Hand-held tool

Abstract

A hand-held tool that is prepared for remote control has a handle region, an actuating button, and a removable attachment part held in the handle region. The attachment part has a handling extension and a collar encompassing the handle region. The collar includes first and second collar parts pivotably connected together. The attachment part acts upon the actuating button. The actuating button is displaced into an actuating position by a housing section of the collar for a duration of an arrangement of the attachment part on the handle region.

Claims

1. A hand tool that is prepared for remote control comprising: a handle region; an actuating button; and an attachment part which is configured to be removably attached to the handle region, the attachment part including first and second collar parts pivotably connected together and configured to surround the handle region, wherein at least one of the collar parts forming a housing section, wherein the actuating button is displaced into an actuating position by engagement with the housing section when the collar parts surround the handle region; and a handling extension coupled to the attachment part.

2. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein the handling extension is pivotally coupled to the attachment part, wherein the handling extension can be positioned in different angular orientations relative to a longitudinal axis of the attachment part.

3. The hand tool according to claim 1, further comprising a radio receiver and a control unit configured to convert received radio signals into an initiation of a working motion of the hand tool.

4. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein the handling extension includes an actuating element configured to initiate a working motion of the hand tool remotely.

5. The hand tool according to claim 4, wherein the handling extension includes a radio transmitter operatively connected to the actuating element and which interacts with the radio receiver.

6. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein each collar part is shaped as a half shell.

7. The hand tool according to claim 6, further comprising a lock configured to mechanically lock the collar parts together around the handle region.

8. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein the attachment part includes a holding formation provided thereon which is configured to connect to the handling extension.

9. The hand tool according to claim 8, wherein the holding formation comprises a plurality of projections configured to engage into depressions in the handling extension.

10. The hand tool according to claim 8, wherein the holding formation comprises a plurality of depressions configured to receive projections on the handling extension.

11. The hand tool according to claim 1, further comprising an electric motor which is actuable to carry out a working motion.

12. The hand tool according to claim 11, wherein the electric motor drives a hydraulic pump configured to act upon a hydraulically actuated working piston.

13. The hand tool according to claim 1, further comprising one or more working jaws coupled to the handle region which can be moved from a release position into a working position and from the working position into the release position.

14. The hand tool according to claim 13, wherein the one or more working jaws are moved from the working position into the release position after an expiration of a predefined time period.

15. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein a current-conducting connection produced as a result of a depression of the actuating button is without a motion of the actuating button interrupted after an expiration of a predefined time period.

16. The hand tool according to claim 1, further comprising a lock configured to mechanically lock the collar parts together around the handle region.

17. A hand tool that is prepared for remote control comprising: a handle region; an actuating button on the handle region; a housing tang extending from the handle region; and a removable attachment part including two collar parts pivotably connected at a pivot joint region, wherein the collar parts are configured to be attached to the handle region with the housing tang extending through an opening provided in the pivot joint region; and a handling extension coupled to the attachment part.

18. The hand tool according to claim 17, wherein the attachment part is configured to act upon the actuating button to actuate the hand tool.

19. The hand tool according to claim 17, further comprising a radio receiver and a control unit configured to convert received radio signals into an initiation of a working motion of the hand tool.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention is described in greater detail below with reference to the attached drawings that merely show an exemplary embodiment. In these drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a hand tool with an associable attachment part and a handling extension in the form of a perspective exploded view;

(3) FIG. 2 shows the hand tool in the form of a longitudinal section;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a perspective view that essentially corresponds to FIG. 1 after the hand tool and the arrangement of the handling extension on the attachment part;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a front view of the attachment part concerning an encompassing position;

(6) FIG. 5 shows the view according to the arrow V in FIG. 4;

(7) FIG. 6 shows the view according to the arrow VI in FIG. 4;

(8) FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the attachment part;

(9) FIG. 8 shows a top view of the attachment part;

(10) FIG. 9 shows the section along the line IX-IX in FIG. 4;

(11) FIG. 10 shows a view that essentially corresponds to FIG. 4 concerning the open pivoting position of the attachment part;

(12) FIG. 11 shows a section through the attachment part according to FIG. 9 when it encompasses the handle region of the hand tool; and

(13) FIG. 12 shows an alternative variation of the arrangement of the attachment part on the hand tool.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(14) A hand tool 1 in the form of an electromotively driven hand tool is initially described with reference to FIG. 1. The illustration according to FIG. 1 shows an electrohydraulic device that is essentially realized in an elongate, rod-shaped manner and thereby facilitates the one-handed operation of the device. Such a rod-shaped device is known from initially cited EP 1 519 813 B1. The hand tool 1 may also be realized in the form of a pistol-shaped electrohydraulic device, e.g. in accordance with FIG. 12. A device of this type is known from initially cited EP 1 084 798 B1.

(15) A working head 2 is arranged on the hand tool 1 and comprises two working jaws 4 in the exemplary embodiment shown. These working jaws may be realized in the form of cutting edges and pivotable from a release position into a working position about a rotational axis. With respect to the working head 2 shown, we refer to initially cited WO 2017/125272 A1.

(16) The working head 2 shown is merely exemplary. It is preferably exchangeable. For example, the hand tool 1 can thereby also be used as a pressing device or the like, e.g. as a punching device.

(17) In the illustration according to FIG. 2, the correlation with the object described in aforementioned EP 1 519 813 B1, e.g. with respect to a return valve 5, a tank 6 and a pump tappet 7, can be seen in the upper region of the hand tool 1 that is realized in the form of a base unit. This figure likewise shows that a hydraulic medium pump 8 and an electric motor 9 for the hydraulic medium pump 8 are arranged behind one another. The electrical supply, particularly of the electric motor 9, but also of a not-shown control unit and other electronic components in the hand tool 1, is realized by means of an accumulator 10.

(18) The hand tool furthermore has a handle region 11 for conventionally encompassing the hand tool housing with one hand. An actuating button 12 is associated with the handle region 11 in an ergonomically favorable manner.

(19) An attachment part 13 can be associated with the hand tool 1, particularly its handle region 11, in order to control the hand tool 1 remotely. This attachment part may be realized in the form of a collar 14, which in the embodiment shown comprises to half shell-shaped collar parts 15 and 16.

(20) The collar parts 15 and 16 can be connected to one another, e.g. in a preferably pivotable manner, wherein the collar parts can be pivoted about a geometric pivoting axis y that preferably extends in the direction of a longitudinal axis x of the collar 14.

(21) With respect to its inner cross section and/or length, the closed collar 14 is adapted to the shape of the housing of the hand tool 1 in the handle region 11.

(22) Tab-like brackets 17 may be integrally formed on the collar parts 15 and 16 diametrically opposite of their joint region, wherein said brackets in turn respectively carry or form a holding formation 18.

(23) In a side view according to FIG. 5 or 6, the holding formation 18 may be realized in an essentially U-shaped manner with a U-opening 19 that points away from the pivoting axis y.

(24) The closed position of the collar 14 or the encompassing position of the collar 14 according to the illustration in FIG. 3 or FIG. 12 can be mechanically interlocked. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this is achieved by using a screw connection 20 that acts in the region of the brackets 17.

(25) The attachment part 13 serves for allowing a remote control of the hand tool 1 according to the illustration in FIG. 3 or FIG. 12.

(26) For this purpose, the attachment part 13 shown is initially pivoted into the open position about the pivoting axis y (see also FIG. 9) by disengaging the interlock produced by the screw connection 20 and then placed over the handle region 11. The attachment part 13 is fastened on the hand tool 1 in the handle region 11 and preferably fixed with respect to a longitudinal axis u of the handle region 11, as well as in the circumferential direction, by closing and subsequently interlocking the collar parts 15 and 16 with the aid of the screw connection 20. The attachment part preferably is fixed in a clamping manner.

(27) The longitudinal axis u of the handle region 11 and the longitudinal axis x of the attachment part 13 preferably are oriented in the same direction and optionally coincide.

(28) In the encompassing position, a housing tang 22 that defines the actuating button 12 toward the handle region 11 can extend through a window-like opening 21 provided in the pivot joint region of the attachment part 13 (see also FIG. 11).

(29) The actuating button 12 is respectively displaced into the actuating position according to FIG. 11 by a housing section 31 of the attachment part 13 or a housing section 31 of the collar 14 for the duration of the arrangement of the attachment part 13 on the handle region 11.

(30) Accordingly, a working process can initially be carried out with the attachment of the attachment part 13 as a result of the thusly caused initiation by means of the actuating button 12, wherein said working process preferably ends automatically in the form of a valve-controlled piston return and an associated return pivoting motion or return motion of the working jaws 3 and 4. With respect to the exemplary return valve used for this purpose, we refer, for example, to WO 2016/134951 A1. The content of this patent application is hereby also fully incorporated into the disclosure of the present invention, namely also for the purpose of incorporating characteristics of this patent application into claims of the present invention.

(31) According to the aforementioned WO application, it is also known to initiate such a return valve electronically, e.g. electromagnetically by means of a corresponding control signal.

(32) However, it would alternatively also be possible to change over the hand tool 1 to the remote-controlled operation electronically or mechanically prior to the attachment of the attachment part 13 such that the actuation of the actuating button 12 caused by the collar 14 does not initiate a displacement of the working jaws 3 and 4. In this respect, it would also be possible to detect the attachment part 13 automatically, preferably already in the course of the attachment.

(33) After the attachment of the attachment part 13, the hand tool 1 preferably is only controlled remotely, e.g. as a result of using an electrical or mechanical remote control, preferably in the form of a radio remote control. For this purpose, the hand tool 1 may comprise a radio receiver 32, as well as at least one control unit 33 that converts the received radio signals into an initiation of a working motion.

(34) A handling extension 23 can be arranged on the attachment part 13. This handling extension may have the rod-like design shown with a handle 24 on its free end. An actuating element 25 for initiating a working motion of the hand tool 1 remotely is preferably arranged in or near the handle 24. This actuating element may be realized in the form of a conventional switch or a mechanically acting pushbutton, but also, for example, in the form of a capacitive sensor.

(35) The handling extension 23 comprises a rod 26 that optionally can be extended telescopically, wherein a counter holding formation 27, which is designed for interacting with the holding formation 18 of the attachment part 13, is arranged on said rod opposite of the handle 24.

(36) As indicated in the figures, the counter holding formation 27 may comprise two disk-like clamping parts 28 that are spaced apart from one another and may be connected to one another by means of a not-shown threaded pin, which in the holding position engages into the U-opening 19 of the holding formation 18.

(37) At least one of the clamping parts 28 may comprise a plurality of projections 29 that protrude radially inward and preferably are spaced apart from one another uniformly in the circumferential direction. Depressions 30, into which the projections 29 can penetrate, are formed in the holding formation 18 opposite of said projections.

(38) As a result of the above-described design, the handling extension 23 can with respect to its longitudinal extent be arranged on the attachment part 13 in different angular positions relative to the longitudinal axis x of the attachment part 13, wherein the angular position fixed as a result of tensioning may be secured, e.g., due to the engagement of the projections 29 into the depressions 30.

(39) Furthermore, a radio transmitter 34 may be provided in the handling extension 23 in order to transmit a signal to the radio receiver 32 in the hand tool 1 upon the actuation of the actuating element 25.

(40) The function of the actuating element 25 in the handling extension 23 is equivalent to the function of the actuating button 12 in the hand tool 1. According to a preferred embodiment, a complete working process preferably requires an actuation of the actuating element 25 up to the end of the working process. Accordingly, a permanent signal up to the completion of the working process, e.g. the closing process of the working jaws, is absolutely essential in a potential embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, an interruption of the radio signal results in the intermediate stop of the working motion, in this case particularly the immediate stop of the forward motion of the piston. This may occur intentionally, but also as a result of an unintentional separation of the radio connection. In any case, the hand tool 1, particularly its piston and the working jaws 3 and 4 connected thereto, returns into a release position after the expiration of a predefined time period, e.g. 20, 30 or 40 seconds.

(41) The preceding explanations serve for elucidating all inventions that are included in this application and respectively enhance the prior art independently with at least the following combinations of characteristics, wherein two, more or all of these combinations of characteristics may also be combined with one another, namely:

(42) A hand tool 1 prepared for remote control, which is characterized by a removable attachment part 13 that is held in the handle region 11, wherein the attachment part 13 has a handling extension 23;

(43) A hand tool 1, which is characterized in that the handling extension 23 is designed for being coupled to the attachment part 13 in different angular orientations referred to a longitudinal axis x of the attachment part 13;

(44) A hand tool 1, which is characterized in that the attachment part 13 is designed for acting upon the actuating button 12;

(45) A hand tool 1, which is characterized in that the hand tool 1 is designed for radio remote control and for this purpose comprises a radio receiver 32 and a control unit, which is designed for converting received radio signals into an initiation of a working motion of the hand tool 1;

(46) A hand tool 1, which is characterized in that the handling extension 23 has an actuating element 25 for initiating a working motion of the hand tool 1 remotely and/or that the handling extension 23 preferably has a radio transmitter 34, which is functionally connected to the actuating element 25 and serves for functionally interacting with the radio receiver 32 of the hand tool 1;

(47) A hand tool 1, which is characterized in that the attachment part 13 is realized in the form of a collar 14, which is designed for encompassing the handle region 11 and/or that the collar 14 preferably consists of two collar parts 15, 16, which are pivotably connected to one another, and/or that a collar part 15, 16 preferably is realized in a half shell-shaped manner and/or that the collar parts 15, preferably can be mechanically interlocked in the encompassing position;

(48) A hand tool 1, which is characterized in that a holding formation 18 for the handling extension 23 is provided on the attachment part 13 and/or that the holding formation 18 preferably comprises a plurality of projections for engaging into depressions in the handling extension 23 or that the holding formation 18 comprises a plurality of depressions 30 for receiving projections 29 on the handling extension 23;

(49) A hand tool 1, which is characterized in that the hand tool 1 comprises an electric motor 9, which can be actuated in order to carry out a working motion, and/or that the electric motor 9 preferably drives a spindle and/or that the electric motor 9 preferably drives a hydraulic pump 8 for acting upon a hydraulically actuated working piston;

(50) A hand tool 1, which is characterized in that the hand tool 1 comprises one or more working jaws 3, 4, which can be moved from a release position into a working position and from a working position into a release position, and/or that the hand tool 1 is preferably designed for automatically moving the working jaw 3, 4 from the working position into the release position after the expiration of a predefined time period;

(51) A hand tool 1, which is characterized in that a current-conducting connection produced as a result of a depressed actuating button 12 is without a motion of the actuating button 12 interrupted after the expiration of a predefined time period.

(52) All disclosed characteristics are essential to the invention (individually, but also in combination with one another). The disclosure content of the associated/attached priority documents (copy of the priority application) is hereby fully incorporated into the disclosure of this application, namely also for the purpose of integrating characteristics of these documents into claims of the present application. The characteristics of the dependent claims also characterize independent inventive enhancements of the prior art without the characteristics of a claim to which they refer, particularly for submitting divisional applications on the basis of these claims. The invention specified in each claim may additionally comprise one or more of the characteristics that were disclosed in the preceding description and, in particular, are identified by reference symbols and/or included in the list of reference symbols. The invention also concerns design variations, in which individual characteristics cited in the preceding description are not realized, particularly as far as they are obviously dispensable for the respective intended use or can be replaced with other, identically acting technical means.

(53) List of Reference Symbols 1 Hand tool 2 Working head 3 Working jaw 4 Working jaw 5 Return valve 6 Tank 7 Pump tappet 8 Hydraulic medium pump 9 Electric motor 10 Accumulator 11 Handle region 12 Actuating button 13 Attachment part 14 Collar 15 Collar part 16 Collar part 17 Bracket 18 Holding formation 19 U-opening 20 Screw connection 21 Opening 22 Housing tang 23 Handling extension 24 Handle 25 Actuating element 26 Rod 27 Counter holding formation 28 Clamping part 29 Projection 30 Depression 31 Housing section 32 Radio receiver 33 Control unit 34 Radio transmitter u Longitudinal axis x Longitudinal axis y Pivoting axis