Cable, power supply system for a handheld power tool, and power tool system

Abstract

A cable (1) is disclosed configured to transfer electricity from a battery (2) to a handheld power tool (3). The cable (1) comprises a first plug (p1) arranged at a first end (1') of the cable (1) and a second plug (p2) arranged at a second end (1'') of the cable (1). The cable (1) further comprises electrical wires (N, L, s1, s2) electrically connecting poles of the first and second plugs (p1, p2) and a thermoplastic polymer (6) protecting the electrical wires (N, L, s1, s2). The cable (1) comprises a looped portion (Lp) being pre-shaped by heat treatment of the thermoplastic polymer (6) in the looped portion (Lp) of the cable (1). The present disclosure further relates to a power supply system (10) for a handheld power tool (3), and a power tool system (20).

Description

[0001] Cable, Power Supply System for a Handheld Power Tool, and Power Tool System

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a cable configured to transfer electricity from a battery to a handheld power tool. The present disclosure further relates to a power supply system for a handheld power tool and a power tool system.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] A handheld power tool is a tool intended to be supported by one or two hands of a user during operation. Currently, the market offers a wide variety of handheld power tools, including chain saws, circular saws, and different types of trimmers, such as hedge and combi-trimmers. Handheld power tools are for example used in industry, construction, and home gardening, as well as for various household and property maintenance tasks.

[0006] A common feature of handheld power tools is that they comprise a tool which can be driven by a power source other than solely manual labour. The power source may for example comprise a motor, such as a combustion engine, an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, or the like. Traditionally, handheld power tools such as chain saws, circular saws, trimmers, hedge trimmers, and combi-trimmers, have typically been powered by combustion engines. These engines are most often compact two-stroke internal combustion models.

[0007] Nonetheless, the introduction of high-capacity and high-discharge batteries, such as lithium- ion batteries, has encouraged a shift towards handheld power tools with electric motors.

[0008] These batteries help electric power tools to match or even surpass the performance of power tools comprising combustion engines. Moreover, electric motors provide several advantages over combustion engines especially when it comes to emission levels, efficiency, noise levels, vibration levels, and the like.

[0009] However, the added weight of batteries in handheld power tools is a problem, as lighter and more compact tools are preferable for ease of manoeuvrability and reduced user strain. That is, a compact and lightweighted handheld power tool can enhance the manoeuvrability of the handheld power tool and put less strain on hands, arms, and back of a user as compared to a heavier handheld power tool. Nonetheless, reducing the size of the batteries could compromise the available operational time of the handheld power tool. Some solutions have been proposed in which the battery is attached to a user, for example using a belt, harness, or the like, and wherein a cable electrically connects the battery and the handheld power tool. In this manner, the weight of the battery does not need to be supported by the user's hands and arms and the handheld power tool can be made more compact and lightweighted.

[0010] A drawback of these solutions is that there is a risk of the cable getting entangled in objects like branches, fences, or even the user's limbs. This can not only cause inconvenience but can also pose some safety problems. This issue becomes particularly problematic when using handheld power tools in elevated positions, like high up in a tree or on a ladder, where managing the cable can be particularly challenging. Generally, longer cables have a higher risk of entanglement but can be convenient for a user because they can allow great reach distances with the handheld power tool. Conversely, shorter cables have generally a lower risk of entanglement but can be inconvenient for a user because they can limit the available reach distance with the handheld power tool.

[0011] Moreover, generally, it is an advantage if products, such as handheld power tools and associated components, systems, and arrangements, have conditions and / or characteristics suitable for being manufactured in a cost-efficient manner.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least alleviate, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. The object is achieved by the subject-matter of the appended independent claim(s).

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the object is achieved by a cable configured to transfer electricity from a battery to a handheld power tool. The cable comprises a first plug arranged at a first end of the cable, the first plug being configured to be attached to a socket of the battery. The cable further comprises a second plug arranged at a second end of the cable, the second plug being configured to be attached to a socket of the handheld power tool. Moreover, the cable comprises electrical wires electrically connecting poles of the first and second plugs and a thermoplastic polymer protecting the electrical wires. The cable comprises a looped portion being pre-shaped by heat treatment of the thermoplastic polymer in the looped portion of the cable.

[0015] Since the cable comprises the looped portion being pre-shaped by heat treatment of the thermoplastic polymer, a user-friendly cable is provided capable of providing a low risk of entanglement of the cable in objects during use thereof while providing conditions for sufficient available reach distances with the handheld power tool.

[0016] A low risk of entanglement of the cable can be provided because the looped portion being pre-shaped by heat treatment reduces the need for loose and / or slack parts of the cable. Conditions for sufficient available reach distances can be provided since the looped portion can allow the distance between the first and second ends of the cable to be altered while avoiding loose and / or slack parts of the cable. In other words, a cable is provided having conditions for being convenient to use while providing a low risk of entanglement during use.

[0017] In addition, due to the features of the cable, the cable allows for the use of a compact and lightweighted handheld power tool and eliminates the need for users to support the weight of a battery with their hands and arms.

[0018] Furthermore, since the looped portion is pre-shaped by heat treatment of the thermoplastic polymer in the looped portion of the cable, conditions are provided for making the looped portion sufficiently flexible to allow an increase of the relative distance between the first and second ends of the cable while ensuring that the looped portion regains its original shape when a separating force between the first and second ends is released. Moreover, a structurally durable looped portion can be ensured having a high resistance to material fatigue.

[0019] In addition, since the looped portion is pre-shaped by heat treatment of the thermoplastic polymer in the looped portion, a cable is provided have conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured in a cost-efficient manner.

[0020] Moreover, since the first plug is configured to be attached to a socket of the battery and the second plug is configured to be attached to a socket of the handheld power tool, the cable can act as a lanyard preventing the handheld power tool from falling from a user if it slips out of the user’s hand. In other words, the cable can circumvent the need for using a further tether connecting the handheld power tool to a user. The cable can thus serve dual purposes, namely to transfer electric energy from the battery to the handheld power tool and acting as a safe and convenient lanyard connecting the handheld power tool to the body of a user. This may be particularly important when the user is working at heights, such as on ladders or in trees. Furthermore, since the cable comprises the looped portion being pre-shaped by heat treatment of the thermoplastic polymer, the inherent flexibility of the looped portion can dampen the forces that arise on a user worn appliance when a handheld power tool is accidentally dropped from the user's hands. Thus, also for this reason, a user-friendly cable is provided having conditions for being more convenient to use.

[0021] Accordingly, a cable is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

[0022] Optionally, the cable comprises a first non-looped portion between the first plug and the looped portion and a second non-looped portion between the looped portion and the second plug. Thereby, a cable is provided having conditions for being convenient to use while providing a low risk of entanglement during use.

[0023] Optionally, the length of the first non-looped portion is within the range of 8 - 45 centimetres or is within the range of 20 - 35 centimetres. Thereby, a cable is provided having conditions for being convenient to use while providing a low risk of entanglement during use.

[0024] Optionally, the length of the second non-looped portion is within the range of 40 - 80 centimetres or is within the range of 50 - 70 centimetres. Thereby, a cable is provided having conditions for being convenient to use while providing a low risk of entanglement during use.

[0025] Optionally, the looped portion comprises 1 - 3 loops. Thereby, a cable is provided having conditions for being convenient to use while providing a low risk of entanglement during use. That is, the relative low number of loops can ensure that the distance between the first and second ends of the cable can be altered while reducing the risk of the cable's looped portion becoming entangled with external objects.

[0026] Optionally, the radius of curvature of the looped portion is within the range of 2 - 10 centimetres or is within the range of 3 - 7 centimetres in a non-tensioned state of the cable. Thereby, a cable is provided having conditions for being convenient to use while providing a low risk of entanglement during use. That is, the relatively large radius of curvature of the looped portion can ensure that the distance between the first and second ends of the cable can be sufficiently altered while obtaining a low risk of entanglement of the looped portion of the cable. Optionally, the length of the cable within the looped portion is within the range of 25 - 125 centimetres or is within the range of 48 - 78 centimetres. Thereby, a cable is provided having conditions for being convenient to use while providing a low risk of entanglement during use. That is, the relatively great length of the cable within the looped portion can ensure that the distance between the first and second ends of the cable can be sufficiently altered while obtaining a low risk of entanglement of the looped portion of the cable.

[0027] Optionally, the cable comprises a first securing element attached to the cable at a location between the first plug and the looped portion of the cable. Thereby, conditions are provided for further securing the cable relative to a battery and / or relative to a user worn appliance.

[0028] Optionally, the cable comprises a second securing element attached to the cable at a location between the second plug and the looped portion of the cable. Thereby, conditions are provided for further securing the cable relative to the handheld power tool and / or relative to a user worn appliance. That is, since the second plug is configured to be attached to a socket of the handheld power tool, the second securing element can be utilized for temporarily attaching the handheld power tool to a user worn appliance. This allows the user to free up both hands, which is especially useful for example when climbing a tree or a ladder.

[0029] Optionally, the thermoplastic polymer is thermoplastic polyurethane. Thereby, conditions are provided for making the looped portion sufficiently flexible for allowing an increase of the relative distance between the first and second ends of the cable while ensuring that the looped portion regains its original shape when a separating force between the first and second ends is released. Moreover, a structurally durable looped portion can be ensured having a high resistance to material fatigue.

[0030] Optionally, the cable comprises an outer textile layer. Thereby, conditions are provided for a low friction between an outer surface of the cable and external objects. In this manner, the risk of the cable becoming entangled with objects can be further reduced. Furthermore, a more durable cable can be provided.

[0031] Optionally, the outer textile layer comprises polyester fibres. Thereby, a low friction between an outer surface of the cable and external objects can be further ensured as well as a reduced risk of entanglement of the cable in objects. In addition, the durability of the cable can be further ensured. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the object is achieved by a power supply system for a handheld power tool, wherein the power supply system comprises a cable according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, a battery comprising a socket configured to receive the first plug of the cable, a user worn appliance, and a battery holder for attaching the battery to the user worn appliance.

[0032] Since the cable of the power supply system comprises the looped portion being pre-shaped by heat treatment of the thermoplastic polymer, a user-friendly power supply system is provided capable of providing a low risk of entanglement of the cable in objects during use thereof while providing conditions for sufficient available reach distances with the handheld power tool.

[0033] In addition, due to the features of the power supply system, the power supply system allows for the use of a compact and lightweighted handheld power tool and eliminates the need for users to support the weight of the battery with their hands and arms.

[0034] In addition, the cable of the power supply system can act as a lanyard preventing a handheld power tool from falling from a user if it slips out of the user’s hand. In other words, the cable of the power supply system can circumvent the need for using a further tether connecting the handheld power tool to a user. The cable of the power supply system can thus serve dual purposes, namely to transfer electric energy from the battery to a handheld power tool and acting as a safe and convenient lanyard connecting the handheld power tool to the body of a user. This may be particularly important when the user is working at heights, such as on ladders or in trees.

[0035] Furthermore, since the cable comprises the looped portion being pre-shaped by heat treatment of the thermoplastic polymer, the inherent flexibility of the looped portion can dampen the forces that arise on the user worn appliance when a handheld power tool is accidentally dropped from the user's hands. Thus, also for this reason, a user-friendly power supply system is provided having conditions for being more convenient to use.

[0036] Accordingly, a power supply system is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

[0037] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the object is achieved by a power tool system comprising a power supply system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure and a handheld power tool comprising a socket configured to receive the second plug of the cable, wherein the handheld power tool comprises a tool and an electric motor configured to power the tool using electricity transferred from the battery via the cable.

[0038] Since the power tool system comprises a power supply system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, a user-friendly power tool system is provided capable of providing a low risk of entanglement of the cable in objects during use thereof while providing conditions for sufficient available reach distances with the handheld power tool.

[0039] In addition, conditions are provided for a compact and lightweighted handheld power tool since the weight of the battery is moved to the user worn appliance.

[0040] In addition, the cable of the power tool system can act as a lanyard preventing the handheld power tool from falling from a user if it slips out of the user’s hand. In other words, the cable of the power tool system can circumvent the need for using a further tether connecting the handheld power tool to a user. The cable of the power tool system can thus serve dual purposes, namely to transfer electric energy from the battery to a handheld power tool and acting as a safe and convenient lanyard connecting the handheld power tool to the body of a user. This may be particularly important when the user is working at heights, such as on ladders or in trees.

[0041] Furthermore, since the cable comprises the looped portion being pre-shaped by heat treatment of the thermoplastic polymer, the inherent flexibility of the looped portion can dampen the forces that arise on the user worn appliance when the handheld power tool is accidentally dropped from the user's hands. Thus, also for this reason, a user-friendly power tool system is provided having conditions for being more convenient to use.

[0042] Accordingly, a power tool system is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

[0043] Optionally, the handheld power tool is a chainsaw. Thereby, a user-friendly chainsaw system is provided capable of providing a low risk of entanglement of the cable in objects during use thereof while providing conditions for sufficient available reach distances with the chainsaw.

[0044] Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Various aspects of the present disclosure, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a power tool system according to some embodiments, and Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a cross section of a cable of the power tool system illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Aspects of the present disclosure will now be described more fully. Like reference signs refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity.

[0049] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a power tool system 20 according to some embodiments. The power tool system 20 comprises a power supply system 10 and a handheld power tool 3. As is further explained herein, the power supply system 10 is configured to supply electricity to the handheld power tool 3.

[0050] The power supply system 10 comprises a user worn appliance 9. The user worn appliance 9 is designed to be worn by a user of the power tool system 20. According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1, the user worn appliance 9 is depicted as a belt. However, according to further embodiments, the user worn appliance 9, as referred to herein, may be another type of user worn appliance, such as a harness, a vest, a backpack, or the like.

[0051] The power supply system 10 comprises a battery 2 and a battery holder 13 for attaching the battery 2 to the user worn appliance 9. According to the illustrated embodiments, the battery holder 13 is made of a polymeric material and comprises a compartment, wherein the battery 2 is configured to be inserted into the compartment to attach the battery 2 to the battery holder 13. According to further embodiments, the battery holder 13 may be made of another material and may comprise another type of means for attaching the battery 2 to the battery holder 13, such as a buckle, a strap, or the like.

[0052] Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the battery holder 13 comprises an attachment member 23 for attaching the battery holder 13 to the user worn appliance 9. The attachment member 23 may comprise a strap, a ring, an eyelet, a loop, or the like. According to the illustrated embodiments, the attachment member 23 of the battery holder 13 is attached to a hook 19 of the user worn appliance 9.

[0053] The battery 2 comprises a socket 4 and a number of battery cells, such as a number of lithium ion battery cells, electrically connected to contacts of the socket 4.

[0054] The power supply system 10 further comprises a cable 1. As is further explained herein, the cable 1 is configured to transfer electricity from the battery 2 to the handheld power tool 3. The cable 1 comprises a first plug p1 arranged at a first end T of the cable 1. The first plug p1 is configured to be attached to the socket 4 of the battery 2. In other words, the socket 4 of the battery 2 is configured to receive the first plug p1 of the cable 1.

[0055] In Fig. 1 , the first plug p1 is illustrated as attached to the socket 4 of the battery 2. According to the illustrated embodiments, the first plug p1 is configured to be attached to the socket 4 of the battery 2 by being inserted into the socket 4. Moreover, the connection between the first plug p1 and the socket 4 of the battery 2 may be configured such that a considerable force, for example a force exceeding 40 Newtons, is needed for removing the first plug p1 from the socket 4 of the battery 2. This minimizes risk of unintended detachments of the first plug p1 from the socket 4 of the battery 2, as is further explained herein.

[0056] According to further embodiments, one or both of the first plug p1 and the socket 4 of the battery 2 may comprise a locking member movable to a locked position in which the locking member prevents detachment of the first plug p1 from the socket 4 of the battery 2. In this manner, unintended detachments of the first plug p1 from the socket 4 of the battery 2 can be further prevented.

[0057] The cable 1 further comprises a second plug p2 arranged at a second end 1” of the cable 1. The second plug p2 is configured to be attached to a socket 5 of the handheld power tool 3. In other words, the socket 5 of the handheld power tool 3 is configured to receive the second plug p2 of the cable 1. In Fig. 1, the second plug p2 is illustrated as attached to the socket 5 of the handheld power tool 3.

[0058] According to the illustrated embodiments, the second plug p2 is configured to be attached to the socket 5 of the handheld power tool 3 by being inserted into the socket 5. Moreover, the connection between the second plug p2 and the socket 5 of the handheld power tool 3 may be configured such that a considerable force, for example a force exceeding 40 Newtons, is needed for removing the second plug p2 from the socket 5 of the handheld power tool 3. This minimizes risk of unintended detachments of the second plug p2 from the socket 5 of the handheld power tool 3.

[0059] According to further embodiments, one or both of the second plug p2 and the socket 5 of the handheld power tool 3 may comprise a locking member movable to a locked position in which the locking member prevents detachment of the second plug p2 from the socket 5 of the handheld power tool 3. In this manner, unintended detachments of the second plug p2 from the socket 5 of the handheld power tool 3 can be further prevented.

[0060] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a cross section of the cable 1 illustrated in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the cross section is made in a plane perpendicular to a direction of elongation of the cable 1. Below, simultaneous reference is made to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, if not indicated otherwise.

[0061] In Fig. 2, a number of electrical wires N, L, s1 , s2 of the cable 1 can be seen. The electrical wires N, L, s1 , s2 electrically connects poles of the first and second plugs p1, p2 of the cable 1. According to the illustrated embodiments, the cable 1 comprises four electrical wires N, L, s1, s2, namely a Neutral wire N, a Live wire L, also known as Line wire, and two signal wires s1, s2. However, according to further embodiments, the cable 1 may comprise another number of electrical wires N, L, s1 , s2.

[0062] Each electrical wire N, L, s1 , s2 is formed by a conductive material, such as copper. According to the illustrated embodiments, each electrical wire N, L, s1, s2 is enclosed by an insulator iN, iL, is1, is2. The insulators iN, iL, is1, is2 of the cable 1 prevents electrical contact between the electrical wires N, L, s1, s2 of the cable 1. Each insulator iN, iL, is1, is2 may comprise Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyethylene (PE), Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE), or a combination thereof.

[0063] Each of the electrical wires N, L, s1 , s2 of the cable 1 is connected to one pole of the first plug p1 and one pole of the second plug p2. In other words, according to the illustrated embodiments, each of the first and second plugs p1 , p2 comprises four poles. However, each of the first and second plugs p1 , p2 may comprise another number of poles.

[0064] The following is explained mainly with reference to Fig. 1. The handheld power tool 3 comprises a tool 31 and an electric motor 33 configured to power the tool 31 using electricity transferred from the battery 2 via the cable 1. According to the illustrated embodiments, the handheld power tool 3 is a chainsaw comprising a tool 31 in the form of a cutting chain movably arranged around a guide bar 32.

[0065] According to further embodiments, the handheld power tool 3, as referred to herein, may be another type of handheld power tool 3 than a chainsaw, such as for example a power cutter, a circular saw, a jigsaw, a trimmer, a hedge trimmer, a combi-trimmer, or the like. Obviously, according to such embodiments, the handheld power tool 3 may comprise another type of tool 31 than a cutting chain, such as for example a saw blade, a trimmer head, a hedge trimmer cutting assembly, or the like.

[0066] The handheld power tool 3 comprises a handle 34 configured to be gripped by a hand of a user during use of the handheld power tool 3. According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1 , the handheld power tool 3 comprises one handle 34 only. Moreover, the handle 34 is configured to be gripped from a top of the handheld power tool 3 when the handheld power tool 3 is positioned in an intended resting position on a flat horizontal surface. In Fig. 1, a bottom part 38 of the handheld power tool 3 is indicated. The bottom part 38 of the handheld power tool 3 abuts against the flat horizontal surface when the handheld power tool 3 is positioned in the intended resting position thereon. As seen in Fig. 1, the handle 34 is arranged on an opposite side of the handheld power tool 3 relative to the bottom part 38 of the handheld power tool 3.

[0067] According to the illustrated embodiments, the handheld power tool 3 is a relatively smallsized top handle chainsaw. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the handheld power tool 3 lacks a battery compartment for accommodating battery. Instead, the handheld power tool 3 comprises the socket 5 for the connection of the second plug p2 of the cable 1 according to the above described. Due to these features, the handheld power tool 3 can be made compact and lightweighted which can enhance the manoeuvrability of the handheld power tool 3 and put less strain on hands, arms, and back of a user as compared to a heavier handheld power tool.

[0068] However, according to further embodiments, the handheld power tool 3 may be configured differently. For example, the handheld power tool 3 may comprise more than one handle 34. Moreover, the handheld power tool 3 may comprise a handle arranged at a different location of the handheld power tool 3 than a top of the handheld power tool 3. Furthermore, the handheld power tool 3 may comprise a battery compartment for the attachment of a battery in addition to the socket 5 for the connection of the second plug p2 of the cable 1 according to the above described. The handheld power tool 3 further comprises a throttle actuator 35 arranged at the handle 34. The throttle actuator 35 can be used to control a power output of the electric motor 33. The handheld power tool 3 further comprises a safety actuator 37 arranged at the handle 34. The safety actuator 37 is operably connected to a mechanism preventing actuation of the throttle actuator 35 when the safety actuator 37 not is pressed and allowing actuation of the throttle actuator 35 when the safety actuator 37 is pressed. According to the illustrated embodiments, the safety actuator 37 is arranged to be pressed by the palm of a hand of a user whereas the throttle actuator 35 is arranged to be actuated, i.e. , pressed, by one or more fingers of the hand of a user.

[0069] As indicated in Fig. 2, according to embodiments herein, the cable 1 comprises a thermoplastic polymer 6 protecting the electrical wires N, L, s1 , s2 of the cable 1. In more detail, according to the illustrated embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer 6 is arranged around the electrical wires N, L, s1, s2 including the insulators iN, il_, is1, is2 thereof. According to further embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer 6 may enclose the electrical wires N, L, s1 , s2 of the cable 1 and may constitute an electric insulator between the electrical wires N, L, s1, s2 of the cable 1. In other words, according to such embodiments, the cable 1 may lack the insulators iN, il_, is1, is2 depicted in Fig. 1.

[0070] Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the cable 1 comprises an outer textile layer 8. In these embodiments, the outer textile layer 8 encloses the thermoplastic polymer 6 of the cable 1. Moreover, in these embodiments, the outer textile layer 8 comprises polyester fibres. Due to the outer textile layer 8, a low friction between an outer surface of the cable 1 and external objects can be ensured. Moreover, a durable cable 1 can be provided.

[0071] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the cable 1 comprises a looped portion Lp. The looped portion Lp is pre-shaped by heat treatment of the thermoplastic polymer 6 in the looped portion Lp of the cable 1. In other words, a section of the cable 1 is pre-shaped into the looped portion Lp by heat treatment of the section. The looped portion Lp may be formed by wrapping the cable 1 around a cylindrical object and performing a heat treatment of the wrapped portion of the cable 1. As understood from the above described, such a wrapped portion forms the looped portion Lp of the cable 1 after the heat treatment.

[0072] The cable 1 comprises a first non-looped portion 11 between the first plug p1 and the looped portion Lp and a second non-looped portion 12 between the looped portion Lp and the second plug p2. According to the illustrated embodiments, the length of the first non-looped portion 11 is 30 centimetres. According to further embodiments, the length of the first nonlooped portion 11 may be within the range of 8 - 45 centimetres or may be within the range of 20 - 35 centimetres.

[0073] According to the illustrated embodiments, the length of the second non-looped portion 12 is 60 centimetres. According to further embodiments, the length of the second non-looped portion 12 may be within the range of 40 - 80 centimetres or may be within the range of 50 - 70 centimetres. The length of the first non-looped portion 11 , as well as the length of the second non-looped portion 12, may be measured along a direction of elongation of the cable 1.

[0074] As understood from the above described, according to the illustrated embodiments, the looped portion Lp of the cable 1 is arranged closer to the first end T of the cable 1 than the second end 1” of the cable 1.

[0075] The wording non-looped portion 11, 12 as used herein is further explained in the following. Each of the first and second non-looped portions 11, 12 is flexible. Also the looped portion Lp of the cable 1 is flexible but may be less flexible than the first and second non-looped portions 11, 12 due to the heat treatment of the thermoplastic polymer 6 in the looped portion Lp of the cable 1.

[0076] Since the first and second non-looped portions 11, 12 are flexible, they can be formed into loops. However, if the cable 1 is placed on a flat horizontal surface in a non-tangled state and a separating force is applied between the first and second ends T, 1” of the cable 1 , each of the first and second non-looped portions 11 , 12 does not assume a loop-formation when the separating force is released.

[0077] As explained above, also the looped portion Lp of the cable 1 is flexible. Therefore, when the separating force is applied between the first and second ends T, 1” of the cable 1, also the looped portion Lp can straighten out to become substantially straight depending on the magnitude of the separating force. However, due to the heat treatment of the thermoplastic polymer 6 in the looped portion Lp of the cable 1 , the looped portion Lp of the cable 1 assumes the looped formation as depicted in Fig. 1 when the above described separating force is released.

[0078] According to the illustrated embodiments, the looped portion Lp comprises two loops L1 , L2.

[0079] In Fig. 1 , a second loop L2 of the looped portion Lp is partially hidden by a first loop L1 of the looped portion Lp. According to further embodiments, the looped portion Lp may comprise another number of loops, such as 1 - 3 loops.

[0080] According to the illustrated embodiments, the radius of curvature Rc of the looped portion Lp is 5 centimetres in a non-tensioned state of the cable 1. According to further embodiments, the radius of curvature Rc of the looped portion Lp may be within the range of 2 - 10 centimetres or may be within the range of 3 - 7 centimetres in the non-tensioned state of the cable 1. A non-tensioned state of the cable 1 , as referred to herein, is for example obtained when no separating force is applied between the first and second ends T, 1” of the cable 1.

[0081] According to the illustrated embodiments, the length of the cable 1 within the looped portion Lp is approximately 63 centimetres. According to further embodiments, the length of the cable 1 within the looped portion Lp may be within the range of 25 - 125 centimetres or may be within the range of 48 - 78 centimetres.

[0082] According to the illustrated embodiments, the cable 1 comprises a first securing element e1 attached to the cable 1 at a location between the first plug p1 and the looped portion Lp of the cable 1. In more detail, according to the illustrated embodiments, the first securing element e1 is formed by a polymeric sleeve enclosing part of the first non-looped portion 11 of the cable 1. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the cable 1 comprises a strap 18 attached to the first securing element e1, wherein the strap 18 is connected to the battery holder 13. In this manner, the cable 1 can be further secured relative to the battery holder 13, and thus also relative to the user worn appliance 9. However, according to further embodiments, the cable 1 may lack the first securing element e1.

[0083] According to the illustrated embodiments, the strap 18 is configured to break when the tension in the strap 18 exceeds a specified threshold force of 1400 to 1600 Newtons. In this manner, it can be ensured that the strap 18 remains intact if the handheld power tool 3 is accidentally dropped and that it will break under more extreme conditions, for example if the handheld power tool 3 becomes entangled and is forcefully pulled away from the user, such as when it gets stuck in a heavy falling object like a large tree branch.

[0084] Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the cable 1 comprises a second securing element e2 attached to the cable 1 at a location between the second plug p2 and the looped portion Lp of the cable 1. In these embodiments, the second securing element e2 is formed by a polymeric sleeve enclosing part of the second non-looped portion 12 of the cable 1. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the cable 1 comprises a strap 16 attached to the second securing element e2, and a ring 15 attached to the strap 16. The ring 15 can be used for attaching the handheld power tool 3 to the user worn appliance 9, for example by threading the ring 15 over a hook 19 of the user worn appliance 9. In this manner, a user of the power tool system 20 can free up both hands, which is especially useful for example when climbing a tree or a ladder.

[0085] According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1, the second securing element e2 is arranged closer to the second plug p2 than the looped portion Lp of the cable 1. In fact, according to the illustrated embodiments, the second securing element e2 is arranged approximately 6 centimetres from the second plug p2. However, according to further embodiments, the second securing element e2 may be arranged 2 - 25 centimetres, or 3 - 9 centimetres, from the second plug p2. According to further embodiments, the cable 1 may lack the second securing element e2.

[0086] The cable 1 may be provided and sold as a separate unit for the use in a power tool system 20 as described herein. Likewise, the power supply system 10 may be provided and sold as a separate assembly for the use with a handheld power tool 3 as described herein. As explained above, the power supply system 10 comprises the cable 1, the battery 2, the user worn appliance 9, and the battery holder 13 as explained herein.

[0087] Since the cable 1 comprises the looped portion Lp being pre-shaped by heat treatment of the thermoplastic polymer 6, a cable 1 is provided capable of providing a low risk of entanglement of the cable 1 in objects, such as feet or legs of a user, branches, and the like objects, during use thereof, while providing conditions for sufficient available reach distances with the handheld power tool 3.

[0088] Conditions for sufficient available reach distances with the handheld power tool 3 is provided since the looped portion Lp allows the distance between the first and second ends T, 1” of the cable 1 to be altered while avoiding loose and / or slack parts of the cable 1. In other words, a user-friendly cable 1 is provided having conditions for being convenient to use while providing a low risk of entanglement during use.

[0089] In addition, due to the features of the cable 1 , the cable 1 allows for the use of a compact and lightweighted handheld power tool 3 and eliminates the need for users to support the weight of the battery 2 with their hands and arms. Furthermore, since the looped portion Lp is pre-shaped by heat treatment of the thermoplastic polymer 6 in the looped portion Lp of the cable 1, conditions are provided for making the looped portion Lp sufficiently flexible for allowing an increase of the relative distance between the first and second ends T, 1” of the cable 1 while ensuring that the looped portion Lp regains its original looped-shape when a separating force between the first and second ends T, 1” is released. Moreover, a structurally durable looped portion Lp can be ensured having a high resistance to material fatigue.

[0090] In addition, the first and second non-looped portions 11, 12 of the cable 1 significantly reduce the risk of the cable 1 becoming entangled with objects, such as branches, as compared to a cable having a spiral / helix shape throughout its extension.

[0091] According to the illustrated embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer 6 is thermoplastic polyurethane, usually abbreviated TPU. Thereby, it can be further ensured that the looped portion Lp can be made sufficiently flexible for allowing an increase of the relative distance between the first and second ends T, 1” of the cable 1 while ensuring that the looped portion Lp regains its original shape when a separating force between the first and second ends T, 1” is released. Moreover, a structurally durable looped portion Lp can be further ensured having a high resistance to material fatigue.

[0092] In addition, since the looped portion Lp is pre-shaped by heat treatment of the thermoplastic polymer 6 in the looped portion Lp, a cable 1 is provided have conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured in a cost-efficient manner.

[0093] Moreover, since the first plug p1 is configured to be attached to a socket 4 of the battery 2 and the second plug p2 is configured to be attached to a socket 5 of the handheld power tool

[0094] 3, the cable 1 can act as a lanyard preventing the handheld power tool 3 from falling from a user if it slips out of the user’s hand. In other words, the cable 1 can circumvent the need for using a further tether connecting the handheld power tool 3 to a user. According to the illustrated embodiments, the connection between the first plug p1 and the socket 4 of the battery 2 and the connection between the second plug p2 and the socket 5 of the handheld power tool 3 are sufficiently strong to prevent detachment of the plug p1, p2 from the socket

[0095] 4, 5 also in case the handheld power tool 3 falls from the user’s hand.

[0096] In other words, a cable 1 is provided capable of serving dual purposes, namely to transfer electric energy from the battery 2 to the handheld power tool 3 and acting as a safe and convenient lanyard connecting the handheld power tool 3 to the body of a user. Moreover, since the cable 1 comprises the looped portion Lp being pre-shaped by heat treatment of the thermoplastic polymer 6, the inherent flexibility of the looped portion Lp can dampen the forces that arise on the user worn appliance 9 from a fall of the handheld power tool 3. Thus, also for this reason, a user-friendly cable 1 is provided having conditions for being convenient to use.

[0097] It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended independent claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended independent claims.

[0098] As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components, or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions, or groups thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cable (1) configured to transfer electricity from a battery (2) to a handheld power tool (3), wherein the cable (1) comprises: a first plug (p1) arranged at a first end (1’) of the cable (1), the first plug (p1) being configured to be attached to a socket (4) of the battery (2), a second plug (p2) arranged at a second end (1”) of the cable (1), the second plug (p2) being configured to be attached to a socket (5) of the handheld power tool (3), electrical wires (N, L, s1, s2) electrically connecting poles of the first and second plugs (p1 , p2), and a thermoplastic polymer (6) protecting the electrical wires (N, L, s1, s2), wherein the cable (1) comprises a looped portion (Lp) being pre-shaped by heat treatment of the thermoplastic polymer (6) in the looped portion (Lp) of the cable (1).

2. The cable (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cable (1) comprises a first non-looped portion (11) between the first plug (p1) and the looped portion (Lp) and a second nonlooped portion (12) between the looped portion (Lp) and the second plug (p2).

3. The cable (1) according to claim 2, wherein the length of the first non-looped portion (11) is within the range of 8 - 45 centimetres or is within the range of 20 - 35 centimetres.

4. The cable (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the length of the second non-looped portion (12) is within the range of 40 - 80 centimetres or is within the range of 50 - 70 centimetres.

5. The cable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the looped portion (Lp) comprises 1 - 3 loops (L1, L2).

6. The cable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radius of curvature (Rc) of the looped portion (Lp) is within the range of 2 - 10 centimetres or is within the range of 3 - 7 centimetres in a non-tensioned state of the cable (1).

7. The cable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the cable (1) within the looped portion (Lp) is within the range of 25 - 125 centimetres or is within the range of 48 - 78 centimetres.

8. The cable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable (1) comprises a first securing element (e1) attached to the cable (1) at a location between the first plug (p1) and the looped portion (Lp) of the cable (1).

9. The cable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable (1) comprises a second securing element (e2) attached to the cable (1) at a location between the second plug (p2) and the looped portion (Lp) of the cable (1).

10. The cable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermoplastic polymer (6) is thermoplastic polyurethane.

11. The cable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable (1) comprises an outer textile layer (8).

12. The cable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 11, wherein the outer textile layer (8) comprises polyester fibres.

13. A power supply system (10) for a handheld power tool (3), wherein the power supply system (10) comprises: a cable (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, a battery (2) comprising a socket (4) configured to receive the first plug (p1) of the cable (1), a user worn appliance (9), and a battery holder (13) for attaching the battery (2) to the user worn appliance (9).

14. A power tool system (20) comprising: a power supply system (10) according to claim 13, and a handheld power tool (3) comprising a socket (5) configured to receive the second plug (p2) of the cable (1), wherein the handheld power tool (3) comprises a tool (31) and an electric motor (33) configured to power the tool (31) using electricity transferred from the battery (2) via the cable (1).

15. The power tool system (20) according to claim 14, wherein the handheld power tool (3) is a chainsaw.

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