CN106550778B

CN106550778B - Hand-held gardening implement, handle unit and main function unit

Info

Publication number: CN106550778B
Application number: CN201611001226.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·绍尔特斯
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 2015-08-26
Filing date: 2016-08-26
Publication date: 2021-08-10
Anticipated expiration: 2036-08-26
Also published as: DE102015216252A1; CN106550778A

Abstract

The invention relates to a hand-held garden appliance, in particular a hedge trimmer, comprising: a main functional unit (10) having at least one first operating element (12), in particular a first switch and/or a switch-on switch, and having at least one first electrical unit (14); a handle unit (16) having at least one second operating element (18), in particular a second switch and/or an opening switch, and having at least one second electrical unit (20); a coupling unit (22) for at least mechanically fixing the handle unit (16) to the main functional unit (10). It is proposed that the coupling unit (22) is provided for bringing the first electrical unit (14) into electrically conductive contact with the second electrical unit (20) when the handle unit (16) is fastened to the main functional unit (10).

Description

Hand-held gardening implement, handle unit and main function unit

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a handheld garden appliance, and also to a handle unit and a main functional unit of the handheld garden appliance.

Background

US 5,867,910 a discloses a handheld garden appliance comprising a main function unit with a first operating element and a first electrical unit, and comprising a handle unit with a second operating element and a second electrical unit, which can be coupled with the main function unit, wherein the handle unit can be mechanically fixed to the main function unit by means of the coupling unit. The fastening of the handle unit and the electrical contacting, which is realized in particular by means of a cable, can be carried out independently of one another in two different steps.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention proceeds from a handheld garden appliance, in particular a motor-drivable, advantageously electric garden appliance, in particular a hedge trimmer, a lawnmower and/or a pruner, comprising: a main functional unit having at least one, advantageously exactly one, first operating element, in particular a first switch and/or a first enabling switch, and having at least one, advantageously exactly one, first electrical unit; and a handle unit having at least one, advantageously exactly one, second operating element, in particular a second switch and/or a second switch-on switch, and having at least one, advantageously exactly one, second electrical unit; and a coupling unit at least provided for mechanically fixing the handle unit to the main functional unit.

It is proposed that the coupling unit is provided for: the first electrical unit is brought into electrically conductive contact with the second electrical unit when the handle unit is fastened to the main functional unit, in particular immediately and/or directly, and in particular without additional intervention by a user and/or operator. "provided" is to be understood in particular to mean specially designed and/or equipped. The term "function that the object is provided to determine" is to be understood in particular to mean that the object is able to fulfill and/or implement the function in at least one application state and/or operating state.

A "main functional unit" is to be understood in this context to mean, in particular, a unit which is advantageously at least partially electric and/or electronic, which unit advantageously comprises a majority of components of the garden appliance, in particular components which are required for, in particular, at least basic operation of the garden appliance and/or for, in particular, a correct mode of operation of the garden appliance, and/or which unit is provided for enabling, in particular, basic operation and/or, in particular, a correct mode of operation of the garden appliance. Advantageously, the main functional unit may comprise: at least one machine housing; at least one drive unit, such as an internal combustion engine and/or advantageously an electric motor, which is arranged in particular at least partially, preferably at least largely and particularly preferably completely in the machine housing; at least one energy supply unit, such as a fuel cell, a gasoline tank, a battery and/or advantageously an accumulator, which is advantageously operatively connected to at least the drive unit; at least one working tool, which is in particular operatively connected to the drive unit; and/or at least one main handle, which is designed in particular independently of the handle unit. Furthermore, the main functional unit advantageously also comprises at least a part of the coupling unit. "at least a majority" is to be understood here to mean, in particular, at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85% and particularly advantageously at least 95%. Furthermore, a "handle unit" is to be understood to mean a unit which is designed in particular separately and/or separately from the main functional unit and/or the main handle, which unit comprises in particular at least one handle housing and is in particular provided for being touched and/or held by an operator in at least one operating state and/or at least during the switching-on process. The handle unit particularly preferably has an advantageously closed, at least substantially D-shaped and/or O-shaped shape and/or contour. Furthermore, the handle unit advantageously further comprises at least a part of the coupling unit.

Furthermore, an "operating element" is to be understood to mean, in particular, an element which is advantageously designed as a switch and/or as an opening switch and which is provided for being touched and/or operated by an operator, in particular at least during the switching-on process and/or during operation of the garden apparatus. The first operating element is advantageously arranged on and/or at least partially in the machine housing and preferably in the vicinity of the main handle. Furthermore, the second operating element is advantageously arranged on and/or at least partially in the handle housing. "vicinity" is to be understood to mean, in particular, a spatial region formed by points which are at most 10cm, advantageously at most 7.5cm, preferably at most 5cm, particularly preferably at most 2.5cm and particularly advantageously at most 1cm from the reference point and/or the reference component, respectively. Furthermore, an "electrical unit" is to be understood to mean, in particular, an at least partially electrical and/or electronic unit, which is provided, in particular, to advantageously enable, depending on a touch and/or an actuation of one of the actuating elements: operating the gardening implement; and/or at least one further electrical unit, which is advantageously a drive unit and/or an energy supply unit, is activated (in particular activated, switched on and/or switched on). The electrical unit can be designed here at least partially, in particular at least largely and particularly advantageously completely, as any electrical unit deemed appropriate by the person skilled in the art, for example a switching unit, in particular a push switch and/or a microswitch, a control unit, an actuating unit, a pulse generator and/or a pulse transmitter. The first electrical unit has in particular at least an operative connection with the first operating element and is advantageously arranged at least partially, in particular at least largely and preferably completely, in the machine housing. The first electrical unit in particular also has at least one operative connection with the second operating element and is advantageously arranged at least partially, in particular at least largely and preferably completely, in the handle housing. The second operating element and/or the second electrical unit are particularly preferably provided for switching on an operating and/or the drive unit, and the first operating element and/or the first electrical unit are particularly preferably provided for switching on and/or switching on an operating and/or the drive unit.

The coupling unit preferably has a fastening unit, in particular for mechanically fastening the handle unit to the main functional unit. The fastening unit can be designed as any fastening unit that is considered appropriate by the expert, for example as a snap-on connection, a plug-in connection, a bayonet connection and/or preferably as a screw connection. The coupling unit furthermore advantageously has an electrical contact unit, in particular for the electrical contacting of the first electrical unit and/or the second electrical unit, which is advantageously provided for establishing an electrical connection between the first electrical unit and the second electrical unit. The coupling unit is also advantageously provided for an at least substantially form-fitting coupling between the handle unit and the main functional unit. In this case, it is particularly advantageous if the contact surface and/or the coupling surface of the handle unit and the contact surface and/or the coupling surface of the main functional unit are configured to at least substantially correspond to one another. Furthermore, the coupling unit is preferably designed as a fail-safe System (Poka-Yoke System), so that in particular a simple, fast and always functionally correct coupling between the main functional unit and the handle unit is possible. By configuring the handheld garden appliance accordingly, it is possible in particular to improve the efficiency (in particular the structural space efficiency), the component efficiency, the assembly efficiency and/or the time efficiency (in particular the time efficiency during assembly). Furthermore, a connection which is compatible in terms of installation space and is advantageously stable can be realized in particular between the handle unit and the main functional unit, as a result of which the components are easy to maintain, assemble and/or replace. The handheld garden appliance is free of additional connecting cables and/or plug-in parts, in particular between the main functional unit and the handle unit.

The fastening unit and the contact unit may be formed integrally with one another, for example. In this case, it is conceivable for the electrical contact of the first electrical unit and/or the second electrical unit to be effected indirectly and/or directly by means of at least one fixing element (for example a screw, a threaded hole and/or a latching element) of the fixing unit. However, the coupling unit preferably has: a fixing unit, which comprises, in particular, a plurality of threaded holes and advantageously a plurality of screws; and an electrical contact unit configured to be separated from the fixing unit. This enables particularly advantageously reliable connection and fastening.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that: the handle unit has an electric handle contact unit, and the main function unit has an electric main contact unit corresponding to the handle contact unit, the electric handle contact unit and the electric main contact unit being two parts of the contact unit. The main contact unit preferably has at least one, advantageously female and/or at least partially socket-type main contact element, which is in particular electrically conductively connected to the first electrical unit, while the handle contact unit has at least one, advantageously male and/or at least partially plug-type handle contact element, which is in particular electrically conductively connected to the second electrical unit, which are in particular in the assembled state in electrical contact with one another. This makes it possible in particular to achieve an advantageously simple, fast and/or cost-effective connection.

It is also proposed that: the handle contact unit has at least one handle contact element which projects and/or protrudes at least partially beyond the handle housing of the handle unit (in particular the handle housing described above), so that particularly advantageously simple contacting can be achieved. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for at least one handle contact element of the handle contact unit and/or all handle contact elements of the handle contact unit to be arranged in a cutout, advantageously in a cutout of the handle housing, so that the handle contact elements can advantageously be protected in the disassembled state.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that: the main contact unit has at least one main contact element, which is arranged at least largely and advantageously completely in a slot of a machine housing (in particular of the machine housing described above) of the main functional unit. All the main contact elements of the main contact unit are advantageously arranged in a slot, advantageously a slot of the machine housing, whereby in particular a simple, reliable and/or precise positioning can be achieved. Furthermore, the main contact element can advantageously be protected in the disassembled state.

In particular, a particularly stable and/or reliable connection can be achieved, in particular when the fastening unit is arranged in the vicinity of the contact unit, in particular with a maximum spacing of 10cm, and in addition, the torque acting on the contact unit can advantageously be reduced.

The complexity of the connection and/or the weight of the handle unit can advantageously be reduced if the handle unit has no energy supply unit, in particular no battery. Component efficiency and/or cost efficiency may also be improved.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that: the coupling unit has at least one contact element, advantageously in particular the previously described main contact element of the main contact unit, the distal end of which comprises an insertion aid for at least one further contact element of the coupling unit, in particular for the previously described handle contact element of the handle unit. In this context, "insertion aid" is to be understood to mean, in particular, an object which is provided to facilitate and/or prevent a faulty coupling between the contact element and the further contact element during the coupling process and/or when the handle unit is fastened to the main functional unit. "distal end" is also to be understood as the end of the contact element which faces the further contact element during coupling. This enables, in particular, a particularly simple and/or functionally correct coupling.

The handheld garden appliance is not limited to the applications and embodiments described above. In order to implement the working principle described here, the handheld garden appliance may in particular have a different number of individual elements, components and units than the number mentioned.

Drawings

Other advantages are obtained from the following description of the figures. An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings. The figures and the description contain a large number of combination features. The skilled person can also, in accordance with the intended purpose, consider the features individually and generalize them to other combinations of significance.

Fig. 1 is a partial perspective view of a hand-held garden appliance configured as a hedge trimmer in a non-assembled state, with a main functional unit, a handle unit and a coupling unit,

figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the main functional unit and the handle unit in an assembled state,

figure 3 is an exploded view of the handle unit,

figure 4 is an enlarged view of the main contact unit of the main functional unit,

figure 5 is an enlarged view of the handle contact unit of the handle unit,

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the main contact unit and the handle contact unit in a non-assembled state, an

Fig. 7 is a side sectional view of the main contact unit and the handle contact unit in an assembled state.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 and 2 show a hand-held garden appliance, which is designed as an exemplary hedge trimmer, in the unassembled state (see fig. 1) and in the assembled state (see fig. 2), wherein, in particular, in fig. 2, some components of the garden appliance are removed for reasons of clarity. The handheld garden appliance is configured to be motor-driven. Furthermore, the handheld garden appliance is configured without a cable. The handheld garden appliance is in the present case configured to be battery-driven and/or battery-driven. The handheld garden appliance is in the present case set up for two-handed operation. It is alternatively conceivable to configure the handheld garden appliance as any other handheld garden appliance, such as a lawnmower and/or a pruner, which the professional deems as meaningful. It is also possible to construct a cable-connected handheld garden appliance, so that in particular a mains-driven handheld garden appliance can be constructed.

The handheld garden appliance has a main functional unit 10. The main functional unit 10 comprises most of the components required for operating the garden appliance. The main function unit 10 has a machine housing 48. The main functional unit 10 also has a processing tool 62. The machining tool 62 is configured as a cutting knife. In addition, the main function unit 10 further includes a driving unit (not shown). The drive unit is arranged completely in the machine housing 48. The drive unit is designed as a motor, in the present case in particular as an electric motor. The drive unit has a functional connection with the working tool 62. The drive unit is at least provided for driving the working tool 62 in at least one operating state. For supplying energy, the main functional unit 10 further comprises an energy supply unit (not shown). The energy supply unit can be replaced and/or exchanged. The energy supply unit may be coupled with the machine housing 48. The energy supply unit is in the present case designed as a battery. Alternatively, it is conceivable to design the energy supply unit as a battery, a fuel cell and/or a gasoline tank. The energy supply unit has a functional connection with the drive unit. The energy unit is at least provided for supplying energy to the drive unit in at least one operating state. The main function unit 10 also has a main handle 64. The main handle 64 is configured as a rear handle. The main handle 64 is arranged on the side of the garden appliance facing away from the working tool 62. The main handle 64 is at least substantially arranged for holding the garden appliance.

The main functional unit 10 also has a first operating element 12. The first operating element 12 is designed as a control element. The first operating element 12 is arranged in the vicinity of the main handle 64. In the present case, the first operating element 12 is arranged on the inside of the main handle 64. The first operating element 12 is designed as a switch. The first operating element 12 is provided for being manipulated by an operator during operation of the garden appliance. The main functional unit 10 also has a first electrical unit 14. The first electrical unit 14 is arranged completely within the machine housing 48. The first electrical unit 14 is in the present case designed as a switching unit. The first electrical unit 14 has a functional connection to the first operating element 12. The first electrical unit 14 also has a functional connection with a drive unit and/or an energy supply unit. The first electrical unit 14 is provided for actuating the drive unit and/or the energy supply unit in at least one operating state.

The first electrical unit 14 is provided for activating the drive unit in at least one operating state as a function of the actuation of the first operating element 12 and/or for supplying the drive unit with energy, in particular by means of an energy supply unit. The main functional unit may also comprise other units, such as a control unit, an electronic unit and/or a transmission unit.

The handheld garden appliance has a handle unit 16. The handle unit 16 is configured to be separated from the main function unit 10. The handle unit 16 is configured to be separated from the main handle 64. The handle unit 16 in the present case has no energy supply unit, in particular no battery and/or accumulator. The handle unit 16 is configured as a front handle. The handle unit 16 is arranged in the vicinity of the working tool 62. The handle unit 16 has an at least substantially D-shaped shape and/or contour. The handle unit 16 is configured at least substantially in the shape of a ring. The handle unit 16 is designed to be completely closed in the circumferential direction, so that the handle unit 16 corresponds to a closed ring. The handle unit 16 is at least substantially provided for guiding the garden appliance. The handle unit 16 also has a handle housing 40.

The handle unit 16 also has at least one second operating element 18. In the present case, the handle unit 16 comprises three second operating elements 18, so that particularly comfortable operability can be achieved, in particular, independently of the grip position. These second operating elements 18 are configured at least substantially in line with each other. The second operating element 18 is designed as an actuating element. The second operating element 18 is arranged on the inner side of the handle housing 40. The second operating elements 18 are arranged to enclose an angle of about 90 deg. with each other. The second operating elements 18 are each spring-loaded (see in particular fig. 3). However, it is alternatively conceivable to support the second operating element in a manner which is considered appropriate by the person skilled in the art. The second operating element 18 is also in each case designed as an opening switch and/or as a safety switch. The second operating element 18 is arranged for being manipulated by an operator at least during switching-on of the garden appliance. In the present case, one of the second actuating elements 18 can be selectively actuated during the switching-on process. The handle unit 16 also has at least one second electrical unit 20 (see in particular fig. 3). In the present case, the handle unit 16 comprises three second electrical units 20. The second electrical units 20 are in electrical contact with each other, in the present case in particular by means of cables. The second electrical unit 20 is arranged completely within the handle housing 40. The second electrical unit 20 is designed as a switching unit, in the present case in particular as a microswitch. Each second electrical unit 20 is advantageously operatively connected to one of the second actuating elements 18 by means of an actuator element. The second electrical unit 20 also has an electrical connection with the first electrical unit 14 in the assembled state. The second electrical units 20 are each provided for actuating the first electrical unit 14 in at least one operating state as a function of actuation of the corresponding second operating element 18, in particular for switching on the drive unit and/or the energy supply of the drive unit. The handle unit may also comprise other units, such as an electronics unit and/or in particular an additional energy supply unit. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the handle unit to have exactly one second operating element and/or exactly one second electrical unit. The handle unit can also have any other number of second operating elements and/or second electrical units, for example at least two, at least three and/or at least four second operating elements and/or second electrical units, which the skilled person deems expedient. The number of second operating elements may also be different from the number of second electrical units.

The handheld garden appliance also has a coupling unit 22. The coupling unit 22 is at least partly formed by the main functional unit 10. The coupling unit 22 is also at least partly constituted by the handle unit 16. In the present case, the coupling unit 22 is provided to achieve a form-locking connection between the main functional unit 10 and the handle unit 16. The contact surfaces of the main functional unit 10 and of the handle unit 16 are configured to correspond to one another, so that, in particular, precise fastening can be achieved and additional securing means can be dispensed with. The coupling unit 22 is also designed in the present case as a fail-safe system, so that in particular a simple, fast and always functionally correct coupling can be achieved. The coupling unit 22 is provided for mechanically fixing the handle unit 16 to the main functional unit 10. For this purpose, the coupling unit 22 comprises a fastening unit 24. The fastening unit 24 is in the present case at least substantially configured as a screw connection. The fixing unit 24 includes at least one first screw hole 26. In the present case, the fixing unit 24 comprises four first threaded holes 26. The first threaded bores 26 are configured to at least substantially coincide with each other. The first threaded bores 26 are each arranged in and/or on the machine housing 48. The first threaded bores 26 are in the present case each arranged on the underside of the machine housing 48. Furthermore, the fixing unit 24 comprises at least one second threaded hole 28. In the present case, the fixing unit 24 comprises four second threaded holes 28. The second threaded bores 28 are configured to at least substantially coincide with each other. The second threaded aperture 28 is also configured to correspond with the first threaded aperture 26. The second threaded holes 28 are each arranged in and/or on the handle housing 40. The second threaded bore 28 in the present case extends completely through the handle housing 40. The second threaded hole 28 is arranged on the inner side of the handle housing 40. The second threaded bore 28 is arranged here on the inner side of the handle housing 40 opposite and/or adjacent to the second operating element 18. The fastening unit 24 also has four screws 29. These screws 29 are provided for fixing the handle unit 16 to the main functional unit 10 by means of the first and second threaded

holes

26, 28. Alternatively, it is conceivable to design the fastening unit as any other fastening unit that the expert considers useful, for example as a snap-in connection and/or a plug-in connection. The fastening unit can also have any other number of first and/or second threaded holes, for example at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five and/or at least six threaded holes.

The coupling unit 22 is also provided for bringing the first electrical unit 14 into electrically conductive contact with at least one second electrical unit 20, in the present case in particular with all second electrical units 20, in particular directly and without additional operator intervention, when the handle unit 16 is fixed on the main functional unit 10. For this purpose, the coupling unit 22 comprises an electrical contact unit 30. The contact unit 30 is configured to be separated from the fixing unit 24. The contact unit 30 is arranged in the vicinity of the fixing unit 24. The maximum distance between the contact unit 30 and the fixing unit 24 is 10 cm. In the present case, the spacing between the contact unit 30 and the fixing unit 24 is 3 cm. The contact unit 30 is also constructed in at least two parts. The contact unit 30 is provided for establishing an electrical connection between the first electrical unit 14 and at least one second electrical unit 20 (in the present case in particular all second electrical units 20). For this purpose, the contact unit 30 includes an electric main contact unit 34 and an electric handle contact unit 32.

Fig. 3 and 5 show the handle contact unit 32. The handle contact unit 32 is part of the handle unit 16. The handle contact unit 32 is disposed on the handle housing 40. The handle contact unit 32 comprises a basic element 66. The base element 66 is at least substantially configured as a substrate. The base element 66 has an at least substantially rectangular shape and/or contour. The base element 66 consists of plastic. The base element 66 is fastened to the handle housing 40, in particular by means of a force-locking, form-locking and/or material-locking connection. The handle contact unit 32 also has at least one contact element 36, 38, 58, 60. The at least one contact element 36, 38, 58, 60 of the handle unit 32 is in this case designed as a handle contact element 36, 38, 58, 60. In the present case, the handle contact unit 32 comprises exactly two handle contact elements 36, 38, 58, 60. The handle contact elements 36, 38, 58, 60 are each designed as male contact elements. The handle contact elements 36, 58, 60 are at least substantially flat and/or planar. The handle contact elements 36, 38, 58, 60 are at least substantially I-shaped when viewed from the side. The handle contact elements 36, 38, 58, 60 are made of an electrically conductive material. In the present case, the handle contact elements 36, 38, 58, 60 consist of steel. The handle contact elements 36, 38, 58, 60 are arranged on the base element 66. In the present case, the handle contact elements 36, 38, 58, 60 are encapsulated by the base element 66. The handle contact elements 36, 38, 58, 60 are arranged here in recesses of the base element 66. In the present case, the handle contact elements 36, 38, 58, 60 are arranged such that the handle contact elements 36, 38, 58, 60 project at least partially beyond the handle housing 40 in the assembled state (see in particular fig. 6 and 7). The handle contact elements 36, 38, 58, 60 also have an electrical connection to at least one second electrical unit 20, in the present case in particular to all second electrical units 20.

Fig. 1 and 4 show the main contact unit 34. The main contact unit 34 is part of the main function unit 10. The main contact unit 34 is configured to be separated from the handle contact unit 32. The main contact unit 34 may be separated from the handle contact unit 32. The main contact unit 34 is configured to correspond to the handle contact unit 32. The main contact unit 34 is arranged on the machine housing 48. The main contact unit 34 comprises a further basic element 68. The further basic element 68 has at least one receiving notch 70. In the present case, the further basic element 68 comprises two receiving notches 70. The further basic element 68 has an at least substantially rectangular shape and/or contour. The further basic element 68 consists of plastic. The further basic element 68 is fastened to the machine housing 48, in particular in the recess 46 of the machine housing 48, in particular by means of a force-fit connection, a form-fit connection and/or a material-fit connection. The main contact unit 34 also has at least one contact element 42, 44, 50, 52. The at least one contact element 42, 44, 50, 52 of the main contact unit 34 is in this case designed as a main contact element 42, 44, 50, 52. In the present case, the main contact unit 34 comprises exactly two main contact elements 42, 44, 50, 52. The primary contact elements 42, 44, 50, 52 are each configured as female socket contact elements. The primary contact elements 42, 44, 50, 52 are configured to correspond to the handle contact elements 36, 38, 58, 60. The main contact elements 42, 44, 50, 52 are configured at least substantially in a V-shape, viewed from the side. The main contact elements 42, 44, 50, 52 are made of an electrically conductive material. In the present case, the main contact elements 42, 44, 50, 52 consist of steel. The main contact elements 42, 44, 50, 52 are each arranged on a further basic element 68. In the present case, the main contact elements 42, 44, 50, 52 are in this case encapsulated by the further basic element 68. The main contact elements 42, 44, 50, 52 are each arranged completely in one of the receiving notches 70 of the further basic element 68. The distal end of the main contact elements 42, 44, 50, 52 here comprises an

insertion aid

54, 56 for the handle contact elements 36, 38, 58, 60, so that in particular the connection of the main contact units 42, 44, 50, 52 to the handle contact units 36, 38, 58, 60 can be simplified. The insertion aids 54, 56 are in the present case formed by a part of the main contact elements 42, 44, 50, 52 which is bent outward and/or away from the handle contact units 36, 38, 58, 60. The main contact elements 42, 44, 50, 52 are also arranged in such a way that the main contact elements 42, 44, 50, 52 are arranged at least for the most part in the assembled state in the slot 46 of the machine housing 48 (see in particular fig. 6 and 7). Furthermore, the main contact elements 42, 44, 50, 52 also have an electrical connection to the first electrical unit 14. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the handle contact unit and/or the main contact unit can also have another number of contact elements, for example exactly one and/or at least three contact elements. The contact element may also be made at least partially, at least largely or completely of a material other than steel, for example gold, aluminum, brass and/or pure copper. It is also conceivable to form the handle housing, the basic element in one piece and/or to form the main function housing and the further basic element in one piece.

Fig. 6 and 7 show side sectional views of the main contact unit 34 and the handle contact unit 32 in a non-assembled state (see, in particular, fig. 6) and in an assembled state (see, in particular, fig. 7). In the assembled state, the handle contact elements 36, 38, 58, 60 engage into the main contact elements 42, 44, 50, 52. Thus, when the handle unit 16 is fixed on the main functional unit 10, the electrical connection between the handle contact elements 36, 38, 58, 60 and the main contact elements 42, 44, 50, 52 and thus in particular also between the first electrical unit 14 and at least one second electrical unit 20 (in the present case in particular all second electrical units 20) is obtained directly, thereby in particular enabling the operation of the garden appliance. This configuration of the handheld garden appliance makes it possible in particular to achieve a connection between the main function unit and the handle unit that is consistent in installation space, advantageously stable and rapid, wherein in particular additional connecting cables and/or plug-in connections between the main function unit and the handle unit can be dispensed with.

Claims

1. A hand-held hedge trimmer comprising: a main functional unit (10) having at least one machine housing, a drive unit, an energy supply unit and a machining tool and at least one first operating element (12) and having at least one first electrical unit (14); a handle unit (16) having at least one second operating element (18) and having at least one second electrical unit (20); and a coupling unit (22) which is provided at least for mechanically fastening the handle unit (16) to the main functional unit (10), characterized in that the coupling unit (22) is provided for bringing the first electrical unit (14) into electrically conductive contact with the second electrical unit (20) when the handle unit (16) is fastened to the main functional unit (10), wherein the handle unit (16) is completely closed in the circumferential direction and has a substantially D-shaped form, a first contact surface of the handle unit (16) being arranged centrally inside a straight part of the D-shaped form of the handle unit (16) and being configured corresponding to a second contact surface of the main functional unit (10), wherein the first contact surface of the handle unit (16) lies against the second contact surface of the main functional unit (10) when the handle unit (16) is mechanically fastened to the main functional unit (10), wherein the coupling unit (22) has a fastening unit (24) and an electrical contact unit (30) which is designed to be separate from the fastening unit, the handle unit (16) has an electrical handle contact unit (32), and the main functional unit (10) has an electrical main contact unit (34) which corresponds to the handle contact unit (32), the handle contact unit and the main contact unit being two parts of the contact unit (30), wherein the handle contact unit is arranged in the region of a first contact surface of the handle unit (16) and the main contact unit is arranged in the region of a second contact surface of the main functional unit (10).

2. A hand-held hedge trimmer according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing unit comprises a plurality of threaded holes (26, 28).

3. A hand-held hedge trimmer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the handle contact unit (32) has at least one handle contact element (36, 38) which protrudes at least partially beyond a handle housing (40) of the handle unit (16).

4. A hand-held hedge trimmer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main contact unit (34) has at least one main contact element (42, 44) which is at least largely arranged in a slot (46) of a machine housing (48) of the main functional unit (10).

5. A hand-held hedge trimmer according to claim 2, characterized in that the fixing unit (24) is arranged in the vicinity of the contact unit (30).

6. A hand-held hedge trimmer according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle unit (16) is free of an energy supply unit.

7. A hand-held hedge trimmer according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling unit (22) has at least one contact element (50, 52), the distal end of which comprises an insertion aid (54, 56) for at least one further contact element (58, 60) of the coupling unit (22).

8. A hand-held hedge trimmer according to claim 1, characterized in that the first operating element is a first switch.

9. A hand-held hedge trimmer according to claim 1, characterized in that the first operating element is a first opening switch.

10. A hand-held hedge trimmer according to claim 1, characterized in that the second operating element is a second switch.

11. A hand-held hedge trimmer according to claim 1, characterized in that the second operating element is a second opening switch.

12. A hand-held hedge trimmer according to claim 5, characterized in that the maximum distance of the fixing unit (24) from the contact unit is 10 cm.

13. A hand-held hedge trimmer according to claim 6, characterized in that the handle unit (16) is battery-free.

14. A handle unit (16) for a hand-held hedge trimmer according to claim 1.

15. A main functional unit (10) of a hand-held hedge trimmer according to claim 1.