HANDHELD MACHINE TOOL

Abstract

A handheld machine tool, which has a housing including a handle, a drive motor situated inside the housing, and an interface for establishing a mechanical and/or an electrical connection between the handheld machine tool and a battery pack, the interface having a base element for the electrical and/or mechanical connection of the interface to the handheld machine tool, and a separate contact carrier including at least one contact element for the electrical and/or mechanical contacting with at least one corresponding mating contact element on the battery pack.

Claims

1-14. (canceled)

15. A handheld machine tool, comprising: a housing having a handle; a drive motor disposed in the housing; and an interface for establishing a mechanical and/or an electrical connection of the handheld machine tool to a battery pack; wherein the interface has a base element for the electrical and/or mechanical connection of the interface to the handheld machine tool, and a separate contact carrier having at least one contact element for the electrical and/or mechanical contacting with at least one corresponding mating contact element on the battery pack.

16. The handheld machine tool of claim 15, wherein the base element is firmly integrated into the housing of the handheld machine tool, and the contact carrier is disposed on the base element in a detachable manner via at least one contact arrangement.

17. The handheld machine tool of claim 15, wherein the contact carrier is detachably disposed on the base element so that the contact carrier is able to be exchanged by a user.

18. The handheld machine tool of claim 15, wherein the contact arrangement is configured as an electrical conductor.

19. The handheld machine tool of claim 15, wherein the contact arrangement is configured as a fastening and connection arrangement in the form of a screw, a screw sleeve, a bayonet closure or a plug connector which is vertically disposed in relation to an insertion direction of a battery pack.

20. The handheld machine tool of claim 15, wherein the contact carrier has at least one recess for the feed-through of the contact arrangement.

21. The handheld machine tool of claim 20, wherein at least one first electrical connection arrangement is integrated into the at least one recess of the contact carrier.

22. The handheld machine tool of claim 15, wherein the interface has at least one second electrical connection element for the electrical contacting of the handheld machine tool.

23. The handheld machine tool of claim 15, wherein the base element has at least one opening for accommodating the contact arrangement.

24. The handheld machine tool of claim 23, wherein the second electrical connection element is integrated into the at least one opening of the base element.

25. The handheld machine tool of claim 15, wherein the interface has at least one elastic element, which is provided for mounting the interface in a slidable and/or flexible manner in relation to the handheld machine tool.

26. The handheld machine tool of claim 25, wherein the elastic element is disposed between the interface and the handheld machine tool.

27. The handheld machine tool of claim 15, wherein the base element is configured in one piece with the housing of the handheld machine tool.

28. A tool system, comprising: a handheld machine tool, including: a housing having a handle; a drive motor disposed in the housing; and an interface for establishing a mechanical and/or an electrical connection of the handheld machine tool to a battery pack; wherein the interface has a base element for the electrical and/or mechanical connection of the interface to the handheld machine tool, and a separate contact carrier having at least one contact element for the electrical and/or mechanical contacting with at least one corresponding mating contact element on the battery pack; and; a battery pack having at least one corresponding mating contact element for the electrical and/or mechanical connection to the interface of the handheld machine tool.

29. The handheld machine tool of claim 15, wherein the interface has at least one second electrical connection element, which includes a cable shoe, for the electrical contacting of the handheld machine tool.

30. The handheld machine tool of claim 15, wherein the interface has at least one elastic element, which includes a spring element, which is provided for mounting the interface in a slidable and/or flexible manner in relation to the handheld machine tool.

31. The handheld machine tool of claim 25, wherein the elastic element is disposed between the base element and/or the contact carrier and the handheld machine tool.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 shows, exemplarily, a view of a handheld machine tool according to the present invention, together with a battery pack.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a perspective detail view of an interface between the handheld machine tool and an inserted battery pack from FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 3 shows a detail view of the interface from FIG. 2.

[0024] FIG. 4 shows a perspective exploded view of the interface on the side of the handheld machine tool, without an inserted battery pack.

[0025] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the interface from FIG. 4 on the side of the handheld machine tool.

[0026] FIG. 6 shows a perspective exploded view of the interface from FIG. 5 on the side of the handheld machine tool, in a plan view. and

[0027] FIG. 7 shows a perspective exploded view of the interface from

[0028] FIGS. 5 and 6 on the side of the handheld machine tool, viewed from below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] FIG. 1 shows an electrical device configured as a handheld machine tool 300, which is configured as a battery-powered combo-drill by way of example. In the illustrated embodiment, handheld machine tool 300 is therefore mechanically and electrically connected to a battery pack 100 for a cordless current supply. However, it is pointed out that the present invention is not restricted to battery-powered combo-drills but may instead be used in different handheld machine tools 300, regardless of whether they are operated with the aid of a battery pack 100 as a cordless power supply, as illustrated, or use a mains power supply. Handheld machine tool 300 has a gear unit 330, disposed in a housing 305, for transmitting a torque generated by a drive motor 335 to a drive shaft that rotates about an axis of rotation x and on which a tool holder 320 for a tool (not shown) is fixed in place, and a handle 315. An electzpronics system 370, which is in electronic and/or mechanical contact with drive motor 335 and/or gear unit 330, is situated inside housing 305. Handle 315 is used as a resting surface for a hand of an operator of handheld machine tool 300 and usually has a longitudinal axis y, a front side 317, which points along an axis x in the direction of tool holder 320, a rear side 316, and two side surfaces 318.

[0030] A first control element 310 for the energy supply of drive motor 335 is disposed in the region of handle 315, the first control element 310 projecting from housing 305 in a manner that allows manual access for the user, so that—in a manner known per se—a pressure motion of first control element 310 makes it possible to control and/or regulate the drive motor, which may be as a function of the adjustment travel of first control element 310, thereby switching the voltage supply for drive motor 335 on and/or off. In addition, handheld machine tool 300 has a second control element 312 in the form of a slide switch for adjusting the direction of rotation of drive motor 335 of handheld machine tool 300. Second control element 312 is disposed in a slideable manner perpendicular to axis of rotation x of the drive shaft, in particular tool holder 320 of handheld machine tool 300, so that, when actuated, second control element 312 is able to be moved back and forth between a first position, a second position, and a third position. The first and the second positions establish a respective direction of rotation of the drive motor. As a result, the positions of second control element 312 already allow the user of handheld machine tool 300 to recognize the work mode in which handheld machine tool 300 is operating. In addition, the second control element has a third position between the first position and the second position, e.g., a center position, in which an electrical, electromechanical and/or mechanical interruption of the motor current takes place. For example, the actuation of first control element 310 is able to be mechanically blocked, the second control element 312 having a locking effect on first control element 310 when moved to a third position. As illustrated, second control element 312 is able to be configured as a slide switch or as a rocker switch.

[0031] First and second control elements 310, 312 are disposed along axis of rotation x in such a way that both the first and second control elements 310, 312 are able to be operated using the index or middle finger. The distance between first control element 310 and second control element 312 is selected in such a way that it is possible to operate handheld machine tool 300 using one hand. Both control elements 310, 312 are furthermore disposed in a region underneath axis of rotation x and project from housing 305.

[0032] In the position shown in FIG. 1, battery pack 100 is attached to handle 315 of handheld machine tool 300 and locked with the aid of a locking arrangement. The placement of battery pack 100 underneath handle 315 does not interfere with the operation of handheld machine tool 300. The locking arrangement, which are not shown in detail, include a locking element and an actuating element 220, among other things. Battery pack 100 is able to be detached from handle 315 of handheld machine tool 300 by operating actuating arrangement 220. In addition, handheld machine tool 300 has an interface 380. Battery pack 100 shown in FIG. 1 is configured as a sliding battery pack, for example, and has an interface 180 that corresponds to interface 380 of handheld machine tool 300. Another embodiment is a battery pack 100, which is mounted so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis; battery pack 100 is able to be reversibly locked on housing 305 of handheld machine tool 300 on the side of battery pack 100 lying opposite the pivot axis, the locking being accomplished by snapping into place, screwing, clamping or bracing. This makes it possible to effectively prevent the battery pack from possibly detaching from the housing.

[0033] When fixing illustrated sliding battery pack 100 in place on handheld machine tool 300, receiving arrangement provided on handheld machine tool 300, e.g., guide grooves and guide fins, are brought into engagement with corresponding guide elements 110 of battery pack 100. Battery pack 100 is inserted in a sliding direction along the receiving arrangement of handle 315 and slipped into the battery-pack receptacle of a handheld machine tool 300 along a lower external surface of handle 315 which is essentially aligned perpendicular to axis of rotation x of handheld machine tool 300. However, a configuration as a rotating or pivoting battery pack as an alternative to the sliding battery pack may also be provided.

[0034] As shown in detail in FIGS. 2 and 3, interface 180 of battery pack 100 is slipped into interface 380 of handheld machine tool 300 or into a corresponding interface (not shown) of a charging device. During the sliding process, contact elements 340 on the side of the handheld machine tool reach into a contact gap (not shown in detail) on the side of the battery pack, in which the battery-pack-side contact elements are disposed. Elastic element 389 is tensioned in such a displacement of contact arrangement 340 so that contact arrangement 340 are pressed into the mating contact elements of battery pack 100 by the force exerted by elastic element 389. Via the contact gaps on the side of the battery pack, battery-pack interface 180 and contact elements 340, disposed therein, of interface 180 on the side of the handheld machine tool, battery pack 100 is able to be allocated to handheld machine tool 300 and/or to the charging device, so that when handheld machine tool 300 is in operation, an electrical connection between battery pack 100 and handheld machine tool 300 is established via contact elements 340 and the mating contact elements.

[0035] FIGS. 2 and 3 show a perspective view from below of interface 380 on the side of the handheld machine tool, with an installed battery pack 100, whereas FIG. 4 shows a view from below of a handheld machine tool 300 without an inserted battery pack 100. FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show a perspective view of interface 380 on the side of the handheld machine tool in each case. FIG. 5 shows a view from below of an assembled interface 380, and FIGS. 6 and 7 show an exploded view of interface 380. In the illustrated embodiment variant, base element 381 is firmly integrated into housing 305 of handheld machine tool 300. Contact carrier 382 has three contact elements 340 and is fastened to base element 381 in a detachable manner with the aid of contact arrangement 383. Contact arrangement 383 reach through a recess 386 in contact carrier 382 in order to fix contact carrier 382 in place. Contact elements 340 disposed on contact carrier 382 are connected to a first electrical connection element 385 in each case, a respective connection element 385 being integrated into a respective recess 386 of contact carrier 382.

[0036] Base element 381, too, has at least one opening 388, the number of openings 388 advantageously corresponding to the number of recesses 386 in contact carrier 382; a second electrical connection element 384 is integrated into each opening 388, so that an electrical connection between contact carrier 382 and base element 381 is able to be established with the aid of contact arrangement 383. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, interface 380 furthermore has three second connection elements 387 in the form of cable shoes 387, which are disposed in contact carrier 382 in a manner that corresponds to openings 388 in base element 381 and recesses 386, and which are used for the electrical contacting between interface 380 and electronics system 370 of handheld machine tool 300. The electrical contacting between base element 381 and electronics system 370 of handheld machine tool 300 may be implemented both with the aid of mentioned cable shoes 387, in a detachable and also a permanent manner, e.g., by soldering connection cables 379 or connection elements 387 directly to base element 381. In the case of a detachable connection, cable shoes 387 are clamped between base element 381 and contact carrier 382 with the aid of contact arrangement 389, base element 381 having recesses 378 for the accommodation of cable shoes 387 and/or connection cables 379.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, both the openings 388 in base element 381 and recesses 386 in contact carrier 382 may be directly configured as connection elements 384, 385, in which case additional connection elements 387 are able to be omitted.

[0038] In order to allow for a secure accommodation of contact arrangement 383, openings 388 in base element 381 as well as recesses 386 in contact carrier 382 may be provided with threaded inserts, it being possible to configure the threaded inserts themselves as electrical conductors. In an advantageous manner, contact arrangement 383 are directly configured as electrical conductors, especially as electrically conductive screws. As a result, contact elements 340 are connected to the handheld machine tool in an electrically conductive manner via the electrically conductive first connection elements 385 integrated into recesses 386 of contact carrier 382, via second electrical connection elements 384 integrated into openings 388 of base element 381, cable shoes 387, and the electrically conductive contact arrangement 383.

[0039] With the aid of described interface 380 of a handheld machine tool 300, a user is able—without having to rely on an expert—to remove contact carrier 382, e.g., in the case of a defect in contact elements 340, by detaching contact arrangement 383 from base element 381 and exchanging them for a replacement contact carrier, without having to open housing 305 of handheld machine tool 300 itself. In principle, base element 381 may largely be configured in one piece with housing 305 of handheld machine tool 300, or it may already be permanently integrated into housing 305 during the manufacture of handheld machine tool 300. This allows for a firm or permanent connection of all connection elements on the side of the handheld machine tool to base element 381 already during the manufacture of handheld machine tool 300, so that fundamental electronic contacts need no longer be implemented during an exchange of contact carrier 382.

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 5, interface 380 has elastic element 389, which is tensioned in a displacement of contact arrangement 340 such that the force exerted by elastic element 389 presses contact arrangement 340 into the mating contact elements of battery pack 100. This makes it possible to exert light pressure on the interface connection inside interface 380, whereby an instability of the connection between contact elements 340 of handheld machine tool 300 and the mating contact element of battery pack 100, e.g., when handheld machine tool 300 is transported or when vibrations occur during the operation of handheld machine tool 300, is able to be reduced. Furthermore, the force exerted by elastic element 389 on battery pack 100 may be utilized in a release of a snap-in connection for ejecting battery pack 100, a development of elastic element 389 as shown in FIG. 5, as a leaf spring or some other type, being conceivable in this context.

[0041] In addition to the described and illustrated embodiments, additional embodiments are conceivable, which may include further variants as well as a combinations of features.