Green care tool and green care apparatus provided with said tool

Abstract

A green care apparatus (1) is described, comprising a green care tool (10) provided with: a crankcase (15), a manual command interface (30, 35, 40, 45) for actuating and / or adjusting the tool, an electronic control and command apparatus (55, 60, 65) connected to the manual command interface (30, 35, 40, 45), a wireless-type transceiver (50) operationally connected to the electronic control and command apparatus, an electronic memory operationally connected to the electronic control and command apparatus and housed inside the crankcase and / or in a tool battery that is removably connected to the crankcase. Two computer codes are stored in the electronic memory which are alternatively executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, of which: a normal operation computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus when the electronic control and command apparatus is electrically powered or when the electronic control and command apparatus receives a first predetermined command sent by the manual command interface (30, 35, 40, 45), and an interface computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus only when the electronic control and command apparatus receives a second predetermined command, other than the first predetermined command, from the manual command interface (30, 35, 40, 45). The interface computer code being configured, when executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, to perform a monitoring of a variable tool parameter (10) based on a received tool instruction, and to subsequently send the monitored values of the monitored tool parameter or a processing of said values to the remote device via the wireless connection. The apparatus further comprising a remote device (70) provided with: an electronic control and command unit (75), a transceiver (80), adapted to communicate with the transceiver (50) of the tool and operationally connected to the electronic control and command unit (75), a user interface (85) operationally connected to the electronic control and command unit, and a memory unit operationally connected to said electronic control and command unit in which a diagnostics computer code is stored, which, when executed by the electronic control and command unit (75), generates a user instruction, which it sends to the user interface, and the tool instruction, which it sends via the transceivers to the electronic control and command apparatus of the tool.

Description

[0001] GREEN CARE TOOL AND GREEN CARE APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH SAID TOOL

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a green care apparatus provided with a green care tool, such as chain saws, brush cutters, hedge trimmers, blowers, lawn mowers, etc., and a green care apparatus provided with said tool.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] In order to perform the maintenance of green care tools, it is known to use electronic diagnostics tools comprising a control unit and a connector configured to fit into a socket made on the body, e.g. in a crankcase, of the tool in order to connect an electronic control unit of the green care tool to the control unit of the diagnostics tool itself. The diagnostics tool generally consists of an adapter, provided with the connector and the control unit, which allows to connect by wire the tool, substantially acting as an intermediary, to a computer on which a diagnostic software is installed which makes it possible to test the correct operation of the tool, in particular by carrying out tests on the sensors, the battery, the interface (buttons) and other elements in which a digital transmission can be read or a voltage or current level can be measured. For example, the diagnostics tool can be used to check the correct operation of the user interface by sending an instruction to the user regarding the operation of a certain button of the user interface, and then to measure an output signal from said button.

[0006] The diagnostics tool is sold separately from the tool and usually has a non-negligible footprint, largely due to the wires for the connection to the tool and computer.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to make available a different system for performing diagnostics within the framework of a rational and effective solution.

[0008] Such an object is achieved by the features of the invention reported in the independent claim. The dependent claims outline preferred and / or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

[0009] DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In particular, the invention makes available a green care apparatus comprising a green care tool provided with:

[0011] - a crankcase,

[0012] - a manual command interface for actuating and / or adjusting the tool,

[0013] - an electronic control and command apparatus connected to the manual command interface,

[0014] - a wireless-type transceiver operationally connected to the electronic control and command apparatus,

[0015] - an electronic memory operationally connected to the electronic control and command apparatus and housed inside the crankcase and / or in a tool battery removably connected to the crankcase, wherein two computer codes are stored in the electronic memory, which are alternately executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, of which:

[0016] - a normal operation computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus when the electronic control and command apparatus is electrically powered or when the electronic control and command apparatus (is powered and) receives a first predetermined command sent by the manual command interface,

[0017] - an interface computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus only when the electronic control and command apparatus receives a second predetermined command, other than the first predetermined command, from the manual command interface, said interface computer code being configured, when executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, to perform a monitoring of a variable tool parameter based on a received tool instruction, and to subsequently send the monitored values of the monitored tool parameter or a processing of said values to the remote device via the wireless connection, said apparatus further comprising a remote device provided with:

[0018] - an electronic control and command unit,

[0019] - a transceiver, adapted to communicate with the tool transceiver and operationally connected to the electronic control and command unit,

[0020] - a user interface operationally connected to the electronic control and command unit, and

[0021] - a memory unit operationally connected to said electronic control and command unit wherein in said memory unit a diagnostics computer code is stored in that memory unit, which, when executed by the electronic control and command unit, generates a user instruction, which it sends to the user interface, and the tool instruction, which it sends via the transceivers to the electronic control and command unit of the tool

[0022] Thanks to this solution, there is no need for wired diagnostic tools, which have to be purchased, for the tools of the prior art, separately and wired to the tool when a tool diagnosis is required. Conversely, with a remote device, which can be a simple smartphone on which a diagnostics app is installed, it is possible to perform a diagnosis of the tool at any time, so for example even when you are far away from the tool shed where the diagnosis tool is usually stored. Furthermore, as no connectors for diagnostic tools are required, the tool is more resistant to external influences. In particular, the tool preferably has no connectors for wired connections suitable for communicating tool data to an external device. Furthermore, the crankcase may not have openings wherein such connectors are inserted so that they can be accessed from outside the crankcase.

[0023] According to an aspect of the invention, the diagnostic computer code, when executed by the electronic control and command unit, can only be configured to establish a connection to the tool only when the interface computer code is being executed.

[0024] The security of the apparatus is thereby increased.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the electronic control and command apparatus can be configured to keep the interface computer code running as long as the power supply battery is electrically connected to the tool.

[0026] Thanks to this solution, in order to exit the diagnostic mode, the user must remove the battery, removing the battery the power supply fails to power the tool and the tool substantially performs a rest, so that the diagnostic software, i.e. the software interfacing with the diagnostic software, cannot remain running for any reason. Furthermore, as the user must remove the battery in order to exit diagnostics, the likelihood that a tool with active diagnostics and a connected battery could be left unattended is greatly reduced. According to still another aspect of the invention, the tool may comprise a user interface, and wherein the electronic control and command apparatus comprises at least three nodes, each having an electronic control and command unit, connected to each other by means of can-bus type connections, among which, a first node comprising an electronic control and command unit of a tool motor, a second node comprising an electronic control and command unit of the user interface to which the transceiver is operationally connected, and a third node comprising an electronic control and command unit of the battery. This makes it possible, for example, to carry out diagnostics of the electronic control and command unit of the motor from any one of the other electronic control and command units.

[0027] Thereby, in case one of the three nodes does not work, it is always possible to perform diagnostics from another one, e.g. it is possible to perform diagnosis of the motor control unit from the battery. Furthermore, when a wireless connection cannot be established with the tool, one knows that the problem is either in the battery or in the node to which the tool transceiver is directly connected.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, the second predetermined command may be a combination of predetermined signals sent, by one or more selected elements of the control interface, simultaneously and for a predetermined minimum time interval.

[0029] The invention also makes available a diagnostic method to carry out diagnostics of a green care tool, said method comprising the step of providing a green care apparatus comprising the green care tool, which is provided with:

[0030] - a crankcase,

[0031] - a manual command interface for actuating and / or adjusting the tool and associated with said crankcase,

[0032] - an electronic control and command apparatus connected to the user interface,

[0033] - a wireless-type transceiver operationally connected to the electronic control and command apparatus,

[0034] - an electronic memory operationally connected to the electronic control and command apparatus and housed inside the crankcase and / or in a battery of the tool removably connected to the crankcase wherein two computer codes are stored in the electronic memory, which are alternately executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, of which:

[0035] - a normal operation computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus when the electronic control and command apparatus is electrically powered or when the electronic control and command apparatus (is powered and) receives a first predetermined command sent by the manual command interface,

[0036] - an interface computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus only when the electronic control and command apparatus receives a second predetermined command, other than the first predetermined command, from the manual command interface, said interface computer code being configured, when executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, to perform a monitoring of a variable tool parameter based on a received tool instruction, and to subsequently send the monitored values of the monitored tool parameter or a processing of said values to the remote device via the wireless connection, said apparatus further comprising a remote device provided with:

[0037] - an electronic control and command unit,

[0038] - a transceiver, adapted to communicate with the tool transceiver and operationally connected to the electronic control and command unit,

[0039] - a user interface operationally connected to the electronic control and command unit, and

[0040] - a memory unit operationally connected to said electronic control and command unit, said method comprising the steps of:

[0041] - sending the second predetermined command by acting on the manual command interface

[0042] - establishing a wireless connection between the tool transceiver and the remote device transceiver

[0043] - making a predetermined user instruction intelligible to a user via the interface device of the remote device

[0044] - Sending the tool instruction from the remote device to the tool via the wireless connection

[0045] - monitoring the variable tool parameter indicated by the tool instruction

[0046] - actuating the manual command interface of the tool based on the user instruction

[0047] - sending the monitored values of the monitored tool parameter or a processing of said values to the remote device via the wireless connection.

[0048] The invention may also provide that the remote device with the diagnostic computer code is not present, and that said code is installed on the tool, which must then comprise a user interface in order to make the instruction intelligible to the user.

[0049] In this case, the invention makes available a green care tool provided with:

[0050] - a crankcase - a manual command interface for actuating and / or adjusting the tool

[0051] - a user interface

[0052] - an electronic control and command apparatus connected to the manual command interface and user interface

[0053] - an electronic memory operationally connected to the electronic control and command apparatus and housed inside the crankcase or in a tool battery removably connected to the crankcase wherein two computer codes are stored in the electronic memory, which are alternately executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, of which:

[0054] - a normal operation computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus when the electronic control and command apparatus is electrically powered or when the electronic control and command apparatus (is powered and) receives a first predetermined command sent by the manual command interface,

[0055] - a diagnostic computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus when the electronic control and command apparatus receives a second predetermined command, other than the first predetermined command, sent via the user interface, said diagnostic computer code being configured, when executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, to generate a user instruction that it sends to the user interface device of the tool and to monitor a predetermined variable parameter of the tool.

[0056] The invention also makes available a diagnostic method to carry out diagnostics of a green care tool (when the tool can make the user instruction intelligible without requiring the remote device), said method comprising the step of providing a green care tool provided with:

[0057] - a crankcase,

[0058] - a manual command interface for actuating and / or adjusting the tool,

[0059] - a user interface,

[0060] - an electronic control and command apparatus connected to the manual command interface and user interface,

[0061] - an electronic memory operationally connected to the electronic control and command apparatus and housed inside the crankcase or in a tool battery removably connected to the crankcase, wherein two computer codes are stored in the electronic memory, which are alternately executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, of which:

[0062] - a normal operation computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus when the electronic control and command apparatus is electrically powered or when the electronic control and command apparatus (is powered and) receives a first predetermined command sent by the manual command interface,

[0063] - a diagnostic computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus only when the electronic control and command apparatus receives a second predetermined command, other than the first predetermined command, sent via the manual command interface said method comprising the steps of:

[0064] - acting on the manual command interface to send the second predetermined command,

[0065] - making a predetermined user instruction intelligible to a user via the user interface of the tool,

[0066] - initiating via the electronic control and command apparatus the monitoring of a predetermined parameter of the tool in response to the instruction of the tool

[0067] - actuating the manual command interface of the tool based on the user instruction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent after reading the following description provided by way of a non-limiting example, with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

[0069] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the invention.

[0070] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.

[0071] BEST MODE TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0072] With particular reference to such figures, a green care apparatus comprising a green care tool, such as a chainsaw, brush cutter, pruner, grass trimmer, shredder, walking tractor (motor cultivator, scarifier, etc.), hedge trimmer, atomiser or blower, has been referred to as 1 , 1 ’.

[0073] For illustrative purposes only, a chainsaw 10, 10’ is shown in the figures.

[0074] The tool comprises a (rigid) crankcase 15, e.g. box-shaped, adapted to protect, e.g. by containing therein, portions or all of the components of the tool itself, such as the motor, frame, electrical circuits and electrical and / or electronic wiring. The crankcase may consist of a plurality of elements, i.e. there may be a plurality of crankcases, such as boxshaped, according to the type of tool. The crankcase is preferably made of polymeric material, however, it cannot be ruled out that it may be made of metal or comprise metal portions.

[0075] The tool may comprise a support frame (not shown in the figures) which gives the tool structural rigidity and makes it possible to fix at least part of the tool components to it. It cannot be ruled out that the crankcase may itself be part of, or the entire support frame. The tool may comprise a motor M, such as an electric motor.

[0076] The motor M is powered by an energy source, such as an electric power source preferably a battery 20.

[0077] In the case of the battery 20, it is preferably removably associated with the tool, in particular the battery may be contained within a box-shaped casing which is removably associated, for instance by means of quick release means, with the tool, i.e. the crankcase of the tool.

[0078] The motor is in particular a motor actuating a movable working element of the tool itself (an element that enables to carry out a job for which the tool is designed). Such a movable working element may be a movable cutting element 25, such as a chain with sharp teeth (shown in the figures), or a rotating wire or a plurality of parallel sharp teeth or rotating knives, or an impeller or fan adapted to put a fluid (usually air) under pressure.

[0079] The motor and the movable working element are attached to the frame of the tool itself. The tool may comprise a manual command interface for actuating and / or adjusting (setting) the tool, e.g. directly associated with the crankcase 15 or the frame (so as to protrude at least partially outside said frame or crankcase, so as to be actuated by an operator). The manual command interface comprises push-buttons and / or levers and / or knobs and / or a slider and / or a lever and / or a proximity sensor that at least allow the tool to be switched on and off and the cutting element to be actuated (once the tool is on).

[0080] The manual command interface may comprise, for example, a first manual command element 30, which can be made as one or more push buttons or a slider or a lever or a knob or a proximity sensor (touch sensor), adapted to command the switching on and switching off of the tool. The first command element may therefore be movable (moving relative to the crankcase) between a first position corresponding to the switching on of the tool and a second position corresponding to the switching off of the tool.

[0081] Except for the case of the proximity sensor, the first command element may comprise an electric or electronic switch or an electric or electronic sensor actuated by the button or lever or knob or etc. In the case of the switch, such a switch allows an electrical circuit to be closed or opened and in the first position it closes said circuit and opens it in the second position.

[0082] Said first manual command element 30 may protrude at least partially out of said crankcase so that it can be manually and directly actuated by the user of the tool. For example, it may be movably associated directly with the crankcase 15.

[0083] In addition, the manual command interface may comprise a second manual command element 35, which may be made as one or more push buttons or a sliding slider or a lever or a knob or a proximity sensor (touch sensor), adapted to command (adjust) a movement of the movable working element, e.g. by commanding (adjusting) the motor torque delivered by the motor. It can therefore be stated that such second element allows, by being actuated, to adjust a movement speed (rotation) of the working element.

[0084] The second manual command element 35 is also movable between a first position and a second position, where the first position corresponds to a no movement request of the working element (i.e. no actuation of the motor) and the second position corresponds to a request for movement at maximum speed (i.e. a request for actuating the motor). Except for the case of the proximity sensor, the second command element may comprise a potentiometer or an electric / electronic switch or an electric / electronic sensor actuated by the button or lever or knob or etc. In the case of the potentiometer, it is used to vary the current or voltage flowing in a circuit or to vary the digital signal output by an electronic transducer, so as to output a variable signal that corresponds to a change in the required speed of the working element.

[0085] Such second manual command element 35 may protrude at least partially out of said crankcase so that it can be actuated manually and directly by the user of the tool. For example, it can be movably associated directly with crankcase 15.

[0086] The second control element can comprise an elastic element configured to automatically generate a force adapted to move the second command element towards the first position.

[0087] The second command element is preferably positioned at a handle for grabbing the tool, so that it can be actuated by the user while holding the tool, e.g. with the same hand holding the tool.

[0088] Furthermore, the manual command interface may comprise a third manual command element 40, which can be made as one or more buttons or a sliding slider or a lever or a knob or a proximity sensor (touch sensor), adapted to adjust one or more tool parameters, such as a maximum torque delivered by the motor, or a maximum (rotation) speed of the working element. Such a torque or maximum speed is the one reached by the working element when the second command element is in the second position.

[0089] Except for the case of the proximity sensor, the third command element may comprise a potentiometer or an electric / electronic switch or an electric / electronic sensor actuated by the button or lever or knob or etc.

[0090] For example, the third command element may comprise two buttons, whereby pressing a first button reduces the maximum speed of the working element, while pressing a second button increases the maximum speed of the working element.

[0091] The third command element can also protrude at least partially out of said crankcase so that it can be manually and directly actuated by the tool user. For example, it may be movably associated directly with the crankcase 15.

[0092] The manual command interface may comprise a fourth manual command element 45, which may be made as one or more push buttons or a sliding slider or a lever or a knob or a proximity sensor (touch sensor), adapted to enable the second manual command element 35. Such fourth element is a safety element, preferably implemented as a lever, which must be actuated in order to enable, electrically or mechanically, the second command element. For example in the figures, the fourth element is positioned in the handle close to the second command element, e.g. on a side of the handle diametrically opposite the side where the second command element is positioned. In particular, the fourth element shown is known as the palmar lever.

[0093] Except for the case of the proximity sensor, the fourth control element may comprise a potentiometer or an electric / electronic switch or an electric / electronic sensor actuated by the button or lever or knob or etc.

[0094] The fourth manual command element 45 is movable between a first position and a second position, where the first position corresponds to a condition wherein the second command element is not enabled, and the second position corresponds to a condition wherein the first command element is enabled. The fourth command element can also protrude at least partially out of said crankcase so that it can be manually and directly actuated by the tool user. For example, it can be movably associated directly with crankcase 15.

[0095] The fourth command element may comprise an elastic element configured to automatically generate a force to move the second command element itself towards the first position.

[0096] It cannot be ruled out that the command and control interface may comprise a touchscreen panel through which the user can give commands.

[0097] The tool 10, 10’ may also comprise a user interface, e.g. visual and / or acoustic, adapted to enable the communication of instructions or information to a user of the tool. Such a user interface may, for example, comprise a display and / or a plurality of light emitters (LEDs) and / or an audio speaker.

[0098] In case the command interface comprises the touch-screen panel, it may conveniently be a touch-screen display, which thus allows at least part of the user interface to be combined with at least part of the command interface.

[0099] The tool 10, 10’ comprises a transceiver 50 of the wireless type, such as of the Bluetooth or ultra-wide band or wi-fi type.

[0100] In the embodiment 10’ of the tool, the user interface is capable of making a user instruction intelligible and, for example, comprises a display D capable of making a user instruction intelligible (in particular, large enough and with sufficient resolution to make a fixed or scrolling string of alphanumeric characters intelligible). The display D may for example have a minimum resolution of 45 pixels on a long side thereof and 15 pixels on a short side thereof, preferably 90 pixels on the long side and 25 pixels on the short side, even more preferably 120 pixels on the long side and 30 pixels on the short side. Preferably the display is of the LED type, e.g. of the OLED type. Such a display D may also have a minimum size of 7 mm on the short side, preferably 10 mm, even more preferably 15 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the display may be of the seven-segment type, in particular capable of displaying at least three digits or letters simultaneously, preferably capable of displaying at least six digits or letters simultaneously, even more preferably capable of displaying at least 12 digits or letters simultaneously. The green care tool then comprises an electronic control and command apparatus configured at least to actuate the tool, i.e. to actuate the motor based on commands received from the command interface. In particular, the electronic control and command apparatus is operationally connected, e.g. galvanically connected, to the command interface and the motor of the tool.

[0101] For example, the electronic control and command apparatus is operationally connected to the first manual command element and is configured to bring the tool from a condition wherein it is off to a condition where it is on (enabled) based on the receipt of a command given (at least) via said element. In particular, when the first manual command element is in the second position, the electronic control and command apparatus is configured to interrupt the supply of energy (e.g. electric) to the tool motor, while when the first manual command element is in the first position, the electronic control and command apparatus is enabled to supply power (e.g. electric) to the tool motor. When the electronic control and command apparatus is enabled, the tool is substantially in an enabled condition (unless the tool is of the on-off type) upon actuation of the working element, based on the actuation of the second command element.

[0102] This configuration is present unless the first manual command element does not comprise the switch described above, in which case when the first element is the switching-off position at least one of the motor and the electronic control and command apparatus is isolated from the power supply.

[0103] Apart from the cases of tools of the on-off type, i.e. wherein the movable working element can only be either stationary or moving at a predetermined speed, and wherein when the first control element is in the first position the movable working element is immediately set in motion, in the other cases the tool includes the second manual command element, which is operationally connected to the electronic control and command unit, e.g., galvanically, and the electronic control and command unit is configured to vary the drive torque delivered by the tool motor (by acting on the motor power supply) based on a signal given by the user via the user interface element 35. For example, the second command element can normally be in the first position (preferably due to the force exerted on it by an elastic element) and the user can apply a force on said second command element to bring it towards the second position. The closer the second control element is to the second position, the more the electronic control and command apparatus supplies (electrical) power to the motor to increase the speed of the movable working element. Such a torque variation may occur (only) when the tool is in the enabled-tool condition.

[0104] The condition wherein the tool is switched off is one wherein the second command element is disabled (i.e. wherein the motor is switched off, i.e. not powered).

[0105] The inactive condition is a condition wherein the movable working element is not actuated (e.g. is stationary), preferably one wherein no driving force (generated by the motor of the tool itself) is transmitted to the working element.

[0106] For example, such a condition may also be a condition wherein the motor of the tool is switched off and therefore the working element is stationary. Alternatively, such an inactive condition may be a condition wherein the motor is switched off (i.e. not power supplied), the movable working element is consequently stationary, and wherein the user interface (in particular at least the second user command element) is disabled (its actuation therefore does not allow the tool to be activated). Such a disabling may for instance be in the form of a configuration of the electronic control and command apparatus such that signals from the control interface, in particular even only those from the second command element, are ignored or by-passed by the electronic control and command apparatus, or a condition wherein the second command element, i.e. the respective potentiometer, is not electrically powered.

[0107] The inactive tool condition corresponds to the tool switched-off condition when the motor is switched off and the second command element is disabled.

[0108] In the case of the electric motor, the inactive condition may be obtained by switching off or keeping the electric motor switched off, e.g. by cutting off the electric power supply to the motor or keeping it non-powered. It should be noted that switched-off electric motor means that it does not generate a drive torque.

[0109] In addition to or as an alternative to the switching off of the motor, the inactive condition in the electric motor may provide to disable at least the second command element. With this last option, it is impossible for the user to actuate the movable working element even though the motor may be in an active / stand-by condition wherein it is ready for use.

[0110] In the case of the electric motor, the active condition corresponds to a condition wherein the electric motor is electrically powered and one drive shaft thereof rotates. Alternatively or additionally, the active condition in the case of an electric motor corresponds to a condition wherein the drive shaft does not rotate (the electric motor is switched off) and may be rotated by actuating the second command element.

[0111] The electronic control and command unit is then operationally connected at least to the motor to control its power supply (and / or to the coupling to command its position between the coupled and uncoupled one, if present) and to the command interface (or user interface elements) to monitor signals coming therefrom.

[0112] The electronic control and command apparatus may comprise at least one electronic control and command unit (e.g. comprising or consisting of a microprocessor or CPU) configured to execute a computer code, i.e. firmware, for actuating the tool, e.g. at least configured to actuate the cutting element and the respective motor based on commands received via the command interface. The electronic control and command apparatus, i.e. such an electronic control and command unit is operationally connected to the transceiver 50.

[0113] It should be noted that firmware refers to a computer code installed in the microprocessor or CPU and stored in a non-volatile memory of that microprocessor or CPU (and is usually in read-only mode).

[0114] Preferably, the electronic control and command apparatus is configured as a network comprising a plurality of electronic control and command units (microprocessors or CPUs) communicating to each other, at least one of which is intended to control the motor based on the commands received via the command interface and can be referred to as a motor control unit.

[0115] For example, each of these electronic control and command units comprises, i.e. consists of, a respective circuit board, in particular provided with a corresponding support plate (of non-zero thickness) made at least partially of an electrically insulating material (e.g. comprising glass fibre). The support plate may be substantially defined as a printed circuit board, internationally known as PCB.

[0116] The circuit board may comprise a plurality of electronic components, among which at least the CPU or the microprocessor and connectors for data and / or power connection to other electrical / electronic components, attached to the support plate, by means of which the circuit board performs control and command operations.

[0117] The electronic control and command apparatus may comprise at least a first electronic control and command unit 55, i.e. a first circuit board, operationally (galvanically) connected to the power source (i.e. the battery) and the motor of the tool itself. Such an electronic control and command unit is operationally connected to the transceiver 50 and is housed inside the crankcase 15. The first electronic control and command unit 55 is mainly configured to govern the power supply and operation of the motor M of the tool The electronic control and command apparatus may also comprise a second electronic control and command unit 60, i.e., a second circuit board, separate from, and wired to, the first electronic control and command unit 55, operationally (galvanically) connected to the power source (i.e. the battery). Such an electronic control and command unit is operationally connected to the transceiver 50 and is housed inside the crankcase 15. In particular, the transceiver can be either galvanically wired to the circuit board or directly welded to the circuit board.

[0118] The second electronic control and command unit 60 may be directly (and galvanically, e.g. wired) connected to the command interface, in particular to the switches or potentiometers or other sensors of the command interface. It cannot be ruled out that such elements can also be welded onto the board of the second electronic control and command unit.

[0119] The second electronic control and command unit 60 may also be directly (and galvanically, e.g. wired) connected to the user interface, in particular to the viewing means (display) or to the speaker. It cannot be ruled out that such elements can also be welded onto the board of the second electronic control and command unit.

[0120] The electronic control and command apparatus may also comprise a third electronic control and command unit 65, i.e. a third circuit board, separate from the other two and wired to them, operationally (galvanically) connected to the power source (i.e. the battery).

[0121] The third electronic control and command unit 65 is, for example, directly associated with the battery, preferably located inside the box-shaped crankcase of the battery. Therefore, such an electronic control and command unit is connected to the other two only when the battery is fixed and galvanically connected to the rest of the tool.

[0122] A connector for the battery present on the tool, which the battery can be connected to, is in turn wired to the first electronic control and command unit and, for example, also to the second electronic control and command unit (preferably separately).

[0123] The tool comprises an electronic (permanent, non-volatile) memory operationally connected to the electronic control and command apparatus, or operationally connected to at least one of the electronic control units (preferably connected to all of the electronic control units), which is (entirely) housed within the crankcase (or frame), or in an accommodation volume within the crankcase (possibly at least partially defined by the crankcase, and / or is (entirely) housed within the removable battery, or within the crankcase of the removable battery.

[0124] Such an electronic memory may be galvanically connected or directly welded to one of the electronic boards of the electronic control and command apparatus, e.g. at least to the motor control board.

[0125] Preferably, such electronic memory comprises one (permanent, non-volatile) memory unit for each node of the network of the electronic control and command apparatus, e.g. each of such memory units is connected to a respective electronic board of the electronic control and command apparatus. Additionally, the memory unit could be contained within the respective microprocessor of the corresponding electronic control and command unit of the electronic control and command apparatus.

[0126] A normal operation computer code, or first computer code, is stored in the electronic memory, which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, i.e. by one of the electronic control and command units, e.g. by the first electronic control and command unit (such a computer code may then be stored in the memory unit of the first electronic control and command unit), when the electronic control and command apparatus receives a first predetermined command sent by the manual command interface, e.g. a first predetermined switch-on command of the tool sent by the manual command interface.

[0127] Such first predetermined command, for example, is generated by the first command element, in particular it is generated by (or following) the switching of the first command element from the second position to the first position.

[0128] The electronic control and command apparatus and the normal operation computer code are preferably configured to create together an architecture of the state-machine type, among which states, at least one tool command-waiting state and one diagnostics state is included. The states can then also comprise a blocked tool state due to an error.

[0129] The command-waiting state is a state wherein the tool is electrically powered and the electronic control and command apparatus is (at least partially) electrically powered and can process the signals received from the command interface. Such a state-machine is configured in such a way that after each interruption of the power supply to the electronic control and command apparatus, e.g. performed by removing the battery from the tool, when the power supply is restored, e.g. by connecting anew the battery to the tool, the electronic control and command apparatus automatically switches to the state of command-waiting tool, regardless of the state of the machine before removing (disconnecting) the battery.

[0130] The first predetermined command, i.e. the switching of the first command element from the second position to the first position (i.e. in practice the switching on of the tool) when the battery is inserted and connected to the rest of the tool, and thus when the statemachine is in the command-waiting state of the tool, makes it possible to switch on the tool, i.e. enables it to receive commands from the command elements, for example those that can be given by the second command element and / or the third command element, or even just the first command element to enable the switching off of the tool.

[0131] Preferably or alternatively, the normal operation computer code is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus as soon as the tool is electrically powered (i.e. when at least a part of the electronic control and command apparatus governing the motor and connected to the command interface is electrically powered), e.g. when the battery is inserted and connected to the rest of the tool. In this case, the first predetermined command is the connection of an electrical power source to the electronic control and command apparatus.

[0132] For the sake of brevity, it will be omitted in the remainder of the disclosure that a step or function performed by a computer code is executed when the computer code is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus or by an electronic control and command unit.

[0133] When the normal operation computer code is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, it may be configured, for example, to actuate the working element, hence the motor (i.e., to power the motor to set the working element in motion at a predetermined speed), in response to an actuation of the second command element from the first position towards the, or to the second position, i.e. when it receives a predetermined actuation signal of the working element from the second command element when it is actuated from the first position towards the, or to the second position. Furthermore, when the fourth command element is present, it may be configured to actuate the working element, hence the motor (i.e. to power the motor to set the working element in motion at a predetermined speed), when it receives a predetermined actuation signal of the working element sent by the second command element when said second element is actuated from the first position towards the, or to the, second position, only if, at the same time (or within a predetermined time interval) it receives a predetermined enabling signal, for example from the fourth command element, when said fourth command element is actuated from the first position towards the, or to the, second position.

[0134] Furthermore, the normal operation computer code when executed by the electronic control and command apparatus can be configured to vary a maximum speed of the cutting element, corresponding to the maximum speed of the cutting element when the second command element is actuated in the second position, when it receives a predetermined adjustment signal from the third command element.

[0135] In the electronic memory, in particular in the memory unit associated with the electronic control and command unit of the motor, an interface computer code is also stored, i.e. a second code, which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus only when the electronic control and command apparatus receives a second predetermined command, which is different from the first predetermined command and is sent via the manual command interface.

[0136] Preferably, the second predetermined command may be a combination of predetermined signals sent, by one or more selected elements of the plurality of command elements, simultaneously and for a predetermined minimum time interval (starting from a predetermined event), e.g. a few seconds, possibly said signals having a predetermined pattern in time.

[0137] For example, it may be provided that the second predetermined command is generated by the simultaneous actuation of the second or fourth command element (e.g. from the first position to the second position) with the third command element (e.g. by pressing one or both buttons of the third command element).

[0138] Such actuation must be continuous for the predetermined minimum time interval.

[0139] It can also be said that the electronic control and command apparatus is configured to execute the interface computer code when it simultaneously detects, and for the predetermined time interval, the combination of predetermined signals sent by one or more selected elements of the command elements.

[0140] If, in order to generate the second predetermined command, it is provided to actuate the second command element from the first position to the second position while simultaneously actuating the third command element, all of this continuously for a predetermined time interval, the fourth command element must be, during such a predetermined time interval, in the first position. This is because otherwise, in the event the normal operation computer code was being executed, there would be a risk, with the fourth element and the second element in the second position, of actuating the motor M. One of the signals constituting the second predetermined command can, for example, also be sent by the first command element when it is in the tool switched-on position.

[0141] A possible overall configuration of the second command signal is to have, for a predetermined time interval: the first command element in the tool switched-on position, the second command element in the second position, the third command element actuated (e.g. at least one of the two buttons pressed) and the fourth command element in the first position.

[0142] When the interface computer code is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, it may be configured to bypass the receipt of the first predetermined command. In particular, it may be provided that the actuation of the first command element between the first position and the second position does not cause the switching on or switching off of the tool

[0143] Furthermore, when the interface computer code is executed, it can only be configured to actuate the motor following the actuation of the second command element only if the electronic control and command apparatus has first received an authorisation command from a diagnostic software, as will become clearer in the following. This authorisation is a time limit from when it is received, e.g. a few seconds.

[0144] When the interface computer code (or a diagnostic code installed on the tool, as will become clearer later on) is being executed, the only way to return to normal operation, and thus return to the execution of the normal operation computer code, may be to disconnect power to the tool, in particular by removing the power supply battery from the tool. However, it cannot be ruled out that in an alternative, less preferred embodiment, upon receiving a third command signal, e.g. consisting of the simultaneous actuation of selected elements of the plurality of command elements, it may be possible to close the interface computer code and execute the normal operation computer code when the interface computer code is being executed.

[0145] In the preferred embodiment, no command sent from a command element or a combination of command elements, or from a remote device, allows the normal operation computer code to be executed when the interface computer code is being executed.

[0146] Said interface computer code is configured to, when executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, perform the monitoring, for example for a predetermined time interval after receiving a predetermined tool instruction or another predetermined subsequent signal, of a predetermined variable parameter (i.e. a parameter that can vary over time) of the tool, upon receipt a pre-determined tool instruction. Such a predetermined parameter is a parameter indicative of the operation of an element of the tool.

[0147] The predetermined tool instruction may substantially be a computer code, i.e. a plurality of code strings written in a predetermined language (that of a remote device, as will become clearer hereinafter), which, when executed by the interface computer code in the language of the electronic control and command apparatus, i.e. after having been translated by the interface computer code into the language of the electronic control and command apparatus and having been executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, performs the monitoring of the predetermined parameter. The predetermined tool instruction may thus substantially already itself be a piece of computer code which, when executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, after having been translated by the interface computer code into the language of the electronic control and command apparatus, monitors the predetermined parameter.

[0148] Therefore, in the hereinafter discussion, the tool instruction can also be interpreted not as something that triggers a predetermined response from the interface computer code, but as a computer code that performs the monitoring (and any other functions that will be described hereinafter) after having been translated by the interface computer code into the language of the electronic control and command apparatus.

[0149] The predetermined user instruction can also substantially be a computer code.

[0150] By way of a non-limiting example, the predetermined parameter may be at least one of: the number of motor revolutions in the unit of time, the temperature of the motor or other element in the unit of time, the voltage or current intensity at the ends of an electrical element of the tool or being output therefrom, an electrical signal from a command element of the plurality of command elements, the voltage or current intensity at the ends of the potentiometer of the second command element or being output therefrom.

[0151] The green care apparatus may also comprise a remote device 70, preferably a smartphone, which is particularly necessary when the tool is not provided with means capable of making a user instruction intelligible, in particular when the tool does not comprise a display (sufficiently large or with sufficiently high definition to make a string of alphanumeric characters intelligible to a user, as will become clearer hereinafter, those generated by the user instruction).

[0152] The remote device 70 is provided with an electronic control and command unit 75, a transceiver 80 adapted to communicate with the tool transceiver, i.e. communicating according to a protocol compatible with or equal to that of the tool transceiver, and operationally connected to the electronic control and command unit of the remote device, and a user interface operationally connected to the electronic control and command unit, for example comprising a display 85 (sufficiently large or with a sufficiently high definition to make a string of alphanumeric characters intelligible to a user).

[0153] The remote device 70 is also provided with a memory unit operationally connected to said electronic control and command unit and wherein a diagnostic computer code is stored which, when executed by the electronic control and command unit of the remote device, generates a predetermined user instruction, which it sends to the user interface of the remote device, i.e. which it makes intelligible to a user via the user interface of the remote device.

[0154] The user instruction substantially contains instructions which are addressed to the user who is performing a diagnosis of the device and which tell the user which parts of the tool he has to actuate and how he has to actuate them. Such an indication provides actuating at least one control element of the plurality of command elements. Purely by way of example, it provides actuating at least the second command element from the first position to the second position.

[0155] For example, the user instruction comprises one or more strings of alphanumeric characters that are viewed on the display. Purely by way of example, the user instruction may be an instruction sentence, such as “actuate the second command element from the first to the second position”, “actuate the third control element repeatedly”, “actuate the third command element” “actuate the second command element from the first position to the second position until 4000-5000rpm is reached and then maintain the reached position for 3 seconds”.

[0156] Alternatively or additionally, the user instruction could be made intelligible as a voice message through a speaker on the remote device.

[0157] The diagnostic computer code also generates the predetermined tool instruction, which it sends via the transceiver to the electronic control and command apparatus of the tool, in response to which the interface computer code monitors the predetermined parameter of the tool. For example, the diagnostic computer code may generate and send to the electronic control and command apparatus of the tool a plurality of predetermined tool instructions, each of which corresponds to a different type of monitoring and / or the monitoring of a different tool parameter.

[0158] The interface computer code is configured, after the monitoring of the predetermined parameter has been completed, to send the monitored values of the predetermined tool parameter in the time interval or a processing of said values to the remote device via the wireless connection.

[0159] In addition to or as an alternative to such sending, the computer interface code may also be configured, after the monitoring of the predetermined parameter has been completed, to store the monitored values of the predetermined tool parameter, or a processing of said values, in the tool electronic memory.

[0160] Before sending the monitored values or their processing, the interface computer code may be configured to translate them into the software language of the diagnostic computer code.

[0161] At least one of the diagnostic computer code and the interface computer code is configured to interface only to the other code, i.e. the diagnostic computer code may be configured to interface only to the interface computer code or the interface computer code may be configured to interface only to the diagnostic computer code.

[0162] In particular, a wireless connection between the remote device executing the diagnostic computer code and the electronic control and command apparatus of the tool can only take place if the interface computer code is being executed in the tool.

[0163] For example, this is achieved thanks to a configuration of the interface computer code according to which a connection address of the tool transceiver, when the interface computer code is executed, comprises an identification code indicating that the interface computer code is being executed (i.e. indicating that the tool is in the diagnostic machine state). In order to carry out the wireless connection, the remote device diagnostic computer code is configured in such a way that it only establishes a wireless connection with tools whose connection address comprises the identification code indicating that the interface computer code is being executed.

[0164] Even more in practice, when the interface computer code is being executed and there is not yet an established wireless connection, the interface computer code is configured to cyclically send via the tool transceiver a wireless signal containing the connection address (a connection step internationally known as advertising) and the diagnostic computer code is configured to scan the wireless connection signals detectable by the remote device transceiver and to connect only to the connection address that comprises the identification code indicating that the interface computer code is being executed.

[0165] It cannot be ruled out that alternatively or additionally, the tool instruction, i.e. each individual tool instruction, may comprise a predetermined diagnostics identification code, and the interface computer code may be configured to execute the tool instructions (i.e. translate the tool instructions into the language of the electronic control and command apparatus, i.e. translate the code strings of the tool instruction into code strings in the language of the electronic control and command apparatus) only if it detects this predetermined diagnostics identification code. If no such code is present, the instructions are ignored.

[0166] Accordingly, in such a case, the normal operation computer code does not allow a connection to the remote device when it executes the diagnostics computer code, or vice versa. Or, if a connection takes place, the normal operation computer code ignores the instructions from the remote device generated by the diagnostics computer code.

[0167] For example, the normal operation computer code may be configured to ignore the tool instructions if it detects the predetermined diagnostics identification code.

[0168] The interface computer code may be a part of the normal operation computer code that is only executed upon receipt of the second predetermined command.

[0169] The diagnostic computer code may, for example, be configured to send a plurality of predetermined tool instructions that are different from each other, which are sent in sequence to each other, each (apart from the first one) after the previous monitoring has been completed.

[0170] Furthermore, some tool instructions may be unaccompanied by a user instruction. For example, this is the case when the diagnostics part performed does not require the user intervention on the tool. These tool instructions are substantially part of a passive diagnostics, while those wherein the user must act on the tool are part of an active diagnostics. Types of passive diagnostics may, for example, be those wherein the voltage at the ends of a tool element is controlled.

[0171] The interface computer code, i.e. the tool instruction intended as code translated by the interface computer code, may be configured, during the monitoring, to detect (collect or save in the electronic memory, e.g. temporarily) either one or more values of the monitored parameter at a predetermined time point from the start of the monitoring, or in a predetermined time interval after the start of monitoring, or to detect (collect or save in the electronic memory, e.g. temporarily) a trend in the parameter value in a predetermined time interval.

[0172] The interface computer code, i.e. the tool instruction intended as code translated by the interface computer code, may be configured to have the detecting step preceded by the step of waiting, preferably for a preset time interval from the receipt of the tool instruction, for a signal indicating that a predetermined control element of the plurality of control elements has been actuated (i.e. a predetermined electrical signal is expected to be output from said predetermined command element).

[0173] In order to just give a practical example, in the case where the user instruction is of the type “actuate the second command element in the second position and maintain it in that position for one second”, the tool instruction, once translated by the interface computer code, is to monitor via the electronic control and command apparatus the values of an electrical signal being output from the second command element. The waiting step can then provide that the monitoring and relative detection of the values of the predetermined monitored parameter can take place since a predetermined signal is received from the second command element.

[0174] Both the interface computer code, i.e. the tool instruction intended as code translated by the interface computer code, and the diagnostic computer code may be configured to compare the detected point value or the detected point values or the detected value trend, of the predetermined monitored parameter, with a desired preset value or a preset range or a preset trend indicative of the fact that a tool element generating the predetermined operating parameter is properly operating.

[0175] Both the interface computer code, i.e. the tool instruction intended as code translated by the interface computer code, and the diagnostic computer code may be configured to generate a passed diagnostic test signal in the event that the detected point value or the detected values or the value trend fall (with a tolerance range) within the preset ones, or to generate a failed diagnostic test signal in the event that the detected point value or the detected values or the detected trend do not fall (within a tolerance range) within the preset ones.

[0176] The diagnostic computer code, i.e. the tool instruction intended as code translated by the interface computer code, may be configured to make the passed diagnostic test signal and the failed diagnostic test signal intelligible via the user interface, e.g. by displaying a first preset string of alphanumeric characters in the case of a passed diagnostic test signal and a second preset string of alphanumeric characters in the case of a failed diagnostic test signal.

[0177] As will become clearer hereinafter, the display may be that of the remote device in the case where the diagnostic computer code is installed on the remote device, or it may be the tool display in the case where the diagnostic computer code is installed on the tool.

[0178] The interface computer code may be configured to translate the detected values into the software language of the diagnostic computer code before sending the passed or failed test signal.

[0179] In one embodiment, in which the tool comprises the display (particularly one large enough and with sufficient resolution to make a string of alphanumeric characters intelligible), the diagnostic computer code may be stored in the tool, e.g. instead of, or together with, the interface computer code. Therefore, in this embodiment, the remote device containing the diagnostic software, and which is able to make user instructions intelligible by displaying them or emitting them as a sound, is not necessary. Furthermore, in such a case the transceiver may not even be necessary for the purposes of the invention, although it is preferable in order to enable the transfer of the values of the parameters monitored during the diagnostics to an external remote device for subsequent processing or simple consultation.

[0180] In this embodiment, a diagnostic computer code is stored in the tool electronic memory, which, when executed by the remote device electronic control and command unit, generates the user instruction, which it sends to the user interface (i.e. display) of the tool, i.e. which makes intelligible to a user via the user interface of the tool (display).

[0181] The user instruction may have the characteristics set forth for the other embodiment wherein the diagnostic computer code is in the remote device.

[0182] In this embodiment, the diagnostic computer code does not send the tool instruction, but directly performs the monitoring which, in the other embodiment, the interface computer code would perform upon receipt of the tool instruction.

[0183] The diagnostic computer code on the tool may perform a processing of the data acquired during the monitoring, and it cannot be ruled out that it can store the data obtained from the monitoring, and / or their processing, in the tool electronic memory.

[0184] In the event that the tool is capable of making an instruction intelligible to a user and the remote device is still present, the remote device does not comprise the diagnostic computer code, but comprises a computer code configured to communicate with the diagnostic computer code installed on the tool, via transceivers, and configured to process and subsequently display, or only display, the data it receives from the diagnostic computer code installed on the tool. Furthermore, in the event that the tool is able to make an instruction intelligible to a user, the remote device may not be present at all and the displaying of the monitored data, processed data or otherwise diagnostics results are also made directly intelligible by the tool itself, e.g. via the tool display.

[0185] The diagnostic computer code installed on the remote device in combination with the interface computer code installed on the tool or the diagnostic computer code alone installed on the tool, when executed, make available at least one diagnostic test step of the tool.

[0186] Said test step comprises:

[0187] - the step of initiating the monitoring of the predetermined parameter subject to the diagnostic test (regarding which the diagnostic computer code, has, for example, sent the tool instruction to the tool electronic control and command apparatus),

[0188] - the step of detecting either one or more parameter values at a predetermined time point from the start of the monitoring or in a predetermined time interval after the start of the monitoring, or a trend in the parameter value over a predetermined time interval,

[0189] - the step of comparing the point value or point values or the monitored trend of values of the predetermined parameter with a preset value or a preset trend (with a tolerance range),

[0190] - the step of generating a passed diagnostic test signal if the detected point value or range of values falls (with a tolerance range) within the preset ones, or the step of generating a failed diagnostic test signal if the detected point value or range of values falls (with a tolerance range) outside the preset ones.

[0191] These signals may be made intelligible to the user via the interface of the remote device, e.g. they may be displayed on the display of the remote device, preferably as a string of characters.

[0192] The remote device may also comprise, in its memory, a non-diagnostic monitoring code, e.g. one that connects with the tool only when the normal operation computer code is being executed (i.e. not with the interface computer code) and that sends tool instructions (and does not send user instructions) to request the electronic control and command apparatus to monitor at least one predetermined operating parameter of the tool (such as the instantaneous RPM or battery charge level) and to send the values of the monitored parameter, or their processing, to the remote device.

[0193] In particular, the non-diagnostic monitoring computer code generates a monitoring tool instruction, which it sends via the transceiver to the tool electronic control and command apparatus, in response to which the normal operation computer code monitors a predetermined operating parameter of the tool corresponding to the monitoring tool instruction. Such monitoring can, for example, last for a preset time interval.

[0194] The normal operation computer code is configured, after the monitoring of the predetermined parameter has been completed, to send the monitored values of the predetermined tool parameter in the time interval or a processing of said values to the remote device via the wireless connection.

[0195] In addition to or as an alternative to such sending, the normal operation computer code can also be configured, after the monitoring of the predetermined parameter has been completed, to store the monitored values of the predetermined tool parameter in the time interval, or a processing of said values, in the tool electronic memory.

[0196] The non-diagnostic monitoring computer code and the normal operation computer code may be configured to interface only with each other. In particular, a wireless connection between the remote device executing the nondiagnostic monitoring computer code and the electronic control and command apparatus of the tool can only take place if the normal operation computer code is being executed in the tool.

[0197] For example, this is achieved thanks to a configuration of the normal operation computer code according to which a connection address of the tool transceiver, when the normal operation computer code is being executed, comprises an identification code indicating that the normal operation computer code is being executed (i.e. that the tool is in the normal machine state / waiting for commands). In order to create the wireless connection, the non-diagnostic monitoring computer code of the remote device in this case is configured in such a way that it only establishes a wireless connection with remote devices that comprise the identification code indicating that the normal operation computer code is being executed.

[0198] Even more in practice, when the normal operation computer code is being executed and there is not yet an established wireless connection, the normal operation computer code is configured to cyclically send out, via the tool transceiver, a wireless signal containing the connection address (connection step internationally known as advertising) and the non-diagnostic monitoring computer code is configured to scan the connection wireless signals detectable by the transceiver of the remote device and to connect only to the connection address that comprises the identification code indicating that the normal operation computer code is being executed.

[0199] It cannot be ruled out that alternatively or additionally, the monitoring tool instruction may comprise a predetermined monitoring identification code, and the normal operation computer code may be configured to execute the monitoring tool instruction (i.e. translate the monitoring tool instruction into the language of the electronic control and command apparatus) only if it detects this predetermined monitoring identification code. If no such code is present, the instructions are ignored.

[0200] Accordingly, in such a case, the interface computer code does not allow a connection to the remote device when it executes the non-diagnostic monitoring computer code, or vice versa.

[0201] When the tool does not comprise a user interface capable of making the tool instruction intelligible, and therefore the remote device on which the diagnostic computer code is installed is present, while the normal operation computer code and the interface computer code are installed on the tool, a first diagnostic method is made available to carry out diagnostics of a green care tool by means of the green care device.

[0202] When the tool and the remote device comprise at least the features recited in claim 6, the method provides the steps of:

[0203] - sending the second predetermined command by acting on the manual command interface, i.e. the method requires a user in charge of tool diagnostics to act on the command interface to send the second predetermined command,

[0204] - establishing a wireless connection between the tool transceiver and the remote device transceiver, i.e. the interface computer code and the diagnostic computer code establish the wireless connection,

[0205] - making a predetermined user instruction intelligible to a user via the interface device of the remote device, i.e. displaying the character string corresponding to the user instruction on the display of the remote device,

[0206] - sending the tool instruction from the remote device to the tool via the wireless connection

[0207] - performing the monitoring of the variable parameter of the tool indicated by the tool instruction, i.e. the interface computer code translates and executes, or directly executes, the tool instruction received from the diagnostic computer code by monitoring the predetermined parameter,

[0208] - actuating the manual command interface of the tool according to the user instruction during the monitoring, i.e. the method requires the diagnostics user to execute the tool instruction by actuating the tool command interface according to what indicated in the user instruction,

[0209] - sending the monitored values of the monitored tool parameter or a processing of said values to the remote device via the wireless connection, e.g. after the monitoring of the tool parameter has been completed,

[0210] The step of sending the second predetermined signal may be preceded by the step of coupling the battery to the tool so that the entire electronic control and command apparatus is electrically powered, and possibly the step of switching on the tool by actuating the first command element from the second position to the first position.

[0211] The steps due to the optional configurations described above regarding the interface computer code and the diagnostic computer code may be added to these steps.

[0212] The operation of the invention according to the above-described method and the apparatus in which the tool is not capable of making the tool instruction intelligible may be exemplified as follows.

[0213] The user inserts the battery into the respective housing of the tool and then switches the tool on by moving the first control element from the second position to the first position, then he sends the second predetermined command by acting on the user interface, e.g. by moving the second command element to the second position and pressing at least one of the buttons of the third command element for the preset time interval, without, for example, acting on the fourth command element. At that point, the electronic control and command apparatus starts to execute the interface computer code.

[0214] The user then acts on the interface of the remote device, such as the smartphone, to execute the diagnostic computer code, which once executed, establishes a wireless connection with the electronic control and command apparatus that executes the interface computer code, via the transceiver of the remote device and that of the tool.

[0215] The diagnostic computer code then sends the user instruction to the display of the remote device, substantially displaying a string of alphanumeric characters, i.e. a sentence, indicating the instruction to be executed by the user. Purely by way of example, the user instruction may for example be “actuate the second control element from the first position to the second position until 4000-5000rpm is reached and then maintain the position reached for 3 seconds”.

[0216] The diagnostic computer code also sends the tool instruction to the tool via the established wireless connection.

[0217] Upon receipt of the tool instruction, e.g. after it has been translated, the interface computer code starts to monitor the predetermined parameter. In the example performed herein, the monitoring of the RPM value of the motor of the tool in the unit of time begins. The user must execute the user instruction by actuating the second control element until the motor rotation speed is between 4000-5000rpm for 3 seconds.

[0218] In order to assist the user, the electronic control and command apparatus can instantaneously communicate the value of the predetermined monitored parameter to the remote device via the interface computer code, which makes the value intelligible, via the diagnostic computer code, e.g. It graphically displays the value, on the display of the remote device, so that the user has a feedback as to whether he is properly actuating the command interface of the tool or other part of the tool.

[0219] In the example formulated, the diagnostic computer code can display a revolution counter on the display of the remote device or at least a correct rotation speed signalling light, so that the user knows that he can stop when he sees that the rotation speed instantly displayed is the one required by the user instruction.

[0220] At the end of the predetermined monitoring time interval, the interface computer code sends the detected data to the diagnostic computer code, possibly after processing them. The diagnostic computer code compares the received data with preset values indicative of a proper operation and displays a passed diagnostic test message on the display if the values obtained from the monitoring are compatible with the preset values, or a failed diagnostic test message if the values are not compatible with a proper operation.

[0221] When the tool comprises a user interface capable of making the tool instruction intelligible, e.g. a sufficiently large display with sufficient resolution to be able to display one or more sentences, and therefore the remote device on which the diagnostic computer code is installed is not present, a second diagnostic method is made available to carry out diagnostics of a green care tool via the green care tool, e.g. provided with a display.

[0222] When the tool comprises at least the characteristics recited in claim 8, the method provides the steps of:

[0223] - sending the second predetermined command by acting on the manual command interface, i.e. the method requires a user in charge of tool diagnostics to act on the command interface to send the second predetermined command,

[0224] - making a predetermined user instruction intelligible to a user via the interface device of the tool, i.e. displaying the character string corresponding to the user instruction on the tool display,

[0225] - performing the monitoring of a predetermined variable parameter of the tool (logically connected) to what indicated by the tool instruction,

[0226] - actuating the manual command interface of the tool according to the user instruction during the monitoring, i.e. the method requires the diagnostics user to execute the tool instruction by actuating the tool command interface according to what indicated in the user instruction, The step of sending the second predetermined signal may be preceded by the step of coupling the battery to the tool so that the entire electronic control and command apparatus is electrically powered, and possibly the step of switching on the tool by actuating the first command element from the second position to the first position.

[0227] The steps due to the optional configurations described above regarding the diagnostic computer code (especially those where the remote device is not present) may be added to these steps.

[0228] The operation of the invention according to the second method described above may be exemplified as follows.

[0229] The user inserts the battery into the respective housing of the tool and then switches the tool on by moving the first control element from the second position to the first position, then he sends the second predetermined command by acting on the user interface, e.g. by moving the second command element to the second position and pressing at least one of the buttons of the third command element for the preset time interval, without, for example, acting on the fourth command element. At that point, the electronic control and command apparatus starts to execute the diagnostic computer code.

[0230] Next, the diagnostic computer code sends the user instruction to the tool display, substantially displaying a string of alphanumeric characters, i.e. a sentence, indicating the instruction to be executed by the user. Purely by way of example, the user instruction may for example be “actuate the second control element from the first position to the second position until 4000-5000rpm is reached and then maintain the position reached for 3 seconds”.

[0231] The diagnostic computer code starts when the user instruction is sent, the monitoring of the predetermined parameter. In the example performed herein, the monitoring of the RPM value of the motor of the tool in the unit of time begins.

[0232] The user must execute the user instruction by actuating the second control element until the motor rotation speed is between 4000-5000rpm for 3 seconds.

[0233] In order to assist the user, the diagnostic computer code can make the value intelligible, such as by graphically displaying the value, on the tool display, so that the user has a feedback as to whether he is properly actuating the control interface of the tool or other part of the tool.

[0234] In the example formulated, the diagnostic computer code can display a revolution counter on the tool display or at least a signalling light for a correct rotation speed, so that the user knows he can stop when he sees that the rotation speed instantaneously displayed is the one required by the user instruction.

[0235] After the predetermined monitoring time interval has elapsed, the diagnostic computer code compares the data collected during the monitoring with preset values indicative of proper operation and displays a passed diagnostic test message on the tool display if the values obtained from the monitoring are compatible with the pre-set values, or a failed diagnostic test message if the values are not compatible with a proper operation.

[0236] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to several modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept.

[0237] Moreover, all details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0238] In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and sizes, can be whatever according to the requirements without for this reason departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Green care apparatus (1 ) comprising a green care tool (10) provided with:- a crankcase (15),- a manual command interface (30, 35, 40, 45) for actuating and / or adjusting the tool,- an electronic control and command apparatus (55, 60, 65) connected to the manual command interface (30, 35, 40, 45),- a wireless-type transceiver (50) operationally connected to the electronic control and command apparatus,- an electronic memory operationally connected to the electronic control and command apparatus and housed inside the crankcase and / or in a battery of the tool removably connected to the crankcase wherein two computer codes are stored in the electronic memory, which are alternately executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, of which:- a normal operation computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus when the electronic control and command apparatus is electrically powered or when the electronic control and command apparatus receives a first predetermined command sent by the manual command interface (30, 35, 40, 45),- an interface computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus only when the electronic control and command apparatus receives a second predetermined command, other than the first predetermined command, from the manual command interface (30, 35, 40, 45), said interface computer code being configured, when executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, to perform a monitoring of a variable tool parameter (10) based on a received tool instruction, and to subsequently send the monitored values of the monitored tool parameter or a processing of said values to the remote device via the wireless connection, said apparatus further comprising a remote device (70) provided with:- an electronic control and command unit (75),- a transceiver (80), adapted to communicate with the tool transceiver (50) and operationally connected to the electronic control and command unit (75),- a user interface (85) operationally connected to the electronic control andcommand unit, and a memory unit operationally connected to said electronic control and command unit wherein a diagnostic computer code is stored in that memory unit, which, when executed by the electronic control and command unit (75), generates a user instruction, which it sends to the user interface, and the tool instruction, which it sends via the transceivers to the electronic control and command apparatus of the tool.

2. Apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the diagnostic computer code, when executed by the electronic control and command unit (75), is configured to establish a connection with the tool only when the interface computer code is executed.

3. Apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control and command apparatus (55, 60, 65) is configured to keep the interface computer code running as long as the power supply battery is electrically connected to the tool.

4. Apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool (10) comprises a user interface, and wherein the electronic control and command apparatus comprises at least three nodes, each having an electronic control and command unit, connected to each other by means of can-bus type connections, among which, a first node comprising an electronic control and command unit (55) of a tool motor (M), a second node comprising an electronic control and command unit (60) of the user interface to which the transceiver (50) is operationally connected, and a third node comprising an electronic control and command unit (65) of the battery.

5. Apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the second predetermined command is a combination of predetermined signals sent, from one or more predetermined elements of the control interface, simultaneously and for a predetermined minimum time interval.

6. Diagnostic method to carry out diagnostics of a green care tool (10), said method comprising the step of providing a green care apparatus (1 ) comprising the green care tool, which is provided with:- a crankcase,- a manual command interface for actuating and / or adjusting the tool and associated with said crankcase,- an electronic control and command apparatus connected to the user interface,- a wireless-type transceiver operationally connected to the electronic control andcommand apparatus,- an electronic memory operationally connected to the electronic control and command apparatus and housed inside the crankcase and / or in a battery of the tool removably connected to the crankcase wherein two computer codes are stored in the electronic memory, which are alternately executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, of which:- a normal operation computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus when the electronic control and command apparatus is electrically powered or when the electronic control and command apparatus receives a first predetermined command sent by the manual command interface- an interface computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus only when the electronic control and command apparatus receives a second predetermined command, other than the first predetermined command, from the manual command interface said interface computer code being configured, when executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, to perform a monitoring of a variable tool parameter based on a received tool instruction, and to subsequently send the monitored values of the monitored tool parameter or a processing of said values to the remote device via the wireless connection, said apparatus further comprising a remote device provided with:- an electronic control and command unit,- a transceiver, adapted to communicate with the tool transceiver and operationally connected to the electronic control and command unit,- a user interface operationally connected to the electronic control and command unit, and- a memory unit operationally connected to said electronic control and command unit said method comprising the steps of:- sending the second predetermined command by acting on the manual command interface- establishing a wireless connection between the tool transceiver and the remote device transceiver- making a predetermined user instruction intelligible to a user via the interface device of the remote device- Sending the tool instruction from the remote device to the tool via the wireless connection- monitoring the variable tool parameter indicated by the tool instruction- actuating the manual command interface of the tool based on the user instruction- sending the monitored values of the monitored tool parameter or a processing of said values to the remote device via the wireless connection.

7. A green care tool (1 O’) provided with:- a crankcase (15),- a manual command interface (30, 35, 40, 45) for actuating and / or adjusting the tool,- a user interface (D),- an electronic control and command apparatus (55, 60, 65) connected to the manual command interface and to the user interface- an electronic memory operationally connected to the electronic control and command apparatus and housed inside the crankcase or in a tool battery removably connected to the crankcase wherein two computer codes are stored in the electronic memory, which are alternately executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, of which:- a normal operation computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus when the electronic control and command apparatus receives a first predetermined command sent via the user interface,- a diagnostic computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus when the electronic control and command apparatus receives a second predetermined command, other than the first predetermined command, sent via the user interface said diagnostic computer code being configured, when executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, to generate a user instruction that it sends to the user interface device (D) of the tool and to monitor a predetermined variable parameter of the tool.

8. Diagnostic method to carry out diagnostics of a green care tool (10’), said method comprising the step of providing a green care tool (10’) provided with:- a crankcase- a manual command interface for actuating and / or adjusting the tool- a user interface- an electronic control and command apparatus connected to the manual command interface and user interface- an electronic memory operationally connected to the electronic control and command apparatus and housed inside the crankcase or in a tool battery removably connected to the crankcase wherein two computer codes are stored in the electronic memory, which are alternately executed by the electronic control and command apparatus, of which:- a normal operation computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus when the electronic control and command apparatus is electrically powered or when the electronic control and command apparatus receives a first predetermined command sent via the manual command interface,- a diagnostic computer code which is executed by the electronic control and command apparatus only when the electronic control and command apparatus receives a second predetermined command, other than the first predetermined command, sent via the manual command interface said method comprising the steps of:- acting on the manual command interface to send the second predetermined command- making a predetermined user instruction intelligible to a user via the user interface of the tool- initiating via the electronic control and command apparatus the monitoring of a predetermined parameter of the tool in response to the instruction of the tool- actuating the manual command interface of the tool based on the user instruction.

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