EP0982102A2 - Hand tool with illumination - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a hand tool with lighting, which has a hollow handle with power source, at least one light source, a power source and light source connecting circuit board in the handle and a tool part extending from the handle.

Description

Generic hand tools, such as those that transmit torque, For example, screwdrivers are known. From the German utility model G 94 14 488.5 a screwdriver with a light source is known, in which one Battery, a halogen lamp with reflector and electrical cables in the commercially available handle of a screwdriver. The The disadvantage of this screwdriver is that it is difficult to manufacture because electrical cables on the holder of the halogen lamp and the battery must be soldered or otherwise attached. A replacement of Individual components such as cables or lamp holders are therefore not possible, furthermore, the production is very complex.

U.S. Patent No. 4,302,797 describes a tool in which the light in the Center of the tool part extending from the handle to the end is guided and thus illuminate the working area of the tool. The disadvantage of this tool lighting is that the working environment cannot be adequately and sufficiently illuminated.

US Pat. No. 5,510,962 describes a screwdriver in which a lamp can be inserted in a recess in the tool handle. This illuminated screwdriver has the disadvantage that the contacts etc. must be arranged very complicated in the handle.

An illuminated screwdriver is known from US Pat. No. 4,283,757 contains at least one light source. There are none in this arrangement Lines from the power source to the light are required because the lamp is directly on the battery is present, but in this embodiment only one Lamp are used, causing shadows on this side facing away of the work area

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an illuminated device that is easier to manufacture Creating hand tools that are easy to manufacture, easy to use with electricity supply and provides good illumination of the work area.

• einen hohlen Handgriff mit Stromquelle,
• mindestens eine Lichtquelle,
• eine Stromquelle und Lichtquelle verbindende Leiterplatte im Handgriff, und
• ein sich vom Handgriff erstreckendes Werkzeugteil aufweist.

The object is achieved in that the tool has:

• a hollow handle with power source,
• at least one light source,
• a power source and light source connecting circuit board in the handle, and
• has a tool part extending from the handle.

The fact that now only a circuit board for electrical connection of the various electrical components of the tool is used easy assembly and also repair or replacement of the electrical components possible.

The circuit board is equipped with light sources and current sources. Consequently are no complex lines to install between the individual electrical components more necessary. It makes sense if the PCB has protection to protect it from damage in the event of frequent Protect extension and insertion. The hollow handle on the inside is preferred designed that the circuit board - possibly with protection - along a prefabricated Guide device can be inserted in the handle, so that a simple Return of the electrical components in the handle is possible.

The light sources can be incandescent or halogen lamps. But it would be also light conductors or liquid conductors, light emitting diodes, light emitters, filaments or glow sticks or any other suitable light source that the Are known to those skilled in the art. A light emission in the handle, preferably two Light exits or three or more light exits can be included. The Lux value depends on the chosen illuminant.

It is advantageous if the tool has an insulation protection that differs from the Handle extends partially or entirely over the tool part. With such insulation, the tool can also be used in areas in which such insulation is advantageous, such as during assembly other electrical components.

The tool according to the invention advantageously has a removable one Handle cover on. The end cover can be preferred Embodiment with an opening for a charging cable for an accumulator or can also be provided for operation by means of an external power source. But it is also possible to provide this cover without opening - this is particularly advantageous if an entry of Moisture should be avoided and a fully insulated Handle interior is desired. This cover is preferably light removable, so that all components can be easily removed if necessary and are interchangeable.

The end cover is preferably equipped with a circumferential groove, so that he can use another tool, e.g. a small one Screwdriver or the removable tool part easily lifted off can be. But it is also any other type of attachment - for example over Screw connection or bayonet lock or through snap-in spring connections possible.

It makes sense to provide a spring on the end cover, which is the circuit board - preferably with the battery or the accumulator - against the light sources presses.

It may be useful to design the end cover so that it its engagement in the closed position is rotatable.

If the end cover is sealed, it can with the invention Tools can also be used in wet areas or splash water areas.

The tool preferably also has a device for phase testing with a display and an electrical conductor between the tool part and a display and another pole between which the display is switched. If necessary, an indication of the amount of current can also be given Show. This could be done using a digital display, for example.

The power source for the tool according to the invention can be a battery. This is preferably attached to the circuit board in a holder. Thus, when the battery is empty, the holder with battery and PCB removed from the handle and the battery or the empty accumulator to be replaced. Here, the circuit board is preferably with provided with a mounting bracket to remove the circuit board from the handle of the tool.

If the power source of the tool is an accumulator, it can do so that can be removed like a battery and then in one external charger can be recharged. But it can also be provided that an accumulator is firmly attached to the circuit board and then this via a charging cable that can be inserted through the end cover, can be loaded. In this case there is no opening in the hollow handle necessary to recharge the battery.

The tool can also be used directly with an external power source be connected and operated in this way. Under certain circumstances that is Tool via a transformer / power supply on the power source connected.

The tool according to the invention preferably has a switch that the Circuit between lamp and power source can close. Therefore are all obviously suitable to the person skilled in the art for this purpose Switches such as Rotary, toggle, pressure, rocker switch or piezo touch switch, Slide switch or step switch to the Adapt the amount of light to the respective environment.

An on / off switch is preferably recessed on the front side, so that it is not damaged.

Advantageously, there is the handle of the tool according to the invention essentially of an electrically insulating material.

So the handle can preferably be a Kraftform-plus handle made of impact-resistant Plastic with integrated soft zones to be when working with the Screwdriver to protect the wrist and hand. Plastic resists external forces and environmental influences, i.e. it is said to have high strength, heat resistance, toughness, etc. exhibit.

Depending on the embodiment, the handle can preferably also metals, ceramics Have glasses or other substances.

The handle conveniently has ergonomic shapes. In the handle are additional openings or cutouts for the light exit in which the light sources are preferably included.

Inside, the handle preferably has all the necessary receptacles for PCBs on. Furthermore, stiffeners for frictional distributions or torsional forces may be included.

If the handle is well sealed, the tool can also be sprayed and Wet area can be used.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle on the Face of a holder like an insert holder, e.g. one Hexagon on. This can be done with a wrench or Ring wrenches can be turned without the need for additional special tools are. This hexagon holder can be used on the tool part widths, for example a retaining spring can be adjusted. So different uses, depending on Size and length of the tool e.g. Imbus, Torx, Phillips, normal Slot also as rods that can be used on both sides or also angled Inserts are used.

However, the tool can also be designed so that the inserts cannot be replaced.

Furthermore, the inserts can also be magnetized if necessary or if so undesirable is made of a non-magnetizable material ..

If the hexagon socket is closed, force can be exerted can be easily picked up by the tool part.

The circuit board of the tool can advantageously be pulled out. So the circuit board can be easily removed from the tool handle and reintroduced, which may when replacing the Battery / accumulator is advantageous. The plate preferably clicks into place, if she is in the right position.

Is the tool with battery or replaceable accumulator as Equipped with a power source, the circuit board can be replaced to replace it be pushed out of the handle. Is also on the circuit board a mounting bracket attached, so the circuit board can be even easier, can be pushed out more conveniently and with better control.

If the tool has a holder for the insulation protection in the handle, it can the insulation protection to be attached to the handle so that it does not can easily detach from the tool. So injuries from the Detachment of the insulation can be avoided. This shot in the handle can For example, a short thread or another closure, such as. a spring lock or bayonet lock or the like.

It is also possible to use a conventional tool Motor - i.e. that with an electric motor driven screwdriver or the like in the handle besides the motor still the Small arrangement according to the invention with printed circuit board and lighting fixtures can be provided, which is then already provided in the handle Power source connects.

Fig.1 eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Werkzeugs.

Fig. 2 eine weitere Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Werkzeugs;

Fig. 3 eine Seitenansicht und eine Draufsicht auf eine Ausführungsform der Leiterplatte eines erfindungsgemäßen Werkzeugs gem. Fig. 1; und

Fig. 4 eine weitere Ausführungsform der Erfindung als Phasenprüfer.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of a preferred exemplary embodiment, to which it is by no means restricted, and the accompanying drawing. It shows:

1 shows an embodiment of a tool according to the invention.

2 shows a further embodiment of a tool according to the invention;

Fig. 3 is a side view and a plan view of an embodiment of the circuit board of a tool according to the invention. Fig. 1; and

Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of the invention as a phase tester.

As shown in Fig. 1, a tool according to the invention, here as Screwdriver 10 formed a hollow handle 12 in which one Power source 14, here a battery, is included. Furthermore, the tool in In this embodiment, two lamps and a battery 14 as illuminant 16 and lamps 16 connecting circuit board 18 in the handle. From the handle extends a tool part on the tool side, here Phillips screwdriver 20. This tool part has here embodiment shown different at both ends Designs, so that as shown here in Fig. 1, by turning the Tool part a normal flat-blade screwdriver 22 is obtained. The The interchangeable tool part is attached to the handle using a recording, in the present embodiment Hexagon receptacle 24. Furthermore, this preferred embodiment shows the Invention an insulation protection 26 over the mostly made of metal Tool part 20. This insulation protection 26 is attached to the handle 12. At the the end opposite the tool end of the handle is one End cover 28 provided, for example. To pull out the circuit board; Replacing the battery 14 or removed to replace lamps can be. When the end cover is removed, the circuit board 18 can also be used the lighting fixtures and the battery are easily pulled out. This is preferably done simply by means of the mounting bracket 30.

2 shows an alternative embodiment of an inventive one Tool 10 shown in the assembled state, one preferred Setting of the two lamps 16 is shown, as well as the light cone that the produce. The light cones preferably overlap in the end region of the Tool. With this lamp arrangement, a strong, small light field can Light can be reached. In this embodiment, the power source is on Accumulator that can be charged through the end cover. The Tool 10 of this embodiment therefore has an opening in the End cover 28, which gives access to a charging socket 34, so is electrically connected to the circuit board that it has a charging connection with provides the accumulator is created. So the tool can over an external power source can be charged.

As can be seen in Fig. 3, the circuit board 18 is a preferred one Embodiment of a tool according to the invention with lamps 16 and equipped with at least one battery 14. The lamp holders 38 are preferably simply plugged onto the printed circuit board 18. Furthermore, a Holder 36 for the battery 14 plugged onto the circuit board 18. So are electrical connections have been created that are easy - even automatic - are to be manufactured, repaired and solved. In Fig. 3 it is easy to see how the mounting bracket 30 is formed. It is easy to reach if the Printed circuit board 18 is inserted in the handle 12. By moving away from the PCB 18 extends away upwards, it can easily pass through the rear Opening of the handle 12 are taken when the end cover 28th was removed and on it the electrical circuit of the tool be pulled out. The circuit board is preferred by suitable Guides - such as rails, grooves, stops or the like, guided in the tool handle, so that it is firmly attached to it.

4 shows an inventive tool in one embodiment as Phase controller shown. Here, the tool 10 has a handle 12 further opening 40 free for the display of the phase tester. The necessary Circuits for the phase test circuit are also preferably located on the circuit board. So can not only with the tool according to the invention checked whether the contact with the tool Point of contact there is a potential, but also, for example, via a Digital display an indication of the approximate size of the potential. Instead of An opening 40 can also be provided with a window for a display.

Although the invention is explained using preferred exemplary embodiments , it is by no means limited to these, but extends to the modifications familiar to the person skilled in the art as they come under the scope of protection of the Claims fall.

Reference list

10th

Tool

12th

Handle

14

Power source

16

Light source

18th

Circuit board

20, 22

Tool part

24th

admission

26

Insulation protection

28

End cover

30th

Mounting bracket

32

Cone of light

34

Charging socket

36

bracket

38

Lighting bracket

40

opening

Claims (10)

Hand tool with lighting, the a hollow handle (12) with a power source (14), at least one light source (16), a circuit board (18) connecting a current source (14) and light source (16) in the handle (12) and has a tool part (20) extending from the handle (12). Tool according to claim 1, characterized in that it is an insulation protection (26), which extends from the handle (12) partially over the tool part (20) extends. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the hollow handle (12) has a removable Has handle cover (28). Tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that there is also a device for phase checking with a display, and an electrical conductor between the tool part (20) and the Ad, and another pole between which the ad appears, having. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the power source (14) is a battery. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the current source (14) is an accumulator. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that there is a switch that switches the circuit between the light source (16) and can close current source (14). Tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the handle (12) consists essentially of an electrical insulating material. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the circuit board (18) together with the battery holder is extractable. Tool according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a receptacle for the insulation protection (26) in the handle (12), so that this with the handle (12) is connected.

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