How to Operate Power Tools

Abstract

SOLUTION: A method for operating a power tool (1) comprises the following method steps: at least one tool setting of the power tool (1) is adapted by operation of at least one tool-external or tool-internal switching option (5, 6); the at least one tool setting comprises at least one operating mode (A, B) and / or at least one operating parameter of the power tool (1); the power tool (1) is locked against changing the at least one adapted tool setting by operation of a tool-internal or tool-external switching function (7, 12, 13), the power tool (1) being locked until one of the switching functions (7, 12, 13) is operated.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a power tool, to a power tool for implementing this method, and to a control device for implementing this method. [Background technology]

[0002] From the prior art, power tools are known which have an interface for interaction between the user and the power tool (human machine interface, HMI). Such a user interface makes it possible, for example, to set up different operating modes. Particularly in the field of screwdrivers and rotary impact drivers, it is increasingly important to carry out the same task with the same tool settings, i.e. to individually configure the power tool to the application case.

[0003] However, presettings that have already been made can be arbitrarily or erroneously re-adjusted. For example, when a power tool is used by different users, deliberate adjustments can be taken into consideration. However, this may not have been intended by, for example, the person in charge of the work who made the presetting. The present invention is intended to prevent or at least mitigate such problems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for operating a power tool, to provide an improved power tool and to provide an improved control device. This object is achieved by a method for operating a power tool, a power tool for implementing the method and a control device for implementing the method, each of which has the features of the independent claims. Preferred developments are set out in the dependent claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The method for operating a power tool comprises the following method steps: at least one tool setting of the power tool is adapted by operation of at least one tool internal or tool external switching option; the at least one tool setting comprises at least one operating mode and / or at least one operating parameter of the power tool; the power tool is locked against changing the at least one adapted tool setting by operation of a tool internal or tool external switching function, the power tool being locked until one of the switching functions is operated. The method has the advantage that it enables the at least one adapted tool setting not to be changed by mistake.

[0006] In one embodiment, the power tool has a user interface, which has a first switching option for adapting at least one tool setting and a first switching function for locking the power tool. The adapting of the at least one tool setting and / or the locking of the power tool is performed via the user interface by operating the first switching option and / or by operating the first switching function. Advantageously, after the at least one tool setting has been adapted via the user interface, the power tool can be locked directly via the user interface.

[0007] In one embodiment, the power tool is connected to a terminal. The terminal has a user interface with a second switching option for adapting at least one tool setting and a second switching function for locking the power tool. The adapting of the at least one tool setting and / or the locking of the power tool is performed by operating the second switching option or the second switching function via the terminal. This has the advantage that the at least one tool setting can be adapted externally from the tool and the power tool can be locked externally. This can be done, for example, by a person responsible for the work who wants to avoid accidentally changing the tool settings of the power tool.

[0008] In one embodiment, the adaptation of at least one tool setting is performed via the user interface and the locking of the power tool is performed via the terminal, or the adaptation of at least one tool setting is performed via the terminal and the locking of the power tool is performed via the user interface. It is advantageous to be able to configure and lock the power tool not only via the user interface of the power tool, but also via the user interface of the terminal.

[0009] In one embodiment, locking the power tool through the terminal includes locking at least one tool setting by operating a second switching function or includes locking the user interface by operating another second switching function.

[0010] In one embodiment, at least one further tool setting is adapted, the at least one further tool setting comprising at least one further operating mode and / or at least one further operating parameter of the power tool. The adapting of the tool setting is performed via the user interface and the adapting of the further tool setting is performed via the terminal. It is an advantage that the power tool can be configured not only via the user interface of the power tool but also via the user interface of the terminal.

[0011] In one embodiment, the power tool is connected to a further terminal, which has a further user interface with a third switching option for adapting at least one tool setting and a third switching function for locking the power tool, and the at least one adapted tool setting is maintained or changed via the further terminal, which has the advantage that multiple users can access the power tool and are not limited to the terminal alone.

[0012] In one embodiment, the password required to unlock the power tool via the terminal is activated by operating an additional second switching function of the user interface of the terminal, which has the advantage that the power tool is particularly well protected against accidental adjustment changes of the tool settings. Furthermore, deliberate adjustment changes of the tool settings can be avoided.

[0013] In one embodiment, the power tool remains locked when it is disconnected from the energy source for less than a configurable time period, which has the advantage that the tool settings are maintained and can continue to be used, for example when the battery pack has to be replaced.

[0014] In one embodiment, the power tool is reset to factory settings when the power tool is disconnected from the energy source for more than a configurable amount of time.

[0015] The power tool has a control device. The control device is configured to perform the method according to each of the above embodiments. The control device is configured to be connectable with a user interface of the power tool and a terminal. At least one tool setting of the power tool is adaptable through a switching option of the user interface or a switching option of the terminal. The power tool is lockable with respect to changing the at least one adapted tool setting until one of the switching functions is operated through a switching function of the user interface or the terminal. In one embodiment, the power tool is configured as an impact driver or a rotary impact driver.

[0016] A control device for a power tool is configured to perform a method according to one of the above embodiments. The control device is configured to be connectable to a user interface and a terminal of the power tool. The control device is configured to receive signals transmitted from the user interface or the terminal to the control device, including commands related to at least one tool setting and commands related to locking the power tool, and to execute the commands. The power tool or the control device allows the tool settings of the power tool not to be accidentally or intentionally adjusted or changed.

[0017] A method of operating a power tool will now be described in more detail with reference to the schematic drawing, which shows: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] The present invention relates to an electric power tool, a user interface for the electric power tool, and a terminal device connectable to the electric power tool. [Diagram 2] 1A-1D are method steps of a first method of operating a power tool. [Diagram 3] 5A-5C are method steps of a second method of operating a power tool. [Figure 4] 5A-5C are method steps of a third method of operating a power tool. [Diagram 5] 4A-4D are method steps of a fourth method of operating a power tool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] 1 shows a power tool 1, a user interface 2 of the power tool 1, and a terminal 3. The power tool 1 is illustratively configured as an impact driver or a rotary impact driver, but may be any other power tool 1 having a user interface 2.

[0020] The user interface 2 is exemplarily arranged in the area above an energy supply source 4 intended for the operation of the power tool 1. The energy supply source 4 is exemplarily configured as a battery pack or accumulator pack, but the power tool 1 may also be connectable to an energy supply network for its operation.

[0021] At least one tool setting of the power tool 1 can be adapted via the user interface 2. The at least one tool setting comprises at least one operating mode and / or at least one operating parameter of the power tool 1. The adaptation of the tool setting comprises, for example, a change of the tool setting. However, the adaptation can also be a maintenance of the tool setting. For example, a factory setting can be maintained. In the context of this document, the adaptation of the at least one tool setting is therefore understood to mean a change and / or maintenance of at least one tool setting or several tool settings. For example, the power tool 1 comprises two operating modes A, B, but can also have only one or more than two operating modes A, Ab. The operating modes A, B are adaptable or selectable by the first switching option 5. The operating modes A, B can be modes intended for a particular material, for example. For example, a first operating mode A is intended for screwing in metal and a second operating mode B is intended for screwing in wood.

[0022] The at least one operating parameter may for example be the rotational speed of the electric motor of the power tool 1. For example, the power tool 1 can be operated in three rotational speed stages 1', 2', 3'. However, more or less than three rotational speed stages 1', 2', 3' may also be envisaged. The operating parameter can be adapted by means of a further first switching option 6. The first switching option 5 and the further first switching option 6 are exemplarily configured as keys. This may be keys of a touchpad of the user interface 2.

[0023] The user interface 2 further comprises a first switching function 7. The first switching function 7 is intended for locking the power tool 1 against changing at least one previously adapted tool setting. The switching options 5, 6 of the user interface 2 and the first switching function 7 may be tool-internal switching options 5, 6 or tool-internal switching functions 7.

[0024] The power tool 1, in the exemplary embodiment of an impact driver or rotary impact driver, has a release button 8, a rotation direction switch 9 and a gear switch (not shown). The release button 8 is intended for starting the operation of the power tool 1. The rotation direction switch 9 is intended for setting the rotation direction of the power tool 1. The release button 8, the rotation direction switch 9 and the gear switch are not components of the user interface 2.

[0025] The power tool 1 can be connected to a terminal 3. The terminal 3 is configured as a mobile phone by way of example. The terminal may also be configured as another mobile terminal, for example as a pad terminal. However, the terminal 3 does not necessarily have to be a mobile terminal 3. The communication between the terminal 3 and the power tool 1 is bidirectional. The power tool 1 can be connected to the terminal 3 by way of example via a Bluetooth connection 10 or via another wireless connection 10.

[0026] The terminal 1 has a user interface 11. The user interface 11 is configured as a touchpad, but this is not necessary. The user interface 11 includes a second switching function 12 for locking the power tool 1 with respect to changing at least one adapted tool setting. A second further switching function 13 of the user interface 11 is intended for locking the user interface 2 of the power tool 1. An additional second switching function 14 of the user interface 11 is provided for activating a password for unlocking the power tool 1 or for unlocking the user interface 2.

[0027] Furthermore, the user interface 11 includes a second switching option for adapting at least one tool setting. The second switching option is not shown in Fig. 1. However, the second switching option can be accessed via a menu guide of the user interface 11. Via the second switching option, for example, different speed stages 1', 2', 3' or operating modes A, B of the power tool 1 can also be adapted. The second switching options and second switching functions 12, 13, 14 are tool-external switching options or tool-external switching functions 12, 13, 14.

[0028] The tool settings of the power tool 1 can thus be adapted via the user interface 2 and / or the terminal 3. Likewise, the power tool 1 can be locked with respect to changing at least one adapted tool setting via the first switching function 7 of the user interface 2 or via the switching functions 12, 13 of the terminal 3. The power tool 1 remains locked until one of the switching functions 7, 12, 13 is operated. The first switching function 7 of the user interface 2 can be configured, for example, as a simple key. This can also be a locking key. The first switching function 7 can also comprise several keys that must be operated simultaneously. The locking of the power tool 1 can require the operation of the first switching function 7 for a defined operating time, for example for at least 5 seconds, or can also require a defined operating frequency, for example 3 operations within 1 second. The required operating time or the required operating frequency can also be selected differently in each case.

[0029] The power tool 1 has a control device, not shown in Fig. 1. The control device is configured to be connectable to a user interface 2 and a terminal 3 of the power tool 1. The control device is configured to receive signals transmitted to the control device from the user interface 2 or the terminal 3, including commands related to at least one tool setting and commands related to locking the power tool 1, and to execute the commands.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically a flow chart of a first method 200 of operating the power tool 1 of FIG.

[0031] In the initial situation 101, the power tool 1 is not connected to the terminal 3. The power tool 1 is exemplarily factory-set with respect to its operating modes A, B and with respect to operating parameters. Exemplarily, neither operating mode A, B is selected. Also exemplarily, the speed stage 3' is set as an operating parameter. In a first method step 102, at least one tool setting is adapted by operating the first switching option 5, 6. In a second method step 103, by operating the first switching function 7, the power tool 1 is locked with respect to changing the at least one adapted tool setting. The locked state of the power tool 1 can be indicated in a third method step 104, exemplarily by the first switching function 7 or by a separate lamp on the power tool 1 lighting up.

[0032] When one of the switching options 5, 6 of the user interface 2 is operated in a fourth method step 105, the tool settings of the power tool 1 remain unchanged. In order to indicate to the user that the power tool 1 is locked, this can be indicated, for example, by the first switching function 7 or a separate light of the power tool 1 flashing when one of the switching options 5, 6 is operated while the power tool 1 is in the locked state in a fifth method step 106. The power tool 1 can still be connected to the terminal 3, but in this case all second switching options of the user interface 11 are greyed out and cannot be operated, although the second switching functions 12 are not greyed out and can be operated to unlock the power tool 1.

[0033] In a sixth method step 107, the power tool 1 can be unlocked by operating the first switching function 7 of the user interface 2 or by operating the second switching function 12 of the terminal 3. In a seventh method step 108, the unlocking can be signalled, for example, by the first switching function 7 first flashing and then going out.

[0034] If in an eighth method step 109 the power tool 1 is disconnected from the energy source 4 for less than a predefinable time span, the power tool 1 remains locked in a ninth method step 110. If in a tenth method step 111 the power tool 1 is disconnected from the energy source 4 for more than a definable time span, the power tool 1 is reset to the factory settings in an eleventh method step 112. The definable time span may be, for example, 5 minutes, but may also be selected otherwise. After the ninth method step 110, the first method 100 can be repeated starting from the first method step 101. After the twelfth method step 112, the first method 100 can be repeated starting from an initial state.

[0035] FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically a flow chart of a second method 100 of operating the power tool 1 of FIG.

[0036] In a first method step 201, the power tool 1 is connected to the terminal 3. The power tool 1 is factory-set as to its operating modes A, B and as to operating parameters. As an example, neither operating mode A, B is selected. Also as an example, the speed stage 3' is set as an operating parameter. In a second method step 202, at least one tool setting is adapted by operating a second switching option in the user interface 11. In a third method step 203, a menu change is made in order to make the second switching functions 12, 13, 14 accessible. In a fourth method step 204, the power tool 1 is locked with respect to changing the at least one adapted tool setting by operating the second switching function 12. In a fifth method step 205, the locked state of the power tool 1 can be reported in the user interface 11. In the locked state of the power tool 1, the submenus of the user interface 11 appear greyed out. In an optional sixth method step 206, a new adaptation of at least one tool setting is performed by operating a first switching option 5, 6 in the user interface 2 of the power tool 1. The user interface 2 is accordingly unlocked and can continue to be operated. In a seventh method step 207, the power tool 1 can be unlocked by operating a second switching function 12 in the user interface 11 of the terminal 3. Following the seventh method step 207, the second method step 202 and the subsequent method steps 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 can be repeated.

[0037] When the power tool 1 is in operation, it is possible to adapt at least one tool setting via the user interface 2 and to lock the power tool 1 via the terminal 3, or to adapt at least one tool setting via the terminal 3 and to lock the power tool 1 via the user interface 2. If at least one further tool setting is adapted, which comprises at least one further operating mode and / or at least one further operating parameter of the power tool 1, the adaption of the tool setting can be performed via the user interface 2 and the adaption of the further tool setting can be performed via the terminal 3. The power tool 1 can be unlocked by operating the corresponding switching functions 7, 12, also via the user interface 2 or via the terminal 3.

[0038] In an optional eighth method step 208, the power tool 1 is connected to a further terminal. The further terminal has a further user interface with a third switching option for adapting the at least one tool setting and a third switching function for locking the power tool 1. In a ninth method step 209, it can be queried whether the at least one adapted tool setting should be maintained. The at least one adapted tool setting can be maintained in a tenth method step 210 or can be changed in an eleventh method step 211 via the further terminal. If the at least one adapted tool setting is maintained in the tenth method step 210, the fifth method step 205, followed by the sixth method step 206 and then the seventh method step 207 can be repeated. If at least one adapted instrument setting has been changed in an eleventh method step 211, the second method step 202 and the subsequent method steps 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 can be repeated.

[0039] FIG. 4 shows diagrammatically a flow chart of a third method 300 of operating the power tool 1 of FIG.

[0040] In a first method step 301, the power tool 1 is connected to the terminal 3. The power tool 1 is set, by way of example, to a factory setting with respect to its operating modes A, B and with respect to its operating parameters. In a second method step 302, at least one tool setting is adapted by operating a second switching option in the user interface 11. In a third method step 303, a menu change is made in order to make the second switching functions 12, 13, 14 accessible. In a fourth method step 304, the power tool 1 is locked with respect to changing the at least one adapted tool setting by operating the second switching function 12.

[0041] In a fifth method step 305, a password required for unlocking the power tool 1 is activated by operating an additional second switching function 14 of the user interface 11. In a sixth method step 306, the password is entered into the terminal 3 and saved therein. In a seventh method step 307, the locked state of the power tool 1 can be signalled in the user interface 11. The submenus of the user interface 11 are greyed out when the power tool 1 is in the locked state. In an optional eighth method step 308, a fresh adaptation of at least one tool setting is effected by operating a first switching option 5, 6 of the user interface 2 of the power tool 1. The user interface 2 is accordingly unlocked and can still be operated.

[0042] In a ninth method step 309, the power tool 1 can be unlocked by operating the second switching function 12 of the user interface 11 of the terminal 3. In a tenth method step 310, a password is queried and entered into the terminal 3. If the entered password is correct, this is confirmed in an eleventh method step 311. Then, in a twelfth method step 312, the power tool 1 is unlocked. The third method 300 can then be repeated starting from the second method step 302. If the entered password is incorrect, this is confirmed in a thirteenth method step 313. In a fourteenth method step 314, a notice is given about the incorrect password. The password can then be entered again or the process can be aborted. If the correct password is not entered, the power tool 1 remains locked in a fifteenth method step 215. In this case, the third method 300 can be repeated starting from the seventh method step 307.

[0043] Given the state of the power tool 1 according to the eighth method step 308, i.e. the locked state, in an optional sixteenth method step 316 the power tool 1 can be connected to a further terminal. The further terminal has a further user interface with a third switching option for adapting at least one tool setting and a third switching function for locking the power tool 1. In a seventeenth method step 317 it can be queried whether at least one adapted tool setting should be maintained. If this is the case, in an eighteenth method step 318 a password is queried and entered into the further terminal. If the entered password is correct, this is confirmed in a nineteenth method step 319. In a twentieth method step 320 it can be queried whether at least one adapted tool setting should be maintained. If it should be changed, the unlocking of the twelfth method step 312 is repeated. If it should not be changed, the maintenance is performed in a twenty-first method step 321. If the password is incorrect, this is confirmed in a twenty-second method step 322. In a twenty-third method step 323, a notification is given about the incorrect password. The password can then be entered again or the process can be aborted. If the correct password is not entered, the locking of the power tool 1 is maintained in a twenty-first method step 321. In this case, the third method 300 can be repeated starting from the seventh method step 307.

[0044] FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically a flow chart of a fourth method 400 of operating the power tool 1 of FIG.

[0045] In a first method step 401, the power tool 1 is connected to the terminal 3. The power tool 1 is exemplarily in a factory setting with respect to the operating modes A, B and with respect to the operating parameters. In a second method step 402, at least one tool setting is adapted by operating a second switching option in the user interface 11. In a third method step 403, the tool setting can be additionally adapted by operating a first switching option 5, 6 in the user interface 2. In a fourth method step 404, a menu change is made in order to make the second switching functions 12, 13, 14 accessible.

[0046] In a fifth method step 405, the user interface 2 is locked by activating another second switching function 13. The locking of the user interface 2 is signaled in a sixth method step 406, for example by the first switching function 7 of the user interface 2 lighting up. When one of the switching options 5, 6 of the user interface 2 is activated in a seventh method step 407, the tool settings of the power tool 1 remain unchanged. To indicate to the user that the power tool 1 is locked, this can be signaled, for example, in an eighth method step 408, by the first switching function 7 of the power tool 1 flashing when one of the switching options 5, 6 is activated while the power tool 1 is locked.

[0047] In a ninth method step 409, the power tool 1 can be unlocked by operating the first switching function 7 on the user interface 2 or by operating a further second switching function 13 on the terminal 3. In a tenth method step 410, the unlocking can be signalled, for example, by the first switching function 7 first flashing and then going out.

[0048] If in an eleventh method step 411 the power tool 1 is disconnected from the energy source 4 for less than a settable time interval, the power tool 1 remains locked in a twelfth method step 412. If in a thirteenth method step 413 the power tool 1 is disconnected from the energy source 4 for more than a settable time interval, the power tool 1 is reset to the factory settings in a fourteenth method step 414. The settable time interval may be, for example, five minutes, but may also be selected otherwise. After the twelfth method step 412, the fourth method 400 may be repeated starting from the sixth method step 406. After the fourteenth method step 414, the fourth method 400 may be repeated starting from the first method step 401. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1 Power tools 2. User Interface 3 Terminal 4. Energy Sources 100,200,300,400 methods 5,6 Tool internal switching options A,B operation mode 11 User Interface 7,12,13 switching function

Claims

1. A method (100, 200, 300, 400) for operating a power tool (1), comprising the method steps of: At least one tool setting of the power tool (1) is adapted by operating at least one tool-internal switching option (5, 6) or a tool-external switching option, At least one of the tool settings comprises at least one operating mode (A, B) and / or at least one operating parameter of the power tool (1), The method, wherein the power tool (1) is locked against changing at least one adapted tool setting by operating switching functions (7, 12, 13) inside or outside the tool, the power tool (1) being locked until one of the switching functions (7, 12, 13) is operated.

2. The power tool (1) has a user interface (2), The user interface (2) has a first switching option (5, 6) for adapting at least one tool setting and a first switching function (7) for locking the power tool (1), The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the adaptation of at least one tool setting is performed by operating the first switching option (5, 6) through the user interface (2) and / or the locking of the power tool (1) is performed by operating the first switching function (7) through the user interface (2).

3. Further comprising the method steps of: The electric power tool (1) is connected to a terminal (3), the terminal (3) has a user interface (11) with a second switching option for adapting at least one tool setting and a second switching function (12, 13) for locking the power tool (1); 2. The method (200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein the adaptation of at least one tool setting and / or the locking of the power tool (1) is effected by operating the second switching option or the second switching function (12, 13) via the terminal (3).

4. The method (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the adaptation of at least one tool setting is performed through the user interface (2) and the locking of the power tool (1) is performed through the terminal (3), or the adaptation of at least one tool setting is performed through the terminal (3) and the locking of the power tool (1) is performed through the user interface (2).

5. The method (400) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein locking the power tool (1) through the terminal (3) comprises locking at least one tool setting by operating a second switching function (12) or locking the user interface (2) by operating another second switching function (13).

6. At least one further instrument setting is adapted; the at least one alternative tool setting comprises at least one alternative operating mode and / or at least one alternative operating parameter of the power tool (1); 10. The method (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptation of an instrument setting is performed via the user interface (2) and the adaptation of another instrument setting is performed via the terminal (3).

7. Further comprising the method steps of: The power tool (1) is connected to another terminal device, the other terminal has a further user interface with a third switching option for adapting at least one tool setting and a third switching function for locking the power tool (1); 10. The method (300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one adapted instrument setting is maintained or changed via said further terminal.

8. Further comprising the method steps of: The method (300, 400) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein a password required to unlock the power tool (1) through the terminal is activated by operation of an additional second switching function (14) of the user interface (11) of the terminal (3).

9. 10. The method (100, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power tool (1) remains locked when the power tool (1) is disconnected from the energy supply source (4) for less than a configurable time duration.

10. 10. The method (100, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power tool (1) is reset to factory settings when the power tool (1) is disconnected from the energy supply source (4) for more than a configurable time duration.

11. In a power tool (1) having a control device, The control device is configured to implement a method (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, The control device is configured to be connectable to a user interface (2) and a terminal (3) of the power tool (1); At least one tool setting of the power tool (1) can be adapted via switching options (5, 6) of the user interface (2) or via switching options of the terminal (3), The power tool (1) can be locked against changing at least one adapted tool setting through the switching functions (7, 12, 13) of the user interface (2) or the terminal (3) until one of the switching functions (7, 12, 13) is operated.

12. A control device for a power tool (1) for carrying out the method (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: The control device is configured to be connectable to a user interface (2) and a terminal (3) of the power tool (1); The control device is configured to receive a signal transmitted to the control device from the user interface (2) or the terminal (3), the signal including a command relating to at least one appliance setting, and to execute the command.

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