Method for operating a machine tool with a gentle start-up

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a machine tool (10) with a gentle start-up, preferably a jigsaw (18). In at least one step (140), at least one physical characteristic (142) of the machine tool (10), in particular a motor and / or battery current (24) of the machine tool (10), is detected by means of a detection unit (22), in particular a control or regulating unit (20) of the machine tool (10), in an idle operating state (144) of the machine tool (10) with a throttled movement. In at least one additional step (140), a threshold (172) of the physical characteristic (142), in particular a scraping threshold, is ascertained by means of an analysis unit (152), in particular the control or regulating unit (20) of the machine tool (10), on the basis of the detected physical characteristic (142), and in further operation of the machine tool (10), at least one drive unit (40) of the machine tool (10) is set to an operating state (184) under load, in particular with a movement speed which is increased relative to the idle operating state (144) with a throttled movement, when it is detected that the ascertained threshold (172) has been exceeded or undershot.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Method for operating a machine tool with soft start

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Methods for operating a machine tool with soft start and machine tools with them are already known. During soft start, a machine tool or a tool of the machine tool is initially operated with its movement throttled. When a workpiece is scratched in the movement throttled state, it is then determined whether a scratch threshold value set by the manufacturer is exceeded and the machine tool is automatically put into a load operating state with a higher tool movement speed than in the movement throttled state. This allows a workpiece to be scratched with little tearing at a throttled or reduced tool movement speed and then enables rapid further machining of the workpiece in the load operating state.

[0006] However, it may happen that the machine tool switches to the load operating state too early, too late or not at all, which reduces the cutting quality, user comfort or work progress.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] The invention relates to a method for operating a machine tool with the features of claim 1. Furthermore, a machine tool configured to carry out this method is claimed. Furthermore, a system comprising a machine tool and an external unit configured to carry out this method is claimed. A functional interface for enabling a configurable soft start and / or adaptive soft start is also claimed. Advantageous further developments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0009] This method allows a machine tool to be operated with adaptive soft start. A corresponding machine tool or a system consisting of a machine tool and an external unit can also be provided. Advantageously, the manufacturer no longer stores a fixed, unchangeable scratch threshold value, e.g., for the voltage of the machine tool's drive motor, in the machine tool's control or regulating unit. Upon exceeding this threshold, the machine tool automatically switches—especially in a non-adaptive manner—from a motion-restricted idle mode to a load mode.

[0010] Adaptive should be understood as a soft start that changes or adapts to the respective operating conditions of the machine tool. The soft start advantageously adapts or changes or adjusts itself automatically to different operating conditions of the machine tool and / or for the machine tool. In particular, a soft start that is adapted to the respective tool, the operating condition and / or the state of the machine tool can be enabled. For example, adapted to the mass or inertia of the tool being driven or used, or adapted to other tool properties and / or adapted to the respective setting, the state and / or the orientation of the machine tool. The respective setting can, for example, be understood as the set movement-throttled idle speed. For example, in the case of a jigsaw, the setting can also include operation with or without an orbital stroke orthe strength of the pendulum stroke or the like. The term “condition” is understood to mean, in particular, a running-in condition – the drive train of a brand new machine tool, for example, has a higher internal resistance – and / or a lubrication condition of the machine tool, an internal resistance of the battery pack and / or the machine tool, in particular due to its operating temperature and / or the like. The term “orientation” can be understood, for example, as the alignment of the machine tool in space, e.g. the tool points vertically downwards or towards the ground, vertically upwards or towards the sky, or in a horizontal direction or across the side; or the machine tool has any orientation in between. The machining quality that can be achieved with the machine tool can advantageously be improved by the adaptive control. In particular, the switching time orThe acceleration time between the motion-restricted idle operating state and the load operating state, which is particularly accelerated compared to the motion-restricted idle operating state, can be optimized. During operation, the machine tool therefore no longer switches to the load operating state too early, too late, or not at all, but rather at an improved time. This can increase the machining or cutting quality achievable with the machine tool.

[0011] Soft start characterizes a movement-throttled operation of the machine tool, in particular after the machine tool has been switched on, and subsequently, after detecting an exceedance or undershoot of a threshold value, in particular a scratch threshold value, an accelerated operation of the machine tool, in particular of a drive unit of the machine tool, advantageously of an output of the machine tool driven by the drive unit of the machine tool or of a tool mounted thereon. The threshold value is defined in the form of a characteristic physical parameter of the machine tool for scratching. Through soft start, scratching of a workpiece or initial penetration of the tool into a workpiece can occur at reduced tool speed; before the machine tool is transferred to a load operating state upon full workpiece contact and / or penetration of the tool into the workpiece.Tears and incorrect cuts can be avoided and the cutting quality and ease of use can be increased.

[0012] A method for operating a machine tool with soft start, in particular a hand-held power tool, advantageously with an oscillating or stroke-shaped output movement, for example a reciprocating saw, preferably a jigsaw or an oscillating multi-function tool, is proposed, comprising the following steps:

[0013] • detect, in particular by means of a control or regulating unit of the machine tool, at least one physical characteristic of the machine tool, in particular a motor and / or battery current of the machine tool, during a movement-throttled idle operating state of the machine tool,

[0014] • determining a threshold value, in particular a scratch threshold value, in particular a motor current scratch threshold value, based on the recorded physical characteristic, in particular by means of the control or regulating unit of the machine tool,

[0015] • putting a drive unit of the machine tool into a load operating state when detecting an exceedance or undershoot of the determined threshold value, in particular the scratch threshold value.

[0016] This provides a method for operating a machine tool with adaptive soft start. Advantageously, the physical parameter is recorded using a recording unit, and the scratch threshold is determined using an evaluation unit. Advantageously, the recording unit and the evaluation unit are a common unit, preferably the control or regulating unit of the machine tool, but could also be an external unit, for example, in particular an external unit connected to the control or regulating unit of the machine tool.

[0017] The scratch threshold value is advantageously determined or calculated as a function of or based on the determination of a base value of the physical parameter, in particular a base mean value. In particular by determining a scratch threshold value that deviates from the base value in percentage or absolute value and setting it as the threshold value. The term “set” should be understood in particular to mean that the determined or calculated threshold value is stored in at least one buffer and / or the control or regulating unit so that an exceedance or undershoot can be reliably detected. An exceedance or undershoot of the particularly defined threshold value is detected by the physical parameter further being recorded in particular by the recording unit and / or in particular by the evaluation unit and compared with the defined threshold value.The detection is advantageously performed by the detection unit and / or another detection unit. The detection unit thus monitors the physical parameter, advantageously continuously, particularly during operation of the machine tool. Compared to the movement-restricted idle operating state, the load operating state is at least a state with an increased movement speed of an output drive, or of a tool drivable by the drive, or of the drive unit of the machine tool.

[0018] The invention is therefore based on a method for operating a machine tool with soft start. The machine tool is initially operated in a movement-throttled idle operating state or a movement-throttled idle operating movement state. In particular, corresponding to operation of the machine tool at a reduced drive speed. In particular, at least initially free of external loads. If a threshold value or scratch threshold value of a physical parameter is exceeded or undershot, the machine tool is placed in a load operating state or a load operating movement state, or accelerated to it. In particular, the machine tool is at least controlled accordingly, even if resistance due to the machining of a workpiece is sometimes so high that at least an increased movement speed does not occur immediately.In particular, a provided current, a voltage and / or a speed of the drive unit is increased, or the drive unit is appropriately energized or subjected to a corresponding power in order to achieve the load operating state. One could also say that a method for operating a machine tool with soft start is to be understood as operation with an initially reduced drive, output and / or tool speed or speed or stroke rate or the like, before the machine tool is automatically put into a load operating state, so to speak, particularly when or after a force threshold, a power and / or current threshold of the machine tool, in particular of the drive unit of the machine tool or the like, is exceeded or a drive, output and / or tool speed or a speed or stroke rate of the machine tool or the like is undershot.

[0019] The machine tool is advantageously operated in the motion-restricted idle operating state or idle movement state immediately after the machine tool is switched on. A power, a speed, a current, a stroke rate, and / or a drive, output, and / or tool speed of the machine tool are reduced. By contrast, in the load operating state or in the load operating movement state, a power, a speed, a current, a stroke rate, and / or a drive, output, and / or tool speed of the machine tool are increased, at least compared to the motion-restricted idle operating state. In particular, a motor speed and / or a motor current of a drive motor of the machine tool is increased, advantageously many times greater than in the idle operating state or motion-restricted movement state.

[0020] The machine tool can in particular be a handheld power tool, advantageously with an oscillating output movement, for example a reciprocating saw, preferably a jigsaw, saber saw or an oscillating multi-function tool, such as the “Bosch GOP 18V-28 Professional”. The machine tool is intended for machining workpieces, in particular for sawing workpieces. It can advantageously be transported by an operator without the need for a transport machine. Other machine tools, e.g. with cutting, rotating, percussive operation or the like, are also conceivable in principle. The machine tool, in particular the portable machine tool or handheld power tool, has in particular a mass that is less than 40 kg, preferably less than 10 kg and particularly preferably less than 5 kg.

[0021] It is proposed that, in at least one method step, at least one physical characteristic of the machine tool be detected by means of a detection unit. In particular, a physical characteristic of a drive unit and / or a power supply unit of the machine tool, for example, a motor and / or battery current. However, another physical characteristic can also be detected, for example, a drive or drive train component and / or a machining tool of the machine tool. Detection takes place at least during a movement-throttled state of the machine tool, in particular an idle operating or movement state of the machine tool.The idle motion state corresponds to a state in which essentially only internal resistances of the machine tool, in particular in the connected state with the respective tool, act, but advantageously no external resistances, in particular not essentially resistances and / or forces generated by the machining of a workpiece.

[0022] The detection unit can, for example, be designed as a sensor unit comprising at least one sensor and / or advantageously as a control or regulating unit of the machine tool, or the like. The detection unit can be designed as an external unit that detects the physical parameter and is connected at least indirectly to the machine tool or the control or regulating unit of the machine tool, in particular wirelessly or wired, in order to provide at least one detected signal for the machine tool to tap or to transmit the detected data or information to the machine tool, or the like.

[0023] The physical characteristic is advantageously recorded as a function of time. The physical characteristic can advantageously be a current consumed by the drive unit, in particular of a motor or electric motor or of a power supply unit, e.g. a battery or a rechargeable battery pack or the like, for example a current of the drive unit and / or the power supply unit that is controlled or regulated, monitored and / or recorded by a control and regulating unit. The physical characteristic can also be a rotational speed, in particular of the drive unit, a drive train component, a drive or output of the machine tool or of the tool. It can also be a drive or output or tool speed or a stroke rate of the machine tool or of a tool of the machine tool.The physical parameter can in principle also be a voltage, airborne sound, vibration, battery vibration, machine tool vibration and / or the like, which is advantageously suitable for distinguishing an idle operating state of the machine tool from an operating state deviating therefrom, in particular a scratching operating state in which a workpiece is scratched by a tool driven by the machine tool, or a load operating state.

[0024] A restricted movement state is understood to mean, in particular, a state of the machine tool with reduced drive, output and / or tool speed and / or reduced rotational speed and / or stroke rate. An idling movement state is understood to mean, in particular, a state during operation of the machine tool that is essentially free of external loads, e.g.by machining a workpiece or the like, in particular a state in which the tool is not yet or at least not yet substantially in engagement with a workpiece to be machined. It is advantageous to disregard a state at least shortly or immediately after the machine tool has been switched on, sometimes delayed by a predetermined period of time, for example from 0.1 to 0.9 seconds to the time of switching on, in particular by a switching-on peak of the physical parameter, in the later evaluation or assessment of the physical parameter for forming, in particular for determining and specifying a base or threshold value of a physical parameter.

[0025] It is proposed that in at least one method step, a base value is determined from the recorded physical characteristic by means of an evaluation unit, in particular the control or regulating unit. This is in particular an idle value, advantageously an idle mean value of the physical characteristic in the throttled, in particular essentially load-free, movement state of the machine tool. A base value can also be a base value range that differs from other ranges. Depending on the determined base value, a deviating threshold value is determined, in particular a threshold value of the physical characteristic that deviates from the base value in percentage or absolute value, advantageously a threshold value lying above or below the base value, advantageously a scratch threshold value of the physical characteristic. This is defined as the threshold value or scratch threshold value.The term “specified” should be understood in particular to mean that the determined or calculated threshold value is deposited or saved in at least one buffer and / or the control or regulating unit. The threshold value or scratch threshold value can also be a value range that differs from other value ranges. The determination or calculation is advantageously carried out by the control or regulating unit. The determination method or setting method can advantageously be set by a user, for example by specifying a sensitivity or delay or a percentage or absolute value deviation of the threshold value from the determined base value. If the determined orspecified threshold value, advantageously during further operation of the machine tool, a drive unit of the machine tool is placed into a load operating state or load operating movement state, or accelerated to this, in particular by means of the detection unit, advantageously by means of the control or regulating unit.

[0026] Because the physical parameter is recorded again and again in idle mode, particularly in motion-restricted idle mode, particularly each time the machine tool is switched on, the recording is adaptively tailored to the specific application case and / or the application conditions. The physical parameter is advantageously recorded immediately or at least briefly, particularly within seconds or milliseconds after the machine tool is switched on or before the machine tool is operated under load. The measurement or base value and / or threshold value determination can also be repeated continuously, particularly as long as no threshold value is detected being exceeded or undershot, for example if the machine tool is operated in motion-restricted idle mode for a longer period of time. The threshold value can sometimes be replaced or overwritten by the newly determined threshold value.

[0027] The quality of the soft start can be improved. The cutting quality and ultimately user-friendliness and customer satisfaction can be increased. An improved soft start can advantageously be achieved regardless of the tool used, in particular the inserted tool used, a selected setting, e.g. pendulum stage, the lubrication condition or the internal resistance of the machine tool or the battery and / or the like. The tool used can therefore have different properties, for example properties such as weight, material, length, width, thickness, diameter, shape, saw teeth, ribs, recesses, indentations or protrusions and / or the like, which have an impact on the size of the detectable physical parameter. The soft start can therefore be adaptively or automatically optimized for or tailored to different tools with different properties orfor different states of the machine tool. The evaluation unit represents in particular the control or regulating unit of the machine tool, but can also be embodied by an external unit, e.g. a smartphone or mobile device or the like, in particular which is in wireless or wired communication with the control or regulating unit of the machine tool. A “control or regulating unit” should be understood in particular to be a unit with at least one control or regulating electronics unit. A “control or regulating electronics” should be understood in particular to be a unit with a processor unit and with a memory unit as well as with an operating program stored in the memory unit. The detection of an exceedance or undershoot of the determined orA predetermined threshold value, in particular a threshold value determined by the processor unit and at least temporarily stored in the memory unit, can be exceeded or undershot once, exceeded or undershot over a period of time that can advantageously be set automatically or manually, or over a number of measurements or recordings that can advantageously be set. The external unit also advantageously has a processor unit with a memory unit and an operating program stored in the memory unit.

[0028] The load operating state, or load operating movement state, or also work operating state can in principle assume different load or work levels, in particular load or work levels that can be set or preset by a user, in particular load or work levels that can be set by an operator. It typically differs from the movement-throttled operating or movement state with regard to a movement speed, in particular of the drive unit, the drive train and / or the output of the machine tool or the tool. In the movement-throttled state, a drive, output and / or tool speed or a rotational speed or stroke rate of the machine tool is usually lower, advantageously many times lower, than in the load operating movement state. For example, a jigsaw, here as an example of a machine tool, has 1-10 load operating speed levels, corresponding to a stroke rate of 800 and 3800 strokes per minute.The drive motor's input speed is typically higher by a specified ratio due to the gear ratio – for example, 5 to 10 times higher, in particular 7.5 times higher. The stroke rate is particularly configurable. A stroke rate throttled by movement could, for example, be 500-800 strokes / min. Thus, in exceptional cases, the idle speed or idle stroke rate can also correspond to a load operating speed or load operating stroke rate. A load operating state could then mean the provision of higher power or current compared to idle operation, in order to be able to perform tasks against greater resistance or at a higher feed rate than in idle operating state.However, in the loaded operating state, the speed, stroke rate, and / or drive, output, and / or tool speed of the machine tool is typically increased to a target operating value. The loaded operating state is advantageously designed to enable rapid or optimal work progress on the workpiece - particularly depending on the cutting quality desired by the user. In the throttled-down state, a workpiece can advantageously be scratched, particularly without causing significant tear-out, for example of material on the workpiece surface, and / or to simply ensure that the cut is made at the desired location, e.g. the location marked on the workpiece, and not next to it.

[0029] It is proposed that when determining the threshold value or base value of the physical parameter, or when determining the scratch threshold value, a switch-on period of the machine tool is not taken into account, in particular a period of 1 - 1000 ms, advantageously 100-500 ms, in particular around 300 ms after the machine tool is switched on. A switch-on period is understood to be a period of time from the time the machine tool is switched on, i.e. from the time, for example, a user switches the machine tool on in such a way that the drive unit of the machine tool is activated, in particular starts moving, or a tool of the machine tool is set in motion by the drive unit of the machine tool. In particular, the recorded data orthe measurement signal of the physical characteristic of the switch-on period is disregarded for determining the threshold value and / or the base value and / or is not recorded at all. This can advantageously increase the accuracy of the base value formation. In particular, falsification of the base value or base mean value is avoided, e.g. by excluding inrush current peaks. The physical characteristic can be relatively volatile immediately after switch-on or during the switch-on period and / or contain disturbances or falsifications that would not be conducive to precise base value or threshold value formation if they were taken into account. Alternatively and / or additionally, however, only a switch-on period could be taken into account, especially if a physical characteristic characteristic for the formation of the base value can be derived from it.

[0030] It is proposed that when determining the threshold value or base value, in particular for forming a base mean value, a recording period of the physical parameter of 10-1000 ms, advantageously 250-750 ms, in particular around 500 ms, be taken into account, in particular immediately after the end of a switch-on period, advantageously beginning after 100-500 ms, in particular beginning after around 300 ms from the time the machine tool is switched on. The mean value can also be determined as a moving average or using other methods. Advantageously, the physical parameter is relatively constant after the switch-on period and can therefore be determined with lower volatility and / or without significant changes or disturbances. The precision in determining the base value and consequently in determining and setting the threshold value is thereby increased.Ultimately, the user-friendliness of using the machine tool is increased.

[0031] It is proposed that the movement-throttled, advantageously substantially load-free, idle movement state of the machine tool, advantageous for a reciprocating saw, in particular a jigsaw, corresponds to a target speed of the drive unit of 2000 to 10000 rpm, or corresponds to an oscillation or stroke rate of an output unit or tool holder of 250 to 1000 oscillations or strokes per minute, in particular of 500-800 strokes / min, and / or the load operating movement state corresponds to a target stroke rate of the output or the tool holder of advantageously 800 to 3800 strokes / min, in particular presettable in several, advantageously 2-10 stages of speeds or stroke rates.It is proposed that, upon detection of idling of the machine tool in the load-operated movement state, for example due to a characteristic change in the detected physical parameter, in particular a reduction or increase in the physical parameter compared to the load-operated movement state, in particular a reduction in the motor or battery current, in particular over an advantageously adjustable minimum detection period, the machine tool is placed into a movement-throttled movement state, advantageously returning to the movement-throttled idle movement state. Thus, a rotational speed, stroke rate, and / or drive, output, and / or tool speed of the machine tool are reduced, in particular to the original value of the movement-throttled idle movement state.A new base value and / or threshold value determination can advantageously be carried out and on this basis the previously determined and defined threshold value can be adjusted or overwritten, in particular in order to enable a new or optimized, in particular adaptive soft start, regardless of, for example, changed internal resistances, e.g. due to heating of the machine tool or the power supply device. However, the previously determined or defined threshold value can also be used again. Idle operation in the load operating movement state typically occurs after a load operating movement state with increased rotational speed or tool speed after the machine tool has been set away from the workpiece, e.g. after completing a cut or work process. If the user does not switch off the machine tool until the next work process, this reduction is also advantageous at least for the energy consumption and / or the load on the machine tool.This makes it possible to reduce the load on the machine tool, in particular to increase its service life and / or reduce energy consumption and / or, above all, to maintain the precision of the soft start over a number of work processes, in particular to maintain it automatically, even without switching off the machine tool.

[0032] Furthermore, a machine tool is proposed, in particular a hand-held power tool, advantageously a reciprocating saw, preferably a jigsaw, saber saw or an oscillating multi-function tool, which is configured to carry out the aforementioned method. The machine tool comprises at least one drive unit. It comprises at least one control or regulating unit at least for controlling or regulating the drive unit, advantageously for controlling or regulating the soft start. It also has a tool holder. This is advantageously driven via a drive train, in particular comprising the components from the drive unit to the tool holder, for example having a gear mechanism. The machine tool advantageously has a communication module for communicating with an external unit, in particular the functional interface and / or the Internet. The machine tool is advantageously a battery-operated hand-held power tool.The machine tool advantageously has a recording unit for the time-dependent recording of a physical characteristic of the machine tool, preferably for the time-dependent recording of a motor current, battery current, and / or a motor speed or a movement characteristic of the drive unit. This recording unit is, in particular, the control or regulating unit of the machine tool, advantageously also functioning as an evaluation unit.

[0033] Furthermore, a system is proposed, comprising a machine tool, in particular a hand-held power tool, advantageously a reciprocating saw, preferably a jigsaw, a saber saw or an oscillating multi-function tool, and comprising an external unit. The external unit is in particular designed as a functional interface or has such a function interface. In particular, it is a mobile terminal comprising an application program configured to at least partially enable a configurable soft start of the machine tool, for example a smartphone. The machine tool is advantageously configured to carry out an adaptive soft start. The machine tool and the functional interface or the external unit are advantageously connected to one another, for example via a communication module. The machine tool and the external unit or functional interface are advantageously configured to carry out the method for adaptive and / or configurable soft start.

[0034] The following proposes a method whereby the soft start can be configured by a user of the machine tool. Method steps or features of this configurable soft start can be advantageously combined with features of the previous, in particular adaptive, soft start, but can also be independent of them. Both the adaptive and the configurable soft start are particularly advantageous for machine tools without manual accelerator switches, i.e., for machine tools with an on / off switch and, if necessary, a setting device or wheel or a comparable device for preselecting operating levels or target operating parameters, in particular target speed levels. In this case, a soft start cannot be manually controlled or regulated by variably actuating an accelerator switch.Rather, the soft start is carried out “automatically”, in particular at least indirectly controlled or regulated by the control or regulating unit of the machine tool.

[0035] A method is proposed for operating a machine tool with soft start, in particular a hand-held power tool, advantageously with an oscillating output movement, for example a reciprocating saw, preferably a jigsaw, saber saw or an oscillating multi-function tool, wherein the machine tool is operated in at least one method step in a movement-throttled movement state or operating state, advantageously an idling operating state, and in a further method step a drive unit of the machine tool is automatically accelerated to a load operating state or load operating movement state when an exceedance or undershoot of a scratch threshold value is detected, in particular detected by a control or regulating unit of the machine tool.

[0036] It is proposed that the soft start is configurable by a user of the machine tool. Configurable should be understood in particular as changeable or adaptable. For this purpose, setting or configuration means are provided. These can be provided on the machine tool and / or an external unit that is intended for communication with the machine tool. The soft start is configurable, changeable or adaptable to the machining conditions and / or properties of the workpiece to be machined and / or to the needs of the user. This can advantageously provide a soft start that is adapted to the respective material to be machined or the desired cutting quality. Materials such as soft Styrofoam or balsa wood or hard metal or solid wood, as well as workpiece geometries, e.g.Thick or thin workpieces can be machined effectively with the configurable soft start, particularly because the machine tool does not accelerate too early, too late, or not at all to a load operation state. It can be coordinated, for example, with the angle of attack of a saw blade, e.g. resulting from a pendulum stroke setting, or coordinated with a material hardness or material thickness of a workpiece, or coordinated with a feed applied to the machine tool, and / or the like, not too early, too late, or not at all to a load operation, but advantageously just in time. If, for example, in the case of a jigsaw, the saw blade is not positioned or moving vertically to the stroke axis or the workpiece contact surface, but the saw blade tip or the row of saw teeth is inclined in the feed direction - e.g.Depending on the design or during pendulum operation, the soft start can be configured so that the saw blade or machine tool is not accelerated to load operation when it first scratches the underside of the workpiece, even though the user does not yet detect any contact with the material on the top side of the workpiece, but rather only later, i.e. when the saw blade has penetrated the workpiece on both the underside and the top side. Alternatively, the same applies to jigsaws and saw blades that have a negative angle of attack, i.e. have a blade tip or row of saw teeth that is inclined opposite to the feed direction with respect to the stroke axis. Acceleration to load operation can therefore be delayed even though a detection unit or a control or regulating unit has already detected scratching.Thanks to the configurable soft start, the acceleration time from motion-throttled idle operation to load operation can be delayed or only occur when an increased force threshold is exceeded, and / or with an adapted acceleration function.

[0037] In this case, it would be advantageous not to increase the drive speed or tool speed of the machine tool too early.

[0038] Alternatively, for a thin and soft material, such as Styrofoam or balsa wood, the soft start could be configured or preset in such a way, especially by setting it so sensitively that it reliably switches to full-load operation despite a low load on the saw blade, which would otherwise not be sufficient to exceed the scratch threshold, and the speed of the drive unit or the stroke rate of the reciprocating saw can be increased accordingly. However, if the material is hard, such as metal, or if the workpiece is a thick hardwood or solid wood panel, the configurable soft start prevents the transition to full-load operation from occurring prematurely.

[0039] It is proposed that the soft start of the machine tool be configured via a functional interface, advantageously an HMI, in particular a functional interface arranged on the machine tool and / or on an external device. For example, the functional interface and / or the external unit can be connected to the machine tool via a wired connection or, advantageously, wirelessly, in particular to the control or regulating unit of the machine tool. In particular, the soft start can be configured via a corresponding application program (app) running on the external unit or a mobile device, for example, on a smartphone or tablet. This can increase user convenience.

[0040] Advantageously, a function interface, in particular with reduced setting options, can be arranged on the machine tool, and a function interface, in particular with more extensive setting options, can be arranged or executable on an external device that is connected to the machine tool. For example, the soft start can be configured for individual operating levels on the external device; these operating levels, e.g. 1 to 6, can then be switched on or selected with the soft start configured at the function interface of the machine tool. Advantageously, the function interface of the machine tool also displays whether the soft start is activated for the respective operating level, and / or other properties of the configured soft start for the respective operating level are displayed or can be selected or set.

[0041] It is proposed that the soft start of the machine tool be adjustable and / or switchable on or off for different operating setpoints or different load operating states, for example different setpoints for a drive speed of the machine tool, stroke rate and / or drive, output and / or tool speed of the machine tool, advantageously be adjustable and / or switchable on or off jointly for several or optionally individually for each operating setpoint. This can increase user-friendliness. It is proposed that a period for acceleration to the load operating movement state, in particular an acceleration period and / or a start of acceleration from the detection of an exceedance or undershoot of the scratch threshold value, in particular a deceleration period, be adjustable. The setting can in particular be made relative, as a percentage or with an absolute value.Advantageously between a selectable or fixed period of time, e.g. from 0 to 2 see. In particular, the acceleration period and / or deceleration period can be changed continuously or in steps, for example in steps of 0.1 see, in 5% steps or the like. A setting is advantageously made jointly for several or optionally individually for each working setpoint or load operation movement state and / or can be switched on or off for each working setpoint or load operation movement state. The usability of the soft start for different materials and / or operating conditions can be increased. The deceleration enables the user, for example, to complete a cut at the edge of the workpiece with reduced movement and to only accelerate to load operation when the workpiece has penetrated sufficiently deeply. The acceleration period enables the user, for example, to accelerate quickly or slowly to load operation.This allows, above all, to respond in a differentiated manner to requirements regarding workpiece processing and / or working conditions and / or workpiece or tool properties.

[0042] It is proposed that an acceleration curve, in particular an acceleration function, be adjustable, particularly having a linear, exponential, root-based, or saddle-point curve. This allows the soft start to be configured even more precisely depending on the application. This also expands the adaptability of the machine tool for a wide variety of work applications.

[0043] It is proposed that the sensitivity of the soft start be adjustable. In particular, in the form of a level or duration of exceeding or falling below the scratch threshold and / or by measuring a number of measured values ​​above or below a scratch threshold. And / or in the form of a deviation of the scratch threshold from the base value. And / or in the form of a value range of the scratch threshold or base values. The sensitivity can, for example, be achieved by a relative specification at the functional interface, for example, in particular gradually selectable between light or heavy or fast and slow. A control or regulating unit can, for example, convert this into a corresponding percentage or absolute value deviation of the scratch threshold from an advantageously recorded and determined base value of a physical characteristic of the machine tool.For example, a user can set the sensitivity by specifying a relative deviation of the scratch threshold from a base value or the like, from low to high, or a percentage deviation, for example from 2.5% to 60%, in particular from 5% to 30% of the base value, advantageously adjustable in 1% increments, and / or by specifying an absolute deviation, for example a motor current threshold range from 0.25A to 5A from a base motor current value or base motor value range, advantageously 0.5A to 3A, in particular adjustable in 0.1 A increments. Scratch threshold and base value also each refer to value ranges. This also means that thick, thin, soft or hard workpieces, e.g. metal versus balsa wood or hardwood versus chipboard, can be machined more effectively with soft start, in particular because the machine tool does not accelerate too early, too late, or not at all to a load operating motion state.

[0044] It is proposed that a sensitivity for detecting or evaluating a physical parameter characteristic of the soft start can be set, for example by specifying a determination method for forming a threshold value, in particular by selecting the averaging method, for example by forming the moving average, the period for averaging the detected values ​​of the physical parameter or the like.

[0045] In addition, a combination of at least two or more of the proposed soft start configurations is advantageously proposed, in particular a setting jointly for several or optionally individually for each working setpoint of, for example: the ability to switch the soft start on or off, acceleration period and / or deceleration period or an acceleration curve to the load operating state and / or a sensitivity of the adaptive soft start, in particular when recording a physical characteristic and / or the percentage or absolute value deviation of a scratch threshold from a base value.

[0046] The following proposes a functional interface, in particular an HMI, or a computer program for the functional interface, in particular a mobile terminal, configured to enable a user to perform a configurable, advantageously adaptive, soft start of a machine tool, advantageously the aforementioned adaptive and / or configurable soft start. The machine tool is advantageously a handheld power tool, in particular a reciprocating saw, preferably a jigsaw, saber saw, or an oscillating multi-function tool.The functional interface comprises means for setting and / or switching the soft start on or off for different operating levels, setpoint working values ​​and / or load operating states, advantageously different setpoints for a drive speed, stroke rate and / or drive, output and / or tool speed of the machine tool, advantageously comprising means for setting and / or switching the soft start on or off jointly for several or optionally individually for different operating levels, setpoint working values ​​and / or load operating states of the machine tool. The functional interface is advantageously arranged on an external device or the machine tool or formed by it or it, advantageously arranged or formed at least partially on both. In particular, it can be a smartphone or tablet with a user interface and an application program that is set up to enable the configurable soft start.The external device, in particular a smartphone or tablet, is at least indirectly connected to the machine tool, in particular to a control or regulating unit of the machine tool, particularly for data exchange, advantageously for input and output data. It can, in principle, be connected to the machine tool wirelessly, but also via a wired connection. It can advantageously be wirelessly coupled or connected to a communication module of the machine tool or is connected to the machine tool via a wireless connection. It is used to transmit and / or receive data or to exchange data, particularly with an external unit.

[0047] The means for setting and / or switching the soft start on or off can comprise switching, adjustment and / or operating elements. Graphic input and output elements for interaction with a user are advantageously provided. They are shown in particular on a display and are at least partially provided by an application or control or regulating program that is executed on the functional interface and / or the external unit or device or the control or regulating unit. The application program can also be at least partially executable on a control or regulating unit of the machine tool. The functional interface is advantageously provided for data processing, in particular comprising means for executing a method for enabling the configurable soft start.A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method for enabling the configurable soft start is also proposed.

[0048] It is proposed that a number of operating levels, work setpoints and / or load operating states be selectable and / or a work setpoint between a predefined maximum and minimum value for the work setpoint be set or selected. In particular, the functional interface comprises means such that a number of different operating levels, work setpoints and / or load operating states are selectable and / or a work setpoint between a predefined maximum and minimum value for the work setpoint be set or selected. This allows individual settings for soft start to be easily made for different operating or work setpoints of the machine tool. Time can be saved when changing operating levels, in particular when changing operating levels directly on the machine tool that are already preconfigured with regard to soft start.

[0049] It is proposed that an acceleration period and / or deceleration period for moving the machine tool, in particular from a movement-throttled idle operating state (144) into a load operating state, in particular from the detection of an exceedance or undershoot of a scratch threshold value (172), can be set, in particular relatively, e.g. slowly, quickly, and / or variable in percentage or absolute value, advantageously between 0 and 2 seconds. An acceleration period is to be understood as a period for accelerating from a movement-throttled, in particular idle operating state to a working setpoint and / or load operating state. A deceleration period is to be understood as the period of a start of acceleration to a working setpoint and / or load operating state from the detection of an exceedance or undershoot of a scratch threshold value.The acceleration and / or deceleration period can be adjusted continuously or in steps of, for example, 0.1 sec. The setting is advantageously made jointly for several machines or individually for each operating setpoint and / or load operating movement state, or can be switched on or off. This allows the cutting quality, especially the tear-out behavior, to be improved depending on the workpiece material used and / or other properties influencing the soft start.

[0050] It is proposed that an acceleration profile, in particular an acceleration function, be adjustable or selectable, in particular by selecting appropriate graphical or descriptive symbols, for example, comprising a selection of a linear, exponential, root-based, or saddle-point acceleration profile, advantageously jointly for several or optionally individually for each operating stage, operating setpoint, and / or load-operated motion state. In particular, the functional interface comprises adjustment or selection means for this. This can improve the tear-out behavior depending on the workpiece geometry used, its material, or other properties.

[0051] It is proposed that the sensitivity of the soft start is adjustable, in particular in the form of a duration for which a scratch threshold is exceeded or not reached and / or a specification of a relative sensitivity of the soft start. For example, adjustment can be achieved by a relative, percentage, or absolute value deviation of a scratch threshold from a base value of a physical characteristic of the machine tool, in particular in a throttled, advantageously idle operating state of the machine tool. It can be achieved by a relative specification of the sensitivity, e.g. from low to high, or by specifying a deviation of the scratch threshold from an advantageously detected base value. It can also be achieved by an absolute value deviation specification, e.g. a motor current threshold of 0.25 A to 5 A from a base motor current value, advantageously 0.5 A to 3 A, in particular adjustable in 0.1 A steps.In particular, the functional interface includes adjustment means, e.g., haptic or optical controls or sliders, etc. The term "value" here also includes a range of values.

[0052] It is proposed that a sensitivity for detecting or evaluating a physical parameter characteristic of the soft start can be set, for example by specifying a determination method for forming a threshold value, in particular by selecting the averaging method, for example by selecting the averaging method, e.g. by forming a moving average, specifying a period for averaging the detected values ​​of the physical parameter, or the like.

[0053] Advantageously, two, advantageously three, preferably four or five of the aforementioned setting options of the configurable soft start can be selected at the function interface, for example to enable an optional setting, advantageously optional setting for each working setpoint, of at least two functions in combination, i.e. the ability to switch the soft start function on or off, the time for increasing or the course for increasing the motor current, the power, the speed, the number of strokes and / or the drive, output and / or tool speed to the working setpoint and / or the sensitivity for detecting the physical characteristic or the percentage or absolute value deviation of the threshold value from the base value can be set.

[0054] Furthermore, a functional interface is proposed which comprises at least one, advantageously several, of the following additional display, selection and / or setting options:

[0055] - a connection state of an external device providing the functional interface with the machine tool and / or an activation or deactivation of a connection with the machine tool;

[0056] - a name, a property and / or a state of the machine tool;

[0057] - a selection option for a number of operating and / or target speed levels available on the function interface and / or a function interface of the machine tool, in particular wherein a changeability of these available operating and / or target speed levels can be blocked;

[0058] - a display and / or setting options for a target speed for each operating level; activation or deactivation of the soft start for at least one, in particular several, advantageously all target speeds and / or operating levels; a sensitivity and / or a delay period of the soft start, in particular jointly for all target speeds and / or operating levels, alternatively also individually for each target speed and / or operating level;

[0059] - a kickback or fall shutdown for the machine tool;

[0060] - a machine light setting option, in particular for switching the light on and off, adjusting the brightness and / or activating / deactivating a strobe light;

[0061] - a property, in particular a brightness or key assignment of a

[0062] Functional interface directly on the machine tool, in particular an HMI on the machine tool;

[0063] - a level indicator for the battery or battery pack of the machine tool.

[0064] It is proposed that the functional interface comprises at least one optical adjustment slider, in particular shown on a touchscreen surface, which is designed to be displaceable between a minimum and a maximum setpoint value, in particular for determining a drive speed, the sensitivity of the soft start and / or a delay period, in particular a delay period for accelerating the machine tool to load operation after detecting an exceedance or undershoot of a scratch threshold value.

[0065] It is proposed that, at least upon activation of a soft start, a symbol for setting further properties of the soft start appear on the functional interface, in particular for setting further properties of the soft start, for example in a submenu of the application program, advantageously with regard to setting the sensitivity and / or the delay period, advantageously displayed on the functional interface, in particular based on the execution of an application program. It is proposed to output at least one signal when the (scratch) threshold is exceeded and / or during the detection / determination of the base and / or threshold value, in particular an acoustic, optical and / or haptic signal, for example a signal output by the machine tool or the functional interface.

[0066] It is proposed that after the machine tool has been switched off and then switched on again within a minimum rest period, the machine tool is immediately placed into a load operation motion state, in particular the advantageously adjustable one. However, after the minimum rest period has been exceeded, the machine tool is initially operated again with soft start, i.e. in the motion-restricted idle operating state until a scratch threshold is exceeded. Sometimes the user stops the machine tool or switches it off in the middle of machining a workpiece, e.g., to change grips or the like, and can then continue machining without soft start after restarting the machine tool. Since such "machining breaks" are often shorter than a specified minimum rest period, this functionality can increase user-friendliness. The minimum rest period can also advantageously be adjustable.

[0067] A method is proposed for operating a machine tool (10) with soft start, in particular a hand-held power tool (12), advantageously with an oscillating or stroke-shaped output movement (14), for example a reciprocating saw (16), preferably a jigsaw (18), a saber saw or an oscillating multi-function tool (19), wherein in at least one method step (140) by means of a detection unit (22), in particular a control or regulating unit (20) of the machine tool (10), at least one physical characteristic variable (142) of the machine tool (10), in particular a motor and / or battery current (24) of the machine tool (10), is detected during a movement-throttled idle operating state (144) of the machine tool (10), characterized in that in at least one further method step (140) by means of an evaluation unit (152), in particular the control or regulating unit (20) of the machine tool (10),based on the detected physical characteristic (142), a threshold value (172) of the physical characteristic (142), in particular a scratch threshold value, is determined, and that during further operation of the machine tool (10), upon detection of an exceedance or undershoot of the determined threshold value (172), at least one drive unit (40) of the machine tool (10) is placed in a load operating state (184), in particular with an increased movement speed compared to the movement-throttled idle operating state (144).

[0068] It is proposed that the threshold value (172) is determined by using the evaluation unit (152) to determine a base value (154), in particular a base mean value, from the recorded physical characteristic (142), and, depending on the determined base value (154), a threshold value (172) deviating therefrom, advantageously a threshold value (172) deviating from the base value (154) in percentage or absolute value, is determined, in particular calculated.

[0069] It is proposed that when determining the threshold value (172) or the base value (154), a switch-on period (156) of the machine tool (10) is disregarded, in particular a period of 1 - 1000 ms, advantageously 100-500 ms, in particular around 300 ms from a switch-on time (158) of the machine tool (10).

[0070] It is proposed that, when determining the threshold value (172) or the base value (154), a detection period (160) of the physical characteristic of 10-1000 ms, advantageously 250-750 ms, in particular around 500 ms, is taken into account, in particular immediately after the expiry of a switch-on period (156), advantageously starting after 100-500 ms, in particular starting after around 300 ms, from the time of switch-on (158) of the machine tool (10).

[0071] It is proposed that the movement-throttled idle operating state (144) of the machine tool (10), advantageously the reciprocating saw (16), in particular the jigsaw (18), corresponds to a target speed of the drive unit (40) of 2000 to 10000 rpm or an oscillation or stroke rate of an output unit (36) of 250 to 1000 oscillations or strokes / min, in particular of 500-800 strokes / min, advantageously of around 500 or 800 strokes / min; and / or that the load operating state (184) of the machine tool (10), advantageously the reciprocating saw (16), corresponds to a target speed of the drive unit (40) of 6000-30000 rpm or a stroke rate of the output unit (36) of 800 to 3800 strokes / min, in particular presettable in several, advantageously 2-10 operating stages (310).

[0072] It is proposed that when an idling operation (186) of the machine tool (10) in the load operating state (184) is detected, for example by a characteristic change in the detected physical characteristic (142), in particular a reduction or increase in the physical characteristic compared to a load operation, in particular with workpiece engagement of the tool, advantageously a reduction in the motor or battery current (24), in particular over a minimum detection period that can advantageously be set, the machine tool (10) is put into a movement-throttled operating state, advantageously the movement-throttled idle operating state (144) is reset.

[0073] It is proposed that when the threshold value (172) or scratch threshold value is exceeded, and / or during the detection and / or determination (140, 150) of a base and / or threshold value (154, 172), a signal, in particular an acoustic, optical and / or haptic signal, is output, in particular on the machine tool (10), on a functional interface (300, 358) and / or on an external unit (30), for example on an output field (382) of the machine tool (10).

[0074] It is proposed that after the machine tool (10) has been switched off and switched on again within a minimum rest period, the machine tool (10) is immediately placed into the load operating movement state (184), in particular is accelerated, in particular into a variably adjustable load operating movement state (184), in particular without first being placed into the movement-throttled idle operating state (144).

[0075] Furthermore, a machine tool (10) is proposed, in particular a hand-held power tool (12), advantageously a reciprocating saw (16), preferably a jigsaw (18), a saber saw or an oscillating multi-function tool (19), configured to carry out an aforementioned method.

[0076] Furthermore, a system is proposed comprising a machine tool (10), in particular a hand-held power tool (12), advantageously a reciprocating saw (16), preferably a jigsaw (18), a saber saw or an oscillating multi-function tool (19) and comprising a functional interface (300) and / or an external unit (30), in particular a mobile terminal, for example a smartphone (303), in particular with an application program, configured to carry out an aforementioned method.

[0077] A method is proposed for operating a machine tool (10) with soft start, in particular a hand-held power tool (12), advantageously a reciprocating saw (16), jigsaw (18), saber saw or an oscillating multi-function tool (19), in particular wherein at least one drive unit (40) of the machine tool (10), at least after the machine tool (40) has been switched on, is operated in a movement-restricted idle operating state (144) and subsequently, after detecting an exceedance or undershoot of a threshold value (172), in particular a scratch threshold value, of a physical characteristic variable (142), for example a motor current (24), a voltage (146) and / or a rotational speed of the drive unit (40), is automatically transferred to a load operating state (184) which is accelerated compared to the movement-restricted idle operating state (144), characterized in that the soft start of the machine tool (10),in particular by a user of the machine tool (10), is configurable, in particular via a functional interface (300, 358), advantageously an HMI (302), in particular a functional interface (300) formed on the machine tool (10) and / or on an external device (301), is configurable, in particular in that the soft start is adjustable and / or switchable on or off for different operating setpoints (312) or different load operating states (314), for example different setpoints (312) of a drive speed of the machine tool (10), a stroke rate and / or a drive, output and / or tool speed of the machine tool (10), is advantageously adjustable and / or switchable on or off jointly for several or optionally individually for each operating setpoint,

[0078] It is proposed that a period for acceleration to the load operating state (184), in particular an acceleration period (326) and / or a start of an acceleration, in particular a deceleration period (328), from the detection of an exceedance or undershoot of a threshold value or scratch threshold value (172), is adjustable, in particular is adjustable relative, in percentage or in absolute value, advantageously between 0 and 2 see, in particular continuously or in steps of 0.1 see or 5% steps between 0 and 100% corresponding to 0 to 2 see, advantageously can be adjusted jointly for several or optionally individually for each working setpoint (312) and / or can be switched on or off.

[0079] It is proposed that the course of the acceleration (330), in particular an acceleration function (332), is adjustable, in particular having a linear (202), exponential (204), a root function (206) or a function with a saddle point (208) course.

[0080] It is proposed that a sensitivity (334) of the soft start is adjustable, in particular in the form of a duration of exceeding or falling below the threshold value or scratch threshold value (172) and / or a number of measurements above or below the threshold value and / or a specification of a relative, percentage or absolute value deviation (174) of the threshold value (172) from an advantageously detected or determined base value (154) of a physical characteristic variable (142) of the machine tool (10), for example by relative specification from low to high or percentage specification of a deviation (174) of the threshold value (172) from a base value (154), for example from 2.5% to 60%, in particular from 5% to 30% of the base value, advantageously adjustable in 1% steps and / or by absolute value deviation specification, for example a motor current threshold value of 0.25A to 5A from a base motor current value, advantageously 0.5A to 3A, in particular adjustable in 0.1 A steps.

[0081] It is proposed that a sensitivity for detecting or evaluating a physical parameter (142) characteristic of the soft start can be adjusted, for example by specifying a determination method for forming a threshold value (172), in particular by selecting the averaging method, for example by forming a moving average, of the period for averaging the detected values ​​of the physical parameter. It is proposed that when the threshold value (172) or scratch threshold value is exceeded, and / or during the detection and / or determination (140, 150) of a base and / or threshold value (154, 172), a signal, in particular an acoustic, optical and / or haptic signal, is output, in particular on the machine tool (10), on a functional interface (300, 358) and / or on an external unit (30), for example an output field (382) on the machine tool (10).

[0082] It is proposed that after the machine tool (10) has been switched off and switched on again within a minimum rest period, the machine tool (10) is immediately placed into the load operating movement state (184), in particular is accelerated, in particular into an adjustable load operating movement state (184), in particular without first being placed into the movement-throttled idle operating state (144).

[0083] A functional interface (300, 358), in particular an HMI (302), is proposed, configured to enable a configurable, advantageously adaptive soft start of a machine tool (10) by a user, in particular comprising means for setting (304, 306) and / or switching on or off (308) the soft start for different operating stages (310), working setpoints (312) and / or load operating states (314) of the machine tool (10), advantageously different setpoints of a drive speed (312), stroke rate and / or drive, output and / or tool speed of the machine tool (10), advantageously comprising means for setting (304, 306) and / or switching on or off (308) the soft start jointly for several or optionally individually for different operating stages (310), working setpoints (312) and / or load operating states (314) of the machine tool (10).

[0084] It is proposed that a number of different operating stages (310), operating setpoints (312) and / or load operating states (314) can be set and / or selected and / or that an operating setpoint (312) between a predetermined minimum and maximum value (323, 325) for the operating setpoint (312) can be set or selected. 3 It is proposed that an acceleration period (326) and / or deceleration period (328) for putting the machine tool (10) into a load operating state (184) from the detection of an exceedance or undershoot of a threshold value (172), in particular a scratch threshold value, is adjustable or selectable, in particular is adjustable or selectable in a relative, percentage or absolute value, advantageously between 0 and 2 seconds, advantageously jointly for several or optionally individually for each working setpoint value (312) and / or load operating state (314).

[0085] It is proposed that a course of the acceleration (330), in particular an acceleration function (332), for putting the machine tool (10) into a load operating state (184), in particular upon detection of an exceedance or undershoot of a threshold value (172), is adjustable or selectable, in particular having a linear (202), exponential (204), course designed as a root function (206) or as a function with a saddle point (208), advantageously adjustable or selectable jointly for several or optionally individually for each operating stage (310), working setpoint (312) and / or load operating movement state (314).

[0086] 5. Functional interface (300, 358) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensitivity (334) of the soft start is adjustable or selectable, in particular in the form of a duration of exceeding or falling below a threshold value (172) and / or by specifying a relative, percentage or absolute value deviation (174) of a threshold value (172), upon exceeding or falling below which the machine tool (10) is put into load operation, from a base value (154) of a physical characteristic quantity (142).

[0087] It is proposed that a sensitivity for detecting or evaluating a physical parameter (142) characteristic of the soft start is adjustable or selectable, for example by specifying a determination method for forming a base or threshold value (172), in particular by selecting the averaging method of a base or threshold value (172), for example by forming a moving average of detected values ​​of a physical parameter (142) and / or a period of detection or evaluation of values ​​of a physical parameter (142) for the averaging.

[0088] It is proposed that at least when the soft start is activated, a symbol for setting further properties of the soft start appears on the functional interface (300), in particular for setting further properties, advantageously a sensitivity and / or a delay period.

[0089] It is proposed that the functional interface (300, 358) comprise at least one, advantageously several, of the following further display, selection, and / or setting options: a. a connection state (338) of an external device providing the functional interface (300) with the machine tool (10) and / or an activation or deactivation of a connection (318) with the machine tool (10); b. a name (340), a property, and / or a state (342) of the machine tool (10); c. a selection option (344) for a number of operating and / or target speed levels (310, 312) available on the functional interface (300) and / or a functional interface (358) of the machine tool (10), in particular wherein the ability to change these available operating and / or target speed levels (310, 312) can be blocked; d.a display (350) and / or setting option (346) for a target speed (312) for each operating stage (310); an activation or deactivation (308) of the soft start for at least one, in particular several, advantageously all, target speeds (312) and / or operating stages (310); a sensitivity (334) and / or a delay period (328) of the soft start, in particular jointly for all target speeds (312) and / or operating stages (310), alternatively also individually for each target speed (312) and / or operating stage (310); e. a kickback and / or fall shutdown (352) for the machine tool (10); f. a machine light setting option (354), in particular for switching the machine light on and off and / or adjusting the brightness and / or activating / deactivating a strobe mode of the machine light; g.a property (356), in particular a brightness or key assignment of a functional interface (358) directly on the machine tool (10), in particular an HMI on the machine tool (10); h. a fill level indicator (360) of the battery or battery pack (60) of the machine tool (10).

[0090] Furthermore, a machine tool (10), in particular a hand-held power tool (12), advantageously a reciprocating saw (16), preferably a jigsaw (18), a saber saw or an oscillating multifunctional tool (19), with an aforementioned functional interface (300, 358) is proposed.

[0091] Furthermore, a system comprising a machine tool (10) and an external unit is proposed, in particular a mobile terminal device (30), comprising at least one aforementioned functional interface (300, 358), in particular wherein the at least one functional interface (300, 358), advantageously a functional interface (300, 358) on the machine tool (10) and / or the external unit (30), is / are provided to be connected to a control or regulating unit (20) of the machine tool (10), advantageously wherein the functional interface (300) is designed as a mobile terminal device, in particular a smartphone (303) or tablet with an app or functional application and is provided to be connected wirelessly to at least one communication module (62) of the machine tool (10).

[0092] Drawing:

[0093] Figure 1 shows a machine tool 10 in a perspective view. Figure 2 shows the machine tool 10 according to Fig. 1 in a sectional view. The machine tool 10 is a hand-held power tool 12. It is a reciprocating saw 16. It is a jigsaw 18. The jigsaw 18 is designed as a rod-shaped jigsaw 48. It therefore differs from a bow-shaped jigsaw (not shown here), which typically have a handle. A manual throttle switch is typically arranged on the handle of bow-shaped jigsaws, with which a drive or tool speed can be controlled manually, which sometimes makes an automatic soft start obsolete. But even machine tools with manual throttle switches could, in principle, have an automatic soft start.

[0094] The machine tool 10 shown has an on / off switch 50. In addition, the machine tool 10 has a device 52 for selecting different target operating parameters, in particular operating levels or speed levels. This allows different operating levels of a drive unit 40 of the machine tool 10 or stroke rate levels of an output 36 of the machine tool to be selected. The machine tool 10 has a power supply device 58. Here, a battery pack 60 or a replaceable battery pack - in simple terms, a replaceable battery. It is therefore a battery-operated or rechargeable electric machine tool. In principle, however, the machine tool could also be mains-powered. The machine tool 10 has the drive unit 40. It has a control or regulating unit 20. This controls or regulates at least the drive unit 40 and / or the energy extraction from the battery pack orthe power supply for the drive unit, in particular by controlling or regulating the current or voltage provided. Furthermore, the machine tool 10 has a communication module 62. This is intended to exchange data with an external unit or to be connected to it. In particular, settings, operating parameters, data and sometimes other information can be exchanged with an external unit. The communication module is advantageously set up to send and / or receive data, for example via Bluetooth or another network protocol. The machine tool 10 drives a tool holder 64. The drive movement is transmitted by a drive train 38. The drive train 38 converts the rotating drive movement of the drive unit 40 into an oscillating output movement 14 of the output 36 or the tool holder 64, in particular by means of a gear (as shown, for example, in Fig.2). The gear ratio is advantageously 5 - 10, here 7.5. Accordingly, 7.5 motor revolutions result in a reciprocating movement. The drive unit 40 is designed as an electric motor, in particular as an EC motor. A tool 66, here an exchangeable saw blade 68 or jigsaw blade, is inserted into a tool holder 64 of the machine tool. The saw blade 68 can optionally be operated with a pendulum stroke, in particular with a pendulum stroke whose strength is adjustable. Saw blades 68 with different inertias, weights, geometries and / or other properties can be inserted into the tool holder 64. The drive train 38 of the machine tool can have different internal resistances. This may be due to its running-in and / or lubrication condition, tolerances between different machine tools of the same type and / or other conditions. The battery orThe battery pack 60 can have different internal resistances depending on the operating temperature.

[0095] Furthermore, the jigsaw 18 has an adjustable lateral guide 70 for the saw blade 68. This pliers-like guide can be adjusted via an adjustment mechanism 72. This can lead to increased sliding resistance for the saw blade 68, for example, if a tight pliers guide is intended to prevent the saw blade 68 from wandering or to increase cutting precision, or the like. This sliding resistance for the saw blade 68 can also be attributed to the internal resistance of the jigsaw 18, since it can also act when the jigsaw 18 is idling.

[0096] Figure 3 shows a method for operating a machine tool 10, in particular with adaptive soft start, in particular for operating a handheld power tool 12, advantageously with an oscillating output movement 14, for example a reciprocating saw 16, preferably a jigsaw 18, a saber saw, or an oscillating multi-function tool 19. The method could, in principle, also be provided for operating machine tools, in particular handheld power tools, with rotating, oscillating, or other input or output movements. It is advantageously provided for machine tools 10 without a manual throttle switch. In particular, it is provided for machine tools 10 with an on / off switch 50. Advantageously for machine tools 10 with an on / off switch 50 and a device 52 for selecting different target operating parameters of the machine tool, in particular target speeds or operating levels, in particular for different load operating states.The method is particularly preferably intended for operating machine tools with adaptive, configurable, or adjustable soft start and / or for operation with a functional interface, in particular for setting a soft start. The method is explained below using the example of operating the machine tool 10 or the jigsaw 18 according to Figures 1 and 2.

[0097] In a step 100, according to Fig. 3, the machine tool 10 is switched on, for example via an on / off switch 50. Compare also the time t0 of Fig. 4.

[0098] In a step 110, a control or regulating unit 20 of the machine tool 10 checks a setting value, in this case a target speed value for a load operating motion state 184 of the drive unit 40 or the output 36. For example, this is 3800 strokes / min, or corresponding to 7.5 times the number of revolutions per minute of the drive unit. Alternatively, other values ​​could also be conceivable for a jigsaw 18, for example, stroke rates between 800 and 3800 strokes / min or corresponding speeds of the drive unit 40.

[0099] Advantageously, for example, four, six or eight advantageously preconfigured or configurable operating levels 310 can be selected on the machine tool. The respectively set or selected operating level 310 can be displayed, for example, via a display 368 of a function interface 358 of the machine tool 10 (see Fig. 8). Using a button 370, different operating levels 310 can advantageously be selected or set according to different load operating states or operating speeds or rotational speeds of the machine tool 10. The function interface 358 on the machine tool 10 can also offer further selection or display options. For example, a work light of the machine tool 10 can be switched on and off via a button 372. The activation (display fields 374) or deactivation (display fields 376) of the work light can be displayed via the display fields 374, 376.Further setting options or information can be output via the display fields 378, 380 – e.g., further information is available in an application program of an external device connected to the machine tool (display fields 378) and / or it can be displayed whether a soft start is active or deactive (display fields 380). An output field 382 can, for example, signal that a base value and / or threshold value determination is currently taking place – as explained later – or the like. Setting values ​​for the operating stages 358 can advantageously be made by a user via an external function interface 300 or an external unit 30. Presettable or configurable setting values ​​are advantageously setpoint values ​​for the load operation movement state 184 of the machine tool 10 – in particular setpoint values ​​for a stroke rate of the output 36 or the tool 66 or saw blade 68 or a speed of the drive unit 40.Alternatively or additionally, an operating level could also be selected by a user or automatically, for which the corresponding target speed or target stroke rate values ​​are stored in the control or regulating unit 20. These settings can advantageously be made on a function interface 358 of the machine tool 10 and / or the external function interface 300, or the external unit 30. The external function interface 300 or the external unit 30 can advantageously be connected to the machine tool 10 via a communication module 62. The external function interface 300 or unit 30 is designed in particular as a mobile device, advantageously as a smartphone (see Fig. 5) or tablet. It comprises a corresponding application program orAn app – i.e., a computer program comprising commands that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to enable the aforementioned and subsequent functionality of the external unit. As an alternative to the stroke or speed value, another characteristic physical parameter of the machine tool, e.g., a torque, a power, a current, a movement of a drive train component, a stroke rate, and / or a drive, output, and / or tool speed, or similar, can also serve as the setting value.

[0100] In a step 120, a check is carried out, in particular by the control or regulating unit 20, as to whether a soft start is activated, in particular for the specified load operating movement state or the selected operating stage, in this case the 3800 strokes / min of the output 36 or the corresponding target load speed of the drive unit 40.

[0101] If the soft start is activated, in a step 130, the stroke rate 132 of the output or the speed of the drive unit 40 - the transmission ratio between the drive unit 40 and the output 36 is 7.5 - the stroke rate 132 is plotted in Fig. 4 - of the machine tool 10 is accelerated to a motion-throttled idle operating or idle movement state 144 (see Fig. 4). The machine tool 10 is thus placed in this state - here around 800 strokes / min corresponding to 6000 rpm of the drive unit 40. See also Fig. 4, which shows the acceleration period t0 to ti and the period ti to , in which the machine tool is operated with motion throttled. Stroke rates of 250 to 1000 strokes / min, advantageously 500, 700, 800 or 1000 strokes / min, would also be typical for jigsaw 18 for the motion-throttled idle operation or idle movement state 144. Deviating stroke rates or speeds for the motion-throttled idle operation orThe idle movement state 144 could, for example, be retrieved or loaded by the control or regulating unit 20 in a step 125, advantageously input via the function interface 300. In the movement-throttled idle operating state 144, the stroke rate 132 is kept as constant as possible (as can also be seen in Fig. 4). If the soft start were not activated, the stroke rate 132 is accelerated in a step 200, directly or sometimes after an adjustable delay and / or other adjustable parameters, to the target load stroke rate or the load operating state 184, here 3800 strokes / min corresponding to 38500 rpm of the drive unit 40.

[0102] In a step 140, at least one physical characteristic 142 of the machine tool 10 is detected by means of a detection unit 22, in particular the control or regulating unit 20 of the machine tool 10, at least during the movement-throttled idle operation or idle movement state 144 of the machine tool 10, for example the voltage 146 and / or the motor current 24 and / or the battery current. Specifically, the motor current 24 is detected by the control or regulating unit. In principle, the detection unit 22 could also be a sensor unit. Comprising at least one sensor or one sensor element; possibly also comprising filters and / or further electronic components, in particular for preprocessing and / or evaluating a sensor signal. The detection unit 22 could also be an external sensor or an external sensor unit, e.g.at least comprising a microphone, a vibration meter, an optical sensor, and / or the like, which is connected at least wirelessly or wired to the control or regulating unit 20 of the machine tool 10 and / or an evaluation unit, at least to record a physical parameter and to make the measured and / or pre-evaluated data available to a control or regulating unit, in particular to the control or regulating unit 20 of the machine tool 10. A microphone could, for example, distinguish characteristic workpiece scratching noises from noises of idle operation and / or the full engagement operation of the tool in the workpiece, in particular by means of information stored in the evaluation unit, for example, on reference noises for the different states or the like. The external sensor unit could, in principle, even issue control or regulating commands to the machine tool 10.The external sensor unit could, in particular, be the functional interface 300, in particular comprising an application program provided for data exchange with the machine tool. A sensor could, for example, also be a resistance sensor for a sensor circuit powered by the control or regulating unit 20 or the like, which, for example, provides a sensor signal representative of the physical parameter 142 to be detected.

[0103] In the present example, the motor current 24 of the machine tool 10 is used as the characteristic physical parameter. As shown in Fig. 4, it is detected during the throttled idle operating or idle motion state 144 of the machine tool 10 by the control or regulating unit 20 of the machine tool 10, which also controls or regulates the drive unit 40, here the electric motor.

[0104] In a step 150, a base value 154 is determined from the recorded physical characteristic 142 by means of an evaluation unit 152, which here is also the control or regulating unit 20—here using a moving average over a specified recording period 160. This can potentially also be repeated during the period 182 until a threshold value 172 determined and updated for each repetition determination is exceeded for the first time (here, time ts). When determining the base value 154 of the physical characteristic, a switch-on period 156 of the machine tool 10 (approximately between t0 and t1, see Fig. 4) is advantageously disregarded. The switch-on period 156 is advantageously 100-500 ms from the switch-on time t0 of the machine tool 10. However, it could also be variable - e.g., adjustable in a step 155 by a user or automatically adjusted and set by the control or regulating unit 20.Advantageously, it is detected and / or adapted in a variable manner - for example, based on characteristic measured variables and / or sensor signal curves during acceleration of the machine tool 10, for example, based on detected inertia of the tool, or delays during the initial acceleration of the drive unit 40 or the output 36 or the like. The switch-on period 156 could also be automatically adjusted as a function of a set movement-throttled idle speed, in particular so that at least the drive train of the machine tool is placed in a largely uniform and / or constant state of movement depending on the idle speed to be achieved. The switch-on period 156 could, if necessary, also be determined and set based on a self-learning algorithm or the like, in particular in order to keep or select a switch-on period as short as possible, but as long as necessary, in particular so that the most accurate orAn unadulterated (i.e., without outlier measurements) baseline or threshold value—i.e., without disturbances—can be determined. Here, the switch-on period 156 is approximately 300 ms from a switch-on time 158 of the machine tool 10. To determine the baseline value 154 or threshold value 172, in particular to form a baseline mean value, a recording period 160 of the physical parameter 142 of advantageously 250-750 ms, in this case, in particular approximately 500 ms, is taken into account. In the present case, the time period ti to tj is fixed, but could also be variably adjustable, e.g. in a step 165 - e.g. adjustable by a user or advantageously automatically recognized and / or adjusted by the control or regulating unit 20 - e.g. by characteristic measurement or sensor signal curves, if necessary also by a self-learning algorithm or the like, in particular in order to make the recording period as short as possible, but as long as necessary (so that a precise orreliable base value can be determined). Various averaging methods are conceivable for forming the base value 154, in particular common ones - e.g. moving average, weighted average or the like. Here, the arithmetic mean of the motor current 24 over the recording period 160, in this case 500 ms, is formed as the mean. This is done in particular immediately after the end of the switch-on period 156, in this case starting around 300 ms (at time ti) after the switch-on time t0 or after the time t0 of a switch-on 158 of the machine tool 10. As a result, current peaks 162, in particular inrush current peaks of the electric motor current, and / or discontinuities in the physical characteristic quantity 142 during the switch-on period 156 can be disregarded. The accuracy of the base value 154 is increased. By means of an exact base value orBy determining the threshold value, the soft start can ultimately be operated or terminated more sensitively, precisely and / or exactly, or the transfer of the machine tool 10 from the movement-throttled to the load operating state can be carried out more sensitively, precisely and / or exactly.

[0105] In a step 170, a threshold value 172 of the physical characteristic 142 that deviates from the determined base value 154, in particular a threshold value 172 that deviates from the base value 154 in percentage or absolute terms, is determined—here, in particular, determined by the control or regulating unit 20. This threshold value is defined as the threshold value 172, and here, in particular, is stored or saved accordingly in a memory of the control or regulating unit 20. A deviation 174 of the threshold value 172 from the base value 154 can advantageously be set by a user. The deviation 174 can be defined, for example, via a sensitivity 176. The deviation 174 can advantageously be set as a relative, percentage, or absolute value, in particular as a so-called sensitivity 176, advantageously adjustable for a plurality of presettable target load operating states, in particular by means of or via a functional interface 300, advantageously a mobile terminal. See also Fig. 5-7.

[0106] In the present case, the determined threshold value 172 for the motor current 24 lies above the determined base value 154. The degree of deviation of the threshold value 172 from the determined base value 154 can advantageously be set as a so-called sensitivity 176, as explained later. When using, for example, a rotational speed or stroke rate signal as the physical parameter 142, a speed threshold value lower than the base value could also be conceivable as the threshold value 172, in particular when specifying a throttled idle motor current that is to be kept constant, but when operating the machine tool with a variable rotational speed or stroke rate. Here, it would be assumed that with a constant motor current but increased resistance at the tool due to scratching a workpiece, the rotational speed or movement speed of the drive unit drops when scratching. Therefore, a threshold value for the physical parameter can in principle also be exceeded or undershot.When recording vibrations or noise as a characteristic physical parameter 142, a vibration or noise threshold could be set above a base value 154. This is intended to illustrate only a few examples of the use of various physical parameters, but is not an exhaustive list.

[0107] In a step 180, the control or regulating unit 20, advantageously still as the acquisition unit 22 of the physical characteristic 142, monitors the throttled movement state during further operation of the machine tool 10, in this case the motor current 24 in the idle operation or idle movement state 144 of the drive unit 40, here at least during the period 182 (cf. tj to Fig. 4). It advantageously compares the currently acquired and / or averaged physical characteristic 142 with the threshold value 172 for the physical characteristic 142. If the threshold value 172 is not exceeded or undershot, the idle operation or idle movement state 144 is continued. The comparison of the currently acquired physical characteristic 142 with the threshold value 172 is continuously continued or repeated. Optionally,A step 185 is also possible, after which steps 140, 150, 170, 180 are repeated, for example, if the movement-restricted idle operation or idle movement state 144 lasts for a longer period, e.g., over 20, 30, or 60 seconds, or another period. Advantageously, a user could be signaled during the period of the initial and / or renewed determination or setting of the base value 154 and threshold value 172, e.g., visually via the output field 382, ​​haptically / tactilely, audibly, and / or the like. This signaling function, e.g., via an output or the output field 382, ​​could thus also take place without multiple determinations.

[0108] In a step 190, an exceedance or undershoot of the specified threshold value 172 is detected by the physical parameter 142, for example when the tool 66 of the machine tool 10 scratches a workpiece. In this regard, see the time period ta to Fig. 4, where the motor current 24 exceeds the threshold value 172. Specifically, an exceedance of the specified threshold value 172 is detected here. This can be, for example, a first-time exceedance, an exceedance in a plurality of measurements, an exceedance, for example, for a certain time period (see ts to Fig. 4) and / or an exceedance of an average value of the measurement, for example of 10-100 ms. A falling below of the threshold value could also advantageously be detected here on the basis of another physical parameter, for example a drop in a voltage 146. By detecting several physical parameters at the same time, the reliability with which a respective threshold value is exceeded or undershot could advantageously be increased.The detection of a threshold undershoot could be improved or implemented redundantly. The machine tool and an external unit could each record a physical parameter. If both units simultaneously detect a threshold overshoot or undershoot, reliability could also be increased. Depending on the situation or environmental conditions, one or more physical parameters could also be recorded and used individually or jointly, particularly for adaptive soft start control of the machine tool.

[0109] In step 200, the drive unit 40 of the machine tool 10, in this case the electric motor, is then accelerated to the load operating state 184. A stroke rate 132 of the machine tool 10 or a motor speed of the drive unit 40 is accelerated to the operating setpoint, in this case 3800 strokes / min or 38500 rpm, or the machine tool is placed in the load operating state or load operating state 184. Alternatively, a motor current, a power, a stroke rate, and / or a drive, output, and / or tool speed, or the like, could also be specified as a target variable for the load operating state.

[0110] The acceleration to the load operating movement state 184 can advantageously also be delayed, in particular, it can be delayed in an adjustable manner, e.g., after an adjustable delay period, e.g., from 0 to 2 seconds - see ta to Fig. 4, in particular after the threshold value 172 is exceeded for the first time by the detected physical parameter. The delay setting can advantageously be made on a functional interface 300 for all or the respective preset load operating movement state.

[0111] The acceleration function 332 (see Fig. 10) could also potentially be adjustable, e.g., having a linear 202, exponential 204, a root function 206, or a function with a saddle point 208 (see Fig. 10). This setting could be performed in a step 195, for example, in which the control or regulating unit checks whether corresponding deceleration settings and / or acceleration function settings have been specified by the user, which would then be taken into account in the control or regulating of the machine tool 10.

[0112] In a step 210, upon detection of an idle state 186 (cf. between te and t?, Fig. 4) of the machine tool 10 in the load operation movement state 184, for example, due to a characteristic change in the detected physical parameter 142, in particular a reduction in the motor or battery current 24, in particular over an advantageously adjustable minimum detection period (not shown in detail here), the machine tool 10 could be placed into a movement-throttled movement state, advantageously returning to the movement-throttled idle operation or movement state 144. Thus, the machine tool 10 could be returned to the state of step 130, and advantageously, steps 140 to 200 could be repeated.

[0113] Figure 4 illustrates recorded physical parameters 142 during implementation of the aforementioned method. Accordingly, this could also apply to other operating stages and / or settings for soft start, in particular a configured and / or adaptive soft start. The physical parameters 142 correspond to the values ​​recorded in a test with a machine tool 10 designed as a jigsaw 18, which are shown in relative terms. Time is plotted on the abscissa, and values ​​for the measured voltage 146, the motor current 24, and the stroke rate 132 are shown in relative magnitude on the ordinate. In particular, the voltage signal is shown for a limited range of values—i.e., exaggerated—for better visibility.

[0114] Since this is an experimental setup, the measurement begins before the machine tool is switched on at time t0 and does not end when the machine tool 10 is switched off at time t1. In the period before t2, the speed is 0, the voltage is constant according to the pole voltage of the battery pack, and the current is close to 0 due to the measurement and fluctuates slightly. At time t0, the machine tool 10 is switched on. The motor current 24 is increased, the stroke rate 132 is raised to the movement-throttled idle operation, and the voltage 146 drops slightly. The current 142 and the voltage signal 146 reveal an inrush current and a voltage peak 162, 164, respectively. In addition to what was already explained above in the description of the method, a few further aspects are highlighted below. The scratching of the workpiece from time t1 is visible in both the current 142 and the voltage signal 146. The control or regulating unit 20 maintains the speed orthe stroke rate 132 of the machine tool 10 remains constant. Due to the increased resistance at the workpiece from time ta, the control or regulating unit 20 must increase the motor current 24 in order to keep the speed or the stroke rate 132 constant, thereby exceeding the threshold value 172. The more precisely (e.g., due to fewer outliers, a more constant signal or narrower signal dispersion, etc.) the base value 154 can be determined, the less (without causing false triggers) the threshold value 172 can deviate from the base value 154, and the more sensitively an exceedance or undershoot of the threshold value of the physical parameter 142 can be detected. This is helpful, for example, for detecting scratching in balsa wood or another low-resistance workpiece.

[0115] Regarding the measured variables in the period up to ts, where the speed or stroke rate 132 is increased from throttled to full-load operation, it becomes clear that the motor current signal 24 and the voltage signal 146 exhibit corresponding current and voltage peaks, respectively, caused by the acceleration of the drive unit 40 to full-load operation. The workpiece is machined in the period from ts to te. The speed or stroke rate 132 is kept constant by the control or regulating unit 20; the current 24 fluctuates depending on the work conditions, material conditions (cutting conditions), the feed rate selected by the machine tool user, and sometimes many other boundary conditions, such as stroke reversal in the jigsaw, etc.The voltage 146 drops over time during this period up to ts due to the energy consumption of the battery (exaggerated as it is only shown as a section of a value range) - with mains devices this effect would probably not be visible. From time te onwards the workpiece processing or the cut is finished. The machine tool 10 is still in the load operating state and moves at an increased or constant rotational speed or stroke rate 132 or operating speed. However the machine tool 10 is now in idle mode. The motor current 24 drops to a value between the movement-throttled idle mode and the load mode processing the workpiece. The voltage 146 regenerates slightly. If this idle operating state is at the setpoint speed orIf, in principle, the load operation continues for a predetermined period of time, for example, the control or regulating unit 20 could also return the machine tool 10 to an idle operating state 144, in particular the movement-throttled idle operating state 144. For example, at time t i or t j , depending on whether the base or threshold value formation is to be repeated, or a new soft start is to be repeated with the previously determined base or threshold value until the next "scratching" is detected - according to the method described above. At time t ? , the machine tool is switched off, the rotational speed or stroke rate 132 drops to 0 with a slight delay due to the inertia of the drive train 38, the motor current 24 drops immediately, especially if no current braking is used by the drive unit 40, and the voltage 146 regenerates following the switch-off.

[0116] 5 to 7 illustrate that a soft start can be configured by a user of the machine tool 10, in particular in conjunction with a functional interface 300, which here is exemplified as an external unit that can be connected to the machine tool 10, here wirelessly to the communication module 62. Alternatively, however, it could also be a functional interface formed on the machine tool 10, in particular one that exceeds the functionality of the functional interface 358 shown on the machine tool 10. Soft start is to be understood here, in particular more generally than in the case of “adaptive” soft start, that a control or regulating unit puts a drive unit of the machine tool into a load operating state when it detects that a threshold or scratch threshold is exceeded or not reached, in particular a characteristic physical parameter. How this threshold or scratch threshold isThe scratch threshold value is initially irrelevant for this purpose. However, the process steps or features of this so-called "configurable" soft start can be advantageously combined with the features of the aforementioned "adaptive" soft start. An adaptive soft start is understood to mean at least a method for operating a machine tool comprising the following steps:

[0117] • detect, in particular by means of a control or regulating unit 20 of the machine tool 10, at least one physical characteristic 142 of the machine tool, in particular a motor current 24 of the machine tool 10, during a movement-throttled idle operating state 144 of the machine tool 10,

[0118] • determining a scratch threshold value 172, in particular a motor current scratch threshold value, based on the recorded physical characteristic value 142, in particular by means of the control or regulating unit 20,

[0119] • putting a drive unit of the machine tool into a load operating state when the determined scratch threshold value is exceeded or undershot.

[0120] Both the adaptive and the configurable soft start are particularly advantageous in machine tools 10 without a manual accelerator switch, in particular with an on / off switch 50. The method is designed for operating a machine tool 10 with soft start, in particular a hand-held power tool 12, advantageously with an oscillating output movement 14, for example a reciprocating saw 16, preferably a jigsaw 18, a saber saw or an oscillating multi-function tool 19, wherein the machine tool 10 is operated in at least one method step in a movement-throttled movement state or operating state, advantageously an idle operation state or idle movement state 144, and in a further method step a drive unit 40 of the machine tool 10 is automatically switched to a load operating state 184 orThe load operation movement state is accelerated when an exceedance or undershoot of a scratch threshold value 172 is detected, in particular by a control or regulating unit 20 of the machine tool 10. The soft start can be configured by a user of the machine tool 10, for example by making settings for the soft start via a function interface 300, advantageously an HMI, in particular a function interface 300 arranged on the machine tool and / or on an external device 301. The function interface 300 can be connected 318 to the machine tool 10 in a wired or advantageously wireless manner, in particular can be connected 318 to the control or regulating unit 20 of the machine tool 10. In particular, the soft start can be configured via an app on a smartphone 303 or tablet.

[0121] Figure 5 shows a functional interface 300, in particular an HMI 302. This is an external unit 30, here a smartphone 303 with a corresponding application program (app). The functional interface 300 is configured to enable a user to configure a configurable, advantageously adaptive, soft start of a machine tool 10. Advantageously, the aforementioned adaptive soft start or a soft start of a machine tool in general can be configured by a user. The machine tool 10 is advantageously a handheld power tool 12, in particular a reciprocating saw 16, preferably a jigsaw 18, a saber saw, or an oscillating multi-function tool 19.The functional interface 300 comprises means for setting 304, 306 and / or switching 308 the soft start, in particular for different operating levels 310, operating setpoints 312 and / or load operating states 314, advantageously different operating setpoints 312 of a drive speed, stroke rate and / or drive, output and / or tool speed of the machine tool, advantageous for setting 304, 306 and / or switching 308 the soft start jointly for several or optionally individually for each operating level 310, operating setpoint 312 and / or load operating state. The functional interface 300, 308 is advantageously provided by an external unit 30 and / or arranged on the machine tool 10, advantageously at least partially redundantly on both.In particular, the functional interface 300 can be a smartphone 303 or tablet with an application program that enables the configurable soft start, for example, via a user interface 316. The external unit 30, in particular the smartphone 303 or tablet, is connected 318, at least indirectly, to the machine tool 10, in particular to a control or regulating unit 20 of the machine tool 10, in particular for data exchange, advantageously input and / or output data. The functional interface 300 can, in principle, be connected 318 to the machine tool 10 wirelessly, but also wired, in particular via WLAN, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or other networks.

[0122] The means for setting 304, 306 and / or switching 308 the soft start on or off can comprise switching or operating elements, advantageously comprising graphical input and output elements for interaction with a user, in particular shown on the user interface 316 or a display 320 and at least partially provided by an application or control or regulating program executed on the functional interface and / or the external device 301. This enables intuitive configuration of the soft start. The application program or functions thereof can also be executable, at least in part, on a control or regulating unit 20 of the machine tool 10. The functional interface 300 is advantageously provided for data processing, in particular comprising means for executing a method for enabling the configurable soft start.A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method for enabling the configurable soft start is also proposed.

[0123] A number of operating levels 310, operating setpoints 312, and / or load operating states 314 can be selected, for example, in the input and / or output window 322. A working setpoint 312 can be set or selected between a predetermined maximum and minimum value 323, 325 for the respective working setpoint 312. This allows individual settings for soft start to be made for different operating levels or working setpoints 312 of the machine tool 10. Time can be saved for setting the soft start when changing operating levels 310, in particular via the function interface 358—in particular when changing operating levels 310 directly on the machine tool 10, in particular via the device 52, since these are already preconfigured with regard to the soft start setting via the function interface 300.

[0124] An acceleration period 326, e.g. between ts and ts according to Fig. 4, and / or a delay period 328, e.g. between ta and ts according to Fig. 4, for putting the machine tool into a load operating state 184 from the detection of an exceedance or undershoot of a scratch threshold value 172, in this case e.g. at time ta, can be set, in particular relatively set, e.g. between short and long or adjustable as a percentage or as an absolute value, advantageously between 0 and 2 see. For this purpose, the function interface 300, as shown in Fig. 7, has the option of selecting a setting between short and long in the area labeled Delay 324 in the soft start settings (ASC Settings 346). The acceleration period 326 is to be understood as a period for acceleration from a movement-throttled, in particular idle operating state 144 to a working setpoint and / or load operating state 184.A delay period 328 is understood to be the period from the beginning of an acceleration of the drive unit 40 to a working setpoint 312 and / or load operating movement state 184, starting from the detection of an exceedance or undershoot of a scratch threshold 172. The acceleration and / or deceleration period 328 can be set, in particular, continuously or in steps—e.g., of 0.1 sec or 5% or 0.3 sec or 20% or the like. The setting is advantageously made jointly for several working setpoints 312 and / or load operation movement states 184, as shown in Figure 7, or optionally individually for each working setpoint 312 and / or load operation movement state 314. The soft start can be switched on or off, e.g., via the selection means 308 in Fig. 6. An individual setting for each working setpoint 312 could be configured by a setting symbol for each working setpoint 312, which, when pressed, leads to a submenu - for example, analogous to that in Fig. 7.This would allow the soft start to be individually adjusted and the tear-out behavior to be positively influenced for different operating setpoints 312. Users could save time by specifying or configuring the soft start for each operating level.

[0125] A course of the acceleration 330, in particular an acceleration function 332, could be settable or selectable as shown in Figure 10, for example in a further submenu or the one supplemented by this function according to Figure 7, in particular having a linear 202, exponential 204, a root function 206 or a function with saddle point 208 course, advantageously settable or selectable jointly for several or optionally individually for each operating stage 310, working setpoint 312 and / or load operation movement state 314.

[0126] It is proposed that a sensitivity 176, 334 of the soft start be adjustable, in particular in the form of a duration of exceeding or falling below a scratch threshold and / or a specification of a relative sensitivity of the soft start. In Fig. 7, a user can set the sensitivity 334, for example, between low and high (low, high). In particular, by moving a slider 336. A user could also specify a relative, percentage, or absolute value deviation of a scratch threshold 172 from a base value 154 of a physical characteristic 142, in particular base value 154 of a physical characteristic 142 of the machine tool 10 in the movement-throttled operating state, in particular the movement-throttled idle operating state 144.This base value would advantageously be a recorded and determined base value 154 of the physical characteristic 142 of the machine tool 10, in particular according to the aforementioned method for operating a machine tool with adaptive soft start.

[0127] Not further shown here, a sensitivity for detecting or evaluating a physical parameter 142 characteristic of the soft start can also be adjustable, for example by specifying a determination method for forming a threshold value, in particular by selecting, for example, the averaging method, e.g. forming a moving average, a period for averaging the detected values ​​of the physical parameter, or the like.

[0128] The functional interface 300 advantageously comprises at least one, advantageously several of the following additional display, selection and / or setting options:

[0129] - a connection state 338, here designated as “connected”, one of the

[0130] Functional interface 300 providing external device 301, here smartphones 303, with the machine tool 10 and / or activation or deactivation of a connection with the machine tool 10;

[0131] - a name 340, a property and / or a state 342 of the machine tool 10;

[0132] - a selection option 344 for a number of operating levels 310 and / or target working speeds 312 available on the functional interface and / or a functional interface of the machine tool, in particular wherein a variability of these available operating levels 310 and / or target speed 312 can be blocked;

[0133] - a display 350 and / or setting options 346 of a target speed 312 per

[0134] Operating stage 310; an activation or deactivation or connection or disconnection 308 of the soft start at least for one, in particular several, advantageously all operating stages 310 and / or target speeds 312; a sensitivity 334 and / or a delay 324 or a delay period 328 of the soft start, in particular jointly for all operating stages 310 and / or target speeds 312, alternatively also optionally individually for each target speed and / or operating stage;

[0135] - a kickback or fall shutdown 352 for the machine tool 10;

[0136] - a machine light setting option 354, in particular for switching the light on and off, adjusting the brightness and / or activating / deactivating a strobe mode;

[0137] - a property 356, in particular a brightness or key assignment of a

[0138] Functional interface 358 directly on the machine tool 10, in particular an HMI on the machine tool 10;

[0139] - a 360° level indicator for the battery or battery pack of the machine tool 10.

[0140] It is proposed that the functional interface 300 comprises at least one, advantageously several, optical adjustment sliders 362, 364, 366, which are designed to be displaceable between a minimum and a maximum setpoint, in particular for determining a drive speed, the sensitivity 334 of the soft start and / or a delay period 328 for accelerating the machine tool to load operation after detecting the exceeding or falling below of a scratch threshold value 172.

[0141] When a soft start is activated at the function interface 300, a symbol for setting further properties of the soft start may appear, in particular for setting further properties of the soft start in a submenu of the application program, advantageously with regard to setting the sensitivity 334 and / or the delay period 328 or a delay 324, as shown, for example, in Fig. 7.

[0142] The output of a signal when the (scratch) threshold value 172 is exceeded and / or during the detection or determination of the base and / or threshold value, in particular an acoustic, optical and / or haptic signal, can be carried out, for example, by or at the functional interface 358 of the machine tool 10 or by or at the functional interface 300 or the external unit. For example, by the output 382 on the machine tool. It is proposed that after the machine tool 10 is switched off and switched on again within a minimum rest period, for example of 30 seconds, the machine tool 10 is immediately placed into a load operation movement state 184, in particular the advantageously adjustable load operation movement state 184. In contrast, after the minimum rest period of e.g. 30 seconds has been exceeded, the machine tool 10 is initially operated again with soft start, i.e. with movement throttled until a scratch threshold value 172 is exceeded.The times given are for illustrative purposes only.

[0143] Figure 9 illustrates an alternative machine tool 10. It is a handheld power tool 12, advantageously an oscillating multi-function tool 19. It is configured to carry out one of the aforementioned methods and includes an adaptive and / or configurable soft start function. The oscillating multi-function tool 19 comprises a drive unit 40 and a control or regulating unit 20 at least for controlling or regulating the drive unit 40. It further comprises a tool holder 64 and advantageously a drive train 38 between the drive unit 40 and the tool holder 64. The machine tool 10 is battery-powered. Advantageously, the machine tool 10 comprises a detection unit 22 for the time-dependent detection of a physical characteristic of the machine tool 10, preferably for the time-dependent detection of a motor current and / or a motor speed of the drive unit 40 designed as a drive motor.

[0144] The oscillating multi-function tool 19 can also be operated as a system with the functional interface 300 or another external unit to enable a configurable and / or adaptive soft start. At least other fundamentally identical parts are provided with corresponding reference numerals.

Claims

Claims 1. Method for operating a machine tool (10) with soft start, in particular a hand-held machine tool (12), advantageously with an oscillating or reciprocating output movement (14), for example a reciprocating saw (16), preferably a jigsaw (18), a saber saw or an oscillating multi-tool (19), wherein in at least one method step (140) at least one physical characteristic parameter (142) of the machine tool (10), in particular a motor and / or battery current (24) of the machine tool (10), is detected by means of a detection unit (22), in particular a control or regulation unit (20) of the machine tool (10), during a motion-reduced idle operating state (144) of the machine tool (10), characterized in that in at least one further method step (140) at least one physical characteristic parameter (142) of the machine tool (10), in particular a motor and / or battery current (24) of the machine tool (10), is detected by means of a detection unit (22), in particular a control or regulation unit (20) of the machine tool (10),based on the recorded physical parameter (142), a threshold value (172) of the physical parameter (142), in particular a threshold value, is determined, and that in the further operation of the machine tool (10), if an exceedance or fall below of the determined threshold value (172) is detected, at least one drive unit (40) of the machine tool (10) is put into a load operating state (184), in particular with an increased movement speed compared to the motion-throttled idle operating state (144).

2. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threshold value (172) is determined by using the evaluation unit (152) to determine a base value (154) from the recorded physical parameter (142), in particular a base mean value, and depending on the determined base value (154), a threshold value (172) deviating from it, advantageously a threshold value (172) deviating from the base value (154) as a percentage or in absolute value, is determined, in particular calculated.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when determining the threshold value (172) or the base value (154), a switching-on period (156) of the machine tool (10) is disregarded, in particular a period of 1-1000 ms, advantageously 100- 500 ms, in particular around 300 ms from the switch-on time (158) of the machine tool (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when determining the threshold value (172) or the base value (154), a detection period (160) of the physical parameter of 10-1000 ms, advantageously 250-750 ms, in particular around 500 ms, is taken into account, in particular immediately after the expiry of a switch-on period (156), advantageously starting after 100-500 ms, in particular starting after around 300 ms, from the time of a switch-on (158) of the machine tool (10).Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the motion-reduced idle operating state (144) of the machine tool (10), advantageously the reciprocating saw (16), in particular the jigsaw (18), corresponds to a target speed of the drive unit (40) of 2000 to 10000 rpm or to an oscillation or stroke rate of an output unit (36) of 250 to 1000 oscillations or strokes / min, in particular of 500-800 strokes / min, advantageously of around 500 or 800 strokes / min; and / or that the load operating condition (184) of the machine tool (10), advantageously the reciprocating saw (16), corresponds to a target speed of the drive unit (40) of 6000-30000 rpm or a stroke rate of the output unit (36) of 800 to 3800 strokes / min, in particular pre-adjustable in several, advantageously 2-10 operating stages (310).Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, upon detection of an idle state (186) of the machine tool (10) in the load operating state (184), for example by a characteristic change in the detected physical parameter (142), in particular a reduction or increase of the physical parameter compared to a load operation, in particular with workpiece engagement of the tool, advantageously a reduction of the motor or battery current (24), in particular over a minimum detection period that is advantageously adjustable, the machine tool (10) is placed in a motion-restricted operating state. Advantageously, the motion-limited idle operating state (144) is restored. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the threshold value (172) or the threshold value is exceeded, and / or during the detection and / or determination (140, 150) of a base and / or threshold value (154, 172), a signal, in particular an acoustic, optical and / or haptic signal, is output, in particular at the machine tool (10), at a functional interface (300, 358) and / or at an external unit (30), for example at an output field (382) of the machine tool (10).A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, after switching off and restarting the machine tool (10) within a minimum rest period, the machine tool (10) is immediately put into the load operating motion state (184), in particular accelerated, in particular into a variably adjustable load operating motion state (184), in particular without first being put into the motion-reduced idle operating state (144). The machine tool (10), in particular a hand-held power tool (12), advantageously a reciprocating saw (16), preferably a jigsaw (18), saber saw or oscillating multi-tool (19), is configured to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims.System comprising a machine tool (10), in particular a hand-held machine tool (12), advantageously a reciprocating saw (16), preferably a jigsaw (18), a saber saw or an oscillating multi-tool (19) and comprising a functional interface (300) and / or an external unit (30), in particular a mobile terminal, for example a smartphone (303), in particular with an application program configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 1-8.

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