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

[0002] These types of work tools are particularly well-known as spreaders, cutters, or combination tools and are typically used by rescue organizations such as fire departments or technical relief services, as well as by special operations units. To ensure rapid deployment of such work or rescue equipment, efforts are made to design these technical aids to be portable and therefore as lightweight as possible. To enable operation independent of power generators or power grids, these work tools are increasingly powered by electrochemical energy storage devices, especially batteries, to activate the attached tools. The applicant offers a variety of battery-powered work tools designed to be carried and operated by a single person.

[0003] The basic technical design of a generic, previously known work device of the applicant is disclosed, for example, in WO 2018 / 227222 A1.

[0004] There is an increasing need for such work and rescue equipment to be used in or even underwater, for example in connection with vehicles involved in accidents in rivers and other bodies of water.

[0005] WO 2020 / 108727 A1 describes a generic piece of equipment intended for underwater use. Its housing is not protected against water ingress. The electric motor inside the housing, which drives the hydraulic pump, is a brushless DC motor. The electrical connections for the power cables supplying the electric motor are spaced sufficiently far apart to prevent electrical short circuits via the water, which is an electrically conductive medium, should the connections be submerged. Furthermore, the plug or solder connections of electrical cables leading to an electronic control unit are protected against water ingress. In addition, the electronic components on the control unit's circuit board are encapsulated with potting compound to protect them from water ingress.Manufacturing such a device requires complex production techniques and intricate assembly steps. Furthermore, its suitability for use in water with increased electrical conductivity, such as contaminated or saline water, is only partially satisfactory.

[0006] WO 2021 / 047774 A1 describes a portable work device in which a detachable electrical contact is formed between the battery and the electronic control unit of the work device. 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 is intended to allow the work device to be operated underwater, particularly in saltwater. The reliability of the specified measures appears problematic, and the overall technical effort seems high, making the proposed measures only partially satisfactory.

[0007] US Patent 2020 / 0251696 A1 describes, on the one hand, a waterproof or water-resistant battery pack (Figs. 1-8, 12) for a power tool assembly, and on the other hand, a power tool assembly in the form of a handheld, battery-powered water jet pressure washer (Figs. 9-11 and 13-17). According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 14, the water jet pressure washer comprises an outer housing without water sealing measures. A water outlet, a water pressure booster pump, a gearbox, an electric motor, an electrical switch, a control device, and a battery pack are arranged within the outer housing. The electric motor, the control device, and the battery pack are housed in a watertight sealed housing body, which is located inside the outer housing.The waterproof housing protects the electric motor, control unit, and battery pack from contact with water. A release lever mounted on the housing activates the electric motor via an electrical switch, which in turn activates the water pressure booster pump. Once the water is supplied through a water connection, the pressure is increased by the pump, and the water is then expelled through the water outlet.

[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 high functional reliability or availability and can still be built as economically and process-stable as possible.

[0009] This task is solved by a work device that meets the requirements.

[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 interior of the housing. The housing shells are connected to each other at corresponding joining edges. At least one electric motor and a hydraulic pump driven by the electric motor are arranged in the housing. A battery, preferably removable from the working device, is provided to supply electrical energy to 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 the adjustment movements of a piston rod, which piston rod can be pressurized with hydraulic pressure by the hydraulic pump.The housing comprises a section that can be flooded with water and a waterproof section protected against water ingress. The section protected against water ingress houses at least the electric motor, the battery, and the electronic control unit. The section that can be flooded with water houses at least the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic valve.

[0011] The device according to the invention has a design that enables quality-assured and process-stable manufacturing. Furthermore, this device is economical to manufacture and offers high long-term functional reliability, even with regard to use in or under water. Gradual corrosion of 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 formation on metallic surfaces, especially on relatively moving parts of the electric motor, which can impair the intended function, is reliably prevented. This is achieved through the specified division of the housing into sections or chambers with different sealing requirements and the specified allocation of the respective components to these sections or chambers.The chambers ensure a high level of robustness and functional stability of the equipment in connection with use in or under water.

[0012] Since not all components of the device are housed in a waterproof or water-resistant chamber, but rather the electric motor, battery, and electronic control unit are specifically located in a waterproof section of the overall housing, this waterproof section can be relatively compact. This improves the reliability of the seal and reduces complexity. Elastic deformations of the housing due to external forces can be better controlled, thus minimizing any potential compromise to the watertightness of the waterproof section.

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

[0014] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the waterproof housing section has a removable, pivotable, or relatively sliding housing part that can be accessed by the operator, with the battery remaining accessible when the housing part is removed, pivoted, or relatively shifted. This offers the advantage that a conventional battery, i.e., a standard battery without special sealing measures against water ingress or contact with water, can be used. Such a standard battery is relatively inexpensive, easily replaceable, and functionally proven or readily available compared to an underwater-rated battery, which must be sealed against water ingress.

[0015] Depending on a suitable design, an actuating element can be provided that, when the housing part is detached, pivoted, or relatively displaced, it is accessible for disconnecting or removing the battery from the device. This allows the battery to be easily changed or removed from the device, for example, for charging. Furthermore, the necessary watertightness of the waterproof housing section 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 part is removed, pivoted, or shifted relative to the housing. This allows the current charge level of the battery to be easily checked. In addition, this eliminates the need for technically complex viewing windows or transparent sections in the housing of the work tool, which are problematic in terms of long-term sealing.

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

[0018] Furthermore, it may be provided that at least one partition wall between the waterproof housing section and the water-permeable housing section includes a cable gland for the watertight routing of at least one cable, preferably several individual cables. Such a cable gland provides a reliable seal with respect to the waterproof housing section. It also enables the easy 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 may be located in the water-permeable housing section of the device.

[0019] The cable gland can incorporate a potting compound that is flowable during processing and subsequently hardens or solidifies. This allows for the construction of a particularly reliable and sealing cable gland. Furthermore, such a cable gland can be easily and reliably implemented even with multiple cables or a variable number of cables.

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

[0021] According to a suitable further development, the removable, pivotable, or relatively sliding housing part can be replaced by a mechanical protective cover. This cover only partially surrounds the battery and does not provide a seal against water ingress, either to the battery itself or to the otherwise waterproof housing section, when the device is immersed in water. This allows the device to be easily converted into a splash-proof version, which is sufficient for many applications. This ensures a high degree of cooling for the battery and other electrical and power electronic components of the device, and also keeps the thermal stress on the device components low, even under extreme conditions.Furthermore, this provides advantageous mechanical protection for the battery housing or the electromechanical battery interface, which is particularly beneficial in harsh operating conditions.

[0022] In particular, it can be advantageous if, when a mechanical protective cover is attached to the work tool, an operating element for disconnecting the battery is readily 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 that the indicator for its remaining capacity or charge level can be viewed and / or operated.

[0023] As explained above, it can be advantageous if the mechanical protective cover is designed as splash protection for the battery and / or for an electromechanical interface between the battery and a battery contact point or coupling point on the tool. This makes the tool more universally applicable and better adaptable to the respective operating or environmental conditions in dry or wet environments.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the working device, a first sealing surface can be formed on the outside of the hydraulic pump and / or on the outside of a hydraulic tank for storing hydraulic fluid and / or on the outside of the control valve. This first sealing surface interacts with a second sealing surface on the inside of the housing. This advantageously utilizes boundary surfaces or wall surfaces of hydraulic components of the working device to achieve or ensure watertightness or the spatial delimitation of the watertight housing section.

[0025] In a practical implementation, an elastomeric sealing element, preferably a conventional O-ring, can be arranged between a first sealing surface on the outside of the hydraulic pump and a second sealing surface on the inside of the housing. This elastomeric sealing element prevents water from entering the watertight housing section from the water-permeable section. This creates a reliable and cost-effective sealing point that causes little to no difficulty during assembly of the device or its housing.

[0026] At least the power electronic components of the control device can be directly surrounded by an air space within the waterproof housing section; in particular, their surface can be free of potting compound or sealant. Compared to a control device with components that are potted or embedded in a sealant for protection 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, this allows the cooling effect or cooling capacity of the power electronic components to be maintained at a high level.

[0027] The electric motor can be designed as a brushless external rotor motor. Such an electric motor offers high power density and a compact design with high drive power, which allows the waterproof housing section to be designed compactly and with the smallest possible volume.

[0028] As stated above, the battery may have a housing without any sealing measures against water ingress. In particular, despite the device's suitability for use in or under water, a cost-effective or commercially available standard battery can be used, which offers good availability and meets high safety standards.

[0029] The water-floodable housing section of the working device can comprise at least a first and a second housing shell, which can be designed as half-shells. A separation and joining plane between the first and second housing shells lacks any sealing measures to prevent water ingress. This separation and joining plane can run parallel to or along the rotor axis of the electric motor. These housing shells or half-shells allow for straightforward and rapid mounting of the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic tank, with the electric motor protruding from the water-floodable housing section along its rotor axis. The housing section that protects against water ingress into the electric motor is then attached at the front and inverts the electric motor, in particular an externally mounted rotor of the external rotor motor.

[0030] The working device further comprises a preferably dimensionally stable or self-rigid hydraulic tank for storing hydraulic fluid, wherein the 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 fluid- or watertight walls or surfaces of the hydraulic components of the working device are thus advantageously used to spatially define or to watertightly delimit or seal the watertight housing section. In particular, the hydraulic tank of the working device and / or its hydraulic pump and / or its hydraulic valve is advantageously used to prevent water from entering the watertight housing section.

[0031] The waterproof housing section can have a structurally independent, shaped housing component which, with respect to a longitudinal direction of the working device running parallel to the rotor axis of the electric motor, partially overlaps with the water-floodable housing section, in particular engages with or is partially incorporated into the water-floodable housing section. This allows for a mechanically robust and long-term stable connection between the floodable housing section and the waterproof housing section.

[0032] The waterproof housing section may include a boundary wall, in particular a so-called end cover, which is designed to protect the electric motor and the control device from direct access and splashing water when the removable, pivotable, or relatively displaceable housing part is removed, pivoted, or relatively displaced. This ensures a high degree of robustness and insensitivity of the device to external influences.

[0033] Furthermore, it can be advantageous to have at least one coupling device, preferably at least one tensioning buckle, that can be activated and deactivated without tools. In its deactivated state, this coupling device preferably allows the housing part to be removed, pivoted, or shifted relative to the working device or its base housing. This enables quick access to the battery for the operator. Moreover, it allows for easy and rapid replacement of the waterproof housing part with a mechanical protective cover for the battery. The working device can thus be optimally adapted to the respective operating conditions, particularly to dry or hot environments, or to use in or under water.

[0034] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0035] They each show, in a simplified, exemplary representation: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a hydraulic, portable work device in top view; Fig. 2 shows the hydraulic unit of the work device. Fig. 1 in perspective view; Fig. 3 the hydraulic unit according to Fig. 2 in longitudinal section; Fig. 4 the hydraulic unit according to Fig. 2 with the front side cover removed and a sectioned, waterproof housing section shown; Fig. 5 the hydraulic unit according to Fig. 2 with a protective cover temporarily attached in longitudinal section and with the battery disconnected in a view from a front oblique angle; Fig. 6 the hydraulic unit after Fig. 2 with a protective cover temporarily attached in longitudinal section and with the battery removed, viewed from a rear angle.

[0036] It should be noted at the outset that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated, and these positional designations must be applied analogously to the new position if the position changes.

[0037] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of a hydraulic spreading tool, such as is frequently used for rescuing people from wrecked vehicles. However, such a tool can also be used for other forcing or spreading operations. Besides the spreading tool shown, shear tools are also known as similar tools. In a broader sense, such tools can be described as portable hydraulic work devices 1. Depending on the tool configuration on a hydraulic power unit 2 of the work device 1, cutting, crushing, spreading, lifting, and / or pulling functions can be performed with such a work device 1.

[0038] The in Fig. 1The product, referred to in its entirety as working equipment 1, essentially comprises a hydraulic power unit 2 and a hydraulically actuated or controllable 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 connected via a mechanical-hydraulic interface 4, as also found in the Fig. 3 and 5 As can be seen, the hydraulic unit 2 is coupled. This coupling is preferably a fixed or permanent coupling that can only be released with the aid of tools or 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 the formation of air pockets in the hydraulic circuit between the hydraulic tool 3 and the hydraulic unit 2.

[0039] The total length 5 of the working device 1 comprises the length 6 of the hydraulic power 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 power unit 2. While the length 7 of the hydraulic tool 3 is primarily influenced by its performance and robustness, for example, due to lever ratios and the underlying principles of leverage, the length 6 of the hydraulic power unit 2 is not necessarily directly related to its performance. Therefore, the handling and ergonomics of the working device 1 can be improved, particularly by minimizing the overall length of the hydraulic power unit 2, without compromising performance, especially regarding the mechanical pressure and cutting forces of the tool 3.

[0040] The exemplary spreading tool 3 comprises two spreading arms 8, 9, which are pivotally mounted on a base body 10 and can perform an opening and closing movement via a hydraulic cylinder 10a. Advantageously, at least one handle 11, 12 can be provided on the base body 10 of the tool 3, which is intended for the most ergonomic and safe possible guidance and holding of the tool 1 by a rescue person.

[0041] 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 possible holding or handling of the work device 1. The portable and self-contained work device 1, in particular its hydraulic unit 2, has at least one electromechanical interface 15. Figs. 3 to 6- which is designed for the on-demand connection and disconnection of at least one battery pack. The at least one battery pack typically comprises a plurality of electrochemical battery cells and is hereinafter referred to as battery 16. Such a battery 16 is in Fig. 3 The diagram is highly schematic, illustrated by dashed lines. The at least one battery 16 is shown in its attached or properly connected state on the working device 1, providing electrical power to the hydraulic, portable working device 1.

[0042] As especially from the Figs. 3 to 6As can be seen, the portable, battery-powered hydraulic unit 2 comprises an electric motor 17, which is operated by the electrical energy of the battery 16, for driving a hydraulic pump 18 of the hydraulic unit 2. It is advantageous if this electric motor 17 is a disc rotor motor, in particular an electric motor 19 that is essentially disc-shaped in its construction. 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 the outer diameter 23 of the disc-shaped motor 19, as shown in the Figs. 3 to 6This is evident. In particular, such disc-shaped motors 19 exhibit 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, especially greater than 1.5. According to a practical design, this ratio is approximately 2.

[0043] Preferably, the disc-shaped motor 19 is directly connected to the hydraulic pump 18 via a rotary motion, i.e., without an intermediate gearbox. For this purpose, a drive shaft 24 of the hydraulic pump 18, which is for example designed as a hollow shaft, is non-rotatably connected 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 a radial piston pump or eccentric pump, an axial piston pump, or another pump design. A hydraulic tank 25, which is provided for storing or receiving a sufficient quantity of hydraulic fluid and in particular for supplying the hydraulic tools 3 with the working medium, is positioned between the disc-shaped motor 19 and the hydraulic pump 18 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hydraulic working device 1.In other words, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the working device 1, the hydraulic pump 18 is arranged directly adjacent to the hydraulic tank 25 at opposite ends, and the disc-shaped motor 19 is arranged directly adjacent to the hydraulic tank 25. Preferably, the hydraulic tank 25 defines the central mounting or fastening element for the disc-shaped motor 19 and, opposite it, for the hydraulic pump 18.

[0044] To enable position-independent operation of the hydraulic power unit 2 or the working device 1, a compensating device 26 for hydraulic fluid is associated with the hydraulic tank 25, preferably arranged inside the hydraulic tank 25. This volume compensating device 26 can also be arranged outside the hydraulic tank 25 and be fluidically connected to the hydraulic tank 25. Such a compensating device 26 typically comprises an elastically compliant or elastically adjustable compensating diaphragm 27, which is preferably arranged inside or outside the hydraulic tank 25 and is movable or volume-variable 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, during the filling and emptying processes of hydraulic fluid, are relative to the hydraulic tank 25 or the working device 1.The compensating device 26 prevents unwanted leakage of hydraulic fluid from vent openings in relation to the hydraulic cylinder 10a. In particular, the compensating device 26 eliminates the need for vent openings in the hydraulic tank 25 or in the hydraulic system.

[0045] For manually controlled influencing of opening and closing movements or of extension and retraction movements of the tool 3, at least one manually operated hydraulic valve 28 is provided on the hydraulic unit 2. Figs. 3 to 6 - provided. This hydraulic valve 28 is provided by at least one actuating element 29, for example by a Fig. 2The rocker switch shown can be moved into the respective valve positions, in particular into alternating flow and shut-off positions. Typically, at least one actuating element 29 changes the piston or slide positions in the hydraulic valve 28. The hydraulic pressure generated by the hydraulic pump 18 can thus be transmitted via the hydraulic valve 28 and via fluid channels 30 of the hydraulic unit 2 to the hydraulic cylinder 10a of the tool 3. Fig. 1 - controlled supply and return. In particular, the hydraulic valve 28 serves for the manual control of adjustment movements of a Fig. 1 schematically indicated piston rod 31 of the hydraulic cylinder 10a, which piston rod 31 or which hydraulic cylinder 10a can be pressurized by the hydraulic pump 18 with hydraulic pressure.

[0046] The working 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 include 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 the stator windings of the electric motor 17 via at least one cable, in particular via three electrically conductive cable conductors 33.

[0047] It is essential that the housing 13 of the working device 1, in particular the hydraulic unit 2, which is preferably made of plastic, has a housing section 34 that can be flooded with water and a watertight housing section 35 that is 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. At least hydraulic components of the working device 1, in particular at least the hydraulic pump 18 and the hydraulic valve 28, are housed in the watertight housing section 34.

[0048] Furthermore, an electrical pressure switch or pressure sensor 36 for detecting hydraulic pressures can be provided in the water-permeable 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. Additionally, a microswitch 38 or other position sensor relating to the actuating element 29 or the hydraulic valve 28 can be provided in the water-permeable housing section 34. This microswitch 38 or position sensor is connected to the control device 32 via a cable 39 and is intended for the controlled activation or speed increase of the electric motor 17.

[0049] Furthermore, the working device 1 can be equipped with an operating and / or display unit 40, wherein the operating and / or display unit 40 is preferably arranged on an outer surface 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 waterproof housing section 35. Preferably, the operating and / or display unit 40 comprises a waterproof membrane keypad or a waterproof membrane keypad 43. The at least one electrical cable 42 can be guided through an opening 44 in the water-floodable housing section 34 from the operating and / or display unit 40 into an interior 45 of the water-floodable housing section 34, and in particular be received within the hollow handle 14.The section of the operating and / or display unit 40 facing the interior 45 can be arranged in the housing section 34 which can be flooded with water or can limit the interior 45.

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

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

[0052] The cable gland 52 comprises a flowable, subsequently gradually hardening potting compound 53, which watertightens or embeds the individual cables 37, 39, 42, 49 or their sheath insulation. Such a potting compound 53 can be silicone-, polyurethane-, or resin-based. The sealing potting compound 53 can be contained within a pipe section 54, wherein the pipe section 54 is integrally connected to and penetrates the at least one partition 50, 51. The cables 37, 39, 42, 49 run through this pipe section 54 and are thereby enclosed within the pipe section 54 by the potting compound 52 and watertightly embedded therein.

[0053] The control device 32 in the waterproof housing section 35 can comprise one or more printed circuit boards. The control device 32 includes power electronic components in the form of transistors or IGBTs, which are intended 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, and 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. Specifically, the power electronic components are not encased in a waterproof or water-repellent plastic-based compound. This allows for effective cooling of the power electronic components and 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 without causing thermal overload or endangering these components or the control device 32.

[0055] How best to draw on a synthesis of the Fig. 2 and 4As can be seen, 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, essentially define the interior space 45 of the floodable housing section 34. A separation and joining plane 58 between the first and second housing shells 56, 57 does not have any sealing measures against the ingress of water. The separation 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, enable the hydraulic pump 18 and the hydraulic tank 25 to be easily and quickly mounted and installed in the floodable housing section 34.

[0056] In the assembled state of the hydraulic power unit 2, the electric motor 17 may protrude longitudinally, i.e., axially, from the water-floodable housing section 34 or from the two housing sections 56 and 57 along its rotor axis. The housing section 35, which is protected against water ingress, or the housing section 35 that protects the electric motor 17 from water, is then attached to the end face of the first housing section 34 and, when unattached, inverts the electric motor 17 or its rotor 61, thus protecting the electric motor 17 from being wetted by water or immersed in water.

[0057] How best to get from the Fig. 3 and 4As can be seen, 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 rotating rotor 61, is located within the watertight housing section 35. The external rotor motor 59 therefore requires no special provisions to enable underwater operation. The use of a conventionally designed external rotor motor 59 is sufficient. Furthermore, the arrangement of the external rotor motor 59 within the watertight and thus always water-free housing section 35 of the hydraulic unit 2 prevents water turbulence and also enables the most energy-efficient operation of this electric motor 17 when the working device 1 is used underwater. The electric motor 17, in particular the aforementioned external rotor motor 59, is preferably brushless.

[0058] How best to proceed from the Fig. 3 and 4 As can be seen, a first sealing surface 63 can be formed on an outer surface 62 of the hydraulic tank 25 and / or on an outer surface of the hydraulic pump 18, which first sealing surface 63 interacts sealingly with a second sealing surface 64 on an inner surface 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 intended to prevent water ingress from the water-floodable housing section 34 into the watertight housing section 35.

[0059] The preferably 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 in the working device 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 section of watertight boundary walls 66 or boundary surfaces 67 of the watertight housing section 35, as is particularly evident from Fig. 4This is exemplified below. Accordingly, boundary surfaces 67 of hydraulic components of the hydraulic power unit 2 also function as watertight wall sections or as boundary surfaces 67 for the watertight housing section 35 of the hydraulic power unit 2 or the working device 1. Accordingly, boundary surfaces 67 of the hydraulic tank 25 and / or the hydraulic pump 18 and / or the hydraulic valve 28, which are sealed against the ingress of unwanted fluids or are watertight, are also used to prevent the unwanted ingress of water into the watertight housing section 35.

[0060] How best to Fig. 3As can be seen, 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 with or is partially received in the water-floodable housing section 34. In particular, the watertight housing section 35 can partially overlap the water-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] Within the waterproof housing section 35, a boundary wall 69, in particular a so-called end cover, can be formed. This boundary wall 69 is designed to protect the electric motor 17 and the control device 32 from direct access by a person and from splashing 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 moved relative to the operator. When the housing part 70 is removed, pivoted, or moved relative to the operator, the battery 16 for powering the working device 1 is accessible to the operator.

[0062] Preferably, this battery 16 has a battery housing 71 which is designed without any sealing measures against water ingress. In particular, a standard battery 16 or a conventional battery housing 71 is provided which does not have any special or additional sealing measures for underwater use. It is sufficient if the standard battery 16 or its battery housing 71 is splash-proof. By housing the battery 16 in the waterproof housing section 35 of the hydraulic power unit 2, the use of the working device 1 in or under water is nevertheless reliably and easily possible.

[0063] In the state of the housing part 70 being detached from the working device 1 or in its pivoted or relatively displaced state relative to the working device 1, an actuating element 72 is accessible, which is designed for disconnecting and removing the battery 16 from the working device 1 as required. This actuating element 72, which may be designed as a push button, is preferably formed on the battery housing 71.

[0064] The battery 16 and the housing part 70 can be designed, according to a suitable embodiment, 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. By means of this charge level indicator 73 or remaining capacity indicator, an operator can ascertain the current charge level of the battery 16.

[0065] As from the Fig. 5 and 6As can be seen, according to one embodiment of the working device 1, the removable, pivotable, or relatively displaceable housing part 70 can be replaced as needed by a mechanical protective cover 74. This mechanical protective cover 74 only partially surrounds the battery 16 and does not provide a seal 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 provide defined splash protection for the electrical components of the working device 1, especially for the battery 16, the control device 32, and / or the electric motor 17. The mechanical protective cover 74 can be shell-shaped orThe housing should be designed like a hood and, above all, protect the battery 16 attached to or mounted on 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 working device 1, the actuating element 72 for decoupling 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 design of the battery 16 or the battery housing 71 must be selected or dimensioned appropriately. 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, starting from the lower vertical end of the battery housing 71.

[0067] In particular, it may be advantageous if the mechanical protective cover 74 can be optionally or alternatively attached to the housing part 70 which ensures water resistance on the working device 1, wherein the mechanical protective cover 74 serves as mechanical protection and as splash protection for the battery 16 and / or for the electro-mechanical interface 15 between the battery 16 and a battery contact point 75 on the working device 1.

[0068] How best to Fig. 2As can be seen, the working device 1 can be equipped with at least one coupling device 76, preferably at least one clamping buckle 77, which can be activated and deactivated without tools. In its deactivated state, this coupling device 76 allows the housing part 70 to be removed, pivoted, or moved relative 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-resistant manner.

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

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

[0071] Preferably, the housing part 70, which may be removable as required, has a sealing element 80, which may be a simple O-ring, to achieve the required watertightness of the watertight housing section 35. This sealing element 80 is located in the watertight assembly state of the housing part 70. Fig. 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 alternative protective cover 74, as can be seen from the Fig. 5 and 6 as is evident.

[0072] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiment variants thereof.

[0073] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be consulted to interpret the claims. The problem underlying the independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0074] All references to value ranges in this description are to be understood as encompassing any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g., the reference 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e., 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] Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, for a better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference numeral list 1 work equipment 29 Actuating element 2 hydraulic unit 30 Fluid channel 3 Tool 31 piston rod 4 mechanical-hydraulic interface 32 Control device 5 Total length 33 cable conductors 6 length 34 floodable housing section 7 length 35 waterproof housing section 8 Spreader arm 36 Pressure sensor 9 Spreader arm 37 Cable 10 basic body 38 microswitch 10a hydraulic cylinder 39 Cable 11 grab handle 40 Operating and / or display unit 12 grab handle 41 Outside 13 Housing 42 Cable 14 grab handle 43 Membrane keypad 15 electrical-mechanical interface 44 breakthrough 16 Battery 45 interior 17 electric motor 46 light bulbs 18 hydraulic pump 47 breakthrough 19 disc-shaped motor 48 Joining or seam point 20 Longitudinal axis 49 Cable 21 Output shaft 50 partition 22 axial length 51 partition 23 Outer diameter 52 cable entry 24 drive shaft 53 potting compound 25 hydraulic tank 54 Pipe section 26 Compensating device 55 airspace 27 Compensating membrane 56 first housing shell 28 hydraulic valve 57 second housing shell 58 Separation and joining plane 59 external rotor motor 60 stator 61 rotor 62 Outside 63 first sealing surface 64 second sealing surface 65 Sealing element 66 Boundary walls 67 Boundary surfaces 68 Housing component 69 boundary wall 70 Housing part 71 Battery housing 72 Actuating element 73 Battery level indicator 74 Protective cover 75 Battery contact point 76 Coupling device 77 Tensioning buckle 78 Swivel axis 79 Command order 80 Sealing element

Claims

1. A portable work tool (1) for underwater use with a cutting, squeezing, spreading, lifting or pulling function, comprising a housing (13), an electric motor (17) arranged in the housing (13), a hydraulic pump (18) drivable by the electric motor (17), a battery (16) for providing electrical energy for the electric motor (17), an electronic control device (32) for open-loop control and / or closed-loop control of the electric motor (17), a hydraulic valve (28) for manually influencing adjustment movements of a piston rod (31), onto which piston rod (31) hydraulic pressure can be applied by the hydraulic pump (18), wherein the work tool (1) further comprises a hydraulic tank (25) for storing hydraulic fluid, characterized in that the housing (13) has a housing section (34) which can be flooded with water and a watertight housing section (35) which is protected against water ingress, wherein boundary walls (66) of the hydraulic tank (25) and / or the hydraulic pump (18) and / or the hydraulic valve (28) form part of the watertight boundary walls (66) or boundary surfaces (67) of the watertight housing section (35), wherein at least the electric motor (17), the battery (16) and the electronic control device (32) are accommodated in the watertight housing section (35) which is protected from water ingress, and wherein at least the hydraulic pump (18) and the hydraulic valve (28) are accommodated in the housing section (34) which can be flooded by water.

2. The work tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the watertight housing section (35) has a housing part (70) which can be removed, pivoted or relatively displaced by an operator, wherein the battery (16) is accessible to the operator in the removed, pivoted or relatively displaced state of the housing part (70).

3. The work tool 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 configured for uncoupling the battery (16) from the work tool (1).

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

5. The work tool 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 side (41) of the housing section (34) that can be flooded with water 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 key 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) via an opening (44) in the housing section (34) that can be flooded with water into an interior (45) of the housing section (34) that can be flooded with water.

6. The work tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one separating wall (50, 51) is formed between the watertight housing section (34) and the housing section (35) which can be flooded with water, wherein a cable feedthrough (52) is formed for the watertight feedthrough of at least one cable (37, 39, 42, 49), preferably of a plurality of individual cables, through the at least one separating wall (50, 51).

7. The work tool according to claim 6, characterized in that the cable feedthrough (52) comprises a hardening casting compound (53) which is flowable in the processing state.

8. The work tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one illuminant (46), in particular LEDs, for illuminating an ambient region of the work tool (1) is fastened to the housing section (34) that can be flooded by water by means of at least one water-permeable opening (47) in the housing section (34) that can be flooded by water, wherein the at least one illuminant (46) is connected to the control device (32) via at least one cable (49).

9. The work tool 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) surrounds the battery (16) only in sections and has no sealing effect against water ingress.

10. The work tool according to claim 9, characterized in that, when the mechanical protective cover (74) is attached to the work tool (1), an actuating element (72) for decoupling the battery (16) is accessible and / or a charge state indicator (73) of the battery (16) is visible and / or accessible.

11. The work tool according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the mechanical protective cover (74) is configured as a splash water protection for the battery (16) and / or for an electrical-mechanical interface (15) between the battery (16) and a battery contacting point (75) on the work tool (1).

12. The work tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first sealing surface (63) is formed on an outer side of the hydraulic pump (18) or on an outer side (62) of a hydraulic tank (25) for storing hydraulic fluid, which first sealing surface (63) interacts in a sealing manner with a second sealing surface (64) on an inner side of the housing (13).

13. The work tool according to claim 12, characterized in that 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 configured to prevent water ingress from the housing section (34) that can be flooded with water into the watertight housing section (35).

14. The work tool 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 watertight housing section (35).

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

16. The work tool 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. The work tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing section (34) that can be flooded by water comprises at least a first and a second housing shell (56, 57), wherein a separating and joining plane (58) between the first and second housing shells (56, 57) has no sealing measures against the ingress of water.

18. The work tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the watertight housing section (35) has a structurally independently shaped housing component (68), which housing component (68) partially overlaps with the housing section (34) that can be flooded by water with respect to a longitudinal direction of the work tool (1) running parallel to the rotor axis of the electric motor (17).

19. The work tool according to one of claims 2 to 18, characterized in that a boundary wall (69) is formed in the watertight 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 splash water when the removable, pivotable or relatively displaceable housing part (70) is removed, pivoted or relatively displaced.

20. The work tool according to one of claims 2 to 19, characterized in that at least one coupling device (76) that 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 a removal, pivoting or relative displacement of the housing part (70) with respect to the work tool (1).

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