Method for operating suction devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of operating suction devices, the method comprising the steps of: receiving vibration data representative of vibrations generated by an operation of a power tool; determining a power tool type or model based on the vibration data; and generating a control signal for a suction device or operating a suction device based on the determined power tool type or model.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of operating suction devices, particularly but not exclusively, construction vacuums.

[0002] Everyday construction jobs - such as grinding, cutting, drilling, breaking and chasing - create hazardous dust which can negatively impact health and safety but also jobsite productivity. In addition, construction dust does not just stay at the jobsite, but can spread to other areas impacting people, nature and the environment.

[0003] Many of the harmful dust particles created are so small that they are barely visible, and the smaller they are the longer they take to settle. For example, a 0.1 micrometer dust particle can take more than 12 days to settle on the floor from a height of just one meter. This is why on jobsites, even when not visible construction dust can still be smelled.

[0004] Construction businesses are increasingly conscious of potential health & safety hazards for their workers. The longer a worker is exposed to dust, the more risks posed to their health and safety. Silica dust particles - found in concrete, tile, brick and mortar - can cause cancer and incurable silicosis if long-term overexposure reaches the lungs' air sacks (alveoli). Exposure to silica dust particles may also cause and worsen cases of asthma.

[0005] As well as posing a threat to construction worker's health and safety, concrete dust can also impair working comfort by reducing visibility, causing coughs and sneezes, irritating eyes and clogging clothes, hair and mobile phones. Working to reduce exposure to hazardous dust not only makes working conditions better, but it also boosts productivity due to a more comfortable working environment.

[0006] In view of the above, construction tool manufacturers are now offering a variety of apparatus for preventing, managing, and removing construction dust. One range of devices relates to vacuum cleaners for prevention and removal of dust. However, vacuum cleaners for construction purposes come in many different sizes and performance metrics. Not every vacuum cleaner is suitable for use with every power tool. This is because some power tools generate significantly more dust than others and the vacuum cleaner needs to be designed to cope with the corresponding amounts of dust.

[0007] One solution might be to rely on high-performance vacuum cleaners that are powerful enough to be used in connection with any power tool, i.e. that cope with the largest amounts of the dust. However, even ignoring the cost issues connected with exclusively using high-performance vacuum cleaners, there is an ever-increasing demand for cordless vacuum cleaners. Cordless vacuum cleaners typically have operating times that are limited by the amount of suction power required. Consequently, the user should select a vacuum cleaner that is most suitable for the type of power tool used and not oversized. Yet, it may be difficult to choose the right vacuum cleaner from a large variety of options. Moreover, a multitude of power tools are employed on a typical construction site, such that storing a suitable vacuum cleaner for each power tool is not practicable and costly.

[0008] The present invention endeavours to solve or at least ameliorate some or all of the problems associated with the art. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for operating a vacuum cleaner that is tailored to the power tool automatically, i.e., without the user's input. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method that is applicable to existing power tools.

[0009] Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for operating a suction device and a system claimed in the independent claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating suction devices, the method comprising the steps of: receiving vibration data representative of vibrations generated by an operation of a power tool; determining a power tool type or model based on the vibration data; generating a control signal for a suction device or operating a suction device based on the determined power tool type or model.

[0011] The present invention suggests controlling operation of a suction device based on the power tool type or model. In other words, the operating parameters of the suction device may be determined based on the power tool type or model. In some embodiments, the turbine of the suction device may be regulated depending on the power tool type or model. For example, when using power tools that typically generate substantial amounts of dust, such as concrete grinders, the turbine may be run at full capacity. By contrast, for power tool types that generate comparatively little dust, such as hammer drills, the turbine may be operated at lower capacity, e.g., in an eco- mode. It follows that the method of the present invention tailors the operating parameters of the suction device to the type or model of the power tool.

[0012] The invention is not dependent on the power tool communicating with a control unit or the suction device. Rather, the method of the present invention suggests providing vibration data representative of vibrations generated by the operation of the power tool and using such vibration data to determine the power tool type or model. It was found that each power tool type and specific model exhibits a distinguishable vibration pattern during operation that may be recognized automatically. As will be described in more detail below, the vibration data may be measured by suitable contact vibration sensors that can be attached to the power tool itself or any other part that is affected by the vibrations of the power tool, e.g. the suction hose. Alternatively, non-contact sensor could be used to determine vibrations of the power tool as the vibration data. The method of the present invention is applicable to all devices, such as power tools and suction devices that do not include a communication module. Vibration sensors may be retrofitted to existing power tools to determine the vibrations generated during operation and providing them as vibration data to a corresponding control unit. The suction device may be provided with a communication dongle attached to an interface of the suction device, enabling remote control of the suction device via the control unit.

[0013] In other examples, vibrations of the workpiece / substrate (concrete, masonry, wood, metal, etc.) may be employed as the vibration data. It will be understood that vibrations of the workpiece / substrate are representative of the vibrations generated by the power tool Vibration data taken from the workpiece / substrate may include non-contact measurements, such as microphones or lasers. Vibration data taken from the workpiece / substrate may also include using contact measurements, including an acceleration sensor attached to the workpiece / substrate.

[0014] According to another embodiment, determining the power tool type or model comprises a step of comparing the vibration data with training data. Such training data may be provided by the manufacturer. However, as will be appreciated, the manufacturer is typically limited to their own product portfolio. If the customer uses power tools of other manufacturers, their vibration characteristics may not be part of the manufacturer's training data. Accordingly, in an alternative or additional embodiment, the user may be able to add training data. To this end, the control unit may be provided with a user interface that allows for new power tool types or models to be entered into a corresponding database, together with one or more typical vibration signals. The control unit may use vibration sensors that can be retrofitted to the customers tools to generate training data during a setup stage. According to this embodiment, the present method may not only be applied to tools of one manufacturer, but to any tool within the user's fleet.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the training data comprises a plurality of vibration data sets, each comprising a combination of a power tool type or model and corresponding vibration signals common for its operation.

[0016] According to another embodiment, determining the power tool type or model comprises processing vibration data relating to an operation of the power tool during an idle state. When using the idle state of the power tool for determining the type or model of the power tool being used, determination is independent of environmental parameters and thus more repeatable. By contrast, using vibration data relating to a working state of the power tool, i.e. when the power tool engages the workpiece / substrate, would induce unpredictable vibrations depending on the type or material of the workpiece / substrate.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the method comprises: determining, based on the vibration data, a power tool operating mode; generating the control signal for the suction device or operating the suction device based on the determined power tool type or model and based on the power tool operating mode.

[0018] According to this embodiment, it may be preferred to determine the power tool operating mode based on vibration data during a working state of the power tool, i.e. when the power tool is in contact with the work piece / substrate. In one example, the power tool may be a hammer drill. As will be appreciated hammer drills include different operating modes, such as hammering, drilling or hammer drilling. The vibration data of the operating modes vary sufficiently to determine the current way of operating on the vibration signal alone. Although it may be preferred to determine the power tool operating mode based on vibration data during a working state, for some operating states it is also feasible to identify the operating mode during the idle state, i.e. when the tool does not engage with the workpiece / substrate. The suction device may be operated Another example may be power tools that may be operated at different power levels, e.g. a full capacity mode, a normal mode, and an eco mode.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the method comprises a step of filtering the vibration data. Filtering the vibration data enables a more reliable detection of the power tool type or model. This is because background noise due to unexpected movements of the power tool may be disregarded. In one example, a user's hand movement may be removed from the vibration signal by virtue of a high pass filter.

[0020] According to another embodiment, when filtering the vibration data, frequencies of the vibration signal are filtered out which fall below a frequency-threshold.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the frequency-threshold is selected in such a way that a frequency range of human hand movements falls below the frequency-threshold.

[0022] According to another embodiment, detecting the power tool type or model comprises a step of determining a frequency spectrum of the vibration data. The frequency spectrum may be determined by virtue of a Fourier transform of the vibration data. Such determination of the frequency spectrum is particularly useful when looking at the idle state. Due to the repeatable nature of the vibration signal generated during the idle state a limited number of harmonic frequencies occur within the frequency spectrum.

[0023] According to another embodiment, determining the power tool type or model comprises a step of comparing the frequency spectrum with frequency spectra of the training data.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the power tool type comprises one or more of the following: hammer drills; core drills; grinders; circular saws; cut-off saws; table saws; plunge saws.

[0025] The above list of power tools is not exhaustive. In principle, the method of the present invention is applicable to any power tool that generates dust or debris and may benefit from operation together with a suction device, such as a vacuum cleaner. Further examples include sanders, routers, planers, jointers, band saws, mitre saws, angle grinders, scroll saws, jig saws, reciprocating saws, tile drills, tile saws, brick saws, stone polishers, tuckpointing grinders, die grinders, wire wheels, floor sanders, floor scrapers, etc.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the vibration data comprises one or more of the following data: position data of the power tool; velocity data of the power tool; acceleration data of the power tool; sound generated by the power tool; electromagnetic fields generated by the power tool.

[0027] Any movement related data that is representative of vibrations generated during operation of the power tool may be employed as the vibration data of the present disclosure. The above examples of position data, velocity data, and acceleration data may be applied in one or more translational axes. In other embodiments, rotational movements of the power tool may be employed as vibration data. Vibration data may comprise vibrations of the power tool and / or the corresponding workpiece / substrate, detected using contact sensors. Alternatively, non-contact sensors, such as a microphone (acoustic-emission monitoring) or a laser vibrometer or any other sensor, could be employed. The contact or non-contact sensors may be mounted either on the power tool or on a tool extension. In some examples, it may be beneficial to look at different vibration data for different power tool types. When employing vibrations of the workpiece / substrate, the method may also comprise a step for determining or entering the type of workpiece / substrate and providing a controller with corresponding workpiece data. The workpiece data is representative of the type of workpiece the power tool is being used on. It may be fed to the controller as auxiliary data. The controller may determine the type or model of power tool based on the vibration of the workpiece / substrate represented by the vibration data and the type of workpiece (e.g. concrete, masonry, wood, metal, etc.) represented by the workpiece data / auxiliary data.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the control signal includes instructions for setting one or more operating parameters of the suction device, particularly one or more of: suction performance; filter cleaning cycle time; inlet opening diameter.

[0029] The skilled person is aware of various ways of changing the suction performance of the suction device. In one example, the turbine of the suction device may be controlled to increase or decrease suction performance. In other examples, an inlet or outlet valve of the suction device may be controlled in such a way that the suction performance is changed depending on the power tool type or model determined. However, the present invention is not limited to the control of the suction performance of the suction device. Rather, other operating parameters, such as the filter cleaning cycle time may be changed depending on the power tool type or model. As will be appreciated, some power tool types, such as concrete grinders, produce large amounts of dust, whereas other power tools, such as hammer drills, produce less dust during operation. It follows that power tools generating large amounts of dust clog the suction devices filter more quickly. According to this embodiment, the filtering cleaning cycle time may be reduced, i.e. more cleaning cycles will be performed per unit of time, if a power tool type or model is determined that generates large amounts of dust. Conversely, if the power tool type or model typically creates less dust, the device may be controlled such that fewer filter cleaning cycles will be performed per unit of time.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the method comprises: determining a type or model of suction device used; determining if the type or model of suction device is suitable for operation together with the determined power tool type or model; generating a warning signal if the type or model of suction device does not match the power tool type or model.

[0031] According to this aspect, the present method may be employed to ensure that the combination of suction device and power tool type or model is suitable and thus safe to use. The user may be alarmed if the suction device is not suitable for operation together with the power tool type determined based on the vibration data. For example, if the present method determines that the power tool type is a concrete grinder and the suction device's performance metrics are too low, a warning signal may be generated to inform the user that their health and safety cannot be guaranteed. The method may be designed such that the user can choose to overwrite the warning signal and continue working despite employing a potentially insufficient vacuum device. In some embodiments, the method may additionally comprise generating a control signal for preventing operation of the power tool, if the suction device does not match the power tool type or model. In this embodiment, however, the power tool will need to be able to communicate with the control unit, such that the control unit is able to deactivate the power tool if no suitable suction device is present.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a power tool, a suction device and a control unit, the control unit being configured to: receive vibration data representative of vibrations generated during an operation of the power tool; determining a power tool type or model based on the vibration data; generating a control signal for the suction device based on the determined power tool type or model.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the system comprises a vibration sensor for measuring vibrations of the power tool during operation, wherein the vibration sensor is preferably connected or connectable to the power tool or a suction hose connecting the power tool to the suction device.

[0034] In the following, the invention shall be described in more detail referring to the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0035] The Figures show: Fig. 1a schematic representation of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2an exemplary vibration signal of a circular saw; Fig. 3an exemplary vibration signal of an angle grinder. Detailed Description

[0036] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a system 100 according to the present disclosure. The system comprises power tool 110. In this embodiment, the power tool 110 is a hammer drill or chisel. However, it should be appreciated that the system 100 may be used in connection with any power tool, particularly dust generating power tools that benefit from using vacuum cleaners. The power tool 100 of Fig. 1 includes a drill bit 112 for working on a corresponding substrate.

[0037] When working with the power tool 110, dust will be generated in a working area, i.e. where the drill bit 112 of the power tool 110 works on the substrate. The dust may also comprise larger particles, the mixture of dust and particles being referred to as dust material (or dust) in the sense of this disclosure. The dust material can be sucked up by a dust module 10. The dust module 10 can - as shown as an example in Fig. 1 - be arranged on an underside of the power tool 110 and, in particular, be mechanically connected to the power tool 110. The dust module 10 has a dust collection container 12. The dust material may be sucked into the first dust module 10 via a suction pipe from the working area of the power tool 110 and collected in the dust collection container 12 of the first dust module 10.

[0038] The suction is effected by a vacuum, which can be generated by a suction unit of the first dust module 10. In addition, the first dust module 10 can have a filter or a filter unit with which the dust-laden air can be filtered before it hits the suction unit of the first dust module 10.

[0039] The dust module 10 has an interface 50 via which the dust collection container 12 of the first dust module 10 can be emptied. The interface 50 is preferably located in the collection container 12 of the first dust module 10. For this purpose, an inlet 29 of a suction hose 40 can be brought into close contact with the interface 50. The suction device 20 can be an industrial or construction site vacuum cleaner. The suction device 20 can also have a suction unit 26 with which a vacuum can be generated. Dust can be sucked in with the aid of the vacuum through a suction hose 40, wherein the suction hose 40 has a front, first end 42 and a rear, second end 44. The rear end 44 can be used to connect the suction hose 40 to the suction device 20, and a suction nozzle (not shown) or a power tool 110 can be attached to the first end 42. The front end 42 of the suction hose 40 can also serve as an inlet 29 and be inserted into an opening of the interface 50 of the first dust module 10.

[0040] The suction device 20 has a filter with which the dust-laden air can be cleaned before it reaches the suction unit 26 and is then blown out via the outlet opening 28. The suction device 20 has an inlet opening 27 and an outlet opening 28. Air can be sucked into the suction device 20 through the inlet opening 27, whereby the suction hose 40 can be connected to the inlet opening 27 with its rear end 44. The filtered air can be blown out of the suction device 20 from the outlet opening 28. The suction device 20 also has a dust collection container 22. Dust material can be collected in the dust collection container 22. In particular, the dust that is sucked out of the first dust module 10 via the interface 50 and the suction hose 40 can be collected in the dust collection container 22 of the suction device 20.

[0041] Fig. 1 is one of many examples of a system comprising a power tool 110 and a corresponding suction device 20. It will be appreciated that the present invention is applicable to any combination of power tool and a connected suction device. Some other power tool examples might be core drills; concrete grinders; angle grinders; circular saws; cut-off saws; table saws; plunge saws, etc. Generally, it was found that different types of power tools operate best, if the corresponding suction device is suitable and / or appropriately configured for working with the particular power tool. For example, concrete grinders typically produce large amounts of dust / particles that need to be removed by the corresponding suction device. Accordingly, when working with a concrete grinder, the suction device may be required to work at full capacity to remove dust and particles sufficiently, thereby ensuring the operator's safety. It is desirable to provide suction devices that automatically change their operating parameters based on the type of power tool they are paired with. In some examples, not every type of suction device might be suitable for operation with a particular type of power tool, e.g. a concrete grinder, due to the suction performance being insufficient. In such a case, it would be useful, if the suction device could determine such incompatibility and warn the user / disable operation of the connected power tool.

[0042] In both cases, the suction device needs to be provided with information regarding the type of power tool used. Existing solutions suggest the power tool should be in communication with the suction device such that the suction device can be adjusted accordingly. However, such solutions require significant changes to the power tool and suction device and may not be able to be applied as a retrofit to existing tools. This is particularly because such prior art power tools and the suction devices are required to communicate with each other. They need to be fitted with communication interfaces and require a pairing process before work can be commenced. The present disclosure shows a cost-effective solution that may be applied to any power tool and can readily be retrofitted to existing devices.

[0043] The present invention relates to a method and a system using vibration data generated by the operation of the power tool to control the operation of the suction device.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows exemplary vibration sensors 114, 116 that may be used to record vibration data, which is representative of the vibrations generated by operation of the power tool 110. For example, a vibration sensor 114 may be attached to the suction hose 40 that connects the power tool 110 to the suction device 20. The vibration sensor 114 may be attached at the front end 42 of the suction hose 40, i.e. at the end that is connected to the power tool 110. The vibration sensor 114 may be removably attached to the suction hose 40, e.g., via a clip or other removable bracket.

[0045] Accordingly, the vibration sensor 114 may be retrofitted to any system including a power tool that is connected to a suction device.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, a vibration sensor 116 may be directly attached to the housing of the power tool 110. In one example, the vibration sensor 116 may be attached to the outer surface of the power tool via a suitable adhesive.

[0047] The vibration sensors 114, 116 are preferably independent devices that are not reliant on the power supply of the power tool 110, or the suction device 20. Rather, the vibration sensors 114, 116 are individually powered.

[0048] The vibration sensors 114, 116 may be provided with linear acceleration sensors and / or gyroscopes to determine the vibration data. The vibration sensors may be provided with a memory for collection of vibration data over time.

[0049] The vibration sensors 114, 116 include a communication module. The communication module is preferably a wireless communication module. The communication module is configured to communicate with a control unit 120. In particular, the communication module of the vibration sensors 114, 116 is configured to send vibration data acquired by the vibration sensors to the control unit 120. The vibration sensors may communicate with the control unit 120 via any known wireless communication protocol, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, RFID, etc.

[0050] In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the control unit 120 is shown as a separate device that is arranged remotely from the power tool 110 and the suction device 20. However, the control unit 120 may also be part of the vibration sensor 116, 114 or part of the suction device 20, as will be described in more detail below.

[0051] The control unit 120 receives the vibration data and determines, based on the vibration data, a power tool type or model. In the present example, the control unit 120 may process the vibration data received from the vibration sensor 114 or 116 during operation of the power tool 110 and determine that the vibrations are representative of a hammer drill operation. As will be explained in more detail below, the vibration signals created during operation of the power tool vary significantly between different power tool types or models. In this disclosure, the power tool type refers to the general category of power tool, such as hammer drills, core drills, concrete grinders, angle grinders, circular saws, cut-off saws, table saws, plunge saws, etc. In other words, the control unit is configured to identify the type of power tool based on the vibration data alone. It is thus not necessary for the power tool to provide such information or even communicate with the control unit 120. Accordingly, the present method may be used to identify all power tools, even if they are not provided with communication modules.

[0052] In some embodiments, the control unit 120 may also be configured to determine not only the power tool type, but also the exact power tool model. In the example of a hammer drill shown in Fig. 1, there may be various different hammer drill models, typically classed by performance. Although the vibration data of hammer drills of different models may be generally similar, it was found that the difference in weight and performance creates recognizable patterns in the vibration behaviour that may be used to identify the exact model.

[0053] Based on the power tool type or model identified, the control unit 120 controls operation of the suction device 20. To this end, the control unit 120 may be provided with a list of power tool types and / or models and corresponding, suitable operating parameters for the suction device 20. For example, if the control unit 120 determines, based on the vibration data, that the power tool is a hammer drill, the suction device 20 may be used in an eco-mode, e.g. employing operating parameters that save energy at the cost of lower suction performance. This is because hammer drills generate comparatively little debris or dust. By contrast, if the control unit 120 determines that the power tool type is a concrete grinder, it may operate the suction device 20 at full capacity. In this manner, the control unit 120 can tailor the operating parameters of the suction device 20 to the power tool type or model. This prevents the suction device from using more energy than required. This is particularly beneficial when using cordless suction devices, i.e. battery-operated vacuums.

[0054] In some embodiments, the control unit 120 may be configured to not operate / stop operating the suction device 20, if the control unit 120 determines, based on the vibration data, that the power tool type is not suitable for operation together with the suction device on site. Alternatively, the control unit 120 may be configured to control the power tool 110 and prevent operation of the power tool 110 if, based on the vibration data, the control unit 120 determines that the suction device 20 is not suitable for operation together with the power tool type.

[0055] If the control unit 120 determines that the power tool type is not suitable for operation together with the suction device 20, the control unit 120 may additionally or alternatively be configured to generate a warning signal, informing the user that safe operation cannot be guaranteed with the combination of power tool and suction device currently in use together.

[0056] As will be appreciated, the control unit 120 is not only in communication with the vibration sensors 114, 116, but also with the suction device 20. To this end, the suction device 20 includes a communication module 2 configured to communicate with the control unit 120. The communication module 118 is preferably a wireless communication module. The communication module 118 may receive operating parameters from the control unit, said operating parameters being tailored to the power tool type or model determined by the control unit 120.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, the control unit 120 may be part of the suction device 20, e.g. integrated into the circuit board of the suction device 20. In another alternative, the control unit 120 may be plugged into the control device 20, e.g., via a wired interface enabling the control unit 120 to be retrofitted to existing suction devices 20.

[0058] Turning to Fig. 2, there is shown vibration data according to the present invention. The vibration data in Fig. 2 is recorded by a 3-dimensional accelerometer. Accordingly, the first diagram 200 shows accelerations measured over time along an X-axis. Diagram 300 shows accelerations measured over time along a Y-axis. Diagram 400 shows accelerations measured over time along a Z-axis. The acceleration measurements shown in Fig. 2 are one example of vibration data according to the present invention. However, as mentioned above, other data, such as position data or velocity data of the power tool may also be used as vibration data in the sense of the present invention.

[0059] The diagrams 200, 300, 400 of Fig. 2 show the acceleration of the power tool in 3 orthogonal axes. The diagrams 200, 300, 400 are representative of an operation of a circular saw (power tool type). During a first time period 202, 302, 402 the accelerations in X-, Y-, and Z-axis are representative of the circular saw being in an idle state, i.e. turned on but not engaged with the substrate or workpiece. In other words, during time periods 202, 302, 402, the circular saw is operational but not in use. At a time 204, 304, 404, the user engages the substrate / workpiece and starts the work. As of the starting time 204, 304, 404, the power tool (circular saw) enters a second time period 206, 306, 406, during which a workpiece / substrate is engaged. As will be appreciated, the accelerations in X-, Y- and Z-axis have a significantly higher amplitude during the second time period 206, 306, 406.

[0060] In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to determine the type or model of the power tool during the idle state, i.e. during the first time periods, 202, 302, 402, i.e. during the idle state of the circular saw.

[0061] In order to determine the type or model of the power tool based on the vibration data, the control unit may compare the vibration data along one or more axes to training data, which may be stored within a memory of the control unit. The control unit may be configured to determine the training data that deviates the least from the vibration data measured during operation and select the power tool type or model corresponding to said training data as the power tool type currently in operation.

[0062] In some embodiments, the vibration data may be filtered. In particular, a high-pass filter might be applied to the vibration data to remove any low-frequency vibrations, such as the user's hand movements.

[0063] In other embodiments, the vibration data may be converted into a frequency spectrum, e.g., by means of a Fourier transform. The frequency spectrum may then be compared to a database including reference spectra that are linked to the corresponding power tool type and / or model. The control unit may determine the power tool type or model based on the training data that varies the least from the vibration data received during operation of the power tool.

[0064] Fig. 3 shows exemplary diagrams 500, 600 showing vibration data of an angle grinder. Both diagrams 500, 600 show the acceleration of the power tool along the X axis. Diagram 500 shows the power tool (angle grinder) in its idle state, i.e. before the workpiece / substrate is engaged. Diagram 600 shows the acceleration along the X axis during work, i.e. when the power tool engages with the substrate / workpiece.

[0065] In the example of diagram 500 (idle state of the angle grinder), an optional method is shown, in which the behaviour of the vibrations is approximated by a polygonal function 502. The control unit may be configured to calculate the function 502 to suppress background noise and improve the quality of the comparison between the vibration data shown in diagram 500 and the corresponding training data relating to the different tool types / models.

[0066] In the example of diagram 500, the function 502 comprises a first plateau 504 and a second plateau 510. Between the first and second plateaus 504, 510, the function has a minimum 506 and a maximum 508 exhibiting a wave pattern. The control unit may be configured to convert the function 502 of diagram 500 into a frequency spectrum and compare the frequency spectrum with training data related to different power tool types or models.

[0067] The invention is not limited to the specific combination of features described in the above embodiments. Rather, the present method may be applied to any type of power tool.Reference signs

[0068] 10dust module 12dust collection container 20suction device 22dust collection container 26suction unit 27inlet opening 28outlet opening 29inlet 40suction hose 42front end 44rear end 50interface 100system 110power tool 112drill bit 114, 116vibration sensor 118communication module 120control unit 200, 300, 400diagram 202, 302, 402first time period 204, 304, 404starting time 206, 306, 406second time period 500, 600diagram 502polygonal function 504, 510plateau 506minimum 508maximum

Claims

1. A method of operating suction devices, the method comprising the steps of: - receiving vibration data representative of vibrations generated by an operation of a power tool; - determining a power tool type or model based on the vibration data; - generating a control signal for a suction device or operating a suction device based on the determined power tool type or model.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the power tool type or model comprises a step of comparing the vibration data with training data.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the training data comprises a plurality of vibration data sets, each comprising a combination of a power tool type or model and corresponding vibration signals common for its operation.

4. The method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein determining the power tool type or model comprises processing vibration data relating to an operation of the power tool during an idle state.

5. The method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the method comprises: - determining, based on the vibration data, a power tool operation mode; - generating the control signal for the suction device or operating the suction device based on the determined power tool type or model and based on the power tool operation mode.

6. The method according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the method comprises a step of filtering the vibration data.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, when filtering the vibration data, frequencies of the vibration signal are filtered out which fall below a frequency-threshold.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the frequency-threshold is selected in such a way that a frequency range of human hand movements falls below the frequency-threshold.

9. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein detecting the power tool type or model comprises a step of determining a frequency spectrum of the vibration data, and wherein determining the power tool type or model comprises a step of comparing the frequency spectrum with frequency spectra of the training data.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the power tool type comprises one or more of the following: - hammer drills; - core drills; - concrete grinders; - circular saws; - cut-off saws; - table saws; - plunge saws.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the vibration data comprises one or more of the following data: - position data of the power tool; - velocity data of the power tool; - acceleration data of the power tool; - sound generated by the power tool; - electromagnetic fields generated by the power tool.

12. The method according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the control signal includes instructions for setting one or more operating parameters of the suction device, particularly one or more of: - suction performance; - filter cleaning cycle time; - inlet opening diameter.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: - determining a type or model of suction device used; - determining if the type or model of suction device is suitable for operation together with the determined power tool type or model; - generating a warning signal if the type or model of suction device does not match the power tool type or model.

14. System (100) comprising a power tool (110), a suction device (20) and a control unit, the control unit being configured to: - receive vibration data representative of vibrations generated during an operation of the power tool; - determining a power tool type or model based on the vibration data; - generating a control signal for the suction device based on the determined power tool type or model.

15. The system (100) of Claim 14, comprising a vibration sensor (114, 116) for measuring vibrations of the power tool (110) during operation, wherein the vibration sensor (114, 116) is preferably connected or connectable to the power tool (110) or a suction hose (40) that connects the power tool to the suction device.

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