Device for capturing operating data of a motor-driven tool, and system

Abstract

A device for capturing operating data of a motor-driven tool includes a capture and/or evaluation device, an operating data memory, and/or a communication interface. These components draw electric power from an electrochemical energy store during operation. An operating mode control device operates the components at a temperature above a temperature limit value in a normal temperature operating mode and at a temperature equal to or below the temperature limit value in a low temperature operating mode different from the normal mode, wherein less electric power is drawn in the low temperature operating mode.

Claims

1. A device for capturing operating data of a motor-driven tool, wherein the device is configured for arrangement on the tool, the device comprising: a capture and/or evaluation device, wherein the capture and/or evaluation device is configured to capture at least one quantity, wherein the quantity is dependent on an operating state of the tool, and to evaluate the captured quantity for the purpose of ascertaining the operating data, and/or to capture operating data; an operating data memory, wherein the operating data memory is configured to store the ascertained and/or captured operating data, and/or a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to transmit the operating data wirelessly to a terminal, wherein the capture and/or evaluation device, the operating data memory and/or the communication interface draw electric power from an electrochemical energy store during operation; and an operating mode control device, wherein the operating mode control device is configured to operate the capture and/or evaluation device, the operating data memory and/or the communication interface at a temperature above a temperature limit value in a normal temperature operating mode and at a temperature equal to or below the temperature limit value in a low temperature operating mode, which is different from the normal temperature operating mode, such that less electric power is drawn from the electrochemical energy store in the low temperature operating mode than in the normal temperature operating mode.

2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising the electrochemical energy store.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature limit value is no more than +10° C. and/or no less than −20° C.

4. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor captures the temperature and/or a quantity that is dependent on the temperature, and wherein the operating mode control device is configured to operate the capture and/or evaluation device, the operating data memory and/or the communication interface in the normal temperature operating mode when the temperature limit value is exceeded by the captured temperature or a quantity limit value is exceeded by the captured quantity and in the low temperature operating mode when the temperature limit value is reached or not reached by the captured temperature or the quantity limit value is reached or not reached by the captured quantity.

5. A device for capturing operating data of a motor-driven tool, wherein the device is configured for arrangement on the tool, the device comprising: a capture and/or evaluation device, wherein the capture and/or evaluation device is configured to capture at least one quantity, wherein the quantity is dependent on an operating state of the tool, and to evaluate the captured quantity for the purpose of ascertaining the operating data, and/or to capture operating data; an operating data memory, wherein the operating data memory is configured to store the ascertained and/or captured operating data, and/or a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to transmit the operating data wirelessly to a terminal, wherein the capture and/or evaluation device, the operating data memory and/or the communication interface draw electric power from an electrochemical energy store during operation; and an operating mode control device, wherein the operating mode control device is configured to operate the capture and/or evaluation device, the operating data memory and/or the communication interface at a temperature above a temperature limit value in a normal temperature operating mode and at a temperature equal to or below the temperature limit value in a low temperature operating mode, which is different from the normal temperature operating mode, such that less electric power is drawn from the electrochemical energy store in the low temperature operating mode than in the normal temperature operating mode, further comprising: a resistance capture device, wherein the resistance capture device captures a resistance of the electrochemical energy store and/or a quantity that is dependent on the resistance, and wherein the operating mode control device is configured to operate the capture and/or evaluation device, the operating data memory and/or the communication interface in the normal temperature operating mode when a resistance limit value is not reached by the captured resistance or a quantity limit value is not reached by the captured quantity and in the low temperature operating mode when the resistance limit value is reached or exceeded by the captured resistance or the quantity limit value is reached or exceeded by the captured quantity.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the resistance limit value is no less than 100Ω and/or no more than 20 kΩ.

7. A device for capturing operating data of a motor-driven tool, wherein the device is configured for arrangement on the tool, the device comprising: a capture and/or evaluation device, wherein the capture and/or evaluation device is configured to capture at least one quantity, wherein the quantity is dependent on an operating state of the tool, and to evaluate the captured quantity for the purpose of ascertaining the operating data, and/or to capture operating data; an operating data memory, wherein the operating data memory is configured to store the ascertained and/or captured operating data, and/or a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to transmit the operating data wirelessly to a terminal, wherein the capture and/or evaluation device, the operating data memory and/or the communication interface draw electric power from an electrochemical energy store during operation; and an operating mode control device, wherein the operating mode control device is configured to operate the capture and/or evaluation device, the operating data memory and/or the communication interface at a temperature above a temperature limit value in a normal temperature operating mode and at a temperature equal to or below the temperature limit value in a low temperature operating mode, which is different from the normal temperature operating mode, such that less electric power is drawn from the electrochemical energy store in the low temperature operating mode than in the normal temperature operating mode, wherein the operating mode control device is configured to operate the capture and/or evaluation device, the operating data memory and/or the communication interface in the normal temperature operating mode periodically in intervals during a first active period and not to operate it/them during a first inactive period and to operate it/them in the low temperature mode periodically in intervals during a second active period, which is shorter in time than the first, and/or not to operate it/them, or to render it/them without power, during a second inactive period, which is longer in time than the first.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the first active period is no less than 1 ms and/or no more than 3 s, and/or the first inactive period is no less than 100 ms and/or no more than 10 s, the second active period is no less than 1 ms and/or no more than 3 s, and/or the second inactive period is no less than 500 ms and/or no more than 10 s.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the operating mode control device is configured to respond to non-capture of a quantity or operating data by the capture and/or evaluation device by setting the first inactive period to a maximum value and/or the second inactive period to a maximum value.

10. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a buffer capacitor, wherein the buffer capacitor draws electric power from the electrochemical energy store, and wherein the capture and/or evaluation device, the operating data memory and/or the communication interface are configured to draw electric power from the buffer capacitor during operation.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the buffer capacitor has an electrical capacitance of no less than 50 μF and/or of no more than 5000 μF, and/or the buffer capacitor is configured for a voltage of no less than 1 V and of no more than 12 V.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the operating data memory has an EEPROM operating data memory, the EEPROM operating data memory being designed to erase individual bits.

13. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: an output device, wherein the output device is configured to output an ON state of the device, wherein the output device draws electric power from the electrochemical energy store during operation, and wherein the operating mode control device is configured to operate the output device such that less electric power is drawn from the electrochemical energy store by the output device in the low temperature operating mode than in the normal temperature operating mode.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature limit value is no more than 0° C. and/or no less than −5° C.

15. The device according to claim 7, wherein the first active period is 80 ms and/or the first inactive period is 920 ms, and/or the second active period is 40 ms and/or the second inactive period is 1960 ms.

16. The device according to claim 10, wherein the buffer capacitor has an electrical capacitance of no less than 100 μF and/or of no more than 1000 μF, and/or the buffer capacitor is configured for a voltage of 3 V.

17. The device according to claim 13, wherein the output device is a display.

18. A system comprising: a device according to claim 1; and a motor-driven tool.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the motor-driven tool is a manually guided tool.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the motor-driven tool is a hand-held or soil-guided tool.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the invention with a device according to an embodiment of the invention for capturing operating data of a motor-driven tool, the motor-driven tool and a terminal,

(2) FIG. 2 shows a graph of an electric power of the device of FIG. 1 in a normal temperature operating mode over time,

(3) FIG. 3 shows a graph of an electric power of the device of FIG. 1 in a low temperature operating mode over time,

(4) FIG. 4 shows a schematic exploded view of the device of FIG. 1,

(5) FIG. 5 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the device of FIG. 1, and

(6) FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a detail of the motor-driven tool of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(7) FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6 show a system 50 according to an embodiment of the invention. The system 50 has a device 1 and a motor-driven tool 60.

(8) In detail, the tool 60 has an electric drive motor 61 or an internal combustion drive engine 62, as shown in FIG. 1.

(9) In addition, the motor-driven tool 60 is a manually guided tool. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the manually guided tool 60 is a handheld tool, In alternative exemplary embodiments, the manually guided tool can be a soil-guided tool.

(10) In detail, the tool 60 is a saw, as shown in FIG. 6. The saw 60 has a saw chain 63, wherein in particular the electric drive motor 61 or the internal combustion drive engine 62 is designed to drive the saw chain 63. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the tool can be a high-level delimber or a pole pruner, respectively, or a hedge trimmer, or a hedge cutter, or a leaf blower, or a leaf suction device, or a sweeping roller, or a sweeping brush, or a lawn mower, or a brushcutter, or a scarifier, or an angle grinder, or a rotovator, or a pressure washer, or a sprayer, or a drill.

(11) Additionally, the system 50 has a terminal 7.

(12) The device 1 according to the invention is designed for capturing operating data of the motor-driven tool 60. Additionally, the device 1 is designed for arrangement on the tool 60 or, in the exemplary embodiment shown, is arranged on the tool 60. Furthermore, the device has a capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5. The capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4 is designed to capture at least one quantity, wherein the quantity is dependent on an operating state of the tool 60, and to evaluate the captured quantity for the purpose of ascertaining the operating data. Additionally or alternatively, the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4 is designed to capture operating data. Also, the device has an operating data memory 5 and/or a communication interface 6. The operating data memory 5 is designed to store the ascertained and/or captured operating data. The communication interface 6 is designed to wirelessly transmit the operating data to the terminal 7. The capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4, the operating data memory 5 and/or the communication interface 6 is/are designed to draw electric power P8 from an electrochemical energy store 8, in particular a battery, during operation. In addition, the device has an operating mode control device 9 in the form of a microcontroller and a memory. The operating mode control device 9 is designed to operate the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4, the operating data memory 5 and/or the communication interface 6 in a normal temperature operating mode NT at a temperature T above a temperature limit value Tlimit and to operate it/them in a low temperature operating mode TT, which is different from the normal temperature operating mode NT, at a temperature T equal to or below the temperature limit value Tlimit, such that less electric power P8 is drawn from the electrochemical store 8, in particular the battery, in the low temperature operating mode TT than in the normal temperature operating mode NT.

(13) In the exemplary embodiment shown, the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4 has a capture part 3 in the form of a sensor and an evaluation part 4 in the form of a microcontroller. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the capture and/or evaluation device may be in a different form.

(14) Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the device 1 has the operating data memory 5 and the communication interface 6. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the device can have either the operating data memory or the communication interface.

(15) In detail, the operating data memory 5 has an EEPROM operating data memory. The EEPROM operating data memory 5 is designed to erase individual bits.

(16) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the operating mode control device 9 is designed to operate the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4, the operating data memory 5 and the communication interface 6 in the normal temperature operating mode NT and in the low temperature operating mode TT. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the operating mode control device can be designed to operate either the capture and/or evaluation device or the operating data memory or the communication interface in the normal temperature operating mode and in the low temperature operating mode.

(17) Additionally, the device 1 has the electrochemical energy store 8 in the form of the battery. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the battery is a CR 2032 button cell, in particular having a voltage of 3 V. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the battery can be a CR 2450 button cell or can be in another form.

(18) In the exemplary embodiment shown, the temperature limit value Tlimit is −5° C. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the temperature limit value can be no more than +10° C. and/or no less than −20° C.

(19) Also, the device 1 has a temperature sensor 10 or a resistance capture device 11.

(20) In the exemplary embodiment shown, the temperature sensor 10 is designed to capture the temperature T, in particular of the electrochemical energy store or of the battery 8. The operating mode control device 9 is designed to operate the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4, the operating data memory 5 and/or the communication interface 6 in the normal temperature operating mode NT when the temperature limit value Tlimit is exceeded by the captured temperature T and to operate it/them in the low temperature operating mode TT when the temperature limit value Tlimit is reached or not reached by the captured temperature T.

(21) In alternative exemplary embodiments, the temperature sensor can additionally or alternatively be designed for capturing a quantity that is dependent on the temperature. The operating mode control device can be designed to operate the capture and/or evaluation device, the operating data memory and/or the communication interface in the normal temperature operating mode when a quantity limit value is exceeded by the captured quantity and in the low temperature operating mode when the quantity limit value is reached or not reached by the captured quantity.

(22) In detail, the temperature sensor 10 is thermally connected to the electrochemical energy store or the battery 8. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the temperature sensor 10 is arranged in direct contact with the electrochemical energy store or the battery 8. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the temperature sensor can be arranged at a distance of no more than 5 cm from the electrochemical energy store or the battery. In addition, the operating mode control device 9 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 10.

(23) In the exemplary embodiment shown, the resistance capture device 11 is designed for capturing a resistance R of the electrochemical energy store or the battery 8. The operating mode control device 9 is designed to operate the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4, the operating data memory 5 and/or the communication interface 6 in the normal temperature operating mode NT when a resistance limit value Rlimit is not reached by the captured resistance R and in the low temperature operating mode TT when the resistance limit value Rlimit is reached or exceeded by the captured resistance R.

(24) In alternative exemplary embodiments, the resistance capture device can additionally or alternatively be designed for capturing a quantity that is dependent on the resistance. The operating mode control device can be designed to operate the capture and/or evaluation device, the operating data memory and/or the communication interface in the normal temperature operating mode when a quantity limit value is not reached by the captured quantity and in the low temperature operating mode when the quantity limit value is reached or exceeded by the captured quantity.

(25) In detail, the resistance capture device 11 is electrically connected to the electrochemical energy store or the battery 8. Additionally, the operating mode control device 9 is electrically connected to the resistance capture device 11.

(26) In the exemplary embodiment shown, the resistance limit value Rlimit is 1 kΩ In alternative exemplary embodiments, the resistance limit value can be no less than 100Ω and/or no more than 20 KΩ.

(27) Furthermore, the operating mode control device 9 is designed to operate the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4, the operating data memory 5 and/or the communication interface 6 in the normal temperature operating mode NT periodically in intervals I1 during a first active period twake1 and not to operate it/them during a first inactive period tsleep1, as shown in FIG. 2, and to operate it/them in the low temperature mode periodically in intervals I2 during a second active period twake2, which is shorter in time than the first, and/or not to operate it/them, or to render it/them without power, during a second inactive period tsleep2, which is longer in time than the first, as shown in FIG. 3.

(28) In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first active period twake1 is 80 ms. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the first active period can be no less than 1 ms and/or no more than 3 s.

(29) In addition, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the first inactive period tsleep1 is 920 ms. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the first inactive period can be no less than 100 ms and/or no more than 10 s.

(30) Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the second active period twake2 is 40 ms. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the second active period can be no less than 1 ms and/or no more than 3 s.

(31) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the second inactive period tsleep2 is 1960 ms. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the second inactive period can be no less than 500 ms and/or no more than 10 s.

(32) In particular, in alternative exemplary embodiments, the first active period and the second active period can be of the same length in time and the first inactive period and the second inactive period can be of different length in time.

(33) Also, the operating mode control device 9 is designed to respond to non-capture by means of the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4 by setting the first inactive period tsleep1 to a maximum value and/or the second inactive period tsleep2 to a maximum value.

(34) Additionally, the operating mode control device 9 is designed to respond to capture by means of the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4 by setting the first inactive period tsleep1 to 920 ms and/or the second inactive period tsleep2 to 1960 ms.

(35) In addition, the device 1 has a buffer capacitor 12. The buffer capacitor 12 is designed to draw electric power P8 from the electrochemical energy store or the battery 8. The capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4, the operating data memory 5 and/or the communication interface 6 is/are designed to draw electric power P3/4/5/6 from the buffer capacitor 12 during operation.

(36) In the exemplary embodiment shown, the buffer capacitor 12 has an electrical capacitance C of 470 μF. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the buffer capacitor can have an electrical capacitance of no less than 50 μF and/or of no more than 5000 μF.

(37) Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the buffer capacitor 12 is designed for a voltage of 3 V. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the buffer capacitor can be designed for a voltage of no less than 1 V and of no more than 12 V.

(38) Furthermore, the device 1 has an output device 13, in particular a display in the form of a light emitting diode. The output device 13 is designed to output, in particular to display, an ON state of the device 1. The output device 13 is designed to draw electric power P8 from the electrochemical energy store or the battery 8 during operation. The operating mode control device 9 is designed to operate the output device 13 such that less electric power P8 is drawn from the electrochemical energy store or the battery 8 by the output device 13 in the low temperature operating mode TT than in the normal temperature operating mode NT.

(39) In detail, the buffer capacitor 12 is electrically connected firstly to the electrochemical energy store or the battery 8 and secondly to the operating mode control device 9. The operating mode control device 9 is electrically connected firstly to the buffer capacitor 12 and secondly to the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4, the operating data memory 5, the communication interface 6 and the output device 13.

(40) In the exemplary embodiment shown, the device 1 or the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4 thereof, the operating data memory 5 thereof, the communication interface 6 thereof, the operating mode control device 9 thereof and/or the output device 13 thereof is/are designed for a voltage of 3 V.

(41) The buffer capacitor 12 covers a demand by the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4, the operating data memory 5, the communication interface 6 and/or the output device 13 for electric power P3/4/5/6/13, which is greater than the drawable power P8 of the electrochemical energy store or the battery 8 during the active period twake1, twake2, in particular completely, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

(42) In detail, the buffer capacitor 12 is charged by the electrochemical energy store or the battery 8 during the inactive period tsleep1, tsleep2 and discharged by the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4, the operating data memory 5, the communication interface 6 and/or the output device 13 during the active period twake1, twake2, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. A voltage swing as a result of periodic charging and discharging of the buffer capacitor 12 is a portion of the voltage of the electrochemical energy store or the battery 8, in particular 200 mV at 3 V or 2.9 V to 3.1 V.

(43) In the normal temperature operating mode NT, the operating mode control device 9 operates the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4, the operating data memory 5, the communication interface 6 and/or the output device 13 periodically in the intervals I1 during the first active period twake1 and not during the first inactive period tsleep1, as shown in FIG. 2.

(44) As the temperature T falls, the drawable power P8 of the electrochemical energy store or the battery 8 falls.

(45) In the low temperature operating mode TT, the operating mode control device 9 operates the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4, the operating data memory 5 and/or the communication interface 6 periodically in the intervals I2 during the second active period twake2 and not during the second inactive period tsleep2, as shown in FIG. 3. Also, the operating mode control device 9 renders the output device 13 without function, or does not operate it or leaves it off, in the low temperature operating mode TT.

(46) The device 1 or the non-operation or leaving-off of the output device 13 admittedly no longer allows the ON state of the device 1 to be output to the user. However, the communication interface 6 still transmits the operating data wirelessly to the terminal 7 and therefore allows the user to find out or gather that the device 1 is in the ON state.

(47) In the exemplary embodiment shown, the device 1 or the buffer capacitor 12 thereof is designed for operation of the device 1 up to and including −30° C. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the device or the buffer capacitor thereof can be designed for operation of the device for a different temperature value.

(48) In detail, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the temperature limit value Tlimit is the same for the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4, the operating data memory 5, the communication interface 6 and the output device 13. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the temperature limit value can be different or individual for the capture and/or evaluation device, the operating data memory, the communication interface and the output device, if present.

(49) In addition, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the resistance limit value Rlimit is the same for the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4, the operating data memory 5, the communication interface 6 and the output device 13. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the resistance limit value can be different or individual for the capture and/or evaluation device, the operating data memory, the communication interface and the output device, if present.

(50) Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the first active period twake1, the first inactive period tsleep1, the second active period twake2 and the second inactive period tsleep2, in particular each, is the same for the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4, the operating data memory 5, the communication interface 6 and the output device 13. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the first active period, the first inactive period, the second active period and/or the second inactive period can, in particular each, be different or individual for the capture and/or evaluation device, the operating data memory, the communication interface and the output device, if present.

(51) Furthermore, the device 1 is designed to be separate from the motor-driven tool 60, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

(52) Also, the device 1 has a housing 30. The housing 30 is designed to hold the electrochemical energy store or the battery 8.

(53) In addition, the device 1 has resilient electrical contact elements 31, 32, two in the exemplary embodiment shown. The resilient electrical contact elements 31, 32 are designed to make electrical contact with corresponding electrical contacts of the accommodated electrochemical energy store or the accommodated battery 8.

(54) Additionally, the contact elements 31, 32 are routed from the housing 30 to the outside, where they are electrically connected to corresponding connections, in particular on a circuit board 40 of the device 1.

(55) In detail, the circuit board 40 is arranged on an underside of the housing 30. In particular, the circuit board 40 is mechanically connected to the housing 30.

(56) In the exemplary embodiment shown, the circuit board 40 has the capture and/or evaluation device 3, 4, the operating data memory 5, the communication interface 6 and the operating mode control device 9.

(57) As the exemplary embodiments shown, and explained above, make clear, the invention provides a device for capturing operating data of a motor-driven tool, said device being reliable, in particular at a low temperature, and a system having such a device and a motor-driven tool.

(58) The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.