Prior Art
[0001] Supporting devices for at least one electrical unit of electrically driveable tools
are well-known. The supporting devices comprise a base plate to which the electrical
unit is attachable and a receptacle unit in which the electrical unit is arrangeable.
Summary of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a supporting device, in particular a garden tool supporting
device, for at least one electrical unit of electrically driveable tools, in particular
electrically driveable garden tools. The supporting device comprises at least one
base plate to which the electrical unit is attachable and at least one receptacle
unit in which the electrical unit is arrangeable.
[0003] The supporting device according to the invention further comprises at least one sealing
unit to waterproof-seal the receptacle unit, wherein the sealing unit comprises at
least one sealing element which is arrangeable at the receptacle unit. The base plate
is preferably provided to support the electrical unit. Furthermore, the base plate
is preferably located in a housing of the electrically driveable garden tool. Thus,
the base plate is preferably surrounded by the housing of the electrically driveable
garden tool for the most part.
[0004] The electrical unit can be attached to the base plate via a positive and/or a non-positive
connection. For this, the electrical unit can be directly or indirectly attached to
the base plate. For example, the electrical unit can be attached via a housing to
the base plate, wherein the housing of the electrical unit forms a part of the receptacle
unit, or electrical parts of the electrical unit can be directly attached to the base
plate. Preferably, the electrical unit comprises at least one PCBA (printed circuit
board assembly) or is embodied as a PCBA which is attachable to the base plate, wherein
the PCBA is arrangeable in the receptacle unit. Moreover, the electrical unit comprises
at least one electrical wire which extends from an inside of the receptacle unit to
an outside of the receptacle unit. The sealing unit is further preferably provided
to waterproof-seal a wire opening of the receptacle unit through which the electrical
wire extends. For this, the sealing unit comprises at least one wire opening sealing
element. The wire opening sealing element can be embodied integral with the sealing
element or the wire opening sealing element can be embodied as an individual element
which differs from the sealing element.
[0005] The sealing element can be embodied as a paper sealing element, as a rubber sealing
element, as a plastic sealing element etc. The supporting device according to the
invention has the advantage that in a constructively simple manner a high-level IP
class requirement can advantageously be achieved. Therefore, an electrically driveable
tool comprising the supporting device according to the invention can advantageously
be used in wet conditions. Thus, a high ease of use can advantageously be achieved.
[0006] Moreover, the receptacle unit comprises at least one cover element to close at least
one receptacle opening of at least one receptacle chamber of the receptacle unit.
Preferably, the cover element is directly securable to the base plate via a positive
and/or a non-positive connection. It is also possible that the cover element is pivotally
movably supported at the base plate, to close the receptacle chamber. A maintenance
and/or assembly opening can advantageously be achieved in a constructively simple
manner, to maintain and/or assemble the electrical unit.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the supporting device according to the invention the
sealing element is arranged, especially at least in a closed state of the receptacle
chamber, between the cover element and a border portion of the receptacle chamber,
which limits said receptacle opening. The sealing element preferably has a geometrical
shape which corresponds to a geometrical shape of the border portion which limits
the receptacle opening of the receptacle chamber of the receptacle unit. The sealing
element can be fixedly secured to the cover element or to the receptacle chamber via
a positive and/or a non-positive connection. It is also possible that the sealing
element is clamped between the cover element and a border portion of the receptacle
chamber at least in a closed state of the receptacle chamber. A secure closing and
a secure waterproof-sealing of the receptacle chamber via the cover element and the
sealing element can advantageously be achieved.
[0008] In addition, at least one receptacle element of the receptacle unit is formed integrally
with the base plate. A cost-efficient receptacle unit can advantageously be achieved.
Moreover, a constructively simple embodiment of the supporting device can advantageously
be achieved, which allows a cost-efficient waterproof-sealing of the electrical unit.
[0009] Preferably, the receptacle element is embodied as a receptacle chamber of the receptacle
unit, in which the electrical unit is arrangeable. Preferably, the receptacle element
is embodied as a recess which forms the receptacle chamber of the receptacle unit,
in which the electric unit is arrangeable. Additional components to receive the electrical
unit can advantageously be omitted. Therefore, a component-saving supporting device
can advantageously be achieved.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the supporting device according to the invention the
base plate is embodied as a heat sink base plate. The base plate is made of a material
which ensures that heat is dissipated as quickly as possible. Preferably, the base
plate is made of aluminum or of a different material which is considered expedient
by a person skilled in the art. Therefore, a long lifespan of the electrical unit
can advantageously be achieved and an advantageous constant use of the electrically
driveable tool which comprises the supporting device according to the invention can
advantageously be ensured.
[0011] Moreover, an electrically driveable tool, in particular an electrically driveable
garden tool, is proposed, which comprises at least one supporting device according
to the invention. The electrically driveable tool can be energized by a portable accumulator
or by a cable which can be connected with an electrical socket e.g. of a local power
network. Preferably, the electrically driveable tool is embodied as an electrically
driveable brushcutter. It is also possible that the garden tool supporting device
is used in another garden tool, like a hedge trimmer, a leaf blower, a chain saw etc.
The electrically driveable tool according to the invention has the advantage that
a comfortable and safe usage can be realized. Thus an electrically driveable tool
with a high ease of use can advantageously be achieved.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the electrically driveable tool according to the invention,
the electrically driveable tool according to the invention further comprises at least
one guidance rod to which the base plate is directly securable. Preferably, the guidance
rod is made of a metallic material so that a large cooling surface for dissipating
heat can advantageously be achieved. A compact arrangement of the supporting device
according to the invention can advantageously be achieved.
[0013] In addition, the guidance rod is located adjacent to at least one further waterproof-sealed
receptacle chamber of the receptacle unit, especially in a mounted state. The term
"adjacent" shall define an arrangement of at least one element relative to at least
one further element, wherein the element is located at a distance of less than 10
mm relative to the further element. Thus, the guidance rod is arranged at a distance
of less than 10 mm relative to the further waterproof-sealed receptacle chamber of
the receptacle unit. It is also possible that the guidance rod abuts on the further
waterproof-sealed receptacle chamber of the receptacle unit, especially in a mounted
state. Preferably, the further receptacle chamber of the receptacle unit, which the
guidance rod is located adjacent to, is formed integrally with the base plate. The
guidance rod can advantageously be used to guide at least one wire of the electrical.
Therefore, the guidance rod has the function of a cable channel. For example the electrically
driveable tool can comprise at least one electrical motor control unit arranged in
the further waterproof-sealed receptacle chamber of the receptacle unit, wherein at
least one electrical connection element of the electrical motor control unit emerges
from the further waterproof-sealed receptacle chamber towards an inner portion of
the guidance rod and therefrom to an electrical motor of the electrically driveable
tool. Therefore, a protected connection between the electrical motor control unit
and the electrical motor can advantageously be achieved, wherein the electrical motor
control unit is preferably waterproof-sealed. Therefore, the electrically driveable
tool can advantageously be used in wet conditions.
[0014] Moreover, the base plate comprises a connection element which at least partly encompasses
the guidance rod at least in a mounted state. The connection element is preferably
embodied as a tubular extension. A stable connection between the base plate and the
guidance rod can advantageously be achieved.
[0015] The supporting device according to the invention and/or the electrically driveable
tool according to the invention is/are not to be limited to the utilization and the
embodiment described above. In particular, the supporting device according to the
invention and/or the electrically driveable tool can have a differing number of elements,
components and units for a satisfying function as specified herein.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0016] Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent
from reading the following detailed description, taking in conjunction the accompanying
drawing wherein a particular embodiment of the invention is disclosed as an illustrative
example.
- Fig. 1
- shows an electrically driveable tool according to the invention, comprising a supporting
device according to the invention in a schematic representation,
- Fig. 2
- shows an exploded view of the supporting device according to the invention in a schematic
representation,
- Fig. 3
- shows a detail view of a base plate of the supporting device according to the invention
in a schematic representation and
- Fig. 4
- shows a detail view of the base plate, wherein an electrical unit is arranged in a
housing which is attachable to the base plate.
Detailed Description of the Illustrative Embodiment
[0017] Figure 1 shows an electrically driveable tool 14 which comprises at least one supporting
device 10. The electrically driveable tool 14 is embodied as an electrically driveable
brushcutter. Therefore, the electrically driveable tool 14 is embodied as an electrically
driveable garden tool. The electrically driveable tool 14 comprises a motor housing
36 to support an electrical motor 38 of the electrically driveable tool 14. Moreover,
the electrically driveable tool 14 comprises a tool holder 40 which a cutting tool
42 can be mounted to. The cutting tool 42 can be embodied as a trimmer line cutting
tool, as a blade-like cutting tool, as a saw-like cutting tool etc. The tool holder
40 is rotatably driveable by the electrical motor 38. Herein, the tool holder 40 is
directly driveable by the electrical motor 38. The tool holder 40 is directly attached
to the motor housing 36. It is also possible that the electrically driveable tool
14 comprises a gear 44 which the electrical motor 38 and the tool holder 40 are connected
to. The gear 44 can be supported in a gear casing of the electrically driveable tool
14 or in the motor housing 36.
[0018] Moreover, the electrically driveable tool 14 comprises a housing 46 for electrical
components, in which the supporting device 10 is arranged. The housing 46 for electrical
components and the motor housing 36 are connected with each other via a guidance rod
30 of the electrically driveable tool 14.The motor housing 36 is arranged at one end
of the guidance rod 30 and the housing 46 for electrical components is arranged at
another end of the guidance rod 30. The electrically driveable tool 14 further comprises
an energy supply connection unit 48 to which an energy supply unit 50 can be connected.
The energy supply unit 50 is embodied as an accumulator unit. The energy supply connection
unit 48 is arranged at the housing 46 for electrical components. Therefore, a general
construction of the electrically driveable tool 14 is well-known to a person skilled
in the art.
[0019] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the supporting device 10 which is embodied as a
garden tool supporting device. The supporting device 10 for at least one electrical
unit 12 of the electrically driveable tool 14 comprises at least one base plate 16
to which the electrical unit 12 is attachable, at least one receptacle unit 18 in
which the electrical unit 12 is arrangeable and at least one sealing unit 20 to waterproof-seal
the receptacle unit 18. The sealing unit 20 comprises at least one sealing element
22 which is arrangeable at the receptacle unit 18. The sealing element 22 is embodied
as a rubber sealing. It is also possible that the sealing element 22 is made of a
different material which is considered expedient by a person skilled in the art.
[0020] Moreover, the receptacle unit 18 comprises at least one cover element 24 to close
at least one receptacle opening of at least one receptacle chamber 26 of the receptacle
unit 18. The cover element 24 is fixedly securable to the receptacle chamber 26. The
sealing element 22 is arranged between the cover element 24 and a border portion 28
of the receptacle chamber 26, which limits the receptacle opening of the receptacle
chamber 26. The electrical unit 12 is arranged in the receptacle chamber 26 of the
receptacle unit 18. Herein, the electrical unit 12 is embodied as a potentiometer
to adjust a rotation speed of the electrical motor 38. It is also possible that the
electrical unit 12 is embodied as a different electrical unit 12 which is considered
expedient by a person skilled in the art, e.g. a main PCBA 58 of the electrically
driveable tool 14, provided to control all functions of the electrically driveable
tool 14 etc. The border portion 28 of the receptacle chamber 26 can comprise at least
one sealing groove in which the sealing element 22 can be arranged. It is also possible
that the border portion 28 of the receptacle chamber 26 comprises a flat sealing surface
at which the sealing element 22 can be arranged.
[0021] The receptacle chamber 26 is embodied as a recess of the base plate 16. Therefore,
the at least one receptacle element of the receptacle unit 18 is formed integrally
with the base plate 16, wherein the receptacle element is embodied as the receptacle
chamber 26 of the receptacle unit 18, in which the electrical unit 12 is arrangeable.
The receptacle chamber 26 has an inner geometrical shape which corresponds to an outer
geometrical shape of the electrical unit 12. Thus, the electrical unit 12 can be attached
to the receptacle chamber 26 via a positive connection. It is also possible that the
receptacle chamber 26 has an inner geometrical shape which is different from an outer
geometrical shape of the electrical unit 12, wherein an inner dimension of the receptacle
chamber 26 is larger than an outer dimension of the electrical unit 12 so that the
electrical unit 12 can be arranged inside the receptacle chamber 26.
[0022] To secure the electrical unit 12 to the receptacle chamber 26 and thus to the base
plate 16, the supporting device 10 comprises at least one fixing unit 52. The fixing
unit 52 comprises at least one fixing element 54 provided to fixedly secure the electrical
unit 12 to the receptacle chamber 26 and thus to the base plate 16. The fixing element
54 is embodied as a screw to fixedly secure the electrical unit 12 to the receptacle
chamber 26 via a positive and/or a non-positive connection. It is also possible that
the fixing element 54 is embodied as a different fixing element 54 which is considered
expedient by a person skilled in the art, e.g. a snapfit element, a bayonet catch
element etc. The electrical unit 12 directly abuts on the base plate 16 to achieve
a heat transfer from the electrical unit 12 to the base plate 16. The base plate 16
is embodied as a heat sink base plate. Herein, the base plate 16 is made of aluminum.
It is also possible that the base plate 16 is made of a different material which has
high heat conductivity and which is considered expedient by a person skilled in the
art.
[0023] The base plate 16 is directly securable to the guidance rod 30. For this, the base
plate 16 comprises a connection portion 34 which at least partly encompasses said
guidance rod 30 at least in a mounted state. The connection portion 34 is embodied
as a tubular extension of the base plate 16. Herein, the connection portion 34 has
a semicircular-ring-shaped cross section. An inner dimension of the connection portion
34 corresponds to an outer dimension of the guidance rod 30. Therefore, the guidance
rod 30 can be connected to the connection portion 34 via a positive connection and/or
a non-positive connection. Furthermore, the connection portion 34 comprises at least
one rib-like extension 60 (figure 3) to connect the guidance rod 30 and the connection
portion 34 in a torque proof manner. The guidance rod 30 comprises a connection recess
(not shown) which corresponds to the rib-like extension 60.
[0024] The electrical unit 12 further comprises at least one electrical wire 56 to electrical
connect the electrical unit 12 to at least one further electrical unit (not shown)
or to the main PCBA 58 (shown in figure 3 in dashed lines) of the electrically driveable
tool 14. The electrical wire 56 extends from an inside of the receptacle chamber 26
to an outside of the receptacle chamber 26 through a wire opening of the receptacle
chamber 26. The sealing unit 20 either comprises at least one further sealing element
to waterproof-seal the wire opening of the receptacle chamber 26, or the sealing element
22 arranged at the border portion 28 of the receptacle chamber 26 has a sealing extension
to waterproof-seal the wire opening of the receptacle chamber 26. The further sealing
element or the sealing extension of the sealing element 22 is embodied in such a way
that the wire opening is waterproof-sealed when the electrical wire 56 extends through
the wire opening.
[0025] The main PCBA 58 of the electrically driveable tool 14 also is arrangeable in a further
receptacle chamber 32 of the receptacle unit 18. Thus, a further electrical unit,
especially the main PCBA 58 of the electrically driveable tool 14, can be arranged
at the base plate 16. The further receptacle chamber 32 is embodied as a recess of
the base plate 16. Thus, the further receptacle chamber 32 is formed integrally with
the base plate 16. Herein, the further receptacle chamber 32 is arranged at a side
of the base plate 16 which is a far side of the base plate 16 with respect to a side
at which the receptacle chamber 26 is arranged. The sealing unit 20 comprises a further
sealing element 62 to waterproof-seal the further receptacle chamber 32. A border
portion 64 of the further receptacle chamber 32 can comprise at least one sealing
groove in which the further sealing element 62 can be arranged. It is also possible
that the border portion 64 of the further receptacle chamber 32 comprises a flat sealing
surface at which the further sealing element 62 can be arranged. The border portion
64 of the further receptacle chamber 32 is provided to limit a receptacle opening
of the further receptacle chamber 32. Furthermore, the receptacle unit 18 comprises
a further cover element (not shown) to close at least one receptacle opening of the
further receptacle chamber 32 of the receptacle unit 18. The further cover element
is fixedly securable to the further receptacle chamber 32. The further sealing element
62 is arranged between the further cover element and the border portion 64 of the
further receptacle chamber 32.
[0026] The guidance rod 30 is located adjacent to the further waterproof-sealed receptacle
chamber 32 of the receptacle unit 18. The guidance rod 30 is hollow. Herein, electrical
wires 66 (shown in figure 3 as a dashed line) of the main PCBA 58 emerge from an inside
of the further waterproof-sealed receptacle chamber 32 into an inner portion of the
guidance rod 30. Thence, the electrical wires 66 of the main PCBA 58 extend to the
electrical motor 38 to be connected to the latter. Therefore, the electrical wires
66 of the main PCBA 58 extend from the further waterproof-sealed receptacle chamber
32 to the motor housing 36 through the guidance rod 30, wherein the electrical wires
66 of the main PCBA 58 electrically connect the electrical motor 38 to the main PCBA
58. The further sealing element 62 comprises at least one sealing extension to waterproof-seal
a wire opening of the further waterproof-sealed receptacle chamber 32. The further
sealing element 62 is embodied in such a way that the wire opening of the further
waterproof-sealed receptacle chamber 32 is waterproof-sealed when the electrical wires
66 of the main PCBA 58 extend through the wire opening of the further waterproof-sealed
receptacle chamber 32.
[0027] Figure 4 shows an alternative or additional opportunity to attach the electrical
unit 12 or a further electrical unit, e.g. the main PCBA 58 or a further, different
PCBA, to the base plate 16. For this, the receptacle unit 18 comprises a housing unit
68 in which the electrical unit 12 or a further electrical unit is arrangeable. The
housing unit 68 comprises a receptacle housing-shell 70 in which the electrical unit
12 or a further electrical unit is arrangeable. Furthermore, the housing unit 68 comprises
a cover housing-shell 72 to close an opening of the receptacle housing-shell 70. The
sealing unit 20 comprises a housing sealing element 74 to waterproof-seal the housing
unit 68. The housing sealing element 74 comprises at least one sealing extension to
waterproof-seal a wire opening of the housing unit 68. The housing sealing element
74 is embodied in such a way that the wire opening of the housing unit 68 is waterproof-sealed
when at least one electrical wire of the electrical unit 12 or a further electrical
unit extends through the wire opening of the housing unit 68. Moreover, the housing
unit 68 is attachable directly to the base plate 16. Herein, the receptacle housing-shell
70 is fixedly securable to the base plate 16. The cover housing-shell 72 is fixedly
securable to the receptacle housing-shell 70. The housing unit 68 is made of a material
which has high heat conductivity, e.g. aluminum etc. Therefore, good heat dissipation
can advantageously be achieved.
1. A supporting device, in particular a garden tool supporting device, for at least one
electrical unit (12) of electrically driveable tools, in particular electrically driveable
garden tools, comprising:
at least one base plate (16) to which said electrical unit (12) is attachable;
at least one receptacle unit (18) in which said electrical unit (12) is arrangeable;
and at least one sealing unit (20) to waterproof-seal said receptacle unit (18);
wherein said sealing unit (20) comprises at least one sealing element (22) which is
arrangeable at said receptacle unit (18).
2. The supporting device as defined in Claim 1, wherein the receptacle unit (18) comprises
at least one cover element (24) to close at least one receptacle opening of at least
one receptacle chamber (26) of said receptacle unit (18).
3. The supporting device as defined in Claim 2, wherein said sealing element (22) is
arranged between said cover element (24) and a border portion (28) of said receptacle
chamber (26), which limits said receptacle opening.
4. The supporting device as defined in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein at least
one receptacle element of said receptacle unit (18) is formed integrally with said
base plate (16).
5. The supporting device as defined in Claim 4, wherein said receptacle element is embodied
as a receptacle chamber (26) of said receptacle unit (18) in which said electrical
unit (12) is arrangeable.
6. The supporting device as defined in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the base
plate (16) is embodied as a heat sink base plate.
7. An electrically driveable tool, in particular an electrically driveable brushcutter,
comprising:
at least one supporting device as defined in any one of the preceding Claims.
8. The electrically driveable tool as defined in Claim 7, further comprising at least
one guidance rod (30) to which said base plate (16) is directly secureable.
9. The electrically driveable tool as defined in Claim 8, wherein the guidance rod (30)
is located adjacent to at least one further waterproof-sealed receptacle chamber (32)
of said receptacle unit (18).
10. The electrically driveable tool as defined in any one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein said
base plate (16) comprises a connection portion (34) which at least partly encompasses
said guidance rod (30) at least in a mounted state.