraulic pump and / or the hydraulic valve form part or a section of watertight boundary walls or boundary surfaces of the watertight housing section. The already liquid-tight or watertight walls or surfaces of hydraulic components of the implement are thereby advantageously also used for spatially delimiting or watertightly delimiting or closing off the watertight housing section. In particular, the hydraulic tank of the implement and / or its hydraulic pump and / or its hydraulic valve can advantageously be used to prevent water from entering the watertight housing section.

[0030] The waterproof housing section can have a structurally independent, molded housing component, which housing component partially overlaps the water-floodable housing section with respect to a longitudinal direction of the working device running parallel to the rotor axis of the electric motor, in particular engaging or partially receiving the water-floodable housing section. This allows for the creation of a mechanically robust and long-term stable coupling between the floodable housing section and the waterproof housing section.

[0031] A boundary wall, in particular a so-called end cover, can be formed in the watertight housing section. The boundary wall is intended to protect the electric motor and the control device from direct access and from splashing water when the removable, pivotable, or relatively displaceable housing part is removed, pivoted, or relatively displaced. This makes it possible to achieve a high level of robustness and insensitivity of the working device to external influences.

[0032] Furthermore, it may be expedient to provide at least one coupling device that can be activated and deactivated without tools, preferably at least one tensioning buckle. In its deactivated state, this coupling device preferably enables removal, pivoting, or relative displacement of the housing part with respect to the implement or with respect to its base housing. This provides an operator with quick access to the battery. Furthermore, this allows for effortless and rapid replacement of the housing part ensuring watertightness with a mechanical protective cover for the battery. The implement can thus be optimally adapted to the respective operating conditions, in particular to dry or hot environments or to use in or under water.

[0033] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail using the following figures.

[0034] They show in a simplified, exemplary representation:

[0035] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a hydraulic, portable working device in plan view;

[0036] Fig. 2 shows the hydraulic unit of the working device according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view;

[0037] Fig. 3 the hydraulic unit according to Fig. 2 in longitudinal section;

[0038] Fig. 4 shows the hydraulic unit according to Fig. 2 with the front side cover removed and a sectioned, watertight housing section;

[0039] Fig. 5 the hydraulic unit according to Fig. 2 with a protective cover fitted as a replacement in a longitudinal section and with the battery disconnected in a diagonal front view;

[0040] Fig. 6 the hydraulic unit according to Fig. 2 with a replacement protective cover in longitudinal section and with the battery removed in a diagonal rear view.

[0041] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the various embodiments described, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or identical component designations, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be transferred mutatis mutandis to identical parts with identical reference symbols or identical component designations. The position information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., also relates to the directly described and illustrated figure, and if the position changes, these position information must be transferred mutatis mutandis to the new position. Fig. 1 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a hydraulic spreading tool, as can often be used to rescue people from crashed vehicles. Such a tool can also be used for other forcing or spreading work. In addition to the spreading tool shown, shearing tools are also known as similar tools.Generally speaking, such tools can be referred to as portable hydraulic working devices 1. Depending in particular on the tool design on a hydraulic unit 2 of the working device 1, such a working device 1 can perform cutting, crushing, spreading, lifting, and / or pulling functions.

[0042] The product referred to in its entirety as work tool 1 in Fig. 1 essentially comprises a hydraulic unit 2 and a hydraulically actuated or controlled tool 3 connected to it in the form of the aforementioned spreading device, a cutting device, a lifting device or the like. For example, the mechanical-hydraulic tool 3 is coupled to the hydraulic unit 2 via a mechanical-hydraulic interface 4, as can also be seen in Figs. 3 and 5. This coupling is preferably a fixed or permanent coupling, which can only be released with the aid of tools or only by disassembly. Alternatively, an interface that can be activated and deactivated without tools is also possible, although measures must be taken to prevent the loss of hydraulic fluid or to prevent air pockets in the hydraulic circuit between the hydraulic tool 3 and the hydraulic unit 2.

[0043] The total length 5 of the working device 1 is composed of the length 6 of the hydraulic unit 2 and the length 7 of the hydraulic tool 3. The length 7 of the hydraulic tool 3 is typically greater than the length 6 of the hydraulic unit 2. While the length 7 of the hydraulic tool 3 is essentially influenced by its performance or robustness, for example due to lever ratios or the underlying lever laws, the length 6 of the hydraulic unit 2 does not necessarily interact with its performance. Accordingly, the handling and ergonomics of the working device 1 can be improved, in particular by keeping the overall length of the hydraulic unit 2 as short as possible, without causing any loss of performance, in particular with regard to the mechanical pressure or cutting forces of the tool 3.The spreading tool 3 shown as an example comprises two spreading arms 8, 9, which are articulated on a base body 10 and can perform an opening and closing movement via a hydraulic cylinder 10a. At least one handle 11, 12 can expediently be formed on the base body 10 of the tool 3, which handle is intended to guide or hold the working device 1 as ergonomically and safely as possible by a rescuer.

[0044] A housing 13 of the hydraulic unit 2, which is preferably made of plastic, can also have or form at least one handle 14 for the most ergonomic holding and handling of the work tool 1. The portable and mains-powered work tool 1, in particular its hydraulic unit 2, has at least one electromechanical interface 15 - Figs. 3 to 6 - which is provided for the connection and disconnection of at least one battery pack as required. The at least one battery pack typically comprises a plurality of electrochemical battery cells and is referred to below as battery 16. Such a battery 16 is illustrated very schematically in Fig. 3 by dashed lines. The at least one battery 16, in its attached or properly plugged-in state on the work tool 1, is provided for the electrical power supply of the hydraulic, portable work tool 1.

[0045] As can be seen primarily from Figs. 3 to 6, the portable, battery-operated hydraulic unit 2 comprises an electric motor 17, which can be operated using the electrical energy of the battery 16, for driving a hydraulic pump 18 of the hydraulic unit 2. It is expedient if this electric motor 17 is formed by a disc-rotor motor, in particular by an electric motor 19 that is essentially disc-shaped in its design. Such a disc-shaped electric motor 19 has an axial length 22 running parallel to the longitudinal axis 20 of its output shaft 21, which is smaller or shorter than an outer diameter 23 of the disc-shaped motor 19, as can be seen in Figs. 3 to 6. In particular, such disc-shaped motors 19 have a relatively large ratio between outer diameter 23 and axial length 22 compared to conventional electric motors.Typically, this ratio between the outer diameter 23 of the disc-shaped motor 19 used and its axial length 22 is greater than 1, in particular greater than 1.5. According to a practical embodiment, this ratio has a value of approximately 2. Preferably, the disc-shaped motor 19 is directly connected for rotational movement to the hydraulic pump 18, i.e. without an intermediate gear. For this purpose, a drive shaft 24 of the hydraulic pump 18, which drive shaft 24 is designed, for example, as a hollow shaft, is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the output shaft 21 of the disc-shaped motor 19. The hydraulic pump 18 serves as a high-pressure pump for hydraulic fluids, in particular for hydraulic oil, and can, for example, be formed by a radial piston pump or eccentric pump, by an axial piston pump, or by another type of pump. A hydraulic tank 25, which is used for storing orThe hydraulic tank 25 is provided for accommodating a sufficient quantity of hydraulic fluid and is provided in particular for supplying the hydraulic tools 3 with the working medium. It is positioned between the disc-shaped motor 19 and the hydraulic pump 18 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hydraulic work device 1. In other words, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the work device 1, the hydraulic pump 18 is arranged directly adjacent to the opposite ends of the hydraulic tank 25, on the one hand, and the disc-shaped motor 19 is arranged directly adjacent to the hydraulic tank 25, on the other hand. The hydraulic tank 25 preferably defines the central mounting or fastening element, on the one hand, for the disc-shaped motor 19 and, on the other hand, i.e., opposite, for the hydraulic pump 18.

[0046] In order to enable position-independent operation of the hydraulic unit 2 or the work device 1, a compensating device 26 for hydraulic fluid is assigned to the hydraulic tank 25, in particular arranged within the hydraulic tank 25. This volume compensating device 26 can also be arranged outside the hydraulic tank 25 and be fluidly connected to the hydraulic tank 25. Such a compensating device 26 typically comprises an elastically flexible or elastically adjustable compensating diaphragm 27, which is preferably arranged inside or outside the hydraulic tank 25 and is movable or whose volume can change depending on the volume of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic tank 25. This creates elastically variable volumes inside or outside the hydraulic tank 25, which volumes can be adjusted relative to the hydraulic tank 25 or the hydraulic tank 25 during the filling and removal processes.prevent any undesired escape of hydraulic fluid from vent openings relative to the hydraulic cylinder 10a. In particular, the compensating device 26 makes it possible to dispense with vent openings in the hydraulic tank 25 or in the hydraulic system. For the manually controlled influencing of opening and closing movements or extension and retraction movements of the tool 3, at least one manually operated hydraulic valve 28 - Figs. 3 to 6 - is provided on the hydraulic unit 2. This hydraulic valve 28 can be transferred into the respective valve positions, in particular into alternating flow and blocking positions, by at least one actuating element 29, for example by a rocker switch shown in Fig. 2. Typically, piston or slide positions in the hydraulic valve 28 are changed by the at least one actuating element 29.The hydraulic pressure generated by the hydraulic pump 18 can thus be controlled by the hydraulic valve 28 and fluid channels 30 of the hydraulic unit 2, and can be fed to or returned from the hydraulic cylinder 10a of the tool 3 (Fig. 1). In particular, the hydraulic valve 28 serves to manually influence the adjustment movements of a piston rod 31 of the hydraulic cylinder 10a, indicated schematically in Fig. 1, which piston rod 31 or hydraulic cylinder 10a can be subjected to hydraulic pressure by the hydraulic pump 18.

[0047] The work device 1 further comprises an electronic control device 32, which is configured at least for controlling and / or regulating the electric motor 17. In particular, the control device 32 can comprise a power electronic commutation circuit, which is configured to provide the respective operating voltages or operating currents for the preferably brushless electric motor 17. The control device 32, in particular its commutation circuit, is connected to stator windings of the electric motor 17 via at least one cable, in particular via three electrically conductive cable wires 33.

[0048] It is essential that the housing 13 of the working device 1, in particular of the hydraulic unit 2, preferably made of plastic, has a water-floodable housing section 34 and a watertight housing section 35 protected against water ingress. At least the electric motor 17, the battery 16, and the electronic control device 32 are housed in the watertight housing section 35, which is protected against external water ingress. At least hydraulic components of the working device 1 are housed in the water-floodable housing section 34, in particular at least the hydraulic pump 18 and the hydraulic valve 28.Furthermore, an electrical pressure switch or pressure sensor 36 for detecting hydraulic pressures can be formed in the water-floodable housing section 34, i.e., in the housing section 34 not protected against water ingress. This pressure switch or pressure sensor 36 is connected to the control device 32 via a cable 37. Furthermore, a microswitch 38 or other position sensor relating to the actuating element 29 or the hydraulic valve 28 can be formed in the water-floodable housing section 34. This microswitch 38 or position sensor is connected to the control device 32 via a cable 39 and is provided for the controlled activation or speed increase of the electric motor 17.

[0049] In addition, an operating and / or display unit 40 can be formed on the work device 1, wherein the operating and / or display unit 40 is preferably arranged on an outer side 41 of the water-floodable housing section 34 and is connected via at least one electrical cable 42 to the control device 32 arranged in the watertight housing section 35. The operating and / or display unit 40 preferably comprises a waterproof membrane key or a waterproof membrane keypad 43. The at least one electrical cable 42 can be guided via an opening 44 in the water-floodable housing section 34, starting from the operating and / or display unit 40, into an interior space 45 of the water-floodable housing section 34, in particular being accommodated within the internally hollow handle 14.The section of the operating and / or display unit 40 facing the interior space 45 can be arranged in the water-floodable housing section 34 or delimit the interior space 45.

[0050] The work tool 1 can have at least one light source 46, in particular LEDs, for illuminating an ambient or work area of ​​the work tool 1. The at least one light source 46 can be attached to the water-floodable housing section 34 by means of at least one water-permeable opening 47 in the housing section 34, in particular via an unsealed joint or seam 48. The at least one light source 46 is connected via at least one further cable 49 to the control device 32, which control device 32 is positioned in the watertight housing section 35.

[0051] At least one watertight partition 50, 51 is formed between the watertight housing section 35 and the watertight housing section 34, as shown by way of example in Figs. 3 and 4. At least one cable duct 52 is provided for the watertight passage of at least one of the aforementioned cables 37, 39, 42, 49. Preferably, a single cable duct 52 is formed in the at least one partition 50, 51, which serves for the watertight passage of all cables 37, 39, 42, 49 that run or cross between the watertight housing section 34 and the watertight housing section 35.

[0052] The cable bushing 52 comprises a casting compound 53 that is flowable in the processed state and subsequently gradually hardens, which encloses or embeds the individual cables 37, 39, 42, 49 or their sheath insulation in a watertight manner. Such a casting compound 53 can be based on silicone, polyurethane, or resin. The sealing casting compound 53 can be accommodated in a pipe section 54, wherein the pipe section 54 is integrally connected to the at least one partition wall 50, 51 and penetrates the at least one partition wall 50, 51. The cables 37, 39, 42, 49 run through this pipe section 54 and are enclosed within the pipe section 54 by the casting compound 52 and embedded therein in a watertight manner.

[0053] The control device 32 in the waterproof housing section 35 can comprise one or more printed circuit boards. The control device 32 comprises power electronic components in the form of transistors or IGBTs, which are provided for providing the operating currents or operating voltages of the electric motor 17 and which generate a certain amount of waste heat due to switching losses.

[0054] The control device 32, in particular its power electronic components, are directly surrounded by an air space 55 within the waterproof housing section 35. Accordingly, the power electronic components of the control device 32, in particular, can be kept free of a water-repellent or short-circuit-preventing potting compound on their surface. In particular, the power electronic components are not encased in a waterproof or non-water-repellent plastic-based compound. This allows for a good cooling effect on the power electronic components and on the other components of the control device 32. In particular, their current carrying capacity can be relatively high without the need for complex and heavy heat sinks.Ultimately, relatively high loads on the power electronic components can be permitted or achieved over a comparatively longer period of time without causing thermal overload or endangering these components or the control device 32.

[0055] As best seen from a combined view of Figs. 2 and 4, the water-floodable housing section 34 can comprise at least a first and a second housing shell 56, 57. These two housing shells can be designed as half-shells, which, when joined together, essentially define the interior 45 of the floodable housing section 34. A separating and joining plane 58 between the first and second housing shells 56, 57 has no sealing measures against the ingress of water. The separating and joining plane 58 can run parallel to or along the rotor axis of the electric motor 17 or along the longitudinal axis of the hydraulic unit 2. The two housing shells 56, 57, or their design as half-shells, enables uncomplicated and rapid assembly and accommodation of the hydraulic pump 18 and the hydraulic tank 25 in the floodable housing section 34.

[0056] In the assembled or assembled state of the hydraulic unit 2, the electric motor 17 can be provided to protrude longitudinally, i.e., axially, along its rotor axis from the water-floodable housing section 34 or from the two housing sections 56, 57. The housing section 35 protected against water ingress or the housing section 35 protecting the electric motor 17 from water ingress is then plugged onto the end face of the first housing section 34 and, when unplugged, then inverts the electric motor 17 or its rotor 61, so that the electric motor 17 is protected from wetting with water or from immersion in water.

[0057] As best seen in Figs. 3 and 4, the electric motor 17 is designed as a disc-shaped external rotor motor 59. This disc-shaped external rotor motor 59, with its internal stator 60 and its externally arranged or externally rotating rotor 61, is arranged within the watertight housing section 35. The external rotor motor 59 therefore requires no special precautions to enable operation underwater. The use of a conventionally designed external rotor motor 59 is sufficient. Furthermore, the arrangement of the external rotor motor 59 in the watertight and thus always water-free housing section 35 of the hydraulic unit 2 prevents water turbulence, and the most energy-efficient operation of this electric motor 17 can be achieved when the work tool 1 is used underwater. The electric motor 17, in particular the aforementioned external rotor motor 59, is preferably designed to be brushless.

[0058] As can best be seen from Figs. 3 and 4, a first sealing surface 63 can be formed on an outer side 62 of the hydraulic tank 25 and / or on an outer side of the hydraulic pump 18, which first sealing surface 63 cooperates in a sealing manner with a second sealing surface 64 on an inner side of the housing 13. An elastomeric sealing element 65, in particular a conventional O-ring, can be arranged between the first and second sealing surfaces 63, 64, which elastomeric sealing element 65 is provided to prevent water from entering the watertight housing section 35 from the water-floodable housing section 34.

[0059] The preferably dimensionally stable or inherently dimensionally stable hydraulic tank 25, to which the electric motor 17 can be attached, in particular screwed, stores at least a portion of the total amount of hydraulic fluid contained in the work tool 1. Predefined boundary walls 66 of the hydraulic tank 25 and / or the hydraulic pump 18 and / or the hydraulic valve 28 form a part or a section of watertight boundary walls 66 or boundary surfaces 67 of the watertight housing section 35, as can be seen by way of example, especially in Fig. 4. Accordingly, boundary surfaces 67 of hydraulic components of the hydraulic unit 2 also function as watertight wall sections or boundary surfaces 67 for the watertight housing section 35 of the hydraulic unit 2 or the work tool 1.Accordingly, boundary surfaces 67 of the hydraulic tank 25 and / or the hydraulic pump 18 and / or the hydraulic valve 28, which hydraulic components are sealed against the ingress of unwanted fluids or are watertight, are also used to prevent unwanted ingress of water into the watertight housing section 35.

[0060] As best seen in Fig. 3, the watertight housing section 35 can have a structurally independent, shaped housing component 68, which housing component 68 partially overlaps the water-floodable housing section 34 with respect to a longitudinal direction of the working device 1 running parallel to the rotor axis of the electric motor 17, in particular engages in the water-floodable housing section 34 or is partially received therein. In particular, the watertight housing section 35 can partially overlap the floodable housing section 34 in the manner of a telescopic connection. The second sealing surface 64 can be formed on this housing component 68 of the watertight housing section 35.

[0061] A boundary wall 69, in particular a so-called end cover, can be formed within the waterproof housing section 35. This boundary wall 69 is provided to protect the electric motor 17 and the control device 32 from direct access by a person and from splash water or particles (ingress protection) when the waterproof housing section 35 has been manually opened by an operator as needed. In particular, the waterproof housing section 35 can have a housing part 70 that can be removed, pivoted, or relatively displaced by an operator. In the removed, pivoted, or relatively displaced state of the housing part 70, the battery 16 for driving the working device 1 is accessible to the operator.

[0062] This battery 16 preferably has a battery housing 71 that is designed without any sealing measures to prevent water ingress. In particular, a standard battery 16 or a conventional battery housing 71 is provided, which has no special or additional sealing measures to enable use underwater. It is sufficient if the standard battery 16 or its battery housing 71 is designed to be splash-proof. By accommodating the battery 16 in the waterproof housing section 35 of the hydraulic unit 2, the work tool 1 can still be used in water or underwater reliably and without problems.

[0063] When the housing part 70 is removed from the implement 1 or pivoted or displaced relative to the implement 1, an actuating element 72 is accessible, which is configured to uncouple and remove the battery 16 from the implement 1 as needed. This actuating element 72, which can be designed as a push button, is preferably formed on the battery housing 71.

[0064] According to a suitable embodiment, the battery 16 and the housing part 70 can be configured such that, when the housing part 70 is removed, pivoted, or relatively displaced, a charge level indicator 73 arranged on the battery 16 or on the battery housing 71 is accessible and / or visible. Using this charge level indicator 73 or remaining capacity indicator, an operator can determine the current charge level of the battery 16.

[0065] As can be seen from Figs. 5 and 6, according to one embodiment of the working device 1, it can be provided that the removable, pivotable, or relatively displaceable housing part 70 can be replaced, if necessary, by a mechanical protective cover 74. This mechanical protective cover 74 only surrounds the battery 16 in sections and has no sealing effect against water ingress. In particular, water can enter the waterproof housing section 35 when the housing part 70 is removed or opened, so that in this state, use of the working device 1 underwater is not possible or permitted due to the risk of electrical short circuits. Nevertheless, the mechanical protective cover 74 can offer defined splash protection against the electrical components of the working device 1, in particular for the battery 16, the control device 32, and / or the electric motor 17.The mechanical protective cover 74 can be designed in a shell-shaped or hood-like manner and, above all, protects a battery 16 attached or plugged onto the working device 1 from damage or direct external force or impact. This is particularly advantageous for standard applications of the working device 1, where operation in or under water is not intended.

[0066] Furthermore, it can be provided that, when a mechanical protective cover 74 is attached to the work tool 1, the actuating element 72 for uncoupling or removing the battery 16 is preferably directly accessible and / or the charge level indicator 73 of the battery 16 is visible and / or accessible to the operator. For this purpose, the geometry of the protective cover 74 and / or the structure of the battery 16 or the battery housing 71 must be suitably selected or dimensioned. For example, the mechanical protective cover 74 can extend over 30% to 90%, preferably over 40% to 70% of the vertical height of the battery 16. This can be done starting from the lower end of the battery housing 71 in the vertical direction.

[0067] In particular, it may be expedient if the mechanical protective cover 74 can be attached to the working device 1 optionally or as a replacement for the housing part 70 ensuring watertightness, wherein the mechanical protective cover 74 functions as mechanical protection and as splash protection for the battery 16 and / or for the electrical-mechanical interface 15 between the battery 16 and a battery contact point 75 on the working device 1.

[0068] As best seen in Fig. 2, at least one coupling device 76, preferably at least one tensioning buckle 77, which can be activated and deactivated without tools, can be formed on the working device 1. In its deactivated state, this coupling device 76 enables removal, pivoting, or relative displacement of the housing part 70 with respect to the working device. In the activated state of the coupling device 76, the housing part 70 is held on the working device 1 in such a way that it protects the watertight housing section 35 from water ingress. The housing part 70 and the mechanical protective cover 74 can be selectively fixed to the working device 1 by means of the coupling device 76 and, in the fixed state, are each connected to the working device 1 in a tear-proof manner.

[0069] The embodiment relating to the pivotability of the housing part 70 can be implemented via a pivot axis 78 indicated in dashed lines in Fig. 2. This pivot axis 78 creates an articulated connection between the housing part 70 and the rest of the housing 13. This pivot axis 78 can, in contrast to the illustrated attachment to the lower end section of the housing part 70, also be provided on one of the two side surfaces or on the upper end section of the housing part 70.

[0070] The alternative embodiment concerning relative adjustability of the housing part 70 can be implemented via a guide arrangement 79 indicated in dashed lines in Fig. 2. This guide arrangement 79 creates a positive, relatively movable connection between the housing part 70 and the rest of the housing 13. This guide arrangement 79 can also be provided at the lower and / or upper end section of the housing part 70, in contrast to the illustrated attachment to the two side surfaces of the housing part 70.

[0071] To achieve the required watertightness of the watertight housing section 35, the housing part 70, which can be removed if necessary, preferably has a sealing element 80, which can be formed by a simple O-ring. This sealing element 80 is located in the watertight, assembled state of the housing part 70 - Figs. 3, 4 - between corresponding sealing surfaces on the housing part 70 and on the housing component 68. The housing component 68, together with the housing part 70, defines at least some of the boundary walls of the watertight housing section 35. Such a sealing element 80 can also be provided on the protective cover 74, which can be used as a replacement, as can be seen from Figs. 5 and 6.

[0072] The embodiments show possible embodiments, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments with each other are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the teaching of technical action by means of the objective invention.

[0073] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0074] All information on value ranges in this description is to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, ie all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0075] For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size to improve understanding of the structure.

[0076] Working device 29 Actuating element

[0077] Hydraulic unit 30 fluid channel

[0078] Tool 31 Piston rod mechanical-hydraulic interface 32 Control device

[0079] Total length 33 cable cores

[0080] Length 34 floodable housing section

[0081] Length 35 waterproof housing section

[0082] Spreader arm 36 pressure sensor

[0083] Spreader arm 37 cable

[0084] Base body 38 Microswitch a Hydraulic cylinder 39 Cable

[0085] Handle 40 Control and / or display unit

[0086] Handle 41 outside

[0087] Housing 42 Cable

[0088] Handle 43 Membrane keypad electrical-mechanical interface 44 Breakthrough

[0089] Battery 45 interior

[0090] Electric motor 46 lamps

[0091] Hydraulic pump 47 Breakthrough disc-shaped motor 48 Joining or seam point

[0092] Longitudinal axis 49 cables

[0093] Output shaft 50 Partition axial length 51 Partition

[0094] Outer diameter 52 cable entry

[0095] Drive shaft 53 potting compound

[0096] Hydraulic tank 54 pipe section

[0097] Compensation device 55 airspace

[0098] Compensating membrane 56 first housing shell

[0099] Hydraulic valve 57 second housing shell separation and joining level external rotor motor

[0100] stator

[0101] rotor

[0102] Outside first sealing surface second sealing surface

[0103] Sealing element

[0104] Boundary walls Boundary surfaces Housing component Boundary sw and Housing part

[0105] Battery housing

[0106] Actuating element charge level indicator

[0107] S ection cover Battery contact point Coupling device Clamping buckle Pivot axis Guide arrangement Sealing element

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Portable underwater work device (1) with cutting, crushing, spreading, lifting or pulling function, comprising a housing (13), an electric motor (17) arranged in the housing (13), a hydraulic pump (18) driven by the electric motor (17), a battery (16) for providing electrical energy to the electric motor (17), an electronic control device (32) for controlling and / or regulating the electric motor (17), a hydraulic valve (28) for manually influencing adjustment movements of a piston rod (31), which piston rod (31) can be pressurized with hydraulic pressure by the hydraulic pump (18), characterized in that the housing (13) has a housing section (34) that can be flooded with water and a watertight housing section (35) protected against water ingress, wherein at least the electric motor (17) is located in the watertight housing section (35),the battery (16) and the electronic control device (32) are housed, and wherein at least the hydraulic pump (18) and the hydraulic valve (28) are housed in the water-floodable housing section (34).

2. Working device according to claim 1, characterized in that the waterproof housing section (35) has a housing part (70) that can be removed, pivoted or moved relative to the operator, wherein the battery (16) is accessible to the operator in the removed, pivoted or moved relative state of the housing part (70).

3. Working device according to claim 2, characterized in that in the removed pivoted or relatively displaced state of the housing part (70) an actuating element (72) is accessible which is designed to disconnect the battery (16) from the working device (1).

4. Working device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that in the removed, pivoted or relatively displaced state of the housing part (70) a charge status indicator (73) arranged on the battery (16) is accessible and / or visible.

5. Working device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an operating and / or display unit (40) is formed, wherein the operating and / or display unit (40) is arranged on an outer surface (41) of the water-floodable housing section (34) and is connected to the control device (32) via at least one electrical cable (42), wherein the operating and / or display unit (40) preferably comprises a waterproof membrane keypad or a waterproof membrane keypad (43), and wherein the at least one electrical cable (42) is led from the operating and / or display unit (40) through an opening (44) in the water-floodable housing section (34) into an interior space (45) of the water-floodable housing section (34).

6. Working device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one partition (50, 51) is formed between the waterproof housing section (34) and the water-floodable housing section (35), wherein a cable passage (52) for the waterproof passage of at least one cable (37, 39, 42, 49), preferably of several individual cables, is formed through the at least one partition (50, 51).

7. Working device according to claim 6, characterized in that the cable entry (52) comprises a flowable, hardening potting compound (53) in the processing state.

8. Working device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one light source (46), in particular LEDs, for illuminating an area surrounding the working device (1) is attached to the water-floodable housing section (34) by means of at least one water-permeable opening (47) in the water-floodable housing section (34), wherein the at least one light source (46) is connected to the control device (32) via at least one cable (49).

9. Working device according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the removable, pivotable or relatively displaceable housing part (70) can be replaced by a mechanical protective cover (74), which mechanical protective cover (74) only partially surrounds the battery (16) and does not have a sealing effect against water ingress.

10. Working device according to claim 9, characterized in that, with a mechanical protective cover (74) attached to the working device (1), an actuating element (72) for decoupling the battery (16) is accessible and / or a charge status indicator (73) of the battery (16) is visible and / or accessible.

11. Working device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the mechanical protective cover (74) is designed as splash water protection for the battery (16) and / or for an electro-mechanical interface (15) between the battery (16) and a battery contact point (75) on the working device (1).

12. Working device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first sealing surface (63) is formed on an outside of the hydraulic pump (18) or on an outside (62) of a hydraulic tank (25) for storing hydraulic fluid, which first sealing surface (63) interacts sealingly with a second sealing surface (64) on an inside of the housing (13).

13. Working device according to claim 12, wherein an elastomeric sealing element (65), in particular a conventional O-ring, is arranged between the first and second sealing surfaces (63, 64), which elastomeric sealing element (65) is designed to prevent water ingress from the water-floodable housing section (34) into the watertight housing section (35).

14. Working device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that power electronic components of the control device (32) are directly surrounded by an air space (55) within the waterproof housing section (35).

15. Working device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electric motor (17) is a brushless external rotor motor (59).

16. Working device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery (16) has a battery housing (71) without sealing measures against the ingress of water.

17. Working device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing section (34) which can be flooded with water comprises at least a first and a second housing shell (56, 57), wherein a separation and joining plane (58) between the first and second housing shell (56, 57) does not have any sealing measures against the ingress of water.

18. Working device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the working device (1) further comprises a hydraulic tank (25) for storing hydraulic fluid, wherein boundary walls (66) of the hydraulic tank (25) and / or the hydraulic pump (18) form part of watertight boundary walls (66) or boundary surfaces (67) of the watertight housing section (35).

19. Working device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the waterproof housing section (35) has a structurally independent housing component (68) which housing component (68) partially overlaps the water-floodable housing section (34) with respect to a longitudinal direction of the working device (1) running parallel to the rotor axis of the electric motor (17).

20. Working device according to one of claims 2 to 19, characterized in that a boundary wall (69) is formed in the waterproof housing section (35), wherein the boundary wall (69) is provided to protect the electric motor (17) and the control device (32) from direct access and from splashing water when the removable, pivotable or relatively displaceable housing part (70) is removed, pivoted or relatively displaced.

21. Working device according to one of claims 2 to 20, wherein at least one coupling device (76) which can be activated and deactivated without tools, preferably at least one tensioning buckle (77), is formed, wherein this coupling device (76) in its deactivated state enables the removal, pivoting or relative displacement of the housing part (70) with respect to the working device (1).

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