HAND-HELD POWER TOOL

Abstract

A hand-held power tool including a drive unit. The drive unit is actuatable with the aid of at least one manual switch, The hand-held power tool also includes a housing and at least one user interface, the user interface including at least one operating element. The user interface includes at least one work location illumination unit, the work location illumination unit including at least one illuminant and at least one light guiding element.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A hand-held power tool, comprising: a drive unit actuatable using at least one manual switch; a housing; and at least one user interface, the user interface including at least one operating element and at least one work location illumination unit, the work location illumination unit including at least one illuminant and at least one light guiding element.

17. The hand-held power tool as recited in claim 16, wherein the user interface includes at least one carrier element which is configured to carry the user interface and to transfer occurring operating forces into the housing.

18. The hand-held power tool as recited in claim 17, wherein the carrier element is configured as: (i) at least one operating carrier element, the operating carrier element carrying at least the operating element, and/or (ii) at least one light guiding carrier element, the light guiding carrier element carrying at least the light guiding element.

19. The hand-held power tool as recited in claim 18, wherein the light guiding carrier element includes at least one receptacle for an electrical contacting of the user interface.

20. The hand-held power tool as recited in claim 18, wherein the light guiding carrier element includes at least one volume equalization element at least for the operating element.

21. The hand-held power tool as recited in claim 18, wherein the light guiding carrier element includes at least one recess through which at least the light guiding element is feedable.

22. The hand-held power tool as recited in claim 18, wherein the light guiding element is attached to the light guiding carrier element.

23. The hand-held power tool as recited in claim 18, wherein the light guiding carrier element and the light guiding element are designed in one piece.

24. The hand-held power tool as recited in claim 18, wherein the light guiding carrier element includes at least one mounting unit configured to mount the user interface at the housing of the hand-held power tool.

25. The hand-held power tool as recited in claim 24, wherein the mounting unit includes a first at least partially circumferential mounting element, and the housing includes at least one at least partially circumferential holding element, the first mounting element and the holding element establishing an operative connection for vertically mounting the user interface.

26. The hand-held power tool as recited in claim 25, wherein the mounting unit includes a second at least partially circumferential mounting element, and the housing includes at least one at least partially circumferential setting element, the second mounting element and the setting element establishing an operative connection for horizontally mounting the user interface.

27. The hand-held power tool as recited in claim 18, wherein the operating carrier element is attached to the light guiding carrier element.

28. The hand-held power tool as recited in claim 16, wherein the operating element is used to at least: (i) set a rotational speed level, and/or (ii) at least to control and/or regulate the work location illumination unit.

29. The hand-held power tool as recited in claim 16, wherein the user interface includes at least one further operating element, the further operating element being used to at least: (i) set a rotational speed level, and/or (ii) control and/or regulate the work location illumination unit.

30. The hand-held power tool as recited in claim 16, wherein the housing includes at least one hand-held power tool rechargeable battery pack holding device at which the user interface is situated.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The present invention is described hereafter based on preferred specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a hand-held power tool according to an example embodiment of the present invention including a user interface.

[0043] FIG. 2 shows a perspective section of the hand-held power tool including the user interface.

[0044] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of the user interface at the hand-held power tool.

[0045] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the user interface.

[0046] FIG. 5a shows a perspective view of a light guiding element including a light guiding carrier element.

[0047] FIG. 5b shows a perspective view of an operating carrier element including an operating element and a further operating element.

[0048] FIG. 6a shows a top view of a first alternative specific embodiment of the user interface.

[0049] FIG. 6b shows a top view of a second alternative specific embodiment of the user interface.

[0050] FIG. 6c shows a schematic sectional view of a third alternative specific embodiment of the user interface.

[0051] FIG. 6d shows a schematic sectional view of a fourth alternative specific embodiment of the user interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0052] FIG. 1 shows a hand-held power tool 100 according to the present invention, designed as an exemplary rechargeable battery rotary impact screw driver here. Hand-held power tool 100 includes an output shaft 124, a tool holder 150, and an exemplary striking mechanism 122, e.g., a rotary or rotational striking mechanism. Hand-held power tool 100 includes a housing 110, including a handle 126. For a mains-independent power supply, hand-held power tool 100 is mechanically and electrically connectable to a power supply for a rechargeable battery operation, so that hand-held power tool 100 is designed as a rechargeable battery-operated hand-held power tool 100. A hand-held power tool rechargeable battery pack 130 serves as the power supply here. However, the present invention is not limited to rechargeable battery-operated hand-held power tools, but may also be used in mains-dependent, i.e., mains-operated, hand-held power tools or pneumatically operated hand-held power tools.

[0053] Housing 110 illustratively includes a drive unit 111 and striking mechanism 122. Drive unit 111 furthermore includes an electric drive motor 114, which is supplied with power by hand-held power tool rechargeable battery pack 130, and a gearbox 118. Gearbox 118 may be designed as at least one planetary gear. Drive motor 114 is designed so that it is actuatable via a manual switch 128, for example, so that drive motor 114 may be switched on and off. Drive motor 114 may be any arbitrary motor type, such as for example an electronically commutated motor or a DC motor. Drive motor 114 is advantageously electronically controllable and/or regulatable, so that a reversing operation as well as desired rotational speed are implementable. The design and the functionality of a suitable drive motor are sufficiently conventional to those skilled in the art, which is why this is not addressed in greater detail here.

[0054] Gearbox 118 is connected to drive motor 114 via a motor shaft 116. Gearbox 118 is provided to convert a rotation of motor shaft 116 into a rotation between gearbox 118 and striking mechanism 122 via a drive member 120, for example a drive shaft. This conversion preferably takes place in such a way that drive member 120 rotates relative to motor shaft 116 at increased torque, but at a reduced rotational speed. A motor housing 115 is illustratively assigned to drive motor 114, as a gear housing 119 is assigned to gearbox 118. Motor housing 115 and gearbox housing 119 are situated in housing 110 by way of example. However, it is also possible that drive motor 114 and gearbox 118 may be situated directly in housing 110 when hand-held power tool 100 has an “open frame” design.

[0055] Striking mechanism 122 is connected to drive member 120 and, by way of example, includes a striking body 125, which generates strike-like angular momentum with high intensity. This strike-like angular momentum is transmitted via striking body 125 to output shaft 124, for example a working spindle. Striking mechanism 122 includes a striking mechanism housing 123, it also being possible for striking mechanism 122 to be situated in another suitable housing, such as for example gearbox housing 119. The exemplary striking mechanism 122 is designed to drive output shaft 124. A tool holder 150 is provided at output shaft 124. Tool holder 150 is preferably molded and/or configured at output shaft 124. Tool holder 150 is preferably situated in an axial direction 132 pointing away from drive unit 111. Tool holder 150 is designed as an internal hexagon holder, in the manner of a bit holder, here, which is provided to accommodate an insertion tool 140. The insertion tool is configured in the manner of a screwdriver bit having a polygonal external coupling 142. The manner of the screwdriver bit, for example according to the HEX type, is sufficiently conventional to those skilled in the art. However, the present invention is not limited to a use of HEX screwdriver bits, but further tool holders which appear useful to those skilled in the art may also be used, such as for example HEX drills or SDS-Quick insertion tools. In addition, the design and the functionality of a suitable bit holder are sufficiently conventional to those skilled in the art.

[0056] Hand-held power tool 100 includes housing 110 and a user interface 200 according to the present invention. User interface 200 includes an operating element 202 and a further operating element 204, and a work location illumination unit 210; see also FIGS. 2 through 6. Operating element 202 and further operating element 204 each include a return element in the form of a dome-shaped spring 207; see FIGS. 6c and 6d in this regard. User interface 200 is situated at housing 110.

[0057] Housing 110 includes drive unit 111, manual switch 128, the power supply, designed as a hand-held power tool rechargeable battery pack 130 here, and user interface 200. Housing 110 moreover includes a power supply holding device 160. User interface 200 is furthermore situated at power supply holding device 160. Power supply holding device 160 accommodates hand-held power tool rechargeable battery pack 130, and forms a base 162 including a standing surface in the process. Hand-held power tool rechargeable battery pack 130 is detachable from power supply holding device 160 in a tool-less manner. Housing 110 furthermore includes handle 126 and power supply holding device 160. Handle 126 may be gripped by the user. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, power supply holding device 160 is situated at handle 126. Hand-held power tool 100 may be set down with the aid of base 162. In this specific embodiment of the present invention, user interface 200 is situated at power supply holding unit 160.

[0058] FIG. 2 represents a perspective section of hand-held power tool 100 including user interface 200. Work location illumination unit 210 includes an illuminant 212 and a light guiding element 214; see also FIG. 3 in this regard. Work location illumination unit 210 emits a light beam for illuminating a work location situated directly in front of hand-held power tool 100, as well as possibly exchangeable insertion tool 140.

[0059] User interface 200 includes operating element 202 and further operating element 204. Operating element 202 is used to set an operating mode, in this embodiment a rotational speed level. Further operating element 204 controls and/or regulates work location illumination unit 210. Further operating element 204 switches work location illumination unit 210 on or off. As described at the outset, it is also possible that operating element 202 changes another operating mode. Operating element 202 as well as further operating element 204 are each designed as a pusher element, which may be pushed by the user.

[0060] User interface 200 moreover includes a carrier element 220. Carrier element 220 carries user interface 200 and transfers occurring operating forces into housing 110. Carrier element 220 is configured as an operating carrier element 222 and as a light guiding carrier element 224; see also FIGS. 3, 4 and 6. Operating carrier element 222 carries operating element 202 and further operating element 204. Light guiding carrier element 224 carries light guiding element 214; see also FIG. 3. User interface 200 additionally includes a display element 230. Display element 230 displays information about an operating mode, here the rotational speed level. In this specific embodiment of the present invention, operating carrier element 222 includes display element 230.

[0061] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of user interface 200 at hand-held power tool 100. Moreover, a further enlarged detail 190 is shown in FIG. 3. User interface 200 is accommodated in a recess 112 of housing 110 and protrudes from recess 112. Work location illumination unit 210 includes illuminant 212 and light guiding element 214. Illuminant 212 is designed as an LED here. Light guiding element 214 is configured as a focusing lens. Illuminant 212 emits light. Light guiding element 214 focuses the light of illuminant 212 and guides it as a light beam in the direction of the work locations.

[0062] Light guiding carrier element 224 of user interface 200 carries light guiding element 214 and aligns it at housing 110. Light guiding carrier element 224 includes a mounting unit 240 for mounting user interface 200 at housing 110 of hand-held power tool 100; see also FIGS. 4 through 6. Mounting unit 240 includes a first circumferential mounting element 242; see also FIGS. 4 through 6. Housing 110 includes a holding element 246. First mounting element 242 forms an operative connection with holding element 246 for vertically mounting user interface 200. The vertical mounting is relative to a reference plane. In this specific embodiment, the reference plane is base plate 225 of light guiding carrier element 224. First mounting element 242 is configured as a circumferential web and designed in one piece with light carrier element 224. Holding element 246 is configured to be at least partially elastically deformable. Holding element 246 is formed of a soft grip material, which at least partially surrounds housing 110. Holding element 246 forms a protrusion, which extends around recess 112 and protrudes into recess 112, at housing 110. In this way, holding element 246 fixes first mounting element 242 at least in a force-fit manner for vertically mounting user interface 200.

[0063] Mounting unit 240 moreover includes a second circumferential mounting element 244; see also FIGS. 4 and 5. Housing 110 includes a partially circumferential setting element 249. Second mounting element 244 forms an operative connection with setting element 249 for horizontally mounting user interface 200. The horizontal mounting is relative to the reference plane, base plate 225 of light guiding carrier element 224 here. Second mounting element 244 is configured as a frame on three sides of light guiding carrier element 224. Second mounting element 244 is furthermore designed in one piece with light carrier element 224. Setting element 249 fixedly sets second mounting element 244 at housing 110. Setting element 249 is formed at housing 110 by a hard component of housing 110. In this specific embodiment, setting element 249 is a circumferential frame. Setting element 249 fixedly sets second mounting element 244 in a form-locked manner for horizontally mounting user interface 200. In this specific embodiment, a section of first mounting element 242 is supported on setting element 249 for horizontally mounting light guiding carrier element 224. The hard component of housing 110 fixes second mounting element 244 in a form-locked manner in three sections 248 of recess 112 with the aid of an undercut for vertically mounting light guiding carrier element 224.

[0064] Hand-held power tool 100 includes a signal processing unit 250. Signal processing unit 250 is situated in housing 110. Signal processing unit 250 receives signals from user interface 200 and processes them. After the signals have been processed, signal processing unit 250 outputs the signals in the form of an output signal. Signal processing unit 250 is designed as a microprocessor here.

[0065] Light guiding carrier element 224 includes a receptacle 226 for an electrical contacting of user interface 200; see also FIG. 5a. Receptacle 226 is configured as a feedthrough opening 227. A signal line 252 establishes the electrical contacting of user interface 200 with signal processing unit 250. In this specific embodiment, operating carrier element 222 is connected to signal line 252; see also FIGS. 4 and 5b. Signal line 252 extends through feedthrough-opening 227 and connects user interface 200 to signal processing unit 250. Signal processing unit 250 includes a connecting element 254 for the connection to signal line 252. Connecting element 254 is configured as a plug-in coupling 256 here. In this way, signal line 252 is detachably connected to connecting element 254. In this specific embodiment, signal line 252 is configured at operating carrier element 222. Signal line 252 picks up signals which arise as a result of the actuation of the operating element and forwards them to signal processing unit 250. Signal line 252 furthermore forwards the output signals from signal processing unit 250 to user interface 200. Display element 230 is also connected to signal processing unit 250 with the aid of signal line 252 here. In this specific embodiment, connecting element 254, signal processing unit 250, and illuminant 212 are situated on a circuit board 216 and electrically connected to one another.

[0066] FIG. 4 represents a perspective view of user interface 200. Operating carrier element 222 is attached to light guiding carrier element 224. Operating carrier element 222 and light guiding carrier element 224 are joined with the aid of an adhesive joint here. Operating carrier element 222 has a c-shaped design and partially encloses light guiding element 224.

[0067] FIG. 5a shows a perspective view of light guiding carrier element 224 including light guiding element 214. In this specific embodiment, light guiding carrier element 224 and light guiding element 214 are integral. Light guiding carrier element 224 absorbs the operating forces arising as a result of the actuation of operating element 202 and/or of further operating element 204, and passes them on to the housing 110. Light guiding carrier element 224 includes a volume equalization element 228 for operating element 202, further operating element 204, and for display element 230. Volume equalization element 228 is configured at light guiding carrier element 224. Volume equalization element 228 is designed as a c-shaped groove. Volume equalization element 228 equalizes a temperature and/or a pressure. Volume equalization element 228 is operatively connected to operating element 202 and further operating element 204. It equalizes an operating pressure during the actuation of operating element 202 and/or further operating element 204, which may arise between operating carrier element 222 and light guiding carrier element 224.

[0068] FIG. 5b shows a perspective view of operating carrier element 222 including operating element 202 and further operating element 204. In addition, display element 230 and signal line 252 are shown. Operating carrier element 222 including operating element 202 and further operating element 204 may be designed in the manner of a keypad here. Operating carrier element 222 absorbs the operating forces from operating element 202 and/or from further operating element 204, which arise as a result of the actuation. Operating carrier element 222 additionally passes the operating forces on to light guiding carrier element 224.

[0069] FIG. 6a shows a top view of a first alternative specific embodiment of user interface 200. Operating element 202 and further operating element 204 each include a printed area 203, 205. Printed area 203, 205 is designed in each case on an operating surface of operating element 202 and of further operating element 204. Printed area 203, 205 displays a function of operating element 202 and of further operating element 204 to the user. The function for further operating element 204 is displayed on the operating surface in the form of a bulb. The function for operating element 202 is displayed on the operating surface in the form of a hammer with a screw.

[0070] The first alternative specific embodiment furthermore shows display element 230 in the form of a rotational speed display element 232. Rotational speed display element 232 includes three LEDs for displaying the set rotational speed level. In addition, display element 230 is configured as a radio link display element 234. Radio link display element 234 displays to the user whether an active radio link is present between hand-held power tool 100 and a further electrical device. Radio link display element 234 is designed as an LED. In addition, display element 230 is configured as a symbol 236 here for displaying a wireless connection. Here, it is to be shown to the user that hand-held power tool 100 is able to establish a wireless connection.

[0071] FIG. 6b shows a top view of a second alternative specific embodiment of user interface 200. In contrast to FIG. 6a, display element 230 is additionally designed as a work location illumination display element 231 and as a temperature display element 238 here. Work location illumination display element 231 displays to the user whether work location illumination unit 210 is switched on or switched off. Work location illumination display element 231 is designed as two LEDs here. Temperature display element 238 displays a temperature of hand-held power tool 100 to the user. It is designed as an LED.

[0072] FIG. 6c shows a schematic sectional view of a third alternative specific embodiment of user interface 200. In the third alternative specific embodiment, operating carrier element 222 includes light guiding element 214. Light guiding element 214 is connected to operating carrier element 222. In this specific embodiment as well, operating carrier element 222 is attached to light guiding carrier element 224.

[0073] FIG. 6d shows a schematic sectional view of a fourth alternative specific embodiment of the user interface 200. As in the third alternative specific embodiment, operating carrier element 222 includes light guiding element 214 and is joined thereto. In contrast to the third alternative specific embodiment, illuminant 212 is situated on light guiding carrier element 224. In this specific embodiment as well, operating carrier element 222 is attached to light guiding carrier element 224.