Power tool having an illuminating device

Abstract

The present invention provides a power tool with an integral light source, wherein the tool includes a housing having a power source, an enclosed motor, at least one light source, and, a power switch moveable between an on position and an off position. The housing further includes a light detector window and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit comprises at least one infrared detector. The light source is activated to provide light when the power switch is in the on position. When the power switch is released to an off position and the light detector window is covered such that a dark condition is detected by the control circuit, the light source continues to provide illumination. When the power switch is released to the off position and the light detector window is exposed to light as detected by the control circuit, the light source is turned off. Therefore, the light source and the motor can be turned on or off by a common switch, without manually and separately turning off the light source.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power tool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control circuit for the power tool of FIG. 1.

Claims

1. A power tool having an illuminating device, comprising: a housing having a power source, an enclosed motor, at least one light source, and, a power switch moveable between an on position and an off position;the housing further having a light detector window and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit comprises at least one infrared detector; and,wherein the at least one light source being activated to provide light when the power switch is in the on position.

2. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the power source comprises at least one battery pack.

3. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one infrared detector comprises a retro-reflection infrared photoelectric sensor.

4. The power tool of claim 3, wherein the control circuit comprises a photosensitive resistor.

5. The power tool of claim 4, the control circuit further comprising an operational amplifier having a first input connected to the photosensitive resistor and a second input connected to the retro-reflection infrared photoelectric sensor.

6. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source comprises a light emitting diode.

7. The power tool of claim 1, wherein when the power switch is moved to the off position and the light detector window is obstructed such that a dark condition is detected by the control circuit, the at least one light source remains operational to provide light.

8. The power tool of claim 7, wherein when the power switch is moved to the off position and the light detector window is exposed to light, the at least one light source ceases operation.

9. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the light detector window is disposed on a handle of the housing.

10. A power tool having an illuminating device, comprising: a housing having a power source and a switch moveable between an on position and an off position;a motor enclosed within the housing, the motor being operable when the power switch is in the on position and un-operable when the power switch is in the off position;the housing further having at least one light source, a control circuit having at least one retro-reflection photoelectric detector, and a light detector window;wherein when the power switch is in the on position and light detector window is obstructed, the light source provides light;wherein when the power switch is moved from the on position to the off position and the light detector window is obstructed, the light source continues to provide light; and,wherein when the power switch is moved from the on position to the off position and the light detector window is exposed to light, the light source ceases to provide light.

11. The power tool of claim 10, wherein the at least one retro-reflection photoelectric detector is at least one retro-reflection infrared photoelectric sensor.

12. The power tool of claim 11, wherein the control circuit comprises a photosensitive resistor.

13. The power tool of claim 12, wherein the control circuit further comprises an operational amplifier having a first input connected to the photosensitive resistor and a second input connected to the retro-reflection infrared photoelectric sensor.

14. The power tool of claim 13, wherein the control circuit further comprises a NPN transistor connected to an output of the amplifier.

15. The power tool of claim 10, wherein the housing includes a handle and the light detector window is disposed on the handle.

16. The power tool of claim 15, wherein the switch is located in a front portion of the handle and the light detector window is located in a rear portion of the handle.

17. The power tool of claim 10, wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable battery removably connectable to the housing.

18. The power tool of claim 14, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.

19. A method of using a power tool to perform operations to a first work object and a second work object, the method comprising the following steps: providing a power tool comprising a housing with a handle, an enclosed motor, at least one light source, a power switch, a light detector window, a retro-reflection photoelectric detector disposed adjacent to the light detector window;grasping the handle while covering the light detector window;depressing the power switch to activate operation of both the motor and the light source;performing an operation to the first work object;releasing the power switch while covering the light detector window, whereby operation of the motor ceases and the light source remains in operation;locating the second work object by illuminating the second work object with the light source;depressing the power switch to activate operation of the motor; and,performing an operation to the second work object.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising steps of: releasing the power switch and exposing the light detector window, whereby the operation of both the motor and the light sources ceases.