The present utility model relates to the field of electric tools, in particular to an electric tool and a method for operating same.
Most conventional electric tools, especially electric tools used for gardening, use a mechanical control button. For example, a mechanical switch with a self-locking function is coupled by series connection into a control circuit of the electric tool via a micro switch. When an electric tool requires more operational variation, the number of control buttons generally needs to be increased. This not only takes up space on a user interaction panel but also makes operation inconvenient for the user.
In view of the above, an objective of the present utility model is to provide an electric tool and a method for operating same, in which a small number of control buttons can be used to perform a greater number of operations, and current leakage can be prevented in a switched-off state.
Those skilled in the art will derive other objectives of the present utility model from the following description. Therefore, the preceding statement of objects is not exhaustive, and is only intended to explain some of the many objectives of the present utility model.
Thus, one aspect of the present utility model is an electric tool, comprising a power supply input, a motive power system, a control system and at least one control button, the motive power system comprising a motor and an operating component driven by the motor, the control system comprising a circuit module to which the at least one control button is electrically connected, wherein the control system is configured to selectively supply electric power to the circuit module or cut off electric power to the circuit module, and adjust an output power of the motive power system, based on the number of times that the at least one control button is operated.
In some embodiments, the electric tool further comprises a display module, which displays an output power level of the motive power system and/or an on/off state of the electric tool.
In some embodiments, the at least one control button comprises a first control button, and the control system is configured to selectively supply electric power to the circuit module, and increase the output power of the motive power system in steps, based on the number of times that the first control button is operated.
In some embodiments, the control system is configured such that: in a switched-off state of the electric tool, the control system supplies electric power to the circuit module based on operation of the first control button; and when the output power level of the motive power system is not at its maximum, the control system increases the output power of the motive power system by one step based on operation of the first control button.
In some embodiments, the at least one control button comprises a second control button, and the control system is configured to selectively cut off electric power to the circuit module, and reduce the output power of the motive power system in steps, based on the number of times that the second control button is operated.
In some embodiments, the control system is configured such that: when the output power level of the motive power system is at its minimum, the control system cuts off electric power to the circuit module based on operation of the second control button; when the output power level of the motive power system is not at its minimum, the control system reduces the output power of the motive power system by one step based on operation of the second control button.
In some embodiments, the at least one control button comprises a first control button and a second control button, and the control system is configured to selectively supply electric power to the circuit module or cut off electric power to the circuit module based on the number of times that the first control button is operated, and adjust the output power of the motive power system in steps based on the number of times that the second control button is operated.
In some embodiments, the control system is further configured to selectively control the electric tool based on the duration of operation and/or a specific sequence of operations of the at least one control button.
In some embodiments, the at least one control button is coupled to an AD module in the circuit module, and the control system judges the number of times that the at least one control button is operated according to the AD module.
In some embodiments, the circuit module further comprises a counter for recording the number of times that the at least one control button is operated.
In some embodiments, the circuit module comprises an interaction unit, a voltage conversion unit and a main control unit, wherein the voltage conversion unit supplies a suitable voltage to the main control unit and the motor, and the interaction unit comprises a first switching element coupled between the power supply input and the voltage conversion unit, and a second switching element coupled to a control end of the first switching element; wherein the switching of the first switching element on and off is controlled by means of the second switching element and/or the at least one control button coupled to at least one input line of the main control unit, and the switching of the second switching element on and off is controlled by means of at least one output line of the main control unit.
In some embodiments, the main control unit outputs a first output signal to the at least one output line based on a first input signal of the at least one input line, to lock the second switching element in the ON state, so that the first switching element remains switched on.
In some embodiments, the main control unit outputs a second output signal to the at least one output line based on a second input signal of the at least one input line, to lock the second switching element in the OFF state, so that the first switching element is switched off.
Thus, another aspect of the present utility model is a method for operating an electric tool, the electric tool comprising a power supply input, a motive power system, a control system and at least one control button, the motive power system comprising a motor and an operating component driven by the motor, the control system comprising a circuit module to which the at least one control button is electrically connected, wherein the method comprises: operating the at least one control button; the control system judging whether to supply electric power to the circuit module or cut off electric power to the circuit module, or adjust an output power of the motive power system, based on the number of times that the at least one control button is operated; and the control system supplying electric power to the circuit module or cutting off electric power to the circuit module, and adjusting the output power of the motive power system, based on the judgement result.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises displaying an output power level of the motive power system and/or an on/off state of the electric tool.
In some embodiments, the at least one control button comprises a first control button, and the method further comprises the control system selectively supplying electric power to the circuit module, and increasing the output power of the motive power system in steps, based on the number of times that the first control button is operated.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises: in a switched-off state of the electric tool, the control system supplying electric power to the circuit module based on operation of the first control button; and when the output power level of the motive power system is not at its maximum, the control system increasing the output power of the motive power system by one step based on operation of the first control button.
In some embodiments, the at least one control button comprises a second control button, and the method further comprises the control system selectively cutting off electric power to the circuit module, and reducing the output power of the motive power system in steps, based on the number of times that the second control button is operated.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises: when the output power level of the motive power system is at its minimum, the control system cutting off electric power to the circuit module based on operation of the second control button; and when the output power level of the motive power system is not at its minimum, the control system reducing the output power of the motive power system by one step based on operation of the second control button.
In some embodiments, the at least one control button comprises a first control button and a second control button, and the method further comprises: the control system selectively supplying electric power to the circuit module or cutting off electric power to the circuit module based on the number of times that the first control button is operated, and adjusting the output power of the motive power system in steps based on the number of times that the second control button is operated.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises the control system selectively controlling the electric tool based on the duration of operation and/or a specific sequence of operations of the at least one control button.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises: the control system judging the number of times that the at least one control button is operated according to an AD module coupled to the at least one control button.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises recording the number of times that the at least one control button is operated by means of a counter in the circuit module.
In some embodiments, the circuit module comprises an interaction unit, a voltage conversion unit and a main control unit, wherein the voltage conversion unit supplies a suitable voltage to the main control unit and the motor, and the interaction unit comprises a first switching element coupled between the power supply input and the voltage conversion unit, and a second switching element coupled to a control end of the first switching element, and the method further comprises: controlling the switching of the first switching element on and off by means of the second switching element and/or the at least one control button coupled to at least one input line of the main control unit, and controlling the switching of the second switching element on and off by means of at least one output line of the main control unit.
In some embodiments, when the electric tool is switched off, the method further comprises: operating the at least one control button, such that the first switching element is switched on and electric power is supplied to the voltage conversion unit, so that the main control unit is supplied with power; the main control unit judging whether the electric tool is switched on normally based on a first input signal from the at least one input line; upon judging that the electric tool is switched on normally, the main control unit outputting a first output signal to the at least one output line, to lock the second switching element in the ON state, so that the first switching element remains switched on; otherwise, the main control unit outputting a second output signal to the at least one output line, to lock the second switching element in the OFF state, so that the first switching element is switched off.
In some embodiments, when the output power level of the motive power system is at its minimum, the method further comprises: operating the at least one control button; the main control unit judging whether to switch off the electric tool or increase the output power of the motive power system based on a second input signal from the at least one input line; upon judging that the electric tool is to be switched off, the main control unit outputting a second output signal to the at least one output line, to lock the second switching element in the OFF state, so that the first switching element is switched off; otherwise, the main control unit increasing the output power of the motive power system.
The above-described and additional characteristics of the present utility model will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments provided only as examples and in conjunction with the drawings. Among the drawings,
In the subsequent claims and the foregoing description of the present utility model, unless otherwise required by the context for language of expression or necessary implications, the term “comprises” or, for example, a variant (for example, “includes” or “contains”) is used in an inclusive manner, i.e., to indicate the existence of the feature, without excluding the presence or addition of other features in the various embodiments of the present utility model.
For example, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “transverse”, “longitudinal”, “above”, “below” and similar terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the present utility model in the orientation of the utility model in normal use, and are not intended to limit the present utility model to any specific orientation. As used herein, “coupling” includes connection in a wired or wireless manner, and also includes direct or indirect (for example, with another circuit element in between) connection.
It should be understood that if any publication of prior art is cited herein, such a reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of common knowledge in the art in any country.
A leaf blower is described below as an example in conjunction with the drawings and embodiments, but those skilled in the art will understand that the electric tool referred to in the present utility model is not limited to a leaf blower.
In some embodiments, the control system is configured to selectively supply electric power to the circuit module or cut off electric power to the circuit module based on the number of times that the first control button 210 is operated, and adjust the output power of the motive power system in steps based on the number of times that the second control button 220 is operated. For example, in the switched-off state of the electric tool, the control system supplies electric power to the circuit module based on operation of the first control button 210. At this time, the output power level of the motive power system is at its minimum, or is the power output level which the motive power system had before the electric tool was last switched off. Subsequently, the control system adjusts the output power of the motive power system in steps based on the number of times that the second control button 220 is operated. Optionally, the output power level of the motive power system can increase in steps with each operation of the second control button 220, and when it reaches its maximum, the control system reduces the output power of the motive power system in steps based on each operation of the second control button 220 until the minimum level is reached. Alternatively, when the output power level of the motive power system reaches its maximum, operating the second control button 220 again causes the output power level of the motive power system to return to the minimum level. In this way, a cycle is formed. In the switched-on state of the electric tool, the control system can cut off electric power to the circuit module based on operation of the first control button 210.
In some embodiments, the control system performs different control functions when the control button is operated, depending on the state of the electric tool. For example, when the electric tool is switched off, operating the control button will cause the control system to supply electric power to the circuit module; when the motive power system is at an intermediate output power level, operating the control button will cause the control system to increase, reduce or cyclically switch the output power of the motive power system; when the output power level of the motive power system reaches its minimum or maximum, operating the control button will cause the control system to cut off electric power to the circuit module.
In some embodiments, the control system is configured to perform different control functions based on the manner in which at least one control button is operated. In some embodiments, the control system selectively controls the electric tool based on the duration of operation of at least one control button. For example, the control system supplies electric power to the circuit module or cuts off electric power to the circuit module, based on long-press operation of the control button. As another example, the control system adjusts the output power of the motive power system in steps and/or cyclically, based on short-press operation of the control button.
In some embodiments, the control system may also be configured to selectively control the electric tool based on a specific sequence of operations of at least one control button. For example, the control system supplies electric power to the circuit module or cuts off electric power to the circuit module, based on two or more consecutive operations of the control button. The control system adjusts the output power of the motive power system in steps and/or cyclically, based on a single operation of the control button. As another example, the control system can control the electric tool based on simultaneous operation of two or more control buttons.
The multiple ways listed above in which the control system is linked to the operation buttons are not mutually exclusive. Based on the teaching provided by the present invention, those skilled in the art can select one or more of multiple control methods for combination. The control button may take the form of a push-key switch, but may also take other forms, including but not limited to a touch switch, toggle switch, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are not restrictive.
The display module 230 displays the output power level of the motive power system and/or the on/off state of the electric tool. The display module 230 in
At least one control button can be coupled to an AD module in the circuit module, and the control system judges the number of times that the at least one control button is operated according to the AD module. The AD module can be provided by the MCU. For example, the control button can be realized in the form of a digital potentiometer. The number of times that the control button is operated will change the switched-in resistance value; the AD module converts the switched-in resistance value to digital form, and the MCU judges the number of operations according to the digital range obtained. In some embodiments, a comparator can also be used to judge the number of operations. The circuit module may also comprise a counter for recording the number of times that at least one control button is operated. The counter can be realized in a program of the MCU.
For example, Q1 may be a P-channel MOSFET, while Q2 may be an NPN transistor. Q1 has an input end coupled to the power supply input VBB, and an output end coupled to an input end of the voltage conversion unit. A resistor R2 is coupled between the input end and control end of Q1. An output end of Q2 is coupled to ground. A resistor R3 is coupled between a control end and the output end of Q2. The control end of Q2 is coupled to MCU_Power_latch. When MCU_Power_latch outputs a HIGH level, Q2 switches on, and otherwise switches off. The control end of Q1 is coupled to an input end of Q2 via a resistor R1, so when Q2 is switched on, the control end of Q1 obtains a lower level, switching Q1 on. The control end of Q1 is further coupled to ground via the resistor R1, a Zener diode D4 (reverse-biased), a diode D3 (forward-biased) and K1. When K1 is closed, a closed circuit is formed between VBB, R2, R1, D4, D3, K1 and ground, and the control end of Q1 obtains a lower level, switching Q1 on. When K1 is opened and Q2 is switched off, Q1 is switched off. MCU_User_SW1 is coupled to ground via D1 (forward-biased) and K1; when K1 is closed, MCU_User_SW1 exhibits a LOW level, and the MCU judges the closed/open state of K1 by detecting MCU_User_SW1.
The operational process of the electric tool being switched on and off is described in detail below in accordance with
While the present utility model has been illustrated and described in detail above in conjunction with the drawings, the description should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive; it should be understood that only exemplary embodiments are shown and described, and that they do not limit the present utility model in any way. It is understandable that any characteristic described herein may be used in any embodiment. The illustrative embodiments do not exclude each other or exclude other embodiments not listed herein. Therefore, the present utility model further provides a combination of one or more of the above-described exemplary embodiments. The present utility model can be amended and altered without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present utility model.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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202121207126.8 | Jun 2021 | CN | national |