Power Tool Device

Abstract

A power tool device, in particular a portable power tool, includes at least one signal switching unit that has at least one signal switching element that is actuable at least in order to activate a drive unit of the power tool. The power tool device further includes at least one operating mode selection unit that has at least one operating mode selection element that is actuable in order to select an operating mode of the drive unit, and at least one locking unit that has at least one locking actuating element at least for locking the signal switching element. The power tool device also includes at least one electronic unit that is configured to control and/or regulate the drive unit at least depending on an evaluation of a setting parameter of the locking actuating element.

Claims

1. A power-tool device, comprising: a drive unit; at least one signal switching unit including at least one signal switching element configured to be actuated at least to activate the drive unit; at least one operating-mode selection unit including at least one operating-mode selection element configured to be actuated to select an operating mode of a plurality of operating modes of the drive unity; at least one locking unit including at least one locking actuating element configured to lock the at least one signal switching element; and at least one electronic unit configured to control the drive unit, by open-loop and/or closed-loop control, at least in dependence on an evaluation of a position characteristic of the at least one locking actuating element.

2. The power-tool device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one locking unit further including at least one locking switching element that is operatively connected to the at least one locking actuating element and that is configured to provide the at least one electronic unit with the position characteristic of the at least one locking actuating element.

3. The power-tool device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one operating-mode selection unit further including at least one operating-mode switching element that is operatively connected to the at least one operating-mode selection element and that is configured to provide the at least one electronic unit with a signal relating to the selected operating mode of the drive unit.

4. The power-tool device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one signal switching unit, for providing the position characteristic of the at least one signal switching element, is configured to switch electrical currents having amperages of less than or equal to 500 mA.

5. The power-tool device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one locking unit is configured to lock the at least one signal switching element in an unactuated state of the at least one signal switching element.

6. The power-tool device as claimed in claim 1, wherein only the at least one locking unit is configured to unlock the at least one signal switching element.

7. The power-tool device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one locking unit is configured as a bistable locking unit.

8. The power-tool device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one locking unit is configured to maintain locking of the at least one signal switching element irrespective of the operating mode of the drive unit.

9. The power-tool device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one signal switching unit has at least one speed transducer unit, which is operatively connected to the at least one signal switching element and is configured to regulate a rotational speed of the drive unit.

10. A power tool, comprising: at least one power-tool device including: a drive unit; at least one signal switching unit including at least one signal switching element configured to be actuated at least to activate the a drive unit; at least one operating-mode selection unit including at least one operating-mode selection element configured to be actuated to select an operating mode of a plurality of operating modes of the drive unit; at least one locking unit including at least one locking actuating element configured to lock the at least one signal switching element and at least one electronic unit configured to control the drive unit, by open-loop and/or closed-loop control, at least in dependence on an evaluation of a position characteristic of the at least one locking actuating element.

Description

DRAWING

[0019] Further advantages are given by the following description of the drawing. The drawing shows an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Persons skilled in the art will expediently also consider them individually and combine them to form appropriate further combinations.

[0020] There are shown:

[0021] FIG. 1 a power tool according to the invention, in a schematic representation,

[0022] FIG. 2 a power-tool device according to the invention, in a schematic representation,

[0023] FIG. 3 a part of the power-tool device with a signal switching element locked in an actuated state, in a schematic representation,

[0024] FIG. 4 the part of the power-tool device with a signal switching element locked in an unactuated state, in the schematic representation,

[0025] FIG. 5 a part of the power-tool device with a signal switching element unlocked in an unactuated stated, in an alternative schematic representation,

[0026] FIG. 6 the part of the power-tool device with a signal switching element locked in an unactuated state, in the alternative schematic representation,

[0027] FIG. 7 the part of the power-tool device with a signal switching element unlocked in an actuated state, in the alternative schematic representation, and

[0028] FIG. 8 the part of the power-tool device with a signal switching element locked in an actuated state, in the alternative schematic representation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a power tool 18 in a schematic representation. The power tool 18 is realized as a hand-held power tool. The power tool 18 is realized as a hammer drill and/or chiseling hammer. The power tool 18 has a housing unit 36. The power tool 18 has a drive unit 16. The drive unit 16 is arranged within the housing unit 36. The drive unit 16 comprises an electric motor and a percussion mechanism. The drive unit 16 is designed to drive an insert tool 38 of the power tool 18. The insert tool 38 is realized as a drill bit. The power tool 18 comprises a power-tool device 10. The power-tool device 10 comprises a signal switching unit 12. The signal switching unit 12 has a signal switching element 14. The signal switching element 14 can be actuated for the purpose of activating the drive unit 16 of the power tool 18. The signal switching element 14 can be actuated for the purpose of activating the electric motor of the drive unit 16 of the power tool 18. The signal switching element 14 is arranged on a handle 40 of the power tool 18. The signal switching element 14 is realized as a pushbutton switch. The power-tool device 10 comprises an operating-mode selection unit 20. The operating-mode selection unit 20 has an operating-mode selection element 22. The operating-mode selection element 22 can be actuated for the purpose of selecting an operating mode of the drive unit 16. The operating-mode selection element 22 can be actuated for the purpose of selecting an operating mode of the percussion mechanism of the drive unit 16. The operating-mode selection element 22 is arranged on the housing unit 36. The operating-mode selection element 22 is realized as a rotary switch. The operating-mode selection unit 20 can be used to switch over between a hammer-drill operating mode and a chiseling-hammer operating mode. The power-tool device 10 comprises a locking unit 24. The locking unit 24 has a locking actuating element 26. The locking actuating element 26 is designed at least to lock the signal switching element 14. The locking actuating element 26 is arranged on the handle 40. The locking actuating element 26 is arranged substantially perpendicularly in relation to the signal switching element 14, on the handle 40. The locking actuating element 26 is arranged on a lateral face of the handle 40. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the locking actuating element 26 to be arranged on an upper side of the handle 40. The expression substantially perpendicularly is intended here to define, in particular, an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, the direction and the reference direction, in particular as viewed in one plane, enclosing an angle of 90, and the angle having a maximum deviation of, in particular, less than 8, advantageously less than 5, and particularly advantageously less than 2. The locking actuating element 26 is realized as a pushbutton switch. The power-tool device 10 comprises an electronic unit 28. The electronic unit 28 is designed to evaluate a position characteristic of the locking actuating element 26. The electronic unit 28 is designed to control the drive unit 16, by open-loop and/or closed-loop control, at least in dependence on the evaluation of the position characteristic of the locking actuating element 26. The electronic unit 28 is designed to control the drive unit 16, by open-loop and/or closed-loop control, in dependence on an evaluation of a position characteristic of the signal switching element 14, a selected operating mode and the position characteristic of the locking actuating element 26. The electronic unit 28 is arranged within the housing unit 36.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows the power-tool device 10 in a schematic representation. The power-tool device 10 comprises the signal switching unit 12, the operating-mode selection unit 20, the locking unit 24 and the electronic unit 28. An energy supply unit 42 of the power tool 18 is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the electronic unit 28. The energy supply unit 42 is realized as a mains power supply. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the energy supply unit 42 to be realized as an accumulator battery. The drive unit 16 of the power tool 18 is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the electronic unit 28. The locking unit 24 has a locking switching element 30. The locking switching element 30 is operatively connected to the locking actuating element 26. The locking switching element 30 is mechanically coupled to the locking actuating element 26. The locking switching element 30 is mechanically coupled to the locking actuating element 26 via a bistable locking mechanism 46 of the locking unit 24. The locking switching element 30 is realized as an electrical switching contact. The locking switching element 30 is designed to provide the electronic unit 28 with the position characteristic of the locking actuating element 26. The locking switching element 30 is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the electronic unit 28. The locking switching element 30 provides the electronic unit 28 with the position characteristic in the form of an electrical signal. The locking actuating element 26 and the locking switching element 30 are each represented in an unactuated state.

[0031] The operating-mode selection unit 20 has an operating-mode switching element 32. The operating-mode switching element 32 is operatively connected to the operating-mode selection element 22. The operating-mode switching element 32 is mechanically coupled to the operating-mode selection element 22. The operating-mode switching element 32 is realized as an electrical switching contact. The operating-mode switching element 32 is designed to provide the electronic unit 28 with a signal relating to the selected operating mode. The operating-mode switching element 32 is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the electronic unit 28. The operating-mode switching element 32 provides the electronic unit 28 with an electrical signal relating to the selected operating mode.

[0032] The signal switching unit 12 is designed to provide a position characteristic of the signal switching element 14 for the purpose of switching electrical currents having amperages of less than or equal to 500 mA. The signal switching unit 12 has an electrical signal switching contact 44. The electrical signal switching contact 44 is operatively connected to the signal switching element 14. The electrical signal switching contact 44 is mechanically coupled to the signal switching element 14. The electrical signal switching contact 44 is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the electronic unit 28. The electrical signal switching contact is designed to provide the electronic unit 28 with the position characteristic of the signal switching element 14 in the form of an electrical signal. An operative connection between the signal switching element 14 and the electrical signal switching contact 44 is realized in such a manner that an electrical circuit comprising the electronic unit 28 is opened or closed by the electrical signal switching contact 44. In the case of a closed electrical circuit comprising the electronic unit 28, only an electrical current having an amperage of not more than 500 mA flows via the signal switching contact 44. The electronic unit 28 has an electrical switching element, not represented further, which controls the drive unit 16, by open-loop and/or closed-loop control, in dependence on the position characteristic of the signal switching element 14. The electrical switching element of the electronic unit 28 is realized in such a manner that electrical currents having amperages of not more than 500 mA can be detected. The signal switching element 14 and the electrical signal switching contact 44 are each represented in an unactuated state.

[0033] The locking unit 24 is realized as a bistable locking unit. The locking unit 24 has a bistable locking mechanism 46. The bistable locking mechanism 46 is operatively connected to the locking actuating element 26, on a first side 48 of the bistable locking mechanism 46. The bistable locking mechanism 46 is mechanically coupled to the locking actuating element 26, on the first side 48. The bistable locking mechanism 46 is connected to the locking switching element 30 on a second side 50 of the bistable locking mechanism 46 that faces away from the first side 48. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the locking actuating element 26 to be arranged on a side of the locking mechanism 46 that is substantially perpendicular to the first side 48, or on the first side 48. The bistable locking mechanism 46 is mechanically coupled to the locking actuating element 26 on the second side 50. The bistable locking mechanism 46 effects the operative connection between the locking actuating element 26 and the locking switching element 30. The bistable locking mechanism 46 has precisely two stable states. A first stable state of the bistable locking mechanism 46 corresponds to a locking of the signal switching element 14. A second stable state of the bistable locking mechanism 46 corresponds to an unlocking of the signal switching element 14. The bistable locking mechanism 46 can change from one of the two stable state to another of the two stable states as a result of an actuation of the locking actuating element 26. The bistable locking mechanism 46 is realized as a ballpoint-pen mechanism. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the bistable locking mechanism 46 to be realized as a bistable slide mechanism or as a bistable rocker mechanism.

[0034] The signal switching unit 12 has a speed transducer unit 34. The speed transducer unit 34 is operatively connected to the signal switching element 14. The speed transducer unit 34 is mechanically coupled to the signal switching element 14. The speed transducer unit 34 is designed to regulate a rotational speed of the drive unit 16. The speed transducer unit 34 is designed to regulate a rotational speed of the electric motor of the drive unit 16. The speed transducer unit 34 is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the electronic unit 28. An operative connection between the signal switching element 14 and the speed transducer unit 34 is realized in such a manner that the speed transducer unit 34 provides the electronic unit 28 with an electrical signal in dependence on a position of the signal switching element 14. The speed transducer unit 34 provides the electronic unit 28 with an electrical signal that is proportional to a position of the signal switching element 14. Differing electrical signals are assigned to differing rotational speeds of the electric motor of the drive unit 16. The locking unit 24 is realized in such a manner that the signal switching element 14 can be locked in a position of the signal switching element 14 corresponding to a deactivated drive unit 16, and in a position of the signal switching element 14 corresponding to a maximum rotational speed of the electric motor of the drive unit 16. In principle, however, it is conceivable for the locking unit 24 to be realized in such a manner that the signal switching element 14 can be locked in a plurality of differing positions, corresponding to a plurality of differing rotational speeds of the electric motor of the drive unit 16.

[0035] FIG. 3 shows a part of the power-tool device 10 with a signal switching element 14 locked in an actuated state, in a schematic representation. The actuated state of the signal switching element 14 corresponds to a displacement of the signal switching element 14 along a first direction 52, as compared to an unactuated state of the signal switching element 14. The electrical signal switching contact 44 is closed, and provides the electronic unit 28, not represented further, with the position characteristic of the signal switching element 14. The signal switching element 14 is locked by the locking actuating element 26. A latching extension 54 of the locking actuating element 26 engages in a latching recess 56 of the signal switching element 14. A movement of the signal switching element 14 contrary to the first direction 52 is blocked by the locking actuating element 26. The locking switching element 30 is closed, and provides the electronic unit 28, not represented further, with the position characteristic of the locking actuating element 26. The signal switching element 14 can be unlocked only by means of the locking unit 24. The signal switching element 14 can be unlocked by an actuation of the locking actuating element 26. The latching extension 54 can be moved out of the latching recess 56, contrary to a second direction 58, by an actuation of the locking actuating element 26. A movement of the signal switching element 14, contrary to the first direction 52, is released. The locking unit 24 is designed to maintain the locking of the signal switching element 14 irrespective of the operating mode. In the case of a hammer-drill operating mode having been selected, the signal switching element 14 remains in the actuated and locked state. In the case of the hammer-drill operating mode having been selected, the electronic unit 28 deactivates the drive unit 16 on the basis of the evaluation of the selected operating mode, the position characteristic of the signal switching element 14 and the position characteristic of the locking actuating element 26.

[0036] FIG. 4 shows the part of the power-tool device 10 with a signal switching element 14 locked in an unactuated state, in the schematic representation. The electrical signal switching element 14 is open. The electronic unit 28 is provided with the position characteristic of the signal switching element 14 in the form of an electrical zero signal. The locking unit 24 is designed to lock the signal switching element 14 in an unactuated state of the signal switching element 14. The signal switching element 14 is locked by the locking actuating element 26. The latching extension 54 of the locking actuating element 26 blocks the signal switching element 14. A movement of the signal switching element 14 along the first direction 52 is blocked by the locking actuating element 26. The locking switching element 30 is closed, and provides the electronic unit 28 with the position characteristic of the locking actuating element 26.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows a part of the power-tool device 10 with a signal switching element 14 unlocked in an unactuated state, in an alternative schematic representation. The part of the power-tool device 10 is represented in a simplified form. For reasons of clarity, the bistable locking mechanism 46, the locking switching element 30, the electrical signal switching contact 44 and the speed transducer unit 34 are not represented. The locking actuating element 26 of the locking unit 24 is in an unactuated state. The signal switching element 14 of the signal switching unit 12 is freely movable. The signal switching element 14 can be moved along the first direction 52.

[0038] FIG. 6 shows the part of the power-tool device 10 with a signal switching element 14 locked in an unactuated state, in the alternative schematic representation. The locking actuating element 26 of the locking unit 24 is in an actuated state. The latching extension 54 of the locking actuating element 26 has been displaced along the second direction 58, as compared with an unactuated state of the locking actuating element 26. A movement of the signal switching element 14 of the signal switching unit 12 along the first direction 52 is blocked by the locking actuating element 26.

[0039] FIG. 7 shows the part of the power-tool device 10 with a signal switching element 14 unlocked in an actuated state, in the alternative schematic representation. The locking actuating element 26 of the locking unit 24 is in an unactuated state. The signal switching element 14 of the signal switching unit 12 is freely movable. The signal switching element 14 can be moved contrary to the first direction 52.

[0040] FIG. 8 shows the part of the power-tool device 10 with a signal switching element 14 locked in an actuated state, in the alternative schematic representation. The locking actuating element 26 of the locking unit 24 is in an actuated state. The latching extension 54 of the locking actuating element 26 has been displaced along the second direction 58, as compared with an unactuated state of the locking actuating element 26. The latching extension 54 engages in the latching recess 56 of the signal switching element 14 of the signal switching unit 12. A movement of the signal switching element 14 contrary to the first direction 52 is blocked by the locking actuating element 26.